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Marc Wasserman


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2019 and before....

July 9th 2019

 The Essex escapees would like to notify their fans are in league members of a new minor-league franchise the Swanklin Sea serpents We are excited for the developmental league said manager bryan swank we will be steadfast in our ways of recruiting that include your grandma when asked about his notions of this leak Swank manager said in miz style awesome! Our manager for the serpents will be forthcoming
Sent from my iPhone

 

July 6th, 2019

The Ohio Outlawz just announced before their July 4th game celebration that their new Minor League affiliate will be the Chillicothe Mudcats. They have been a member of the Frontier League since the league's  inaugural debut in 1993. The games are played in the old V.A. Memorial Stadium which was built in 1954. The stadium  is scheduled for a major renovation in 2020 which will increase the capacity from 4000 to 6515 in light of their new affiliation with the Ohio Outlawz, and much anticipated attendance increase.

The Cooperstown Iron Horse Minor League affiliate, The Punxsutawney Ponies, has released a list of specials in anticipation of the expanded rosters and new minor league draft.

1) The Punxsutawney Phil Burger - Is it just a burger that we named after our beloved Groundhog... or is it actually made from our beloved Groundhog? 
 
2) Gobbler's Knob - An all you can eat section where you can fine like a groundhog..  A ticket includes a general admission bleacher seat and all you can eat Alfalfa, June Bugs and Snails.
 
3) The Burrow Parking Lot - An underground parking lot with a tunnel leading straight to the stadium.  
 
4) Early Spring Pavilion - A grandstand section full shade and no shadows.
 
5) 6 Weeks of Winter Terrace - A bleacher section full of sun and scary shadows.  Free passes to the Burrow Parking Lot included.
April 26th, 2019
 
There was a buzz in Cooperstown entering the 2019 season.  
The rotation of Cole, Bauer, Sanchez, Wheeler and Bumgarner looked formidable.  
The lineup looked intimidating.  4 projected 30+ HR bats with 4 more projected to hit 20 or more.  Even the "worst" hitter, Marcus Semien was penciled in to hit .250 with 15 HR.  
The Draft War Room focused heavily on the bullpen in the middle rounds adding numerous arms... Tepera, Biddle, Roe, Kelley, Brazier, Nuno to go along with the trio of Familia, Watson and Lugo.
They looked ready to reclaim the division after taking a year to retool in 2018... but the Iron Horses have derailed.  Stumbling to an 11-19 start, tied for 2nd worst in CBA, is not what this fan base or front office had in mind. 

"It is surprising," said Stamets after their 4th consecutive loss, "We traded away some good talent last year to set up for a pennant chase this season.  We weren't expecting this." When asked about shopping veteran player

to continue looking towards the future, Stamets wasn't ready to to discuss that topic.  "We're not there yet.  There's still time to right the ship and there's enough talent on this team to do so.  It's a 162 game season and we have to depth to make it to the end with a competitive team."  

While the slow start is concerning, one would figure that Suarez will improve on his .207 average.  Carpenter, Polanco and Encarnacion are all hitting below .173, that surely has to change.  Trevor Bauer's ERA still sits above 5.00 after throwing 6 scoreless innings but that should continue to trend downwards.  
While there's not a plan for a fire sale in the near future, you have to wonder if those plans will change if this team is still in the cellar approaching the trade deadline.  Iron Horse fans sure hope it doesn't come to that.

April 21st, 2019 Press Newton Bombs
Heys:
  The 2018-2019 CBA Champion Newton Bombs Review
     I can tell you - I never thought I'd e sitting here now DEFENDING the CBA Title.  I didn't think I had the horses. I have no superstars, and my main weapons seem to be of the "smoke and mirrors" variety!  I was gearing more for the 2019 season than the 2018 season last year, where all 3 of my outfielders have much better years.  But, I commited to run, and the team ran well, but was always a distant 2nd next to the Brooklyn juggernaut!  Still, I was contending for a good shot at a wild card at the mid-point, and started to seek some ace relievers to carry me thru the 2nd half.  Cooperstown had an interest draft, picking up Goody and Kahnle's superior cards in the 3rd round of the draft.  The Iron Horse had seemed to be ready to look at future options, so I offered my 3rd and 5th for these blank cards.  Jon Stamets must h ave looked over my roster very well.  He posed the trade of Bauer, Heaney, and Vlad Guererro for Kershaw.  I would not part with Vlad, so it became Bauer and Heaney for Kershaw.  These moves worked well, and I made it into the playoffs as a wild card with good distance. 
     The playoffs, however, were magical!  So, it is why sometimes all you need is to make the playoffs - anything happens in a 7 game series!  And boy, did it ever!  I just had to sit back and be a spectator, and my rotation of Strasburg, Sale, Kershaw, and Carrasco took over the games, going 16-7.  Carrasco and Sale didn't fair as well, but, they went 5-5 in the playoffs, which is great for winning! Kershaw and Strasburg went 7-1 in 66 innings, giving up 39 hits, 9 walks, and 1 HR.  That was dominant.  A real treat to watch!  I stand by the idea that it is "everything" just to make the playoffs in the CBA!

      Moving ahead, I think the Newton Bombs will deliver on a repeat playoff mission in 2019!  The team is actually very improved in many important ways - starting pitching, outfield, catcher, and some infield - the team will continue the win with the same pedigree as last year.  Newton will have it's hands full, however, as the Parker Division has no slackers at this point, and playoff-worthy Brooklyn and Newton will not have an easy road with Atlanta and Middlesex breathing down our backs.  We complete the intradivision play this week - so far we are playing like sisters.  CBA is, like the MLB, a marathon, however.  It will be great to watch how this year unfolds as well!  Good luck to all of you CBAers!  Always go for the stars - you will never know when not to run if you give yourselves a chance to contend!

 

 

April 6th, 2019

Ottawa Otters Team Outlook

It was a disappointing 2018 season for the Ottawa Otters when they finished with only 69 wins against 93 losses, and a dismal 23 games behind Philly in the Schmidt Division.  Ottawa usually relies on the long ball to win games but only Mike Trout and Andrew McCutchen had at least 30 homers that year.  The Otters finished in the bottom third of the league in terms of team hitting and pitching. 

Mike Trout won the Clemente MVP award in a close ballot, edging out Nolan Arenado.  The Otters were able to sign Trout to a new contract during the off-season with an eye-watering 12-year, $430 million extension to his existing contract that would have expired next season.  While Trout has been brilliant since joining the league in 2012, he has not had much team success in Ottawa.  The Otters made with play-offs just once during Trout’s career thus far when the Otters lost in seven games to Ohio in the second round in 2014.  There were rumours that Trout would be traded in the off-season, but the Otters decided to keep Trout on their roster and build their team around him.

A new season begins and the pre-season showed that the Otters may be able to climb out of the basement in the standings this year.  The team will once again be anchored by a stellar outfield with Trout, McCutchen and Jason Heyward.  Other key returning veterans include Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Kurt Suzuki.

The Otters chose to use most of their draft picks to upgrade their pitching for the new season.  Returning to the rotation are Joulys Chacin and Kyle Gibson.  Joining them are free agents Francisco Liriano, Ian Kennedy, and Chad Kuhl.  Brad Ziegler will continue as the team’s closer.  Starters Yu Darvish and Doug Fister are both on the disabled list for most of the season and are not expected to return to play until September.   Hopefully, the Otters will be vying for a play-off position when they return.

Looking even further ahead, key prospects for the Otters include outfielder Lewis Brinson and short stop Royce Lewis.  Brinson may be ready for the majors as early as next year while Lewis is still at least two years away.

{AP Newsline Brooklyn, NY March 26th, 2019}

    The mood was festive at Trommers Beer Gardens on Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Avenue.  The melting pot that is Brooklyn NY, has taken to the Superbas this spring with renewed enthusiasm.  Last year was a successful season winning 106, two less than the franchise record and within the top 10 all time.   Yet somehow the fans seemed a bit shook.  Their divisional playoff loss to eventual World Champions Newton was heartbreaking.  They ran into historic pitching, but you couldn't tell that the defeat ever happened the way the loyal Brooklyn Crew spoke of their team.  "Dese guys here may be back in da mix agin.  The lineup hits, and gets on base, and man the pitching staff looks good." said Louis Costello of Bergen st.  His friend and Superbas 'D-Line' female fan booster president Lorinda Dee added "Not for nuthin, they can hit, and yep they can ...a tent in my backyard anytime..." 
 

 
   Superbas closer star Craig Kimbrel stopped by at Trommers Beer Garden for a few cold ones.  When a few fans bought him rounds, Kimbrel gave them each an autographed jar of tartar sauce, and an 8x10 picture.  3 lucky beer blasters were given his Superba cap, Kimbrel's neck tie, and a sock for their efforts.  Kimbrel eventually escaped Trommer's without a shoe, and healthy mustard stain compliments of his losing in the sudden death round of the popular Trommer's game "Name That Hot Dog".

 
   Robinson Cano will be making an appearance Saturday at Trommers after the home game against Newton.   He will be a guest coach for the Sid and Marty Barrett Pink Sox Brigade Charity Curling match.  The contest will be played on roller skates on Trommers famous Ballroom dance floor in lieu of ice. 
 

 
Cory Kluber took a no hitter into the 7th inning in the opener against Newton.  Kluber looks forward to a good season as staff ace.  My kid helped me develop my knuckleball, and a fork ball.  I hope they can be alternate out pitches. 
 

 
Kevin Plawecki is excited to be Brooklyn's primary back up at catcher behind James The Can.  He hopes he contribute more than  just ocassional ant-acid pills to the men in the clubhouse.

December 1st, 2018

The Outlawz are coming off one of their worst seasons in 2018. There were some bright spots with Altuve, Posey and Morton, but overall the pitching and hitting took a big downward slide. The biggest surprise of the year was management trading its superstar 2B, Jose Altuve for Manny Machado. GM Kenan stated: "the team needed a shakeup and when Manny became available, it was a move I had to make, as hard it was to trade Jose". The future looks bright for the Outlawz with a solid nucleus of "team captain" Buster Posey, Freddie Freeman, Manny Machado, Michael Conforto, Shin-Soo Choo and new rookie sensation, Miguel Andujar. The big question marks going into 2019 is if Jonathan Villar can adequately fill in at 2B and if the talented Adalberto Mondesi can keep progressing and hold down the SS position. A big plus is that 3 of our starting infielders can play multiple positions which gives us a lot of flexibility. The other huge question mark is starting pitching. We have 3 solid arms in the rotation of Leake, Morton, and the newly acquired Danny Duffy, but after that its a cast of: Wade Miley, Tyler Mahle and Ty Blach. The bullpen is fairly decent with Vizcaino (needs to stay healthy), Ramos and Grace. And, another major concern for the Outlawz is the health of their 2 young pitching prospects coming off of major surgeries, Alex Reyes and Julio Urias. These guys not being available has really hurt the Outlawz rotation for the past 2 years. The team needs to stay healthy, especially the pitching staff, as it has had more than its share of injuries. 

In conclusion, the 2019 Outlawz will score some runs, but how many will the opposition score is the concern. I think it will be an exciting season and a hotly contested Monday division. I look for an exciting 2019 CBA season with some really great divisional races and if Bruce Bundy and his Newton Bombs can defend their title.  Bring on the Hot Stove and 2019 draft !!

 

October 1st, 2018

In a highly anticipated divisional playoff series, the New Jersey Beatles eliminated the Towaco Wolf Pack, 4 games to 2. These teams battled for the Rogers division all year, with Towaco prevailing with a Staub Conference-leading 104 wins, including a 14-4 record against New Jersey. The Beatles, who won 101 games in the regular season, looked to turn the tables in this playoff series. They did not disappoint.

Game 1 saw Brad Peacock (12-3) take on Dallas Keuchel (11-4). Neither man would factor in the decision. The teams were tied 3-3 after 6 innings. In the bottom of the 7th, MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt launched a 2-run bomb off Felipe Rivero. That was the difference in the game, as the Wolf Pack bullpen held the Beatles scoreless the rest of the way. Towaco goes up 1-0 with a 5-3 win. W-Colome; L-Rivero; S-Rodney

In game 2, the Wolf Pack picked up where they left off, jumping out to a 4-0 lead against Beatles starter Justin Verlander (15-6), who lasted only 4 innings. New Jersey touched up Alex Cobb (16-6) to get to within 4-3 in the top of the 5th, but Towaco added 2 runs in the bottom of that frame to extend their lead to 6-3. New Jersey put together some timely hitting in the 8th, rallying for 3 runs to tie the game at 6. In the top of the 10th, Carlos Correa smashed a 2 run dinger against Fernando Rodney to put the Beatles up 8-6. Towaco battled back in the bottom of the inning, but ultimately, Trevor Rosenthal held them off. New Jersey wins 8-7(10) to tie the series at 1. W-Albers; L-Rodney; S-Rosenthal

The series headed to the Cavern for game 3, which featured Towaco’s Mike Clevinger (10-4) taking on New Jersey’s Chase Anderson (12-7). The Beatles opened up the scoring in the 2nd, capitalizing on a Zack Cozart error and Jacoby Ellsbury’s 2-run double. Towaco came back to tie the game on solo homers by Cozart and Carlos Gomez in the 3rd and 5th innings, respectively. New Jersey took the lead again in the bottom of the 5th on Yasiel Puig’s run-scoring double. Both teams’ bullpens took over from there, and that’s how the game ended. New Jersey wins, 3-2, and leads the series 2-1. W-Anderson; L-Clevinger; S-Albers

Game 4 saw Towaco’s Rich Hill (12-5) facing Jersey’s Dylan Bundy (12-4). New Jersey jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI double by Rafael Devers and a run-scoring single by Jay Bruce. That’s how the score stayed until the 9th inning. With one on, and Towaco down to their last out, Paul Goldschmidt stepped to the plate and crushed a game-tying home run off of Beatles closer David Robertson to send the game to extra frames. An inning later, pinch hitter Lucas Duda smashed another 2-run homer off of Robertson. The New Jersey crowd was in stunned disbelief, as Towaco ties the series 2-2 with a come-from-behind 4-2(10) win. W-Rodney; L-Robertson; S-McGee

In game 5, Peacock and Keuchel faced off again, as each team looked to take a crucial 3-2 series lead. New Jersey opened up a 5-1 lead behind 2 Carlos Correa home runs. The Beatles bullpen could not hold the lead, as the Pack battled back with 2 in the 6th and 2 in the 7th to tie the game, 5-5. New Jersey opened the 9th inning with singles from Jose Martinez and Devin Marrero. Jacoby Ellsbury came up and lined a single up the middle, as the Beatles got a huge walk-off win, 6-5, to take a 3-2 lead in the series. W-Albers; L-Colome

The series returned to Towaco for game 6, with Justin Verlander taking on Alex Cobb, in a rematch of game 2. New Jersey opened the scoring in the 2nd inning on Martin Maldonado’s 2-run jack. Towaco battled back to tie the game on Tommy Pham’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 2nd and Travis Shaw’s solo home run in the 3rd. The Beatles were not to be denied, however, as they homered in each of the next 4 innings to open up a 7-2 lead. The bullpen was able to hold off the Wolf Pack, and New Jersey won the game 8-4, and the series, 4-2. W-Albers; L-Cobb

Matt Albers had a stellar series, winning 3 games and notching a save, as he pitched 7 1/3 scoreless frames in relief. Carlos Correa hit 5 home runs over the 6 games to lead the Beatles’ offense. New Jersey will face the winner of the Longue Pointe-San Diego series, and will be looking to make it to the finals for the first time since their championship run in 2013.

 

September 18th, 2018  Game 163

The city of Philly had the day off as fans poured into downtown to see game 163 that will settle the CBA Schmidt Division champs. 
 

Jared Eickhoff took the mound for the Phanatics and maybe some nerves showing as he hits Mitch Haniger to start. With Mitch at 2nd and 2 down, Rob Hite Intentionally walk Hosmer and brings up Tucker Barnhart who ripx a double and plates the games first run. Rob then walk Suarez to face the (6L) Brian Dozier, who bangs one up the middle and NWS has a 2-0 lead. Antonio Senzatela cruises and Eickhoff settles down and going into the 5th the score is the same.  Haniger rip a double with 1 out and again Rob use the Int. Walk putting Bour on.  Eickhoff then walks Steven Souza to load them up. Eric Hosmer K's and Rob brings in Jose Torres to face Barnhart.  Ball  4 - NWS 3-0. 

Senzatela finally cracks in the 5th and gives up a HR to Wilmer Flores.  After 5, 3-1.  In the 6th Chris Brazeau goes with his bullpen which got him here.  Chris Devenski, John Brebbia and Shane Greene keep it a 3-1 game into the 9th. 

In the top of the 9th, Addison Russell doubles and Haninger and Bour hit singles to add a run.  Steven Souza walks and they are loaded.  Lance Mcullers time, he strikes out Hosmer and Barnhart and get Suarez to ground out keeping this one close. 

Tyler Lyons starts the 9th against Bryce Harper and hits one to Dozier, one of the best 2bs in the game. Boots it.  Really, in the 9th, no stress!  Ken Giles comes on and gets the next 3.  Final NWS 4 - PPS -1
 


August 2018 races in both Conferences. 

The Dawson battle has emerged, and the two players right now are Longue Pt and Belfast. Both teams will need good bench performances to move them into thhe top spot.  Both have regulars in need of rest. What if the Crows win 2 or 3 good blocks?  Will the Crows and Neah Bay do damage to both teams?

At current pace in Staub,  With the Dawson division hovering around .500 and bench rest coming to the Brawlers and Loggers, this could develop into quite an August. Will either team will make moves considering that other teams in Staub may also be competeing for the Second wild card spot?  Thhe next few blocks are critical.  Whoever gets hot may take Dawson.  Odds favor that the teams in that division may need to win thhe title to make the playoffs.  Longe Pointe has pitching a team 1.21 WHIP, and an IRSC of .263.  Belfast may not boast the pitching numbers, but the offenses show similar offensive team Sabermetrics...Neah Bay's Wellington Castillo may be CBA's best catcher.  Batting .372 17  HR 40 RBI,  if ever there were an all star this year, he's one.



  Towaco and New jersey are embroiled in an epic Rogers division battle, and a trade war.  Both have moved significant future stocks to compete in Staub.  Division champ and rival Essex has done somewhat the same.  All are competing for the playoffs. Towaco stepped out in front of Rogers after Joliet and Indiana swept New Jersey. New Jersey is interesting.  The team holds opponents to .227 BA, but thhe bullpen despite paultry ERA's, WHIPS, allows a poor 33% of inherited runners to score.  Jersey outslugs opposition with homers, 174 of 'em. Towaco is known for the pitching in Citifield whhere thhe ballpark singles are a '1-1'.  Despite that, the Wolfpack still slug .426, and create 4.76 runs per game. Bullpen you ask? .176 IRSC, well below league .330 average, awesome....
Essex underachieving need to win a few series or sweep some games they should win. Pretty much rested, expect a push for a wildcard.  The key will be head to head match ups with Detroit, and their division rivals.  The move for Altuve makes sense in a non DH Conference. Can the Wheels spoil dreams?  Can't count them out of causing trouble for that division.


Joliet has started  to piece back together their season and with a good block or two could complicate matters for the plentiful pack of contenders. They are well rested, and still talented.  Buckle up your seat belts.  With SD dropping some games last block, and Temple on a surge, the outlook is for a tight August race for the Carter title.  It's anyones guess who can emerge there. Further complications, Temple Angels GM Cory Light went and added lefty ace John Lester who should give some needed innings down the stretch.  The Angels lefties Vargas and Lester could hurt certain playoff bound teams.  They may not stop Gianmichaelcarlo Stanton of rival SD. He has a .310 40 HR 79 RBI season happening right now.  Thhe losers of this battlle for Carter may all be in contention for 1 wildcard spot if NJ and Towaco do not fade.



Parker division has Brooklyn holding 5 games over Newton.  That division is up for grabs between those two teams as Atlanta cashed in her chips in another Loria like massacre upset some GM's in it's wake.  With these two teams looking at possibly a title and a wildcard, a tremendous race is on within the Schmidt for wins.  Wins to take the title and knock the Willdcats from their perch, but needed wins to gain a wildcard.  All teams are within reach still.  Philly keeps rising after a slow start.  CBA's leading BA,  the Phantastics platoon is working, and are well rested.  Bryce is hitting.342 with16HR now...The Willdcats are rested too.  The official Schmidt pennant chase is on.  This is the first ever for the previously underdog Wildcats.  Chris Brazeau, has rebuilt the franchise into a contender after years of labor and less than stellar records.  This year has to be gratifying. Although NH's Greinke is 9-10 right now,  it's been in hard luck as his ERA 2.79 and WHIP 0.95 are terrific. He could be the races X factor....Stirling is competing as well.  A strong offense,  but problems at the end of the rotation have limited the wins for the Sox. Remains to be seen what Malachi does as the deadline approaches.  Two clear signals that  the Sox could in August be on the rise, are a strong bullpen .261 IRSC, and a nice .75 fld Xrating.  They also have a few sub.500 teams  scheduled...The Otters need some pitching help fast.  The pen is in shambles Feliz 1-7,  Strickland 5.68 ERA, Ziegler,  Romero, alll over 5.00+   Mike Trout's best 28 HR 71 RBI  .320,  and  the potent offense may not be enough to carry them through without pitching help.


  The Monday is all Carolina righht now.  CTown also cashed in their chips, andall that remains is Skokie who is looking toward the trade market.  With Carolina's hot usage for pitching, will they sustain?  Does anyone want to win this division right now? If Carolina fades then what will happen?  Should be interesting as the Copperheads will face playoff contenders all through August. This division thhough quiet now could become a real surprise if no one steps up.  This may need to be HOF'er Scott Kenan's best managing job to date... Did we read correct Bob Fidler's Redbirds rekindled olld magic and swept Jersey?  Fidlers been awful quiet during a dismal season, but capable of defeating any given team, at any given time.  Adam Jones  .319 18HR 69 RBI.  Ohio lands Machado. Could be the start of a new ERA in Ohio.   Kenan hopes to revisit the World Series, and another CBA championship to his trophy chest.  This may not be the year, but never count a Kenan out.

 

 

 

September 18th, 2018  Game 163

The city of Philly had the day off as fans poured into downtown to see game 163 that will settle the CBA Schmidt Division champs. 
 

Jared Eickhoff took the mound for the Phanatics and maybe some nerves showing as he hits Mitch Haniger to start. With Mitch at 2nd and 2 down, Rob Hite Intentionally walk Hosmer and brings up Tucker Barnhart who ripx a double and plates the games first run. Rob then walk Suarez to face the (6L) Brian Dozier, who bangs one up the middle and NWS has a 2-0 lead. Antonio Senzatela cruises and Eickhoff settles down and going into the 5th the score is the same.  Haniger rip a double with 1 out and again Rob use the Int. Walk putting Bour on.  Eickhoff then walks Steven Souza to load them up. Eric Hosmer K's and Rob brings in Jose Torres to face Barnhart.  Ball  4 - NWS 3-0. 

Senzatela finally cracks in the 5th and gives up a HR to Wilmer Flores.  After 5, 3-1.  In the 6th Chris Brazeau goes with his bullpen which got him here.  Chris Devenski, John Brebbia and Shane Greene keep it a 3-1 game into the 9th. 

In the top of the 9th, Addison Russell doubles and Haninger and Bour hit singles to add a run.  Steven Souza walks and they are loaded.  Lance Mcullers time, he strikes out Hosmer and Barnhart and get Suarez to ground out keeping this one close. 

Tyler Lyons starts the 9th against Bryce Harper and hits one to Dozier, one of the best 2bs in the game. Boots it.  Really, in the 9th, no stress!  Ken Giles comes on and gets the next 3.  Final NWS 4 - PPS -1
 

 

April 1st, 2017   CBA Press Release Atlanta

 

“It’s a nice start but the division race will take more than a two-week run of good fortune.”  You can excuse Coach Blakely for not allowing team complacency with a 10-2 start of the CBA season. “I imagine Brooklyn will have much to discuss this week at the House of Pain.” 

 

This team was 55-107 in 2016 and returns most of the same players responsible for this fast start. The Phoenix sport a team ERA of 2.41 (3rd in the CBA) and is playing lights out defense; yet, Coach Blake is barking about the bats.  “We have hit when we needed to hit and pitched when we needed to pitch. But we have to become better at getting on base.”

Coach Blake worries that he may need to work on the lineup and move players around. But not until the record demands; Though Nolan Arenado (.186), Kole Calhoun (.180), Rougned Odor (.213), and Trevor Story (.188) have struggled early, all have hit well in the clutch when it was needed. Wilson Ramos, Mookie Betts, Luis Sardinas and Adeiny Hechavarria have picked up to help carry the offensive load. “Those guys will start hitting soon. I think. If not, I’ll have to order more firewood and a new set of mirrors for the pitchers.”  The pitching has been spectacular (third in the league with a 2.41 ERA) so far, and Blake is prepping for a tiring pitching staff. “Conley and Gibson are both good for 25 starts. The time will come when I have to find some guys to step up and fill those shoes.”  When asked if he has anyone in mind, Blake barks, “Oh yeah, just pick one or two from Seaver, Koosman or Matlack. Dumbass…”

 

“Alex Wilson will be a big help in the pen.  We gave up a future OF kid (Mitch Haniger) to the Hamp Cats (New Hampshire) to get Wilson. It’s worth it for now. Really wanted to see Mitch develop. Anyway, Wilson will help the pen and the pen has been solid so far.” The pen is not a collection of all-stars but a group of pitchers that, when used correctly, will produce nice results. 

 

Before leaving, Coach Blake wanted to talk about the rookies he got in the draft. “You know, if we can take care of business around here and keep up with our ’18 picks, we might really scare some people.”  Alex Bregman and Dansby Swanson are pounding away waiting to contribute in the future. “Don’t sleep on my red-head, Frazier; he’s gonna mash. He can fight you, too.”   Clint Frazier won a head-butting contest before leaving to join his minors team. Frazier was the only contestant in the contest without a batting helmet.  “Kid’s gonna mash, gonna mash.  Had a damn bad headache, though.”

 

And if the Atlanta Phoenix has its way, the rest of the CBA will suffer from headaches in 2017.


 

J. Michael Blakely

 

 

CBA Press Release Detroit....March 23rd, 2017

The press conference was starting about 10 minutes late.  There had been a mention of a meeting with a legal team running over.  Wheels owner Mitch Ryder finally stepped to the microphone, looking a bit disheveled and wearing dark sunglasses.

“Thanks for coming, we are looking forward to our new season.  But do you know what really gets me?  Those West End Dogs, they’re using my songs.  That’s why our meeting just ran over, they’re using my songs, they owe me some serious royalties!  They’re using my songs, WHY IF I GET MY HANDS ON THEM I’LL…”

A whine and loud thud were heard as the microphone was switched off and Ryder was escorted away from the press conference.  Ryder could be heard continuing to rant as he walked away.  After a couple of minutes the microphone was switched back on as Wheels General Manager Al Kaline stepped to the microphone.  Looking a little bit dejected, Kaline spoke calmly to the assembled media.

“Thank you all again for coming to our preseason press conference.  On behalf of the organization I apologize for Mr. Ryder’s reaction, he’s been a bit preoccupied lately with this particular legal issue.  We have been trying to distract him by calling more meetings about the team, but he continues to be extremely concerned about that one issue.

“Anyway, the rest of us are certainly looking forward to the upcoming season.  You know, someone, I forget who, called us ‘the best last place team in the league’ last season.  I’m not sure how to take that, I guess sort of a compliment.  We were in a tough division though and did show an overall record better than even we might have hoped for.  It was good that we were able to move some players who were a bit disgruntled, rightly so perhaps, it was not possible to get Pujols, Fielder and Roidriguez in the lineup at the same time, at least in most of our games since the team was moved from the DH to the non-DH conference.

“We are glad to continue to have a strong ‘up the middle’ defense, with Wieters at catcher, Crawford and LeMahieu in the infield, and Maybin in center.  Maybin is currently struggling with some nagging injuries though, so we are a bit worried about that.  Pujols finally settles in as the regular first baseman rather than the rotating situation we had early last year, and Jake Lamb looks ready to take over as the regular third baseman.  Adam Eaton looks ready to take over as our regular right fielder, and we’re optimistic about Alex Dickerson growing into the left field job.

“Pitching-wise we felt we were a little thin so we put more focus on that in this last draft.  Wainwright and Roark look like they’ve rebounded from last year’s injury problems and we are glad to add Junior Guerra.  Colby Lewis looks like he might struggle with some injuries this year though.  We are optimistic that the bullpen can be a strength especially with Roberto Osuna closing things out.

“Thanks again for coming and here’s to a new season.”

   

CBA Press release Brooklyn, N.Y...April 1st, 2017.................................................................................

The annual Brooklyn event known as Superba Daywas a spectacular success.  The Brooklyn fans took to the iconic park (design by Olmstead and Vaux) early Friday afternoon in anticipation of the events that were in store.  Giant satellitte broadcast screens were set in place for the what was to be a weekend celebration of music and baseball.  Fans ever so loyal.  Many fans felt that last year was a building year and were very pleased to compete once again finishing with 95 wins in yet another playoff season. 

   The weekend events featured 3 days of great division rivalry baseball between the Parker champ Newton Bombs and the Brooklyn Superbas.  Brooklyn eventually took 2 of the 3 games in spectacular pitching dominated games.  The atmosphere was festive as the crowsds in Prospect Park watched, oohed, aaah'd, and cheered when the Brooklyn pitchers managed to strike out an ever tough Bomb batter.

   Many camped overnight and took advantage of the great festival music from the great band lineups at the 3 day event.  Friday evening saw 'Michael Franti's Spearhead, Thievery Corporation, Ziggy Marley, and Warren Haynes reunited with Derek Trucks, and Dickey Betts in a grand finale alongside Stevie Ray Vaughn's Double Trouble bandmates.    Saturday after the game fans were treated to a rousing performance by the West End Dogs who tore it up playing a Mitch Ryder version of "Sock It To Me Baby".  They were joined onstage by Gary Rossington and Peter Frampton.  But the real kicker was the post game show Sunday night. 

    Live from Prospect Park, Sir Paul McCartney helicoptered unto the Botanical Garden Pit, and led an entourage featuring, Little Richard, Don Wilson, Brian Wilson, Wilson Alvarez, Al Kooper, and the band The Persuit of Hapiness, to the fileds where the faithful were gathered for the big concert and Superba rally.  After a light hearted, and heartfelt words, mocking the Kardashians, Paul led a supercharged version of Centerfield as he attempted to hit a homerun with guest artist MC Lyte.    All in all a fun weekend as the Superbas start their season on a positive and hope to be in the final mix for the playoffs in 2017.

 

New Jersey Beatles Press Release

The New Jersey Beatles are now two years removed from their magical run to the CBA title, and what a difference two years has made. The Beatles advanced to the playoffs in 2014, bowing out in the first round, before struggling in 2015, compiling a 69-93 record. New Jersey has assembled an exciting mix of veterans, such as Felix Hernandez, Evan Longoria, and Justin Verlander, and young players, such as Carlos Correa, Starling Marte, Daniel Norris, and Byron Buxton. Their pitching staff has been hampered by injuries to Verlander, Norris, Cliff Lee, Matt Moore, Zach Wheeler, and prospect Dylan Bundy. They will need to acquire some pitching help in order to contend in 2016, but with GM Steve Adler wheeling and dealing, they should not be counted out. 

Essex Escapees Press Release

2016 Campaign:   the essex escappes escaped to first wild card birth in 2015 and look to build on that success. Bryan Swank assessed the rubble remaining from first round loss and determined to send yasiel fatman pig packing and wi yen chen off to greener pastures. Newly acquired nathans famous eovaldi and rubb one out de la rosa look to strengthen  staff . With scherzer ricahards colome and pomeranz we look to shut down opposition. Outfielders Cespedes and Polanco hunker the corners whilst machado turner and kendrick sure up infield with rollins and lindor at ss,  ryan howard adds depth. Fransisco Cervelli takes over catcher responsibility and adds obp. a couple platoons with blanks and ruf and the division title wont be tough,Gibson we are gunning for you, Look out!
 


New Hampshire Prospectus

The last few years have been rather dismal in New Hampshire.  The front office has tried to be aggressive, and  few things have not worked out as planned.  Matt Cain, Jared Cosart, Jurickson Profar, Charlie Morton to name a few, have not lived up to expectations.  Even an inexpensive gamble like Hanley Ramirez has not panned out.  We stayed aggressive in 2015 trading for Kolten Wong, Miguel Montero. Two years ago, there were a few snickers when the Cats drafted Jose Abreu 2nd overall. That is one thing that has worked out well.   Coming into this draft, the Wildcats have added Shelby Miller and young and upcoming SS Addison Russell.
 
The 2016 version of NWS should score its share of runs with the likes of Wong, Montero, Kendys Morales, Jose Abreu, Brett Lawrie, Danny Valencia and Kevin Kiermaier.   Our defense should be significantly better with an up the middle troika of Russell, Wong and Kiermaier.  Which can only help a very average pitching staff.
 
Pitching, well that will be our issue.  Miller will look good at the top but after that we have a bunch of 3 and 4 guys.  The future of this team rests on our staff pitching to its capabilities.  This season, who knows.  We will score a lot of runs, but we likely will give up a bunch to.  The future has something that Wildcats fans have craved for a few years, Hope. 
 
So heading into the draft, Pitching will be a priority.

 

 

Towaco Wolfpack Press Release

The Towaco Wolfpack are looking forward to 2016 with a much stronger starting staff and a mix of youth and veterans in trying to win our third Rogers Division pennant and a 2016 championship. Towaco is looking forward to having a healthy E. Goldschmidt this coming season. "When Goldy is on there isn't anyone better at 1B" bragged Kevin Gibson the Wolfpack manager. "He's the driving force on this club for sure." "Losing him for part of the stretch run almost did our team in but we recovered when he came back and it was just in the nick of time" said Gibby!
 
Towaco has some concerns regarding Alex Cobb's elbow. "He was struggling some last season and from what we've heard from him during the off season his elbows bothering him so we shut him down and sent him for further testing." "If there is a problem we may need to stretch out Warren to fill the void." Towaco is expecting improvement from Marco Estrada and Francisco Liriano and their young stud starter Noah Syndergaard who can really light up the radar gun! The Wolfpack are expecting Kris Medlen to bounce back from his second TJ surgery and are going to try using lefty Travis Wood out of the bullpen some this year! "We may look to add another starter or two to replace Georgie and add a little depth" said Gibby. The Georgie he's referring to is Jorge De La Rosa who was traded to High Bridge for veteran outfielder M. Byrd this off season.
 
Manager Gibson likes his two returning catchers and thinks they are one of the best catching tandems in the league. "We've added this 25 year old to play second base named Jace Peterson. We may need to platoon him some but he should see the bulk of his time vs. right hand pitching." "We love the way Marty plays third and we have Sogard and Reyes taking turns at SS." Kevin Gibson is really high on his young 21 year old left-handed SS Corey Seager. "This kid just tore up the minor leagues the past couple of seasons. I can't see keeping him down there again he's got nothin' to prove there anymore." "This kid is itchin' to do some damage so I'm gonna turn him loose!" "I may be able to work him into the mix at 3B with Marty."
 
As for the Wolpack outfield young Christian Yelich has leftfield locked up with great defense and a solid bat. Rightfield will have a platoon with returning veteran DeAza vs. righties and newly acquired Byrd vs. lefties. "Byrd gives us some much needed pop" says Gibby. Gomez and Davis should have centerfield covered but there may be some additional moves made before the regular season starts. 
 
Right now the Wolfpack bullpen has three potential closers in Smith, Cecil and newly acquired McGee. "I think all three will be pitching and competing in spring training before I figure out who will be assigned to which roll" said Gibby. "We'll have everybody ready by the time the season starts." "We're looking forward to winning this damn thing and that's what we are working hard to do!"

High Bridge Heaters Press Release

2015 was a disappointment for the Heaters. Although we lost Matt Harvey for the year, we thought great managing and a few good breaks would have been enough to grab a wild card.

Ohio proved to be too good to catch.  After falling behind in July, we came on strong at the end to finish 500. Some teams would have been satisfied to get the best draft picks possible, but the Heaters play to win!

Our team's tenacity and desire for excellence instils fear in our opponents. It's no accident that we have been transferred from both conference and divisions several times in the past five years. The league fears that if left alone in one division for too long, we would dominate for many years. We pledge to persevere in our quest to win the Parker division in 2016. We have a mighty line-up that's about to get mightier when a blockbuster trade is announce on February 8th. It should remind everyone of the deal the Dallas Cowboys made when they traded Hershel Walker. We are going to use our new draft picks to replace a stud SP with good, young pitchers who can also win now.  We are open t trades. but have already reshaped our team and will probably use the draft to sure-up our needs. Ours offensive stars this year include: J.D. Martinez with his new 3 rating in RF with that -3 arm.  Charlie Blackburn got 2's in the corners and crushes righties.  Kyle Seager lost his "1" , but is still in the top ten 3b's. Joe Panic has been rated in the top three 2b's this year ( a defensive "1" this year). Didi gets his "1" again and will platoon with Mercer at ss. We picked up the Mets' lucky charm in Juan Uribe to sure up the infield with his dominant bat against lefties. Veteran OF Josh Hamilton gets a second chance in High Bridge and we expect great things from him.  Jason Werth is coming off a disappointing season, although he cam on strong at the end. We predict Werth will be the Come-Back player of the year in 2016.  So-beware Parker Division, especially Brooklyn! We are ready to give you a run for your money.  Good luck all! See you on draft day.

 

Skokie Wolfmen Press Release 2016

What was once a great team (making the playoffs in 8 of its first 9 seasons
including 4 visits to the WS) is now a rebuilding team -

we expect to continue to rebuild in 2016 -

Starting Pitching is always a problem and for the most part the
Skokie starters are young with several with high potential and a group
of other young starters we see helping our future

With the draft coming up soon Skokie will continue to work
to add more youth following the models done in MLB by the Royals,
Houston and the Cubs --

prior to the draft or doing the draft we have holes to fill -
our 3B will be retiring next year - 2B is weak - and we have
no Catcher to speak off (hint hint if anyone has an extra
catch to trade with some PAs we might give a draft pick)

in any case we like our OF with Springer, Inciarite and Souza
with Blanco to backup and Beltran to DH/RF

we expect however either Beltran or C. Santana (or both) will be
traded (if anyone has an interest let us know) this year

we might have a left handed starter to trade as well

We don't expect another 100 lost season but we do
expect to find a way to fill all our holes - as always we
are open to trade and no player is untouchable if we
hear the right offer including any stars we have

as we offered before the #2 pick of the upcoming
draft is available - if the right offer is heard ...

there are some very excellent players, franchise
players you would be guaranteed to get at this pick

good luck to all the returning and new managers
of the CBA - would will be the 2016 champ - the trend
the last four seasons has been 1st time champs

From the headquarters of the Skokie Wolfmen
 

 

 

 
Oct 26th, 2015
Tim Hudson, a likely CBA Hall of Famer, has announced that the 2016 will be his last.  "It's time to hang it up and spend time with my family," Hudson said "I think I have one more season left in me where I can help a team win, whether it's in Cooperstown or elsewhere, but that will be it."
 
Hudson currently sits at 10th all time in CBA in strikeouts, 4th all time in wins, 3rd in innings, 2nd in starts and 9th in shutouts.
 
His 5th start of 2016 will make him the CBA all time leader in that category, passing Andy Pettitte who currently holds that title.
 
If Hudson can earn 14 wins in 2016, he'll leapfrog Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez to become CBA's most winning-est pitcher.  Whether he can manage that feat or not, this season Hudson joined those three pitchers as the only members of the 200 win club, currently sitting at 204. 
 

It remains to be seen if Hudson will be on the Iron Horse roster next season, or if teams who find his veteran presence appealing inquire about a trade.  He won't pitch like the Tim Hudson of old, but you can pencil him in for about 120-125 innings and an ERA around 4.40-4.45.  Tim said he may be willing to pitch out of the bullpen as well if it's what's best for the team.  Regardless of his role, it will be fun watching him pass some CBA legends in some impressive categories as he writes his own story in the history books.

 

 
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- Associated Press) 

 

As many CBA teams lick their wounds from a disappointing regular season or early playoff exit, the league's esteemed GMs are beginning to look forward to 2016 as they inspect every piece of the roster for future potential -- and future gaps in talent.  


 
Many fine players across the league are expected to change uniforms during what is sure to shape up as a busy off-season.  According to Philly GM Rob Hite, "I've been around CBA for a long time, and back in the golden age of the league many GMs chose to sit on their talent and build slowly. They would trade for a piece here or there, but they mainly built through the draft".  

 
But the institution of the CBA amateur draft changed everything.  With young talent at a premium, and harder to acquire in the regular draft, it is of utmost importance that a team draft kids who are 18 or 19, and follow them as they develop into CBA contributors.  Hite added, "sometimes we plan a positional need way ahead of time, and use the prospect pick to try to fill that need before it's really a need.  Like back when our all-time franchise greats Derek and Chase [Jeter & Utley] were getting older, we said -  hey we have a great middle infield but let's start addressing that so we'll be great there for the next decade after they hang it up".  

 
At the time, Philly also sported a perennial all-star Evan Longoria at 3rd, making one of the most potent infields in the Association.  But Longoria was packaged up to New Jersey in exchange for Bryce Harper, who Hite hoped would be his franchise slugger for the next 15 years.  That was a controversial move which many Philly phans wanted him run out of town for, as evidenced by the venom spewed on sports talk WIP radio in Philly.  Calls for the GMs head on a platter were plentiful as Philly not only dealt Longoria in the deal for the unproven hot-headed Harper, he also dealt ace Justin Verlander.  But the 22 year old Harper gamble paid immeasurable dividends this season, slugging a gaudy .330/.460/.649 slashline with 42 HR to boot.  So the consensus in Philly now is, Longoria who?  Didn't she used to star on Desperate Housewives?  

 
With an entire infield to rebuild in Philadelphia, Hite went on the offensive - drafting and signing a plethora of young infielders with hopes that a few would pan out and become the anchors that Jeter, Utley, and Longoria were.  

 
And today, the maligned Philly front office can flash a smug Cheshire Cat smile, because their young infielders have finally arrived.  In this 2015 MLB Fall Playoffs alone, there are 5 young players featured who will be competing for time at SS and 2b next year for Philly: 

 
Starlin Castro - the "old-timer" of the group at 25, is a few years removed from his great 207 hit season in 2011.  But Starlin, who hit .265 this year, has possibly found a new home at 2b and will surely deliver many all-star seasons ahead given his age.  
 

 
Wilmer Flores - Flores at 24 is still developing into his game, but his burgeoning power was on display in 2015.  With 16 HR and 22 doubles this year, along with much improved defense at short, Wilmer will be hard to keep out of the starting SS gig for Philly next season.  By the time he reaches his prime, 25-30 HR seasons will be the norm for this infield slugger.  
 

 
"Kike" Enrique Hernandez - Kike is a 22 year old superkid who can literally play 7 positions on the field.  A next generation Ben Zobrist, he can also hit the baseball better than Zobrist as witnessed by his .307 average and .490 SLG% this season.  It's quite a luxury having this kind of bat who can backup at 2b, SS, and 3rd in addition to quality OF starts in LF, RF, or CF.  This kid is a young star in the marking.  
 

 
Javier Baez -  Another great next generation SS/2B/3B, Baez is just 21 and has the greatest power potential of them as indicated by his prolific minor league power - 37 HRs in AA ball.  Baez has cut down on his swing to make contact in the major leagues, to a tune of a .289 average this season.  A Troy Tulowitzki-esque future awaits this stud. 

 
Addison Russell - Russell is the closest thing to Derek Jeter that Philly GM has found in this collection of young infield stars.  A mere Cub at 21 years old, he delivered 29 doubles and 13 homers in his first campaign, along with spectacular shortstop defense.  As his bat develops, his all-star appearances will begin to accumulate. The next great shortstop of this generation?  Time will tell.  He also plays 2b and a little 3rd should the glut of infielders pose a huge dilemma for GM Hite.  

 

 
What is GM Hite going to do with these 5 great young middle infielders? Surely nobody will be moved over to third on Philly, especially in light of two equally young and talented 3rd basemen just to the left of them in the infield of dreams: 
 
23 year old Maikel Franco (.497 SLG) and 23 year old run producer Nick Castellanos (33 doubles, 15 HR, 73 RBI).  

 
We asked Hite what his plans were for all of them, and he shared, 
 "Hey, I am in no rush to trade any of them because having a group of young stars is a unique luxury for us.  If we are bowled over with offers this Fall and Winter, we will listen.  But the good-ol-days of Former Commish Claude Lamarre legislating against positional hoarding in CBA are long gone.  I'm going to hoard away, baby!  Unless the other GMs offer up some of their blue chip outfield talent, then I may listen" 

 
Photo:  Young Philly Phantastics stars Addison Russell and Javier Baez

 
 

 
February 18th, 2014

Japanese Ace Tanaka Bound for CBA


 
Tokyo- At noon today in Japan, a press conference was held at the Tokyo Hilton by much scouted and highly touted righthander Masahiro Tanaka. There he announced his intentions to pitch in the major leagues in 2015. The timing of the announcement is crucial as it comes only short weeks away from the CBA spring draft which is scheduled for Sunday, March 9th beginning at 11AM ET. 
     Tanaka, who turned just 25 this past November, has garnered much attention from CBA scouts since before mid-season in 2013, in no small part due to the success of Ottawa Otters starter and fellow countryman Yu Darvish. Tanaka has followed Darvish since he came to North America, and made allusions to plying his trade here as well. Now that he has made his intentions known publicly, his name should instantly move up in priority on CBA draft lists. Darvish was drafted 11th overall as Ottawa's prospect pick in 2012. The same may happen with Tanaka in 2014, especially given the clarity provided at today's press conference.
     Just like Darvish, he will be drafted while still under contract for 1 more season with his Japanese club. In this case, it's the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League. Also like Darvish, he intends to accept the opportunity offered to him by any CBA team.
     "I just want a chance to prove myself at the highest level," said Tanaka, "I am not playing favorites."
     CBA has always had its' share of foreign born players, but in the last few years more looks have been given to the younger talent now emerging from Asia and Cuban players who have defected from their homeland to find careers as professionals. Jose Iglesias, Yoenis Cespedes, and Jose Fernandez were all drafted as prospects and are establishing themselves in the majors. Yasiel Puig, who had defected from Cuba during the 2012 season, is expected to go very early in the 1st round this spring after excelling in Los Angeles of the independant leagues last season. And, because of the affiliation agreement that CBA has with the independant leagues, Puig is eligible to be drafted as a free agent. The drafting team will retain its' prospect pick, making the future star outfielder even more attractive. So it is the same with another LA star. Korean lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu is also expected to be taken from the slate very early on. It's reasonable to project more of the same in the coming years, if not more this spring, as CBA general managers continue to widen the scope in search of the game's best.
     There may not be a lot of instant impact players in the coming draft, but there is no shortage of talent. And where there's talent, you'll find the CBA.
     
       

Let It Be...Beatles Win!
New York- Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. A Staub team will win the series. Let it be.
     As the New Jersey Beatles were clinching a CBA championship with a 4-0 win over the defending champions Skokie Wolfmen at home in game 6 of the series, they were also ending a seven year streak of CBA championships by Clemente conference teams. Not since the Longue Pointe Loggers in 2005 had a Staub conference team taken the title.
     When New Jersey took game 3 in Skokie by a convincing 9-4 score, the writing seemed to appear on the proverbial wall. But Skokie was valiant in defending the crown and forced the series back to New Jersey via a shutout win in game 4 and a barn burning 13-12 win in game 5. In the end, however, the combination of pitching and power would prove too much to overcome for the incumbents. Indeed, the team that looked the best all season while winning 106 games, was the best. 
     Their stiffest test in the post-season came from division rival San Diego, who took the Beatles to a seventh game before bowing to the new champs in the division series. The Beatles then had to face down the pitching of the Montreal Crows, and did so with some pitching of their own. After dropping game 1 to the Dawson claimants, the Beatles rang up four straight wins on the way to meet Skokie for the big prize. New Jersey's first championship comes in just its' fourth year of existence, making for a story of an unusually quick rise to a difficult summit.
     After the league expanded in 2009 from 20 to 24 teams, that season ended with two teams in difficulty. Westminster, one of the 4 expansion teams, did not fair well at all in losing 126 games. Regardless, it was a baseball experiment in a place that had too little interest to sustain a major league team. The old Skokie franchise, although successful, ran into difficulties from unfortunate circumstances not of its' making that forced the league to act with a respectful marker given to both the owner Josh Shapiro and the Wolfmen's fans, a marker that was redeemed when Southwest moved to Skokie when the Wolfman took control in 2011. Westminster and Skokie were contracted and two new franchises were to be awarded and formed in a redraft from the remnants of the contracted teams before the 2010 season. Chris Brazeau garnered one of them and put a team in Hew Hampshire as the Wildcats. Steve Adler, a die-hard fan of the Fab Four, got his ticket to ride and the New Jersey Beatles came to be.
     The Beatles won just 50 games in its' inaugural season, and only 42 in 2011. But in 2012, the tally rose to 75 showing the team to be up and coming. A few daring trades brought the likes of Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander to the club to mention just a couple. Kyle Lohse, who pitched 6 shutout innings in game 6 of the championship series to earn the clinching win, was drafted in the 8th round in 2011. Perhaps the quick rise to the top can be best reviewed through his eyes.
     It's been a hard day's night, but Steve Adler will be sleeping like a log.

Lake Hopatcong, NJ – The New Jersey Beatles won their first CBA title, 4 games to 2, over the defending champion Skokie Wolfmen. After taking a 3-games-to-none lead in the series, the Beatles were hoping to close things out in Skokie. However, the Wolfmen battled back to win games 4 and 5, sending things back to New Jersey. Perhaps bolstered by the huge throng of fans that greeted them at New York’s JFK Airport, the Beatles refused to let back-to-back losses dishearten them. They closed out the series with a 4-0 game 6 win behind series MVP Kyle Lohse’s 6 shutout innings and 4 hits from Chris Denorfia. After the final out was recorded on Aramis Ramirez’s comebacker to Fernando Rodney, Rodney struck his familiar bow and arrow pose. “Twist and Shout” blared from the speakers as 58,000 screaming Beatles fans went wild.

In the process, the Beatles brought the title back to the Staub Conference for the first time since 2005. With the win, New Jersey completed an improbable run to the championship, having suffered through a 120-loss season just 2 years ago. A series of trades that brought key players to the Beatles helped turn that team around. Young players, such as Giancarlo Stanton, Bryce Harper, Jeremy Hellickson, Jason Motte, and Chris Tillman  were traded away, while proven stars Adrian Beltre, Edwin Encarnacion, Evan Longoria, Jimmy Rollins, Felix Hernandez, and Justin Verlander joined the team. It proved to be a winning combination, as the Beatles won 106 games in the regular season, and then topped things off with a CBA Championship.

Series Recap:       

 Game 1 featured a pitchers’ duel, with Justin Verlander pitching a complete game and leading the Beatles to a 1-0 victory over the Wolfmen and hard-luck loser Mike Fiers. The only run of the game scored in the 5th inning. Michael Saunders hit a one-out double and advanced to third when Brian Lahair mishandled Kelly Johnson’s routine ground ball to first. Verlander then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to score Saunders.

 Game 2 saw the Beatles defeat the Wolfmen, 7-1. Felix Hernandez earned the win with 5 2/3 strong innings, as Skokie could not muster much offense for the 2nd game in a row.

 The series moved to Skokie for Game 3, as the Wolfmen fans were looking to get back into the series. Unfortunately for them, the Beatles roughed up starter Ryan Vogelsong, scorching him for 8 runs in 5 innings. The Beatles cruised to a 9-4 victory, hitting 5 homeruns in the process. Edwin Encarnacion hit 2 dingers, including a first inning grand slam.

 Skokie’s backs were against the wall in Game 4, down 3-games-to-none and facing likely Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. The gritty Wolfmen were not dead yet, though, as Tim Hudson pitched a complete game 3-hitter, as Skokie won 4-0.

 It was do-or-die for Skokie again in Game 5. Game 2 winner Felix Hernandez faced off against game 1 loser Mike Fiers. Neither of them made it past the 3rd inning, as this game turned into a slugfest. Skokie raced to a 7-2 lead at the end of 2. New Jersey took the lead back with 6 runs in the top of the 3rd highlighted by Ryan Ludwick’s grand slam. Skokie scored 3 more in the bottom of the 3rd, and then scored 1 run in each of the next 3 innings, extending their lead to 13-9. New Jersey closed to 13-12 on a 3-run homerun by Ludwick in the 9th, but their comeback fell short, as Skokie held on for the win.

 The series returned to New Jersey for Game 6, with the Beatles holding a 3-games-to-2 lead. Game 3 winner Kyle Lohse took on Game 2 loser Wade Miley. Just as they had all season, the Beatles’ pitching staff carried the day, as New Jersey closed out the series with a 4-0 win. Lohse (2-0) went 6 innings, allowing just 2 singles and a walk. Fernando Rodney contributed 2 2/3 scoreless innings to finish the game. Meanwhile, Chris Denorfia went 4-4, and had a hand in each of New Jersey’s scoring rallies.

 
For openers, congratulations to all the playoff teams.  Steve Adler, Kevin Gibson, Joe Wallace, Dennis Concepcion, Doug Brunet, Wolfman Shapiro, Marc Wass, Rob Hite, Bruce Bundy, Jack Jung.  Who will win it?  Wolfman vs Bundy in Clemente vs Steve Adler whose Beatles are the current  #1 hit across CBA Land.  
GM's next year is approaching rapidly.  There is a likelyhood of some rules clarifications and modifications.  Among the issues that coulClaude and Gerald should have known. The original CBA teams were all named after movie studios. The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone. The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record. Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard. But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald. Donald was known for his questionable participation. Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmanians it would change their fortunes. They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99. By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67. That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive. The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year. Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs. 

Just for some nostalgia.  Lets look back at a storied franchise that dissolved in favor of expansion after 2003.  The story of the Tennessee Tazmanians run by Stephane Bouchard.  
The franchise story was different from its inception.  
  The original CBA teams if I recall were all named after movie studios.  The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone?? {Claude?}.  The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record.  Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard.  But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald.  Donald was known for his questionable participation.  Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmanians it would change their fortunes.  They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99.  By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67.  That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive.  The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year.  Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs.  


Belfast: .742 X Rating, .251 BA against, .305 IRSC a 3.68 ERA...but .310 OBA .104 ISO, .348 slug meant 3.46 runs support.  22-44 vs Dawson's LP, Montreal, Limoilou....But Belfast walloped Monday 31-17 for season.  What does that tell you about Dawson?

Brooklyn: After losing Parker by 1 game to Carolina, took revenge in '13 sweeping Carolina and winning div title in process.  Braun .331 30 SB 48 HR 128 RBI 116 runs, Miguel Cabrera .352 .428 OBA .630 slg, 43 HR, 136 RBI 113 runs 216 hits, RA Dickey 17-7 2.93 239 K's, David Price 13-6 3.22 203 K's, Jeter 20 HR 96 RBI .322 13 SB 218 hits.  They carried Brooklyn.  Brooklyn led CBA in batting .287.  Lower than usual power totals and average in Coors were made up for with a rare display of speed by the Superbas.  They stole a team record 131 stolen bases led by Jarrod Dyson's 54. 


Bryan:  Another winning season for Cory Light.  The Bryan Bashers hung tough until the final two blocks.  The battle with Towaco was fierce and right to the last month.  Bryan featured excellent pitching.  Perhaps the best Basher staff in recent memory finishing 4th overall.  The pen saved 53.  Though Casey Janssen finished with 31 sv it was a committee of relievers who had save totals.  .242 IRSC (Inherited runners scoring) The offense doesn't jump out at you.  The numbers are below average.  .246, 149 ISO, 166 HR's not bad for Staub however.  Part timer Dwayne Wise 12, led the er speedy Bashers to 51 stolen bases.  Paul Konerko deserves MVP consideration carrying this team on his back virtually himself .296 31 HR 96 RBI.  Nick Swisher chipped in with .227  25 HR's.  
 
Carolina: Fell just short.  In tough Parker, Carolina had a few sluggers who provided offense.  Shoo in for rookie of the year Willin Rosario hit 30 HR's, Votto 11 HR 61 RBI .329 in an  injury laden season.  Zimmerman 23 HR, Dunn 25 HR, Kubel 22 HR 82 RBI, and Marco Scutaro .312 led CBA with 27 sacrifices. Had 18 Hit and run hits using that it's advantage.  The low team OBA/SLG .324/.398 hurt most. The pitchers were tough. Anibal Sanchez finished 14-10 3.41 152 K's, J Johnson 12-10 3.57.  Huston Street saved 26.  Took 3 of 4 to finish the season block 25 in revenge of losing the week before spoiling Newton's Parker run.

Cooperstown: The Iron Horses cashed in early in the season after some early set backs.  They acquired draft picks and players looking ahead. Some very promising rookies like Byrom Buxton, Evan Gattis, Jeff Locke to go along with player returness like Matt Kemp 25 HR 65 RBI .277 and Adrian Gonzo 23 HR 81 RBI .275.   27 traded ballplayers from the team.  The future will tell if Cooperstown will return to prominence.  On paper it looks like it could be.

High Bridge opened the season strong.  They remained only two games back by June 17th.  They hung around into July before fading when roster changes took place and rest given to the over worked players.  The future seemed bright when John Miller grabbed Matt Harvey with his number 1 pick.  When MLB Harvey went down with injury, the Heaters front office felt let down.  Though the injury isn't as serious as could have been, Harvey will have a superior card in 2014.  Dillon Gee has returned from his serious injury to become a front end pitcher as well to go along with Rick Porcello.  Young talent like Denard Span, Didi Gregorius, Starling Marte, and Alex Presley present well for future years.  Tyler Colvin had a very good year 17 HR

Indiana:  returned to the press with a nice little run for the Monday title.  The Redbirds reclaimed a taste of their glory years of last decade with a return to first as late as mid September.  Who could ask for more?  When the pitching and key sluggers like Pujols, and Hamilton suffered injuries the last week.  Hamilton 46 HR 109 RBI .265BA.  Pujols 39 HR 124 RBI .298 BA a typical year for him.  Pujols career totals .323 601 HR's 1,591 RBI's.  Indy won 14 of 17 down the stretch in September to keep the pressure on Skokie.  Indiana socked a whopping 250 Homers in '13.  Catchers (Wieter) threw out 39% of their base stealers best in CBA. 

Joliet: Jack Frost builds, slowly but surely.  Looking for a return to the glory days of 2008, '14 could be the year the Jacks could make some noise.  2013 saw a 68-94 record which was not too awful.  Some moments of good play.  The Jacks had a good July which brought them neqar the cust of the second wildcard range. 9 games under .500, but so were a few teams.  One August and eventual Staub champ New Jersey came to town, Joliet underwent a long losing streak to fade away into CBA's abyss.  Middlebrooks 14 HR 49 RBI .339, Chris Carter 24 HR, and Rizzo 16 HR .319 starred. Some bright youngsters are on hand to make the future a bright one.

Limoilou; Our long time friend Jeff Boutet stepped aside in 2013 departing CBA as it's championship leader with 3. The Wendigo used good pitching from Latos 13-9 2.84, Kimbrel 7-1 26sv, Scherzer 14-8, Kershaw 17-5 3.23.  Melty Cabrera 10 HR 54 RBI .334 was among leaders in batting. Granderson 39, and Fielder 26 HR generated power in their approach to a wildcard.  James Blakely replaced Jeff for the final month steering them just shy of the final wildcard despite inherited usage situations.

Longue Pointe: One of 2013 great mysteries, what happened to Dennis Concepcion? His proxied team took a wildcard spot but lost to San Diego Surf in the playoffs.

Maine:  Up and down roller coaster for the Express. Started off April relatively fast, then dropped a bunch to fade fast from first place after 3 weeks.  From May and June They hovered at .500 then a losing streak took hold dropping them back a ways.
When it all seemed lost, Mike Koepp reeled off an impressive 12 game winning streak to highlight a streaky season. They made a rush to .500 and into contention, but usage became a factor and the fade took them out of the race in the second half.  Perhaps some better hitting vs lefties where a 20-32 record against lefty starters hurt them most. Acloser look shows the power shortage vs L hurt worse than the BA.

Montreal: Second best season, and same results.  Twice to the Staub Showdown and no show, yet. The Crows are now known for their pitching, defense, and '13 was more of the same. The addition of Cory Hart and Garrett Jones no doubt got them to the dance. But the price they paid has yet to be determined. Though Montreal traded quite a bit, Brunet knows how hard it is to get to the dance and join the CBA elite franchises which Montreal has now done twice in a row 5 years after his initial DRAFTING from scratch of a team.  Montreal and Westminster were true expansion teams in that year.  Its possible that there could be another expansion in the future,but Montreal shows, that from having initially no talent a dedicated GM can achieve high status in post season events.  Post season = Best of year. Conference finals equals elite teams for a season. Doing more than one time brings the level higher. Consider that Doug has done it in season 4 and 5 but...what about 2014? The draft will be important for the Crows.

New Hampshire: The assigned history of this franchise is quite fascinating I find.  The history was one of turmoil. Possibly CBA least successful franchise that had been snake bitten from day 1.  Right now Chris Brazeau has stabilized, and rebuilt this franchise gone wild.  Lets look back.  Claude and Gerald should have known.   The original CBA teams were all named after movie studios.  The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone.  The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record.  Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard.  But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald.  Donald was known for his questionable participation.  Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmainians it would change their fortunes.  They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99.  By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67.  That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive.  The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year.  Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs.  

Well New Hampshire is continuing the structure started by Brazeau to get into the upper ranks.  a 59-103 season was a setback of sorts.  Some expected a better record for '13 but '14 could be promising.  Matt Cain fronts the staff. Hanley Ramirez returns to SS at a very high level at least part time. Masterson steps up into the top of the rotatsh.   Profar gets utility work.  D'Aza steps up,  The future looks bright.  Viciedo led hitters with 27 HR, Cain was 10-15 3.50 ERA.  

New Jersey: It was like 1964.  The year the Beatles controlled the charts.  The Jersey boys controlled all of Staub at one pint winning 20 in a row just shy of the CBA record.  They controlled the Staub Playoffs.  Shrewd deals. Killer pen, and some stick to boot.  See how they do in the big show.  

Newton:  Last years near miss in the playoffs, just made him angry.  Laying low in the standings, the Newton Bombs found a way to win and manage usage enroute to the franchises first playoff.  It was at the end that the strategy master put the puzzle pieces together, to enter and take out the veteran Rob Hite in the playoffs, no easy task 3 games to 1.  Next, Bundy had to play Clementes toughest team, Ottawa.  With all on the line the two managers dueled a full 7 games.  In the end, Bundy defeated Jack Jung to advance to meet the Wolfman in the Clem finals.  Newton used all resources to get this far.  .745 X rated fielding. .345 OBA, .452 slug showed Clemente like offense.  A team 4.62 ERA was 3rd worst, but the saving grace was Bruce's use of the bullpen to get wins.  A team .225 IRSC.  Only 8 pb 55 wp from the batteries, Newton's pen shutdown those late runners.

Ohio:  Great offense team .273 BA with 195 Homers.  This team was made for Clemente.  They were able to play against friendly rival Carolina face to face on occassion.  Somehow more was expected of Ohio befor ethe season began.  As the T Cats began to start and look good, they too faded back in the tough Clemente.  The Conference teams are all quite strong and capable of defeating each other.  We saw that with even the second division teams defeating and spoiling for the top standings teams.  Ohio led by Buster Posey's 21 HR 86 RBI .352 season may get some MVP consideration.  Matt Holiday added 30 taters.  Fredrick Freeman added 28.  A team .181 ISO PWR good, So it wasn't that offense.  Than what?  Defense? .745 X rating not bad, 79-83 record was attributed to the pitching staff's failure to get guys out.  4.56 ERA.  Clay Buckholtz 15-8 4.08 ERA was a lone bright spot. A .362 IRSC stunk.  Then pen and rotation failed.

Ottawa:  Best regular season ever for the Otters.   Team .353 OBA, .272 BA, 965 runs, 265 HR's .481 slug team records all.  Best in 17 seasons.  Ottawa took that offense led by MVP candidates Trout 44 HR 125 RBI .325, McCutchen 48 HR 127 RBI .307,  Papi's 30 HR 91 RBI .347 BA in 322 AB.  Leadoff hitters hit 30 HR, 2nd place hitters 42 HR, 3rd place hitters hit 50 , cleanup hitters hit 52.    Perhaps the best top half of the lineup years!  A season for the ages.  The team 3.91 ERA could have meant more wins if lower.  Gallardo 19-6 4.38, Fister 13-6 3.58, and Yu Darvish 14-7 4.26, had solid seasons.  Ottawa was 4 games back on May 2nd, but got hot to take first place and never look back.  They led runner up Philly all season after the first week of May.  

Philly came on strong at the end to snatch wildcard number 2 in the last block.  Is that any news at all that Rob Hite had made the playoffs yet again? Hite has 5 World Series appearances.  The elite?  Perhaps Rob is one of the standards that others will  be measured by.  A true elite franchise.  egular playoff appearances, it isn't just luck.  Hite has won 3 Championships.  This year the big trade came back to hurt some as Justin Verlander 24-4 went on to lead New Jersey to a walk away title.  Rob got back Bruce Harper 22 HR 81 .272 who went on to become a main cog in the powerful Philly Offense.   Philly slugged 230 HR with a team .281 BA.  
Quebec:  Led by Hall of Famer Dino Barnabe is building up.  They have some high draft picks, and some very good young players just waiting to break loose.  Quebec hit 231 HR last year showing alot of power.  Mitch Moreland slugged 23 HR .298, Cespedes had a great year .295 28 HR.  Trumbo slugged 32 HR's, and Josh Reddick added a big 35 HR's.  .183 ISO power is among the leagues best.  The BA was a low .250, with only 649 runs knocked in.  Homers with out men on base.  Cant win those games if the defense drops 142 balls ,and the pens allows 35% of inherited runners to score. Clearly this is a team on the rise.  The pitching defense and speed may have hurt, but the future and the draft could make Barnabe a player once more.

River Meadow:  Claude Lamarre is back.  The Monarchs hung around .500 or just under most of the year.  The team was not strong enough to contend for the title, so Lamarre acquired some draft picks for some aged retired players.  The Monarchs did slighty better on the road.  They did a bit better in one run games as their pen was strong .281 IRSC.  The opponents .287 batting average hurt the pitchers but the teams 3.87 runs of offensive run support was pathetic.  A team .315 on base, and no real slugging threats aside from catcher Ryan Doumit and the stud 1B from Baltimore {whats that} Chris Davis who hit 37 HR.  Next season Chris Davis major league high for Baltimore 53 HR .286 BA should carry this team a long way the way Mark McGwire once did.   There's great talent here with Kipness, Iglesias at SS, Davis who is going to be awesome, Fowler, Teheran, Lowry, Carpenter   around t contend in '14 with a good draft. 

San Diego: The Surf dynasty continues.  The Surf have won yet again getting into another playoffs.  All the classy Joe Wallace does is win baby.  The Surf continue to draft well each year and develop new talent.  Wallace rarely misses with his young prospects.  This year David Wright, Giancarlitolo Stanton 45 HR,obinson Cano led a strong offense.  .327 26 HR 110 RBI's.  SD lost to Staub Chmapion NJ in round 1.  Expect Wallace to be back with his dynastic franchise.

Skokie:  The Wolfman has parlayed his way using the trade market to gain an advantage.  That advantage led to a final week clinch of the Monday title, narrowly defeating Indiana's Bob fidler in some head to head matchups.  Wolfman's mastery of the usage and preparation provided dividends.  Skokie got excellent support down the stretch from Ethier who got hot, Future hall of famer acquired from Joliet Juan Pierre who provided a leadoff hitter, and the spot usage of Troy Tulowitsky.  The Wolfman acquired bullpen supprt and pitching as well.  This combined to add up to another appearance in the Clemente finals.

Stirling: A good offense with a team .277 BA.  Despite 'only' 140 HR's, the Redsox contended into the last 3 blocks in September.  Ultimately, injuries and other issues kept the Sox from a deserved wildcard spot.  Brett Butler 38 HR 107 RBI .304 BA was a team best.  148 stolen bases led by Campana 20,Choo 30, and Andrus 27.  Kenley Jansen led the pitchers with 38 saves.  No starters stood out.  Buehrle went 13-10 4.55, and Ian Kennedy 13-16 was an iron horse.  The pen was otherwise not too good allowing 32% of inheriteds to score.

Towaco:  Kevin Gibson proved a saavy manager guiding a relatively well balanced but not spectacular team all the way to the Rogers title over rival Bryan Bashers.  Towaco use magaer matchups despite an ordinary Staub offense.   They go on base a pretty good .333 OBA, which for Staub is good.  A .420 slug is fairly decent.  Managed  .755 team production.   .159 ISO was weak.   Two players with 20+Homers were Russ Martin 24 HR .179 BA, and P Alvarez 25 HR 80 RBI .256.  174 HR was good for Staub, and a .261 average not bad.  Just balanced.  Ken Medlen pitched absolutely lights out.  He was the difference.  consider for Cy Young  16-1 1.21, I say 1.21 ERA but only 21 starts. but those were big starts.  Towaco had a great year despite bowing to Staub champ NJ.  Gibson is proving to be quite a GM and tactician.







CBA: Where the Action Is                                                                     February 23, 2013


 
New York- CBA. The major leagues. The show. Playing baseball at this level was once considered to be only an American dream. Now it is a dream shared around the globe, from kids in the back yards and sandlots in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela to men dotting the fields of packed stadiums in Japan and Korea. And this is a time in the year when some few will find out if that dream has a chance at reality, when the CBA holds its' annual draft.
     At approximately 11 AM eastern time tomorrow, Scott Kenan, owner and general manager of the Carolina Copperheads, will likely make a dream come true by announcing the first overall selection. Likely, because not all players being considered are without prior experience in the majors. Just ask Skokie pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. Likely, because those coveted early round picks are almost always devoted to acquiring the best young rising stars. Whatever happens, players and agents the world over will have all their media attuned to the goings on here in New York.
     Indeed, Ryan Vogelsong's case is a rarity. For someone who hadn't pitched in the majors since 2006 with the Allentown Senators (now the Towaco Wolf Pack), being selected fifth overall last year came as a pleasant surprise to the then 34 year old, who had been playing in Japan.
     "It's not that I'd given up hope. But after so long, you kind of don't expect anybody to be watching anymore. Even knowing that there had been scouts that went over to Japan who had spoken with my agent, I didn't dare think that anything would come of it," said Vogelsong. "I can't tell you how excited I was when my agent called me last year to tell me I had been drafted by Skokie."
     Not only was he drafted, but won a spot in the rotation out of spring training and played a prominent role in the Wolfmen winning its'  first world championship. It's a testament to how far and wide CBA organizations will go to find the right players as they draw from the vast well of talent that is present at many levels.
     "We weren't the only ones over there looking at Ryan," said Josh Shapiro, the wolfman himself. "We knew we wanted him, but we also knew that if we didn't snap him up somebody else would. I admit that picking him that early at his age was done with some reservation. But kudos to our scouting staff for recognizing that Ryan had found his way back to his game. Obviously, there are no regrets. I think, without him, we probably would have come up short of the title yet again."
     Though not so long away from the majors, reliever Fernando Rodney could be getting the same call that Vogelsong did. After seeing his performance and command decline over two seasons, the Montreal Crows released him following the 2011 season. His disappointment at not being selected as a re-entry in last year's draft drove Rodney to elevate his pitching to the level that got him to the majors. He pitched well enough with Los Angeles of the independent leagues last season that led to Skokie acquiring him as a restricted free agent in mid-August, and has had a number of CBA scouts keeping an eye on him this winter in his native Dominican Republic. The word is that his name is on several draft lists of general managers looking to address their bullpen shortages.
     But, as mentioned earlier, these are the rare ones. What teams are really hoping for is Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, or Jordan Zimmermann. This is where the scouting staffs really earn their paychecks. A shining example as to the impact of advanced scouting can be seen in the Philly Phantastics. GM Rob Hite has assembled what he refers to as 'the best birddogs in baseball', a scouting staff that he personally heads and travels with extensively. He believes that it is the key to Philly putting a competitive team on the field year after year.
     "It's not easy when you have to cut down your roster every December to know who to keep, who to move, and who to cut," says Hite. "Certainly there are your core players that remain, but you can't hold on to everybody. The scouting that we do plays a huge part in how we move forward through all phases of the off-season. We look at everything. Sabermetrics, development in the minors and the independents, prospect maturity, even the psychology of certain players we look at. Things have to fit a profile for this organization."
     There is an obvious measure of success for Hite where the draft is concerned. He claims that drafting a player at the right time to suit a need before it occurs prevents the necessity to move value at a later time. Players like Starling Castro, Jonathan Lucroy, and Eric Hosmer are examples of draft picks that have made or will make an impact at the major league level in a relatively short period of time, keeping fresh the mix of veteran leadership and young raw talent.
      And as Shapiro alluded to, Hite adds, "You have to respect what your dealing with in this league. If you don't go out and find your guys,  someone else will. That's the nature of the beast."
     Short turnarounds are not so uncommon. We saw glimpses last season of some youngsters looking to make a splash this season. Salvador Perez in Montreal and Mike Trout with the Ottawa Otters gave us a taste in 2012. Perez was even included on the Crows' post-season roster and looks to be the starting catcher in 2013. With shoe-in hall of famer Vladimir Guerrero's retirement, a whole different player than the one Jack Jung watched last year at AAA has to show up this spring to keep Trout from playing in Ottawa. 
     So many others can be named. Kipnis, Lawrie, Parker, Cespedes, Goldschmidt, the list goes on. Many new names and some old ones, too, will be the talk of baseball as they roll out on the list of players drafted onto CBA rosters, where the action is.

 
 

Recap

The wildcard round saw Longue Pointe and their pitching staff dominate over David Jones Lake County Leopards. Lake County took game 1 behind Johnny Cueto's masterful pitching.  Then it was CC Sabathia, Tim Lincecum, and CJ Wilson shutting the door to advance the Loggers to the Conference playoffs vs Joe Wallace's powerful San Diego Surf.

The Clemente Wildcard saw Rob Hite's Philly Phantastics sweep Marc Wass' Brooklyn Superbas in 3 straight.  Although Verlander, Hamels, and Brandon Morrow stifled the potent Brooklyn Superbas attack in the House of Pain, It was Eric Hosmer who single handedly and legendarily executed the Brooklyn boys with 5 Homers 2 doubles 9 RBI's and 7-11 batting.  Not to be forgotton anytime soon.

In round 1 of the Staub Playoffs, Doug Brunet's Montreal Crows swept past Cory Light's Bryan Bashers behind superior pitching in tight ball games.  Both first time managers, but someone had to win.  Montreal will play against the LP vs. SD winner.  Rob Hite's Philly Phantastics defeated Malachi Nellum's Stirling RedSox 4 games to 3 in an epic and well played series.  The Skokie wolfmen defeated the Cooperstown Iron Horses 4 games to 1.  Wolfman is looking at yet another Conference final to add to his resume. 

This is where the big boys meet and play.  The dedicated, the lucky, the astute, the confident, the best in CBA ball for 2012.  Last year Saw Brooklyn Defeat San Diego in 5 games for the 2011 Championship as Miguel Cabrera dominated the post season like no other has since.  Cabrera had 10 HR's and led his team.  Who will this years hero be?  We saw magnificent perfomances so far that will be archived for future reference.  Performances Like Johnny Cueto's shutout over Longue Pointe on opening day.  Eric Hosmer single handedly destroying Brooklyn's dream of repeat with 5 HR's in a 3 game wildcard. Montreal terrorizing the Bashers behind masterful pitching by James Shields.  Allen Craig's timely PH.  Nyger Morgan's .469 batting average leading Longue Point over deep into the 2nd round.  Billy Butlers 13 hits and .409 BA for Stirling vs Philly.  Sandoval's 3 HR's for Bryan.  Jared Weaver's gem vs red hot Skokie for Cooperstown.  Perhaps not many bigger highs and lows than we saw in the LP-SD series which turned after an 8th Inning boot by Yunel Escobar in g5.  The hero, Nick Hundley with a long Homer to win the series for San Diego against the speedy small ball artistry of the Loggers. 

Now we have two repeaters looking for their opportunity for gold.  We have GM Doug Brunet who makes his first appearance in the final four.  The Skokie Wolfman.  Veteran GM with a record of success each year.  He has been to the dance, but unable to claim the ring.  There's CBA legend Rob Hite.  All Hite does is win.  We learned in 2012, never count Philly out.  He even threw down the towel so he says.  A towel chuck right into the playoffs ala Indiana.  Seems to work in Clemente.  Hite is a 3 time champion looking for his fourth.  In CBA Jeff Boutet has 3, Bob Fidler 3, Marc Wass 2, Jack Jung 1, Dennis Concepcion 1, among active GM's.  Although some forget the losers, no Finals runner up is a loser.  No shame losing in the Conf Champ.  Only shame if your a former champion who gets blown out in 3 straight in the wild card round.  Staub has last won a World Championship in 2005 when Dennis defeated Rob Hite, the year of Miracle Mirabelli and Ichiro's  series and GW HR.  Clemente has dominated since then.
Rounding out the managers is the long time veteran Joe Wallace.  Joe Wallace has built a long runniing dominant franchise in San Diego.  Holder of the all time best season with 122 wins, San Diego and Wallace have been there and paid some heavy dues, slowly building up from first round and outs, the game 7's in the second round a few years back (Archives has it), and finally a Staub Championship and World Series appearance.  After last years disappointment, Wallace revamped his squad, and brought aboard the powerful Mike Stanton sending King Felix to New Jersey where Hernandez helped improve their record from last year.  Wallace vowed to add power and did.  He seeks yet another series appearance after his hard fought battle vs Longue Pt. 


 
Superbas claim New York!
 (AP) September 29th 2012  CBA©  Offices New York, NY all rights reserved.     "...And they danced, like a wave on the ocean...they romanced and they danced the night..." from Rockaway Beach in Queens to Manhattan's rediculous Upper West Side, all of New Yorks eyes are on the Brooklyn Borough's Superbas.  But the rest of the borooughs have cashed in on "SuperMania".  The Superbas have become New Yorks City's favorite, especially after last years heart stopping and spectacular World Series win.   Playoff and Series MVP Miguel MVP Cabrera yesterday led a team rally in Brooklyn's own Prospect Park near Grand Army Plaza that blocked traffic on Flatbush Avenue all the way down Flatbush avenue extension to the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan's Chinatown.  Cabrera hit that famous 1 out 9th inning HR to tie and ultimately win the Division playoffs in 7 games from arch rival Philly Phantastics.  Cabrera the Grand Poobah of today's rally said " We like to thank our fans very much.  Salud!  Brooklyn!"   Disgruntled High Bridge fans protested the rally.   High Bridge is New Yorks other team in the area, but the fans are not amused by the antics of loyal Brooklyn fans.  Said cab driver Shetstaen AlFaisal "These animaux they crazy.  Make celebrate party by punch each other face in happy way.   I'm going home now its too much.  My team the Heaters and this is not good for me..."  Joey Loconsolo of Brooklyn's Bay Ridge section was in the 3rd Ave "Brooklyn Superba" bar when the announcement that Brooklyn won the home wild card seat was made by the bar tender whose identity must remain anonymous.  Said Joey, "Mink-ya...Min...I mean thats my boys.  Got that Jeter going off, with Cabrera, and Braun, Mah-ron thats what I'm talkin bout ya hear?".   Shirley Lumpis of Staten Island was also in the Superba bar in the table across from Mr Loconsolo with her friends Gertie, and Gimble.  " We cam hee-yah to watch the action.  And that game against the Iron Horses was good too, tee-hee".  Bars around New York reported sales increases during the Brooklyn Cooperstown series.  The ratings and crowds may be quite high again for the upcoming Wild card round.  Can Brooklyn pull it off? Manager Marc Wass thinks so.

Worst to First- The Iron Horse Turnaround

Cooperstown - After enduring a heartbreaking game 163 loss to the eventual 2010 CBA champion Indiana Redbirds, Iron Horse fans watched as the entire roster was torn down and rebuilt from scratch. “We knew our team was getting older and our window to win a championship had closed.” Cooperstown GM Jon Stamets stated.  “We needed to bring in some young blood, and with that comes growing pains.”  There were indeed growing pains as Horse fans saw even more of their stars shipped off at the deadline on their way to a 110 loss season. 
 

However one thing was obvious to Stamets, “We had pitching and draft picks coming out of our ears.” In fact, they had 11 capable starting pitchers on their roster and with SP at a premium; this opened the flood gates for one of the most active off-seasons in Cooperstown history.  “We had a solid team of youngsters, but with 7 picks in the first 3 rounds and a lot of depth we knew we could make a big splash.” 
 

It was a Prince Fielder cannon ball type splash.

Over the next few months Iron Horse fans saw 16 trades with 11 different teams empty their stockpile of draft picks and young talent.  However, there was a buzz in Cooperstown as they witnessed press conference after press conference introducing their new superstars.  Cliff Lee and Tim Hudson were added to the rotation and sluggers Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart were added to the lineup.   
 

2012 wouldn’t be a disappointment.  Kemp and Gonzalez went on to mash 89 combined HR’s and the team hit .291 as a whole.  New acquisitions Hudson and Lee anchored the pitching staff that saw Jered Weaver and Madison Bumgarner enjoy breakout seasons combining for 40 wins. Javier Vazquez, in what he has announced will be his final season, cut his 6.43 ERA from 2011 in half to 3.09.  After seeing triple digits in losses just last season, the Iron Horses accomplished that feat in the win column, racking up 101 of them to eke out a division title by one game over the mighty Superbas. 
 

When asked if the 2012 offseason would be as busy as it was in 2011, Stamets replied, “We’ll see, but at this point we’re concentrating on the postseason.  We’ll worry about the offseason in the offseason.” 


Bryan Bashers 2012  1st Playoff appearance!
 
Pitching and Defense was the name of the game in 2012 for the Bryan Bashers.  With the move out of the hitter friendly Clemente to the Pitcher friendly Staub, Bryan was able to deal with the loss of a DH with relative ease.  Continuing their recent trend of improving pitching (this 2012 marks the 4th year in a row that Bryan has lowered their ERA from the previous year, from 5.53 in 2008 to 3.45 this year), Bryan set several team records in pitching, the most significant in many eyes was the record 23.56% IRSC% (only 45 of 191 inherited runners scored on Bryan in 2012.  Bryan also set a team record for fewest errors at 87.  The dominant pitching and Defense was needed, as the anemic offense set many team record lows..Runs scored (643) AB (5477) Triples (16) and OPS (.705)--and just missing the record low in HR (from 2011) by just one HR.  Bryan did manage a very respectable 86.6% Stolen base percentage with only 9 CS vs. 58 SB  
 
Key additions were
Josh Tomlin, who was 2nd in wins (12) and 2nd in era (2.99) for the team. Acquired last offseason in a trade with Cooperstown.
 
Pablo Sandoval, a draft day trade, that anchored what offense Bryan did have (33HR, .996 OPS)
 
Joaquin Benoit, acquired in May, help shore up an already deep pen, with a 1.97 ERA.
 
Amazingly, Jason Isringhausen brought in 25 saves in 27 opportunities after being drafted in the 10th round.
 
Bryan jumped to an early lead in the Rogers division, with over .600 winning percentage by mid season.  Then they managed to ride out the big start to finish 5 games over Maine by the end of the regular Season, earning their first ever Playoff appearance and 2nd best record of all time with 87 wins. (the 2007 Bryan Bashers ended up with a 92-71 record, having tied Philly for the wild card and losing the game 163 tie breaker).
 
Congratulations to all that have made the playoffs this year, and good luck!  It's been a wild season, and the playoffs surely will be more of the same!

 

Getz To Miss Postseason

Montreal- After four seasons, the Montreal Crows will make their first appearance in the postseason after winning the Dawson division crown. After four seasons in the Crows organization, third with the big club, infielder Chris Getz will be relegated to dugout cheerleader due to a pulled hamstring.
     "I am so disappointed, you have no idea," said Getz. "It's ridiculous. You think of how many times you run the bases. Sometimes you go real hard on some plays, especially coming home. But it wasn't even that kind of play. Y'know, just run home."
     In the eighth inning of last Monday's 3-1 loss to the Belfast Brawlers, Getz entered the game as a pinch-hitter for reliever Fautino De Los Santos. After he drew a walk and stole second, Todd Helton slashed a two-out double to the left field gap. It was a play on which Getz would have easily scored, but rounding third he pulled up favoring his right leg. He managed to hobble his way to the plate, then went to the ground and was helped off the field by team trainer Basil Fawlty and J.J. Hardy who was on deck during the play.
     "We've had a great season," added Getz. "It's gonna be tough to have to sit this out. This is what you work for, a chance to do something special. All I can do now is cheer the guys on."
     In a platoon role with Jeff Keppinger, Getz hit .257 and stole 25 bases while providing solid defense at second. No doubt the dimensional aspect that he has brought to the team will be missed. To replace him, however, the Crows have decided to add a third catcher to the postseason roster instead of another infielder. With multi-positional players Todd Frazier and Nick Punto backing up in the infield, manager Robert Brunet has elected to add rookie sensation Salvador Perez.
     "My dad wants Perez, he gets Perez," was GM Doug Brunet's answer as to why. "Besides, I think the kid deserves it after what he's done. He can flat out hit. I don't know if he'll start, he's just 22 years old. But, dad believes he can be a threat off the bench in a late inning situation. So, we're going with him."
     Perez was drafted fourth overall by Montreal in March of this year. After lighting it up in Halifax, he was called up in late July when Lou Marson went on the disabled list. After a bit of a slow start at the major league level, Perez finished the season riding a ten game hitting streak with a .321 average, 1 homer, and 14 RBI.
     Regarding the pitchers, Brunet will shorten the rotation a little to allow staff ace James Shields to take the ball as often as possible. Of course, Shields will start game 1 in the division series against the Bryan Bashers that looks to be shaping up as a battle of pitching staffs. Lefty Derek Holland will get the ball in game 2, and Jordan Zimmermann is slated for game 3. The intention at that point is to have Shields go on 3 days rest in game 4, so he would be able to do the same again if the series goes to a 7th game. Holland will start game 5 or 6 depending on how he bounces back from his game 2 start, with either righty Dillon Gee or lefty Paul Maholm starting the other game. The short rotation gives Brunet the extra pullpen arms of the latter two, particularly Maholm adding to southpaws Rafael Perez and Tom Gorzelanny. 
     The Crows have plenty of time to deliberate strategy. The series with Bryan will begin on Tuesday, October 9th at Oscar Peterson Memorial Stadium. Before that, however, the wild card series between crosstown rival Longue Pointe Loggers and Carter division runner up Lake County Leopards will be decided to see which team faces the conference incumbent San Diego Surf. 
     With two teams going into the postseason, the city is abuzz with talk of baseball and hopes of an inter-city series for the Staub conference championship.

L

"The Legend Of Donnybrook"

Legend has it that the word describes the time back in 2004

when a clueless Irish guy from out of town named Donny 
went into a crowded bar and grill near the Brooklyn Bridge 
known as Da Greasy Spoon Saloon at the height of Happy Hour
AND rush hour had a few mugs of Steeplechase brews. 
 
Watching the CBA World Series playing on the TV above the bar,
Donny loudly (and carelessly) said some disparaging words
about the local CBA franchise that just happened to be at bat
that very moment. 
 
The enraged partisan barflies instantly Twittered and texted
a flash mob summons.  Within seconds the entire populace
of the borough converged on said watering hole and proceeded
to thoroughly and firmly, but violently, explain the incorrect syntax,
grammatical errors, and most especially the poor and inaccurate
word choices of Donny's remarks by using Donny's entire body
as a metaphor to diagram and correct his multiple verbal faux pas.
 
Having purged him of his anti-Superba bias (as well as most of his
consciousness and stomach contents) the crowd deemed it
appropriate that Donny should be "re-born" and, carrying Donny
over their heads and shoulders like a rock star in a mosh pit,
trooped their way to the Brooklyn Bridge where they gleefully
baptized him in the murky waters of the East River below.
 
Following the Superba triumph in the Series that very night,
the current logo was commissioned. 
 
People have often remarked about the Superba logo
and the meaning of the little blemish seen in the
lower right edge. 
 
Historians have postulated that it is a symbolic reference
to the legendary Steve Brody, but in explaining the meaning
of the word DONNYBROOK (as it applies to CBA fans 
in Brooklyn anyway), the origins of that curious mark
have never been revealed....
 
UNTIL NOW...

 
It is early morning here in Renton, WA aka Skokie, IL
I just read the news today (oh boy) of San Diego's victory
of Longue Pointe to be our fourth team to survive to the
conference championship round

It is natural for us to focus on the remaining teams
as we wait to see who will face each other in the
CBA World Series -

at this juncture we have 3 teams who have never won
and one who has won (Philly) what 3 or 4 times, we
recall our WS visit against Philly in I think it was
2007 losing in six games and here we are again
for another chance

but before I speak and share some thoughts (this is
all propaganda of course to get things juicy as we
enter the next round, some postering, the usual
for the Wolf Guys) I want to once again acknowledge
and honor the six friends who were part of our party
who are now on the sidelines

Of course expanding to 10 playoffs teams I believe
was a good thing, it gave more teams a chance to
make the playoffs and we had five of those 50%
who had not had a chance before - it seems to have
worked too in the MLB as St.Louis who might be
in the series (similar to Philly in the CBA) would not
have had a chance without the extra slot

so we miss our friends in Brooklyn, Lake County,
Bryan, Cooperstown, Longue Pointe and Stirling,
while you might feel a bit disappointed you couldn't
go farther this year, you all did a hell of a job and
should be proud, as we all know only one can be
champion - and to do this is no easy task as Skokie
has experienced in our two unsuccessful bids to the show

what I can tell you is usually the team that wins at the
end may not have the best team on paper or with the
best record, its who is hot - and perhaps knows some
strategies to defeat their opponents working with the game

I can tell you when I have played the board game at tournaments,
I didn't have a prayer - all the strategies I remembered from the less
advanced board games or the computer game, didn't even help
me to finish at .500 in the two tournaments I played, although
I occasionally beat a good player

So we now have Montreal and San Diego - history would favor
San Diego but I played Montreal in Exhibition and got beat so
good pitching and defense in a short series can prove victorious,
this was a strategy we tried early in our history and while we
did get to the playoffs we couldn't get far so you have to have
patience for it to work and it seems Mr. Doug has it so it
could be surprising what happens here.

Of course Skokie has something to prove - Philly, thanks to
the new playoff system just makes it in - with the worse record
in the Clemente Conference - that when the Playoffs come,
the record means nothing - everything is reset and since
Philly has already been champion before, its just another
day at the office for GM Rob Hite - you notice Rob is very
humble, I noticed this during the banter between him and
the Boss, the Wass in their playoff series - always letting
others know he isn't sure if he can do it but goes ahead
and does it anyway - there is something of winning which
he understands, kind of like a personal secret, which is
why he is able to win or be there at the end - plus he
has a way to pull off bringing in the best young players,
look at his current roster

Billingsley, Castro, Craig, Cruz, Greinke, Hosmer,
Longoria, Lynn, Morrow, Morse, Verlander, Zobrist

this is why he stays good - its difficult to keep a team
successful from year to year - every year some key players
are injured or have a down year - we know and the only reason
why Skokie keeps showing up in the playoff is we trade -
we try every which way to bring a balanced team to the field
but one year, this method won't work and it could set us back
years

 

In round 1 of the Staub Playoffs, Doug Brunet's Montreal Crows swept past Cory Light's Bryan Bashers behind superior pitching in tight ball games.  Both first time managers, but someone had to win.  Montreal will play against the LP vs. SD winner.  Rob Hite's Philly Phantastics defeated Malachi Nellum's Stirling RedSox 4 games to 3 in an epic and well played series.  The Skokie Wolfmen defeated the Cooperstown Iron Horses 4 games to 1.  Wolfman is looking at yet another Conference final to add to his resume. 

This is where the big boys meet and play.  The dedicated, the lucky, the astute, the confident, the best in CBA ball for 2012.  Last year Saw Brooklyn Defeat San Diego in 5 games for the 2011 Championship as Miguel Cabrera dominated the post season like no other has since.  Cabrera had 10 HR's and led his team.  Who will this years hero be?  We saw magnificent perfomances so far that will be archived for future reference.  Performances Like Johnny Cueto's shutout over Longue Pointe on opening day.  Eric Hosmer single handedly destroying Brooklyn's dream of repeat with 5 HR's in a 3 game wildcard. Montreal terrorizing the Bashers behind masterful pitching by James Shields.  Allen Craig's timely PH.  Nyger Morgan's .469 batting average leading Longue Point over deep into the 2nd round.  Billy Butlers 13 hits and .409 BA for Stirling vs Philly.  Sandoval's 3 HR's for Bryan.  Jared Weaver's gem vs red hot Skokie for Cooperstown.  Perhaps not many bigger highs and lows than we saw in the LP-SD series which turned after an 8th Inning boot by Yunel Escobar in g5.  The hero, Nick Hundley with a long Homer to win the series for San Diego against the speedy small ball artistry of the Loggers. 

Now we have two repeaters looking for their opportunity for gold.  We have GM Doug Brunet who makes his first appearance in the final four.  The Skokie Wolfman.  Veteran GM with a record of success each year.  He has been to the dance, but unable to claim the ring.  There's CBA legend Rob Hite.  All Hite does is win.  We learned in 2012, never count Philly out.  He even threw down the towel so he says.  A towel chuck right into the playoffs ala Indiana.  Seems to work in Clemente.  Hite is a 3 time champion looking for his fourth.  In CBA Jeff Boutet has 3, Bob Fidler 3, Marc Wass 2, Jack Jung 1, Dennis Concepcion 1, among active GM's.  Although some forget the losers, no Finals runner up is a loser.  No shame losing in the Conf Champ.  Only shame if your a former champion who gets blown out in 3 straight in the wild card round.  Staub has last won a World Championship in 2005 when Dennis defeated Rob Hite, the year of Miracle Mirabelli and Ichiro's  series and GW HR.  Clemente has dominated since then.
Rounding out the managers is the long time veteran Joe Wallace.  Joe Wallace has built a long runniing dominant franchise in San Diego.  Holder of the all time best season with 122 wins, San Diego and Wallace have been there and paid some heavy dues, slowly building up from first round and outs, the game 7's in the second round a few years back (Archives has it), and finally a Staub Championship and World Series appearance.  After last years disappointment, Wallace revamped his squad, and brought aboard the powerful Mike Stanton sending King Felix to New Jersey where Hernandez helped improve their record from last year.  Wallace vowed to add power and did.  He seeks yet another series appearance after his hard fought battle vs Longue Pt. 

 
 
Superbas claim New York!
 (AP) September 29th 2012  CBA©  Offices New York, NY all rights reserved.    
"...And they danced, like a wave on the ocean...they romanced and they danced the night..." from Rockaway Beach in Queens to Manhattan's rediculous Upper West Side, all of New Yorks eyes are on the Brooklyn Borough's Superbas.  But the rest of the borooughs have cashed in on "SuperMania".  The Superbas have become New Yorks City's favorite, especially after last years heart stopping and spectacular World Series win.   Playoff and Series MVP Miguel MVP Cabrera yesterday led a team rally in Brooklyn's own Prospect Park near Grand Army Plaza that blocked traffic on Flatbush Avenue all the way down Flatbush avenue extension to the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan's Chinatown.  Cabrera hit that famous 1 out 9th inning HR to tie and ultimately win the Division playoffs in 7 games from arch rival Philly Phantastics.  Cabrera the Grand Poobah of today's rally said " We like to thank our fans very much.  Salud!  Brooklyn!"   Disgruntled High Bridge fans protested the rally.   High Bridge is New Yorks other team in the area, but the fans are not amused by the antics of loyal Brooklyn fans.  Said cab driver Shetstaen Alfyasal "These animaux they crazy.  Make celebrate party by punch each other face in happy way.   I'm going home now its too much.  My team the Heaters and this is not good for me..."  Joey Loconsolo of Brooklyn's Bay Ridge section was in the 3rd Ave "Brooklyn Superba" bar when the announcement that Brooklyn won the home wild card seat was made by the bar tender whose identity must remain anonymous.  Said Joey, "Mink-ya...Min...I mean thats my boys.  Got that Jeter going off, with Cabrera, and Braun, Mah-ron thats what I'm talkin bout ya hear?".   Shirley Lumpis of Staten Island was also in the Superba bar in the table across from Mr Loconsolo with her friends Gertie, and Gimble.  " We cam hee-yah to watch the action.  And that game against the Iron Horses was good too, tee-hee".  Bars around New York reported sales increases during the Brooklyn Cooperstown series.  The ratings and crowds may be quite high again for the upcoming Wild card round.  Can Brooklyn pull it off? Manager Marc Wass thinks so.
 

Worst to First- The Iron Horse Turnaround
 


 

Cooperstown - After enduring a heartbreaking game 163 loss to the eventual 2010 CBA champion Indiana Redbirds, Iron Horse fans watched as the entire roster was torn down and rebuilt from scratch. “We knew our team was getting older and our window to win a championship had closed.” Cooperstown GM Jon Stamets stated.  “We needed to bring in some young blood, and with that comes growing pains.”  There were indeed growing pains as Horse fans saw even more of their stars shipped off at the deadline on their way to a 110 loss season. 
 


 

However one thing was obvious to Stamets, “We had pitching and draft picks coming out of our ears.” In fact, they had 11 capable starting pitchers on their roster and with SP at a premium; this opened the flood gates for one of the most active off-seasons in Cooperstown history.  “We had a solid team of youngsters, but with 7 picks in the first 3 rounds and a lot of depth we knew we could make a big splash.” 
 


 

It was a Prince Fielder cannon ball type splash.


 

Over the next few months Iron Horse fans saw 16 trades with 11 different teams empty their stockpile of draft picks and young talent.  However, there was a buzz in Cooperstown as they witnessed press conference after press conference introducing their new superstars.  Cliff Lee and Tim Hudson were added to the rotation and sluggers Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart were added to the lineup.   
 


 

2012 wouldn’t be a disappointment.  Kemp and Gonzalez went on to mash 89 combined HR’s and the team hit .291 as a whole.  New acquisitions Hudson and Lee anchored the pitching staff that saw Jered Weaver and Madison Bumgarner enjoy breakout seasons combining for 40 wins. Javier Vazquez, in what he has announced will be his final season, cut his 6.43 ERA from 2011 in half to 3.09.  After seeing triple digits in losses just last season, the Iron Horses accomplished that feat in the win column, racking up 101 of them to eke out a division title by one game over the mighty Superbas. 
 


 

When asked if the 2012 offseason would be as busy as it was in 2011, Stamets replied, “We’ll see, but at this point we’re concentrating on the postseason.  We’ll worry about the offseason in the offseason.” 

 


Bryan Bashers 2012  1st Playoff appearance!
 
Pitching and Defense was the name of the game in 2012 for the Bryan Bashers.  With the move out of the hitter friendly Clemente to the Pitcher friendly Staub, Bryan was able to deal with the loss of a DH with relative ease.  Continuing their recent trend of improving pitching (this 2012 marks the 4th year in a row that Bryan has lowered their ERA from the previous year, from 5.53 in 2008 to 3.45 this year), Bryan set several team records in pitching, the most significant in many eyes was the record 23.56% IRSC% (only 45 of 191 inherited runners scored on Bryan in 2012.  Bryan also set a team record for fewest errors at 87.  The dominant pitching and Defense was needed, as the anemic offense set many team record lows..Runs scored (643) AB (5477) Triples (16) and OPS (.705)--and just missing the record low in HR (from 2011) by just one HR.  Bryan did manage a very respectable 86.6% Stolen base percentage with only 9 CS vs. 58 SB  
 
Key additions were
Josh Tomlin, who was 2nd in wins (12) and 2nd in era (2.99) for the team. Acquired last offseason in a trade with Cooperstown.
 
Pablo Sandoval, a draft day trade, that anchored what offense Bryan did have (33HR, .996 OPS)
 
Joaquin Benoit, acquired in May, help shore up an already deep pen, with a 1.97 ERA.
 
Amazingly, Jason Isringhausen brought in 25 saves in 27 opportunities after being drafted in the 10th round.
 
Bryan jumped to an early lead in the Rogers division, with over .600 winning percentage by mid season.  Then they managed to ride out the big start to finish 5 games over Maine by the end of the regular Season, earning their first ever Playoff appearance and 2nd best record of all time with 87 wins. (the 2007 Bryan Bashers ended up with a 92-71 record, having tied Philly for the wild card and losing the game 163 tie breaker).
 
Congratulations to all that have made the playoffs this year, and good luck!  It's been a wild season, and the playoffs surely will be more of the same!

 

Getz To Miss Postseason

Montreal- After four seasons, the Montreal Crows will make their first appearance in the postseason after winning the Dawson division crown. After four seasons in the Crows organization, third with the big club, infielder Chris Getz will be relegated to dugout cheerleader due to a pulled hamstring.
     "I am so disappointed, you have no idea," said Getz. "It's ridiculous. You think of how many times you run the bases. Sometimes you go real hard on some plays, especially coming home. But it wasn't even that kind of play. Y'know, just run home."
     In the eighth inning of last Monday's 3-1 loss to the Belfast Brawlers, Getz entered the game as a pinch-hitter for reliever Fautino De Los Santos. After he drew a walk and stole second, Todd Helton slashed a two-out double to the left field gap. It was a play on which Getz would have easily scored, but rounding third he pulled up favoring his right leg. He managed to hobble his way to the plate, then went to the ground and was helped off the field by team trainer Basil Fawlty and J.J. Hardy who was on deck during the play.
     "We've had a great season," added Getz. "It's gonna be tough to have to sit this out. This is what you work for, a chance to do something special. All I can do now is cheer the guys on."
     In a platoon role with Jeff Keppinger, Getz hit .257 and stole 25 bases while providing solid defense at second. No doubt the dimensional aspect that he has brought to the team will be missed. To replace him, however, the Crows have decided to add a third catcher to the postseason roster instead of another infielder. With multi-positional players Todd Frazier and Nick Punto backing up in the infield, manager Robert Brunet has elected to add rookie sensation Salvador Perez.
     "My dad wants Perez, he gets Perez," was GM Doug Brunet's answer as to why. "Besides, I think the kid deserves it after what he's done. He can flat out hit. I don't know if he'll start, he's just 22 years old. But, dad believes he can be a threat off the bench in a late inning situation. So, we're going with him."
     Perez was drafted fourth overall by Montreal in March of this year. After lighting it up in Halifax, he was called up in late July when Lou Marson went on the disabled list. After a bit of a slow start at the major league level, Perez finished the season riding a ten game hitting streak with a .321 average, 1 homer, and 14 RBI.
     Regarding the pitchers, Brunet will shorten the rotation a little to allow staff ace James Shields to take the ball as often as possible. Of course, Shields will start game 1 in the division series against the Bryan Bashers that looks to be shaping up as a battle of pitching staffs. Lefty Derek Holland will get the ball in game 2, and Jordan Zimmermann is slated for game 3. The intention at that point is to have Shields go on 3 days rest in game 4, so he would be able to do the same again if the series goes to a 7th game. Holland will start game 5 or 6 depending on how he bounces back from his game 2 start, with either righty Dillon Gee or lefty Paul Maholm starting the other game. The short rotation gives Brunet the extra pullpen arms of the latter two, particularly Maholm adding to southpaws Rafael Perez and Tom Gorzelanny. 
     The Crows have plenty of time to deliberate strategy. The series with Bryan will begin on Tuesday, October 9th at Oscar Peterson Memorial Stadium. Before that, however, the wild card series between crosstown rival Longue Pointe Loggers and Carter division runner up Lake County Leopards will be decided to see which team faces the conference incumbent San Diego Surf. 
     With two teams going into the postseason, the city is abuzz with talk of baseball and hopes of an inter-city series for the Staub conference championship.

 
Pitchers
James Shields
Derek Holland
Jordan Zimmermann
Paul Maholm (designated starter for relief)
Dillon Gee
Tom Gorzelanny
Michael Stutes
Rafael Perez
Wilton Lopez
David Robertson
Mark Melancon

 
Catchers
Yorvit Torrealba
Lou Marson
Salvador Perez

 
Infielders
Todd Helton
Jeff Keppinger
J.J. Hardy
Alberto Callaspo
Nick Punto
Todd Frazier

 
Outfielders
Will Venable
Caneron Maybin
Jeff Francoeur
Tony Gwynn
Juan Rivera

 

Great Season once again.  With the playoffs in the books and balloting and cuts upon us look back on the past season.

The Clemente division last year was a battle with Brooklyn winning 106, and Newton a wild card and championship.  This year the Middlesex Generals leveled and exceeded the playing field, by winning the Parker division.  The Generals led by Frank Berta took care of business taking over 1st place March 28th, their 4th game, and never looked back.  They set the pace by sweeping Brooklyn in Block 1.  That was all she wrote.  Berta led his team all the way to their first playoff series win in the divional series against a well stocked Cooperstown team.  Cooperstown having won the Monday division, lost in 5 to the Generals in a hard fought and close set.  The bullpen led by Edwin Diaz, held the fearsom Iron Horse lineups in check in the late innings when it counted the most in the final games that the Gen's Snell and Lauer started effectively.

But the stunning and now legendary Conference final was wild, a CBA classic against Philly in which the Generals won 3 of the first 5 games. Bloke Snell was dominant 3-0, and in game 6 and 7 the Generals couldn't score against the Philly bullpen led by Dominguez (11 total lights out appearances in PO).  In game 6 so close in extra innings, Philly relievers held on, and Philly won 2-1 in 11 innings.  It was that close for Middlesex to get to the World Series. With Philly's miracle of game 6, game 7 saw the momentum swing in an even series.  The Philly offense awoke for 9 runs, and the Clemente title.  Philly would later defeat the New Jersey Beatles in the WS.

The Generals led by Ace Blake Snell 16-7  2.67 ERA, Jameson Taillon 12-9   3.36, and Edwin Diaz 2-2 0.53 46sv, who was spectacular in the playoffs as well.  The pitching led by the aces, also boasted solid middle performances by Jefferies, Stanek, and Casilla to hold the late games in place.  Diaz 'Generally' closed the door.  A total offensive effort, though not the best in the Conference, but adequate with JP Realmuto 24 HR 85 RBI .309, with the to boot being  8 triples.  MIddlesex completed a succesful year.

The Brooklyn Superbas dropped 19 wins in the standings, although barely making their way into the second wild card spot.  Not the strongest Brooklyn team ever.  Certainly compared to the powerhouse 106 win team of 2018, and Parker titles, and Clenete, WS championships of the past.   It's been 8 years since Brooklyn has last made it to the WS.  This year the Superbas finally had what they sore need back in '18, pitching. Starting pitching as good as any in CBA, and at the legendary CBA "House Of Pain".  The ballpark that opponents dread playing, in and Brooklyn fans embrace, the Superbas led by the now injured and ineligible Cory 'K' Kluber who was 16-7  3.09 222 K's many in Coors field. 1st round pick Trevore Williams had an impressive rookie campaign 13-6 3.81 ERA to head a staff that had Greinke 10-11  4.46 187 K, and Marquez 1-13 4.07 195 K's, Kimbrel 2.85 13 sv .  The pen only allowed .271 of inherited runners to score despite a .683 X defense.  The Coors inflated numbers not withstanding, a good effort for a team with a middling offense .263 178 HR, whose leading power hitters Braun 22 HR 74 RBI .265, since traded David Freese 19 HR,  and Adam Duval 16 HR.  Brooklyn's 90 SB led by Ahmed Rosario's 29 SB were second in Clemente to Skokie.

The Newton Bombs stayed as one of CBA winningest franchises although were unable to achieve their lofty position of the previous year.  With competition firce and ginning for the champion,  some of the Newton players didn't reach some their projected levels.  Aside from good years from David Peralta 23 HR 69 RBI  .291, and the popular Nick Catellanos 17HR 56 RBI .296, their was a sharp dropoff in offense after those players. A team .316 OBA and .384 slg, made it tougher in the DH conference.

Despite playing  half the games in the SF Giants park, the Bombs, are looking towards better performances in '20.  The Newton pitching remains largely the same although the injured Carrasco needs a year to recoup.  Chris Sale was a dominiant ace again 17-4 2.69 ERA 231 K's merits Cy consideration. Betances 2-4  1.56 25 sv since traded to Brooklyn, and and Aroldys Chapman  3-1  3.13 17 saves were a deadly late inning lights out combo.  The goat were Ronson award candidate Randy Hendricks 13-18 4.37, and Kurton Clayshaw er Clayton Kershaw 9-11 3.49 ERA.  Hector Carrasco used mainly in long relief, pitched 111 appearances all in relief, was 9-5  3.47 3 sv in 191 IP with 230 K's!   The team defense .74% X was about 3/10 of a point above average.

The Monday division wound up in Jon Stamets Cooperstown hands after some noise made from some other teams.  The Iron Horses trade and put themselves in the best position they could to get into the elite playoffs.  A former champion, Jon usually finds a way to at least get there and take his shots.  The Horses had 251 homers 11 guys over double digits, and clubbed opponents despite a .251 BA.  Encarnacion hit 34 HR 85 RBI .219, Semien 19 HR 80 RBI .276 but 29 errBaez ors and a .687 X rating, Acuna 22 HR 70 .269.  Yadi had 18 HR at catcher.  Of note Matt Carpenter who has been in CBA trade talks, led the team with 15 sacrifice bunts.

  The pitching staff saw Zack Wheeler 11-7 3.05 in 150 IP, Cole 12-10 3.13, and Trevor Bauer acquired from Newton for Clayshaw went 13-8  3.57.  The staff was not helped by the teams abyssmal .704 team x rating among the lowest.  To think how many more wins had the defense been able to turn double plays instead of hitting into them, only +3 on the season.  The bad range ratings do not help. A .552 X rating in the playoffs took it's ultimate toll in an otherwise succesful season for Jon Stamets.  The team has talent and is willing to trade it, so one never knows how the Iton Horse will turn out next season.

   Skokie has had a nice rising trend since beginning their rebuild two seasons ago.  Last year, Skokie held first place from March 26th through July 3rd before being over taken by  CTown. Still they made the playoffs.  Unfortunately, Skokie's usage was over extended by season end.  Many of their players were not eligible, and with so many players not, the Commisioner allowed them to participate rather than to have his team walk over in a forfeit.

The players are hitting their prime, and Skokie has more talent in the wings and baking in the minors.  Chuck Furlong managed this potent offense with a .331 OBA and high .456 slug.  240 homers 10 guys in double digits, and speed too 112 SB.   3 guys over 25 SB.  Inciarte 7 62 .267 37sb, Story 30 100 .300 25sb, and Baez 31 100 .280 24sb.  The pitching was pretty poor this year with a team led by Chris Archer 17-8 3.92 ERA.  The team ERA was 4.46 pretty substandard so the offense bailed them out.  The bullpen only had a team leading 11 saves from Nathan Eovaldi of all people.  Although win totals may show a succesful year for Skokie, the fact of gross over usage mars any support of this being a successful season for the Wolfmen.  The league requires it should not occur in the future or the team (or any) risk being made non eligible for post season.

Ohio has made improvements to their team and it showed in the standings in 2019 being on the fringe of the second wildcard race late season.  Once again the Outlawz pitching staff kept their very potent Clemente style offense working to gain any wins.  The lighter fluid (5.01 ERA) staff had no performances to speak of other than horror and humiliation for this once championship franchise.  Chalie Morton can not do it forever and he at was 11-8  4.57 as the ace.  Arodys Vizcaino's 12 saves led the team.  Acquiring Machado was big for Ohio.  His 27 HR 101 RBI .268, alongside Freeman .307, Shin Choo .291 24 HR, Posey 7 HR .301, and  Aldemys Diaz 15 HR .296 made Ohio a scary team especially in extra innings where they were 9 and 2!  The team had a .343 OBA, and 450 Slg.  .180 ISO Pwr is excellent, and signals the best Ohio offense many years. Glenn has won the CBA Trophy before 5 years ago.  You can bet with some great MLOR picks, Ohio fans look ahead to their future.  Glenn Kenan will be ready to compete.

   Hard times have fallen on the once proud Carolina franchise.  The team has been saddled with draft pick loss, and some players not living up to their lofty expectations. A .327 OBA and .380 slug are a long way from the playoff years.  The pitchers sans the late Skaggs 11-8,  who are talented and of high pedigree just haven't developed yet, and the team has dipped in the standings.  Scott Kenan did draft plenty of top choice future talent which should help in a couple of years, but until then, it will be up to the MLB stars to reach their potential then Carolina will rebound if they sit tight.  Joey Gallo gained competence defensively in the OF and at 1B. Well he did go nuts slugging 48 HR and 138 RBI for a 4.0 WAR.  On the other hand Erik Kratz 1 HR 9 RBI .209 was a reserve catcher.  Stark contrast which shows nothing and has no relevance much like Carolina this season.  More penalties don't bode well for the listless Copperheads.

The Schmidt was all about Philadelphia who we chronicled in an earlier Newsletter.  The Trophy winning Rob Hite has built the ultimate franchise.  A worthy CBA team to represent the best of us moving forward.  We honor Rob's 4th championship. We are seeing a great franchise.   112 wins a league leading .275 BA, team 3.83 ERA 242 HR in a down offensive year, with a high 942 runs.  Philly had a true two way player with Otani.  6-3 5.12, but his paired with his offense in 300+ Ab .312 23 HR 63 RBI he was a force in reserve roles.  Ground breaking.   Trade rumors swirl around Nelson Cruz 39 HR 121 RBI .287  he of one way offense, has hiked his career totals to .278 343 HR 924 RBI.  5 guys over 20 HR.  Harper 43 HR 100 RBI hit well despite a low BA.  His presence protected the others in the lineup.  Trea Turner .282 21HR 96 RBI and flawless defense at a tough position had a 7.0 WAR, however the story wasn't the offense.

Two big big aces.  Jake-a-nola.  Deadly Jake 2.35 19-4, Dastardly Nola 2.42 20-3.  Cy candidates, but who was better? 39 wins between them a significant difference for Philly in '19.  Will Smith 'hitched' together 23 saves for the Phun Phans. Old King Cole Hamels went 16-10 despte a gaudy 5+ ERA.  55 team saves reinforced a team approach for the great Phantastics.

   Malachi Nellum's Red Sox 81-81 competed for the second wildcard again this year. The Sox didn't quite have the same offense as in years past, but the leagues offense numbers seem be down for 2019 season over all.  That is sure to change next year as the rediculous Selig express has allowed juiced baseball to mask cheating scandals and a diminishing fan base as the game has priced itself out from the youth.  Stirling still had enough offense to be near the top batting .263 with 185 homers.  The team allowed a .251 BA against.  Some difficult defense numbers with 102 errors, but some improvement is showing in the pitching staff compared with years past.  Severino 15-11 3.94 234 K's led the improved starting staff.  Berrios 12-5, Godley 11-12, and Minor 10-10 3.98.  The bulpen's .304 IRSC meant they allowed 30% of inherited runners to score compared with the league average of .303, about average despite Kenley's 26 saves .206 IRSC and only 3 blown saves for an .897 sv%.  Kenley always seems to be on the trade block despite his effectiveness.

   Lorenzo Cain 118 runs 11 HR 57 RBI 23 SB .345 is on the MVP ballot carrying the teams offense.  Relatively speaking Cain had a tremendous impact on his teams 81 wins with a 7.6 WAR! Cody Bellinger 25 HR 111 RBI .276 had a solid if not spectacular year.  Malachi has mastered the draft acquiring Joey Wendle .325 Lourdes Gurriel .319, D Santana .310. M Adams 21 HR, and Schwarber 27 HR's.  Stirling looks ready into the future. 

  Jack Jung's Ottawa Otters was  led by the Whole @&% Show Mike Trout  .286 33 HR 82.  71 wins is a recent low point for the once playoff inspred Otters.  To make things more complex, Adrian Beltre, who was drafted by Ottawa way back in 1999 as the first pick in the draft by Dan DiVirgilio's Mackinaw Breakers has retired after 20 years, His career numbers include a BA of .288 +390 HR 1,472 RBI .341 OBA 2,583 hits,  1,251 runs, 548 doubles plus gold glove defense.  His steady card will be missed.  Although their record is down, Ottawa still has a few good players on the roster to help compete, but as the shows age and wear n tear, will Ottawa be competive in '20?.

New Hampshire.  After reaching the ultra highs of the Conference finals in '18, the Wildcats took a severe tumble in '19 dropping to 67 wins.  Mr. Brazeau will not tolerate such foolishness and has embarked on some team building acquiring Jean Segura 8 HR 60 RBI .300 39sb.  This years offense was middle of the road, with 147 HR .247 BA.  Mitch Haniger hit 14 64 .304. Myckhyl Franco 18 65 .288.   Jake Cave 10 35 .305 in his first year. Not bad, but not enough to compete in Clemente.New Hampshires bullpen was the best part of the team with Cole, Castillo, and the released Chris Bassitt showing solid numbers in set up.  The Bassitt early season release may yet haunt the Wildcats.  Chris must hope that he can get rebound pitching performances form his staff.  NH hopes to use strong draft picks, and get some more major league ready talent.  They drafted plenty of good talent in the MLOR which is a few years away.

 

With offense down on the whole in 2019, the generally less offensively prolific Staub Conference had it’s share of playoff drama within the Black N Blue Rogers division and wildcard shuffles.  Please read the entire newsletter beofre tour Votes are due. Ballots will be released this week.

I just completed an total statsitical analysis of CBA’s last 23 seasons. I will post the new findings and latest ground breaking long term statistics shortly afer this Newsletter.

Looking at the numbers in CBA over some time.  It’s startling….This year was CBA’s lowest ever batting average as a league .249.  CBA averged .263 over it’s 23 seasons.  The on base 3rd lowest of all time behind 2015-6.  Slugging .410 tied for lowest all time as a league.  CBA all time has a .428 slugging pct.  In 2018 the CBA had a total .330 on base percentage.  In 2019, .321.  Slugging went from .436 down to .421.  

 Staub Conference

    The Staub Conference was led by the 100 win Towaco Wolfpack.  Kevin G held off eventual Conference champion New Jersey in the regular season.  Knowing the outcome of the playoffs and course of events, we see that another 100 win season for Towaco puts the pack among the elite CBA teams in history.   833 wins 625 losses for a .571 Win pct.  Hall of Fame material, one of CBA’s most successful franchises.  This year, Towaco held off New Jersey and Essex in the final block as they had all year to take the coveted Rogers title.  A .654 road win percentage meant success and another shot at the elusive Championship.  MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt has a sensational .324 41 HR 101 RBI season.  Yelich added a .288  27 HR 88 RBI 21 sb season to lead the offense.  The offense was powerful belting 198 HR  The team collected a .241 BA, .323 OBA, and .411 slug which in simple terms meant that they had to rely on their pitchers and their two big hitters to win them 100 ball games. A complementary  offensive crew, but this year were dependent on the big homers.  The pitching staff was tremendous establishing dominance in CBA with a team 3.28 ERA  and 1,352 K’s.  Syndergaard 11-3 2.66, Clevinger 11-9 3.28, Lopez 15-7 3.56, and Towaco veteran Marco Gonzalez 12-7  3.60 were a fearsome 4 some. Overall OP BA .238, .260 IRSC, and a miniscule 1.19 WHIP tell much of the Towaco story for 2019, regular season dominance.

   The New Jersey Beatles caught CBA off guard.  Rest assured no one will look past them for a long while.  A stunning playoff run, and a stunning playoff run put Steve Adler back in the show. To get there, they had to rely on their pitching staff as well.  The Beatles were powerful whomping  212 taters, scoring 703 runs.  The sabremetrics show a .308 oba, and only 4.32 runs of support per game.  The Beatles did steal 82 bases.  Steals are a lost art in todays baseball it seems.   Jersey’s defense wasn’t particulary efficient with a .699 Xrating.  Just a weird note, The pitching staff did lead the league with 60 Intentional walks.  The Jersey batters were walked only 30 times themselves.  No players made the top league leaders on offense and the team .163 Iso, and .718 OPS tells a story of stuggling for runs.  Yasiel Puig .292  29 HR 72 RBI  12 sb, proved to be an excellent acquistion as he was the Beatles lead guitar slinger.  Marte 22 HR 63 RBI  .282, and Raffy Devers 24 HR were strong enough to provide big homers when needed.  The teams bats cooled off in August batting only .221, but launching an impressive winning streak  to close out the second half of that month.  

Pitching however was Jerseys’s strength.  A 3.71 ERA led by Justin Verlander 16-4  3.43, and  Kyle Freeland 14-6  2.88 ERA.  A side note, Verlander manged to get a win in the last regular season block over Towaco and in the playoffs, whereas Kyle Freeland lost to title winner Towaco in the last series.  Verlander reached his 210th win against only 102 losses and 2,957 K’s, and still going.  Vasquez did it all 9-5  2.53 21 sv.  The Beatles bullpen was efficient and din’t allow opponents to score often, (.268 IRSC).   The champion Beatles took advantage of their matchups on a consistant basis.  They avoided long losing streaks, and won when they had to.

   Big Bryan Swank’s colorful Essex Escapees brought Strat-o-madness to CBA the past few years.   Ever so tough, the Escapees are building a tough competitive reputation.  The Rogers division could be one of the strongest, and Essex has a championship and close calls in the pennant chases.  Swankymodes team fights right to the end.  In the most dire of circumstances, Swank’s army fought usage issues, and to ensure the others gaming experience he completed games bunting, PH, platooning, and manipulating his team to stay CBA legal.  All the while suffering on a personal note.  He was not the only GM who did so under personal duress.  I have a great deal of respect for my GM’s, who this year were suffering personal tragedy and hardship, yet who maintained their bond with their CBA friends here.  Selfless act some made, and Bryan Swank’s dedication to his Escapees, and others playoff chances made me so proud to lead CBA.  Indeed, he gets part of my votes for GM of the year.  

Perhaps Essex would have won other divisions or made the show?  Hard to say.  Detroit and Towaco won 11-7 against Essex, but Essex shredded NJ 12-6.  This was a team that had 11 PH homers in 2019.  The Escapees did slight better +3 on road rather than at home.  Essex relied on a platoon and reserve sytem.  They gained every bit of usage they could from a total team effort which brought them to 85 wins in a tough division.  Lindor 26 HR 76 RBI 31sb  .262 BA, and Altuve 16 HR 62 RBI .313 22 Sb, generated a productive offense for Essex.  .262 team BA was the best in the division over Det,  NJ, Towaco, in fact best in the Staub Conference by a wide margin.  178 Homers, very good for a non DH team.  There was some speed too 119 Sb, including 21 by Allen.  Gorkys Hernandez belted 19 homers of the 178. The Escapees fared better against their lefty pitching competition posting a 30-19 record agains games in which a lefty started.  55-58 vs Righties The pitching stood at 3.75 which means that Essex competition in Rogers likely kept their record down a few wins. They did it in the clutch.  85 wins was well earned.  Justin Turner paid huge dividends in with a .338 11 HR 46 RBI line, Ryback Zimmerman .309 12 HR 51 RBI off the bench.  How did they lose?

Scherzer a Cy Candidate 18-8  2.73 307K in 220IP led the teams staff.  Marco Estrada added 10-4 3.38 to the mix. Cahill 9-5 3.28 part time tell half the story.  The other half was the collapse of the platoon pitchers like Edwin Jackson career 78-87  4.98 1425 IP since 2004 when he first came up with Brooklyn as a late round draft pick popnomer.  How has Jackson 2-7 4.44, stuck around CBA for so many years?  Ryan Yarbourough was pressed into starter duty pitching 23 games as a lefty starter.  Yabourough a long reliever who had the ability to turn lineups around in a hurry midway through a game, went 7-8 3.53 as mostly a starter. The pen was efficient .237 IRSC, and a team 1.22 WHIP.  So what hurt the Escapees? Seems like Detroit and Towaco were were the main culprits.

 Detroit.  Mark Holmes Wheels could be one of the toughest teams with a losing record in awhile.  78-84 but a hard fought record. Detroit had good pitching 3.75 team ERA led by Cy candidate Mike Folty 14-8  2.56 196K, and Nick Pivetta 11-6  2.86 174 K’s.  Roarke 8-15 3.95, but only 130 K’s in 180 IP.  Blake Treinen since departed in trade saved 1-2  2.53 and 25 games saved. The bullpen after Treinen was disastrous allowing 35% of their inherited runners to cross the plate.  That is deadly in later innings as the 6-8 record in extra innings and 21-22 record in 1 run games will tell you.  Detroits pitching was assisted by a stellar defense. A team .830 X rated was superb, and took away plenty of hits and turned many runs away.  Jones, Lemahiew, Crawford were a main reason why this team was so tough.  In a perhaps the toughest division. 

Detroit’s offense suffered from a lack of hits and on base.  The .300 OBA and .378 were sparse at best generating absolutely no runs. Outside the occasional homer.  .143 Iso Power, and 150 homers.  Max Muncy hit 35 of them.  Lamahieu added 11 HR 49 RBI and a .260 BA which was a let down but better times are ahead.  There’s some talent here especially in the pitching staff.  Detroit got nice bounce back years from LaMahieu, Wainwright, Lamet, Roark, Eaton, and Pujols.  Some young talent like young Ronny Rodriguez, Pivetta, and Jalen Beeks.

 

We skip to the Carter division where The Temple Angels finsihed 89-73.  The Angels led by Cory Light, completed another season in which they entered the CBA playoffs.  The Angels are a scary team. Among CBA’s most powerful franchises for a few years now, the Angels are led by an all star slugging crew which features a CBA version of Murderers Row.  JD Martinez 35 HR 96 RBI .311, Charlie Blackmon 31 HR 91 RBI .277,  The Judge 26 HR 67 RBI .250, Gregorius 27 HR, Cory Seager 23 HR, Gattis hit 7 PH HR, wow!   A team .242 BA where BA’s seemed down across all of CBA.  Angels Stadium limits the ballpark singles last year to next to nothing accounting for much of the low team average at home where they thrived.  With such a stingy park, the Angels dominating lineup popped a .255 BA, and 129 HR on the road which led all of CBA, but  only .227 at home. But no one else could hit in Angels park either. The team .434 slug was .024 better than the league average of .410.   However they hit,  this was a slow team with 38 SB and 15 CS. Perhaps some of the poor SB pct is due to use of the Hit and run, where Temple used the play more than the average team, getting 14 hits in 40 attempts, but runners advanced only 28 of the 40 times total causing some ill fated steal attempts.   Teams preferred walking the Angels most lethal, issuing 50 IBB’s in 162 games. 

The pitching was surprisingly good 5th in ERA in Staub 3.61.  with a low .232 BA against.  Porcello 11-9 3.38, LeBlanc 12-9 3.43, Lester 10-10 3.69 were quite solid. Pruit had 22 saves in his rookie year.  The bullpen was shaky despite the gaudy ERA numbers for the middle innig guys who let runs score 30% of the time, then shit people down which is why their ERA ‘s are low but IRSC’s are high.  Temple should be around again in 2020 as they will face comptetion from Tinley Park, and the next team, San Diego.

   The story of SanDiego is one of reinvention.  Every so often Joe Wallace embarks on a mission to retool his ever present and successful SD Surf franchise.  The model of shrewd trades, and shrewd talent recognition, Already Joe Wallace has made a hot stove fire by trading All Star X Boegaerts get a #1, Luis Uria, And catcher Joey Bart.  He also acquired Brandon Woodruff to shore up his Starting pitching, and dealt CF Manny  Margot to Brooklyn for a 3rd rounder.  With that last SD struggled, and limped to the finish line with an un SD like 71-91 record.  The Surf enjoyed the SoCal vibe mostly finishing 39-42, close to .500.  On the road, the team probably “Couldn’t Stand The Weather” and took a “Cold Shot” from teams on the road, 29-52.  They struggled in 1 run games going 12-26 pretty much at the bottom of CBA’s barrel.  They scored 4.7 runs per game, but allowed 5.02 runs a formula for a disastrous year.  Better times await this proud franchise.

The team batted .247 despite 198 homers of which 11 in double digits.  Stanton hit 27 HR, Alex Bregman was an MVP candidiate .336 22 HR 69 RBI, and 25 79 RBI .283 homers from Huntermel Renfroe.  SD lacked pitching, and gave up more than a run per game more than the playoff contenders generally did in 2019.  A 4.55 ERA was ludicrous in the Staub conference and ended all talk of playoffs right there.  Tyson Ross did go 13-9 but a 4.79 ERA which was bad.  The bullpen the biggest culrit blowing games at an prescendented rates.  A .380 IRSC is about as high as any Ive seen in awhile. Nuf ‘ced.  Joe has already begun to correct the issue in making some off season moves. 

The Indiana Redbirds haven’t been as competitive the last 10 seasons.  The once proud franchise hasn’t lived up to the lofty Standards that future Hall of Fame manager Bob Fidler had set for the franchise.  Indy used to dominate those years with an all Star team loaded to the gills at all positions.  Names of CBA’s storied past like Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes, Grady Sizemore, Jason Bay, A-Roid, Roy Oswalt.  This team won CBA championships 3 of 4 years 2006-2009.  Visit the CBA webpages Archive links at cba-bb.net.  Be sure to scroll down and click on links for each of our 23 seasons playoff results, summaries and events, and stats.  Also click thriugh to our vast archive for our updated records page. You would be surprised to see the phenomenal CBA Pitching and batting records over the years. 

The Red Birds 62-100, have not challenged for the playoffs in many years.    Like San Diego they were able to win at home somewhat 37-44 wins, but were futile on the road 25-56.  Usage issues caused the team to drop 9 of their last 10 games.  Indy was 15-30 in one run games.  James Shields return to his old form and finished 10-9  3.19 for such a poor team. A team 1.31 WHIP wasn’t horrible, but was inflated by a few wank performances from Jacob Barnes 1.63, Sonny Gray 1.52, Luke Farrell 1.83, Willy Peralta 1.65, and Justin Wilson 1.67.  All were counted upon to help Indiana contend.  Didn’t happen.  The team posted a 32% IRSC.  The hitting was anemic a .305 OBA and .369 slug.  Pretty much most teams might have kept their corners in against such low slugging.

The struggles could be in the past as this team has started to develop some good players who could impact the standings in years to come. Meadows, Lorenzen, Bichette, catchers Knizner, and Rutschmann, Mr Botte, Dakotie Hudson, and more.  The Indiana quest for younger viable talent is in effect.  Although in need dire need of pitching, Bob Fidler sold high on the older but rejuvenated Sonny Gray gaining a 1st round pick along with Hampson.  Expect the overhaul to continue as Fidler starts to put effort and knowledge back into this dormant franchise.

The Dawson is an interesting division to watch.  Long time rivals Belfast-LP-Montreal now have some competition in John Skillings Neah Bay Whalers.  J-Skill is one of CBA’s old school GM’s back a few years ago for his 2nd go around.  He has taken a useless dead franchise and painstakingly rebuilt it ground up with NO real talent.  Given the barest of teams, the knowledgeable and fierce competitor has made the Whlaers a favorite to rise substantially in next years standings.  This year they didn’t conceal their losing 111 games and dubious records shattered.  Not a badge of honor, Neah set some records here in futility.  ‘Specially da’ offense: a team .208 BA and .337 Slug, both are lowest of all time officially.  But the story is interesting.

JSkill’s Whalers now after years of building, show some serious talent development.  The great Peter Alonso, Juan Soto, Keston Hiura, Bradley Jr, Verdugo, Teheran, and Alex Kiriloff up in Neah’s Vancouver Beavers farm team.  Plus theres some fine looking Minor League Organzations (MLO’s)  Neah lost 111 games this year, and lost their first two picks this year with unfortunate usage issues.  Not one to sit idle, John picked up another 1st round draft pick which will add to his growing core of talent.  In his rookie year Soto 14 HR 38 RBI .260 showed enough promise for next year.  Soto will be tremendous.  Jed Lowrie smashed 31 HR 93 RBI .266 to lead the offense.  Will Jed Lowrie or Chris “Khalifa” Davis be back with Neah?  Decisions loom.  Catchers Victor Caratini and Tom Murphy, pleasant surprises were traded in order to draft young talent in the 1st round.  One must look ahead to keep from crying…

…And then there is one of CBA’s shining stars, Judy Brunet.  Judy knows how to compete and build a solid team, proven.  She has shown she can kick you’re a** too, competing in the Conference finals two years straight.  All Judy hasn’t done is win the CBA title which she is definitely trying to do, and win a very tough division.  Many of her wins came in face to face  or Netplay game encounters.  Now, she secure the services of Xander Boegaerts from San Diego.  This sent ripples through CBA causing a trade buzz and subsequent frenzy.  The Dawson champs, Lynx featured a very aggressive pitching staff that was effective in all facets.  A 3.33 ERA including 50 saves from the outstanding 2 closer pen. Playoff manager Steve Adler last year said to me that the LP bullpen could have been among the best he has ever played against of any team.  A tremendous compliment, but this year LP (.234) may indeed have been better (2018 .264 IRSC%) as the number comparisons show . 

He lets his fastball do the talking with the baseball animals, Dr Doolittle converted 20/25 saves, and the Rev Osuna another 13 of 13 opps.  The team boasted a miniscule 1.20 Walks+Hits divided by Innings pitched (WHIP).   Inherited runners scored a historically low .234 IRSC%  good for 5th place all time in CBA’s 1997-2019 history.  Newcomb went 11-9  2.93 and Rodriguez 11-5  3.13 ERA.  McHugh excelled in long relief 9-3  2.33 ERA.  Hitters suffered somewhat providing some clutch hits by squeak by their limited opponents.  Batting .231, LP could have managed many more wins with any other offense than Edwdin Rosario’s 29 HR 85 RBI  .285, Ramirez’ 25 HR 70 RBI  .231, and Justim Smoak’s 29 round trippers and .anemic .221 BA.  Beoegaerts was sorely needed moving ahead to 2020.

    The Crows have struggled of late, but appear to destined to move forward in the standings.  Montreal is loaded with good draft picks, cashing in early and looking to continue their massive rebuild yet still compete somewhat.  Next year they should compete and their youth have begun maturing.  Last year was still, a year in which Doug Brunet would perhaps rather forget.  It started well with Montreal claiming the early Dawson lead in the first week of April.  But the meek offense drowned while the exalted pitching staff labored.   A .239 team BA plus a fair 162 HR’s, but really no OBA and little offense to speak of.  Sal Perez 33 HR 79 RBI .212 will get a year off to rest while the team of Carrotini and Murphy rent the space and entertain til Mr Sal returns.  The team MVP seemed like Jonathan Schoop who pelted 33 HR 85 RBI  .245.  The .151 ISO was not so good.  The pitching was indeed very similar to Montreals pitching.  A strong bullpen with a near CBA record .238 IRSC 10th place all time.  The philosophy of strong bullpen seems to run in the family.  Teams only bat .232 with a tidy 1.20 WHIP against Montreal.    The .711 X Chart defense was average slighty below than the leagues .715 Xrating so that din’t help.  Ja’ Happ 11-6 2.63 since has beendealt across town to Judy Brunet’s Longue Pointe Lynx who needed innings.  Kirby Yates went 7-4 2.61 21 saves, and Killa Kela added 12 more saves.  Fiers went 11-10 with a 3.81 ERA to show, that despite good pitching a team must have some offense.  The .306 OBA and .391 slug doesn’t always translate to wins.

The Brawlers story .247 BA wasn’t bad. CBA entire league batting average was .249 lowest of all time!     But the incidentals show more.    Look at the .313 OBA .389 slug, .142 IsoPWR, .640 total average, .702 OPS all add up to …nothing.  No one on base, no runs, no wins.  The pitching was good as is the case for all of Dawson division.  The bullpen was much better than average.  The league allowed .32% of inherited runners to score, JD Adams Brawlers allowed only .288 ( apx 29%) A 1.33 WHIP wasn’t awful.  Brian Anderson was a standout 12 HR 79 RBI .279 166 hits, Camargo had 25 HR 70 RBI, Malex hit .301 and stole 51 bases!  There is some talent amasing here.  The story for Cy Young includes Patrick Corbin 18-11  3.19 231 K’s who was dominant for a poor team.   Matt Boyd 10-11   3.93 shows some promise as well.  JD has to have a strong draft in the spring and get some high level prospects and players into the mix.  There may be a golden opportunity with good draft positioning in 2020.  With Montreal acquiring so many picks and young players, all the teams in Dawson surely must be taking notice.

Have a great holiday season all!

 

Cooperstown

July 6th, 2019

The Ohio Outlawz just announced before their July 4th game celebration that their new Minor League affiliate will be the Chillicothe Mudcats. They have been a member of the Frontier League since the league's  inaugural debut in 1993. The games are played in the old V.A. Memorial Stadium which was built in 1954. The stadium  is scheduled for a major renovation in 2020 which will increase the capacity from 4000 to 6515 in light of their new affiliation with the Ohio Outlawz, and much anticipated attendance increase.

The Cooperstown Iron Horse Minor League affiliate, The Punxsutawney Ponies, has released a list of specials in anticipation of the expanded rosters and new minor league draft.

1) The Punxsutawney Phil Burger - Is it just a burger that we named after our beloved Groundhog... or is it actually made from our beloved Groundhog? 
 
2) Gobbler's Knob - An all you can eat section where you can fine like a groundhog..  A ticket includes a general admission bleacher seat and all you can eat Alfalfa, June Bugs and Snails.
 
3) The Burrow Parking Lot - An underground parking lot with a tunnel leading straight to the stadium.  
 
4) Early Spring Pavilion - A grandstand section full shade and no shadows.
 
5) 6 Weeks of Winter Terrace - A bleacher section full of sun and scary shadows.  Free passes to the Burrow Parking Lot included.
April 26th, 2019
 
There was a buzz in Cooperstown entering the 2019 season.  
The rotation of Cole, Bauer, Sanchez, Wheeler and Bumgarner looked formidable.  
The lineup looked intimidating.  4 projected 30+ HR bats with 4 more projected to hit 20 or more.  Even the "worst" hitter, Marcus Semien was penciled in to hit .250 with 15 HR.  
The Draft War Room focused heavily on the bullpen in the middle rounds adding numerous arms... Tepera, Biddle, Roe, Kelley, Brazier, Nuno to go along with the trio of Familia, Watson and Lugo.
They looked ready to reclaim the division after taking a year to retool in 2018... but the Iron Horses have derailed.  Stumbling to an 11-19 start, tied for 2nd worst in CBA, is not what this fan base or front office had in mind. 

"It is surprising," said Stamets after their 4th consecutive loss, "We traded away some good talent last year to set up for a pennant chase this season.  We weren't expecting this." When asked about shopping veteran player

to continue looking towards the future, Stamets wasn't ready to to discuss that topic.  "We're not there yet.  There's still time to right the ship and there's enough talent on this team to do so.  It's a 162 game season and we have to depth to make it to the end with a competitive team."  

While the slow start is concerning, one would figure that Suarez will improve on his .207 average.  Carpenter, Polanco and Encarnacion are all hitting below .173, that surely has to change.  Trevor Bauer's ERA still sits above 5.00 after throwing 6 scoreless innings but that should continue to trend downwards.  
While there's not a plan for a fire sale in the near future, you have to wonder if those plans will change if this team is still in the cellar approaching the trade deadline.  Iron Horse fans sure hope it doesn't come to that.

April 21st, 2019 Press Newton Bombs
Heys:
  The 2018-2019 CBA Champion Newton Bombs Review
     I can tell you - I never thought I'd e sitting here now DEFENDING the CBA Title.  I didn't think I had the horses. I have no superstars, and my main weapons seem to be of the "smoke and mirrors" variety!  I was gearing more for the 2019 season than the 2018 season last year, where all 3 of my outfielders have much better years.  But, I commited to run, and the team ran well, but was always a distant 2nd next to the Brooklyn juggernaut!  Still, I was contending for a good shot at a wild card at the mid-point, and started to seek some ace relievers to carry me thru the 2nd half.  Cooperstown had an interest draft, picking up Goody and Kahnle's superior cards in the 3rd round of the draft.  The Iron Horse had seemed to be ready to look at future options, so I offered my 3rd and 5th for these blank cards.  Jon Stamets must h ave looked over my roster very well.  He posed the trade of Bauer, Heaney, and Vlad Guererro for Kershaw.  I would not part with Vlad, so it became Bauer and Heaney for Kershaw.  These moves worked well, and I made it into the playoffs as a wild card with good distance. 
     The playoffs, however, were magical!  So, it is why sometimes all you need is to make the playoffs - anything happens in a 7 game series!  And boy, did it ever!  I just had to sit back and be a spectator, and my rotation of Strasburg, Sale, Kershaw, and Carrasco took over the games, going 16-7.  Carrasco and Sale didn't fair as well, but, they went 5-5 in the playoffs, which is great for winning! Kershaw and Strasburg went 7-1 in 66 innings, giving up 39 hits, 9 walks, and 1 HR.  That was dominant.  A real treat to watch!  I stand by the idea that it is "everything" just to make the playoffs in the CBA!

      Moving ahead, I think the Newton Bombs will deliver on a repeat playoff mission in 2019!  The team is actually very improved in many important ways - starting pitching, outfield, catcher, and some infield - the team will continue the win with the same pedigree as last year.  Newton will have it's hands full, however, as the Parker Division has no slackers at this point, and playoff-worthy Brooklyn and Newton will not have an easy road with Atlanta and Middlesex breathing down our backs.  We complete the intradivision play this week - so far we are playing like sisters.  CBA is, like the MLB, a marathon, however.  It will be great to watch how this year unfolds as well!  Good luck to all of you CBAers!  Always go for the stars - you will never know when not to run if you give yourselves a chance to contend!

April 6th, 2019

Ottawa Otters Team Outlook

It was a disappointing 2018 season for the Ottawa Otters when they finished with only 69 wins against 93 losses, and a dismal 23 games behind Philly in the Schmidt Division.  Ottawa usually relies on the long ball to win games but only Mike Trout and Andrew McCutchen had at least 30 homers that year.  The Otters finished in the bottom third of the league in terms of team hitting and pitching. 

Mike Trout won the Clemente MVP award in a close ballot, edging out Nolan Arenado.  The Otters were able to sign Trout to a new contract during the off-season with an eye-watering 12-year, $430 million extension to his existing contract that would have expired next season.  While Trout has been brilliant since joining the league in 2012, he has not had much team success in Ottawa.  The Otters made with play-offs just once during Trout’s career thus far when the Otters lost in seven games to Ohio in the second round in 2014.  There were rumours that Trout would be traded in the off-season, but the Otters decided to keep Trout on their roster and build their team around him.

A new season begins and the pre-season showed that the Otters may be able to climb out of the basement in the standings this year.  The team will once again be anchored by a stellar outfield with Trout, McCutchen and Jason Heyward.  Other key returning veterans include Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Kurt Suzuki.

The Otters chose to use most of their draft picks to upgrade their pitching for the new season.  Returning to the rotation are Joulys Chacin and Kyle Gibson.  Joining them are free agents Francisco Liriano, Ian Kennedy, and Chad Kuhl.  Brad Ziegler will continue as the team’s closer.  Starters Yu Darvish and Doug Fister are both on the disabled list for most of the season and are not expected to return to play until September.   Hopefully, the Otters will be vying for a play-off position when they return.

Looking even further ahead, key prospects for the Otters include outfielder Lewis Brinson and short stop Royce Lewis.  Brinson may be ready for the majors as early as next year while Lewis is still at least two years away.

{AP Newsline Brooklyn, NY March 26th, 2019}

    The mood was festive at Trommers Beer Gardens on Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Avenue.  The melting pot that is Brooklyn NY, has taken to the Superbas this spring with renewed enthusiasm.  Last year was a successful season winning 106, two less than the franchise record and within the top 10 all time.   Yet somehow the fans seemed a bit shook.  Their divisional playoff loss to eventual World Champions Newton was heartbreaking.  They ran into historic pitching, but you couldn't tell that the defeat ever happened the way the loyal Brooklyn Crew spoke of their team.  "Dese guys here may be back in da mix agin.  The lineup hits, and gets on base, and man the pitching staff looks good." said Louis Costello of Bergen st.  His friend and Superbas 'D-Line' female fan booster president Lorinda Dee added "Not for nuthin, they can hit, and yep they can ...a tent in my backyard anytime..." 
 

 
   Superbas closer star Craig Kimbrel stopped by at Trommers Beer Garden for a few cold ones.  When a few fans bought him rounds, Kimbrel gave them each an autographed jar of tartar sauce, and an 8x10 picture.  3 lucky beer blasters were given his Superba cap, Kimbrel's neck tie, and a sock for their efforts.  Kimbrel eventually escaped Trommer's without a shoe, and healthy mustard stain compliments of his losing in the sudden death round of the popular Trommer's game "Name That Hot Dog".

 
   Robinson Cano will be making an appearance Saturday at Trommers after the home game against Newton.   He will be a guest coach for the Sid and Marty Barrett Pink Sox Brigade Charity Curling match.  The contest will be played on roller skates on Trommers famous Ballroom dance floor in lieu of ice. 
 

 
Cory Kluber took a no hitter into the 7th inning in the opener against Newton.  Kluber looks forward to a good season as staff ace.  My kid helped me develop my knuckleball, and a fork ball.  I hope they can be alternate out pitches. 
 

 
Kevin Plawecki is excited to be Brooklyn's primary back up at catcher behind James The Can.  He hopes he contribute more than  just ocassional ant-acid pills to the men in the clubhouse.

July 9th 2019

 The Essex escapees would like to notify their fans are in league members of a new minor-league franchise the Swanklin Sea serpents We are excited for the developmental league said manager bryan swank we will be steadfast in our ways of recruiting that include your grandma when asked about his notions of this leak Swank manager said in miz style awesome! Our manager for the serpents will be forthcoming
Sent from my iPhone

July 6th, 2019

The Ohio Outlawz just announced before their July 4th game celebration that their new Minor League affiliate will be the Chillicothe Mudcats. They have been a member of the Frontier League since the league's  inaugural debut in 1993. The games are played in the old V.A. Memorial Stadium which was built in 1954. The stadium  is scheduled for a major renovation in 2020 which will increase the capacity from 4000 to 6515 in light of their new affiliation with the Ohio Outlawz, and much anticipated attendance increase.

The Cooperstown Iron Horse Minor League affiliate, The Punxsutawney Ponies, has released a list of specials in anticipation of the expanded rosters and new minor league draft.

1) The Punxsutawney Phil Burger - Is it just a burger that we named after our beloved Groundhog... or is it actually made from our beloved Groundhog? 
 
2) Gobbler's Knob - An all you can eat section where you can fine like a groundhog..  A ticket includes a general admission bleacher seat and all you can eat Alfalfa, June Bugs and Snails.
 
3) The Burrow Parking Lot - An underground parking lot with a tunnel leading straight to the stadium.  
 
4) Early Spring Pavilion - A grandstand section full shade and no shadows.
 
5) 6 Weeks of Winter Terrace - A bleacher section full of sun and scary shadows.  Free passes to the Burrow Parking Lot included.

Someone put a hot poker on the Cooperstown Iron Horses rear.  After a dismal 11-19 start, Cooperstown is on a 17-7 run, bringing them above .500 to 28-26, within 2 games of division leading Wolfmen and currently tied with Ottawa for the 2nd wildcard spot.

The front office has likely shifted gears from looking for trades to help the future, to now helping the team this season.
 
They have a bunch of young talent who could be dealt. 2B Brandon Lowe is protected to be ready next season as is Choi at 1B and Stewart in the OF.  Lopez, Wright and Wilson are all potential rotation talents next season and beyond.  Will we see any if this young talent used in a trade for help now?  I guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

April 26th, 2019
 
There was a buzz in Cooperstown entering the 2019 season.  
The rotation of Cole, Bauer, Sanchez, Wheeler and Bumgarner looked formidable.  
The lineup looked intimidating.  4 projected 30+ HR bats with 4 more projected to hit 20 or more.  Even the "worst" hitter, Marcus Semien was penciled in to hit .250 with 15 HR.  
The Draft War Room focused heavily on the bullpen in the middle rounds adding numerous arms... Tepera, Biddle, Roe, Kelley, Brazier, Nuno to go along with the trio of Familia, Watson and Lugo.
They looked ready to reclaim the division after taking a year to retool in 2018... but the Iron Horses have derailed.  Stumbling to an 11-19 start, tied for 2nd worst in CBA, is not what this fan base or front office had in mind. 

"It is surprising," said Stamets after their 4th consecutive loss, "We traded away some good talent last year to set up for a pennant chase this season.  We weren't expecting this." When asked about shopping veteran player

to continue looking towards the future, Stamets wasn't ready to to discuss that topic.  "We're not there yet.  There's still time to right the ship and there's enough talent on this team to do so.  It's a 162 game season and we have to depth to make it to the end with a competitive team."  

While the slow start is concerning, one would figure that Suarez will improve on his .207 average.  Carpenter, Polanco and Encarnacion are all hitting below .173, that surely has to change.  Trevor Bauer's ERA still sits above 5.00 after throwing 6 scoreless innings but that should continue to trend downwards.  
While there's not a plan for a fire sale in the near future, you have to wonder if those plans will change if this team is still in the cellar approaching the trade deadline.  Iron Horse fans sure hope it doesn't come to that.

It was a disappointing 2018 season for the Ottawa Otters when they finished with only 69 wins against 93 losses, and a dismal 23 games behind Philly in the Schmidt Division.  Ottawa usually relies on the long ball to win games but only Mike Trout and Andrew McCutchen had at least 30 homers that year.  The Otters finished in the bottom third of the league in terms of team hitting and pitching.  Mike Trout won the Clemente MVP award in a close ballot, edging out Nolan Arenado.  The Otters were able to sign Trout to a new contract during the off-season with an eye-watering 12-year, $430 million extension to his existing contract that would have expired next season.  While Trout has been brilliant since joining the league in 2012, he has not had much team success in Ottawa.  The Otters made with play-offs just once during Trout’s career thus far when the Otters lost in seven games to Ohio in the second round in 2014.  There were rumours that Trout would be traded in the off-season, but the Otters decided to keep Trout on their roster and build their team around him. A new season begins and the pre-season showed that the Otters may be able to climb out of the basement in the standings this year.  The team will once again be anchored by a stellar outfield with Trout, McCutchen and Jason Heyward.  Other key returning veterans include Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Kurt Suzuki. The Otters chose to use most of their draft picks to upgrade their pitching for the new season.  Returning to the rotation are Joulys Chacin and Kyle Gibson.  Joining them are free agents Francisco Liriano, Ian Kennedy, and Chad Kuhl.  Brad Ziegler will continue as the team’s closer.  Starters Yu Darvish and Doug Fister are both on the disabled list for most of the season and are not expected to return to play until September.   Hopefully, the Otters will be vying for a play-off position when they return.Looking even further ahead, key prospects for the Otters include outfielder Lewis Brinson and short stop Royce Lewis.  Brinson may be ready for the majors as early as next year while Lewis is still at least two years away.

 


April 21st, 2019 Press Newton Bombs
Heys:
  The 2018-2019 CBA Champion Newton Bombs Review
     I can tell you - I never thought I'd e sitting here now DEFENDING the CBA Title.  I didn't think I had the horses. I have no superstars, and my main weapons seem to be of the "smoke and mirrors" variety!  I was gearing more for the 2019 season than the 2018 season last year, where all 3 of my outfielders have much better years.  But, I commited to run, and the team ran well, but was always a distant 2nd next to the Brooklyn juggernaut!  Still, I was contending for a good shot at a wild card at the mid-point, and started to seek some ace relievers to carry me thru the 2nd half.  Cooperstown had an interest draft, picking up Goody and Kahnle's superior cards in the 3rd round of the draft.  The Iron Horse had seemed to be ready to look at future options, so I offered my 3rd and 5th for these blank cards.  Jon Stamets must h ave looked over my roster very well.  He posed the trade of Bauer, Heaney, and Vlad Guererro for Kershaw.  I would not part with Vlad, so it became Bauer and Heaney for Kershaw.  These moves worked well, and I made it into the playoffs as a wild card with good distance. 
     The playoffs, however, were magical!  So, it is why sometimes all you need is to make the playoffs - anything happens in a 7 game series!  And boy, did it ever!  I just had to sit back and be a spectator, and my rotation of Strasburg, Sale, Kershaw, and Carrasco took over the games, going 16-7.  Carrasco and Sale didn't fair as well, but, they went 5-5 in the playoffs, which is great for winning! Kershaw and Strasburg went 7-1 in 66 innings, giving up 39 hits, 9 walks, and 1 HR.  That was dominant.  A real treat to watch!  I stand by the idea that it is "everything" just to make the playoffs in the CBA!

      Moving ahead, I think the Newton Bombs will deliver on a repeat playoff mission in 2019!  The team is actually very improved in many important ways - starting pitching, outfield, catcher, and some infield - the team will continue the win with the same pedigree as last year.  Newton will have it's hands full, however, as the Parker Division has no slackers at this point, and playoff-worthy Brooklyn and Newton will not have an easy road with Atlanta and Middlesex breathing down our backs.  We complete the intradivision play this week - so far we are playing like sisters.  CBA is, like the MLB, a marathon, however.  It will be great to watch how this year unfolds as well!  Good luck to all of you CBAers!  Always go for the stars - you will never know when not to run if you give yourselves a chance to contend!

 

 

 

 

April 6th, 2019

Ottawa Otters Team Outlook

It was a disappointing 2018 season for the Ottawa Otters when they finished with only 69 wins against 93 losses, and a dismal 23 games behind Philly in the Schmidt Division.  Ottawa usually relies on the long ball to win games but only Mike Trout and Andrew McCutchen had at least 30 homers that year.  The Otters finished in the bottom third of the league in terms of team hitting and pitching. 

Mike Trout won the Clemente MVP award in a close ballot, edging out Nolan Arenado.  The Otters were able to sign Trout to a new contract during the off-season with an eye-watering 12-year, $430 million extension to his existing contract that would have expired next season.  While Trout has been brilliant since joining the league in 2012, he has not had much team success in Ottawa.  The Otters made with play-offs just once during Trout’s career thus far when the Otters lost in seven games to Ohio in the second round in 2014.  There were rumours that Trout would be traded in the off-season, but the Otters decided to keep Trout on their roster and build their team around him.

A new season begins and the pre-season showed that the Otters may be able to climb out of the basement in the standings this year.  The team will once again be anchored by a stellar outfield with Trout, McCutchen and Jason Heyward.  Other key returning veterans include Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Kurt Suzuki.

The Otters chose to use most of their draft picks to upgrade their pitching for the new season.  Returning to the rotation are Joulys Chacin and Kyle Gibson.  Joining them are free agents Francisco Liriano, Ian Kennedy, and Chad Kuhl.  Brad Ziegler will continue as the team’s closer.  Starters Yu Darvish and Doug Fister are both on the disabled list for most of the season and are not expected to return to play until September.   Hopefully, the Otters will be vying for a play-off position when they return.

Looking even further ahead, key prospects for the Otters include outfielder Lewis Brinson and short stop Royce Lewis.  Brinson may be ready for the majors as early as next year while Lewis is still at least two years away.

{AP Newsline Brooklyn, NY March 26th, 2019}

    The mood was festive at Trommers Beer Gardens on Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Avenue.  The melting pot that is Brooklyn NY, has taken to the Superbas this spring with renewed enthusiasm.  Last year was a successful season winning 106, two less than the franchise record and within the top 10 all time.   Yet somehow the fans seemed a bit shook.  Their divisional playoff loss to eventual World Champions Newton was heartbreaking.  They ran into historic pitching, but you couldn't tell that the defeat ever happened the way the loyal Brooklyn Crew spoke of their team.  "Dese guys here may be back in da mix agin.  The lineup hits, and gets on base, and man the pitching staff looks good." said Louis Costello of Bergen st.  His friend and Superbas 'D-Line' female fan booster president Lorinda Dee added "Not for nuthin, they can hit, and yep they can ...a tent in my backyard anytime..." 
 

 
   Superbas closer star Craig Kimbrel stopped by at Trommers Beer Garden for a few cold ones.  When a few fans bought him rounds, Kimbrel gave them each an autographed jar of tartar sauce, and an 8x10 picture.  3 lucky beer blasters were given his Superba cap, Kimbrel's neck tie, and a sock for their efforts.  Kimbrel eventually escaped Trommer's without a shoe, and healthy mustard stain compliments of his losing in the sudden death round of the popular Trommer's game "Name That Hot Dog".

 
   Robinson Cano will be making an appearance Saturday at Trommers after the home game against Newton.   He will be a guest coach for the Sid and Marty Barrett Pink Sox Brigade Charity Curling match.  The contest will be played on roller skates on Trommers famous Ballroom dance floor in lieu of ice. 
 

 
Cory Kluber took a no hitter into the 7th inning in the opener against Newton.  Kluber looks forward to a good season as staff ace.  My kid helped me develop my knuckleball, and a fork ball.  I hope they can be alternate out pitches. 
 

 
Kevin Plawecki is excited to be Brooklyn's primary back up at catcher behind James The Can.  He hopes he contribute more than  just ocassional ant-acid pills to the men in the clubhouse.
 

September 18th, 2018  Game 163

The city of Philly had the day off as fans poured into downtown to see game 163 that will settle the CBA Schmidt Division champs. 
 

Jared Eickhoff took the mound for the Phanatics and maybe some nerves showing as he hits Mitch Haniger to start. With Mitch at 2nd and 2 down, Rob Hite Intentionally walk Hosmer and brings up Tucker Barnhart who ripx a double and plates the games first run. Rob then walk Suarez to face the (6L) Brian Dozier, who bangs one up the middle and NWS has a 2-0 lead. Antonio Senzatela cruises and Eickhoff settles down and going into the 5th the score is the same.  Haniger rip a double with 1 out and again Rob use the Int. Walk putting Bour on.  Eickhoff then walks Steven Souza to load them up. Eric Hosmer K's and Rob brings in Jose Torres to face Barnhart.  Ball  4 - NWS 3-0. 

Senzatela finally cracks in the 5th and gives up a HR to Wilmer Flores.  After 5, 3-1.  In the 6th Chris Brazeau goes with his bullpen which got him here.  Chris Devenski, John Brebbia and Shane Greene keep it a 3-1 game into the 9th. 

In the top of the 9th, Addison Russell doubles and Haninger and Bour hit singles to add a run.  Steven Souza walks and they are loaded.  Lance Mcullers time, he strikes out Hosmer and Barnhart and get Suarez to ground out keeping this one close. 

Tyler Lyons starts the 9th against Bryce Harper and hits one to Dozier, one of the best 2bs in the game. Boots it.  Really, in the 9th, no stress!  Ken Giles comes on and gets the next 3.  Final NWS 4 - PPS -1
 

 

April 1st, 2017   CBA Press Release Atlanta

 

“It’s a nice start but the division race will take more than a two-week run of good fortune.”  You can excuse Coach Blakely for not allowing team complacency with a 10-2 start of the CBA season. “I imagine Brooklyn will have much to discuss this week at the House of Pain.” 

 

This team was 55-107 in 2016 and returns most of the same players responsible for this fast start. The Phoenix sport a team ERA of 2.41 (3rd in the CBA) and is playing lights out defense; yet, Coach Blake is barking about the bats.  “We have hit when we needed to hit and pitched when we needed to pitch. But we have to become better at getting on base.”

Coach Blake worries that he may need to work on the lineup and move players around. But not until the record demands; Though Nolan Arenado (.186), Kole Calhoun (.180), Rougned Odor (.213), and Trevor Story (.188) have struggled early, all have hit well in the clutch when it was needed. Wilson Ramos, Mookie Betts, Luis Sardinas and Adeiny Hechavarria have picked up to help carry the offensive load. “Those guys will start hitting soon. I think. If not, I’ll have to order more firewood and a new set of mirrors for the pitchers.”  The pitching has been spectacular (third in the league with a 2.41 ERA) so far, and Blake is prepping for a tiring pitching staff. “Conley and Gibson are both good for 25 starts. The time will come when I have to find some guys to step up and fill those shoes.”  When asked if he has anyone in mind, Blake barks, “Oh yeah, just pick one or two from Seaver, Koosman or Matlack. Dumbass…”

 

“Alex Wilson will be a big help in the pen.  We gave up a future OF kid (Mitch Haniger) to the Hamp Cats (New Hampshire) to get Wilson. It’s worth it for now. Really wanted to see Mitch develop. Anyway, Wilson will help the pen and the pen has been solid so far.” The pen is not a collection of all-stars but a group of pitchers that, when used correctly, will produce nice results. 

 

Before leaving, Coach Blake wanted to talk about the rookies he got in the draft. “You know, if we can take care of business around here and keep up with our ’18 picks, we might really scare some people.”  Alex Bregman and Dansby Swanson are pounding away waiting to contribute in the future. “Don’t sleep on my red-head, Frazier; he’s gonna mash. He can fight you, too.”   Clint Frazier won a head-butting contest before leaving to join his minors team. Frazier was the only contestant in the contest without a batting helmet.  “Kid’s gonna mash, gonna mash.  Had a damn bad headache, though.”

 

And if the Atlanta Phoenix has its way, the rest of the CBA will suffer from headaches in 2017.


 

J. Michael Blakely

 

 

CBA Press Release Detroit....March 23rd, 2017

The press conference was starting about 10 minutes late.  There had been a mention of a meeting with a legal team running over.  Wheels owner Mitch Ryder finally stepped to the microphone, looking a bit disheveled and wearing dark sunglasses.

“Thanks for coming, we are looking forward to our new season.  But do you know what really gets me?  Those West End Dogs, they’re using my songs.  That’s why our meeting just ran over, they’re using my songs, they owe me some serious royalties!  They’re using my songs, WHY IF I GET MY HANDS ON THEM I’LL…”

A whine and loud thud were heard as the microphone was switched off and Ryder was escorted away from the press conference.  Ryder could be heard continuing to rant as he walked away.  After a couple of minutes the microphone was switched back on as Wheels General Manager Al Kaline stepped to the microphone.  Looking a little bit dejected, Kaline spoke calmly to the assembled media.

“Thank you all again for coming to our preseason press conference.  On behalf of the organization I apologize for Mr. Ryder’s reaction, he’s been a bit preoccupied lately with this particular legal issue.  We have been trying to distract him by calling more meetings about the team, but he continues to be extremely concerned about that one issue.

“Anyway, the rest of us are certainly looking forward to the upcoming season.  You know, someone, I forget who, called us ‘the best last place team in the league’ last season.  I’m not sure how to take that, I guess sort of a compliment.  We were in a tough division though and did show an overall record better than even we might have hoped for.  It was good that we were able to move some players who were a bit disgruntled, rightly so perhaps, it was not possible to get Pujols, Fielder and Roidriguez in the lineup at the same time, at least in most of our games since the team was moved from the DH to the non-DH conference.

“We are glad to continue to have a strong ‘up the middle’ defense, with Wieters at catcher, Crawford and LeMahieu in the infield, and Maybin in center.  Maybin is currently struggling with some nagging injuries though, so we are a bit worried about that.  Pujols finally settles in as the regular first baseman rather than the rotating situation we had early last year, and Jake Lamb looks ready to take over as the regular third baseman.  Adam Eaton looks ready to take over as our regular right fielder, and we’re optimistic about Alex Dickerson growing into the left field job.

“Pitching-wise we felt we were a little thin so we put more focus on that in this last draft.  Wainwright and Roark look like they’ve rebounded from last year’s injury problems and we are glad to add Junior Guerra.  Colby Lewis looks like he might struggle with some injuries this year though.  We are optimistic that the bullpen can be a strength especially with Roberto Osuna closing things out.

“Thanks again for coming and here’s to a new season.”

   

CBA Press release Brooklyn, N.Y...April 1st, 2017.................................................................................

The annual Brooklyn event known as Superba Daywas a spectacular success.  The Brooklyn fans took to the iconic park (design by Olmstead and Vaux) early Friday afternoon in anticipation of the events that were in store.  Giant satellitte broadcast screens were set in place for the what was to be a weekend celebration of music and baseball.  Fans ever so loyal.  Many fans felt that last year was a building year and were very pleased to compete once again finishing with 95 wins in yet another playoff season. 

   The weekend events featured 3 days of great division rivalry baseball between the Parker champ Newton Bombs and the Brooklyn Superbas.  Brooklyn eventually took 2 of the 3 games in spectacular pitching dominated games.  The atmosphere was festive as the crowsds in Prospect Park watched, oohed, aaah'd, and cheered when the Brooklyn pitchers managed to strike out an ever tough Bomb batter.

   Many camped overnight and took advantage of the great festival music from the great band lineups at the 3 day event.  Friday evening saw 'Michael Franti's Spearhead, Thievery Corporation, Ziggy Marley, and Warren Haynes reunited with Derek Trucks, and Dickey Betts in a grand finale alongside Stevie Ray Vaughn's Double Trouble bandmates.    Saturday after the game fans were treated to a rousing performance by the West End Dogs who tore it up playing a Mitch Ryder version of "Sock It To Me Baby".  They were joined onstage by Gary Rossington and Peter Frampton.  But the real kicker was the post game show Sunday night. 

    Live from Prospect Park, Sir Paul McCartney helicoptered unto the Botanical Garden Pit, and led an entourage featuring, Little Richard, Don Wilson, Brian Wilson, Wilson Alvarez, Al Kooper, and the band The Persuit of Hapiness, to the fileds where the faithful were gathered for the big concert and Superba rally.  After a light hearted, and heartfelt words, mocking the Kardashians, Paul led a supercharged version of Centerfield as he attempted to hit a homerun with guest artist MC Lyte.    All in all a fun weekend as the Superbas start their season on a positive and hope to be in the final mix for the playoffs in 2017.

 

New Jersey Beatles Press Release

The New Jersey Beatles are now two years removed from their magical run to the CBA title, and what a difference two years has made. The Beatles advanced to the playoffs in 2014, bowing out in the first round, before struggling in 2015, compiling a 69-93 record. New Jersey has assembled an exciting mix of veterans, such as Felix Hernandez, Evan Longoria, and Justin Verlander, and young players, such as Carlos Correa, Starling Marte, Daniel Norris, and Byron Buxton. Their pitching staff has been hampered by injuries to Verlander, Norris, Cliff Lee, Matt Moore, Zach Wheeler, and prospect Dylan Bundy. They will need to acquire some pitching help in order to contend in 2016, but with GM Steve Adler wheeling and dealing, they should not be counted out. 

Essex Escapees Press Release

2016 Campaign:   the essex escappes escaped to first wild card birth in 2015 and look to build on that success. Bryan Swank assessed the rubble remaining from first round loss and determined to send yasiel fatman pig packing and wi yen chen off to greener pastures. Newly acquired nathans famous eovaldi and rubb one out de la rosa look to strengthen  staff . With scherzer ricahards colome and pomeranz we look to shut down opposition. Outfielders Cespedes and Polanco hunker the corners whilst machado turner and kendrick sure up infield with rollins and lindor at ss,  ryan howard adds depth. Fransisco Cervelli takes over catcher responsibility and adds obp. a couple platoons with blanks and ruf and the division title wont be tough,Gibson we are gunning for you, Look out!
 


New Hampshire Prospectus

The last few years have been rather dismal in New Hampshire.  The front office has tried to be aggressive, and  few things have not worked out as planned.  Matt Cain, Jared Cosart, Jurickson Profar, Charlie Morton to name a few, have not lived up to expectations.  Even an inexpensive gamble like Hanley Ramirez has not panned out.  We stayed aggressive in 2015 trading for Kolten Wong, Miguel Montero. Two years ago, there were a few snickers when the Cats drafted Jose Abreu 2nd overall. That is one thing that has worked out well.   Coming into this draft, the Wildcats have added Shelby Miller and young and upcoming SS Addison Russell.
 
The 2016 version of NWS should score its share of runs with the likes of Wong, Montero, Kendys Morales, Jose Abreu, Brett Lawrie, Danny Valencia and Kevin Kiermaier.   Our defense should be significantly better with an up the middle troika of Russell, Wong and Kiermaier.  Which can only help a very average pitching staff.
 
Pitching, well that will be our issue.  Miller will look good at the top but after that we have a bunch of 3 and 4 guys.  The future of this team rests on our staff pitching to its capabilities.  This season, who knows.  We will score a lot of runs, but we likely will give up a bunch to.  The future has something that Wildcats fans have craved for a few years, Hope. 
 
So heading into the draft, Pitching will be a priority.

 

 

Towaco Wolfpack Press Release

The Towaco Wolfpack are looking forward to 2016 with a much stronger starting staff and a mix of youth and veterans in trying to win our third Rogers Division pennant and a 2016 championship. Towaco is looking forward to having a healthy E. Goldschmidt this coming season. "When Goldy is on there isn't anyone better at 1B" bragged Kevin Gibson the Wolfpack manager. "He's the driving force on this club for sure." "Losing him for part of the stretch run almost did our team in but we recovered when he came back and it was just in the nick of time" said Gibby!
 
Towaco has some concerns regarding Alex Cobb's elbow. "He was struggling some last season and from what we've heard from him during the off season his elbows bothering him so we shut him down and sent him for further testing." "If there is a problem we may need to stretch out Warren to fill the void." Towaco is expecting improvement from Marco Estrada and Francisco Liriano and their young stud starter Noah Syndergaard who can really light up the radar gun! The Wolfpack are expecting Kris Medlen to bounce back from his second TJ surgery and are going to try using lefty Travis Wood out of the bullpen some this year! "We may look to add another starter or two to replace Georgie and add a little depth" said Gibby. The Georgie he's referring to is Jorge De La Rosa who was traded to High Bridge for veteran outfielder M. Byrd this off season.
 
Manager Gibson likes his two returning catchers and thinks they are one of the best catching tandems in the league. "We've added this 25 year old to play second base named Jace Peterson. We may need to platoon him some but he should see the bulk of his time vs. right hand pitching." "We love the way Marty plays third and we have Sogard and Reyes taking turns at SS." Kevin Gibson is really high on his young 21 year old left-handed SS Corey Seager. "This kid just tore up the minor leagues the past couple of seasons. I can't see keeping him down there again he's got nothin' to prove there anymore." "This kid is itchin' to do some damage so I'm gonna turn him loose!" "I may be able to work him into the mix at 3B with Marty."
 
As for the Wolpack outfield young Christian Yelich has leftfield locked up with great defense and a solid bat. Rightfield will have a platoon with returning veteran DeAza vs. righties and newly acquired Byrd vs. lefties. "Byrd gives us some much needed pop" says Gibby. Gomez and Davis should have centerfield covered but there may be some additional moves made before the regular season starts. 
 
Right now the Wolfpack bullpen has three potential closers in Smith, Cecil and newly acquired McGee. "I think all three will be pitching and competing in spring training before I figure out who will be assigned to which roll" said Gibby. "We'll have everybody ready by the time the season starts." "We're looking forward to winning this damn thing and that's what we are working hard to do!"

High Bridge Heaters Press Release

2015 was a disappointment for the Heaters. Although we lost Matt Harvey for the year, we thought great managing and a few good breaks would have been enough to grab a wild card.

Ohio proved to be too good to catch.  After falling behind in July, we came on strong at the end to finish 500. Some teams would have been satisfied to get the best draft picks possible, but the Heaters play to win!

Our team's tenacity and desire for excellence instils fear in our opponents. It's no accident that we have been transferred from both conference and divisions several times in the past five years. The league fears that if left alone in one division for too long, we would dominate for many years. We pledge to persevere in our quest to win the Parker division in 2016. We have a mighty line-up that's about to get mightier when a blockbuster trade is announce on February 8th. It should remind everyone of the deal the Dallas Cowboys made when they traded Hershel Walker. We are going to use our new draft picks to replace a stud SP with good, young pitchers who can also win now.  We are open t trades. but have already reshaped our team and will probably use the draft to sure-up our needs. Ours offensive stars this year include: J.D. Martinez with his new 3 rating in RF with that -3 arm.  Charlie Blackburn got 2's in the corners and crushes righties.  Kyle Seager lost his "1" , but is still in the top ten 3b's. Joe Panic has been rated in the top three 2b's this year ( a defensive "1" this year). Didi gets his "1" again and will platoon with Mercer at ss. We picked up the Mets' lucky charm in Juan Uribe to sure up the infield with his dominant bat against lefties. Veteran OF Josh Hamilton gets a second chance in High Bridge and we expect great things from him.  Jason Werth is coming off a disappointing season, although he cam on strong at the end. We predict Werth will be the Come-Back player of the year in 2016.  So-beware Parker Division, especially Brooklyn! We are ready to give you a run for your money.  Good luck all! See you on draft day.

 

Skokie Wolfmen Press Release 2016

What was once a great team (making the playoffs in 8 of its first 9 seasons
including 4 visits to the WS) is now a rebuilding team -

we expect to continue to rebuild in 2016 -

Starting Pitching is always a problem and for the most part the
Skokie starters are young with several with high potential and a group
of other young starters we see helping our future

With the draft coming up soon Skokie will continue to work
to add more youth following the models done in MLB by the Royals,
Houston and the Cubs --

prior to the draft or doing the draft we have holes to fill -
our 3B will be retiring next year - 2B is weak - and we have
no Catcher to speak off (hint hint if anyone has an extra
catch to trade with some PAs we might give a draft pick)

in any case we like our OF with Springer, Inciarite and Souza
with Blanco to backup and Beltran to DH/RF

we expect however either Beltran or C. Santana (or both) will be
traded (if anyone has an interest let us know) this year

we might have a left handed starter to trade as well

We don't expect another 100 lost season but we do
expect to find a way to fill all our holes - as always we
are open to trade and no player is untouchable if we
hear the right offer including any stars we have

as we offered before the #2 pick of the upcoming
draft is available - if the right offer is heard ...

there are some very excellent players, franchise
players you would be guaranteed to get at this pick

good luck to all the returning and new managers
of the CBA - would will be the 2016 champ - the trend
the last four seasons has been 1st time champs

From the headquarters of the Skokie Wolfmen
 

 

 

 
Oct 26th, 2015
Tim Hudson, a likely CBA Hall of Famer, has announced that the 2016 will be his last.  "It's time to hang it up and spend time with my family," Hudson said "I think I have one more season left in me where I can help a team win, whether it's in Cooperstown or elsewhere, but that will be it."
 
Hudson currently sits at 10th all time in CBA in strikeouts, 4th all time in wins, 3rd in innings, 2nd in starts and 9th in shutouts.
 
His 5th start of 2016 will make him the CBA all time leader in that category, passing Andy Pettitte who currently holds that title.
 
If Hudson can earn 14 wins in 2016, he'll leapfrog Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez to become CBA's most winning-est pitcher.  Whether he can manage that feat or not, this season Hudson joined those three pitchers as the only members of the 200 win club, currently sitting at 204. 
 

It remains to be seen if Hudson will be on the Iron Horse roster next season, or if teams who find his veteran presence appealing inquire about a trade.  He won't pitch like the Tim Hudson of old, but you can pencil him in for about 120-125 innings and an ERA around 4.40-4.45.  Tim said he may be willing to pitch out of the bullpen as well if it's what's best for the team.  Regardless of his role, it will be fun watching him pass some CBA legends in some impressive categories as he writes his own story in the history books.

 

 
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- Associated Press) 

 

As many CBA teams lick their wounds from a disappointing regular season or early playoff exit, the league's esteemed GMs are beginning to look forward to 2016 as they inspect every piece of the roster for future potential -- and future gaps in talent.  


 
Many fine players across the league are expected to change uniforms during what is sure to shape up as a busy off-season.  According to Philly GM Rob Hite, "I've been around CBA for a long time, and back in the golden age of the league many GMs chose to sit on their talent and build slowly. They would trade for a piece here or there, but they mainly built through the draft".  

 
But the institution of the CBA amateur draft changed everything.  With young talent at a premium, and harder to acquire in the regular draft, it is of utmost importance that a team draft kids who are 18 or 19, and follow them as they develop into CBA contributors.  Hite added, "sometimes we plan a positional need way ahead of time, and use the prospect pick to try to fill that need before it's really a need.  Like back when our all-time franchise greats Derek and Chase [Jeter & Utley] were getting older, we said -  hey we have a great middle infield but let's start addressing that so we'll be great there for the next decade after they hang it up".  

 
At the time, Philly also sported a perennial all-star Evan Longoria at 3rd, making one of the most potent infields in the Association.  But Longoria was packaged up to New Jersey in exchange for Bryce Harper, who Hite hoped would be his franchise slugger for the next 15 years.  That was a controversial move which many Philly phans wanted him run out of town for, as evidenced by the venom spewed on sports talk WIP radio in Philly.  Calls for the GMs head on a platter were plentiful as Philly not only dealt Longoria in the deal for the unproven hot-headed Harper, he also dealt ace Justin Verlander.  But the 22 year old Harper gamble paid immeasurable dividends this season, slugging a gaudy .330/.460/.649 slashline with 42 HR to boot.  So the consensus in Philly now is, Longoria who?  Didn't she used to star on Desperate Housewives?  

 
With an entire infield to rebuild in Philadelphia, Hite went on the offensive - drafting and signing a plethora of young infielders with hopes that a few would pan out and become the anchors that Jeter, Utley, and Longoria were.  

 
And today, the maligned Philly front office can flash a smug Cheshire Cat smile, because their young infielders have finally arrived.  In this 2015 MLB Fall Playoffs alone, there are 5 young players featured who will be competing for time at SS and 2b next year for Philly: 

 
Starlin Castro - the "old-timer" of the group at 25, is a few years removed from his great 207 hit season in 2011.  But Starlin, who hit .265 this year, has possibly found a new home at 2b and will surely deliver many all-star seasons ahead given his age.  
 

 
Wilmer Flores - Flores at 24 is still developing into his game, but his burgeoning power was on display in 2015.  With 16 HR and 22 doubles this year, along with much improved defense at short, Wilmer will be hard to keep out of the starting SS gig for Philly next season.  By the time he reaches his prime, 25-30 HR seasons will be the norm for this infield slugger.  
 

 
"Kike" Enrique Hernandez - Kike is a 22 year old superkid who can literally play 7 positions on the field.  A next generation Ben Zobrist, he can also hit the baseball better than Zobrist as witnessed by his .307 average and .490 SLG% this season.  It's quite a luxury having this kind of bat who can backup at 2b, SS, and 3rd in addition to quality OF starts in LF, RF, or CF.  This kid is a young star in the marking.  
 

 
Javier Baez -  Another great next generation SS/2B/3B, Baez is just 21 and has the greatest power potential of them as indicated by his prolific minor league power - 37 HRs in AA ball.  Baez has cut down on his swing to make contact in the major leagues, to a tune of a .289 average this season.  A Troy Tulowitzki-esque future awaits this stud. 

 
Addison Russell - Russell is the closest thing to Derek Jeter that Philly GM has found in this collection of young infield stars.  A mere Cub at 21 years old, he delivered 29 doubles and 13 homers in his first campaign, along with spectacular shortstop defense.  As his bat develops, his all-star appearances will begin to accumulate. The next great shortstop of this generation?  Time will tell.  He also plays 2b and a little 3rd should the glut of infielders pose a huge dilemma for GM Hite.  

 

 
What is GM Hite going to do with these 5 great young middle infielders? Surely nobody will be moved over to third on Philly, especially in light of two equally young and talented 3rd basemen just to the left of them in the infield of dreams: 
 
23 year old Maikel Franco (.497 SLG) and 23 year old run producer Nick Castellanos (33 doubles, 15 HR, 73 RBI).  

 
We asked Hite what his plans were for all of them, and he shared, 
 "Hey, I am in no rush to trade any of them because having a group of young stars is a unique luxury for us.  If we are bowled over with offers this Fall and Winter, we will listen.  But the good-ol-days of Former Commish Claude Lamarre legislating against positional hoarding in CBA are long gone.  I'm going to hoard away, baby!  Unless the other GMs offer up some of their blue chip outfield talent, then I may listen" 

 
Photo:  Young Philly Phantastics stars Addison Russell and Javier Baez

 
 

 
February 18th, 2014

Japanese Ace Tanaka Bound for CBA


 
Tokyo- At noon today in Japan, a press conference was held at the Tokyo Hilton by much scouted and highly touted righthander Masahiro Tanaka. There he announced his intentions to pitch in the major leagues in 2015. The timing of the announcement is crucial as it comes only short weeks away from the CBA spring draft which is scheduled for Sunday, March 9th beginning at 11AM ET. 
     Tanaka, who turned just 25 this past November, has garnered much attention from CBA scouts since before mid-season in 2013, in no small part due to the success of Ottawa Otters starter and fellow countryman Yu Darvish. Tanaka has followed Darvish since he came to North America, and made allusions to plying his trade here as well. Now that he has made his intentions known publicly, his name should instantly move up in priority on CBA draft lists. Darvish was drafted 11th overall as Ottawa's prospect pick in 2012. The same may happen with Tanaka in 2014, especially given the clarity provided at today's press conference.
     Just like Darvish, he will be drafted while still under contract for 1 more season with his Japanese club. In this case, it's the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League. Also like Darvish, he intends to accept the opportunity offered to him by any CBA team.
     "I just want a chance to prove myself at the highest level," said Tanaka, "I am not playing favorites."
     CBA has always had its' share of foreign born players, but in the last few years more looks have been given to the younger talent now emerging from Asia and Cuban players who have defected from their homeland to find careers as professionals. Jose Iglesias, Yoenis Cespedes, and Jose Fernandez were all drafted as prospects and are establishing themselves in the majors. Yasiel Puig, who had defected from Cuba during the 2012 season, is expected to go very early in the 1st round this spring after excelling in Los Angeles of the independant leagues last season. And, because of the affiliation agreement that CBA has with the independant leagues, Puig is eligible to be drafted as a free agent. The drafting team will retain its' prospect pick, making the future star outfielder even more attractive. So it is the same with another LA star. Korean lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu is also expected to be taken from the slate very early on. It's reasonable to project more of the same in the coming years, if not more this spring, as CBA general managers continue to widen the scope in search of the game's best.
     There may not be a lot of instant impact players in the coming draft, but there is no shortage of talent. And where there's talent, you'll find the CBA.
     
       

Let It Be...Beatles Win!
New York- Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. A Staub team will win the series. Let it be.
     As the New Jersey Beatles were clinching a CBA championship with a 4-0 win over the defending champions Skokie Wolfmen at home in game 6 of the series, they were also ending a seven year streak of CBA championships by Clemente conference teams. Not since the Longue Pointe Loggers in 2005 had a Staub conference team taken the title.
     When New Jersey took game 3 in Skokie by a convincing 9-4 score, the writing seemed to appear on the proverbial wall. But Skokie was valiant in defending the crown and forced the series back to New Jersey via a shutout win in game 4 and a barn burning 13-12 win in game 5. In the end, however, the combination of pitching and power would prove too much to overcome for the incumbents. Indeed, the team that looked the best all season while winning 106 games, was the best. 
     Their stiffest test in the post-season came from division rival San Diego, who took the Beatles to a seventh game before bowing to the new champs in the division series. The Beatles then had to face down the pitching of the Montreal Crows, and did so with some pitching of their own. After dropping game 1 to the Dawson claimants, the Beatles rang up four straight wins on the way to meet Skokie for the big prize. New Jersey's first championship comes in just its' fourth year of existence, making for a story of an unusually quick rise to a difficult summit.
     After the league expanded in 2009 from 20 to 24 teams, that season ended with two teams in difficulty. Westminster, one of the 4 expansion teams, did not fair well at all in losing 126 games. Regardless, it was a baseball experiment in a place that had too little interest to sustain a major league team. The old Skokie franchise, although successful, ran into difficulties from unfortunate circumstances not of its' making that forced the league to act with a respectful marker given to both the owner Josh Shapiro and the Wolfmen's fans, a marker that was redeemed when Southwest moved to Skokie when the Wolfman took control in 2011. Westminster and Skokie were contracted and two new franchises were to be awarded and formed in a redraft from the remnants of the contracted teams before the 2010 season. Chris Brazeau garnered one of them and put a team in Hew Hampshire as the Wildcats. Steve Adler, a die-hard fan of the Fab Four, got his ticket to ride and the New Jersey Beatles came to be.
     The Beatles won just 50 games in its' inaugural season, and only 42 in 2011. But in 2012, the tally rose to 75 showing the team to be up and coming. A few daring trades brought the likes of Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander to the club to mention just a couple. Kyle Lohse, who pitched 6 shutout innings in game 6 of the championship series to earn the clinching win, was drafted in the 8th round in 2011. Perhaps the quick rise to the top can be best reviewed through his eyes.
     It's been a hard day's night, but Steve Adler will be sleeping like a log.

Lake Hopatcong, NJ – The New Jersey Beatles won their first CBA title, 4 games to 2, over the defending champion Skokie Wolfmen. After taking a 3-games-to-none lead in the series, the Beatles were hoping to close things out in Skokie. However, the Wolfmen battled back to win games 4 and 5, sending things back to New Jersey. Perhaps bolstered by the huge throng of fans that greeted them at New York’s JFK Airport, the Beatles refused to let back-to-back losses dishearten them. They closed out the series with a 4-0 game 6 win behind series MVP Kyle Lohse’s 6 shutout innings and 4 hits from Chris Denorfia. After the final out was recorded on Aramis Ramirez’s comebacker to Fernando Rodney, Rodney struck his familiar bow and arrow pose. “Twist and Shout” blared from the speakers as 58,000 screaming Beatles fans went wild.

In the process, the Beatles brought the title back to the Staub Conference for the first time since 2005. With the win, New Jersey completed an improbable run to the championship, having suffered through a 120-loss season just 2 years ago. A series of trades that brought key players to the Beatles helped turn that team around. Young players, such as Giancarlo Stanton, Bryce Harper, Jeremy Hellickson, Jason Motte, and Chris Tillman  were traded away, while proven stars Adrian Beltre, Edwin Encarnacion, Evan Longoria, Jimmy Rollins, Felix Hernandez, and Justin Verlander joined the team. It proved to be a winning combination, as the Beatles won 106 games in the regular season, and then topped things off with a CBA Championship.

Series Recap:       

 Game 1 featured a pitchers’ duel, with Justin Verlander pitching a complete game and leading the Beatles to a 1-0 victory over the Wolfmen and hard-luck loser Mike Fiers. The only run of the game scored in the 5th inning. Michael Saunders hit a one-out double and advanced to third when Brian Lahair mishandled Kelly Johnson’s routine ground ball to first. Verlander then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to score Saunders.

 Game 2 saw the Beatles defeat the Wolfmen, 7-1. Felix Hernandez earned the win with 5 2/3 strong innings, as Skokie could not muster much offense for the 2nd game in a row.

 The series moved to Skokie for Game 3, as the Wolfmen fans were looking to get back into the series. Unfortunately for them, the Beatles roughed up starter Ryan Vogelsong, scorching him for 8 runs in 5 innings. The Beatles cruised to a 9-4 victory, hitting 5 homeruns in the process. Edwin Encarnacion hit 2 dingers, including a first inning grand slam.

 Skokie’s backs were against the wall in Game 4, down 3-games-to-none and facing likely Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. The gritty Wolfmen were not dead yet, though, as Tim Hudson pitched a complete game 3-hitter, as Skokie won 4-0.

 It was do-or-die for Skokie again in Game 5. Game 2 winner Felix Hernandez faced off against game 1 loser Mike Fiers. Neither of them made it past the 3rd inning, as this game turned into a slugfest. Skokie raced to a 7-2 lead at the end of 2. New Jersey took the lead back with 6 runs in the top of the 3rd highlighted by Ryan Ludwick’s grand slam. Skokie scored 3 more in the bottom of the 3rd, and then scored 1 run in each of the next 3 innings, extending their lead to 13-9. New Jersey closed to 13-12 on a 3-run homerun by Ludwick in the 9th, but their comeback fell short, as Skokie held on for the win.

 The series returned to New Jersey for Game 6, with the Beatles holding a 3-games-to-2 lead. Game 3 winner Kyle Lohse took on Game 2 loser Wade Miley. Just as they had all season, the Beatles’ pitching staff carried the day, as New Jersey closed out the series with a 4-0 win. Lohse (2-0) went 6 innings, allowing just 2 singles and a walk. Fernando Rodney contributed 2 2/3 scoreless innings to finish the game. Meanwhile, Chris Denorfia went 4-4, and had a hand in each of New Jersey’s scoring rallies.

 
For openers, congratulations to all the playoff teams.  Steve Adler, Kevin Gibson, Joe Wallace, Dennis Concepcion, Doug Brunet, Wolfman Shapiro, Marc Wass, Rob Hite, Bruce Bundy, Jack Jung.  Who will win it?  Wolfman vs Bundy in Clemente vs Steve Adler whose Beatles are the current  #1 hit across CBA Land.  
GM's next year is approaching rapidly.  There is a likelyhood of some rules clarifications and modifications.  Among the issues that coulClaude and Gerald should have known. The original CBA teams were all named after movie studios. The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone. The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record. Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard. But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald. Donald was known for his questionable participation. Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmanians it would change their fortunes. They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99. By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67. That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive. The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year. Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs. 

Just for some nostalgia.  Lets look back at a storied franchise that dissolved in favor of expansion after 2003.  The story of the Tennessee Tazmanians run by Stephane Bouchard.  
The franchise story was different from its inception.  
  The original CBA teams if I recall were all named after movie studios.  The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone?? {Claude?}.  The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record.  Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard.  But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald.  Donald was known for his questionable participation.  Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmanians it would change their fortunes.  They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99.  By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67.  That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive.  The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year.  Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs.  


Belfast: .742 X Rating, .251 BA against, .305 IRSC a 3.68 ERA...but .310 OBA .104 ISO, .348 slug meant 3.46 runs support.  22-44 vs Dawson's LP, Montreal, Limoilou....But Belfast walloped Monday 31-17 for season.  What does that tell you about Dawson?

Brooklyn: After losing Parker by 1 game to Carolina, took revenge in '13 sweeping Carolina and winning div title in process.  Braun .331 30 SB 48 HR 128 RBI 116 runs, Miguel Cabrera .352 .428 OBA .630 slg, 43 HR, 136 RBI 113 runs 216 hits, RA Dickey 17-7 2.93 239 K's, David Price 13-6 3.22 203 K's, Jeter 20 HR 96 RBI .322 13 SB 218 hits.  They carried Brooklyn.  Brooklyn led CBA in batting .287.  Lower than usual power totals and average in Coors were made up for with a rare display of speed by the Superbas.  They stole a team record 131 stolen bases led by Jarrod Dyson's 54. 


Bryan:  Another winning season for Cory Light.  The Bryan Bashers hung tough until the final two blocks.  The battle with Towaco was fierce and right to the last month.  Bryan featured excellent pitching.  Perhaps the best Basher staff in recent memory finishing 4th overall.  The pen saved 53.  Though Casey Janssen finished with 31 sv it was a committee of relievers who had save totals.  .242 IRSC (Inherited runners scoring) The offense doesn't jump out at you.  The numbers are below average.  .246, 149 ISO, 166 HR's not bad for Staub however.  Part timer Dwayne Wise 12, led the er speedy Bashers to 51 stolen bases.  Paul Konerko deserves MVP consideration carrying this team on his back virtually himself .296 31 HR 96 RBI.  Nick Swisher chipped in with .227  25 HR's.  
 
Carolina: Fell just short.  In tough Parker, Carolina had a few sluggers who provided offense.  Shoo in for rookie of the year Willin Rosario hit 30 HR's, Votto 11 HR 61 RBI .329 in an  injury laden season.  Zimmerman 23 HR, Dunn 25 HR, Kubel 22 HR 82 RBI, and Marco Scutaro .312 led CBA with 27 sacrifices. Had 18 Hit and run hits using that it's advantage.  The low team OBA/SLG .324/.398 hurt most. The pitchers were tough. Anibal Sanchez finished 14-10 3.41 152 K's, J Johnson 12-10 3.57.  Huston Street saved 26.  Took 3 of 4 to finish the season block 25 in revenge of losing the week before spoiling Newton's Parker run.

Cooperstown: The Iron Horses cashed in early in the season after some early set backs.  They acquired draft picks and players looking ahead. Some very promising rookies like Byrom Buxton, Evan Gattis, Jeff Locke to go along with player returness like Matt Kemp 25 HR 65 RBI .277 and Adrian Gonzo 23 HR 81 RBI .275.   27 traded ballplayers from the team.  The future will tell if Cooperstown will return to prominence.  On paper it looks like it could be.

High Bridge opened the season strong.  They remained only two games back by June 17th.  They hung around into July before fading when roster changes took place and rest given to the over worked players.  The future seemed bright when John Miller grabbed Matt Harvey with his number 1 pick.  When MLB Harvey went down with injury, the Heaters front office felt let down.  Though the injury isn't as serious as could have been, Harvey will have a superior card in 2014.  Dillon Gee has returned from his serious injury to become a front end pitcher as well to go along with Rick Porcello.  Young talent like Denard Span, Didi Gregorius, Starling Marte, and Alex Presley present well for future years.  Tyler Colvin had a very good year 17 HR

Indiana:  returned to the press with a nice little run for the Monday title.  The Redbirds reclaimed a taste of their glory years of last decade with a return to first as late as mid September.  Who could ask for more?  When the pitching and key sluggers like Pujols, and Hamilton suffered injuries the last week.  Hamilton 46 HR 109 RBI .265BA.  Pujols 39 HR 124 RBI .298 BA a typical year for him.  Pujols career totals .323 601 HR's 1,591 RBI's.  Indy won 14 of 17 down the stretch in September to keep the pressure on Skokie.  Indiana socked a whopping 250 Homers in '13.  Catchers (Wieter) threw out 39% of their base stealers best in CBA. 

Joliet: Jack Frost builds, slowly but surely.  Looking for a return to the glory days of 2008, '14 could be the year the Jacks could make some noise.  2013 saw a 68-94 record which was not too awful.  Some moments of good play.  The Jacks had a good July which brought them neqar the cust of the second wildcard range. 9 games under .500, but so were a few teams.  One August and eventual Staub champ New Jersey came to town, Joliet underwent a long losing streak to fade away into CBA's abyss.  Middlebrooks 14 HR 49 RBI .339, Chris Carter 24 HR, and Rizzo 16 HR .319 starred. Some bright youngsters are on hand to make the future a bright one.

Limoilou; Our long time friend Jeff Boutet stepped aside in 2013 departing CBA as it's championship leader with 3. The Wendigo used good pitching from Latos 13-9 2.84, Kimbrel 7-1 26sv, Scherzer 14-8, Kershaw 17-5 3.23.  Melty Cabrera 10 HR 54 RBI .334 was among leaders in batting. Granderson 39, and Fielder 26 HR generated power in their approach to a wildcard.  James Blakely replaced Jeff for the final month steering them just shy of the final wildcard despite inherited usage situations.

Longue Pointe: One of 2013 great mysteries, what happened to Dennis Concepcion? His proxied team took a wildcard spot but lost to San Diego Surf in the playoffs.

Maine:  Up and down roller coaster for the Express. Started off April relatively fast, then dropped a bunch to fade fast from first place after 3 weeks.  From May and June They hovered at .500 then a losing streak took hold dropping them back a ways.
When it all seemed lost, Mike Koepp reeled off an impressive 12 game winning streak to highlight a streaky season. They made a rush to .500 and into contention, but usage became a factor and the fade took them out of the race in the second half.  Perhaps some better hitting vs lefties where a 20-32 record against lefty starters hurt them most. Acloser look shows the power shortage vs L hurt worse than the BA.

Montreal: Second best season, and same results.  Twice to the Staub Showdown and no show, yet. The Crows are now known for their pitching, defense, and '13 was more of the same. The addition of Cory Hart and Garrett Jones no doubt got them to the dance. But the price they paid has yet to be determined. Though Montreal traded quite a bit, Brunet knows how hard it is to get to the dance and join the CBA elite franchises which Montreal has now done twice in a row 5 years after his initial DRAFTING from scratch of a team.  Montreal and Westminster were true expansion teams in that year.  Its possible that there could be another expansion in the future,but Montreal shows, that from having initially no talent a dedicated GM can achieve high status in post season events.  Post season = Best of year. Conference finals equals elite teams for a season. Doing more than one time brings the level higher. Consider that Doug has done it in season 4 and 5 but...what about 2014? The draft will be important for the Crows.

New Hampshire: The assigned history of this franchise is quite fascinating I find.  The history was one of turmoil. Possibly CBA least successful franchise that had been snake bitten from day 1.  Right now Chris Brazeau has stabilized, and rebuilt this franchise gone wild.  Lets look back.  Claude and Gerald should have known.   The original CBA teams were all named after movie studios.  The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone.  The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record.  Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard.  But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald.  Donald was known for his questionable participation.  Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmainians it would change their fortunes.  They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99.  By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67.  That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive.  The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year.  Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs.  

Well New Hampshire is continuing the structure started by Brazeau to get into the upper ranks.  a 59-103 season was a setback of sorts.  Some expected a better record for '13 but '14 could be promising.  Matt Cain fronts the staff. Hanley Ramirez returns to SS at a very high level at least part time. Masterson steps up into the top of the rotatsh.   Profar gets utility work.  D'Aza steps up,  The future looks bright.  Viciedo led hitters with 27 HR, Cain was 10-15 3.50 ERA.  

New Jersey: It was like 1964.  The year the Beatles controlled the charts.  The Jersey boys controlled all of Staub at one pint winning 20 in a row just shy of the CBA record.  They controlled the Staub Playoffs.  Shrewd deals. Killer pen, and some stick to boot.  See how they do in the big show.  

Newton:  Last years near miss in the playoffs, just made him angry.  Laying low in the standings, the Newton Bombs found a way to win and manage usage enroute to the franchises first playoff.  It was at the end that the strategy master put the puzzle pieces together, to enter and take out the veteran Rob Hite in the playoffs, no easy task 3 games to 1.  Next, Bundy had to play Clementes toughest team, Ottawa.  With all on the line the two managers dueled a full 7 games.  In the end, Bundy defeated Jack Jung to advance to meet the Wolfman in the Clem finals.  Newton used all resources to get this far.  .745 X rated fielding. .345 OBA, .452 slug showed Clemente like offense.  A team 4.62 ERA was 3rd worst, but the saving grace was Bruce's use of the bullpen to get wins.  A team .225 IRSC.  Only 8 pb 55 wp from the batteries, Newton's pen shutdown those late runners.

Ohio:  Great offense team .273 BA with 195 Homers.  This team was made for Clemente.  They were able to play against friendly rival Carolina face to face on occassion.  Somehow more was expected of Ohio befor ethe season began.  As the T Cats began to start and look good, they too faded back in the tough Clemente.  The Conference teams are all quite strong and capable of defeating each other.  We saw that with even the second division teams defeating and spoiling for the top standings teams.  Ohio led by Buster Posey's 21 HR 86 RBI .352 season may get some MVP consideration.  Matt Holiday added 30 taters.  Fredrick Freeman added 28.  A team .181 ISO PWR good, So it wasn't that offense.  Than what?  Defense? .745 X rating not bad, 79-83 record was attributed to the pitching staff's failure to get guys out.  4.56 ERA.  Clay Buckholtz 15-8 4.08 ERA was a lone bright spot. A .362 IRSC stunk.  Then pen and rotation failed.

Ottawa:  Best regular season ever for the Otters.   Team .353 OBA, .272 BA, 965 runs, 265 HR's .481 slug team records all.  Best in 17 seasons.  Ottawa took that offense led by MVP candidates Trout 44 HR 125 RBI .325, McCutchen 48 HR 127 RBI .307,  Papi's 30 HR 91 RBI .347 BA in 322 AB.  Leadoff hitters hit 30 HR, 2nd place hitters 42 HR, 3rd place hitters hit 50 , cleanup hitters hit 52.    Perhaps the best top half of the lineup years!  A season for the ages.  The team 3.91 ERA could have meant more wins if lower.  Gallardo 19-6 4.38, Fister 13-6 3.58, and Yu Darvish 14-7 4.26, had solid seasons.  Ottawa was 4 games back on May 2nd, but got hot to take first place and never look back.  They led runner up Philly all season after the first week of May.  

Philly came on strong at the end to snatch wildcard number 2 in the last block.  Is that any news at all that Rob Hite had made the playoffs yet again? Hite has 5 World Series appearances.  The elite?  Perhaps Rob is one of the standards that others will  be measured by.  A true elite franchise.  egular playoff appearances, it isn't just luck.  Hite has won 3 Championships.  This year the big trade came back to hurt some as Justin Verlander 24-4 went on to lead New Jersey to a walk away title.  Rob got back Bruce Harper 22 HR 81 .272 who went on to become a main cog in the powerful Philly Offense.   Philly slugged 230 HR with a team .281 BA.  
Quebec:  Led by Hall of Famer Dino Barnabe is building up.  They have some high draft picks, and some very good young players just waiting to break loose.  Quebec hit 231 HR last year showing alot of power.  Mitch Moreland slugged 23 HR .298, Cespedes had a great year .295 28 HR.  Trumbo slugged 32 HR's, and Josh Reddick added a big 35 HR's.  .183 ISO power is among the leagues best.  The BA was a low .250, with only 649 runs knocked in.  Homers with out men on base.  Cant win those games if the defense drops 142 balls ,and the pens allows 35% of inherited runners to score. Clearly this is a team on the rise.  The pitching defense and speed may have hurt, but the future and the draft could make Barnabe a player once more.

River Meadow:  Claude Lamarre is back.  The Monarchs hung around .500 or just under most of the year.  The team was not strong enough to contend for the title, so Lamarre acquired some draft picks for some aged retired players.  The Monarchs did slighty better on the road.  They did a bit better in one run games as their pen was strong .281 IRSC.  The opponents .287 batting average hurt the pitchers but the teams 3.87 runs of offensive run support was pathetic.  A team .315 on base, and no real slugging threats aside from catcher Ryan Doumit and the stud 1B from Baltimore {whats that} Chris Davis who hit 37 HR.  Next season Chris Davis major league high for Baltimore 53 HR .286 BA should carry this team a long way the way Mark McGwire once did.   There's great talent here with Kipness, Iglesias at SS, Davis who is going to be awesome, Fowler, Teheran, Lowry, Carpenter   around t contend in '14 with a good draft. 

San Diego: The Surf dynasty continues.  The Surf have won yet again getting into another playoffs.  All the classy Joe Wallace does is win baby.  The Surf continue to draft well each year and develop new talent.  Wallace rarely misses with his young prospects.  This year David Wright, Giancarlitolo Stanton 45 HR,obinson Cano led a strong offense.  .327 26 HR 110 RBI's.  SD lost to Staub Chmapion NJ in round 1.  Expect Wallace to be back with his dynastic franchise.

Skokie:  The Wolfman has parlayed his way using the trade market to gain an advantage.  That advantage led to a final week clinch of the Monday title, narrowly defeating Indiana's Bob fidler in some head to head matchups.  Wolfman's mastery of the usage and preparation provided dividends.  Skokie got excellent support down the stretch from Ethier who got hot, Future hall of famer acquired from Joliet Juan Pierre who provided a leadoff hitter, and the spot usage of Troy Tulowitsky.  The Wolfman acquired bullpen supprt and pitching as well.  This combined to add up to another appearance in the Clemente finals.

Stirling: A good offense with a team .277 BA.  Despite 'only' 140 HR's, the Redsox contended into the last 3 blocks in September.  Ultimately, injuries and other issues kept the Sox from a deserved wildcard spot.  Brett Butler 38 HR 107 RBI .304 BA was a team best.  148 stolen bases led by Campana 20,Choo 30, and Andrus 27.  Kenley Jansen led the pitchers with 38 saves.  No starters stood out.  Buehrle went 13-10 4.55, and Ian Kennedy 13-16 was an iron horse.  The pen was otherwise not too good allowing 32% of inheriteds to score.

Towaco:  Kevin Gibson proved a saavy manager guiding a relatively well balanced but not spectacular team all the way to the Rogers title over rival Bryan Bashers.  Towaco use magaer matchups despite an ordinary Staub offense.   They go on base a pretty good .333 OBA, which for Staub is good.  A .420 slug is fairly decent.  Managed  .755 team production.   .159 ISO was weak.   Two players with 20+Homers were Russ Martin 24 HR .179 BA, and P Alvarez 25 HR 80 RBI .256.  174 HR was good for Staub, and a .261 average not bad.  Just balanced.  Ken Medlen pitched absolutely lights out.  He was the difference.  consider for Cy Young  16-1 1.21, I say 1.21 ERA but only 21 starts. but those were big starts.  Towaco had a great year despite bowing to Staub champ NJ.  Gibson is proving to be quite a GM and tactician.







CBA: Where the Action Is                                                                     February 23, 2013


 
New York- CBA. The major leagues. The show. Playing baseball at this level was once considered to be only an American dream. Now it is a dream shared around the globe, from kids in the back yards and sandlots in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela to men dotting the fields of packed stadiums in Japan and Korea. And this is a time in the year when some few will find out if that dream has a chance at reality, when the CBA holds its' annual draft.
     At approximately 11 AM eastern time tomorrow, Scott Kenan, owner and general manager of the Carolina Copperheads, will likely make a dream come true by announcing the first overall selection. Likely, because not all players being considered are without prior experience in the majors. Just ask Skokie pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. Likely, because those coveted early round picks are almost always devoted to acquiring the best young rising stars. Whatever happens, players and agents the world over will have all their media attuned to the goings on here in New York.
     Indeed, Ryan Vogelsong's case is a rarity. For someone who hadn't pitched in the majors since 2006 with the Allentown Senators (now the Towaco Wolf Pack), being selected fifth overall last year came as a pleasant surprise to the then 34 year old, who had been playing in Japan.
     "It's not that I'd given up hope. But after so long, you kind of don't expect anybody to be watching anymore. Even knowing that there had been scouts that went over to Japan who had spoken with my agent, I didn't dare think that anything would come of it," said Vogelsong. "I can't tell you how excited I was when my agent called me last year to tell me I had been drafted by Skokie."
     Not only was he drafted, but won a spot in the rotation out of spring training and played a prominent role in the Wolfmen winning its'  first world championship. It's a testament to how far and wide CBA organizations will go to find the right players as they draw from the vast well of talent that is present at many levels.
     "We weren't the only ones over there looking at Ryan," said Josh Shapiro, the wolfman himself. "We knew we wanted him, but we also knew that if we didn't snap him up somebody else would. I admit that picking him that early at his age was done with some reservation. But kudos to our scouting staff for recognizing that Ryan had found his way back to his game. Obviously, there are no regrets. I think, without him, we probably would have come up short of the title yet again."
     Though not so long away from the majors, reliever Fernando Rodney could be getting the same call that Vogelsong did. After seeing his performance and command decline over two seasons, the Montreal Crows released him following the 2011 season. His disappointment at not being selected as a re-entry in last year's draft drove Rodney to elevate his pitching to the level that got him to the majors. He pitched well enough with Los Angeles of the independent leagues last season that led to Skokie acquiring him as a restricted free agent in mid-August, and has had a number of CBA scouts keeping an eye on him this winter in his native Dominican Republic. The word is that his name is on several draft lists of general managers looking to address their bullpen shortages.
     But, as mentioned earlier, these are the rare ones. What teams are really hoping for is Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, or Jordan Zimmermann. This is where the scouting staffs really earn their paychecks. A shining example as to the impact of advanced scouting can be seen in the Philly Phantastics. GM Rob Hite has assembled what he refers to as 'the best birddogs in baseball', a scouting staff that he personally heads and travels with extensively. He believes that it is the key to Philly putting a competitive team on the field year after year.
     "It's not easy when you have to cut down your roster every December to know who to keep, who to move, and who to cut," says Hite. "Certainly there are your core players that remain, but you can't hold on to everybody. The scouting that we do plays a huge part in how we move forward through all phases of the off-season. We look at everything. Sabermetrics, development in the minors and the independents, prospect maturity, even the psychology of certain players we look at. Things have to fit a profile for this organization."
     There is an obvious measure of success for Hite where the draft is concerned. He claims that drafting a player at the right time to suit a need before it occurs prevents the necessity to move value at a later time. Players like Starling Castro, Jonathan Lucroy, and Eric Hosmer are examples of draft picks that have made or will make an impact at the major league level in a relatively short period of time, keeping fresh the mix of veteran leadership and young raw talent.
      And as Shapiro alluded to, Hite adds, "You have to respect what your dealing with in this league. If you don't go out and find your guys,  someone else will. That's the nature of the beast."
     Short turnarounds are not so uncommon. We saw glimpses last season of some youngsters looking to make a splash this season. Salvador Perez in Montreal and Mike Trout with the Ottawa Otters gave us a taste in 2012. Perez was even included on the Crows' post-season roster and looks to be the starting catcher in 2013. With shoe-in hall of famer Vladimir Guerrero's retirement, a whole different player than the one Jack Jung watched last year at AAA has to show up this spring to keep Trout from playing in Ottawa. 
     So many others can be named. Kipnis, Lawrie, Parker, Cespedes, Goldschmidt, the list goes on. Many new names and some old ones, too, will be the talk of baseball as they roll out on the list of players drafted onto CBA rosters, where the action is.

 
 

Recap

The wildcard round saw Longue Pointe and their pitching staff dominate over David Jones Lake County Leopards. Lake County took game 1 behind Johnny Cueto's masterful pitching.  Then it was CC Sabathia, Tim Lincecum, and CJ Wilson shutting the door to advance the Loggers to the Conference playoffs vs Joe Wallace's powerful San Diego Surf.

The Clemente Wildcard saw Rob Hite's Philly Phantastics sweep Marc Wass' Brooklyn Superbas in 3 straight.  Although Verlander, Hamels, and Brandon Morrow stifled the potent Brooklyn Superbas attack in the House of Pain, It was Eric Hosmer who single handedly and legendarily executed the Brooklyn boys with 5 Homers 2 doubles 9 RBI's and 7-11 batting.  Not to be forgotton anytime soon.

In round 1 of the Staub Playoffs, Doug Brunet's Montreal Crows swept past Cory Light's Bryan Bashers behind superior pitching in tight ball games.  Both first time managers, but someone had to win.  Montreal will play against the LP vs. SD winner.  Rob Hite's Philly Phantastics defeated Malachi Nellum's Stirling RedSox 4 games to 3 in an epic and well played series.  The Skokie wolfmen defeated the Cooperstown Iron Horses 4 games to 1.  Wolfman is looking at yet another Conference final to add to his resume. 

This is where the big boys meet and play.  The dedicated, the lucky, the astute, the confident, the best in CBA ball for 2012.  Last year Saw Brooklyn Defeat San Diego in 5 games for the 2011 Championship as Miguel Cabrera dominated the post season like no other has since.  Cabrera had 10 HR's and led his team.  Who will this years hero be?  We saw magnificent perfomances so far that will be archived for future reference.  Performances Like Johnny Cueto's shutout over Longue Pointe on opening day.  Eric Hosmer single handedly destroying Brooklyn's dream of repeat with 5 HR's in a 3 game wildcard. Montreal terrorizing the Bashers behind masterful pitching by James Shields.  Allen Craig's timely PH.  Nyger Morgan's .469 batting average leading Longue Point over deep into the 2nd round.  Billy Butlers 13 hits and .409 BA for Stirling vs Philly.  Sandoval's 3 HR's for Bryan.  Jared Weaver's gem vs red hot Skokie for Cooperstown.  Perhaps not many bigger highs and lows than we saw in the LP-SD series which turned after an 8th Inning boot by Yunel Escobar in g5.  The hero, Nick Hundley with a long Homer to win the series for San Diego against the speedy small ball artistry of the Loggers. 

Now we have two repeaters looking for their opportunity for gold.  We have GM Doug Brunet who makes his first appearance in the final four.  The Skokie Wolfman.  Veteran GM with a record of success each year.  He has been to the dance, but unable to claim the ring.  There's CBA legend Rob Hite.  All Hite does is win.  We learned in 2012, never count Philly out.  He even threw down the towel so he says.  A towel chuck right into the playoffs ala Indiana.  Seems to work in Clemente.  Hite is a 3 time champion looking for his fourth.  In CBA Jeff Boutet has 3, Bob Fidler 3, Marc Wass 2, Jack Jung 1, Dennis Concepcion 1, among active GM's.  Although some forget the losers, no Finals runner up is a loser.  No shame losing in the Conf Champ.  Only shame if your a former champion who gets blown out in 3 straight in the wild card round.  Staub has last won a World Championship in 2005 when Dennis defeated Rob Hite, the year of Miracle Mirabelli and Ichiro's  series and GW HR.  Clemente has dominated since then.
Rounding out the managers is the long time veteran Joe Wallace.  Joe Wallace has built a long runniing dominant franchise in San Diego.  Holder of the all time best season with 122 wins, San Diego and Wallace have been there and paid some heavy dues, slowly building up from first round and outs, the game 7's in the second round a few years back (Archives has it), and finally a Staub Championship and World Series appearance.  After last years disappointment, Wallace revamped his squad, and brought aboard the powerful Mike Stanton sending King Felix to New Jersey where Hernandez helped improve their record from last year.  Wallace vowed to add power and did.  He seeks yet another series appearance after his hard fought battle vs Longue Pt. 


 
Superbas claim New York!
 (AP) September 29th 2012  CBA©  Offices New York, NY all rights reserved.     "...And they danced, like a wave on the ocean...they romanced and they danced the night..." from Rockaway Beach in Queens to Manhattan's rediculous Upper West Side, all of New Yorks eyes are on the Brooklyn Borough's Superbas.  But the rest of the borooughs have cashed in on "SuperMania".  The Superbas have become New Yorks City's favorite, especially after last years heart stopping and spectacular World Series win.   Playoff and Series MVP Miguel MVP Cabrera yesterday led a team rally in Brooklyn's own Prospect Park near Grand Army Plaza that blocked traffic on Flatbush Avenue all the way down Flatbush avenue extension to the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan's Chinatown.  Cabrera hit that famous 1 out 9th inning HR to tie and ultimately win the Division playoffs in 7 games from arch rival Philly Phantastics.  Cabrera the Grand Poobah of today's rally said " We like to thank our fans very much.  Salud!  Brooklyn!"   Disgruntled High Bridge fans protested the rally.   High Bridge is New Yorks other team in the area, but the fans are not amused by the antics of loyal Brooklyn fans.  Said cab driver Shetstaen AlFaisal "These animaux they crazy.  Make celebrate party by punch each other face in happy way.   I'm going home now its too much.  My team the Heaters and this is not good for me..."  Joey Loconsolo of Brooklyn's Bay Ridge section was in the 3rd Ave "Brooklyn Superba" bar when the announcement that Brooklyn won the home wild card seat was made by the bar tender whose identity must remain anonymous.  Said Joey, "Mink-ya...Min...I mean thats my boys.  Got that Jeter going off, with Cabrera, and Braun, Mah-ron thats what I'm talkin bout ya hear?".   Shirley Lumpis of Staten Island was also in the Superba bar in the table across from Mr Loconsolo with her friends Gertie, and Gimble.  " We cam hee-yah to watch the action.  And that game against the Iron Horses was good too, tee-hee".  Bars around New York reported sales increases during the Brooklyn Cooperstown series.  The ratings and crowds may be quite high again for the upcoming Wild card round.  Can Brooklyn pull it off? Manager Marc Wass thinks so.

Worst to First- The Iron Horse Turnaround

Cooperstown - After enduring a heartbreaking game 163 loss to the eventual 2010 CBA champion Indiana Redbirds, Iron Horse fans watched as the entire roster was torn down and rebuilt from scratch. “We knew our team was getting older and our window to win a championship had closed.” Cooperstown GM Jon Stamets stated.  “We needed to bring in some young blood, and with that comes growing pains.”  There were indeed growing pains as Horse fans saw even more of their stars shipped off at the deadline on their way to a 110 loss season. 
 

However one thing was obvious to Stamets, “We had pitching and draft picks coming out of our ears.” In fact, they had 11 capable starting pitchers on their roster and with SP at a premium; this opened the flood gates for one of the most active off-seasons in Cooperstown history.  “We had a solid team of youngsters, but with 7 picks in the first 3 rounds and a lot of depth we knew we could make a big splash.” 
 

It was a Prince Fielder cannon ball type splash.

Over the next few months Iron Horse fans saw 16 trades with 11 different teams empty their stockpile of draft picks and young talent.  However, there was a buzz in Cooperstown as they witnessed press conference after press conference introducing their new superstars.  Cliff Lee and Tim Hudson were added to the rotation and sluggers Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart were added to the lineup.   
 

2012 wouldn’t be a disappointment.  Kemp and Gonzalez went on to mash 89 combined HR’s and the team hit .291 as a whole.  New acquisitions Hudson and Lee anchored the pitching staff that saw Jered Weaver and Madison Bumgarner enjoy breakout seasons combining for 40 wins. Javier Vazquez, in what he has announced will be his final season, cut his 6.43 ERA from 2011 in half to 3.09.  After seeing triple digits in losses just last season, the Iron Horses accomplished that feat in the win column, racking up 101 of them to eke out a division title by one game over the mighty Superbas. 
 

When asked if the 2012 offseason would be as busy as it was in 2011, Stamets replied, “We’ll see, but at this point we’re concentrating on the postseason.  We’ll worry about the offseason in the offseason.” 


Bryan Bashers 2012  1st Playoff appearance!
 
Pitching and Defense was the name of the game in 2012 for the Bryan Bashers.  With the move out of the hitter friendly Clemente to the Pitcher friendly Staub, Bryan was able to deal with the loss of a DH with relative ease.  Continuing their recent trend of improving pitching (this 2012 marks the 4th year in a row that Bryan has lowered their ERA from the previous year, from 5.53 in 2008 to 3.45 this year), Bryan set several team records in pitching, the most significant in many eyes was the record 23.56% IRSC% (only 45 of 191 inherited runners scored on Bryan in 2012.  Bryan also set a team record for fewest errors at 87.  The dominant pitching and Defense was needed, as the anemic offense set many team record lows..Runs scored (643) AB (5477) Triples (16) and OPS (.705)--and just missing the record low in HR (from 2011) by just one HR.  Bryan did manage a very respectable 86.6% Stolen base percentage with only 9 CS vs. 58 SB  
 
Key additions were
Josh Tomlin, who was 2nd in wins (12) and 2nd in era (2.99) for the team. Acquired last offseason in a trade with Cooperstown.
 
Pablo Sandoval, a draft day trade, that anchored what offense Bryan did have (33HR, .996 OPS)
 
Joaquin Benoit, acquired in May, help shore up an already deep pen, with a 1.97 ERA.
 
Amazingly, Jason Isringhausen brought in 25 saves in 27 opportunities after being drafted in the 10th round.
 
Bryan jumped to an early lead in the Rogers division, with over .600 winning percentage by mid season.  Then they managed to ride out the big start to finish 5 games over Maine by the end of the regular Season, earning their first ever Playoff appearance and 2nd best record of all time with 87 wins. (the 2007 Bryan Bashers ended up with a 92-71 record, having tied Philly for the wild card and losing the game 163 tie breaker).
 
Congratulations to all that have made the playoffs this year, and good luck!  It's been a wild season, and the playoffs surely will be more of the same!

 

Getz To Miss Postseason

Montreal- After four seasons, the Montreal Crows will make their first appearance in the postseason after winning the Dawson division crown. After four seasons in the Crows organization, third with the big club, infielder Chris Getz will be relegated to dugout cheerleader due to a pulled hamstring.
     "I am so disappointed, you have no idea," said Getz. "It's ridiculous. You think of how many times you run the bases. Sometimes you go real hard on some plays, especially coming home. But it wasn't even that kind of play. Y'know, just run home."
     In the eighth inning of last Monday's 3-1 loss to the Belfast Brawlers, Getz entered the game as a pinch-hitter for reliever Fautino De Los Santos. After he drew a walk and stole second, Todd Helton slashed a two-out double to the left field gap. It was a play on which Getz would have easily scored, but rounding third he pulled up favoring his right leg. He managed to hobble his way to the plate, then went to the ground and was helped off the field by team trainer Basil Fawlty and J.J. Hardy who was on deck during the play.
     "We've had a great season," added Getz. "It's gonna be tough to have to sit this out. This is what you work for, a chance to do something special. All I can do now is cheer the guys on."
     In a platoon role with Jeff Keppinger, Getz hit .257 and stole 25 bases while providing solid defense at second. No doubt the dimensional aspect that he has brought to the team will be missed. To replace him, however, the Crows have decided to add a third catcher to the postseason roster instead of another infielder. With multi-positional players Todd Frazier and Nick Punto backing up in the infield, manager Robert Brunet has elected to add rookie sensation Salvador Perez.
     "My dad wants Perez, he gets Perez," was GM Doug Brunet's answer as to why. "Besides, I think the kid deserves it after what he's done. He can flat out hit. I don't know if he'll start, he's just 22 years old. But, dad believes he can be a threat off the bench in a late inning situation. So, we're going with him."
     Perez was drafted fourth overall by Montreal in March of this year. After lighting it up in Halifax, he was called up in late July when Lou Marson went on the disabled list. After a bit of a slow start at the major league level, Perez finished the season riding a ten game hitting streak with a .321 average, 1 homer, and 14 RBI.
     Regarding the pitchers, Brunet will shorten the rotation a little to allow staff ace James Shields to take the ball as often as possible. Of course, Shields will start game 1 in the division series against the Bryan Bashers that looks to be shaping up as a battle of pitching staffs. Lefty Derek Holland will get the ball in game 2, and Jordan Zimmermann is slated for game 3. The intention at that point is to have Shields go on 3 days rest in game 4, so he would be able to do the same again if the series goes to a 7th game. Holland will start game 5 or 6 depending on how he bounces back from his game 2 start, with either righty Dillon Gee or lefty Paul Maholm starting the other game. The short rotation gives Brunet the extra pullpen arms of the latter two, particularly Maholm adding to southpaws Rafael Perez and Tom Gorzelanny. 
     The Crows have plenty of time to deliberate strategy. The series with Bryan will begin on Tuesday, October 9th at Oscar Peterson Memorial Stadium. Before that, however, the wild card series between crosstown rival Longue Pointe Loggers and Carter division runner up Lake County Leopards will be decided to see which team faces the conference incumbent San Diego Surf. 
     With two teams going into the postseason, the city is abuzz with talk of baseball and hopes of an inter-city series for the Staub conference championship.

L

"The Legend Of Donnybrook"

Legend has it that the word describes the time back in 2004

when a clueless Irish guy from out of town named Donny 
went into a crowded bar and grill near the Brooklyn Bridge 
known as Da Greasy Spoon Saloon at the height of Happy Hour
AND rush hour had a few mugs of Steeplechase brews. 
 
Watching the CBA World Series playing on the TV above the bar,
Donny loudly (and carelessly) said some disparaging words
about the local CBA franchise that just happened to be at bat
that very moment. 
 
The enraged partisan barflies instantly Twittered and texted
a flash mob summons.  Within seconds the entire populace
of the borough converged on said watering hole and proceeded
to thoroughly and firmly, but violently, explain the incorrect syntax,
grammatical errors, and most especially the poor and inaccurate
word choices of Donny's remarks by using Donny's entire body
as a metaphor to diagram and correct his multiple verbal faux pas.
 
Having purged him of his anti-Superba bias (as well as most of his
consciousness and stomach contents) the crowd deemed it
appropriate that Donny should be "re-born" and, carrying Donny
over their heads and shoulders like a rock star in a mosh pit,
trooped their way to the Brooklyn Bridge where they gleefully
baptized him in the murky waters of the East River below.
 
Following the Superba triumph in the Series that very night,
the current logo was commissioned. 
 
People have often remarked about the Superba logo
and the meaning of the little blemish seen in the
lower right edge. 
 
Historians have postulated that it is a symbolic reference
to the legendary Steve Brody, but in explaining the meaning
of the word DONNYBROOK (as it applies to CBA fans 
in Brooklyn anyway), the origins of that curious mark
have never been revealed....
 
UNTIL NOW...

 
It is early morning here in Renton, WA aka Skokie, IL
I just read the news today (oh boy) of San Diego's victory
of Longue Pointe to be our fourth team to survive to the
conference championship round

It is natural for us to focus on the remaining teams
as we wait to see who will face each other in the
CBA World Series -

at this juncture we have 3 teams who have never won
and one who has won (Philly) what 3 or 4 times, we
recall our WS visit against Philly in I think it was
2007 losing in six games and here we are again
for another chance

but before I speak and share some thoughts (this is
all propaganda of course to get things juicy as we
enter the next round, some postering, the usual
for the Wolf Guys) I want to once again acknowledge
and honor the six friends who were part of our party
who are now on the sidelines

Of course expanding to 10 playoffs teams I believe
was a good thing, it gave more teams a chance to
make the playoffs and we had five of those 50%
who had not had a chance before - it seems to have
worked too in the MLB as St.Louis who might be
in the series (similar to Philly in the CBA) would not
have had a chance without the extra slot

so we miss our friends in Brooklyn, Lake County,
Bryan, Cooperstown, Longue Pointe and Stirling,
while you might feel a bit disappointed you couldn't
go farther this year, you all did a hell of a job and
should be proud, as we all know only one can be
champion - and to do this is no easy task as Skokie
has experienced in our two unsuccessful bids to the show

what I can tell you is usually the team that wins at the
end may not have the best team on paper or with the
best record, its who is hot - and perhaps knows some
strategies to defeat their opponents working with the game

I can tell you when I have played the board game at tournaments,
I didn't have a prayer - all the strategies I remembered from the less
advanced board games or the computer game, didn't even help
me to finish at .500 in the two tournaments I played, although
I occasionally beat a good player

So we now have Montreal and San Diego - history would favor
San Diego but I played Montreal in Exhibition and got beat so
good pitching and defense in a short series can prove victorious,
this was a strategy we tried early in our history and while we
did get to the playoffs we couldn't get far so you have to have
patience for it to work and it seems Mr. Doug has it so it
could be surprising what happens here.

Of course Skokie has something to prove - Philly, thanks to
the new playoff system just makes it in - with the worse record
in the Clemente Conference - that when the Playoffs come,
the record means nothing - everything is reset and since
Philly has already been champion before, its just another
day at the office for GM Rob Hite - you notice Rob is very
humble, I noticed this during the banter between him and
the Boss, the Wass in their playoff series - always letting
others know he isn't sure if he can do it but goes ahead
and does it anyway - there is something of winning which
he understands, kind of like a personal secret, which is
why he is able to win or be there at the end - plus he
has a way to pull off bringing in the best young players,
look at his current roster

Billingsley, Castro, Craig, Cruz, Greinke, Hosmer,
Longoria, Lynn, Morrow, Morse, Verlander, Zobrist

this is why he stays good - its difficult to keep a team
successful from year to year - every year some key players
are injured or have a down year - we know and the only reason
why Skokie keeps showing up in the playoff is we trade -
we try every which way to bring a balanced team to the field
but one year, this method won't work and it could set us back
years

 

In round 1 of the Staub Playoffs, Doug Brunet's Montreal Crows swept past Cory Light's Bryan Bashers behind superior pitching in tight ball games.  Both first time managers, but someone had to win.  Montreal will play against the LP vs. SD winner.  Rob Hite's Philly Phantastics defeated Malachi Nellum's Stirling RedSox 4 games to 3 in an epic and well played series.  The Skokie Wolfmen defeated the Cooperstown Iron Horses 4 games to 1.  Wolfman is looking at yet another Conference final to add to his resume. 

This is where the big boys meet and play.  The dedicated, the lucky, the astute, the confident, the best in CBA ball for 2012.  Last year Saw Brooklyn Defeat San Diego in 5 games for the 2011 Championship as Miguel Cabrera dominated the post season like no other has since.  Cabrera had 10 HR's and led his team.  Who will this years hero be?  We saw magnificent perfomances so far that will be archived for future reference.  Performances Like Johnny Cueto's shutout over Longue Pointe on opening day.  Eric Hosmer single handedly destroying Brooklyn's dream of repeat with 5 HR's in a 3 game wildcard. Montreal terrorizing the Bashers behind masterful pitching by James Shields.  Allen Craig's timely PH.  Nyger Morgan's .469 batting average leading Longue Point over deep into the 2nd round.  Billy Butlers 13 hits and .409 BA for Stirling vs Philly.  Sandoval's 3 HR's for Bryan.  Jared Weaver's gem vs red hot Skokie for Cooperstown.  Perhaps not many bigger highs and lows than we saw in the LP-SD series which turned after an 8th Inning boot by Yunel Escobar in g5.  The hero, Nick Hundley with a long Homer to win the series for San Diego against the speedy small ball artistry of the Loggers. 

Now we have two repeaters looking for their opportunity for gold.  We have GM Doug Brunet who makes his first appearance in the final four.  The Skokie Wolfman.  Veteran GM with a record of success each year.  He has been to the dance, but unable to claim the ring.  There's CBA legend Rob Hite.  All Hite does is win.  We learned in 2012, never count Philly out.  He even threw down the towel so he says.  A towel chuck right into the playoffs ala Indiana.  Seems to work in Clemente.  Hite is a 3 time champion looking for his fourth.  In CBA Jeff Boutet has 3, Bob Fidler 3, Marc Wass 2, Jack Jung 1, Dennis Concepcion 1, among active GM's.  Although some forget the losers, no Finals runner up is a loser.  No shame losing in the Conf Champ.  Only shame if your a former champion who gets blown out in 3 straight in the wild card round.  Staub has last won a World Championship in 2005 when Dennis defeated Rob Hite, the year of Miracle Mirabelli and Ichiro's  series and GW HR.  Clemente has dominated since then.
Rounding out the managers is the long time veteran Joe Wallace.  Joe Wallace has built a long runniing dominant franchise in San Diego.  Holder of the all time best season with 122 wins, San Diego and Wallace have been there and paid some heavy dues, slowly building up from first round and outs, the game 7's in the second round a few years back (Archives has it), and finally a Staub Championship and World Series appearance.  After last years disappointment, Wallace revamped his squad, and brought aboard the powerful Mike Stanton sending King Felix to New Jersey where Hernandez helped improve their record from last year.  Wallace vowed to add power and did.  He seeks yet another series appearance after his hard fought battle vs Longue Pt. 

 
 
Superbas claim New York!
 (AP) September 29th 2012  CBA©  Offices New York, NY all rights reserved.    
"...And they danced, like a wave on the ocean...they romanced and they danced the night..." from Rockaway Beach in Queens to Manhattan's rediculous Upper West Side, all of New Yorks eyes are on the Brooklyn Borough's Superbas.  But the rest of the borooughs have cashed in on "SuperMania".  The Superbas have become New Yorks City's favorite, especially after last years heart stopping and spectacular World Series win.   Playoff and Series MVP Miguel MVP Cabrera yesterday led a team rally in Brooklyn's own Prospect Park near Grand Army Plaza that blocked traffic on Flatbush Avenue all the way down Flatbush avenue extension to the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan's Chinatown.  Cabrera hit that famous 1 out 9th inning HR to tie and ultimately win the Division playoffs in 7 games from arch rival Philly Phantastics.  Cabrera the Grand Poobah of today's rally said " We like to thank our fans very much.  Salud!  Brooklyn!"   Disgruntled High Bridge fans protested the rally.   High Bridge is New Yorks other team in the area, but the fans are not amused by the antics of loyal Brooklyn fans.  Said cab driver Shetstaen Alfyasal "These animaux they crazy.  Make celebrate party by punch each other face in happy way.   I'm going home now its too much.  My team the Heaters and this is not good for me..."  Joey Loconsolo of Brooklyn's Bay Ridge section was in the 3rd Ave "Brooklyn Superba" bar when the announcement that Brooklyn won the home wild card seat was made by the bar tender whose identity must remain anonymous.  Said Joey, "Mink-ya...Min...I mean thats my boys.  Got that Jeter going off, with Cabrera, and Braun, Mah-ron thats what I'm talkin bout ya hear?".   Shirley Lumpis of Staten Island was also in the Superba bar in the table across from Mr Loconsolo with her friends Gertie, and Gimble.  " We cam hee-yah to watch the action.  And that game against the Iron Horses was good too, tee-hee".  Bars around New York reported sales increases during the Brooklyn Cooperstown series.  The ratings and crowds may be quite high again for the upcoming Wild card round.  Can Brooklyn pull it off? Manager Marc Wass thinks so.
 

Worst to First- The Iron Horse Turnaround
 


 

Cooperstown - After enduring a heartbreaking game 163 loss to the eventual 2010 CBA champion Indiana Redbirds, Iron Horse fans watched as the entire roster was torn down and rebuilt from scratch. “We knew our team was getting older and our window to win a championship had closed.” Cooperstown GM Jon Stamets stated.  “We needed to bring in some young blood, and with that comes growing pains.”  There were indeed growing pains as Horse fans saw even more of their stars shipped off at the deadline on their way to a 110 loss season. 
 


 

However one thing was obvious to Stamets, “We had pitching and draft picks coming out of our ears.” In fact, they had 11 capable starting pitchers on their roster and with SP at a premium; this opened the flood gates for one of the most active off-seasons in Cooperstown history.  “We had a solid team of youngsters, but with 7 picks in the first 3 rounds and a lot of depth we knew we could make a big splash.” 
 


 

It was a Prince Fielder cannon ball type splash.


 

Over the next few months Iron Horse fans saw 16 trades with 11 different teams empty their stockpile of draft picks and young talent.  However, there was a buzz in Cooperstown as they witnessed press conference after press conference introducing their new superstars.  Cliff Lee and Tim Hudson were added to the rotation and sluggers Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart were added to the lineup.   
 


 

2012 wouldn’t be a disappointment.  Kemp and Gonzalez went on to mash 89 combined HR’s and the team hit .291 as a whole.  New acquisitions Hudson and Lee anchored the pitching staff that saw Jered Weaver and Madison Bumgarner enjoy breakout seasons combining for 40 wins. Javier Vazquez, in what he has announced will be his final season, cut his 6.43 ERA from 2011 in half to 3.09.  After seeing triple digits in losses just last season, the Iron Horses accomplished that feat in the win column, racking up 101 of them to eke out a division title by one game over the mighty Superbas. 
 


 

When asked if the 2012 offseason would be as busy as it was in 2011, Stamets replied, “We’ll see, but at this point we’re concentrating on the postseason.  We’ll worry about the offseason in the offseason.” 

 


Bryan Bashers 2012  1st Playoff appearance!
 
Pitching and Defense was the name of the game in 2012 for the Bryan Bashers.  With the move out of the hitter friendly Clemente to the Pitcher friendly Staub, Bryan was able to deal with the loss of a DH with relative ease.  Continuing their recent trend of improving pitching (this 2012 marks the 4th year in a row that Bryan has lowered their ERA from the previous year, from 5.53 in 2008 to 3.45 this year), Bryan set several team records in pitching, the most significant in many eyes was the record 23.56% IRSC% (only 45 of 191 inherited runners scored on Bryan in 2012.  Bryan also set a team record for fewest errors at 87.  The dominant pitching and Defense was needed, as the anemic offense set many team record lows..Runs scored (643) AB (5477) Triples (16) and OPS (.705)--and just missing the record low in HR (from 2011) by just one HR.  Bryan did manage a very respectable 86.6% Stolen base percentage with only 9 CS vs. 58 SB  
 
Key additions were
Josh Tomlin, who was 2nd in wins (12) and 2nd in era (2.99) for the team. Acquired last offseason in a trade with Cooperstown.
 
Pablo Sandoval, a draft day trade, that anchored what offense Bryan did have (33HR, .996 OPS)
 
Joaquin Benoit, acquired in May, help shore up an already deep pen, with a 1.97 ERA.
 
Amazingly, Jason Isringhausen brought in 25 saves in 27 opportunities after being drafted in the 10th round.
 
Bryan jumped to an early lead in the Rogers division, with over .600 winning percentage by mid season.  Then they managed to ride out the big start to finish 5 games over Maine by the end of the regular Season, earning their first ever Playoff appearance and 2nd best record of all time with 87 wins. (the 2007 Bryan Bashers ended up with a 92-71 record, having tied Philly for the wild card and losing the game 163 tie breaker).
 
Congratulations to all that have made the playoffs this year, and good luck!  It's been a wild season, and the playoffs surely will be more of the same!

 

Getz To Miss Postseason

Montreal- After four seasons, the Montreal Crows will make their first appearance in the postseason after winning the Dawson division crown. After four seasons in the Crows organization, third with the big club, infielder Chris Getz will be relegated to dugout cheerleader due to a pulled hamstring.
     "I am so disappointed, you have no idea," said Getz. "It's ridiculous. You think of how many times you run the bases. Sometimes you go real hard on some plays, especially coming home. But it wasn't even that kind of play. Y'know, just run home."
     In the eighth inning of last Monday's 3-1 loss to the Belfast Brawlers, Getz entered the game as a pinch-hitter for reliever Fautino De Los Santos. After he drew a walk and stole second, Todd Helton slashed a two-out double to the left field gap. It was a play on which Getz would have easily scored, but rounding third he pulled up favoring his right leg. He managed to hobble his way to the plate, then went to the ground and was helped off the field by team trainer Basil Fawlty and J.J. Hardy who was on deck during the play.
     "We've had a great season," added Getz. "It's gonna be tough to have to sit this out. This is what you work for, a chance to do something special. All I can do now is cheer the guys on."
     In a platoon role with Jeff Keppinger, Getz hit .257 and stole 25 bases while providing solid defense at second. No doubt the dimensional aspect that he has brought to the team will be missed. To replace him, however, the Crows have decided to add a third catcher to the postseason roster instead of another infielder. With multi-positional players Todd Frazier and Nick Punto backing up in the infield, manager Robert Brunet has elected to add rookie sensation Salvador Perez.
     "My dad wants Perez, he gets Perez," was GM Doug Brunet's answer as to why. "Besides, I think the kid deserves it after what he's done. He can flat out hit. I don't know if he'll start, he's just 22 years old. But, dad believes he can be a threat off the bench in a late inning situation. So, we're going with him."
     Perez was drafted fourth overall by Montreal in March of this year. After lighting it up in Halifax, he was called up in late July when Lou Marson went on the disabled list. After a bit of a slow start at the major league level, Perez finished the season riding a ten game hitting streak with a .321 average, 1 homer, and 14 RBI.
     Regarding the pitchers, Brunet will shorten the rotation a little to allow staff ace James Shields to take the ball as often as possible. Of course, Shields will start game 1 in the division series against the Bryan Bashers that looks to be shaping up as a battle of pitching staffs. Lefty Derek Holland will get the ball in game 2, and Jordan Zimmermann is slated for game 3. The intention at that point is to have Shields go on 3 days rest in game 4, so he would be able to do the same again if the series goes to a 7th game. Holland will start game 5 or 6 depending on how he bounces back from his game 2 start, with either righty Dillon Gee or lefty Paul Maholm starting the other game. The short rotation gives Brunet the extra pullpen arms of the latter two, particularly Maholm adding to southpaws Rafael Perez and Tom Gorzelanny. 
     The Crows have plenty of time to deliberate strategy. The series with Bryan will begin on Tuesday, October 9th at Oscar Peterson Memorial Stadium. Before that, however, the wild card series between crosstown rival Longue Pointe Loggers and Carter division runner up Lake County Leopards will be decided to see which team faces the conference incumbent San Diego Surf. 
     With two teams going into the postseason, the city is abuzz with talk of baseball and hopes of an inter-city series for the Staub conference championship.

 
Pitchers
James Shields
Derek Holland
Jordan Zimmermann
Paul Maholm (designated starter for relief)
Dillon Gee
Tom Gorzelanny
Michael Stutes
Rafael Perez
Wilton Lopez
David Robertson
Mark Melancon

 
Catchers
Yorvit Torrealba
Lou Marson
Salvador Perez

 
Infielders
Todd Helton
Jeff Keppinger
J.J. Hardy
Alberto Callaspo
Nick Punto
Todd Frazier

 
Outfielders
Will Venable
Caneron Maybin
Jeff Francoeur
Tony Gwynn
Juan Rivera

 

The Joliet Jackhammers and Cooperstown Iron Horses faced off in the 2016 CBA World Series. 

Game 1

A battle of aces, Jake Arrieta of Joliet squared off against Madison Bumgarner of Cooperstown in a classic pitching duel for the ages.  Each pitcher threw a complete game, giving up no earned runs and 2 hits each combining for 21 K's in 17 innings .  The difference maker?  A Marcus Semien 2 base error on a Justin Upton ground ball.  Fielder grounded to 2B to move him up to 3rd and Justin Turner hit a sac fly for the only run of the game.

Cooperstown 1 - Joliet 0

Cooperstown leads the series 1-0

Game 2

Harvey of CIM vs Quintana of JJC.  It started with 7 shutout innings but Joliet scored a run in the top of the 8th when Gose reached base and was driven in by Granderson double.  However, in the bottom of the 8th the Iron Horses got to Quintana and the trio of Kimbrel, Brach and Ross for 4 runs with a pinch hit 2 run double by Arencibia and another 2 run single by Justin Turner.

Cooperstown 4 - Joliet 1

Cooperstown leads the series 2-0.

 Game 3

Kershaw vs Samardzija.  Joliet picked up a run in the first, Cooperstown countered with a run in the 3rd.  Cooperstown took the lead with a run in the top of the 5th but Joliet tied it up in the bottom of the innings.  However, midseason acquisition Justin Turner came up big with a 3 run home run in the top of the 7th for what would be the difference making runs.

Cooperstown 6 - Joliet 3

Cooperstown leads the series 3-0

Game 4

Joliet and their Ace Arrieta trying to continue their season, Bumgarner and the Horses trying to win it all.  The Horses took the lead in the top of the 5th by scoring 3 runs but the Hammers tied it up in the bottom of the innings.  The Horses again took the lead in the top of the 6th with a run.  In the bottom of the 6th game the at bat of the game.  With 2 outs and the bases loaded Jack Frost decided to stick with Semien against Koji Uehara.  His instincts were spot on with a game changing grand slam.  Josh Reddick would add a HR in the 7th to allow the Jackhammers to sail to victory.

Joliet 9 - Cooperstown 4

Cooperstown leads the series 3-1

Game 5

Jason Hammel takes the hill for Cooperstown against Quintana  The Iron Horses jump out to a 4-0 lead scoring runs in the 1st, 2nd and 5th while Hammel threw 7 shutout innings.  He went out for the 8th but gave up a couple of hits before being pulled after 7 2/3 innings.  Jose Fernandez came in and gave up another hit before the game was turned over to Uehara.  Koji allowed a hit to let the third run score, but he escaped the 8th with Cooperstown clinging on to a 4-3 lead.  Cooperstown scored an insurance run in the top of the 9th and Uehara came out to close it out in the bottom of the innings.  Kris Bryant led off the innings with a walk.  Granderson and Davis followed with singles.  Grandal tied the game with another single bringing up Jean Segura with runners on 1st and 3rd and no one out.  Segura lofted a ball deep to the OF for what was a walk off sac fly.

Joliet 6 - Cooperstown 5

Cooperstown leads the series 3-2

Game 6

Cooperstown send their ace Kershaw to the mound against Samardzija.  The Iron Horses scored a run in the bottom of the 4th and that would be all the scoring through the first 7 innings as Samardija pitched 7 1/3 innings of 1 run ball and Kershaw took a perfect game into the 8th but after allowing Semien to reach base Jack Frost went to lefty killer Parker.  Stamets countered with Pedro Baez, Frost countered with Rendon.  It was Jack Frost who got the best of the chess moves this inning as Rendon hit a game tying double.  After a scoreless 9th it went to extra innings.  In the top of the 9th Granderson hit a swinging bunt in front of the plate.  The veteran Yadier Molina pounced on the ball and made a strong throw but it hit Granderson and rolled into RF allowing Curtis to head to 2B. Semien came up and hit a single to left to allow Joliet to take the lead in the top of the 9th off of Tony Watson.  

 

In the bottom of the 9th, the Cooperstown Iron Horses were down a run, knowing a game 7 would mean facing 20 game winner Jake Arrieta.  After Brad Bach allowed a leadoff walk to Justin Upton, Frost turned to his big arm Craig Kimbrel to face what would have normally been Prince Fielder's DH spot, but he'd been pulled earlier in the game favor of pinch hitter and backup catcher J.P. Arenciba. J.P. however is no slouch.  In 57 AB's during the regular season he hi .345 with a .684 SLG recording 4 HR serving as an extraordinary pinch hitter.

Kimbrel leaned in to take the sign, dangling his arm.  J.P. was locked in.  Kimbrel brought the 100 MPH heat but Arencibia was looking fastball and sent the ball sailing over the CF fence for a walkoff World Series winning HR off one of the best closers in the game.

Cooperstown 3 -  Joliet 2

Cooperstown wins the World Series.

 
 

Towaco Wolfpack Press Release

The Towaco Wolfpack are looking forward to 2016 with a much stronger starting staff and a mix of youth and veterans in trying to win our third Rogers Division pennant and a 2016 championship. Towaco is looking forward to having a healthy E. Goldschmidt this coming season. "When Goldy is on there isn't anyone better at 1B" bragged Kevin Gibson the Wolfpack manager. "He's the driving force on this club for sure." "Losing him for part of the stretch run almost did our team in but we recovered when he came back and it was just in the nick of time" said Gibby!
 
Towaco has some concerns regarding Alex Cobb's elbow. "He was struggling some last season and from what we've heard from him during the off season his elbows bothering him so we shut him down and sent him for further testing." "If there is a problem we may need to stretch out Warren to fill the void." Towaco is expecting improvement from Marco Estrada and Francisco Liriano and their young stud starter Noah Syndergaard who can really light up the radar gun! The Wolfpack are expecting Kris Medlen to bounce back from his second TJ surgery and are going to try using lefty Travis Wood out of the bullpen some this year! "We may look to add another starter or two to replace Georgie and add a little depth" said Gibby. The Georgie he's referring to is Jorge De La Rosa who was traded to High Bridge for veteran outfielder M. Byrd this off season.
 
Manager Gibson likes his two returning catchers and thinks they are one of the best catching tandems in the league. "We've added this 25 year old to play second base named Jace Peterson. We may need to platoon him some but he should see the bulk of his time vs. right hand pitching." "We love the way Marty plays third and we have Sogard and Reyes taking turns at SS." Kevin Gibson is really high on his young 21 year old left-handed SS Corey Seager. "This kid just tore up the minor leagues the past couple of seasons. I can't see keeping him down there again he's got nothin' to prove there anymore." "This kid is itchin' to do some damage so I'm gonna turn him loose!" "I may be able to work him into the mix at 3B with Marty."
 
As for the Wolpack outfield young Christian Yelich has leftfield locked up with great defense and a solid bat. Rightfield will have a platoon with returning veteran DeAza vs. righties and newly acquired Byrd vs. lefties. "Byrd gives us some much needed pop" says Gibby. Gomez and Davis should have centerfield covered but there may be some additional moves made before the regular season starts. 
 
Right now the Wolfpack bullpen has three potential closers in Smith, Cecil and newly acquired McGee. "I think all three will be pitching and competing in spring training before I figure out who will be assigned to which roll" said Gibby. "We'll have everybody ready by the time the season starts." "We're looking forward to winning this damn thing and that's what we are working hard to do!"

High Bridge Heaters Press Release

2015 was a disappointment for the Heaters. Although we lost Matt Harvey for the year, we thought great managing and a few good breaks would have been enough to grab a wild card.

Ohio proved to be too good to catch.  After falling behind in July, we came on strong at the end to finish 500. Some teams would have been satisfied to get the best draft picks possible, but the Heaters play to win!

Our team's tenacity and desire for excellence instils fear in our opponents. It's no accident that we have been transferred from both conference and divisions several times in the past five years. The league fears that if left alone in one division for too long, we would dominate for many years. We pledge to persevere in our quest to win the Parker division in 2016. We have a mighty line-up that's about to get mightier when a blockbuster trade is announce on February 8th. It should remind everyone of the deal the Dallas Cowboys made when they traded Hershel Walker. We are going to use our new draft picks to replace a stud SP with good, young pitchers who can also win now.  We are open t trades. but have already reshaped our team and will probably use the draft to sure-up our needs. Ours offensive stars this year include: J.D. Martinez with his new 3 rating in RF with that -3 arm.  Charlie Blackburn got 2's in the corners and crushes righties.  Kyle Seager lost his "1" , but is still in the top ten 3b's. Joe Panic has been rated in the top three 2b's this year ( a defensive "1" this year). Didi gets his "1" again and will platoon with Mercer at ss. We picked up the Mets' lucky charm in Juan Uribe to sure up the infield with his dominant bat against lefties. Veteran OF Josh Hamilton gets a second chance in High Bridge and we expect great things from him.  Jason Werth is coming off a disappointing season, although he cam on strong at the end. We predict Werth will be the Come-Back player of the year in 2016.  So-beware Parker Division, especially Brooklyn! We are ready to give you a run for your money.  Good luck all! See you on draft day.

 

Skokie Wolfmen Press Release 2016

What was once a great team (making the playoffs in 8 of its first 9 seasons
including 4 visits to the WS) is now a rebuilding team -

we expect to continue to rebuild in 2016 -

Starting Pitching is always a problem and for the most part the
Skokie starters are young with several with high potential and a group
of other young starters we see helping our future

With the draft coming up soon Skokie will continue to work
to add more youth following the models done in MLB by the Royals,
Houston and the Cubs --

prior to the draft or doing the draft we have holes to fill -
our 3B will be retiring next year - 2B is weak - and we have
no Catcher to speak off (hint hint if anyone has an extra
catch to trade with some PAs we might give a draft pick)

in any case we like our OF with Springer, Inciarite and Souza
with Blanco to backup and Beltran to DH/RF

we expect however either Beltran or C. Santana (or both) will be
traded (if anyone has an interest let us know) this year

we might have a left handed starter to trade as well

We don't expect another 100 lost season but we do
expect to find a way to fill all our holes - as always we
are open to trade and no player is untouchable if we
hear the right offer including any stars we have

as we offered before the #2 pick of the upcoming
draft is available - if the right offer is heard ...

there are some very excellent players, franchise
players you would be guaranteed to get at this pick

good luck to all the returning and new managers
of the CBA - would will be the 2016 champ - the trend
the last four seasons has been 1st time champs

From the headquarters of the Skokie Wolfmen
 

New Jersey Beatles Press Release

The New Jersey Beatles are now two years removed from their magical run to the CBA title, and what a difference two years has made. The Beatles advanced to the playoffs in 2014, bowing out in the first round, before struggling in 2015, compiling a 69-93 record. New Jersey has assembled an exciting mix of veterans, such as Felix Hernandez, Evan Longoria, and Justin Verlander, and young players, such as Carlos Correa, Starling Marte, Daniel Norris, and Byron Buxton. Their pitching staff has been hampered by injuries to Verlander, Norris, Cliff Lee, Matt Moore, Zach Wheeler, and prospect Dylan Bundy. They will need to acquire some pitching help in order to contend in 2016, but with GM Steve Adler wheeling and dealing, they should not be counted out. 

Essex Escapees Press Release

2016 Campaign:   the essex escappes escaped to first wild card birth in 2015 and look to build on that success. Bryan Swank assessed the rubble remaining from first round loss and determined to send yasiel fatman pig packing and wi yen chen off to greener pastures. Newly acquired nathans famous eovaldi and rubb one out de la rosa look to strengthen  staff . With scherzer ricahards colome and pomeranz we look to shut down opposition. Outfielders Cespedes and Polanco hunker the corners whilst machado turner and kendrick sure up infield with rollins and lindor at ss,  ryan howard adds depth. Fransisco Cervelli takes over catcher responsibility and adds obp. a couple platoons with blanks and ruf and the division title wont be tough,Gibson we are gunning for you, Look out!
 


New Hampshire Prospectus

The last few years have been rather dismal in New Hampshire.  The front office has tried to be aggressive, and  few things have not worked out as planned.  Matt Cain, Jared Cosart, Jurickson Profar, Charlie Morton to name a few, have not lived up to expectations.  Even an inexpensive gamble like Hanley Ramirez has not panned out.  We stayed aggressive in 2015 trading for Kolten Wong, Miguel Montero. Two years ago, there were a few snickers when the Cats drafted Jose Abreu 2nd overall. That is one thing that has worked out well.   Coming into this draft, the Wildcats have added Shelby Miller and young and upcoming SS Addison Russell.
 
The 2016 version of NWS should score its share of runs with the likes of Wong, Montero, Kendys Morales, Jose Abreu, Brett Lawrie, Danny Valencia and Kevin Kiermaier.   Our defense should be significantly better with an up the middle troika of Russell, Wong and Kiermaier.  Which can only help a very average pitching staff.
 
Pitching, well that will be our issue.  Miller will look good at the top but after that we have a bunch of 3 and 4 guys.  The future of this team rests on our staff pitching to its capabilities.  This season, who knows.  We will score a lot of runs, but we likely will give up a bunch to.  The future has something that Wildcats fans have craved for a few years, Hope. 
 
So heading into the draft, Pitching will be a priority.

 

 

 
Oct 26th, 2015
Tim Hudson, a likely CBA Hall of Famer, has announced that the 2016 will be his last.  "It's time to hang it up and spend time with my family," Hudson said "I think I have one more season left in me where I can help a team win, whether it's in Cooperstown or elsewhere, but that will be it."
 
Hudson currently sits at 10th all time in CBA in strikeouts, 4th all time in wins, 3rd in innings, 2nd in starts and 9th in shutouts.
 
His 5th start of 2016 will make him the CBA all time leader in that category, passing Andy Pettitte who currently holds that title.
 
If Hudson can earn 14 wins in 2016, he'll leapfrog Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez to become CBA's most winning-est pitcher.  Whether he can manage that feat or not, this season Hudson joined those three pitchers as the only members of the 200 win club, currently sitting at 204. 
 

It remains to be seen if Hudson will be on the Iron Horse roster next season, or if teams who find his veteran presence appealing inquire about a trade.  He won't pitch like the Tim Hudson of old, but you can pencil him in for about 120-125 innings and an ERA around 4.40-4.45.  Tim said he may be willing to pitch out of the bullpen as well if it's what's best for the team.  Regardless of his role, it will be fun watching him pass some CBA legends in some impressive categories as he writes his own story in the history books.

 

 
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- Associated Press) 

 

As many CBA teams lick their wounds from a disappointing regular season or early playoff exit, the league's esteemed GMs are beginning to look forward to 2016 as they inspect every piece of the roster for future potential -- and future gaps in talent.  


 
Many fine players across the league are expected to change uniforms during what is sure to shape up as a busy off-season.  According to Philly GM Rob Hite, "I've been around CBA for a long time, and back in the golden age of the league many GMs chose to sit on their talent and build slowly. They would trade for a piece here or there, but they mainly built through the draft".  

 
But the institution of the CBA amateur draft changed everything.  With young talent at a premium, and harder to acquire in the regular draft, it is of utmost importance that a team draft kids who are 18 or 19, and follow them as they develop into CBA contributors.  Hite added, "sometimes we plan a positional need way ahead of time, and use the prospect pick to try to fill that need before it's really a need.  Like back when our all-time franchise greats Derek and Chase [Jeter & Utley] were getting older, we said -  hey we have a great middle infield but let's start addressing that so we'll be great there for the next decade after they hang it up".  

 
At the time, Philly also sported a perennial all-star Evan Longoria at 3rd, making one of the most potent infields in the Association.  But Longoria was packaged up to New Jersey in exchange for Bryce Harper, who Hite hoped would be his franchise slugger for the next 15 years.  That was a controversial move which many Philly phans wanted him run out of town for, as evidenced by the venom spewed on sports talk WIP radio in Philly.  Calls for the GMs head on a platter were plentiful as Philly not only dealt Longoria in the deal for the unproven hot-headed Harper, he also dealt ace Justin Verlander.  But the 22 year old Harper gamble paid immeasurable dividends this season, slugging a gaudy .330/.460/.649 slashline with 42 HR to boot.  So the consensus in Philly now is, Longoria who?  Didn't she used to star on Desperate Housewives?  

 
With an entire infield to rebuild in Philadelphia, Hite went on the offensive - drafting and signing a plethora of young infielders with hopes that a few would pan out and become the anchors that Jeter, Utley, and Longoria were.  

 
And today, the maligned Philly front office can flash a smug Cheshire Cat smile, because their young infielders have finally arrived.  In this 2015 MLB Fall Playoffs alone, there are 5 young players featured who will be competing for time at SS and 2b next year for Philly: 

 
Starlin Castro - the "old-timer" of the group at 25, is a few years removed from his great 207 hit season in 2011.  But Starlin, who hit .265 this year, has possibly found a new home at 2b and will surely deliver many all-star seasons ahead given his age.  
 

 
Wilmer Flores - Flores at 24 is still developing into his game, but his burgeoning power was on display in 2015.  With 16 HR and 22 doubles this year, along with much improved defense at short, Wilmer will be hard to keep out of the starting SS gig for Philly next season.  By the time he reaches his prime, 25-30 HR seasons will be the norm for this infield slugger.  
 

 
"Kike" Enrique Hernandez - Kike is a 22 year old superkid who can literally play 7 positions on the field.  A next generation Ben Zobrist, he can also hit the baseball better than Zobrist as witnessed by his .307 average and .490 SLG% this season.  It's quite a luxury having this kind of bat who can backup at 2b, SS, and 3rd in addition to quality OF starts in LF, RF, or CF.  This kid is a young star in the marking.  
 

 
Javier Baez -  Another great next generation SS/2B/3B, Baez is just 21 and has the greatest power potential of them as indicated by his prolific minor league power - 37 HRs in AA ball.  Baez has cut down on his swing to make contact in the major leagues, to a tune of a .289 average this season.  A Troy Tulowitzki-esque future awaits this stud. 

 
Addison Russell - Russell is the closest thing to Derek Jeter that Philly GM has found in this collection of young infield stars.  A mere Cub at 21 years old, he delivered 29 doubles and 13 homers in his first campaign, along with spectacular shortstop defense.  As his bat develops, his all-star appearances will begin to accumulate. The next great shortstop of this generation?  Time will tell.  He also plays 2b and a little 3rd should the glut of infielders pose a huge dilemma for GM Hite.  

 

 
What is GM Hite going to do with these 5 great young middle infielders? Surely nobody will be moved over to third on Philly, especially in light of two equally young and talented 3rd basemen just to the left of them in the infield of dreams: 
 
23 year old Maikel Franco (.497 SLG) and 23 year old run producer Nick Castellanos (33 doubles, 15 HR, 73 RBI).  

 
We asked Hite what his plans were for all of them, and he shared, 
 "Hey, I am in no rush to trade any of them because having a group of young stars is a unique luxury for us.  If we are bowled over with offers this Fall and Winter, we will listen.  But the good-ol-days of Former Commish Claude Lamarre legislating against positional hoarding in CBA are long gone.  I'm going to hoard away, baby!  Unless the other GMs offer up some of their blue chip outfield talent, then I may listen" 

 
Photo:  Young Philly Phantastics stars Addison Russell and Javier Baez

 
 

 
February 18th, 2014

Japanese Ace Tanaka Bound for CBA


 
Tokyo- At noon today in Japan, a press conference was held at the Tokyo Hilton by much scouted and highly touted righthander Masahiro Tanaka. There he announced his intentions to pitch in the major leagues in 2015. The timing of the announcement is crucial as it comes only short weeks away from the CBA spring draft which is scheduled for Sunday, March 9th beginning at 11AM ET. 
     Tanaka, who turned just 25 this past November, has garnered much attention from CBA scouts since before mid-season in 2013, in no small part due to the success of Ottawa Otters starter and fellow countryman Yu Darvish. Tanaka has followed Darvish since he came to North America, and made allusions to plying his trade here as well. Now that he has made his intentions known publicly, his name should instantly move up in priority on CBA draft lists. Darvish was drafted 11th overall as Ottawa's prospect pick in 2012. The same may happen with Tanaka in 2014, especially given the clarity provided at today's press conference.
     Just like Darvish, he will be drafted while still under contract for 1 more season with his Japanese club. In this case, it's the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League. Also like Darvish, he intends to accept the opportunity offered to him by any CBA team.
     "I just want a chance to prove myself at the highest level," said Tanaka, "I am not playing favorites."
     CBA has always had its' share of foreign born players, but in the last few years more looks have been given to the younger talent now emerging from Asia and Cuban players who have defected from their homeland to find careers as professionals. Jose Iglesias, Yoenis Cespedes, and Jose Fernandez were all drafted as prospects and are establishing themselves in the majors. Yasiel Puig, who had defected from Cuba during the 2012 season, is expected to go very early in the 1st round this spring after excelling in Los Angeles of the independant leagues last season. And, because of the affiliation agreement that CBA has with the independant leagues, Puig is eligible to be drafted as a free agent. The drafting team will retain its' prospect pick, making the future star outfielder even more attractive. So it is the same with another LA star. Korean lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu is also expected to be taken from the slate very early on. It's reasonable to project more of the same in the coming years, if not more this spring, as CBA general managers continue to widen the scope in search of the game's best.
     There may not be a lot of instant impact players in the coming draft, but there is no shortage of talent. And where there's talent, you'll find the CBA.
     
       

Let It Be...Beatles Win!
New York- Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. A Staub team will win the series. Let it be.
     As the New Jersey Beatles were clinching a CBA championship with a 4-0 win over the defending champions Skokie Wolfmen at home in game 6 of the series, they were also ending a seven year streak of CBA championships by Clemente conference teams. Not since the Longue Pointe Loggers in 2005 had a Staub conference team taken the title.
     When New Jersey took game 3 in Skokie by a convincing 9-4 score, the writing seemed to appear on the proverbial wall. But Skokie was valiant in defending the crown and forced the series back to New Jersey via a shutout win in game 4 and a barn burning 13-12 win in game 5. In the end, however, the combination of pitching and power would prove too much to overcome for the incumbents. Indeed, the team that looked the best all season while winning 106 games, was the best. 
     Their stiffest test in the post-season came from division rival San Diego, who took the Beatles to a seventh game before bowing to the new champs in the division series. The Beatles then had to face down the pitching of the Montreal Crows, and did so with some pitching of their own. After dropping game 1 to the Dawson claimants, the Beatles rang up four straight wins on the way to meet Skokie for the big prize. New Jersey's first championship comes in just its' fourth year of existence, making for a story of an unusually quick rise to a difficult summit.
     After the league expanded in 2009 from 20 to 24 teams, that season ended with two teams in difficulty. Westminster, one of the 4 expansion teams, did not fair well at all in losing 126 games. Regardless, it was a baseball experiment in a place that had too little interest to sustain a major league team. The old Skokie franchise, although successful, ran into difficulties from unfortunate circumstances not of its' making that forced the league to act with a respectful marker given to both the owner Josh Shapiro and the Wolfmen's fans, a marker that was redeemed when Southwest moved to Skokie when the Wolfman took control in 2011. Westminster and Skokie were contracted and two new franchises were to be awarded and formed in a redraft from the remnants of the contracted teams before the 2010 season. Chris Brazeau garnered one of them and put a team in Hew Hampshire as the Wildcats. Steve Adler, a die-hard fan of the Fab Four, got his ticket to ride and the New Jersey Beatles came to be.
     The Beatles won just 50 games in its' inaugural season, and only 42 in 2011. But in 2012, the tally rose to 75 showing the team to be up and coming. A few daring trades brought the likes of Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander to the club to mention just a couple. Kyle Lohse, who pitched 6 shutout innings in game 6 of the championship series to earn the clinching win, was drafted in the 8th round in 2011. Perhaps the quick rise to the top can be best reviewed through his eyes.
     It's been a hard day's night, but Steve Adler will be sleeping like a log.

Lake Hopatcong, NJ – The New Jersey Beatles won their first CBA title, 4 games to 2, over the defending champion Skokie Wolfmen. After taking a 3-games-to-none lead in the series, the Beatles were hoping to close things out in Skokie. However, the Wolfmen battled back to win games 4 and 5, sending things back to New Jersey. Perhaps bolstered by the huge throng of fans that greeted them at New York’s JFK Airport, the Beatles refused to let back-to-back losses dishearten them. They closed out the series with a 4-0 game 6 win behind series MVP Kyle Lohse’s 6 shutout innings and 4 hits from Chris Denorfia. After the final out was recorded on Aramis Ramirez’s comebacker to Fernando Rodney, Rodney struck his familiar bow and arrow pose. “Twist and Shout” blared from the speakers as 58,000 screaming Beatles fans went wild.

In the process, the Beatles brought the title back to the Staub Conference for the first time since 2005. With the win, New Jersey completed an improbable run to the championship, having suffered through a 120-loss season just 2 years ago. A series of trades that brought key players to the Beatles helped turn that team around. Young players, such as Giancarlo Stanton, Bryce Harper, Jeremy Hellickson, Jason Motte, and Chris Tillman  were traded away, while proven stars Adrian Beltre, Edwin Encarnacion, Evan Longoria, Jimmy Rollins, Felix Hernandez, and Justin Verlander joined the team. It proved to be a winning combination, as the Beatles won 106 games in the regular season, and then topped things off with a CBA Championship.

Series Recap:       

 Game 1 featured a pitchers’ duel, with Justin Verlander pitching a complete game and leading the Beatles to a 1-0 victory over the Wolfmen and hard-luck loser Mike Fiers. The only run of the game scored in the 5th inning. Michael Saunders hit a one-out double and advanced to third when Brian Lahair mishandled Kelly Johnson’s routine ground ball to first. Verlander then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to score Saunders.

 Game 2 saw the Beatles defeat the Wolfmen, 7-1. Felix Hernandez earned the win with 5 2/3 strong innings, as Skokie could not muster much offense for the 2nd game in a row.

 The series moved to Skokie for Game 3, as the Wolfmen fans were looking to get back into the series. Unfortunately for them, the Beatles roughed up starter Ryan Vogelsong, scorching him for 8 runs in 5 innings. The Beatles cruised to a 9-4 victory, hitting 5 homeruns in the process. Edwin Encarnacion hit 2 dingers, including a first inning grand slam.

 Skokie’s backs were against the wall in Game 4, down 3-games-to-none and facing likely Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. The gritty Wolfmen were not dead yet, though, as Tim Hudson pitched a complete game 3-hitter, as Skokie won 4-0.

 It was do-or-die for Skokie again in Game 5. Game 2 winner Felix Hernandez faced off against game 1 loser Mike Fiers. Neither of them made it past the 3rd inning, as this game turned into a slugfest. Skokie raced to a 7-2 lead at the end of 2. New Jersey took the lead back with 6 runs in the top of the 3rd highlighted by Ryan Ludwick’s grand slam. Skokie scored 3 more in the bottom of the 3rd, and then scored 1 run in each of the next 3 innings, extending their lead to 13-9. New Jersey closed to 13-12 on a 3-run homerun by Ludwick in the 9th, but their comeback fell short, as Skokie held on for the win.

 The series returned to New Jersey for Game 6, with the Beatles holding a 3-games-to-2 lead. Game 3 winner Kyle Lohse took on Game 2 loser Wade Miley. Just as they had all season, the Beatles’ pitching staff carried the day, as New Jersey closed out the series with a 4-0 win. Lohse (2-0) went 6 innings, allowing just 2 singles and a walk. Fernando Rodney contributed 2 2/3 scoreless innings to finish the game. Meanwhile, Chris Denorfia went 4-4, and had a hand in each of New Jersey’s scoring rallies.

 
For openers, congratulations to all the playoff teams.  Steve Adler, Kevin Gibson, Joe Wallace, Dennis Concepcion, Doug Brunet, Wolfman Shapiro, Marc Wass, Rob Hite, Bruce Bundy, Jack Jung.  Who will win it?  Wolfman vs Bundy in Clemente vs Steve Adler whose Beatles are the current  #1 hit across CBA Land.  
GM's next year is approaching rapidly.  There is a likelyhood of some rules clarifications and modifications.  Among the issues that coulClaude and Gerald should have known. The original CBA teams were all named after movie studios. The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone. The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record. Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard. But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald. Donald was known for his questionable participation. Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmanians it would change their fortunes. They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99. By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67. That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive. The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year. Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs. 

Just for some nostalgia.  Lets look back at a storied franchise that dissolved in favor of expansion after 2003.  The story of the Tennessee Tazmanians run by Stephane Bouchard.  
The franchise story was different from its inception.  
  The original CBA teams if I recall were all named after movie studios.  The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone?? {Claude?}.  The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record.  Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard.  But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald.  Donald was known for his questionable participation.  Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmanians it would change their fortunes.  They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99.  By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67.  That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive.  The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year.  Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs.  


Belfast: .742 X Rating, .251 BA against, .305 IRSC a 3.68 ERA...but .310 OBA .104 ISO, .348 slug meant 3.46 runs support.  22-44 vs Dawson's LP, Montreal, Limoilou....But Belfast walloped Monday 31-17 for season.  What does that tell you about Dawson?

Brooklyn: After losing Parker by 1 game to Carolina, took revenge in '13 sweeping Carolina and winning div title in process.  Braun .331 30 SB 48 HR 128 RBI 116 runs, Miguel Cabrera .352 .428 OBA .630 slg, 43 HR, 136 RBI 113 runs 216 hits, RA Dickey 17-7 2.93 239 K's, David Price 13-6 3.22 203 K's, Jeter 20 HR 96 RBI .322 13 SB 218 hits.  They carried Brooklyn.  Brooklyn led CBA in batting .287.  Lower than usual power totals and average in Coors were made up for with a rare display of speed by the Superbas.  They stole a team record 131 stolen bases led by Jarrod Dyson's 54. 


Bryan:  Another winning season for Cory Light.  The Bryan Bashers hung tough until the final two blocks.  The battle with Towaco was fierce and right to the last month.  Bryan featured excellent pitching.  Perhaps the best Basher staff in recent memory finishing 4th overall.  The pen saved 53.  Though Casey Janssen finished with 31 sv it was a committee of relievers who had save totals.  .242 IRSC (Inherited runners scoring) The offense doesn't jump out at you.  The numbers are below average.  .246, 149 ISO, 166 HR's not bad for Staub however.  Part timer Dwayne Wise 12, led the er speedy Bashers to 51 stolen bases.  Paul Konerko deserves MVP consideration carrying this team on his back virtually himself .296 31 HR 96 RBI.  Nick Swisher chipped in with .227  25 HR's.  
 
Carolina: Fell just short.  In tough Parker, Carolina had a few sluggers who provided offense.  Shoo in for rookie of the year Willin Rosario hit 30 HR's, Votto 11 HR 61 RBI .329 in an  injury laden season.  Zimmerman 23 HR, Dunn 25 HR, Kubel 22 HR 82 RBI, and Marco Scutaro .312 led CBA with 27 sacrifices. Had 18 Hit and run hits using that it's advantage.  The low team OBA/SLG .324/.398 hurt most. The pitchers were tough. Anibal Sanchez finished 14-10 3.41 152 K's, J Johnson 12-10 3.57.  Huston Street saved 26.  Took 3 of 4 to finish the season block 25 in revenge of losing the week before spoiling Newton's Parker run.

Cooperstown: The Iron Horses cashed in early in the season after some early set backs.  They acquired draft picks and players looking ahead. Some very promising rookies like Byrom Buxton, Evan Gattis, Jeff Locke to go along with player returness like Matt Kemp 25 HR 65 RBI .277 and Adrian Gonzo 23 HR 81 RBI .275.   27 traded ballplayers from the team.  The future will tell if Cooperstown will return to prominence.  On paper it looks like it could be.

High Bridge opened the season strong.  They remained only two games back by June 17th.  They hung around into July before fading when roster changes took place and rest given to the over worked players.  The future seemed bright when John Miller grabbed Matt Harvey with his number 1 pick.  When MLB Harvey went down with injury, the Heaters front office felt let down.  Though the injury isn't as serious as could have been, Harvey will have a superior card in 2014.  Dillon Gee has returned from his serious injury to become a front end pitcher as well to go along with Rick Porcello.  Young talent like Denard Span, Didi Gregorius, Starling Marte, and Alex Presley present well for future years.  Tyler Colvin had a very good year 17 HR

Indiana:  returned to the press with a nice little run for the Monday title.  The Redbirds reclaimed a taste of their glory years of last decade with a return to first as late as mid September.  Who could ask for more?  When the pitching and key sluggers like Pujols, and Hamilton suffered injuries the last week.  Hamilton 46 HR 109 RBI .265BA.  Pujols 39 HR 124 RBI .298 BA a typical year for him.  Pujols career totals .323 601 HR's 1,591 RBI's.  Indy won 14 of 17 down the stretch in September to keep the pressure on Skokie.  Indiana socked a whopping 250 Homers in '13.  Catchers (Wieter) threw out 39% of their base stealers best in CBA. 

Joliet: Jack Frost builds, slowly but surely.  Looking for a return to the glory days of 2008, '14 could be the year the Jacks could make some noise.  2013 saw a 68-94 record which was not too awful.  Some moments of good play.  The Jacks had a good July which brought them neqar the cust of the second wildcard range. 9 games under .500, but so were a few teams.  One August and eventual Staub champ New Jersey came to town, Joliet underwent a long losing streak to fade away into CBA's abyss.  Middlebrooks 14 HR 49 RBI .339, Chris Carter 24 HR, and Rizzo 16 HR .319 starred. Some bright youngsters are on hand to make the future a bright one.

Limoilou; Our long time friend Jeff Boutet stepped aside in 2013 departing CBA as it's championship leader with 3. The Wendigo used good pitching from Latos 13-9 2.84, Kimbrel 7-1 26sv, Scherzer 14-8, Kershaw 17-5 3.23.  Melty Cabrera 10 HR 54 RBI .334 was among leaders in batting. Granderson 39, and Fielder 26 HR generated power in their approach to a wildcard.  James Blakely replaced Jeff for the final month steering them just shy of the final wildcard despite inherited usage situations.

Longue Pointe: One of 2013 great mysteries, what happened to Dennis Concepcion? His proxied team took a wildcard spot but lost to San Diego Surf in the playoffs.

Maine:  Up and down roller coaster for the Express. Started off April relatively fast, then dropped a bunch to fade fast from first place after 3 weeks.  From May and June They hovered at .500 then a losing streak took hold dropping them back a ways.
When it all seemed lost, Mike Koepp reeled off an impressive 12 game winning streak to highlight a streaky season. They made a rush to .500 and into contention, but usage became a factor and the fade took them out of the race in the second half.  Perhaps some better hitting vs lefties where a 20-32 record against lefty starters hurt them most. Acloser look shows the power shortage vs L hurt worse than the BA.

Montreal: Second best season, and same results.  Twice to the Staub Showdown and no show, yet. The Crows are now known for their pitching, defense, and '13 was more of the same. The addition of Cory Hart and Garrett Jones no doubt got them to the dance. But the price they paid has yet to be determined. Though Montreal traded quite a bit, Brunet knows how hard it is to get to the dance and join the CBA elite franchises which Montreal has now done twice in a row 5 years after his initial DRAFTING from scratch of a team.  Montreal and Westminster were true expansion teams in that year.  Its possible that there could be another expansion in the future,but Montreal shows, that from having initially no talent a dedicated GM can achieve high status in post season events.  Post season = Best of year. Conference finals equals elite teams for a season. Doing more than one time brings the level higher. Consider that Doug has done it in season 4 and 5 but...what about 2014? The draft will be important for the Crows.

New Hampshire: The assigned history of this franchise is quite fascinating I find.  The history was one of turmoil. Possibly CBA least successful franchise that had been snake bitten from day 1.  Right now Chris Brazeau has stabilized, and rebuilt this franchise gone wild.  Lets look back.  Claude and Gerald should have known.   The original CBA teams were all named after movie studios.  The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone.  The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record.  Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard.  But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald.  Donald was known for his questionable participation.  Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmainians it would change their fortunes.  They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99.  By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67.  That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive.  The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year.  Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs.  

Well New Hampshire is continuing the structure started by Brazeau to get into the upper ranks.  a 59-103 season was a setback of sorts.  Some expected a better record for '13 but '14 could be promising.  Matt Cain fronts the staff. Hanley Ramirez returns to SS at a very high level at least part time. Masterson steps up into the top of the rotatsh.   Profar gets utility work.  D'Aza steps up,  The future looks bright.  Viciedo led hitters with 27 HR, Cain was 10-15 3.50 ERA.  

New Jersey: It was like 1964.  The year the Beatles controlled the charts.  The Jersey boys controlled all of Staub at one pint winning 20 in a row just shy of the CBA record.  They controlled the Staub Playoffs.  Shrewd deals. Killer pen, and some stick to boot.  See how they do in the big show.  

Newton:  Last years near miss in the playoffs, just made him angry.  Laying low in the standings, the Newton Bombs found a way to win and manage usage enroute to the franchises first playoff.  It was at the end that the strategy master put the puzzle pieces together, to enter and take out the veteran Rob Hite in the playoffs, no easy task 3 games to 1.  Next, Bundy had to play Clementes toughest team, Ottawa.  With all on the line the two managers dueled a full 7 games.  In the end, Bundy defeated Jack Jung to advance to meet the Wolfman in the Clem finals.  Newton used all resources to get this far.  .745 X rated fielding. .345 OBA, .452 slug showed Clemente like offense.  A team 4.62 ERA was 3rd worst, but the saving grace was Bruce's use of the bullpen to get wins.  A team .225 IRSC.  Only 8 pb 55 wp from the batteries, Newton's pen shutdown those late runners.

Ohio:  Great offense team .273 BA with 195 Homers.  This team was made for Clemente.  They were able to play against friendly rival Carolina face to face on occassion.  Somehow more was expected of Ohio befor ethe season began.  As the T Cats began to start and look good, they too faded back in the tough Clemente.  The Conference teams are all quite strong and capable of defeating each other.  We saw that with even the second division teams defeating and spoiling for the top standings teams.  Ohio led by Buster Posey's 21 HR 86 RBI .352 season may get some MVP consideration.  Matt Holiday added 30 taters.  Fredrick Freeman added 28.  A team .181 ISO PWR good, So it wasn't that offense.  Than what?  Defense? .745 X rating not bad, 79-83 record was attributed to the pitching staff's failure to get guys out.  4.56 ERA.  Clay Buckholtz 15-8 4.08 ERA was a lone bright spot. A .362 IRSC stunk.  Then pen and rotation failed.

Ottawa:  Best regular season ever for the Otters.   Team .353 OBA, .272 BA, 965 runs, 265 HR's .481 slug team records all.  Best in 17 seasons.  Ottawa took that offense led by MVP candidates Trout 44 HR 125 RBI .325, McCutchen 48 HR 127 RBI .307,  Papi's 30 HR 91 RBI .347 BA in 322 AB.  Leadoff hitters hit 30 HR, 2nd place hitters 42 HR, 3rd place hitters hit 50 , cleanup hitters hit 52.    Perhaps the best top half of the lineup years!  A season for the ages.  The team 3.91 ERA could have meant more wins if lower.  Gallardo 19-6 4.38, Fister 13-6 3.58, and Yu Darvish 14-7 4.26, had solid seasons.  Ottawa was 4 games back on May 2nd, but got hot to take first place and never look back.  They led runner up Philly all season after the first week of May.  

Philly came on strong at the end to snatch wildcard number 2 in the last block.  Is that any news at all that Rob Hite had made the playoffs yet again? Hite has 5 World Series appearances.  The elite?  Perhaps Rob is one of the standards that others will  be measured by.  A true elite franchise.  egular playoff appearances, it isn't just luck.  Hite has won 3 Championships.  This year the big trade came back to hurt some as Justin Verlander 24-4 went on to lead New Jersey to a walk away title.  Rob got back Bruce Harper 22 HR 81 .272 who went on to become a main cog in the powerful Philly Offense.   Philly slugged 230 HR with a team .281 BA.  
Quebec:  Led by Hall of Famer Dino Barnabe is building up.  They have some high draft picks, and some very good young players just waiting to break loose.  Quebec hit 231 HR last year showing alot of power.  Mitch Moreland slugged 23 HR .298, Cespedes had a great year .295 28 HR.  Trumbo slugged 32 HR's, and Josh Reddick added a big 35 HR's.  .183 ISO power is among the leagues best.  The BA was a low .250, with only 649 runs knocked in.  Homers with out men on base.  Cant win those games if the defense drops 142 balls ,and the pens allows 35% of inherited runners to score. Clearly this is a team on the rise.  The pitching defense and speed may have hurt, but the future and the draft could make Barnabe a player once more.

River Meadow:  Claude Lamarre is back.  The Monarchs hung around .500 or just under most of the year.  The team was not strong enough to contend for the title, so Lamarre acquired some draft picks for some aged retired players.  The Monarchs did slighty better on the road.  They did a bit better in one run games as their pen was strong .281 IRSC.  The opponents .287 batting average hurt the pitchers but the teams 3.87 runs of offensive run support was pathetic.  A team .315 on base, and no real slugging threats aside from catcher Ryan Doumit and the stud 1B from Baltimore {whats that} Chris Davis who hit 37 HR.  Next season Chris Davis major league high for Baltimore 53 HR .286 BA should carry this team a long way the way Mark McGwire once did.   There's great talent here with Kipness, Iglesias at SS, Davis who is going to be awesome, Fowler, Teheran, Lowry, Carpenter   around t contend in '14 with a good draft. 

San Diego: The Surf dynasty continues.  The Surf have won yet again getting into another playoffs.  All the classy Joe Wallace does is win baby.  The Surf continue to draft well each year and develop new talent.  Wallace rarely misses with his young prospects.  This year David Wright, Giancarlitolo Stanton 45 HR,obinson Cano led a strong offense.  .327 26 HR 110 RBI's.  SD lost to Staub Chmapion NJ in round 1.  Expect Wallace to be back with his dynastic franchise.

Skokie:  The Wolfman has parlayed his way using the trade market to gain an advantage.  That advantage led to a final week clinch of the Monday title, narrowly defeating Indiana's Bob fidler in some head to head matchups.  Wolfman's mastery of the usage and preparation provided dividends.  Skokie got excellent support down the stretch from Ethier who got hot, Future hall of famer acquired from Joliet Juan Pierre who provided a leadoff hitter, and the spot usage of Troy Tulowitsky.  The Wolfman acquired bullpen supprt and pitching as well.  This combined to add up to another appearance in the Clemente finals.

Stirling: A good offense with a team .277 BA.  Despite 'only' 140 HR's, the Redsox contended into the last 3 blocks in September.  Ultimately, injuries and other issues kept the Sox from a deserved wildcard spot.  Brett Butler 38 HR 107 RBI .304 BA was a team best.  148 stolen bases led by Campana 20,Choo 30, and Andrus 27.  Kenley Jansen led the pitchers with 38 saves.  No starters stood out.  Buehrle went 13-10 4.55, and Ian Kennedy 13-16 was an iron horse.  The pen was otherwise not too good allowing 32% of inheriteds to score.

Towaco:  Kevin Gibson proved a saavy manager guiding a relatively well balanced but not spectacular team all the way to the Rogers title over rival Bryan Bashers.  Towaco use magaer matchups despite an ordinary Staub offense.   They go on base a pretty good .333 OBA, which for Staub is good.  A .420 slug is fairly decent.  Managed  .755 team production.   .159 ISO was weak.   Two players with 20+Homers were Russ Martin 24 HR .179 BA, and P Alvarez 25 HR 80 RBI .256.  174 HR was good for Staub, and a .261 average not bad.  Just balanced.  Ken Medlen pitched absolutely lights out.  He was the difference.  consider for Cy Young  16-1 1.21, I say 1.21 ERA but only 21 starts. but those were big starts.  Towaco had a great year despite bowing to Staub champ NJ.  Gibson is proving to be quite a GM and tactician.







CBA: Where the Action Is                                                                     February 23, 2013


 
New York- CBA. The major leagues. The show. Playing baseball at this level was once considered to be only an American dream. Now it is a dream shared around the globe, from kids in the back yards and sandlots in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela to men dotting the fields of packed stadiums in Japan and Korea. And this is a time in the year when some few will find out if that dream has a chance at reality, when the CBA holds its' annual draft.
     At approximately 11 AM eastern time tomorrow, Scott Kenan, owner and general manager of the Carolina Copperheads, will likely make a dream come true by announcing the first overall selection. Likely, because not all players being considered are without prior experience in the majors. Just ask Skokie pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. Likely, because those coveted early round picks are almost always devoted to acquiring the best young rising stars. Whatever happens, players and agents the world over will have all their media attuned to the goings on here in New York.
     Indeed, Ryan Vogelsong's case is a rarity. For someone who hadn't pitched in the majors since 2006 with the Allentown Senators (now the Towaco Wolf Pack), being selected fifth overall last year came as a pleasant surprise to the then 34 year old, who had been playing in Japan.
     "It's not that I'd given up hope. But after so long, you kind of don't expect anybody to be watching anymore. Even knowing that there had been scouts that went over to Japan who had spoken with my agent, I didn't dare think that anything would come of it," said Vogelsong. "I can't tell you how excited I was when my agent called me last year to tell me I had been drafted by Skokie."
     Not only was he drafted, but won a spot in the rotation out of spring training and played a prominent role in the Wolfmen winning its'  first world championship. It's a testament to how far and wide CBA organizations will go to find the right players as they draw from the vast well of talent that is present at many levels.
     "We weren't the only ones over there looking at Ryan," said Josh Shapiro, the wolfman himself. "We knew we wanted him, but we also knew that if we didn't snap him up somebody else would. I admit that picking him that early at his age was done with some reservation. But kudos to our scouting staff for recognizing that Ryan had found his way back to his game. Obviously, there are no regrets. I think, without him, we probably would have come up short of the title yet again."
     Though not so long away from the majors, reliever Fernando Rodney could be getting the same call that Vogelsong did. After seeing his performance and command decline over two seasons, the Montreal Crows released him following the 2011 season. His disappointment at not being selected as a re-entry in last year's draft drove Rodney to elevate his pitching to the level that got him to the majors. He pitched well enough with Los Angeles of the independent leagues last season that led to Skokie acquiring him as a restricted free agent in mid-August, and has had a number of CBA scouts keeping an eye on him this winter in his native Dominican Republic. The word is that his name is on several draft lists of general managers looking to address their bullpen shortages.
     But, as mentioned earlier, these are the rare ones. What teams are really hoping for is Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, or Jordan Zimmermann. This is where the scouting staffs really earn their paychecks. A shining example as to the impact of advanced scouting can be seen in the Philly Phantastics. GM Rob Hite has assembled what he refers to as 'the best birddogs in baseball', a scouting staff that he personally heads and travels with extensively. He believes that it is the key to Philly putting a competitive team on the field year after year.
     "It's not easy when you have to cut down your roster every December to know who to keep, who to move, and who to cut," says Hite. "Certainly there are your core players that remain, but you can't hold on to everybody. The scouting that we do plays a huge part in how we move forward through all phases of the off-season. We look at everything. Sabermetrics, development in the minors and the independents, prospect maturity, even the psychology of certain players we look at. Things have to fit a profile for this organization."
     There is an obvious measure of success for Hite where the draft is concerned. He claims that drafting a player at the right time to suit a need before it occurs prevents the necessity to move value at a later time. Players like Starling Castro, Jonathan Lucroy, and Eric Hosmer are examples of draft picks that have made or will make an impact at the major league level in a relatively short period of time, keeping fresh the mix of veteran leadership and young raw talent.
      And as Shapiro alluded to, Hite adds, "You have to respect what your dealing with in this league. If you don't go out and find your guys,  someone else will. That's the nature of the beast."
     Short turnarounds are not so uncommon. We saw glimpses last season of some youngsters looking to make a splash this season. Salvador Perez in Montreal and Mike Trout with the Ottawa Otters gave us a taste in 2012. Perez was even included on the Crows' post-season roster and looks to be the starting catcher in 2013. With shoe-in hall of famer Vladimir Guerrero's retirement, a whole different player than the one Jack Jung watched last year at AAA has to show up this spring to keep Trout from playing in Ottawa. 
     So many others can be named. Kipnis, Lawrie, Parker, Cespedes, Goldschmidt, the list goes on. Many new names and some old ones, too, will be the talk of baseball as they roll out on the list of players drafted onto CBA rosters, where the action is.

 
 

Recap

The wildcard round saw Longue Pointe and their pitching staff dominate over David Jones Lake County Leopards. Lake County took game 1 behind Johnny Cueto's masterful pitching.  Then it was CC Sabathia, Tim Lincecum, and CJ Wilson shutting the door to advance the Loggers to the Conference playoffs vs Joe Wallace's powerful San Diego Surf.

The Clemente Wildcard saw Rob Hite's Philly Phantastics sweep Marc Wass' Brooklyn Superbas in 3 straight.  Although Verlander, Hamels, and Brandon Morrow stifled the potent Brooklyn Superbas attack in the House of Pain, It was Eric Hosmer who single handedly and legendarily executed the Brooklyn boys with 5 Homers 2 doubles 9 RBI's and 7-11 batting.  Not to be forgotton anytime soon.

In round 1 of the Staub Playoffs, Doug Brunet's Montreal Crows swept past Cory Light's Bryan Bashers behind superior pitching in tight ball games.  Both first time managers, but someone had to win.  Montreal will play against the LP vs. SD winner.  Rob Hite's Philly Phantastics defeated Malachi Nellum's Stirling RedSox 4 games to 3 in an epic and well played series.  The Skokie wolfmen defeated the Cooperstown Iron Horses 4 games to 1.  Wolfman is looking at yet another Conference final to add to his resume. 

This is where the big boys meet and play.  The dedicated, the lucky, the astute, the confident, the best in CBA ball for 2012.  Last year Saw Brooklyn Defeat San Diego in 5 games for the 2011 Championship as Miguel Cabrera dominated the post season like no other has since.  Cabrera had 10 HR's and led his team.  Who will this years hero be?  We saw magnificent perfomances so far that will be archived for future reference.  Performances Like Johnny Cueto's shutout over Longue Pointe on opening day.  Eric Hosmer single handedly destroying Brooklyn's dream of repeat with 5 HR's in a 3 game wildcard. Montreal terrorizing the Bashers behind masterful pitching by James Shields.  Allen Craig's timely PH.  Nyger Morgan's .469 batting average leading Longue Point over deep into the 2nd round.  Billy Butlers 13 hits and .409 BA for Stirling vs Philly.  Sandoval's 3 HR's for Bryan.  Jared Weaver's gem vs red hot Skokie for Cooperstown.  Perhaps not many bigger highs and lows than we saw in the LP-SD series which turned after an 8th Inning boot by Yunel Escobar in g5.  The hero, Nick Hundley with a long Homer to win the series for San Diego against the speedy small ball artistry of the Loggers. 

Now we have two repeaters looking for their opportunity for gold.  We have GM Doug Brunet who makes his first appearance in the final four.  The Skokie Wolfman.  Veteran GM with a record of success each year.  He has been to the dance, but unable to claim the ring.  There's CBA legend Rob Hite.  All Hite does is win.  We learned in 2012, never count Philly out.  He even threw down the towel so he says.  A towel chuck right into the playoffs ala Indiana.  Seems to work in Clemente.  Hite is a 3 time champion looking for his fourth.  In CBA Jeff Boutet has 3, Bob Fidler 3, Marc Wass 2, Jack Jung 1, Dennis Concepcion 1, among active GM's.  Although some forget the losers, no Finals runner up is a loser.  No shame losing in the Conf Champ.  Only shame if your a former champion who gets blown out in 3 straight in the wild card round.  Staub has last won a World Championship in 2005 when Dennis defeated Rob Hite, the year of Miracle Mirabelli and Ichiro's  series and GW HR.  Clemente has dominated since then.
Rounding out the managers is the long time veteran Joe Wallace.  Joe Wallace has built a long runniing dominant franchise in San Diego.  Holder of the all time best season with 122 wins, San Diego and Wallace have been there and paid some heavy dues, slowly building up from first round and outs, the game 7's in the second round a few years back (Archives has it), and finally a Staub Championship and World Series appearance.  After last years disappointment, Wallace revamped his squad, and brought aboard the powerful Mike Stanton sending King Felix to New Jersey where Hernandez helped improve their record from last year.  Wallace vowed to add power and did.  He seeks yet another series appearance after his hard fought battle vs Longue Pt. 


 
Superbas claim New York!
 (AP) September 29th 2012  CBA©  Offices New York, NY all rights reserved.     "...And they danced, like a wave on the ocean...they romanced and they danced the night..." from Rockaway Beach in Queens to Manhattan's rediculous Upper West Side, all of New Yorks eyes are on the Brooklyn Borough's Superbas.  But the rest of the borooughs have cashed in on "SuperMania".  The Superbas have become New Yorks City's favorite, especially after last years heart stopping and spectacular World Series win.   Playoff and Series MVP Miguel MVP Cabrera yesterday led a team rally in Brooklyn's own Prospect Park near Grand Army Plaza that blocked traffic on Flatbush Avenue all the way down Flatbush avenue extension to the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan's Chinatown.  Cabrera hit that famous 1 out 9th inning HR to tie and ultimately win the Division playoffs in 7 games from arch rival Philly Phantastics.  Cabrera the Grand Poobah of today's rally said " We like to thank our fans very much.  Salud!  Brooklyn!"   Disgruntled High Bridge fans protested the rally.   High Bridge is New Yorks other team in the area, but the fans are not amused by the antics of loyal Brooklyn fans.  Said cab driver Shetstaen AlFaisal "These animaux they crazy.  Make celebrate party by punch each other face in happy way.   I'm going home now its too much.  My team the Heaters and this is not good for me..."  Joey Loconsolo of Brooklyn's Bay Ridge section was in the 3rd Ave "Brooklyn Superba" bar when the announcement that Brooklyn won the home wild card seat was made by the bar tender whose identity must remain anonymous.  Said Joey, "Mink-ya...Min...I mean thats my boys.  Got that Jeter going off, with Cabrera, and Braun, Mah-ron thats what I'm talkin bout ya hear?".   Shirley Lumpis of Staten Island was also in the Superba bar in the table across from Mr Loconsolo with her friends Gertie, and Gimble.  " We cam hee-yah to watch the action.  And that game against the Iron Horses was good too, tee-hee".  Bars around New York reported sales increases during the Brooklyn Cooperstown series.  The ratings and crowds may be quite high again for the upcoming Wild card round.  Can Brooklyn pull it off? Manager Marc Wass thinks so.

Worst to First- The Iron Horse Turnaround

Cooperstown - After enduring a heartbreaking game 163 loss to the eventual 2010 CBA champion Indiana Redbirds, Iron Horse fans watched as the entire roster was torn down and rebuilt from scratch. “We knew our team was getting older and our window to win a championship had closed.” Cooperstown GM Jon Stamets stated.  “We needed to bring in some young blood, and with that comes growing pains.”  There were indeed growing pains as Horse fans saw even more of their stars shipped off at the deadline on their way to a 110 loss season. 
 

However one thing was obvious to Stamets, “We had pitching and draft picks coming out of our ears.” In fact, they had 11 capable starting pitchers on their roster and with SP at a premium; this opened the flood gates for one of the most active off-seasons in Cooperstown history.  “We had a solid team of youngsters, but with 7 picks in the first 3 rounds and a lot of depth we knew we could make a big splash.” 
 

It was a Prince Fielder cannon ball type splash.

Over the next few months Iron Horse fans saw 16 trades with 11 different teams empty their stockpile of draft picks and young talent.  However, there was a buzz in Cooperstown as they witnessed press conference after press conference introducing their new superstars.  Cliff Lee and Tim Hudson were added to the rotation and sluggers Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart were added to the lineup.   
 

2012 wouldn’t be a disappointment.  Kemp and Gonzalez went on to mash 89 combined HR’s and the team hit .291 as a whole.  New acquisitions Hudson and Lee anchored the pitching staff that saw Jered Weaver and Madison Bumgarner enjoy breakout seasons combining for 40 wins. Javier Vazquez, in what he has announced will be his final season, cut his 6.43 ERA from 2011 in half to 3.09.  After seeing triple digits in losses just last season, the Iron Horses accomplished that feat in the win column, racking up 101 of them to eke out a division title by one game over the mighty Superbas. 
 

When asked if the 2012 offseason would be as busy as it was in 2011, Stamets replied, “We’ll see, but at this point we’re concentrating on the postseason.  We’ll worry about the offseason in the offseason.” 


Bryan Bashers 2012  1st Playoff appearance!
 
Pitching and Defense was the name of the game in 2012 for the Bryan Bashers.  With the move out of the hitter friendly Clemente to the Pitcher friendly Staub, Bryan was able to deal with the loss of a DH with relative ease.  Continuing their recent trend of improving pitching (this 2012 marks the 4th year in a row that Bryan has lowered their ERA from the previous year, from 5.53 in 2008 to 3.45 this year), Bryan set several team records in pitching, the most significant in many eyes was the record 23.56% IRSC% (only 45 of 191 inherited runners scored on Bryan in 2012.  Bryan also set a team record for fewest errors at 87.  The dominant pitching and Defense was needed, as the anemic offense set many team record lows..Runs scored (643) AB (5477) Triples (16) and OPS (.705)--and just missing the record low in HR (from 2011) by just one HR.  Bryan did manage a very respectable 86.6% Stolen base percentage with only 9 CS vs. 58 SB  
 
Key additions were
Josh Tomlin, who was 2nd in wins (12) and 2nd in era (2.99) for the team. Acquired last offseason in a trade with Cooperstown.
 
Pablo Sandoval, a draft day trade, that anchored what offense Bryan did have (33HR, .996 OPS)
 
Joaquin Benoit, acquired in May, help shore up an already deep pen, with a 1.97 ERA.
 
Amazingly, Jason Isringhausen brought in 25 saves in 27 opportunities after being drafted in the 10th round.
 
Bryan jumped to an early lead in the Rogers division, with over .600 winning percentage by mid season.  Then they managed to ride out the big start to finish 5 games over Maine by the end of the regular Season, earning their first ever Playoff appearance and 2nd best record of all time with 87 wins. (the 2007 Bryan Bashers ended up with a 92-71 record, having tied Philly for the wild card and losing the game 163 tie breaker).
 
Congratulations to all that have made the playoffs this year, and good luck!  It's been a wild season, and the playoffs surely will be more of the same!

 

Getz To Miss Postseason

Montreal- After four seasons, the Montreal Crows will make their first appearance in the postseason after winning the Dawson division crown. After four seasons in the Crows organization, third with the big club, infielder Chris Getz will be relegated to dugout cheerleader due to a pulled hamstring.
     "I am so disappointed, you have no idea," said Getz. "It's ridiculous. You think of how many times you run the bases. Sometimes you go real hard on some plays, especially coming home. But it wasn't even that kind of play. Y'know, just run home."
     In the eighth inning of last Monday's 3-1 loss to the Belfast Brawlers, Getz entered the game as a pinch-hitter for reliever Fautino De Los Santos. After he drew a walk and stole second, Todd Helton slashed a two-out double to the left field gap. It was a play on which Getz would have easily scored, but rounding third he pulled up favoring his right leg. He managed to hobble his way to the plate, then went to the ground and was helped off the field by team trainer Basil Fawlty and J.J. Hardy who was on deck during the play.
     "We've had a great season," added Getz. "It's gonna be tough to have to sit this out. This is what you work for, a chance to do something special. All I can do now is cheer the guys on."
     In a platoon role with Jeff Keppinger, Getz hit .257 and stole 25 bases while providing solid defense at second. No doubt the dimensional aspect that he has brought to the team will be missed. To replace him, however, the Crows have decided to add a third catcher to the postseason roster instead of another infielder. With multi-positional players Todd Frazier and Nick Punto backing up in the infield, manager Robert Brunet has elected to add rookie sensation Salvador Perez.
     "My dad wants Perez, he gets Perez," was GM Doug Brunet's answer as to why. "Besides, I think the kid deserves it after what he's done. He can flat out hit. I don't know if he'll start, he's just 22 years old. But, dad believes he can be a threat off the bench in a late inning situation. So, we're going with him."
     Perez was drafted fourth overall by Montreal in March of this year. After lighting it up in Halifax, he was called up in late July when Lou Marson went on the disabled list. After a bit of a slow start at the major league level, Perez finished the season riding a ten game hitting streak with a .321 average, 1 homer, and 14 RBI.
     Regarding the pitchers, Brunet will shorten the rotation a little to allow staff ace James Shields to take the ball as often as possible. Of course, Shields will start game 1 in the division series against the Bryan Bashers that looks to be shaping up as a battle of pitching staffs. Lefty Derek Holland will get the ball in game 2, and Jordan Zimmermann is slated for game 3. The intention at that point is to have Shields go on 3 days rest in game 4, so he would be able to do the same again if the series goes to a 7th game. Holland will start game 5 or 6 depending on how he bounces back from his game 2 start, with either righty Dillon Gee or lefty Paul Maholm starting the other game. The short rotation gives Brunet the extra pullpen arms of the latter two, particularly Maholm adding to southpaws Rafael Perez and Tom Gorzelanny. 
     The Crows have plenty of time to deliberate strategy. The series with Bryan will begin on Tuesday, October 9th at Oscar Peterson Memorial Stadium. Before that, however, the wild card series between crosstown rival Longue Pointe Loggers and Carter division runner up Lake County Leopards will be decided to see which team faces the conference incumbent San Diego Surf. 
     With two teams going into the postseason, the city is abuzz with talk of baseball and hopes of an inter-city series for the Staub conference championship.

L

"The Legend Of Donnybrook"

Legend has it that the word describes the time back in 2004

when a clueless Irish guy from out of town named Donny 
went into a crowded bar and grill near the Brooklyn Bridge 
known as Da Greasy Spoon Saloon at the height of Happy Hour
AND rush hour had a few mugs of Steeplechase brews. 
 
Watching the CBA World Series playing on the TV above the bar,
Donny loudly (and carelessly) said some disparaging words
about the local CBA franchise that just happened to be at bat
that very moment. 
 
The enraged partisan barflies instantly Twittered and texted
a flash mob summons.  Within seconds the entire populace
of the borough converged on said watering hole and proceeded
to thoroughly and firmly, but violently, explain the incorrect syntax,
grammatical errors, and most especially the poor and inaccurate
word choices of Donny's remarks by using Donny's entire body
as a metaphor to diagram and correct his multiple verbal faux pas.
 
Having purged him of his anti-Superba bias (as well as most of his
consciousness and stomach contents) the crowd deemed it
appropriate that Donny should be "re-born" and, carrying Donny
over their heads and shoulders like a rock star in a mosh pit,
trooped their way to the Brooklyn Bridge where they gleefully
baptized him in the murky waters of the East River below.
 
Following the Superba triumph in the Series that very night,
the current logo was commissioned. 
 
People have often remarked about the Superba logo
and the meaning of the little blemish seen in the
lower right edge. 
 
Historians have postulated that it is a symbolic reference
to the legendary Steve Brody, but in explaining the meaning
of the word DONNYBROOK (as it applies to CBA fans 
in Brooklyn anyway), the origins of that curious mark
have never been revealed....
 
UNTIL NOW...

 
It is early morning here in Renton, WA aka Skokie, IL
I just read the news today (oh boy) of San Diego's victory
of Longue Pointe to be our fourth team to survive to the
conference championship round

It is natural for us to focus on the remaining teams
as we wait to see who will face each other in the
CBA World Series -

at this juncture we have 3 teams who have never won
and one who has won (Philly) what 3 or 4 times, we
recall our WS visit against Philly in I think it was
2007 losing in six games and here we are again
for another chance

but before I speak and share some thoughts (this is
all propaganda of course to get things juicy as we
enter the next round, some postering, the usual
for the Wolf Guys) I want to once again acknowledge
and honor the six friends who were part of our party
who are now on the sidelines

Of course expanding to 10 playoffs teams I believe
was a good thing, it gave more teams a chance to
make the playoffs and we had five of those 50%
who had not had a chance before - it seems to have
worked too in the MLB as St.Louis who might be
in the series (similar to Philly in the CBA) would not
have had a chance without the extra slot

so we miss our friends in Brooklyn, Lake County,
Bryan, Cooperstown, Longue Pointe and Stirling,
while you might feel a bit disappointed you couldn't
go farther this year, you all did a hell of a job and
should be proud, as we all know only one can be
champion - and to do this is no easy task as Skokie
has experienced in our two unsuccessful bids to the show

what I can tell you is usually the team that wins at the
end may not have the best team on paper or with the
best record, its who is hot - and perhaps knows some
strategies to defeat their opponents working with the game

I can tell you when I have played the board game at tournaments,
I didn't have a prayer - all the strategies I remembered from the less
advanced board games or the computer game, didn't even help
me to finish at .500 in the two tournaments I played, although
I occasionally beat a good player

So we now have Montreal and San Diego - history would favor
San Diego but I played Montreal in Exhibition and got beat so
good pitching and defense in a short series can prove victorious,
this was a strategy we tried early in our history and while we
did get to the playoffs we couldn't get far so you have to have
patience for it to work and it seems Mr. Doug has it so it
could be surprising what happens here.

Of course Skokie has something to prove - Philly, thanks to
the new playoff system just makes it in - with the worse record
in the Clemente Conference - that when the Playoffs come,
the record means nothing - everything is reset and since
Philly has already been champion before, its just another
day at the office for GM Rob Hite - you notice Rob is very
humble, I noticed this during the banter between him and
the Boss, the Wass in their playoff series - always letting
others know he isn't sure if he can do it but goes ahead
and does it anyway - there is something of winning which
he understands, kind of like a personal secret, which is
why he is able to win or be there at the end - plus he
has a way to pull off bringing in the best young players,
look at his current roster

Billingsley, Castro, Craig, Cruz, Greinke, Hosmer,
Longoria, Lynn, Morrow, Morse, Verlander, Zobrist

this is why he stays good - its difficult to keep a team
successful from year to year - every year some key players
are injured or have a down year - we know and the only reason
why Skokie keeps showing up in the playoff is we trade -
we try every which way to bring a balanced team to the field
but one year, this method won't work and it could set us back
years

 

In round 1 of the Staub Playoffs, Doug Brunet's Montreal Crows swept past Cory Light's Bryan Bashers behind superior pitching in tight ball games.  Both first time managers, but someone had to win.  Montreal will play against the LP vs. SD winner.  Rob Hite's Philly Phantastics defeated Malachi Nellum's Stirling RedSox 4 games to 3 in an epic and well played series.  The Skokie Wolfmen defeated the Cooperstown Iron Horses 4 games to 1.  Wolfman is looking at yet another Conference final to add to his resume. 

This is where the big boys meet and play.  The dedicated, the lucky, the astute, the confident, the best in CBA ball for 2012.  Last year Saw Brooklyn Defeat San Diego in 5 games for the 2011 Championship as Miguel Cabrera dominated the post season like no other has since.  Cabrera had 10 HR's and led his team.  Who will this years hero be?  We saw magnificent perfomances so far that will be archived for future reference.  Performances Like Johnny Cueto's shutout over Longue Pointe on opening day.  Eric Hosmer single handedly destroying Brooklyn's dream of repeat with 5 HR's in a 3 game wildcard. Montreal terrorizing the Bashers behind masterful pitching by James Shields.  Allen Craig's timely PH.  Nyger Morgan's .469 batting average leading Longue Point over deep into the 2nd round.  Billy Butlers 13 hits and .409 BA for Stirling vs Philly.  Sandoval's 3 HR's for Bryan.  Jared Weaver's gem vs red hot Skokie for Cooperstown.  Perhaps not many bigger highs and lows than we saw in the LP-SD series which turned after an 8th Inning boot by Yunel Escobar in g5.  The hero, Nick Hundley with a long Homer to win the series for San Diego against the speedy small ball artistry of the Loggers. 

Now we have two repeaters looking for their opportunity for gold.  We have GM Doug Brunet who makes his first appearance in the final four.  The Skokie Wolfman.  Veteran GM with a record of success each year.  He has been to the dance, but unable to claim the ring.  There's CBA legend Rob Hite.  All Hite does is win.  We learned in 2012, never count Philly out.  He even threw down the towel so he says.  A towel chuck right into the playoffs ala Indiana.  Seems to work in Clemente.  Hite is a 3 time champion looking for his fourth.  In CBA Jeff Boutet has 3, Bob Fidler 3, Marc Wass 2, Jack Jung 1, Dennis Concepcion 1, among active GM's.  Although some forget the losers, no Finals runner up is a loser.  No shame losing in the Conf Champ.  Only shame if your a former champion who gets blown out in 3 straight in the wild card round.  Staub has last won a World Championship in 2005 when Dennis defeated Rob Hite, the year of Miracle Mirabelli and Ichiro's  series and GW HR.  Clemente has dominated since then.
Rounding out the managers is the long time veteran Joe Wallace.  Joe Wallace has built a long runniing dominant franchise in San Diego.  Holder of the all time best season with 122 wins, San Diego and Wallace have been there and paid some heavy dues, slowly building up from first round and outs, the game 7's in the second round a few years back (Archives has it), and finally a Staub Championship and World Series appearance.  After last years disappointment, Wallace revamped his squad, and brought aboard the powerful Mike Stanton sending King Felix to New Jersey where Hernandez helped improve their record from last year.  Wallace vowed to add power and did.  He seeks yet another series appearance after his hard fought battle vs Longue Pt. 

 
 
Superbas claim New York!
 (AP) September 29th 2012  CBA©  Offices New York, NY all rights reserved.    
"...And they danced, like a wave on the ocean...they romanced and they danced the night..." from Rockaway Beach in Queens to Manhattan's rediculous Upper West Side, all of New Yorks eyes are on the Brooklyn Borough's Superbas.  But the rest of the borooughs have cashed in on "SuperMania".  The Superbas have become New Yorks City's favorite, especially after last years heart stopping and spectacular World Series win.   Playoff and Series MVP Miguel MVP Cabrera yesterday led a team rally in Brooklyn's own Prospect Park near Grand Army Plaza that blocked traffic on Flatbush Avenue all the way down Flatbush avenue extension to the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan's Chinatown.  Cabrera hit that famous 1 out 9th inning HR to tie and ultimately win the Division playoffs in 7 games from arch rival Philly Phantastics.  Cabrera the Grand Poobah of today's rally said " We like to thank our fans very much.  Salud!  Brooklyn!"   Disgruntled High Bridge fans protested the rally.   High Bridge is New Yorks other team in the area, but the fans are not amused by the antics of loyal Brooklyn fans.  Said cab driver Shetstaen Alfyasal "These animaux they crazy.  Make celebrate party by punch each other face in happy way.   I'm going home now its too much.  My team the Heaters and this is not good for me..."  Joey Loconsolo of Brooklyn's Bay Ridge section was in the 3rd Ave "Brooklyn Superba" bar when the announcement that Brooklyn won the home wild card seat was made by the bar tender whose identity must remain anonymous.  Said Joey, "Mink-ya...Min...I mean thats my boys.  Got that Jeter going off, with Cabrera, and Braun, Mah-ron thats what I'm talkin bout ya hear?".   Shirley Lumpis of Staten Island was also in the Superba bar in the table across from Mr Loconsolo with her friends Gertie, and Gimble.  " We cam hee-yah to watch the action.  And that game against the Iron Horses was good too, tee-hee".  Bars around New York reported sales increases during the Brooklyn Cooperstown series.  The ratings and crowds may be quite high again for the upcoming Wild card round.  Can Brooklyn pull it off? Manager Marc Wass thinks so.
 

Worst to First- The Iron Horse Turnaround
 


 

Cooperstown - After enduring a heartbreaking game 163 loss to the eventual 2010 CBA champion Indiana Redbirds, Iron Horse fans watched as the entire roster was torn down and rebuilt from scratch. “We knew our team was getting older and our window to win a championship had closed.” Cooperstown GM Jon Stamets stated.  “We needed to bring in some young blood, and with that comes growing pains.”  There were indeed growing pains as Horse fans saw even more of their stars shipped off at the deadline on their way to a 110 loss season. 
 


 

However one thing was obvious to Stamets, “We had pitching and draft picks coming out of our ears.” In fact, they had 11 capable starting pitchers on their roster and with SP at a premium; this opened the flood gates for one of the most active off-seasons in Cooperstown history.  “We had a solid team of youngsters, but with 7 picks in the first 3 rounds and a lot of depth we knew we could make a big splash.” 
 


 

It was a Prince Fielder cannon ball type splash.


 

Over the next few months Iron Horse fans saw 16 trades with 11 different teams empty their stockpile of draft picks and young talent.  However, there was a buzz in Cooperstown as they witnessed press conference after press conference introducing their new superstars.  Cliff Lee and Tim Hudson were added to the rotation and sluggers Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart were added to the lineup.   
 


 

2012 wouldn’t be a disappointment.  Kemp and Gonzalez went on to mash 89 combined HR’s and the team hit .291 as a whole.  New acquisitions Hudson and Lee anchored the pitching staff that saw Jered Weaver and Madison Bumgarner enjoy breakout seasons combining for 40 wins. Javier Vazquez, in what he has announced will be his final season, cut his 6.43 ERA from 2011 in half to 3.09.  After seeing triple digits in losses just last season, the Iron Horses accomplished that feat in the win column, racking up 101 of them to eke out a division title by one game over the mighty Superbas. 
 


 

When asked if the 2012 offseason would be as busy as it was in 2011, Stamets replied, “We’ll see, but at this point we’re concentrating on the postseason.  We’ll worry about the offseason in the offseason.” 

 


Bryan Bashers 2012  1st Playoff appearance!
 
Pitching and Defense was the name of the game in 2012 for the Bryan Bashers.  With the move out of the hitter friendly Clemente to the Pitcher friendly Staub, Bryan was able to deal with the loss of a DH with relative ease.  Continuing their recent trend of improving pitching (this 2012 marks the 4th year in a row that Bryan has lowered their ERA from the previous year, from 5.53 in 2008 to 3.45 this year), Bryan set several team records in pitching, the most significant in many eyes was the record 23.56% IRSC% (only 45 of 191 inherited runners scored on Bryan in 2012.  Bryan also set a team record for fewest errors at 87.  The dominant pitching and Defense was needed, as the anemic offense set many team record lows..Runs scored (643) AB (5477) Triples (16) and OPS (.705)--and just missing the record low in HR (from 2011) by just one HR.  Bryan did manage a very respectable 86.6% Stolen base percentage with only 9 CS vs. 58 SB  
 
Key additions were
Josh Tomlin, who was 2nd in wins (12) and 2nd in era (2.99) for the team. Acquired last offseason in a trade with Cooperstown.
 
Pablo Sandoval, a draft day trade, that anchored what offense Bryan did have (33HR, .996 OPS)
 
Joaquin Benoit, acquired in May, help shore up an already deep pen, with a 1.97 ERA.
 
Amazingly, Jason Isringhausen brought in 25 saves in 27 opportunities after being drafted in the 10th round.
 
Bryan jumped to an early lead in the Rogers division, with over .600 winning percentage by mid season.  Then they managed to ride out the big start to finish 5 games over Maine by the end of the regular Season, earning their first ever Playoff appearance and 2nd best record of all time with 87 wins. (the 2007 Bryan Bashers ended up with a 92-71 record, having tied Philly for the wild card and losing the game 163 tie breaker).
 
Congratulations to all that have made the playoffs this year, and good luck!  It's been a wild season, and the playoffs surely will be more of the same!

 

Getz To Miss Postseason

Montreal- After four seasons, the Montreal Crows will make their first appearance in the postseason after winning the Dawson division crown. After four seasons in the Crows organization, third with the big club, infielder Chris Getz will be relegated to dugout cheerleader due to a pulled hamstring.
     "I am so disappointed, you have no idea," said Getz. "It's ridiculous. You think of how many times you run the bases. Sometimes you go real hard on some plays, especially coming home. But it wasn't even that kind of play. Y'know, just run home."
     In the eighth inning of last Monday's 3-1 loss to the Belfast Brawlers, Getz entered the game as a pinch-hitter for reliever Fautino De Los Santos. After he drew a walk and stole second, Todd Helton slashed a two-out double to the left field gap. It was a play on which Getz would have easily scored, but rounding third he pulled up favoring his right leg. He managed to hobble his way to the plate, then went to the ground and was helped off the field by team trainer Basil Fawlty and J.J. Hardy who was on deck during the play.
     "We've had a great season," added Getz. "It's gonna be tough to have to sit this out. This is what you work for, a chance to do something special. All I can do now is cheer the guys on."
     In a platoon role with Jeff Keppinger, Getz hit .257 and stole 25 bases while providing solid defense at second. No doubt the dimensional aspect that he has brought to the team will be missed. To replace him, however, the Crows have decided to add a third catcher to the postseason roster instead of another infielder. With multi-positional players Todd Frazier and Nick Punto backing up in the infield, manager Robert Brunet has elected to add rookie sensation Salvador Perez.
     "My dad wants Perez, he gets Perez," was GM Doug Brunet's answer as to why. "Besides, I think the kid deserves it after what he's done. He can flat out hit. I don't know if he'll start, he's just 22 years old. But, dad believes he can be a threat off the bench in a late inning situation. So, we're going with him."
     Perez was drafted fourth overall by Montreal in March of this year. After lighting it up in Halifax, he was called up in late July when Lou Marson went on the disabled list. After a bit of a slow start at the major league level, Perez finished the season riding a ten game hitting streak with a .321 average, 1 homer, and 14 RBI.
     Regarding the pitchers, Brunet will shorten the rotation a little to allow staff ace James Shields to take the ball as often as possible. Of course, Shields will start game 1 in the division series against the Bryan Bashers that looks to be shaping up as a battle of pitching staffs. Lefty Derek Holland will get the ball in game 2, and Jordan Zimmermann is slated for game 3. The intention at that point is to have Shields go on 3 days rest in game 4, so he would be able to do the same again if the series goes to a 7th game. Holland will start game 5 or 6 depending on how he bounces back from his game 2 start, with either righty Dillon Gee or lefty Paul Maholm starting the other game. The short rotation gives Brunet the extra pullpen arms of the latter two, particularly Maholm adding to southpaws Rafael Perez and Tom Gorzelanny. 
     The Crows have plenty of time to deliberate strategy. The series with Bryan will begin on Tuesday, October 9th at Oscar Peterson Memorial Stadium. Before that, however, the wild card series between crosstown rival Longue Pointe Loggers and Carter division runner up Lake County Leopards will be decided to see which team faces the conference incumbent San Diego Surf. 
     With two teams going into the postseason, the city is abuzz with talk of baseball and hopes of an inter-city series for the Staub conference championship.

 
Pitchers
James Shields
Derek Holland
Jordan Zimmermann
Paul Maholm (designated starter for relief)
Dillon Gee
Tom Gorzelanny
Michael Stutes
Rafael Perez
Wilton Lopez
David Robertson
Mark Melancon

 
Catchers
Yorvit Torrealba
Lou Marson
Salvador Perez

 
Infielders
Todd Helton
Jeff Keppinger
J.J. Hardy
Alberto Callaspo
Nick Punto
Todd Frazier

 
Outfielders
Will Venable
Caneron Maybin
Jeff Francoeur
Tony Gwynn
Juan Rivera

 

 For openers, congratulations to all the playoff teams.  Steve Adler, Kevin Gibson, Joe Wallace, Dennis Concepcion, Doug Brunet, Wolfman Shapiro, Marc Wass, Rob Hite, Bruce Bundy, Jack Jung.  Who will win it?  Wolfman vs Bundy in Clemente vs Steve Adler whose Beatles are the current  #1 hit across CBA Land. 
GM's next year is approaching rapidly.  There is a likelyhood of some rules clarifications and modifications.  Among the issues that coulClaude and Gerald should have known. The original CBA teams were all named after movie studios. The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone. The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record. Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard. But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald. Donald was known for his questionable participation. Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmanians it would change their fortunes. They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99. By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67. That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive. The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year. Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs.

Just for some nostalgia.  Lets look back at a storied franchise that dissolved in favor of expansion after 2003.  The story of the Tennessee Tazmanians run by Stephane Bouchard. 
The franchise story was different from its inception. 
  The original CBA teams if I recall were all named after movie studios.  The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone?? {Claude?}.  The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record.  Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard.  But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald.  Donald was known for his questionable participation.  Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmanians it would change their fortunes.  They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99.  By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67.  That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive.  The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year.  Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs. 


Belfast: .742 X Rating, .251 BA against, .305 IRSC a 3.68 ERA...but .310 OBA .104 ISO, .348 slug meant 3.46 runs support.  22-44 vs Dawson's LP, Montreal, Limoilou....But Belfast walloped Monday 31-17 for season.  What does that tell you about Dawson?

Brooklyn: After losing Parker by 1 game to Carolina, took revenge in '13 sweeping Carolina and winning div title in process.  Braun .331 30 SB 48 HR 128 RBI 116 runs, Miguel Cabrera .352 .428 OBA .630 slg, 43 HR, 136 RBI 113 runs 216 hits, RA Dickey 17-7 2.93 239 K's, David Price 13-6 3.22 203 K's, Jeter 20 HR 96 RBI .322 13 SB 218 hits.  They carried Brooklyn.  Brooklyn led CBA in batting .287.  Lower than usual power totals and average in Coors were made up for with a rare display of speed by the Superbas.  They stole a team record 131 stolen bases led by Jarrod Dyson's 54.


Bryan:  Another winning season for Cory Light.  The Bryan Bashers hung tough until the final two blocks.  The battle with Towaco was fierce and right to the last month.  Bryan featured excellent pitching.  Perhaps the best Basher staff in recent memory finishing 4th overall.  The pen saved 53.  Though Casey Janssen finished with 31 sv it was a committee of relievers who had save totals.  .242 IRSC (Inherited runners scoring) The offense doesn't jump out at you.  The numbers are below average.  .246, 149 ISO, 166 HR's not bad for Staub however.  Part timer Dwayne Wise 12, led the er speedy Bashers to 51 stolen bases.  Paul Konerko deserves MVP consideration carrying this team on his back virtually himself .296 31 HR 96 RBI.  Nick Swisher chipped in with .227  25 HR's. 
 
Carolina: Fell just short.  In tough Parker, Carolina had a few sluggers who provided offense.  Shoo in for rookie of the year Willin Rosario hit 30 HR's, Votto 11 HR 61 RBI .329 in an  injury laden season.  Zimmerman 23 HR, Dunn 25 HR, Kubel 22 HR 82 RBI, and Marco Scutaro .312 led CBA with 27 sacrifices. Had 18 Hit and run hits using that it's advantage.  The low team OBA/SLG .324/.398 hurt most. The pitchers were tough. Anibal Sanchez finished 14-10 3.41 152 K's, J Johnson 12-10 3.57.  Huston Street saved 26.  Took 3 of 4 to finish the season block 25 in revenge of losing the week before spoiling Newton's Parker run.

Cooperstown: The Iron Horses cashed in early in the season after some early set backs.  They acquired draft picks and players looking ahead. Some very promising rookies like Byrom Buxton, Evan Gattis, Jeff Locke to go along with player returness like Matt Kemp 25 HR 65 RBI .277 and Adrian Gonzo 23 HR 81 RBI .275.   27 traded ballplayers from the team.  The future will tell if Cooperstown will return to prominence.  On paper it looks like it could be.

High Bridge opened the season strong.  They remained only two games back by June 17th.  They hung around into July before fading when roster changes took place and rest given to the over worked players.  The future seemed bright when John Miller grabbed Matt Harvey with his number 1 pick.  When MLB Harvey went down with injury, the Heaters front office felt let down.  Though the injury isn't as serious as could have been, Harvey will have a superior card in 2014.  Dillon Gee has returned from his serious injury to become a front end pitcher as well to go along with Rick Porcello.  Young talent like Denard Span, Didi Gregorius, Starling Marte, and Alex Presley present well for future years.  Tyler Colvin had a very good year 17 HR

Indiana:  returned to the press with a nice little run for the Monday title.  The Redbirds reclaimed a taste of their glory years of last decade with a return to first as late as mid September.  Who could ask for more?  When the pitching and key sluggers like Pujols, and Hamilton suffered injuries the last week.  Hamilton 46 HR 109 RBI .265BA.  Pujols 39 HR 124 RBI .298 BA a typical year for him.  Pujols career totals .323 601 HR's 1,591 RBI's.  Indy won 14 of 17 down the stretch in September to keep the pressure on Skokie.  Indiana socked a whopping 250 Homers in '13.  Catchers (Wieter) threw out 39% of their base stealers best in CBA.

Joliet: Jack Frost builds, slowly but surely.  Looking for a return to the glory days of 2008, '14 could be the year the Jacks could make some noise.  2013 saw a 68-94 record which was not too awful.  Some moments of good play.  The Jacks had a good July which brought them neqar the cust of the second wildcard range. 9 games under .500, but so were a few teams.  One August and eventual Staub champ New Jersey came to town, Joliet underwent a long losing streak to fade away into CBA's abyss.  Middlebrooks 14 HR 49 RBI .339, Chris Carter 24 HR, and Rizzo 16 HR .319 starred. Some bright youngsters are on hand to make the future a bright one.

Limoilou; Our long time friend Jeff Boutet stepped aside in 2013 departing CBA as it's championship leader with 3. The Wendigo used good pitching from Latos 13-9 2.84, Kimbrel 7-1 26sv, Scherzer 14-8, Kershaw 17-5 3.23.  Melty Cabrera 10 HR 54 RBI .334 was among leaders in batting. Granderson 39, and Fielder 26 HR generated power in their approach to a wildcard.  James Blakely replaced Jeff for the final month steering them just shy of the final wildcard despite inherited usage situations.

Longue Pointe: One of 2013 great mysteries, what happened to Dennis Concepcion? His proxied team took a wildcard spot but lost to San Diego Surf in the playoffs.

Maine:  Up and down roller coaster for the Express. Started off April relatively fast, then dropped a bunch to fade fast from first place after 3 weeks.  From May and June They hovered at .500 then a losing streak took hold dropping them back a ways.
When it all seemed lost, Mike Koepp reeled off an impressive 12 game winning streak to highlight a streaky season. They made a rush to .500 and into contention, but usage became a factor and the fade took them out of the race in the second half.  Perhaps some better hitting vs lefties where a 20-32 record against lefty starters hurt them most. Acloser look shows the power shortage vs L hurt worse than the BA.

Montreal: Second best season, and same results.  Twice to the Staub Showdown and no show, yet. The Crows are now known for their pitching, defense, and '13 was more of the same. The addition of Cory Hart and Garrett Jones no doubt got them to the dance. But the price they paid has yet to be determined. Though Montreal traded quite a bit, Brunet knows how hard it is to get to the dance and join the CBA elite franchises which Montreal has now done twice in a row 5 years after his initial DRAFTING from scratch of a team.  Montreal and Westminster were true expansion teams in that year.  Its possible that there could be another expansion in the future,but Montreal shows, that from having initially no talent a dedicated GM can achieve high status in post season events.  Post season = Best of year. Conference finals equals elite teams for a season. Doing more than one time brings the level higher. Consider that Doug has done it in season 4 and 5 but...what about 2014? The draft will be important for the Crows.

New Hampshire: The assigned history of this franchise is quite fascinating I find.  The history was one of turmoil. Possibly CBA least successful franchise that had been snake bitten from day 1.  Right now Chris Brazeau has stabilized, and rebuilt this franchise gone wild.  Lets look back.  Claude and Gerald should have known.   The original CBA teams were all named after movie studios.  The Bodega Bay team was titled Essasnay, Longue Pointe was Pathe, Brooklyn was Vitagraph, and Harlem was Keystone.  The team name was changed to the Harlem Dark Knights when Donald Davis assumed control before the draft commenced.1997 season saw Donald Davis lead the Harlem Knights to a 77-85 record.  Donald Ducked after the season in favor of Claude's friend Stephane Bouchard.  But wait! A little known secret, Shawn Jones was the original owner in the winter of 1996 into the cold of 1997 with the Memphis Mafia. Somehow, he was rubbed out and replaced with Big Donald.  Donald was known for his questionable participation.  Stephane went on to a disappointing and horrid 51-11 record in '98. Figuring that if he changed the teams name to Tazmainians it would change their fortunes.  They improved 22 games to 73-89 in '99.  By 2000 he had them up to a franchise high 95-67.  That same year Jon Calder {Alexandria Assault} became a league official, our first ever roster transaction executive.  The Parker team made it to the playoffs losing in round 1 to Clemente Champion Philly who was 120-42 that year.  Stephane stuck around until 2003 when the Tazmanians went 88-74 missing the playoffs. 

Well New Hampshire is continuing the structure started by Brazeau to get into the upper ranks.  a 59-103 season was a setback of sorts.  Some expected a better record for '13 but '14 could be promising.  Matt Cain fronts the staff. Hanley Ramirez returns to SS at a very high level at least part time. Masterson steps up into the top of the rotatsh.   Profar gets utility work.  D'Aza steps up,  The future looks bright.  Viciedo led hitters with 27 HR, Cain was 10-15 3.50 ERA. 

New Jersey: It was like 1964.  The year the Beatles controlled the charts.  The Jersey boys controlled all of Staub at one pint winning 20 in a row just shy of the CBA record.  They controlled the Staub Playoffs.  Shrewd deals. Killer pen, and some stick to boot.  See how they do in the big show. 

Newton:  Last years near miss in the playoffs, just made him angry.  Laying low in the standings, the Newton Bombs found a way to win and manage usage enroute to the franchises first playoff.  It was at the end that the strategy master put the puzzle pieces together, to enter and take out the veteran Rob Hite in the playoffs, no easy task 3 games to 1.  Next, Bundy had to play Clementes toughest team, Ottawa.  With all on the line the two managers dueled a full 7 games.  In the end, Bundy defeated Jack Jung to advance to meet the Wolfman in the Clem finals.  Newton used all resources to get this far.  .745 X rated fielding. .345 OBA, .452 slug showed Clemente like offense.  A team 4.62 ERA was 3rd worst, but the saving grace was Bruce's use of the bullpen to get wins.  A team .225 IRSC.  Only 8 pb 55 wp from the batteries, Newton's pen shutdown those late runners.

Ohio:  Great offense team .273 BA with 195 Homers.  This team was made for Clemente.  They were able to play against friendly rival Carolina face to face on occassion.  Somehow more was expected of Ohio befor ethe season began.  As the T Cats began to start and look good, they too faded back in the tough Clemente.  The Conference teams are all quite strong and capable of defeating each other.  We saw that with even the second division teams defeating and spoiling for the top standings teams.  Ohio led by Buster Posey's 21 HR 86 RBI .352 season may get some MVP consideration.  Matt Holiday added 30 taters.  Fredrick Freeman added 28.  A team .181 ISO PWR good, So it wasn't that offense.  Than what?  Defense? .745 X rating not bad, 79-83 record was attributed to the pitching staff's failure to get guys out.  4.56 ERA.  Clay Buckholtz 15-8 4.08 ERA was a lone bright spot. A .362 IRSC stunk.  Then pen and rotation failed.

Ottawa:  Best regular season ever for the Otters.   Team .353 OBA, .272 BA, 965 runs, 265 HR's .481 slug team records all.  Best in 17 seasons.  Ottawa took that offense led by MVP candidates Trout 44 HR 125 RBI .325, McCutchen 48 HR 127 RBI .307,  Papi's 30 HR 91 RBI .347 BA in 322 AB.  Leadoff hitters hit 30 HR, 2nd place hitters 42 HR, 3rd place hitters hit 50 , cleanup hitters hit 52.    Perhaps the best top half of the lineup years!  A season for the ages.  The team 3.91 ERA could have meant more wins if lower.  Gallardo 19-6 4.38, Fister 13-6 3.58, and Yu Darvish 14-7 4.26, had solid seasons.  Ottawa was 4 games back on May 2nd, but got hot to take first place and never look back.  They led runner up Philly all season after the first week of May. 

Philly came on strong at the end to snatch wildcard number 2 in the last block.  Is that any news at all that Rob Hite had made the playoffs yet again? Hite has 5 World Series appearances.  The elite?  Perhaps Rob is one of the standards that others will  be measured by.  A true elite franchise.  egular playoff appearances, it isn't just luck.  Hite has won 3 Championships.  This year the big trade came back to hurt some as Justin Verlander 24-4 went on to lead New Jersey to a walk away title.  Rob got back Bruce Harper 22 HR 81 .272 who went on to become a main cog in the powerful Philly Offense.   Philly slugged 230 HR with a team .281 BA. 
Quebec:  Led by Hall of Famer Dino Barnabe is building up.  They have some high draft picks, and some very good young players just waiting to break loose.  Quebec hit 231 HR last year showing alot of power.  Mitch Moreland slugged 23 HR .298, Cespedes had a great year .295 28 HR.  Trumbo slugged 32 HR's, and Josh Reddick added a big 35 HR's.  .183 ISO power is among the leagues best.  The BA was a low .250, with only 649 runs knocked in.  Homers with out men on base.  Cant win those games if the defense drops 142 balls ,and the pens allows 35% of inherited runners to score. Clearly this is a team on the rise.  The pitching defense and speed may have hurt, but the future and the draft could make Barnabe a player once more.

River Meadow:  Claude Lamarre is back.  The Monarchs hung around .500 or just under most of the year.  The team was not strong enough to contend for the title, so Lamarre acquired some draft picks for some aged retired players.  The Monarchs did slighty better on the road.  They did a bit better in one run games as their pen was strong .281 IRSC.  The opponents .287 batting average hurt the pitchers but the teams 3.87 runs of offensive run support was pathetic.  A team .315 on base, and no real slugging threats aside from catcher Ryan Doumit and the stud 1B from Baltimore {whats that} Chris Davis who hit 37 HR.  Next season Chris Davis major league high for Baltimore 53 HR .286 BA should carry this team a long way the way Mark McGwire once did.   There's great talent here with Kipness, Iglesias at SS, Davis who is going to be awesome, Fowler, Teheran, Lowry, Carpenter   around t contend in '14 with a good draft.

San Diego: The Surf dynasty continues.  The Surf have won yet again getting into another playoffs.  All the classy Joe Wallace does is win baby.  The Surf continue to draft well each year and develop new talent.  Wallace rarely misses with his young prospects.  This year David Wright, Giancarlitolo Stanton 45 HR,obinson Cano led a strong offense.  .327 26 HR 110 RBI's.  SD lost to Staub Chmapion NJ in round 1.  Expect Wallace to be back with his dynastic franchise.

Skokie:  The Wolfman has parlayed his way using the trade market to gain an advantage.  That advantage led to a final week clinch of the Monday title, narrowly defeating Indiana's Bob fidler in some head to head matchups.  Wolfman's mastery of the usage and preparation provided dividends.  Skokie got excellent support down the stretch from Ethier who got hot, Future hall of famer acquired from Joliet Juan Pierre who provided a leadoff hitter, and the spot usage of Troy Tulowitsky.  The Wolfman acquired bullpen supprt and pitching as well.  This combined to add up to another appearance in the Clemente finals.

Stirling: A good offense with a team .277 BA.  Despite 'only' 140 HR's, the Redsox contended into the last 3 blocks in September.  Ultimately, injuries and other issues kept the Sox from a deserved wildcard spot.  Brett Butler 38 HR 107 RBI .304 BA was a team best.  148 stolen bases led by Campana 20,Choo 30, and Andrus 27.  Kenley Jansen led the pitchers with 38 saves.  No starters stood out.  Buehrle went 13-10 4.55, and Ian Kennedy 13-16 was an iron horse.  The pen was otherwise not too good allowing 32% of inheriteds to score.

Towaco:  Kevin Gibson proved a saavy manager guiding a relatively well balanced but not spectacular team all the way to the Rogers title over rival Bryan Bashers.  Towaco use magaer matchups despite an ordinary Staub offense.   They go on base a pretty good .333 OBA, which for Staub is good.  A .420 slug is fairly decent.  Managed  .755 team production.   .159 ISO was weak.   Two players with 20+Homers were Russ Martin 24 HR .179 BA, and P Alvarez 25 HR 80 RBI .256.  174 HR was good for Staub, and a .261 average not bad.  Just balanced.  Ken Medlen pitched absolutely lights out.  He was the difference.  consider for Cy Young  16-1 1.21, I say 1.21 ERA but only 21 starts. but those were big starts.  Towaco had a great year despite bowing to Staub champ NJ.  Gibson is proving to be quite a GM and tactician.






 


Parker Fight Takes Center Stage

New York- As CBA rosters expand with the closing of the minor league season, so too does speculation on the stretch run to the major league postseason. The stretch run, when the last 21 games of the regular season are played within one's own division, when a team's depth is tested, when a contending team's bench spends the bulk of game time with their faces at the rail of the dugout. And as the plot develops, the Parker division has grabbed center stage in the baseball theater.
     The Parker division sports four teams that are well over the .500 mark in wins, three of which are first, and tied for second in the overall standings. Considering that Brooklyn has a shaky one game lead on Cooperstown and Newton with 27 games remaining, one can easily deem it a virtual three-way tie in the division race. As it is the Clemente conference champion that has the home field edge over Staub in this year's World Series, if the season were to end today, the Superbas would have home field advantage throughout their postseason run with both the Iron Horses and the Bombs taking the Clemente wild card spots. But, the season does not end today. Remember those last 21 games. The possibilities created by the CBA schedule can be compared to all the cages at the zoo being opened with all the animals running amok.
     Just looking at the head-to-head records within the Parker division, the Superbas have a losing record against their principal foes while the Iron Horses have done better than well. However, the Carolina Copperheads have proved to be unsympathetic to the Cooperstown cause and will undoubtedly play a factor before all is decided. It's difficult to determine among Brooklyn, Cooperstown, and Newton as to which is the most well rounded team. A case can be made for each of them, whether pitching, defense or hitting is dominant over the others. As we turn our attention away from center stage, however, we can see how the strength of their own division puts them all on a bubble. While the powerhouse laden Parker division clubs are beating up on each other, the Schmidt and Monday division contenders are chomping at the bit for a schedule far less taxing.
     The Skokie Wolfmen have already clinched Monday, and stand to howl their way through three sub .400 teams toward a first overall finish. On the way, Josh Shapiro may have the luxury of resting arms and healing his wounded. The Lycans hold a whopping 35-10 record against Indiana, High Bridge, and Kennesaw Mountain collectively, and can profit from the Parker scenario. Although Skokie is five games back of Brooklyn in the overall standings, they could easily win enough games to pass the Parker survivor for top spot. A close eye must be kept on the Schmidt division as well.
     Stirling holds a slim two game advantage over Philly. The Red Sox have the extra home game in the remaining series against Philly, but have dropped nine of fifteen decisions to the Phantastics, making for more interesting speculation. Both of them will be in tough facing the Parker front runners in the coming week, which puts a crucial aspect to the games remaining with Ottawa and New Hampshire. Go ahead. Try to pick it. Both teams are offensive monsters. It will probably come down to the healthier team who gets better pitching. In any event, what happens in the Schmidt division could put one of those Parker predators right out of the play-offs.
     The Staub conference has everything to do with the wild card race, but no less to do with the structure of the schedule. The division leaders Bryan, Montreal, and San Diego all have healthy leads heading to the end of the regular season. 
     After an auspicious beginning plagued with underachievement and nagging pains early on , the Surf have washed away the writing in the sand of a team on the decline to reassert themselves as the team to beat in the conference and can be expected to take first overall out the Carter division. Montreal has won eight in a row en route to establishing a ten game bulge over Limoilou and Longue Pointe. It's almost unfathomable that the Crow's pitching will allow the kind of run scoring it would take to bring them back. Bryan's lead of seven games over Maine and Ohio looks solid enough given that Towaco has been the division rival to give the Bashers the most trouble. Indeed, it appears that the wild card is the hope for any others close enough to contend. As it may be easy to say, it's not so easy to see which teams will be facing off come wild card time.
     The Wendigo and the Loggers sit tied atop the race, but have to play out the remainder within the Staub conference's toughest division, Dawson. With the Belfast Brawlers having scrapped their way into the hunt and the Crows having home field advantage to play for, one of the two could drop out a wild card position. For the same reason, the Brawlers chances can only be improved by overcoming poor results against division rivals. Maine and Ohio suffer from much the same problem in Rogers.
     Towaco may sit in last place and out of the play-off picture, but have a winning record against every team in Rogers, with particular and equal effect on the Express and Outlawz. The Wolfpack could end up having been the team to keep both clubs from reaching the postseason.
     The Lake county Leopards could be sitting pretty in Carter at this point in the season. If they can fair decently in the week ahead as they face Maine and Ohio and in the remaining games with New Jersey and Joliet, they may stay close enough to overcome being three games behind the contenders from Dawson for a Staub wild card spot.
     Sure that Parker has center stage in the CBA play. But for all of you sitting in the theater, you'd better keep an eye on the rest of the players lest you miss the point of the theme. As for the plot and its conclusion, unfortunately, only a few in the audience will see a happy ending.

 


 
 Has 
the Wolfman lost it? Will this be the Wolfmen's Year?
by reporter: Joe "the Rub" Schmultz of the Skokie News

Wolfmen fans - with the trading deadline happening in about
a week - and the Wolfmen as of late going 3-9 in their
last 12 games against the tough teams in the Parker Division
we knew the Wolfman would try to make some bold moves

I had a chance to visit the Wolfman in Carolina after
they ended their worse losing streak this year of five games
to ask about the two amazing trades done recently
with Maine and Philly

Wolfman: "Well Joe, we have a pretty balance team this
year but LF has been a week area that we haven't gotten
the production we hoped. Besides after our performance
in the playoffs last year where our hitters just died vs.
the champion Superbras - I knew this year we needed
at least one more what I call a "slug-gah".

So we sent out a few appeals to the league this week and
first we heard back from Maine - our old trading partner.
Trader Mike - he offered us Uggla who we tried
to trade for last year - but we couldn't get him -
Maine needed a 2B back and asked us about
Nova. Nova hasn't performed as we hoped and
we won't need him in the playoffs so he was
expendable but the only 2B we could offer
was Daniel Murphy who is a great hitter
but little power plus we have Hudson for
defense - and Daniel has played a great
2B and 3B for us - but since I felt we needed
another "slug-gah" for the playoffs - a player
who could in one swoop bring in 3 or 4 runs
and with our relief pitching and defense, we
had to go for him.

But then within moments of working on a deal
with Maine, Philly contacted us and actually made
us an offer to send us Berkman. Well as you know
and our fans were not happy just before the season started
we traded Holliday - to get Texieria - who has been
our RBI guy this season - so this left a hole in LF
which we hoped with Nix and Lillibridge to fill but
they didn't produce as we hoped.

Now our fans don't know this, but we were one player
away in the pre-season of getting Batista - we needed
a Batista type of hitter because we sent Kemp packing
last year and this was the biggest mistake we have ever made.
But Newton asked for too much in our eyes - just to
get one guy - we would have lost Cain our best starter
this year. So Berkman was our second choice but
Philly, who we felt could have been the team to beat,
at the start of the season - there was just nothing
we could offer him unless we wanted to trade Tulo
or Cain.

Anyway Philly knows us well, having beaten us in the
series in 2007 and Trader Rob knew if he sent us
Berkman, filling our LF hole, another power hitter
this could do it for us to have a good shot at our
1st championship - but he first asked us to
trade alot along with Craig - Peavy and Holland too
but we didn't feel this would work for us for this
season or for us next year.

Craig is going to be a future superstar which is
why we traded for him from Joliet and Mattheus is a great
young relief pitcher so Trade Rob wanted youth.
We know Berkman is a risk - but we think we
can work with this for next year, however ...

The question was, do we go for all the marbles
as we might never get another chance again now? I said
we had to so I convinced our management we have to do this
and it isn't everyday you get offered a guy like Berkman.
Besides Craig was mostly our DH vs lefties and we have
a ton of hitters verse lefties and sometimes DH vs. a reverse
righty of which Uggla will fit now.

The key to building a competitive team is to do it via
good trades or wait years and get good young players.
Trader Rob we admire who seems to have the instinct
who these good young players are and is why he is
successful - we seem to work hard via the trade route.

So to conclude we did give up some good young
players and two good hitters - but I think the power
hitters we received without having to trade the
core nucleus of our team was worth it and will
take us deep into the post-season.

So only time will tell is these two trades will
bring us the championship - we think this extra
power giving us like 7 guys in our lineup at a moment's
notice who knock the ball out of the park will strike
fear into the hearts of our opponents - we could
be like what the old Yankee's called "Murder's
Row" - anyway there are 33 games left, probably
in the next week we will clinch the division so
we have a chance to test our new team - this
should give us an indication of how we will do
in the playoffs - we are not worried about having
the best record or home advantage as I believe
our boys can perform well in any park although
we have done very well in our home park which
is made for our team."

Joe: "Thanks Wolfman, continued success in
the season and of course, speaking on behalf of
all the people in Skokie who have seen our beloved
Wolfmen come close to a championship we are with
you and excited to welcome the new players
which include:

Lance Berkman, our new LF and partime DH
Dan Uggla, our new 2B and partime DH
Jason Hammel - a new starting pitcher
and free agent Fernando Rodney, another RH relief pitcher

This is Joe "the Rub" Schmultz signing off."
of the Skokie News, evening edition

 
 

 

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

New York- We're not talking about the fantastical literary characters assembled by Mina Harker to counter the evil intentions of Fu Manchu or Professor Moriarty. We're talking about baseball. In particular, we're talking about the league of gentlemen that comprise the brotherhood of general managers in the CBA, and the extraordinary period of the off-season which they are in at present. Though we may liken some of our CBA characters to Allan Quartermain, Captain Nemo, or perhaps even The Invisible Man, it has much more to do with how they deal with the league rules regarding the transacting of draft picks.
     According to the league's constitution, the rules are very specific about the use of a franchise's future draft picks in transactions. With the 2012 spring draft only three weeks away, understanding how the rules work becomes very important for the league's trade market. Understanding how to work within the limits is equally important. This is where the 'gentlemen's agreement' comes into play around the backroom hot stove.
     In order for the league's rules to be clearly defined and understood, a distinct line between one season's end and the other's beginning had to be drawn. Officially, the 2012 season begins with the first selection in the 2012 draft. The necessity for this distinction is paramount to the integrity of the CBA constitution in that, by rule, teams are not permitted to trade draft picks beyond the following season's draft. Therefore, we are still considered to be in a period associated with the 2011 season. This eliminates any gray area in the interpretation of the rules. It does not, however, prevent GMs from discussing the implication of future consideration beyond the scope of league rules. The idea of the gentlemen's agreement is never more prevalent than at this juncture of the off-season, the trading period after the roster cuts and before the spring draft. 
     Such agreements are entered into on faith and word of honor. There are certain aspects that GMs must be aware of when the virtual handshake is exchanged. Firstly, no trade is official until the CBA trade committee ratifies it, enabling the league's governing body to announce it as official. Therefore, there exists no trade as such. Secondly, there is no guarantee of ratification once an agreement is submitted to the committee. True that it is uncommon for the trade committee to request a reworking of a proposed trade, or to actually declare a trade as void, but it has to be noted that the committee's mandate is to consider the league as a whole before any involved parties. A presumption of ratification could be misleading. Thirdly, and this is the stickler, the trade committee cannot make known it's decisions until the start of the draft, even though all gentlemen's agreements may be submitted on February 23rd immediately following the trade deadline so that the draft doesn't get bogged down at the outset. GMs are wiser under such circumstances to do their best to make these agreements rock solid in principle, lest they find themselves in a difficult situation once the draft begins. This being most crucial if first round 2012 picks are involved. No GM wants to be caught up in reworking a trade as he watches his pick window lapse.
     With all this taken in, we may ponder the viability of the gentleman's agreement, whether or not it should be encouraged or discouraged. What are the risks and what does it mean to league functioning? Should it be considered a circumvention of the rules, or another way to look for an edge in putting together a competitive team. CBA commissioner Marc Wasserman, a character known as just Wass in this picture, had some insightful comments.
     "I would never like to create an atmosphere that GMs in this league are limited where the trade market is concerned. There are 24 GMs, so there are possibly 24 differing philosophies. I think it makes the league richer. The rules are there simply as a safeguard to ensure that all our franchises remain healthy heading into the furture. Gentlemen's agreements are fine as long as the protocols are respected. Last year we were a little lax. It won't happen again under the current structure, and it can't be cited as precedent," said Wass determinedly. He spoke at length about maintaining the league as attractive to new ownership.
     It can happen at any time that current owners, for whatever reason, can no longer fulfill obligations and need to be replaced. The viability of all franchises has to be upheld to attract the interest of prospective investors. Such was the case with the Sunville team. A consortium headed by Bruce Bundy was quickly in on the acquisition of the Sun Jewels this past fall, and just as quickly has moved the team to Newton. Bundy himself is well known from the independent leagues as a keen man for assessing baseball talent, will be directly involved in the team's baseball activities. This is an example of what Wass was alluding to regarding the assurance that quality prospective owners will come forward when the need arises.
     The gentlemen's agreement is an extension of the will of CBA GMs to do what they feel must be done for the good of their respective franchises. Since the flurry of trades before the cuts and the subsequent resumption of trading, the current period leading to the draft has offered much less to report concerning trades. But don't be fooled into thinking that no one is fueling the hot stove, for the CBA is a league of extraordinary gentlemen.
     
 
 

 
No Off-season In CBA
By Skip Duckworth

 
New York- Okay, so the headline is a lie. When the CBA regular season ended, the San Diego Surf had set a new record for wins in a season with 122. When the post-season ended, the Brooklyn Superbas were crowned as champions after defying the baseball axiom that good pitching always beats good hitting. Then began the off-season. The players know it. The fans know it. Even we, the insatiable media, know it. But shhhhhh, don't tell that to the general managers. As far as they're concerned, the 2012 season started on the morning of October 25th, the day after the Superbas 4-3 clinching win over the Surf in game 5 of the World Series.
     While everyone else in the baseball world is sleeping soundly in their beds at night, desk lights stay lit in the offices of CBA GMs as they move and shake before the December 11th roster cuts. As of this day, the 21st of November, since trading reopened after the play-offs, 18 trades have been transacted involving 40 players and 19 draft picks. 2 of those picks were moved twice, as well as outfielders Chris Denorfia, Logan Morrison, and infielder Wilson Betemit. 13 clubs have taken part in the 18 deals thus far. No one more than Cooperstown. The Iron Horses' Jon Stamets has swung into 8 of them. It's a wonder that he's gotten any sleep in the last month. As for the other 11 clubs that have yet to appear on the transactions page, it's not because the desk lights are off. All of them are tuned in and rubbing their hands together around the CBA hot stove, looking for something that fits in with the plan.
     For those who are familiar with the process of the CBA off-season, there's no mystery to it. Those not in-the-know may wonder what all the hub-bub'a about being so far from the 2012 draft and season. It's really quite simple to understand once one grasps the dynamic difference between the trading periods prior to the December cuts and thereafter leading up to the spring draft.
     During this time before all rosters must be pared down to 24, teams are looking to get value for some players that are challenging the decision making process regarding who stays and who goes. In some cases, retaining promising young players and prospects makes necessary the movement of prominent members on a team's roster. General managers are forced to quickly assess the relative competitiveness of their respective clubs in the short term while evaluating what talent the next draft will present. Although much more constrictive than the period after the cuts, trades made prior to that are crucial in shaping a team and can improve the clarity of a GMs view of where his team is headed once trading resumes afterward until the draft in March. 
     For the most part, rosters are fairly full at this time. Although the limit on rosters remains at 34 even during the off-season, the release at season's end of unrestricted free agents that were acquired during the course of the season eases the constriction somewhat in that it facilitates unbalanced trades. Not unbalanced as in not fair, but unbalanced where one team receives more players in return than players dealt away in a given transaction. The aforementioned Mr. Stamets has, through his activity, already brought his roster down to 27 which means he's looking at only 3 releases come December, barring anything else he may have in the works. Only 9 of 24 teams are currently at 34 players and are looking at having to release 10 players.
     Once the cuts are finalized and trading resumes, the market for trades broadens with few restrictions. The 34 player limit is always in force regardless of the time of year. But, other than the 5-15 draft pick rule(no team may have less than 5 or more than 15) there is little else preventing the movement of players and draft assets. This will be the time for GMs to renew the charge for acquiring what they need to improve their ball clubs, be it for the coming season or seasons to come.
     The off-season is definitely on in CBA.

 

__._,_.___
It was perhaps one the single greatest series I've played in all my 34 years of Strat.  The series was marked by dramatic hits, 2 out rallies, Game ending walkoff HR's. Starting ace's crunched, heroes from the pen. Unlikely bench subs coming up huge.  It was the series for the ages.  The war for the right to meet the Skokie Wolfman.

Game 5:  It was sick!.  One of the all time great games in CBA history.  Brooklyn jumped out to an early 2-0 lead behind a Furcal triple, his 2nd of series and a long Cabrera HR.  The pitching was sharp.  R.A. Dickey was throwing a gem all night long keeping Philly off balance.   Nelson Cruz who had a terrific series then hit a solo bomb cutting the lead to 2-1. Brooklyn came right back scoring on another Cabrera HR to make it 3-1.  It went all the way to the 9th. With 2 outs, Utley walked against CBA save king Mariano Rivera.  Mariano was called in for a 4 out save. After Utley walked, Russell Branyan caught the cutter, and sent it deep to Right field pavillion for a game tying  2 RBI blast.  Rivera closed the inning and the game went until the 11th.  Andres Torres ripped a base-hit.  Chase Utley stepped up to the
plate and he reached on an error.  After an out was recorded, Russell Branyan
stepped in and he slapped a single to load the bases.  J.D. Drew followed
next and he laced a one-base hit resulting in a mighty exciting win for
Philly and the 53,416 home town fans in attendance.  Philly had a total of 9
hits for the game.  A dramatic Branyan HR and the Phanstastics led the series 3 games to 2.

Game 6:
Back to the House of Pain where Brooklyn feels at home.  When this game started, it was all Brooklyn.  Not so fast.  After a heartbreaking and nearly devastating loss in Philly game 5, the Superbas gathered up and struck for 8 runs against lefty Francisco Liriano.  Everyone in the lineup hit.  Markakis 4 for 5, Cabrera again 3 for 5, Jeter had a big game 2 for 5, Howard knocked in a pair, Rolen went 3 for 4 and had a big HR to seal the game after Philly mounted a furious comeback to make the game 8-7 by the top of the 4th!  Philly got huge hits from their whole lineup.  Utley had 3 hits knocked in 3.  Starlin Castro knocked in another 3, roughing up David Price and sending the Brooklyn #2 right to the showers.  But as throughout the whole series, (save Dickey's gem) the Brooklyn bullpen closed the door behind Sergio Romo and rev Righty Sergio Mitre. The Phanatstics always kept coming.  Abreu and Drew had some big hits, and some RBI's as well to round out the Philly attack.  These two powerful teams slugged it out. Philly edged back closer. Ivan Rodriguez who had a terrific series, added an RBI on his 3rd hit of the game.  Later Scott Rolen put it away against the lefty Tony Sipp with a 3 run bomb.  Final Brooklyn 13 Philly 8 series tied.

Game 7
 For the ages.  Greatest CBA playoff game ever for Brooklyn. Halladay vs Hamels.  Perhaps one of CBA's biggest ever.  Series tied at 3.  It was a good day for baseball, and Philly looked to make it a great upset victory in the House of Pain.  Brooklyn jumped out early when Nick Markakis doubled. Miguel Cabrera knocked him in for a 1-0 lead.  Philly came back with 1 in the 4th when Nelson Cruz and Russell Branyan hit back to back doubles and a JD Drew single off starter Roy Halladay who had been cruising till then, tied the game at 1.  It then fell apart for Doc in the 5th, he self destructed in games 1 and 4 as well.  Zobrist let the air out of Superbas fans chests after the super sub replacing banished Longoria hit a solo HR to give a 2-1 to Philly.  Two batters later, little Andres Torres hit another solo blast to make it 3 to 1 Philly.  A lead that the excellent Philly bullpen would hold onto until the 7th inning.  With 1 out Casey Blake was summoned from the bench and he doubled to left center :)   Derek Jeter then came up against the lefty starter Cole Hamels and singled. Next key RF Nick Markakis doubled and Blake scored jeter was cut down at the plate by Torres on a 1-15 drawing a 17.  The score was cut to 3 to 2, but the inning ended on a Cabrera K.  The game went 3-2 as Brooklyn's Burnett and Hensley quieted Philly for 2 more innings giving Brooklyn their last opportunity in the bottom of the 9th.  Arthur Rhodes and Tony Sipp had been great this series and held Brooklyn in check and down by 1.  After two walks in the 8th, Arthur Rhodes induced a Double play from Ryan Doumit.  To the 9th.  Hensley mows 'em down, and Brooklyn faces lefty Tony Sipp to pitch to the Brooklyn top of the lineup.  He gets Denorfia PH for Vernon Wells, to pop out.  Omar Infante comes up and hits a gapper double to left center, and with 1 out Brooklyn was in business but would it be enough?  The fans were screaming at the top of their lungs as Brooklyn's Nick Markakis stepped up.  Markakis had been red hot this series and facing lefties was dangerous.  Hite replaces Sipp with Heath Bell to face Derek Jeter.  With no subs on bench Jeter had to hit vs the Righty Bell.  He grounded weakly to SS. Now with 2 outs and the lefty Markakis up, Hite stayed with Bell.  Markakis promplty deposited a game tying single allowing a play at the plate and safe score for Infante!.  Game tied.  Miguel Cabrera red hot at the plate.  The pitch the swing.....LONG LONG BACK BACK BACK GONE!!!!  Walk off HR for Miguel Cabrera.  Brooklyn wins round 1 vs Philly 5 to 3!!  Huge win  for Brooklyn.  The story an absolutely gutty hard fought nearly won series played expertly by Rob Hite.  Hite played this team that was hit by overuse on two best hitters to the max.  A fine gentleman, and fun as heck to play gainst.  My hats off to you Rob for a whale of a fun series win or lose.





BOXSCORE: 2011 Brooklyn Superbas At 2011 Philly Phantastics         10/4/2011

[1]  Superbas           AB  R  H RBI AVG     Phantastics        AB  R  H RBI AVG
  R.Furcal SS         3  1  2  0 .500     A.Torres CF         5  1  1  0 .200  
B-O.Vizquel SS,2B     2  0  0  0 .222     C.Utley 2B          4  1  2  0 .368  
  O.Infante 2B        3  0  0  1 .182     N.Cruz RF           5  1  2  1 .429  
C-D.Jeter SS          2  0  1  0 .455     R.Branyan 1B        5  1  2  2 .500  
  M.Cabrera 1B        3  2  2  2 .471     J.Drew LF           5  0  1  1 .190  
  R.Howard DH         6  0  2  0 .318     V.Martinez C        4  0  1  0 .300  
  R.Braun LF          5  0  1  0 .238     C.Lee DH            3  0  0  0 .375  
  V.Wells CF          3  0  0  0 .125   E-L.Berkman PH        0  0  0  0 .333  
D-C.Denorfia PH,CF    0  0  0  0 .125     B.Zobrist 3B        2  0  0  0 .211  
  S.Rolen 3B          5  0  1  0 .188     S.Castro SS         4  0  0  0 .227  
  R.Doumit C          2  0  0  0 .167                                          
A-I.Rodriguez C       2  0  0  0 .286                                          
  N.Markakis RF       5  0  1  0 .190                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
[1]         Totals      41  3 10  3                 Totals      37  4  9  4

A-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Doumit In 4th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Furcal In 6th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Infante In 7th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Wells In 10th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Lee In 10th Inning

Superbas........ 2 0 0  0 1 0  0 0 0  0 0 -  3 10  2
Phantastics..... 0 0 0  1 0 0  0 0 2  0 1 -  4  9  1

[1]Superbas (2-3)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
R.Dickey                  7 2/3   5   1   1   0   4   1   1.17  A1 C8
M.Rivera L(0-1) BS(1st)   2 1/3   2   3   3   2   1   1   8.10  C9 E1
C.Hensley                 0 1/3   2   0   0   0   0   0   6.00  E2
[1]Totals                   10 1/3   9   4   4   2   5   2

[1]Phantastics (3-2)        IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
J.Verlander               7       8   3   3   1   3   2   4.91  A1 D3
E.O'Flaherty              1       0   0   0   1   0   0   0.00  D4 D6
A.Rhodes                  0 1/3   0   0   0   1   0   0   0.00  D7 D8
H.Bell                    1       1   0   0   1   3   0   3.86  D9 E4
T.Sipp                    1       1   0   0   2   2   0   0.00  E5 F1
L.Gregerson WIN(1-0)      0 2/3   0   0   0   1   0   0   6.75  F2
[1]Totals                   11      10   3   3   7   8   2

ATTENDANCE- 53,416 DATE- Tuesday, October 4th 2011 TIME- Night WEATHER- Good
T- 3:00
LEFT ON BASE- Superbas:13  Phantastics: 5
DOUBLE PLAYS- Superbas: 2  Phantastics: 1
ERRORS- S.Rolen, C.Hensley, C.Utley
DOUBLES- R.Furcal(1st), D.Jeter(1st), S.Rolen(1st)
TRIPLES- R.Furcal(2nd)
HOME RUNS- M.Cabrera-2(3rd), N.Cruz(1st), R.Branyan(4th)
STOLEN BASES- R.Howard(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- O.Vizquel, C.Utley, N.Cruz
SACRIFICE HITS- B.Zobrist
SACRIFICE FLIES- O.Infante
WALKS- O.Vizquel, M.Cabrera-3, V.Wells, C.Denorfia, I.Rodriguez, C.Utley,
       L.Berkman
HIT BY PITCH- B.Zobrist
STRIKE OUTS- O.Vizquel, R.Howard-2, R.Braun, V.Wells, S.Rolen, I.Rodriguez,
             N.Markakis, A.Torres-2, J.Drew, C.Lee, S.Castro
GIDP- R.Howard, A.Torres, R.Branyan
WILD PITCHES- J.Verlander, T.Sipp
PASSED BALLS- I.Rodriguez
2-out RBI- N.Cruz, M.Cabrera, R.Branyan-2

The Philly Phantastics and the Brooklyn Superbas locked up in an exciting
one-run game at Ameriquest Field.  The final score was the Philly Phantastics
4, the Brooklyn Superbas 3 in 11 innings.

The score was tied at 3 after nine.  Finally, Philly prevailed in the 11th
inning.  Andres Torres ripped a base-hit.  Chase Utley stepped up to the
plate and he reached on an error.  After an out was recorded, Russell Branyan
stepped in and he slapped a single to load the bases.  J.D. Drew followed
next and he laced a one-base hit resulting in a mighty exciting win for
Philly and the 53,416 home town fans in attendance.  Philly had a total of 9
hits for the game.  

The victory was credited to Luke Gregerson(1-0) who went 2/3 of an inning,
allowing no runs. Mariano Rivera(0-1) ended up with the loss in relief.  He
allowed Philly 3 runs in 2 and 1/3 innings of work.  

BOXSCORE: 2011 Philly Phantastics At 2011 Brooklyn Superbas         10/6/2011

[1]  Phantastics        AB  R  H RBI AVG     Superbas           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  S.Castro SS         4  1  2  3 .389     D.Jeter SS          5  2  2  2 .364  
  B.Zobrist 3B        4  1  1  0 .235     N.Markakis RF       5  1  4  2 .353  
  V.Martinez DH       5  0  1  0 .176     R.Braun LF          5  1  1  1 .250  
  C.Lee 1B            5  0  1  1 .400     M.Cabrera 1B        5  3  3  1 .467  
  C.Utley 2B          3  1  2  2 .500     R.Howard DH         3  2  1  2 .286  
  N.Cruz CF           1  1  0  0 .333     S.Rolen 3B          4  1  3  3 .417  
A-A.Torres PH,CF      3  0  1  0 .200     C.Denorfia CF       4  1  0  1 .000  
  J.Lucroy C          4  0  0  0 .000     I.Rodriguez C       5  1  3  1 .385  
B-R.Branyan PH        1  0  0  0 .500     O.Vizquel 2B        4  1  1  0 .375  
  B.Abreu LF          4  2  2  1 .313                                          
  J.Drew RF           4  2  2  1 .313                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
[1]         Totals      38  8 12  8                 Totals      40 13 18 13

A-Pinch Hit For Cruz In 4th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Lucroy In 9th Inning

Phantastics..... 0 4 0  3 0 0  0 1 0  -  8 12  1
Superbas........ 8 0 0  1 0 1  0 3    - 13 18  0

[1]Phantastics (1-3)        IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
F.Liriano LOSS(0-1)       4 1/3  12   9   4   1   1   0   4.63  A1 C9
L.Gregerson               2 2/3   3   1   1   0   6   1   2.25  D1 E3
T.Sipp                    0 2/3   3   3   3   0   0   1  40.50  E4 E9
A.Rhodes                  0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  F1
[1]Totals                    8      18  13   8   1   7   2

[1]Superbas (3-1)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
D.Price                   3 2/3   9   7   7   2   5   0   8.68  A1 C5
S.Romo WIN(1-0)           1 2/3   0   0   0   1   4   0   0.00  C6 D2
S.Mitre SAVE(1st)         3 2/3   3   1   1   1   1   1   1.59  D3
[1]Totals                    9      12   8   8   4  10   1

ATTENDANCE- 49,281 DATE- Thursday, October 6th 2011 TIME- Night WEATHER- Good
T- 3:43
LEFT ON BASE- Phantastics: 8  Superbas: 9
DOUBLE PLAYS- Phantastics: 1  Superbas: 0
ERRORS- B.Zobrist
DOUBLES- S.Castro(3rd), C.Utley(1st), N.Markakis(1st), M.Cabrera-3(7th)
TRIPLES- S.Castro(1st)
HOME RUNS- J.Drew(1st), R.Howard(2nd), S.Rolen(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- B.Zobrist
SACRIFICE FLIES- R.Howard, C.Denorfia
WALKS- S.Castro, B.Zobrist, C.Utley, N.Cruz, O.Vizquel
HIT BY PITCH- C.Utley, D.Jeter, R.Howard, S.Rolen
STRIKE OUTS- S.Castro, B.Zobrist, V.Martinez, A.Torres-2, J.Lucroy-3, J.Drew-2,
             D.Jeter-2, R.Braun-2, M.Cabrera, R.Howard, C.Denorfia
GIDP- O.Vizquel
WILD PITCHES- F.Liriano
2-out RBI- I.Rodriguez, D.Jeter-2, N.Markakis-2, C.Lee, C.Utley-2

Scott Rolen jacked one out of the ballyard and had 3 RBI as the Brooklyn
Superbas beat the Philly Phantastics by a score of 13 to 8.

Sergio Romo(1-0) did a nice job in relief and was credited with the win.  He
allowed no hits and 1 walk in 1 and 2/3 innings and struckout 4 Philly
batters.  Brooklyn had 18 hits for the night while Philly had 12.  

Sergio Mitre was credited with his 1st save.  Francisco Liriano(0-1) took the
loss.  Brooklyn scored big getting 9 runs off him in 4 and 1/3 innings.  

BOXSCORE: 2011 Philly Phantastics At 2011 Brooklyn Superbas         10/7/2011

[1]  Phantastics        AB  R  H RBI AVG     Superbas           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  A.Torres CF         4  1  1  1 .227     D.Jeter SS          5  0  1  0 .381  
  C.Utley 2B          3  0  0  0 .360     N.Markakis RF       5  2  3  2 .355  
  N.Cruz RF           4  1  1  0 .385     M.Cabrera 1B        5  1  2  3 .481  
  R.Branyan 1B        4  0  1  1 .435     R.Howard DH         3  0  1  0 .321  
  J.Drew LF           4  0  2  0 .276   D-R.Furcal PR,DH      0  0  0  0 .500  
  V.Martinez C        3  0  0  0 .250     R.Braun LF          4  0  2  0 .267  
E-J.Lucroy C          0  0  0  0 .000     S.Rolen 3B          3  0  1  0 .304  
  B.Abreu DH          4  0  0  0 .292     I.Rodriguez C       1  0  0  0 .350  
  B.Zobrist 3B        3  1  1  1 .231   A-R.Doumit PH,C       3  0  1  0 .222  
  S.Castro SS         4  0  1  0 .267     V.Wells CF          3  0  0  0 .091  
                                        F-C.Denorfia PH       1  0  0  0 .077  
                                          O.Vizquel 2B        2  0  1  0 .267  
                                        B-C.Blake PH          1  1  1  0 .250  
                                        C-O.Infante 2B        1  1  1  0 .250  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
[1]         Totals      33  3  7  3                 Totals      37  5 14  5

A-Pinch Hit For Rodriguez In 5th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Vizquel In 7th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Blake In 8th Inning
D-Pinch Ran For Howard In 8th Inning
E-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Martinez In 8th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Wells In 9th Inning

Phantastics..... 0 0 0  1 2 0  0 0 0  -  3  7  0
Superbas........ 1 0 0  0 0 0  1 0 3  -  5 14  0

[1]Phantastics (3-4)        IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
C.Hamels                  6 1/3  10   2   2   0   7   0   2.79  A1 D1
B.Morrow HOLD(1st)        1       1   0   0   2   2   0   1.42  D2 D6
A.Rhodes HOLD(1st)        0 2/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  D7 D7
T.Sipp HOLD(1st)          0 1/3   1   1   1   0   0   0   9.82  D8 D9
H.Bell LOSS(0-2) BS(1st)  0 1/3   2   2   2   0   0   1  10.13  E1
[1]Totals                    8 2/3  14   5   5   2   9   1

[1]Superbas (4-3)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
R.Halladay                6 1/3   6   3   3   2   6   2  10.20  A1 C9
S.Burnett                 0 1/3   0   0   0   0   1   0   4.15  D1 D1
C.Hensley                 0 2/3   0   0   0   0   1   0   4.91  D2 D3
S.Mitre                   1 1/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   1.29  D4 D8
M.Rivera WIN(1-1)         0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   7.36  D9
[1]Totals                    9       7   3   3   2   8   2

ATTENDANCE- 47,194 DATE- Friday, October 7th 2011 TIME- Day WEATHER- Bad
T- 3:08
LEFT ON BASE- Phantastics: 6  Superbas: 8
DOUBLE PLAYS- Phantastics: 2  Superbas: 1
DOUBLES- N.Cruz(3rd), R.Branyan(2nd), N.Markakis-2(4th), C.Blake(1st),
         O.Infante(1st)
HOME RUNS- A.Torres(1st), B.Zobrist(2nd), M.Cabrera(4th)
STOLEN BASES- S.Castro(1st)
WALKS- C.Utley, V.Martinez, R.Howard, S.Rolen
HIT BY PITCH- B.Zobrist
STRIKE OUTS- A.Torres-2, N.Cruz-2, R.Branyan, V.Martinez, B.Abreu, S.Castro,
             D.Jeter-2, N.Markakis, M.Cabrera-2, R.Howard, R.Braun, R.Doumit,
             V.Wells
GIDP- R.Braun, R.Doumit
WILD PITCHES- R.Halladay
2-out RBI- N.Markakis, M.Cabrera-2

Miguel Cabrera left the yard and had 3 RBI as the Brooklyn Superbas came back
to win one over Philly Phantastics, 5 to 3.

Brooklyn won the game with a rally in the 9th inning plating 3 runs using 3
hits.  After an out was recorded, Omar Infante kicked off the action when he
doubled.  One out later, Nick Markakis stepped in and he stroked a single.
Cabrera then lifted one out of the park for a two run home run.  For the game
Brooklyn out-hit Philly 14 to 7.  

The win went to Mariano Rivera(1-1) who allowed no runs in 1/3 of an inning.
Heath Bell(0-2) was the losing pitcher in relief.  'Now that is what I call
fun! I just love baseball, especially games like this, of course,' Marc Wass
offered.  'Everyone at the stadium had a great time - did you see the fans go
wild there at the end?!'


2011 Comes to a close. The races went down to the last block.  The games each so important.  The most important of the Staub came right down to the Joliet vs High Bridge series.  It was a classic.  Perhaps one the of the greatest final series of em all.  The series needed a winner and they split.  High Bridge had been defeated 2 game of 3 by San Diego.  Joliet has taken two from Jersey. in the series first.  Towaco was swept away in series 1 by Rogers champion Ohio.  Dropping just that 1 extra to Ohio meant defeat for the surprising Kevin Gibson led Wolfpack who split 2-2 in the final seies vs Koepp's Maine Express.  1 win from at least a tie from Ohio.  With Joliet's speedy small ball team optimized to win, they took the first two from the Heaters.  The Heaters getting that 1 win pushed Belfast out of the way who swept Longue Pointe. Just that one win vs San Diego September 21st by High Bridge.  Faustino Carmona the staff ace came big, and lil ole David Purcey saved him.  It was the combo of HB great pitching, and small ball with Denard Span, Rajai Davis, and Chone Figgins ina 3-1 win perhaps biggest ever for John Millers expansion franchise.  So it is that High Bridge edged out Towaco and Joliet with a huge win vs SD.  If Joliet had taken 1 more from HB, they could have tied for the WC.
In Clemente the final curtain came down in Indiana for the Redbirds.  Their playoff streak is ended and the winner of the crown 3 times will be a spectator as the Skokie Wolfmen went on a decisive roll at the end, and effectively left Indiana in the dust.  Skokie won a phenomenal 108 in destroying the competition in the Monday division.  Skokie won 14 of last 15 games, 24 of 28.  They swept Bryan 4 games ,and 2 of 3 from Indy.  The Redbirds had taken 3 of 4 from Bryan before being stopped by Skokie.  The Indiana losses meant little as both Brooklyn and Carolina destroying their opponents Cooperstown, and Sunville respectively.  But before, they met in the epic battle for Clemente. At first Carolina jumped out with an impressive game 1 win behind Chris Crapenter and Andrew Bailey.  Brooklyn took the next two when Nick Markakis 9th Inn HR won g2 for BSP 7-6, then David Price and Mariano teamed for a 3-2 win for Parker champion Brooklyn.  It marks Brooklyn's 12th playoff appearance and 8th Parker crown.  Brooklyn 102-60, last won the CBA championship in 2004 defeating Kansas City (Towaco), after losing to Limoilou Wendigo in 2003.  Brooklyn finished with a team .304 BA, 264 HR, 981 runs.  Carolina finished with the wildcard and another 100 win season.  Scott Kenan has built a very strong franchise, and together Brooklyn and Carolina have been the story in Parker through the last 5 years.
Philadelphia just blew away from the competition in Schmidt once again and will face Brooklyn in the first round, while Skokie will face the Carolina Copperheads in Clemente action.  Joe Wallace and San Diego will face John Miller and High Bridge. Ohio will face Limoilou in the Staub.  Philly shredded Stirling 3 games to 1, and took 2 of 3 from New Hampshire to finish with 97 wins in another great year.  Philly's Rob Hite has 3 championships under his belt.  Marc Wass would like his 3rd.  Road will be tough through Skokie/Carolina winner. 

 

 

 

The 2011 CBA season has closed.  It was another in a long line of great seasons. the races again were outstanding.  This year again went to the final block.  Although the division winners San Diego, Philly, Limoilou, won their divisions outright, Brooklyn had to defeat Carolina in the last block, and Skokie didn't wrap things up until the end.  Perennial favorites like Brooklyn, San Diego, Philly, Indiana, Skokie, Carolina franchises, continue to win big.  Other franchises have now certainly joined the elite as this year Ohio repeated their division title to join the exclusive club after successful campaigns and playoff appearances the past few years.  A few teams rose to a higher level.  High Bridge was the Staub story winning their first ever playoff appearance out lasting their rivals Towaco, Belfast, and Joliet to advance by 1 game.  Perhaps it was the huge September 21st win at San Diego that put them over, while Towaco was swept in their first series, last block by the Ohio Outlawz, who won their crown in Rogers in that series. Kudos to Joliet on a fantastic season in which shaep management, small ball and speed took them far into the last block.  Towaco formerly Allentown a snake bitten franchise that had struggled along since its days as Kansas City appearing in only 1 playoff in their existence (2004).  This year Kevin Gibson took the reigns and brought them within 1 game of the playoffs.  Belfast returned from their year rebuilding plan, and put together a sensational year in Dawson finishing with 89, just out of playoff reach. Brooklyn took 2 of 3 from Carolina to win Parker with the Copperheads taking the wildcard spot facing Wolfman Shapiro's Skokie Wolfmen who had the best conference record with 108 wins.  Philly plays Brooklyn once again in round 1.

We saw some great games and performances in 2011.  The 25 inning game won by Skokie on Sept 15th, over the tenacious Lake County team.  Lake County had a good second half and played spoiler against Indiana in the final September stretch run.  Septemeber saw 2 other 20+ inning affairs. A Stirling 9-3 win over Ottawa on Sept 10th.  A huge game between High Bridge and San Diego combining 43 hits total in which the Heaters won in 20, 10-9.  It was the Heaters big wins over San Diego that earned them a playoff spot...Brooklyn and Sunville played in the three of the highest scoring games of the year. On July 31st, Brooklyn winning 19-10, and Sunville returning the favor Sept 8th 18-5. BSP won a 16-13 game on Apr 5th as well. ERA killers for both.  Cooperstown and Ottawa played a 10 inning slugfest won by Ottawa 16-14 on August 25th.  That was a wild one....On June 30th, Ut Chasely of Philly had a 6 for 6 day against Cooperstown. Delmon Young had 7 hits in a 14 inning game vs Bryan April 21st...The Heaters Gregor Blanco walked 5 times vs Longue Pointe a team known for great pitching (even in this down year)...On June 5th, Joey Votto slugged 4 HR's vs Stirling a feat only achieved in CBA by Albert Belle of the Bodega Bay Madbirds vs Cooperstown Sept 4th, 2000. Mike Piazza of Skokie Wolfmen also did it vs Cooperstown July 10th, 2007....On June 12th Shin Ha Choo of Stirling had 9 Ribbies vs. Philly in 5 at-bats.  Pedro Alvarez of Towaco and Aubrey Huff both had 8 in games this year...Both Carl Crawford and Juan Pierre stole 5 bases in a single game, twice...Brooklyn's Edwin 'Ronson' Jackson gave up 16 runs in 6 IP vs Sunville during the September 8th 180-5 SSP win...Gio Gonzalez tossed the seasons only no hitter for Sunville vs Stierling July 5th...There were 7 one hitters...Dontrelle Willis of Longue Pointe walked 12 vs Towaco Sept 4th in midst of a pennant race. Not to feel so bad, both Edwin Jax and Philly's Brandon Morrow walked 11.  The CBA record is 14 set by Hartford's Steve Reed in 2003, and Maine's Noah Lowry in 2006...

World champion Brooklyn's offense led the CBA with a final .304 BA, 264 HR, 981 runs. Skokie was second at .288, 248 HR.  Philly had 244 HR, and Ottawa 245...High Bridge led by 4 players with 35+ SB's.  Figgins 64, Rajai 59, Crisp 40, Span 35, Blanco 18. Joliet stole 190 led by league leaders Juan Pierre 86, and Michael Bourne 73...In Clemente, Indiana's Joey Hamilton won the Clemente Batting crown at .344  Omar Infante fell just shy of appearances to qualify, while Staub crown went to Robby Cano of San Diego at .337...Clemente HR champ was Jose Bautista who slugged 64 HR and tied with Pujols whose .305 55 HR helped him to 142 RBI's. Miguel Cabrera led Brooklyn with .336 43 HR 131 RBI 47 Doubles.  In Staub Adrian Gonzalez won the HR crown with a 40 HR effort recording 121 RBI...With no 20 game winners in Clemente, Skokie's Jeremy Guthrie won 19-5  4.11 ERA. Roy Halladay finished second 18-8 3.88 ERA.  The ERA crown went to Carolina's Alex Sanchez at 15-5 158 K's 2.72.  He edged team mate 14-11 Brett Myers who also had 178 K's  In Staub King Felix and Jon Lester both of SD had 21 and Lester won the ERA title  at 2.11 to boot...

The Clemente Conference boasted some of the strongest teams in CBA.  The race was decided early in Schmidt.  Philly took control of first place on June 23rd wresting control to a hot Stirling team.  Ottawa was in the mix, then when bench strength became a necessity, Philly made some adjustments then took over first for the rest of the season finishing 97-65, 17 games over Stirling who fell off in the second half to oblivion along with Ottawa.  The Phantastics won another title in gaining their 8th playoff trip questing for Rob Hite's 4th championship.  This year San Diego broke the Phantastics 2000 season record 120 wins.  Rob Hite knows talent, and this year no exception.  A young team with an expanding roster of blue chip prospects, who generally seem to develop for baseball junkie Rob.  This year with the development of Starlin Castro, long time Phantastic SS, all time CBA hits leader and future HOF Derek Jeter was dealt to the Brooklyn Superbas.  The Superbas already boast future HOF types such as Ivan Rodriguez, Omar Vizquel, Miguel Cabrera, Roy Halladay, and Mariano Rivera.  Perhaps a signal Brooklyn is aging but this year the two storied long time franchises will meet in the 1st round Marquis matchup.  Power vs Power.

Philly rode the strength of destroying his own division.  They went 14-8 against all teams Schmidt.  Philly had it's struggles with Monday division teams like Bryan whom they went 4-8, Skokie, and Lake County.  They feasted on Parker destroying Cooperstown 12-0, and had a winning record against Sunville and Carolina but splitting the Brooklyn Superbas. Hard to figure, but would that mean Monday was the strongest of the conferences?  Perhaps Bryan and Lake  should move up the power rankings based upon impact on Schmidt's Philly. A total team effort, Hite's platoon system worked to perfection.  Michael Morse .336 25 HR 68 RBI, in 298 AB's  a name you will hear more of next year. Nelson Cruz .336 20 HR 74 RBI in 411 AB.  Longoria's 30 113 .282 was excellent at 3B.  Drew 29, Branyan 26 , Abreu 21 and Torres 22 added more HR power.  A .282 team BA with 240 HR and 908 runs.  Another year over 900 runs.  Playing in Ameriquest adds to that total, but don't forget inflates the Philly pitching totals as well.  Philly's 4.16 era was quite good for that park. It was helped along with excellent defense, only 73 errors.  Verlander 13-11 3.76 ERA 231 K was good as the ace but had some struggles despite the card.  Brandon Morrow had the best win pct 13-4 3.36 ERA.  Greinke went 15-9  4.83 ERA, and Health Bell saved only 13 ina bullpen by committee approach.  Gregorson, Rhodes, O'Flaherty, contributed with middle and set up support. 

This team promises to get better if not great.  PPS .355 OBA .483  Slug .839 and Production was excellent.  Philly relied heavily on the hit and run advancing the runner 53 times and gaining 23 hits, 2nd to Belfast in CBA.  The Staub division has clearly made use of the "Longue Pointe" small ball style in recent years, utilizing the Hit and Run more and more like LP did in winning their World Series in 2005, and getting back there 2 years ago.  Philly has brought that to Clemente.  Philly did steal 80 bases which was less than rivals Brooklyn and Skokie, but part of a trend towards some speed in the Power conference. A breakdown of the team lineups show that the front of the order got on base and exploded significantly more stats wise than the bottom half.  Jeter, the injury loss of Utley, hurt in that lineup.  Philly will power up against anyone and will be a force as always and years to come.

The Stirling RedSox were a team of promise and hope going into the second half of 2011.  The started out by residing atop Schmidt division before taking a turn.  According to GM Malachi Nellum, the teams collapse in July was centered on Phillip (being counted on as a stopper) Hughes crumble, and the bullpen in that month could not hold on to leads.  99 errors that seemed to come at the wrong time.  Do they ever come at the right time?  That pattern cotinued as the RedSox IRSC was at .346 an unacceptable percentage for a contender with pen so vital.  Stirling had enough juice to contend this year on offense scoring 819 runs with a.345 team OBA.  Perhaps a bit more slugging in their conference could have helped somewhat.  Carlos Pena 31 HR 88 RBI .218 and Chin 30 HR 88 RBI  .284 were the power sources. Pena flashed good leather at 1B, so he was of value beyond his low BA.  But this team won with small ball in Clemente. Stirling stole 150 bases an excellent total in Clemente.  Carl Crawford 13 HR 89 RBI .322 69 SB 12 triples and 4 doubles.  He only hit into 4 double plays all year.  It an was awesome year and CC is an MVP candidate despite the other players gaudy numbers.  A lot of underachieving performances for the Sox while playing at Bank One Park with good singles, and 1-10 HR numbers on average.  So here goes Stirling.  Once again strengthening as they prepare for 2012.

The Ottawa Otters are an original 1996 (yes, December) team.  They own a World Championship secured by the likes of players like Vladimir Guerrero, Omar Vizquel, and the retired HR giant Mark McGwire.  Vladdy 30 HR 94 RBI .289 still plays at a high level to this day, and is high among the all time  league leaders in many categories like batting, HR, RBI, Slug, OBA, and even SB.  His tandem with first big Mac, then Big Papi are CBA legendary.  Still going strong.  Big Papi Ortiz spit his way to a 40 HR 98 RBI .257 season.  Cust 22, Drew 24, McCutcheon 21 and the Moody Justin Haywood played the blues only nailing 20 HR 51 RBI and a .250 BA.  Only 78 Stolen bases, Haywood didnt move much. and only M'Cutch stole 25.  Alot of power off the bench too as the Otters hit 242 HR.  Guys like Baker, Izturis, Varitek, Hinske, McDonald al showed some pop.  The pitching was a near disaster with a 4.52 ERA. Gallardo 13-7  4.16 ERA, Lackey 12-9 4,09 with a nearly 1.50 WHIP.  Randy Wells went 12-11 but a 5.60 ERA. 

Its a similar pattern for many Clemente staffs. The numbers are always inflated , so runner movement or lack thereof is very important when considering pitchers.  The numbers can lie on the surface, but deep down that runner advance and strikeouts which stop runners dead often contribute to CBA wins.  Ottawa pitching only K'd 1080 batters which is low by standard.  Considering how many pitches thrown is another way of showing that runners were on base moving around.  In combination with LOB, team base runner patterns may become clearer.  Only 7 clutch outs by pitchers and alot of pitches thrown show many dangerous situations encountered by Ottawa.  108 errors and a .702 X rating were poor.  Led to many runs.  The defense hurt the pitching. 30% of the runners crossed the plate when relievers were summoned.  By contrast Limoilou had a .205 IRSC.  A division title too.  The importance of relief even in a softball slugfest, is unmistakable.  Ottawa staffs tossed 8 CG's and only 5 shutouts for the team all year.  As long as Ottawa has played, they have always been an offensive minded team.  Their teams lineups were of legend.  The Otters are still however quite a good young team.  The OF may be among the best of CBA, and getting better with the rapid development of Cameron Maybin.  Next year, Fister, Ogando, Gallardo and Serge Santos will be strong.  With a good draft the Otters could be a team that could challenge. 

The New Hampshire WildCats are a team building their way to the future.  Give Chris Brazeau credit.  He is a perfect fit for CBA.  It was said, that he brings an enthusiasm to CBA that is exactly what CBA has wanted.  He began right away to establish a foundation for his new franchise.  He inherited perhaps CBA's worst and already has added some talent throught attention to building relationships and trading.  Some interesting future players include Justin Masterson, Diane Viciedo, Jose Tabata, Gaby Sanchez, Yoder Alonso, JP Arrencibia, Gerardo Parra, Matt Harrison, Danny McCutchen, and good performances from David Pauly and Bruce Chen.  With a record of 42-120, the team can only move up from there.  Highlites included reliever Brandon League's 0.86 ERA and holds.  Dan Wheeler had 12 saves in 14 innings. Ross Ohlendorf gave 5-6  3.81 RA in 100 IP.  It was mostly the relievers not the starters who helped the cause.  The Wildcats played well in September against the contenders going 11-15. Tim Stauffer was solid in the middle with 4-2  3.58 ERA in 45 App.  New Hampshire will lok ahead to better times.  Attendance in the cats lair is sparse game after game.  The Wildcats must play better than the Goldie Hawn led WWildcats to get the respect of other team CM's  in Schmidt division competition.  Perhaps one day people will cae less about resting their regulars when New Hampshire comes to town.

The Parker division hosts two perennial beasts who have long dominated their division, Brooklyn and Carolina.  It was widely thought that this year Sunville could present a challenge, but Keith Jones and his infrequent managerial CM's put a quick end to the notion of a playoff, let alone his continued participation in CBA.  It's a shame he had put together a nucleus of talent there.  Now it's up to upcoming Cooperstown to fufill some promise.   The story wound up being Brooklyn's.  The SUperbas are an original franchise and the 5th one created by Gerald and Claude way back in winter of 1996.  The Alexandria Assault, Ottawa Otters, Philly and the Louisville MobSquad were also among the first teams created.  Brooklyn quickly established Coors field as their "House of Pain" and developed stories, press, and a webpage to comemorate what was Brooklyn's return to pro baseball.  The Superbas started out with a team led by the enigmatic Albert "Joey" Belle as their team hero.  In that first season, Belle slugged 50+ HR, led the league in HR, RBI, and almost won the BA title and the triple crown.  It was then the the Superbas established identity as CBA's leading power and offensive team of all time.  Brooklyn team and players share or hold many CBA records for offense both individually and as a team.  A few players with huge career totals like Todd Helton, Sammy Sosa, Ivan Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Halladay, have played a majority of their career there putting up huge numbers.  This year the Brooklyn bad Boys had a team full of huge offensive numbers.  They boasted a CBA leading amount of HR, 264, Runs 980, 376 doubles, and even 94 SB.  The Superbas pitching was less spectacular and accounted for many problems allowing lesser offensive teams to score at will and even win games.  The bullpen fared better than the starters with a .282 IRSC.  The starters had a substandard defense behind them in which they accounted for a .717 X rating 3 /1000 less than league average. A majority of the most dangerous kind, OF errors, and big errors on the INF left side.  The staff threw the most pitches in CBA.  Perhaps if RA Dickey pitched more, or better.  Perhaps if Edwin Jackson's 13-9  and 7.53 ERA didnt hover around 9.00 all season until the end.  Forget his 13 wins, Brooklyn gave him the best run support in CBA. John Lannan 3-8  7.50, and released John Maine also did little.  This team with a 4,5 starter could have done alot more.  Dice-K  12-8  4.53  had a fine season. Haladay 18-8  3.88 209 K's had another fine season, and David Price 16-5  4.34 172 K's is an emerging ace.  Both could have been better and were weaker in the first half before settling down.  The bullpen is among the best led by Mariano 2-2 2.09 27sv.  Clay Hensley 3-2  2.59 5sv, Jon Rauch 4-2  3.14, Mitre 4-0  2.52 ERA, Sergio Romo 7-1 3.25, and Sean Burnett 2-3 1.86 7sv all had strong seasons. Carlos Zambrano 6-2  4.91  4sv won some swingman games and some saves in long relief.  The starting staff was let down by themselves, and the porous defense.  The offense thrived.

The big three are the biggest triple threat in CBA.  Brooklyn always had a fearsome middle order. A team .358 OBA, .519 slug, 6.39 runs created are all excellent.  An .840 totoal avg is outstanding for a team effort.  Years before, It was Helton, Sosa, Bagwell, wells, before that Ventura, Henry Rodriguez, Brian Daubach, Luis Polonia, Jay Payton all had huge seasons in a Brooklyn Black and Gold, vested uniform.  Brooklyn has led the CBA in power categories many times.  Miguel Cabrera 43 HR 131 RBI .336, was sensational this season and will get strong MVP support.  Ryan Howard 47 HR 123 RBI  .283  no doubt will receive many top votes in one of his best years ever.  Ryan Braun 28 HR 106 RBI .296 10sb, nearly matched his MLB numbers and was a key force protecting the other two stars. Vernon Wells had another huge year.  The former Clemente MVP, and 2011 candidate hit .309 with 33 HR 82 RBI's.  Wells made no errors in CF and threw out 9 runners.  Brett Gardner led CBA CF with 21.  The Markakis hit 17 HR 79 RBI .296 BA was great defensively leading CBA in RF assists.  The under rated Omar Infante nearly won the batting crown this season hitting .351 falling just shy on PA's. Derek Jeter certainly didn't add much this year in September, but he's an October player. Furcal 6 HR 40 RBI .329 29 SB was great offensively at ss with Omar Vizquel  ) HR 24 RBI .286 in 315 AB, likely in his last season before retirement and it was a good one for his BA stats.  Brooklyn has to shwo they can get past round 1 and Philly to be a threat in the CBA playoffs.  They didn't make it last year, but if they do this year, watch out.  This team can explode and will.  Especially if their front three starters can get er done.

Carolina 100-62 and a wildcard, rode atop the division for a good amount of time going back n forth.  Their match ups with Brooklyn 6-16, haven't always worked in their favor with Brooklyn having their number. The match ups aren't favorable, but Carolina struggled with Sunville a bit too.  Carolina fattened up their record a lot on Cooperstown going 20-2 done well vs the other teams.  Carolina had identical 50-31 records on the road and at home.  They struggled in 1 run games going below .500 in those 23-24.  Carolina scored an average of 5.08 runs and let up an excellent 3.75 runs.  A good margin for winning ball.  Carolina did finish the season strong winning at a .700 clip the last few weeks.  Opponents scored 10+ runs 10 times, Carolina did 20 times.  Kenan's teams seem to win.  Carolina had a team .343 OBA with a good .444 slug. They used a platoon system at some positions.  The 10th man award will undoubtedly go to Jim Thome in his final days .  He hit 33 HR 73 RBI .325 in only 271 at bats!  Has to be some type of performance record.  14.92 RC/27, Total avg  1.508,  1.244 Productivity, his ISO was .458, OM lord...  The other platooner Adam Dunn 19 HR 53 RBI .286 in 287 at bats, not too shabby ehh? . Thats insane numbers.  Absolutely insane.    Ryan Zimmerman had 33 HR 113 RBI  .303 BA.  Werth 26 HR 117 RBI .290, D Stubbs 23 HR 67 RBI 26 SB 5 CS, although Joey Votto was a 'disappointing' 28 HR 91 RBI .265.  Ian Kinsler will need to step back up after a .258 6 HR 41 RBI campaign.  The team batted .261, but scored 823 runs but only grounded into 130 DP's a good number for baserunner movement.  That big power accounted for 215 HR's  mostly from those hall of fame platooners.  The team made 90 errors which was fair. It could have been better to help the great pitching.

The pitchers limited hitters to a 5th best 3.50 ERA in Clemente!  Thats outstanding in a DH league built for rip.  Those pitchers K'd 1176 batters, and a .233 IRSC.  They had 26 CG's, 8 shutouts, 46 saves led by Valverde's 3-5  2.91 24sv, and Andrew Bailey added 11 more saves.  Chris Carpenter 17-11  3.75 had a good year atop the staff. Annabelle Sanchez 15-5  2.72 led the Clemente in ERA. Brett Myers was excellent doing at a 14-11  2.74 clip.  Excellent back to back staff.  John Johnson 14-9 4.26 ERA. All that without talking about Johann Santana 11-11  4.83 not even on the playoff roster.  Set up middle man Matt.Belisle  had a great season appearing in 70 games going 3.16  7-0.  Len Ondrusek was 2-0 with a brilliant 1.54 ERA and 10 holds in 65 games as a set up man.  Elmo Dessens went 5-1 with 2.38 ERA in 45 IP. Peter Moylan of Joliet had a CBA leading 29 holds.  Looking at the low inning but high number of appearance data of Carolina leads me to believe they employed quick set up men more than most teams did.  Carolina is a good fielding team with a .757 X rating avg  It will carry them into the playoffs where a balanced team is necessary.  They can hit, for power, pitch, field, and run a little.  A formidable team that can beat anyone in CBA on any day.

Sunville management dropped the ball in 2011.  Keith Jones an original manager, disappeared in July and with only 1 communique in 4 months, I wont waste my team reviewing his franchise.  Just know that Jose Bautista 64 HR 142 RBI  .276 BA was electrifying to watch this year.  With Austin Jackson 1 HR 41 HR  .290 37 SB and Carlos Gonzalez 24 HR 88 RBI .321 BA in front of him, it was a run producing machine atop that helped generate their 742 runs. Beyond those guys there was a few performers like Barton 12 HR .276, Gomes .272 12 HR, Barajas 16 HR, and Willingham who hit 14 HR.  Sunville did slam 187 HR.  The staff was led by Gio Gonzalez 13-6 3.61 ERA 171 K's was outstanding for a poor club.  The bullpen let them down.  Guys like Rafael Soriano 1-10 3.69 27 saves, blew plenty of opportunities with no one else stepping up.  No manager to alter the pecking order, no manager, no more.

Cooperstown Iron Horses on the other hand is a quality organization that is re tooling and working very hard to build a contender ground up.  They have alot of future wealth that tell the story more than the season they just closed. C Town went 52-110.  20 of those to Carolina, and 16 to Brooklyn.  Shave half those from those teams and you would have 16 more wins should the Horses decipher those foes. It would have been a little closer if they could have won more from the Monday division.  In fact had they won more anything would have been better.  The Horses spit the bit in a 2011 race they'd rather forget. The offense hit 178 HR's, and had a .250 BA.  Their PH hit only .220.  The team amassed a measly 6,171 PA's.  Not many rallies there. Better focus on the hitting cuz the pitching was well.  The young talent had bright spots.  Neil Walker .301 20 HR 64 RBI was good from 2B. Casey McGehee .290 23 HR 62RBI was a solid producer. Delmon Young added a .284 28 HR 74 RBI season. McCann 21 HR 59 RBI .260 season was adequate but below his usual numbers.  Still not bad for a backstop.  The nucleus is here. Excellent young talent that will develop further. Guys like Weaver, Walker, Young Jr, Storn, Mejia, Bumgarner, Chacin, Nova, Latos, Tomlin, Morton, Pinieda, and Lots of better draft picks to come too.  A few guys will have excellent cards in 2012.  This team could be a force, soon.

The Monday division got it roots back in 1997.  Bryan formerly Kilgore is an original team there. Southwest Lizard Kings now known as the Skokie Wolfmen were an original there too.  Now it is said it could be the toughest division in CBA's Clemente.  Judging by the record of success that the Monday teams had over the other divisions, a case could be made.  This divisions teams beat the best teams of the other divisions.  Bryan had success against the better teams, yet they finished just under .500.   A team that defeated Indy 11-11, Philly 8-4, Stirling 8-4, 7-5 vs the Sunville, 12-10 vs Lake Co, and 5-7 vs Brooklyn.  Why then couldn't Bryan break free?  Skokie went 3-19 vs them.  Carolina 3-9, and Ottawa had their number 4-8.  If they had played better vs Skokie and Ottawa, it may have been a race.  Indy went 25-11 vs Parker a winning record vs all the teams there.  A winning record vs Schmidt too.  Skokie struggled with Parker.  But it was Skokie's domination over Indiana that finally separated this divisional race.  Skokie took that season series in a year when three teams could have made playoffs.  Lake County played well vs the tough teams and were just below despite the record. 

Skokie outlasted Indiana in the end.  Skokie maintained an advantage pretty much all season, but Indiana kept nipping at the Wolfmen's collar, pushing Josh Shapiro to make adjustments often to keep ahead.  Shapiro guided this team to the franchises best season ever with 108 wins.  Shapiro programs two CM's each week tailoring the team to his opponents and it makes all the difference.  The team did perform for him, so luck or Skullduggery may have had some...effect.  The team was remarkably well balanced between the CBA's 2nd rated offense and an excellent pitching staff.  The defense was strong as well with a.779 X Rating.  Skokie was just as good at home or the road, righties or lefties didn't matter winning at .600+, 700+ against righties.  They were 28-16 in 1 run games, but for some reason only 6 and 6 in extras.  Seems like Soria and the pen really let down the excellent starting staff whose ERA's inflated a bit as they allowed .356 IRSC.  Very poor.  Soria 4-3 2.96  saved 19, blew only 3 saves but allowed 44% of runners inherited to score.  Ineffective in the clutch, horrible numbers.  Imagine if he stopped them cold what a few more wins could have done.  A team 3.83 ERA, the starters were led by C.Lee 3.57 16-11  12 QS, J.Guthrie 4.11 19-5 only 12 quality starts whereas league leader Jon Lester had 20, and  M.Cain 4.23 14-11, Clayton .Richard 4.36 14-4  The numbers don't jump out at you.  But they got it down limiting opposition scoring to 1.25 runs better than the opposition.  The team did K 6.9 batters per 9 IP, and let righties hit .232.  Lefties batted .246.  Them pitchers  Stopped the runners dead in their tracks.  The defense chipped in with 24 OF assists and 4 Double plays 10 from CF, 7 from Bupton.  The offense was classy.  .288 BA with 248 HR  894 runs scored.   ,A.Beltre  .312 30 HR 106 RBI and SS Troy Tulowitzki contributed .278  27 HR  75 RBI and with 11 men collecting double digit HR's.  It was a team effort.  Many players contributed.  Platooners thrived.  M.Holliday  .333  21 HR  73. RBI M.Ordonez .372  19 HR  65 RBI in 290 AB was effective in the OF platoon. Backups like Ramon Castro hit .339 9 HR, C Will Rhymes .366  21 RBI in 180 AB all led to a title in Monday.  The team showed good ISO power .198  figure average is around .180-.190.  A .815 total average and .839 Production rating are good numbers and mean wins.  By contrast New Hampshire had a .561 total abg, and .643 production.  New Hampshire was better at keeping runners from scoring though .335 to Skokie's .35  :)

Indiana A team 4.16 ERA, the starters were great R.Oswalt  2.82 15-8 , A.Wainwright  2.98 18-9, J.Garland 3.86 14-7 although H.Kuroda 4.77 14-6 underachieved. Bill3 Wagner was 3-5 and 32 saves.  Team K's 1279 players, with Wainwright having 202 of them.  Oswalt 198 K's.  The bullpen despite the saves was shaky a team .339 IRSC.  The pitchers allowed a .240 BA against.  The offense gave Indiana 5.4 runs per game to work with. Indy couldn't out muscle Skokies CM's, nor edge Carolina and Brooklyn down the stretch.  It was so close.  The offense may not have been enough.  Who knows had Bob been able to tweak the CM's what could have occurred.  The proxy did a great job, and Indiana won too down the stretch but already behind they just ran out of time.  The team batted .271 with 238 HR.  A .333 OBA and a nice .461 slug, but in Clemente where Brooklyn, Skokie reside. Fell short.  Scored 863 runs.  J.Hamilton  hit .344  38 HR 112 RBI.  Alfert.Pujols.309 44 Do 1 TR 55 HR 142 RBI 100 extra base hits not up to others in CBA but a stellar year.  P.Polanco .304 11 HR  52 RBI was under rated and steady.  Great glove .808 X rating at his off position.  A.Rodriguez       .267 18 HR 76 RBI 12 SB had an off year at 3B.  Huntor.Pence.265 24 HR 99  RBI 21 SBwas solid.  Hanley.Ramirez  disappointed at .261 25 HR 68 RBI but had 33 SB.  Starter Rahul Ibanez killed them in LF .235 10 HR 49 RBI with no glove or speed or variables to think of.  The bench players were adequate but Wilson Valdez for 260 AB's at .241 and no power hurt a bit more than his glove helped.  Alfonso Soriano acquired for the stretch didn't help much in nearly 200 Ab only .217 and 6 HR.  Pinch hitters batted .243 with only super card vs Lefty Drew Sutton hitting 1 PH HR.  Had 16 of 20 successful sacrifices.  There was a significant production decline at the end of the batting order, but so much firepower up front that Indiana finished with a great season.  A credit to Bob Fidler that he always is in the game.

The Bryan Bashers were better than the record shows.  In a very tough division they held their own against the best as was chronicled previously.  The Cory Light Led team gave away some distance after contending in the first half but this year was no disappointment.  77-85, but a tough losing record.  A sweep the final week hurt the record more as the Redbirds laid into them with a full arsenal at the end.   A team .327 OBA and .382 slug.  Both need some improvement but the oBA isn't too bad.  4.38 RC and a .662 Production meant the offense slipped this season and didnt get much going.  142 HR and 662 runs were weak in Clemente they only stole 52 bases too, so no runner movement hurt.  Nick Swisher  batted .288 with 24 HR 78  RBI 4 SB and Paul Konerko hit .280  28 HR 95 RBI.  Pat Burrell .241 17 HR 62 RBI, and Marlon Byrd            .258  16 HR  62 RBI were solid.  This team killed any lefties hitting .281.  It was just that righties hurt this righty lineup limiting them to a team .238 BA vs R.  The pitchers were opposite, a .235 BA vs L, and a .282 BA vs R against them.  The team generally went 40 AB between HR's.  Brooklyn comparing had 1 every 22 AB.  A .137 ISO was abysmal. The defense however was excellent posting a .777 X rating helping a strong pitching staff for 2011.  A 4.17 ERA 1,062 K's.  The staff fared better than the offense.  Using that solid defense, Bryan pitchers had good seasons.  The bullpen was weaker but still led by Kevin Gregg's 30 saves 1.54  4-1 5 blown saves and set up man Broope Badenhop 2.14  5-0 led to a few wins.  A .375 IRSC hurt.  Starters Joe Blanton 3.80 12-10, T.Wakefield 4.21 10  7,  Wanda Rodriguez  4.32 10-11, and Randy Wolf a hard luck pitcher who was 3.28  9-9.  The Whips of the starters were pretty good but runners trickled in.  Bryan will need to continue to build the franchise to keep pace with the fading Redbirds and Skokie who will slow a bit barring deals next season.  Injuries in MLB may help Bryan by hurting some rivals.  Cory looks forward to a brighter 2012 season. 

The Lake County Leopards finished with a stronger September and helped eliminate the Indiana team in the end.  The Leopards perhaps could have done more in a different division but it is a team on the rise.  Some good talent and decent MLB season could spell wins for David Jones.  This season a weak offense hurt this team evidenced by a .248 BA.  127 HR and 644 runs won't win in CBA, though the teams 4.54 ERA doesn't hurt as bad when you're scoring runs either.  A .314 OBA with a .376 Slug is bad.  Garrett Jones led the team with a 20 HR season and a .217 BA took the gain away.  The team allowed 198 HR's against.  They were successful bunting 27of 28 times.  Only 86 SB with 47 CS doomed the runner movement despite the bunts.  The # 3  hitter hit .281  23 HR  85 RBI's. The #4, .238 15 HR 69 RBI very Mets like. Dexter Fowler and Cody Ross did throw out 13 runners from RF a plus. A .756 X rating was quite good.  G.Soto            .275 13 HR  47 RBI, and Ryan Spilborghs  .266 12 HR  52 RBI were among team leaders. Jimmy Rollins .249 5 HR 27 RBI 14 SB was a bust.  The pitching records reflected the teams offense a bit in the loss column J.Cueto 4.33  7-13 145 K's is a star waiting to explode. Jamie Garcia 4.86  9-14  133 K's is as well.  Derek Lowe 5.16  9-18 deserved better.  These pitchers and Tyler Clippard, Papelbon (13 sv), Venters, Acosta, forma good nucleus and mean trouble for Monday.  Could be the best pitching staff in the division next season.  The development of Fukudome, Avila, and Fowler should help a bit.  A return by Rollins, some added power you never know.  Jones has recruited some good players here. 

The Staub conference has had it's share of fantastic finishes.   The is no question that year after year the conference will all boil down to the last block of games.  The competition so fierce.  This year the battle was epic.  All season San Diego had ran away with the Carter title.  Joe Wallace's 2011 Staub championship team has made it through a wondrous season finishing at 122 - 40.  The best record ever in CBA.  Joe must be proud of the team that swept through the first two rounds of the playoffs in dominating fashion winning 4-0 both series.  As of this writing will face the powerful Brooklyn Superbas in what promises to be an excellent World Series.  The Surf had unbelievable balance. Robison Canoe 202 hits 35 HR119 RBI .337 13 HB and stellar defense .984 X rating.  David Wright  .308  37 HR 115 RBI had a super season against all types of pitching.  Jay Bruce in CF slammed 27 HR, Victorino hit .289 with 37 steals.  The numbers don't scream at you but if you run down the stats, you can see how it was a team effort.  The platooners like David Murphy, Justin Morneau, Kevin Youkilis hit .326, and got on base at a .423 clip and a .564 slug in platoon had great seasons.  Wallace strung together great cards.  Look at the numbers.  As a team, they had it all.  3rd in batting .283  .360 OBA, .478 slugging. They were1st by far in pitching 2.66 ERA. That is a CBA record.  Struck out 1378 batters.  An outstanding .228 IRSC 2nd in CBA behind the Wolf Pack of Towaco.  A .753 X Rating, combined with that K and ERA.  The whip was an astounding +173 !  The only blemish perhaps, Nict Hundley and crew 22 PB.  They stole 19 of 86 bases for a .819 clip. San Diego started the season going 12-1, never looked back.  Always seemed to have trouble with rival High Bridge including a memorable inning inning affair that had a direct impact on the Staub wild card races.  It was San Diego's losses to High Bridge that allowed the Heaters to slip past the red hot Towaco Wolfpack.  In essence SD controlled the entire outcome of the Staub.  Thank you Mr Schedule maker.  The staff with King Felix 2.36 21 - 8 +22 Whip, but Jon Lester went nuts. 2.11 21 - 3 +30 whip 200 IP 130 hits 101 BB.  Hong Kuo 1.33 17 saves, Nap Feliz 1.62 12 sv. M.Garza 3.12 17 - 5, Earvin Santana    3.28 16 - 4  Dan Haren 3.60 19 - 5 completed an awesome rotation with Daniel  Hudson 2.18 11- 4.

John Miller took an expansion club.  He was given nothing but the promise of better days should he be patient and build.  John had a plan.  It took 3 years, but in that time he created a contender.  A playoff team.  The Heaters survived a Battle Royal to win the wild card and the right to face the Surf.  The Heaters were clearly among the contenders of CBA for much of the season for the first time in their history. They had a chance to vie for elite status that a conference championship can bring. We rarely remember the contenders, but this year San Diego was in the way of a dream.  The final season games between SD and HB were phenomenal the 20 inning affair won by High Bridge was legendary.  The Heat were .591 against their own division, and they owned Rogers as well .604 29-19.  They were .500 against the Dawson, having loads of trouble with Limoilou and Belfast, two of Staub's better teams.  Struggled at times with Longue Pointe too falling prey to the pitching.  A healthy mix of platoon players drove the limited offense of the Heaters. A team .243 BA, 699 runs, 125 HR the offense was just enough to compete.  You can look at the stats and counter that offense with a superior pitching performance, and you have a good Staub team.  Both Juan Uribe the versatile infielder and Tyler Colvin hit 21 HR to lead the team.  Ike Davis added 18 more.  The platooners Melvin Mora .289 13 SB, Gegor Blanco .302, Wus Helms .27 added some pop to the line up. They were a great speed team 242 SB, with table setters who did damge in the late innings when their turn came around. Denard Span stole 35, Crisp .284 40 SB, .Chone Figgins acquired from Brooklyn for 2B hit 3 HR 72 RBI and stole 63 SB.  Rajai Davis 7 HR 51 RBI .248 acquired from Montreal stole 60 himself.  The team OBA was pretty poor at .316 with a below average .366 slug.  So it was all about the speed game that even managed to create nearly 700 runs.  HB's pitching really kept the Heaters in most of it's games.  The speed stole wins for the pitching.  A .736 X rating, they struggled batting .238 vs righties .258 vs Lefties. But the pitching?  A different story.  they allowed a .225 vs lefties and a .243 vs righties.  The Heaters staff not only kept the games close, but they hit .170 knocked in 24, and had 51 sac bunts.  They were destructive to good offenses all over CBA.  Charlie.Narveson  3.29 11-10 and  Fausto.Carmona 3.40 14 - 11 were strong. Brent Cecil   2.71 15 - 6, and Rick.Porcello  2.80 12 - 8 led the staff. The bullpen by committee approach was effective. a .248 IRSC.   Kenji.Uehara  1.07  2 - 0 24  saves who was a hero with Montreal before getting injured leading them to within a series of the playoffs had a sensational year for the Heaters.  Ace set up person J.Benoit  1.23  2 - 0  12,  S.Marshall  2.00  5 - 3 , D.Hernandez  2.11  8  - 1  ,M.Delcarmen  2.34  1 - 1,  all contributed to a 92 - 70 season. It was September when it matterd most.  The custom lineups produced by Miller effectively set strategies to tear through the final month and keep pace outlasting Joliet, and Towaco.

Joliet came out of nowhere it seemed and became a big story in the CBA soap opera. Now what happened here?  Did anyone predict that Joliet would be a factor in the Staub.91-71, they went nuts on the base paths. Like the Heat the team tore it up with 190 SB. Somehow they would win. Like HB, they had some pop, but a low .243 BA.  JJC's .685 .315 OBA and 370 Slug and only 2000 total bases.  The Iso .120 didn't scare anyone. They had a league leading 8 clutch hits. The pitching staff was very good with a 3.79 ERA though not the caliber of High Bridge or San Diego.  Then where did they win?  A team approach. solid components K.Jepsen  2.34  4 - 3 , B.Duensing 2.45 11 - 6,  .J.Hanrahan 3.10  8 - 0 8sv, B.Matusz   3.11 11 -11,  A.Burnett 3.26 13 - 7  146K a committee approach.. Where did they win from?  Hit .219 vs lefties. Opponents batted only around .250 but could that be it?  Other teams had better stats.  Huigh Bridge more speed, better pitching, then only 1 game?  A testament to Jack Frost's gamesmanship in what could be one of the best performances by a GM this season. Joliet was able to  A .679 OPS, wheres the beef? Perhaps the speed and a lot of key match ups in the CM's perhaps?  Joliet didn't always send a CM for each opponent, but he managed his usage which gave him a competitive edge.  The bench?  No.  Luke.Scott .285  20  65, and the amazingly under rated clutch season of  Corey Hart another strong MVP candidate.  The numbers don't tell the story there with .273 28 HR 111 RBI considering his seemingly limited offense MVP candidate Juan Pierre .268  1 HR 66 RBI a CBA leading 87 SB he is setting records in CBA with every SB. Michael Bourne's .267 3 HR 43 RBI with 73 SB.   These guys were the key while the bullpen nailed it down .248 IRSC.  Matt Capps  4.31  3 - 7  44 saves held what Hart and the speed kings handed him.  Their record against Dawson was in contrast with HB having won 27 games. The late Joliet rush occurred when the other teams knocked each other around and had to substitute in their lineups.  Joliet then took advantage  through most of August before finally succoming at the end to High Bridges San Diego wins.  Jolient wasn't as lucky in the final week losing to their arch rival in their final series.

The New Jersey Beatles didn't create much music in 2011.  A true expansion team with a building future, the veteran league face to face commisioner/manager Steven Adler came to us from the Tri-State Strat-o-matic League based in Northern New Jersey.  In his 2nd season, the nucleus is there.  Lind hit 16 HR and drove 69 in.  He looks better for 2012. Prospects like Bryuce Harper, Justin Smoak, Jed Lowrie .282 15  34, Jeremy Hellickson, and of course Mike Stanton .242  22 HR 54 RBI .  Meanwhile the team made it through the season managing usage well.  Jeff Niemann 3.98  5 - 13 134 K's led the staff and pitched pretty well.  Donnie Bush  5.03  3 - 20. J.Francis 5.57  7 - 10, Ben Sheets 7.26  3 - 14. Blake Dewitt.289  5 HR  33 RBI had a good rookie season.  The team batted .231 with 111 HR's and scored 547 runs a very low figure.  Much of the concern was to develop the young talent. A 42-100 can only improve as the Beatles will hope their yellow submarine surfaces. A .300 OBA with a .347 slug.  A .116 ISO is horrendous.  The figures really serve to point out the low end of the range, and where teams that are more successful may lie.  Whereas a team has a .190 and reaches the Conference finals, the other end is at .116.   Brooklyn is at .209.  A 3.46 runs created is also the low range. New Jersey did go 6 - 5 in 1 run games. Motte 3.12  4 - 4  and Perry 3.86  1 - 2 did well in the pen for the Beatles.  Jesse Crain saved 9 games in a surprise.

The Rogers division saw a great playoff run by the perennial contender Ohio Outlawz and the emergent Towaco Wolf Pack, (not to be confused with Skokie Wolfmen).  Once home of .500 and below type teams, this division has become a stronger division in the CBA.  With he Clemente dominating recent World Series play, teams like San Diego, Limoilou, and Ohio emerged to try and wrest the Conference bragging rights from the likes of Brooklyn, Indiana, Carolina, Philly, and Skokie. Tall order.  But the guard changes quickly here in CBA as powers emerge and some fade into CBA's abyss.  Now we see new powers emerging. Rogers will be a battle in 2012.  It's expected that Kennesaw Mt will begin to emerge as the young talent has started to pay some dividends.  Ohio may have a set back with Posey's injury, but their talent has moved ahead as well. Maine looks pretty powerful in the middle of the lineup. Towaco will need another good draft as the division emerges. 

Ohio had a great season. They had power and pitching and 97 wins. They won as much on the road as at home.  Even money in one run games as well.  Went 9-7 in extra innings.  To say the least, Ohio is a CBA elite team.  They started 2011 with a quick start from the gate, then faded back a bit in  May and really began to slide through June and into the first week of July.  Who'd have thought that the Outlawz could finish first? Firing their six shooters at the sky, and instead of hitting nothing, they shot down stars. The streak began.  On June 30th, 11 games out, they began a torrid month of July.  By July 28th, they were 1 game behind Towaco.  They were 7 games out on July 19th, by the 28th just 1. They took a share of 1st place on July 29th, and kept pace with Towaco eventually outlasting them taking first place through August. , though Towaco made it really close all season. Looks like they may be up there awhile as the team is stocked with good talent.  The Posey 15 HR 54 RBI .329 affair may be a stunning set back for Glen Kenan, but players like Dan Alex Gordon 3 HR 18 RBI .195, Logan Morrison 29 RBI .254, Melty Cabrera 2 HR 17 RBI .231, Seth Smith 15 HR 48 RBI .264, will join Mark Texeira 19 HR 82 RBI .270, in a solid lineup again.  Those numbers will look better.  This season aside from Posey, Chris Young had a return to stardom with a great 35 HR 98 RBI .253 36 SB .912 X rating, a great all around season.  He will undoubtedly get votes in the MVP voting as well.  MVP candidate, Kelly Johnson porked 27 HR 78 RBI .278 45 doubles, 15 SB with a CBA 8th best 105 runs scored, all at 2B. Miguel Tejada in the twilight of his career managed 16 HR 83 RBI .255 BA.  John Buck  .292 16 HR 64 RBI .818 Total avg at catcher was a blessing in Posey's absence. Best tandem in CBA for 2011. A team .339 OBA and .421 slug in Staub is pretty good.  A 4.92 runs created, and .725 total avg on .761 production works out quite nicely in the non DH 12 team Conference.  The team showed excellent power despite playing in San Francisco's ball park. 91 stolen bases were also pretty good, though not elite.  Mainly a power team.  Imagine if they were in Clemente? Ohio did ground into 150 double plays and will need to reduce that number.  

Ohio's pitching was excellent as well.  Team 3.49 ERA allowing only 129 HR with a +377 Whip is quite good. They K'd 1233, and kept opposing runners honest when in scoring position 26% of the time.  The league average was .298. Erick Aybar's 26 errors didn't help, but Ohio's .683 X rating was abominable.  They may have done a lot more with gloves behind the staff.  10 CG's 14 shut outs.  Cy Young candidate Clay Bucholz led the staff a stellar year  2.58 19 - 4 only 6 HR allowed in 170 IP.  Jesus Sanchez went 2.97 11 - 10, Jake Westbrook 3.72 16 - 7. Ricky Nolasco 3.81 11 - 4.  Chris Perez 3 - 2 1.88 22 saves all had fine seasons.  The middle corps were solid with Breslow, Wright, and Lopez.   Ohio should be in good shape next season as their talent develops further.

Following Ohio in the race for the Steve Rogers division was first year GM Kevin Gibson's Towaco Wolfpack. Towaco held first place throughout much of the seasons first half.  Great pitching and offense led the pack and they were the talk of the Staub conference for that while.  Knowing they would come back to earth, Kevin Gibson still managed to keep the Pack quite motivated and winning right until the final block, despite Ohio's hot streaks and stellar play.  Towaco was in first polace up until August 8th.  It was a great season to stay up there that long.  They and Joliet missed on a wild card by the slimmest of margins when High Bridge defeated San Diego for a big series in September, and won 1 more against the eventual Staub Champions.  That was the difference, 1 game between Towaco a playoff or a long winter in North Jersey.  It took conference rival Maine to split a 4 game series at the end to keep the Pack out.  Just 1 win, could have meant a game 163. Towaco won 49 games on the road 7 more than home. The team offense totals were good for Staub, though not as strong offensively as Ohio, the Wolves hit a collective .257 with 146 HR and a total 745 runs.  Good numbers.  281 doubles could be upgraded a bit and the defense must buckle down.  .710 X rating 128 errors is poor.  The catchers Russell Martin 5 HR 51 RBI  .260, and Matt Treanor 7 HR 40 RBI  .235, threw out 31% of the would be thieves, a nice number. The offense managed a .329OBA and .402 slug, numbers that aren't awful, but approaching mediocrity.  A bit more slug and OBA go a loooong way.  They managed to pilfer 110 bases in contrast to their catchers throwing many runners out.  A good turn around there.  .731  production is .037 pts lower than was Ohio.  The win column reflects this.  Oh and they did hit into 1 triple play somewhere along the line.  Kenduck Morales .335 15 HR 36 RBI in 188 AB's,  and Matt Diaz .330 215 AB 9 HR 45 RBI, were worthy of Johnstone award consideration. Jose Reyes was great 9 HR 81 RBI 35 SB and a solid SS glove.  Martin Prado 12 HR 57 RBI .291 was solid, as was Colby Rasmus' 19 HR 72 RBI's. Carlos Quentin added 21 HR and 50 RBI's despite an anemic .212 BA. 

The pitching staff was the opposite very strong. A team  3.27 ERA, with opponents batting a measley .242 against.  Relievers were lights out allowing only a .221 IRSC.  Joel Piniero led the staff as ace 2.40 17 - 3 , Tim Hudson  was superb and a top 5  ERA leader, 2.30 13 - 10.  Travis Wood added 3.12 with a 10 - 6 record.  The middle pen and closer roles were by committee.  Brian ' The Beard' Wilson 2-3 1.96 saved 15, and Brandon League 2 -4 2.12 ERA 10 saves were efficient in tandem.  The other set up and middle men were outstanding.  Joel Peralta was 2 - 0  0.92 in 49 IP! Doug Slaten 2.11 ERA,  Kyle Farnsworth  in 50 games went 2.22  5 - 1 as righty set up man.  Wuertz, Carrasco, and Mota  2.88  4 - 2 4 saves were solid as well.  With some and new young talent like Taillon Jamison,  the resurgent Jeff Karstens, batting champ Reyes, there is reason to think there is a future nucleus to center upon win or lose in 2012.

The Maine Express rolled off the track in 2011 75-87. Mike Koepp's team fading away as usage woes, and a less than Maine standard team played in Maine's 'Expressway' stadium. The offense was a respectable .263 BA with 167 HR's, and 703 runs scored. The pitchers were 4.01 team ERA with an opposing .267 BA.  and a +628 Whip, could be better if they hadn't let as many men on base. Maine themselves only had a .319 team OBA and a .728 production, with a .408 slug.  In Staub the slug is fairly decent, but in the speed pitching conference Staub that OBA meant everything almost 30 pts less than the contenders, and a full hundredth below league average.  Maine's defense accounted for so many base runners reaching against. 126 errors, not good.  .687 X rating is horrid. The IRSC of .376 was a problem compounding all those problems, scoring many more runners.  It is the lack of OBA, defense,  and bullpen (lack of) that doomed the Express train.  Chase Headley .309 13 HR 73 RBI's and 24 SB had an excellent season with 606 AB's and 187 hits.  MVP/Player of the Year candidate Adrian Gonzalez  .305, hit 40 HR and drove home 121 RBI's to lead Staub in both categories just another great year for the perennial all star. Dan Uggla hit.266 16 HR 60 RBI, and will undounbtedly be a force combined by AGonzo, Matt Kemp .230  26 HR 84 RBI 17 SB next year.  The pitchers were led by Rick Romero 2.52 13 - 9, and Dollars Braden 3.66 10 - 9 .  Brian Fuentes saved 17 for the Express otherwise there was little to cheer about.  The good news  This is a team on the rise, and next years lineup will score a bunch of runs.

The Kennesaw Mountain Boys had many unfufilled expectations in 2011. With Michael Blakeley pushing his team for a wild card berth, the Braves, Mountain men, Woodsmen, whatever they're known as din't respond.  A 48 - 114 record meant one thing for Blake, a high set of draft picks.  A horrifying .235 road pct 19 wins. 29 at home. Won .289 vs Righties. Weak vs righty pitchers in CBA is a recipe for lack of wins.  They did win 6 of 11 extra inning games.  A .237 BA .297 OBA and a .375 slug.  3.65 runs created, .590 total avg, .672 productivity, and .138 ISO.  Meanwhile they did hit 145 HR led by team MVP Hideki Matsui .267 23 HR 63 RBI's who was acquired to play 1B before the season.   Edwin Encarnacion added 20 HR, Jose Guillen hit 17 HR, and SS Yuniesky Betancourt popped 15 taters.  Future superstar Carlos Santana  used Black Magic to ellicit a  .260 12 HR 25 RBI performance in 169 AB's. The team stole a league low embarrasing 23 bases and was caught 19 times, nearly as many.  They hit .216 vs left handers as a team.  The pitching was a bit better than the offense with a team 4.62 ERA and opposition hit .264 BA against Kennesaw. Matt Latos  went 2.73  8 - 8  before he was dealt. John Danks was a terrific 3.35 but let down by the offense 5 - 14, with 159 K's. Andy Pettitte retired this season following a strong 3.55 11 - 9 record.  HOF enshrinement possible.  Wade Davis was a good 4.08  but 3 - 12.  Drew Storen saved 10.
With a few good prospects on the squad, and better luck the team will surely rise in 2012. It may be possible that the Bravewoods could look towards a .500 season.   

The  legendary Dawson division.  The home of some of CBA's most historic moments.  A legacy of gentlemanly play, intense competition, and the small teams.  The Dawson has usually been characterized as the quintessential National league style of baseball. Usually lots of baserunning, good solid pitching, and top shelf defense. Could anyone whose been here long enough forget the earliest competitions between Quebec Capitales, Longue Pointe, and Limoilou? With Chris Boutin's retirement, and the rise of the Belfast Brawlers, it has generally been a 3 way dance year after year with all the teams shuffling year to year in fierce competition that often had resulted in game 163's. Can anyone forget the classic Belfast Limoilou end season struggles?  or Longue Pointe and Limoilou's epic battles in the playoffs?  How many times has Dawson been to the World Series?  Limoilou 5 times has been to the World Series. By comparison, Rob Hite has made the trip 5 times winning 3, Bob Fidler has won Indiana 3 championships in 3 tries, Marc Wass has won 2 of 3 World Series, and Dennis Concepcion has 1 in 2 appearances. It is no easy task getting into the playoff circle of elites.  Maintaining it year to year is very difficult in CBA.  It is a testament to the teams who can compete at a high level.  With great teams in LP, Limmer, Belfast, and last years surprise success of Montreal all should have a shot at some playoff next season. The trading has begun with Limoilou making moves at the end of last season, Belfast and Longue Pointe making moves.  Neither have had the flurry of moves that Cooperstown has recently made, but CBA is changing and the old guard must continually update or get left behind the new stallions. 

Limoilou was never in doubt in 2011.  They were in first place for 160 games.  Is that record? Would anyone doubt Jeff Boutet is a Strat-o-matic force in CBA? Why is it that year after year. The pretty much held a full notch over Belfast despite the scrappy Brawlers cutting it close at times during the long haul.  The story was domination with pitching.  Big time Wendigo pitching.  Enough to lead CBA and the rest of the Dawson was left to Belfast to pound on Longue Pointe and do netplay with Belfast in tough series. It was a sensational year for the Wendigo and Jeff Boutet.  It also saw the return of Jim Edmonds in his last hurrah and impending hall of fame candidacy.  Limoilou had some power, but in a role reversal became more of a speed team using the LP model of Pitching and speed. A few guys who were in double digits, but no real standouts. Curt Granderson's 22 HR  81 led the team  in RBI's, but generally it was just a solid team effort.  Mike Cuddyer hit 16 HR and 68 RBI, Ian Stewart 18 HR 65 RBI.  Prince Fielder hit only 17 HR's curiously. An off year for him. Angel Pagan swiped 47 bases hitting .271 and playing excellent defense.  Chipper Jones had a difficult year at the plate and with the glove, but should return for another round in 2012.  The years are dwindling for Larry.  The team got on base at a .335 clip which is good for Dawson. A 4.48 Runs created, .721 production. .688 Total avg, and .139 Iso Pwr.  The numbers don't jump out.

The pitching staff was marvelous. .230 Opp BA, .205 IRSC was one of CBA's best ever.  The offense was basically irrelevant when the staff allowed 3.35 runs per game despite the shoddy defense .709 X rating pct. The only flaw being a 10-11 record in extra innings which showed some closer problems in late innings in fact.  A void likely left behind when Joe Nathan suffered his injury.  The staff struck out 1406 batters stopping base runners dead in their tracks.  M.Scherzer went 2.61 18 - 7,  C.Kershaw  went 2.28 14 - 5, U.Jimenez went 2.72 18 - 4, Tommy Hanson went 3.40 11 - 10, and Barry.Zito 3.43 12 - 9.  Opponents batted .222 vs L, and .236 vs R. Each had 18 quality starts, sans Zito who had 19! Zito?  yes Zito! Ryan Franklin saved 22 with a 1.74 ERA. What a great staff.  The Wendigo were eliminated in the playoffs by Eventual Staub Champion San Diego, but indeed it was quite a season.

The Belfast Brawlers were contenders to the last block.  They opened quickly despite a hot Limoilou team, and held it close throughout the first three months.  Only 4 back on June 25th, the Brawlers couldn't match that Limmer team pitching.  No one could.  The core impression of this franchise is scrap iron tough, fight back and scratch out wins.  Its given the Brawlers and owner Derek Adams an impressive CBA resume.  It has also struck CBA fear in the hearts of some immortal GM's. The Brawlers whether in a good year or an occasional off season, do evoke pangs of fear in opposing GM's.  Belfast plays tough to the last out.  They played 2011 to the hilt scratching out wins against tough competition.  Generally through the seasons Belfast has been characterized as one of the better hitting franchises in Staub.  The teams usually hit for high team average and 2011 was no exception batting .270.  Power never a forte was better than last season with 116 Hr's which isn't awful in Stab.  A majortiy from the bat of team MVP once gain Aubrey Huff.  Huff 29 HR 116 RBI .313 is a Belfast legend competing in the MVP races many times for the Brawlers.  A BBD hall of famer, will he be back?  728 runs is pretty good in Staub as well. Alexi Ramirez had a break out 10 HR 80 RBI .323 season.   In a season where the bench and the lineup players were all over .270.  Jamie Carroll hit.306, Danny Valencia hit 4 HR 45 RBI .296 in his rookie year.  Freddie Sqanchez so good with the glove had a .295 bat, Rios and Napoli hit 14 and 17 HR respectively.  Joey Jay hit .306 in his rookie year.  Nate McClouth stole 17 bases, Alex Rios 14 HR 80 RBI 35 sb and 27 double plays, and Alexi 20 in 29 attempts, so speed again a specialty.  The Brawlers used old time small ball and employed the hit an run to maximum advantage.  An amazing 25 hits in 69 attempts with 52 runner advances best in CBA.  An amazing success ratio.  It's worthwhile it seems to have a B hit and run guy working behind the table setters.  They attempted and made 11 of 20 squeeze play attempts, second to only 12-21 by the Joliet Jacks. They sacrificed successfully 88 of 119 times for 73.9%.  Those strategies helped propel a healthy offense for the Brawlers.

The pitching was led by staff ace Trevore Cahill 16-7 3.10.  A little thin in the starters, the step down was to 10 wins by Craig Stammen 10-7 4.90.  Juan Contreras had 26 saves out of the pen.  A team 4.10 ERA 9th in Staub will need to come down in a conference where teams don't always score many runs.  A run and a half behind the Conference leader San Diego.  A wide margin.  The bullpen had some good numbers. They notched 44 saves and a .250 IRSC while the starters could only complete 4 games.  The team shut out opponents 8 times.  The defense was better than most with an excellent .786 X rating.  Fewer hits, fewer runners allowed and less base runner movement.  Kyle Davies had a solid season 4.28  9- 10. But the pen did it all. Jerry Lewis went 1.60  3-0, Manny Corpas  went 2.39  3-1,  Shawn Camp 2.58  7-1, Chris Ray  3.29  3-4, Hisanori Takahashi  3.36  5-6, and set up man Tony Pena finished at  3.74  3-2.  It was that pen that kept Belfast in it.  Belfast and Derek Adams will no doubt always find a way to maximize their talent.

It was a disappointing season for Staub finalist Longue Pointe owned by Dennis Concepcion.  Concepcion a lifetime Montreal Expos fan knows what suffering poor season is all about, now.  Prior to this season, the Loggers have compiled an impressive winning percentage over .550, including a 2005 World Championship.  Fans of the Loggers can remember classic playoof and series  performances and walk off HR not unlike this years playoffs and series.  Who can forget 'Miracle Mirabelli's huge playoff and clutch HR's.  Perhaps some remember Ichiro's walk off playoff game 7 winning HR.  Those days seem long ago and far away after a dismal season going 71-91.  Ichiro who once led CBA with a record setting .405 BA in 162 games, (Miguel Cabrera the other CBA player to top .400), fell to 4 HR 39 RBI .285 with only 25 SB. Not Ichiro like but good nonetheless.  Torii Hunter did manage a good offensive season with 26 HR 99 RBI and .305 BA, but alas was nailed 13 times on the paths stealing a pitiful 8 bases.   The Loggers couldn't play well on the road 20 games below .500, but .500 at home. A lot of the offensive woes were due to low on base numbers, and RBI production. The were able to move runners with the Hit and run 16 hits in 62 att with 45 advances. They were 3 for 7 on the squeeze and 69 for 87 sac 79.3%. Brandon Phillips was excellent at 2B with gold glove and bat 23 HR 79 RBI .290 20 SB 3 CS.  Recently traded Aramis Ramirez hit a disappointing .241 but did manage 22 HR and a weak 64 RBI's.  The team OBA was .318 and the slug .380.  They hit 132 HR's most by LP in years, with a .254 BA, stole 125 bases and had just 666 runs a dubious number.  The .380 slug was indeed an upgrade over last season. The offense was better than last years, but the pitching weaker.  Generally as LP always is a platoon style team.  The team concept didn't work too well this time, but is sure to be employed in the future.  The pitching staff faltered, especially the pen.

A team 4.05 ERA was nearly 3/4 of a run worse than 2010 where LP was near the CBA leadership.  LP dropped 9 notches in team ERA. The bullpen was not its usually dominant self with a .323 IRSC.  The fielding was shoddy and contributed to several loses .705 X rating.  The catchers Varitek, Laird, and Thole (1 HR 17 RBI .291), allowed .761 OSB, a poor number.  LP's defense, and pen seemed to be the biggest reason for the collapse.  Perhaps even the OBA could have been lived with, but it's certain LP will have their work cut out for them in 2012. Blaine Boyer 2.09  1-2 51.2 IP  41 Hits, was the only bright spot in the pen. CJ Wilson was awesome with a fantastic 2.43 2.43 14-7 152K's for a 91 loss team.
Old man river, Jaimie Moyer  3.02  6-7 and steady Tum Lincecum 3.35 12-7  209.2 IP 195 hits 212 K's wasn't his dominant self. Ryan Dempster 3.54  9-7 will see a drop off in 2012 as his card turns to crap. With so many poor team performances, it was hard to get excited about this team in 2011.  Dennis C will always find a way.

The Montreal Crows 52-110 had a well documented spectacular year in 2010 winning 90+. Now look. In 2011 it was almost certain not to be follwed up.  That didn't stop the building of the franchise as it looks like the Crows will take a step up in 2012.  This season not many highlites to talk about except for the great face to face battles that both Montreal and Belfast endured while Belfast chased the gold in the pennant drive.  Montreal did have some good performances worth noting, and was never a team to just lay down and let others roll over them.  The GM Doug Brunet would never allow his boys to tank not a single game.  Trades to bring in talent like James Shields, Daniel Hudson, Jordan Zimmerman, Cameron Maybin, and Robert Andino, to go along with improved 2011 MLB performances by Jeff Francoeur (2011 CBA  9 HR 31 RBI .241) , Jeff Keppinger (2011 CBA 4 HR 44 RBI .274 solid) bring youth promise and hope to Montreal. Todd Helton disappointed when he batted .260 this year in CBA with 13 HR  54 RBI, and Will the thrill.Venable batted .247 with 17 HR and  48 RBI's while stealing 36 bases, a great season. Alberto Callaspo hit 6 HR 48 RBI and .269.  Fred Lewis 7 HR 27 RBI and a good .274 BA. The pitching was poor to fair with a team 4.37 ERA.  Armando Galarraga 3.60  8-12, Tom Gorzelanny 3.63  6-11 and Livan Hernandez  went 3.74  6-16, but will he be back?  On a sadder note, Paul Maholm was better known for striking out Billy Crystal cause he sure didn't strikeout too many in CBA.  5.97  5-18 was pathetic. Will he be back? Fernando Rodney saved 22 games! but was 2-7 with a 6.26 ERA, so he was a sweet and sour patch kid.  Doug Brunet is admittedly building.  He is no doubt one of the teams that will take a step up in 2012.  Who else will be there to rise. Can new teams make the playoffs in 2012? Can anyone dethrone Brooklyn's Supebas with all that power.  We will wait till next season to find out.



 

Lake County has come up huge in the second half.  Playing role of Spoiler and knocking around Indiana taking 3 out 4 games, and perhaps stalling Indy's race for their 4th championship.  Look how David Jones Lake County Leopards took Skokie to the absolute limit.

 

BOXSCORE: 2011 Skokie Wolfmen At 2011 Lake County Leopards          9/15/2011
 
  Wolfmen            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Leopards           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  J.Repko CF          8  0  1  0 .222     D.Fowler CF        11  0  2  0 .246  
  O.Hudson 2B        11  1  1  0 .259     C.Guzman 2B        10  0  0  0 .236  
  M.Holliday LF      11  1  2  1 .331     G.Soto C            9  0  2  0 .274  
G-T.Crowe LF          0  0  0  0 .220     J.Michaels LF       5  0  1  0 .248  
  C.McGehee 3B        9  0  0  0 .273   D-A.Avila PH          1  0  0  0 .211  
  A.Ethier 1B         9  0  2  0 .297   E-C.Carter LF         4  0  0  0 .235  
  R.Castro DH         4  0  2  0 .322     G.Jones DH          9  1  1  0 .221  
A-C.Patterson PR,DH   6  0  1  1 .292     C.Ross RF           8  0  2  0 .256  
  M.Ordonez RF        8  0  1  0 .362   F-R.Spilborghs PH,RF  3  0  0  0 .261  
  Y.Molina C          4  0  1  0 .294     J.Rollins SS       10  0  4  1 .251  
B-B.Upton PR          0  0  0  0 .224     J.Loney 1B          9  0  1  0 .269  
C-J.Posada C          5  0  0  0 .189     J.Lopez 3B         11  0  2  0 .231  
  C.Izturis SS       10  0  1  0 .308                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      85  2 12  2                 Totals      90  1 15  1
 
A-Pinch Ran For Castro In 8th Inning
B-Pinch Ran For Molina In 11th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Upton In 11th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Michaels In 13th Inning
E-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Avila In 14th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Ross In 20th Inning
G-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Holliday In 25th Inning
 
Wolfmen......... 0 0 0  0 1 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  1 -  2 12  3
Leopards........ 0 0 0  0 0 1  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 -  1 15  0
 
Wolfmen (97-53)          IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
C.Lee                     6       8   1   1   1   3   0   3.65
M.Guerrier                1       0   0   0   0   0   0   7.07
R.Ramirez                 2       0   0   0   1   2   0   4.47
J.Soria                   3       1   0   0   1   2   0   3.24
C.Coleman                 2       0   0   0   0   0   0   2.34
D.Nippert                 0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   3.86
D.Oliver                  0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   5.43
J.Lopez                   2 1/3   2   0   0   2   0   0   2.91
M.Adams                   2       1   0   0   2   1   0   3.39
D.Bard                    2       2   0   0   0   1   0   3.53
T.Lilly WIN(13-6)         4       1   0   0   0   3   0   2.89
Totals                   25      15   1   1   7  12   0
 
Leopards (63-87)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
C.Silva                  10 1/3   8   1   1   5   8   0   5.55
J.Venters                 4       0   0   0   3   5   0   3.12
T.Clippard                2       1   0   0   1   0   0   3.19
J.Papelbon                3       0   0   0   1   3   0   3.05
B.Sanches LOSS(1-6)       5 2/3   3   1   1   1   7   0   4.41
Totals                   25      12   2   2  11  23   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 9,284 DATE- Tuesday, September 15th 2011 TIME- Night WEATHER- Bad
T- 7:50
LEFT ON BASE- Wolfmen:20  Leopards:23
DOUBLE PLAYS- Wolfmen: 1  Leopards: 0
ERRORS- O.Hudson, C.McGehee-2
DOUBLES- J.Repko(1st), M.Holliday(32nd), A.Ethier(33rd), G.Soto(11th),
         C.Ross(19th), J.Lopez(24th)
TRIPLES- O.Hudson(4th)
STOLEN BASES- J.Repko-2(2nd), B.Upton(20th), J.Rollins(13th)
CAUGHT STEALING- J.Repko, C.Patterson
SACRIFICE HITS- C.Guzman
WALKS- J.Repko-3, C.McGehee-2, A.Ethier-2, M.Ordonez-3, Y.Molina, G.Soto-2,
       C.Carter, G.Jones-2, J.Rollins, J.Loney
HIT BY PITCH- C.Patterson, J.Loney
STRIKE OUTS- J.Repko-3, O.Hudson-5, M.Holliday-2, C.McGehee, A.Ethier-3,
             R.Castro, C.Patterson-3, M.Ordonez, Y.Molina, J.Posada-2,
             C.Izturis, D.Fowler-4, J.Michaels, G.Jones, C.Ross-2,
             R.Spilborghs-2, J.Loney, J.Lopez
GIDP- J.Michaels
WILD PITCHES- J.Soria
PASSED BALLS- J.Posada
2-out RBI- J.Rollins
WEB GEMS- Bot 5th: Matt Holliday robbed Cristian Guzman of an extra base hit.
          Bot 20th: Jason Repko robbed Ryan Spilborghs of an extra base hit.
 
Ted Lilly came through with a solid 4 innings and left fielder Matt Holliday
had 2 base hits at Jacobs Field as the Skokie Wolfmen beat the Lake County
Leopards in 25 innings 2 to 1.
 
Both teams had scored 1 runs after nine full innings.  Finally, Skokie pulled
the game out in the 25th inning.  Holliday doubled.  After an out was
recorded, Andre Ethier came to the plate and drew a walk.  Corey Patterson
then slapped a one-base hit.  Despite losing, Lake County out-hit Skokie 15
to 12.  
 
Lilly(13-6) got credit for the victory, pitching 4 innings and allowing no
runs. Brian Sanches(1-6) ended up with the loss in relief.  
 

This one ranks right up there with the 28 inning, approximately 9 hour and 25 minute marathon back in 2005 between the visiting Loggers and the Neah Bay Whalers at Safeco Field.  Around the 14th inning stretch, the Whalers announced to the upper deck and loge level fans that they can move down to any field level seats to enjoy the game until the end.  This helped to consolidate fan services and allowed for the cleaning of the uppers.
 
In appreciation of the tireless baseball fans who remained to the very end of the game which had started at 8pm the previous night, the Loggers and Whalers had spontaneously called out to a nearby McDonald's around the 21st inning stretch and treated the hardy survivors to a full McD's breakfast menu with lots of coffee and orange juice which was delivered and ready for serving by the 25th inning.  The game finally ended
after the 28th inning stretch as LP held on to their winning tally against the Whalers final inning.
 
In lieu of any excuse notes for working fans who had to head out to work within a couple of hours (the game had concluded around 5am), the Whalers issued vouchers to be exchanged for a free pair of field or loge seats to any remaining Whalers games that season. Class act.
 
An experience to those that attended, would be a paraphrase of the great Mister Cub Ernie Banks,
"LET"S PLAY 3!!"
 
Dennis
Longue-Pointe 
Date: Sept./Oct. 2009 - extra game playoff
with Belfast -

The Skokie fans have been use to seeing their home team,
the Wolfmen, year in, year out playoff bound ..

however for the first time, in 2009, as their stars ran
out of gas - so to speak - in the extra playoff game
of the season, the Wolfmen didn't make it

plus have had a chance the two years before to
go to the CBA world series and come up empty -
as Skokie returned to the CBA, coming into
the Clemente Conference for the 2011 - the
management of the Wolfmen set some goals

the first goal was to get back to the playoff, which
was not seen as an easy goal - as the Clemente
conference has quite a few power teams - including
Indiana in our own conference - with 3 time champ
and nemesis Bob Fidler who beat Skokie in 7
in the 2008 CBA WS - especially with the way
Bob does his trades and builds his team - definitely
there were no guarantees that Skokie might make
it to the playoffs or win the conference - this would
be one of our most challenging seasons.

As the season started, the Skokie fans were in
shock going 0-6 in Block 1 - it appeared that
this was going to be a very long season but the
players believed and the team started to reverse
directions after the first few weeks.

There were big questions marks for Skokie if
we were to have success --

a) could we win with 3 main left handed starters?
(although we did pick up two righties for spot starts
of which we traded Nova to Cooperstown but this
was a trade we had to make)

b) how would our team do at the end of the season
due to usage? - would we fall as in 2009 when our
key players had to be rested - primarily Beltre and Tulo
(the trade for McGehee helped with Beltre as well as
another RH bat for 1B) - C. Itzuris has done an
amazing job filling in for Tulo - also Hudson too
at 2B - would need rest and Rhymes did an
amazing job - so this year we were prepared -
Crowe also filling in for Patterson in CF was
another key

c) The revolving doors at key positions - 1B was
a big question mark - who would we start - we tried
working with Betemit - Posada - LaRoche - surprisingly
LaRoche came through in the end of the season and
also again McGehee helping out - for catcher - we needed
3 catchers - using different strengths with Molina - Castro -
Posada - and the RF Platoon was amazing between
Ethier and Ordonez - combining for over 40 HRs and 140 RBIs
and then DH by committee too

anyway the key we have tried for every season is to have
enough diverse players to be ready for any type of pitching.
Also our staff too - with five solid starters and pretty good
relief with our defense at the end - this is what brought
Skokie its chance to return

Finally, after this past block, Skokie set a record for victories
in a season passing over 100 and finally sweeping
a block at the right moment -

so we wish to thank everyone for allowing Skokie to return to the
CBA - for those who have helped us with rules and procedures -
and we look forward to another great playoffs - as we have learned
many times in the CBA, the season record is not always a guarantee
who will win - one season we made it to the world series with 87 victories
but we created a team that could play in short series as I believe
we are now -

this email isn't to gloat but only to share our joy and excitement
as Skokie had a miracle week - we send good wishes to all the other
teams who have qualified for the playoffs and to those who are still
in the hunt - who will emerge as the 2011 CBA Champion -
of course this is Skokie's 2nd goal to get back to the WS - but
its not a sure thing with the great managers and teams in
Clemente

a good weekend to one and all and to the end of another
great season next week

The Skokie Wolfman
 

Father Steps Down, Son Takes Over

 
Montreal- Not surprisingly, during the press conference following yesterday afternoon's 5-2 win over the High Bridge Heaters that ended yet another extended losing streak, Robert Brunet announced that he is stepping down as manager of the Montreal Crows. He will, however, remain with the ball club as director of personnel and player development. In the interim, son and general manager Doug will assume both GM and manager roles for the club until, at the very least, the end of the season.
     "We won today, and I'm glad for that," said Robert Brunet, "but this was my last game as manager of the Montreal Crows. I wish Douglas and the players all the best going forward. I see a bright future for this team, but my part in that future now takes on a new personality."
     After a very successful campaign in only its' second season in which he managed the team to within 2 games of the post-season, Robert Brunet has met with only frustration and disappointment in 2011. The turnaround from a 91-71 mark to being 49 games below .500 has brought about many questions and much speculation as to the direction the team is going. Indeed, as it is the father who is stepping down, it is his son and interim successor who has come under criticism by both the fans and the media.
     The comments fired from all sides concerning some of the Crows front office moves have created a somewhat negative image around the club. The trading of fan favorite Rajai Davis to High Bridge remains a bitter pill unswallowed. In light of the fact that Colby Lewis was the key element in the Davis trade, the Lewis-for-Shields deal has met with no less bombardment, especially considering that the latter has yet to win a game in a Crows uniform while being tagged with 12 losses in 14 starts and stands at the prospect of losing his 20th game of the season in Maine when he faces the Express this Friday afternoon.  But yet, when approaching the players, one does not get the impression that the players themselves hold any of the sentiments expressed from the outside. 
     "I'm a little sad that Coach Brunet won't be with us on a daily basis," said veteran Todd Helton, "He's a congenial and soft-spoken man, but commands the respect of all the guys. I can't think of one time where anyone on this team had a bad word about Coach. As for that other stuff, we have no control over it. All I can say is that Doug Brunet is doing and will continue to do what he believes is best for this team. It's not fair to put the blame for our season on his shoulders. We have to go out and play this game, and as players we haven't done that. We haven't executed on the field the way we should. Things just don't seem to be working the way they did last year."
     One only has to examine the statistics to understand what Helton expressed. True, some elements were exchanged, some older players exchanged for younger ones. But it's also true that many of the players that made up a successful team in 2010 are part of a team floundering to one of the worst records in baseball in 2011. The pitching in general is not where it was last year, but is not far off the league average. The offense, however, has not been able to connect as a unit with anything close to consistency. 
     Did Rajai Davis really drive the offense that much in 2010? Can one player make a difference of 69 games in a season? Nobody who knows the game of baseball from the inside would ever say such a thing. Fans and the media, though, will think and say what they will nonetheless. Maybe it was too much too fast, but the fans got used to the excitement that Robert Brunet and the Crows generated in Montreal last year. A 12 game road trip begins tonight in Maine. One can hold out no hope for fanfare and celebration when Doug Brunet and the Crows return to Oscar Peterson Memorial Stadium on the 31st.

 

The battle this season is fierce. Several GM's faced with franchise altering decisions. Do I play for now or later?
Well with many teams in it, we've seen quite a few deals. Towaco was busy bringing bullpen help with lefty Phil Coke and righty closer specialist
Dan Wheeler. Blake and Kennesaw moved someplayers Drew Storen, and Mat Latos, to bring in some strong draft picks and address usage concerns.
Blake may not win it this year, but considering circumstances beyond his control affected his draft, Blake took one for the team and has sacrificed
and dealt to meet requirements. It is GM's like Blake whose passion for CBA drives us. On the otherhand, some teams were assesed penalties for
going over their alloted usage. We have had some incredible races going on in both Conferences. In Clemente things have started to become a little clearer.
Stirling and Ottawa had slipped back a little bit which put them further behind Indiana and Brooklyn in the wild card race. Both teams are within distance,
but time is quickly running out. This block was good for both teams as Ottawa swept Lake Co, and dropped 2 to Indiana. Stirling took 2 of 3
from Carolina, and Cooperstown. Papi, Vladdy, and Rickie Weeks have had huge years for Ottawa, Bryan,and Striling has gotten some good production from Carl Crawford,
Austin Kearns, and carlos Pena. They will both need to win big the next month. Brooklyn dropped 2 of 3 to the skokie Wolfmen who took a 4 game lead over Indiana this week.
Indiana and MVP candiate Josh Hamilton are making a strong push for a playoff spot. The Colby trade has been paying off as the staff ERA contnues to drop.
Brooklyn's pitching has betrayed their a-1 offense. Miguel Cabrera, Ryans Howard and Braun, Doumit, Infante, Wells, Markakis can put a hurtin on any team, and could
be deadly in a playoff series. Pitching will decide Clemente. Carolina has enough and holds the Parker with strong pitching.
Philly has a sizeable lead in the Schmidt. The Bashers made a case with a tough series win over Brooklyn, and is 12 for last 15.
Could it be that resurgent Bryan can disrupt all Clemente?

The Staub races are pretty much decided in Dawson and Carter where Limoilou and San Diego look to wrap it up early. Ohio, Towaco, has been dropped
quite a few games of late and have slipped to 4 games behind Ohio who is winning at a better clip.
This leaves a wild card race for the ages with the on rushing Joliet led by Jack Frost taking a 1 game lead over the Brawlers. Towaco is 4 out of the WC,
along with the not so hot High Bridge Heaters. High Bridge performed poorly against leaders Limoilou and SanDiego, both potential
playoff opponents. HB ace Carmona lost twice for them. So now, it looks like Belfast may have an advantage. The team gets on base at a high clip for Staub.
they will hit and be a pest witha team .275 BA. With Longue Pointe virtually out of the picture, and LP's usage poor, Belfast could fatten up on a weaker division, where as Towaco, Maine, Ohio, will face each other and knock each other
around. Joliet, High Bridge and San Diego will be all tough opponents. The month will be very exciting indeed.
Notes: Limoilou's offense is weak, but the pitching staff is one of the best ever. A 2.84 team ERA, .189 IRSC! San Diego has a .196!
Despite less than gaudy numbers, has anyone been more valuable to a teams offense than Aubrey Huff's 20HR 82 RBI .300 BA.
Miguel Cabrera has been sensation 36 HR 99 RBI, .332 BA looking for an MVP? Jose Batista may have something to say. Sunville's 3B-OF 55 HR 119 RBI,.264 BA. Could he break 70?
Jim Thome in 205 AB's 26 HR, 55 RBI, .307 BA. Could be Johnstone award candidate. Jared Weaver 3.03 10-8 for basement Cooperstown. Bright outlook for the Iron Horses.
Defintiely a spoiler now...Quietly Brett Cecil 12-6 2.95 and Rick Porcello 10-5, 2.58 have led the High Bridge Heaters staff this season.
Koji Uehara's efficient CBA career continues. He is 2-0 1.03 ERA with 19 saves in 2011. Remember his all star appearance last season in first half before injury slowed him?
Cory Harts bat has been carrying the Jackhammers. CBA's hottest team is now leading the wildcard race...The power compliments CBA swiftest team 189 steals. The Jacks Duensing having a good year...
Charles Wilson having a strong year for Longue Pointe. 10-6, 2.61 ERA, 145 IP, 104 hits....

 
 

 
LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2011 C.B.A.
 
Dawson                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  The Skinny
2011 Limoilou LWD            67  36  .650 ----  This team is a major surprise with no stats leaders. Could wrap up title quickly  
2011 Belfast BBD             57  46  .553 10.0  Very tough, fighting for wildcard spot.  Brawlers get on base .343 Huff and Alexei shine.      
2011 Longue Pointe LLD       46  57  .447 21.0  A disappointing season for Concepcion. Starters pitch well, team doesn't respond.     
2011 Montreal MCD            32  71  .311 35.0  Looking to 2012, the Crows can spoil and become a ravenous nightmare for Staub.      
 
Rogers                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  The Skinny

2011 Towaco TWR              58  45  .563 ----  Poor July, Swept in Bk16 by Maine, and 2-3 by HB, The Wolfpack have to hold on as Rogers foes move up. 
2011 Ohio OOR                56  47  .544  2.0  Rushing fast! The Outlawz were 11 out on June 30th! now 2 back in less than a month.      
2011 Maine MER               50  53  .485  8.0  Here's comes the MK Express.  .500 the goal, was 14 out June 20, now only 8. A-Gone on a tear.      
2011 Kennesaw Mtn KWR        31  72  .301 27.0  Despite some talent, the Braves are struggling and likely done in '11. The crafty vet Blake will ruin conteders chances        
 
Carter                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  The Skinny

2011 San Diego SSC           79  24  .767 ----  Solid and in good shape usage wise.  SD could break 120 win CBA record. 
2011 High Bridge HHC         56  47  .544 23.0  Miller must fight off Frosts Jackhammers.  Closer could become an issue as Uehara has done a fine job to now. Usage a concern.      
2011 Joliet JJC              56  47  .544 23.0  This team is moving up into the elite teams with a great July. Pierre and Bourn best SB tandem in CBA?      
2011 New Jersey NBC          30  73  .291 49.0  DeJesus, Stanton, and Lowry star.  Niemann has pitched far better than 3-11 indicates.
 
Schmidt                     WON LOST  PCT   GB  The Skinny

2011 Philly PPS              64  39  .621 ----  Hite is pulling all the stops and is starting to break away from the pack.  
2011 Ottawa OOS              55  48  .534  9.0  The Otters have slowed down after last months torrid pace.  Still an elite team with future HOFers Ortiz, Vladdy, and the under rated Rick3 Weeks.      
2011 Stirling SRS            52  51  .505 12.0  What has happened to the RedSox? After Choo and Pena, little power has hurt Nellum in Clemente division.      
2011 New Hampshire NWS       26  77  .252 38.0  Great block 16 winning 3 of 4 from contending Otters.  Tabata and Wheeler playing well. Brandon League is lights out!  
 
Monday                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  The Skinny

2011 Skokie SWM              63  40  .612 ----  A purely excellent all around team. Great power n pitching. Patterson has been a revelation adding needed speed to the arsenal.
2011 Indiana IRM             60  43  .583  3.0  Fidlers magic is starting to pay dividends. Lewis has settled the staff with 9 decent starts. Now if Kuroda pitches well, Clemente will suffer. ,      
2011 Bryan KBM               49  54  .476 14.0  After a promising June, the Bashers have slipped back below .500.  Power needs to resurge.      
2011 Lake County LLM         44  59  .427 19.0  Jones's Leopard's are playing much better ball. Aside from a Carolina sweep, this team had a great July...but so did SWM, BSP, and IRM...      
 
Parker                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  The Skinny

2011 Brooklyn BSP            61  42  .592 ----  Brooklyn is a battling team. Huge offense, not so huge pitching despite a good 4 man rotation. Cabrera, Infante, Braun, Howard, and Doumit are puttin em up in Coors.  
2011 Carolina CCP            60  43  .583  1.0  Copperheads swept Bryan, but then dropped 3 of 4 vs Sunville.  They must find a way to beat Brooklyn and the SunJewels in 2011. Thome amazing numbers!     
2011 Sunville SSP            48  55  .466 13.0  Could we see a resurgent SunJewels in the final third? Bautista is scorching, and Cargo is now on fire.  Parker is in trouble.     
2011 Cooperstown CIP         36  67  .350 25.0  Winning of late, split 4 with Brooklyn, won vs Wildcats and Stirling.  Spoiler!      
 
 
SC Wild Card Standings      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2011 Belfast BBD             57  46  .553 ----    59  
2011 High Bridge HHC         56  47  .544  1.0        
2011 Ohio OOR                56  47  .544  1.0        
2011 Joliet JJC              56  47  .544  1.0        
2011 Maine MER               50  53  .485  7.0        
2011 Longue Pointe LLD       46  57  .447 11.0        
 
CC Wild Card Standings      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2011 Indiana IRM             60  43  .583 ----    60  
2011 Carolina CCP            60  43  .583 ----        
2011 Ottawa OOS              55  48  .534  5.0        
2011 Stirling SRS            52  51  .505  8.0        
2011 Bryan KBM               49  54  .476 11.0        
2011 Sunville SSP            48  55  .466 12.0        


Press releases by JM Blakely                      Block 16

 

Aramis Ramirez is CBA .317 with a card that hit .241.  I say this is pretty good considering our league.  Let’s hope that Aramis keeps this going and the gods of Strato give him a deserving card.  Omar Infante leads the league in hitting.  Wow.  .347.  Adrian Beltre leads the CBA with 129 hits.  Ricki Weeks has pounded 23 homers in only 379 at bats!  Jose Bautista is a beast.  Angel Pagan, the devil, leads the CBA with 20 intentional passes!  Mike Koepp has programmed his team to straddle the plate enabling both Andruw Jones and Aaron Rowand to receive 13 bruises each while the Prince of Fielder leads the CBA with 18!  Prince has some fat to absorb the shock.  Not sure what Andruw Jones and Aaron Rowand are doing.  Big Albert is half way to 200 RBIs!  92!  Man, please. The man drives in runs as long as a team member reaches first base!  Jose Bautista has as many as Phat Albert. How does the Joey Votto card produce fewer homers (13) than Ryan Howard (25)?  Juan Pierre and Carl Crawford have 58 and 54 swipes!  When those guys are walked, they break out in a sprint to 2B!  Next closest is Michael Bourn at 39.  Am I reading this correctly….Miguel Cabrera produces 10 runs every 27 outs? (RUNS CREATED/27 OUTS)  The slugging and on-base percentages are wild and very close to actual totals.  Cabrera, Josh Hamilton and J. Bautista must use boat paddles for bats.

 

Top three ERA leaders are all left-handed pitchers as are seven of the top ten….left handed pitchers can’t be successful in Stratomatic?  Who said that, lol!  Randy Wolf is first with a 2.02 ERA

 

CBA pitchers finish what they start, especially Zack Greinke and J. Weaver with 10 and 11 complete games.  Matt Capps has 25 saves.  As for the younger Weaver, he is at 175 strikeouts.  What is the record for strikeouts recorded by a pitcher in the CBA?

 

Dan Haren is the “Hammer” of CBA pitchers with….1….homerun.

 

That’s all for now.  Making my pitchers take batting practice……….

 
LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2011 C.B.A.
 
Dawson                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Limoilou LWD            47  30  .610 ----  Beating lefties, despite a .228 avg 
2011 Belfast BBD             42  35  .545  5.0  Making a challenge.  Cahill an ace    
2011 Longue Pointe LLD       37  40  .481 10.0  After reaching .500 fell to rising Joliet in series 2.      
2011 Montreal MCD            25  52  .325 22.0  Yes... A Hard luck roller in 2011     
 
Rogers                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Towaco TWR              47  30  .610 ----  Kevin Gibson's magic leads Towaco.  Rasmus and Quentin star.
2011 Ohio OOR                38  39  .494  9.0  Chris Young red hot. Hanging around .500, need to have strong 2nd half.     
2011 Maine MER               35  42  .455 12.0  Could be on the cusp of CBA oblivion. Adriax hacks 22 HR.     
2011 Kennesaw Mtn KWR        26  51  .338 21.0  Wait till next year. Players could be moving.     
 
Carter                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 San Diego SSC           59  18  .766 ----  Perhaps the best balanced team in CBA history? Is SD really that good?  
2011 High Bridge HHC         44  33  .571 15.0  Wild card contender, Millers patience paying dividends.      
2011 Joliet JJC              40  37  .519 19.0  Jack's team is surging.      
2011 New Jersey NBC          22  55  .286 37.0  Stanton and Lowrie stars...      
 
Schmidt                     WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Stirling SRS            44  33  .571 ----  This team is fighting with all theyve got.  
2011 Philly PPS              44  33  .571 ----  Hite's team is in a dogfight this year.      
2011 Ottawa OOS              43  34  .558  1.0  The Otters are a playoff contender.  Playing strong ball in tough division.     
2011 New Hampshire NWS       19  58  .247 25.0        
 
Monday                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Skokie SWM              49  28  .636 ----  Skokie is red hot.  Wolfman making his move, leaving Indy behind. 
2011 Indiana IRM             44  33  .571  5.0  Will struggle keeping up with Skokie, but trades could make difference in long run.     
2011 Bryan KBM               39  38  .506 10.0  Struggling block 12, needs to rebound to remain in contention.      
2011 Lake County LLM         28  49  .364 21.0  Tough year for Jones, with a team who can beat any team on any given day.     
 
Parker                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Carolina CCP            46  31  .597 ----  Very strong week beating Sunville and C Town to tie. 
2011 Brooklyn BSP            46  31  .597 ----  Struggled a little with pitching, but offense is cookin      
2011 Sunville SSP            36  41  .468 10.0  Dropped off after 2 poor weeks.  Should rebound.     
2011 Cooperstown CIP         24  53  .312 22.0  This team could be a beast in '12     
 
 
SC Wild Card Standings      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2011 High Bridge HHC         44  33  .571 ----    84  
2011 Belfast BBD             42  35  .545  2.0        
2011 Joliet JJC              40  37  .519  4.0        
2011 Ohio OOR                38  39  .494  6.0        
2011 Longue Pointe LLD       37  40  .481  7.0        
2011 Maine MER               35  42  .455  9.0        
 
CC Wild Card Standings      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2011 Carolina CCP            46  31  .597 ----    86  
2011 Brooklyn BSP            46  31  .597 ----        
2011 Stirling SRS            44  33  .571  2.0        
2011 Philly PPS              44  33  .571  2.0        
2011 Indiana IRM             44  33  .571  2.0        
2011 Ottawa OOS              43  34  .558  3.0        

 


(AP News release Brooklyn NY....May 16th 13:10....Svooge)

Roll what? the Brooklyn cab drivers are snickering. The 2011 season has hardly been a great one to start,
but fight? Yeah they have a real fight on their hands with not just the Parker division, but the 
improved ballclubs all over Clemente. Clemente looks like a dominant conference. Brooklyn bats have
responded for the most part with some power and hits in their barely .500 season. Should they think 
for the playoffs? Should they move towards the future. Many Brooklyn fans think the time is now, with
some excellent offensive and defensive players in the midst. The problem has been pitching or lack thereof.
Although it has improved somewhat, BSP starters have struggled allowing approximately a half run more than 
last year a 97 win season. Brooklyn's team ERA is despite and improved defense in the OF, and middle infiled 
with Markakis, Wells, and Brauin improving their ratings, and Uribe and Vizquel as well. Somehow, the staff
isn't shining. Halladay has been disappointing until now +21 Whip, 5-4 4.68 ERA. Edwin Jax a major problem 
with numbers off the charts 3-4 8.89 ERA. Whats that? Dickey has been sickey 2-3 5.63, and it could be soon
that he is used as trade bait in a deal.
The fans have started to get agitated. In a game last week, fans took to hurling jars of Tartar sauce 
at opposing players in a rediculous effort to stir up some team spirit and good play. Said NY cabbie Shetstayne DelPamper 
"It Is important to make other teams feel like fish out of water". Whatever warped reasoning the fans of Brooklyn and
the boroughs have, its clear they won't be having any parades through Prospect Park or down Avenue M if the pitching staff
doesn't settle down.

 
LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2011 C.B.A. Block 8 May 15th 2011
 
Dawson                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Limoilou LWD            35  16  .686 ----  CBA best pitching. The Little offense that could  
2011 Belfast BBD             29  22  .569  6.0  Scrap Iron tough. Huff another MVP type season      
2011 Longue Pointe LLD       21  30  .412 14.0  Pitching keepin em barely alive. Travis Ishikawa red hot despite team offense.     
2011 Montreal MCD            18  33  .353 17.0  Pitching can beat the best, and lose to the worst. No power.     
 
Rogers                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Towaco TWR              33  18  .647 ----  CBA's cinderella team of 2011. Power in Staub conf goes a long way.
2011 Ohio OOR                26  25  .510  7.0  Inconsistant week to week. Better at home, Nolasco and Buchholz solid.      
2011 Maine MER               21  30  .412 12.0  Uggla,Kemp,Headley culprits for poor start. When they heat up will it be too late?     
2011 Kennesaw Mtn KWR        19  32  .373 14.0  Encarnacion with 12 HR highlite dismal start for Blake's building team      
 
Carter                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 San Diego SSC           39  12  .765 ----  Only question is will they set a CBA record 120 wins held by 2002 Philly?   
2011 High Bridge HHC         28  23  .549 11.0  Fading a bit after torrid start. Phenomenal pitching, and Mora.      
2011 Joliet JJC              24  27  .471 15.0  Joliet starting to play good ball. Moving up a bit after slow start. Pierre and Bourn electric    
2011 New Jersey NBC          13  38  .255 26.0  Lowrie and Stanto show power. Built for the decade.    
 
Schmidt
                     WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2011 Stirling SRS            30  21  .588 ----   110  
2011 Philly PPS              28  23  .549  2.0        
2011 Ottawa OOS              28  23  .549  2.0        
2011 New Hampshire NWS       11  40  .216 19.0        
 
Monday                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Skokie SWM              32  19  .627 ----  Never a doubt in Wolfie's mind. Skokie the class of Clemente. Team built to last  
2011 Indiana IRM             30  21  .588  2.0  Fidler hounding the Wolf in one of CBA's key rivalries. They met in the Finals and in real life.     
2011 Bryan KBM               27  24  .529  5.0  Bryan is the X factor that could change the wildcard race. Playoff caliber, good P with Gregg having all star start.   
2011 Lake County LLM         20  31  .392 12.0  Faded against division in block 7,8 could rebound easily. Team looks like it could be a dominant force in years to come.     
 
Parker                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Carolina CCP            31  20  .608 ----  Struggled with Ottawa, but well balanced. The pitching rules here.  
2011 Sunville SSP            26  25  .510  5.0  The SunJewels maybe a longshot, but look at that team again, they could take a wildcard or more.      
2011 Brooklyn BSP            26  25  .510  5.0  In Coors, P is key.  With a rested starting staff, they should win more games. Usage problems in Mid INF could hurt playoff chances.
2011 Cooperstown CIP         17  34  .333 14.0  McGeehee on fire, Delmon showing big power.  

 

 

Newcomer Lewis to pitch home opener

Montreal(AP)- Crows right-hander Colby Lewis will be Robert Brunet's starting pitcher for the home opener against Longue Pointe on Sunday at Oscar Peterson Memorial Stadium. He's expected to face Canadian born Ryan Dempster for the crosstown rival Loggers, which could shape up as a righty duel if Lewis' first start is an indication of his capabilities. 
     It was supposed to be veteran Livan Hernandez taking the ball to open at home. But, with Feldman on the disabled list to start the season, it moved the rotation up a slot meaning Hernandez will start the third and deciding game in the series against Belfast and Brawlers ace Trevor Cahill. Lewis' slot in the rotation falls 'just right' as far as he is concerned.
     "I consider it an honor," said Lewis, "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
     In his first start in Limoilou, Lewis showed the stuff that prompted general manager Doug Brunet to make the trade that sent fan favorite Rajai Davis to the High Bridge Heaters. He had a nervous beginning allowing a couple of runs on a walk and a hit in the first inning against the Wendigo. After inducing lead-off man Angel Pagan to ground out, he walked Jason Bartlett on four pitches. The always dangerous Prince Fielder then took a 2-0 pitch that headed to the gap in right-center, which might have scored Bartlett if not for a heads up play by Crows right fielder Jeff Francoeur. Lewis uncorked a wild one to Curtis Granderson that catcher Lou Marson had no chance on, scoring Bartlett and moving Fielder to third who would also score on Granderson's sac fly. Ramon Hernandez grounded out to end the inning. He settled down after that, giving up only one hit over his next seven innings before giving way to Fernando Rodney in the ninth. Unfortunately for Lewis, he had to watch from the dugout as Rodney's 3-1 pitch to Ian Stewart left the ballpark for a 3-run walk off homer after the home guys had already tied the score.
     "Hey, that's baseball," Lewis mused. "Sure I would have liked a chance to finish up. But, I'm not gonna play that second guessing game. Fernando's our closer and that's that. I had no hard feelings handing over the ball. It's a team game. I'm sure I'll have my times when the guys come in and get me out of a jam."
     It's unsure yet just what kind of home opener the Crows can expect with all the Loggers fans who will undoubtedly fill many of the seats. The senior team has no shortage of support in the city.
     " Well, there's no way to pick and choose who buys the tickets," says manager Robert Brunet. "Anyway, like we saw last year, we get quite a few of ours at LaMarre Field when they host us. It's great for the city, and great for the guys on both teams. More games at home with the families."
     No matter what happens, Oscar Peterson Memeorial Stadium will be a noisy place come Sunday.

Cooperstown undergoes major overhaul.

 
Cooperstown -- While most GM's were finishing holliday shopping and arranging holiday travel arrangents, Bob Fidler and Jon Stamets were hammering out the details on a blockbuster trade that will reshape the present and future of each of their teams.
 
It has been a whirlwind of an offseason for the Iron Horses, and now that the dust has settled, Cooperstown fans are struggling to find familiar names in the newly revamped roster.  Gone are anchors of the rotation Adam Wainwright, Jon Lester and Kirboki Kuroda.  Onto greener pastures are hitters Justin Morneau, Travis Hafner, Raul Ibanez and Magglio Ordonez along with closer Francisco Cordero. 
 
Without the offensive firepower needed to hang in the tough Parker division, the Iron Horses acknowledged a change was neccesary.  "Considering the age of the veterans on the team, we needed to go for it now, or step back, retool and come back strong in 2012," Jon said, "We've made the team younger and added players who should be cornerstones of the team for years to come."
 
The rebuild began with help from the newly relocated Skokie.  GM Josh "Wolfman" Shapiro wants to kick of the rebirth of his storied CBA franchise with a championship sesaon.  Skoakie added a veteran presense and middle of the order bat to the lineup in Magglio Ordonez.  Cooperstown was able to add young speedster Eric Young Jr. as well as a solid young backstop Nick Hundley. 
 
Next came a deal with Joe Wallace and his San Diego team.  "We needed a big left handed bat and a lefty in the rotation," Joe explained.  They certainly solved that need adding perenial MVP candidate Justin Morneau as well as young ace Jon Lester and catcher Nick Hundley.  Cooperstown added established youngsters Delmon Young and Jhoulys Chacin and also filled their closer need with Francisco "KRod" Rodriguez as well as oft-injured, but ace calibur SP Jake Peavy.  "We were hoping to focus a deal around Harden and Peavy, but we knew that in order to obtain a pitcher like Lester, either Daniel Hudson or Jhoullys would need to be included," Joe said.  In the end it was Chacin heading to Cooperstown.
 
Cooperstown and Stirling came together in a couple small deals sending utility man Jerry Hairston Jr. and young OF Lasting Milledge to the Iron Horses.  Stirling added picks to the deal in exchange for picks a round higher.  "When it came time to establish our 24 man roster, we just didn't have the room for those two guys," Stirling GM Malachi Nellum said, "We were just happy to see them go somewhere they could be better used and wish both of them the best."
 
When the Wolfmen of Skoakie needed to add some offense from the left side prior to the cut deadline, he knew where he could find it.  "We contacted Cooperstown since names had been thrown around before and a deal came together quickly," Josh said.  Cooperstown sent lefties Raul Ibanez and Travis Hafner for right hander Alfonso Soriano and a late pick.
 
After dealing Soriano and Hafner, the Cooperstown lineup needed some pop.  Corey Light had a different need for his Bashers.  "Speed was something the Bashers hadn't had in quite some time, and Brett gives us that plus great OBP and defense in the OF," Corey said.  He was referring to Brett Gardner, who Bryan acquired from Cooperstown for 1B/3B Casey McGehee.  With the departure of Morneau, the Iron Horses not only filled the void he left at 1B, but added some extra punch to a lineup that's seen many of its best hitters depart the team.
 
It was clear no player was untouchable on the Cooperstown roster, and rumors were flying as to who could possibly be dealt next.  Could KRod or Delmon Young be sent packing before even suiting up in an Iron Horse uniform just like Hundley?  Could ace pitcher Jered Weaver be moved?  What about the team leader Brian McCann and others?  For now at least, these players will still call Cooperstown home, but the same can't be said for Adam Wainright, Hiroki Kuroda, newly acquired Alfonso Soriano and Jerry Hairston Jr. as well as long time closer Francisco Cordero. 
 
These players were traded to Bob Fidler's Indiana Redbirds.  At first, it didn't appear a trade was possible.  "I knew we didn't have the ammunition to pull off a deal for Wainright," Bob said.  Things changed, however, when the Redbirds acquired a pair of young phemoms, Madison Bumgarner and Bud Norris, in seperate deals with Kennesaw and Joilet.  "After those deals were made, the Cooperstown front office contacted us and let us know a deal might be possible."
 
For two weeks, through nearly daily corrospondance, the two sides negotiated, fine tuned and tweaked the deal, at one point erasing and starting over before coming to an agreement.  "This is the type of deal that I love.  Careful deliberation by both sides, evaluating not only the needs of our own team, but of the other team as well to help create a realistic agreement," Jon said. 
 
It was established that in order to let go of Wainright, Cooperstown was going to have to receive a young trio of starters including Norris and Bumgarner, as well as Tommy Hunter.  "We knew we'd need the 3 of them, but also acknowledged that price was too high for Wainright alone," Jon said.  With a premium on young pitching these days, the Iron Horses were willing to add aging, but still effective starter Hiroki Kuroda to the deal, along with Alfonso Soriano, Hairston Jr. and Francisco Cordero.  Indiana added young shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera as well as their 1st and 3rd round picks in this years draft.  "We have always been high on Cabrera, but with Jose Reyes as our starter, we were able to include him without hurting ourselves too much in the short term." Bob continued, "Wagner will be taking the ball in the 9th inning for us, but Cordero will be a reliable guy to go to in setup situations and spell Billy if needed.  Soriano's power is a welcome addition to the lineup and Hairston Jr.'s ability to play anywhere on the field gives us a lot of flexibility. 

 

 
The 2009 CBA champion Redbirds are certainly built to win.  Their rotation of Wainright, Oswalt, Kuroda and Garland give them one of the best big 4 in CBA.  "Right now Figueroa and Kazmir are penciled in to compete for the 5th starter spot, but we're still looking at options outside the organization."  Wainright now becomes a candidate likely to win 20 games or more, pitching for a team who's lineup contains Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton as well as three other players who should hit 20 or more HRs.  This deal makes the Redbirds a favorite for a playoff spot with the possibility of yet another CBA championship.
 
As for the Iron Horses, their eyes are set on 2012.  With a young quintet of starting pitchers consisting of Jered Weaver, Madison Bumgarner, Bud Norris, Jhoullys Chacin and Tommy Hunter and led by vets Javier Vazquez and Jake Peavy, 2011 will be used to evaluate their best options for a rotation going forward from 2012.  "We'll probably be limiting most guys to 100-150 innings with the exception of Weaver, even Javy and Jake will be given extra time off."
 
When asked if offseason dealings were over for the Iron Horses, Jon smirked and responded, "Never say never."  When asked about his draft plans, he was more specific.  "We plan to bring in a player or 2 to compete with Milledge in RF.  We will also be looking for a left handed bat to help out at 1B/3B and maybe in the OF as well.  There are a couple pen spots that need to be filled and you can never have too much starting pitching.  We're willing to fill these spots through trades though... I much prefer a bird in the hand, but now that we have 5 picks in the first 3 rounds, we should be able to find players who suit our needs."
 
Though most of the Iron Horse veterans have been traded, one thing is clear.  The Iron Horse's front office phone lines will always be open for incoming calls from other GM's for a trade, no matter how big or small.


December2010

  CBA 2010 Season In Review

Can you believe since Newsletter #1 in 2003 (press archive) we have had 290 of these league memo's?   Lots of writing.  Well here's the state of CBA right now.  Where we are at.  First I'd like to commen each and every one of you for a Phantastic (In respect to Philly) year.  It was well run on each end.  You guys were a) Efficient b) Reliable  c) Prompt d) Careful.  It made the league office job so much easier than the year before.  In fact this season for this first in 3 years had no major crashes.  In an attempt for the truest statistics, or CBA  Excutive Consultant Jack Frost managed to eliminate a statistical anomaly.  A game was counted 2 times. Jack Painstakingly rebuilt from all our carefully archived files the season eliminating the problem and even managed to trim the 'memory fat' from the main files so file size were smaller.  This year the player notebook file which we always record highlites, ate much memory. 1 or 2 megs.  This is just 1 reason why Jack Frost is well respected by the commmisioners office.  His scheduling work is another.  I would like to acjnowledge publically his fine and dedicated efforts.  His love for CBA is the motivation.

     This years administration did a fine job working behind the scenes.  It was a team effort without question.  The proper and efficient running of an organziation like CBA requires effort from several.  It starts at the top.  Your league Presidents set the tome for CBA, a league whcih has a VERY positive vibe.  I must say, that is the coolness factor of our GM's and the tone and manner and friendships that have evolved for which I am most proud. Friends, not just acquaintances have been made.  GM's have met, socialized, Netplayed, talked deal, BS with each other, and now become part of each others lives.  Wheres the tissue? Tito? Jermaine?  And this years Academy award goes to...
Cory Light. A trusted and awesome CBA person. We owe MAJOR thanks to Cory, who at his OWN expense provides us with our CBA website.  The domain is his, and server fees are his contribution.  Its more than appreciated on my end and judging by the webstats, by many others internationally who do follow our league...especially at draft time since we generally are the first to draft the new cards, and be on MLB schedule with our statistics.  There are quite a few who track our stats to project for their own league uses.  The draft is a template for many when their drafts begin as well.  Its somewhat of an honor when we do get our occasional emails from web visitors.  Cory Light sets the tone with his personality and diplomacy.  CBA elder statesman on council.  Cory's vote carries alot of respect and weight in council.  Thanks again Cory, you're the best.

Dennis Concepcion is another integral part of the machine. Dennis also is the true spirit of CBA and section 15.  His manner and enthusiasm has transformed CBA directly and indirectly from a league in transition to a positive, fun, and stable league. His voice of reason and innovation is resposible for making CBA not only a basic run of the mill Strat league to a league with a personality.  A league which has taken on a life force through his Press releases and finely detailed and comprehensive photo galleries are known throught the Stratworld.  Yes, CBA is well known after 13 seasons. Dennis is also active in trade council and rules committee discussions. 

JD Adams is our Usage Commisioner and going into his 2nd season on trade committee.  The committee consists of JD, Dennis, Cory, Rob Hite and myself. Derek has done an excellent job for 3 seasons now review usage, and saving the office time while creating a custom easy to use weekly reference that is simply unique to CBA.  Its is so easy, a caveman can use it.  CBA has evolved technically, and is even more user friendly thanks to Derek who has eased the time it takes to set upa weekly CM.  Since inception, I have noticed our weekly CM forwarding rate to have increased from about 11 or 12 per week to about 16-17 on and off list.  Make no mistake, your GM 'friends' are trying to beat you.  They're tailoring CM's to match your teams, and beat you.  It about winning, not the draft.   Thanks Derek.  These are our council members for 2011 season.

Within the CBA core are our consultants. Executive Technical  consultant Jack Frost, and Committee consultants Rob Hite, Jack Jung, and for 2011 Doug Brunet.  Rob  is a CBA elder statesman, and original member who played in another league with founder Claude LaMarre, and is always well known in Strat circles.  He also enters the World Series looking for his 3 crown.  Hite lends his expertise again in 2011 as an executive consultant to committee.  Rob has his input and league rules and issues of importance. 2001 CBA Champion Jack Jung of Ottawa Otters fame is another 13 year original veteran is on hand to assist with some rule committee and council input on an as needed basis.  Doug Brunet Joins us with a wealth (30+ years) of Strat-o-matic experience.  He is thorough and sharp. He will assume duties as a council consultant, and Transaction, Roster Management official.  He joins our council list.  Consultants do no have an official vote on trade council, but their opinions are sometimes asked or presented in the decision making and voting process.  Generally trade committee needs majority to pass, however 1 dissention is enough to trigger a committee action to review a trade then a final vote.  GM’s input are welcome to Committee if presented to a league President for introduction.  This procedure is in effect for trade review and rules committee review.  Suggestions are welcome via proper channels to committee, not on CBA_List.

The season started with the opening draft and a flurry of trade activity preceding and during what was a smooth and exciting 2010 draft.   There was a trendous amount of trade activity leading up to the February draft.  Many trades involved draft picks exchanging hands.  Picks high, and not so surprisingly with the increased vale of the late rounds, due to our CBA formula, many late picks were not only relevant but brought in some good talent in late rounds.  Big names moved.  Long time Basher Michael Young brought back power bat of Nick Swisher.  Bryan, now adds in 2011 Paul Konerko as they look to slug way to playoffs.  Brett Myers went to Carolina, Carmona went for a 5 to High Bridge.  Ian Kinsler also went to the Coppersheads for a 1.  C Town got Jav Vasquez for a 1, Bryan also got Jason Bay.  Brooklyn answered by picking up Ryan Braun, and Nick Markakis. In a win, win trade a busy BSP also swapped 2010 MVP candidate and Staff ace carlos Zambrano.  Joliet acquired Corey Hart for a few late draft picks from C Town.   Jon Buck only cost Ohio a #4, and Southwest got Cy candidate Theodore Lilly.  Cooperstown countered by snatching up MVP contender Brian McCann. Kurt Suzuki catcher, went to Striling.  Malachi Nellum made a lot of off season moves in 2010, including acquiring closer Joe Nathan for the stretch run.    The draft saw a lot of talent move in round 1.  Strasberg went to Keth Jones Sunville as the 1st overall pick.  He was followed by Rick Porcello, and Brian Matusz.  Andy Bailey was the fourth but was just dealt for 2011 to Kennesaw Mt.

Other first rounders included Carlos Gonzalez, Chris Coughlin, Mat Latos, Trevhor Cahil went to Belfast late round 1, Scott Podsednick, and Garrett Jones as well.  Some good talent also spread into the round 10 where Josh Thole, and Ike Davis both were drafted. 

With the races now over and Philly’s Rob Hite and the Phantastics the CBA 2010 champions, here is a team by team analysis by division.   We start this year looking at the Schmidt division home of the world champ Phantastics.  Philly dominated the entire season start to finish.  It was no accident as Rob Hite custom designs his teams and trades for select players to fit his franchise model.  The team was led by MVP candidate Derek Jeter who rebounded to post excellent stats, and more so winning baserunner movement and clutchness.  17Hr  69RBI  .311 27sb.  Although the team only hit .269, a low for Philly over the past several years, the HR bat was there slugging 282 of them.  Homer wise they were among CBA;'s best ever.  The ballpark helps them there.  Philly has always known the long ball. 13 players had double digit RBI’s.  Eight players hit 20+ HR with Berkman in what could be his last huge season hittling 32 and Ut Chasely hitting a big 36 HR.  Philly added speed to their mix in ’10 swiping 84 SB, which is a lot for this 3 run HR team.  The top of the order averaged around a .370 on base.  So natural that runs get plated. The offense numbers .354 OBA overall, .834 total avg, but the .480 slug is down a bit for Philly, but where the offense and defense was balanced, the pitching stepped it up. 

Not known for pitching lately, the Phantastics allowed only a .257 BA.  The relief corps wasn’t too effective allowing 33% of opposing runners to score once brought in.  In fact they blew many saves.  Quite a few Clemente teams blew alot of saves as well showing a pattern for the juiced up Clemente offenses providing alot of late heroics and pop.  They converted only 55 of 83 saves oppoprtunities.  Despite Verlander's CY Young season, he had the least run support from his starting crew 5.17 runs per games while the others got generally a half run more support. The season was a tremendous success for 3 times champion Rob Hite.  Executive consultant and long time CBA friend. Rob is the cream of CBA's GM crop for 2010.  Will he be again in 2011?

The Stirling RedSox have officially been transitioned to Malachi Nellum.  Wayne McGee steps aside, retires and will undoubtedly gain entry into CBA's Hall of Fame when balloting is issued in January 2011.  This team has been built almost ground up into a contender by former Alamo City Flames GM Nellum who as VP and director of player personel, had drafted traded, acquired and revamped the once moribund RedSox into a streamlined talent laden organziation.  Last year, Stirling was edged out of a wildcard spot by the Carolina Copperheads and Brooklyn Superbas in the final week of the season. Carolina took the final series against both Brooklyn and Stirling.   Striling lost out of the playoffs by dropping 3 of 4 to the eventual World Champion Philly Phantastics, while Brooklyn swept away Cooperstown in the final series after losing before to theCarolina Parker champs.  It was Clementes closest race in many years and any one of the final teams dancing, Stirling, Superbas, CTown could have won it.  Stirling was a player all year.  They started out owning Schmidt throughout April.  In May Philly took the eventual Schmidt lead.  Stirling never let 2nd place out of their hands as they consuitantly stayed in the hunt all year long.  Led by Player of the year candidate Bill3 Butler  25 HR 103 RBI .331, and Carlos Pena's 46 HR 98 RBI  .233 the Sox powered 195 HR.  Michael Young added 24 more at 3B.  Pedroia was awesome at 2B 19HR 100 RBI .285 17SB a solid if not spectacular year.  The catching was among the best if not the best. Kurt Suzuki hit an excellent .310 with 16 HR, and Taylor Tea...garden was a .322 hitting backup. Now the paradox, The Sox stole 176 bases! Crwaford had 56 despite lower numbers in '10 than is customary.  15 HR 65 RBI .267 10 triples.  Ellsbury stole 39 with 16CS, and Elvus Andrus stole 31. The team hit 36 triples Andrus 8, Crawford 10, Ellsbury 7.  Just to add some xtra pop.  Overall a .345 OBA and .456 slug add up to improved performance.  A .748 Total average is good enough to win with. The pitching was capable, but the bullpen was shaky.  Bronson Arroyo pitched well allowing a .251 BA, but the team duidnt suport him scoring almost 3/4 run less when he was on the mound.  Likely as he was stacked up against the Aces of the Clemente Conference.  Guys like Halladay, Oswalt, Verlander, Carpenter, Wainwright, Lilly, Greinke, and a slew of top shelf aces.  Jurjenns, Arroyo, Buehrle were solid.  Jurjens emerged as top line guy though will be limited in 2011.  Until Nathan came on board, the Red Sox pen was shaky at best.  A .326 IRSC is crap. Too many comebacks allowed.  Very important stat that CBA recognizes.  Byrdak despite a .200 Opp BA, allowed 40%, Madson 46%, and O'Day 37% of all runners on base inherited, to score.  Cant win games unless you out slug them or out steal them which is what The Sox had to do.  2011 promises to be an a good one as Nellum  let go of Milledge and Hairston for picks, acquired ace Phil Hughes.  Again there should be tough competition as the powerhouses lineup in the slammmin Clemente where all teams can clubber each other.

The light is on and shinig.  Perhaps the envy of the CBA's new decade, Ottawa is living off they're former glory, but not for long.  There are hard times for CBA's original franchise in the Canadian National Capital city.  The beautiful city of Ottawa has come close making the playoffs recently as 3 years ago, but there has been little joy other than that brief shining moment.  They came close in 2009 to making the show, but swooned intheir last month.  Not since the days of the Dynamic Duo Papi and Vlad had they brought the fans to their feet.  But in 2011 with those two re emergence, bright things could be in store in 2011.  In 2010 a perfectly dismal season.  However Jack Jung doesnt quit.  Patiently building through the draft, This team is one to watch out for in 2011.  Super young talents like Justin Heyward, Ricky Weeks, Cameron Maybin, Andrew McCutcheon, Steven Drew, Justin Upton, Y Gallardo.  The team is a goldmine.  Pitching is the deficiency here.  The offense certainly can compete with anyone in the upcoming campaign.  Last year, the light was flickering not shining.  Like a bad Doors song, the team was out of synch and plugging away laying in wait for better times.  The crowd dwindled, but the press was buzzing following their minor leagues.  The coming of Heyward.  A minor league draft pick.  A superstar in 1 year.  CF of the future for all of Ottawa to cheer.  Despite Rickie Wells 13-7 record in an impressive rookie season, There was little pitching to speak of.  Gallardo was 9-16, Volstad 2-13, Lackey 3-15, Era's all ranging from 4.70 - 7.16.  Cook was 8-9 4.40  Best of the rest.  The defense was shoddy with a below average.716 X rating percentage allowing in even more runs. Next year the starters are all grouped around 4.50 ERA's and there is no clear ace, So Ottawa should struggle to keep opponents from scoring.  The staff in 2010 allowed righties to hit .275 against them, .266 overall.  Not particularly effective. Allowing 9.3 hits per 9 IP. A high 3.8 BB per game and alot of hits per IP, adds up to runs for the Opponents.  When you achieve a low .329 OBA on offense, your opportunities are limited.  2011 promises to be so much better. Theyre IRSC matched Stirlings.  Joe Mauer MVP /Player of Year candidate had a sensational year and is undoubtedly the face of the franchise.  Next year should be a bonanza for him if they can get the pitching.  No reason why Ottawa couldnt be a Clemente Champion.  Mauer led CBA with a .366 BA, with 27 HR & 79 RBI. Had an amazing 1.069 Total avg.  Vlad hit .292 with 15 HR, while Papi slugged 39 HR with a low .233 BA.  Expect those three to dominate in 2011 with McCutcheon and Heyward setting the table.

The Schmidt division.  It stands for power.  Philly has dominated like Schmidt did.  Despite being somewhat of a question mark in social skills, Schmidt his bat stood out.  In Clemente especially in Schmidt its the bats which stand out too.  New Hampshire's bats were perhaps a CBA record low with a measly horrifyingly unprofessional .216.  It skewed the stats weighed in by the conferences other teams.  This was solely the fault of former GM Dave Jacobs of the Atlanta Crackers (should have known then) Columbus Wildcats, who was ill prepared, all talk and no action.  He came aboard, and proceeded to make a shambles of deadlines, time positions during the draft, and whined about procedures, to the point he was removed into his initial probation and replaced by the league office before he could do much more damage to the team and our league.  No way to see it coming with Jacobs, but happily we were able to recruit our first choice a valued veteran whom Id hoped would join us for years Chris Brazeau who turned out to be exactly what this franchise needed, and more.  He has fit right in at home with our veteran GM's, and has dedicated time and studied our rules and league.  Seems like he is having fun, and we are gald to have him building this franchise ground up.  A challenge, but he will make all kinds of CBA friends and surely will compete at a high level within the close future.  Chris has several friends here in CBA from other leagues, and all were thrilled to add a familar buddy and true Strat man.  All wasnt horrible with the NWS pitching.  The great bullpen put up some good numbers and kept the team from getting trashed in some games.  Outman, Wheeler, O'Day, Hughes, Coke.  Were very capable in a pen by committee.  Some of the starters performed reasonably well too.  Young Ross Ohlendorff, M Repzcynzki, and R Vandenhurk, kept the ERA in the mid 4's.  Some potential there as well. The staff did well enough to wins some.  But the bats were a ragtag collection of usage filler RFA's whose sole purpose is to add to some career stats on the Batters Register before there careers in CBA fizzle out.  Guys like Ross Gload (Brooklyn's Madison HS) .217 4 HR, 17 RBI,  Chipper Larry Jones .239 11 HR 45 RBI, Julio Lugo .271 4 HR 29 HR, Omir Santos .261  7HR 39 RBI, Ronny Cedeno .214, E Renteria .214, M Maier .213 you get the picture.  Gerardo Parra hit .266 with a few HR.  But they will need eventual offense to compete in CBA.  This draft is key for Hampshire who acquired Pitchers, J Masterson, B League, and JA Happ in the Hughes trade, clearly building for the future up in New England.

The Monday Division

Last year 2009 was the year the Bob Fidler and the Indiana Redbirds set CBA on its side when he took his wildcard team across Clemente defeating Brooklyn and eventually Longue Pointe for his 3rd championship in 4 years.  Fidler is in the Monday division where he pared up with The Offense mided Bryan Bashers who featured Jason Bay, and Southwest who Featured Matt Holiday.  Not to be outdone, Albert Pujols as well as A Rod were in tow.  But 2010 was not to be as Holliday led the enigmatic Eric Lindner Lizard Kings to the Monday title by a substantial margin.  The dominant team of the the late 2000's had fallen victim to age and poor MLB performances, but still managed a respectful 83-79 season under Fidler's attentive guidance.  It could be made a case for that Bob Fidler is no longer a the towel waving GM champion going into the new decade, but rather a grizzled veteran GM whose savvy and determination has carried this franchise into a transition with grace and class. Fidler is already rebuilding and looking to change things necessary to compete.  Even in transition, Fidler can beat you. This team did not quit and kept fighting despite obvious deficiencies.  Slightly better at home in Redbirds park, they were a playoff team at home less than that on road where they were .481   They had to mix up their game even doing some small ball to win games.  Cabrera, and Polanco resorting to the lost Clemente art of bunting successfully 46-56 times.  The pinch hitters came thru witha .378 BA, best in CBA. The offense was good enough to win.  Comparable but more powerful than Stirling's   The power went 1-9 through lineup.  A .345 OBA and .478 Slug which was two percent better. .278 overall BA, 242 HR (2nd in CBA), 830 runs (3rd best). Pujols won the Clemente MVP and player of the year award for his .323, 58 HR 127 RBI season. He edged out Brooklyn's Ryan Howard in HR, but Howard had more RBI's to lead CBA.  5 players over 20 HR, Sizemore 31 in CF, Pence with 26 HR for an amazing power OF.  A Roids numbers were deflated to .262 24 HR 81 5 SB as he detoxed and dried out in 2010 CBA.  Hamilton's numbers were down, but will be way up in 2011.  Carlos Ruiz solidified catching hitting better than expected .277 10 HR 46 RBI.  Posada added 25 HR's .254.  Colby Rasmus was solid with 18 HT 70 RBI .268.  Enough offense to win.  In the clutch in 600 AB's, they slugged 29 HR and drove in 122.  But for only a .231 average.  A microcosm of the season.  No pitching, huge bats, but something missing other than the long ball.  Hit .298 with bases loaded however,  strange.  But pitching? 4.77 ERA  Jeremy Sowers wins 13-5 but 5.21 ?  Oswalt only 9-10 ?   It was a horror show.  41 more hits than IP. 586 BB's, Oswalt and Kazmir got little run support from a good offense (4.50 or so)  Also the pen was shaky with a Stirlingesque .328 IRSC. They saved only 70% of games too 43-61  not good.  The Pitching was actually helped by a good defense which posted a .802 X rating.  80% is very good.  Otherwise the team ERA would have been likely near 5.00.  They even turned a triple play around the horn 3rd to 1st.

Lindners Southwest Lizard Kings 101-61, put it all together in 2010 with another ill fated playoff run.  It was Eric Lindners final hurrah in CBA as he moves on to irrelevant in the Strat-o-sphere.. The Lizard Kings (Skokie Wolfmen) season was verifiable and documented with great performances by Holliday 31 HR  104 RBI  .310 BA. ,Tulowitzsky 33 HR's, 17 SB zero times caught, Matt Kemp's 27 HR 95 .282 with excellent defense.  Adam  LaRoche hit .301 23 HR  91 RBI, Andre Ethier hit 31 HR 78 RBI .269.  9 guys over 133 hits.  6 over 150 hits.  Thats consistent.  A team .341 OBA with a .270 BA.  213 HR 819 runs.  Near the top in all catagories.  Except this year the pitching was the difference. The top 4 in the rotation did very well keeping opponents at bay.  Theodore Lilly acquired in a trade with NJ Beatles for a a draft pick, went 18-2 for the Monday champs.  Matt Cain added 14 wins, and 13 more for Clifford Lee.  Guthrie had 11 more.  Team 3.83 ERA with a great .816 X rating made this a bonified contender and favorite except that Lindner had a meltdown and quit Stratomtic when they wouldnt  assist his Netplay and told him he tampered with protection system. We lost, and so did the company.

Bryan Bashers.  A team looking for respect and coming real close being competitive the past few seasons after struggling throughout most of its CBA tenure as Kilgore.  The team is built on some punch.  They acquired what seemed the last piece in Jason Bay, and has been the case with most of Bryans great acquisitions, the players tune dog the next year and Ole Cory Light has to restart again.  Each year they add a big piece.  This year the huge bat of Paul Konerko. If Bay and Konerko return to form they could be formidable with McGehee, Wigginton, and Swisher also strong bats. In 2010 the Bashers popped 213 HR's  Lots of power but very low .249 BA and low OBA .329.  The slugging was at .429 which belies their 213 dingers.  So if it wasn't a HR, it wasnt anything for Bryan.  Jason Bays' injuries in MLB, may not help this year except that he should get on base in 2011, run and play some D.  He should rebound easily as he adjusts.  Bay hit 36 HR (( RBI .267 for Bryan while Swisher added 33 HR 100 RBI.  Overbay, Hairston, McGe hit all around 15 HR's Marlon Byrd added 21 HR. O'B was their most consistent hitter batting .288 with 16 HR 80.  He does it year in and out and is a steady bat.  This got steady work out of Jason Kendall  .254 4 HR 29 RBI, but the defense doesnt enhance things at catcher, and they will need better overall production at catcher. Mark Ellis 10 54 .266.  was solid at 2B with great defense.  O Cabrera had 11 HR 59 RBI .260 but had 23 big errors to blemish a decent defense.  Ben Francisco hit 10 taters off the bench.  A typical patter that sums it up up Brad Inge hit 23 HRs at 3B, but drove in 48 and hit .204. 

The numbers individually look good, but on the field they could barely reach .500.  Speed, defense, and bullpen as well as The ace starter hurt their chances.  They were better than most in a tough conference.  No reason to think they cant compete again. The pen couldnt hold down what the stares had, and the batters couldnt get on enough to take advantage of the HR's.  Despite Hawkins 30 saves, he did lose 7 games which means something went wrong here. A 68.3% sv mark. 33% IRSC. Shoddy work.  The defense was improved by a few percent over 2009 at 76% X rating.   The staff only allowed 6 more hits than IP. But the starts hits was far higher than the relievers +53, and relievers -45.  So relievers choked in tough situations but were good in long relief allowing the offense to come back in games and maybe win.  A comeback offense.

Lake County Leopards.  David Jones is one of CBA's class gentlemen.  He has experienced playoffs, and the cellar and is always a pleasure to correspond with and play in CBA.  The Leopards have a leagcy of winning and are rebuilding at this time.  The moved along malcontent Adraim Beltre and brought back Scott Rolen who has a great card again in 2011 with defense of legend.  Also coming aboard is super prospect Chris Carter, and Jones' intentions are clear.  The Leopards are looking ahead.  The 2010 team was equally as poor on the road as at home as the fans stayed back some at Leopard stadium. The team struggled at the plate and in the power categories.  They achieved good numbers from CBA's Jay Johnstone award winner Garrett Jones  .343  26 HR 70 RBI.  Dexter Fowler hit .277 and remains a propsect, and Fucudome showed more improvement into elite CF department for 2011. James Ba-Loney was a disappointment and was counted on to do more than .251 10 HR when he was acquired from Indiana.  Garrett Atkins fall off wasnt expected, as was Brad Penny or Derek Lowes drop off. With a reverse of fortunes in MLB this would have been a different club.  The players aged quickly and the numbers showed it.  Jimmy Rollins hit .210, Nady was hurt and tailed off.  he should rebound in MLB with Arizona in 2011.  Gio Soto dropped off, huge. Too many to drop to sustain wins in 2010.  Some plyers will rebound for them in 2011 set so the chances are great we will see improvement in the Lakers for next year.  The staff was woefully deficient an old in 2010.  They couldnt buy wins.  What seemed like a good staff was affected by the lack of offense.  The rotation startsr Beckett, Penny, Lowe won 10 while Cueto won 9.  The pen had a .77% save pct which wasnt too bad. A .294 IRSC was pretty good allowing a 66 win season.  Could have been much worse.  Lake Co showed that Pitching can only win so much.  The defense had a .771 X rating not bad, but without the offense, cant win in Clemente where offenses are powerful enough to overcome pitching. 

The Parker Divison

Carolina Copperheads Scott Kenan was a runner up for GM of the year.  He certainly earned that distinction with his breakout performance in 2010.  Took awhile to get there.  Building and drafting.  Trading and planning Kenan represents CBA's future.  He has taken control of the Parker divison wresting it from Brooklyn who had won 8 division titles with 10 playoff appearances since 97. They went 98-64 with a team ERA of 3.88 in a tough slugging conference.  Pitching stopped their division and Conference opponents down the stretch as well.  Sthey stopped Brooklyn cold in their final week match ups when they needed the most.  -104 hits than IP, allowing only 170 Hrs to their slugging 3rd best 238 HR's.  In a HR laden conference its huge.  86 errors was good, but only 66 SB, meant the team relied on the bat not speed to generate runs.  Offense did pound into alot of DP's 146 rally killers.  They hit 126 HR on the road, 2nd most in CBA.  Typical Clemente contender .346 OBA, .453 slug. The offense didnt have that extra zip, but the pitching gave a good offense the chance to be in all the games.  They were retaliated against, by having 68 of their batters plunked.  Rick Debrule?  45 Sac flies 2nd best in CBA. Defense was good enough.  Catchers couldn't get out stealers throwing out 21% not too good, putting guys into scoring position. Carolina was able to use the hit and run its advantage getting 28 advances in 34 chances an 82% H & R rate. Only 33% in clutch hitting.  The Carolina team came through in the clutch during the regular season.  A 73% X Rating was not too great but league average was .721. 

The team got better performances from several key players.  Looking at the lineup Joey Votto 18 HR 76  .317.  Miguel Tejada was sensational with his glove only 2 errors!  He hit 14 74  .303.  Zimmerman at 3B hit .285 22 86.  Scutaro was capable at .277 with 46 RBI's and glove. Hermida hit .288 in platoon.  Kinsler  .251 30 107.  Thats great offense in the infield middle.  Makes the rest of offense that much more effective.  Despite low batting averages, Jayson Werth and Adam Dunn had 34 and 38 HRs respectively.  The difference being they both were able to get on base helping teams win rather than the low OBA high HR guys on other teams.  Carolina was able to survive Ryan Ludwick's slack from 2009.  The pitching was solid.  Jason Marquis ate up innings and got 14 wins and a .487 ERA.  Johnson was a Cy Young runner up behind Verlander and Greinke with a 21-5 record and an awesome 2.51 ERA  to make it into franchise history books.  Huston Street was spectacular as closer of the year, and a valuable acquisition. Carpenter added 15 wins against 5 defeats and Johan won 14 more.  The bullpen was strong with a 28% IRSC and good middle inn support from Ni, Frasor, and lights out 0.25 ERA from Tyler Walker. Carolina won in a historic 4 game set in the battle of Parker at seasons end defeating the Superbas perhaps setting the stage for their unceremonious first round exit the next week.

Brooklyn Superbas were an enigma. Again a dominant team though not as powerful as in years past.  Brookyn is t rebuilding acquiring several young prospects and players over the past year.  David Price, Ryan Braun, Hank Conger, Nick Moustakis, .Their team BA was down to .283 after last years .307.  HR's went down from 275 to 213, and runs 1069 down to 879.  Still quite good, but not the typical Superba power team. The Superbas reputation is that of CBA legend.  Perhaps the single most potent offensive force in CBA's history, the Superbas have epitomized the Clemente model year after year.  Dominant offenses.  Historicallly led by Player HOFers like Todd Helton, Sammy Sosa CBA HR all time leader till 2009.  Bagwell, Ventura, Albert Belle.  Huge numbers and recently Ryan Howard who was almost an ex Superba this winter, Miguel Cabrera, and now Ryan Braun.  Ivan Rodrguez  7 55 .276, will return again as the Brooklyn Longtime catcher sits very high on many CBA career leader categories like Hits Doubles and RBI's let alone his Hall of Fame defense.  Brooklyn must cut the WP's and PB's. He will split time again with Ryan Doumit 11 Hr's.  In the wings in wunderkind Hank Conger so Brooklyn is also planning ahead. .  This season Ryan Howard 55 HR 145 RBI .277 10 sb 1.002 Total avg, made a a serious pitch for MVP finishing second Indiana's Pujols.  Braun had a great first year with Brooklyn slugging 34  121 .304 22 SB. Miguelito Cabrera finished strong down the stretch 33 115 .320. Those are big Superbas seasonsbut not enough to dthrone the Philly team in Rd 1.  When the bats were stopped cold by Philly pitching.   Former MVP Vermon Wells hit 18 more HR's and is another CBA player who is added to career totals.  Omar Vizquel will return for another season with Brooklyn and is another CBA HOF candidate.  Markakis had a solid 13 HR 76 RBI .307 campaign batting 2nd with 188 hits and 45 doubles to match his defense and arm.  Furcal returned as fulltime SS, but was fair  .267 8 HR 52  only 4 SB and 26 errors too high, led team with 20 sacs however.  Blake hit 14 HR .294 at 3B, but his defense was rough.  The teams defense once a bright spot in 2009, was 10% worse finishing .727 X which is average but didnt help a good pitching staff which faltered at times.  Brooklyn got 49 assists from their OF.  Adding Chone Figgins for defense and speed didn't factor too much in the race, and may be dealt as the spring approaches.  Second base thought to be a sore spot with 3 men filling in Vizquel, Bloomquist, and Infante turned out very productive in a 3 way platoon.  Infante was a runner up in the Johnstone award voting.  Brooklyn just could win in the clutch.  Only getting 2 of 20 clutch hits all year.  PH Randy Ruiz under achieved only 3 for 22 after being counted on heavily in clutch. They did manage to hit with the infield in 17 times.  So the extra speed in '10 did help indirectly at times.  Again Brooklyn matched well winning 49 at home.  They finished 3 games behind Carolina.  They scored about 5.3 runs a game allowing only 4.6 in Clemente. The won in close games 31-15.  Superbas 'struggled' vs Lefties only .276 but .285 vs R.  The team had a typical contender like .343 OBA and .463 slug.  .805 production, They struck out way too much 1113 times, and grounded into 153 double play both numbers came into play in the playoffs, and meant doom for Brooklyn ultimately.  Its the well balanced teams that win most frequently.  There is a stark contrast between the Staub teams offenses and Clemente.  A true comparison could be made between the old MLB NL and AL.  Rick Debruhle? 

The pitching staff did decently but faltered late.  Halladay had a poor year by any standards despite double digit wins. 13-15 4.92 ERA.  Zambrano acquired for Staub MVP nominee Brandon Phillips was Brooklyns best with a 4.00 EAR and an 11-6 record in limited Inn. Edwin Jax was 4.18 11-10 219 K's and a high Whip. Lannan was decent solid at 12-10 4.47.  The team has a 4.21 ERA which is very respectable in Clemente.  Mariano had a decent year by his standards after a  poor 2009.  He saved 24 games 6-3  2.39.  Dice K won 6-0 2.73, and the bullpen was .287 IRSC.  By committee Vargas, Miller, Boyer were decent.  Could have been worse, but it was enough to limit the opposition in close games and win 95. Jon Rauch was awful in his role 2-4 5.03 3 saves hurtin them in the stretch.  Brooklyn continues to build and can be expected to compete again in 2011 with a balanced offense, though in need of some more power, Brooklyn will need a starting pitcher or two to keep get ahead for another parker crown. 

Cooperstown came really close in 2010, succumbing in the final weeks to Brooklyn and Carolina who barely edged them out of a wildcard spot.  It was a close as can be.  Morneau and Reynolds could only carry the decent offense so far.One game does matter.  Cooperstown GM Jon Stamets set about resurrecting the franchise with a series of huge trades.  They brought in Hirshima Kuroda, Brad Hawpe, Travis Hafner, Brett Gardner, Yunel Escobar, lots of draft picks for building.  This became Jon' s team.  They wasted no time winning and this season finished with a 91-71 record. The numbers were good all around. The staff tossed 12 shutouts, 49 saves, a .284 IRSC.  A team 3.83 ERA was excellent in Clemente. Vasquez 14-10 2.99 could have won more if he didnt get just 4.19 runs per start against this offense, Lester 14-7 3.07, Wainwright 16-14 3.43, Jeff Weaver 17-6 4.02 ERA.  Frank Cordero saved 31, 6-7 3.35. The rest of the pitching substitutes and end staff guys struggled or the numbers would have been better.  Howry, Burnett, and Angel Guzman did a solid jn mid relief but really the 4.51 relief ERA meant the numbers could lie.  The startes low 3.43 ERA probably tells more the pitching story for C Town which was heavily reliant on its starters to win as many as 91.  The staff struggled against lefty starters allowing a .267 BA as opposed to a .242 vs R BA. The lack of lefties may have hurt there.  The team had a .250 avg allowed to batters.  The strikeout to walk ratio was only 2.27 not too good, but acceptable.  Hit and run was not a specialty.  Only 8 hits and 38 advances in 49 tries. C Town stole 70 bases in 85 tries for a 81% rate.  Excellent running so runner movement was acceptable between speed and hit n run.  Seven batters slugged double digits in HR with Morneau hitting 38 HR's 98 RBI  .283.  McCann was perhaps the 2nd best catcher in CBA with .311 21 HR 80 RBI.  Yunel was 14  57 .297, only 9 errors.  Franklin Gutierrez hit 15 71 .297.  Mark Reynolds slugged his way to a .251  36 HR  101  15 SB, but made 22 errors at 3B. B Harris made 13 more errors as a utility reserve which hurt some.  Ibanez hit another 29 HR's to add pop. Maglio had  5 HR 37 RBI but did hit .303.  Overall a successful campaign for Cooperstown. 

Sunville SunJewels is a building team and boy there is talent here. Carlos Gonzalez, Steven Strasburg 9despite the hurts), Austin Jackson, Josh Willingham, Jose Bautista, Rod Barajas, J Gomes, D Freese, Ankiel.  This team will be much imprioved in 2011. That is the direction that Keith Jones is going in.  Jones feels the time is now to take Sunville from the rebuild phases to the next level of winning. The staff has Gio Gonzalez, N Blackburn, Strasburg, Hochevar, Joba, Correia, Troncoso, and Pavano.  This team has picks, and could surprise.  Could this be a breakout year for Sunville they way Montreal broke last year?  The team batted only .235 with 177 HR. They scored only 618 runs.  A lot more than they did in '09, but woeful in the Clem.  They will need further development of their players to achieve more.  The best hitter was Nick Jiohnson who hit .306 at 1B. Willingham hit 17 HR, Cargo hit 15, Andruw Jones hit 18 HR,  Thames 14, Barajas 13.  Blackburn won 7 games as staff ace, and few guys posted around 5 or 6. Soriano saved 12, and Troncoso saved 9. The staff ERA was 5.91 terrible.The sedond worst BA, and wrost ERA meany Sunville will draft high again in 2011, and could get richer in talent.

The Staub Conference

The Rogers Division

Rogers division may feature very different situations than any other division.  They are the caught between division.  Caught between low win pct division winners, and contrasting styles of play.  The Dawson gets the headlines, but Rogers races are unpredictable. Reason being that Rogers gets whooped each season by Dawson who boast the wildcard teams in their three way dances. Rogers gets bumped around and while Dawson may fatten up, it leaves a competition for the title. Each year someone emerges as the hero.  No one team in Rogers is dominant perhaps fortunately for the teams of this division.  Carter has to contend with San Diego, and the division title is always up for grabs between Maine, Ohio, Kennesaw, and Allentown.  The title was won with 87 wins by Maine.  Ohio had 83, 4 back and clearly out of the wildcard.  Teams seem to have to win Rogers outright year after year to make the playoffs.  Last year Ohio was the winner only to be taken out in Rd 1 by Staub Champs Longue Pointe.  This year Maine basically staked claim getting hot in the second half.  The funny thing is Maine was 19-29 vs Dawson this year. Says it all.  By May 14th, Maine was 9 games back of  first place Ohio.  Ohio held first place pretty much opening bell through end of July.  They won 9 of their next 10 games vs Joliet, High Bridge and New Jersey, while gaining ground. By June 24th, they were down still by 6 games and again it was a time for the Express to switch tracks and roll.  Within aonly 2 weeks they tore it up and by July 4th were in 1st place.  This time winning 11 of 12 and for the next month battled Ohio for 1st.  At the end of July the Maine Express finally took control of Rogers with another hot streak winning 9 of 10 games including a sweep over Allentown which devastated the Senators season.  Maine took it from there.

Mike Koepp is a classy GM.  He has been reliable loyal, and above all else a great CBA friend to many of us.  Always eager to help out.  His teams have been successful in CBA as well.  Maine has been to the playoffs 2 of past 3 years.  He's had to match wits with division mates like Glen Kenan, Mike Blakeley, Rich Schneider.  He finds a way to manage his usage and win. Not sure he thought he would at the season start, but he never quit.  The team hit .252 but this year they added some power to the team rare for Staub, but 192 HR's was a good year.  769 runs, 311 doubles, 118 SB.  Solid numbers there for Staub.  Remember how LP won with around 600 runs last year.   MVP Adrian Gonzalez 11.94 RC, 1.131 prod, 1.232 TotAvg,  .342 ISOPWR was amazing,  49 HR 119 RBI  120 runs .337, literally carried this team on his back to the playoffs. The numbers were amazing for Staub.  Other players contributed like Phil Cantu 20 HR 94 RBI .294, Adam Jones 23 HR 72 RBI .271 season in CF. Uggla added 42 HR despite a .217 average. Ryan Sweeney hit .297 and both Saltalamacchia and Barmes hit 15 HR.  Team .327 OBA not too good, and a .420 slug is below average. The PH's hit only .145 and that hurts in big moments.  Maine will need to increase their Prod numbers from 748.  By comparison, Kennesaw was 757.  A good team like LP was in the 780's.  On base and  some xtra base hits are needed somewhere. The Pitching staff's 4.01 ERA really carried this team with the occasional long ball.  Aaron Rowand was expected to contribute more than a .217 BA with 6 HR, and Bupton better than .220, but they will rebound and Maine should benefit.

The only trouble with the pitching staff eminated from the middle inning marginal cards that brought up the pitching stat numbers, the garbage hurt the overall, but its hard not to note the quality starts and performances given by Braden 10-6 3.47, Romero 12-11 3.91, Duke 13-12 4.15 and Saunders 11-10 4.21. The bullpen was outstanding otherwise with a total 3.48 ERA as the Starters were 4.26.  Jenks saved 18, but the committee of Fuentes 1-2 6sv 1.78, Coffey 4-1 2.13 5sv 84 IP, Lyon 7-3 2.45 8sv, and others were outstanding as was the team 26% IRSC. Perhaps CBA's best middle relief staff. RFA RA Dickey chipped ina few good games as well. The saves pct left something to be desired, so a proper closer could have helped there for a few more wins. Opponents hit .267, but the run support at 4.75 per game will need to increase.  A low .9 HR per 9 was excellent.  The .766 X rating defense was better than average in 2011.  Catching was a weakness in the field nailing only 28 -126 runners stealing.  With average OF arms, many extra bases could have been avoided. Runners did try their luck against the OF, but high OF assists totals kept them somewhat at bay.  Relievers accounted for nearly half the teams wins. Mike Koepp hopes to compete in the playoffs again in 2011.

Ohio Outlawz formerly the Thundercats held first place through the seasons first 2/3.  They looked like a repeat playoff performer but in the end could not beat opponents in Dawson 22-26, or do better than .500 vs Carter.  They cleaned house in their own division 37-29.  Obviously, Rogers will need to best Dawson to be able to start looking playoff bound.  It will be their litmus test.  Ohio split with Maine, but ate up Kennesaw spelling doom for Blakes team inside Rogers.  It was Ohio that ended Blakes season more or less going 14-8.  Ohio had the offense .273, 177 HR, 813 runs.  Definitely approaching Clemente totals but in Staub.  So what happened? The power was steady and good but no huge HR threat aside from Kubel MVP nominee's 28 HR 105 RBI season.  Texeira tailed off to 25 HR 95RBI .288, and 8 others had 10 or more HR spread around the lineup. 49 triples were very good too. A team .345 OBA is good, and .440 slug was above average.  Definitely better than their divisional rivals. A .762 Total avg and .168 ISO were decent. Mike Diaz was a strong Johnstone candidate with 10 HR 46 RBI .384 BA in 320 AB's.  The team fielded at a 70.6% X rating which is low and didnt help the pitching staff much.  Opponents stole 80% on catchers, but Posey in 2011 should fix that somewhat. Ohio will need better OF production as the highly untalented a nd over rated Melky Cabrera is not any kind of answer in strat baseball. Both Starters and relievers were equally as poor totaling 4.71 ERA.  Relievers 4.75 alone despite a good .256 IRSC.  . 125 SB were good, but was caught stealing home 4 times, and 3rd 6 times.  Some squeeze and bunt plays it seems 70-88 in sac attempts, 39 sac flies, and only got 3 clutch hits from batters.  Cant win big games like that.  12-14 in extra innings, and 22-25 in 1 run games. So the culprits were who?   The Hit and run didnt work too well for Ohio 9 hits in 53 attempts only 38 advances total. PH's hit well, .299.  Ohio scored pitchers about 5.02 runs per game.  The staff allowed 4.75.  Too narrow a margin to win more than 83 wins.  Strong correlation in wins and run margin there. Pitchers tossed 1477 IP, 1177 K's.    Likely the both starters and relievers were the leading cause of Ohio's late collapse.  They blew so many saves. only saved 48 of 80 games, rancid.  Closer Aardsma blew 8 alone. Blowing just isnt good in baseball. Millwood 12-17 6.91  really dragged down the staff .  The middle pen and other spot starters didnt do a great job. Perez, Meek, McClung, Volquez, all spit the bit.  The end of th rotation suffered, and with it Ohio.  It was a down year for the staff anyway with Volquez and Bonderman hurting.  To finish above .500 was a testament to Kenan's GM skill.

Allentown SenatorsThis team cant seem to get a break. Injuries and some poor MLB unexpected seasons hurt them in 2010. The talent is there and this team should be in better shape as the talent returns and blossoms. Kendry Morales hit .295 21 HR 79 RBI, Hanley Ramirez almost took the MVP with a sensational season .336 24 HR 93 RBI 38 SB and improved defense .804 X rating. Schumacher hit 2  45 .290 in his first full time season at 2B.   The bench was strong with Robinson Diaz .365, E Patterson hitting .412, Alex Gonzalez .309 in 275 AB's, and Mike Sweeney .293. Allentown has a future with Martin Prado 13 HR 44 RBI .283, and Russell Martin the Yankee. Pedro Feliz added 9 HR 74 RBI and a .282 BA to go with great defense at 3B. The team batted a nice .274 up much from last year with 113 HRs also improved.  Bats were evenly amtched both sides of the plate slight advantage vs Righties. A nice .340 OBA, but a low .397 slug meant problems against the tougher pitching teams of Staub.  6-16 vs Maine doomed them.  Maine's Pitching stopped ATown. Respectable otherwise in their division. They managed decently vs Dawson, defeating LP 7-5 in the season series. Maine is the Allentown natural nemesis.  A Town did well against Carter going 25-23.  Fattened up on New Jersey and High Bridge.  Good defense .766 X rating helped the Pitching. Terrible throwing from the OF also allowed runners to move along extra bases un necessarily.  Allentown stole 3B 17 times caught 8 of times, and was caught stealing home once.

Joel Piniero had a good year 11-10 3.97 ERA 20 quality starts but just 4.84 run support was the ace likely matched up against other aces. Doug Davis went 13-12 4.20 with 14 Quality starts. While Staub Cy Young 2009 winner James Shields was disappointing at 11-12  4.76 ERA.  The pen seemed better with Mike Wuertz  6-3  2.73 100 K 79 IP 18 holds a stud set up middle man finishing 3rd in reliever award balloting.   Brian Wilson saved 22 with 82 K's in 66 IP and will return as closer.  Wade LeBlanc, Howell, and Farnsworth did well in setup too.  The rest of the staff was well pitiful and non descript..  Allentown will need to draft well to keep pace in Rogers.  They are all bunched together and 1 player could make a diffeence between these teams.  Look out because right behind and building is the young and talented Kennesaw Braves.

Kennesaw Braves are an enigmatic team constantly evolving as the top shelf talent comes in  and some leaves.  The team is being built to specification by JM Blakely himself, and his talent evaluation has GM's drooling and looking to deal.  Kennesaw has been grabbing lots of talented young players in an attempt to become a dominant player in the new decade. Players with high upside potential he brings in, along with lots of high draft picks.  Blake is a patient man.  He wants to win now, but would not hesitate to build for more succes down the road than a quick fix.  Recent acquisitions include , Jesus Montero, Carlos Triunfel,  Jason Frasor, Yonder Alonso, IRM#2(11) PPS#1(11) JJC#1(11),JJC#2(11), JJC#6(11) and Andrew Bailey.

Chris Coghlan had a great 1st year batting .329 13 HR 57 RBI at the top of the order, but his defense crushed the team with 18 errors. and horrid range a .597 X rating  77 safe in 129 total chances.  57 safeties taken off his 168 hits is not a good turn around.  defense is mighty important. Julio Borbon hit .342 in 150+ Ab's, and team MVP Ben Zobrist hit .291 37 HR 96 RBI's in a career year. He was dealt away after the season. Gordie Beckham in a part time role hit 7  28 .294, and Cameron added 20 HRs in CF. Chris Davis hit 17 HR 60 .281, while Thome popped 23 HR, and Luke Scott added 16 more. A .335 team OBA, with 4.97 runs created is not that special, and unless the pitching is like Longue Pointe's, its not enough to compete in Staub.   Iso power .170 and total avg nothing to write home about. Giving up 4.97 runs while gaining 4.75 runs added up to losses.  Kennesaw couldnt defeat their won divison.  They finished 70-92, but were rotten vs Dawson divison too.  Unexpectedly they punded the Carter division going 29-19.  Cant figure the Jeckyl and Hyde performance we saw there. The pitching was all John Danks.  Cy Young candiate and at 16-8  .281, Danks could have won the award with no reply. The rest of the staff was so dismal I cant even talk about it.  Lets say the clsoer Kawakami saved 17 games witha 6.51 ERA.  Better times are a coming for the Braves.

The Carter Division

The Carter division has been dominated the past several seasons by the San Diego Surf.  Joe Wallace has got to be pleased with his teams performance and playoff appearances the past several years.  They have created a winning legacy With quite a few winning seasons after building painstakingly.  Joe Wallace is now a super senior veteran Member of CBA.  The original members with us are as follows:  CBA's  Senior Committee Executive, Clemente President  and website provider, Cory Light owner of the Bryan Bashers, Three time inc.2010 Champion Philly's Phantastics Rob Hite.  3 Time World CBA Champion and one time commisioner (2003) Jeff Boutet,  Executive consultant and 2001 CBA Champion,  Jack Jung owner of the Ottawa Otters,  as well as myself  Commisioner,  2004 World Champion,  2003 Clemente Champion, 8 Time division title Brooklyn Superbas.   After the original owners we have long time CBA Generals.  Amongst them executive consultant and technician Jack Frost.  Frost (as well as Brunet) join the executive consultant list for 2011. The hierarchy is as follows.
Commisioner: Marc Wass
Senior Executive: Cory Light
Executive Council: Marc Wass, Cory Light, Dennis Concepcion
Trade Committee: Marc Wass, Dennis Concepcion, JD Adams, Cory Light, Rob Hite.
CBA Executive Consultants: Jack Jung, Jack Frost, JD Adams, Doug Brunet.

The role of Senior Executive is defined as the co-comissioner by some league standards. By constitutional interpretation
The primary function of the League Presidents is to assist the commissioner on resolving issues within the league.
Issues pertaining to procedure. Results, interpretations, Proposals, Protests, should be directed to council.
Cory is more than that, he is at the heart of organziation of CBA. Theres alot more to it behind the scenes.
Every trade is consented and at times discussed, opinions heard when needed. Cory is CBA reason and integrity.
His opinions very well respected and his influence on the overall operation is a major reason why CBA has achieved its stability and consistency. His league communication clear, and he has my trust. Cory embodies section 15.

League Presidents Cory Light and Dennis Concepcion from Staub. Your league presidents are the liason into Council for inquiries or questions about procedures. We generally all will assist with questions, but Cory or Dennis have the CBA ability
to move the league along procedurally if the are needed to. Either alone may freeze a trade and prompt review. CBA prefers a free market. Free market meaning the league supply and demand mainly dictate the trade market. Trade council commences generally upon each trade. If discussion or member contact is needed to resolve trade terms, or even dispute, the trade council is empowered to advise, or even assist in trade completion. Members please know that there are often communications and procedures that do occur time to time. CBA has an effective routine and procedure for trade manufacture via committee.
Our council are Executive council and JD Adams, Rob Hite. However Senior consultant Jack Jung has the ability to vote or express opinion at any time. Jack Jung is our senior consultant. He has the abilty to vote in council when rules votes are called.
He can and has been asked to weigh in on league matters and trades if needed. When there are sensitive league issues,
Sensitive rules issues are sole discretion of Executive council and ultimately the commisioners office.

Our technical advisors are three. They have committee access and may be consulted on CBA operational issues only.
Jack Frost is Executive Technical advisor. He has been gracious in his time and effort to ensure that CBA has a consistant league file and database for the past 3 seasons now. He has been assisting scheduling longer. Jack has perfected working with the game engine and it is to all our advantage that he has applied his talents to us.

JD Adams is our future. JD has brought CBA into reliabilty and efficiency of the new decade with his careful monitoring and use of spreadsheets in applying our usage to our game play. He has saved us all time, and given us techies some more food for thought. His work is your gain in that the usage sheet has made GM's accountable to our rules and giving us the maximum in gameplay and roster efficiency. When each game counts, we must get to a higher technical standard to be enjoyable. With usage a CBA strategy, and roster management dependent on proper usage we are fortunate for the efforts.

Doug Brunet joins us with his work on maintaining the new CBA Spreadsheet. The Roster management guy is tracking and compiling the trades and roster movements as we move into the new decade. He will generally be able to confirm roster and trade moves.  He may record and log information and events on a players game file personal page or even on their main page.  Doug may note significant performances and present them to the league enhancing the experience.  Doug's organization skills even further technically move us ahead as he will further technically evolve the CBA. Could we dare to say, Skype, Twitter, MySpace, and that CBA may soon have a presence??. Right now WikiPedia links to us as the "International Strat-O-Matic League".

We then have our next in line, San Diego Surf and Joe Wallace. Joe Wallace is entering his 10h season in CBA.  He is a certifield senior CBA member.  A 10 year man.  Congratulations on behalf of the league office Joe.  He has been at the bottom, and slowly built his way to the top.  Wallace is now a perennial  playoff contender.  It was a long road. Starting in 2001 and toiling in the cellar pretty much until 2006 as one of CBA's lowest winning percentage franchise since 1997.  Beginning as the Don Jensen owned Hamilton Harbors a winning franchise, but definitely a quickly aging one, Joe took over with a 75 win season in 2001.  It was a long 4 more years gaining draft picks.  He was patient.  He was confident that he could build a team into not just a 1 season winner, but a force for years to come.  He is one of the favorites to win the Championship every year it seems.  Built through pitching, and key player acquisitions.  Wallace has made many excellent trades over the years, and many great draft picks as well.  This year San Diego was doing it again.  Led by a strong rotation and good hitting and on base in the lineup.  The Surf hit .287 this season.  A little righty heavy, they hit .294 vs L. .283 vs R, but higher slug. They slugged 174 HR's in Staub a good number. MVP Candidate Kevin Youkilis .348 21 79, 1.225 Tot Avg had a marvelous year in the field as well.  Roobinson Cano .310 18 HR 85 RBI at 2B. David Wright 12 HR 67 RBI .309 41 SB had another good year at 3B.  Delmon Young  12HR 42 .335 in 288 AB was a good Johnstone candidate, providing necessary depth down the stretch. Manny being Manny led the team with 22 HR , adding 66 RBI and a .277 in platoon. Catching was a strength at bat as Jesu Montero hit 10HR 61 RBI .313 in fulltime duty. Jack Bruce added 17 HR's in his first fulltime role. Perhaps it was the superior bench strength that did it for SD fending off the Jackhammers?  You can bet on it.  SD didnt miss a beat when they rested they're regulars in Wallace's platoons.  Usage was addressed at a highly eerily reminiscent of their Dawson rival Longue Pointe.  Aubrey .360, German .444, David Murphy .324, Flores .317, R Pena .310 gave great bench.  Jermaine Dye retired from CBA with a distinguished career of service mostly with SD and will become hall of fame eligible.  He hit 19 HR 90 RBI  .258.  A .359 OBA and .458 Slug is more like Clemente division statistics.

The pitching looked dominant in their rotation. The team ERA 3.80 seemed a little higher than usual, then again the .687 X rating fielding was awful, and likely contributed to keeping SD under 100 win plateau for a 2nd concutive season.  They relied on their starters and a bullpen by committee.  The high save total was Matt Thornton 53 games 0-4 1.70 11 saves, Jason Bulger 7, F Rosriguez 5, Ho Chi Kuo 4 saves, Feliz debut with  3-1  1.07 and  rounded a shaky little bullpen, which was suspect allowed 32% of its runners inherited to score.  But its the Surf's starting pitching that is the talk. Peavy part time 10-1 2.01 ERA, Felix 18-11 3.62, Haren 21-9 3.54, Matt Garza 14-9.  Good stuff.  Hitters hit better lefty against them .244 only, a great .233 vs R! as a staff.  With some glove, that ERA coulda been perhaps, closer to 3.30?  Who knows could have been first in pitching not second in CBA behind eventual Staub champion Limoilou.

The rise of Joliet was another big story in 2010.  The team that won 65 lost 97 in 2009, came back and won 89 in 2010. A 24 game swing.  Frost had supporters for the manager of the year in balloting.  Has Joliet developed a trademark style?  Could it be speed? Well the hit much better last year scoring +46 runs over they're opponent and could have been more with that offense. A team .277 BA is strong, 170 HRs much improved, and a whopping 211 steals fantastic.  Hits were doubles and runs aplenty 836 of them Clemente-esque, as many as the DH led Stirling.  Joliet was in it all the way and was peaking as late as September 9th in their epic struggle and great pennant chase of San Diego last season.  It was a hot race. Joliet closed with a furious August rush, tio draw within a game of the perennial leader SSD. As late as Sept 15th, within 2 games after beating who they should have The Beatles and Heaters. That was far as the reserves could take them.  Usage bit them in the.

The defense was a little problematic hurting a decent staff with 111 miscues, .751 X rating.  Pablo Sandoval hit .326 20 HR 82 RBI,  amongst league leaders in BA and doubles with 46.  AJ Pierzcyzszcnszki hit .309 12 HR 64 RBI was excellent behind the plate throwing out a strong 33%.  .Aaron Hill was a player of the year candidate hitting 37 HR 114 RBI .291 at 2B with awesome .932X defense.  Derek Lee was his rock solid self .35 29 HR 98 RBI.  Alfonso Soriano was a major disappointment and was forced to pack his bags twice this off season in search of his potential with a humbling 16 HR 56 RBI .246  11 SBseason.  That drop likely hurt the most in the final run for the div title. Luis Valbuena despite 14 HR, and his measely .218 BA,  and Flyinmg Fred Lewis were also disappointing off the thin bench for the Jackhammers.  Better support may have evened the race and is where the two Carter beasts SD and Joliet were separated from the title. Michael Bourne 4 HR 50 .264, 111 runs, 154 hits, 340OBA, stole a near CBA record 91 bases 3rd best mark of all time.  If the OBA were higher.  A .781 prod, and a .769 Total avg mark for the team was good, and 5.37 Runs created was in the upper end. Pitching was uncharacteristically better for Joliet in 2010.  They allowed a .262 BA, and an average 32% IRSC.  The team 4.38 ERA must come down in the Staub Conference. AJ Burnett went 13-12  3.76 177 K's to lead the staff. Looper blew the pennant on his own with a 9-17 record.  So Frost went out and acquired Brian Matusz who will front the staff in 2011. It may be that team MVP Andrew Bailey since dealt, his rookie 26 save campaign, kept them in what Looper blew.  Again Looper just blew.  The rest of the pen was great.  Duensing 6-0 as a lefty middle guy.  J Gutierrez was excellent saving 6, Spot starters Maine 8-1, and Shairon Martis 5-4 2.63 did well.  Shawn Green 5-1 3.31 4 saves also did a good job in set up. The starters threw a 4.69 ERA, while the pen a 3.99 ERA.  Joliet gave up too many hits and the +429 WHIP was too high for that good offense to fight against. 

High Bridge Heat and Owner John Miller.  High Bridge is kind of like the National League New York equivalent of the the expansion New York Mets.  Named after the old bridge across the Harlem river in NY City's upper Manhattan stretching to the Bronx.  Their logo depicts that area  especially close to the old Polo Grounds national league team for over a century.    Their other New York Team, the Brooklyn Superbas catch many of the headlines with their gaudy offense and consecutive playoff appearances.  Miller's team goes into its 3rd year with most of their draft picks plus a big #1 pick in exchange for the powerful slugger Paul Konerko who has taken his considerable at at 1B to Texas' Bryan Bashers.  High Bridge is hoping to develop some core players to work with. Miller showed in year two that he will be a GM to reckon with, as he kept his Heaters in contention in the first half.  They were in second place first week of May.  6 out June 22nd, then the rest and bench weren't there. It was his CM management that kept HB competitive at times.  Miller custom designs his CM's for each team and was a spoiler for some parties in 2010.  They had a good stretch in the third week of July taking 3 of 4 from contending Joliet, 2/3 from LP and sweeping The Jersey Rockers in 4. 

They finished an improved 70-92 making big strides from their first year.  In fact some guessed 100 losses for the Heaters, oops.  This is John Miller were talking here.  The man who refused to tank his team for higher draft placement. Two big time #1's coming.  The also received the emerging Jason Vargas to move into the future with Fausto Carmona, Rick Porcello, Paul Mahom, Brett Cecil..  Its safe to say that High Bridge has had some poor MLB luck with many of there players not achieving the results John had hoped for but the talent is there on that staff.  Anything can happen when you have pitching.  But it is clear HB is in a build mode. 

Highlites for HB last year included  the 2-1 series win with Ohio which ultimately affected Ohios playoff advance.  High Bridges extra inning walk off win to take the July 4th series from Ohio. Miller gives Kenan sleepless nights in Rogers.  A 17 Inn game vs Joliet June 17th, Coco Crisp's 9 triples in 154 ABs this team hit 41 triples.  Konerko's 24 HR 109 RBI .267 BA 17 HBP.  Team MVP.  Juan Uribe was a strength 17 HR 64 RBI .281.   Luis Castillo in his last hurrah, had a great year stealing 39 .318.  Denard Span a future star 8 HR 60 RBI .260. Lots of reserves and roster fillers to round out the weak offensive numbers.  The pitchers had good  seasons from Paul Maholm who was acquired before the season and went a respectable 12-12 4.26, and First round Pork Ricello who went 11-9  3.70. 39 bullpen by committee saves, and good pitching in setup by Sean Marshall 5-1 2.25 85 IP 64 games. Future remains to be seen how the players here develop as next season comes quickly.

The New Jersey Beatles  made news this past week trading starting pitcher Tim Hudson for Felipe Paulino, Kevin Slowey, 5 tool Michael Taylor and a #2 draft. Steven Adler made a clear message.  He will build from the ground up and construct a team for the future. A team that he will be patient and develop.  In the past we saw an influx of GM's back around the dark ages who made future trades to win. high risk players and such.  teams which aged fast.  Teams like the Green Bay Roches, the Jonquiere Lifesavers, the Texas Desperadoes.  See them in the defunct team pages, the archives, or click the link. A sharp Strat-o-matic mind with years of experience and championships in other leagues, Adler knows how to win, but now may not be the time.  There is some talent here.  Players like Justin Smoak, Jed Lowrie, Mike Stanton, Carlos Quentin 22 HR 52 RBI .275, Player of the year candidate Adam Lind 43 HR 120 RBI .320.  David DeJesus 20 HR 68 RBI .267, Daniel Murphy 10HR 48 RBI .260, Miguel Olivo 19 HR 503 RBI .240.  This team looks good down the road.  It remains to be seen what Adler does after his first successful campaign in which he managed his usage well and had some decent team numbers despite the wretched record.  167 Homers and a .251 BA was pretty decent, good power for Staub. The ragtag pitching staff was led by middle man Aaron Heilman 2-1 3.81 ERA 5 saves. Vincente Padilla led the team with 9 wins 15 losses.  Two 20 game losers in Rich Thrill Hill this years Ronson Award runner up, and the rediculous Chris Tillman at 5-21, who in some circles has been compared to a modern day Herm Wehmeier.  Timn Hudson sucked as well 7-18  5.31 ERA. This team is developing and will win more next season despite perhaps becoming the team high ERA threat to CBA record books.  What if ?  The Beatles could be surprising in the draft, and more surprsing in the number of wins they achieve if they get the pitching.

The Dawson Division.

Arguably CBA's toughest division for a few years, again still may be the class of Staub. The Limoilou Wendigo won the Staub Championship.  They are the best team in that conference.  With the best pitching staff in CBA, the Wendigo lurked just under the radar until Jeff Boutet's boys brought it on home with impressive playoff games.  The Wendigo started by holding first place throughout May and June before Brandon Phillips and his LP Loggers caught fire.  This year they had Montreal who split the 12 games with them.  The cries of "Loo, Loo," weren't the Loonies barking at a full moon or whatever those things do, it was the Limoilou fans, Limoiloooo. They won 93 games in '10 taking the final playoff spot, the wildcard in the final block.  The Wendigo made short work of the rivals Longue Pointe, and Maine. Details can be found on the playoff pages. The battle for a playoff spot went to the very end being determined ina strategic Netplay series with Belfast and Montreal. LP took control of the division's first place on June 24th, and never looked back despite Montreal and Limmer hovering around. Another huge series in the 2nd to last week saw LP square against contending Montreal who needed to beat them to gain ground and maybe a wildcard.  The series game 1 went to Montreal 6-4 in extras won on a big HR by Juan Rivera. LP took the next two then Montreal won the final.  Had LP not split that and their last series vs Limoilou who knows?  The battles were tight.  Each game made a difference.

 They out scored their opposition by more than a full run. while posting the the league lowest ERA 3.60.  They destroyed right handed pitching winning 74 and losing only 41 vs Righties.  Disaster vs Lefty going 19-28.  They struggled in 1 run games 18-28, meaning that somehow they werent getting the big hits enough to make fullest use of that great pitching.  PH only hit .239 but Gary Sheffield closed his CBA career with 6 Pinch HR's in 2010..  The teams Iso Power was a low .169, and 5 runs really needs to be more like 5.50+ to be efficient in Staub.  The team got on base plenty .352, but a low .431 slg was average not awful, but decent. Both Limoilou and Longue Pointe stayed within 3 games for the entire season until August 30th. At that pointe, LP's depth took over and increased the margin between 5-7 games.  Limoilou had a stellar season from Prince Fielder 34 HR 115 RBI  .297.  Mike Cuddyer .266, about league average, 32 HR 101 RBI's had a breakout year after all his CBA service. Beltran 6 HR 46 RBI .349 had injury problems limiting his play time, but he produced some good offense in consideration of his votes for Johnstone award.  Granderson added 21 HR 85 RBI's. Josh Bartlett sparked the contests at leadoff .287 18HR 62 RBI 27SB. Felipe Lopez was excellent 5 HR 64 RBI .313.  The team hit .266 overall with a strong 180 Homers. Middle of the pack batting average. The pitching was as stated strong. A .242 Opp avg, best in CBA. Jared Washburn came out of nowhere to post a super 15-4 season 2.60 in 174 IP. The rotation of Hanson 11-4 2.82, Clayton Kershaw 7-2. Scherzer was a great draft pick up going 12-11 3.66.  But the pen may have saved the staff for the season.  Raffy Betancourt 5-2 2.28, Ryan Franklin 6-5 2.90, Broxton a reliever award contender, 74 IP 47 Hits 30 saves. A .272 IRSC team total. 2-1 strikeout to walks. A .745 X rating was average.

The Longue Pointe Loggers had another excellent season which was based on the 3 LP principals of Pitching with K's, Speed, Depth, and alot of hit and run/bunts.  The formula has worked for a long time in LP.  But it took bold drafting and surviving a few snickers on draft day.  When Dennis drafted Scott Podsednick, no one envisioned the multiple roles and value he had in sparking CBA's 2009 Staub Champs to a Dawson title, no easy feat. He went near the end of round 1.  But he sure played like a 1st rounder 13 HR 73 RBI .297 39 SB 7 triples only 2 errors in the field. He rotated all over the field and the lineup even batting cleanup towards season end.  Brandon Phillips acquired for Carlos the Zambraino had a great season 20 HR 95 RBI .303 35 SB. Hunter added 19 HR 17 SB .287.  Theriot added 25 stolen bases while Nyger Morgan was awesome 3 HR 25 RBI .325 62 SB in 412 AB. The speed was amazing. 213 Stolen bases. Ichiro 5 HR 47 RBI .333  32 SB. Aramis Ramirez 19 HR .315.  Ramirez was intentionally passed 18 times.  It was Longue Pointe's best offensive output since Claude LeMarre when they were the Hitmen. PH were efficient at .281 65 for 251. Had 9 PH HR's which 4 were hit by Hideki Matsui.  They bunted an awful lot successful at a .73% clip, a bit low, 82-112 in advances.  The team struggled against lefties hitting .261, but a good .280 vs righties. The pitchers were well balanced however. The team .339 OBA was fair, and the slugging was poor overall despite the increase in teams HR to 152 from under 100 last year. LP was at or near leading the CBA in batting much of the year before succumbing late to slow bat-itis..  The pitchers actually hit .156 which isnt bad, but no HR's this year.  The team fielded at a .757 X rating, which is low by LP standards, but was hurt by Ryan Theriot's .636 X rating and 17 errors and Geoff Blum's defense in utility .659.  As result the pitching staff had an increase in its ERA. The starters ERA was significantly better 3.71  than the relievers at 4.30. The LP ERA dropped from leaguye best to 5th best in CBA at 3.91.  Losing Zambrano may have hurt that, but increased their wins with more defense and offense which they needed this season to compete with the improved offenses in Joliet, Montreal, Allentown.  The starters led by CC Sabathia 22-6 2.86 190 K's was brilliant.  While Tim Lincecum was dominating 17-3 2.43.  He struck out a CBA high 267 K's in 225 IP. Ryan Dempster was 11-7 3.61, and Brain Tallet was a find going 12-6  4.66. The bullpen wasn't as effective as in years past. A .306 IRSC was high ...for LP  decent elsewhere based on rep.  CJ Wilson did a good job closing 4-2  2.29 16 saves, while Frank Francisco added 21 more.  Both blew a number of saves. 1265 team strikeouts was outstanding 3rd best in CBA. With Belfast building, and Montreal building in 2011, this may be a good time for Longue Pointe to challenge for another Dawson title.

Montreal Crows.  Efficient. This team went 91-71.

First place throuout April?  The Montreal who?  The Royals?  Wolfmen?  no Its the 3rd Montreal franchise, the Crows.  Not even the best pick in the draft being an expansion team.  In tow years  can win?  Dont count on it in 2011.  The stars aligned for Doug Brunet and his Crows originally named the 'Murder'.  How appropriate since they murdered Staub in 2011.  Despite the protests, the name changed and the attitude grew nasty as they took no prisoners, the CBA cinderella. Doug Brunet manager of the year in piloting an expansion team to playoff contender within 1 season. The question is how?  The numbers and stats dont jump at you. But there are some variables that came into play.  Base runner movement.  The team did not strikeout, and pout runners in play. They were also efficient in what they did.  The sacrifice success rate was high .789, PH well adding 6 PH HRs.  Hit and run, was 3rd in CBA with 46 advances, and a team .279 BA.  They got on base .334, and a .414 SLG. But thats not why they won.  They went 30-15 in 1 run games.  A .272 IRSC meant the bullpen was efficient. Brunet used Super Hal running strategies to his advantage and the efficiency paid dividends. The pitching staff was excellent, and efficient as well. Pitchers needed to keep the offense in games though not with the bat hitting .102 despite Scott Feldman's 16 sacs among leaders. The offense struggled past the cleanup position.  A .268 BA with 151 HR 768 runs was pretty good.  Not up to Joliet standard, but it did help the Crows score slightly more than they allowed. The lineup got on the board and the pen held them.  The team was patchwork.  The staff a multitude of characters.  The story of the first half was the legend of Uerhara.  Uehara fever griped Catherine and Piel streets as partiers wore samurai masks and winced about. He went 7-1 2.44 in 12 starts to help get the Crows out to a good lead. Steve Richmond has a great year 9-5 3.23 in 23 starts. Scott Feldman had many quality starts and was effective matching others teams aces went 11-8 3.12.  Bannister ate innings and had support of about 5.17 runs per, went 9-7, Villanueva 10-7 3.63, Andres Galarraga went 11-10. The pen could have done a bit better for the starters. Overall a .264 BA.  Starters had a 4.05 ERA, relievers 4.22. 

The offense was led by all world Rajai Davis who hovered near .400 for a good part of the season before settling to a 1 HR 36 RBI .343 BA with 57 SB setting the table along with the steady Jeff Keppinger who was 9 HR 47 RBI .295 and moved runners along well. Todd Helton returned to Hall of Fame form with a 13 HR 80 RBI .320 season with a .416 OBA.  With the leadoff hitters moving things, and Helton on a scoring Juan Team MVP Rivera had an MVP type season.  He was so clutch. a .361 OBA .568 Slug, 32 HR 108 RBI  .313 season. Seems that Juan Rivera absolutely carried the Crows into the final month of the season where he really caught fire gaining CBA accolades down the stretch in key games.  He made it a season to remember.  Like Aubrey Huff had done last season in winning the MVP, same could be made case for Rivera, though the voters didn't see it that way.  It is good that owner should read the weekly boxes to read the game hilites and comments atop the PRINT files.  The HTML's dont have the comments added after each game. A Callaspo was a good add 14 HR 68 RBI, Chris Getz stole 25, Francoeur 14 79  .270, and Ramon Castro was devastating hitting 18 HR in 157 AB, 13 vs lefties. Montreal hit .284 fattening up and feasting on lefties. The Crows hit 4 grand slam HR's.  Ironically their weakest hitters, 3 infielders, Hannahan, Desmond (start of good career?), Juff Keppinger, and Endy Chavez since released. Todd Helton despite his excellent season saw his X rating decline to .761, off from his customary .900's, he is a question mark next season, and could be a candidate to return to the DH league.  Could Brooklyn be calling again?  Not too many players out of position were played.  The final .701 X rating was better than the overall .687 which isnt too bad a discrepancy.  Montreal definitely worked it out to meet his usage needs, and in the process actually created a working platoon system which was able to put the variables together and win. Miontreal showed how planning and platooning can work, like Dawsons Dennis Concepcion proves again and again, its not the superstarst and stats, but the whole picture.  The Crows jumped out to a good start, held it, while the others knocked each other around. Many teams had to throw lefties to meet usage minimums.  Could it be that beating lefties is so important?  In CBA it just may be.  Worst to constender Doug Brunet had a good season in 2010, and is hoping to build for the long term. It was this season that a rookie, out did the veterans in rare instance.  Then again, Brunet is no mere rookie.  He volunteers his efforst to CBA, and places much time into his Strat CBA.

The Belfast Brawlers are re tooling their team and in a building phase. Could nevber count out the Brawlin Bullies because they still were capable of sneaking up on you and defeating you.  Another team that featured on lefties, but they just didn't have something in 2010. A team .265 BA 148 HR 743 runs. Led by Alexei Ramirez 18 HR 72 RBI .296, 20 SB and Aubrey Huff who again had a good season 22 HR 75 RBI .285 BA. Freddie Sanchez .295 13 HR 67 RBI had a super year at 2B. McClouth added 16 HR .294, and led team with .934 Total avg in platoon duty. While Chone Figgins had 62 SB before being dealt off the Brooklyn late season for draft choice. Alex Rios added 19 more HR. Belfast offense improved but the pitching was fair, allowing3/4 of run more than Limoilou. In Dawson that was a huge difference.  Perhaps in another division the Brawlers could have done better? 26-40 vs their own, but closer to .500 22-26 vs Rogers.  .811 sacrifice and small ball was typical Belfast. PH .241, not good. The .341 OBA was good, but the .400 slug, deficient. 4.76 runs created not nearly enough when Joliet, SD, LP, Montreal score around 5 a game or more. The .712 total team average was not too bad, better than Montreal. The bullpen was excellent .247 IRSC, but little run support for pitchers with 4.59.  Belfast couldn't convert the baserunners.  Needed the pure hitter to bring 'em around. Belfast stole 170 bases overall. This team had to juggle many players around to meet usage.  Quite a few OF roamed the grounds. Carroll, Dickerson, Rios, McClouth, Garko, Moss, Sullivan, Kotsay, Brian Schneider even.  Dickerson 5 HR 34 .318 had a good rookie campaign. Contreras and Trevor Cahill both won 9 games for Belfast.  Odly going into the final week it was Belfast who spoiled Montreal Crwos pennant chase with a split 2-2 in the final Netplayed series. Belfast should improve as Trevor cahill becomes an ace in 2011, something Belfast has been sorely lacking for years. Corpas and Mazzaro have made strides so there is reason for hope as the '11 draft approaches. 


 
 

 


Can you believe since Newsletter #1 in 2003 (press archive) we have had 290 of these league memo's?   Lots of writing.  Well here's the state of CBA right now.  Where we are at.  First I'd like to commen each and every one of you for a Phantastic (In respect to Philly) year.  It was well run on each end.  You guys were a) Efficient b) Reliable  c) Prompt d) Careful.  It made the league office job so much easier than the year before.  In fact this season for this first in 3 years had no major crashes.  In an attempt for the truest statistics, or CBA  Excutive Consultant Jack Frost managed to eliminate a statistical anomaly.  A game was counted 2 times. Jack Painstakingly rebuilt from all our carefully archived files the season eliminating the problem and even managed to trim the 'memory fat' from the main files so file size were smaller.  This year the player notebook file which we always record highlites, ate much memory. 1 or 2 megs.  This is just 1 reason why Jack Frost is well respected by the commmisioners office.  His scheduling work is another.  I would like to acjnowledge publically his fine and dedicated efforts.  His love for CBA is the motivation.

     This years administration did a fine job working behind the scenes.  It was a team effort without question.  The proper and efficient running of an organziation like CBA requires effort from several.  It starts at the top.  Your league Presidents set the tome for CBA, a league whcih has a VERY positive vibe.  I must say, that is the coolness factor of our GM's and the tone and manner and friendships that have evolved for which I am most proud. Friends, not just acquaintances have been made.  GM's have met, socialized, Netplayed, talked deal, BS with each other, and now become part of each others lives.  Wheres the tissue? Tito? Jermaine?  And this years Academy award goes to...
Cory Light. A trusted and awesome CBA person. We owe MAJOR thanks to Cory, who at his OWN expense provides us with our CBA website.  The domain is his, and server fees are his contribution.  Its more than appreciated on my end and judging by the webstats, by many others internationally who do follow our league...especially at draft time since we generally are the first to draft the new cards, and be on MLB schedule with our statistics.  There are quite a few who track our stats to project for their own league uses.  The draft is a template for many when their drafts begin as well.  Its somewhat of an honor when we do get our occasional emails from web visitors.  Cory Light sets the tone with his personality and diplomacy.  CBA elder statesman on council.  Cory's vote carries alot of respect and weight in council.  Thanks again Cory, you're the best.

Dennis Concepcion is another integral part of the machine. Dennis also is the true spirit of CBA and section 15.  His manner and enthusiasm has transformed CBA directly and indirectly from a league in transition to a positive, fun, and stable league. His voice of reason and innovation is resposible for making CBA not only a basic run of the mill Strat league to a league with a personality.  A league which has taken on a life force through his Press releases and finely detailed and comprehensive photo galleries are known throught the Stratworld.  Yes, CBA is well known after 13 seasons. Dennis is also active in trade council and rules committee discussions. 

JD Adams is our Usage Commisioner and going into his 2nd season on trade committee.  The committee consists of JD, Dennis, Cory, Rob Hite and myself. Derek has done an excellent job for 3 seasons now review usage, and saving the office time while creating a custom easy to use weekly reference that is simply unique to CBA.  Its is so easy, a caveman can use it.  CBA has evolved technically, and is even more user friendly thanks to Derek who has eased the time it takes to set upa weekly CM.  Since inception, I have noticed our weekly CM forwarding rate to have increased from about 11 or 12 per week to about 16-17 on and off list.  Make no mistake, your GM 'friends' are trying to beat you.  They're tailoring CM's to match your teams, and beat you.  It about winning, not the draft.   Thanks Derek.  These are our council members for 2011 season.

Within the CBA core are our consultants. Executive Technical  consultant Jack Frost, and Committee consultants Rob Hite, Jack Jung, and for 2011 Doug Brunet.  Rob  is a CBA elder statesman, and original member who played in another league with founder Claude LaMarre, and is always well known in Strat circles.  He also enters the World Series looking for his 3 crown.  Hite lends his expertise again in 2011 as an executive consultant to committee.  Rob has his input and league rules and issues of importance. 2001 CBA Champion Jack Jung of Ottawa Otters fame is another 13 year original veteran is on hand to assist with some rule committee and council input on an as needed basis.  Doug Brunet Joins us with a wealth (30+ years) of Strat-o-matic experience.  He is thorough and sharp. He will assume duties as a council consultant, and Transaction, Roster Management official.  He joins our council list.  Consultants do no have an official vote on trade council, but their opinions are sometimes asked or presented in the decision making and voting process.  Generally trade committee needs majority to pass, however 1 dissention is enough to trigger a committee action to review a trade then a final vote.  GM’s input are welcome to Committee if presented to a league President for introduction.  This procedure is in effect for trade review and rules committee review.  Suggestions are welcome via proper channels to committee, not on CBA_List.

The season started with the opening draft and a flurry of trade activity preceding and during what was a smooth and exciting 2010 draft.   There was a trendous amount of trade activity leading up to the February draft.  Many trades involved draft picks exchanging hands.  Picks high, and not so surprisingly with the increased vale of the late rounds, due to our CBA formula, many late picks were not only relevant but brought in some good talent in late rounds.  Big names moved.  Long time Basher Michael Young brought back power bat of Nick Swisher.  Bryan, now adds in 2011 Paul Konerko as they look to slug way to playoffs.  Brett Myers went to Carolina, Carmona went for a 5 to High Bridge.  Ian Kinsler also went to the Coppersheads for a 1.  C Town got Jav Vasquez for a 1, Bryan also got Jason Bay.  Brooklyn answered by picking up Ryan Braun, and Nick Markakis. In a win, win trade a busy BSP also swapped 2010 MVP candidate and Staff ace carlos Zambrano.  Joliet acquired Corey Hart for a few late draft picks from C Town.   Jon Buck only cost Ohio a #4, and Southwest got Cy candidate Theodore Lilly.  Cooperstown countered by snatching up MVP contender Brian McCann. Kurt Suzuki catcher, went to Striling.  Malachi Nellum made a lot of off season moves in 2010, including acquiring closer Joe Nathan for the stretch run.    The draft saw a lot of talent move in round 1.  Strasberg went to Keth Jones Sunville as the 1st overall pick.  He was followed by Rick Porcello, and Brian Matusz.  Andy Bailey was the fourth but was just dealt for 2011 to Kennesaw Mt.

Other first rounders included Carlos Gonzalez, Chris Coughlin, Mat Latos, Trevhor Cahil went to Belfast late round 1, Scott Podsednick, and Garrett Jones as well.  Some good talent also spread into the round 10 where Josh Thole, and Ike Davis both were drafted.  Part 2 coming soon.


 

November 9th, 2010

 

World Series Tradition the 2010 World Series is traditional CBA in every sense of the word.  CBA offers official congratulations to Staub Champion Limoilou who swept Dawson titlist Longue Pointe in 4 games.  Limmer then was defeated 7-4 in game 1 of the Staub finals.  They then exploded reeling off 4 straight to lead them to this matchup against Clemente.

 

Clemente champ Philly, also lost their 1st game to explosive Brooklyn.  But Philly was able to quiet the Superbas bats with good defense, and power to win 4 to 1.  Carolina played tough winning 2 to 1 after 3 netgames.  The series stretched all the way to 7.  Philly took game 4 and 5.  In game 6 Scott's Copperheads, faced with the brink of elimination stormed back to tie it up.  The Phantastics then won the final game 7, 9-5.

 

A few pre season speculated these were the favorites to meet in the fall classic. Philly is hitting .280 over the playoffs.  They have pounded 17 HRs in 12 games. With a 4.14 team ERA.  Not bad for a DH league staff.  They have only gotten on base .351 OBA, and a .455 slg...  Slightly off their .355 OBA and .480 slg during the season.  Theyve created 6 runs per game and the .791 total average is lower than the seasons .828 total average.  My friends that points either to great dice luck, or superior Stratomatic management. Winning key games going 8-4 in playoffs.  Brooklyn series was not easy, nor was Carolina.  Hite is here.

 

Jeff B of the Mighty Wendigo.  For years been called the mighty Wendigo in press releases and reports, ever wonder why? Well rookies here's why, this F'n guy is good!  All he does is win, and beat you.  He parallels to the old baseball dynasties.  A Staub legend, the Mighty Wendigo led by the classy Jeff Boutet of Quebec.  He's been to the Finals before, and before, and before...You get it.  Why is it that some guys always get there?  Ask Jeff he knows first hand.  Aside from the 3 he's won, he's been in 4, now in his 5th.  This is Rob Hite's 5th World Series winning two and losing two.  Look at the list.  These are your best CBA managers of all time.  Its all about the wins gentlemen.  Wins get the glory and both Jeff and Rob have a date with destiny.  The two original GM's.  Who is CBA's all time greatest? We know about Bob Fidler's 3 of 4 which may never be equaled. We know about Marc Wass record number of division titles 8 and record 10 playoff appearances.  Rob Hite has done that in Schmidt too.  We know about the classic Dawson Quebec, LP, Limoilou 3 way dance and later the Belfast, Limoilou, LP 3 way dance, year after year.  And Jeff is still there at the end 13 full seasons later.   We know about Phillies domination of the Schmidt title.  Rob is no stranger to winning and its thrill, and defeat in losing tough games in the late playoffs and early rounds.  But he knows how to win just as Jeff.  Usually when their backs are against the wall, they rise to the top.  Whose CBA's best ever?...

 

 

here's a look back at Limoilou vs Quebec in Jeff Boutet's first ever CBA playoff series in 1997 against arch rival Quebec Capitales led by Chris Boutin.

----- ------------  ------------ ---  --------------------  -------------------

10/ 0 QCD  6  6  0  LWD  2  4  1      B.Radke (1-0)         S.Trachsel (0-1)

10/ 0 QCD  6 10  0  LWD  5 11  1      R.Springer (1-0)      T.Mathews (0-1)

10/ 0 LWD  6 11  0  QCD  4  6  1      M.Brandenbur (1-0)    D.Burba (0-1)

10/ 0 LWD 10 14  2  QCD  7  9  1      A.Sager (1-0)         H.Flener (0-1)

10/ 0 LWD  0  4  1  QCD  9 13  0      B.Radke (2-0)         S.Trachsel (0-2)

10/ 0 QCD  7 11  0  LWD  8 12  0      T.Borland (1-0)       M.James (0-1)

10/ 0 QCD  1  8  2  LWD  9 11  1      J.Lieber (1-0)        D.Burba (0-2)

NAME              BAVG  GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB  SO HB SH DP  SB CS  E

S.Berry          1.000   1   1   0   1  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

G.Hill            .500   1   2   1   1  0  0  1   1   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

R.Amaral          .462   7  26   5  12  1  0  0   3   6   4  0  0  0   3  2  0

M.Duncan          .400   5   5   0   2  2  0  0   0   0   1  0  0  0   0  0  0

D.Segui           .367   7  30   4  11  6  0  0   7   1   1  0  0  0   1  0  0

B.Higginson       .367   7  30   6  11  3  0  1   4   2   4  0  0  0   0  1  2

B.Brown           .333   3   3   0   1  0  0  0   0   0   1  0  0  1   1  0  0

J.Edmonds         .308   7  26   7   8  2  0  3   7   4   6  0  0  0   0  0  0

R.Durham          .261   7  23   1   6  1  1  0   2   1   4  2  0  0   0  0  1

S.Brosius         .207   7  29   6   6  1  0  1   3   2   4  1  0  1   0  0  1

B.Larkin          .200   7  25   7   5  0  0  2   6   7   3  0  0  1   1  0  1

M.Macfarlane      .130   7  23   2   3  1  0  1   3   4   8  0  0  0   0  0  0

J.Levis           .000   1   1   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

B.Mueller         .000   5   2   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

C.Shipley         ----   0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

D.Lewis           ----   3   0   1   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

D.Sheaffer        ----   0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

ALL PITCHERS      .000   7  15   0   0  0  0  0   1   0   5  0  2  0   0  0  1

----------------- ---- --- --- --- --- -- -- -- --- --- --- -- -- -- --- -- --

TEAM TOTALS       .278     241      67     1     37      41     2      6     6

                         7      40     17     9      27      3     3      3

 

 

NAME               ERA  W  L   PCT   G GS CG SH SV    IP   H   R  ER HR  BB  SO

R.Bottalico       0.00  0  0  ----   2  0  0  0  2   2.0   0   0   0  0   1   4

M.Brandenburg     1.80  1  0 1.000   2  0  0  0  0   5.0   2   1   1  1   0   5

T.Borland         1.80  1  0 1.000   3  0  0  0  0   5.0   3   1   1  0   2   0

J.Lieber          4.00  1  0 1.000   2  2  0  0  0   9.0   9   4   4  3   3   7

A.Sager           4.50  1  0 1.000   4  0  0  0  0   4.0   7   2   2  1   0   2

T.Mathews         5.14  0  1  .000   4  0  0  0  1   7.0   4   4   4  1   2   7

T.Belcher         5.25  0  0  ----   2  2  0  0  0  12.0  14   8   7  1   6   9

D.Linton          7.20  0  0  ----   1  1  0  0  0   5.0   6   5   4  1   2   7

S.Trachsel        8.31  0  2  .000   2  2  1  0  0  13.0  17  14  12  7   2   9

J.Schmidt         ----  0  0  ----   0  0  0  0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0   0   0

J.Juden           ----  0  0  ----   1  0  0  0  0   0.0   1   1   1  0   0   0

T.Vanegmond       ----  0  0  ----   0  0  0  0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0   0   0

D.Springer        ----  0  0  ----   0  0  0  0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0   0   0

ALL NON-PITCHERS  ----  0  0  ----   0  0  0  0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0   0   0

Team                                          0                   +0

----------------- ---- -- -- ----- --- -- -- -- -- ----- --- --- --- -- --- ---

TEAM TOTALS       5.23     3         7     1     3        63      36     18

                        4     .571      7     0     62.0      40     15 

 

 

In 1999 Jeff and Limmer made it to the Staub Finals losing to eventual Staub champ Longue Pointe managed then by Claude LaMarre (LaMarre trophy is CBA's championship).  Rob and Philly lost in rd 1 to eventual WS champ St Foy (Dino Barnabe).  In 2000  Hite went to the finals losing to LaMarre, but winning it all in 2002 against who else, Jeff Boutet!  A rematch.  Hite beat Jeff in 5 games with what some consider CBA's all time best team which won 120 games.  In 2003 Brooklyn defeated Philly in the Clemente finals for the right to play Jeff Boutet.  Limoilou defeated Brooklyn 4  to 1 in that series only to see Brooklyn defeat Philly once again in 2004 enroute to Brooklyn's World Title.  In 2005 Philly went to the finals losing to Longue Pointe in 7 on Miracle Mirabelli's performance.  Mirabelli had a great unlikely hero series that year, and hit a game tying HR in extras to lead to victory.  Limoilou lost in the Staub finals.... Then of course The Philly championship year of 2007 Hite defeating the Skokie Wolfmen. 

 

 

Who is perhaps?  Look at the Kings of CBA....

 

CBA World Series Champs

 

1997 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs. Parma Flamingos (Lou Bloss) in 7  

 

1998 St Foy Frenchies (Dino Barnabe) vs. Longue Pointe (Claude LaMarre) in 7

 

1999 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs. Beauport Gamblers (Martin Boulet) in 6

 

2000 Longue Pointe Hitmen (Claude LaMarre) vs. Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) in 7

 

2001 Ottawa Otters (Jack Jung) vs. Quebec Capitales (Chris Boutin) in 7

 

2002 Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) vs Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) in 5

 

2003 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass) in 5

 

2004 Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass) vs Kansas City A's (Rich Schneider) in 5

 

2005 .Longue Pointe (Dennis Concepcion)  defeats Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) in 7

 

2006 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) vs Neah Bay Whalers (league managed) in 7

 

2007 Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) vs Skokie Wolfmen ("Wolfman" Shapiro)

 

2008 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) 4 games to 3 vs Skokie Wolfmen (Wolfman Shapiro)

 

2009 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) 4 games to 2 vs Longue Pointe (Dennis Concepcion)

 

here's a look back at Limoilou vs Quebec in Jeff Boutet's first ever CBA playoff series in 1997 against arch rival Quebec Capitales led by Chris Boutin.

----- ------------  ------------ ---  --------------------  -------------------

10/ 0 QCD  6  6  0  LWD  2  4  1      B.Radke (1-0)         S.Trachsel (0-1)

10/ 0 QCD  6 10  0  LWD  5 11  1      R.Springer (1-0)      T.Mathews (0-1)

10/ 0 LWD  6 11  0  QCD  4  6  1      M.Brandenbur (1-0)    D.Burba (0-1)

10/ 0 LWD 10 14  2  QCD  7  9  1      A.Sager (1-0)         H.Flener (0-1)

10/ 0 LWD  0  4  1  QCD  9 13  0      B.Radke (2-0)         S.Trachsel (0-2)

10/ 0 QCD  7 11  0  LWD  8 12  0      T.Borland (1-0)       M.James (0-1)

10/ 0 QCD  1  8  2  LWD  9 11  1      J.Lieber (1-0)        D.Burba (0-2)

NAME              BAVG  GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB  SO HB SH DP  SB CS  E

S.Berry          1.000   1   1   0   1  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

G.Hill            .500   1   2   1   1  0  0  1   1   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

R.Amaral          .462   7  26   5  12  1  0  0   3   6   4  0  0  0   3  2  0

M.Duncan          .400   5   5   0   2  2  0  0   0   0   1  0  0  0   0  0  0

D.Segui           .367   7  30   4  11  6  0  0   7   1   1  0  0  0   1  0  0

B.Higginson       .367   7  30   6  11  3  0  1   4   2   4  0  0  0   0  1  2

B.Brown           .333   3   3   0   1  0  0  0   0   0   1  0  0  1   1  0  0

J.Edmonds         .308   7  26   7   8  2  0  3   7   4   6  0  0  0   0  0  0

R.Durham          .261   7  23   1   6  1  1  0   2   1   4  2  0  0   0  0  1

S.Brosius         .207   7  29   6   6  1  0  1   3   2   4  1  0  1   0  0  1

B.Larkin          .200   7  25   7   5  0  0  2   6   7   3  0  0  1   1  0  1

M.Macfarlane      .130   7  23   2   3  1  0  1   3   4   8  0  0  0   0  0  0

J.Levis           .000   1   1   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

B.Mueller         .000   5   2   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

C.Shipley         ----   0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

D.Lewis           ----   3   0   1   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

D.Sheaffer        ----   0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0  0   0  0  0

ALL PITCHERS      .000   7  15   0   0  0  0  0   1   0   5  0  2  0   0  0  1

----------------- ---- --- --- --- --- -- -- -- --- --- --- -- -- -- --- -- --

TEAM TOTALS       .278     241      67     1     37      41     2      6     6

                         7      40     17     9      27      3     3      3

 

 

NAME               ERA  W  L   PCT   G GS CG SH SV    IP   H   R  ER HR  BB  SO

R.Bottalico       0.00  0  0  ----   2  0  0  0  2   2.0   0   0   0  0   1   4

M.Brandenburg     1.80  1  0 1.000   2  0  0  0  0   5.0   2   1   1  1   0   5

T.Borland         1.80  1  0 1.000   3  0  0  0  0   5.0   3   1   1  0   2   0

J.Lieber          4.00  1  0 1.000   2  2  0  0  0   9.0   9   4   4  3   3   7

A.Sager           4.50  1  0 1.000   4  0  0  0  0   4.0   7   2   2  1   0   2

T.Mathews         5.14  0  1  .000   4  0  0  0  1   7.0   4   4   4  1   2   7

T.Belcher         5.25  0  0  ----   2  2  0  0  0  12.0  14   8   7  1   6   9

D.Linton          7.20  0  0  ----   1  1  0  0  0   5.0   6   5   4  1   2   7

S.Trachsel        8.31  0  2  .000   2  2  1  0  0  13.0  17  14  12  7   2   9

J.Schmidt         ----  0  0  ----   0  0  0  0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0   0   0

J.Juden           ----  0  0  ----   1  0  0  0  0   0.0   1   1   1  0   0   0

T.Vanegmond       ----  0  0  ----   0  0  0  0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0   0   0

D.Springer        ----  0  0  ----   0  0  0  0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0   0   0

ALL NON-PITCHERS  ----  0  0  ----   0  0  0  0  0   0.0   0   0   0  0   0   0

Team                                          0                   +0

----------------- ---- -- -- ----- --- -- -- -- -- ----- --- --- --- -- --- ---

TEAM TOTALS       5.23     3         7     1     3        63      36     18

                        4     .571      7     0     62.0      40     15 

 

 

In 1999 Jeff and Limmer made it to the Staub Finals losing to eventual Staub champ Longue Pointe managed then by Claude LaMarre (LaMarre trophy is CBA's championship).  Rob and Philly lost in rd 1 to eventual WS champ St Foy (Dino Barnabe).  In 2000  Hite went to the finals losing to LaMarre, but winning it all in 2002 against who else, Jeff Boutet!  A rematch.  Hite beat Jeff in 5 games with what some consider CBA's all time best team which won 120 games.  In 2003 Brooklyn defeated Philly in the Clemente finals for the right to play Jeff Boutet.  Limoilou defeated Brooklyn 4  to 1 in that series only to see Brooklyn defeat Philly once again in 2004 enroute to Brooklyn's World Title.  In 2005 Philly went to the finals losing to Longue Pointe in 7 on Miracle Mirabelli's performance.  Mirabelli had a great unlikely hero series that year, and hit a game tying HR in extras to lead to victory.  Limoilou lost in the Staub finals.... Then of course The Philly championship year of 2007 Hite defeating the Skokie Wolfmen. 

 

 

Who is perhaps?  Look at the Kings of CBA....

 

CBA World Series Champs

 

1997 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs. Parma Flamingos (Lou Bloss) in 7  

 

1998 St Foy Frenchies (Dino Barnabe) vs. Longue Pointe (Claude LaMarre) in 7

 

1999 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs. Beauport Gamblers (Martin Boulet) in 6

 

2000 Longue Pointe Hitmen (Claude LaMarre) vs. Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) in 7

 

2001 Ottawa Otters (Jack Jung) vs. Quebec Capitales (Chris Boutin) in 7

 

2002 Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) vs Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) in 5

 

2003 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass) in 5

 

2004 Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass) vs Kansas City A's (Rich Schneider) in 5

 

2005 .Longue Pointe (Dennis Concepcion)  defeats Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) in 7

 

2006 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) vs Neah Bay Whalers (league managed) in 7

 

2007 Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) vs Skokie Wolfmen ("Wolfman" Shapiro)

 

2008 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) 4 games to 3 vs Skokie Wolfmen (Wolfman Shapiro)

 

2009 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) 4 games to 2 vs Longue Pointe (Dennis Concepcion)

 


October 4th 2010
 
    Round one saw good action.Staub's Limoilou led by Jeff Boutet swept last years Staub champion Longue Pointe Loggers in 4 games.  It was Felipe Lopez bat combined with good pitching, better yet dominant pitching which stopped the Lumberjacks from reaching base.  Hanson, Ubald, and Kershaw stopped CBA batting champions.
 
 


 It was Maine and SanDiego.  The Express derailed the Surfers aspirations for Series immortality with a 4-2 series win.  The reliable King Felix looked more like a jester in his 2 putrid dperformances effectively costing Joe Wallace a shot at the crown.  Meanwhile bottom feeders A Gonzalez and Barmes were heroes each knockin in 7 runs in a good series. 
 
 


 In Clemente, Philly walked over Brooklyn with dominant starting pitching and a few late rallies in a closer than shows 4-1 rout.  Hite is looking for his cheesesteak in the mail right about now....Now was that Jimmy's or D'Allessandro's Rob?  The Brooklyn Bats went cold despite Brauns stellar series .450 3 HR 4RBI, while Utley, Drew, and Abreu, torched the Superbas pitching for a .316 ERA.
 
 


 The Carolina Copperheads led by none other than Scott Kenan himself, dominated Parker this season.  They did not dominate the JD Adams led Skokie Lizard Kings.  The 4-3 series was a fantastic one for J Johson who won 3 games in an MVP performance for the Copperhead snakes.  Ryan Ludwick went nuts with 4 HR's in the series.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 October 4th 2010

   Round one saw good action. Staub's Limoilou led by Jeff Boutet swept last years Staub champion
 Longue Pointe Loggers in 4 games.  It was Felipe Lopez bat combined with good pitching, 
better yet dominant pitching which stopped the Lumberjacks from reaching base.  Hanson, Ubald, 
and Kershaw stopped CBA batting champions.
It was Maine and San Diego.  The Express derailed the Surfers aspirations for Series immortality
 with a 4-2 series win.  The reliable King Felix looked more like a jester in his 2 putrid 
performances effectively costing Joe Wallace a shot at the crown.  Meanwhile bottom feeders 
Alex Gonzalez and Climt Barmes were heroes each knockin in 7 runs in a good series.  



In Clemente, Philly walked over Brooklyn with dominant starting pitching and a few late rallies
 in a closer than shows 4-1 rout.  Hite is looking for his cheesesteak in the mail right about
 now....Now was that Jimmy's or D'Allessandro's Rob?  The Brooklyn Bats went cold despite 
Brauns stellar series .450 3 HR 4RBI, while Utley, Drew, and Abreu, torched the Superbas 
pitching for a .316 ERA.



The Carolina Copperheads led by none other than Scott Kenan himself, dominated Parker this season. 
They did not dominate the JD Adams led Skokie Lizard Kings.  The 4-3 series was a fantastic one for
 J Johnson who won 3 games in an MVP performance for the Copperhead snakes.  Ryan Ludwick went nuts 
with 4 HR's in the series.
 
The final week is here.  Playoff teams Make sure your netplay has been installed. 
 You will be required to test your system with me this week to prepare. 
 PLease  Email me off list to do a quick sign in and launch.  Dennis C, we can try again ASAP.
Everyone should play to win this week as the races are still on.
Belfast playing spoiler in a FtF series took 2 of 3 to set back Montreals Cinderella playoff dream. 
Montreal is mathematically still in it and have a head to head vs Limoilou Wendigo maybe for the wildcard.
The Crows have an outside shot for the division crown as does Wendigo who can achieve a Dawson tie with a full sweep.
Belfast is stuck entirely in the spoiler role playing Longue POinte maybe Netplay?  
The Crows and Limoilou 1st series play the most important series of the year in Staub.
Longue Pointe and Limoilou play final series.  Anything can happen in this 3 way dance whcih is really 4 way.  Belfast is HUGE.
Maine has set Ohio's playoff return almost off.  They defeated Ohio this week to pretty much wrap up Rogers race unless a sweep and Maine
gets swept. The wildcard picture has Limoilou holding 2 game edge over Montreal.
San Diego has a commanding 3 game lead over Joliet, but Joliet has both New Jersey and High Bridge.
John Miller will never go without a fight in that series.  Joliet must win their games to get playoffs.
It was an improved year for High Bridge.  
 
In Clemente Philly and Southwest cakewalk into the Schmidt and Monday titles.  JD Adams son will pilot the Lizard kings
into the playoffs. Carolina's wins in the final week have pretty much wrapped up the Parker title.
Brooklyn's wildcard lead is only 1 as Stirling has been red hot and looking to Win as many as possible vs Ottawa and Philly,
 not ez to do.  Brooklyn has Carolina in its last series, and plays Cooperstown. Any of these three teams can win it this week.  
brooklyn or Cooperstown team can be eliminated.  Both must win each game as Stirling must.  Its the tightest Clemente wildcard 
race in memory. Managers may send game by game CMs


The games are due by Thursday Nite 7pm for this round.  We look forward to this weekend starting our 13th World Series!

Sept 10th, 2010

The Dawson race between Limoilou, Montreal and LP isnt over because they will have to face each other, and likely head to head.  Belfast plays tough and will likley play face to face with Montreal.  Limoilou has a renewed old rivalry with Longue Pointe.  Looking back over the years these two teams have fought the most classic CBA battles.  We should look back into the archives at what transpired here. First off the GM Jeff Boutet is a CBA great.  Guaranteed 1st ballot HOF and a CBA 3 times champion, .like Rob Hite's Philly.  The manager Jeff Boutet, I can attest in one of the finest I have ever played head to head.  I did back in 2003 when both Brooklyn and Limoilou made the finals and Boutet Wendigo defeated me 4 of 5.  I did come back the folloing year to defeat Rich Schneider's Allentown Senators in '04.  Boutet won because he knew how to play the game and made the best decisions, and managed his team and bench professionally.  Seemed like he was always in the playoffs or later rounds.  he was.  You can see his team history on his webpage by clicking his team logo.  Since we document all seasons, who can forget the great headlines from 2005 when in the Staub Finals Limoilou squared of against Longue Pointe?  It came down to an extra innings Homerun by Miracle Mirabelli, and a game tying 9th inning error considered the biggest flubb in CBA history by Jason Michaels.  The Wendigo were always tough.  Lets look back.

Limoilou was CBA's first ever champion.  The defeated Lou Bloss (Of Stratomatic Book by Glen Guzzo fame) and his Parma Ohio Flamingoes in 7 games.  Lou was a well known writer for the old Strat-o-matic Review magazine. CBA has always had the best GM's  in the StratUniverse.  In 1998 the Dawson had a 4 way dance with Brooklyn Superbas winning after a 4 way battle between
Brooklyn, the Wendigo, Claude LaMarre's Longue Pointe, and Chris Boutet's Quebec Capitales.  

 In 1999, LP managed by Claude LaMarre faced Jeff Boutet in round 2 Staub finals in a game with results witnessed by several in an IRC chat room.  That got Jeff primed for what came next, his 2nd CBA championship defeating Martin Boulet's Beauport Gamblers.  I played in QSBL with Martin.  He was a terrific Strat player and a great guy. Knew the game inside out.  When he came to NY, I had the good fortune to meet Martin and show him around
Brooklyn.  He was especially proud that he survived the "D" train ride through Crown Heights at 11pm.  He didnt survive Jeff Boutet however in CBA.
In 2000 a .500 year and rebuild for Limoilou.  It was Rob Hite's year to win it all.  Rob had been building a dominating franchise at that time and really had put together the strongest teams that CBA had seen, maybe has EVER seen.  LP' under LaMarre hit stride and faced and defeated Rob Hite in the finals.  Longue Pointe had previously lost in 1998 to hall of famer Dino Barnabe's St Foy (
Carolina) team.  Rob, if you can recall anything that you could write about your championships appearances and recollections, we can archive them.  Would love to hear them stories directly from you.
In 2001 Limoilou swept through CBA with 112 wins in
Dawson which had LP winning 98, and Chris Boutin's Quebec Capitales winning 98 as well. It seemed like they would run through the Staub, but nemesis Chris Boutin's Capitales defeated him to go and face our own Ottawa Otters GM Jack Jung and Vlad Guerrero and Mark McGwire.  They carried the .500 Otters, a wild card team to their only championship. 
2002 The powerhouse Hite led Philly Phantastics faced Jeff Boutet's Limoilou Wendigo from the wilds of northern Quebec.  Two of CBA's best in this all time classic matchup of the best teams ever.  Scroll down this link to see the World Series Boxscores!  http://cba-bb.net/2002.htm
2003, Jeff Boutet defeated Brooklyn Superbas, their last championship.  Boutet has appeared in many playoff games since notably as had Rob Hite who won in 2007, after appearing in the 2005 series against Longue Pointe.

In 2005 Carlos Zambrano of Longue Pointe Loggers (Hitmen) tosseda no-no on 6/17/2005, it  was a foreshadow of the success LP would later have. In their playoff face to face LP's Dennis Concepcion used small ball Hit n Run and Bunts to edge over what some said was a superior Limoilou team on paper.Limoilou seems to be an odd year even year team.  The pattern emerged.   And of course LP and Concepcion appeared in last years WS.  Could LP again be somewhat of a dynasty?  They are a Dawson Dynasty. 

So then begins the legend of the towel chuck. After declaring his team out of race in some of the next 4 seasons and tossing the towel, that Indiana Team has gone on to reel off streaks and wins, and championships.  Towle Chucking, in CBA, Its like clockwork, like a Took (L.O.T.R) "nothing unexpected".  The towel has been thrown again this time in 2010.  It worked before,  how can Bob Fidler deny the success of this 'technique'?  The dreaded Usage may have the last word.  Either way, in a down year,
Indiana has been more than competitive, a testament to the NON quit thats really in this championship GM, Fidler.

 

Sept 7th 2010

Last month sees CBA with some separation in the races.  We have seen in the past furious last month rushes when the rosters expand and fringe player cards get used.  Remember the Appearance minimum guys.  When guys are in need of rest the strongest survive.  How many times have we seen the deepest teams enter net-playoffland?  CBA's Southwest Lizard Kings have just about clinched the Monday division with 1 the magic number.  Lindner still is having computer troubles lately else he'd be really enjoying this season.  Longue POinte and that amazing defense , speed , and ace pitching staff of Lincecum, Sabathia, Dumpster. Philly is phlying and Rob Hite has to be the Clemente favorite based on his lead over Schmidt.  Carolina's Scott Kenan owns Parker division and will be a major threat to Philly come playoff time.   Yet to be decided are dawson with LP's lead strong but Limoilou could shake things up despite usage concerns.  Montreal is only 3 back of the Wendigo for the Staub Wild card.  Brooklyn is in control of the Clemente Wildcard just ahead of Cooperstown, and Stirling.  Maine has the Rogers lead, with a few .500 teams like Ohio who is struggling with usage this year, and Allentown are hanging around there and can still strike paydirt.  Joliet is now two back of San Diego who is fighting for their playoff lives after lasting to game 7 in Staub championships in 2009. Joliet could just get Frost back in to the Netplayoffs first time in two years.
This week Brooklyn's Vermon Wells had a 3-5, 3 HR 9 RBI game Sept 6th.,,,,Montreal was last place in 2009, this year bonified contender.  How they do it?  Greatt platooning....Look at the combos of Pagan and Rajai Davis... Ramon Castro (10th man of year?), Torrealba...Callaspo and Getz...Crede, Hannahan, Keppinger...Grteat pitching from Uehara, Richmond, Feldman, and the pen...This team could win 93-95 games....Philly could set the CBA mark for most HR's when they break over 304.  They now have 251...Indiana has 220...Indy barring miracle may be ex champions.  They need a big finsih to overtake Brooklyn
for the wildcard....Cooperstown is hoping to pick up a series sweep, to move even with Brooklyn.  Both teams seem to win at same time....Steolen bases are way up in CBA.  Joliet has 189, LP, 187, SRS, BBD both have 151, and the tough High Bridge Heaters have 145.  High Bridge has been giving their all to be competitive.  Fighting for respectability, they achieved that this year hanging around .500 through mid season. and remaining tough.  A good streak, could bring them closer to .500.

Runner advance successes
2009    Furcal    BSP    32
2009    Figgins    ***    28
2009    Youkilis    SSC    27
2009    Hudson    SLM    25
2009    Ramirez    BBD    25
2009    Bourn    JJC    25
2009    Ramirez    ANR    24
2009    Ellsbury    SRS    23
2009    Theriot    LLD    21
2009    Aybar    OTR    21
2009    Lopez    LWD    21
2009    Roberts    OTR    21
2009    Rollins    LLM    21
2009    Victorino    SSC    21
2009    Rios    BBD    21
2009    Mauer    OOS    20
2009    Braun    BSP    20
2009    Lee    JJC    19
2009    Blake    BSP    19
2009    Cano    SSC    19
2009    Jones    MER    18
2009    McLouth    BBD    18
2009    Rasmus    IRM    18
2009    Andrus    SRS    18

Bases loaded hits
Wells    BSP    7
Gutierrez    CIP    7
Derosa    OTR    7
Granderson    LWD    7
Longoria    PPS    7
Callaspo    MCD    6
Rodriguez    IRM    6
Cabrera    BSP    6
Rivera    MCD    6
Lowell    JJC    6
Jeter    PPS    6
Coste    KWR    6
Span    HHC    6
Holliday    SLM    6
Konerko    HHC    6

Catcher Assists
Martinez    PPS    51
Pierzynski    JJC    50
Varitek    LLD    44
Zaun    HHC    43
McCann    CIP    43
Martin    ANR    42
Montero    SSC    42
Soto    LLM    39
Mauer    OOS    39
Molina    CCP    39
Napoli    BBD    37
Suzuki    SRS    37
Kendall    KBM    37
Torrealba    MCD    37
Baker    MER    36
Olivo    NBC    36
Molina    SLM    36
Iannetta    LWD    35
Rodriguez    BSP    34
Barajas    SSP    34

Caught Stealing home
Hairston Jr    SRS    2
Wilson    NBC    1
Diaz    OTR    1
Morgan    LLD    1
Schierholtz    CIP    1
Cabrera    OTR    1
Young    OTR    1

Extra Base hits
Pujols    IRM    96
Howard    BSP    84
Gonzalez    MER    79
Lind    NBC    72
Cano    SSC    72
Fielder    LWD    69
Butler    SRS    67
Braun    BSP    66
Damon    SLM    66
Holliday    SLM    65
Ramirez    ANR    65
Ortiz    OOS    64
Kemp    SLM    63
Pena    SRS    63
Cuddyer    LWD    62
Hill    JJC    62
Swisher    KBM    62
Lee    JJC    61
Rolen    SLM    61
Tulowitzki    SLM    60
Kubel    OTR    60
Sandoval    JJC    60
Morneau    CIP    60
Zobrist    KWR    60
Drew    OOS    59
Cabrera    BSP    59
Reynolds    CIP    58
Bay    KBM    58
Berkman    PPS    58

Grand Slams
Paulino    LWD    3
Cantu    MER    2
Reynolds    CIP    2
Ortiz    OOS    2
Blake    BSP    2
Martinez    PPS    2
Jones    LLM    2
Howard    BSP    2
Morneau    CIP    2
Shoppach    PPS    2
Uggla    MER    2
Rodriguez    IRM    2
Posada    IRM    2

 

 

MONTREAL(AP) – The Montreal Crows made an unfortunate announcement yesterday at a press conference held at the Queen Elizabeth hotel in Montreal. Right-handed starter Koji Uehara will miss the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury. Uehara was among the league leaders in several pitching categories, and leaves a huge hole in the Crows’ rotation. In 12 starts, he compiled a 7-1 record and 2.44 ERA, and was the stingiest hurler for issuing free passes, having allowed a miniscule 6 walks in the 66 innings he pitched. The injury occurred in the 4th inning of the Crows’ last game in San Diego, a 6-2 win over the Surf.

             “Koji will surely be missed,” said manager Robert Brunet. “The way he went about his business has been a very positive influence on the staff and the team as a whole. We had just lost Armando (Galarraga, ankle) for the next few weeks after getting Brian (Bannister, thumb) back. This is a tough one. There’s no denying it.”

            Uehara will be treated in Montreal by team doctors, but intends to return to Japan until a decision is made as to when and where his rehabilitation is to take place. With Galarraga expected to be out for most of June or more, Montreal GM Doug Brunet (Robert’s son) has called up 26 year old right-hander Brandon McCarthy from AAA Saint-Louis-de-Ha! Ha! The injuries are piling up.

            Catcher Wil Nieves will join McCarthy on his trip up after Crows’ catcher Yorvit Torrealba was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to tenderness in his right shoulder.

 

 

 

 Passed Balls
C.Coste    KWR      7
R.Chavez    KWR    6
V.Martinez    PPS    6
J.Mauer    OOS       6
I.Rodriguez  BSP     5
M.Olivo    NBC      5
J.Mathis    HHC      4
O.Santos    CWS    4

Assists by First baseman
D.Lee           2009    JJC     41
K.Morales    2009    ANR   40
N.Johnson    2009    SSP     40
A.Gonzalez   2009   MER    38
T.Helton      2009    MCD    35
D.Ortiz        2009    OOS    34
A.Huff         2009    BBD    34
J.Loney       2009    LLM    32
J.Votto        2009    CCP    29

Catcher Assists
Y.Torrealba  2009    MCD  22
V.Martinez   2009    PPS     18
M.Olivo       2009    NBC    17
A.Pierzynski 2009    JJC      17
Y.Molina     2009    SLM    17
J.Kendall     2009    KBM   16
B.McCann  2009    CIP      16
R.Martin     2009    ANR    16
R.Paulino    2009    LWD    15

Pitcher Errors
J.Jurrjens    2009    SRS   4
T.Miller    2009      LLM   4
K.Davies    2009    BBD  3
M.Owings    2009  JJC    3
J.Burton    2009     JJC    3
A.Cook    2009     OOS  3
E.Jackson  2009    BSP   3
J.Beckett    2009   LLM  3
J.De La Rosa  2009  KWR 3
J.Chamberlain  2009 SSP 3

Longest Hit streaks
Span, Denard    Heaters            27
Wells, Vernon    Superbas         17
Lee, Derrek    Jackhammers      16
Phillips, Brandon    Loggers       16
Holliday, Matt    Lizard Kings    14
Aybar, Erick    Thundercats       14
Ryan, Brendan    Woodsmen     14
Gardner, Brett    ***                 13
Pierre, Juan    Jackhammers      12
Izturis, Maicer    Otters             12
Martinez, Victor    Phantastics   12
Sandoval, Pablo    Jackhammers 12
Pagan, Angel    Wendigo            12

Pinch Hits
Montreal Crows (MCD)    R.Davis  6
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)  A.Ramirez  5   2 PH HR
New Jersey Beatles (NBC) M.Bradley  5
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)    A.Escobar  5
Maine Express (MER)        A.Rowand  4
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)A.Ojeda     4
Ohio Thundercats (OTR)    A.Gordon    4

RF Assists
Montreal Crows (MCD)             J.Francoeur    7    2DPs
Brooklyn Superbas (BSP)          N.Markakis    6
Southwest Lizard Kings (SLM)   A.Ethier         4
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)           C.Hart            4     3 DPs
Bryan Bashers (KBM)               N.Swisher      3
Maine Express (MER)               A.Rowand      3
Indiana Redbirds (IRM)             H.Pence         3
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)    I.Suzuki         3
Lake County Leopards (LLM)  K.Fukudome   3
Columbus Wildcats (CWS)  W.Balentien         3
Sunville Sunjewels (SSP)    J.Gomes                3
Belfast Brawlers (BBD)      A.Rios                   3
Sunville Sunjewels (SSP)    J.Willingham          3

  CF Assists Double Plays  Triple PLays
Stirling Redsox (SRS)            J.Ellsbury             8    0    0
New Jersey Beatles (NBC)    D.Dejesus           8    0    0
Belfast Brawlers (BBD)         N.McLouth          7    2    0
Maine Express (MER)           A.Jones               6    1    0
Southwest Lizard Kings (SLM)  M.Kemp         6    1    0
Bryan Bashers (KBM)              M.Byrd            5    1    0
Carolina Copperheads (CCP)    J.Werth           5    0    0
Cooperstown Iron Horses (CIP) F.Gutierrez     4    0    0
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)        T.Gwynn Jr     4    0    0
Lake County Leopards (LLM)    C.Ross           4    0    0
Ottawa Otters (OOS)                 A.McCutchen  4    0    0
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)     T.Hunter         3    0    0
Brooklyn Superbas (BSP)          V.Wells           3    0    0
Sunville Sunjewels (SSP)            C.Gonzalez      3    0    0
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)           M.Bourn           3    1    0
Kennesaw Mtn Woodsmen (KWR)  J.Borbon    3    0    0
Limoilou Wendigo (LWD)         A.Pagan                3    0    0
KennesawWoodsmen (KWR)   M.Cameron   3    1    0
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)    N.Morgan    3    0    0

LF Assists
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)        D.Span         5
Stirling Redsox (SRS)                 C.Crawford  4
Bryan Bashers (KBM)                J.Bay           3
Cooperstown Iron Horses (CIP) R.Ibanez      3
Ottawa Otters (OOS)                L.Nix            3
Maine Express (MER)               B.Upton        3

Leadoff Hitters  Hits leaders with their OPS
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)        D.Span     70    .908
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)     I.Suzuki    51    .764
San Diego Surf (SSC)                D.Wright    48    .857
Belfast Brawlers (BBD)             C.Figgins    48    .699
Carolina Copperheads (CCP)    M.Scutaro  47   .652
Brooklyn Superbas (BSP)          V.Wells      46    .813
Ohio Thundercats (OTR)           B.Roberts   45    .756
Maine Express (MER)               B.Upton     43    .669
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)          M.Bourn     41    .702
Limoilou Wendigo (LWD)         J.Bartlett     41    .929
Montreal Crows (MCD)           R.Davis       40    .973
Indiana Redbirds (IRM)            A.Cabrera   39    .559
Southwest Lizard Kings (SLM)  J.Damon    38    .810
Ottawa Otters (OOS)               M.Izturis     37    .738
Bryan Bashers (KBM)              L.Overbay  36    .910
Stirling Redsox (SRS)               J.Ellsbury    36    .602
Lake County Leopards (LLM)  K.Fukudome 34    .823
Sunville Sunjewels (SSP)          A.Kennedy  34  .699
Philly Phantastics (PPS)             B.Abreu      30  .905
Philly Phantastics (PPS)             D.Jeter        26    .976
Allentown Senators (ANR)        A.Gonzalez 25    .971
Kennesaw Mtn Woodsmen (KWR)  J.Borbon  25    .704

#2 Hitters, Hits
Ohio Thundercats (OTR)                       E.Aybar       47
Limoilou Wendigo (LWD)                     F.Lopez       45
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)                   L.Castillo     41
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)                      A.Pierzynski  40
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)               R.Theriot      40
San Diego Surf (SSC)                           S.Victorino   39
Kennesaw Mtn Woodsmen (KWR)      B.Ryan         38
Brooklyn Superbas (BSP)                    N.Markakis   34
Carolina Copperheads (CCP)              J.Hermida      34
Stirling Redsox (SRS)                          D.Pedroia      33
Ottawa Otters (OOS)                          J.Upton         31
Allentown Senators (ANR)                  M.Prado       31
Philly Phantastics (PPS)                       D.Jeter          31
Southwest Lizard Kings (SLM)            M.Kemp       31

HR's #8 in batting order
Carolina Copperheads (CCP)           I.Kinsler    .844    7
Philly Phantastics (PPS)                    R.Branyan    .671    6
Ohio Thundercats (OTR)                  J.Buck    1.327    6
New Jersey Beatles (NBC)               M.Fontenot    .866    5
Indiana Redbirds (IRM)                    H.Pence    .716    4
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)                   L.Valbuena    .728    4
Montreal Crows (MCD)                    R.Castro    1.257    4
San Diego Surf (SSC)                       C.Pennington    .898    3
Maine Express (MER)                       J.Saltalamacchia    .840    3
Limoilou Wendigo (LWD)                 J.Bartlett    1.303    3
Bryan Bashers (KBM)                      M.Ellis    .801    3
Ottawa Otters (OOS)                       S.Drew    .794    3
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)           J.Varitek    .666    3

Quality Starts
C.Carpenter  CCP    R    8
R.Porcello     HHC    R    8
J.Shields        ANR    R    7
T.Lincecum    LLD    R    7
K.Correia      SSP    R    7
J.Beckett       LLM    R    7
C.Sabathia     LLD    L    7
J.Jurrjens        SRS    R    7
J.Lester          CIP     L    6
J.Danks           KWR L    6
J.Vazquez        CIP    R    6
M.Buehrle       SRS    L    6
R.Ohlendorf    CWS   R    6
J.Santana         CCP   L    6
J.Washburn      LWD  L    6
J.Johnson         CCP   R    6
M.Cain            SLM    R   6
J.Blanton         KBM    R   6
T.Lilly             SLM    L    6
B.Arroyo        SRS     R    6
C.Kershaw     LWD    L    6
F.Hernandez    SSC    R    6

 

 

 

 

First month, put it in the books.  Version 15.0-19 or whatever its up to now. Patch 15.02A, and still Netplay , cant get it right.  Mike Koepp and I have a running joke preseason about how many patches they'll need each year.  We're up to 3 now.

You must exit the game completely after playing a full game, else you stay logged into the chat lobby and your 'port' stays open (tech talk) soooo. Shutdown the game, relaunch into the lobby AND change the Room name you use.  Many times the game won't connect
Important, Do not alter the game files in any way for any reason for CM or netplay, else you will get structure errors upon import. 
 
Surprised we havent seen more trades since opening day.  Generally the wires are buzzing as GM's prep[are for the fight, and to arm their team for the season.  Usually its hard to tell in April how a season will go, but GM's start to have a feel for what their teams can do. Patterns emerge, and dont ever forget the hot hand.  It seems in Strat that as much as a probabilty based system it seems, the odd players outform the stars often.  Good CM technique comes into play all the time.  How many times have we seen the Jay Johnstone Award go to those less than stellar performers?  Platooners win games in CBA.   So does bench management which Longue Pt proves again and again in the stretch.
So how do we figure Montreal? 9 over .500?  Uerhara  5-1 0.85 ?  How do we pronounce his name?  Better learn fast that card is a good one.  Scott Feldman is at 2.02, Bannister is pitching well, Galarraga too.  The bullpen aside from Rodney is shaky.  But look at Will Venable.  Nice numbers.  Montreal could slip back as their players usage is a main reason why they are bangin now.  Enjoy while they can, because Limoilou and LP do have the depth.  The Crows will need some offense INF Ab's to come in if they are to stay around.  Dont expect Longue POint to stay down long.  This team is well balanced, and primed to be consistant all year.  They dont have that 1 slugger that year after year can put them over.  Could Matsui be out at 1B in the Quebec
Amusement Park of the Trees?
San Diego is doing some damage.  The quiet Surf may not be as strong as 2009, but they have good offense, and good pitching.  Losing Manny half the year will hurt.  Dye is not what he was, and Young well not bad.  SD should be there in the end, but they may be vunerable as usage takes away the big bat. 
Allentown 16-15.  Playing well. Shileds carrying the staff 5-0 already.  Was Cy Young in 2008.  Wilson, Farnsworth, Mk Lowe and Thurston Howell make an impressive pen.....Great core with H Ramirez, R Martin, Prado, Kendry, C Gomez.  Allentown is on the verge of being a very solid good team....Brooklyn
has seen Markakis on fire andon base.  He's among league leaders and is hitting atop their order.  With Howard, Braun, and Cabrera slugging, Brooklyn will score runs.  So will their opponents...Philly has a team.  Hite again proves his mettle with another winner...Jeter, Utley, Vic Martinez, Abreu, all hitting. Verlander and Greinke both winning 5 games.  Lirianao a hard luck guy 1-1.  Rest of the staff, shaky....Bryan, just when you thought this franchise could turn the corner, bad performances befall the MLB players and bad cards too.  The lovable Bashers seem to be an odd year even year team.  They have yet to break into the first round of playoffs...This team should start to hit.  Too good not to.  Jason Bay at .217?  Wont last long. The pitching should get better too....Light must be ready to fire his field manager....Lake County on hard times block 6.  Those bats havent woke yet.  No doubt they should.  Its a long season.....Cooperstown hitting with power.  49 HR's .  The .466 slug is misleading, should be higher.  Where are the hits, doubles? 51 is  low, and 3 triples.  Could be a pattern...Longue Pt losing, but 2nd in the league in hitting?  Where is it wrong? 8th in pitching after many seasons at #1 or 2.  Missing Zambrano? Probably not as Brandon Phillips is off fast   2 HR 20 RBI 7sb .289.  B Wilson, M Stetter, and R Ortiz have been a total disaster destroying LP's chances of wins.  Rest of staff appears OK......Nellum and McGee team is having a playoff type year.  What a job Nellum has done with McGee's team to get some life injected.  Mike Young is splendid.  Just wanted to say that word.  8 HR 21 RBI.  Lastings Milledge looks like Bake McBride, but his clutch hits have helped.  Butler is looking more like a Middle order hitter. Shin Choo again is very strong.  Could he be the most under rated player in Schmidt?  Pedroia should come on soon....
Despite the garbage offense, the New Hampshire pitching staff is among the best in CBA right now.  Good bullpen...High Bridges Denard Span, last years Rookie of year runner up is leading all CBA in batting.  Witha 24 game hitting streak, Span is the Heaters all star....Could Carolina be the beast in Clemente?  Does Charlie Daniels play a mean fiddle?  I guess.  I see balance, power, some OBA, and good pitching.  Brooklyn
, Indy, SWest, Philly, Striling watch out for this sleeper...Limoilou's Prince Fielder 9 HR 31 RBI, an MVP candidate? Or Josh Bartlett   7  20 .366 with speed.. Watch out for him in that lineup...Nick Johnson hitting .333 for Sunville.  Gomes has 7 HR, but is at .217.  Keving Correia has 1-3  3.01 ERA...Derosa and Aybar helping out Ohio another Staub contender.....Kenan wants revenge on Longue Pt after their 1st rd exit.  Go to the archives or 2009 playoff page to see the news photos of their huge first rd series from rd 1.

 

 

The Staub division is known for great pennant races.  Last year’s race for the wildcard between Skokie and Belfast resulted in a game 163 won by the Brawlers leading to their first playoff appearance in a couple of seasons.  For The Wolfman Shapiro it was his final CBA hurrah retiring from CBA in what could be a hall of fame career of winning tradition.   Of course the Brawlers, Longue Pointe, and Limoilou fought toth and nail for the Dawson crown.  The races have been legendary.  Now in 2009, Ohio Thundercats led by Glenn Kenan became players.  They took the Rogers division by 1 game making it to the round 1 playoffs the first time. It was there they face eventual Staub champions Longue Pointe.  San Diego took another big step becoming a dominant team and winning the most in CBA with 109 wins within CBA’s top 5 all time.  Brooklyn won 108 as well.  SD could well be developing the dynasty in Carter. 

 

The Rogers was an intringuind division. They all finished Ohio 86-76  Maine 85-77  Allentown 79-83, Kennesaw Mtn 78-84.  Each team having a good year despite what appears to be decent records.  A few wins within the division either way and the whole scenario would have been upside down.  Ohio turned out the class of the division with good pitching, offensive balance  and some good performances.  Their numbers don’t stand out in comparison to CBA, but remember Staub is a pitching and defense conference.  Ohio hit a very respectable 163 HR’s. 717 RBI.  Stole only 52 bases and defense was shaky with 127 errors.  So how did they win?  Solid pitching.  A team 4.07 ERA despite the .703 X rating for the team which is well below league best.  ERA could have been better so the team WHIP was slightly higher than could have been.  The pen combined for a .285 IRSC which is very good. Limiting the runs scored helped greatly. The batting was average with a ,335 team OBA and .423 slug.  Not up there with the Clemente powerhouses, but it helped. Kubel had a big bat really boosting the offense as teams ‘pitched around’ Texeira who hit only 26 HR 88 RBI’s.  Not a lot of people on in front of him.  Role players like Boggs, and Fernando Tatis had strong years off the bench to supply punch. It all counts.  A great front rotation of Edinson Volquez and Rick3 Nolasco dominated the opposition E.Volquez  3.08 17-7  R.Nolasco 2.51 14-8, both with great numbers to go along. A pen by committee featuring Craig Breslow, Trever Miller, Chris Perez, Steve Shields, Circus Vargas and others were solid.  A great year for Ohio and 2010 could be even better.

 

Maine just barely missed.  They ran into some usage issues and folded at season end. .268   144 HR 722 RBI’s.  That .268 was a pretty good average in the Staub Conference.  Remember you can’t compare the two leagues as they have different goals and personalities.The power was adequate.  Low cost high yield players for Maine.  Adrian Gonzlaez is approaching his prime had a  32HR  101 RBI  .301 year. Uggla paced the way and had a tremendous MVP like .295 34 HR 103 RBI year.  His value was about as much as any team player though the stats less gaudy.  Uggla kept the Express in the race. Just as Aubrey Huff led the Brawlers despite the lesser stats than others.  Its comparative.  Uggla and Huff were absolutely MVP contenders maybe even more.  Jorge Cantu had a good year 19 HR 91 RBI  .279 in a pitchers conference.Barmes stepped into oplatoon to hit 9 HR 44 RBI  .308.  BJ Upton led CBA with 71 SB with only a .258 BA. 

Excellent pitching from K. Lohse 3.13 13-6, and J. Bergmann 3.96 11-6.  Bobby Jenks was outstanding saving 25 with a 2.05 ERA.  Just as bad were Z. Duke  5.24  11-11, J. Saunders   4.06  5-14.  and  I.Snell 6.16  7-12.  Iwamura has 12 PH’s and hit .309 part time.  Perhaps Maine’s success vs R .276, helped them rise above some others.  A team .276 BA vs R and overall .340 OBA helped somewhat.  Though .409 slg was bad.  The defense killed them   .676 X rating was too much for the good pitching and great hitting to overcome in the end.  Errors killed them in big game spots and in big series like Next to last week getting swept by Ohio.  The final 2 or 3 of the season went into extra innings and it may have been the difference in playoffs and pretenders.

 

 

Allentown had another average year showing signs of breaking through then slumping just as they reached playoff contention. As late as August 18th-19th they were just 2 games back of first place only to drop a series to Montreal the spoiler.  Again they came within 3 as late as Sept 2nd after the Joliet series, but along came the LP Loggers who swept them out of the picture.  Perhaps it was usage concerns, but the Dawsons did in the Senators.  For a good stretch early on, they held first place until 1st week in May.

Weak hitting hurt against the tougher pitching.  Little power hurt but they had still some Staubesque good all around play at times.  Chris Gomez had a good year hitting  .258 10 HR  62 RBI, 58 SB, 35/42 sac’s from leadoff.  Jeff Kent upon retirement closed out his CBA HOF career with 13 more HR and 72 RBI.  Will he wear Senators uniform on his page?  Russ Martin was as more than solid a backstop as in CBA  10 HR  73 RBI  34 SB!  He was the teams MVP.   Hanley Ramirez hit .249 with his unbalanced card and 21 HR.  2010 will be different.  Delgado was added midway, and in only 370 AB hit a big 22 HR to bring A Town back to contention, till LP pitching stopped the Senator bats completely.  Martin Prado was CBA’s best PH 19 hits in 54 PH AB.   The offense aside from Delgado failed miserably.  A .321 OBA with .376 slug detracted from a team that had the necessary variables to win CBA games. 118 Iso Power really low.  They stole 204 bases, including 3rd 33 times & they bunted well79% success on bunts. PH hit .291,   71 for 244. 

 

Kennesaw Mountain had a powerful year clobbering 185 round trippers.  They did only hit .239 vs Righties which ultimately doomed them. They only hit .233 in the clutch. Teams loaded righties on them, because lefties hit a more respectable .258.  They didn’t steal too much, just average 75 sb 25 cs.  Mike Cameron was the typical.  He hit 22 HRs, but batted .239.  A microcosm of the offense.  Ian Kinsler did damage 18 HR  65 RBI  .324 He was clearly affected by being pitched around.  He was issued a CBA high 25 Int Walks.  No lineup protection.  Edwin Encarnacion  .254 25 HR, 86 RBI .254 most damage vs Lefty.  Ryan Braun was so 1 sided that he hit only .242 26 HR 65 RBI..  It was this goofus performance that crippled the James Blake who did all he could to build a winner.  How could Braun hit so poorly?  He was dealt away to Brooklyn after season after receiving a 5 in LF.  He was so terrible in the filed in ’09 that his X rating .327  showed that in only 49 chances he got 16 outs.  So he hurt at the glove too. Pitching was better.  The starting staff was solid despite the lack of team defense .688 X rating.  

Card Billingsley, 3.56 10-10and Scott Olsen 3.37 11-8 led the way with respectable numbers keeping them in many games.  John Danks and Hirsohi Kuroda threw well despite their records. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Monday division is looking to create it’s own legacy.  The new division started in 1997 but was retired after only 1 CBA season.  The intial teams were.

Monday Division

Cory Light’s Kilgore Bashers upgraded their facilities in Bryan Texas, Southwest is back in So Cal and better than ever under General Lindner.  Though Indiana can trace its roots back to the old Sunville Sunjewels, they are here and made it to the Championship on the wildcard. Lake County, Dave Jones team can be traced back to the Vancouver Storm, who later became HOF’er Dino Barnabe’s powerhouse St Foy Frenchies. Well any talk of Monday starts with the division winner Southwest Lizard kings. A fanatastic regular season punctuated by a bitter playoff loss.  Again the same fate befell almost all our division winners, lone exception the Staub Champion LP Loggers.  The team takes on the personality, and the winning positive attitude of CBA’s true legend Eric Lindner.  No question when he came back to us, CBA took a step apart from others.  His spirit and trading has put the Lizard Kings atop the CBA’s elite.  96-66 record winning Monday for the first time.  Matt Cain was a gain.  He went 20-8  3.74  179 K’s.  The other Matt, Holliday was a pain 32 HR 111 RBI .304 BA.  The team played better .642 on the road than at home which is surprising playing at Morrison Memorial. A .359 OBA and .472 slug is good.  But in Clemente noted for slugging teams, like Indy, Philly, Brooklyn, this team used some good balance and good pitching to win.  Keep in mind a 4.39 ERA in Clemente’s DH league is very good.  Soria proved worth the expense compiling 32 saves.  The rotation was solid.  Cliff Lee 16-7  3.66 ERA, Dave Bush 14-11, Jeremy Arlo Guthrie 12-6.  Perhaps The best of all relievers was the Cory Wade with CBA leading 19 holds and superb job keeping Southwest in the game. Good defense .76% X rating.  Southwest had its share of stars in the lineup.  Adam Laroche hit 35 HR’s 88 RBI, Melving Mora  .304 21 HR, Johnstone candidate Nomar Garciaparra slugged 15 HR 46 RBI’s .299 in  only 157 AB’s, not PH. Team had speed too.  122 SB on the season.  Southwest had a season, a darn good one.

Indiana’s story is well documented.  Bob Fidler’s team had nailed their 3rd crown. They won in an improbable 1 game playoff vs Jon Stamets and Cooperstown.  The lineup the team, it was strong on paper, it was balanced.  It was losing.  What to do.  Some GM knows how to pick its team up and get ‘em going, and Fidler is proven one of them. With a flick of his wrist, he throws in the towel and achieves another milestone.  A toss here and there and with cunning and skill Fidler has taken all CBA to task.  He’s taken on some of the best and beaten them. Not only CM’s but Netplay too.  Often behind in the series he’s played at some point.  He pulls out a Redsox story and sweeps away to another win….After some linen hurling.  The season started slowly and then momentum gained. The Redbirds were in 4th place in April, but still 3rd place in mid May, then the wins started to come in as the lineups changed and threats were made to personnel and employee. Maybe it was Pujols putting the team on his back carrying a final .394 66 Hr 151 RBI season .  He couldn’t so it alone. Josh Hamilton hit 47 HR 137 RBI .315, and A Roid hit 45 HR 117 RBI .312 with 13 SB.  Reyes had 705 At bats .275 21 HR 70 RBI 12 threebagers from leadoff spot, and stole 66 bases CS 9 times.  Sizemore hit 34 HR 104 RBI.  The team batted .284 and hit a whopping 287 HR to go with 945 runs.  A .354 OBA and .498 Slug were excellent and good to win in an impressive 95-68 season.  The only offense negative could be the abnormally high 1013 K’s.  That’s way too high to be completely efficient and produce even more runs. 

The pitching was adequate despite the seemingly high ERA 4.76.  For Clemente that’s decentThey gave up a lot of hits, but Indiana managed to out hit most of ‘em. Oswalt slipped some to 14-6 3.56 off his previous Cy Young CBA season. Lucious Hochevar surprised going 11-4 3.77 and winning a big playoff game vs Brooklyn.  Jon Garland, failed miserably with a 6.04 ERA last year despite 11-10 record.  Indy will need better P than that next season.  A team .303 IRSC is ok, though not top shelf,  Its average. Sheets was a disappointment going 7-11 5+ ERA.  The staff was plagued with blown saves. B Wags saved 23 also more was expected.  2010 will be a dogfight for Fidler and Indiana as the others in Monday have stepped up too.  No reason to expect Indiana to slip too much in 2010.  Fidler will find a way.

Lake County is another elite CBA franchise. Dae has taken this franchise and made them a consistent contender. Always ready to compete.  93-69 a superior record in this expansion year.  They beat up on the putrid Westminster Kernals and the building Sunville SunJewels.  A total of 22-2 against the newbies meant a shot at playoffs.  That’s the game though beating who your supposed to. In Monday, they had a winning record against all the teams including the Lizard kings. Lakers had trouble with everyone else though.  They did beat Cooperstown and Ottawa, but the struggles elsewhere held them back. As though they were designed to play in Monday alone. This team was led by the X man, oft injured Xavier Nady and his pet’s. 31 HR 108 RBI .338 should merit some MVP votes. Catcher Giovanni Soto had a 31 95 .286 year, and Carlos Delgado was sensational in his brief time in Lake County.  A  team not blessed with great power need contributions from everyone.  Mike Jacobs hit 28 Hr’s, and Garrett Atkins added another 21 at 3B.  The other role players like Fucudome, Fontenot, Spillborghs, Church, Blum , L Castillo all contributed in the effective platoon.  A team .346 OBA with a .458 slug isn’t enough to be at the top in Clemente, but the pitching is what made the Leopards run..

5 starters over 11 wins.  Led by ace Junior Vasquez 17-6 3.50 ERA with 199 K’s

the others Derek Lowe was 13-12, Beckett 13-6 3.81, Cueto 11-10, and Parra 11-8.  J Papelbon only saved 15, and was shaky in the little time he was used. Funny how he stunk in other leagues Ive seen him too.  What gives there?  If you can’t count on him then who can you count one?  Perhaps LC would have had a few more wins and a playoff without Pimplebun’s break down. A .794 X rating % was very very good and contributed to the excellent 4.01 ERA.  A .280 IRSC was also pretty good. If you can keep you’re opponents to only 4.46 runs per game in Clemente, you will win more than your share which the Leopards did. Perhaps a key reason Lake did score more was the low BA and OBA of the top 2 linep table setters who hit only in the .260’s for 2009 season.

 

Bryan took a step back in 2009 after a great season in 2008.  The pitching just wasn’t there. The offense wasn’t there.  So what does veteran GM go and do about it?  He goes and gets slugger Jason Bay in a huge off season acquisition with Kennesaw Mountain.  Jason Kendall also comes with his bat and arm to the Bashers.  Burrell’s tail off to .226 26 HR 92 RBI’s cost this team.  Inge dived down to .216 and 5 HR’s after a spectacular 2008.  Although they hit 194 HR’s and spread power throughout the lineup, the on base and hits weren’t there to compete.  The pitching well, a disaster 4.94 ERA.  Good seasons for Ty Wigginton who .278 28 HR 68 RBI.  Not enough runners to take home with homers.  Luke Scott gone in Bay deal, added 25 dingers. The team MVP may have been Lyle Overbays’ .316 17 HR 86 RBI’s.  A lack of speed clogged the basepaths, only 42 SB’s and 20 CS.  Runners couldn’t roll home. 772 runs is average, but 885 allowed is deadly unless you have top gun offense. Bryan is no doubt looking ahead after a very strong draft and good off season. 4 solid starters are among Clemente’s best with Wolf, Blanton, Wanda Rodriguez, and Gaving Floyd.  A decent lineup with some good cards and maybe another puzzle piece in the pen and lineup, and playoffs could be in reach once again.

 

There aces were hot. 

Parkers beast is the 2003-2004 Clemente champions Brooklyn Syuperbas.  Year after year they are the team to beat.  Teams gear up for them when they come to Brooklyn’s Prospect park grounds called The “House Of Pain”.  The hits are more frequent, and the Brooklyn air contributes to power.  The team is built to specification for that field.  The players come and go.  This year Hall of Fame 1B Todd Helton was dispatch starting a myriad of Brooklyn trades as the Superbas began to build for tomorrow.  Players in and out.  Along with Helton, Long time 2B Brandon Phillips, last years RF Magliulo Ordonez, HOF candidates Omar Vizquel, Mike Timlin, RP set up Dan Wheeler, Andy Laroche.  In their place. Nickt Markakis, Ryan Braun, Carlos Zambrano, David Price. The future mortgaged.  Brooklyn had to make moves to compete with the powerful teams in Cooperstown, Indiana, Philly, Carolina, Lake County, and Ottawa. No one can stand idle in Clemente, the competition is that fierce.  Brooklyn is no lock for a division title in 2010.  But in 2009, they were.  In fact they may have been Brooklyn’s best team ever. Year after year of 95+ wins, but 2009 was special 108-54 record their best.  Only SD had 109 wins.  Both are among the CBA’s all time wins per season leaders. 

Start with the slugging.  The new dynamic duo rests the crown from Papi-Vlad. Howard Cabrera.  Destruction and total avg.  For Cabrera 44 HR (5th overall), 136 RBI’s (5th overall), .308 .953 tot.  Howard 8.87 rc/27, 1.021 prod  60 HR (2nd overall), 155 RBI (1st overall), .292 BA.  Maglioulo Ordonez chipped in 21 HR 104RBI, 4th in CBA with a .339 BA.  Vermon Wells 24 HR 68 RBI, .354.  Punto stole 35 .322 BA in 336 AB’s.  B Phillip[s 24 HR 80RBI 24sb.  Blake 27HR, 85 RBI .278.  Doumit hit 24 HR .316 average, Giles 13 HR 77 RBI .316.  The bench was awesome with Furcal playing vs L only, platooned 9 HR 38 RBI 15sb .432ba as a sub.  The offense was legendary in CBA. Finishing with a near record .307 ba with 275 HR 1048 runs.  .369 OBA  .525 slugging for the Superbas. the latter a CBA record. It should be noted that Brooklyn hit 44 triples, and stole 114 bases.  Speed helped.

There wasn’t much other teams could do except hope the bats didn’t hit.  The lineup stacked with no easy outs.The defense wasn’t  good .708 X rating. League average is .712.  League Leader Indiana had .802 league low Ottawa .591.

So did Brooklyn defense help the pitching?  Not at all  The offense couldn’t keep the opposition from scoring runs, likely a defensive glitch, but the pitching did a respectable job with a 4.30 era in a bandbox park. With better defense maybe 112 wins could have been reached.  Came back to haunt them in the playoffs when defense crushed them in late innings...A .302 IRSC the pen was fair. Brooklyn stayed strong all year but couldn’t defeat Indiana in the playoffs. Their dice luck ran out, and they shockingly stopped hitting.  Another disapperntment for the lovable Superba nuts in Americas 4th largest city.

Cooperstown had a great year in 2009.  They won 94 times. 14 ½ behind Brooklyn. They made it to a game 163 playoff vs eventual champion Indiana, another longball team.  First time in many years. This team typical of Parker and Clemente big power. 215 HR. Nine double digit HR guys led by Morneau 35 HR 128 RBI .318  He was so valuable to his team carrying the team to that 163.  Johnny Peralta hit 27 HR 107 RBI .290, Ibanez his standard 28 HR 108 RBI .299 season.  Jose Lopez had a great year hitting .324 18 HR 79 RBI.  Burrrisss stole 19 bases. Jack Kemp hit 24 HR 90 .280 33sb and only 1 CS.  A CBA single season SB % record with .971.  He did however K 141 times.  A team .351 OBA was their best in years along with a great .484 slug. .835 production is also very strong. They threw base stealers ot 75%, Stole 81 bases  So why not more wins?  Pitching…It all went wrong.

Well almost. Cy Young candidate Carlos Marmol was dominant and necessary.  He save 43 games from a poor pitching staff.  That he figured in 45% of his teams wins was no accident.  He was good. No one else was.  The pen allowed 40% of their inherited runners score.  Compared with league leading Carolina’s 22%. Staff ace was 14-8 but a 4.94 ERA.  Lot more losses could be avoided.  Jon Stamets has went to work right away with flurries of trades to get all the pieces together for  a Parker run.  He has traded a lot of picks, players, and gotten different players and picks returned.  Wild off season for this franchise. They should be an Iron Horse in 2010.

In most years Carolina’s 88 wins would compete more closely for a wildcard which they did, until swept away vs Cooperstown and Brooklyn in the last week and a half of the season.  They finished with 5 more wins, but it wasn’t enough,  Carolina and their signature bullpen couldn’t hold out.  In fact Carolina may had taken a WC had Brooklyn not dominated them in September sweeping two series.  A good team home and away, the pen was the story.  The Cardiac Copperheads won 10 games of 13 in extras. The team largely did better than actual performances save Tejada who hit only .265, and Zimmerman who at 3B hit .276.  But you know what that will be in 2010 with Zimm becoming elite.  A good .351 OBA with .478 slug is enough to win, but in Clemente? Parker? Carolina is looking to build some trading Brian Roberts to the powerful Ohio team in Staub.  239 HR,  892 runs, .282 BA, 121 SB.

Both Ludwick and Werth had good seasons.  Ludwick 40 HR 107 RBI, .290 BA 1.018 Tot.  A great season. Several over 20 HR’s including Jason Werth 26 HR 77 RBI .314, 21sb, 1.033 tot.

A Dunn had a low 28 HR .251, Votto 23 HR 75 RBI .299 BA, B Roberts 10 HR 49 RBI 63sb, Benjamin Molina .296 23 HR 90 RBI, DeRosa 22 HR 83 RBI .288,   overall 12 guys double digit HR’s.  Parker = Power.

The Carolina pitching was good 4.39 ERA led by Johann Santana who was 20-9 3.86  222 K’s. Harang won 13 more but a 5.49 ERA.  Ollie Perez was tossed.  11-11, 6.39 ERA.  Marcum acquired the previous winter from Brooklyn went 11-9  3.60 ERA.  The pen was strong.  Great pen management  Ohman was in 92 games only 43 innings.  How’s that for super HAL efficiency?  Ohman, Valverde, Bray, Gregg, Nelson, Street, Scott Kenan knew what he was talking about when he tried to install a world class pen last winter.  It almost won a playoff spot for him.

Woeful expansion team or shining ray of light.  What and where is Sunville?  Keith Jones’ team the SunJewels.  Is it the Jimmy Buffett they play at night games and Margaritas they serve liberally at games to keep ‘em at the park?  Is it the Buffet table spread before gametime? Is it Warren Buffet’s attendance at home weekend games dancing “Bootay Meat” with the SunJewel cheerleaders.  What will bring fans to Sunville?  Is the team playing in Phlorida or New Mexico…The mystery of the SunJewels…They now own the top pick in CBA’s draft.  Anyone they want is theirs.  It took ‘em a loaded trawler of candidates to meet usage and get to the finish line.  Which they absolutely did unlike Harley Bryan (Bryan Harley?) Don Leo Kernal’s  Westminster Albatrosses.  Jones guaranteed, and delivered. In the meantime the offense was futile.  The pitching worse  6.36 team ERA.  Perhaps CBA’s worst team ever? 36-126, close the Harley Davidson Kernal’s finished barely 29-133.  Worse.  1426 Inn pitched 1870 hits allowed.  Only 145 HR’s.  No one more than Marcust Thames 18. No players stood out.  No one particularly good.  Note Rod Barajas 10 HR 36 RBI .273. Jose Bautista 18 HR 40 RBI .218BA.  Nick Blackburn 10-15 4.35 for a team that won 36 games.  Troye Percival saved 8 big games.  Greg Maddux was acquired for usage, and closed out his illustrious CBA HOF career with a 4-13 record unbefitting a diamond king.   A .724 X rating was actually better than some teams in contention, kudos. A first year team, Sunville is looking for sunnier days.  Jones has just started rest assured.  He is ready to land some big fish in the draft pool.  Better times are coming for the SunJewels franchise…Feb 28th could be Sunville’s biggest day ever.

Schmidt Division has more big power teams.  The perennial Philly Phantastics are one.  They won 105 games. Now the league win totals have inflated some because of the expansion.  But Philly was good enough anyway.  Rob Hite just knows Strat-o-matic baseball.  He knows the draft, he knows how to just win.  They mauled the division with a 27 game edge over Ottawa in 2nd.  The offense deadly .294 269 HR scoring a CBA high 1,026 runs. Good defense, some speed 81 sb comparatively Belfast swiped 240.  This year Philly had excellent pitching.  In their HR laden ballpark, the PPS tossed a 4.05 era salad at opponents.  They only sacrificed 20 times.  .704 def X rating is not too good, but it didn’t hurt them too much.  Funny how it goes, but it may have stopped Philly from being THE dominant CBA team.  Philly used the H & R just enough and stay out of double plays.   Extremely clutch, PPS took advantage of opportunities with the infield in. When pitchers were tired a few more hits to win games later innings.  9 20+ HR hitters.  Key hitters Carlos Lee hit .340 29 HR 98 RBI, Evan Longoria 33 105 .335. Abreu 22 110 .275  24SB.  Utley 28 118 .317.  Hard to say who the team MVP was when it was all such a total team effort.  This may have been PPS best chance to win.  Cy Young candidate Cole Hamels was as good as it gets 22-7  3.09 227 K’s.  For a team in a HR hitters paradise, these are awesome numbers.  Verlander and Greinke chipped in with 15 wins each.  Randy Johnson in his Swan song added 14 more wins to his CBA leading total.  He now has 231.  The staff will be very strong again in 2010 as Health Bell will likely close and the Greinke express hits South st for some Jimmy’s Steaks before game time, then down Oregon to Tony Luke’s after the game.  As fate would have it, the biggest CBA teams took the hardest falls.  Hite’s Phantastics will like Skokie, Brooklyn, Southwest, and San Diego be forgotten like Tennessee Tazmanians were back in late 90’s.

The Ottawa Otters season started off promisingly as they were in first place as late as May 21st before dropping back some.  The turning point came when Stirling swept 4 games from them.  Two series later the CBA’s worst ever Westminster Pidgeons took a pair in a3 game. From there it was all inconsistent with win streaks not sustaining, and Phlly getting adjusted and hot.  At that point usage may have contributed to the slide as well.  A disappointing season after a playoff appearance, the Otters got a subpar performance from the injured ace who went 11-13  3.20.  Not Cy Young numbers.  Aaron Cook was better at 15-12  3.84 ERA.  Two more stats on the rosters decline was more hurtful  that of CBA HOF candidates Vlad G and Papi Ortiz.  The CBA’s prolific duo slumped at the plate.  Guerrero slid down to 27 HR 94 RBI .272.  Papi Ortiz 26 HR 57RBI .252.  Not enough to drive the offense who managed only a .253 team BA despite 206 dingers.  Joe Mauer was basically an all star with 15 83 .310.   Jack Cust did what he usually does 33 HR 103 RBI .233 .371 OBA  109 BB’s.  But he struck out 211 times a CBA record.  Ottawa hit .252 vs L .253 vs R. Team had a .770 OPS.  They also did hit 52 triples. But only 26 Sb, likely by accident.  A large number.  A classic Clemente power team.  Make no mistake that Ottawa is on the rise.  A solid young team, with dynamic young players.  Jack Jung the honred veteran championship manager has drafted some valuable players and groomed good talent.  In 2009 the defense let down the pitching an all time low X rating as mentioned before .591.  The OF made flyball a total adventure.  The Otter fans complained of neck injuries from watching the ball being shot back through the alleys.  The bench was a minus PH hit .227 They hit 111 homers at home but  fewer, 95 on the road.  The pitchers allowed a very high .286 batting average, while the relievers allowed the unners to score upon their entering the game at a .366 clip.  36% of which how much was defense?  Had the defense been better the staff likely would have produced more wins.

Stirling is a franchise with an owner and a GM tandem.  There is the franchise owner the semi retired Wayne McGee.  He is an original member and friend of ours. The Stirling franchise is without question a historic one. Dealer Wayne (or is it Trader, or is that Rob H?) One of CBA colorful GM’s.  His press releases, quips, trade bulletins, friendship, sense of humor, sense of whats best for CBA, makes him a surefire CBA hall of famer.

Wayne stays active, but defers to the man who has rebuilt the talent base of this franchise. Malachi Nellum.  Malachi is a CBA veteran who was the original owner of the Alamo City franchise.  He returned to us a GM two seasons ago content to be Stirling’s GM, even turning down opportunities to own a franchise.  He has built up some players of there. Another below 77-85  a .500 record Stirling has only been in 1 playoff in their existence. A team with .274 176 HR 768 Runs struggles in Clemente, unless the pitching is outstanding or they have speed and defense. Stirling had some very playoff worthy offensive stars.  Carlos Pena had a sensational year 39 HR 101 RBI .296.  Pedroia was great again  19HR  89RBI .321 10sb.  Ellsbury stole 65 hittin .290 and should get even better.  Crawford was well Crawford…Of note Jerry Mather hit 14 HR 36 RBI in 134 AB’s. Shin Soo Choo hit 19 86 .348 in 264 AB’s.  Stilring could glove. .786 X rating was very good.  But they will need to improve on the .339 team OBA & .437 slug.  The 4.98 staff ERA could have been a lot worse without the defense.

Westminster? Forget about it. 

 

 

 

The draft will be held in the CBA chat room.  I expect we will do 3 rounds beginning 12 noon eastern 9am Pacific Sunday Feb 28th.   Those unable to attend will be required to submit a list to a responsible GM to proxy.  I will not be able to draft for you, nor is it advisable to let HAL do yer pickin'.  Your list should be comprehensive.
The Chat room requires Java which almost everyone has by now, so upgrade your browsers and test the room.  We will allow up to 2 minutes before league allows next draftee to make selection.  It is important all be prepared ahead of time.  Trades should never stall the draft clock.  Complete them before selecting, no quarter. 
If the draft board is incorrect it must be corrected predraft.  Once the clock starts, that board is official win, lose, or draw. 

Should a player be re selected or ineligible for drafting, it is solely that GM's responsibilty.  They may reselect, when they can.  We will not back up the draft.
Should you be knocked off line, call your pal and have them select, its on you.  We do encourage direct chat between GM's either on the chatroom or by phone with each other.  CBA is a family.


The list of FA's is online, but there could be omissions and errors. Be forewarned.  Some players may or may not be there, its a guideline only not official. 

Check your trades and draft charts.  With the passing of my father, I may have missed an item or two.

Stadium changes are in and no more stadiums can be selected.  Those who are on Committee mail list with stadium choices are official now.  I must have stadium choices from NJ and Atlanta ASAP.
This must be selected immediately before the LaManna comes out Thursday.

Reminders: No 2011 picks can be traded until the first selection of the draft is officially announced by league.  You may announce at that time...certainly you can agree in principal before then. 

Atlanta and NJ may not trade their 1,2,3 picks this year only.  Both are probationary franchises. 

The draft is always a blast.  One of my favorite parts of the season.  The banter is great and as long as we get guys in their and not bitching about each other.  We never had it, and I wont tolerate it publically on chat or list.  You can kiss the league goodbye if you make it a habit.  Just keep it all in fun and good judgement and we'll be lovin every minute of this draft.  It promises to be very interesting this year.  Alot of deals went down. Lots of different players will have increased value this year.  If you look at the economics of it, teams will need to be very usage conscious.  This will have an effect on the drafting habits of many teams to get usage controlled, not relying on 2 RFA's or trades that may never happen to get thru the 100% usage and roster limits.  The draft will therefore be stronger than you may think.  Smaller players will have impact now, and teams with good reserves may fare better than superstar type teams. (LP anyone?)

You may draft a minor league. Un carded players may be retained year to year so plan ahead. 
Remember that first and foremost in CBA is that you make every attempt to win your games.  Its given in our league.  Its encouraged and some feel we owe it to each other to put our best teams out there on the field.  Its been said that respect among GM's is earned when you are a competitive GM who fights and plays to win.  Certainly last year, I commend a few guys who did their best even sacrificing there high pick (highest) to give you their best.  We salute John Miller, We salute Doug Brunet our two expansioneers who sacrificed their future, to put rostered players usage into the games despite dropping their draft positions.  They drafted for usage slowing their building.  CBA couldnt ask for better character.   Keith Jones despite the record also did his best to manage his usage, though had to rely on allotted RFA's heavily.  We commend his efforts.  We unfortunately must mention the legend of the Westminster Pelicans franchise who flew the coop and crashed down to the sea like Icarus in a typhoon.   They were unprepared and had a proxy drafter.  Trades werent made and usage was a mighty issue, with little talent to trade, CBA had to take over the franchise and set extended RFA's in a 1 time league directive.  The termination was swift, and the franchise became a walk over which inflated some teams winning percetages.  It also made for our best pennant chase ever......
 Lets mention a few other GM's who refused to tank and gave us all good competition (name of the game here) There were Jack Frost and Jack Jung.  Frost fought it till the end.  Jack Jung put 'em forward as best he could too.  We salute you Blake-O. You dint quit.  We salute Rich Schneider and Wayne McGee/Malachi Nellum.  You fellas are what its all about.  We saw how you did your best.  Jeff Boutet, came back in the 2nd half to be a factor and never tanked. I cant make out this one though.  We actually had a guy publically throw in the towel only to win his 3rd championship in 4 years.  So quittin never pays right Fid?  Heck Bob knows.  He never really quit and he won.  CBA doesn't quit.  With Fidler's championship belts, its been suggested that we all publically throw in towel each year at mid season in a ritual to bring good luck to those who do...........nah.

Wass

 

 


It's stunning....Staub has not had a winner in the Finals since well, 2005 and Dennis Concepcion's Longue Pointe team won it all.  The reigning champ Fidler is back.  He is CBA's best, back for 3rd time in 4 years.  Concepcion, a playoff perrenial, didn't make it last year to the playoffs, but sure has the year in grand style.  He swept the extraordinary San Diego Surf team.  Both Indiana and LP were underdogs to two of CBA's greatest teams of all time.  Both Conference teams beat the giant teams to help advance.  Now they meet.  Indiana just plain outslugs you, Longue Pointe just keeps you off the bases and runners from moving....Two contrasting Strat philosophies will square off.  The games should be well attended just to see what the next CBA STrategy trend will be....Will it be good pitching with lots of K's and defense.  A team that hit and runs you to death and steals at will? or will it be the ARoid, Pujols, Hamilton, Pence, Sizemore, reyes show?

For LP it was all pitching and unlikely heros.  For Indy Pence, Sizemore and ARod. Lets look and see who they are...

Indiana was originally the expansion Houston Aeros, a last place team that was extremely fortunate to have won the 1st over expansion pick when 4 teams were broken up.  ARod was originally on the Chris Boutin led Quebec Capitales.  He was the first expoansion pick in 2003 by Chris Thomas' Houston club.  He then drafted Albert Pujols with the first regular draft pick that year.  There was the nucleus.  Jose Reyes came over in a trade 3 seasons ago from San Diego, while OSwalt was an orinal draftee.  Last year, Indiana acquired B. Wagner, C. Ruiz, K. Griffey, Jr in a major trade with Southwest for A. Ethier, Indiana's #1(09), #4(09), #5(09), #6(09).   They got Loney from Kennesaw as well at about the same time for a #2 and Mientkiewicz.  They got J Garland from Kennesaw as well in 2008.  Posada came in July of 2007 for D Riske, Kaz Matsui and a 2,6 pick. Polanco came in from Philly for Brad Hawpe.  Many good trades and some not as good.  But always looking to improve. Indy traded picks, acquired, shuffled, drafted and built.  Looking out of the picture in themid season they staged one of CBA's remarkable comebacks winning 41-17 to gain a last day wildcard, and now back in the finals after Fidler threw in the "Towel".

Longue POinte has made a few trades mostly has built through drafting.  The team, unlike 2005 is mostly of Concepcion's design.  He drafts for bench reserve and defense.  He drafts for talent, he drafts for good cards, he drafts to win with balance.  He drafts strikeout artists, he drafts well.  He acquired great draft pieces starting when he took guys like Richie Sexson at the end of rd 1 in 2005. Jason Varitek came in 2006 for Jason Kendall.  05 WS hero Torii Hunter came in 2005 for AJ Burnett and a #1.  Dennis moved guys like Nomar Garciaparra a longue time favorite in Quebec, bringing in players like Aramis Ramirez, drafted some like pen guys CJ Wilson, Balfour, Marte, Seanez, Kiko Calero, Brain Fuentes, and even drafted more guys for the staff and who got outs, K's and stopped runners from moving.  But Concepcion has thrived in the draft.  After raising some eyebrows, whose wondering now? He drafted a minor league pick like Tim Lincecum in rd 1.  He took Hideki Matsui in rd 1 too.  Ryan Dempster another.  He took Ryan Theriot in a later round. LP is well known for super sub scrubs.  Each year he has his overachieving mutant cards. In 2005, it was Brian Jordan hitting .400.  This year its Cliff Floyd, and Lou Montanez, otherwise guys like Gabe Gross, Kotchmann, Iguchi, new heros with small names.  Remember Miracle Mirabelli?

Its gonna be a Jailbreak...Who will attend?

  Parker Divison recap..

 

Parkers beast is the 2003-2004 Clemente champions Brooklyn Superbas.  Year after year they are the team to beat.  Teams gear up for them when they come to Brooklyn's Prospect park grounds called The "House Of Pain".  The hits are more frequent, and the Brooklyn air contributes to power.  The team is built to specification for that field.  The playerscome and go.  This year Hall of Fame 1B Todd Helton was dispatch starting a myriad of Brooklyn trades as the Superbas began to build for tomorrow.  Players in and out. Along with Helton, Long time 2B Brandon Phillips, last years RF Magliulo Ordonez, HOF candidates Omar Vizquel, Mike Timlin, RP set up Dan Wheeler,Andy Laroche.  In their place. Nickt Markakis, Ryan Braun, Carlos Zambrano, David Price. The future mortgaged.  Brooklyn had to make moves to compete with the powerful teams in Cooperstown, Indiana, Philly, Carolina, Lake County, and Ottawa. No one can stand idle in Clemente, the competition is that fierce.  Brooklyn is no lock for a division title in 2010.  But in 2009, they were.  In fact they may have been Brooklyn's best team ever. Year after year of 95+ wins, but 2009 was special 108-54 record their best.  Only SD had 109 wins.  Both are among the CBA's all time wins per season leaders. 

Start with the slugging.  The new dynamic duo rests the crown from Papi-Vlad. Howard Cabrera.  Destruction and total avg.  For Cabrera 44 HR (5th overall), 136 RBI's (5th overall), .308 .953 tot.  Howard 8.87 rc/27, 1.021 prod  60 HR (2nd overall), 155 RBI (1st overall), .292 BA.  Maglioulo Ordonez chipped in 21 HR 104RBI, 4th in CBA with a .339 BA.  Vermon Wells 24 HR 68 RBI, .354.  Punto stole 35 .322 BA in 336 AB's.  B Phillip[s 24 HR 80RBI 24sb.  Blake 27HR, 85 RBI .278.  Doumit hit 24 HR .316 average, Giles 13 HR 77 RBI .316.  The bench was awesome with Furcal playing vs L only, platooned 9 HR 38 RBI 15sb .432ba as a sub.  The offense was legendary in CBA. Finishing with a near record .307 ba with 275 HR 1048 runs.  .369 OBA  .525 slugging for the Superbas. the latter a CBA record. It should be noted that Brooklyn hit 44 triples, and stole 114 bases.  Speed helped.

 

 There wasn't much other teams could do except hope the bats didn't hit.  The lineup stacked with no easy outs.The defense wasn't  good .708 X rating. League average is .712.  League Leader Indiana had .802 league low Ottawa .591.

So did Brooklyn defense help the pitching?  Not at all  The offense couldn't keep the opposition from scoring runs, likely a defensive glitch, but the pitching did a respectable job with a 4.30 era in a bandbox park. With better defense maybe 112 wins could have been reached.  Came back to haunt them in the playoffs when defense crushed them in late innings...A .302 IRSC the pen was fair. Brooklyn stayed strong all year but couldn't defeat Indiana in the playoffs. Their dice luck ran out, and they shockingly stopped hitting.  Another disapperntment for the lovable Superba nuts in Americas 4th largest city.

 

Cooperstown had a great year in 2009.  They won 94 times. 14 ½ behind Brooklyn. They made it to a game 163 playoff vs eventual champion Indiana, another longball team.  First time in many years. This team typical of Parker and Clemente big power. 215 HR. Nine double digit HR guys led by Morneau 35 HR 128 RBI .318  He was so valuable to his team carrying the team to that 163.  Johnny Peralta hit 27 HR 107 RBI .290, Ibanez his standard 28 HR 108 RBI .299 season.  Jose Lopez had a great year hitting .324 18 HR 79 RBI.  Burrrisss stole 19 bases. Jack Kemp hit 24 HR 90 .280 33sb and only 1 CS.  A CBA single season SB % record with .971.  He did however K 141 times.  A team .351 OBA was their best in years along with a great .484 slug. .835 production is also very strong. They threw base stealers ot 75%, Stole 81 bases  So why not more wins?  Pitching…It all went wrong.

 

Well almost. Cy Young candidate Carlos Marmol was dominant and necessary.  He save 43 games from a poor pitching staff.  That he figured in 45% of his teams wins was no accident.  He was good. No one else was.  The pen allowed 40% of their inherited runners score.  Compared with league leading Carolina’s 22%. Staff ace was 14-8 but a 4.94 ERA.  Lot more losses could be avoided.  Jon Stamets has went to work right away with flurries of trades to get all the pieces together for  a Parker run.  He has traded a lot of picks, players, and gotten different players and picks returned.  Wild off season for this franchise. They should be an Iron Horse in 2010.

 

In most years Carolina’s 88 wins would compete more closely for a wildcard which they did, until swept away vs Cooperstown and Brooklyn in the last week and a half of the season.  They finished with 5 more wins, but it wasn’t enough,  Carolina and their signature bullpen couldn’t hold out.  In fact Carolina may had taken a WC had Brooklyn not dominated them in September sweeping two series.  A good team home and away, the pen was the story.  The Cardiac Copperheads won 10 games of 13 in extras. The team largely did better than actual performances save Tejada who hit only .265, and Zimmerman who at 3B hit .276.  But you know what that will be in 2010 with Zimm becoming elite.  A good .351 OBA with .478 slug is enough to win, but in Clemente? Parker? Carolina is looking to build some trading Brian Roberts to the powerful Ohio team in Staub.  239 HR,  892 runs, .282 BA, 121 SB.

Both Ludwick and Werth had good seasons.  Ludwick 40 HR 107 RBI, .290 BA 1.018 Tot.  A great season. Several over 20 HR’s including Jason Werth 26 HR 77 RBI .314, 21sb, 1.033 tot.

A Dunn had a low 28 HR .251, Votto 23 HR 75 RBI .299 BA, B Roberts 10 HR 49 RBI 63sb, Benjamin Molina .296 23 HR 90 RBI, DeRosa 22 HR 83 RBI .288,   overall 12 guys double digit HR’s.  Parker = Power.

The Carolina pitching was good 4.39 ERA led by Johann Santana who was 20-9 3.86  222 K’s. Harang won 13 more but a 5.49 ERA.  Ollie Perez was tossed.  11-11, 6.39 ERA.  Marcum acquired the previous winter from Brooklyn went 11-9  3.60 ERA.  The pen was strong.  Great pen management  Ohman was in 92 games only 43 innings.  How’s that for super HAL efficiency?  Ohman, Valverde, Bray, Gregg, Nelson, Street, Scott Kenan knew what he was talking about when he tried to install a world class pen last winter.  It almost won a playoff spot for him.

 

Woeful expansion team or shining ray of light.  What and where is Sunville?  Keith Jones’ team the SunJewels.  Is it the Jimmy Buffett they play at night games and Margaritas they serve liberally at games to keep ‘em at the park?  Is it the Buffet table spread before gametime? Is it Warren Buffet’s attendance at home weekend games dancing “Bootay Meat” with the SunJewel cheerleaders.  What will bring fans to Sunville?  Is the team playing in Phlorida or New Mexico…The mystery of the SunJewels…They now own the top pick in CBA’s draft.  Anyone they want is theirs.  It took ‘em a loaded trawler of candidiates to meet usage and get to the finish line.  Which they absolutely did unlike Harley Bryan (Bryan Harley?) Don Leo Kernal’s  Westminter Albatrosses.  Jones guaranteed, and delivered. In the meantime the offense was futile.  The pitching worse  6.36 team ERA.  Perhaps CBA’s worst team ever? 36-126, close the Harley Davidson Kernal’s finished barely 29-133.  Worse.  1426 Inn pitched 1870 hits allowed.  Only 145 HR’s.  No one more than Marcust Thames 18. No players stood out.  No one particularly good.  Note Rod Barajas 10 HR 36 RBI .273. Jose Bautista 18 HR 40 RBI .218BA.  Nick Blackburn 10-15 4.35 for a team that won 36 games.  Troye Percival saved 8 big games.  Greg Maddux was acquired for usage, and closed out his illustrious CBA HOF career with a 4-13 record unbefitting a diamond king.   A .724 X rating was actually better than some teams in contention, kudos. A first year team, Sunville is looking for sunnier days.  Jones has just started rest assured.  He is ready to land some big fish in the draft pool.  Better times are coming for the Leisure King franchise…Feb 28th could be Sunville’s biggest day ever.

 


From Southwest Sun Lizard's Home territory came this release

@AP Newswire Date: Oct. 14, 2009 

LOCAL INVESTIGATORS SEEK ANSWERS!   

Arcane wording discovered scrawled upon a napkin in local steak house outside Indiana's Ballpark has raised concerns that a killer may be on the loose.  It reads:

In the mighty halls of the CBA
there are only two things of certainty,
The future's uncertain, and THE END is always near!

Wow, I'm sick of doubt
Live in the light of certain
South side
Cruel bindings.

The Redbirds have the power
Dog-men and their mean women
Pulling poor
blankets

over
Our players

I'm sick of dour faces
Staring at me from the executive
Suites, i want roses in
My
bullpen bower; dig?

Royal doubles, hard hit singles
Must now replace aborted
Strangers in the mud
These mutants, blood-meal
For the pitcher that's plowed.

They are waiting to take us into
The severed garden
Do you know how pale and wanton thrillful
Comes death on a strange hour
Unannounced, unplanned for
Like a scaring over-friendly guest you've
Brought to bed

Defeat makes angels of us all
And gives us wings
Where we had shoulders
Smooth as raven's
Claws

No more
money, no more fancy uniforms
This other kingdom seems by far the best
Until it's other jaw reveals incest
And loose obedience to a REDBIRD law.

I will not go
Prefer a feast of
friends
A lie she cried
Spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a marble slab

 

To the giant REDBIRD she spoke

I will not go, I will not go
Have I not wandered your streets of yellow haze?
And pitchers come and go
Speaking of Joe DiMaggio

I have measured out my life
In balls, strikes and cheap hot dogs
Am I not Lazarus raised from the dead?
Come back to tell you
To tell you all

THE END


Local officials and police detectives are puzzled by the cryptic verbiage and its meaning.  Rumors that the much awaited contest between the Lizard Kings and the Rebirds will be tomorrow night at 5pm Pacific/8pm EST may be related to the arcane scriblings.  Rob Fidler is reportedly suffering from massive migranes in anticipation of the bloody series and has been cleared of any ill-doings.  However, maverick owner, Eric Lindner, has been heavily sedated and locked securely in a local sanitarium after being found in a darken alley with steak sauce smeared all over his vomit covered t-shirt.

The end is most certainly near for one of these vaunted warriors of the CBA.

Report filed by Bernard Shakey
Minister of Propaganda and Ticket Sales

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Fantastic week...All we could have asked.  Heading into the final block the races have clarified.  The losers are heading home and the strongest and best survive.  This week, Allentown, Kennesaw, Limoilou, have all been practically eliminated though not mathematically.  In Staub That leaves the Dawson decided in an epic 4 game series that all will be watching between Longue Pointe and Belfast.  It has been them all season long, as Limoilou held on till the end.  Dennis Concepcion and JD Adams will play with LP just a gmae back of the Brawlers.  The LP's have been throwing shutouts with a great staff and 1's all over the field.  Great defense has masked a suspect offense led by 10 man Johnstone award candidate Cliff "pink" Floyd of all cards...

Skokie is in the wildcard basically 4 games over LP.  Glen Kenan's Ohio has never made the lpayoffs.  Not even as Bodega Bay.  Could this year be the franchises first ever?   The Thundercats are only 2 back of Mike Koepp's Maine Express.  Maine's Adrian Gonzalez and The Uggla at 2B, lead the offense.  SanDiego is having the best year in their history.  Wallace will be formidable in the playoffs.  They have last years 7 game playoff loss to avenge.

Clemente has Philly slugging 3,  20 runs games this week.  Brooklyn had the seasons first no hitter.  Its the franchises first as well.  John Lannan Brooklyn's 1st rd draft pick throws one vs Sunville.  Box below.  Howard and Cabrera each have over 40 HR.  Howard 56 of 'em, chasing Sammy Sosa's team record of 63.  He just passed Todd Helton's 55 of 2001.  The race is for wildcard which Dave Jones (got it right) Lake County Leopards is 1 game behind both Cooperstown with GM Jon Stamets, and Indiana and last years champion Bob Fidler.  What a race.....Netplay could be the thing this week!


 

Sept 20th 2009

The season end is at hand.  Its destiny or skill.  Its luck or probability.  Its torturous or strategous.  Usage conservation or damn the torpedoes...  Who will win?  Who are the players?

 

The 2009 CBA elite are....

Marc Wass.  Yours truly is having a renaissance season with 104 wins so far.  The 2003 WS finalist and 2004 champion Superbas have been in the playoffs each year since 2003.  They were in a few more before that.  Big games elude Superbas who are driving to become two time champs ala Rob Hite, Jeff Boutet, Bob Fidler.  Been playing Strat since 1977, Superbas are always a team known for offense and power.  Brooklyn signature is perrenial leadership in major offensive categories. Lots of stealing and Power, teams are tailored for Coors field dimensions. 

 

Joe Wallace:  Plays hard in playoffs.  Knows the game and numbers well.  Is out to beat the Staub Division and nothing less than a World Series Appearance will due for the CBA's 7 year veteran.  Wallace has built his team from the ground up and is contending the past 3 seasons.  Could this be the year he breaks through?

 

JD Adams: The usage czar knows his role, and his team.  With the luck of the Irish, and the use of excellent strategies in lineup making, the Belfast Brawlers again play to maximum potential.  They dont have Limoilou's star power, Longue Tongue's pitching and defense, nor the power of  Clemente's brooklyn or Philly, but they do all the little things, like steal, pitch, clutch.  Huff has been a blessing and though others have better numbers he may be the true MVP based on his value to a team thats contending.  52 doubles 23 HR  113 RBI on a non slugging team that steals tons.  Adams has suffered CBA heart break a few times in the past.  1 game playoff losses. Early rd 1 exits, just barely not making the cut.  JD is hungry and ferocious.  Every swing counts for this competititor.

 

"Wolfman" Shapiro.   The Skokie, Holland, Atlanta, crystal master.  Moved right in and rebuilt the Wolfmen into powerhouse.  This team is becoming a CBA legend having been there in the thick of the playoffs each season since 2006 I believe.  The Wolfman is known around the world for his skill.  Its on display here in CBA and again he's primed for another shot at the coveted CBA World Series title.  The Strat community watches our website and posts and our playoffs are watched by the veteran league watchers online.  SOM players always look for the advantages, sometimes from other leagues that they can apply to their own methods.  Wolfman's web pages get quite a few hits.  He wants them to read about a Wolfmen World Championship.  Thats his goal solely.  He nows the rules and how to work within them.  he is reliable and efficient.  Most of all, he knows the game and the cards.  To beat him in the Netplayoffs is to beat a legend.  Bob Fidler did so.  Wolfman may not be done with him...

Dennis Concepcion: The man behind the CBA graphics.  Staub President, and creator of the Loggers team.  DC is one GM that can't be ruled out because he finds a way to beat you.  He has a knack for finding variables other than slugging.  He relies heavily on platoon system and defense.  He has sported teams with 4+ ones on offense.  He is known for his small ball game like the one he used to ride such cards as "Miracle Mirabelli", Brian Jordan, and Todd Jones into big moments.  He also studies his opponents and plays for the long run.  The LP signature is their strong bench, and fantastic pitching staff.  He prefers strikeout pitchers, and good hit and run men. Concepcion is unconventional but effective year in and year out.  He is also an avid baseball uniform and stadium historical enthusiast. 

Rob Hite:  CBA legend. Multi year champion.  Just like Brooklyn in leading CBA in offense and power categories.  Owns several CBA records.  Hite is on executive committee, and is an original member.  Perhaps one of CBA most prolific traders, Hite is one of the sharpest draft and Stratball minds you'll ever meet.  Has keen sense of talent and is ever tough in head to head competition.  Rob Hite is a future CBA Hall of famer.  He has the championships to back it.

Glenn Kenan:  First year for playoffs? A CBA 4 year man.  The Ohio team has improved each year.  Kenan has traded and drafted himself into a winning team.  In a tough conference where teams knock each other around, Ohio is on the cusp of team history should they overcome Maine.  Kenan has forged a team that could be the underdog surprise of the CBA season.  The little engine who could?

Mike Koepp: Mr Mike to you.  Maine is in the 2nd year of playoff hunt.  His last playoff was marred by some questionable circumstances, but experience was gained.  Koepp is fighting hard.  The competitor in Koepp has worked very hard to get this franchise atop Rogers division.  He wont relent now, & is ready to beat you.

Dave Jones:  Jones has been around the block in CBA. The Leopards are his team.  He built them and is likely to make noise this year if they get into the playoffs.  Dave always has his team playing tough.  Never an easy win, The Leopards gives all Clemente fits.  They play well against Philly, SW, and Brooklyn.   Jones seems to make trades that keep him in the thick of things.

Eric Lindner:  1 game shy of Southwest's 1998 best franchise win total.  Lindner also knows the cards and the game.  Loves to compete.  Loves to win.  Plays well and plays fair.  Lindner is fun to play against...Its all fun and sht until you realize he's beating you.  Knows how to shoot down his oponents with Strat skill.  He is the Lizard King and wants to do anything.  Plays in Morrison Stadium.  Doors fan obviously, and true artist painter.

Jon Stamets: Has made a seamless transition into CBA to take over Cooperstown.  His GM skills will be on display as he takes a good team and has been making them play with efficiency.  This weeks series vs Carolina was classic.  Knows how to manage, and could be this years X factor as Allentown's Rich Schneider was back in 2004.

 


 

Usage Post:

Batters may only start games during a block if they have 12 or more PA left for the season, but they can be on your roster (available as bench players) as long as they have at least 1 PA left for the season.  If the batter meets these requirements, then you are not access a penalty if the player get overused during that block, but you must deactivate him for the next block to avoid penalties.

 

Starting Pitchers can start one game during a block if they have at least 4IP left for the season.  It has been noted that we need to specify how many IP a pitcher must have to start two games during a block, but that is unclear at this time.  If the starting pitcher meets this requirement before the block, no penalty will be accessed for over usage obtained during that block. However, if overused, you must deactivate the pitcher before the next block

 

Relief pitchers must have at least 3IP left before the block.  If they meet this requirement and get overused during the block, no penalty will be accessed, but the pitcher must be deactivated before the next block if they have less than 3ip left for the season (or are overused) to avoid penalties.

 

Starters/Relievers are evaluated as if the are a starter (may only start if 4ip or more) and a reliever (may only be activated if they have 3ip or more).

 

So, as long as you check out the Usage Display (from Statistics->Team Statistics), after every block, you should be able to quickly determine who can must be deactivated now, who is getting close and who must be bench players only.  If you do this and still go over a few PA/IP, then you are not penalized at all.

 

For example, Mark Ellis from my team has been used 1 PA more than his card allows.  However, once he got under 12PA, I took him off all of my starting lineups, and then once he went over, I deactivated him for the rest of the season, so no infraction/warning was issued.  I can also tell that Burrell can't be in a starting line up, since he only has 2PA left, so he's on the bench now.

 

for my pitchers, I can see that Randy Wolf has 4IP left, so can start one game this last block, while Gavin Floyd has only 3ip left and can only relieve (he can't start, and has a 0 relief rating, but I kept him on the roster just in case he was the last option left in a long game...)

 

(there are others on my roster that either must be bench players


August 21st 2009

The races come alive.  Theres separation at the top.  Philly is having a season for the ages 24 games up in Schmidt.  Amazing! Phantastic.  It's time to recognize Rob Hite for his accomplishments in CBA.  We could also celebrate Jeff Boutet who has brough Limoilou back into the Dawson race once again, a 3 way dance.  Limoilou has won 3 titles and was perhaps CBA's most dominant team from Staub....  Rob Hite is among the top elite in CBA history with his championships and dominance of his division nearly every season.  This year may be his best since winning a CBA record 120 in 2000.  Your teams career stats are now in the team notebooks in your game itself.  Each year's won lost is recorded.... Marc Wasserman, yours truly has asserted control in the Parker division with perhaps more title wins than any other franchise in CBA history.  BSP has been to the finals in 2003 losing to Limoilou and Boutet, winning it all in 2004, and nearly three peating being stopped short in 2005. Bob Fidler joins, Boutet and Hite as multiple World Champions.....  The Skokie Wolfman has been dominant since emerging in 2005 with Montreal as a contender, and eventual World Championship contender.  Could he finally win the elusive big one?  He will have to fend off perhaps CBA best team in San Diego....  Veteran Joe Wallaces team is perhaps less known, but feared. This team is the favorite to win. Wallace has bowed in very tough playoff series in 07, 08, but 09 could be his year.  The Wolfman is arming against his rival by acquiring Ben Sheets for the playoffs.....  The other race is intriguing in Staub.....  Its the battle for the Rogers.  Not yet a high profile league like Dawson whose races are legendary, but this is the year Rogers look like the black and blue great south & midwest division.  Maine is now battling Glen Kenan's Ohio Thundercats.  We don't hear much about them, but they're making news in 2009. At or near the top, they have a great shot at securing a division title, which would be their first.  Their team legacy, Minnesota, then  AJ Cusimano's Wantagh Woods started the ball rolling for the Ohio franchise. And now Glen's Strat building plan has them in contention.  Mike Koepp's Maine has slowed somewhat but remain dangerous.  Kennesaw is just lurking 2 games out.  Blake will no doubt pull out all the stops to steal a title.  His prediction for his teams rise in 2009, may yet come true.  Westminster now has Tom Stephens taking over its economy with new measures and new hope.  He will see this franchise on to batter days.  With talent being cut away to maintain usage and statisticakl integrity, Tom will be allowed to trim to 20 this year.  He may add the extra 5 in the Supplemental.  He will be allowed 2 minor league picks this season.  If you recall, Kernal missed the draft so this year his top picks concerned with usage more than prospect development. His RFA allotment is fufilled so Tom will do his best to manage the lineup usage , and hopefully some competition for perhaps CBA's sorriest ever franchise.  Westminster (WPS) will no doubt finish with the least amount of wins of all time. Lets see if Stephens toughest ever Strat challenge could take him from the beginning to a championship.....  Eric Lindner has been too quiet. Seems when he loses, then the creative and intriguing world of the Lizard kings come out.  The resident CBA poet, personality, and original CBA member has led this years Morrison's to a shing lead in the renewed Monday division.  He may have to fend off an on rushing Bod Fidler who has Indy on the rise or David Dean whose Lake County is steadily a playoff contender.  Will Dean & Fidler knock the Lindner off his Sun rock in Moreno Valley California? The stats dont tell the story here.  The best management does. As we all know, anything could happen in the playoffs, just look at the WC 2005 Longue Pointe team who beat the mighty Wendigo and then Philly who were dominant teams.  Davey slew Goliath so to speak...Belfast and LP are dogfighting in Dawson with Boutet's Limoilou team.  The Quebec dominated division is being made complicated by good performances from the better than expected crows. Just as High Bridge is spoiling the party, Montreal has been too. They took a series from contenders Allentown last week, and Ohio this week....Allentown is only 3 back.  Rich Schneider's club is hovering at .500 and thus the Rogers lead. Whoever gets hot now, could take that spot because Skokie looks like they will take the one wild card.  Its winner take all in Dawson and Rogers...Indy's Pujols is challenging for a triple crown.  His BA up to .391, he leads Ryan Howard of Brooklyn in HR's by 54 to 50, but trails Howard in RBI's 127 to 121. The Prince of Fielder is sandwiched between them, er, statistically. By the way what country designated Fielder a Prince?  And please someone tell me what is a Boof?....Magglio Ordonez, Howard, Casey Blake and Miguel Cabrera lighting up Parker for Brooklyn.  They lead CBA with a .310 BA in Coors with 230 HR's...Brooklyn's bats are legendary in CBA.

Look at the CBA' s all time franchise leaders by winning pct


Team                      Wins Loss    Runs Runs against
Brooklyn         1203 876 13053 11378
Limoilou          1168 912 10817 9603
Longue Pointe 1156 924 10075 9093
Philly              1144 938 12408 11048


August 10th 2009

Out of Montreal:

Jay Payton announces his retirement: “It was a great ride. As I was already considering retirement after the season, I let the folks here in Montreal have the opportunity to have a look at another player before the end of the season. It’s unfortunate that the injury will prevent me from helping this new franchise for the remainder of the season. On a positive note, I’ve been offered the chance to stay on in a coaching capacity. I’m really going to consider it. My best years were spent in Brooklyn and I have very fond memories playing there, but I was glad to have the chance to help a young franchise. I think things here in Montreal are pretty solid.”

August 19th 2009
Skokie acquires RFA(1) B Duckworth release Saroman Torres
SD acquires M Redmond RFA(1)
High Bridge Releases G Jenkins, Acquires RFA(3) E Bonifacio

August 16th 2009
Acquired Travis Metcalf as RFA(1), released Bill Bray.

Aug 12th 2009
Released- Chacon, Gonzalez, Isringhausen, W. Wright, Mendoza
Acquired RFAs- Bartolo Colon, TJ Beam, Scott Eyre, Matt Tolbert, Alex


 

 

Belfast has trimmed LP's lead to 2 in Dawson as LP bench couldn't hold off their opposition this time. Looks like they must win their division with SD and Skokie with better records in Staub. Westminster finally won a game, but Joliet now has a CBA record 21 game losing streak as the Jacks prepare for 2010. Limoilou is red hot and only 4 out now in Dawson.  Could it be another 3 way dance?  Boutet's team could be a player.  Maine and Ohio are dogfighting in Rogers.  That division is all bunched up.  It could be anyones to win. Could Ohio be worst to first?  Montreal has a good lineup this year.  The addition of Todd Helton CBA future HOFer, Joe Crede, Jody Gerut, Keppinger are quite a tough opponent not to be taken for the Montreal Uehara's.  SD 's lead has been trimmed all the way down by the Skokie Skunk'ems who are redhot.    Again the Wolfman proves to bequite a CBA manager.  Could the future hold HOF enshrinement?  A championship or two may help the cause.

In Clem, Brooklyn is having a terrific season loaded with offense.  Ryan Howard is on an MVP tear and  is now 2nd (by 1) in HR and RBI.  HIS BA is up over .285.  Both Brian Giles, Ryan Doumit, and Miguel Cabrera have been on fire.  Cabrera zipping right up into the leaders categories.  Both Carolina and Cooperstown are neck and neck in the wildcard.  Its been a great year for both teams.  Cooperstown could finish with their best season ever.  Both are tough as nails.  Speaking of nails, It looks like Super GM Rob Hite's Philly team is all but ran away with the Schmidt.  18 games, that division is nearly wrapped up.  Another classic powerhouse team loaded with offense.  As their pitching improved so did their winning pct.

High Bridge is just so tough for an expansion team. They are a spoiler.  Miller is a good GM who can squeeze blood from rocks.  What has happened to Ottawa and Stirling?  IS it too late for them?  Lake County making a run along with Carolina.  They too are right in the wild card playoff hunt...

 Passed Balls
C.Coste    KWR      7
R.Chavez    KWR    6
V.Martinez    PPS    6
J.Mauer    OOS       6
I.Rodriguez  BSP     5
M.Olivo    NBC      5
J.Mathis    HHC      4
O.Santos    CWS    4

Assists by First baseman
D.Lee           2009    JJC     41
K.Morales    2009    ANR   40
N.Johnson    2009    SSP     40
A.Gonzalez   2009   MER    38
T.Helton      2009    MCD    35
D.Ortiz        2009    OOS    34
A.Huff         2009    BBD    34
J.Loney       2009    LLM    32
J.Votto        2009    CCP    29

Catcher Assists
Y.Torrealba  2009    MCD  22
V.Martinez   2009    PPS     18
M.Olivo       2009    NBC    17
A.Pierzynski 2009    JJC      17
Y.Molina     2009    SLM    17
J.Kendall     2009    KBM   16
B.McCann  2009    CIP      16
R.Martin     2009    ANR    16
R.Paulino    2009    LWD    15

Pitcher Errors
J.Jurrjens    2009    SRS   4
T.Miller    2009      LLM   4
K.Davies    2009    BBD  3
M.Owings    2009  JJC    3
J.Burton    2009     JJC    3
A.Cook    2009     OOS  3
E.Jackson  2009    BSP   3
J.Beckett    2009   LLM  3
J.De La Rosa  2009  KWR 3
J.Chamberlain  2009 SSP 3

Longest Hit streaks
Span, Denard    Heaters            27
Wells, Vernon    Superbas         17
Lee, Derrek    Jackhammers      16
Phillips, Brandon    Loggers       16
Holliday, Matt    Lizard Kings    14
Aybar, Erick    Thundercats       14
Ryan, Brendan    Woodsmen     14
Gardner, Brett    ***                 13
Pierre, Juan    Jackhammers      12
Izturis, Maicer    Otters             12
Martinez, Victor    Phantastics   12
Sandoval, Pablo    Jackhammers 12
Pagan, Angel    Wendigo            12

Pinch Hits
Montreal Crows (MCD)    R.Davis  6
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)  A.Ramirez  5   2 PH HR
New Jersey Beatles (NBC) M.Bradley  5
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)    A.Escobar  5
Maine Express (MER)        A.Rowand  4
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)A.Ojeda     4
Ohio Thundercats (OTR)    A.Gordon    4

RF Assists
Montreal Crows (MCD)             J.Francoeur    7    2DPs
Brooklyn Superbas (BSP)          N.Markakis    6
Southwest Lizard Kings (SLM)   A.Ethier         4
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)           C.Hart            4     3 DPs
Bryan Bashers (KBM)               N.Swisher      3
Maine Express (MER)               A.Rowand      3
Indiana Redbirds (IRM)             H.Pence         3
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)    I.Suzuki         3
Lake County Leopards (LLM)  K.Fukudome   3
Columbus Wildcats (CWS)  W.Balentien         3
Sunville Sunjewels (SSP)    J.Gomes                3
Belfast Brawlers (BBD)      A.Rios                   3
Sunville Sunjewels (SSP)    J.Willingham          3

  CF Assists Double Plays  Triple PLays
Stirling Redsox (SRS)            J.Ellsbury             8    0    0
New Jersey Beatles (NBC)    D.Dejesus           8    0    0
Belfast Brawlers (BBD)         N.McLouth          7    2    0
Maine Express (MER)           A.Jones               6    1    0
Southwest Lizard Kings (SLM)  M.Kemp         6    1    0
Bryan Bashers (KBM)              M.Byrd            5    1    0
Carolina Copperheads (CCP)    J.Werth           5    0    0
Cooperstown Iron Horses (CIP) F.Gutierrez     4    0    0
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)        T.Gwynn Jr     4    0    0
Lake County Leopards (LLM)    C.Ross           4    0    0
Ottawa Otters (OOS)                 A.McCutchen  4    0    0
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)     T.Hunter         3    0    0
Brooklyn Superbas (BSP)          V.Wells           3    0    0
Sunville Sunjewels (SSP)            C.Gonzalez      3    0    0
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)           M.Bourn           3    1    0
Kennesaw Mtn Woodsmen (KWR)  J.Borbon    3    0    0
Limoilou Wendigo (LWD)         A.Pagan                3    0    0
KennesawWoodsmen (KWR)   M.Cameron   3    1    0
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)    N.Morgan    3    0    0

LF Assists
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)        D.Span         5
Stirling Redsox (SRS)                 C.Crawford  4
Bryan Bashers (KBM)                J.Bay           3
Cooperstown Iron Horses (CIP) R.Ibanez      3
Ottawa Otters (OOS)                L.Nix            3
Maine Express (MER)               B.Upton        3

Leadoff Hitters  Hits leaders with their OPS
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)        D.Span     70    .908
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)     I.Suzuki    51    .764
San Diego Surf (SSC)                D.Wright    48    .857
Belfast Brawlers (BBD)             C.Figgins    48    .699
Carolina Copperheads (CCP)    M.Scutaro  47   .652
Brooklyn Superbas (BSP)          V.Wells      46    .813
Ohio Thundercats (OTR)           B.Roberts   45    .756
Maine Express (MER)               B.Upton     43    .669
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)          M.Bourn     41    .702
Limoilou Wendigo (LWD)         J.Bartlett     41    .929
Montreal Crows (MCD)           R.Davis       40    .973
Indiana Redbirds (IRM)            A.Cabrera   39    .559
Southwest Lizard Kings (SLM)  J.Damon    38    .810
Ottawa Otters (OOS)               M.Izturis     37    .738
Bryan Bashers (KBM)              L.Overbay  36    .910
Stirling Redsox (SRS)               J.Ellsbury    36    .602
Lake County Leopards (LLM)  K.Fukudome 34    .823
Sunville Sunjewels (SSP)          A.Kennedy  34  .699
Philly Phantastics (PPS)             B.Abreu      30  .905
Philly Phantastics (PPS)             D.Jeter        26    .976
Allentown Senators (ANR)        A.Gonzalez 25    .971
Kennesaw Mtn Woodsmen (KWR)  J.Borbon  25    .704

#2 Hitters, Hits
Ohio Thundercats (OTR)                       E.Aybar       47
Limoilou Wendigo (LWD)                     F.Lopez       45
High Bridge Heaters (HHC)                   L.Castillo     41
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)                      A.Pierzynski  40
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)               R.Theriot      40
San Diego Surf (SSC)                           S.Victorino   39
Kennesaw Mtn Woodsmen (KWR)      B.Ryan         38
Brooklyn Superbas (BSP)                    N.Markakis   34
Carolina Copperheads (CCP)              J.Hermida      34
Stirling Redsox (SRS)                          D.Pedroia      33
Ottawa Otters (OOS)                          J.Upton         31
Allentown Senators (ANR)                  M.Prado       31
Philly Phantastics (PPS)                       D.Jeter          31
Southwest Lizard Kings (SLM)            M.Kemp       31

HR's #8 in batting order
Carolina Copperheads (CCP)           I.Kinsler    .844    7
Philly Phantastics (PPS)                    R.Branyan    .671    6
Ohio Thundercats (OTR)                  J.Buck    1.327    6
New Jersey Beatles (NBC)               M.Fontenot    .866    5
Indiana Redbirds (IRM)                    H.Pence    .716    4
Joliet Jackhammers (JJC)                   L.Valbuena    .728    4
Montreal Crows (MCD)                    R.Castro    1.257    4
San Diego Surf (SSC)                       C.Pennington    .898    3
Maine Express (MER)                       J.Saltalamacchia    .840    3
Limoilou Wendigo (LWD)                 J.Bartlett    1.303    3
Bryan Bashers (KBM)                      M.Ellis    .801    3
Ottawa Otters (OOS)                       S.Drew    .794    3
Longue Pointe Loggers (LLD)           J.Varitek    .666    3

Quality Starts
C.Carpenter  CCP    R    8
R.Porcello     HHC    R    8
J.Shields        ANR    R    7
T.Lincecum    LLD    R    7
K.Correia      SSP    R    7
J.Beckett       LLM    R    7
C.Sabathia     LLD    L    7
J.Jurrjens        SRS    R    7
J.Lester          CIP     L    6
J.Danks           KWR L    6
J.Vazquez        CIP    R    6
M.Buehrle       SRS    L    6
R.Ohlendorf    CWS   R    6
J.Santana         CCP   L    6
J.Washburn      LWD  L    6
J.Johnson         CCP   R    6
M.Cain            SLM    R   6
J.Blanton         KBM    R   6
T.Lilly             SLM    L    6
B.Arroyo        SRS     R    6
C.Kershaw     LWD    L    6
F.Hernandez    SSC    R    6

 

 

 

 

First month, put it in the books.  Version 15.0-19 or whatever its up to now. Patch 15.02A, and still Netplay , cant get it right.  Mike Koepp and I have a running joke preseason about how many patches they'll need each year.  We're up to 3 now.

You must exit the game completely after playing a full game, else you stay logged into the chat lobby and your 'port' stays open (tech talk) soooo. Shutdown the game, relaunch into the lobby AND change the Room name you use.  Many times the game won't connect
Important, Do not alter the game files in any way for any reason for CM or netplay, else you will get structure errors upon import. 
 
Surprised we havent seen more trades since opening day.  Generally the wires are buzzing as GM's prep[are for the fight, and to arm their team for the season.  Usually its hard to tell in April how a season will go, but GM's start to have a feel for what their teams can do. Patterns emerge, and dont ever forget the hot hand.  It seems in Strat that as much as a probabilty based system it seems, the odd players outform the stars often.  Good CM technique comes into play all the time.  How many times have we seen the Jay Johnstone Award go to those less than stellar performers?  Platooners win games in CBA.   So does bench management which Longue Pt proves again and again in the stretch.
So how do we figure Montreal? 9 over .500?  Uerhara  5-1 0.85 ?  How do we pronounce his name?  Better learn fast that card is a good one.  Scott Feldman is at 2.02, Bannister is pitching well, Galarraga too.  The bullpen aside from Rodney is shaky.  But look at Will Venable.  Nice numbers.  Montreal could slip back as their players usage is a main reason why they are bangin now.  Enjoy while they can, because Limoilou and LP do have the depth.  The Crows will need some offense INF Ab's to come in if they are to stay around.  Dont expect Longue POint to stay down long.  This team is well balanced, and primed to be consistant all year.  They dont have that 1 slugger that year after year can put them over.  Could Matsui be out at 1B in the Quebec
Amusement Park of the Trees?
San Diego is doing some damage.  The quiet Surf may not be as strong as 2009, but they have good offense, and good pitching.  Losing Manny half the year will hurt.  Dye is not what he was, and Young well not bad.  SD should be there in the end, but they may be vunerable as usage takes away the big bat. 
Allentown 16-15.  Playing well. Shileds carrying the staff 5-0 already.  Was Cy Young in 2008.  Wilson, Farnsworth, Mk Lowe and Thurston Howell make an impressive pen.....Great core with H Ramirez, R Martin, Prado, Kendry, C Gomez.  Allentown is on the verge of being a very solid good team....Brooklyn
has seen Markakis on fire andon base.  He's among league leaders and is hitting atop their order.  With Howard, Braun, and Cabrera slugging, Brooklyn will score runs.  So will their opponents...Philly has a team.  Hite again proves his mettle with another winner...Jeter, Utley, Vic Martinez, Abreu, all hitting. Verlander and Greinke both winning 5 games.  Lirianao a hard luck guy 1-1.  Rest of the staff, shaky....Bryan, just when you thought this franchise could turn the corner, bad performances befall the MLB players and bad cards too.  The lovable Bashers seem to be an odd year even year team.  They have yet to break into the first round of playoffs...This team should start to hit.  Too good not to.  Jason Bay at .217?  Wont last long. The pitching should get better too....Light must be ready to fire his field manager....Lake County on hard times block 6.  Those bats havent woke yet.  No doubt they should.  Its a long season.....Cooperstown hitting with power.  49 HR's .  The .466 slug is misleading, should be higher.  Where are the hits, doubles? 51 is  low, and 3 triples.  Could be a pattern...Longue Pt losing, but 2nd in the league in hitting?  Where is it wrong? 8th in pitching after many seasons at #1 or 2.  Missing Zambrano? Probably not as Brandon Phillips is off fast   2 HR 20 RBI 7sb .289.  B Wilson, M Stetter, and R Ortiz have been a total disaster destroying LP's chances of wins.  Rest of staff appears OK......Nellum and McGee team is having a playoff type year.  What a job Nellum has done with McGee's team to get some life injected.  Mike Young is splendid.  Just wanted to say that word.  8 HR 21 RBI.  Lastings Milledge looks like Bake McBride, but his clutch hits have helped.  Butler is looking more like a Middle order hitter. Shin Choo again is very strong.  Could he be the most under rated player in Schmidt?  Pedroia should come on soon....
Despite the garbage offense, the New Hampshire pitching staff is among the best in CBA right now.  Good bullpen...High Bridges Denard Span, last years Rookie of year runner up is leading all CBA in batting.  Witha 24 game hitting streak, Span is the Heaters all star....Could Carolina be the beast in Clemente?  Does Charlie Daniels play a mean fiddle?  I guess.  I see balance, power, some OBA, and good pitching.  Brooklyn
, Indy, SWest, Philly, Striling watch out for this sleeper...Limoilou's Prince Fielder 9 HR 31 RBI, an MVP candidate? Or Josh Bartlett   7  20 .366 with speed.. Watch out for him in that lineup...Nick Johnson hitting .333 for Sunville.  Gomes has 7 HR, but is at .217.  Keving Correia has 1-3  3.01 ERA...Derosa and Aybar helping out Ohio another Staub contender.....Kenan wants revenge on Longue Pt after their 1st rd exit.  Go to the archives or 2009 playoff page to see the news photos of their huge first rd series from rd 1.

 

 

The Staub division is known for great pennant races.  Last year’s race for the wildcard between Skokie and Belfast resulted in a game 163 won by the Brawlers leading to their first playoff appearance in a couple of seasons.  For The Wolfman Shapiro it was his final CBA hurrah retiring from CBA in what could be a hall of fame career of winning tradition.   Of course the Brawlers, Longue Pointe, and Limoilou fought toth and nail for the Dawson crown.  The races have been legendary.  Now in 2009, Ohio Thundercats led by Glenn Kenan became players.  They took the Rogers division by 1 game making it to the round 1 playoffs the first time. It was there they face eventual Staub champions Longue Pointe.  San Diego took another big step becoming a dominant team and winning the most in CBA with 109 wins within CBA’s top 5 all time.  Brooklyn won 108 as well.  SD could well be developing the dynasty in Carter. 

 

The Rogers was an intringuind division. They all finished Ohio 86-76  Maine 85-77  Allentown 79-83, Kennesaw Mtn 78-84.  Each team having a good year despite what appears to be decent records.  A few wins within the division either way and the whole scenario would have been upside down.  Ohio turned out the class of the division with good pitching, offensive balance  and some good performances.  Their numbers don’t stand out in comparison to CBA, but remember Staub is a pitching and defense conference.  Ohio hit a very respectable 163 HR’s. 717 RBI.  Stole only 52 bases and defense was shaky with 127 errors.  So how did they win?  Solid pitching.  A team 4.07 ERA despite the .703 X rating for the team which is well below league best.  ERA could have been better so the team WHIP was slightly higher than could have been.  The pen combined for a .285 IRSC which is very good. Limiting the runs scored helped greatly. The batting was average with a ,335 team OBA and .423 slug.  Not up there with the Clemente powerhouses, but it helped. Kubel had a big bat really boosting the offense as teams ‘pitched around’ Texeira who hit only 26 HR 88 RBI’s.  Not a lot of people on in front of him.  Role players like Boggs, and Fernando Tatis had strong years off the bench to supply punch. It all counts.  A great front rotation of Edinson Volquez and Rick3 Nolasco dominated the opposition E.Volquez  3.08 17-7  R.Nolasco 2.51 14-8, both with great numbers to go along. A pen by committee featuring Craig Breslow, Trever Miller, Chris Perez, Steve Shields, Circus Vargas and others were solid.  A great year for Ohio and 2010 could be even better.

 

Maine just barely missed.  They ran into some usage issues and folded at season end. .268   144 HR 722 RBI’s.  That .268 was a pretty good average in the Staub Conference.  Remember you can’t compare the two leagues as they have different goals and personalities.The power was adequate.  Low cost high yield players for Maine.  Adrian Gonzlaez is approaching his prime had a  32HR  101 RBI  .301 year. Uggla paced the way and had a tremendous MVP like .295 34 HR 103 RBI year.  His value was about as much as any team player though the stats less gaudy.  Uggla kept the Express in the race. Just as Aubrey Huff led the Brawlers despite the lesser stats than others.  Its comparative.  Uggla and Huff were absolutely MVP contenders maybe even more.  Jorge Cantu had a good year 19 HR 91 RBI  .279 in a pitchers conference.Barmes stepped into oplatoon to hit 9 HR 44 RBI  .308.  BJ Upton led CBA with 71 SB with only a .258 BA. 

Excellent pitching from K. Lohse 3.13 13-6, and J. Bergmann 3.96 11-6.  Bobby Jenks was outstanding saving 25 with a 2.05 ERA.  Just as bad were Z. Duke  5.24  11-11, J. Saunders   4.06  5-14.  and  I.Snell 6.16  7-12.  Iwamura has 12 PH’s and hit .309 part time.  Perhaps Maine’s success vs R .276, helped them rise above some others.  A team .276 BA vs R and overall .340 OBA helped somewhat.  Though .409 slg was bad.  The defense killed them   .676 X rating was too much for the good pitching and great hitting to overcome in the end.  Errors killed them in big game spots and in big series like Next to last week getting swept by Ohio.  The final 2 or 3 of the season went into extra innings and it may have been the difference in playoffs and pretenders.

 

 

Allentown had another average year showing signs of breaking through then slumping just as they reached playoff contention. As late as August 18th-19th they were just 2 games back of first place only to drop a series to Montreal the spoiler.  Again they came within 3 as late as Sept 2nd after the Joliet series, but along came the LP Loggers who swept them out of the picture.  Perhaps it was usage concerns, but the Dawsons did in the Senators.  For a good stretch early on, they held first place until 1st week in May.

Weak hitting hurt against the tougher pitching.  Little power hurt but they had still some Staubesque good all around play at times.  Chris Gomez had a good year hitting  .258 10 HR  62 RBI, 58 SB, 35/42 sac’s from leadoff.  Jeff Kent upon retirement closed out his CBA HOF career with 13 more HR and 72 RBI.  Will he wear Senators uniform on his page?  Russ Martin was as more than solid a backstop as in CBA  10 HR  73 RBI  34 SB!  He was the teams MVP.   Hanley Ramirez hit .249 with his unbalanced card and 21 HR.  2010 will be different.  Delgado was added midway, and in only 370 AB hit a big 22 HR to bring A Town back to contention, till LP pitching stopped the Senator bats completely.  Martin Prado was CBA’s best PH 19 hits in 54 PH AB.   The offense aside from Delgado failed miserably.  A .321 OBA with .376 slug detracted from a team that had the necessary variables to win CBA games. 118 Iso Power really low.  They stole 204 bases, including 3rd 33 times & they bunted well79% success on bunts. PH hit .291,   71 for 244. 

 

Kennesaw Mountain had a powerful year clobbering 185 round trippers.  They did only hit .239 vs Righties which ultimately doomed them. They only hit .233 in the clutch. Teams loaded righties on them, because lefties hit a more respectable .258.  They didn’t steal too much, just average 75 sb 25 cs.  Mike Cameron was the typical.  He hit 22 HRs, but batted .239.  A microcosm of the offense.  Ian Kinsler did damage 18 HR  65 RBI  .324 He was clearly affected by being pitched around.  He was issued a CBA high 25 Int Walks.  No lineup protection.  Edwin Encarnacion  .254 25 HR, 86 RBI .254 most damage vs Lefty.  Ryan Braun was so 1 sided that he hit only .242 26 HR 65 RBI..  It was this goofus performance that crippled the James Blake who did all he could to build a winner.  How could Braun hit so poorly?  He was dealt away to Brooklyn after season after receiving a 5 in LF.  He was so terrible in the filed in ’09 that his X rating .327  showed that in only 49 chances he got 16 outs.  So he hurt at the glove too. Pitching was better.  The starting staff was solid despite the lack of team defense .688 X rating.  

Card Billingsley, 3.56 10-10and Scott Olsen 3.37 11-8 led the way with respectable numbers keeping them in many games.  John Danks and Hirsohi Kuroda threw well despite their records. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Monday division is looking to create it’s own legacy.  The new division started in 1997 but was retired after only 1 CBA season.  The intial teams were.

Monday Division

Cory Light’s Kilgore Bashers upgraded their facilities in Bryan Texas, Southwest is back in So Cal and better than ever under General Lindner.  Though Indiana can trace its roots back to the old Sunville Sunjewels, they are here and made it to the Championship on the wildcard. Lake County, Dave Jones team can be traced back to the Vancouver Storm, who later became HOF’er Dino Barnabe’s powerhouse St Foy Frenchies. Well any talk of Monday starts with the division winner Southwest Lizard kings. A fanatastic regular season punctuated by a bitter playoff loss.  Again the same fate befell almost all our division winners, lone exception the Staub Champion LP Loggers.  The team takes on the personality, and the winning positive attitude of CBA’s true legend Eric Lindner.  No question when he came back to us, CBA took a step apart from others.  His spirit and trading has put the Lizard Kings atop the CBA’s elite.  96-66 record winning Monday for the first time.  Matt Cain was a gain.  He went 20-8  3.74  179 K’s.  The other Matt, Holliday was a pain 32 HR 111 RBI .304 BA.  The team played better .642 on the road than at home which is surprising playing at Morrison Memorial. A .359 OBA and .472 slug is good.  But in Clemente noted for slugging teams, like Indy, Philly, Brooklyn, this team used some good balance and good pitching to win.  Keep in mind a 4.39 ERA in Clemente’s DH league is very good.  Soria proved worth the expense compiling 32 saves.  The rotation was solid.  Cliff Lee 16-7  3.66 ERA, Dave Bush 14-11, Jeremy Arlo Guthrie 12-6.  Perhaps The best of all relievers was the Cory Wade with CBA leading 19 holds and superb job keeping Southwest in the game. Good defense .76% X rating.  Southwest had its share of stars in the lineup.  Adam Laroche hit 35 HR’s 88 RBI, Melving Mora  .304 21 HR, Johnstone candidate Nomar Garciaparra slugged 15 HR 46 RBI’s .299 in  only 157 AB’s, not PH. Team had speed too.  122 SB on the season.  Southwest had a season, a darn good one.

Indiana’s story is well documented.  Bob Fidler’s team had nailed their 3rd crown. They won in an improbable 1 game playoff vs Jon Stamets and Cooperstown.  The lineup the team, it was strong on paper, it was balanced.  It was losing.  What to do.  Some GM knows how to pick its team up and get ‘em going, and Fidler is proven one of them. With a flick of his wrist, he throws in the towel and achieves another milestone.  A toss here and there and with cunning and skill Fidler has taken all CBA to task.  He’s taken on some of the best and beaten them. Not only CM’s but Netplay too.  Often behind in the series he’s played at some point.  He pulls out a Redsox story and sweeps away to another win….After some linen hurling.  The season started slowly and then momentum gained. The Redbirds were in 4th place in April, but still 3rd place in mid May, then the wins started to come in as the lineups changed and threats were made to personnel and employee. Maybe it was Pujols putting the team on his back carrying a final .394 66 Hr 151 RBI season .  He couldn’t so it alone. Josh Hamilton hit 47 HR 137 RBI .315, and A Roid hit 45 HR 117 RBI .312 with 13 SB.  Reyes had 705 At bats .275 21 HR 70 RBI 12 threebagers from leadoff spot, and stole 66 bases CS 9 times.  Sizemore hit 34 HR 104 RBI.  The team batted .284 and hit a whopping 287 HR to go with 945 runs.  A .354 OBA and .498 Slug were excellent and good to win in an impressive 95-68 season.  The only offense negative could be the abnormally high 1013 K’s.  That’s way too high to be completely efficient and produce even more runs. 

The pitching was adequate despite the seemingly high ERA 4.76.  For Clemente that’s decentThey gave up a lot of hits, but Indiana managed to out hit most of ‘em. Oswalt slipped some to 14-6 3.56 off his previous Cy Young CBA season. Lucious Hochevar surprised going 11-4 3.77 and winning a big playoff game vs Brooklyn.  Jon Garland, failed miserably with a 6.04 ERA last year despite 11-10 record.  Indy will need better P than that next season.  A team .303 IRSC is ok, though not top shelf,  Its average. Sheets was a disappointment going 7-11 5+ ERA.  The staff was plagued with blown saves. B Wags saved 23 also more was expected.  2010 will be a dogfight for Fidler and Indiana as the others in Monday have stepped up too.  No reason to expect Indiana to slip too much in 2010.  Fidler will find a way.

Lake County is another elite CBA franchise. Dae has taken this franchise and made them a consistent contender. Always ready to compete.  93-69 a superior record in this expansion year.  They beat up on the putrid Westminster Kernals and the building Sunville SunJewels.  A total of 22-2 against the newbies meant a shot at playoffs.  That’s the game though beating who your supposed to. In Monday, they had a winning record against all the teams including the Lizard kings. Lakers had trouble with everyone else though.  They did beat Cooperstown and Ottawa, but the struggles elsewhere held them back. As though they were designed to play in Monday alone. This team was led by the X man, oft injured Xavier Nady and his pet’s. 31 HR 108 RBI .338 should merit some MVP votes. Catcher Giovanni Soto had a 31 95 .286 year, and Carlos Delgado was sensational in his brief time in Lake County.  A  team not blessed with great power need contributions from everyone.  Mike Jacobs hit 28 Hr’s, and Garrett Atkins added another 21 at 3B.  The other role players like Fucudome, Fontenot, Spillborghs, Church, Blum , L Castillo all contributed in the effective platoon.  A team .346 OBA with a .458 slug isn’t enough to be at the top in Clemente, but the pitching is what made the Leopards run..

5 starters over 11 wins.  Led by ace Junior Vasquez 17-6 3.50 ERA with 199 K’s

the others Derek Lowe was 13-12, Beckett 13-6 3.81, Cueto 11-10, and Parra 11-8.  J Papelbon only saved 15, and was shaky in the little time he was used. Funny how he stunk in other leagues Ive seen him too.  What gives there?  If you can’t count on him then who can you count one?  Perhaps LC would have had a few more wins and a playoff without Pimplebun’s break down. A .794 X rating % was very very good and contributed to the excellent 4.01 ERA.  A .280 IRSC was also pretty good. If you can keep you’re opponents to only 4.46 runs per game in Clemente, you will win more than your share which the Leopards did. Perhaps a key reason Lake did score more was the low BA and OBA of the top 2 linep table setters who hit only in the .260’s for 2009 season.

 

Bryan took a step back in 2009 after a great season in 2008.  The pitching just wasn’t there. The offense wasn’t there.  So what does veteran GM go and do about it?  He goes and gets slugger Jason Bay in a huge off season acquisition with Kennesaw Mountain.  Jason Kendall also comes with his bat and arm to the Bashers.  Burrell’s tail off to .226 26 HR 92 RBI’s cost this team.  Inge dived down to .216 and 5 HR’s after a spectacular 2008.  Although they hit 194 HR’s and spread power throughout the lineup, the on base and hits weren’t there to compete.  The pitching well, a disaster 4.94 ERA.  Good seasons for Ty Wigginton who .278 28 HR 68 RBI.  Not enough runners to take home with homers.  Luke Scott gone in Bay deal, added 25 dingers. The team MVP may have been Lyle Overbays’ .316 17 HR 86 RBI’s.  A lack of speed clogged the basepaths, only 42 SB’s and 20 CS.  Runners couldn’t roll home. 772 runs is average, but 885 allowed is deadly unless you have top gun offense. Bryan is no doubt looking ahead after a very strong draft and good off season. 4 solid starters are among Clemente’s best with Wolf, Blanton, Wanda Rodriguez, and Gaving Floyd.  A decent lineup with some good cards and maybe another puzzle piece in the pen and lineup, and playoffs could be in reach once again.

 

There aces were hot. 

Parkers beast is the 2003-2004 Clemente champions Brooklyn Syuperbas.  Year after year they are the team to beat.  Teams gear up for them when they come to Brooklyn’s Prospect park grounds called The “House Of Pain”.  The hits are more frequent, and the Brooklyn air contributes to power.  The team is built to specification for that field.  The players come and go.  This year Hall of Fame 1B Todd Helton was dispatch starting a myriad of Brooklyn trades as the Superbas began to build for tomorrow.  Players in and out.  Along with Helton, Long time 2B Brandon Phillips, last years RF Magliulo Ordonez, HOF candidates Omar Vizquel, Mike Timlin, RP set up Dan Wheeler, Andy Laroche.  In their place. Nickt Markakis, Ryan Braun, Carlos Zambrano, David Price. The future mortgaged.  Brooklyn had to make moves to compete with the powerful teams in Cooperstown, Indiana, Philly, Carolina, Lake County, and Ottawa. No one can stand idle in Clemente, the competition is that fierce.  Brooklyn is no lock for a division title in 2010.  But in 2009, they were.  In fact they may have been Brooklyn’s best team ever. Year after year of 95+ wins, but 2009 was special 108-54 record their best.  Only SD had 109 wins.  Both are among the CBA’s all time wins per season leaders. 

Start with the slugging.  The new dynamic duo rests the crown from Papi-Vlad. Howard Cabrera.  Destruction and total avg.  For Cabrera 44 HR (5th overall), 136 RBI’s (5th overall), .308 .953 tot.  Howard 8.87 rc/27, 1.021 prod  60 HR (2nd overall), 155 RBI (1st overall), .292 BA.  Maglioulo Ordonez chipped in 21 HR 104RBI, 4th in CBA with a .339 BA.  Vermon Wells 24 HR 68 RBI, .354.  Punto stole 35 .322 BA in 336 AB’s.  B Phillip[s 24 HR 80RBI 24sb.  Blake 27HR, 85 RBI .278.  Doumit hit 24 HR .316 average, Giles 13 HR 77 RBI .316.  The bench was awesome with Furcal playing vs L only, platooned 9 HR 38 RBI 15sb .432ba as a sub.  The offense was legendary in CBA. Finishing with a near record .307 ba with 275 HR 1048 runs.  .369 OBA  .525 slugging for the Superbas. the latter a CBA record. It should be noted that Brooklyn hit 44 triples, and stole 114 bases.  Speed helped.

There wasn’t much other teams could do except hope the bats didn’t hit.  The lineup stacked with no easy outs.The defense wasn’t  good .708 X rating. League average is .712.  League Leader Indiana had .802 league low Ottawa .591.

So did Brooklyn defense help the pitching?  Not at all  The offense couldn’t keep the opposition from scoring runs, likely a defensive glitch, but the pitching did a respectable job with a 4.30 era in a bandbox park. With better defense maybe 112 wins could have been reached.  Came back to haunt them in the playoffs when defense crushed them in late innings...A .302 IRSC the pen was fair. Brooklyn stayed strong all year but couldn’t defeat Indiana in the playoffs. Their dice luck ran out, and they shockingly stopped hitting.  Another disapperntment for the lovable Superba nuts in Americas 4th largest city.

Cooperstown had a great year in 2009.  They won 94 times. 14 ½ behind Brooklyn. They made it to a game 163 playoff vs eventual champion Indiana, another longball team.  First time in many years. This team typical of Parker and Clemente big power. 215 HR. Nine double digit HR guys led by Morneau 35 HR 128 RBI .318  He was so valuable to his team carrying the team to that 163.  Johnny Peralta hit 27 HR 107 RBI .290, Ibanez his standard 28 HR 108 RBI .299 season.  Jose Lopez had a great year hitting .324 18 HR 79 RBI.  Burrrisss stole 19 bases. Jack Kemp hit 24 HR 90 .280 33sb and only 1 CS.  A CBA single season SB % record with .971.  He did however K 141 times.  A team .351 OBA was their best in years along with a great .484 slug. .835 production is also very strong. They threw base stealers ot 75%, Stole 81 bases  So why not more wins?  Pitching…It all went wrong.

Well almost. Cy Young candidate Carlos Marmol was dominant and necessary.  He save 43 games from a poor pitching staff.  That he figured in 45% of his teams wins was no accident.  He was good. No one else was.  The pen allowed 40% of their inherited runners score.  Compared with league leading Carolina’s 22%. Staff ace was 14-8 but a 4.94 ERA.  Lot more losses could be avoided.  Jon Stamets has went to work right away with flurries of trades to get all the pieces together for  a Parker run.  He has traded a lot of picks, players, and gotten different players and picks returned.  Wild off season for this franchise. They should be an Iron Horse in 2010.

In most years Carolina’s 88 wins would compete more closely for a wildcard which they did, until swept away vs Cooperstown and Brooklyn in the last week and a half of the season.  They finished with 5 more wins, but it wasn’t enough,  Carolina and their signature bullpen couldn’t hold out.  In fact Carolina may had taken a WC had Brooklyn not dominated them in September sweeping two series.  A good team home and away, the pen was the story.  The Cardiac Copperheads won 10 games of 13 in extras. The team largely did better than actual performances save Tejada who hit only .265, and Zimmerman who at 3B hit .276.  But you know what that will be in 2010 with Zimm becoming elite.  A good .351 OBA with .478 slug is enough to win, but in Clemente? Parker? Carolina is looking to build some trading Brian Roberts to the powerful Ohio team in Staub.  239 HR,  892 runs, .282 BA, 121 SB.

Both Ludwick and Werth had good seasons.  Ludwick 40 HR 107 RBI, .290 BA 1.018 Tot.  A great season. Several over 20 HR’s including Jason Werth 26 HR 77 RBI .314, 21sb, 1.033 tot.

A Dunn had a low 28 HR .251, Votto 23 HR 75 RBI .299 BA, B Roberts 10 HR 49 RBI 63sb, Benjamin Molina .296 23 HR 90 RBI, DeRosa 22 HR 83 RBI .288,   overall 12 guys double digit HR’s.  Parker = Power.

The Carolina pitching was good 4.39 ERA led by Johann Santana who was 20-9 3.86  222 K’s. Harang won 13 more but a 5.49 ERA.  Ollie Perez was tossed.  11-11, 6.39 ERA.  Marcum acquired the previous winter from Brooklyn went 11-9  3.60 ERA.  The pen was strong.  Great pen management  Ohman was in 92 games only 43 innings.  How’s that for super HAL efficiency?  Ohman, Valverde, Bray, Gregg, Nelson, Street, Scott Kenan knew what he was talking about when he tried to install a world class pen last winter.  It almost won a playoff spot for him.

Woeful expansion team or shining ray of light.  What and where is Sunville?  Keith Jones’ team the SunJewels.  Is it the Jimmy Buffett they play at night games and Margaritas they serve liberally at games to keep ‘em at the park?  Is it the Buffet table spread before gametime? Is it Warren Buffet’s attendance at home weekend games dancing “Bootay Meat” with the SunJewel cheerleaders.  What will bring fans to Sunville?  Is the team playing in Phlorida or New Mexico…The mystery of the SunJewels…They now own the top pick in CBA’s draft.  Anyone they want is theirs.  It took ‘em a loaded trawler of candidates to meet usage and get to the finish line.  Which they absolutely did unlike Harley Bryan (Bryan Harley?) Don Leo Kernal’s  Westminster Albatrosses.  Jones guaranteed, and delivered. In the meantime the offense was futile.  The pitching worse  6.36 team ERA.  Perhaps CBA’s worst team ever? 36-126, close the Harley Davidson Kernal’s finished barely 29-133.  Worse.  1426 Inn pitched 1870 hits allowed.  Only 145 HR’s.  No one more than Marcust Thames 18. No players stood out.  No one particularly good.  Note Rod Barajas 10 HR 36 RBI .273. Jose Bautista 18 HR 40 RBI .218BA.  Nick Blackburn 10-15 4.35 for a team that won 36 games.  Troye Percival saved 8 big games.  Greg Maddux was acquired for usage, and closed out his illustrious CBA HOF career with a 4-13 record unbefitting a diamond king.   A .724 X rating was actually better than some teams in contention, kudos. A first year team, Sunville is looking for sunnier days.  Jones has just started rest assured.  He is ready to land some big fish in the draft pool.  Better times are coming for the SunJewels franchise…Feb 28th could be Sunville’s biggest day ever.

Schmidt Division has more big power teams.  The perennial Philly Phantastics are one.  They won 105 games. Now the league win totals have inflated some because of the expansion.  But Philly was good enough anyway.  Rob Hite just knows Strat-o-matic baseball.  He knows the draft, he knows how to just win.  They mauled the division with a 27 game edge over Ottawa in 2nd.  The offense deadly .294 269 HR scoring a CBA high 1,026 runs. Good defense, some speed 81 sb comparatively Belfast swiped 240.  This year Philly had excellent pitching.  In their HR laden ballpark, the PPS tossed a 4.05 era salad at opponents.  They only sacrificed 20 times.  .704 def X rating is not too good, but it didn’t hurt them too much.  Funny how it goes, but it may have stopped Philly from being THE dominant CBA team.  Philly used the H & R just enough and stay out of double plays.   Extremely clutch, PPS took advantage of opportunities with the infield in. When pitchers were tired a few more hits to win games later innings.  9 20+ HR hitters.  Key hitters Carlos Lee hit .340 29 HR 98 RBI, Evan Longoria 33 105 .335. Abreu 22 110 .275  24SB.  Utley 28 118 .317.  Hard to say who the team MVP was when it was all such a total team effort.  This may have been PPS best chance to win.  Cy Young candidate Cole Hamels was as good as it gets 22-7  3.09 227 K’s.  For a team in a HR hitters paradise, these are awesome numbers.  Verlander and Greinke chipped in with 15 wins each.  Randy Johnson in his Swan song added 14 more wins to his CBA leading total.  He now has 231.  The staff will be very strong again in 2010 as Health Bell will likely close and the Greinke express hits South st for some Jimmy’s Steaks before game time, then down Oregon to Tony Luke’s after the game.  As fate would have it, the biggest CBA teams took the hardest falls.  Hite’s Phantastics will like Skokie, Brooklyn, Southwest, and San Diego be forgotten like Tennessee Tazmanians were back in late 90’s.

The Ottawa Otters season started off promisingly as they were in first place as late as May 21st before dropping back some.  The turning point came when Stirling swept 4 games from them.  Two series later the CBA’s worst ever Westminster Pidgeons took a pair in a3 game. From there it was all inconsistent with win streaks not sustaining, and Phlly getting adjusted and hot.  At that point usage may have contributed to the slide as well.  A disappointing season after a playoff appearance, the Otters got a subpar performance from the injured ace who went 11-13  3.20.  Not Cy Young numbers.  Aaron Cook was better at 15-12  3.84 ERA.  Two more stats on the rosters decline was more hurtful  that of CBA HOF candidates Vlad G and Papi Ortiz.  The CBA’s prolific duo slumped at the plate.  Guerrero slid down to 27 HR 94 RBI .272.  Papi Ortiz 26 HR 57RBI .252.  Not enough to drive the offense who managed only a .253 team BA despite 206 dingers.  Joe Mauer was basically an all star with 15 83 .310.   Jack Cust did what he usually does 33 HR 103 RBI .233 .371 OBA  109 BB’s.  But he struck out 211 times a CBA record.  Ottawa hit .252 vs L .253 vs R. Team had a .770 OPS.  They also did hit 52 triples. But only 26 Sb, likely by accident.  A large number.  A classic Clemente power team.  Make no mistake that Ottawa is on the rise.  A solid young team, with dynamic young players.  Jack Jung the honred veteran championship manager has drafted some valuable players and groomed good talent.  In 2009 the defense let down the pitching an all time low X rating as mentioned before .591.  The OF made flyball a total adventure.  The Otter fans complained of neck injuries from watching the ball being shot back through the alleys.  The bench was a minus PH hit .227 They hit 111 homers at home but  fewer, 95 on the road.  The pitchers allowed a very high .286 batting average, while the relievers allowed the unners to score upon their entering the game at a .366 clip.  36% of which how much was defense?  Had the defense been better the staff likely would have produced more wins.

Stirling is a franchise with an owner and a GM tandem.  There is the franchise owner the semi retired Wayne McGee.  He is an original member and friend of ours. The Stirling franchise is without question a historic one. Dealer Wayne (or is it Trader, or is that Rob H?) One of CBA colorful GM’s.  His press releases, quips, trade bulletins, friendship, sense of humor, sense of whats best for CBA, makes him a surefire CBA hall of famer.

Wayne stays active, but defers to the man who has rebuilt the talent base of this franchise. Malachi Nellum.  Malachi is a CBA veteran who was the original owner of the Alamo City franchise.  He returned to us a GM two seasons ago content to be Stirling’s GM, even turning down opportunities to own a franchise.  He has built up some players of there. Another below 77-85  a .500 record Stirling has only been in 1 playoff in their existence. A team with .274 176 HR 768 Runs struggles in Clemente, unless the pitching is outstanding or they have speed and defense. Stirling had some very playoff worthy offensive stars.  Carlos Pena had a sensational year 39 HR 101 RBI .296.  Pedroia was great again  19HR  89RBI .321 10sb.  Ellsbury stole 65 hittin .290 and should get even better.  Crawford was well Crawford…Of note Jerry Mather hit 14 HR 36 RBI in 134 AB’s. Shin Soo Choo hit 19 86 .348 in 264 AB’s.  Stilring could glove. .786 X rating was very good.  But they will need to improve on the .339 team OBA & .437 slug.  The 4.98 staff ERA could have been a lot worse without the defense.

Westminster? Forget about it. 

 

 

 

The draft will be held in the CBA chat room.  I expect we will do 3 rounds beginning 12 noon eastern 9am Pacific Sunday Feb 28th.   Those unable to attend will be required to submit a list to a responsible GM to proxy.  I will not be able to draft for you, nor is it advisable to let HAL do yer pickin'.  Your list should be comprehensive.
The Chat room requires Java which almost everyone has by now, so upgrade your browsers and test the room.  We will allow up to 2 minutes before league allows next draftee to make selection.  It is important all be prepared ahead of time.  Trades should never stall the draft clock.  Complete them before selecting, no quarter. 
If the draft board is incorrect it must be corrected predraft.  Once the clock starts, that board is official win, lose, or draw. 

Should a player be re selected or ineligible for drafting, it is solely that GM's responsibilty.  They may reselect, when they can.  We will not back up the draft.
Should you be knocked off line, call your pal and have them select, its on you.  We do encourage direct chat between GM's either on the chatroom or by phone with each other.  CBA is a family.


The list of FA's is online, but there could be omissions and errors. Be forewarned.  Some players may or may not be there, its a guideline only not official. 

Check your trades and draft charts.  With the passing of my father, I may have missed an item or two.

Stadium changes are in and no more stadiums can be selected.  Those who are on Committee mail list with stadium choices are official now.  I must have stadium choices from NJ and Atlanta ASAP.
This must be selected immediately before the LaManna comes out Thursday.

Reminders: No 2011 picks can be traded until the first selection of the draft is officially announced by league.  You may announce at that time...certainly you can agree in principal before then. 

Atlanta and NJ may not trade their 1,2,3 picks this year only.  Both are probationary franchises. 

The draft is always a blast.  One of my favorite parts of the season.  The banter is great and as long as we get guys in their and not bitching about each other.  We never had it, and I wont tolerate it publically on chat or list.  You can kiss the league goodbye if you make it a habit.  Just keep it all in fun and good judgement and we'll be lovin every minute of this draft.  It promises to be very interesting this year.  Alot of deals went down. Lots of different players will have increased value this year.  If you look at the economics of it, teams will need to be very usage conscious.  This will have an effect on the drafting habits of many teams to get usage controlled, not relying on 2 RFA's or trades that may never happen to get thru the 100% usage and roster limits.  The draft will therefore be stronger than you may think.  Smaller players will have impact now, and teams with good reserves may fare better than superstar type teams. (LP anyone?)

You may draft a minor league. Un carded players may be retained year to year so plan ahead. 
Remember that first and foremost in CBA is that you make every attempt to win your games.  Its given in our league.  Its encouraged and some feel we owe it to each other to put our best teams out there on the field.  Its been said that respect among GM's is earned when you are a competitive GM who fights and plays to win.  Certainly last year, I commend a few guys who did their best even sacrificing there high pick (highest) to give you their best.  We salute John Miller, We salute Doug Brunet our two expansioneers who sacrificed their future, to put rostered players usage into the games despite dropping their draft positions.  They drafted for usage slowing their building.  CBA couldnt ask for better character.   Keith Jones despite the record also did his best to manage his usage, though had to rely on allotted RFA's heavily.  We commend his efforts.  We unfortunately must mention the legend of the Westminster Pelicans franchise who flew the coop and crashed down to the sea like Icarus in a typhoon.   They were unprepared and had a proxy drafter.  Trades werent made and usage was a mighty issue, with little talent to trade, CBA had to take over the franchise and set extended RFA's in a 1 time league directive.  The termination was swift, and the franchise became a walk over which inflated some teams winning percetages.  It also made for our best pennant chase ever......
 Lets mention a few other GM's who refused to tank and gave us all good competition (name of the game here) There were Jack Frost and Jack Jung.  Frost fought it till the end.  Jack Jung put 'em forward as best he could too.  We salute you Blake-O. You dint quit.  We salute Rich Schneider and Wayne McGee/Malachi Nellum.  You fellas are what its all about.  We saw how you did your best.  Jeff Boutet, came back in the 2nd half to be a factor and never tanked. I cant make out this one though.  We actually had a guy publically throw in the towel only to win his 3rd championship in 4 years.  So quittin never pays right Fid?  Heck Bob knows.  He never really quit and he won.  CBA doesn't quit.  With Fidler's championship belts, its been suggested that we all publically throw in towel each year at mid season in a ritual to bring good luck to those who do...........nah.

Wass

 

 


It's stunning....Staub has not had a winner in the Finals since well, 2005 and Dennis Concepcion's Longue Pointe team won it all.  The reigning champ Fidler is back.  He is CBA's best, back for 3rd time in 4 years.  Concepcion, a playoff perrenial, didn't make it last year to the playoffs, but sure has the year in grand style.  He swept the extraordinary San Diego Surf team.  Both Indiana and LP were underdogs to two of CBA's greatest teams of all time.  Both Conference teams beat the giant teams to help advance.  Now they meet.  Indiana just plain outslugs you, Longue Pointe just keeps you off the bases and runners from moving....Two contrasting Strat philosophies will square off.  The games should be well attended just to see what the next CBA STrategy trend will be....Will it be good pitching with lots of K's and defense.  A team that hit and runs you to death and steals at will? or will it be the ARoid, Pujols, Hamilton, Pence, Sizemore, reyes show?

For LP it was all pitching and unlikely heros.  For Indy Pence, Sizemore and ARod. Lets look and see who they are...

Indiana was originally the expansion Houston Aeros, a last place team that was extremely fortunate to have won the 1st over expansion pick when 4 teams were broken up.  ARod was originally on the Chris Boutin led Quebec Capitales.  He was the first expoansion pick in 2003 by Chris Thomas' Houston club.  He then drafted Albert Pujols with the first regular draft pick that year.  There was the nucleus.  Jose Reyes came over in a trade 3 seasons ago from San Diego, while OSwalt was an orinal draftee.  Last year, Indiana acquired B. Wagner, C. Ruiz, K. Griffey, Jr in a major trade with Southwest for A. Ethier, Indiana's #1(09), #4(09), #5(09), #6(09).   They got Loney from Kennesaw as well at about the same time for a #2 and Mientkiewicz.  They got J Garland from Kennesaw as well in 2008.  Posada came in July of 2007 for D Riske, Kaz Matsui and a 2,6 pick. Polanco came in from Philly for Brad Hawpe.  Many good trades and some not as good.  But always looking to improve. Indy traded picks, acquired, shuffled, drafted and built.  Looking out of the picture in themid season they staged one of CBA's remarkable comebacks winning 41-17 to gain a last day wildcard, and now back in the finals after Fidler threw in the "Towel".

Longue POinte has made a few trades mostly has built through drafting.  The team, unlike 2005 is mostly of Concepcion's design.  He drafts for bench reserve and defense.  He drafts for talent, he drafts for good cards, he drafts to win with balance.  He drafts strikeout artists, he drafts well.  He acquired great draft pieces starting when he took guys like Richie Sexson at the end of rd 1 in 2005. Jason Varitek came in 2006 for Jason Kendall.  05 WS hero Torii Hunter came in 2005 for AJ Burnett and a #1.  Dennis moved guys like Nomar Garciaparra a longue time favorite in Quebec, bringing in players like Aramis Ramirez, drafted some like pen guys CJ Wilson, Balfour, Marte, Seanez, Kiko Calero, Brain Fuentes, and even drafted more guys for the staff and who got outs, K's and stopped runners from moving.  But Concepcion has thrived in the draft.  After raising some eyebrows, whose wondering now? He drafted a minor league pick like Tim Lincecum in rd 1.  He took Hideki Matsui in rd 1 too.  Ryan Dempster another.  He took Ryan Theriot in a later round. LP is well known for super sub scrubs.  Each year he has his overachieving mutant cards. In 2005, it was Brian Jordan hitting .400.  This year its Cliff Floyd, and Lou Montanez, otherwise guys like Gabe Gross, Kotchmann, Iguchi, new heros with small names.  Remember Miracle Mirabelli?

Its gonna be a Jailbreak...Who will attend?

  Parker Divison recap..

 

Parkers beast is the 2003-2004 Clemente champions Brooklyn Superbas.  Year after year they are the team to beat.  Teams gear up for them when they come to Brooklyn's Prospect park grounds called The "House Of Pain".  The hits are more frequent, and the Brooklyn air contributes to power.  The team is built to specification for that field.  The playerscome and go.  This year Hall of Fame 1B Todd Helton was dispatch starting a myriad of Brooklyn trades as the Superbas began to build for tomorrow.  Players in and out. Along with Helton, Long time 2B Brandon Phillips, last years RF Magliulo Ordonez, HOF candidates Omar Vizquel, Mike Timlin, RP set up Dan Wheeler,Andy Laroche.  In their place. Nickt Markakis, Ryan Braun, Carlos Zambrano, David Price. The future mortgaged.  Brooklyn had to make moves to compete with the powerful teams in Cooperstown, Indiana, Philly, Carolina, Lake County, and Ottawa. No one can stand idle in Clemente, the competition is that fierce.  Brooklyn is no lock for a division title in 2010.  But in 2009, they were.  In fact they may have been Brooklyn's best team ever. Year after year of 95+ wins, but 2009 was special 108-54 record their best.  Only SD had 109 wins.  Both are among the CBA's all time wins per season leaders. 

Start with the slugging.  The new dynamic duo rests the crown from Papi-Vlad. Howard Cabrera.  Destruction and total avg.  For Cabrera 44 HR (5th overall), 136 RBI's (5th overall), .308 .953 tot.  Howard 8.87 rc/27, 1.021 prod  60 HR (2nd overall), 155 RBI (1st overall), .292 BA.  Maglioulo Ordonez chipped in 21 HR 104RBI, 4th in CBA with a .339 BA.  Vermon Wells 24 HR 68 RBI, .354.  Punto stole 35 .322 BA in 336 AB's.  B Phillip[s 24 HR 80RBI 24sb.  Blake 27HR, 85 RBI .278.  Doumit hit 24 HR .316 average, Giles 13 HR 77 RBI .316.  The bench was awesome with Furcal playing vs L only, platooned 9 HR 38 RBI 15sb .432ba as a sub.  The offense was legendary in CBA. Finishing with a near record .307 ba with 275 HR 1048 runs.  .369 OBA  .525 slugging for the Superbas. the latter a CBA record. It should be noted that Brooklyn hit 44 triples, and stole 114 bases.  Speed helped.

 

 There wasn't much other teams could do except hope the bats didn't hit.  The lineup stacked with no easy outs.The defense wasn't  good .708 X rating. League average is .712.  League Leader Indiana had .802 league low Ottawa .591.

So did Brooklyn defense help the pitching?  Not at all  The offense couldn't keep the opposition from scoring runs, likely a defensive glitch, but the pitching did a respectable job with a 4.30 era in a bandbox park. With better defense maybe 112 wins could have been reached.  Came back to haunt them in the playoffs when defense crushed them in late innings...A .302 IRSC the pen was fair. Brooklyn stayed strong all year but couldn't defeat Indiana in the playoffs. Their dice luck ran out, and they shockingly stopped hitting.  Another disapperntment for the lovable Superba nuts in Americas 4th largest city.

 

Cooperstown had a great year in 2009.  They won 94 times. 14 ½ behind Brooklyn. They made it to a game 163 playoff vs eventual champion Indiana, another longball team.  First time in many years. This team typical of Parker and Clemente big power. 215 HR. Nine double digit HR guys led by Morneau 35 HR 128 RBI .318  He was so valuable to his team carrying the team to that 163.  Johnny Peralta hit 27 HR 107 RBI .290, Ibanez his standard 28 HR 108 RBI .299 season.  Jose Lopez had a great year hitting .324 18 HR 79 RBI.  Burrrisss stole 19 bases. Jack Kemp hit 24 HR 90 .280 33sb and only 1 CS.  A CBA single season SB % record with .971.  He did however K 141 times.  A team .351 OBA was their best in years along with a great .484 slug. .835 production is also very strong. They threw base stealers ot 75%, Stole 81 bases  So why not more wins?  Pitching…It all went wrong.

 

Well almost. Cy Young candidate Carlos Marmol was dominant and necessary.  He save 43 games from a poor pitching staff.  That he figured in 45% of his teams wins was no accident.  He was good. No one else was.  The pen allowed 40% of their inherited runners score.  Compared with league leading Carolina’s 22%. Staff ace was 14-8 but a 4.94 ERA.  Lot more losses could be avoided.  Jon Stamets has went to work right away with flurries of trades to get all the pieces together for  a Parker run.  He has traded a lot of picks, players, and gotten different players and picks returned.  Wild off season for this franchise. They should be an Iron Horse in 2010.

 

In most years Carolina’s 88 wins would compete more closely for a wildcard which they did, until swept away vs Cooperstown and Brooklyn in the last week and a half of the season.  They finished with 5 more wins, but it wasn’t enough,  Carolina and their signature bullpen couldn’t hold out.  In fact Carolina may had taken a WC had Brooklyn not dominated them in September sweeping two series.  A good team home and away, the pen was the story.  The Cardiac Copperheads won 10 games of 13 in extras. The team largely did better than actual performances save Tejada who hit only .265, and Zimmerman who at 3B hit .276.  But you know what that will be in 2010 with Zimm becoming elite.  A good .351 OBA with .478 slug is enough to win, but in Clemente? Parker? Carolina is looking to build some trading Brian Roberts to the powerful Ohio team in Staub.  239 HR,  892 runs, .282 BA, 121 SB.

Both Ludwick and Werth had good seasons.  Ludwick 40 HR 107 RBI, .290 BA 1.018 Tot.  A great season. Several over 20 HR’s including Jason Werth 26 HR 77 RBI .314, 21sb, 1.033 tot.

A Dunn had a low 28 HR .251, Votto 23 HR 75 RBI .299 BA, B Roberts 10 HR 49 RBI 63sb, Benjamin Molina .296 23 HR 90 RBI, DeRosa 22 HR 83 RBI .288,   overall 12 guys double digit HR’s.  Parker = Power.

The Carolina pitching was good 4.39 ERA led by Johann Santana who was 20-9 3.86  222 K’s. Harang won 13 more but a 5.49 ERA.  Ollie Perez was tossed.  11-11, 6.39 ERA.  Marcum acquired the previous winter from Brooklyn went 11-9  3.60 ERA.  The pen was strong.  Great pen management  Ohman was in 92 games only 43 innings.  How’s that for super HAL efficiency?  Ohman, Valverde, Bray, Gregg, Nelson, Street, Scott Kenan knew what he was talking about when he tried to install a world class pen last winter.  It almost won a playoff spot for him.

 

Woeful expansion team or shining ray of light.  What and where is Sunville?  Keith Jones’ team the SunJewels.  Is it the Jimmy Buffett they play at night games and Margaritas they serve liberally at games to keep ‘em at the park?  Is it the Buffet table spread before gametime? Is it Warren Buffet’s attendance at home weekend games dancing “Bootay Meat” with the SunJewel cheerleaders.  What will bring fans to Sunville?  Is the team playing in Phlorida or New Mexico…The mystery of the SunJewels…They now own the top pick in CBA’s draft.  Anyone they want is theirs.  It took ‘em a loaded trawler of candidiates to meet usage and get to the finish line.  Which they absolutely did unlike Harley Bryan (Bryan Harley?) Don Leo Kernal’s  Westminter Albatrosses.  Jones guaranteed, and delivered. In the meantime the offense was futile.  The pitching worse  6.36 team ERA.  Perhaps CBA’s worst team ever? 36-126, close the Harley Davidson Kernal’s finished barely 29-133.  Worse.  1426 Inn pitched 1870 hits allowed.  Only 145 HR’s.  No one more than Marcust Thames 18. No players stood out.  No one particularly good.  Note Rod Barajas 10 HR 36 RBI .273. Jose Bautista 18 HR 40 RBI .218BA.  Nick Blackburn 10-15 4.35 for a team that won 36 games.  Troye Percival saved 8 big games.  Greg Maddux was acquired for usage, and closed out his illustrious CBA HOF career with a 4-13 record unbefitting a diamond king.   A .724 X rating was actually better than some teams in contention, kudos. A first year team, Sunville is looking for sunnier days.  Jones has just started rest assured.  He is ready to land some big fish in the draft pool.  Better times are coming for the Leisure King franchise…Feb 28th could be Sunville’s biggest day ever.

 


From Southwest Sun Lizard's Home territory came this release

@AP Newswire Date: Oct. 14, 2009 

LOCAL INVESTIGATORS SEEK ANSWERS!   

Arcane wording discovered scrawled upon a napkin in local steak house outside Indiana's Ballpark has raised concerns that a killer may be on the loose.  It reads:

In the mighty halls of the CBA
there are only two things of certainty,
The future's uncertain, and THE END is always near!

Wow, I'm sick of doubt
Live in the light of certain
South side
Cruel bindings.

The Redbirds have the power
Dog-men and their mean women
Pulling poor
blankets

over
Our players

I'm sick of dour faces
Staring at me from the executive
Suites, i want roses in
My
bullpen bower; dig?

Royal doubles, hard hit singles
Must now replace aborted
Strangers in the mud
These mutants, blood-meal
For the pitcher that's plowed.

They are waiting to take us into
The severed garden
Do you know how pale and wanton thrillful
Comes death on a strange hour
Unannounced, unplanned for
Like a scaring over-friendly guest you've
Brought to bed

Defeat makes angels of us all
And gives us wings
Where we had shoulders
Smooth as raven's
Claws

No more
money, no more fancy uniforms
This other kingdom seems by far the best
Until it's other jaw reveals incest
And loose obedience to a REDBIRD law.

I will not go
Prefer a feast of
friends
A lie she cried
Spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a marble slab

 

To the giant REDBIRD she spoke

I will not go, I will not go
Have I not wandered your streets of yellow haze?
And pitchers come and go
Speaking of Joe DiMaggio

I have measured out my life
In balls, strikes and cheap hot dogs
Am I not Lazarus raised from the dead?
Come back to tell you
To tell you all

THE END


Local officials and police detectives are puzzled by the cryptic verbiage and its meaning.  Rumors that the much awaited contest between the Lizard Kings and the Rebirds will be tomorrow night at 5pm Pacific/8pm EST may be related to the arcane scriblings.  Rob Fidler is reportedly suffering from massive migranes in anticipation of the bloody series and has been cleared of any ill-doings.  However, maverick owner, Eric Lindner, has been heavily sedated and locked securely in a local sanitarium after being found in a darken alley with steak sauce smeared all over his vomit covered t-shirt.

The end is most certainly near for one of these vaunted warriors of the CBA.

Report filed by Bernard Shakey
Minister of Propaganda and Ticket Sales

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Fantastic week...All we could have asked.  Heading into the final block the races have clarified.  The losers are heading home and the strongest and best survive.  This week, Allentown, Kennesaw, Limoilou, have all been practically eliminated though not mathematically.  In Staub That leaves the Dawson decided in an epic 4 game series that all will be watching between Longue Pointe and Belfast.  It has been them all season long, as Limoilou held on till the end.  Dennis Concepcion and JD Adams will play with LP just a gmae back of the Brawlers.  The LP's have been throwing shutouts with a great staff and 1's all over the field.  Great defense has masked a suspect offense led by 10 man Johnstone award candidate Cliff "pink" Floyd of all cards...

Skokie is in the wildcard basically 4 games over LP.  Glen Kenan's Ohio has never made the lpayoffs.  Not even as Bodega Bay.  Could this year be the franchises first ever?   The Thundercats are only 2 back of Mike Koepp's Maine Express.  Maine's Adrian Gonzalez and The Uggla at 2B, lead the offense.  SanDiego is having the best year in their history.  Wallace will be formidable in the playoffs.  They have last years 7 game playoff loss to avenge.

Clemente has Philly slugging 3,  20 runs games this week.  Brooklyn had the seasons first no hitter.  Its the franchises first as well.  John Lannan Brooklyn's 1st rd draft pick throws one vs Sunville.  Box below.  Howard and Cabrera each have over 40 HR.  Howard 56 of 'em, chasing Sammy Sosa's team record of 63.  He just passed Todd Helton's 55 of 2001.  The race is for wildcard which Dave Jones (got it right) Lake County Leopards is 1 game behind both Cooperstown with GM Jon Stamets, and Indiana and last years champion Bob Fidler.  What a race.....Netplay could be the thing this week!


 

Sept 20th 2009

The season end is at hand.  Its destiny or skill.  Its luck or probability.  Its torturous or strategous.  Usage conservation or damn the torpedoes...  Who will win?  Who are the players?

 

The 2009 CBA elite are....

Marc Wass.  Yours truly is having a renaissance season with 104 wins so far.  The 2003 WS finalist and 2004 champion Superbas have been in the playoffs each year since 2003.  They were in a few more before that.  Big games elude Superbas who are driving to become two time champs ala Rob Hite, Jeff Boutet, Bob Fidler.  Been playing Strat since 1977, Superbas are always a team known for offense and power.  Brooklyn signature is perrenial leadership in major offensive categories. Lots of stealing and Power, teams are tailored for Coors field dimensions. 

 

Joe Wallace:  Plays hard in playoffs.  Knows the game and numbers well.  Is out to beat the Staub Division and nothing less than a World Series Appearance will due for the CBA's 7 year veteran.  Wallace has built his team from the ground up and is contending the past 3 seasons.  Could this be the year he breaks through?

 

JD Adams: The usage czar knows his role, and his team.  With the luck of the Irish, and the use of excellent strategies in lineup making, the Belfast Brawlers again play to maximum potential.  They dont have Limoilou's star power, Longue Tongue's pitching and defense, nor the power of  Clemente's brooklyn or Philly, but they do all the little things, like steal, pitch, clutch.  Huff has been a blessing and though others have better numbers he may be the true MVP based on his value to a team thats contending.  52 doubles 23 HR  113 RBI on a non slugging team that steals tons.  Adams has suffered CBA heart break a few times in the past.  1 game playoff losses. Early rd 1 exits, just barely not making the cut.  JD is hungry and ferocious.  Every swing counts for this competititor.

 

"Wolfman" Shapiro.   The Skokie, Holland, Atlanta, crystal master.  Moved right in and rebuilt the Wolfmen into powerhouse.  This team is becoming a CBA legend having been there in the thick of the playoffs each season since 2006 I believe.  The Wolfman is known around the world for his skill.  Its on display here in CBA and again he's primed for another shot at the coveted CBA World Series title.  The Strat community watches our website and posts and our playoffs are watched by the veteran league watchers online.  SOM players always look for the advantages, sometimes from other leagues that they can apply to their own methods.  Wolfman's web pages get quite a few hits.  He wants them to read about a Wolfmen World Championship.  Thats his goal solely.  He nows the rules and how to work within them.  he is reliable and efficient.  Most of all, he knows the game and the cards.  To beat him in the Netplayoffs is to beat a legend.  Bob Fidler did so.  Wolfman may not be done with him...

Dennis Concepcion: The man behind the CBA graphics.  Staub President, and creator of the Loggers team.  DC is one GM that can't be ruled out because he finds a way to beat you.  He has a knack for finding variables other than slugging.  He relies heavily on platoon system and defense.  He has sported teams with 4+ ones on offense.  He is known for his small ball game like the one he used to ride such cards as "Miracle Mirabelli", Brian Jordan, and Todd Jones into big moments.  He also studies his opponents and plays for the long run.  The LP signature is their strong bench, and fantastic pitching staff.  He prefers strikeout pitchers, and good hit and run men. Concepcion is unconventional but effective year in and year out.  He is also an avid baseball uniform and stadium historical enthusiast. 

Rob Hite:  CBA legend. Multi year champion.  Just like Brooklyn in leading CBA in offense and power categories.  Owns several CBA records.  Hite is on executive committee, and is an original member.  Perhaps one of CBA most prolific traders, Hite is one of the sharpest draft and Stratball minds you'll ever meet.  Has keen sense of talent and is ever tough in head to head competition.  Rob Hite is a future CBA Hall of famer.  He has the championships to back it.

Glenn Kenan:  First year for playoffs? A CBA 4 year man.  The Ohio team has improved each year.  Kenan has traded and drafted himself into a winning team.  In a tough conference where teams knock each other around, Ohio is on the cusp of team history should they overcome Maine.  Kenan has forged a team that could be the underdog surprise of the CBA season.  The little engine who could?

Mike Koepp: Mr Mike to you.  Maine is in the 2nd year of playoff hunt.  His last playoff was marred by some questionable circumstances, but experience was gained.  Koepp is fighting hard.  The competitor in Koepp has worked very hard to get this franchise atop Rogers division.  He wont relent now, & is ready to beat you.

Dave Jones:  Jones has been around the block in CBA. The Leopards are his team.  He built them and is likely to make noise this year if they get into the playoffs.  Dave always has his team playing tough.  Never an easy win, The Leopards gives all Clemente fits.  They play well against Philly, SW, and Brooklyn.   Jones seems to make trades that keep him in the thick of things.

Eric Lindner:  1 game shy of Southwest's 1998 best franchise win total.  Lindner also knows the cards and the game.  Loves to compete.  Loves to win.  Plays well and plays fair.  Lindner is fun to play against...Its all fun and sht until you realize he's beating you.  Knows how to shoot down his oponents with Strat skill.  He is the Lizard King and wants to do anything.  Plays in Morrison Stadium.  Doors fan obviously, and true artist painter.

Jon Stamets: Has made a seamless transition into CBA to take over Cooperstown.  His GM skills will be on display as he takes a good team and has been making them play with efficiency.  This weeks series vs Carolina was classic.  Knows how to manage, and could be this years X factor as Allentown's Rich Schneider was back in 2004.

 


 

Usage Post:

Batters may only start games during a block if they have 12 or more PA left for the season, but they can be on your roster (available as bench players) as long as they have at least 1 PA left for the season.  If the batter meets these requirements, then you are not access a penalty if the player get overused during that block, but you must deactivate him for the next block to avoid penalties.

 

Starting Pitchers can start one game during a block if they have at least 4IP left for the season.  It has been noted that we need to specify how many IP a pitcher must have to start two games during a block, but that is unclear at this time.  If the starting pitcher meets this requirement before the block, no penalty will be accessed for over usage obtained during that block. However, if overused, you must deactivate the pitcher before the next block

 

Relief pitchers must have at least 3IP left before the block.  If they meet this requirement and get overused during the block, no penalty will be accessed, but the pitcher must be deactivated before the next block if they have less than 3ip left for the season (or are overused) to avoid penalties.

 

Starters/Relievers are evaluated as if the are a starter (may only start if 4ip or more) and a reliever (may only be activated if they have 3ip or more).

 

So, as long as you check out the Usage Display (from Statistics->Team Statistics), after every block, you should be able to quickly determine who can must be deactivated now, who is getting close and who must be bench players only.  If you do this and still go over a few PA/IP, then you are not penalized at all.

 

For example, Mark Ellis from my team has been used 1 PA more than his card allows.  However, once he got under 12PA, I took him off all of my starting lineups, and then once he went over, I deactivated him for the rest of the season, so no infraction/warning was issued.  I can also tell that Burrell can't be in a starting line up, since he only has 2PA left, so he's on the bench now.

 

for my pitchers, I can see that Randy Wolf has 4IP left, so can start one game this last block, while Gavin Floyd has only 3ip left and can only relieve (he can't start, and has a 0 relief rating, but I kept him on the roster just in case he was the last option left in a long game...)

 

(there are others on my roster that either must be bench players


August 21st 2009

The races come alive.  Theres separation at the top.  Philly is having a season for the ages 24 games up in Schmidt.  Amazing! Phantastic.  It's time to recognize Rob Hite for his accomplishments in CBA.  We could also celebrate Jeff Boutet who has brough Limoilou back into the Dawson race once again, a 3 way dance.  Limoilou has won 3 titles and was perhaps CBA's most dominant team from Staub....  Rob Hite is among the top elite in CBA history with his championships and dominance of his division nearly every season.  This year may be his best since winning a CBA record 120 in 2000.  Your teams career stats are now in the team notebooks in your game itself.  Each year's won lost is recorded.... Marc Wasserman, yours truly has asserted control in the Parker division with perhaps more title wins than any other franchise in CBA history.  BSP has been to the finals in 2003 losing to Limoilou and Boutet, winning it all in 2004, and nearly three peating being stopped short in 2005. Bob Fidler joins, Boutet and Hite as multiple World Champions.....  The Skokie Wolfman has been dominant since emerging in 2005 with Montreal as a contender, and eventual World Championship contender.  Could he finally win the elusive big one?  He will have to fend off perhaps CBA best team in San Diego....  Veteran Joe Wallaces team is perhaps less known, but feared. This team is the favorite to win. Wallace has bowed in very tough playoff series in 07, 08, but 09 could be his year.  The Wolfman is arming against his rival by acquiring Ben Sheets for the playoffs.....  The other race is intriguing in Staub.....  Its the battle for the Rogers.  Not yet a high profile league like Dawson whose races are legendary, but this is the year Rogers look like the black and blue great south & midwest division.  Maine is now battling Glen Kenan's Ohio Thundercats.  We don't hear much about them, but they're making news in 2009. At or near the top, they have a great shot at securing a division title, which would be their first.  Their team legacy, Minnesota, then  AJ Cusimano's Wantagh Woods started the ball rolling for the Ohio franchise. And now Glen's Strat building plan has them in contention.  Mike Koepp's Maine has slowed somewhat but remain dangerous.  Kennesaw is just lurking 2 games out.  Blake will no doubt pull out all the stops to steal a title.  His prediction for his teams rise in 2009, may yet come true.  Westminster now has Tom Stephens taking over its economy with new measures and new hope.  He will see this franchise on to batter days.  With talent being cut away to maintain usage and statisticakl integrity, Tom will be allowed to trim to 20 this year.  He may add the extra 5 in the Supplemental.  He will be allowed 2 minor league picks this season.  If you recall, Kernal missed the draft so this year his top picks concerned with usage more than prospect development. His RFA allotment is fufilled so Tom will do his best to manage the lineup usage , and hopefully some competition for perhaps CBA's sorriest ever franchise.  Westminster (WPS) will no doubt finish with the least amount of wins of all time. Lets see if Stephens toughest ever Strat challenge could take him from the beginning to a championship.....  Eric Lindner has been too quiet. Seems when he loses, then the creative and intriguing world of the Lizard kings come out.  The resident CBA poet, personality, and original CBA member has led this years Morrison's to a shing lead in the renewed Monday division.  He may have to fend off an on rushing Bod Fidler who has Indy on the rise or David Dean whose Lake County is steadily a playoff contender.  Will Dean & Fidler knock the Lindner off his Sun rock in Moreno Valley California? The stats dont tell the story here.  The best management does. As we all know, anything could happen in the playoffs, just look at the WC 2005 Longue Pointe team who beat the mighty Wendigo and then Philly who were dominant teams.  Davey slew Goliath so to speak...Belfast and LP are dogfighting in Dawson with Boutet's Limoilou team.  The Quebec dominated division is being made complicated by good performances from the better than expected crows. Just as High Bridge is spoiling the party, Montreal has been too. They took a series from contenders Allentown last week, and Ohio this week....Allentown is only 3 back.  Rich Schneider's club is hovering at .500 and thus the Rogers lead. Whoever gets hot now, could take that spot because Skokie looks like they will take the one wild card.  Its winner take all in Dawson and Rogers...Indy's Pujols is challenging for a triple crown.  His BA up to .391, he leads Ryan Howard of Brooklyn in HR's by 54 to 50, but trails Howard in RBI's 127 to 121. The Prince of Fielder is sandwiched between them, er, statistically. By the way what country designated Fielder a Prince?  And please someone tell me what is a Boof?....Magglio Ordonez, Howard, Casey Blake and Miguel Cabrera lighting up Parker for Brooklyn.  They lead CBA with a .310 BA in Coors with 230 HR's...Brooklyn's bats are legendary in CBA.

Look at the CBA' s all time franchise leaders by winning pct


Team                      Wins Loss    Runs Runs against
Brooklyn         1203 876 13053 11378
Limoilou          1168 912 10817 9603
Longue Pointe 1156 924 10075 9093
Philly              1144 938 12408 11048


August 10th 2009

Out of Montreal:

Jay Payton announces his retirement: “It was a great ride. As I was already considering retirement after the season, I let the folks here in Montreal have the opportunity to have a look at another player before the end of the season. It’s unfortunate that the injury will prevent me from helping this new franchise for the remainder of the season. On a positive note, I’ve been offered the chance to stay on in a coaching capacity. I’m really going to consider it. My best years were spent in Brooklyn and I have very fond memories playing there, but I was glad to have the chance to help a young franchise. I think things here in Montreal are pretty solid.”

August 19th 2009
Skokie acquires RFA(1) B Duckworth release Saroman Torres
SD acquires M Redmond RFA(1)
High Bridge Releases G Jenkins, Acquires RFA(3) E Bonifacio

August 16th 2009
Acquired Travis Metcalf as RFA(1), released Bill Bray.

Aug 12th 2009
Released- Chacon, Gonzalez, Isringhausen, W. Wright, Mendoza
Acquired RFAs- Bartolo Colon, TJ Beam, Scott Eyre, Matt Tolbert, Alex


 

 

Belfast has trimmed LP's lead to 2 in Dawson as LP bench couldn't hold off their opposition this time. Looks like they must win their division with SD and Skokie with better records in Staub. Westminster finally won a game, but Joliet now has a CBA record 21 game losing streak as the Jacks prepare for 2010. Limoilou is red hot and only 4 out now in Dawson.  Could it be another 3 way dance?  Boutet's team could be a player.  Maine and Ohio are dogfighting in Rogers.  That division is all bunched up.  It could be anyones to win. Could Ohio be worst to first?  Montreal has a good lineup this year.  The addition of Todd Helton CBA future HOFer, Joe Crede, Jody Gerut, Keppinger are quite a tough opponent not to be taken for the Montreal Uehara's.  SD 's lead has been trimmed all the way down by the Skokie Skunk'ems who are redhot.    Again the Wolfman proves to bequite a CBA manager.  Could the future hold HOF enshrinement?  A championship or two may help the cause.

In Clem, Brooklyn is having a terrific season loaded with offense.  Ryan Howard is on an MVP tear and  is now 2nd (by 1) in HR and RBI.  HIS BA is up over .285.  Both Brian Giles, Ryan Doumit, and Miguel Cabrera have been on fire.  Cabrera zipping right up into the leaders categories.  Both Carolina and Cooperstown are neck and neck in the wildcard.  Its been a great year for both teams.  Cooperstown could finish with their best season ever.  Both are tough as nails.  Speaking of nails, It looks like Super GM Rob Hite's Philly team is all but ran away with the Schmidt.  18 games, that division is nearly wrapped up.  Another classic powerhouse team loaded with offense.  As their pitching improved so did their winning pct.

High Bridge is just so tough for an expansion team. They are a spoiler.  Miller is a good GM who can squeeze blood from rocks.  What has happened to Ottawa and Stirling?  IS it too late for them?  Lake County making a run along with Carolina.  They too are right in the wild card playoff hunt...

 


Indiana Redbirds LP 4 games to 2

in 13th Annual CBA Classic.

The Indiana Red Birds cap off a remarkable comeback season to defeat the
Longue-Pointe Loggers in the CBA 2009 World Series 4 games to 2.  Their
unprecedented second consecutive Championship crown came as the result of
an 8-5 victory highlighted by an 8th inning home run by Alex Rodriguez.

 

 
Albert Pujols after hitting his second home run in
Game 1 of the 2009 World Series between the Red Birds
and the Loggers at Molson Yards.  Indiana Redbirds win 5 to 3.
 
2009 World Series Boxscores

Indiana went 40-14 to finish in a tie for the Wild Card, then a 1game playoff to get into the playoffs. Then we are are Road team in each series and win both games on the road to start out and then win 2 of 3 at home to get to the World Series. Then we come up against Longue Pointe team that has a great Starting Pitching Staff and we win both games again on the road and won the first game at home to take a demanding 3-0 lead in the series. But Longue Pointe wasn't going down without a fight and win game 4 6-5 with Indiana having the tying run on and Albert at the plate with 2 outs in the 9th. Then CC just shuts the Red Birds down for a 5-0 victory to force game 6. Ichrio leads off the bottom of the 1st with a HR and Longue Pointe was on the way again but the game got tied when Linceumn threw back to back wild pitches to let Ruiz to score and then again it was tied at 2-2 and Indiana took a 6-2 lead, but Kazmir got tired once again in the 5th with 2 outs but Darren Oliver came in to shut door and went on to pitch a couple more innings then gave up 3 runs to make it 6-5. It was a nail biter for sure as the Loggers kept threatening and a key spot in the game was when Varitek came into PH for his fellow catcher mate Laird against Oliver. D J Carrasco was called in from the pen and got him out. With 1 out in the bottom of the 8th Billy Wagner came in for 1 2/3 inning save try and he got the 2 guys out in the 8th. Then in the top of the 9th with a runner on A-Rod gives some insurance with a 2 run HR and Wagner shuts it down in the bottom of the inning.
 


2009 CBA Opening World Series Ceremonies in Longue Pointe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
From The Montreal Gazette Online:
 
October 20, 2009
 
Attached image of the Opening Night Ceremony for the CBA's 13th World Series between the 2006 & 2008 Champion Indiana Red Birds and the 2005 Champion Longue-Pointe Loggers at Molson Yards which is marking its final season. 
 
Those festivities are the only thing Canadians had to celebrate so far as Longue-Pointe has been defeated twice by the defending champions by identical scores of 5 to 3.
 
The Series will now move to Indiana where it is hoped that CBA strikeout king Tim Lincecum can shut down the powerful Red Bird bats.
 

 


Other Playoff moments....

Round 1 Boxes

   

Ohio's Mark Texeira swings in the T-Cats first ever playoff series

Game 3: San Diego's David Wright tagged out by LP's Varitek    

Southwest's Johnny Damon destroys Philly

Cliff Lee Stars for Eric Lindner'sSouthwest Lizard King's

Belfast Brawlers star Nate McLouth connects in the first Belfast playoff series in 3 years.

Round 2 Boxes


also: "The Wolfman" retires from CBA

Wolfman Shapiro: A Tribute


2009 Playoffs
 

It's stunning....Staub has not had a winner in the Finals since well, 2005 and Dennis Concepcion's Longue Pointe team won it all.  The reigning champ Fidler is back.  He is CBA's best, back for 3rd time in 4 years.  Concepcion, a playoff perennial, didn't make it last year to the playoffs, but sure has the year in grand style.  He swept the extraordinary San Diego Surf team.  Both Indiana and LP were underdogs to two of CBA's greatest teams of all time.  Both Conference teams beat the giant teams to help advance.  Now they meet.  Indiana just plain outslugs you, Longue Pointe just keeps you off the bases and runners from moving....Two contrasting Strat philosophies will square off.  The games should be well attended just to see what the next CBA STrategy trend will be....Will it be good pitching with lots of K's and defense.  A team that hit and runs you to death and steals at will? or will it be the ARoid, Pujols, Hamilton, Pence, Sizemore, reyes show?

For LP it was all pitching and unlikely heros.  For Indy Pence, Sizemore and ARod. Lets look and see who they are...

Indiana was originally the expansion Houston Aeros, a last place team that was extremely fortunate to have won the 1st over expansion pick when 4 teams were broken up.  ARod was originally on the Chris Boutin led Quebec Capitales.  He was the first expoansion pick in 2003 by Chris Thomas' Houston club.  He then drafted Albert Pujols with the first regular draft pick that year.  There was the nucleus.  Jose Reyes came over in a trade 3 seasons ago from San Diego, while OSwalt was an orinal draftee.  Last year, Indiana acquired B. Wagner, C. Ruiz, K. Griffey, Jr in a major trade with Southwest for A. Ethier, Indiana's #1(09), #4(09), #5(09), #6(09).   They got Loney from Kennesaw as well at about the same time for a #2 and Mientkiewicz.  They got J Garland from Kennesaw as well in 2008.  Posada came in July of 2007 for D Riske, Kaz Matsui and a 2,6 pick. Polanco came in from Philly for Brad Hawpe.  Many good trades and some not as good.  But always looking to improve. Indy traded picks, acquired, shuffled, drafted and built.  Looking out of the picture in themid season they staged one of CBA's remarkable comebacks winning 41-17 to gain a last day wildcard, and now back in the finals after Fidler threw in the "Towel".

Longue Pointe has made a few trades mostly has built through drafting.  The team, unlike 2005 is mostly of Concepcion's design.  He drafts for bench reserve and defense.  He drafts for talent, he drafts for good cards, he drafts to win with balance.  He drafts strikeout artists, he drafts well.  He acquired great draft pieces starting when he took guys like Richie Sexson at the end of rd 1 in 2005. Jason Varitek came in 2006 for Jason Kendall.  05 WS hero Torii Hunter came in 2005 for AJ Burnett and a #1.  Dennis moved guys like Nomar Garciaparra a longue time favorite in Quebec, bringing in players like Aramis Ramirez, drafted some like pen guys CJ Wilson, Balfour, Marte, Seanez, Kiko Calero, Brain Fuentes, and even drafted more guys for the staff and who got outs, K's and stopped runners from moving.  But Concepcion has thrived in the draft.  After raising some eyebrows, whose wondering now? He drafted a minor league pick like Tim Lincecum in rd 1.  He took Hideki Matsui in rd 1 too.  Ryan Dempster another.  He took Ryan Theriot in a later round. LP is well known for super sub scrubs.  Each year he has his overachieving mutant cards. In 2005, it was Brian Jordan hitting .400.  This year its Cliff Floyd, and Lou Montanez, otherwise guys like Gabe Gross, Kotchmann, Iguchi, new heros with small names.  Remember Miracle Mirabelli?

Its gonna be a Jailbreak...Who will attend?

The Longue-Pointe Loggers swept the San Diego Surf four straight to win their second Staub Conference Pennant. 
 
Like their series against Glenn Kenan's wildcard Ohio Thundercats, the Loggers faced a formidable foe
with Joe Wallace's Carter Division champions. This series was highlighted by many dramatic moments,
especially about a half dozen plays at the plate.  Two of those occurred improbably as the Surf's final 2 outs 
in an excruciating Game 3 finish as Torii Hunter and then Ichiro Suzuki nailed consecutive potential tying runs David Wright and Howie Kendrick respectively to end the game.  
 
Here is that boxscore with the corrected PBP.
The clincher will be in a separate mailing.
 
BOXSCORE: 2009 San Diego Surf At 2009 Longue Pointe Loggers       10/15/2009
Staub Championship Series Game 3
 
  Surf               AB  R  H RBI AVG     Loggers            AB  R  H RBI AVG
  S.Victorino CF      4  0  0  0 .256     I.Suzuki RF         5  1  4  0 .478 
  C.Guzman SS         3  1  1  0 .333     R.Theriot SS        5  0  2  0 .244 
A-T.Teagarden PH      1  0  0  0 .000     A.Ramirez 3B        4  2  1  0 .205 
B-E.Renteria SS       0  0  0  0 .333     C.Floyd 1B          4  0  2  2 .452 
  M.Ramirez LF        4  0  0  0 .433   C-C.Kotchman 1B       0  0  0  0 .182 
  B.McCann C          4  0  1  1 .303     G.Gross LF          3  0  0  0 .219 
  K.Youkilis 1B       3  0  1  0 .306   G-N.Morgan LF         0  0  0  01.000 
  J.Dye RF            4  1  1  1 .231     T.Hunter CF         3  0  0  0 .357 
  D.Wright 3B         3  0  1  0 .147     G.Laird C           4  0  2  0 .219 
  H.Kendrick 2B       4  0  2  0 .394   D-J.Varitek C         0  0  0  0 .000 
  J.Peavy P           2  0  1  0 .250     T.Iguchi 2B         3  0  0  0 .118 
E-R.Cano PH           0  0  0  0 .333     T.Lincecum P        4  0  0  0 .125 
F-J.Bruce PH          1  0  1  0 .250     D.Marte P           0  0  0  0 .000 
                                          G.Balfour P         0  0  0  0 ---- 
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      33  2  9  2                 Totals      35  3 11  2

A-Pinch Hit For Guzman In 7th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Teagarden In 7th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Floyd In 9th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Laird In 9th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Peavy In 9th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Cano In 9th Inning
G-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Gross In 9th Inning

Surf............ 1 0 0  1 0 0  0 0 0  -  2  9  1
Loggers......... 2 0 0  0 1 0  0 0    -  3 11  0

Surf (4-5)               IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
J.Peavy LOSS(1-1)         8      11   3   2   4   7   0   1.93  A1
Totals                    8      11   3   2   4   7   0

Loggers (9-2)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
T.Lincecum WIN(2-0)       8 1/3   7   2   2   2  13   1   1.90  A1 D7
D.Marte HOLD(2nd)         0 1/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  D8 D8
G.Balfour SAVE(1st)       0 1/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   0.00  D9
Totals                    9       9   2   2   2  13   1

ATTENDANCE- 55,152 DATE- Thursday, October 15th 2009 TIME- Night WEATHER- Bad
UMPIRES- Ed Rapuano, Tim Welke, Larry Poncino, Dan Noonan
T- 3:15
LEFT ON BASE- Surf: 7  Loggers:12
DOUBLE PLAYS- Surf: 0  Loggers: 0
ERRORS- C.Guzman
DOUBLES- C.Guzman(2nd), B.McCann(3rd), C.Floyd(2nd)
HOME RUNS- J.Dye(2nd)
STOLEN BASES- D.Wright(2nd)
SACRIFICE HITS- J.Peavy
WALKS- K.Youkilis, D.Wright, A.Ramirez, G.Gross, T.Hunter, T.Iguchi
STRIKE OUTS- S.Victorino, C.Guzman-2, T.Teagarden, M.Ramirez-2, K.Youkilis,
             J.Dye-2, D.Wright-2, H.Kendrick, J.Peavy, A.Ramirez, C.Floyd-2,
             G.Gross, G.Laird, T.Lincecum-2
WILD PITCHES- T.Lincecum

Tim Lincecum racked up an impressive total of 13 strikeouts and Cliff Floyd
had 2 base hits and 2 RBI as the Longue Pointe Loggers outscored the San
Diego Surf 3 to 2.

Lincecum(2-0) looked very much in control throughout the night.  He allowed
just 7 hits and 2 walks in 8 and 1/3 innings.  San Diego made it exciting in
the 9th, but they were unable to push the needed runs across. 

Lincecum got help from Grant Balfour who earned his 1st save.  Jake Peavy(1-1)
was given the loss.  He was hit hard and gave up 11 hits and 4 walks in 8
innings. 

When asked about his strikeout total for the game, Lincecum offered, 'The
fan's really got into it.  It is fun to see them tally up the strikeout
totals up there in the stands.  Fortunately, I kept them busy tonight - of
course, it would be all for naught without the 'W'.'
 

Indiana defeats Southwest Lizard Kings for their 3rd Clemente title in 4 years.....Took 4 games to 1.

Well first of all I want to thank Eric for playing a good series and congratulate him on his great season. The Red Birds won games 1 and 2 again on the road and came home where they would lose game 3 once again this time 6-4. Then in Game 4 their bats came alive and built a 9-0 lead for Roy Oswalt who then got tired in the 7th inning and the final ended up 9-2. Game 5 was one for the classics as it ended up 2-1 as Indiana took the lead 1-0 in the 3rd inning when Polanco scored on a base hit by Reyes. Southwest managed to tie it up at 1-1 on a wild pitch with Either on 3rd he came in to score. Southwest got a runner on in the top of the 9th and Billy Wagner came in to try and stop the rally and he did as he struck out all 3 batters he faced. So the game was tied up at 1-1 in the both of the 9th with not the real A-Rod leading off but Indiana's A-Rod and he hit a 2-4 no doubter HR to send the Red Birds to the series for the 3rd time in 4 yrs. We want to once again thank Marc and Eric for playing great series. The only other thing I want to add which I got a chuckle out of when Eric IM me on it as he said I thought the road to the World Series was going through Brooklyn didn't think it would be Indiana. And at the start of the playoffs I would agree with him and I still do agree as my road to the World Series started in Brooklyn and now it has went through the Southwest part of California now we are just waiting on to see who our opponent as will we stay in California or will we have to go back to Brooklyn once again.
 

__._,_.___

 

@AP Newswire Date: Oct. 14, 2009 

LOCAL INVESTIGATORS SEEK ANSWERS!   

Arcane wording discovered scrawled upon a napkin in local steak house outside Indiana's Ballpark has raised concerns that a killer may be on the loose.  It reads:



In the mighty halls of the CBA
there are only two things of certainty,
The future's uncertain, and THE END is always near!

Wow, I'm sick of doubt
Live in the light of certain
South side
Cruel bindings.

The Redbirds have the power
Dog-men and their mean women
Pulling poor
blankets over
Our players

I'm sick of dour faces
Staring at me from the executive
Suites, i want roses in
My
bullpen bower; dig?

Royal doubles, hard hit singles
Must now replace aborted
Strangers in the mud
These mutants, blood-meal
For the pitcher that's plowed.

They are waiting to take us into
The severed garden
Do you know how pale and wanton thrillful
Comes death on a strange hour
Unannounced, unplanned for
Like a scaring over-friendly guest you've
Brought to bed

Defeat makes angels of us all
And gives us wings
Where we had shoulders
Smooth as raven's
Claws

No more
money, no more fancy uniforms
This other kingdom seems by far the best
Until it's other jaw reveals incest
And loose obedience to a REDBIRD law.

I will not go
Prefer a feast of
friends
A lie she cried
Spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a marble slab

To the giant REDBIRD she spoke

I will not go, I will not go
Have I not wandered your streets of yellow haze?
And pitchers come and go
Speaking of Joe DiMaggio

I have measured out my life
In balls, strikes and cheap hot dogs
Am I not Lazarus raised from the dead?
Come back to tell you
To tell you all

THE END


Local officials and police detectives are puzzled by the cryptic verbiage and its meaning.  Rumors that the much awaited contest between the Lizard Kings and the Rebirds will be tomorrow night at 5pm Pacific/8pm EST may be related to the arcane scriblings.  Rob Fidler is reportedly suffering from massive migranes in anticipation of the bloody series and has been cleared of any ill-doings.  However, maverick owner, Eric Lindner, has been heavily sedated and locked securely in a local sanitarium after being found in a darken alley with steak sauce smeared all over his vomit covered t-shirt.

The end is most certainly near for one of these vaunted warriors of the CBA.

Report filed by Bernard Shakey
Minister of Propaganda and Ticket Sales

 

 

The first round is complete.  Stunning upsets, and glorious wins.  The first series pit the Longue Pointe Loggers, Dawson champs against the Ohio Thundercats in their first ever playoff.  It was a hard fought series which was accented by some outstanding pitching perfomances by both teams. Dempster heading the rotation based on his Cy Young type season, was shaky as LP uncharacteristically scored 8 to outlast the T Cats.  Total effort against Volquez who surrendered 7 er.  The game was tied going into the 7th inning.  Theriot's double was the difference. Game 2 was all Rick3 Nolasco in a 6 hitter.  It was a fine performance, stopping LP cold. Game 3 was an extra innings game won by Ohio.  Tied at 2 in the 7th, another tight one. A dramatic ending.  Chris Young walked, Johjima bunted him over, But Balfour came in and promptly walked Guillen, and LP killer Kelly Johnson drew a bases loaded walk.  Texeira  who also had homered, finally walked with the bases loaded off LP closer Grant Balfour. Lincecum K's 8 and Torii Hunter had a big offensive game.  Dempster won game 4 with with some timely hitting and great pitching.  He K'd 9 in the win.  Game 5 saw Carlos Zambrano(1-0) and Ricky Nolasco(1-1) locked horns in a pitcher's duel with Zambrano and the Longue Pointe Loggers coming out on top of the Ohio Thundercats 2 to 1. Zambrano was in control of the game from the outset. He surrendered only 5  hits and 2 walks in 8 and 2/3 innings. Ohio had a chance in the 9th but they came up short against Wilson who earned a save...Game 6 was Lincecum's best.  He K's 13 in a 2 to 1 victory.  Lp will go on to SD for a showdown


 

San Diego Surf's GM Joe Wallace.  Is out for blood.  Years of losing has made him hungry and a total CBA force to be dealt with.  He dispatched Belfast and JD Adams in 6 games. SD took g 1,2,3 the SD talent just took over.  In game 1 it was the small guys, Kendrick and C Guzman who had the big hits for SD.  In game 2 it was Manny, McCann, Dye.  Game 3 it was the whole lineup just slappin 'em down and scoring runs.  In game 4 Belfast won the game with a run in the bottom of the 9th inning on an Aubrey Huff walk. An Alexei Ramirez single, and a Brandon Moss base-hit. Game 5 Nate McLouth blasted 2 homeruns, and Brawlers won in 10 innings by the score of 8 to 7. That game was deadlocked at 7 after nine full innings. SD took their 4th and the right to play Dennis Concepcion and LP winning game 6.  Dan Haren racked up an impressive total of 10 strikeouts as the San Diego Surf outscored the Belfast Brawlers 7 to 2. Haren(2-0) was in control of the game from the outset. He gave up just 7 hits and 1 walk in 9 innings. San Diego finished with 13 hits, and David Wright had a Homer and 3 RBI's and Wallace is looking like gold. LP and SD will meet to decide Staub.

Indiana Brooklyn was tougher than it looked.  The Redbirds took that series 4 to 1. Game 1 was a pitchers duel with Halladay and Oswalt going on into extras. In the end Brooklyn didn't hit, but Reyes did launching a HR for the Indy win.  Indy won game 2 by a large margin 14-5.  The big boys, Pujols, ARod, Josht Hamilton  (5 RBI) did major damage, but in Game 3 Brooklyn's Dice K went the distance.  Doumit and Howard Homered. Game 4 a key game went into the 12th inning .  Brooklyn rode a Howard HR into the 9th with a 1 run lead.  Maglio Ordonez forever the Brooklyn Buckner, dropped a flyball for 2 bases (Why was Denorfia not out there?) to allow Indy to tie and eventually win in the 12thSizemore smashed a solo-shot out of the park (his 2nd of the season) resulting in a mighty exciting win for Indiana and the 50,370 home town fans in attendance. For that matter it was all Indiana needed as the Superbas spit the bit once again in 2009. Wait till next year 

 

On Left: It's an off day for the Red Birds following their victory over the Brooklyn Superbas.  Here, slugger Albert Pujols discusses strategy with Red Birds skipper Bob Fidler for their upcoming Clemente pennant showdown with Eric Lindner's Southwest Lizard Kings.

On right: shows Brooklyn's Ryan Doumit blocking Sizemore from Scoring a key run.

 

Not To Touch The Earth....Lizard King Eric Lindner is setting on his hot rock after a Philly playoff win. Controversial Center fielder David Dejesus had 2 base hits and 2 RBI as the Southwest Lizard Kings defeated the Philly Phantastics by the score of 5 to 3 in game 1 at Philly's Stadium.  Philly was unable to claim the lead after Southwest went ahead in the top of the 3rd inning scoring a single run using 2 hits. Southwest out-hit Philly for the game, Cliff Lee(1-0) who went 8 innings, allowing 3 runs. Joakim
Soria gained credit for his 1st save. Cole Hamels(0-1) lost.  In Game 2 Second baseman Orlando Hudson had 4 hits and 2 RBI as the Southwest Lizard Kings beat the Philly Phantastics by a score of 8 to 6. Southwest had the winning rally in the 8th inning when they scored 4 runs on 4 hits. Another controversial OF, Matt Holliday  rifled a three-run blast
Southwest had 17 hits for the game and Philly had 13. Right back came Rob Hite and the high scoring Philly Phantastics.  Center fielder Rick Ankiel HR'd and had 5 RBI as the Phantastics won 13 to 5 at Jim Morrison Memorial.
The Southwest fans didn't appreciate the big day Ankiel had. He doubled which scored a run in the 2nd inning, doubled plating three runs in the 7th inning and cracked a solo homerun in the 9th inning. Philly had 12 hits overall, while Southwest had 6. 

 

Phantastic Rob Hite  The Lizard King

In game 4, The Philly Phantastics came roaring back in the top of the ninth to spoil the anticipated celebration of the hometown fans. The final score, was 6 to Philly scored the decisive runs in a big 9th inning with 2 runs using 3 hits.
Carlos Lee led off and keyed the rally when he lined a one-base hit. Evan Longoria came next and he doubled. Lance Berkman struck out, unable to help the rally. Kelly Shoppach stepped in and he doubled. Philly won despite being out-hit by Southwest 10 hits to 7. Kerry Wood(1-0) picked up the victory,  The loss was charged to Cliff Lee(1-1).   Game 5 David Dejesus touched them all and had 2 RBI at Morrison Memorial where the Southwest Lizard Kings beat the Philly Phantastics by the score of 2 to 1. Southwest brought 2 runs across the plate in the 2nd inning when they had 3 base hits. That scoring would be all that was needed. Philly threatened in the 9th but Southwest was able to put down the rally.

In Game 6 The Philly Phantastics nipped the Southwest Lizard Kings 5 to 4 back in Philly Field in a hard fought contest.Southwest fell behind quickly as the Philly offense came through in the first inning with 3 runs utilizing 3 base hits. After an out was recorded, Derek Jeter began the Philly spurt when he drew a walk. Chase Utley next to the plate and he banged out a single. After another out, Rick Ankiel hit his 3rd CBA playoff HR of the series.  Former first round pick Evan Longoria followed and he delivered a one-base hit. Lance Berkman stepped into the box and drew a walk. Southwest had a chance to come back in the 9th but they came up short. Series tied and in Philly.  Stage was set...For Sw to win, would be seen as an upset.  Philly had one of CBA's alltime best seasons in 2009 as had Brooklyn.  Who would it be?  Run with me....Run with me....and only one run was the difference as the Southwest Lizard Kingsdefeated the Philly Phantastics in 10 innings 4 to 3. The score was knotted at 3 after nine innings. It went into extras. Southwest was victorious in the 10th inning. when SW hero, Johnny Damon singled. A controversial balk was called. People pelted the umpire with crap. The Philly Phaithful chanted "you still S**k!" then game continued.  After an out was recorded, Jerry Hairston Jr stepped in and he delivered a single. Hairston Jr took second on the throw. Despite losing, Philly out-hit Southwest 12 to 8.
Cory Wade(1-0) went 1 and 1/3 innings allowing no runs for the win. Joakim Soria gained credit for his 4th save. The loss was charged to Kerry Wood(1-1) in relief.  It was Lindners biggest ever CBA win....


 

 

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2009 C.B.A. Playoff
 
                            WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2009 Indiana IRM              4   1  .800 ----   157  
2009 San Diego SSC            4   2  .667   .5        
2009 Longue Pointe LLD        4   2  .667   .5        
2009 Southwest SLM            4   3  .571  1.0        
2009 Philly PPS               3   4  .429  2.0        
2009 Ohio OTR                 2   4  .333  2.5        
2009 Belfast BBD              2   4  .333  2.5        
2009 Brooklyn BSP             1   4  .200  3.0        
 
 
 

@AB Newswire Date: Oct. 14, 2009....@AB Newswire Date: Oct. 14, 2009....@AB Newswire Date: Oct. 14, 2009....@AB Newswire Date: Oct. 14, 2009....@AB Newswire Date: Oct. 14, 2009.... 

LOCAL INVESTIGATORS SEEK ANSWERS!   

Arcane wording discovered scrawled upon a napkin in local steak house outside Indiana's Ballpark has raised concerns that a killer may be on the loose.  It reads:



In the mighty halls of the CBA
there are only two things of certainty,
The future's uncertain, and THE END is always near!

Wow, I'm sick of doubt
Live in the light of certain
South side
Cruel bindings.

The Redbirds have the power
Dog-men and their mean women
Pulling poor
blankets over
Our players

I'm sick of dour faces
Staring at me from the executive
Suites, i want roses in
My
bullpen bower; dig?

Royal doubles, hard hit singles
Must now replace aborted
Strangers in the mud
These mutants, blood-meal
For the pitcher that's plowed.

They are waiting to take us into
The severed garden
Do you know how pale and wanton thrillful
Comes death on a strange hour
Unannounced, unplanned for
Like a scaring over-friendly guest you've
Brought to bed

Defeat makes angels of us all
And gives us wings
Where we had shoulders
Smooth as raven's
Claws

No more
money, no more fancy uniforms
This other kingdom seems by far the best
Until it's other jaw reveals incest
And loose obedience to a REDBIRD law.

I will not go
Prefer a feast of
friends
A lie she cried
Spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a marble slab

To the giant REDBIRD she spoke

I will not go, I will not go
Have I not wandered your streets of yellow haze?
And pitchers come and go
Speaking of Joe DiMaggio

I have measured out my life
In balls, strikes and cheap hot dogs
Am I not Lazarus raised from the dead?
Come back to tell you
To tell you all

THE END


Local officials and police detectives are puzzled by the cryptic verbiage and its meaning.  Rumors that the much awaited contest between the Lizard Kings and the Rebirds will be tomorrow night at 5pm Pacific/8pm EST may be related to the arcane scriblings.  Rob Fidler is reportedly suffering from massive migranes in anticipation of the bloody series and has been cleared of any ill-doings.  However, maverick owner, Eric Lindner, has been heavily sedated and locked securely in a local sanitarium after being found in a darken alley with steak sauce smeared all over his vomit covered t-shirt.

The end is most certainly near for one of these vaunted warriors of the CBA.

Report filed by Bernard Shakey
Minister of Propaganda and Ticket Sales



Running Dry (Requiem For The Lizard Kings)

Oh, please help me,
oh please help me,
I'm losin' by myself.
I need someone to comfort me,
I need someone to tell.

I'm sorry for
the things I've done,
I've shamed myself with lies,
But soon these things
are overcome
And can't be recognized.

I left my team
with broken bats
And water in their eyes.
I took from them
the respect I'd won
And turned it to the sky.

I'm sorry for
the things I've done,
I've shamed myself with lies,
My CRUELTY has punctured me
And now I'm running dry.

Glory, I went into Indy to see you
yesterday
but you were not there.
So I talked to some old players
for a while
before I wandered off, alone.

It's so hard for me now
But I'll make it some how
Though I know I'll never be the same
Won't you ever change your ways,
It's so hard to make baseball pay
When you're on the losing end

And I feel that way again!

Glory, I miss you more than ever
since you've gone
I can hardly maintain.
Things are different round here
every night,
my tears fall down like rain.

And so it goes . . .
Hanta yo (It is a good day to die)!

@Copyright 2009, Eric Lindner, Poems to inhale ether by . . .

 


Forbes: Lizard Kings greatest sports-biz turnaround

By Craven Moorhead, Forbes Magazine, October 16, 7:38 pm EDT


 

The Southwest Lizard Kings are currently facing off against the Indiana Redbirds in the Clemente Conference finals. The Lizard Kings led the league in attendance this season, and the four millionth fan recently passed through the turnstiles at Morrison Memorial. On TV, Lizard King Baseball is scoring its best ratings ever. These are stunning developments given that just one year ago, the Lizard Kings were one of the saddest franchises in professional sports, having languished in the CBA’s basement for years.


 

“I am not familiar with this kind of massive turnaround that occurred in a blink of an eye,” says Willie Makeit, president of Sportscorp, a sports-business consultancy. “It’s arguably the most remarkable turnaround in the history of sports in the United States.”


 

It almost seems bizarre, but baseball fever has taken over Los Angeles. A Lizard Kings jersey recently adorned the Field Museum’s Dissemination of Knowledge statue; divers at the John G. Shedd Aquarium are donning Lizard King Jerseys during underwater presentations and the Picasso sculpture outside the Ronald Reagan Center has displayed a Lizard Kings batting helmet. The atmosphere in Los Angeles is electric, as the Lizard Kings, a team that had made the playoffs once in the previous 14 seasons, has advanced one step away from the CBA’s World Series, which the team last never won.


 

LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2009 C.B.A.
 
Dawson                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2009 Longue Pointe LLD       92  70  .568 ----  *WON* 
2009 Belfast BBD             91  71  .562  1.0        
2009 Limoilou LWD            86  76  .531  6.0        
2009 Montreal MCD            56 106  .346 36.0        
 
Rogers                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2009 Ohio OTR                86  76  .531 ----  *WON* 
2009 Maine MER               85  77  .525  1.0        
2009 Allentown ANR           79  83  .488  7.0        
2009 Kennesaw Mtn KWR        78  84  .481  8.0        
 
Carter                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2009 San Diego SSC          109  53  .673 ----  *WON* 
2009 Skokie SWC              91  71  .562 18.0        
2009 Joliet JJC              65  97  .401 44.0        
2009 High Bridge HHC         54 108  .333 55.0        
 
Schmidt                     WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2009 Philly PPS             105  57  .648 ----  *WON* 
2009 Ottawa OOS              78  84  .481 27.0        
2009 Stirling SRS            77  85  .475 28.0        
2009 Westminster WPS         29 133  .179 76.0        
 
Monday                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2009 Southwest SLM           96  66  .593 ----  *WON* 
2009 Indiana IRM             94  68  .580  2.0        
2009 Lake County LLM         93  69  .574  3.0        
2009 Bryan KBM               74  88  .457 22.0        
 
Parker                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2009 Brooklyn BSP           108  54  .667 ----  *WON* 
2009 Cooperstown CIP         94  68  .580 14.0        
2009 Carolina CCP            88  74  .543 20.0        
2009 Sunville SSP            36 126  .222 72.0        
 
 
SC Wild Card Standings      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2009 Skokie SWC              91  71  .562 ----     1  
2009 Belfast BBD             91  71  .562 ----        
2009 Limoilou LWD            86  76  .531  5.0        
2009 Maine MER               85  77  .525  6.0        
2009 Allentown ANR           79  83  .488 12.0        
2009 Kennesaw Mtn KWR        78  84  .481 13.0        
 
CC Wild Card Standings      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2009 Indiana IRM             94  68  .580 ----     1  
2009 Cooperstown CIP         94  68  .580 ----        
2009 Lake County LLM         93  69  .574  1.0        
2009 Carolina CCP            88  74  .543  6.0        
2009 Ottawa OOS              78  84  .481 16.0        
2009 Stirling SRS            77  85  .475 17.0        
 
 
       OVERALL RECORD
Team   WON LOST   PCT  HOME  ROAD  LEFT RIGHT EXTRA 1-RUN   LAST 10   STREAK
ANR     79   83  .488 40-41 39-42 30-25 49-58 12- 9 20-26     5-5     Won 1
BBD     91   71  .562 45-36 46-35 33-26 58-45  5- 4 37-22     7-3     Won 4
BSP    108   54  .667 59-22 49-32 36-21 72-33  8- 7 25-22     5-5     Won 1
CCP     88   74  .543 44-37 44-37 29-22 59-52 10- 3 20-19     6-4     Won 4
CIP     94   68  .580 45-36 49-32 21-22 73-46  7- 7 33-17     8-2     Lost 1
HHC     54  108  .333 28-53 26-55 21-25 33-83  9-11 21-26     1-9     Lost 1
IRM     94   68  .580 45-36 49-32 22-20 72-48  9- 9 28-24     8-2     Won 2
JJC     65   97  .401 37-44 28-53 23-24 42-73  5- 7 24-30     6-4     Won 1
KBM     74   88  .457 35-46 39-42 22-26 52-62  6-10 25-18     3-7     Lost 2
KWR     78   84  .481 38-43 40-41 25-23 53-61 13- 8 24-30     4-6     Lost 3
LLD     92   70  .568 42-39 50-31 27-24 65-46  9-12 30-27     7-3     Won 3
LLM     93   69  .574 45-36 48-33 30-25 63-44 10- 9 22-20     7-3     Won 5
LWD     86   76  .531 43-38 43-38 28-14 58-62  7-10 20-32     5-5     Lost 2
MCD     56  106  .346 28-53 28-53 18-29 38-77  7- 6 25-22     1-9     Lost 6
MER     85   77  .525 43-38 42-39 33-16 52-61 13- 9 34-22     7-3     Lost 1
OOS     78   84  .481 39-42 39-42 15-32 63-52 12- 5 21-20     5-5     Lost 1
OTR     86   76  .531 39-42 47-34 31-23 55-53  7- 9 38-22     5-5     Won 3
PPS    105   57  .648 50-31 55-26 29-12 76-45  5- 1 16-19     8-2     Won 1
SLM     96   66  .593 44-37 52-29 31-20 65-46  3- 9 20-18     2-8     Lost 7
SRS     77   85  .475 42-39 35-46 17-31 60-54  3- 7 18-26     6-4     Lost 1
SSC    109   53  .673 54-27 55-26 38-16 71-37 10- 6 18-22     9-1     Won 5
SSP     36  126  .222 21-60 15-66  6-42 30-84  7-12 16-31     1-9     Lost 7
SWC     91   71  .562 43-38 48-33 31-18 60-53  4-10 13-23     4-6     Lost 4
WPS     29  133  .179 20-61  9-72  7-41 22-92  6- 7  8-18     2-8     Won 1
TOTAL 1944 1944  .500

 

The season end is at hand.  Its destiny or skill.  Its luck or probability.  Its torturous or strategous.  Usage conservation or damn the torpedoes...  Who will win?  Who are the players?
 
The 2009 CBA elite are....
Marc Wass.  Yours truly is having a renaissance season with 104 wins so far.  The 2003 WS finalist and 2004 champion Superbas have been in the playoffs each year since 2003.  They were in a few more before that.  Big games elude Superbas who are driving to become two time champs ala Rob Hite, Jeff Boutet, Bob Fidler.  Been playing Strat since 1977, Superbas are always a team known for offense and power.  Brooklyn signature is perrenial leadership in major offensive categories. Lots of stealing and Power, teams are tailored for Coors field dimensions. 
 
Joe Wallace:  Plays hard in playoffs.  Knows the game and numbers well.  Is out to beat the Staub Division and nothing less than a World Series Appearance will due for the CBA's 7 year veteran.  Wallace has built his team from the ground up and is contending the past 3 seasons.  Could this be the year he breaks through?
 
JD Adams: The usage czar knows his role, and his team.  With the luck of the Irish, and the use of excellent strategies in lineup making, the Belfast Brawlers again play to maximum potential.  They dont have Limoilou's star power, Longue Tongue's pitching and defense, nor the power of  Clemente's brooklyn or Philly, but they do all the little things, like steal, pitch, clutch.  Huff has been a blessing and though others have better numbers he may be the true MVP based on his value to a team thats contending.  52 doubles 23 HR  113 RBI on a non slugging team that steals tons.  Adams has suffered CBA heart break a few times in the past.  1 game playoff losses. Early rd 1 exits, just barely not making the cut.  JD is hungry and ferocious.  Every swing counts for this competititor.
 
"Wolfman" Shapiro.   The Skokie, Holland, Atlanta, crystal master.  Moved right in and rebuilt the Wolfmen into powerhouse.  This team is becoming a CBA legend having been there in the thick of the playoffs each season since 2006 I believe.  The Wolfman is known around the world for his skill.  Its on display here in CBA and again he's primed for another shot at the coveted CBA World Series title.  The Strat community watches our website and posts and our playoffs are watched by the veteran league watchers online.  SOM players always look for the advantages, sometimes from other leagues that they can apply to their own methods.  Wolfman's web pages get quite a few hits.  He wants them to read about a Wolfmen World Championship.  Thats his goal solely.  He nows the rules and how to work within them.  he is reliable and efficient.  Most of all, he knows the game and the cards.  To beat him in the Netplayoffs is to beat a legend.  Bob Fidler did so.  Wolfman may not be done with him...

Dennis Concepcion: The man behind the CBA graphics.  Staub President, and creator of the Loggers team.  DC is one GM that can't be ruled out because he finds a way to beat you.  He has a knack for finding variables other than slugging.  He relies heavily on platoon system and defense.  He has sported teams with 4+ ones on offense.  He is known for his small ball game like the one he used to ride such cards as "Miracle Mirabelli", Brian Jordan, and Todd Jones into big moments.  He also studies his opponents and plays for the long run.  The LP signature is their strong bench, and fantastic pitching staff.  He prefers strikeout pitchers, and good hit and run men. Concepcion is unconventional but effective year in and year out.  He is also an avid baseball uniform and stadium historical enthusiast. 

Rob Hite:  CBA legend. Multi year champion.  Just like Brooklyn in leading CBA in offense and power categories.  Owns several CBA records.  Hite is on executive committee, and is an original member.  Perhaps one of CBA most prolific traders, Hite is one of the sharpest draft and Stratball minds you'll ever meet.  Has keen sense of talent and is ever tough in head to head competition.  Rob Hite is a future CBA Hall of famer.  He has the championships to back it.

Glenn Kenan:  First year for playoffs? A CBA 4 year man.  The Ohio team has improved each year.  Kenan has traded and drafted himself into a winning team.  In a tough conference where teams knock each other around, Ohio is on the cusp of team history should they overcome Maine.  Kenan has forged a team that could be the underdog surprise of the CBA season.  The little engine who could?

Mike Koepp: Mr Mike to you.  Maine is in the 2nd year of playoff hunt.  His last playoff was marred by some questionable circumstances, but experience was gained.  Koepp is fighting hard.  The competitor in Koepp has worked very hard to get this franchise atop Rogers division.  He wont relent now, & is ready to beat you.

Dave Jones:  Jones has been around the block in CBA. The Leopards are his team.  He built them and is likely to make noise this year if they get into the playoffs.  Dave always has his team playing tough.  Never an easy win, The Leopards gives all Clemente fits.  They play well against Philly, SW, and Brooklyn.   Jones seems to make trades that keep him in the thick of things.

Eric Lindner:  1 game shy of Southwest's 1998 best franchise win total.  Lindner also knows the cards and the game.  Loves to compete.  Loves to win.  Plays well and plays fair.  Lindner is fun to play against...Its all fun and sht until you realize he's beating you.  Knows how to shoot down his oponents with Strat skill.  He is the Lizard King and wants to do anything.  Plays in Morrison Stadium.  Doors fan obviously, and true artist painter.

Jon Stamets: Has made a seamless transition into CBA to take over Cooperstown.  His GM skills will be on display as he takes a good team and has been making them play with efficiency.  This weeks series vs Carolina was classic.  Knows how to manage, and could be this years X factor as Allentown's Rich Schneider was back in 2004.


Aug 3rd 2009

Belfast has trimmed LP's lead to 2 in Dawson as LP bench couldn't hold off their opposition this time. Looks like they must win their division with SD and Skokie with better records in Staub. Westminster finally won a game, but Joliet now has a CBA record 21 game losing streak as the Jacks prepare for 2010. Limoilou is red hot and only 4 out now in Dawson.  Could it be another 3 way dance?  Boutet's team could be a player.  Maine and Ohio are dogfighting in Rogers.  That division is all bunched up.  It could be anyones to win. Could Ohio be worst to first?  Montreal has a good lineup this year.  The addition of Todd Helton CBA future HOFer, Joe Crede, Jody Gerut, Keppinger are quite a tough opponent not to be taken for the Montreal Uehara's.  SD 's lead has been trimmed all the way down by the Skokie Skunk'ems who are redhot.    Again the Wolfman proves to bequite a CBA manager.  Could the future hold HOF enshrinement?  A championship or two may help the cause.

In Clem, Brooklyn is having a terrific season loaded with offense.  Ryan Howard is on an MVP tear and  is now 2nd (by 1) in HR and RBI.  HIS BA is up over .285.  Both Brian Giles, Ryan Doumit, and Miguel Cabrera have been on fire.  Cabrera zipping right up into the leaders categories.  Both Carolina and Cooperstown are neck and neck in the wildcard.  Its been a great year for both teams.  Cooperstown could finish with their best season ever.  Both are tough as nails.  Speaking of nails, It looks like Super GM Rob Hite's Philly team is all but ran away with the Schmidt.  18 games, that division is nearly wrapped up.  Another classic powerhouse team loaded with offense.  As their pitching improved so did their winning pct.

High Bridge is just so tough for an expansion team. They are a spoiler.  Miller is a good GM who can squeeze blood from rocks.  What has happened to Ottawa and Stirling?  IS it too late for them?  Lake County making a run along with Carolina.  They too are right in the wild card playoff hunt...

 


 

This season is unique. Before the season started, I sat down with the new version game after going out to Glen Head, and picking the set up. I thought after running some sims, that there would be a rise in the strength of some new teams. Changing of the guard maybe, but parity? New powers, old ones fading? Its an entirely new CBA competition with some teams moving divsions and also adding good balance and talent. Could we predict that .500 could win Dawson? LP and Belfast are sub .500 and both tied for first. LP has had a good start from Aramis and Torii. Belfast is riding Aubrey Huff's hot start. Figgins is prancing on the Paths. The Montreal Uehara's have Gerut, and some decent pitching. Limmer and even Montreal are not far behind. Who will get hot? Could one deal make the final difference? Too early to tell, though patterns are starting to emerge for some.

Skokie. This is a potential Hall of Fame team. They have risin like the Phoenix from the ashes of the old Montreal Royals+Bodega Bay Madbirds (Gerald Benoit). This team just wins, and contends. The Wolfman will not rest until a championship. He has the helm this year after John Miller helped guide them last year. The 15-6 leagues best record. Some thought Skokie wouldn't be as strong, but a great GM always keeps his team at the top like Shapiro....and John Miller. The expansion High Bridge Heaters are competitive. 9-12 behind the San Diego Surf and Skokie. Respectable so far. Jenkins, Konerko, and E Gonzalez are hitting well as any. A tight bullpen managed to perfection by Miller. Miller is a good GM. So is Joe Wallace with SD. Could this be the year of High Surf? Wallace has been close stretching the playoff semi to 7 games. Wallace needs to beat Skokie and win the title. Anything less is risky with both Allentown and Kennesaw much improved. Dye and Dmitri have been solid if not spetacular. Manny is off to a .375 start. The pitching is well, San Diego. Best in CBA again.

Allentown and Kennesaw are battling. Maine and Ohio are right on their tails. This division is maybe CBA's toughest in 2009. All 4 are solid teams and in contention. Both Kennesaw Mountain and Allentown have taken control of the Rogers this week tied for first. Is Rogers stronger than Dawson? It appears so, for now. Rich Schneider of the Allentown Senators is looking toward the playoffs after an ambitious rebuild plan, tearing down the 2004 Staub Champs, to build stronger. He is well on his way. Hanley is an all star, Schumacher, Hart, and feliz are making an impact. Shileds is a Cy Young candidate again. Schneider knows exactly what to do to get back to the show.
It appears James Blake does too. He vowed to be a beast by 2009, and by gum he might be right. The Mountaineers are tied for first. The first time in Blakes CBA career he is. This team is now loaded, and mark it down the beginning has come. Georgia fans are delighted as their game attendance figures have jumped by 10,000 per game.

In Clemente, Brooklyn and Indiana have started slowly and are belwo .500.  BSP defeated Indy 2 g to 1, but that doesnt mean they'll stay down.  For now Ryan Wyke's Cooperstown and Scott Kenan's Carolina Copperheads own the Parker at 11-10.  Brooklyn 9-12 and Sunville who is 8-13 aren't too far back.  Sunville's Aybar, Barajas, and Wilingham lead a pretty good offense.  Brooklyn has hit tons, but the bullpen has been awful as well as shaky starting pitchers.  Mariano is back up to bad tricks blowing most games hes in.  Whats with his card?  The Bashers are the story of Monday winning and playing very well.  Cory Light looks to get to the playoffs missing by a hair last year.  Lots of power, Wigginton has 9 HR already. Burrell is hitting, and Overbay is on fire at .373.  The Bashers have pitching too.  Hawkins is getting used up fast but is doing great.  This could be the year for Bryan.  Phill has settled this week after a torrid start.  Theyre tied with the Redsox in second 3 out, as the Jack Jung Ottawa Otters chew up their competition at 14-7.  Jack Jung last won his championship in 2001.  Could this be the year he returns?


 

This season is unique. Before the season started, I sat down with the new version game after going out to Glen Head, and picking the set up. I thought after running some sims, that there would be a rise in the strength of some new teams. Changing of the guard maybe, but parity? New powers, old ones fading? Its an entirely new CBA competition with some teams moving divsions and also adding good balance and talent. Could we predict that .500 could win Dawson? LP and Belfast are sub .500 and both tied for first. LP has had a good start from Aramis and Torii. Belfast is riding Aubrey Huff's hot start. Figgins is prancing on the Paths. The Montreal Uehara's have Gerut, and some decent pitching. Limmer and even Montreal are not far behind. Who will get hot? Could one deal make the final difference? Too early to tell, though patterns are starting to emerge for some.

Skokie. This is a potential Hall of Fame team. They have risin like the Phoenix from the ashes of the old Montreal Royals+Bodega Bay Madbirds (Gerald Benoit). This team just wins, and contends. The Wolfman will not rest until a championship. He has the helm this year after John Miller helped guide them last year. The 15-6 leagues best record. Some thought Skokie wouldn't be as strong, but a great GM always keeps his team at the top like Shapiro....and John Miller. The expansion High Bridge Heaters are competitive. 9-12 behind the San Diego Surf and Skokie. Respectable so far. Jenkins, Konerko, and E Gonzalez are hitting well as any. A tight bullpen managed to perfection by Miller. Miller is a good GM. So is Joe Wallace with SD. Could this be the year of High Surf? Wallace has been close stretching the playoff semi to 7 games. Wallace needs to beat Skokie and win the title. Anything less is risky with both Allentown and Kennesaw much improved. Dye and Dmitri have been solid if not spetacular. Manny is off to a .375 start. The pitching is well, San Diego. Best in CBA again.

Allentown and Kennesaw are battling. Maine and Ohio are right on their tails. This division is maybe CBA's toughest in 2009. All 4 are solid teams and in contention. Both Kennesaw Mountain and Allentown have taken control of the Rogers this week tied for first. Is Rogers stronger than Dawson? It appears so, for now. Rich Schneider of the Allentown Senators is looking toward the playoffs after an ambitious rebuild plan, tearing down the 2004 Staub Champs, to build stronger. He is well on his way. Hanley is an all star, Schumacher, Hart, and feliz are making an impact. Shileds is a Cy Young candidate again. Schneider knows exactly what to do to get back to the show.
It appears James Blake does too. He vowed to be a beast by 2009, and by gum he might be right. The Mountaineers are tied for first. The first time in Blakes CBA career he is. This team is now loaded, and mark it down the beginning has come. Georgia fans are delighted as their game attendance figures have jumped by 10,000 per game.

In Clemente, Brooklyn and Indiana have started slowly and are belwo .500.  BSP defeated Indy 2 g to 1, but that doesnt mean they'll stay down.  For now Ryan Wyke's Cooperstown and Scott Kenan's Carolina Copperheads own the Parker at 11-10.  Brooklyn 9-12 and Sunville who is 8-13 aren't too far back.  Sunville's Aybar, Barajas, and Wilingham lead a pretty good offense.  Brooklyn has hit tons, but the bullpen has been awful as well as shaky starting pitchers.  Mariano is back up to bad tricks blowing most games hes in.  Whats with his card?  The Bashers are the story of Monday winning and playing very well.  Cory Light looks to get to the playoffs missing by a hair last year.  Lots of power, Wigginton has 9 HR already. Burrell is hitting, and Overbay is on fire at .373.  The Bashers have pitching too.  Hawkins is getting used up fast but is doing great.  This could be the year for Bryan.  Phill has settled this week after a torrid start.  Theyre tied with the Redsox in second 3 out, as the Jack Jung Ottawa Otters chew up their competition at 14-7.  Jack Jung last won his championship in 2001.  Could this be the year he returns?

YESTERDAY'S BEST PERFORMANCES
BATTER         TM OPP AB  R  H RB BB Ks HR SB
G.Sheffield   LWD HHC  4  1  3  4  0  0  1  0
M.Tejada      CCP WPS  4  3  3  2  0  0  1  0
A.Huff        BBD ANR  5  2  3  3  0  0  1  0
S.Choo        SRS KBM  4  2  3  2  0  1  1  0
L.Overbay     KBM SRS  3  1  2  3  0  0  1  0
 
PITCHER        TM OPP  INN  H  R ER BB Ks HR WLS
D.Matsuzaka   BSP LLM 10.0  3  2  2  2  9  0 W 
A.Burnett     JJC MER  7.0  3  2  0  0  6  1 W 
T.Lilly       SWC LLD  8.0  4  2  2  0  8  1 W 
A.Sonnanstine BBD ANR  6.0  3  0  0  2  5  0 W 
J.Rauch       SSC OTR  2.2  0  0  0  1  2  0 W 
 
WHO'S HOT - BEST IN LAST 10 DAYS
BATTER         TM  AVG AB  H RB BB HR  PITCHER        TM IP  H ER BB Ks HR WLS
A.Gonzalez    MER .471 34 16 13  6  5  O.Dotel       SRS  5  2  0  1  8  0 100
A.Pujols      IRM .387 31 12 11  5  5  C.Young       CIP  8  3  0  2 10  0 100
M.Ordonez     BSP .400 35 14 16  3  4  A.Rhodes      SSC  7  3  0  0  6  0 001
W.Aybar       SSP .462 26 12  6  2  4  T.Lilly       SWC 27 12  4  2 24  2 300
C.Pena        SRS .286 35 10 11  5  5  R.Corcoran    KWR  6  2  0  1  6  0 102
 
WHO'S NOT - WORST IN LAST 10 DAYS
BATTER         TM  AVG AB  H RB BB HR  PITCHER        TM IP  H ER BB Ks HR WLS
G.Zaun        HHC .115 26  3  0  1  0  G.Olson       HHC  7 14  9  4  7  1 020
J.Reed        SSP .179 28  5  1  0  0  H.Kuroda      KWR  8 14 13  2  5  4 110
M.Bourn       JJC .160 25  4  0  2  0  K.Kendrick    MCD 10 10 13 10  7  4 010
A.Ramirez     LLD .139 36  5  1  3  0  G.Maddux      SSP 11 18 12  0  3  1 020
J.Hannahan    MCD .143 28  4  1  2  0  C.Baek        BBD 11 19 14  0  5  4 010




LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2009 C.B.A.

Dawson WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2009 Longue Pointe LLD 10 11 .476 ---- 142
2009 Belfast BBD 10 11 .476 ----
2009 Limoilou LWD 9 12 .429 1.0
2009 Montreal MCD 6 15 .286 4.0

Rogers WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2009 Kennesaw Mtn KWR 12 9 .571 ---- 142
2009 Allentown ANR 12 9 .571 ----
2009 Maine MER 11 10 .524 1.0
2009 Ohio OTR 10 11 .476 2.0

Carter WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2009 Skokie SWC 15 6 .714 ---- 141
2009 San Diego SSC 14 7 .667 1.0
2009 High Bridge HHC 9 12 .429 6.0
2009 Joliet JJC 8 13 .381 7.0

Schmidt WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2009 Ottawa OOS 14 7 .667 ---- 139
2009 Stirling SRS 11 10 .524 3.0
2009 Philly PPS 11 10 .524 3.0
2009 Westminster WPS 7 14 .333 7.0

Monday WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2009 Bryan KBM 12 9 .571 ---- 141
2009 Southwest SLM 11 10 .524 1.0
2009 Lake County LLM 11 10 .524 1.0
2009 Indiana IRM 9 12 .429 3.0

Parker WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2009 Cooperstown CIP 11 10 .524 ---- 142
2009 Carolina CCP 11 10 .524 ----
2009 Brooklyn BSP 10 11 .476 1.0
2009 Sunville SSP 8 13 .381 3.0


SC Wild Card Standings WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2009 San Diego SSC 14 7 .667 ---- 140
2009 Kennesaw Mtn KWR 12 9 .571 2.0
2009 Allentown ANR 12 9 .571 2.0
2009 Maine MER 11 10 .524 3.0
2009 Ohio OTR 10 11 .476 4.0
2009 Longue Pointe LLD 10 11 .476 4.0
2009 Belfast BBD 10 11 .476 4.0

CC Wild Card Standings WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2009 Stirling SRS 11 10 .524 ---- 142
2009 Southwest SLM 11 10 .524 ----
2009 Philly PPS 11 10 .524 ----
2009 Lake County LLM 11 10 .524 ----
2009 Cooperstown CIP 11 10 .524 ----
2009 Carolina CCP 11 10 .524 ----




 

One of CBA last of two remaining original players still on original teams was officially released.  Omar Vizquel has been on Ottawa's opening roster since being a 4th round pick in 1997. His 12 years of service to Ottawa is a CBA record.  Vlad Guerrero is also an original Otter and going on strong after 12 years.

Mike Timlin of the Brooklyn Superbas was released after 11 years service to Brooklyn.  Acquired by trade in 1998, Timlin has appeared in more games than any CBA pitcher, 724.  Had 82 saves and was used primarily as a 7th inn-8th inn set up man. 

Jay Payton was released after 10 years of service to Brooklyn:  Payton career batting avg is .312.  He was 2nd in batting by thousandths of a percentage to Manny Ramirez in the CBA 2003 batting race when both hit .384
 

 


 

Opening days at CBA.  Glory days for some, worries for others.  A sense of knowing about performance.  Seeing the strategies pay off, some left scratching their head.  Week 1 showed the promise of new teams and GM's.  The continued imrovement of others, and the demise of the mighty.  Is the first week a microcosm or meaningless?  Look at the results.  Notice the batters the results.  The CM moves.  The first week is always fun.  The analysis is the best part. 
 
Great weeks for Philly, Belfast, Coopertown, Bryan, Skokie and SD.  Belfast put it to arch rival Longue Pointe with a season opening sweep.  Could Belfast come full circle?  This team dominated the pennant chases just a few short seasons ago.  It was always the 3 way dance with Dawson.  Belfast, Longue Pongue, and Limoilou.  In the days was also Chris Boutin's Quebec Capitales team.  Now Montreal is in the mix to represent that great city.  Rivalries born.  Montreal and Belfast.  Both GMs Brunet and Adams played a Netplay but no results exported.  They agreed to let the HAL decide.  Belfast's speed and batting took the advantage.  McClouth and Carroll are going to produce as they did this series.  Huff is hot and he could be the piece that eluded JD, the power guy.  Figgins, Rios and the familiar faces are back and the ride is long.  Longue POinte is waiting with pitching.  The two met, and Belfast swept 'em.  Montreal took 1 game from BBD.  Montreal opened their inaugural game with a 12-4 drubbing of Jeff Boutet's Limoilou Wendigo.  Limoilou is one of CBA's most revered franchises.  The history is about winning. Championships, and titles, They always are tough, always...Limoilou suffered a disappointing 2-4 week sitting just off LP's 3-3. 
LP has the pitching.  2.95 ERA so far, but the offense hit only .219 this week.  Same situation as last year.  Of course the trademark LP defense is there too with only Aramis Ramirez making 2 rare errors.  In Carter the Skokie Wolfmen took 2 in a tough series with SD.  SD and Skokie could be rivals.  It's no secret that both teams are going to be in race this year.  Who will the better team and GM be? Will it go to the wire?  Will usage be a factor?  Remains to be seen.   Dye Renteria and Ramirez are off to a good start.  SD could have a lot of runs in that lineup.  Wright, Dye, Ramirez, Victorino, Youkilis.  Very talented.  4-2 week for Joe Wallace's SD Surf team.  Will Wallace finally get to CBA's World Series?  He may be able to if he can get past Skokie.  Skokie took from SD.  The Wolfman finds yet other ways to just beat ya.  Jiambi and Edmonds, some older talent sparked some offense as Chipper sputtered in week 1.  Assuredly, that won't last long.  The Wolfies pitching took charge.  Lilly, Hudson, Wang pitched well.  
Of the expansion teams, High Bridge had the most successful team.  With Admiral John Miller at the helm, he may navigate the High Bridge Heaters higher in the Carter.  Could be a pain in the a** for the Wolfman and Wallace.
The Rogers is a new division with new rivals. Resurrected was the three divison Clemente, and Staub.  Clem added Monday, and Staub re-added the Rogers.  Now Kennesaw Mt has fired its gun quickly with a 4-2 block.  Blake has promised that he would take no more beatings from CBA teams and would rise in '09.  Off to a good start.  Braun and Kinsler are slinging hash, and Mike Cameron went off with a 2 HR 5 RBI performance for another win.  Blake is alive and well in the South.  His Kennesaw Mountain rebels are on the rise.   As are the Clemente's Philly Phantastics.  This time is primed for the big season.  5-1 watch out. Tons of offense. Stacked lineup.  If the pitchers hold out.  Berkman player of the week with 7 HR in 6 games.  Jeter 2 HR 8 RBI .455, Longoria, Hawpe.  This team will be tough.  They will be opushed by Ottawa.  The Jack Jung Ottawa Otters won 4.  Papi and Vlad.  One of CBA's most prolific tandems that past few years.  Ottawa got the pitching this week with their improved pitching staff.  Guys like Volsted, Webb, Cook, and closer Brad Zielgler will have them in many games.
Westminster, Want the good news or bad news? Westmister hit .270 as team.  Not bad with a HR a game.  But the pitching could be among CBA's worst. Surely they will be looking to add some help, always tough in week 1.  Its safe bet that Kernal will be patiently building and drafting in season 1 as will the Sunville Sunjewels.  Keith Jones Jewels made a predraft trade to bring some talent on board. Blackburn tossed the expansion teams first shutout in teams history.  Sean Marshall pitched the other for High Bridge.
 
Brooklyn  have Cabrera and Howard.  There will be power.  There is Ordonez, and there were RBI's.  Let their be more doubles and there was the rest of Brooklyn's lineup.  The lineup is as good as any top to bottom.  The bench depth and pinch hitting is there. Todd Helton will be platooning this year as he winds down his illustrious CBA career.  Brooklyn could be challenging for a title again but this year with Cooperstown it will be extremely tough.  The Iron Horses are due.  This team managed by Ryan Wyke is set to turn heads.  Young and talented, the big superstars are on their way.  Acombination of good cards like Morneau, Markakis, Dukes, Maniac Aviles , Ibanez.  This team can score some runs.  The pitching is improved from last years model when they actually were involved in the wildcard race.  Lester and Wainwright fron that staff with Galarraga, Francis and C young bringing up the back of the rotash.  Could be enough to get them into serious contention with Brooklyn.  They whooped Brooklyn this week 2 orf 3, and Sunville 2 of 3 as well.  Wyke and his new family member could be celebrating more than ever.  The old Sunville Sunjewels won a pair this week.  Its been 12 years since their last win : )
 
The Monday division could be a wild ride.  As the Indaiana Redbirds are now long past last seasons glory, they will have a tough time repeating in '09.  They will have increased competition from David Dean's Lake County Leopards, the Texas based Bryan Bashers, and yes the Lizard Kings from Moreno County So.California.  This week it is the Bashers getting their props. They took 2 each from the Leo-pards, and the Redbirds.  Overbay went off, and this guy Wigginton acquired 3 seasons ago, had 5 HR for the Clemente player of the week.  Gavin Floyd has come to stabilize the stff with 2 well pitched games.  Brian Moehler is a bonus with 6 IP of shutout ball.   Lake County should have some good offensive numbers with Carlos Delgado, Xavier Nady, Giovane Soto, and Fukuedome.  Can't rule anyone out here. 

 


 

Dear Commissioner:

As the "unofficial" legal representative of the CBA, I feel it my
duty to inform you that the League Managers' photos may be in
violation of what the FCC has termed "tasteful" or "offensive" to
some viewers.

To circumvent their Fascist tendencies with regard to censorship may
I suggest a "View Warning" headline prior to accessing the LINK?

This could possibly save the LEAGUE millions of dollars in time
consuming legal battles.

The family photo of Jack Frost is perhaps the most distrubing, not to
mention "redneck" Blakie, and what is up with Hite's photo?

This is a family league and he is just way too sexy for this section.

If anyone is offended by these remarks, please consider the source.

Btw, Adams looks higher than me and I won't stand for it! Perhaps we
should just call him "Blunt" Adams for now on. No, I am not
referring to his emails either.

More CBA, less real word crap.

Oh, and Happy Dr. King Day to one and all! Not going to work today
was really sweet! Now, if I only had some disposal income to blow.

Commish, if you need me I will be at the Tidal Basin Gala Event for
All Debauched Represenatives of the State Department. Btw, who won
the election? I had my money on Chester Arthur . . .

Peace,

Eric
SLS
Dowie, Screwem, and Howe LTD

 

 


 

Sweet Caroline!   At Shea?....A RedSox Boston song???...Blasphemous...Never mind that Neil Diamond is a Brooklyn Native.  He'd never have written that song if he knew the RedSox were gonna use it!    Again I say Blasphemy...Bodacious my goodness.  Of course Doug you know this means STratWar!  : )    NY Mets fans will not stand for such foolishness.   On your behalf Shea has played some crummy tunes over the years as you will see.

To set the record straight and that Mr Brunet and Mr Diamond, Mr Kramden and all the world should know that "Sweet 'blankn' Caroline" will never be a part of Met lore.  Can I get a harumphhh for that? 


Here is a list of the most popular songs played at Shea Stadium.  Year By Year.  Many of the years Organ player (still alive at 93) Jane Jarvis played little ballpark numbers and cute little songs to stage the batters and their identities.  Some times music was mixed in over the PA's.  Here is my own list based on my experiences as a frequent patron, and others, and some friends Ive called  : )  Think I did an OK job, feel free to add in actual songs that you may recall.

MWass

1962 "Meet The Mets"                              The Greenwich Fertin Club Quartet
1963 "Duke Of Earl"                                  Gene Chandler


1964 "I Want To Hold Your Hand"            The Beatles,  "The Mets is a Good Thing"   Billy Loes
1965 "Meet The Mets"                               Jane Jarvis
1966 "Everybody Clap Your Hands"          Jane Jarvis
1967 "If I Had a Hammer"                          Trini Lopez
1968 "Ballad of the Green Berets"               Sgt Barry Sadler
1969 "You've Come A Long Way Baby"     Virginia Slims Theme
1970 "Meet The Mets"                                Jane Jarvis
1971 "Goodnight SweetHeart"                     Tribute for Gil
1972 "Felix The Cat"                                   Jane Jarvis
1973 "Do You Believe In Magic?"               Lovin Spoonful
1974 "Shine On"                                         Grand Funk
1975 "Dreamin A Dream Pt 2"                    The Crown Heights Affair
1976 "Scrapple from the Apple."                 Jane Jarvis
1977 "Take Me Out To The Ball Game"         Jane Jarvis
1978 "Stayin Alive"                                 Bee-Gees by Jane of course
1979 "Theme From Rocky"                        Bill Conti
1980 "It's Magic"                              Pilot
1981 "Talkin Baseball" Terry cashman   "Have To Believe we Are Magic Olivia Newton John

                    
1982 "Let It Whip"                           The Dazz Band
1983-4 "Talkin Met Baseball"                   Terry Cashman
1985 "Curley Shuffle"                      Los Tres Chiflados
1986 "Lets go Mets"                        Shelly Palmer & Assoc
1987 "We Built This City""                 Jefferson Starship
1988 "We Will Rock You"                    Queen
1989 "Rock You Like a Hurricane"           Scorpions
1990 "Heart Of Rock And Roll"              Huey Lewis  {Sweet Music for Viola}
1991 "Welcome To The Jungle"               G N R
1992 "Born To Run"                         Bruce Springsteen
1993 "Cocaine"                             Eric Clapton
1994 "Rico Soave"                          Gerardo Mejia
1995 "Meet The Mets"                       Original Theme
1996 "Meet The Mets"                       Updated Theme Female Singer
1997 "I've Got The Power"                        
1998 "Day-Oh"                              Harry Belafonte  {Rey-O}
1999 "We Like To Party"                    Venga Boys
2000 "Who Let The Dogs Out"                Baja Men
2001 "Survivor"                            Destiny's Child
2002 "I'm A Loser"                         Beck
2003 "Turning Japanese"                    The Vapors
2004 "New York City"                       Jay-Z
2005 "Lazy Mary"                          

 


 

Gentlemen of the CBA:

Rumors continue to flutter about the league that a major trade
agreement may be announced shortly by the league office.

Before it becomes a reality, I want to offer my apologies and explain
myself before the rope gets much tigther and the pitchforks get much
sharper.

It is the YEAR OF THE WOLF! There is no stopping the Wolfman this
year! My spirit guides inform me that he will weep at the end of the
World Series, for there will be no more worlds for him to conquer.
We all may just as well call it a season, even before we begin. All
resistance is futile.

The full moon we are having right now is even called the "Wolf
Moon!" You can look it up.

In northern Venezuela, a glowing wolfman was seen skipping across
Vascaco Laguna three days ago. Three witnesses have confirmed this
siting.

In Hollywood, it will be the year of the Wolfman! There will be a
slew of movies featuring the WOLFMAN! Even Bennie Del Toro is signed
to star as the snarling beast and some other hot movie chick has
signed for another feature.

This maddening trend will continue in literature as well. We have
just seen the crest level off with the Vampire genre, so you know the
Wolfman is to follow. Weird how that works!

Anyway, when you see the rumor become reality--speak softly of me.
It was completely out of my hands. I did what I was compelled to
do. If the CBA offered a "Boob of the Year" Award, I already won it.

The cycle of the Wolfman has begun and he will take no prisoners!

This is a good time to get religious and invest in silver bullets.

Again, please accept my apologies, as the wolf bane went straight to
my head.

Respectfully submitted,

Eric C. Lindner
Boob of the Year


 

Hi all this Skip Duckworth with our final part of interviews.
Our final interview is with the manager of the Indiana Red Birds

First of all I want thank you for taking time to set down and be interview by myself.

Well first of all I wan to congratulate you on an exciting win to win your 2nd World Series in 3 yrs
Our first question to you is can you tell us a little about your self and your SOM accomplishments?
Well Skip I started playing SOM in 1977 when a friend of mine introduce the game to me. I then was able to join a board league in my home town and was a member until it went defunct in 1994. I also was able to get into another board league in town a few yrs earlier and I am the only manager to win championships in both leagues the same yr. Then in 2000 I got introduce to the computer game and then I joined some different leagues especially the NABL net-play on league in which I made it to the World Series but came up short. This is the league in which I met and became friends with John Miller who help co-manage the Skokie squad and will be building his own team this yr. The Championship that I won in 2006 was my first computer league and then won the 2008 Snow Bowl in the GMBL winter league. As much as I like all the other leagues I really enjoy this one the most as we have a great group of managers, great web site and I have made alot of friends that I hope will keep for the rest of my life. I am also in a league named GUSSOMO that is enjoyable but we havent had much sucess as my team is the INDY CLOWNS and that is what they are. We also have a annual get together each yr which is real fun and we usually play around 54 games FTF and we give away an In your face trophy for the best team at the get together.

Well it sounds like you have had a few great accomplishments in your yr of SOM. So what did this yr mean to you?
Well this yr started out where I wasn't sure about the team and also we had recommend John Miller to the league and he went in to co-manage with Josh Shapiro. We then were able to pull off some trades where it help me out now and should help the other teams for the future but as you know you never know about trades and then I mortagaged the farm by trading away a lof my draft picks away to try and hold of the Brooklyn club. To win it all made it worth it but it wasn't easy.

Can you tell us a little somethings about this yrs team?
Well this yrs team was a great group of players with Albert and A-Rod at the corners. Grady was a anchor in the OF with Mosies Alou being big against lefties along with Hunter Pence. Then the acquisiton of Ken Griffey Jr was a key in RF and also Jim Thome was big bat in the middle of the lineup against RHP which we didn't really have from the left side as we lost out on the Barry Bonds sweepstakes. Jorge Posada behind the play was also a key especially since he was switch hitter. Reyes and Polanco became great friends and great duo up the middle. Placido also had a good bat for the season and he really stepped up in the WS by batting .406 with 5 doubles, 1 HR and scored 9 runs and drove in 7. Roy Oswalt was the anchor to the Starting Staff going 18-3 and winning the Cy Young and in the WS he lost the 1st game by only giving up 2 runs as the team offense wasn't up to playing. Then with the Red Birds down 2-1 in games and on the road he stepped up his game just giving up 3 runs 2 earned and cruised to the win. Then in the final game he just gave up 2 earned runs again and pitched a complete game to win it. John Smoltz was a key to us for this yr as his expierenced leadership was a great thing to have even though he just had a little above 500 season but his leadership was important and he showed he could pitch in the big show by going 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA.

So tell our readers what your feeling was about the World Series?
Well it was different as I was going against 2 good friends but was nervious. To take a step backwards for a moment we face a tough Brooklyn team in the Clemente Championship series and we were plesant surprise that we were able to win 3 straight at the House of Pain and that also gave us the rest we needed to go against a well rested Skokie squad. Facing John in the first 2 games was a great thing and I enjoyed it and I think the team was still thinking about that great win against Brooklyn as the team didn't really show up for game 1, but game 2 they came alive to win 10-0 then we went to home of Skokie and had to face the LEGENDARY Wolfman Shapiro and it was another great game but we fell behind early and couldn't claw back enough to lose 10-6. Game 4 we came our of the shoot quick with 6 runs and Oswalt gave us 8 strong innings allowing  9hits, 3 runs, 2 earned and Izzy came in to shut the door for a 6-3 win. Game 5 which I thought was the pivotal game was really pretty tight game but Indiana ended up scoring 6 runs in the top of the 9th to put the game qway 13-2. So we were able to go home with a 3-2 in games and had Kazmir on the mind and we took an early lead but couldn't hold it and then Casey Janssen who was a great acquistion during the yr brought in the gas can to the fire and let Skokie tie it back up at 3 games a piece. We were still at home and had Oswalt the reigning Cy Young award winner on the mound. The Red Birds came out swinging and took the early lead and Oswalt gave up 2 runs in 9 innings and Indiana won 12-2. I am totall excited to win another CBA Championship and hope to be a member of this GREAT LEAGUE of CBA for many yrs.

So what are your thoughts on the up and coming season?

Skip as I stated I mortgaged the farm to win it all this yr and we don't pick until the 7th rd and cutting down to 22 players this yr because of expansion is going to make it tough and we had some players that was hurt or had down yrs. So we had to cut a couple players that were keys to this paast season winnner. We also going to have to make some moves of players that we like to keep. But we will do whatever we have to put a competitive team on the field.


We want to congratulate on anothe great season and also winning the 2008 CBA Championship!

Thanks Skip and I want to say thank you to all the great GMs in this league that make it so fun. And also don't forget about the Red Birds as they are always willing to make a deal!
Bob/Indiana Red Birds
2008 CBA Championships

Well this is Skip Duckworth signing off as we completed this 4 part interview and we are looking forward to interview a different CM each week or two.


 


 


 

 

This is Skip Duckworth of The Red Bird Gazette and we are setting down with Marc Wasserman CBA commissioner, Wolrman Shapario and John Miller who together GM the Skokie Wolfmen to the World Series and Bob Fidler the GM of the 2008 CBA Champions Indiana Red Birds. Listed below of our interview and the next parts will come shortly:

 I want to thank you first for taking time to be interview and I  just have a few questions for you.

We know that you have done a lot in SOM world but was wondering if could share some of your accomplishments over the yrs.


I am proud of quite a few things in life and in Strat-o-matic. Been playing since 1976.  Was introduced to the game by a science teacher in middle school.  Cut out, and went to Manhattan to buy the game at Brentano's book store.  Only place that carried it. 

    I am pleased to run and organize a free Strat-o-matic web and game service for a group of North American based friends.  I am most proud of the dedicated base of GM's that have mutually agreed to become part of an elite corps of Strat-o-matic fanatics.  I and others have made friends and acquaintances through my efforts.  It keeps me going to know that I have had a hand in creating some good friendships and bringing fun into peoples homes.  

One accomplishment of them was assisting or organizing and founding the CBA with friends Gerald Benoit and Claude LeMarre.  I thought it was a great idea.  The original concept was to unite the web and old film/TV radio media with Strat-o-matic Baseball if you could believe.  With it the great website complex was born and under Gerald's care.  I took over that job as editor and content and Cory Light provides the hosting at his own expense.  Can't thank him enough.  As a league President since inception, I became commissioner and took this league over from Gerald who was commissioner after LeMarre resigned from that post to become a full time GM.  The league fell into apathy and erratic scheduling.  The was a wide discrepancy between top and bottom teams.   I was able to set a three year plan for CBA to reestablish new consistency and structure. As result people are enjoying themselves.

I founded and ran the first web magazine in the Strat-o-matic history before SOMWorld when I debuted the StratAlliance.  The Goal was to provide a FREE information resource for the hard core Strat fanatic or StratoFanatico's as we called them.  We enlisted over 150 leagues around the world in Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Football.  I offered the latest news, staff writers, chat room, bulletin board, Help wanted, For Trade, Leagues wanted, Tips and references charts.  Rating previews, Card making with Bundy and a nice little contest that our winner would be able to contribute a sound file for the computer game.  Still there you know.  Great magazine and chart resource.  At some points we had 700+ hits in a day.  I took it down when I realized all my work wasn';t appreciated by the community the way I had hoped.  A Pair of Guys started up another webmag and yet we had worked together briefly on moderating a new web forum but went our separate ways for various reasons.  They continue to perform a service for the community whose best interests is my concern.

Our next question is that you and the Red Birds have battle for the top spot in the Parker division for the last 3 yrs do have anything to say about what that means to you?


The Redbirds... 2 championships, Brooklyn 1.  Says it all.  Better team than Brooklyn in 2008.  Bob Fidler is a top shelf GM and a good person as well.  I respect Bob's game strategies.  I also think he is a good man.  As a strat only thing,  he is Brooklyn's rival of late in CBA.  It was Hamilton, Tennessee, and Longue Pointe Lim and Quebec before 99.  But Indiana and Brooklyn are so close that every game and error counts.  There is a rivalry in the field. The games are slug fests. The lead changes hands in the title race a few times.  Brooklyn has looked for ways to gain the edge and even the score.  Because there is a score to be settled.  John Stearns, Hugh Jennings and the boys from the House Of Pain never forgot the Redbirds rubbing in 30+ runs and a bunch of records in a playoff game two years ago...



As CBA commissioner also what do you think that the World Series meant to the league and SOM world as it was a legend versus a GM that is writing his own legend in just 3 yrs?

The CBA World Series of 2008 was an event.  But I am going to be candid here.  It pitted the two best teams against each other.  It put three of our best GM's  in 2008 against each other.  John Miller played no small role here winning in the reg and playoffs.  We hoped for a classic and got a good one.  It ended on a peaceful note.  The key word was perseverance. I will pull no punches, the playoffs were marred by poor schedule and file management, personality differences and connection issues.  We had the pitch count issue which impacted files.  It was discovered after games were played.   CBA Worked very hard to keep GM's together which disturbed me most.  The tech issues are just part of the ride but guys had issues that halted our schedule.  It was not in the best spirit of CBA.  I expect differently next season.  I expect GMs to be accountable to each other by keeping timely schedules.  Netplay issues should have been rectified well in advance and there will be a league wide team Netplay check before we start the season.  CBA would like to see a few more netplay games, but it will never be required except in playoffs.  The World Series lustre will be restored in the stats but not in my commissioners experience. 


 Wolfman has proven to be a winner in CBA but the big game eludes him.  Fidler and Hite bit him.  I believe he will wheel and deal again and take another run.  He has figured out how to stay ahead of the competition.  Fidler has had some good runs and good luck along the way.  He was lucky enough to inherit a core from the old Houston Aeros who grabbed A Rod, Oswalt, and Pujols in the expansion and free agent draft.  Those guys are key. But that's all the Aeros really had.  Fidler then made great deal after deal and having excellent drafts and built what could be labeled a CBA dynasty.  With 3 good years he would need a few more to put himself into the ranks of Limoilou 3 WS wins, or Philly with 3.  Those teams have by longevity, been in more playoffs. Longue Pointe 2 WS,  Brooklyn 1 WS, have been in many playoff series.  Both teams hold division titles, though Brooklyn has won the most perhaps of any team in CBA.  Indiana now is within the ranks.  Another win would tie him with Jeff Boutet's Limoilou Wendigo.  It takes a great manager to win a Conference title.  Especially in Parker this year with Carolina, Ottawa, Philly, Cooperstown, Stirling, and Lake making noise.

I want to thank you for your time and if you have anything to add as you put together another great team this yr and had a great season that you should be proud of.

Listen to the voice of the Brooklyn fan:

Marvis Redfalgot:
"Brooklyn fans love the Superbas they real mad crazy 'bout them. They throw the best parties. Ooh  Pardon me. ohh.  Hey,  you know,  our boys is great. They chrew a parade wit that ole Superba darlin Albert Belle."  "You know the CBA Hall of Famer who slapped 3 woman in the face as a symbol of joy and good will".

Lydia Lumpkin: "Oh  I remember right through Prospict Paaahrk.  Yeeeah  I 'memba.  Yo these Brooklyns got heart let me tell ya."

Bevo DelChiara:  Ahh manajjjja.  In the playoffs ahhh they not a makit me proud.  But wacha gundoo  eh? ah   woh.  "Whata you ballparka makit clams like it dat/  eh?  Only Brooklyn   I like it POibas "

Cabbie Shetstayn Al-Faisal:  ":i i i i you the hit the good.  Yes.  Baseball good.  Brooklyn   you want me take you?"

Richard Johnson:  "The Brooklyn team is consistanly dangerous.  Always in every game.  The pitching improved last year but the offense was down.  Could be down more in 09 unless that Marc Wass signs or trades for some."

Dave Accetta:  Brooklyn made some dumb trades.  They traded Manny for that guy Byrnes who had alike a hemorrhoid or something all year and wont be playing in 09?  What did they get for him /  Huh?  Scootch Meow?

Umpire Svooge Nybroutiv:  "  They know the strike zone and never argue calls.  Their manager is a fine sportsman"  They deserve to win.

Linda Wallace:  That Ruben Gotay is so cute, I hope he stays with them.  He reminds me of my favorite hunk Don Mossi"

Bill Hanrahan:  They Superbas suck.  They cant win the big games in the playoffs.  Oh they got Casey Blake today?  Oh,  They'll finish ahead of the Redbuzzards.  This year the Fiddler is gonna be on the roof...Jumping off.   bahahahaaaaa.  Oh Sorry I didnt mean that, I dont wish him harm, no wait  we'll beat his a** in Parker again like we did before..."

Rufus Smiff:  "Your think Superbas are wacky, you crazy Gee.  Perbas gonna own Parker, yeeeah,  nah seriously" "They Pitching staff and X rating fielding ratings will keep them in a mess of games.  With some good OBA in the lineup.  Cabrera, Howard, Doumit, Phillips, Blake, they will score a few with decent OPS."  Indy has to watch out.

Slappy Pimpernle: Brooklyn needs to get picks and draft well to be a success.

Skip Duckworth

Head Sports Writer

The Red Bird Gazette

 

Interview with Skokie Co GM John Miller

 

Hi John,

  Skip Duckworth here from the Red Bird Gazette We like ask you a few questions:

 What did you to you as SOM player to co-manage at team and help them to the World Series with a Legend like Wolf man Shapiro?

 

Hi Skip,
 
The Wolfman is the brains behind the operation. He taught me the ropes and how to prepare our roster to get the best out of our players against each opponent. I just didn't mess up too often.

 

Q) We understand that you are friends with the Red Bird Skipper Bob Fidler and he recommends you to the league what did this mean to you to be recommending to such a great league as the CBA?

 

A) As far as being recommended by Bob Fidler-he and I have been friends for about 10 years now and have competed in the NABL in the same division. We have met before in the playoffs and played many regular season games as well. We laugh about how close the games usually are. I appreciate the recommendation and like the different way the CBA competes compared to most leagues.

  

Q) Also what did feel when you had to manage the first two games; how did you feel knowing that you were facing a friend and that both of your teams were the top of your leagues?

 

 

A) I felt confident that I could beat Bob and was happy to send Skokie home with a split in games 1,2.

 

 

Q) We like to enlighten our readers on some you accomplishments in SOM.

 

A)  I have played SOM for about 30 years and gave enjoyed baseball more than the other sports. I have won several championships in a face to face league that is now defunct. I've made the playoffs several times in the NABL, but never made it to the World Series.

 

 

Q) Now next yr you are going out on your own and building your team what is your feelings about that?

 

A) Building a team, trading, and drafting are as fun as playing so I'm looking forward to creating a new team.

  

I want to thank you for taking time for this interview and we want wish you good luck next season, do you have anymore to add.

 

Thanks Skip; good luck to you too.

 

Thanks again and this is Skip Duckworth for the Red Bird Gazette


 


Hi Wolfman this is Skip Duckworth of the Red Bird Gazette and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about yourself and the World Series.

I want to say this is large step for the Red Bird Gazette to interview a fellow manager in the CBA as we have never done this before and right off we want Thank You for taking your time to do this. We know it was a great World Series and it lived up to the hype it was given. And going 7 games made even better.

We know you are a legend in the Strat-O-Matic world of Baseball and I and our readers would like to know if you could share some of your accomplishments over the yrs in Strat-O-Matic.

Hi Skip, it is a pleasure to talk with you and thanks for asking your questions.  Well primarily I became known as Wolfman Shapiro for my early day exploits back in the 1970's and 1980's.First there was what was known as the Strat-o-matic Review which reported a mail series (as back in these days you either had face to face leagues or you would create an instruction sheet that would be sent by mail to your opposing manager when you were the away team, as there were no computers then) I had done against one of the few female players of this time Donna Chevrette.  It was called the Battle of the Sexes and we used all star teams to play against each other, actually there were two series we played like the best of 17 games and I believe I won each of them.  It was reported in the SOM Review.

The name of Wolfman came, when I sent a photo to the Commissioner of my first mail league, I can't recall his name right now, and since I have had a beard since I was about 16, he called me Wolfman, so I became Wolfman Shapiro.

I believe at the 2nd annual convention, held in combination by the game  company and the SOM Review -- in Brooklyn, NY at a large Department Store, I believe I finished in the advance baseball tournament in the semi-finals.  So again viathe Review people heard about the exploits of the Wolfman.

In 1974, while attending the University of Illinois and with the SOM Review not offering a convention, we (a group of friends and I) decided to continue the conventions and did so till 1980, with the first six being held at the Univ. of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and the last year in 1980 being held at Northwestern University in Evaniston, IL.

During these tournaments I believe I came in second once in Baseball and second in a football tournament as well.  All the conventions were reported in the SOM Review.

In 2004, I came back to SOM, as my Dutch wife, bought me for christmas the computer game and cards and I have participated in seven computer leagues so far, making the playoffs in six season, and in three of these seasons we entered the championship rounds or world series but we have not won yet (although in one league when I did play via Netplay the same team, I did win head to head, 4 games to 3 but this was not publicly reported).

Our Next Question to you what did this great season and team that you put together this yr mean to you as a GM?

Well each year as we prepare for the CBA, I always have to do a made scramble to get our team ready as a playoff contender as from year to year we have wholes to fill.  Thanks to the early trades we were able to make (as this was a very usual year for us, we did not make one trade during the season, we tried to get another power hitter in the infield but we could swing any deals) we did fill all our holes and I believe this season we had one of the most balanced teams we have come up with in our four seasons as a GM in the CBA.  We were able to create a good hitting team or our park plus have good starting and relief pitching with a capable defense at the end of the game to support our pitching.

We did take a chance on Bonds again, a poor fielder in LF and also we drafted D. Young to help us out at 1B and both of them provided tremendous offense at their positions and we were not hurt too much by their defense.  Chipper Jones did a
great job setting our single season record for average and homers and we are very proud of his winning the MVP of our conference, so without these three players we would not have been so successful. We had a good defense up the middle with Grudzielanek at 2B and Wilson at SS plus Matthews in CF who did great in the playoffs.  Sheffield also came through late in the year as we did a lot of platooning in our OF and hit 35 homers plus Ross -Winn - Bradley also all had great years to support this staff.  Again we cobbled together three catchers as we lost the Pizza man who was our MVP last year that did well offensively.

Pitching wise Hudson had a great year and was our ace supported by Wang, Lilly, Redding and Clemens and our relief staff with Heilman, Sherrill, Soria and Nathan gave us a great back end.

So I was very pleased with the overall performance of our boys and that we could put on the field a versatile team to handle any pitcher or stadium we played in. This is a key to being competitive that every player on your team has a role and that you can handle any situation you come into.

As we know you have put a great team together and you came to face with another great team in the World Series that was manage by a fellow manager that you have came friends with in the last few yrs and I and our readers want to know what it was like.

Well to face Bob in the series was a dream come true.  I don't know how he does it but there must be a magic with him because through his trades he puts together a team that is surely unbeatable.  We feel honored we could battle this great team
to 7 games.  Our teams were very similar but we can honestly say we didn't have the hitting and on base power that Indiana had.  And if you study the score of the games, in six of the seven games, he scored 6 runs or more -- only in game 1 did we hold him to 1 run and in games 2 and six our bats came alive but essentially three of the four losses, he blew us out of the water scoring six runs or more.  We knew game four was the key, where we lost 6-3 ... Lilly gave up too many homers early and we couldn't catch up plus we had a lot of trouble with Oswalt.  So it came down to game 7, who could score runs and Indiana showed the world why they were the champs again.  We put out all the stops, used all the strategies we knew to try to stop the hitting machine of Indy but we just didn't have enough steam to combat them in game 7.  They truly were the champions of this season and we expect they will be back next year.

One word of warning we would give to the other managers of the CBA is please pay attention to the trades you make with Indy - we believe Indy won this year because it was able to field an unbelievable team via trades of key players they received for a small cost back -- if the other teams in the CBA wish to compete for the crown, really look at the value for value - sometimes a team only sees what they are receiving and not what they are giving to empower another team to become invincible.

We know that will probably go down as one of the Greatest World Series in the yrs of the CBA History was there one pivotal play or player that swung this World Series in one way or another? 

I think it was Oswalt for Indy who held Skokie to 7 runs over 3 games if Skokie didn't compete with Indy in scoring then it didn't have a chance to take the series.  For Skokie, Hudson came through with 2 victories and let the Skokie bats compete and Bonds, did quiet well as a hitter.

I want thank you again for your time and I want to congratulate you and your Skokie Wolfmen along with your Asst GM John Miller who will be step out on his own and build his own team next season. We also hear that you have already hired a replacement in Dennis Glade. Is there anything else that you would want to add?


We showed in the 2008 CBA season that a team can have success with two GMs.  Between John and I, we never really had any disagreements although at times John made some rookie mistakes due to not understanding the rules, but these should serve him well as the skipper of one of the new franchises.  It is always exciting to try to create a team that will be competitive and we were happy with the team we could field this season to get us back to the series.  I am not sure for 2009
if we can perform such a miracle again, it is hard work to be competitive, to look at the current talent and future talent.  I was honored to receive the GM award, this award must be shared with John, who took the reigns too -- the CBA has some of the best SOM managers in the world, and it is an honor to be part of this group.

Sometimes we won't always agree and the competition can be fierce which brings out strong emotions - but we must keep in mind that for a league to be strong, it is not just the work of one or two members but of all the members.  As long as we honor each other and listen to the ideas, suggestions and comments with respect and play in fairness, this will continue to be a great league.  I know since I have become a GM, I have driven our league Commissioner crazy at times and we don't always agree but at least we keep that mutual respect and find a way to stay friends and create win-win situations for everyone.

To the new franchises coming in - even though you are now building, try to read all the rules and thoroughly understand them, ask the other members questions - make tons of suggestions for trades and lastly work hard to create a team that will be fun to play with. It is time for those teams which always make the playoffs to be replaced - we congratulate this season Joliet and Maine for finally getting into the playoffs and hope you will be back.  So to all CBA managers, dream big and you also can make the playoffs.

Thanks Skip for taking time to speak to me, I am an old strat player and a bit outspoken but I love this game and have met some of the most wondrous people in all these years.

A happy holiday season to everyone and may 2009 be a great and happy year even though here in the world, our finances and economy is getting a bit challenging.

This is the Skokie Wolfman, over and out, returning to his work as the wandering jew and a cs explorer.

Thanks for your time and good luck in 2009
Skip Duckworth/Red Bird Gazette


 


 

The Skokie News

your report John Rawlings

One of the most difficult things a manager
can do is to try to create a very competitive
team, year in and year out. The original
Montreal Royals, now known as the
Skokie Wolfmen, for the four years that
the Wolfman has held the reigns he
has created a competitive team. In
his four two years it took, two 7 games
series to eliminate him in the first round
and the last two years he finally found
his way to the series, last year he
had the worst record of any playoff team.

In the past, how the Wolfman has achieved
this success is through a combination of
filling holes during the draft and schrewd
trades. He and Trader Wayne, for the
last two years have been doing trades
before the draft where the Wolfman
has given his high draft picks for the
future to get players for the current season.

So lets look at some of the key players
for the Wolfmen that helped with their
success this season.

Last year during the draft, Bonds was
offered for a draft pick and led the team
in 2007 in HRs and RBIs and this year
was not bad for limited play with 35
homers (72 in 2 seaons) - of course for
next year Skokie loses the homerun
King but for two years he helped a lot
to help the team make the series.

Chipper Jones has been coveted for
the first two years of the Wolfman,
but in a trade last year Chipper was
brought to Skokie and the team
didn't need to give up any star players.
Last year Chipper did well but this
season he excelled and could be
the MVP of the league leading in
average and was second in homers.
Chipper had 4 homers in the first
two series in the playoffs. So via
trade Skokie was able to bring
in its top two sluggers.

Another player picked up that
was a castoff last year due to
limited play was Gary Sheffield
who hit 34 homers for Skokie this
season and brought back another
power hitting outfielder to go
with Bonds.

Tim Hudson was picked up last
year because Skokie needed badly
a starter with innings. Although
Wang and Clemens were the
aces last year, Hudson led the
team with victories with 13. This
year he became the Skokie ace
winning 18 games so again a lucky
move.

Speaking of Clemens - many people
were surprised when Skokie traded
for him in 2005, assuming that would
be his last season but he gave Skokie
four good years, winning 9 games in 2008
with limited innings and has been doing
a great job as the middle reliever (due
to an infraction that prevented Heilman
from being there)

Again last year, Skokie needed another
good starter with innings and picked up
Wang who helped Skokie greatly in
the playoffs last year - with Wang and
Hudson able to pitch at full strength
in the World series, Skokie has 5 games
where Indy hitters will only be able to
get home runs off their own cards. This
could be a key.

Another key player Skokie traded for
but was limited use but effectively
was Bradley - again picking up
Bradley last year for a player and
draft pick -- he helped Skokie verse
lefthanded pitching and a defensive
outfielder.

Now lets look at the draft - Skokie's first
pick was Soria, who normally is used
as a master closer but became the
setup man for Nathan. Skokie just
went for the best pitcher -- tried to
trade Soria to get some improvement
in their hitting but now we are sure
glad we kept him, he has excelled
in the playoffs.

Another weakness that Skokie had
was at 1B -- they used an effective
platoon system of Giambi/Aurilla/Speizio
last year but all three players had down
seasons. So they chose D. Young,
a switch hitter but poor fielder to fill
the whole. Young hit an unbelievable
.338 in the season with 20 homers
and gave 1B some stability.

The biggest lost to Skokie was
Piazza, the Pizza man, their most
valuable player in 2007. Fortunately
they were able to draft 2 catchers
in Molina (who hit .380) and Estrada,
along with Castro picked last year
as a backup, combined for 21 Homers
and 88 RBIs in the season, not what
Piazza did but good enough

The combination of Itzuris and Wilson
held at SS with Wilson hitting 18 homers
and Counsell, a RFA pickup early in
the season allowed only 6 erros at 2B
between him and Grudzielanek

Pitching wise, draft picks Redding as
a 5th starter along with Schroeder and
Shouse in the pullpen helped to give
Skokie a strong pen which saved 42
games - Sherill a key reliever picked
in the draft last year helped to anchor
the pullpen.

So through luck, good trades in the beginning
of the year and good draft picks, Skokie
was able to build a balanced team, perhaps
the best team they have had in the four years.
But is this team good enough to beat the
mighty Indiana Redbirds who are loaded?

The strange thing about Skokie this year is
they could not make any trades during the
season. Whereas the mighty Redbirds
picked up some amazing players. This
single factor could determine the 2008
World Series.

Anyway John Miller, a well known opponent
to Bob Fidler -- will be matched with the
Wolfman, off on another trip helping from
behind the scenes.

Earlier Mr. Filder made a mistake saying
the Skokie and Indiana had played in the
series before, he must have been psychic.
If you go to the Indiana webpage on the
CBA site, you can see a photo of Fidler
and Wolfman - that was taken at the
beginning of the season - little did these
two managers know as they were
ready to punch each other that they
would be squaring up for the 2008
CBA Championship.

May the best team win -- will it be
Skokie's first championship or will
Indiana take its second championship in 3 years

who are you routing for??

This is John Rawling, Skokie reporter
anxiously awaiting the 2008 CBA Championship

 


__._,_.___

Rd 2 Skokie-Joliet showdown in Staub...Indiana Clemente champs
Results due Tuesday Nov 25th, 2008.



 

 

Look at our history...The Contenders: The year 2000 was the CBA revolution January the month that made history.
 

2000 was a year of controversy.  Rules changes skewed our precious stats with rediculous usage rules and overusage aboaund. Records could be asterisked from that year.  However 8 years later our playoff teams remind of us of our CBA roots.  Some of our teams in the playoffs are fighting to exorcise the ghosts of the past.  Doom and failure that gripped some long forgotten franchises have gone away, or have they?  Perhaps some of our playoff contenders have the answer.  As most of us know of the playoff teams, Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass), Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) are the lone original owners in the dance.  Lets look around.
 

The month that shook history, January 2000 perhaps put CBA into it's dark years of 2001 and 2002.  The CBA archives have been cracked open and the in the historic vaults we saw a transition from the old founding members to a new set of GM's who mostly hailed from the home region of Quebec.  We see on our time line that original Louisville Mob Squad, a team who was quite popular moved to the north as the Jonquiere Lifesavers. Perhaps CBA's worst team of all time.  But that franchise is a laughing sack no more in 2008.
 

Louisville Mob Squad:
 

BallPark: (Minnesota Twins)
 Owned By: Dan Noonan (Member since foundation (97))
 Residence: Louisville, Kentucky
 Strat-o-Matic Experience: 6 years. 

 

Thu, 06 Jan 2000 20:28:04 -0500

Thu, 06 Jan 2000 18:26:05 -0500

A GM was taken without checking credentials or reference.
 

Tue, 04 Jan 2000 00:05:41 -0500

Tue, 04 Jan 2000 00:06:52 -0500

Mon, 03 Jan 2000 15:48:35 -0500


 

The woeful Lifesavers made a series of deals at the onset, moving away players and getting some poor return.  A case could be made for bad luck, they needed a lifesaver.  The original GM was Dom Tremblay.  He started a mess of epic proportions and quickly left behind his mess to Pierre "Pete" Janneau.  Janneau was a knowledgeable strat player, and set out to correct the roster issues left by Tremblay. The effects were devastating for the franchise as they posted two of the worst seasons in CBA history. They were followed by a succession of forgettable teams.  They became the Green bay Roches in 2002, then the Portland Sea Dogs. This team became the Carolina Copperheads in 2006
 

 

On the other hand there was the Wilmington Blue Rocks.. Their profile looks like this...
 

March 1997: Franchise foundation under the name Flamingos Parma owned by Lou Bloss
 October 1997: The Parmas finis second with a 91-71 season.
 March 1998: Serge Robitaille acquire the franchise and renamed it Darknight after a move to Kirkland.
 October 1998: Kirkland Dark Knights finish with a second place finish had a 92-70 season.
 January 1999: Acquired by John MacDonald the franchise is renamed Bluerocks and moved to Wilmington.  'Mack' had to give up his team after 1 season due to some personal issues, but when Sebastien Roberge took over, he lost interest very quickly and was replaced after the council pushed for his immediate removal due to non participation.
 

Of note a little known GM whose role in CBA remains a mystery is one GM Dany LaPointe.  Rumor had it that he was an office worker friend of someone.  It is the LaPointe mystery as to who the heck he was that spurred a more discriminating selection process when the new regime change came in late 2002 season.   Just a side note: In 2002  Marc Wass, Gerald Benoit took the reigns from Claude LaMarre whose spirit was broken by Jeff Loria and his beloved Expos MLB catastrophe.  It was a sad time for CBA as baseballs greed affected our league to the core.  When baseball was left for dead in Quebec and our Quebec colleagues followed suit, CBA went through it's transition.  In 2002 Chris "Bouts" Boutin ran the games and brought in some more Strat friends. As the original teams switched ownership so did the loyalty to their home town fans.
 

Wilmington started as as the Parma Flamingoes by famed Strat review columnist Lou Bloss. Lou left CBA and Strat after 1997 and that team became the Kirkland Dark knights for a year in 98.  John MacDonald took em in 99, and his replacement Dany LaPointe proved unable to assume duties after a very brief stay. Mac returned and moved his stadium, but Mac would not put the same heart into his team he had before. In 2002, Mac left and Clyde Elkins came in with the City Heights Clydesdales.  One of the wackiest logos I ever saw.  You must check it out. That franchise folded and is now going to be assigned to a new franchise.
 

Manager of the Beauport Gamblers Martin Boulet brought on assistant GM in Sebastien Roberge who in 2001 took over and renamed The once Grambling Gamblers (1998 Jay Shapiro), the Westmount Gamblers.  Sebas left as baseball left Quebec, and Doug Vandermark changed the name to the Farnham Chiefs. In 2003 Chris Thomas took over and named them the Houston Aeros.  Thomas had a turbulent history in CBA, and the Aeros franchises was awarded to current GM Bob Fidler.  Fidler rebuilt much of the team and developed the Aeros in the Indiana Redbirds, already a Parker division legend.  They won the 2006 WS championship and want it back in the worst way. They are proud Indiana Redbirds. 
 

Washington was a new franchise in 2000 as Jon Calder's Alexandria Assault, stepped aside for Strat Vet Dan DiVirgilio. He lasted 3 years finishing the 2000 season 55-107 and finishing worse in 2001 at 45-117. Nick Yurchuk came aboard in 2002 and brought home a 17 game improvement to 62-100 .  He was quite overwhelmed by the dizzying possibilties of rebuilding, and left after the season. In 2003 That franchise later became the present Dawson champion Joliet Jackhammers under the initials JJS in the Schmidt division. In 2004 they moved to Dawson. It's now 4 years later and Jack Frost is in the hunt.  He joins the big boys and the possibilities of making CBA history in his tenure are in his control.

 

SD has been in CBA since 2002, and 2007 was their first ever playoff appearance as Wallace built this team from scratch out of the lowest winning team in CBA. Originally owned by Don Jensen and known as the Hamilton Harbors. Hamilton was best known for their dogfight in 1998 with then Dawson title winner Brooklyn Superbas (Moved to Parker in 99) Hamilton fought with Longue Pointe, Quebec, and Limoilou in 1999 and 2000, but were just shy. They'd not return anywhere closew again until 2007's Wallace led San Diego team. A team on the decline when Jensen retired. Wallace began to build with key trades and mostly draft picks and swaps. A true worst to first case, Wallace's plan was to take years to develop a bit at a time until he built what should be a strong contender for years to come. His attitude and dedication to CBA were evident in his very strong playoff effort and management in 2007. Joe Wallace is a class act, and quality GM whose time has arrived in the CBA. SD is an elite CBA team. Here is Hamilton/ San Diego's overall record 1997-2001 as Hamilton 2002-2007 as San Diego. Wallace's team has shown a win increase in 4 consecutive years.  Although their regular season record is not as strong in 2008, they too are in the dance.  Who knows where they'll go in 2008.

WON

LOST

 

1997

74

88

1998

98

64

1999

88

74

2000

89

73

2001

75

87

2002*

61

101

2003

62

100

2004

52

110

2005

65

97

2006

82

80

2007

92

70


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skokie was the Montreal Royals before Wolfman took them over.  They were original founder Gerlad Benoit's team. Looking how Shapiro improved his team to that of a perrenial winner was quite accomplishment.  Here is with CBA's runaway Carter div champions again.  93 wins in 2008 was quite a job, but he wants the World Series after going to the finals last year to lose to Rob Hite and Philly.
 

1997   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 75 87
1998   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 75 87
1999   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 77 85
2000   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 85 77
2001   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 65 97
2002  Vermont Expos - Mario Fleming 85 77
2003  Montreal Royals - Gerald Benoit 80 82
2004  Montreal Royals - Gerald Benoit 78 84
2005  Montreal Royals - Wolfman Shapiro  Wild card 95 67
2006  Skokie Wolfmen - Wolfman Shapiro  Wildcard 97 65
2007  Skokie Wolfmen - Wolfman Shapiro Staub Champion 87 75


 

Thu, 06 Jan 2000 20:28:04 -0500

Thu, 06 Jan 2000 18:26:05 -0500

Tue, 04 Jan 2000 00:05:41 -0500

Tue, 04 Jan 2000 00:06:52 -0500

Mon, 03 Jan 2000 15:48:35 -0500

Click http://www.cba-bb.net/logos_page.htm
To see the old logos, a real treat.
 


The triple play is the rarest of baseball's defensive plays:
an exciting rapid-fire chain of events that instantly transforms 
a potential scoring threat into the side being retired.
 
Teams and even entire leagues can go several seasons without
ever experiencing one.  This season, however, CBA has seen an
explosion of 7 triple plays. 
 
The records and data are still being  analyzed, but a
preliminary examination yields some very interesting facts:
 
    - (4) Staub Conference teams (Joliet, Maine, Skokie and Ohio) and
    - (3) Clemente Conference teams (Brooklyn, Philly, and Stirling) hit into
      one TP each.
 
    - (5) Staub teams (Maine, Longue-Pointe, Joliet, San Diego and Ohio) and
    - (1) Clemente team (Ottawa) fielded triple plays.  
 
    - Maine and Ohio have both fielded AND hit into triple plays this year.
 
    - The most unique stat of all:  Maine has fielded 2 triple plays, which added to
      the one they hit into, totals 3 triple play participations in a single season!!!
 
 
The following is a team and player / position breakdown of CBA's 7 triple plays. 
The standout stat here is Maine Express first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is
the lone player involved in both his team's TP's.
 
 
      Team Player     Pos: 12s3
2007 OTC    Erick Aybar           0 1 0 0
2007 OTC    Alex Gordon          0 0 0 1

2007 OOP    Kevin Frandsen     0 1 0 0
2007 OOP    David Ortiz            1 0 0 0

2007 SSD    Chris Duncan         1 0 0 0
2007 SSD    Robinson Cano       0 1 0 0
2007 SSD    David Wright          0 0 0 1
 
2007 MEC    Adrian Gonzalez   2 0 0 0
2007 MEC    Akinori Iwamura  0 0 0 1
2007 MEC    Khalil Greene       0 0 1 0
2007 MEC    Dan Uggla             0 1 0 0

2007 LLD    Jose Vidro             0 1 0 0
2007 LLD    Richie Sexson       1 0 0 0
2007 LLD    John McDonald    0 0 1 0

2007 JJD     Aaron Hill              0 1 0 0
2007 JJD     Derrek Lee           1 0 0 0
 

 

Bob Fidler on right, and Skokie GM Josh "Wolfman" Shapiro show muscle not only in the photo, but on the Strat diamond as well.  Both GM's lead two of the more successful franchises in CBA both are perennial playoff GM's.

Bryan LF Brad Wilkerson makes history with two Grand Slams in same game. 
Never been done before in CBA's previous 19744 games.  Amazing

Mike Koepp forwarded the achievement to Keith Wilkerson, Brad's brother.
He runs a league Mike's involved with. Here is what he had to say;
 " Well, at least he got to the Mendoza line with that game, LOL
Thanks.  Very cool.
 
 
LP's second triple play.  Last one was Counsell, Sexson....This one against Ohio features Vidro
, McDonald, and Sexson.


2008 Longue Pointe Loggers At 2008 Ohio Thundercats       7/29/2008
 
  Loggers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Thundercats        AB  R  H RBI AVG
  I.Suzuki RF         5  0  2  0 .335     C.Guillen SS        3  0  1  0 .273  
  J.Vidro 2B          3  0  0  0 .301   C-E.Aybar SS          2  1  1  0 .161  
F-J.Cirillo 2B        1  0  0  0 .212     K.Johnson 2B        4  1  2  1 .291  
  A.Ramirez 3B        4  1  2  0 .283     M.Teixeira 1B       3  0  0  0 .267  
  R.Sexson 1B         4  0  0  0 .207     M.Diaz LF           3  2  3  0 .332  
  T.Hunter CF         3  1  1  2 .264     W.Pena RF           3  0  1  0 .259  
  H.Matsui LF         4  0  1  0 .239   D-M.Cabrera RF        1  0  0  0 .269  
  J.McDonald SS       4  0  1  0 .234     M.Ensberg 3B        3  0  0  0 .194  
  J.Varitek C         2  0  0  0 .248   E-A.Gordon 3B         1  1  1  1 .209  
  T.Lincecum P        2  0  0  0 .038     C.Young CF          3  0  1  1 .238  
A-C.Kotchman PH       1  0  0  0 .248     D.Ross C            3  0  0  1 .148  
  R.Dempster P        0  0  0  0 .000     K.Millwood P        2  0  0  0 .147  
  T.Byrdak P          0  0  0  0 ----   B-J.Kubel PH          1  0  0  0 .321  
  K.Calero P          0  0  0  0 .000     M.Delcarmen P       1  0  1  11.000  
  D.Marte P           0  0  0  0 .000                                          
G-N.Morgan PH         1  0  0  0 .220                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      34  2  7  2                 Totals      33  5 11  5
 
A-Pinch Hit For Lincecum In 7th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Millwood In 7th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Guillen In 8th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Pena In 8th Inning
E-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Ensberg In 8th Inning
F-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Vidro In 8th Inning
G-Pinch Hit For Marte In 9th Inning
 
Loggers......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 2 0  -  2  7  0
Thundercats..... 0 1 0  0 0 0  0 4    -  5 11  0
 
Loggers (60-56)          IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
T.Lincecum                6       6   1   1   2   6   0   2.97
R.Dempster LOSS(2-3)      1 1/3   3   3   3   0   3   0   3.35
T.Byrdak                  0 1/3   1   1   1   1   1   0   6.51
K.Calero                  0       0   0   0   1   0   0   4.40
D.Marte                   0 1/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   4.56
Totals                    8      11   5   5   4  10   0
 
Thundercats (45-68)      IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
K.Millwood                7       5   0   0   3   5   0   4.99
M.Delcarmen W(4-0)B(1st)  2       2   2   2   1   3   1   2.61
Totals                    9       7   2   2   4   8   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 39,288 DATE- Sunday, July 29th 2008 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Paul Schreiber, Larry Young, Mike Winters, Ron Kulpa
T- 3:15
LEFT ON BASE- Loggers: 9  Thundercats: 8
DOUBLE PLAYS- Loggers: 0  Thundercats: 0
TRIPLE PLAYS- Loggers: 1  Thundercats: 0
DOUBLES- C.Guillen(30th), M.Diaz(15th), A.Gordon(19th), C.Young(15th)
HOME RUNS- T.Hunter(18th)
STOLEN BASES- E.Aybar(5th)
WALKS- J.Vidro, T.Hunter, J.Varitek-2, M.Teixeira, M.Diaz, C.Young, D.Ross
STRIKE OUTS- I.Suzuki, J.Vidro, R.Sexson, H.Matsui, J.Varitek-2, T.Lincecum-2,
             K.Johnson-2, M.Teixeira, W.Pena-2, M.Cabrera, D.Ross-2, K.Millwood,
             J.Kubel
WILD PITCHES- R.Dempster, M.Delcarmen
WEB GEMS- Bot 4th: Longue Pointe turns a triple play!



 

Maine throws a No hitter.


BOXSCORE: 2008 Joliet Jackhammers At 2008 Belfast Brawlers           8/7/2008
Joliet's John Maine throws a no hitter!
 
  Jackhammers        AB  R  H RBI AVG     Brawlers           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  D.Eckstein SS       5  1  1  1 .347     R.Davis LF          4  0  0  0 .277  
  A.Hill 2B           5  1  1  0 .289     A.Miles 2B          3  0  0  0 .306  
  M.Ordonez RF        5  3  3  2 .359     S.Hatteberg 1B      3  0  0  0 .320  
  A.Soriano LF        5  1  2  0 .251     A.Rios RF           3  0  0  0 .276  
  M.Lowell 3B         5  2  3  2 .318     N.McLouth CF        2  0  0  0 .266  
  A.Pierzynski C      5  3  3  4 .256     M.Napoli C          3  0  0  0 .235  
  R.Gload 1B          5  1  2  3 .317     A.Amezaga SS        3  0  0  0 .332  
  J.Pierre CF         4  0  0  0 .268     C.Figgins 3B        3  0  0  0 .328  
  J.Maine P           4  0  1  0 .208     C.Sampson P         0  0  0  0 .280  
                                          C.Baek P            0  0  0  0 .222  
                                          B.Tomko P           0  0  0  0 .269  
                                          T.Pena P            1  0  0  0 .667  
                                          R.Perez P           0  0  0  0 .000  
                                        A-A.Huff PH           1  0  0  0 .260  
                                          V.Chulk P           0  0  0  0 .500  
                                          M.Corpas P          0  0  0  0 .000  
                                        B-F.Sanchez PH        1  0  0  0 .255  
                                          A.Sonnanstine P     0  0  0  0 .179  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      43 12 16 12                 Totals      27  0  0  0
 
A-Pinch Hit For Perez In 6th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Corpas In 8th Inning
 
Jackhammers..... 5 2 1  0 0 0  1 0 3  - 12 16  0
Brawlers........ 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  0  2
 
Jackhammers (66-53)      IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
J.Maine WIN(12-5)         9       0   0   0   3   6   0   3.65
Totals                    9       0   0   0   3   6   0
 
Brawlers (54-65)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
C.Sampson LOSS(4-9)       0 2/3   5   5   5   0   0   1   6.34
C.Baek                    1       2   2   2   0   2   2   4.11
B.Tomko                   0 2/3   2   1   1   0   1   0   5.63
T.Pena                    1 2/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   3.82
R.Perez                   2       1   0   0   0   1   0   2.96
V.Chulk                   0 1/3   3   1   1   0   0   0   4.12
M.Corpas                  1 2/3   0   0   0   0   3   0   3.21
A.Sonnanstin              1       3   3   3   0   1   2   3.94
Totals                    9      16  12  12   0   8   5
 
ATTENDANCE- 51,523 DATE- Tuesday, August 7th 2008 TIME- Night WEATHER- Bad
UMPIRES- Tim Timmons, Mike Dimuro, Hunter Wendlestadt, Dale Scott
T- 2:48
LEFT ON BASE- Jackhammers: 4  Brawlers: 3
DOUBLE PLAYS- Jackhammers: 0  Brawlers: 1
ERRORS- C.Figgins, R.Perez
DOUBLES- A.Pierzynski(12th)
HOME RUNS- D.Eckstein(3rd), M.Ordonez-2(18th), A.Pierzynski(5th), R.Gload(1st)
WALKS- A.Miles, S.Hatteberg, N.McLouth
STRIKE OUTS- D.Eckstein, A.Hill, A.Soriano, M.Lowell-2, A.Pierzynski, J.Maine-2,
             R.Davis, S.Hatteberg, A.Rios, N.McLouth, M.Napoli, F.Sanchez
GIDP- J.Pierre
 
John Maine(12-5) thrilled the fans at PNC Park as he crafted a no-hit
masterpiece against the Belfast Brawlers.  The Joliet Jackhammers won by a
final score of 12 to 0.
 
Maine was spectacular.  He walked 3 Belfast batters.  The tension was mounting
with every inning after the 6th.  Maine appeared oblivious himself to the
mounting history until two were out in the 9th.  Only then, did he allow
himself one deep sigh and a slow trip around the mound.  Joliet rapped out 16
hits for the night.  
 
Chris Sampson(4-9) took the loss.  He pitched 2/3 of an inning allowing 5 hits
and no walks. After the game, Maine was heard to say, 'This is something I
have dreamt about since I was a little boy - to have it come true is just
amazing!'


Block 22 Highlights.

BOXSCORE: 2008 Joliet Jackhammers At 2008 Belfast Brawlers           8/7/2008
Joliet's John Maine throws a no hitter!
 
  Jackhammers        AB  R  H RBI AVG     Brawlers           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  D.Eckstein SS       5  1  1  1 .347     R.Davis LF          4  0  0  0 .277  
  A.Hill 2B           5  1  1  0 .289     A.Miles 2B          3  0  0  0 .306  
  M.Ordonez RF        5  3  3  2 .359     S.Hatteberg 1B      3  0  0  0 .320  
  A.Soriano LF        5  1  2  0 .251     A.Rios RF           3  0  0  0 .276  
  M.Lowell 3B         5  2  3  2 .318     N.McLouth CF        2  0  0  0 .266  
  A.Pierzynski C      5  3  3  4 .256     M.Napoli C          3  0  0  0 .235  
  R.Gload 1B          5  1  2  3 .317     A.Amezaga SS        3  0  0  0 .332  
  J.Pierre CF         4  0  0  0 .268     C.Figgins 3B        3  0  0  0 .328  
  J.Maine P           4  0  1  0 .208     C.Sampson P         0  0  0  0 .280  
                                          C.Baek P            0  0  0  0 .222  
                                          B.Tomko P           0  0  0  0 .269  
                                          T.Pena P            1  0  0  0 .667  
                                          R.Perez P           0  0  0  0 .000  
                                        A-A.Huff PH           1  0  0  0 .260  
                                          V.Chulk P           0  0  0  0 .500  
                                          M.Corpas P          0  0  0  0 .000  
                                        B-F.Sanchez PH        1  0  0  0 .255  
                                          A.Sonnanstine P     0  0  0  0 .179  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      43 12 16 12                 Totals      27  0  0  0
 
A-Pinch Hit For Perez In 6th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Corpas In 8th Inning
 
Jackhammers..... 5 2 1  0 0 0  1 0 3  - 12 16  0
Brawlers........ 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  0  2
 
Jackhammers (66-53)      IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
J.Maine WIN(12-5)         9       0   0   0   3   6   0   3.65
Totals                    9       0   0   0   3   6   0
 
Brawlers (54-65)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
C.Sampson LOSS(4-9)       0 2/3   5   5   5   0   0   1   6.34
C.Baek                    1       2   2   2   0   2   2   4.11
B.Tomko                   0 2/3   2   1   1   0   1   0   5.63
T.Pena                    1 2/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   3.82
R.Perez                   2       1   0   0   0   1   0   2.96
V.Chulk                   0 1/3   3   1   1   0   0   0   4.12
M.Corpas                  1 2/3   0   0   0   0   3   0   3.21
A.Sonnanstin              1       3   3   3   0   1   2   3.94
Totals                    9      16  12  12   0   8   5
 
ATTENDANCE- 51,523 DATE- Tuesday, August 7th 2008 TIME- Night WEATHER- Bad
UMPIRES- Tim Timmons, Mike Dimuro, Hunter Wendlestadt, Dale Scott
T- 2:48
LEFT ON BASE- Jackhammers: 4  Brawlers: 3
DOUBLE PLAYS- Jackhammers: 0  Brawlers: 1
ERRORS- C.Figgins, R.Perez
DOUBLES- A.Pierzynski(12th)
HOME RUNS- D.Eckstein(3rd), M.Ordonez-2(18th), A.Pierzynski(5th), R.Gload(1st)
WALKS- A.Miles, S.Hatteberg, N.McLouth
STRIKE OUTS- D.Eckstein, A.Hill, A.Soriano, M.Lowell-2, A.Pierzynski, J.Maine-2,
             R.Davis, S.Hatteberg, A.Rios, N.McLouth, M.Napoli, F.Sanchez
GIDP- J.Pierre
 
John Maine(12-5) thrilled the fans at PNC Park as he crafted a no-hit
masterpiece against the Belfast Brawlers.  The Joliet Jackhammers won by a
final score of 12 to 0.
 
Maine was spectacular.  He walked 3 Belfast batters.  The tension was mounting
with every inning after the 6th.  Maine appeared oblivious himself to the
mounting history until two were out in the 9th.  Only then, did he allow
himself one deep sigh and a slow trip around the mound.  Joliet rapped out 16
hits for the night.  
 
Chris Sampson(4-9) took the loss.  He pitched 2/3 of an inning allowing 5 hits
and no walks. After the game, Maine was heard to say, 'This is something I
have dreamt about since I was a little boy - to have it come true is just
amazing!'
LP's second triple play.  Last one was Counsell, Sexson....This one against Ohio features Vidro
, McDonald, and Sexson.


2008 Longue Pointe Loggers At 2008 Ohio Thundercats       7/29/2008
 
  Loggers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Thundercats        AB  R  H RBI AVG
  I.Suzuki RF         5  0  2  0 .335     C.Guillen SS        3  0  1  0 .273  
  J.Vidro 2B          3  0  0  0 .301   C-E.Aybar SS          2  1  1  0 .161  
F-J.Cirillo 2B        1  0  0  0 .212     K.Johnson 2B        4  1  2  1 .291  
  A.Ramirez 3B        4  1  2  0 .283     M.Teixeira 1B       3  0  0  0 .267  
  R.Sexson 1B         4  0  0  0 .207     M.Diaz LF           3  2  3  0 .332  
  T.Hunter CF         3  1  1  2 .264     W.Pena RF           3  0  1  0 .259  
  H.Matsui LF         4  0  1  0 .239   D-M.Cabrera RF        1  0  0  0 .269  
  J.McDonald SS       4  0  1  0 .234     M.Ensberg 3B        3  0  0  0 .194  
  J.Varitek C         2  0  0  0 .248   E-A.Gordon 3B         1  1  1  1 .209  
  T.Lincecum P        2  0  0  0 .038     C.Young CF          3  0  1  1 .238  
A-C.Kotchman PH       1  0  0  0 .248     D.Ross C            3  0  0  1 .148  
  R.Dempster P        0  0  0  0 .000     K.Millwood P        2  0  0  0 .147  
  T.Byrdak P          0  0  0  0 ----   B-J.Kubel PH          1  0  0  0 .321  
  K.Calero P          0  0  0  0 .000     M.Delcarmen P       1  0  1  11.000  
  D.Marte P           0  0  0  0 .000                                          
G-N.Morgan PH         1  0  0  0 .220                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      34  2  7  2                 Totals      33  5 11  5
 
A-Pinch Hit For Lincecum In 7th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Millwood In 7th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Guillen In 8th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Pena In 8th Inning
E-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Ensberg In 8th Inning
F-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Vidro In 8th Inning
G-Pinch Hit For Marte In 9th Inning
 
Loggers......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 2 0  -  2  7  0
Thundercats..... 0 1 0  0 0 0  0 4    -  5 11  0
 
Loggers (60-56)          IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
T.Lincecum                6       6   1   1   2   6   0   2.97
R.Dempster LOSS(2-3)      1 1/3   3   3   3   0   3   0   3.35
T.Byrdak                  0 1/3   1   1   1   1   1   0   6.51
K.Calero                  0       0   0   0   1   0   0   4.40
D.Marte                   0 1/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   4.56
Totals                    8      11   5   5   4  10   0
 
Thundercats (45-68)      IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
K.Millwood                7       5   0   0   3   5   0   4.99
M.Delcarmen W(4-0)B(1st)  2       2   2   2   1   3   1   2.61
Totals                    9       7   2   2   4   8   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 39,288 DATE- Sunday, July 29th 2008 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Paul Schreiber, Larry Young, Mike Winters, Ron Kulpa
T- 3:15
LEFT ON BASE- Loggers: 9  Thundercats: 8
DOUBLE PLAYS- Loggers: 0  Thundercats: 0
TRIPLE PLAYS- Loggers: 1  Thundercats: 0
DOUBLES- C.Guillen(30th), M.Diaz(15th), A.Gordon(19th), C.Young(15th)
HOME RUNS- T.Hunter(18th)
STOLEN BASES- E.Aybar(5th)
WALKS- J.Vidro, T.Hunter, J.Varitek-2, M.Teixeira, M.Diaz, C.Young, D.Ross
STRIKE OUTS- I.Suzuki, J.Vidro, R.Sexson, H.Matsui, J.Varitek-2, T.Lincecum-2,
             K.Johnson-2, M.Teixeira, W.Pena-2, M.Cabrera, D.Ross-2, K.Millwood,
             J.Kubel
WILD PITCHES- R.Dempster, M.Delcarmen
WEB GEMS- Bot 4th: Longue Pointe turns a triple play!




            

Carlos Pena over 3 days
July 28th, 2008       July 29th 2008         July 30th
1-4. HR RBI          2-4 2 HR 4RBI     3-5, 3 HR 5 RBI

Casey Blake July 30th, 2008     5-6, 2b, 4 RBI vs Stirling

Aug 1st 2008 David Wright goes 2-4, 5 RBI, 2 HR vs IRP

August 2nd, 2008 Sosa hits 2 HR, 4 RBI, in 2-4Aug 2nd 2008

Zimmerman went 4-6, HR 4 RBI performance vs Lake County

Eric Chavez 3-4, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 3 runs, Aug 2nd Stirling vs Carolina

Matt Kemp went 6 for 8 and SB Aug 3rd in a C Town 14 inn win.

Tulowitsky stops Cooperstown streak with 2-4 , 2 HR, 3 RBI, Aug 5th

August 25th, 2008

Skokie's Gar3 Sheffield went 4 for 6 with 3 HR and 7 RBI vs SW in a13-11 win July 29th 2008

Nick Markakis of Cooperstown vs. Carolina in 4 at-bat, 3 HR

July 23rd Shawn Hill of Limoilou vs. Maine struck out 13 in 7 innings (10 inning game)

Vlad Guerrero goes bananas.  Ottawa whips both Brooklyn and Indiana.  He Hit game winning 9th inning 3 run HR in a tie game vs Brooklyn July 29th 2008 9-6.

August 8th, 2008

 Batting Key Performers
Carter Division
NAME       TM BA  GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB SO HB SH DP SB CS E The Skinny
J.Gathrt  MEC.356  78 188 47  67 5  0  0   14  27 24 2  7  3 18 11 2 platooner who performs
A.GonzalezMEC.281 110 441 68 124 34 1  23  77  39108 3  0  5  0  0 1 SD cleanup hitter
H.Ramirez MEC.331 108 444 76 147 35  4 15  67  40 63 3  0  9 61 16 13offense yes!defense no!
J.Kent    MEC.320  97 341 55 109 27  1 17  72  45 55 2  0  9  3  4 9 Been terrific at 2nd
B.Upton   MEC.317  95 328 69 104 19  2 21  58  45 95 6  0  6  6  3 1 One of CBA's best CF
E.Encncn  KWC.325  68 203 25  66  5  0  9  37  10 32 6  0  4  0  0 1 Lots of production platoon
J.Loney   KWC.308  64 221 32  68  9  1 13  36  19 32 2  0  6  0  0 6 Part time pop
J.Kubel   OTC.330  65 212 30  70 23  2  8  41  20 29 0  0  7  5  0 3 Lots of RBIs as platoon
M.Diaz    OTC.326  82 215 35  70 14  0 10  32   9 44 5  0  7  2  0 2 platoon force
J.Jones   OTC.321  68 218 23  70 16  0  2  25  23 30 0  1  8  4  0 2 platoon big time
M.TeixeiraOTC.268 103 340 55  91 18  1 22  65  45 87 6  0  4  0  0 3 Ohio's cleanup man
C.Jones   SWC.355 105 397 82 141 35  2 35  90  56 54 0  0 13  4  2 8 Jones having career year
M.Bradley SWC.339  70 183 37  62  7  0 14  32  26 37 3  0  5  1  3 1 Awesome 10th man
D.Young   SWC.325  99 357 58 116 29  0 17  60  35 60 0  0 12  0  0 3 Skokie's consistent offense
B.Bonds   SWC.278  94 284 63  79 16  0 26  70  57 44 4  0 13  0  0 2 Big bat and OBA
M.Hollday SLS.329 111 441 82 145 38  2 29  87  46 89 9  0 18  6  0 5 Awesome numbers
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dawson Division
NAME       TM BA  GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB  SO HB SH DP SB CS E The Skinny
A.Amezaga BBD.353  66 167  28  59 11  8  1  21  13 23 4  3  3  11  3 3 Belfast surprise
C.Figgins BBD.340  99 321  57 109 24  6  1  33  49 63 0  0  2  39 14 9 Figgins is whole offense
BBD PITCHERS .247 105 178  18  44  3  1  0  18   5 66 0 23  3   0  0 15The pitchers can hit!
S.HattbergBBD.332  96 310  45 103 25  3  5  45  38 44 1  0  8   0  0 9 Hatteberg is on base
M.Ordonez JJD.357 101 353  63 126 35  0 15  60  49 60 2  0 15   1  0 1 MVP candidate, #'s lie
D.EcksteinJJD.351  72 242  35  85 13  1  2  34   8 22 8  0  4   3  1 8 Eckstein career year
M.Lowell  JJD.310 103 339  51 105 12  2 12  50  31 39 6  0 18   1  2 12More valuable than #'s
JJD PTCHERS  .186 108 188  22  35  7  0  2  17   8 73  0 26 0   0  0 5 More hitting hurlers
C.Grndrsn LWD.319  88 348  63 111 23 17 12  67  33 68  4  0 7   9  1 3 Grand isn't he?
P.Fielder LWD.245 105 424  68 104 21  0 45  93  42 87 10  0 10  0  2 18Tons of HR,needs guys on
T.Perez   LLD.419  47  74   8  31  7  1  0   8   5  8  0  0  0  1  0 1 Super PH
I.Suzuki  LLD.331 111 478  65 158 15  3  4  49  29  48 2  8  4 33 14 0 Creates runs for LP
J.Vidro   LLD.310 101 377  48 117 18  0  6  40  35  36 0  5 11  0  0 16 Key cog in LP offense
D.Wright  SSD.357  94 311  62 111 35  1 14  64  52  55 4  0  9 18  2 7 Wright stuff
E.Rentria SSD.332  87 334  72 111 29  0  8  32  46  45 0  3  9  3  1 7 Having career year
 
 
 
Parker Division
NAME       TM BA   GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB SO HB SH DP SB CS E The Skinny
M.Young   KBP.311  93 396  59 123 18  1  3  29  35 64  3 1 15  6  0 11 Key Bryan all around guy
J.Gomes   KBP.291  87 354  57 103 23  2 31  82  30 133 4 0  3  9  2  2 unbelievable season
R.Ibanez  CIP.328 109 418  61 137 31  3 25  64  35 68  1 0 12  0  0  7 Big time for Raul
B.Harris  CIP.313  94 336  46 105 26  4  9  53  30 70  3 6  4  2  1 11 Harris with solid #s
J.Morneau CIP.311 110 425  68 132 28  3 28  82  36 55  0 0 14  0  4  7 Morneau having big yr
J.Posada  IRP.366 101 369  69 135 39  0 21  82  59 67  4 0 13  2  0  2 Career year, Gaudy stats
A.Pujols  IRP.310 105 422  86 131 28  0 33  85  63 57  7 0 18  1  3  4 Pujols power
J.Reyes   IRP.302 105 427  60 129 23  8  6  62  31 59 0 11 4  31 13  9 Reyes runs Redbirds
A.RodrguezIRP.302 103 414  94 125 21  1 31  72  55 95 19 0 14  6  1 10 No problems in clutch here
J.Thome   IRP.297  78 306  54  91 20  0 28  68  39 93  7 0 5   0  0  0 Thome thumps HRs
H.Pence   IRP.312  61 221  44  69 12  5  6  41  21 52  0 0 9   3  1  2 Pence platoon RBI
P.Polanco IRP.330 104 437  75 144 35  1 11  60  31 49 12 6 11  7  1  0 Career year
M.Cabrera BSP.367 101 390  91 143 25  1 32  93  49 85  5 0 12  5  0 14 MVP candidate carries BSP
E.Byrnes  BSP.288 101 410  78 118 18  5 14  58  41 78 10 0 10 44 18  5 Lots of steals leading off
R.Howard  BSP.265  97 351  70  93 27  0 27  79  40 140 2 0  2  2  0  0 Homers
M.Stairs  BSP.314  61 191  33  60 16  0 10  42  36 43  0 0  8  2  1  1 Stairs platoon power
T.Helton  BSP.326 101 380  76 124 24  3 14  55  59 71  1 0  5  0  0  1 Helton still produces
V.GuerreroOOP.351 108 442  86 155 33  0 39 120  41 42  5 0  14 0  1  7 MVP candidate career year
D.Ortiz   OOP.281 108 420  89 118 20  2 26  59  83 105 2 0  26 4  2 16 Papi pops
J.Mauer   OOP.317  92 344  51 109 22  3  6  45  48 40  4 0  8  0  0  4 Mauer under rated receiver
 
 
 
 
 
Schmidt Division
NAME       TM BA   GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB  SO HB SH DP SB CS E
J.Werth   CCS.347  61 150  39  52  8  0  9  28  25 29  0  0  1  4  0  3 Carolina super sub
M.Tejada  CCS.326 108 426  68 139 18  2 23  63  27 43  7  3 15  2  0 14 Having great year
B.Roberts CCS.301 108 462  88 139 37  3  5  37  56 75  0  1  2 34 13  5 Premiere leadoff man
W.Taveras LLS.328  80 296  51  97 15  5  0  12  17 41  7  7  5 32 10  5 Taveras great leadoff guy
J.Rollins LLS.278 111 479  70 133 28 12 17  83  21  52 7  0 16 19  4 12 Rollins does it all
R.Raburn  LLS.330  31 100  17  33  6  0  5  20  11  23 0  0  2  2  0  2 Super sub
R.Ankiel  PPS.352  39 122  25  43 14  0 14  45   9  24 0  0  4  0  1  0 Ankiel unbelievable power
J.Keppngr PPS.335  53 185  36  62 14  1  4  19  14  19 4  6  6  3  1  4 Kep keeps producing
B.Hawpe   PPS.326  85 316  61 103 28  2 16  59  40  84 0  0  8  0  0  3 Hawpe is hot
C.Utley   PPS.316  87 335  70 106 26  4 12  42  32  49 12 0 11  4  0  9 Utley hits
C.Lee     PPS.275  98 375  54 103 19  0 23  69  29  40  1 0 24  5  1  0 Lee a key performer
R.BelliardSRS.359  72 273  33  98 27  2  3  22  16  41  0 2  4  1  0  3 How is this happening?
D.Pedroia SRS.350  84 371  58 130 25  1  6  33  25  34  3 3  9  5  0  9 Rookie of the year?
C.CrawfordSRS.350 108 452  72 158 29  5 19  63  24  73  9 2  8  34 6  4 Sensational MVP candidate
M.Ramirez SRS.324 108 423  53 137 33  0 19  73  45  95  7 0  9  0  0  0 Manny mauls
C.Pena    SRS.259 108 397  76 103 20  0 34  97  78 130  5 0  6  1  0  7 Pena HRs
 
 

Interesting season so far.  A few surprises and some improvements for some franchises.  Lets take a look around in our mid season after 110 games or so...

Giving credit where it's due.  Skokie remains the class of CBA.  Each year the Wolfmen seem to get better.  Could this be their year?  After getting a close as can be make no mistake the Wolves are going all out.  67 wins leads CBA with Indy and Brooklyn at 65 and 64wins.  Chipper Jones has carried this team on his back. He is a triple crown contender as is Ottawa's Vlad Guerrero.  In Staub, 2nd in HR with 35, 10 behind Fielder, 2nd in RBI's 3 behind the top with 93.  3rd in BA with .355 just .002 behind the leader Maglio of Joliet, and Wright of SD.  Skokie leads the Staub in BA .279, HR 167, Runs 572.  The P staff has a 3.77 ERA best in Staub.  This team does it all. Even a .735 X rating is pretty good. 
Maine is 8 games behind but what a story of rags to riches.  Reminds me of this years MLB Devil Rays.  Maine has a .331 OBA, and .477 Slg.  The slug is good, the OBA not as good as could be.  A .74 X rating helps the pitching who has a 4.41 ERA.  The Maine TEAM gets some production from everyone.  The mid infield of Uggla and Greene account for 33 HR's Adrian Gonzalez solid and clutch with 23 HR 77 RBI.  BJ Upton redhot after his arrival has 6 HR 20 RBI in 71 AB's since the trade.  Gathright again is a supersub stealing 18 bases after stealing 44 last year.  He is batting .356 in 78 games.  Hill, Snell, and Bergman have pitching well as starters.  Though the bullpen ERA looks good, they have allowed .41 inherited runners to score.  Pretty awful.  Imagine with some more pop and some bullpen work what Maine could do/  A wildcard is within the possibilities.  They are battling against San Diego, Longue Pointe, Limoilou and Joliet for now.  With one Dawson winning the top spot (Take your pick who) the others will compete.  Belfast isnt out yet and if they put together a hot streak could sneak in there.  Alllentown has been on fire of late and is making a strong push towards a wildcard and .500.  With a majority of the contenders just a bit over .500, A Town could be a player here.They may have what it takes.  8-2 in their last 10, Allentown may not have the power but they have bats. Hanley Ramirez has been awesome a combo of all offense.  His defense hurts though. .596 X at SS is pathetic.  With literally hundreds of opportunities not getting the play done out there, He gives away what he takes.  He is better suited at DH.  Kent has given them a lift and is hitting a high .324 with some pop at 2B.  The defense up the middle isnt too good, but the bats are real. Russ Martin has 27 SB and could set a CBA record as a catcher.  10 HR 51 RBI .283,  Corey Hart has another 17 HR's.  The story is James Shields. 14-3 a CBA leading 2.45 ERA 147 K's and leads CBA with quality starts. 
Longue POinte has won some series and lost some just hovering around .500 as the Bruise brothers of Quebec Jeff Boutet's Limoilou Wendigo and the Belfast Brawlers k'bash heads with Joliet and San Diego.  No one teams has a distinct advantage however Joliet has been a cut above the rest staying in first place the longest.  Nothing to be taken for granted in Dawson where usage really matters and depth is a huge factor.  The Wendigo have been playing better and slipped back in to the picture.  They are now 5 games above .500 and are perhaps CBA's most improved next to A Town.  Jeff always manages to bring his team into contention.  He is perhaps CBA's most consistent winner over the past 11 years.  Great bullpen work spells their success. The starters have really struggled. Dutin McGowan expected to be a winner is 5-11 4.89 ERA.  The pen has accumulated most of the wins.  The offense is Carlos Beltran 19 HR 67 RBI, and Prince 45 HR Fielder.  Granderson .319 12HR 67 RBI has helped quite a bit too.  

Longue Pointe again is relying on an impressive defense .811 X rating, and a pitching staff witha 3.98 ERA.  Zanbrano is 10-9 4.58 not really the numbers he's used to.  Tim Lincecum 10-2 3.06 is the ace.  Maddux 8-7 3.44 ERA, Sabathia 9-11, 3.94 ERA.  Todd Jones has 17 saves and a 1.56 ERA.  How does he do it year after year for LP?  Again with LP its the bench players with key contributions, Timo Perez .419 as PH, Augie Ojeda .331.  A few guys with between 12-19 HR's. Sexson has provided a power lift hitting 19, while Ramirez' numbers aredown, Torri Hunter has picked it up some. Suzuki is back to form hitting.339 with 33 SB, McDonald has played great defense at SS and stole 11 bases, Varitek's 16 Hr's all help keep LP in the game. 

San Diego has had ups and downs after last years great season.  The horses are there for Joe Wallace.  The offense has been mediocre with a .266 BA and only 95 HR.  David Wright 14 HR 64 RBI 18 SB .357 BA has carried them along with Edgar Renteria 8 32 .332 BA.  Chris Duncan has added 19 HR's.  The pitching is great with 3.84 ERA although the starters and pen are victimized by lack of offense.  With some added power, SD could move up quick.  Peavy 10-10 3.25 has been hard luck, King Felix, and Meche have great mid 3's ERA's. Dan Haren has 9 wins too and a 4.25 ERA.  Should be good enough to win. 

Belfast started to win some and then slumped.  Expect them to make more noise as the August days roll around.  Only 61 HR's is nowhere near enough.  Only Alex Rios has 15 HR 58 RBI .270.  They steal alot. 120 SB's. Figgins agian having a great year .339 BA and 39 SB.  Hatteberg is hitting a great .332.  The pitching is decent too with a 4.63 ERA and some good ERA's for the pen too.  Its only power that would keep the Brawlers from being in it.  The .394 slug won't help.

Joliet is the class here.  The offense is carried by a few key performers. Pierre has gotten on base and stolen 63 bases. Ordonez 15 60 .357 is a batting average leader, but he gets walked alot intentionally.  Lowell 12 HR 50 RBI .310 BA is pretty efficient.  Soriano has gotten untracked yet.  When he does, Joliet will make their lead grow. 
Great pitching 3.98.  The pen is awesome .307 IRSC, Putz 27 saves and great set up men.  Wolfe, Capps, Lewis, Burton, Pinto, Vizcaino.  All are key contributors. Perhaps if Looper and Chukt James did better Joliet would be the winningest team in Staub.

In Clemente it been Indiana holding a 2 1/2 game lead over Brooklyn.  The rivalry so intense that Indiana acquired Loney, Griffey, Billy Wagner and Chico Ruiz for the pennant drive leaving nothing to chance, and nothing in draft pick tank for 2009.  Fidler is looking to be a repeat champion as he was in 2006's storybook season and playoff.  Indiana is loaded and will be devastingly potent in a playoff series.  All the pieces are in place.  The bench as much fire power as the starters.  Then theres Pujols and ARod.  If everyone else wherent enough.  Fidler was blessed when the dispersal draft gave a prior owner him his first pick of A Rod.  The acquistion of Wagner should shore up the pen.  The bench depth will help Indy erase their 13-18 1 run game record and below .500 record in extra innings. Brooklyn better watch out. 

Brooklyn has struggled the past few blocks as rest and non productive pitching have hurt.  The odds were in Coors the team pitching couldn't stay at a low level too long and its has risen.  It has gone up about .34 the past 4 blocks to 4.32.   A brght spot is the undefeated Eric Bedard who is 14-0 3.07 ERA.  He has 140 K's in 111 innings.  His usage is good too. In fact Brooklyn's usage may become and advantage as the season winds down.  Miguel Cabrera 32 HR 93 RBI .367 BA last years MVP having another MVP  type year.  Howard has 27 HR's 79 RBI, Todd Helton 15HR 55 RBI .326 among the CBA's alltime leaders in most catagories is having another great season. He and another of CBA's old time career leaders Sammy Sosa 16HR 48 RBI ,272 are locks for the CBA HOF. Sosa adds to his all time HR and RBI lead. Brandon Phillips 20 HR 61 RBI and 27 SB has played great defense at 2B to compensate for Furcals 19 errors, 2nd in CBA. Byrnes 14 58 .288 with 44 SB has been an ideal leadoff hitter.  A .798 X rating for the D is outstanding. It accounts for much of the pitching success of 2008.

Ottawa is capable of beating anyone.  They have swept teams like Brooklyn, Indiana, & San Diego, and are 25-17 in the ever tough Parker division. At 55-53 they are fighting for the second wild card along with the teams of Schmidt.  They hit righties fine, but struggle vs the lefties.  The HOF dudo of Vlad and Papi are devastating again.  Vlad is on a triple crown type tear.  He is well up in RBI's 120. 39 HR just 6 off of Fileder, and .351 BA. Awesome Vlad. Papi adds 26 taters.  Mauer is at .317, Patterson at .312, and theres a drop in productivity after that.  Its safe to say Vlad and Papi are carrying this team.  The pitching is poor with a 4.93 ERA.  Only Webb stands out at 12-6 4.19 ERA.  The pen is adequate Bororwski closing 21 saves and Bradford, Tavares, and Downs holding games in late innings.  They are just behind Carolina and a game up on Lake County for the second WC spot. 
Cooperstown been playing much better in the second half. At one point in June 20 games under .500 they are now only 14 games under, and looking for respectabilty.  In a tough division, C Town could be  a spoiler.  Lead by Raul Ibanez 25 HR 64 RBI .325 BA.  Morneau is hitting .311 with 28 HR 81 RBI. Markakis has had 14 more HR.  C Town Iron horses could be moving up some in the next few weeks.  The goal for now is .500.  The addition of Reynolds could prove huge in the next few weeks.
Caroliner is finer than at season beginning.  Loads of power 161 HR's but low .266 BA.  7 guys with double digit HR's.  M Tejada is having a great year .326 23 HR 63 RBI.  Hafner with a ,221 BA is a disappointment. Carolina needs him to stay in the WC chase.  They are only 3 behind front running Philly.  A 58-50 record and good pitching.  Marquis is a surprising 13-4 4.30.  Must be steroids for the Staten Island horses ass.  Valverde has been sensational 1.89 ERA 16 saves.  Johann, and Harang could be a factor down the stretch since they are under achieving right now.  Look out for the Copperheads.
Philly is hitting .285 with 148 HR's and stars at all positions.  So why are they not way out ahead/  Pitching 4.71 is starting to get better.  Heath Bell in 33 games is lights out 5-2 1.76 ERA 76 K's 8 saves in 66 Inn.  The pen is by committee. A .321 IRSC. Percival, R Soriano, all good.  The rest of the pitchers, not so good. Dontrelle started tough and has faded some is 12-5 but a high 5.36 ERA.
escobar is only 5-7 but has a 3.96 ERA I guess hard luck.  Philly will need pitching or more offense from guys like Jeter 4 HR 32 RBI .286 to stay in 1st place and maybe repeat as CBA World Champions.  Rob ite always finds a way.
Wayne McGee was unsure he would be able to stya in CBA at season beginning, but he caught draft fever and was glad he stayed on. He has a good team and of late they are CBA's hottest team. They're climbing back to the Wild card race slowly but surely. As the pitching numbers come down the wins go up.  The team is batting .289 so offense isn;t the problem. Carl Crawford 19 HR 63 RBI .350 34 Sb is an MVP candidate.  Manny having abnother fine year has 19 HR 73 RBI .324 BA.  Carlos Pena has 34 HR.  Pedroia is hitting .350 in a full time role.  With some pitching, the Redsox could be trouble.  '
Southwest is building their squad for the future and is looking forward to the next draft.  They only have Matt Holliday who is 29 HR 87 RBI .327 BA who is starring.  Griffey just traded to Indy had 17 HR's.  Only place to go from here is down toward a high draft pick.

 
 

May 20th 2008

Belfast: Took a bad week 1-5, dropping them 4 off the pace set by Joliet. Armando Rios and Nate McClouth have led the way with 6 and 7 HR respectively. Figgins has 14 SB, McClouth and Davis both have 9 SB. Belfast is at .500 21-21. The pitching ERA is 4.42, with DiNardo the ace at 4-2 3.09 era. Corpas 8 saves and R Perez 2 saves both big time in relief.

Longue Pointe: has had its ups and downs but with an improved offense and defense, the Loggers should stay in the mix. They can boast 5 ones in the lineup on any given day with that kind of defense, the pitching will have less toiling to do. The 4.06 ERA is low considering the Loggers once thought weakness in the bullpen. Pettitte 1-3 7.71, Sabathia 4-5 despite a 3.32 era, Zambrano last years Cy Young is mired at 5-4 4.02 era, Moyer a 6+ era. Not too good and will need to do better. Linsecum is now the staff ace at 5-2 3.99 era. The pen is by Committee. Richie Sexson bats been hot of late 6 HR 22 RBI .269, Varitek 7 HR 17 RBI, Torii Hunter has slowed some in the cleanup role is hitting 6 HR 24 RBI .286 with 10 SB. Ichiro off to a slower start is hitting .318 with only 12 SB.

Limoilou: Slowly rising again after a terrible stretch, LWD has had a red hot Prince Fielder with 18 HR, 32 RBI. Granderson is hitting 7 HR, 28 RBI .320ba. Beltran had better start hitting. Despite 9 HR 30 RBi, is hitting .205. No one stands out on the pitching staff.

San Diego is hanging tough with LP, Belfast, and Joliet. The Surf have a league best pitching staff with a 3.45 era. Frank Rodriguez has been lights out with 8 saves, Peavy and Haren both have won 5. The starters ERA's are all below Haren's 3.67 except for Santana. 341 K's in 423 innings. Wright is on fire hitting 7HR 33 RBI, .347. Delmon Young is hitting .375 in 144 AB's. McCann is at .321.

 

Joliet is a contender in 2008. Magglio is hitting .367 with 6 HR 23 RBI's. If the Jacks need anything its another power bat to protect the lineup. a .281 BA but only 29 HR in 42 games may catch up to the Jack. Usage may be of concern for the pitching staff unless some deals come along. Lowell's .329 bat has been a major plus for JJD, however no one is scared of the lineup. Only 7 intentional passes for the .328 OBA, .406 slug team. .292 IRSC and .745X % is adequate though not outstanding. It will be a dogfight in Dawson.

The Carter is all Skokie. Miller and Wolfman have put together perhaps a team for the ages. They could challenge for the Philly Phantastics 120 win record of 2000. 62 HR's, lots of power. Chipper is an MVP candidiate with 12 HR 32 RBI .342 BA. Bradley and Bonds the killer B's have 8 HR's and are at .324 for Bonds and Brads.314 the team has an .816 OB/SLG. A 3.43 Team ERA keeps 'em in any game. Hudson is at 6-2 and Clemens 6-1. Bullpen is by situational committee.

Allentown: Hanley Ramirez is looking quite like an MVP candidate 5 HR, 24 RBI, 28 SB, .366 BA carrying the team along with Corey Hart 7 HR 24 RBI, and Russell Martins 6 HR 28 RBI and 11 SB. When all is said and done Martin could break CBA's catchers SB record whatever that is. A .271 team BA is an improvement over last season, and 19-23 puts them squarely in the wildcard race in Staub. A Town needs James Shields is the staff ace with a 6-1 record and a miniscule 1.86 ERA. He has 72K's in 87 inn. A .407 IRSC and .709 X rating will not win games for A Town.

Kennesaw Mt has been inconsistant. When you think they can make a break, they regress. Billingsley 3-3 2.77 and Kendrick 4-2 3.14 have pitching well enough to win, but little else has gone well. The offense is ok to win with Loney hitting 8 HR 22 RBI .370, and R Braun 7 HR 18 RBI .352. They have no one to drive home or be driven home by. The end of the order is awful so far.

The Maine Express: You'll be hearing from this team in 2008. They must get bullpen help to win. A .398 IRSC is bad Aside from Jenks, Beimel, Tallet, Lyon,Yuser Petit, Morrow have been rediculous. Cost them big games already. Meanwhile the offense has shined. A .271, lots of runs and solid cards. Iwamura has hit well at .333. Adrian Gonzalez 8 HR 29 RBI, .316 is dangerous.Uggla, Rowand, and Francouer have been consistant producers. This team could win with the starters and offense keep on rollin...

Ohio: Struggling along, the Thundercats are in rebuild and have little highlites to mention at this time. Stay tuned. The offense has a few wins in 'em, but a 5.99 ERA staff has nothing to do with the art of winning.

The Schmidt division of Clemente promises an interesting race this year, 2008. Last years champion team Philly comes right out of Schmidt. They again lead the division although the stakes have been raised as there has been improvement all along.

Philly: At 26-19 looks solid. They've scored 10+ runs 13 times only allowing 10 runs 2 times. They're 13-5 in their own division faring better as a road team. They need to improve their middle defense. Turning Dp's is not a strength and could only help out a suspect pitching staff which has a high 4.89 era. Willis is 6-1 but has an above 6 ERA. Verlander is 5-3 with an acceptable era but is hardly an ace in 2008. Its the offense that makes 'em go. Both Carlos Lee and Lants Berkman have 13 HR, and 5 others have hit 5 + HR.

Carolina: Has played better after a slow start. They too have power, hitting 71 HR. Adim Dunn has 14 HR, while Tejada has 9, and Benj3 Molina has 8. As a whole they are only hitting .257. At 21-27 they will need to string together alot of wins to get back into contention. Its a longshot but can be done.

Stirling also has a good offense averaging .294 near CBA's best. Only 51 HR, isn't bad but will be hard pressed to outslug some of the beefier teams in Clemente a DH league. Pedroia has been a revelation hitting .360 at 2B, displacing long time 2B Belliard. Carl Crawford is having an MVP year hitting .395 with 11 HR, 29 RBI, and 10 SB. Manny Ramirez is on fire lately hitting 3 HR in 1 game and 8 for the year to go along with an impressive .328 BA. Ollie Cabrera is hitting .335 with 10 SB as well.

The Lakers of Lake County are on a roll coming up with 11 wins in 15 games to pull closer to Philly in the Schmidt. Solid offense led by Jenkins 9 HR, and All world Jimm3 Rollins have carried the offense. Willy Taveras is hitting .350 with 15 SB as a leadoff man. Not bad. The record is at 23-25, and climbing. The 4.59 team ERA could be better. Once the pen starts to propser, the Lakers could be in the wildcard or division hunt.

The Southwest Lizard Kings had been cold of late as Eric Lindner contemplated diving from the Golden Gate bridge. Right now their story is Matt "doc" Holliday who is front running for MVP. Orlando Hudson's .314 BA isn't bad, but there is no pitching to speak of outside of Dean er..Matt Cain. Better times may be ahead as adjustments are made...

The Parker is all Indiana right now. Brooklyn and Ottawa are close by. 92 HR in 45 games is remarkable as the Redbirds pound opponents into submission. Pujols 12 HR, Posada 13 HR, ARod 15 HR, Thome 16 HR. The addition of Thome cemented what could becaome CBA's most prolific offense. The starters are adequate with Ace Oswalt 7-0 2.88. Garland is 6-1, but afterwards the staff struggles somewhat and that could be important with Pitching heavy Brooklyn nearby.

Brooklyn has great balance of pitching defense and power. The pen has a low .235 IRSC with Feliciano, Mahay, Reyes, Mariano, and more. Bedard is 5-0, while Halladay has 5 more wins. Ryan Howard is red hot of late hitting 14 HR 42 RBI and .292. Miguel Cabrera is an MVP candidate again with 16 HR, 39 RBI, .356 BA. Byrnes has been a quality leadoff man 6 HR 31 RBI .331 BA 25 SB. They will be there in the end.

Ottawa is having a great year. Vlad is impaling opponents 16 HR 46 RBI .366 BA a triple crown candidate. Cust has added 12 HR, and Ortiz bat is coming alive. Brandon Webb leads the staff at 6-1 4.04, while Lackey has 5 wins. A wildcard place could be theirs.

Cooperstown is improved though they will need to generate more than a .254 BA and 46 HR to compete in Parker. The team ERA at 5.11 isn't good and the Iron Horses will have their work cut out for them.


May 2nd

I'm not proud of it,  but it's time to come clean!!
 
I was also with Rocket Roger Clemens when he was having his affair with Mindy McCready, and John Daly's wife!!
 
It's a shame that I've had to live with for many years,  but I got caught up in Rocket's celebrity. 
 
I can't count the number of times Clemens would call me and exclaim,  "Let's pick up a couple of married women,  and paint the town red!!"
 
At first,  it was exciting,  it was fast,  it was high drama!!  Roger and I,  climbing out of someones bedroom window,  as her husband was walking in the front door,  but the good times finally had to come to an end!  My conscience quickly got the better of me. 
 
I naturally assumed that sweet young Mindy was of legal age when she was slinging drinks in the local pub we would quite often frequent,  but when Roger asked me to drop her off at school,  I was shocked to find that she wasn't enrolled at Boston College,  but actually Farmington High School!!!!!!!!
 
I ended my friendship with Roger that year,  and didn't see him for many years later,  until I saw him parked outside of the Scarborough Public School,  during his tenure with the Blue Jays!!  I concluded that Rocket would never change his stripes, and I sadly moved on.
 
As the days,  and weeks pass,  there will no doubt be more names become public.  Barbara Walters, Dakota Fanning,  and Miss Teen Clam Chowder 1982 Carol Wislock,  just to name a few.  Roger had a wide ranging appetite for the ladies,  young and old. 
 
I'm not asking for forgiveness,  just understanding!  This is a burden I shall carry for the rest of my life!
 
Regretfully,
 
Pimp Daddy Wayne.
 

 

 

Stirling is back. After years of frustration, the Sox have drafted and traded for a winning team. Acquiring Manny Ramirez the lineup has solidified 3 HR 16 RBI's ina strong offense means he'll have opportunity to drive in runs. The Sox are at 10-8. They are hitting .312 BA as a team best in CBA right now, with Crawford leading CBA hitting .500 4HR 14 RBI. Southwest has been strong this year. This could be a Lindner pattern. After a slow start in 1997, he in his second year went to the playoffs. After a slow first return year in 07, perhaps in 08, (a decade past) Lindner and his Lizard Kings could be heading towards the sun if not for a Jeckyll and Hyde performance. They dropped the games they picked going 1-2 vs hot Stirling. The Moreno County Maulers are an exciting team with some surprisingly good talent. They are being carried right now by Matt Holliday 9 HR 23 RBI .400 BA. Ottawa is in the mix taking two series 2-1. Ottawa could be a force in 2008. They beat both in series 1. Ottawa They took 2 of 3 from ever tough Indiana and could be a threat to Brooklyn who dropped 2 of 3 to Cooperstown. It signals how Parker's playing filed has leveled some. Cooperstown last years doormat, had an explosive offensive series agains the suspect Brooklyn pitching staff. Sweeping that series they then dropped 2 to the Bashers. They remain a possible threat now in Parker which could impact the wildcard race. With Cooperstown and Bryan stronger, Brooklyn and Indy may level off some allowing a possible advance in the seemingly weaker Schmidt for the wildcards.They roughed Halladay, and Mussina, though Brooklyn did hit well in game 2. Brooklyn and Philly squared off in Phillies Homerpark and Brooklyn swept. Matsuzaka, Bedard(acquired from Philly in '07), and Halladay. It was pitching that subdued the good hitting in revenge for last seasons 1st round playoff loss. In game 1, Miguel Cabrera had a huge day and Matsuzaka was masterful with 11K's vs the World Champs. Cabrera has 7 HR 19 RBI and is hitting .400. Sosa has 5 HR 13 RBI and a .300 BA in his Brooklyn return. Brooklyn swept as Cabrera's big series carried them on his back. Rivera chock full of blown saves, managed to limit Philly, who likely dozed against the strugglling Superbas. Indy too struggled dropping their series to this years surprise Maine team. Indiana is looking to maintain consistency. Looking dominant they've lost some close games on clutch performances. 36 HR in 18 games looking for a CBA record. This week the pitching didn't hold up dropping two to Maine and Ottawar. Key players Thome and Ethier's bats have slumped costing Redbirds a chance to move past Brooklyn. With a Brooklyn sweep the two teams are tied. Ottawa is 2 games behind at 9-9. Cooperstown and Bryan 4 games out and in the hunt.

Joliet 11-7 took a broom out and swept away the Kennesaw team, 8-7, 7-1, and 6-5. Aaron Hill had a big series driving in 4 in game 2. JJ Hardy starred in game 3 and has driven in a team leading 10 RBI's. Soriano was off to a slow start, but that will be short lived when he and Lowell heated up. Until then, it was mainly Derek Lee carrying most of the slug. The pitching has been dominant keeping the Jackhammers winning. a CBA best 3.41 ERA is excellent in a 20 team league. It could mean trouble for SD who took two in their first series vs Carloina in an interleague matchup. San Diego got great production from the bottom of their lineup. They won both series 2-1Carolina dn Joliet. The Carolina was an interconference matchup and the Joliet was a big series in the division. SanDiego used great pitching and big games from Peavy, and Haren. The "Surfer bottom feeders" could be amongst CBA's most productive 6,7, 8th place hitters making them dangerous in any inning. Belfast won 2 off the Wendigo in series 1. In game 3 Endy Chavez of all players, HR'd to tie, and in extras Mike Napoli HR'd for the final win. Belfast could be in the mix in 2008. Belfast had strong offense against Ohio with total team efforts. Belfast could and will need to stay in a winning mode to keep up with the Surf and Joliet. The Brawlers 10-8, with a .293 BA won both their series to move once again to within a game of the Dawson lead. They've managed to tie with San Diego and without much power are getting good starts from their inexperienced staff. DiNardo, Sonnanstine, Durbin have had strong starts. Again thievery, 25 steals in 18 games. Figgins stole a few games and has 9 now. Right now all the teams are in the mix 'cepting Ohio who is dead last and likely overmatched losing 5 games in block 3. Only Texeira performing well for them.

 


 

This week we see the some interesting series wins. With Belfast having a strong week the Dawson race grew closer.
Limoilou lost to Skokie in their series. Longue Pointe made news this week when Carlos Zambrano
had a week for the ages in which he won 3 games. He pitched on April 8th firing a no hitter at Limoilou. A feat
he had previously achieved back on June 17th, 2005 against the same Limoilou Wendigo. He becomes
only the 3rd pitcher in CBA history to have 2 or more no hitters. The other two Greg Maddux also of Longue Pointe,
and Pedro Martinez who has 4 no hitters as CBA's leader. Zambrano, player of the week, didn't stop there with 2 relief
wins, one the next day on April 9th. LP went into extras against rival Limoilou. LP's .849 X rating helps along that already tough staff.
Only 1 game separates each team suprprisingly, Maine has the leagues best X rating and they are playing over .500 ball.
in Dawson. Joliet's struggles with Belfast their long time rival cost Joliet a chance to take the lead. Maine had an impressive week.
Could Maine be a wildcard contender? With Adrian Gonzalez having 5 HR already, but only 8 RBI's maybe if the guys could get on in front of him you might thinks, but Uggla, and Rowand having been driving the runs in before him. Maine may be here to stay.


In Carter its all Skokie with the Wolfmen 4 of 6 to go to 10-2 best in CBA thus far. On the opposite end, Ohio is just 2-10
having trouble beating anyone. Swept by Maine and dropping two to Allentown.
Ohio has a 5.94 ERA and .219 BA. The league offense average is a high .274. 4 teams over .300 with Indiana of Parker
leading the way with a .317, followed by Brooklyn's .313 BA. Brooklyn had a good week winning all 6
of their games against Stirling and Bryan. Indiana just is scoring in bunches leading Parker by 1 game over Brooklyn.
Indiana has a team 1.016 TA, and .619 slug. This team could break records. Bryan had been doing well before Brooklyn's sweep.
With Schmidt bunched up at around .500, Philly sits atop with an impressive 9-3. Philly has a .313 team BA. Stirling leveled
off a bit swept by Brooklyn in return for last weeks drubbing. Holliday remains hot though

 


Review Preview by Marc Wass

CBA enjoyed a fantastic 2007 season, our 11th.  A total package was 2007 with something special happening at all junctures.  It was a record breaking year, and another photo-finish year.  It had upset victories, and dominance in some divisions.  We saw the rise of some rebuilding teams and the upswing of franchises who have toiled perpetually in the cellar.  We saw furious trading, and patient building both pay dividends.  We saw the progress of some teams regress after looking strong in 2006.  2007 saw alot. 
 
     The season opened with another terrific draft attended by all and run quite smoothly.  The usual sleepers and superookies all made appearances.  Russell Martin was 2007's first pick for Allentown, and he didn't disappoint.  Martin is primed to have a good season in 2008 after an average 2007 rookie campaign.  Markakis went to Cooperstown where he hit .309 along with 15 HR.  Some notable draft picks in Rd 1.  Takahashi Saito {limoilou} tied for most saves in CBA with Brooklyn's Mariano Rivera with 30.  He drafted 5th overall.  Dan Ugglia drafted 4th overall hit 24 HR, 82 RBI, .282.  Some notable disappointments, Cla Meredith despite a 7-1 2.22 era record was released at seasons end.  Jason Jennings counted to be a staff ace, went 11-13 4.63 and Belfast finished last in Dawson.  There were some noatble late round draft scores as well.  The last pick in the draft Brooklyn's Joey Gathright (since traded to Maine) stole 47 bases.  Bernie Williams a future CBA hall of Famer finished his CBA career hitting .308 as an Allentown OF'er. 
 
     Trades played a big role in 2007.  There were 35 trades made in 2007 alone.  Some notables, Aaron Harang, Huston Street, Brandon League were acquired by Carolina from Kennesaw Mt for Scott Olsen, James Loney, and Edwin Encarnacion, enabling Carolina to their first ever title in Schmidt.  Bryan who played a 1 game playoff with eventual CBA champ Philly before succombing, acquired Brad Lidge for Jorge Sosa.  Skokie made several trades which advanced their cause all the way to a Staub Title no small achievement given the fierce competition especially in Dawson.  Skokie acquired draft picks and players.  He moved player and draft picks systematically piecing together a competitive team.  Brooklyn was quite active putting together their best season with 106 wins.  Trades brought them new names Manny Ramirez, Eric Bedard, Brandon Phillips.  Gone eventually was Dontrelle Willis and after 1 season Manny Ramirez in an off season trade for Eric Byrnes.
 
The Parker division housed three powerful teams in Brooklyn, Indiana, and Bryan.  Indy and Brooklyn would fight it out all season but Brooklyn took control and never looked back with a team record setting performances and career years for a few players.  The Superbas looked like they could have been a run away with the CBA title.  A seemingly dominant 2007 went by the wayside as the were defeated quite easily by the World Champ Philly Phantastics.  Brooklyn was paced by last years Clemente MVP Miguel Cabrera {39 HR, 139 RBI, 136 runs, .403 BA, 236 hits} .  A case could be made that an end of season trade meant to bolster the pitching staff backfired when playoff hero Dontrelle Willis was swapped along with a #1 pick to get Eric Bedard who lost 1 game in 2 starts.  They also traded JD Drew whose bat was sorely missed as BSP’s offense took a swan dive.  Some highlites included Ryan Howard {41 HR, 122 RBI, 122 runs, .308}, Manny Ramirez {38 HR, 108 RBI, .313 BA}, Joey Gathright {47 sb, .299 BA}, Brandon Phillips {.307 20 HR, 81 RBI, 30sb} Roy Halladay {18-3 3.70}, Mike Mussina {17-3, 3.19} Mariano{30 saves}. Brooklyn led CBA with a team .375 OBA, and a whopping CBA leading .520 Slug. The pitching staff was perhaps Brooklyn’s best ever with team records 14 shutouts and 56 saves. No doubt excellent defense (.771 X rating) helped the staff out some at the unfriendly confines of the “House of Pain”.  Despite playing at Coors they hit only 109 HR at home but 138 taters on the road. It looks as if Brooklyn will have a struggle this year to return to their 2007 106 win heights as they enter a rebuilding phase.  The aquisitions of Rafael Furcal and Eric Byrnes will add some speed to the lineup to help compensate the loss of Ramirez’ power and Ryan Howard’ BA decline.  2007’s SS Adam Everett no doubt hurt BSP with his anemic bat.  What his defense taketh, the bat tooketh too.  Further offensive difficulties were avoided when BSP drafted Matt Stairs in this years draft.  The Superbas drafted mainly for the future in 2008 and could be acknowledging a decline in their dynastic like domination of the Parker division as signaled by two successive first round playoff losses. Certainly though Brooklyn will score runs.  They still have lots of pop with Helton, Cabrera, Howard, Stairs, Phillips, and Byrnes, and will score runs. They do have a solid rotation  Bedard, Halladay, Dice-K, Brian Bannister, and #1 pick Shawn Marcum.The bullpen will need some help as the middle and set up spots are shaky at best.  Mariano’s card has slipped some too.  The Superbas do have two good lefties in the pen, but all that may not be enough because Indiana just may be the team to beat in the Parker.
 
Indiana looks like they could be inline for a repeat of their 2006 championship.  Indy is loaded at all positions and with an improved pitching staff for 2008 to boot.  In 2007 Indiana faded as Brooklyn took charge in Parker, but they still won a terrific 95 wins with a strong offensive team.  Any other season and Indy may have won the Parker title.  With little subtracted and a series of trades, this team could be even more powerful in 2008 than last year.  Indiana seems to be looking to break some CBA offensive records.  Indiana had a team 4.49 ERA last season but a league leading 299 HRs from the offense.  Pujols hit 72 HR’s to lead all of CBA.  One of CBA’s highest totals ever.  5th all time single season (Bonds had 82 steroid jacked HR’s in 2002)  Pujols also scored 154 runs, drove home 147 RBI, batted  .348 BA, and stole 12 sb, while Alex Rodriguez hit 45 more HR, 130 RBI, .302 BA, Jason Bay hit 40 HR, 97 RBI, .280,  and Grady Sizemore added 36 more HR with 22 sb at the top of the order.  Jose Reyes chipped in with 50 sb, and a .294 BA.  Indy had a .351 OBA, and a .503 slug. Their pitching staff was in the top half of CBA though it appeared early in the season it would be their undoing. But defense to the rescue, an astounding .819 X rating shaved lots of OBA and runs from the team ERA and WHIP. These big guns are coming back this year and though Pujols may have leveled off some, Alex Rodriguez should more than pick it up with his monstrous card.  The pitching staff will benefit from a full year of last year’s Ronson Award candidate John Smoltz who along with Roy Oswalt {16-10 4.81} and Scott Kazmir {12-4 3.47} should pitch the Redbirds to many CBA wins.  Many feel Indiana will supplaunt Brooklyn as Parker champs in 2008.  The Indiana draft was a strong one.  They filled many role positions with good cards for many situations.  Jorge Posada will be another force in 2008, excelling in a perennial weak spot for the franchise. The acquisition of Jimn Thome may have gone unnoticed by some, but it won’t in Parker as the Redbirds have a top shelf DH.  Indy even took a shot at the future snatching up super prospect Matt Wieters early in the draft.  Indiana should finish atop of Parker in 2008. 
 
The Kilgore Bashers were a team that never seemed to quite er...win.  They were the lovable but unfortunate team of Parker. The storied Basher Ogre had smiled too much at his opposition.  The Texas Titan never quite hit enough or pitched enough until 2006. Always the potential seemed great but their players never quite broke through. They changed their name and stadium location to Bryan Texas and GM Cory Light has turned that old association right around the past couple of seasons and there’s every reason to believe they will repeat as a playoff contender again in 2008.  Last season was a heartbreaker as Bryan finished 162 games tied with Philly for the last wildcard spot in Clemente.  They dropped the 1 game playoff and still haven’t been to a CBA playoff game in their 12 year history.  It was a remarkable season for the Bashers whose platoon system and career year performances carried them to best ever 92 wins.  The offense was a big story as Last years big acquisitions paid dividends.  Pat Burrell { 32 HR, 94, .257} gave on base and power to the Bashers.  Brad Inge went bananas {40 HR, 122 RBI, .266 BA}  Inge may have been the leagues most under rated player in 2007.  His 122 RBi’s were 9th in CBA, but team mate Wig Tyington added a career best 32 HR, 113 RBI 10th best, .293 BA,  and covered enough positions to be compared to the Kama Sutra.  Surprisingly good play from Bobby Crosby 9HR, 47 RBI, .287, .798 X rating solidified the Basher break through. 
The Bryan pitching staff was spotty at best.  Aside from some good starts and well pitched games in the stretch drive, the pen was abysimal.  A league leading 41% of inherited runners scored.  A .689 X rating wasn’t up to standard and likely cost the Bashers pitching staff hits and lots of runs. More was expected from Kenny Rogers who was 11-11 4.26 ERA.  He started slowly from the gate and picked it up as the season ended. GM Light went out and acquired Joe Blanton after Rogers started slowly.  Blanton was productive going 14-7 despite a 5.14 ERA.  Brad Lidge and Scott Linebrink provided a potent 1, 2 closer corps to help out the struggling middle men.  Both closers did blow many saves.  Bryan was well balanced with their platoon lineups vs both righties and lefties, a .002 difference in the two team batting averages.  The pitchers were a bit more unbalanced yielding a .291 BA vs R.  Bryan managed a team record .348 OBA, and a .457 slug.  Enough to be competitive and score 871 runs, about 5 ½ runs a game.  They allowed about the same.  
Bryan will need better pitching from their pen and back end of the rotation to be competitive in 2008.  Rogers is a spot lefty starter only,  so Blanton moves up as the staff ace.  Blanton gives up some hits, walks few. Wicked Wandy Rodriguez looks like the #2 starter and is adequate though is not an * pitcher.  The rest of the pitching will be by committee take your pick from Towers, to Belisle, to Nate Robertson, to Affeldt you get the picture.  It remains to be seen how Light will juggle his staff.  The offense is pretty decent although may have on base difficulties and high strikeouts.  Bryan could go either direction in 2008, best guess is that the pitching will take its toll on the team despite some decent offensive power.  Bryan will have to struggle to keep ahead of improved Ottawa and Cooperstown. 
 
Oh to be young and in Ottawa they cheered in 2006.  The Otters put together an impressive season and strong playoff series only to fall flat in 2007.  A stunning collapse the Ottawa Otters fell off to a horrid 64-98 record. The only merit that the Otters got a high draft pick which they used to select Wunderkind Yovanny Gallardo.  Ottawa needs the pitching.  With last years team averaging 5.38 ERA  ranking ahead of only Stirling’s 5.60 ERA debacle.  Ottawa did nail 202 HR’s with a .266 BA, so with some pitching help they may have come a lot closer to respectability.  The truth of the matters is that they had a low .439 slug % despite the HR output so it was a feast or famine.  HR’s with no one on base, and an annoying lack of doubles (291 3rd lowest in CBA) made for only 784 runs.  Not enough in Parker with the likes of 900+ run teams like KBP, BSP and IRP.  125 team errors, mean losses.  .686 X rating, .405 IRSC, disastrous. End result 98 losses.  The bright spot again for Ottawa was the golden tandem of Vlad {27 HR, 79 RBI, .327} and Papi {41 HR, 95 RBI, .286}.  That duo is CBA legendary   But all is not bad for the man Jack Jung who in 12 years has never completed a trade in CBA.  His drafts have been quite good in 2007 and 2008.  The nucleus is outstanding.  The talent maturing and the Otters bridging the gap with young talent.  The pitching is much improved.  Yovanny,  Brandon Webb, Aaron Cook, Chad Gaudin, and John Lackey is one of the leagues best rotations, 5 deep.  The pen may need some help after Lee Gardner.  Saul Rivera is adequate middle innings, but th set ups are weak.  Bradford doesn’t have his 2007 card. The offense has been bolstered by the development of Steven Drew SS and Conor Jackson somewhat.  The Vlad and Ortiz show will account for most of the O, with newly drafted Jose Guillen and Jack Cust plating Mauer and adding some run production.  SS is solid with developing Steven Drew and Omar Viz holding the spot for now with his 1 rated glove.  Some good bench players too. Cliff Floyd’s card, Daryle Ward, and Kevin Frandsen will keep the Otters consistent when usage becomes an issue.  The prospects are good ones. In the wings are Cameron Maybin, Justin Upton, Andrew McCutchen, and Brian Sweeney.  The Otters could run at the playoffs with some managing and perhaps Brooklyn’s decline.  They may have some trouble with the rise of other Clemente teams affecting their wildcard hopes.
 
 
Cooperstown is an exciting young team.  Fausto! They cry.  First pick in the CBA draft was Fausto Carmona who last year was an RFA for Skokie, this year heads a C Town staff.  Wyke has drafted often and well the past two seasons. Ryan Wyke’s team is taking shape as a possible force in CBA.  Could this be the year that C Town breaks through?  Looks like they can.  2007 was cruel to the Iron Horses.  The stats were nothing to rave about.  The story or lack of story was that C Town was developing with an eye towards the next 5 years.  The lineup appears improved this year. Some more runs though not enough to overtake the offenses in Parker.  Wyke pulled a coup in landing 1B DH Justin Morneau to add power and OBA to an impressive core. Morneau is a perennial CBA MVP candidate but he isn’t the only bat with Nick Markakis who  warranted his high pick hitting 15 HR and .309 in 2007.  Markakis projects is nearly a 5 tool threat in 2008.  Mark Reynolds holds down the third base job for this season as Andy Marte simmers in the Iron stew.  A slew of young prospects litter the bench in wait as the improved lineup flexes.  Brandon Harris will take over at 2B alongside the re emerged Stacy Peralta.  Lindner’s folly was C Towns prize as Andy LaRoche also waits for the 3B job.  Elijah Dukes and Matt kemp await the call too. 
Oh that pitching…The starters are young and solid all the way through.  A terrific staff led by Fausto!.  Adam Wainwright is his co-ace.  Jeff Francis a third ace.  Chris Young a fourth ace.  Orlando Hernandez a heck of a spot starter.  Consider that Phill3p Hugh3s, Jon Lester, and Carlos Marmol are on hand too.  The pen with Marmol and newly acquired Russ Springer is pretty good too.  Fancisco Cordero is top shelf as closer.  C Town will prove how important pitching is.  If they win, pitching is huge.  If any staff should win, its this one.  The lineup is pretty solid for key games. With Kemp in the game they are a different offensive team.  He is a half time player so usage will be a factor with C town.
 

The Staub Conference has a rich history. It began as a tribute to Rusty Staub who was a favorite player of the originators Gerald Benoit and Claude LaMarre. He was a perfect choice. Le Grand Orange! I thought it was a great choice. It represented a common interest. Two countries, three fans, the same favorite player for the same reasons and united by baseball. The Staub conference represented that common baseball bond. The Clemente was a tribute to an outstanding favorite who influenced the game. A small market player who was a pioneer and groundbreaking player who gave his life and soul to what he cared for. humanity, family, and baseball. The league names will carry on for CBA's lifespan in tribute to Claude and Gerald's legacy.

CBA continues to honor Claude and Gerald as we enter our 12th season next week with file and CM entry.

Baseball in Canada was a passion for generations of persons in the provinces. Rabid fans who would listen at night to ball games originating in Parc Jarry that carried via the network across the wonderful land and people of Canada. Listening and imagining. Many perhaps attending a few games at a place unique. Baseball managed to extract a loss, from the jaws of victory when it allowed the greedier side diminish and devour the beloved Expos. The worst part was the slow torture as their glorious memories were made bitter by stinging greed, bit by ever so slow bit. Claude spoke of Loria. How he was disappointed and disgusted by the sell out of the fans and the Expos. Of course people wouldn't come. Baseball propped and built the Nationals, why not the Quebecois? Why not? Our founders broken hearted by their love. Claude saw it coming beforehand. He knew and he lamented. He refused to let the greed of the times take his dignity and honor. He turned his back to baseball which turned his back on him. It was on his own terms. Claude was a member of the Staub Conference as was Gerald who equally felt the sting and slowly withdrew his bid. Gerald who is my estimation is one of the noblest and fairest gentlemen, took his time to continue and run the CBA, not for any love of baseball which broke his eternal Montreal Expo heart, rather he did so to honor commitment to his friends and buddies in CBA. Staub is a favorite player of his. The name Staub means a great deal in the spirit of competition in CBA. It is a reminder of the initial bond that our league has between Canadian and American strat friends. I was asked to become the Staub President by both men and thought how cool they liked the same player I did (Met Fan). Montreal used to give the Mets fits but we liked talking 70's baseball since I had seen the Expos play at Shea a few times and many more on channel 9 WWOR-TV NY from about 1970 on. Staub seemed a good choice for us. When our founders left after they soured on baseball because of the abandonment of the game from Montreal, we reorganized CBA keeping Staub for legacy. My Brooklyn Dodger fan parents can relate with those fans.

Originally there was another division in Staub called the Rogers, after Montreal hurler Steve Rogers. The Clemente had the Monday named after Rick Monday for some unknown reason.

In the Monday

The Rogers had

 

The divisions were absorbed into the other divisions in a re-alignment designed to make scheduling easier. Of note Gerald Benoit did the logo designs as Dennis C has assisted us with today. Each team a unique identity. CBA has dedicated itself to its rich history with its database and records. Some of our teams names remain as unofficial landmarks of our early years and tribute to those who took the time to share with us. Kennesaw Mountain is one of those. Longue Pointe, Bashers, Redsox, Otters, Superbas, Limoilou, are others. San Diego may soon become another with 7 years of continous service.

The Staub Conference has always boasted some of the most competitive pennant races in CBA history. Who could forget the last 3 races? The Belfast - Limoilou Longue Pointe battles? The classic 1 game playoff series that occurred twice in two years? A three way dance with all three battering each other into the playoffs. Now its some newer titans lashing it out in the Dawson. Up comes Joliet. The rise of the Surf. Add to the mix a healthy dose of Longue Pointe and Limoilou always a threat. Dawson looks like another battlefield in 2008. The 2007 Dawson was the strongest division by record in Staub placing two wildcards Longue Pointe and San Diego. A great season again for the Dawson. Belfast and Joliet may not have placed in the money, but apparently were gathering strength and developing a 4th and 5th divisional threat.

Belfast is a successful CBA franchise. JD Adams built his teams to compete with Dawson's powerhouses. While others were loaded with superstars, Adams relied on excellent role players and a varity of techniques to win. Adams is much like his Dawson LP counterpart, a manager who likes to use small ball to win. Adams had made the playoffs before as said. He also had been eliminated on game 163 and felt the heartbreak that Cory Light felt last season narrowly missing CBA immortality. It seems that CBA remembers the winners and playoff teams while other team performances fade away. We recall the continuously strong and great 1997 and 1999 Limoilou teams of Jeff Boutet's dynasty, The St Foy Frenchies and Dino Barnabe. The Brooklyn Superbas Parker domination, The Hitmen and Loggers championship runs. The legendary Philly teams of the early decade. We even recall Boulet's Beauport Gamblers, Lou Bloss' Parma Flamingoes, Jack's miracle Otters of 2001, The Quebec Capitales of Chris Boutin in 2001 and other dawson races. We even remember the 2004 KC A's run by Rich Schneider who took over for Mike Johnson and drove the A's all the way to the finals. But we won't remember the Belfast Brawlers of 2007. We prefer to remember the glory days of 2005-6 when we speak about the tough pugilists from Montreal, Quebec.

The Brawlers are tough alright. They refused to lay down and die even in a down season which was an obvious rebuild year. Adams not even the least bit tempted to toss in the towel and look for lower ranking, the Brawlers played their hearts out till the end using their best potential lineups. They were a spoiler and my choice for team with the most courage in 2007. The talent seemed in place. However, The Brawler demise was fast. What caused the fade? Some reason could be that Players who had great previous years had poor cards in '07. Kotsay, Huff, Figgins, Chacin, Majewski to name a few. Tablesetters like Figgins .263 3HR 44 RBI 63 sb didn't get on base or have the pop in his bat. His slug dived. Lugo tailed off to .274 7 HR 38 RBI. Figgins remember was an MVP candidate in 2006 who created havoc for the Brawlers was off. No HR threat. Huff's HR and Slugging sliced in half 14 HR 51 .253 in 233 AB, not bad but he was the top HR leader. Endy Chavez played well in the OF5 HR 55 RBI .324 BA. A few guys had good years. Rios hit .290, A Miles .289, Luna .292, Freddie Sanchez .313. They had very good years. But no extra bases. No HR threat. The offense suffered . Just plate enough runs per AB. The .380 slug was atrocious. One of the worst I recall. A .336 team OBA, .670 total average. 4.45 RC per game. The most telling? A .114 isolated power average. By comparison Skokie won Carter with a .219, a great deal higher. Good teams generally are in the .185+ range. Very good offensive teams around .210-.220, Super offensive teams like 2000 Philly, Brooklyn, 2002 Philly, 2003 Brooklyn, 2003 Quebec, 2001 Sunville had Iso's around .215 to .228. 83 HR, 33 triples, 323 doubles. While the triples and doubles are acceptable the HR won't do it. 2007 Belfast proves that without the power, the pitching don't matter.

Pitching was awful but it wasn't too good either for Belfast. Belfast went for pitching in Rd 1 and grabbed whom they thought would anchor the staff Jason Jennings. He seemed to be washed at 11-13 4.66. Actually it could have been worse. With poor perfoming roatation starters Belfast could not score enough to compete though they might had with some help. BJ Ryan's numbers were dismal. 6-4 3.76 are numbers not befitting an effective closer. However upon closer look .107 IRSC. .232 BA, 10.5 K's per 9, 19 inherited's 9 inherited went into scoring position, but only 2 scored. Strange. 1 HR per 9, 3.56 K/BB, what went wrong? The HR's. Belfast may have similar troubles again in 2008. No power added, Belfast will likley suffer the same fate. The difference is they will have less pitching as Jennings falls down, Ryan can't toss, and others are just eating innings. The Brawlers could easily lose more than 100 this season with a different manager. However not with Adams at helm. They may struggle but He will somehow find a way to get this team to perform optimally. Figgins is back, and Armando Rios will drive him in. Chavez, Amezaga will see play time. Miles will likely be a sparkplug. Belfast drafted for the future with Andy Sonnanstine, under rated Nate McClouth. Super closer draftee, Manny Corpust should pick up where Ryan left off. The pen is very solid. Raffy Perez will set up as will Tony Pena. The staff will be by committee with some serviceable cards like Durbin, Sampson, & DiNardo. Batista will head the staff as a solid #2 starter. Belfast can make some noise and surprise some teams in their division. With a few runs, the pen can hold 'em. LP better look out because Belfast can hurt their chances as the possible storm looms on the horizon for Dawson. The hurricane Surf and Northern Logs may break under the weight of a very powerful Joliet team armed to break through.

If one man has been patient in CBA, it's CBA executive consultant and GM Jack Frost. The news in 2008 just may be his like it was Joe Wallace's last year. This team could achieve many franchise offensive records. Perhaps some CBA too? Rumors have been circulating that Joliet may be building a new stadium and attempting to shed the second division image they acquired the past few seasons. The Jackhammer logo and name symbollic with those season memories. This year look out...

Joliet has had some notable achievements in CBA despite the dubious team won lost record. They are CBA's stolen base Kings. They remind us of the early CBA when teams regularly had more than 100+ SB a year. This year they had 320. Next runner up Brooklyn's 152. More than double. Didn't realize the game could be coaxed into running that many chances. The year 2006 saw 300+ SB as well. Juan Pierre 3 HR 33 RBI 88 SB. A Soriano .264 30 HR 93 RBI 69 SB. Ryan Freel 41 SB. Podsednick 31 of 40 SB in only 127 Ab's as PR and sub. Eckstein 15 SB, Derek Lee 12, Almezaga 22 SB. Tracy 8, Green 7, even 7 for Magglio (16 84 .292). Pierre was however caught 36 times which may be a record. Perhaps like Belfast the lack of HR power hurt them in '07. Only 128 which falls short of the playoff teams HR totals. Only 275 doubles the worst in CBA. .327 OBA, .397 slug, .131 Iso, 4.43 runs created. Not good. Some of the disappointment with the offense lay with the fall off of Chad Tracy he was horrible at 3B. 26 errors .476 X rating awful Cabrera-esque. 14 HR 68 RBI .241, he hurt the team...and he is gone... Arrives Mike Lowell. Huge clutch bat and card acquired from Indiana for a pick. He will be in the middle of a fearsome attack. He is a 1 at 3B so that helps the pitching. Magglio Ordonez could be an MVP candidate even playing at Busch stadium. Derek Lee another 1 rated fielder mans 1st base and will hit for a high average. Ross Gload a good card in reserve and as a PH. Aaron Hill a valuable 2B who is a 2 at 2B. Shawn Green will get on base for Joliet, and Ronny paulino will be solid at bat and behind the plate. Juan Pierre will run wild again but get on base even more. JJ Hardy will hit HR's at SS with excellent 2 e14 defense. This team is set. The pitching will be good this year. John Maine an ace starter, AJ Burnett, Chuckt James, Jered Weaver, Looper for innings, and a few other spot starters with decent cards should round it the rotation. Not the best, but enough to be average. Look for Maine to win 20. The pen is really deep with JJ Putz as closer. The st up men are quite solid and will help out the back end of the rotation. Luis Vizcaino. Joaquin Benoit, Renyel Pinto, Brian Wolfe, Jorge Sosa, Matt Capps, Richard er Tim er Jared Burton. Joliet leads CBA with names that begin with J. They may lead Dawson when its all over too. This team is just loaded with what could be their best team ever.  If ever it were time for Joliet to make a run, it's this year.

Limoilou defines  ease of transition.  The Wendigo are led by Original member Jeff Boutet.  The Wendigo are a model of consistency.  Year after year this franchise just reinvents readjusts and reclaims prominence.  The Limoilou name stands for excellence in CBA.  Boutet just seems to have the magic touch.  His trades are well planned and calculated and his assessment of talent has been non paralleled.  Jeff Boutet is a sure fire Hall of Famer.  His teams have played some legendary games over the years.  They bring out the intensity in their opponents.  Many classic games have been participants.  Limoilou has stretched 'em to 7 winning a few and losing a  one I recall in 2005 to LP in a tremendous final game won on a HR.  The 2003 Champs destroyed their competition, and beat Brooklyn for another title.  Ljmmer can be counted on for Boutet's midas touch to make Dawson another charm.  They won 93 in 2007.  They are on track again the same.  They do it with wise personnel decisions.  Like drafting Dustin McGowan.  Patiently holding on to the right players too.  Chris Ray, and Eric Gagne was worth a spot and they produced a nice little cards for 2008.

Limoilou counted on 237 HR and some high slugging to compete. The numbers weren't gaudy, but guys got on base at a .343 clip.  Not too bad.  The slugging was around .455 which is slightly above average.  The runs created .795.  Its safe to say the HR's were hit when they counted.  The .196 ISO is good.  Contributions from Carlos Beltran's incredible season in the field and at bat were 52 HR 133 RBI .266 .354 OBA, 1.265 TA and a whopping .621 slugging!  Both he and Thome 49 HR 111 RBI .302 BA were above 1.000 in the lineup.  Glaus rebounded and  had 42 HR 96 RBI despite .202 BA.  Hall 33 HR 102 .266.  A few low average hitters with good HR power.  Lofton 48 sb, and Lopez 25 sb provided some speed.  The Wendigo stole 139 bases.

  Pitching was quite good.  5, 10 game winners. J Johnson 15-4  3.33, Schmidt 12-6  3.00.  Saito saved 30 went 8-4.  The middle relievers were effective .301 IRSC though could've done better. Aardsma, Weathers, Corcoran, and Betancourt were capable. Minute Maid Pk is hardly a hitters paradise for batting average.    Boutet tailor made his team for such a stadium.  Limmer has a few guys who will develop some as Prince Fielder will lead the team into 2008.  Beltran, Granderson, Lofton will provide some runs. The pitching appears 3 deep in McGowan (1st Rd pick), Schilling, and Jarrod Washburn. Wakefield will eat innings as will Daniel Cabrera. Not sure the talent is what it had been with the loss of Thome.  The value of Thome's bat TA, OBA, Slug is great.  Lim will find a way to win.  They better.  Joliet and SD appear to be playoff bound fighting for the division.  LP will be competing with Limmer for a wildcard along with A Town, Kennesaw, and Maine for the final WC.

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2007 C.B.A.

Dawson WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#

2007 Limoilou LWD 93 69 .574 ---- *WON*

2007 San Diego SSD 92 70 .568 1.0 Wildcard #1

2007 Longue Pointe LLD 91 71 .562 2.0 Wildcard #2

2007 Joliet JJD 77 85 .475 16.0

2007 Belfast BBD 70 92 .432 23.0

Carter WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#

2007 Skokie SWC 87 75 .537 ---- *WON*

2007 Ohio OTC 74 88 .457 13.0

2007 Kennesaw Mtn KWC 70 92 .432 17.0

2007 Allentown ANC 66 96 .407 21.0

2007 Maine MEC 65 97 .401 22.0

Limoilou and Longue Pointe is a rivalry going back to CBA inception. Dennis Concepcion our dedicated Staub President is also an original Montreal Expos fan. Some may say he could be one of the Expos most loyal American fans. He could tell us more about Jarry Parc than many Expo fans from Montreal. Who more fitting to take over the Longue Pointe team name than he? Again Concepcion used his Strat theory and style to build another contending team long removed from the ashes of the Hitmen. The Concepcion template seems to be a common sense approach. He drafts and trades for players who incorporate a total team picture. Longue Pointe mixes speed, bunting, Hit and run into wins. 149 team SB which put the low slugging Loggers on second and sometimes 3rd base in scoring position at key times. Ichiro Suzuki had somewhat smaller than usual numbers but was productive in more ways than 1. His all around game paid dividends. 4 HR 42 RBI .292 69 SB dont jump out. He still created 86 runs per game with his bat and stopped runners dead from his RF position. Only 3 runners reached base on CF X all season. His 5 OF assists show that runners didnt mess with him. In fact the whole LP outfield helped the pitching staff along. Tori Hunter (21 HR 55 RBI .240 15sb) had 14 assists from CF, because they dared. Hunter allowed only 4 balls to drop in. Combined the duo took away many of LP opponents hits and extra basehits. Runners stopped from advancing. Aramis Ramirez .306 33 HR 101 RBI had the big bat He was acquired from Philly for Kelvim Escobar, a deal which worked for both teams. The declining Richie Sexson chipped in 27 HR but his .776 TA, 5.43 RC .477 slug and .332 OBA were way off previous seasons. In to pick up the slack was Craig Monroe (released...thats gratitude) with .234 24HR 82 RBI. Key contributions from Craig Counsell 6 HR 33 RBI .272 14sb and Jose Vidro 5Hr 42 RBI .290 in the small ball department bunt and H & R reminded some of Ted Sizemore and Willie Randolph. Was it their offense that got them to 90 wins? The stats look poor. The Pitching? The bench? It was all of the above in some form. In this case we have to look deeper into things. The team offense was negligable or so it may seem. .267 BA 175 HR not too bad. 713 runs, low. 4.64 runs per game. 4.42 against. Hmm? 12-5 in extras. Bullpen? Yes. Bullpen. Bench? Yes bench. 25-15 in 1 run games. A very well rounded bench with strong production against various team matchups. Each year LP seems to have a few players on the bench who platoon and produce. Clint Barmes .263 9 HR, 35 RBI as a utility. Catcher Javier Valentin 7 HR 39 RBI 11 PH .379 in 56 games. Cirillo .346 in 159 AB, 8 PH. Theriot 10 PH, Repko .312 BA, Logan PR-PH.

Was it all that which produced 90 wins? A .322 team OBA and .412 slug? The pitching and bench were the key. With the emphasis on runner advancement, Concepcion loaded his bullpen with relievers and starters with guys who throw strikeouts. More runners do not advance thus lowering team ERA. Good defense and pitcher runner non advancement slow down opposing offenses. A 4.21 ERA 2nd in CBA. The league averaged 4.67. 9 shutouts, 42 saves, Opp .263 BA, a stopper named Zambrano. Cy Young 17-4 3.02 ERA. 148 hits in 214 innings. Staff? 1151 K's. A .759 X rating %, An amazing .216 Inherited runner score from the pen. They threw fewest pitches in CBA. Lots of rallies stopped. Games won. Bench steps in for usage. LP manages another playoff. LP's weakness showed in the playoffs. Over the long haul, LP used stamina and endurance. In a shorter series, the Wendigo's explosive playoff team took them in 6 games because the Wendigo's Curt Schilling and Jason Schmidt shut down their on on base offense. LP's power died after game 1's 3 HR by Monroe, Ramirez, and Sexson. Limoilou had earned their place once again as Dawson champions...And in 2008 Limoilou may once again look down on the Dawson as they're primed for another run....

San Diego Surf, they rode long and far in 2007.  A tremendous playoff year for the one time patsies of the Dawson. Ain't nobody taking 'em light no mo'.  Dese here Surfa's are back to ride.  Joe Wallace won't be satisfied unless he coaxes a World Title from these dudes. Their window is now. The time has come. Blessed with a great all around team, SD is going to shoot the tube to the top of Dawson.  Only Joliet should stand in their way, and in fact could be every bit as tight as the Brooklyn - Indy Parker fight.  San Diego has it all. Last year they had it all too. 

Victor Martinez 20 HR 112 RBI .355 BA , 1.011TA, David Wright 30 HR 112 RBI .346 BA, 1.027 TA, Robinson Cano 20 HR .319 BA, Jermaine 25 HR 109 .287 were excellent in producing offense and wins. A team .360 OBA, and a .468 Slug were good enough to score almost 6 runs a game.  The .800 TA was very good too. The bench was solid.  Delmon Young had 14 PH and next year will be a full timer and perhaps a later a star. The offense will be loaded.  The lineup is solid into 2008, the bench very strong. A great PH in Daric Barton, Delmon, Howie Kendrick.  Who will Wallace start Kendrick or Cano? An enviable dilemna.  Last year pitching was much of the reason for the team record 92 wins.  A 4.31 team ERA.  1299 K's a very high total. Runners didn't advance.  The starters were strong but the pen a bit weaker, a .347 IRSC.  Jake Peavy again an ace starter with a 16-8 record.  Dan Haren 13-10 15 QS,  4.10 ERA.  Ervin Sanatana started slow then broke out to finish 13-7  4.07 ERA.  The pitching was within CBA's upper staffs. Gil Meche 11-10, and King Felix Hernandez 12-13 with 15 quality starts rounded things out. The other Felix Rodriguez saved 20. Next year should be even better.  Perhaps CBA's best.  The starters return with better cards. The bats are stronger too.  From Wright to Youkilis, to Nady to Victorino. SD has it all.  If there is one shortcoming it could be against lefties in late innings.  The do not have a lefty set up.  Otherwise maybe a 100 wins season for the Surf.

The Carter Division.

No race here in 2007.  It was Skokie from the outset.  They fought an early challenge by Allentown, and then sped off as trades kept solidifying the Wolfmen as the season went.   Allentown faded, and Ohio couldn't keep up.  Kennesaw never seriously mounted a challenge after dropping a 3 game set to the Wolfmen on May 20-22.   Each game counts.  The story this year is Skokie, and only Skokie's.  The Wolfman has earned a place within CBA's legacy by playing gallantly in the 2007 World Series.  The team was built for the playoffs, and darned near pulled it out.  Despite Skokie's dominance of Carter, many saw that division as a weaker sister of the mighty Dawson.  Only 3 teams, Skokie, Limoilou, and San Diego had winning records Interleague, while only 5 had +.500 records outside the division.

Which trades helped the most?  A look at the multi team stats show that guys like David Delluchi 16 Hr 55 RBI, Jason Giambi's 22 HR helped the Skok.  Wang went 12-8.   Street 29 saves, ironically enough all on Skokie. The underdog, Wolfmen challenge CBA's perennial Schmidt powerhouse. Could that change? Some rebuilding GM's are betting on it.  Until then, the 87-75 record could've been better if not for a late swoon already well in the lead.  The usage wasn't an issue.  The team playoff built.  Piazza may have been team MVP.  28 HR 89 RBI  .322 BA  who'd have seriously thought?  Comeback player for sure if there were one. 276 Team HR.  913 runs scored an impressive number.  Skokie offense really took off after adding Jason Giambi for 178 AB's.  he hit 13 big HR, and knocked in 36.  The team had a .350 OBA, and .491 slug.  Both excellent numbers in Citizen's Bank Park.  The liberal HR numbers in the CB Park gave Skokie lots of runs. Unsung hero was John Valentin who blasted 29 HR 85 RBI and .311 BA.  Mathews Jr had 26 HR 86 RBI .310 BA.  Bonds  hit 37 HR 100 RBI, 1.174 TA,  .619 slg and got on base to a .423 clip.  Very impressive at bat but in the field he cost alot.  He let 16 hits roll past him and gain scoring position with a horrendous .448 X rate in LF. Had only 4 assists in 100 games out there. It seems as though he pitched 1/3 of an inn in 1 game, strange.   Meanwhile Grudzielanek played well in the field with an .886 X rate.  He and Jack Wilson .750 X rate made only 92 DP's. A slow team too, the Wolfmen stole only 39 bases.  The bench was solid.  Dave Dellucchi proved a valued pick up with a 1.056 TA.  8 HR 24 RBI .318 in 124 AB. Chipper added 28 HR and a .287 BA.  The team could have done better if some extra inning support had been better.  A 4-8 record in extras, and 22-26 record in 1 run games meant something was wrong.  Winning 24-21 in games vs Lefties wasn't helpful but lets look closer. 

Their ace starter pitched irregularly in 45 games.  Tim Hudson was hit 13-7 4.83 era 244 hits in 220 Inn.  Only 62 K's, runners advanced and scored.  Clemens pitched well but 6-5 .382 era, Lilly, Wright, and Hudson were all hitable. What then?  Nathan had a tremendous Cy Young type year, finished 4th with a 1.20 ERA in 63 games. Saroman Torres had 27 Holds best in CBA?  Why would they lose in extras? Teams did hit .283 BA vs Lefty.  Skokie is prone to lefty HR in that park.  Skokie had poor production from their lefty pen and no reversers to compensate.  Wolfman used George Sherrill 3-4 7.28 ERA, John Reineckar 4-6 7.88 ERA, Mike Stanton 6-0 4.71 who blew saves.  Guys like Jacques Jones clouted those pitchers in late innings.  Jones hit two HR for big wins in an Ohio sweep in early May.  Millwood a righty 2R, struggled at Citizen's.  9-17 4.46 ERA.  HR problems too. Teams hit .274 total vs the Skok.  Next year Skokie needing to reload after such a great run to the finals, made another slew of trades to bring in the puzzle pieces needed for another run.  The lineup again is solid with players performing near or better than last years levels.  Bonds, Chipper, Hudson, maybe Jack Wilson will shine.  The falloff of Sheffield and Mathews, and Piazza will be offset by adding the under rated Dmitrev Young and Randy Winn. Catching will be by committee so this team will have its work cut out for them.  Skokie added a good bullpen guys like Soria, and Redding to go with Heilman and Nathan.  Perhaps another trade in the future? Skokie will have to fend off some rivals this year in Carter.

Allentown seems to have made some strides in the competition for the Wildcard. As it stands San Diego and Joliet may fight for the Dawson title and the first wildcard. Skokie is preseason favorite in Carter.  The rest of the teams that have taken a step this year could be fighting Limoilou and Belfast from Dawson for the wildcard.  Its possible that the second wildcard could be a sub .500 team.  Therefore everyone is in this race and it should be a dandy in Staub for the last wildcard.  Again every roll and game counts.  Emerging from the great Staub Pack.  One deal could put one atop.  Consider LP, Limoilou, Belfast, Maine, A-Town as contenders.  These teams are all close in card talent.  Ohio may struggle some but they are young. 

The Allentown Senators run by veteran Rich Schneider may stand out because of their great speed.  Last year Allentown started quickly and actually atop Carter a time in late May.  It really looked as if A Town had turned the corner.  The came Skokie trades.  Eventually Atown sold off to build stronger. Then came a slide that they couldn't get out of as Skokie took control.  No matter they were rebuilding anyway.  2007 saw their leading hitter Ben Broussard 15 55 .319 only get 302 AB.  He was a prior season trade acquisition.  Fedro Peliz hit 22 HR but .222 not nearly good.  Hanley disappointed at bat and glove 12 HR  63 RBI .274 BA, .732 X rating below average.  The team .635 TA was dreadful. The trade of Posada did not help matters any.  The offense struggling is the reason behind the fall.  Russell  Martin 5 HR 36 RBI .265 was counted on to provide more, and he didn't. A bright spot and story was the play of of former LP Hitman Berni3 Williams.  .308 7 HR 44 RBI 37 Doubles to close out his CBA hall of fame career as a Senator.  Jason Michaels went 10-16 as a PH and Broussard team MVP, had 11-34 PH. The team had a lowly .126 Isolated Power rating, pew. The pitching was decent last year despite a .287 BA vs lefty hurlers. A team 4.65 ERA was enough to keep them in many games.  Byung Kim 9-10 4.04 did nicely as did ole' Woody Williams 7-9 4.07 ERA.  Duscherer saved 17 in the pen. Opponents hit only .198 off him, but he let a terrible 38% of his runners to score IRSC..  The team had .333 IRSC, high. A .725 X rating was sub par to add to the woes.

Allentown appears to be a .500 team for 2008.  They will have to do it on speed and small ball.  Its likely they will steal about 200, and will need to move runners along.  There is no power to speak of. With a shot at the playoffs Allentown is a franchise on the rise.  They have great young talent to go with that speed.  Ramirez is a legitimate superstar at the bat.  His glove lethally defective. Without a DH in this league Ramirez hurts the team at SS.  Matsui at 2B will be strong.  Matsui will set the table along with Reggie Willits.  Russ Martin will steal and hit Rich hopes. Feliz should be a competent power hitter with a glove. '08 could see as many as 6 players over 25 stolen bases, if Owens comes through. The pitching will be led by James Shields rapidly coming into his own. Livan should win a few.  Riske will be good as closer along with new addition Cla Meredith.  ATown could be fun to watch.

Kennesaw Mountain Toothpicks or Woodsmen?  That is the question. Which nickname will they honor? With .500 a sensible target, Kennesaw Mt and James Blake-O will make things interesting.  Young and talented.  Loaded with young upcomers. Ryan Braun, James Loney, Ian Kinsler, Ryan Garko, BJ Upton, Yunnie Escobar, Norris Hopper, Corey Hart without his shades.  A few good young pitchers like Billingsley, Owings, Kendrick, Jannsen, Hochevar, Kuwoda, Chico, Gorzellany. Could their be quality in quantity? Blake is betting on it.  Oh this team in another year or two. For now we watch Blake swing deal after deal to bring the once proud Neah franchise back into prominence.  Blake could have been even stronger had penalties not taken a #2 pick from him.  He reacquired 2 more #2's from Brooklyn for Raffy Furcal to go along with a slew of #1's and 2's.  Oh, and Jordan Shaffer is here too.

 But last year wasn't a good one for the Woodies.  Usage was problematic and the offense was pretty decent. McCann was awesome behind the plate 22 HR 77 RBI .319. 9 men had double digit HR's.  Furcal was a bright spot with 10 HR 52 RBI .288 33sb 11cs .749 X rating.  Garko was a premier PH with 12 PH and a +.300 BA. A 4.95 team RC is pretty poor and will need to be improved on for Kennysaw to win.  The team hit .263 with 165 HR and 713 runs scored in 2007. They stole 92 bases total and stole 3B 8 times in 13 attempts. They only won 70 games in '07 and should win at least 10 more than that.  KWC hung in through May in the Carter race just a bit behind. The race for the Woodsmen was for 2nd place which they held as late as August before Ohio wrested it from them.  One interesting note the 6th place hitters belted 31 HR and knocked 90+ RBI's.  Jeff Kent's demise hurt KWC too.

Maine is another team like Kennesaw on the upswing after a few good drafts.  The nucleus looks good. Maine lost 97 games last year basically they can't get any lower. The pitching was decent with a 4.56 ERA The offense hit .255 with 201 HR. They gave up 1557 hits in 1451 innings. The bullpen was fair with decent ERA's but far from adequate in allowing runners to score. .34 IRSC.  Teams hit .276 against the team as a whole.  The strikeout to walk ration was a lowly 1.68. You would hope for better.  2.00 is a good bench mark for success.  9.7 hits per 9. The offense anemic. .318 OBA is horrible.  No runners on, no runners score simple. A .680 total avg is likened to an average SS. A .170 Iso wasn't awful.  Aside, 29 SB and 22 CS not too good. I can go on about the team stats and player stas but they point really is the future of this team.  Adrian Gonzalez 16 HR 77 RBI .304 is a legitimate superstar at 1B.  Kahlil Greene 23 HR 61 RBI .298 is a top SS.  The loss of Reyes actually wasn't much in that Greene's glove and power made up for the speed. As former Wantagh stars like Luis Gonzalez 10 HR 32 RBI .292 fade away, Guys like Dan Uggla step up.  Uggla a CBA rookie of the year type hit 24 HR 85 RBI .282 in a good season.  He returns in 2008 with more power. Francoeur a disappointment because he couldn't hit righties .208.  He hit .333 vs lefties for a total 22 HR 81 RBI .237.  RF Austin Kearns hit 14 HR 39 RBI .227.  Aaron Boone may have been the worst 3B in CBA making 22 errors hitting 7 HR 28 RBI .239.  A team .713 X rating, Boone's X rating was .386...Worst.  Cory Koskie had 14 HR 45 RBI in 246 AB.

The pitchers didn't do much. Geoff Geary a set up man had the team low ERA 2-3 2.73.  Ian Snell will develop some after posting a 14-11 4.74 season.  Typical of Maine, the team is loaded with young talent.  Rich Hill is aboard and should be respectable as the number 2 man or even as ace. Noah Lowry 9-8 4.36 ERA, should be a good card too. Jason Bergmann drafted, Claudio Vargas acquired from BSP, and Jow Saunders should help along at the end of the rotation.  That could be a weakness with the competition for the #2 WC.  Bobby Jenks as expected blossomed into a top closer and that will enable the Express to rise in the standings.  Brandon Lyon will set up as he returns to form. The bench is quite solid too with guys to rest the regulars. Luis Gonzalez, Joey Gathright who stole 47 for BSP last year. Craig Biggio in his farewell season.  The return of Alex Gonzalez to SS with power and glove who could become trade bait.  Ak Iwamura will play 3B at the top of the order likely.  Maine looks as though they could have a break through year.  They will test Mike Koepp's skills.  Koepp has built this team from having no future propsects and talent to one that could be a contender for the playoffs in two years.

Without fanfare Ohio just stays under the radar.  They finished 2nd in 2007 with a lowly 74-88 record. It spoke volumes for what may have been CBA's worst divisional race ever.  Ohio should finish last in 2008. The team lineup is full of holes and the defense is porous. The team is building step by step.  Ohio is full of future optimism. but the attendance will be low and fans must be patient in the Buckeye state. 

Last years team hit and average .261 with 175 HR 723 runs. Average at best. Preston Wilson was the unlikely hitting star with 29 HR 92 RBI .292 BA.  Texeira disappointed at 24 HR 82 RBI .254 BA. Carlos Guillen who will be a butcher at glove did hit 15 HR 64 RBI .307 BA. Ensberg hit 24 HR 66 RBI .235 BA. Durham had 21 HR at 2B.  Vance Wilson hit .350 as a backup catcher.  Jacque Jones hit 18 HR 44 RBI but only .244.  Kinda microcosm's the Maine offense.  The pitchers did well in the pen.  The numbers gaudy with Dennis Reyes posting 3-0 1.22 ERA in 45 games. Steve Shields was 2-2 2.30 11sv.   The pen allowed only .297 runners to score. The team allowed a .270 BA.  But had a 2.38 K/BB ratio. The staff was good enough to win.  Starter Bonderman was 12-11 3.59 and had a great year. But they had little run support, 4.46 per game.  The team .327 OBA and a .418 slug is no good. A .157 Iso and you just cant bring 'em home.  A promising season turned sour fast.  

This year will see possibly 100 losses.  Glen Kenan will have his work cut out.  Thing is that the future stars could become very powerful very fast.  Loaded, Alex Gordon, Kelly Johnson, Mark Texeira, Willy Mo Pena, Chris Young, Jason Kubel, Melkon Cabrera, Matt Diaz, the bats could see big years in 2009. Ohio will need to count on Millwood 9-17  4.46 ERA to return to prior form. Some good arms with Bonderman, Clay Bucholtz, Brett Myers.  Ohio is building and it will take some time as their talent blossoms.

2007 was loads of fun.  Many records sets and many hearts broken.  The thrill of victory for Maine, and the agony so close for the Wolfman.  The dominance of Brooklyn and Carolina to their untimely demise in the playoffs.  The  collapse of Belfast and Ottawa, and the near playoff miss of Bryan in their best ever campaign. 2007 was one to remember.  The 2008 season will be exciting too if the buzz at the draft was any indication. We look forward to opening day and the surprises that the season can bring.  Will my team make CBA history?  Will we achieve immortality in the record books?  Will the stats set team highs or lows.  Will I share a place in CBA legend or infamy? Who will be a perenial powerhouse and who will also ran.  These questions will be answered soon enuff as CBA moves on into year 12.

 

 

 

 


Hi everyone, this Skip Duckworth reporting on the Indiana Red Birds for the up and coming 2008 season. The Red Birds had another fine year last year but they came up short on trying to be the first back to back champions in the CBA. Going into this season Red Bird Manager said they were going to have to make some changes and he did with his skillful ways of doing deals. At Catcher they have Jorge Posada for a full season and his skills behind the plate and at the plate will be a big help to the team. At 1B they still have Albert who had a down yr in the majors for him but about any other player would take the numbers he put up. Now up the middle they have a great DP combo in Reyes and Polanco, Reyes has great range and if he can get to a ball he probably throw you out as he only committed 12 errors for the season, now for DP partner what can you say he went the whole yr with out an error at 2B and he also has great range. With Polanco impressive season at the plate and the glove that allow the Red Birds trade away Tad Iguchi who had a good yr himself but they use him to get another piece to the puzzle. Now at 3B what can say other than A-Rod he does it yr in yr out? The Outfield is anchored down by the CF Grady Sizemore who can cover the ground and it is rare for him to make miscue on a ball. Now for the corners in LF Jason Bay has been roaming around there but he had a down yr so mgr Fidler decided they needed to something and they went out and got Moises Alou who will get a lot of playing time against LH pitching and Jason Tyner will see some action out there against RH pitchers but Alou will get his share of abs out there even against RH pitching. Now in RF going into the draft we knew that Hunter Pence would get his time out there but with their 1st rd pick the Red Birds picked up Josh Hamilton so what a platoon. Mike Cameron was to get his share of time in LF and RF with his good D but then Kennesaw Mtn came knocking and was in search of CF so with some negotiating both GMs came up with a deal to suit each other and coming to the Red Birds to be added in OF mix now is Andre Ethier another youngster where the sky is the limit on his potential. The Red Birds knew in the offseason they were going to have to do something about DH spot and they wanted to find a power hitting

LH bat to put in between A-Rod and Albert just as Tony Clark was in 06 when the Red Birds won it all. They talked to Skokie about Barry Bonds but that is about as far as it went so they turned their attention to Limoilou about Jim Thome and after it was said and done Jarrod Washburn, Tad Iguchi and some draft picks were dealt to Limoilou for Jim Thome. As we mentioned earlier the Red Birds made trades after the draft to bring in Andre Ethier. So the offense and defense for the Red Birds will be a pleasure to watch this coming season. Well that is the first part of the Indiana Red Birds the Hitters, so this is Skip Duckworth and be watching for our next issue of the Red Bird Gazette when talk about the Pitching staff how with the veterans on the team and pitchers brought in via the draft or trades will something else to watch out of the Red Birds.

 

SKIP DUCKWORTH


 

Jan 4th, 2008

 

from Kennesaw Mt Woodsmen/Lumberjacks

"We are not going to earn another draft this high again!"
emphatically stated by GM J.M. Blakely,?and if we do, it will be
looked at oddly by the league, dammit."
Huh?
The old coach has tried it his way for too long.  For the first time,
ole Blake is taking advice from an undisclosed source to go along
with the inside information gathered from his contacts in the MLB; as
in players, coaches, and scouts.
"The world of Stato is not like the world of real baseball.  At least
not in replay; in no way, shape or form did I want to trade Brian
McCann.  I love the guy.  But Strato screwed him and given the new
accepted formula to win and get into the playoffs next season, McCann
had to be sacrificed to achieve a higher goal.  I've not tasted
playoff or World Series success since 2001, my first year in
Stratomatic.  And that team was given to me; I made one super trade
that got me in the playoffs and into the World Series where I was
done in by an experienced 38 year Strato Master in Seven games.  I
ran out of pitchers.  I'll never forget it.  Started Roger Clemens,
pitched game one, shutout.  Left him with only 4 more IPs.  No more
Rocket.  No more arms for game seven.  (Expletives deleted)"
Blake's first taste of Strato was in a winter league with limited
games and restricted IPs and Abs.  Still, it has been a long time and
the former high school coach longs to field a Strato team that can
compete and win.
"This CBA is a fine league.  Full of savvy vets and knowledgeable
GMs; and this Woodsmen team will win more games against a larger
number of my fellow Stratomanics this season than last. More total
wins?  Maybe not; but more wins verses a few more teams is what I am
looking for and to build for 2009 and beyond.  And the foundation is
going to be decent; not great; but decent.
Blake proudly points to the outfield where the bats of BJ Upton and
Aaron Rowand will pound pitchers.  Andre Ethier and Brian Giles
should threaten righty pitchers, while Colby Rasmus, Adam Jones, and
Juan Rivera are held in reserve awaiting their upcoming MLB results.
"Rasmus can play; should be playing by the break in St. Louis. 
You'll soon mention the name of `Rasmus' instead of fat Andruw
Jones."  Mark Teahen, with hitting potential galore, as well as
Carlos Quentin, who struggled last season, both will have a chance to
excel this coming MLB season.  It is hoped that the '09 Woodsmen's
bats will bang heavy, hard and long in '09 while showing great
promise in '08.
And the coach needs a catcher.  "Don't remind me; it isn't like Bard
is meat back there!"  And the coach has a point, though the cards
have not been sent out yet, "Yes, the cards, (LOL), I know how to
read those (expletives deleted) cards now. Well, I think I do!" 
Blake won't say what his targets for the draft but did mention
pitching.  "I learned my lesson about trading pitching.  What I have
returning isn't bad, it isn't great, but it is average.  My #1 should
be a #3 and I do have 4 solid number three pitchers, including
the `Gas Man'", which has to be Ronson Lighter Fluid Winner, Carlos
Silva, who had a much better year, stats wise, in the previous MLB
season.  "And I'll probably have next years' winner, too", in a
painfully obvious reference to young Scott Olsen, who crashed and
burned last season but still is young, with skills, an arm on his
side. "Gotta have somebody for blow-outs or you burn your pen!"  And
what of the bullpen?  Zach Miner will spot-start and serve as long
relief, Russ Springer sports another strong set-up card and Casey
Janssen, the young Toronto Blue-Jay serves as closer for now.  Coach
needs a closer and he knows it.  So what will you do about a catcher,
Coach Blake?
"Like I said, Bard isn't meat; Adam Everett has a strong glove at
Short, and look at my corner sluggers!  (Edwin)Encanarcion,
the `Loon' (James Loney) and (Ryan) Garko can flat out stroke!  And
you don't want to see the clutch numbers from those guys as well as
the 2-Bagger Law Firm of Kent & Kinsler!"  As coach hides his
catching woes, he has hope in the infield.  A young SS can be found
late, and the aforementioned sluggers, in order, sport OPS'
of .794, .919, .842, .875, and .796.  In all, the team that coach
carries into the draft has 8 batters with the lowest OPS of .796 with
5 batters above .842.
"As for a catcher, I will look to find one in the draft but not in
the first round, that's for sure.  The main needs are pitching and
have enough sense not to trade it away when I get it.  This team may
win 75 games; if so, I'll be happy as long as we do a better job
against the league's big boys and not get smashed within our own
division.  Of course, if Eric wants to let go of a short-stop, he
knows where I can be found."
With that, the coach said his good days and headed to the library
with a fresh roll of toilet paper several months issues of Baseball
America.  "Gotta catch up on some reading and find some pitchers."

 


The Superbas are not content on last seasons regular season performance.  They won 106 games but failed to make it past the first round again in the playoffs.  This year could be different with a solid and revamped starting staff.  Brian Bannister, Roy Halladay, Eric Bedard, Dice-K, Mike Mussina and Steve Trachsel will handle the duties and hopefully keep Brooklyn in many games.  GM Marc Wass has gone out and acquired some new talent to shore up the teams balance and offense.  Waiving away a few players to help stock up in the 2008 draft, gone are Joe Beimel, Joey Gathright, and Claudio Vargas.  In their place comes Rafael Furcal to add his speed to the team that led Clemente in steals last season.  Brandon Phillips and Furcal should make a good DP combo with their 2's up the middle.  Vernon Wells returns in CF as a 1 with Manny Ramirez, MVP Miguel Cabrera, and Ryan Howard achoring the middle order.  Todd Helton and his high OBA and strong line drive bat will still be in the mix as well.  Helton is among the all time CBA leaders in most of the offensive power and hitting categories.  not to mention defensively at first base.  He is CBA's 3rd all time leading hitter.  With 362 HR he is also a HR leader.  Ivan Rodriguez returns he is 5th on CBA's all time hit club.  Sammy Sosa CBA's 2nd all time HR, and #1 RBI  king returns for another season with Brooklyn to platoon in RF. 
Brooklyn rests its future on the return of injured stars Bartolo Colon, Baldelli, Pedro Martinez, and prospects like Edwin Jackson.  Brooklyn goes into the draft looking to add its pen of Mariano Rivera, Pedro Feliciano, Ron Mahay, Mike Timlin, Dan Wheeler, and stock up on some young talent.  Brooklyn has reportedly been offering their picks in Rds 7,8,9,10 to other teams for their young talent. 

Nov 2nd, 2007


The Classic Battle, CBA Playoffs, Round 2

Skokie vs. Limoilou, October 2007

 

No one knew what to expect of the Wolfmen in the playoffs this year.  The Wolfmen tried as best they could for this season to correct some deficiencies from the past which resulted in bowing out from Round 1 of the playoffs in 2005 and 2006.  So was this version of the Staub finals really with the best two teams in the conference as coming in to the playoffs Skokie had the worse record of all playoff teams?  But the Wolfmen knew from the beginning of the season (even though in the early days Allentown was kicking their butt and was in first for a time) that they had an excellent chance finally to win the division outright without too much trouble as they had just lost out on the last day of the season in the past two years. (What is better: To be fighting all year for the division or win it fairly easily with no competition?)  This is not a boastful comment at all but just in studying the other teams in the division and based on our simulations, it was a good guess and  turned out to be true.  Again, we always honor and respect the other managers, as we each do our best to find a way to be successful. We never know who’s year will it be.  Also it is my hope, via this report, to be able to provide some interesting insights for others about what it takes to create a playoff-bound and possibly championship team.    Anyway, when a team knows they will comfortably make the playoffs, before the playoffs begin, they need to think about ways to prepare their team and how to make themselves stronger, so they can be very competitive in a short series.

 

For the 2007 CBA season, starting pitching was hard to come by and drove many managers mad.  For Skokie this was also true, we really had to scramble via the draft and trades as if you look at the starters we are using in the playoffs, only Clemens began on our team. (T. Hudson and Wang via trade, L. Hudson a nugget in the draft.)  If you scan the yearly stats of all of our starting pitchers, we really didn’t have a dominating pitcher for this season as we have had in the past although Clemens has a pretty good card and thank god (ha ha) he pitched over 100 innings (so really we saved him for the playoffs as he didn’t have a Clemens year). In the last two seasons we had two good 3-day starters each but this year we had to use a makeship squad.  Tim Hudson won 13 games for the Wolfmen but he received one of the best run supports in the league, he really was pretty inconsistant.  Only Luke Hudson pitched somewhat well for our squad.  So Skokie desperately needed a more dependable starter during the middle part of the season (again planning for the playoffs) and a pitcher who didn’t give up the long ball so much as in the Wolfmen’s stadium, long balls are the name of the game (via the 276 diggers we hit during the season and 230 bombs that left our park by both teams).  So the trade to obtain Wang with Maine was a trade preparing for the playoffs and is probably one of the main reasons why Skokie could have any chance at all in the playoffs.  The idea was if we had a 3 day starter like Wang and the ability to pitch Clemens twice, for five out of the seven games Skokie could have a fairly decent pitcher going who didn’t give up the long ball. This is a situation we couldn’t have done during the regular season but could in the playoffs.  So working with Luke (of Star Wars fame), this might give Skokie a chance to be very competitive with a fairly strong starting staff to go along with the various relief specialists we have and finish with Heilman and Nathan waiting in the wings.  As Skokie entered the playoffs, we were curious if this strategy could really work for our pitching staff.

 

In our first series verse San Diego, the four games we won involved four quality starts by our starting pitchers.  In two of these victories we blew out the Surf but the other two games were won by one run which means that series could have gone the other way if the Surf were hitting a bit more.  Skokie got blown out two games in San Diego but we expected to see this from time to time as going with only 9 pitchers also left a whole in our relief staff if our starters didn’t last at least six innings.  But it had to be this way to play to our strengths.

 

So as Skokie approached their first ever, conference championship series with Limoilou, we knew we would be facing one of the best teams in the CBA, with a very capable manager who has the record for World Series wins and appearances.  Limoilou is a very similar team to Skokie and perhaps even has a bit more balance and strengths as Skokie was gambling their defense at the corners and the poor throwing arm of the Pizza Man wouldn’t cause too many problems.  Skokie came into this series with a total reverse of the situation from their dramatic seven game playoff with Limoilou in 2005.  In 2005, Skokie had the better record, the home field advantage and had thrashed Limoilou during the regular season.  Limoilou was a wild card team.  For 2007, it was reserved, Limoilou had beat Skokie 11 out of 15 games, and had the best conference record with the home field advantage.  Could the tables be reversed?  And can Skokie win in Limoilou? The Wendigos had easily eliminated Longue Pointe in the first round so it seemed they were ready to make another appearance in the CBA World Series.  Could the Wolfmen stop them with all this history?

 

So here are the keys to this historic series as we review each game and discuss were the factors leading to each team’s success and failure:


------------------------------

Game 1: Skokie at Limoilou (Wang vs Schmidt)

 

Wolfmen......... 3 2 1  0 0 0  1 0 1  -  8 10  0

Wendigo......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 3  -  3  8  1

 

The Wolfmen started game 1 off up and running as Piazza, who could be the team MVP knocked in four runs.  He singled with the bases loaded in the 1st for Skokie first run followed by a 2 run shot by Edmonds.  Remember Edmonds was acquired from Wendigo in 2006 for Beltrans, showing the younger star up.  Again Piazza struck in the 2nd inning knocking in 2 more with a base hit and finished the game with a homer in the 9th.  The quick start by Skokie was too much for the Wendigos who finally broke through against Wang in the 9th when Thome hit a 3 run shot.  Could this game be an example of how the series would go?  With this win, Skokie took away the home field advantage from the Wendigos and showed they had come to play and that they really intended to go to their first World Series.  Skokie was hoping in this series their starters could go long and welcomed the complete game by Wang. Also surprised to have had such success against Schmidt who dominated them in the 2005 series.

 

Game 2: Skokie at Limoilou (L. Hudson vs Schilling)

 

Wolfmen......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  3  0

Wendigo......... 0 1 0  1 0 0  1 0    -  3  6  0

 

In Game 2, a game which the Wendigos really needed to win, Schilling came to the rescue.  He was un-hittable and stopped cold the Wolfmen.  L. Hudson pitched a good game in the losing cause.  The great closer of Limoilou, Saito came in and shut the door down to ensure the series was tied going on to Skokie, where the Wolfmen play very tough.  Glaus and Hall homered for the Wendigos to provide the needed runs.  Series tied 1 game a piece with a great pitching matchup coming up for Game 3, Johnson vs. Clemens.  (Note: Skokie missed three ball park home runs in this game of futility).

 

 

Game 3: Limoilou vs Skokie  (Johnson vs. Clemens)

 

Wendigo......... 0 0 2  0 3 5  0 0 0  - 10 11  0

Wolfmen......... 0 2 0  0 1 1  0 0 5  -  9  7  2

 

This game was expected to be a pitchers duel but Limoilou came out to play and take back the home field advantage. In the 5th inning, the Wendigos knocked Clemens out as the frustrated Wendigo bats suddenly came to life.  After Skokie had taken an early 2-0 lead on a two run shot by Edmonds, Limoilou tied it in the third and in the fifth and six inning, everything that Limoilou hit had eyes – it didn’t matter who Skokie sent to pitch, it was like they were throwing big lollies to hit.  Limoilou had 4 stolen bases, Thome hit another homer and Thome, Murton and Glaus each had 3 RBIs.  By the bottom of the 6th, Limoilou had a commanding 10-3 lead – but Skokie wasn’t ready to give up.  Rheinecker came in to pitch and somehow (not one of our best pitchers) was able to shut down the Wendigos the rest of the way. Skokie scored one run in the 6th and then trailing 10-4 going into the bottom of the 9th, came alive against Johnson and Weathers as Matthews double in 2 runs in the 9th for a 10-6 lead and then Valentin hit his second homer of this series, a 3 run shot and all of a sudden it was 10-9.  But unfortunately Saito, the great closer of the Wendigos, shut Skokie down and the Wendigos barely escaped alive with a 10-9 win.  What this meant is that Limoilou now took back home advantage and finally handed Skokie their first home lost in the playoffs.  Could we be seeing a repeat of the 2005 series?  Game four would feature a repeat of the first game starters.  Could Skokie beat again Schmidt one of the toughest pitchers in the league? 

 

Game 4:  Limoilou at Skokie (Schmidt vs. Wang)

 

Well just as Game 2 was a key game for Limoilou, as the series momentum had shifted to the  Wendigos, Skokie couldn’t afford to lose another one at home.  The Wolfman handed Wang the game ball and asked him to keep them in the game.  Well the Wendigos continued where they left off in Game 4 and quickly scored two times in the first to take a 2-0 lead.  Again Lofton was a key to generate the runs as he was unstoppable on the basepaths stealing at will.  But Skokie answered with a run in the bottom of the 1st as Valentin launched his third homer, 2-1.  Limoilou picked up a run in the fifth to go up 3-1, and Schmidt was looking very tough.  The fans in Skokie were praying for a miracle.  But the Wolfmen, who in prior playoff games have had a very difficult time in the playoffs coming from behind, awoke in the bottom of the 6th as their aged homerun leader, Barry Bonds (not having a truly good post season), launched a 2 run digger, his 2nd of the playoffs to tie it at 3 a piece.  This apparently ignited the Wolfmen as in the 7th with the bags juiced, Bonds walked in a run for a 4-3 lead and then Chipper Jones who had been silent for the playoffs, electrified the crowd and cemented the game with a grannie to give the Wolfmen an overwhelming 8-3 lead late which really was a shocker for the Wendigos as they went quietly down in the 8th and 9th as super closer Joe Nathan came in to ensure the series was tied at 2 games a piece.  So Skokie had showed in Games 3 and 4, they were hungry and had the ability to come from behind if they


had too.  Was this a sign of what was to come and would it spell trouble for the Wendigos?  Wang got his second victory in the series and the Wolfmen (thanks to the Strat Gods), were very happy they could engineer to bring Wang to Skokie!!

 

Game 5:  Limoilou at Skokie (Schilling vs T. Hudson)

 

Wendigo......... 0 0 0  0 1 1  0 0 0  -  2  6  1

Wolfmen......... 0 0 0  0 0 1  0 3    -  4 11  0

 

Game 5, was the key game of the series to decide who would go to the CBA Cup. While T. Hudson was the leader in victories for Skokie, he had a very rough season and had been bombed on a number of occasions including in game 5 of the San Diego series.  But Skokie had to trust he could do the job.  On the other hand, Skokie wasn’t looking forward to facing Schilling who shut them out in Game 5.  So the odds were not good for Skokie but the game had to be played!!


Again Lofton, the
Skokie killer knocked in the games first run in the 5th and Thome’s homer in the 6th put Limoilou ahead 2-0.  Schilling again was unhittable but the Pizza man, was able to break through with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to make it 2-1.  The bases were loaded with two outs continuing on in the inning, but Skokie just couldn’t break through to tie it.  Again in the 7th, the bases were loaded for Skokie with two outs but Speizio choked via Saito.  With the score 2-1, bottom of the 8th, the series on the line, Edmonds singled off Saito and Itzuris, the backup shortstop, doubled (4-6 on Saito’s card).  With runners on 2nd and 3rd and no one out, up came Heilman the pitcher.  Skokie selected Grudzalenek, who was having a strong series to pinch hit and he amazed the Skokie crowd with a clutch pinch hit homer, 3 run shot (2-4 on his card) as Skokie led 4-2.  Another come from behind game.  Nathan was called upon again to nail down the victory and pitched a perfect 9th.  Skokie was now one win away from being in their first World Series appearance. But could the Wolfmen beat the touch Wendigos in their home park and break their jinx??

 

Game 6:  Skokie at Limoilou (L. Hudson vs Wakefield)

 

Wolfmen......... 3 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 - 8 9 0

Wendigo......... 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 - 6 8 1

 

For this game, history was on Limoilou’s side.  Skokie has had a seven game jinx the past two years and the Wendigos have played in the World Series several times before. They were also at home.  Well Skokie was to show the world that they had come to play and Mr. Wakefield had an awful time getting the Wolfmen out of there.  In the first evening the first six batter all reached base including two runs scored via walks.  Once again Piazza knocked in the first run.  In the 2nd featuring a two run shot by the Pizza Man, Skokie forged ahead 6-0, a repeat of game 1.  Edmonds stealing a rare base, then scored on a ground ball by Wilson for a 7-0 lead in the 3rd.  Finally in the 5th, the Wendigos came to life and knocked out L. Hudson who was sailing along.  The Wendigos scored 4 runs in the bottom of this inning using timely hitting and stolen bases to make the game close at 7-4. The Wolfman thought, “Oh Jesus, (wait I am jewish, Oh Christ, oh God – yes), here we go again with that wildly Dennis and his comebacks …” Anyway, Sherill was brought in and was finally able to shut down the Wendigos in the 5th.  But the Wendigos can never be counted out.  In the top of the 7th, super-sub Spiezio, in for defense at first base, hits a towering blast against Weathers to put the Wolfmen back on top by four at 8-4 but in the bottom of the 8th, Beltran, who has been relatively quiet in the series doubled in a run to make it 8-5.  Going into the 9th, the Wolfman decides to come in with Mr. Dependable, his ace closer Nathan to seal their first conference championship and to go to the World Series. Once again Lofton knocks in Denorfia for an 8-6 score but then Nathan shuts the Wendigos down the rest of the way and Skokie, unexpectedly and unassuredly becomes the 2007 Staub champ. So, the jinx is broken –

 

… and the Wolfman sheds a tear in joy as finally in his third attempt, he is able to bring his boys to the finals for the CBA championship.  The players know how hard the Wolfman has worked on their behalf over the best few years, via trades and draft picks -- trying to bring together the right group of players – Barry Bonds who is not such an emotional guy, goes up to the chief and gives him a big hug and Clemens, Edmonds, Piazza with the younger players lift the Wolfman high up over the shoulders and carry him out on to the field where the Skokie Fans and even the Limoilou fans pay tribute to this fiery competitor, known for his early day exploits as a strat player and creator of SOM Conventions … this is the first time the Wolfman, since his return to Strat in 2005 is able to be in a league championship series.  The Wolfmen, all bow their head and smile finally happy to help their chief achieve this goal.  So now the question is, do the Wolfmen have what it takes to win it all? Can they beat the hot Philly team which no one seems able to stop?

 

Analsysis of the Series

 

For Skokie the key for this series was the middle three games in their home park.  First in game 3 after being down 10-3, that they could almost come back to tie it showed their fans that they have the ability and drive to do the impossible or what it takes to win even under insurable odds.  This could have been a sign to Limoilou of what was to come as Skokie won the final three games.  Then, the come from behind wins in Game 4 and 5 really gave the Wolfmen the momentum they needed especially with the 3 run blast by Grudzalenek in Game 5 .. a surprise and unexpected hero.  All year long the 2B tandem of Valentin and Grudzalenek was a key for the Wolfmen.  In games 1, 4 and 6, the Wolfmen scored 8 runs which they had never done in the past post-season years, so the inability of Limoilou to shut down the hitting of Skokie (via their starters and relief staff) was Limoilou’s undoing.  Also Saito was not able to stop the Wolfmen either in key moments.  Nathan picked up two more saves in this series. 


Hitting stars: Skokie prides itself in that they like to use all of their players and at any time there can be a different Hero.  Piazza certainly was one of the Skokie stars, Valentin and Edmonds did surprising well. 
Skokie seemed to be able to come up with a good lineup vs. the Wendigo starters, able to score accept against Schilling who was very tough.  And also the Skokie starters did a great job to hold the explosive Wendigos hitters down to 3 runs or less in four of the six games.  This was also a key factor in the San Diego series and maybe the real reason for Skokie’s success in the post season. The Skokie starters were able to pitch far into the games so the relief staff could be used effectively.  But also what happened in the three games (two with San Diego and once with Limoilou) where the starter was knocked out early as the pitching staff was bombed, showed a glaring weakness that Skokie has to figure out. Anyway, the starting staff had become a kind of strength in the post season and was key to why Skokie had a chance to win it all.  Including the San Diego series, the Skokie starting pitchers gave 8 quality starts out of the 12 games played.  But as stated before, Wang went 3-1 along with great starts by Clemens (2), L. Hudson (2) and one good start by T. Hudson in game 5.

 

There is no doubt the key two games of the series were Game 3 with the comeback by Skokie plus the dramatic 8th inning home run by Grudzalenek in Game 5.  As we saw in Game 1 and Game 6, if Skokie goes out to a big lead, its really hard to catch them as they will bring in their good relievers and defense late to preserve their lead.

 

Heilman also had a great series for the Wolfmen as he gave up no runs in relief.  As a team the Wolfmen hit 11 homers in the six games.  So perhaps what is proven is that if you have a team with speed versus a team with sluggers, the team with sluggers can still score more effectively and quickly. 

 

One of the things Skokie desperately tried to improve upon for 2007 was to have more hitters with a good on-base percentage as there are many Strat managers who believe this is one of the keys for success.  Anyway, this was not an easy series at all – games 4-6 could have gone the other way too.

 

We wish to salute the whole organization at Limoilou and also hats off to Jeff Boutet for a great season and building a championship team.  Coming into this series we did not expect an easy time and it was a real battle.  We weren’t able to fully relax until the final out of Game 6.  A special acknowledgement to Dennis Concepcion as the very worthy and capable proxy manager for Limoilou.  Having played Dennis live via Netplay on a number of occasions, he always has the ability to orchestrate comebacks.  This is why he is one of the former champions of the CBA in 2005.  He had us nervous all the time and he propensity to hit and run can drive anyone insane.  Dennis did a great job to manage Limoilou and make the series another memorable one in the history of the CBA.

 

Finally, I have to admit, when the season started I really didn’t believe we could be competitive enough in the playoffs as there were so many strong teams in our league.  We had a lot of holes to fill at the start of the season.  I wasn’t sure playing with Bonds and Piazza, who are poor defensively, that this could work or if Chipper’s defense would also hurt us.  But Bonds (even in a bad year for him) can help any team and Piazza (we tried to get Posada from Allentown originally – on foresight was this a blessing from God it didn’t work out?) was really the only catcher we could come up with as Matheny had an injured season. Also picking up Chipper Jones to solidify us at 3B was a gamble of sorts with his defense but we knew his bat would do well in Skokie park and that he is the type of player that can quickly put the other team out of the game.  Although Chipper didn’t have the numbers we hoped for during the season, his grand slam in game 4 was crucial to the Skokie success.

 

Sometimes as a SOM manager you have to go with your hunches. You have to try your best to field the best team you can and see which players might be available.  I observed in the Star Tournaments that the people with the championship teams generally went with good hitting teams with poor defense at the corners.  So in the 2007 version of the Skokie Wolfmen, with starting pitcher hard to find we tried our version of this.  While we didn’t have any hitters who set the league on fire individually, I feel collectively we were able to put together a good combination of players that could be competitive against any type of pitcher and could support each other.

 

Skokie’s philosophy is we like to use every player we have and to platoon.  To use each player  to their highest potential.  And I think via the post-season you can see how this can make a huge difference.  You never know who will be the hero (Game 1 victory – Piazza and Wang; Game 4 victory – Jones;  Game 5 victory – Grudzalenek; Game 6 victory – Piazza but a team effort really)

 

So it’s a good feeling to finally be there for the World Series, as you never know when you can get this chance again.  Now lets look briefly at the final 2007 CBA Matchup between the Fantastics of Philly and the Wolfmen of Skokie.

 

 

The World Series – will it be the 2nd Championship for Philly or will 2007 be the HOWL of the Wolfmen??

 

In my opinion, there are a lot of similarities between Philly and Skokie.  Both teams struggled during the season with their pitching but had success to overcome this via their ability to score runs and hit the long ball.  Philly finished with a better season record (by five games) and play a bit more balanced as they won both on the road and at home. Skokie had more trouble winning on the road.  Philly was the 2nd best hitting team in the league and 3rd in runs scored with Skokie 4th (but Skokie didn’t have the DH accept for inter-conference games).  Skokie was 2nd in Home Runs and Philly was fourth.  If Skokie has an edge, it will be that they have a slightly better pitching staff which doesn’t give up the long ball.

 

It is said in a short series, it is usually decided by pitching when all else is equal.  To get to the playoffs Philly won their last 5 season games.  In the playoffs they demolished Brooklyn, the favorite to win it all in 5 games and shutdown the Brooklyn scoring machine. Verse the former CBA champions, the Redbirds they constantly came from behind with late inning heroics.  Definitely Philly has momentum and in all sports, who has the momentum generally wins. 

 

Although Skokie is more of a hitting team, in the playoffs they won also due to quality starts and their ability to score runs (Skokie was shutout once but in all the other games they scored 3 runs or more, scoring 8 or more runs five times for which they were 4-1 in those games). 

 

Skokie hasn’t faced many left handed starters as their lineup is stronger verse right handed pitchers and Philly will have two lefties facing Skokie.  Philly has some good base speed, will they be able to take advantage of Piazza’s arm and Skokie’s inability to hold runners on base? Will the fielding at the corners be Skokie’s undoing.  Can Skokie stop the Philly sluggers of Berkman, Lee, Utley, Rolen, Thames?

 

Will Philly be able to hit Skokie’s starters and score runs or blow out their relief.  Can the Philly starters stop Skokie from scoring early or hitting so many home runs? 

 

As always, it just depends which team is the hottest. On paper even though Philly had a better record, Skokie might be a slight favorites due to their pitching.  But Brooklyn and Indiana had better pitching then Philly and they couldn’t stop them so it might mean nothing.

 

This one is a hard one to call.  It should be a very close series.  So we will have to see if the CBA might have a new champion manager or if Philly, after losing a heartbreaker to Longue Point in 2005 in 7 games can rebound and take their second CBA championship.  Only the Strat Gods know what will happen.  In any case, it should be another nail-bitter, exciting series to highlight the excitement found within the CBA.  Stay tuned!!

 


The Skokie Wolfmen Prepare for the 2007 CBA Playoffs

 

This is the third year that the Wolfmen (formerly the Royals) have been fortunate to participate in the CBA Playoffs.  Following the guidance of the their manager the Skokie Wolfman, and working hard to create a competitive team using the draft and trades and a few free agents, the franchise has been successful.

 

The 2007 version of the Wolfmen is quite different from their earlier teams in 2005 and 2006.  The former teams featured stronger squads with a more balanced pitching staff and defense.  But one of the key weaknesses of the team was to have a better on base percentage and to score more runs.  It is ultimately this weakness which caused the former teams to bow out in the first round of the playoffs.

 

With the 2007 Regular season behind us, the major challenge was for all the teams was to find good pitching.  There really wasn’t a dominating pitching team as there had been in years past.  And actually, the normally Dawson Conference which featured teams that had success more on good pitching changed in 2007 to teams that paralleled their Clemente opponents with more hitting and power.

 

To build the 2007 Wolfmen, once again key players via the draft were acquired as well as via trades.  Most of the key power hitters (Bonds, Piazza, Jones, Valentin) were acquired in this way.  There were six players who hit 20 or more homers for this squad, the 2007 version had a much higher on base percentage and set a team record with 26x homers for the season ranking 2nd in the league.  But the starting pitchers were much weaker (a key trade to bring in Wang definitely was absolutely necessary) and the relief staff was at best in consistent.  Perhaps the Wolfmen would have won a few more games if Nathan was more available but he had to sit out the last 40 games of the season.

 

A key part of the managerial strategy to play the Wolfmen, was as always to work with positional players to deal with any type of team, park and pitcher.  Skokie took a big gamble to bring on board and keep a number of very older players (late 30s or 40’s, including Bonds, Piazza, Jones, Edmonds, Giambi and Clemens.  The Skokie of 2007 sacrificed on their defense as they were willing to start poor fielding players in the corners in the outfield as well as at 1B & 3B.  The Piazza trade was a big gamble as Skokie decided to go with more hitting and power at catcher but sacrificed on stolen bases by their opponents with Piazza poor arm and several pitchers who were unable to hold base runners close.  Skokie had never tried before to play with such wholes in their defense on the field but the thinking process was, if we could bomb the other team there was the defense to come in during the late innings and their closer Joe Nathan, one of the premier closers.

 

So the 2007 Skokie Wolfmen took a big gamble, they felt they could do it because they were in a weak division and if they could just get back to the playoffs, using all the players properly, in a short series, that they could be competitive.  Another key aspect of the Wolfmen was that they lead the league in giving up the least amount of home runs.  Being that they live in Wolfie park which is a hitters park, this was crucial to balance the less then perfect defense on the field and weak ability to stop opponents to steal bases.

 

So this version of the Skokie team won 9 less games then in 2006.  It comes into the playoffs with the worse record of any playoff bound team.  With its clearing weaknesses as discussed above, few people will give them a chance against the better teams in the CBA.  If they are going to go far, it will require all the tricks and skills by their manager the Wolfman to do it and perhaps some lucky rolls of the dice.

 

There was a big debate over whether to go with Piazza at catcher but he won up tied for 2nd on the club with 28 homers in somewhat limited due and was second in RBIs.  His memorable four homer game is a record in the CBA.  Barry Bonds was another gamble with his poor knees and fielding if this would more adversely affect the team then his bat but he tied the record of 37 homers done by Beltran in 2005 and had 100 RBIs in again a bit of limited duty.  Valentin a middle inning pick in the draft (Skokie wait as long as possible to grab their old friend and former player) was also another key to Skokie’s success as he provided a good strong bat and power which was needed and lead to Grudzielanek seeing limited duty but valuable for late inning defense.  Edmonds also hit a bit more for power then expected and came through in some key games plus his consistent defensive in CF was key.  The late addition of Giambi and Dellucci added some more power for the clubs and left handed hitters who could hit lefties, Dellucci began a backup for Bonds.  1B had been a challenge for Skokie rotating four other players to fill the void (Aurilla, Shelton, Sheffield, Spiezio) but with Giambi on the scene it added another power hitter with good on base.  Skokie tried to create their own version of the famed Yankees murders row.  Especially against right handed pitchers – just about every hitter in the lineup was capable of hitting the ball out.  Gary Matthews Jr. may have been Skokie’s most consistent hitter who did a great job as a leadoff hitter.  Normally the Wolfmen like to have more speed in their lineup but the roll of the dice didn’t allow this to occur.

 

L. Hudson was a surprise starter for the team and thus earned a place on the playoff squad, was perhaps the most consistent starter. Nathan is Nathan and set a mark in the age of the Wolfman with 20 saves.  He was almost unhittable and will be a key player in the playoffs.  But the relief staff was a lot more inconsistent in times past and will have to be used wisely in the playoffs.  Look for the Wolfmen to count on their starters to go long into the game.  As far as the other Skokie starters, at times they look brilliant but overall their effective was very questionable and far less in performance then prior years.  Clemens just wasn’t his usual self winning only 6 games, Lilly and T. Hudson were inconsistent – Redman and Patterson gave some help in limited starts but the trade for Wang brought that other starter that Skokie deeply needed. 

 

So to summarize, the 2007 version of the Skokie Wolfmen was a collection of the old and new.  The team has the ability to explode at any moment but comes in with a number of holes where they could also be crunched just the same.  It will be an interest challenge to see if an improved scoring machine is enough to take the Wolfmen to a higher level.  The keys for their success will be how effective Wang and Clemens can be as consistant starters and if the club can score runs which has doomed them in the playoffs in the last two years.  There is no doubt the Wolfmen like Skokie’s park but with the worse record as a playoff team after the 1st round they could lose home field advantage.

 

Analysis of San Diego VS Skokie

 

During the regular season the two teams split the twelve games played.  Even though San Diego had a better regular season record, Skokie gained home field advantage for this series due to winning their division (finally after losing out the past two years on the last day of the season).  Skokie’s true advantage then was having possibly four games in their park as their club is really suited for the long ball.  Thus for San Diego to win the series they would need to win in Skokie.  The Surf is a better hitting team but the key weakness of the surf, if any, as Mr. Wallace had put a good squad together was in their pitching as their 3rd and 4th starters were not strong and the bullpen could be a bit stronger.  The strategy for Skokie was to bomb the Surf starters, then bring in their defense and have Nathan waiting at the end.  The Surf had better speed then Skokie and could take advantage of the weak arm of Piazza and also several of Skokie’s starters inability to hold runners.  So in comparing the two teams their strengths and weakness were pretty even, the key would see if San Diego could win in Skokie.  And with San Diego being more of a pitcher’s park (low ball park home run) if they could win 3 in San Diego, then Skokie could be in a lot of trouble.  Finally a last key for Skokie in the series was if their starters could take up a lot of innings as three of the Skokie relievers are more geared for more conditional spots.  So if the Skokie starters got bombed early, Skokie could be in a lot of trouble.

 

Now lets move on two the actual games and see what happened:

 

Game 1: At Skokie   (Haren vs Wang)

 

Surf............ 0 0 0  0 0 1  0 2 0  -  3  9  1
Wolfmen......... 2 0 0  1 3 0  0 0    -  6 10  0

 

Skokie started out the gate as the “Pizza” man hits a two run homer to begin the first inning.  This bodes badly for the Surf if the Skokie bats start blasting home runs.  Wang was pitching very good and the Surf were consistently unable to come through with clutch hits when men were on base.  Edmonds hits a solo shot for Skokie to make it 3-0 and then Shelton shocks the Surf (Note: Shelton almost was not kept on the squad for the playoffs, it was between keeping him or Sheffield) with a 3 run dinger in the 5th.  So with a commanding 6-0 lead and Nathan waiting in the wings if needed, it looked like Skokie had the game in hand.  But then the Surf bats came alive in the 8th and they threatened but good old reliable Nathan, who relishes this type of spots came in and shot the door for a 6-3 Skokie win.  Was this a sign that Skokie could break their first round jinx and move to the finals?  The Surf now needed a victory in Game 2.

 





Game 2: At Skokie   (Peavy vs Clemens)

Surf............ 0 1 0  1 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 -  2  9  1
Wolfmen......... 0 0 1  0 0 1  0 0 0  0 1 -  3  9  1

 

This was definitely a key game in the Series.  If Skokie went up 2 games to none, and especially if Skokie could beat Peavy one of the best pitchers in the league, it would be tough for San Diego.  This was a classic game, a pitchers duel between two of the greatest pitchers in the history of the game.

The Surf would take the lead and Skokie would battle back.  Neither team could get ahead and it went into extra innings.  Skokie knew if they could get past Rodriquez, the ace closer of the Surf and outlast him, they might have a chance. (BTW, C. Jones was up with the bases loaded earlier in the game and had a chance at a ball park homer which would have been a  Grand Slam but missed but he did homer later to tie the game in the 6th).  Anyway in the bottom of the 11th with two on, Matthews who had a great season (and also had 7 doubles in 6 games for the series) came through in the bottom of the 11th and Skokie won game 2 by the score 3-2.  This was the turning point of the series.  With Skokie up 2 games to none, San Diego had to do some miracles in their home park.

 


Game 3: At San Diego (L. Hudson vs Meche)

Wolfmen......... 0 0 1  0 6 0  0 2 0  -  9 12  0
Surf............ 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 1  -  1  7  0

 

This was a due or die game for San Diego Skokie surprised the world by going with Luke Hudson instead of Tim Hudson (who won 13 games for the Wolfmen).  But Luke Hudson had been one of Skokie’s most consistent starters all year long and he earned this game 3 start.  And boy did Hudson pitch his heart out.  He was virtually unhittable and only in the bottom of the 9th could the Surf score.  Shelton came through again in the 5th with a two run homer and Edmonds also hit his 2nd.  A big six run 5th put the game away for Skokie. Matthews also was a star hitting 3 doubles and driving in two runs but the real star with L. Hudson.  Well Skokie had a command 3 games to none lead.  The question was, could Skokie do a sweep?  Game 4 featured the starters of Game 1.

 

Game 4: At San Diego (Wang vs Haren)

 

Wolfmen......... 0 0 1  0 0 0  1 1 0  -  3  7  0
Surf............ 0 1 0  2 0 3  3 0    -  9 10  0

 

(Personal note: I was hoping that we could finish the series in four, as I had to stay up very late to play due to our difference in hours but Joe was not to be denied this game.)

 

The game started as many being close and tied 1-1 after 3 innings, but then the Surf bats came to life and they were unstoppable.  They sliced and diced Skokie starter Wang and Skokie saw their dream to sweep fading.  Skokie tried to use Wang as long as possible but the Surf was taking batting practice and then when the relief came in, finally Skokie was able to stop the party by the Surf.  C. Duncan feasted on Skokie pitching hitting two homers.  So Skokie just let the Surf enjoy their day as Manager Wallace earned his first playoff win in convincing fashion.  We could hear Joe saying in the dugout as the game was nearing completion if only I save some of these runs for the other games.  Well could the Surf do a Boston Redsox and take the final four? With the jinx of seven games in the past, the Wolfman was becoming a bit worried.

 




Game 5: At San Diego (T. Hudson vs Peavy)

 

Wolfmen......... 0 0 1  0 0 1  0 0 1  -  3  8  2
Surf............ 0 1 0  1 3 6  5 0    - 16 15  0

 

Well again, the Surf were facing an elimination game.  But this club which almost won their own division is a very gutsy club and they never say “Die”.  Again the game started out close but starting into the 5th through the 7th innings, the Surf could do no wrong.  They literally destroyed the Skokie pitchers, it didn’t matter who was brought in, they were cannon fodder – on this day no team could have beat the Surf, they were unstoppable.  Dye hit his 2nd homer and Victorino hit an inside the park homer.  Three of the Surf hitters had 3 RBI’s each.  So Skokie basically gave up in the 6th and let the Surf enjoy their day.  They decided than, that when they went home to Wolfmen Park, they would win the series for the fans.  Besides, they had Clemens coming up next and he didn’t have to face Peavy again.  Peavy is darn tough and Skokie was happy they could win that very hard fought Game 2 against him.  25 runs in two games for the Surf, they were now on fire and ready to win in Skokie.

 

Game 6: At Skokie   (Santana vs Clemens)

 

Surf............ 1 0 0  0 0 0  1 0 0  -  2  5  0
Wolfmen......... 0 0 0  3 0 0  0 0    -  3  7  0

 

With Skokie at home and with Clemens going, San Diego must have been a bit concerned.  Clemens had pitched great baseball in Game 2 and Santana was a bit vulnerable to go against right handed hitters.  But the Surf showed they are a good team and began to continue their hitting against Clemens by scoring in the top of the first to take an early lead.  Skokie was struggling against Santana and starting to think the curse of 7 games was coming back but finally HR and RBI team leader, Barry Bonds, who had been quiet the whole series hit one out of the park in the bottom of the 4th to tie the game.  And Bonds must have inspired the Wolf guys because shortly later, Piazza, who may well be the MVP of the Skokie squad during the regular season, launched his 2nd homer of the series (he batted in Skokie’s first runs in Game 1 and their final runs in Game 6 with homers) for Skokie to take a 3-1 lead.  With Clemens on the mound, would this be enough?  Clemens continued to dominate but then that squirley Victorino came to bat in the 7th, he did it again and hit a inside the park home run to make it 3-2.  Just one run separating the two combatants.  Clemens made it into the 9th but walked the first hitter and Duncan was up (he was killing Skokie pitching) so the Wolfman brought in Sherill to face him (or to not allow Duncan to be the guy who could defeat the Wolfmen) and Sherill was able to get pinch hitter Nady to line out).  Then it was Nathan time, for the chance for the Wolfmen to go into round 2 for the first time, this is why Skokie jumped to trade for him last year giving away Bedard one of the best starting pitchers, and Nathan in his normal fashion shut the door down and the Wolfmen are now headed to the conference championship. 

 

Series Notes and Conclusion

 

The keys for this series were the following.  First of all the Surf bats fell silent in Skokie and you will never beat the Wolfmen there if you can’t score runs as Skokie won all 3 games in their home park.  Clemens is probably the MVP for Skokie pitching two game gems.  During the regular season the Wolfmen’s starters had a lot of problems but with the two good starts by Clemens (both games won 3-2) and the strong outing by Wang and especially L. Hudson, it was actually Skokie’s starting pitching which won the series.  All year long, Skokie had to conserve Clemens (due to a limit of innings) but in the playoffs they could turn him loose.  Could Clemens be the Skokie X Factor?

 

Special achievements by players from each team:

 

San Diego Surf:

 

Duncan was a tear to the Wolfmen, hitting .714 in five games with 2 HRs and 8 RBIs.

 

Victorino also hit .429 with 2 HRs (both inside the park) and 5 RBIs

 

Dye also hit .348 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs.

 

(most of the hitting by the  Surf came in the two games they won, by a combined score of 25-6.  Unfortunately they couldn’t split part of their hitting in the other four games, especially games 2 and 6, both lost 3-2)

 

Peavy 2.81 ERA, 1-0 was very tough for Skokie and deserved recognition, if he would  have had more run support he might have been 2-0.

 

Relievers Embree / Oliver / F. Rodriquez shut the Skokie bats down

 

San Diego had a better ERA and batting average then Skokie.

 

Skokie Wolfmen:

 

Shelton .429 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, helped to win two key games with his blast

 

Mathews .400 7 doubles, 4 RBIs, was a key to helping Skokie score runs

 

Piazza .273 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, he knocked in the first two runs for Skokie and the

                                             Last two runs via Home Runs in Skokie

 

(Skokie teams as usual spread out key hits amongst its players, as the teams success depends on using their players to their max capability.  Skokie had 11 homers in the six games hit by 8 different players)

 

L. Hudson 1.00 ERA 1-0 12 Ks – pitched a masterful game 3 (unexpected)

 

Clemens 2.12 ERA 1-0 – two stellar outings including clinching game 6

 

Heilman 0.00 ERA 1-0 4 innings of shutout relief

 

Nathan 0.00 ERA two saves in 2 innings, saved game 1 and game 6

 

 Nov 3rd, 2007

WHAT IS UP NEXT?  SKOKIE VS LIMOILOU

 

While some experts might have felt Skokie could take round 1 in the playoffs due to their home field advantage where they played very well in the regular season and being that they have been in the playoffs the best two years, coming to the Conference championship, this is a different matter  entirely.  During the regular season, Limoilou humiliated the Wolfmen winning 11 out of 15 games.  Limoilou is heavily favored to go to the Series again. 

 

Limoilou and Skokie have a history together.  In the  2005 Playoffs, Skokie was up 3 games to 2, and was unable to put  Limoilou away in their home part (as Montreal).  There was the grandslam by Glaus giving Limoilou a 4-1 victory in game 7.  Limoilou and Skokie have made key trades with each other.  On the current squad Lofton and  Beltran and Betancourt were once wolf guys where Skokie has Edmonds and T. Hudson plus via Limoilou draft pick, Skokie picked up Speizio, a very capable backup and spot starter.  Some people think Skokie was crazy to trade Beltran but it was a half to do trade for Skokie and Edmonds has been a steady player for the Wolfmen although they would have loved to have Beltran in their lineup this year.  So now we will see if these trades come back to haunt Skokie.

 

Comparing the two teams, they are a bit similar, both have tremendous hitting and power with Limoilou having better starting pitcher and each has a key closer.  Skokie tried to improve their team with more on base this year as Limoilou always has this.  So the key factor to this series will be which teams starters can contain the other teams spoilers.  Skokie had a big decision to make whether to use T. Hudson or Lilly as there 4th starter but due to the stronger hitting vs lefties by Limoilou, they chose to go with T. Hudson.

 

It will be interesting to see if the Skokie weaknesses at corner defense and Piazza throwing arm will be their downfall.  Again Skokie needs for its starters to go long as they did in the San Diego series.  Limoilou going into round 2 is the only favorite who won their first playoff games.  Can the Wolfman, using his guile and intuition prevail at what looks like a much stronger and balanced team.  The only reason Skokie may have a chance is that it’s a short series – and they can use a bit more in a  balanced way their top starters.  Due to Clemens pitching game six in the San Diego series he will then start in Game 3 and if needed Game 7.  Will he be the key again. 

 

From the Skokie point of view, they need for Bond (.118), Gambi (.143), Delucci and Aurilla (.000) to pick up the hitting otherwise with the power of Limoilou (Beltrans / Thome / Hall / Glaus) it will be a  long series.

 

So can the  Wolfmen avenge their 7 game playoff loss in 2005 and make it to their first series or will the very successful and dominating team of Limoilou led by the  legendary Jeff Boutet prevail again to make another appearance in the CBA World Series, we  will find out shortly.

And last but not least, who will the the champion of the Staub conference face.  Normally the series is the pitching of Staub vs. the power  of Clemente but this year, the final four teams have all had their success more via their superior hitting and power.  Will Indiana be the first team in a long time to take the crown in back to back years, or will  the very proficient CBA managers who have been to t he series before Hite and Boutet do it again or last but not least, will the willy Wolfman guide his team to victory after having his worse record year and the worse record of any playoff bound team.  If there is one thing we all know, who takes it all is completely unpredictable in the CBA playoffs.

 

Good luck to the remaining four teams!!  (Limoilou, Philly, Indiana & Skokie)

 


October 31st, 2007

With Round 1 only awaiting Limoilou-Longue Pointe's series to complete, CBA would like to acknowledge two fine jobs of team management in the SD Surf of the Dawson, and Carolina Copperheads of the Schmidt division.

We'd like to extend a congratulations to SD Surf GM Joe Wallace on an outstanding season in a very tough division the Dawson. SD has been in CBA since 2002, and this was their first ever playoff appearance as Wallace built this team from scratch out of the lowest winning team in CBA. Originally owned by Don Jensen and known as the Hamilton Harbors. Hamilton was best known for their dogfight in 1998 with then Dawson title winner Brooklyn Superbas (Moved to Parker in 99) Hamilton fought with Longue Pointe, Quebec, and Limoilou in 1999 and 2000, but were just shy. They'd not return anywhere close again until 2007's Wallace led San Diego team. A team on the decline when Jensen retired. Wallace began to build with key trades and mostly draft picks and swaps. A true worst to first case, Wallace's plan was to take years to develop a bit at a time until he built what should be a strong contender for years to come. His attitude and dedication to CBA were evident in his very strong playoff effort and management in 2007. Joe Wallace is a class act, and quality GM whose time has arrived in the CBA. SD is an elite CBA team. Here is Hamilton/ San Diego's overall record 1997-2001 as Hamilton 2002-2007 as San Diego. Wallace's team has shown a win increase in 4 concecutive years. Who knows where they'll go in 2008.

WON

LOST

 

1997

74

88

1998

98

64

1999

88

74

2000

89

73

2001

75

87

2002*

61

101

2003

62

100

2004

52

110

2005

65

97

2006

82

80

2007

92

70

I'd also like to congratulate GM Scott Kenan on rising Carolina from the ashes. The Carolina Copperheads have finally found stabilty and a division title under Kenan since 2006.

Historical record

 

 

.474

WON

LOST

1997

102

60

1998

90

72

1999

83

79

2000

45

117

2001

68

94

2002

50

112

2003

60

102

2004

84

78

2005

87

75

2006

78

84

2007

99

63

total

846

936

carolina started CBA life as Danny Noonan's (no relation to Caddyshack) Louisville Mob Squad. Just wondering if anyone even remembers talking or trading with that guy. Noonan won 102 in that first year drafting to win right away and as a result faded a bit each year as he let his team stagnate into CBA's dark ages year of 2000. With a few poor drafts, and no trades, the Mob Squad became the Mod Squad especially when commisioner Claude LaMarre (HOF) replaced Noonan in favor of a strong Strat-o-matic French Canadian gamer from the QSBL, Pierre Janneau. Janneau a good player had very little to work with. The Lifesavers had former top picks that never made it like Jose Rosado, Damon Buford, George Arias, Bill Pulsipher, mixed with an old team featuring Andre Galarraga, Eric Davis, Chuckt Finley, Lance Johnson, Joe Carter that faded away quick. Poor Janneau won a CBA low 45 games. That 2000 team set several futility records that still stand today. Pierre improved his team to 68 wins the following season which was quite remarkable considering the lack of talent inherited but he grew disenchanted and left CBA to concentrate on his other more succesful strat team in QSBL. At this point In 2002 his replacement Stephane Castilloux also from QSBL (a good league with avid gamers based in Quebec) joined CBA to guide the franchise. As soon as he did he made his legacy in CBA by unintentionally and hilariously renaming the team the Green Bay Roches. Know one to this day knows what a Roche was or is, let alone the startling fact that the decent area around Green Bay has any of them. His team logo is quite the rediculous if not unique.

Green Bay drafted what seemed promisingly, but hindsight shows disastrously. High draft pick busts like Mark Quinn, Kerry Wood, Paul Wilson, Troy O'Leary and others failed to perform or even stick around. Needless to say this team once again plummeted to the CBA abyss with a 50 win season second worst in CBA history. The Roches crawled behind the CBA baseboards and went into hiding until 2004 when Strat Pal Dan Gural one of CBA's beloved managers took control late in 2003 and made the re-named Portland Sea Doogs (new name) a winner.

Scott Kenan had taken some of Gural's nucleus and used what he had to rebuild this franchise. 2007's strong draft just added to the mix of their 99 win season. The team is now Kenan's franchise with his stamp on it. Kenan managed a series of team building trades, and drafted players who did and will make a difference. Aside, he truly has embodied what CBA is all about and has shown to be quite a sportsman and well accepted Strat-o-matic partner for us. Scott embodies the best of the new CBA whose GM's are now part of our CBA community, and have made our gaming that much better and certainly more competitive than ever.

Marc Wass__._,_.___

Playoff RD 1 results. Skokie beats SD 4 to 2. Philly over Brooklyn 4 to 1. Indiana defeats Carolina 4 to 1. Limoilou leads LP 2 to 1.

 



Big series this week. The feature series pit Carolina vs the onrushing Philly Phantastics. Every game
Philly wins pulls them closer to the division leader and fends off the tough Bryan Bashers who are 3 off
the wildcard pace. Philly is making a rush for the ages this year while trying to hang on to a slim 3 game
lead over Bryan in the Clemente wildcard race. In fact Philly is now a manageable 5 games behind the
season long fron runner who this series was played. Both teams battled with Philly taking game 1, 8-5.
Utley knocked in 4 runs, as Verlander improved his record to 11-5. Carolina struck back in game 2 with a
hard fought 3-2 win. All the runs were scored early then the pitching took over as Anibal Sanchez,
Brandon League, and Huston Street held off the Phantastics. In game 3, cole Hamels won with a save from
Mike Gonzalez, his 16th. Carlos Lee hit his 36th, then Scott Rolen his 27th to provide a 4-2 win and
inch them closer to Carolina. Bryan bestwed the Superbas for the first time this year just at the right
time, taking 2 of 3 from the Brooklyn squad. The Superbas won behind Halladay's 16th win, and HR's by
Ramirez (38th), Wells 31st, and Juan Rivera's 11th.


Dawson has another 3 way dance, just as you were about to write off the Loggers, here they come now only
3 games back of Limoilou who holds the 31 spot. Longue Pointe's bench had a great week as Jason Repko,
Ichiro, and Ryan Theriot proved to be stars. Theriot actually hit an inside the park HR. Longue POinte is
led by Aramis Ramirez acquired in 2007 and now has 32 HR's. Ramirez bat is carrying the team along with
Carlos Zambrano who actually got a HAL induced save this week in a 14 inning epic against Ottawa.
That game saw come backs from both team a couple of times before LP pulled it out. Meanwhile SD had taken
2 from the Superbas with some good pitching from Peavy who went all the way in a 12 K win. David Wright
had some more key hits in his MVP type season for San Diego. The Surf are just a 1/2 game off the Dawson
lead. Wright's BA is up to .349. Miguel Cabrera of Brooklyn leads CBA at .404.
Skokie's magic number is down to 4. They can clinch this week. It would be GM Josh Wolfman Shapiro's 3rd concecutive
entrance to CBA's playoff's first as Montreal Royals then after as the Skokie Wolfmen. Longue POinte has
made the playoffs each of the last 4 years. Limoilou will no doubt make the playoffs afetr finishing last place in 2006.
A huge win differential for former manager of the year Jeff Boutet. Boutet's resurgence and playoff
entry serves agian notice how CBA's most successful GM is a force to be reckoned with at all times. Limoilou last won
a championship in 2003 defeating the Brooklyn Superbas 4 games to 1.

CBA Team Key Performers.

Here's a few key performers of each CBA team.  In some cases the stats are team leaders, but also included are clutch performers and key contributors who stats aren't eye catching but who helps their team to win.  Several players mentioned have some interesting stats that you may find in "Report Writer".

There are several key stats that seem to have bearing on winning here in CBA with our current rules and usage balance.  Among those are offensive and defensive.  A few examples are  Team and PLayer X rating %, Inherited runners scoring,  The obvious Sabermetrics, Lefty/Righty balances and the player/team vunerabilties to pitching. When analyzing the statistical basis for the teams performances, they are relevant key stats that can help explain the success of the different franchises.   Each has an impact upon the performance of the CBA's teams.  Although I have listed some key stats they are not the only variables that can dictate success, of course the luck of the dice and cards is another.  Perhaps even a managers hunch or sense can account for good team kharma or wins its amazing how a probabilty based game can have its streaks and unlikely stars. 

In CBA winning is the primary focus.  The winners are the talk and receive the most attention.  Its the competition each year that our GM's become so involved and even obsessed with their teams and its performance.  A look into the hard to find stats and analysis of the info they can provide can give a clearer picture of a teams dynamics and strategies, especially over a full season.  Below is a look at some stats that may have some impact and are quite interesting.

 

Hits with the bases loaded.  Notice that a majority of the leaders are from winning teams.  Look how key Wells and Piazza have been to the division leaders Skokie and Brooklyn.  Wigginton has been invaluable as well to the Bashers. 

2006 Wells BSP 12
2006 Piazza SWC 8
2006 Wigginton KBP 8
2006 Cabrera SRS 7
2006 Mauer OOP 7
2006 Cabrera BSP 7
2006 Utley PPS 7
2006 Hall LWD 7

 

Game winning RBI. A stat I always liked, shows winning hits and who has provided 'em.  CBA Leader teams have guys in this list naturally.  Look how Delgado and Ordonez have equivalent big hits to guys on other teams with more wins.  Makes them invaluable to the Leopards and Jackhammers.  Cabrera's leadership here is no surprise consider the season this card is having in Coors.

Cabrera BSP 19
Utley PPS 15
Delgado LLS 15
Morneau CCS 15
Beltran LWD 15
Bay IRP 15
Ordonez JJD 14
Berkman PPS 14
Thome LWD 14
Hall LWD 14
Holliday SLS 13
Teixeira OTC 13
Thomas LLS 13
Tejada CCS 13
Inge KBP 12
Rolen PPS 12
Soriano JJD 12
Sizemore IRP 12

 

Isolated Power avg.   Isolated Power is a sabermetric statistic that shows a hitter's overall effectiveness by measuring his ability to generate extra base hits. ISO = Slugging % - Batting Average. So obviously the higher slugging pct can be looked at in terms of extreme runner advancement and movement which is a key to winning in Strat ball. 

A look at Pujols numbers rivals some of MLB's Barry Bonds in his best seasons.  .436 is hall of fame type numbers.  Generally players over about .260-.270 are considered better than average.  .300 is excellent. .436, well...

Pujols IRP .436
Hafner CCS .381
Beltran LWD .369
Thome LWD .361
Ortiz OOP .357
Bonds SWC .343
Berkman PPS .343
Ramirez BSP .327
Cabrera BSP .325
Delgado LLS .321
Valentin SWC .317

What about the tablesetters?  We know that high leadoff OBA and movemnet means more runs, but that forgotten #2 destined for sacs and hit and runs can provide vital scoring punch by getting on base.  Heres a look at CBA most prolific OBA guys from the 2 hole.  No wonder these leaders are on the winning teams. They are a big part of the winning.

Vic Martinez SSD .452 
JD Drew         BSP/PPS .440
David Wright SSD .418 
Johnny Damon SLS .414 
Ryan Zimmerman CCS .411 
Derek Jeter PPS .405 
Todd Helton BSP .391 
Jose Cruz KBP .389 

The good teams seem to have their "bottom Feeders" no player bats to take lightly.  it signifies depth and lineup potency when the 7th and 8th place hitters show OBA+SLG.  Here are the leaders of those lineup spots.  Below are runs driven home by 8th place and 7th place hitters.  It shows that runners at the end of the lineup are coming across and getting on to be driven in.

8th place hitters RBI

Ramon  Hernandez LWD 61
Brian Anderson CCS 61
Kun Griffey Jr SLS 50
Edgar Renteria SSD 30
Preston Wilson SWC 28
Marcus Thames PPS 28
Wilson Betemit SRS 27
Rod Barajas OTC 26
Ivan Rodriguez BSP 24
Brandon Inge KBP 24

7th place hitters RBI

Hall LWD 66
Piazza SWC 49
Dunn CCS 44
Lo Duca KBP 31
Paulino SLS 31
Inge KBP 31
Chavez SRS 28
Rodriguez BSP 28
Buck CIP 27
Lowell IRP 25

Squeeze Bunts successes. An interesting stat though minimal impact

2006 Wilson SWC 6
2006 Pierre JJD 4
2006 Figgins BBD 3
2006 Jeter PPS 3
2006 Molina KWC 3
2006 Punto MEC/IRP 2
2006 Ramirez ANC 2
2006 Patterson OOP 2

Steals of third

2006 Ramirez ANC 23
2006 Pierre JJD 19
2006 Gathright BSP 16
2006 Soriano JJD 16
2006 Podsednik JJD 9
2006 Reyes IRP 8
2006 Figgins BBD 7
2006 Abreu PPS 7
 

* denotes former CBA Champion

Allentown Senators: Ben Broussard 13 Hr, 50 RBI, .330 in 288 AB. Hanley Ramirez 12 Hr, 63 RBI, .275, 10 triples, 46 Doubles,75 SB

Belfast Brawlers: 3B Freddy Sanchez 4Hr, 71 RBI, .313. Closer BJ Ryan 6-3 3.21 20Saves. Specialist Chris Sampson 0-1 1.65era in 35 inn.

Brooklyn Superbas*: 3B Miguel Cabrera 38 Hr, 136RBI, .404, 57 Doubles, 13 SB. LF M Ramirez 38Hr, 104 RBI, .320. R Howard 38HR, 109, .305.

CF V Wells 32 HR, 121 RBI, .285, 21 SB. P Halladay 16-3 3.88, P M Mussina 16-2 2.94.

Bryan Bashers: Brad Inge 36 HR, 105 RBI, .273. LF P Burrell 32 HR, 94 RBI, .257. INF Ty Wigginton 24 HR, 89 RBI, .284. Blanton 13-8.

Carolina Copperheads: 1B Justin Morneau 37 HR, 98 RBI, .331. DH Travis Hafner 46 HR, 98 RBI, .284. SS M Tejada 29 HR, 91 RBI, .317. 3B R Zimmerman 22Hr, 90 RBI, .328. P Jo Santana 18-8 3.65.

Cooperstown Iron Horses: OF N Markakis 14 HR, .315. SS M Young 6 HR, 53 RBI, .316, 42 doubles.

Indiana Redbirds*: 1B A Pujols 65 HR, 135 RBI, .347, 140 runs, 11 sb. 3B A Rodriguez 44 HR, 127 RBI, .301. OF J Bay 35 HR, 88 RBI, .284. OF G Sizemore 33 HR, 83 RBI, 120 runs, 20 sb. RP C Meredith 7-1 2.17 in 35 app. P Oswalt 16-10, Kazmir 11-4.

Joliet Jackhammers: OF J Pierre .290, 88 sb. LF A Soriano 27 HR, 86 RBI, .268, 63 sb. Util R Freel .272, 37 sb. RP T Miller 1-0 1.76 45 app.

Kennesaw Mountain Woodsmen (Kenwood): C B McCann 22 HR, 75 RBI, .324. P C Silva 6-20, 6.84. SS R Furcal .290, 32 sb.

Lake County Leopards: 3B G Atkins 25 HR, 93 RBI, .302. 1B C Delgado 45 HR, 116 RBI, .264. DH F Thomas 36 HR, 101 RBI, .261. RP J Papelbon 3-3 1.74, 25 sb.

Limoilou Wendigo*: DH J Thome 47 HR, 107 RBI, .307. CF K Lofton .303, 43 sb. CF C Beltran 51 HR, 131 RBI, .273. SS B Hall 30 HR, 90 RBI. 3B T Glaus 39 HR, 90 RBI. UT F Lopez 291 AB .321, 25 sb.

Longue Pointe Loggers*: 3b A Ramirez, 32 HR, 96 RBI, .303, 101 runs. P C Zambrano 16-3 2.83, 210 K's. UT Ju Valentin 190 AB, .393, 7 HR, 30 RBI. CF I Suzuki .303, 61 sb.

Maine Express: SS K Greene 20 HR, 52 RBI, .302. 2B D Uggla 23 HR, 77 RBI, .277. RP B Jenks 18 sv.

Ohio Thundercats: OF Pr Wilson 29 HR, 87 RBI, .296. SS C Guillen 15 HR, 68 RBI, .312. UT W Pena 7 HR, 45 RBI, 211 AB, .346.

Ottawa Otters*: DH D Ortiz 41 HR, 95 RBI, .287. RF V Guerrero 27 HR, 78 RBI, .327. C P Nevin 24, 69, .274. P B Webb 15-11 3.51, 180 K's. J Borowski 1-4 10.00 era, 22 saves, 27 inn.

Philly Phantastics*: 3B S Rolen 27 HR, 94 RBI, .346. UT W Helms 11 HR, 41 RBI, .336, 220 AB. SS D Jeter 15 HR, 62 RBI, 108 runs, .315, 35 sb. LF C Lee 37 HR, 97 RBI, .293. 1B L Berkman 49 HR, 119 RBI, .292, 101 runs. UT J Willingham 19 HR 50 RBI, .292, 290 AB. P J Verlander 11-5. RP F Liriano 39 games, 107 inn, 132 K, 9-3, 3.06.

San Diego Surf: C V Martinez 17 HR, 102 RBI, .350. 3B D Wright 27 HR, 102 RBI, 112 runs, 16 sb, .349. OF J Dye 24 HR, 103 RBI, .294. P J Peavy 13-8, 190 K's. RP F Rodriguez 19 sv. RP A Embree 42 app, 2-0 2.38.

Skokie Wolfmen: C Mike Piazza 28 HR, 89 RBI, .322. CF G Mathews 26 HR, 78 RBI, .310. 2b Jo Valentin 26 HR, 86 RBI, .309. LF B Bonds 36 HR, 98 RBI, .291, .424 oba. RP J Nathan 5-3 1.20, 20 sv, 67 inn, 35 hits, 90 K's.

Southwest Lizard Kings: LF M Holliday 32 HR, 102 RBI, .310. CF J Damon 25 HR, 94 RBI, .301. 3B J Crede 34 HR, 90 RBI, .275. RP B Wagner 2-1 1.78, 21 sv, 70 Inn, 48 Hits, 91 K's. 1B A LaRoche 28 HR, 71 RBI, .257.

Stirling Redsox: CF A Jones 40 HR, 94 RBI, .260. DH P konerko 29 HR, 84 RBI, .280. RP C Cordero 3-4 3.13, 22 sv. P M Buehrle 14-9 4.65. K Correa 49 app, 6-1 3.68. OF N Swisher 33 HR, 86 RBI, .224.

 


 

August 26th 2007

Block 21 results are in. Great wild card races are shaping up.  Dawson has Limoilou and SD battling it out.  Currently the perrenial powerhouse Limoilou Wendigo managed by original CBA member and future Hall of Famer Jeff Boutet and they are in first place by a game and a half over San Diego.  The playoff bound Surf managed by veteran CBA GM Joe Wallace will be looking towards perhaps their first ever playoff appearnace since their incarnation in 2002.  Limoilou arguably CBA's most successful franchise is no stranger to playoff action in CBA harkening back to the halcyon days of 1997 when playoff series were played via ICQ and IRC chat room.   With NetPlay playoffs mandatory for all in CBA 2007, Jeff Boutet is no doubt looking forward to some sweet revenge as he has exited from the playoffs last in 2005 at the hands of division rival Longue Pointe Loggers and Dennis C. It was that classic series which was decided by basically a lone OF error on Jason Michaels and a key HR by Ichiro which decided the Staub crown.   Limoilou loks to have quite a good chance this year as the pesky Loggers sit 6 games back but in position for a possible wildcard.  This rivalry goes back 10 full years when the beloved Claude LaMarre ran CBA and GM'ed the Longue Pointe Hitmen as they were known.  Jeff's brother also a HOF'er Chris Boutet ran the now defunct Quebec Capitales in Dawson.  You can check the archives and logos pages for more on that historical and excellent team.  Vets may even recall that in that 1st season Brooklyn was a Dawson team (BSD) before moving across the leagues to the present Parker division in a realignment.  With Dawson rivalries producing some unbelievable playoff series and recent years 1 game playoffs, the San Diego Surf is right in the middle of what could be history.  They must contend with Limoilou's Staub leading power team.  Limmer's Thome has a .302 BA, 38 more HR this season, and 84 RBI, while MVP candidate Carlos Beltran Acquired in a down year from Skokie has 47 HR, 117 RBI, and a .275 BA with flawless defense and X rating numbers.  Some scoffed at the acquistion of CBA veteran, future HOF,and premier base stealer James Lofton's pre-season acquistion as selling future for now, but all Lofton has done is be a quintessential leadoff force with 41 SB and a .315 BA.  Bill Hlal's 27, 90, .266 and Try Glaus 36 HR's make this a very potent lineup that SD top rated staff will need to handle as well as they did in action this week.  Joe Wallace's Surfer dudes took 2 of 3 block 21 with some good pitching from Dan Haren 11-6 4.03, and Jake Peavy 10-6, last years perfect season man and Cy Young winner.  David Wright has carried SD offense with 20 HR and a .350 batting average.   3 starters and 1 platooner are batting .350+ for SD.  Victory Martinez 10 76 .365, R Cano 14 45 .360, Chris Duncan .350, and Wright.  Dye and Cuddyer have been very solid with 19 HR and BA in the high .280's all season.  A .293 team batting average is now 2nd in CBA behind Brooklyn's .310 team numbers. 

In Carter the Skokie Wolfmen finally faced Clemnete powerhouse Brooklyn in a series which Brooklyn swept in 3.  The games 1,2 were tighter than the finals but in the end the BSP offense and bench proved too powerful for the Wolmen's respected bullpen to contain.  Miguel Cabrera continued huis MVP quest and .410 BA pace with another big series getting 8 hits and 8 RBI's, and Manny Ramirez drove in key runs and reached base time after time.  Wells came up big at the plate and all around its tough to stop the Superbas in 2007 who appear to have their strongest team since their only championship in CBA back in 2004.  BSP may win more that that team and set some team records along the way.  The Brooklyn team ERA at 4.41 is almost a full run better that previous years perhaps due to the power decrease in Coors numbers.  The Superbas despite the gaudy numbers are fallible as proved by arch rival Indiana Redbirds this week as well.  Indy showed Brooklyn how its done cutting the BSP lead back down to 7 games with a rare sweep.  Indiana power and 2 out rallies doomed Brooklyn as Alex rodriguez, Pujols, Oswalt,  and Jeff Conine who had a GSHR and  5 RBI in game 3.  Game 2 saw a 12-11 Indy win which was a thrilling game to spectate as it ran by on quick spectator.  Back and forth with Indy taking an early lead on Conine's Granny, only to have a characteristic BSP rally cut into the lead.  In the end Indy had won and served notice that they are just as strong a force and ready for a playoff series which they just may get later on.  Against Joliet, Indiana shut 'em out twice behind Tankersley and Jarrod Washburn.

Carolina's rise in Schmidt has been well documented this season, but look at the surprising Bryan Bashers.  Not expected by some to win, expected by others the Bashers have been a team red hot in the second half.  Relying on a platoon system of role players and some solid starting pitching the Bashers offense has been productive.  7 players over double digit HR's, a .271 BA and terrific bench, the Bashers have taken a page from Longue Pointe with their bench depth.  Luke Scott.345, Julio Cruz, .326, Dioner Navarro .322, Ty Wigginton 20 HR, Brandon Inge 30 HR have all been great, and Pat the Bat Burrell a key offensive ingredient with his 26 HR.  This week Bryan swept rival Ottawa and is in possession of a wildcard seed if they can hold off Philly and perhaps Southwest.


This week saw a flurry of infractional warnings and issues.  A strong reminder to GM's to review usage and the Excel sheets carefully in preparations.  There is no leniency or amnesty so careful goes it.  Even commish is not immune picking up an infraction for inadvertently scheduling Edwin Jackson a start when below minimum requirements for MLB inn.  Skokie had the same for his use of John Patterson.  Pitchers must have 45 inn MLB to be eligible to start.   Joliet will not receive and infraction for Benoit's overuse which was result of league error, however Southwest will for over using Carrasco in block 18.  Bryan and Limoilou will not be assesed infractions for overuse in block 20 of last week since the league feels responsibile for not communicating properly intention to play 2 blocks that from vavcation break.  CBA apologizes for any strategic anomalies that it may have presented GM's by not making that issue clear enough.  We will likely play a double week to catch up on the schedule block 23-24 however.  Be forewarned.  Good luck to all teams as the races are not decided and are going down to the wire.
 


Midseason Report June 29th, 2007

CBA enters the 15th Block. The season well underway and the races defining. We can see who are the contenders and who may look ahead. Clemente Conference's big picture has Carolina and Brooklyn looking great while leading Schmidt and Parker. Indiana and Bryan hold wildcard possibilties with Philly and Lake County within striking distance. One or two good blocks could put Southwest back in the mix as well. Clemente is the home of great offense and the DH. 8 of the top 12 batting leaders for average is Clemente.  12 of the top 15 HR leaders are Clemente.  Pujols alone has 47 HR and 93 RBI's.  He's batting .343 and is a legitimate triple crown threat as the season levels off.  He may set some CBA records for power production along the way.  it will be fun watching Indiana this year with Alex Rodriguez, Pujols, Reyes, Bay, and Sizemore bunching runs.  Indiana is 6 games behind surging Brooklyn.

 Brooklyn is hitting .312 as a team with 136 HR in 84 games abdout half a season.  Howard is on the rise after a slow start and the lineup built over many years is stacked.  1998 1st round pick Todd Helton is hitting .355 in the 2 hole, with both Gathright and Brandon Phillips stealing a ton at leadoff. Miguel Cabrera has been sensational in '07 with 20 HR 75 and a .405 BA.  Manny Ramirez is red hot with 26 73 .336.  Wells has 21 63 .287 with 17 SB.  The offense and defense superb(a) but the starting pitching is pretty good.  Having Coors doesn't help that department much.  The pen is decent with Mariano, Wheeler, and Feliciano in the set up roles, but not much else.  Brooklyn could be heading for the best season since 2003. 

Bryan is a terrific story thus far in 2007. Some saw .500, others below, I thought maybe a shot at a wild card and thats exactly what is happening.  Bryan is using a diverse platoon of good cards and role players to combine as one playoff potential team.  The starting pitching is much improved over 2006 with Rogers and Carpenter starting to produce low run games.  Nate Robertson has emerged as the #3 starter with 8 wins and other pitchers like Eric Milton recently acquired Joe Blanton have added wins along the way and important innings.  The Bashers got a boost as Pat Burrell has started hitting HR's(17), and Brad Inge has been of fire raising his average to .300 with 18 HR and 49 key RBI's.  Ty Wigginton has been a great 10th man so far and with such depth on the bench, Bryan could be in this race for the long haul.  They must stay above Philly and the surprisingly tough Lake County Leopards. 

Philly is at .500.  The story is pitching or the lack of it.  Randy Johnson is a legit Ronson Candidate.  The staff has fallen on hard times while the offense meanwhile continues to flourish.  A .293 BA and 5 hitters with double digit HR's can keep Philly in any game.  Utley (15 49 .312) is having a good year even if Derek Jeter (8 34 .280) by his own standards is not.  Berkman 25 54 .300 is doing damage, as is Carlos Lee (19 49 .278).  No one stands out in the pen or rotation.  Perhaps with better twirling the Phantastics would rise a few games into wildcard status. 

Lake County is being carried by some decent pitching, nothing beyond average.  Glavine, Papelbon, Vasquez, Matt Thornton have led the way with solid performances.  Not spectacular but tsolid.  But the rest is non-descript.  Opponents have hit .272 which isn't great.  The pitchers dont walk too many only 3 a game. Inherited runners score 33% of the time. Not too good. The offense .257 BA, has little firepower.  .333 OBA as a team, 5.10 runs a game, .447 slg, ho-hum.  Why then is Lake in the wild card race?  Only 1 reason...Carlos Delgado (32 HR, 79 RBI, .285) . Pujols may have the numbers but he has great performers around him.  Delgado is doing it in the clutch with only Frank Thomas' 19 HR's a threat around him.  Curiously he may be a better MVP candidate since he does so much for his team.

The Staub Conference has the same story in Dawson again.  Another 3 way dance.  Maybe even a 4th customer if Joliet continues to improve. Longue Pointe has led it last year but this year the Limmer-Lou Wendigo are back in the first place saddle again. Moving out a game and half over San Diego and 3 and a half over Longue Tongue has gotten the fans in QWuebec all excited. No doubt Jeff Boutet and Dennis Concepcions rivalry dating back to the 2005 Staub Championship 7 game LP win is renewed in its entirety in 2007.  Who could forget the Michaels error that cost the Championship.  The Wendigo are primed and ready with a blistering offense which could be Staub's best (Skokie may disagree)  Boutet sends up 4 20 HR men each game. Beltran an MVP candidiate(32 84 .289), Thome with 24 taters, off season acquistion the catalyst Kenny Lofton (26SB .299) CBA's all time SB leader and a former 1997 first round pick of the Philly Phantastics.Glaus has 28 HR's.  The Wendigo score 6.19 runs per game and allow only 4.32 runs.  They produce .843 clip and slug about .492  Impressive power numbers.  Perhaps only some more defense and relief could make this team the class of Staub.

San Diego is playing up to their billing as a top Staub team.  Looking towards their first ever franchise playoff, SD must beat out eith LP or Limmer like to earn a spot.  Similar to Belfast the past 3 years.  They hit for average .298 but can't hit with too much power. only 89 HR in comparison Limmer has 133.  San Diego has good pitching.  3rd in CBA for ERA, the Surf has King Felix at 9-3 and Meche at 8-3.  Haren and Peavy both add 7 wins. Frank Rod has 13 sv.  David Wright is carrying SD in all areas (16 61 .363 12sb) and Cano is hitting .337.  SD with some good matchups and series wins will be a factor all season. A move any direction could mean the entire Dawson race. 

LP has been consistant much of the year.  They recently won 9 games in row and dropped 7 for their only streak.  LP is led by Cy Young candidate Carlos Zambrano has 10 wins no losses. Maddux (7-4 4.11) has done well too. The bullpen has done well by committee with 8 players gaining saves.  They have allowed only 20% of inherited runners to score a great number.  The bullpen is a signature of the Loggers.  Offensively its Ichiro, Aramis, and now Richie Sexson who has come alive. Varitek and Hunter are below the Mendoza line still and the .769 X rating has been great.  A 4.12 team ERA is good enough to win, but can they sustain SD and Limoilou?   Perhaps as always the key with LP is their depth of bench.  Lets see how this winds up in August.

Skokie is the team in Carter.  Doesn't look like anyone will constest him there as Allentown has faded and Kennesaw has been inexplicably below par.  Skokie ahs their best offense since its Montreal days with their many new additions for '07.  The addition of Mike Piazza (19 61 .326) has greatly helped the offense though his glove and arm haven't.  Gary Matthews Jr (13 55 .329) has been superb.  Chipper (19 42 .289), Bonds (17 56 .291), and Edmonds (15 44 .272) have been very dangerous all year and are a playoff threat to any team in CBA.  Jose Valentin (16 38 .304) was a find. The pitching not too bad.  Joe Nathan (13sv 1.36ERA) is lights out at closer. There is enough to get by but with pitching scarce Skokie has been shopping for more.  Don't expect the Wolfman to stand still he is always on the prowl and rumour has it a few deals waiting to happen!

 

 


April Preview by Marc Wasserman

 

Looking around CBA this week we are starting to get a feel for how our teams are performing.  With the first weeks of the season a time of sdjustment and testing, GM's are trying to optimize their lineups and talent for maximum performance.  Expected,  few teams have started off slowly and some hot.  Too early to tell, but we may begin to see who will be the contenders this year.

 
Teams that were building two three years ago have been thrust into the early season spotlight.  Lets look at these teams.  Carolina has CBA's best record.  Scott Kenan has built what could be a contending team from the remnants of the former Portland Seas Dogs.  Carolina's History has had some CBA moments over 10 seasons.  But had never been in the Finals.  Could this be the year?  carolina started CBA life as Danny Noonan's (no relation to Caddyshack) Louisville Mob Squad.  Just wondering if anyone even remembers talking or trading with that guy.  Noonan won 102 in that first year drafting to win right away and as a result faded a bit each year as he let his team stagnate into CBA's dark ages year of 2000.  With a few poor drafts, and no trades, the Mob Squad became the Mod Squad especially when commisioner Claude LaMarre (HOF) replaced Noonan in favor of a strong Strat-o-matic French Canadian gamer from the QSBL, Pierre Janneau.  Janneau a good player had very little to work with.  The Lifesavers had former top picks that never made it like Jose Rosado, Damon Buford, George Arias, Bill Pulsipher, mixed with an old team featuring Andre Galarraga, Eric Davis, Chuckt Finley, Lance Johnson, Joe Carter that faded away quick.  Poor Janneau won a CBA low 45 games.  That 2000 team set several futility records that still stand today.  Pierre improved his team to 68 wins the following season which was quite remarkable considering the lack of talent inherited but he grew disenchanted and left CBA to concentrate on his other more succesful strat team in QSBL.  At this point In 2002 his replacement Stephane Castillioux also from QSBL (a good league with avid gamers based in Quebec) joined CBA to guide the franchise.  As soon as he did he made his legacy in CBA by unintentionally and hilariuosly renaming the team the Green Bay Roches.  Know one to this day knows what a Roche was or is, let alone the startling fact that the decent area around Green Bay has any of them.  His team logo is quite the rediculous if not unique.  More draft pick busts like Mark Quinn, Kerry Wood, Paul Wilson, Troy O'Leary and others failed to perform.  Needless to say this team once again plummeted to the CBA abyss with a 50 win season second worst in CBA history.  The Roches crawled behind the CBA baseboards and went into hiding until 2004 when Strat Pal Dan Gural one of CBA's beloved managers took control late in 2003 and made Portland (new name) a winner.
 
Scott Kenan has taken some of Gural's nucleus and used what he had to rebuild this franchise.  The team is now Kenan's franchise with his stamp on it. Players of tomorrow like Annabelle Sanchez, Ryan Zimmerman, Justin Morneau, Travis Hafner, Johan Santana, James Loney, and other tlaented cards like Geoff Jenkins, Mark DeRosa, Adam Dunn , Melving Mora provide the Copperheads with a balanced lineup.  Dunn is off and running with 6 Hr already, and Morneau and Tejada have been hot.  For sure the middle of the order will produce tons of runs.  Among CBA's best production trios with Hafner, Morneau, and Dunn, formidable. 
 
Philly has played well thus far.  They took 2 of 3 from Brooklyn and Skokie establishing them as a contender.  As Rob Hite has predicted, Lance Berkman has been a force in the middle of Carlos Lee, Derek Jeter, and Bob Abreu.  He could drive in 150+ in Philly.  Southwest has been around .500 along with Lake County who finished a nice week block 3. 
 
The Lizard Kings using platooning have had good performances from David DeJesu, Orlando Hudson, and Ken Griffey Jr.  The big story has been Johnny (4 18 .348) Damon.
Holliday has been solid as well and is a nice addition. But this week they ran into rivals the Leopards. The Lake County Leopards after a slow start have poured it on sweeping the Lizards and taking 2 of 3 from Joliet.  Papelbon's relief work has been solid, and Frank Thomas (4 12 .296) and Carlos Delgado (6 15 .247) look like trouble for oppopsing managers. 
 
In Dawson,  Limoilou is back.  Their acquistion of Carlos Beltran is paying dividends with 9 Hr 16 RBI's.  Thome is back in a big way with 6 Hr and 18 RBI along with a .328 avg.  Jason Johnson is 3-0 and the Wendigo are looking forward to challenging LP for that divisions crown.  Problem is that there is also Belfast and San Diego now who are willing to contest a quick Limoilou claim.  San Diego is much improved on paper in 2007.  After a slow start GM joe wallace mad a block 3 adjustment which produced some good results thrusting SD back into the Dawson picture.  Joliet remains just outside with a better block 3 than previous 2 blocks.  Longue Pointe has struggled of late managing just 1 run in their 3 game series vs Indiana this block.  They were shutout twice.  Belfast has stayed close with a 9-9 record just 1 off the pace.  Belfast has showed little power so far.  6 HR, 3 by Lugo{?!?} but 18 sb signals Belfast small ball reliance as in years past.  Their addition of Jason Jennings (3-1) has been big and the pen has been strong thus far.  BJ Ryan is lights out.  
 
In Carter Allentown started off very strong.  Jorge Posada has 4 Hr 14 Rbi, and Bernie Williams ( 2 Hr 9Rbi .343) of all cards, has been on fire.  Russell Martin and Hanley Ramirez will score some runs, but its hard to say whether A Town can keep pace as pitchers and platooners eat up usage.
Maine is a surprise and is leading Carter 1 over A Town, and 2 over Skokie and K Mount. 
Maine gets the press in week 3 because of perfomances like sweeping 1st place ATown and winning 2 of 3 off Limoilou this week.  At 10-8, the Express hitters Adrain Gonzalez (5 16 .354) Dan Uggla (5 Hr), and Jeff Francoeur (5 Hr), Eliezer Alfonzo (5Hr), Juan Encarnacion (4Hr) have hit well.  No reason to suspect they won't continue to do so.  Ian Snell has been a welcome addition to the pitching staff as well.  
   Skokie is hitting the crud out the ball.  A .298 avg and 29 Hr's,  The Wolfie's have shifted their focus to power.  Edmonds, Mathews Jr and Bonds are off to good starts.  In the Bullpen Saroman Torres, and Littlejohn have been solid set ups for Nathan. 
 
Parker has powerful Brooklyn on top.  Hitting a team .314, with 26 Hr, the Superbas could be in line fora shot at the crown if they can get pitching.  Dontrelle is key and he is off to a rough start with 0-3 8.00+ era.  Mussina has been strong but ohh that lineup.  When you talk Brooklyn their trademark is the offense.  Helton, Cabrera, and Ramirez are on fire. But surprisingly this year BSP has some speed and are off and running.  Joey Gathright has emerged as a 4th OF and has stolen 9 bases including 3rd base a few times. 
Indiana had struggled but swept LP 3 straight tossing two shutouts in doing.  ARod, Reyes, Bay, And Pujols will score plenty.  It has been Tad Iguchi who has been Indy's biggest surprise with 5 Hr already.  It will be a dogfight again as Indy and Ottawa will spar with these two for the top spot.  Add to the mix an improved Cooperstown (9-9) team and Parker could be interesting.  C Town's Doug Mientkiewicz (12 Rbi .309) and Raul Ibanez (6 Hr 17) have provided some spark. 

2007 CBA season preview by Marc Wass

As years go by the memories of big games and series can be reflected on. CBA's history show that no team has repeated in consecutive years winning a championship. It's difficult enough to get in, and win Net Play series. Last year champion Indiana has a chance to repeat. 2005's Longue Pointe winner was able to make it into Staub Finals losing to Neah (Kennesaw). The closest to repeat was In 2004 Brooklyn when won their only championship, after losing in 2003 World Series to 3 time winner Limoilou.

.The 2007 promises to be a great one. Can Indy repeat?  We have added two great new GM's James Blakeley and the returning Eric Lindner to the mix.  I am very happy to have both aboard and each has been an asset from the get go.  With last years new GM's blending in so well, I can only feel confident that CBA will see more competition and more highlights.   Winning Strat-Ball, and sportsmanship are the standards and mean everything in CBA.  We will see plenty of both if the off season was any indication.  With a flurry of trades and draft maneuvers the guard could be changing as there will be more parity in CBA, and some long building teams finally emerging.  Lets take a short look at what perhaps could take place in CBA 2007.  

 

This years cards seem to have less of the excellent pitching cards.  Fewer than usual well balanced starters.  Fewer starters with 2 or less diamonds and 20 and 30 TB or below.  Even the aces seem to have unbalance and power problems.  But their are allot of set up relievers as the MLB trend seems to dictate.  It seems many more guys in the 20 hit 25 oba 35 TB range than usual. 

 

The Parker race may be the best that division has seen in many seasons.  Two reasons are three powerful teams that return with an eye towards the division crown.

It's hard not to start with Indiana Redbirds and GM Bob Fidler.  Fidler inherited a promising team but really put his own touch on this team with his many player and draft movements.  Fidler earned his championship with excellent CM and roster management in 2006 and we can expect more of the same this season.  With some players not approaching 2006 season card status, Fidlers other players will step it up plus some.  Where ARod tailed some, the acquisition of Jose Reyes looms large in Houston's top of the order.  Reyes should offset some of the power loss with his own power and speed.   He will form a lethal DP combo with Tad Iguchi who is solid if not excellent in this set with a well balanced card.  Pujols at first base and Indiana just may have the best infield in CBA.  Solid up the middle of the diamond.  Pujols will be an MVP candidate driving in many runs and a good shot at 1.300 tot.  He will create tons of runs with these guys ahead of him.  He will have protection with A Rod behind him.  Jason Bay has a killer card.  Alex Rodriguez likely team DH with the drop in glove skills, but Fidler acquired Mike Lowell a 1 rated 3B with good bat vs. Righties to bolster the bottom of the order.  Two 2's and two 1's in the infield?  A good bet for .750 X rating or better for this team.  

 

   The pitching however is a concern for this offensive laden team.  With few * starters available in the draft or on the trade market,  Indy will have to rely heavily on the pen aside from starter Oswalt and limited Kazmir, the other starters are decent but not top shelf.   Fidler acquired lights out Cla Meredith and Bob Wickman along with a committee of lesser IP pitchers who will be platoon during the season.  It remains to be seen how they will perform because they have a tough task ahead fending off the improved Superbas and Otters teams. 

 

Ottawa is a bonified contender for the title.  In fact Ottawa could win it all in 2007.  Their starting pitching is as solid as Indiana's and  they have impressive bullpen strength.  Brandon Webb is a true ace pitcher and should contend for the Cy Young award.  Lackey has a very nice card at number 2.  Cook, Loaiza, and Armas are adequate for innings and some good games along the way.  However they too are more likely to use their pen by committee to win ball games.  Joe Borowski will close games with strong set up men in Brian Sweeney, Chad's Bradford and Gaudin.   Eyre, Rivera, Downs , and Tavarez are better than average long men.  Bout Ottawa is know for the "Daddy and the Impaler" than its pitching.  We can expect another year of good numbers from those two.  Depending who Jung's bats in front of them the potential for runs is as good as anyone in CBA.  With top shelf offenses in Brooklyn and Indiana they must put runs on the board.  They could get more than either rival if Mauer, and Reed Johnson set the table.  The offensive production could reach 1000 runs scored.

 

Though Indy is the reigning champ, Brooklyn may have the total package after the acquisition of Pedro Feliciano and Dan Wheeler in two separate trades.  The offense is stocked top to bottom with only Adam  Everett not as a great a threat, though his 1 e8 at SS should compensate for that.  Indiana and Brooklyn are each about at the same level, and any extra additions to any of the threes team could be a difference.  Brooklyn may challenge Ottawa and Indiana for the Parker's top spot.  Brooklyn has been looking to maintain a high performance level for a number of years.  They have been a staple in the playoffs since 2003, and though knocked out in round 1 last year are only 2 championships removed from the 2004 winners.  With more offense and better pitching, Brooklyn could be trouble for Clemente.

 

The lineup seems all star with a great blend of power, on base, speed, and defense.  The defense defines Brooklyn as Ivan Rodriguez, Everett, Vernon Wells, newcomer Brandon Phillips, Drew, Helton, and Payton have superior ratings and e numbers.  Phillips, Wells, Cabrera, and Gathright all steal bases, and IRod will surprise a few catchers.  But the offense appears back.  With Sosa on hiatus, Brooklyn compensated by acquiring Manny Ramirez for LF.  Where Helton's power numbers have slipped, 2005 draftee Ryan Howard has exceeded expectations.  Miguel Cabrera will challenge for the batting crown with great doubles and HR power.  The middle of the order is possibly Brooklyn's finest ever.  The end of the order isn't bad either, with JD Drew's card, Ivan Rodriguez variables and average, Phillips power and speed.  Brooklyn could also break 1000 runs.

 

Cooperstown is a good team.  A team with promise and some good talent right now.  They play in Parker with Ottawa, Indiana, and Brooklyn which this year might not be such a good thing for them.  With this years schedule seeing more action against Schmidt and the other divisions in Staub, it could help C’Town to achieve a better record than if they played more within the division.

Some may reason it could hinder them in an attempt to gain higher draft status, but all said C'Town could surprise more than a few. 

 

Pitching is a plus for C'Town Iron Horses.  Jeff Francis is another recipient of the Strat trend towards endowing Coors pitchers with better cards as the years go by.  Coors pitchers were shunned and given horrid cards in years past but the past three seasons has seen good cards come out of the Rockies.  Francis is one of two this year (Jennings) the other, who have better than average cards.  V Padilla is solid with a decent card as is Chris Young who despite some power problems should still be an effective pitcher.  El Duque should be better than adequate as a #4 or 5 starter, with the late and beloved Cory Lidle.  Also on deck is Horatio Ramirez.  This staff should improve year by year.  In the pen, Jesse Crain, Francisco Cordero, and Justin Speier are among the better pens in Clemente.  The question is whether this years offense can give the pitching the support it deserves.  There is some excellent young talent here and C'Town should eventually become quite strong with Hermida, Markakis, Langerhaans, Ibanez, Matt Young, Zobrist, Castillo, and Peralta begin to live up to expectations.  No longer is the Iron Horse team a pushover.  They will win some big games.  Perhaps a power hitter or two away from serious contention.

 

Bryan has fallen on hard times after their near playoff journey of 2005.  The lovable Bashers are also a team seemingly on the upswing with the addition of some good new talent.  The big arrival is Pat Burrell who is always good for some big power numbers and will set base in the middle of the Bashers lineup.  A good season for Burrell in 07 MLB could time just right for the Bashers next season.  What about this year?  With the Parkers big three and CTown’s improvement the bashers will also be in the fight for perhaps the last playoff wildcard spot.  The lineup is much improved.  Paul LoDuca has a terrific offensive card, as does 2005 acquired Lyle Overbay.  Overbay has one of the best lefty cards with a nice blend of defense, power and OBA.  With Helton slipping in 07, Brooklyn could be regretting that trade soon enough.  Another Brooklyn trade away, Ty Wigginton has a very good power card as well he can play INF and OF.  Luke Scott will platoon and certainly help.  Mike Lamb will hit for a high average (33 hits vs. R), and Brad Inge will add 35-30 HR power.  Maybe a a sot at the wildcard?  The bullpen is outstanding and aces Chris Carpenter and Kenny Rogers could each win 16-20.   The Bashers could dive or could be a contender.  Much depends on Light’s effective use of his players.  This team with some MLB luck could be a hot team in 08.  In 07, they will score some more runs to help Bryan win but patience is the key here as the talent is there but could really blossom next season.  Cory Light’s chances are very good with Ellis returning, Hermanson, Millar, B Crosby, Cintron, Milton, and Gomes, all likely to exceed 2006 performance in MLB.  

 

In Schmidt, It looks like an epic battle between Philly, Carolina, Stirling, and the Morrison stadium Lizard Kings and the Lake County Leopards.  All 5 teams are in contention for the division.  All have their strengths and weaknesses take your pick who wins this division.   The Philly Phantastics.  Rob Hite’s South Philly Wonder boys will be eating a lot of celebratory Pat’s and Geno’s wit and wit out this year.    The top half of the lineup is going to puts lots of runs across. We may be able to expect a whopping 900-1000 runs season en toto.  Jeter and Abreu will set the table with .400+  OBA’s and runner movement.  Berman and C-Lee will drive home bunches.  It’s possible Berkman could break 150 RBI’s.  The end of the order has Rolen, Hawpe, Utley, and Thames.  All have strong cards.  The defense could be a weakness and the OF will allow lots of runners to move.  The Philly pitching staff doesn’t have 4 time Cy Young award and future CBA HOFer Randy Johnson as it’s ace.  That role will be shared amongst three starters.  Bedard looks good as does Verlander.  They are sure to allow as many HR as the team will probably hit.  

 

The Lizard Kings are a team that depending on management and matchups could  make allot of noise in the tough Schmidt division.  This is one division team that has the starting pitching.  The off season acquisition of Matt Cain was a huge plus as he moves to the front of a solid rotation. Freddie Garcia, Cliff Lee, Jeff Suppan round out the staff.  Billy Wagner closes with Carrasco, Farnsworth, and Ruddy Lugo handle the middles.  The offense is underrated.  Another off season deal brought Matt Holliday who will likely bat third with Garciaparra, Adam LaRoche, Griffey, Paulino, Alou, Damon, Catalanotto, and Crede in the lineup.  This team will score runs when needed.  In fact they could have one of the best lineups in CBA top to bottom.  The defense will be solid if not spectacular with two 1's and a 2.  G'Parra "won't hoit ya bad wit da glove eeder".  In fact the team's X rating should enhance the pitching some.  Perhaps only Holliday's glove and Damon's arm will be liabilities for SW.  Both have enough on their cards to offset that detraction.

 

It remains to be seen how the mix of players and styles blend in here.  Manager Lindner has a tall task in front of him, but he has already begun to put together a well balanced team.  Remember Lindner brought his teams in '97 and '98 to the playoffs in his stint in  early CBA.  No reason to think he won't be able to do it again.  This is a team in a very tough division whose teams will batter each other liley to around a .500 margin.  Its possible the SW pitching will set them just a bit above some of the pack.  The offense will be solid, however, can they score enough even with the pitching to stop the powerful Schmidt. Much depends on Lindner, and the Lizard King.

 

 

Carolina is a team whose time may have come.  Off to a fast start, the Copperheads will be in the press a lot this year.  Scott Kenan’s  team really took a major step in the off season with a strong draft and some strategic trading.  Coming to Carolina was Ryan Zimmerman who will solidify the corners with Morneau on the other side of the diamond.  Travis Hafner returns this year strong to be a 40+ HR DH threat.  The lineup is very dangerous.  A lot of runs will score for this team as well.  The bottom half of the lineup drops off a bit.  Pitching is the primary concern here as after the limited Anibal Sanchez,  hard lefty Scott Olsen, and the mortal Johan Santana the pitching is average at best. Westbrook will lose more than a few.  The bullpen is a possible weakness.

 

Stirling missed out on the playoffs by a game or two.  The Redsox last week rally caught everyone off guard.  Stirling had a strange year in ’06.  They seemingly traded to build for the future when their mid season record was poor.  They picked up some picks, and Jason Kendall in the Varitek to LP deal.  It was Kendall who turned out to play better than expected.  In fact Kendall had a comeback year in MLB which made him perhaps more valuable for ’07 than either GM would have thought.  With Johima likely to snare much of the playing time, Kendall will be a PH off the bench.  The lineup is improved in ’07  Crawford, O Cabrera, Konerko, Andreuuuw, Swisher, Byrnes, and Joje will be solid through and through.  The averages may be a little lower, but the run production will be strong.  Schmidt could be the most powerful of the 4 divisions!  Stirling has a young staff headed by Bronson Arroyo.  Pitching starters are thin with the rest of the crew high ERA type cards.  The pen is quite strong with the addition of Broxton joining C Cordero.  Expect a lot of work from the pen.  Stirling is a team whose best days seem ahead of them.  Lots of hopeful young pitchers and likely return to form vets who could mean the Redsox will be tremendous in 08 and beyond.

 

Lake County has the pitching.  Perhaps the strongest rotation in CBA.  But the offense will be a struggle.  They traded Manny Ramirez to acquire Penny.  He joins tom Glavine, Jav Vasquez, Derek Lowe, and Josh Beckett.  The pen has Papelbon, Howry, Otsuka, and enough to make LLS a favorite in the late innings of tied games.  But can the offense out hit their other divisional rivals?  The pitching will likely do well against Staub, but Parker teams and Schmidt teams may give the Leopards all they can handle because their isn’t enough offensive variable to drive in enough runs to outscore the big offenses.  The middle of the lineup has Frank Thomas, and Carlos Delgado.  L Castillo and Jimmy Rollins will set the table.

 

The Staub Conference is known for the smaller offenses, but is more well known as a pitching league.  Carter’s Skokie looks like a repeat playoff type team.  Wolfman Shapiro has had another busy off season retooling the Wolfmen and painstakingly building another playoff contender.  Like a Phoenix from the ashes, the Wolfman knows trading, and talent too.  Secured for the a lineup that needed some pop after last years playoff 7 game defeat, Skokie procured barry Bonds and his high OBA bat for LF.  It remains to be seen if the Bonds card can offset the 5 rating and +3 arm in a key spot in LF.  Chipper Jones was a strong pick up at 3B but will need to be platooned with limited appearances.  Edmonds has tailed a bit but gives good glove in CF.  Mike Piazza will handle the catching duties.  Can the arm’s in LF and behind the dish have limiting effect on the Skokie winning percentage?  It will be a good test of the Strat theories.  Perhaps Skokie can answer the well worn Strat debate as to how the defense: X ratings, arms, etc are more necessary for wins than the good old fashion On base plus slugging theory. 

 

Allentown and Maine are improved.  In fact they could surprise quite a few CBA Gm’s with wins.  Allentown has nicely balanced team.  Russ Martin and Hanley Ramirez were huge additions with excellent variables to bring to the table.  Ramirez has pop and speed, while Martin has one of the best catchers cards in the set.  He will limited baserunning with his -2 arm.  The bullpen is strong if the starters run into trouble.  Maine some good offense.  Adding Uggla, and Francouer should help not just now but into the future.  The combo of J Giambi, Cory Koskie, Karlyle Greene  and Uggla could be among CBA’s best infields.  Catching is a plus with Eliezer Alfonzo and Geoff Zaun.  A developing pitching staff could center around Lowry and C Wang, but more is needed there if they want to compete seriously. 

 

Kennesaw appears to be rebuild a bit and has a nice core of young talent blending in with the aging veterans from Neah Bay’s halcyon days.  They will score some runs near the top of the order with Furcal, Cameron, McCann, and Giles.  Not a lot of power which is typical of this franchise but some decent on base.  The pitching has atken a step back but there’s enough in the pen and in the rotation there to win. Smoltz, Sheets, and Harang should win more than a few, but the rest of the starters are shaky at best.

 

The Staub will be interesting.  Longue Pointe had an interesting draft choosing to focus on the solidifying the bench for the long run, adding pieces for platoons and reserves.  They were able to add a few good prospects along the way.  Craig Monroe takes over in LF while Matsui will hit off the bench. Jose Vidro coming in a trade takes over 2nd base, and the addition of Aramis Ramirez to hit in front of Richie Sexson will be huge for LP who keeps their strong pitching intact.  Expect prospects Jeremy Sowers and Jimmy Gobble to contribute some, and Carlos Zambrano to win around 20.  The pen wont be as strong as last years, but is fairly decent as is.  Staub Rolaids candidate Todd Jones will close again. 

 

Limoilou will be very tough in ’07.  The lineup is outstanding.  Once again Jeff Boutet showed why he was a 3 time championship GM.  Boutet had the foresight to get Carlos Beltran who rebounded into what could be an MVP candidate for this year.  Kenny Lofton and his speed and bat are now aboard, along with the underrated Matt Murton.  Troy Glaus will hit plenty of HR, and Curtis Granderson will be a pleasant surprise with a good offensive card.  The pitching is strong even after the trade of Hudson, but Hudson card was not the same as in the past seasons and appeared on the decline.  Schmidt should be the ace again, and Saito will liley close, lights out.  Schilling. 

 

SD Surf will be very tough in ’07.  They could win not only Dawson, but CBA as well. They are stacked top to bottom in the lineup.  The pitching is very solid throughout the rotation. The addition of Ervin Santana could be the missing key.  With the pitching as is, SD offensive run support should be plenty enough to give the staff many leads.  Bush, Peavy, Santana, King Felix, Haren, Meche, there isn’t much need for a bullpen.  The lineup and defense are well balanced.  David Wright, Vic Martinez, Cano, Cuddyer, Dye, Renteria, Nick Johnson, Youkiklis…No weaknesses.  Could this be the team for CBA to beat?  It remains to see how Joe Wallace manages this team, because they could go all the way, on paper that is. 

 

Joliet will have to manage well to contend.  Its hard to see them beating SD, but a wildcard isn’t out of the question.  Joliet has also added some pitchin’ and has a few good starters and spot starters that can give anyone trouble.  Jered Weaver, Burnett, Chuckt James, John Maine, John Lieber are solid.  JJ Putz will dominate in the pen.  Much improved.  The lineup is better too.  Soriano keys the attack which features speed.  JJD led CBA with 314 steals a record in ’06.  This year 200+ is likely too.   A solid lineup with no other real superstars, but nice offensive cards.  Pierre, Ordonez, Tracy, and some others.  Nothing to fear but they should score a few.  Without last years MVP Derek Lee Joliet must still be looking to replace that big power bat.

 

CBA expects a few more dogfights this year.  It’s important we all do our best to maintain a high level of competive spirit to be fair for all our great GM’s.  Every game counts as we have seen the past three seasons which have gone to the wire.  2007 should be just as great if not better.


 


 

Opening days at CBA.  Glory days for some, worries for others.  A sense of knowing about performance.  Seeing the strategies pay off, some left scratching their head.  Week 1 showed the promise of new teams and GM's.  The continued imrovement of others, and the demise of the mighty.  Is the first week a microcosm or meaningless?  Look at the results.  Notice the batters the results.  The CM moves.  The first week is always fun.  The analysis is the best part. 
 
Great weeks for Philly, Belfast, Coopertown, Bryan, Skokie and SD.  Belfast put it to arch rival Longue Pointe with a season opening sweep.  Could Belfast come full circle?  This team dominated the pennant chases just a few short seasons ago.  It was always the 3 way dance with Dawson.  Belfast, Longue Pongue, and Limoilou.  In the days was also Chris Boutin's Quebec Capitales team.  Now Montreal is in the mix to represent that great city.  Rivalries born.  Montreal and Belfast.  Both GMs Brunet and Adams played a Netplay but no results exported.  They agreed to let the HAL decide.  Belfast's speed and batting took the advantage.  McClouth and Carroll are going to produce as they did this series.  Huff is hot and he could be the piece that eluded JD, the power guy.  Figgins, Rios and the familiar faces are back and the ride is long.  Longue POinte is waiting with pitching.  The two met, and Belfast swept 'em.  Montreal took 1 game from BBD.  Montreal opened their inaugural game with a 12-4 drubbing of Jeff Boutet's Limoilou Wendigo.  Limoilou is one of CBA's most revered franchises.  The history is about winning. Championships, and titles, They always are tough, always...Limoilou suffered a disappointing 2-4 week sitting just off LP's 3-3. 
LP has the pitching.  2.95 ERA so far, but the offense hit only .219 this week.  Same situation as last year.  Of course the trademark LP defense is there too with only Aramis Ramirez making 2 rare errors.  In Carter the Skokie Wolfmen took 2 in a tough series with SD.  SD and Skokie could be rivals.  It's no secret that both teams are going to be in race this year.  Who will the better team and GM be? Will it go to the wire?  Will usage be a factor?  Remains to be seen.   Dye Renteria and Ramirez are off to a good start.  SD could have a lot of runs in that lineup.  Wright, Dye, Ramirez, Victorino, Youkilis.  Very talented.  4-2 week for Joe Wallace's SD Surf team.  Will Wallace finally get to CBA's World Series?  He may be able to if he can get past Skokie.  Skokie took from SD.  The Wolfman finds yet other ways to just beat ya.  Jiambi and Edmonds, some older talent sparked some offense as Chipper sputtered in week 1.  Assuredly, that won't last long.  The Wolfies pitching took charge.  Lilly, Hudson, Wang pitched well.  
Of the expansion teams, High Bridge had the most successful team.  With Admiral John Miller at the helm, he may navigate the High Bridge Heaters higher in the Carter.  Could be a pain in the a** for the Wolfman and Wallace.
The Rogers is a new division with new rivals. Resurrected was the three divison Clemente, and Staub.  Clem added Monday, and Staub re-added the Rogers.  Now Kennesaw Mt has fired its gun quickly with a 4-2 block.  Blake has promised that he would take no more beatings from CBA teams and would rise in '09.  Off to a good start.  Braun and Kinsler are slinging hash, and Mike Cameron went off with a 2 HR 5 RBI performance for another win.  Blake is alive and well in the South.  His Kennesaw Mountain rebels are on the rise.   As are the Clemente's Philly Phantastics.  This time is primed for the big season.  5-1 watch out. Tons of offense. Stacked lineup.  If the pitchers hold out.  Berkman player of the week with 7 HR in 6 games.  Jeter 2 HR 8 RBI .455, Longoria, Hawpe.  This team will be tough.  They will be opushed by Ottawa.  The Jack Jung Ottawa Otters won 4.  Papi and Vlad.  One of CBA's most prolific tandems that past few years.  Ottawa got the pitching this week with their improved pitching staff.  Guys like Volsted, Webb, Cook, and closer Brad Zielgler will have them in many games.
Westminster, Want the good news or bad news? Westmister hit .270 as team.  Not bad with a HR a game.  But the pitching could be among CBA's worst. Surely they will be looking to add some help, always tough in week 1.  Its safe bet that Kernal will be patiently building and drafting in season 1 as will the Sunville Sunjewels.  Keith Jones Jewels made a predraft trade to bring some talent on board. Blackburn tossed the expansion teams first shutout in teams history.  Sean Marshall pitched the other for High Bridge.
 
Brooklyn  have Cabrera and Howard.  There will be power.  There is Ordonez, and there were RBI's.  Let their be more doubles and there was the rest of Brooklyn's lineup.  The lineup is as good as any top to bottom.  The bench depth and pinch hitting is there. Todd Helton will be platooning this year as he winds down his illustrious CBA career.  Brooklyn could be challenging for a title again but this year with Cooperstown it will be extremely tough.  The Iron Horses are due.  This team managed by Ryan Wyke is set to turn heads.  Young and talented, the big superstars are on their way.  Acombination of good cards like Morneau, Markakis, Dukes, Maniac Aviles , Ibanez.  This team can score some runs.  The pitching is improved from last years model when they actually were involved in the wildcard race.  Lester and Wainwright fron that staff with Galarraga, Francis and C young bringing up the back of the rotash.  Could be enough to get them into serious contention with Brooklyn.  They whooped Brooklyn this week 2 orf 3, and Sunville 2 of 3 as well.  Wyke and his new family member could be celebrating more than ever.  The old Sunville Sunjewels won a pair this week.  Its been 12 years since their last win : )
 
The Monday division could be a wild ride.  As the Indaiana Redbirds are now long past last seasons glory, they will have a tough time repeating in '09.  They will have increased competition from David Dean's Lake County Leopards, the Texas based Bryan Bashers, and yes the Lizard Kings from Moreno County So.California.  This week it is the Bashers getting their props. They took 2 each from the Leo-pards, and the Redbirds.  Overbay went off, and this guy Wigginton acquired 3 seasons ago, had 5 HR for the Clemente player of the week.  Gavin Floyd has come to stabilize the stff with 2 well pitched games.  Brian Moehler is a bonus with 6 IP of shutout ball.   Lake County should have some good offensive numbers with Carlos Delgado, Xavier Nady, Giovane Soto, and Fukuedome.  Can't rule anyone out here. 

 


 

Dear Commissioner:

As the "unofficial" legal representative of the CBA, I feel it my
duty to inform you that the League Managers' photos may be in
violation of what the FCC has termed "tasteful" or "offensive" to
some viewers.

To circumvent their Fascist tendencies with regard to censorship may
I suggest a "View Warning" headline prior to accessing the LINK?

This could possibly save the LEAGUE millions of dollars in time
consuming legal battles.

The family photo of Jack Frost is perhaps the most distrubing, not to
mention "redneck" Blakie, and what is up with Hite's photo?

This is a family league and he is just way too sexy for this section.

If anyone is offended by these remarks, please consider the source.

Btw, Adams looks higher than me and I won't stand for it! Perhaps we
should just call him "Blunt" Adams for now on. No, I am not
referring to his emails either.

More CBA, less real word crap.

Oh, and Happy Dr. King Day to one and all! Not going to work today
was really sweet! Now, if I only had some disposal income to blow.

Commish, if you need me I will be at the Tidal Basin Gala Event for
All Debauched Represenatives of the State Department. Btw, who won
the election? I had my money on Chester Arthur . . .

Peace,

Eric
SLS
Dowie, Screwem, and Howe LTD

 

 


 

Sweet Caroline!   At Shea?....A RedSox Boston song???...Blasphemous...Never mind that Neil Diamond is a Brooklyn Native.  He'd never have written that song if he knew the RedSox were gonna use it!    Again I say Blasphemy...Bodacious my goodness.  Of course Doug you know this means STratWar!  : )    NY Mets fans will not stand for such foolishness.   On your behalf Shea has played some crummy tunes over the years as you will see.

To set the record straight and that Mr Brunet and Mr Diamond, Mr Kramden and all the world should know that "Sweet 'blankn' Caroline" will never be a part of Met lore.  Can I get a harumphhh for that? 


Here is a list of the most popular songs played at Shea Stadium.  Year By Year.  Many of the years Organ player (still alive at 93) Jane Jarvis played little ballpark numbers and cute little songs to stage the batters and their identities.  Some times music was mixed in over the PA's.  Here is my own list based on my experiences as a frequent patron, and others, and some friends Ive called  : )  Think I did an OK job, feel free to add in actual songs that you may recall.

MWass

1962 "Meet The Mets"                              The Greenwich Fertin Club Quartet
1963 "Duke Of Earl"                                  Gene Chandler


1964 "I Want To Hold Your Hand"            The Beatles,  "The Mets is a Good Thing"   Billy Loes
1965 "Meet The Mets"                               Jane Jarvis
1966 "Everybody Clap Your Hands"          Jane Jarvis
1967 "If I Had a Hammer"                          Trini Lopez
1968 "Ballad of the Green Berets"               Sgt Barry Sadler
1969 "You've Come A Long Way Baby"     Virginia Slims Theme
1970 "Meet The Mets"                                Jane Jarvis
1971 "Goodnight SweetHeart"                     Tribute for Gil
1972 "Felix The Cat"                                   Jane Jarvis
1973 "Do You Believe In Magic?"               Lovin Spoonful
1974 "Shine On"                                         Grand Funk
1975 "Dreamin A Dream Pt 2"                    The Crown Heights Affair
1976 "Scrapple from the Apple."                 Jane Jarvis
1977 "Take Me Out To The Ball Game"         Jane Jarvis
1978 "Stayin Alive"                                 Bee-Gees by Jane of course
1979 "Theme From Rocky"                        Bill Conti
1980 "It's Magic"                              Pilot
1981 "Talkin Baseball" Terry cashman   "Have To Believe we Are Magic Olivia Newton John

                    
1982 "Let It Whip"                           The Dazz Band
1983-4 "Talkin Met Baseball"                   Terry Cashman
1985 "Curley Shuffle"                      Los Tres Chiflados
1986 "Lets go Mets"                        Shelly Palmer & Assoc
1987 "We Built This City""                 Jefferson Starship
1988 "We Will Rock You"                    Queen
1989 "Rock You Like a Hurricane"           Scorpions
1990 "Heart Of Rock And Roll"              Huey Lewis  {Sweet Music for Viola}
1991 "Welcome To The Jungle"               G N R
1992 "Born To Run"                         Bruce Springsteen
1993 "Cocaine"                             Eric Clapton
1994 "Rico Soave"                          Gerardo Mejia
1995 "Meet The Mets"                       Original Theme
1996 "Meet The Mets"                       Updated Theme Female Singer
1997 "I've Got The Power"                        
1998 "Day-Oh"                              Harry Belafonte  {Rey-O}
1999 "We Like To Party"                    Venga Boys
2000 "Who Let The Dogs Out"                Baja Men
2001 "Survivor"                            Destiny's Child
2002 "I'm A Loser"                         Beck
2003 "Turning Japanese"                    The Vapors
2004 "New York City"                       Jay-Z
2005 "Lazy Mary"                          

 


 

Gentlemen of the CBA:

Rumors continue to flutter about the league that a major trade
agreement may be announced shortly by the league office.

Before it becomes a reality, I want to offer my apologies and explain
myself before the rope gets much tigther and the pitchforks get much
sharper.

It is the YEAR OF THE WOLF! There is no stopping the Wolfman this
year! My spirit guides inform me that he will weep at the end of the
World Series, for there will be no more worlds for him to conquer.
We all may just as well call it a season, even before we begin. All
resistance is futile.

The full moon we are having right now is even called the "Wolf
Moon!" You can look it up.

In northern Venezuela, a glowing wolfman was seen skipping across
Vascaco Laguna three days ago. Three witnesses have confirmed this
siting.

In Hollywood, it will be the year of the Wolfman! There will be a
slew of movies featuring the WOLFMAN! Even Bennie Del Toro is signed
to star as the snarling beast and some other hot movie chick has
signed for another feature.

This maddening trend will continue in literature as well. We have
just seen the crest level off with the Vampire genre, so you know the
Wolfman is to follow. Weird how that works!

Anyway, when you see the rumor become reality--speak softly of me.
It was completely out of my hands. I did what I was compelled to
do. If the CBA offered a "Boob of the Year" Award, I already won it.

The cycle of the Wolfman has begun and he will take no prisoners!

This is a good time to get religious and invest in silver bullets.

Again, please accept my apologies, as the wolf bane went straight to
my head.

Respectfully submitted,

Eric C. Lindner
Boob of the Year


 

Hi all this Skip Duckworth with our final part of interviews.
Our final interview is with the manager of the Indiana Red Birds

First of all I want thank you for taking time to set down and be interview by myself.

Well first of all I wan to congratulate you on an exciting win to win your 2nd World Series in 3 yrs
Our first question to you is can you tell us a little about your self and your SOM accomplishments?
Well Skip I started playing SOM in 1977 when a friend of mine introduce the game to me. I then was able to join a board league in my home town and was a member until it went defunct in 1994. I also was able to get into another board league in town a few yrs earlier and I am the only manager to win championships in both leagues the same yr. Then in 2000 I got introduce to the computer game and then I joined some different leagues especially the NABL net-play on league in which I made it to the World Series but came up short. This is the league in which I met and became friends with John Miller who help co-manage the Skokie squad and will be building his own team this yr. The Championship that I won in 2006 was my first computer league and then won the 2008 Snow Bowl in the GMBL winter league. As much as I like all the other leagues I really enjoy this one the most as we have a great group of managers, great web site and I have made alot of friends that I hope will keep for the rest of my life. I am also in a league named GUSSOMO that is enjoyable but we havent had much sucess as my team is the INDY CLOWNS and that is what they are. We also have a annual get together each yr which is real fun and we usually play around 54 games FTF and we give away an In your face trophy for the best team at the get together.

Well it sounds like you have had a few great accomplishments in your yr of SOM. So what did this yr mean to you?
Well this yr started out where I wasn't sure about the team and also we had recommend John Miller to the league and he went in to co-manage with Josh Shapiro. We then were able to pull off some trades where it help me out now and should help the other teams for the future but as you know you never know about trades and then I mortagaged the farm by trading away a lof my draft picks away to try and hold of the Brooklyn club. To win it all made it worth it but it wasn't easy.

Can you tell us a little somethings about this yrs team?
Well this yrs team was a great group of players with Albert and A-Rod at the corners. Grady was a anchor in the OF with Mosies Alou being big against lefties along with Hunter Pence. Then the acquisiton of Ken Griffey Jr was a key in RF and also Jim Thome was big bat in the middle of the lineup against RHP which we didn't really have from the left side as we lost out on the Barry Bonds sweepstakes. Jorge Posada behind the play was also a key especially since he was switch hitter. Reyes and Polanco became great friends and great duo up the middle. Placido also had a good bat for the season and he really stepped up in the WS by batting .406 with 5 doubles, 1 HR and scored 9 runs and drove in 7. Roy Oswalt was the anchor to the Starting Staff going 18-3 and winning the Cy Young and in the WS he lost the 1st game by only giving up 2 runs as the team offense wasn't up to playing. Then with the Red Birds down 2-1 in games and on the road he stepped up his game just giving up 3 runs 2 earned and cruised to the win. Then in the final game he just gave up 2 earned runs again and pitched a complete game to win it. John Smoltz was a key to us for this yr as his expierenced leadership was a great thing to have even though he just had a little above 500 season but his leadership was important and he showed he could pitch in the big show by going 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA.

So tell our readers what your feeling was about the World Series?
Well it was different as I was going against 2 good friends but was nervious. To take a step backwards for a moment we face a tough Brooklyn team in the Clemente Championship series and we were plesant surprise that we were able to win 3 straight at the House of Pain and that also gave us the rest we needed to go against a well rested Skokie squad. Facing John in the first 2 games was a great thing and I enjoyed it and I think the team was still thinking about that great win against Brooklyn as the team didn't really show up for game 1, but game 2 they came alive to win 10-0 then we went to home of Skokie and had to face the LEGENDARY Wolfman Shapiro and it was another great game but we fell behind early and couldn't claw back enough to lose 10-6. Game 4 we came our of the shoot quick with 6 runs and Oswalt gave us 8 strong innings allowing  9hits, 3 runs, 2 earned and Izzy came in to shut the door for a 6-3 win. Game 5 which I thought was the pivotal game was really pretty tight game but Indiana ended up scoring 6 runs in the top of the 9th to put the game qway 13-2. So we were able to go home with a 3-2 in games and had Kazmir on the mind and we took an early lead but couldn't hold it and then Casey Janssen who was a great acquistion during the yr brought in the gas can to the fire and let Skokie tie it back up at 3 games a piece. We were still at home and had Oswalt the reigning Cy Young award winner on the mound. The Red Birds came out swinging and took the early lead and Oswalt gave up 2 runs in 9 innings and Indiana won 12-2. I am totall excited to win another CBA Championship and hope to be a member of this GREAT LEAGUE of CBA for many yrs.

So what are your thoughts on the up and coming season?

Skip as I stated I mortgaged the farm to win it all this yr and we don't pick until the 7th rd and cutting down to 22 players this yr because of expansion is going to make it tough and we had some players that was hurt or had down yrs. So we had to cut a couple players that were keys to this paast season winnner. We also going to have to make some moves of players that we like to keep. But we will do whatever we have to put a competitive team on the field.


We want to congratulate on anothe great season and also winning the 2008 CBA Championship!

Thanks Skip and I want to say thank you to all the great GMs in this league that make it so fun. And also don't forget about the Red Birds as they are always willing to make a deal!
Bob/Indiana Red Birds
2008 CBA Championships

Well this is Skip Duckworth signing off as we completed this 4 part interview and we are looking forward to interview a different CM each week or two.


 


 

 

 

Indiana 2008

 

Bob Fidler Redbirds GM

World Champs

 


The CBA roots can be traced back to 1990. That year two Canadian guys from Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada, land of the Loonie, Snow, Seals, Hosers, Inuit, Mountains, Draft Dodgers, CBC, Expos, Boots Day, glaciers, forests, fish, moss, loggers, cows, mounties, well you get the picture had an idea.  Claude Lamarre a research assistant for the government and Gerald Benoit programmer for small business company, became friends through another hobby. Later that summer they discovered they had both a passion for baseball and played their first Strat-o-matic board game together in a small apartment of Gamelin street in Montreal.

That year they made a mockup league of twelve teams from the MLB. They also noticed a little flyer advertising the computer version of the board games which Claude immediately ordered. When the game came in the mail they we're both fascinated with it and the small mockup league of twelve teams became a league of 20 teams with exotic name like Flin-Flon, Chuane Cheu,  Wabush, Fartintinkles, Zabadou, Thunder Bay and other strange locations in Canada.

With a BTRIEVE database and an application developed in Turbo C by Gerald they continue to play with the software and played numerous incarnation of the mockup-league. Sometime they would scrap the whole thing just to have the pleasure of doing a draft again. In 1992 they added salaries and contract to the league format and the home made database. With a really long formula that has since been lost, Claude had calculated realistic salaries for all players based on the performance and ability of players.

In 1994 all this thing changed. Claude find other people playing Strat baseball on the internet and he joins his first league on the internet, the North American Strat Baseball League ( NASBL) that Gerald would join a year later. The NASBL experienced was instrumental in the process of developing the CBA. One of the features of the NASBL was the very extensive minor league system in which you could own players from the double AA. An idea that would follow Claude and Gerald in the next few year. In 1995 they both join another startup league named the Virtual Baseball Association (VBA). It was very closed to what they have done in the past before getting on the internet in the sense that it had salaries and contract derived from a formula. Unfortunately in 1996 the commissioner of the VBA vanish from the internet leaving 23 owners with half a season played. Gerald took over the role of the commissioner, renamed the league Virtual Baseball League (VBL) but with not real experience and no preparation at all, is attempt was unsuccessful and finally decide to quit to role of commissioner and the league.

It's at this time that the project of forming their own internet league was first talked about. From planning to action it didn't take long before a first draft of the constitution was made. The frist draft was based on the constitution of the VBA but ultimately evolve to something completly new. Trying to come up with a minor league system that did'nt demand too much knowledge, like the NASBL had, they came up with the minimum rules and thus creating the now famous POPNOMER (Pick Of Players Not Meeting the Minimum Requirement). At the last moment the salary and contract system was put on the shelf, deemed to complicate to apply in the first year of the CBA (It never been added and likely never will).

The Association was made of 24 teams separate in two league of 3 divisions each. Names were given to those leagues and divisions. These were named after Gerald and Claude's favorite and most respected players. If you noticed they have a truly Montreal Expo flavor. Messages and contacts we're sent to find solid ownership. Weary from his experience with the VBL it was decided that Claude would be the commissioner and Gerald would be the co-commissioner. A friend that they both knew from another league they had get in in the mean time (CSBL) Lou Bloss became the other co-commissioner . Lou was a major contributor to the old Strat-Digest publication and Strat website. Marc Wasserman, Another friend and veteran StratFanatic {who once ran the very popular "StratAlliance" News site and Strat gaming lists} was asked to join from the once popular and respected NASBL league and help organize the CBA structure and league as an original committee member. There were many more competent and terrific gamers to come.

2003 was a year of reorganization.  With 2002 done, CBA was at an all time low point.  Apathy and indifference plagued the CBA.  An influx of new GM's from the 2000-2001 season seemed to make the loyalty and comraderie of 1997-1999 a thing of the past.  New franchises appeared with some named to reflect the region or preferences of the new GM's.  Several were French Canadians with little to no Strat experience brought in by Claude in 2001 to replace departing GM's. Things seemed bleak as GM's left.

 By 2002 with no one stepping to the helm to take control of a fading league, Chris Boutet attempted to keep CBA alive, bringing several GM's from his QSBL league.  He also attempted to complete the season, however several times during the season council member and one of CBA's early founders Marc Wasserman helped to run games and keep things organized.

To stimulate interest in the league Boutet took several controversial votes which changed existing usage and rotational requirements.  Usage maximums were set at 115%, Starters who were asterisked or 200+ inn, could start every three days with no maximums for usage.  Batters with 450 AB unlimited, etc.  The result was a statistical nightmare which CBA's statistical database still hasn't recovered from. Many 400+ inn pitchers , and unlimited hitters, exorbitant team stat totals offensive records and pitching records were skewed. Addtionally there were several long breaks between blocks, and several file mishaps which caused extensive delays and much frustration with the veteran GM's. 

At the end of 2002, going into 2003, Boutet resigned from the temporary post.  Marc Wasserman organized a committee and asked co-founder Gerald Benoit to re-enter CBA and assume responsibilties as commisioner, and team ownerwith Wasserman as co-commisioner.  Benoit accepted and took the Acadie Stars and renamed them the Montreal Royals (Skokie) and soon found the task monumental.  Apathy being the major problem in 2002, Both decided to take a different and radical direction for CBA to restore staistical integrity, enthusiasm, and schedule consistancy to CBA.  Resolved that to creat a stronger league there must be a bit of a redistribution of talent.  New GM's would be brought in to replace leaving ones and non-performing GM's.  A massive recruitment drive was spearheaded by Wasserman to retool the GM lineup for the 2003 season.

In 2003, Usage was reset to 100% strictly, and a set of infractions drafted.  Council members Jeff Boutet was appointed, and input was solicited from several vet GM's.  Pitchers rules were set to eliminate unlimited starters, and batters the same.  Injuries were disallowed for continuity.  A new improved interactive SQL databased website was set up by Gerald.  The logos were recreated for some teams.   Gerald replaced team names of departed GM's with monikers and team names from MLB in a 1 year failed experiment.  The season progressed quite well until the last two months when Benoit ran into a family tragedy that occupied most of his team.  He stepped down to attend business and nominated Marc Wasserman commisioner to finish the season.  Wasserman completed the season with a consistant week to week set of games as had been done years before by first commisioner Claude LeMarre.  Gerald retained his team Bodega Bay into his final year 2004.

By 2004,  4 teams were banished to cyberspace from the CBA with the departure of their GM's.  Tennessee, Hartford, Detroit, and Quebec.  Their players were rentered into the draft and new GM's brought on board for an expansion draft.  Other teams trimmed to 20 men to contribute to the mix. 

The founding members of the CBA were:

For the Roberto Clemente conference

Jack Jung, Ottawa Otters* {2000 CBA Champ}

Keith B. Jones, Sunville Sun Jewels {1 of 2 CBA members to be relieved of duties due to diciplinary procedure)

Dan Noonan, Louisville Mob Squad {A Main character in the movie "Caddyshack"}

Eric Lindner, Southwest Lizard King {Nationally respected News reporter}

Lou Bloss (originator of CBA uniform), Parmas Flamingos {Strat-Digest staff}

Shaun Jones (A friend of Rob Hite) , Memphis Mafia

Jon Calder, Alexandria Assault {Video gaming Executive and long time CBA GM}

Greg Mason (From the backroads of America), Hicksville Raging Red Necks

Cory Light, Kilgore Bashers* {Current CBA Senior Executive consultant}

Wayne McGee, Stirling Red Sox* {CBA's Most prolific trader and goodwill ambassador}

Randall Flowers, Vancouver Storm {Well known  Strat GM in prominent leagues}

Rob Hite, Philly Phantastics* { 2002 CBA champion, several time platyoff contender) ,and CBA's semi-finalist in Worldwide ESSOM Friendship Cup tournament
 

Look at our history...The Contenders: The year 2000 was the CBA revolution January the month that made history.
 

2000 was a year of controversy.  Rules changes skewed our precious stats with rediculous usage rules and overusage abound. Records could be asterisked from that year.  However 8 years later our playoff teams remind of us of our CBA roots.  Some of our teams in the playoffs are fighting to exorcise the ghosts of the past.  Doom and failure that gripped some long forgotten franchises have gone away, or have they?  Perhaps some of our playoff contenders have the answer.  As most of us know of the playoff teams, Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass), Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) are the lone original owners in the dance.  Lets look around.
 

The month that shook history, January 2000 perhaps put CBA into it's dark years of 2001 and 2002.  The CBA archives have been cracked open and the in the historic vaults we saw a transition from the old founding members to a new set of GM's who mostly hailed from the home region of Quebec.  We see on our time line that original Louisville Mob Squad, a team who was quite popular moved to the north as the Jonquiere Lifesavers. Perhaps CBA's worst team of all time.  But that franchise is a laughing sack no more in 2008.
 

Louisville Mob Squad:
 

BallPark: (Minnesota Twins)
 Owned By: Dan Noonan (Member since foundation (97))
 Residence: Louisville, Kentucky
 Strat-o-Matic Experience: 6 years. 

 

Thu, 06 Jan 2000 20:28:04 -0500

Thu, 06 Jan 2000 18:26:05 -0500

A GM was taken without checking credentials or reference.
 

Tue, 04 Jan 2000 00:05:41 -0500

Tue, 04 Jan 2000 00:06:52 -0500

Mon, 03 Jan 2000 15:48:35 -0500


 

The woeful Lifesavers made a series of deals at the onset, moving away players and getting some poor return.  A case could be made for bad luck, they needed a lifesaver.  The original GM was Dom Tremblay.  He started a mess of epic proportions and quickly left behind his mess to Pierre "Pete" Janneau.  Janneau was a knowledgeable strat player, and set out to correct the roster issues left by Tremblay. The effects were devastating for the franchise as they posted two of the worst seasons in CBA history. They were followed by a succession of forgettable teams.  They became the Green bay Roches in 2002, then the Portland Sea Dogs. This team became the Carolina Copperheads in 2006
 

 

On the other hand there was the Wilmington Blue Rocks.. Their profile looks like this...
 

March 1997: Franchise foundation under the name Flamingos Parma owned by Lou Bloss
 October 1997: The Parmas finis second with a 91-71 season.
 March 1998: Serge Robitaille acquire the franchise and renamed it Darknight after a move to Kirkland.
 October 1998: Kirkland Dark Knights finish with a second place finish had a 92-70 season.
 January 1999: Acquired by John MacDonald the franchise is renamed Bluerocks and moved to Wilmington.  'Mack' had to give up his team after 1 season due to some personal issues, but when Sebastien Roberge took over, he lost interest very quickly and was replaced after the council pushed for his immediate removal due to non participation.
 

Of note a little known GM whose role in CBA remains a mystery is one GM Dany LaPointe.  Rumor had it that he was an office worker friend of someone.  It is the LaPointe mystery as to who the heck he was that spurred a more discriminating selection process when the new regime change came in late 2002 season.   Just a side note: In 2002  Marc Wass, Gerald Benoit took the reigns from Claude LaMarre whose spirit was broken by Jeff Loria and his beloved Expos MLB catastrophe.  It was a sad time for CBA as baseballs greed affected our league to the core.  When baseball was left for dead in Quebec and our Quebec colleagues followed suit, CBA went through it's transition.  In 2002 Chris "Bouts" Boutin ran the games and brought in some more Strat friends. As the original teams switched ownership so did the loyalty to their home town fans.
 

Wilmington started as as the Parma Flamingoes by famed Strat review columnist Lou Bloss. Lou left CBA and Strat after 1997 and that team became the Kirkland Dark knights for a year in 98.  John MacDonald took em in 99, and his replacement Dany LaPointe proved unable to assume duties after a very brief stay. Mac returned and moved his stadium, but Mac would not put the same heart into his team he had before. In 2002, Mac left and Clyde Elkins came in with the City Heights Clydesdales.  One of the wackiest logos I ever saw.  You must check it out. That franchise folded and is now going to be assigned to a new franchise.
 

Manager of the Beauport Gamblers Martin Boulet brought on assistant GM in Sebastien Roberge who in 2001 took over and renamed The once Grambling Gamblers (1998 Jay Shapiro), the Westmount Gamblers.  Sebas left as baseball left Quebec, and Doug Vandermark changed the name to the Farnham Chiefs. In 2003 Chris Thomas took over and named them the Houston Aeros.  Thomas had a turbulent history in CBA, and the Aeros franchises was awarded to current GM Bob Fidler.  Fidler rebuilt much of the team and developed the Aeros in the Indiana Redbirds, already a Parker division legend.  They won the 2006 WS championship and want it back in the worst way. They are proud Indiana Redbirds. 
 

Washington was a new franchise in 2000 as Jon Calder's Alexandria Assault, stepped aside for Strat Vet Dan DiVirgilio. He lasted 3 years finishing the 2000 season 55-107 and finishing worse in 2001 at 45-117. Nick Yurchuk came aboard in 2002 and brought home a 17 game improvement to 62-100 .  He was quite overwhelmed by the dizzying possibilties of rebuilding, and left after the season. In 2003 That franchise later became the present Dawson champion Joliet Jackhammers under the initials JJS in the Schmidt division. In 2004 they moved to Dawson. It's now 4 years later and Jack Frost is in the hunt.  He joins the big boys and the possibilities of making CBA history in his tenure are in his control.

 

SD has been in CBA since 2002, and 2007 was their first ever playoff appearance as Wallace built this team from scratch out of the lowest winning team in CBA. Originally owned by Don Jensen and known as the Hamilton Harbors. Hamilton was best known for their dogfight in 1998 with then Dawson title winner Brooklyn Superbas (Moved to Parker in 99) Hamilton fought with Longue Pointe, Quebec, and Limoilou in 1999 and 2000, but were just shy. They'd not return anywhere closew again until 2007's Wallace led San Diego team. A team on the decline when Jensen retired. Wallace began to build with key trades and mostly draft picks and swaps. A true worst to first case, Wallace's plan was to take years to develop a bit at a time until he built what should be a strong contender for years to come. His attitude and dedication to CBA were evident in his very strong playoff effort and management in 2007. Joe Wallace is a class act, and quality GM whose time has arrived in the CBA. SD is an elite CBA team. Here is Hamilton/ San Diego's overall record 1997-2001 as Hamilton 2002-2007 as San Diego. Wallace's team has shown a win increase in 4 consecutive years.  Although their regular season record is not as strong in 2008, they too are in the dance.  Who knows where they'll go in 2008.

WON

LOST

 

1997

74

88

1998

98

64

1999

88

74

2000

89

73

2001

75

87

2002*

61

101

2003

62

100

2004

52

110

2005

65

97

2006

82

80

2007

92

70


2008

93

69

Skokie was the Montreal Royals before Wolfman took them over.  They were original founder Gerlad Benoit's team. Looking how Shapiro improved his team to that of a perrenial winner was quite accomplishment.  Here is with CBA's runaway Carter div champions again.  93 wins in 2008 was quite a job, but he wants the World Series after going to the finals last year to lose to Rob Hite and Philly.
 

1997   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 75 87
1998   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 75 87
1999   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 77 85
2000   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 85 77
2001   Bodega Bay - Gerald Benoit 65 97
2002  Vermont Expos - Mario Fleming 85 77
2003  Montreal Royals - Gerald Benoit 80 82
2004  Montreal Royals - Gerald Benoit 78 84
2005  Montreal Royals - Wolfman Shapiro  Wild card 95 67
2006  Skokie Wolfmen - Wolfman Shapiro  Wildcard 97 65
2007  Skokie Wolfmen - Wolfman Shapiro Staub Champion 87 75


 

Click http://www.cba-bb.net/logos_page.htm
To see the old logos, a real treat.
 


Well the replay was unfortunate but necessary. We avoided any crashes or any CM's
that couldn't import.  Next block is the one to decide the wildcards and two titles.
Carolina overtook Philly who sits atop wildcard 2.  Carolina has 2 games which means 
Philly must sweep to win it and Carolina must lose all three or two losses to tie.
Brooklyn if they don't win Parker, will take the number 1 wildcard. Lake County is 1
 game behind Philly for the wildcard Ottawa is 2 games back. Whoever sweeps will be 
in good position.  Philly controls their own destiny.  Brooklyn must win to have a Parker
 title and they play Carolina in a key series.  Should Brooklyn sweep it could pave the way
 for Lake or Ottawa to sneak into the playoffs.  Simply put, CCS must win to avoid elimination.

In Staub LP has a 2 game edge over SD and 3 over both Limoilou and
 Allentown.  LP controls their 
destiny as does Carolina with a win.Skokie takes Carter and Maine will hold 1 wildcard. Philly 
plays a key series vs Longue Pointe. Its must win for both and it will determine the playoff seeds 
and teams.  It is the key series of the season, interleague. Indy plays Allentown who must sweep to
 make the show.  Allentown can tie if LP gets Philly pharted. Limoilou faces SD in another huge
series with ramifications for both teams. Limmer needs to sweep. SD needs to win at least 2 while LP losses.



LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2008 C.B.A.
 
Dawson                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2008 Joliet JJD              86  73  .541 ----  1st ever playoff appearance 
2008 Longue Pointe LLD       81  78  .509  5.0  Wildcard 2
     
2008 San Diego SSD           79  80  .497  7.0  2 games behind LP    
2008 Limoilou LWD            78  81  .491  8.0  3 games behind LP     
2008 Belfast BBD             77  82  .484  9.0  Just fell shy     
 
Carter                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2008 Skokie SWC              94  65  .591 ----  Never in Doubt 
2008 Maine MEC               86  73  .541  8.0  Great season WC 1      
2008 Allentown ANC           78  81  .491 16.0  3 games behind LP     
2008 Ohio OTC
                63  96  .396 31.0  Avoids 100 losses     
2008 Kennesaw Mtn KWC        58 101  .365 36.0  cellar dwellar     
 
Schmidt                     WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2008 Carolina CCS            85  74  .535 ----  Look whose number 1  
2008 Philly PPS              83  76  .522  2.0  Wildcard 2?     
2008 Lake County LLS         82  77  .516  3.0  1 game behind Philly    
2008 Stirling SRS            79  80  .497  6.0  Just missed playoff picture     
2008 Southwest SLS           56 103  .352 29.0  Looking for number 1      
 
Parker                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2008 Indiana IRP             96  63  .604 ----  Can win Parker with another win  
2008 Brooklyn BSP            93  66  .585  3.0  Wildcard 1 but could tie Indy     
2008 Ottawa OOP              81  78  .509 15.0  2 games behind Philly      
2008 Cooperstown CIP         79  80  .497 17.0  Fell just shy      
2008 Bryan KBP               76  83  .478 20.0  Was in the picture later than expected     
 


BOXSCORE: 2008 Belfast Brawlers At 2008 Kennesaw Mtn Woodsmen       8/29/2008
 
  Brawlers           AB  R  H RBI AVG     Woodsmen           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  J.Carroll LF        6  0  0  0 .238     M.Teahen CF        10  2  4  2 .288 
  C.Paronto P         0  0  0  0 .500     Y.Escobar SS        9  0  3  0 .282 
  L.Dinardo P         0  0  0  0 .286     E.Encarnacion 3B   11  1  4  2 .334 
M-A.Sonnanstine PH,P  3  0  0  0 .167     J.Francoeur RF      5  1  2  1 .292 
  A.Miles 2B          8  0  1  0 .293     M.Chico P           1  0  0  0 .167 
  M.Kotsay CF        11  0  5  2 .237     C.Billingsley P     0  0  0  0 .222 
  A.Rios RF          10  1  2  0 .278   F-R.Braun PH          1  0  1  0 .315 
  M.Napoli C         11  1  2  2 .225     E.Gonzalez P        0  0  0  0 .000 
  A.Huff 1B          11  0  1  0 .266   H-A.Cabrera PH        1  0  0  0 .241 
  A.Amezaga 3B        9  2  2  0 .309     S.Olsen P           0  0  0  0 .087 
  J.Lugo SS          11  0  1  1 .190   L-M.Olivo PH          1  0  0  0 .218 
  J.Jennings P        2  0  0  0 .000     J.Danks P           0  0  0  0 .121 
A-C.Figgins PH        1  1  1  1 .328   N-M.Owings PH,P       2  0  0  0 .043 
  T.Pena P            0  0  0  0 .667     R.Garko 1B         12  0  3  0 .286 
  V.Chulk P           0  0  0  0 .500     J.Bay LF            6  0  0  0 .227 
C-B.Schneider PH      0  1  0  0 .233   I-M.Cameron PR        0  0  0  0 .229 
  M.Corpas P          0  0  0  0 .000   J-T.Pena Jr LF        4  0  0  0 .196 
E-F.Sanchez PH        1  0  0  0 .259     I.Kinsler 2B       11  0  2  0 .263 
  C.Sampson P         0  0  0  0 .310     K.Suzuki C         12  0  3  0 .203 
  C.Baek P            0  0  0  0 .222     C.Silva P           2  1  1  0 .128 
G-R.Davis PH          1  0  0  0 .257   B-D.Mientkiewicz PH   1  0  0  0 .200 
  M.Bacsik P          0  0  0  0 .167     B.Hennessey P       0  0  0  0 .000 
K-K.Mench PH,LF       4  0  0  0 .216   D-T.Buck PH,RF        8  0  0  0 .272 
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      89  6 15  6                 Totals      97  5 23  5
 
A-Pinch Hit For Jennings In 7th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Silva In 7th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Chulk In 9th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Hennessey In 9th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Corpas In 11th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Billingsley In 12th Inning
G-Pinch Hit For Baek In 14th Inning
H-Pinch Hit For Gonzalez In 14th Inning
I-Pinch Ran For Bay In 15th Inning
J-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Cameron In 16th Inning
K-Pinch Hit For Bacsik In 16th Inning
L-Pinch Hit For Olsen In 16th Inning
M-Pinch Hit For Dinardo In 19th Inning
N-Pinch Hit For Danks In 19th Inning
 
Brawlers........ 0 0 0  2 0 0  2 0 1  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 1 -  6 15  2
Woodsmen........ 2 0 1  0 1 0  0 0 1  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 -  5 23  1
 
Brawlers (68-73)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
J.Jennings                6       8   4   4   0   2   2   9.00  A1 C8
T.Pena                    0 1/3   0   0   0   0   1   0   3.48  C9 C9
V.Chulk                   1 2/3   0   0   0   2   2   0   4.00  D1 D8
M.Corpas BS(5th)          2       2   1   1   0   3   1   2.82  D9 E7
C.Sampson                 2       2   0   0   1   1   0   6.20  E8 F7
C.Baek                    1       0   0   0   0   2   0   4.01  F8 G1
M.Bacsik                  2       2   0   0   1   1   0   4.71  G2 H1
C.Paronto                 2       0   0   0   0   1   0   7.52  H2 H8
L.Dinardo                 1       0   0   0   0   0   0   5.10  H9 I2
A.Sonnanstin WIN(9-8)     8       9   0   0   1  11   0   3.72  I3
Totals                   26      23   5   5   5  24   3
 
Woodsmen (49-92)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA  SCORESHEET
C.Silva                   7       8   4   3   2   2   1   5.40  A1 D3
B.Hennessey               2       2   1   1   1   3   0   5.77  D4 E4
C.Billingsle              3       0   0   0   0   5   0   4.12  E5 F4
E.Gonzalez                2       0   0   0   1   2   0   6.05  F5 G2
S.Olsen                   2       1   0   0   2   0   0   4.53  G3 H1
J.Danks                   3       0   0   0   2   2   0   4.28  H2 I2
M.Owings                  3       2   0   0   0   2   0   4.71  I3 J4
M.Chico LOSS(5-7)         4       2   1   1   3   0   0   6.25  J5
Totals                   26      15   6   5  11  16   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 9,442 DATE- Wednesday, August 29th 2008 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Doug Eddings, Ed Montague, Basil Fomine, Tony Randazzo
T- 9:06
LEFT ON BASE- Brawlers:18  Woodsmen:25
DOUBLE PLAYS- Brawlers: 2  Woodsmen: 3
ERRORS- A.Amezaga, J.Lugo, R.Garko
DOUBLES- M.Kotsay-2(9th), R.Garko(22nd), K.Suzuki(9th), C.Silva
HOME RUNS- M.Napoli(12th), M.Teahen(12th), E.Encarnacion(14th),
           J.Francoeur(18th)
STOLEN BASES- Y.Escobar(4th)
SACRIFICE HITS- M.Chico
SACRIFICE FLIES- M.Teahen
WALKS- J.Carroll, A.Sonnanstine, A.Miles-4, M.Kotsay, A.Rios, A.Amezaga-2,
       B.Schneider, Y.Escobar-2, T.Pena Jr, I.Kinsler, T.Buck
HIT BY PITCH- J.Carroll, K.Mench, M.Teahen, Y.Escobar, E.Encarnacion, J.Bay
STRIKE OUTS- A.Sonnanstine, A.Miles, A.Rios-2, M.Napoli-2, A.Huff-4, A.Amezaga,
             J.Lugo-2, J.Jennings, R.Davis, K.Mench, M.Teahen-2,
             E.Encarnacion-3, J.Francoeur, M.Chico, M.Olivo, M.Owings,
             R.Garko-4, J.Bay-2, T.Pena Jr, I.Kinsler-2, K.Suzuki-2, C.Silva,
             D.Mientkiewicz, T.Buck-2
GIDP- M.Napoli, A.Huff, K.Suzuki, T.Buck
WILD PITCHES- A.Sonnanstine, J.Jennings-2, M.Chico
PASSED BALLS- K.Suzuki
 
Mark Kotsay had 5 hits and 2 RBI and Andy Sonnanstine dominated striking out
11 Kennesaw Mtn batters as the Belfast Brawlers defeated the dreadful
Kennesaw Mtn Woodsmen in 26 innings by a score of 6 to 5 at Miller
Park.
 
Both teams were tied at 5 runs apiece after nine innings.  Belfast was
victorious in the 26th inning.  Alfredo Amezaga drew a walk.  Matt Chico then
let a pitch get away from him.  Julio Lugo then singled scoring the run.
Although they lost, Kennesaw Mtn did out-hit Belfast 23 to 15. 
 
The victory went to Sonnanstine(9-8) who went 8 innings, allowing no runs.
Chico(5-7) was given the loss in relief.  The Belfast ballclub's record now
stands at 68-73.  With the loss, the Kennesaw Mtn ballclub's record is 49-92,
worst in the division.
 
 



BOXSCORE: 2008 Joliet Jackhammers At 2008 Belfast Brawlers           8/7/2008
Joliet's John Maine throws a no hitter!
 
  Jackhammers        AB  R  H RBI AVG     Brawlers           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  D.Eckstein SS       5  1  1  1 .347     R.Davis LF          4  0  0  0 .277  
  A.Hill 2B           5  1  1  0 .289     A.Miles 2B          3  0  0  0 .306  
  M.Ordonez RF        5  3  3  2 .359     S.Hatteberg 1B      3  0  0  0 .320  
  A.Soriano LF        5  1  2  0 .251     A.Rios RF           3  0  0  0 .276  
  M.Lowell 3B         5  2  3  2 .318     N.McLouth CF        2  0  0  0 .266  
  A.Pierzynski C      5  3  3  4 .256     M.Napoli C          3  0  0  0 .235  
  R.Gload 1B          5  1  2  3 .317     A.Amezaga SS        3  0  0  0 .332  
  J.Pierre CF         4  0  0  0 .268     C.Figgins 3B        3  0  0  0 .328  
  J.Maine P           4  0  1  0 .208     C.Sampson P         0  0  0  0 .280  
                                          C.Baek P            0  0  0  0 .222  
                                          B.Tomko P           0  0  0  0 .269  
                                          T.Pena P            1  0  0  0 .667  
                                          R.Perez P           0  0  0  0 .000  
                                        A-A.Huff PH           1  0  0  0 .260  
                                          V.Chulk P           0  0  0  0 .500  
                                          M.Corpas P          0  0  0  0 .000  
                                        B-F.Sanchez PH        1  0  0  0 .255  
                                          A.Sonnanstine P     0  0  0  0 .179  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      43 12 16 12                 Totals      27  0  0  0
 
A-Pinch Hit For Perez In 6th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Corpas In 8th Inning
 
Jackhammers..... 5 2 1  0 0 0  1 0 3  - 12 16  0
Brawlers........ 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  0  2
 
Jackhammers (66-53)      IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
J.Maine WIN(12-5)         9       0   0   0   3   6   0   3.65
Totals                    9       0   0   0   3   6   0
 
Brawlers (54-65)         IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
C.Sampson LOSS(4-9)       0 2/3   5   5   5   0   0   1   6.34
C.Baek                    1       2   2   2   0   2   2   4.11
B.Tomko                   0 2/3   2   1   1   0   1   0   5.63
T.Pena                    1 2/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   3.82
R.Perez                   2       1   0   0   0   1   0   2.96
V.Chulk                   0 1/3   3   1   1   0   0   0   4.12
M.Corpas                  1 2/3   0   0   0   0   3   0   3.21
A.Sonnanstin              1       3   3   3   0   1   2   3.94
Totals                    9      16  12  12   0   8   5
 
ATTENDANCE- 51,523 DATE- Tuesday, August 7th 2008 TIME- Night WEATHER- Bad
UMPIRES- Tim Timmons, Mike Dimuro, Hunter Wendlestadt, Dale Scott
T- 2:48
LEFT ON BASE- Jackhammers: 4  Brawlers: 3
DOUBLE PLAYS- Jackhammers: 0  Brawlers: 1
ERRORS- C.Figgins, R.Perez
DOUBLES- A.Pierzynski(12th)
HOME RUNS- D.Eckstein(3rd), M.Ordonez-2(18th), A.Pierzynski(5th), R.Gload(1st)
WALKS- A.Miles, S.Hatteberg, N.McLouth
STRIKE OUTS- D.Eckstein, A.Hill, A.Soriano, M.Lowell-2, A.Pierzynski, J.Maine-2,
             R.Davis, S.Hatteberg, A.Rios, N.McLouth, M.Napoli, F.Sanchez
GIDP- J.Pierre
 
John Maine(12-5) thrilled the fans at PNC Park as he crafted a no-hit
masterpiece against the Belfast Brawlers.  The Joliet Jackhammers won by a
final score of 12 to 0.
 
Maine was spectacular.  He walked 3 Belfast batters.  The tension was mounting
with every inning after the 6th.  Maine appeared oblivious himself to the
mounting history until two were out in the 9th.  Only then, did he allow
himself one deep sigh and a slow trip around the mound.  Joliet rapped out 16
hits for the night.  
 
Chris Sampson(4-9) took the loss.  He pitched 2/3 of an inning allowing 5 hits
and no walks. After the game, Maine was heard to say, 'This is something I
have dreamt about since I was a little boy - to have it come true is just
amazing!'

Sept 8th 2008
Ohio:  Ineligible POPNOMER Clay Bucholz used, First offense warning.

Skokie: Infraction: overused Heilman after warning issued, First offense warning

Stirling: Infraction: overused Okajima after warning issued.  First offense warning

Look on left menu and click on CBA Tools for player URLs, fonts, CBA exclusive player/pitcher photos, team and league logos for your game

The trading deadline will be set for September 18th 7pm eastern time.  That will be when the Aug games thru 29th will be played.  Rosters will increase to max after block 25, for block 26.

Review the constitution regarding trades, and to answer a question posed, yes RFA's may be drafted by someone else and traded to you.  They will be subject to RFA regulations however and not playoff eligible. 

Last week Wilkerson 2 grand slam game made the news, this week it's Longue Pointe's Greg Maddux.  Historic....Greg Maddux threw yet another career shutout.  Two weeks in a row now.   Carlos Silva had shutout of Kennesaw Mt Woodsmen got only his second win against 14 losses with a 6 hit shutout against Maine who lost their 3 this week.  They fall to 8 games out as Brooklyn took two from Skokie to help the Express out.  Maine remains atop the wildcard race for the first spot while the second wildcard spot is up for grabs between the runner up to the division battle in Dawson.  Joliet remains only 2 up on SD.  They should not get complacent because there are a few teams who with a good block or two can claim or move into that #2 spot. Longue Pointe pitching and defense could make an impact during this stretch run.  LP has seen Cy Young winner Carlos Zambrano have an off year. Could he be declining? He won this week helping LP win its two series vs SD and red hot Cooperstown.  Lincecum has been winning some for LP in INN limited duty.   September is the month that makes champions and contenders.  Who gets the recognition and glory and who is scarcely mentioned except in some Archive statistic. Belfast is rising with strong pitching from unlikely places.  They took two from division rivals Joliet and the mighty Wendigo in the battle of the Quebec province.  Its precidence goes back to when games were played over IRC and ICQ by the Quebec teams.

   It is a CBA tradition when two Quebec teams play.  In 1997 there were no less than 8 Canadian teams.  1 from British Columbia Randall Flowers Vancouver Storm who later moved to Quebec and won the 1998 championship as the St Foy Frenchies.  3 more teams came from Ontario.  Don Jensen's Hamilton Harbors who lasted 5 years.  Stirling and our own Wayne McGee, the 2001 World Champion Ottawa Otters and Jack Jung.  Not coincidently, many of the Quebec teams were grouped in the legendary Dawson division. Limoilou, Quebec & Chris Boutin, Bodega Bay and former commisioner Gerald Benoit, Longue Pernt's original owner and commisioner Claude LaMarre, Jeff Boutet's Limoilou Wendigo. Serge Robitaille came in 1998 and took over Lou Bloss' Parma Flamingoes and relocated it to Quebec as the Kirkland Dark Knights.  They finished 2nd place with 92 wins in '98.  He left after 1 year and John MacDonald moved them back to the Starts and Wilmington Delaware. 

    In 1998 Maxim Daigle took over for Eric Lindner on his Southwest Lizard King franchise.  Maxim we thought was new to Strat and it showed.  He bumbled his way to 78-84 record after allowing the Lizards to fall apart.  Daigle then proceeded to be relieved by the now legendary GM  Nick Yurchuk who in 2001 renamed them the Jonquiere Lifesavers.  They need artificial support finishing a humiliating 45-117.  Yurchuk  upchucked the team, by destroying its future, prompting enactment of a trade council.  Maxim Cote took Donald "Duck" Davis Jr's Harlem Knights and in 1998 moved it to Quebec renaming it the Tennessee Warriors.  He was replaced when he couldn't grasp the concept of section 15.  They were taken over by a long term CBA owner and possible hall of fame candidate Stephane Bouchard.  Bouchard lasted all the way through 2003 when he retired from Strat-o-matic baseball leagues.  Tennessee played in the Parker.  He won the Parker crown in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Martin Boulet took Jay Shapiro's Chicago based Grambling Gamblers in 1999 and led them to the World Series in 1999 against Jeff's Limoilou team.  Beauport was most definitely a Quebec team.  The Quebec teams have always been quite strong and Belfast for several years was no exception. Belfast plays their games in Quebec and JD Adams is again showing why he is a well respected GM. 

   This Quebec team Belfast has come alive at the right time and is making its rush to the wildcard along with Limoilou.  With LP struggling, and the three battlingManaging teams that usually have very little slugging ability, JD mixes speed and batting average each year. 

 

 


The Playoff picture looks like this in Staub...
Joliet has a 2 game on SD. Skokie has 7 on Maine in Carter.  Two wild cards only for now look like Maine then SD.  But the Dawson teams all have a shot maybe of winning the title.  Whoever can not may secure a wildcard with a hot month. 
Wildcard Staub
1. Maine   77 wins
2. SD        72    after    135games

  1. LP           68               135g      4 games back
    Lim          66               135g      6 GB
    Belfast      66               135g      6 GB
    Allentown 62               135g      10 GB

    In Clemente Indiana and Brooklyn are even still.  An amazing battle in Parker with Indy and Brooklyn.  Both teams evenly matched.  Both lose little when resting as they have a deep bench.   Both have pitching and power.  Both are favored to win in Clemente, but it means little come playoff time as evidenced by last years Philly team which was off the radar until their Septmenber/August rush.  The wildcard picture is still very tight.  . 
    Wildcard Clemente
    1. Indiana or Brooklyn     80 Wins
    2. Lake Co                      70 wins  135g
        Ottawa                        70          135g
        Carolina                       69          135g
        Bryan                           64          135g
        Stirling                          65          138g
  2.     Cooperstown                66          141g

 

2008 Staub   
 
                  
Russell Martin  Allentown
Jason Varitek   LP  
Prince Fielder  Limoilou  
Adrian Gonzalez  San Diego 
Jeff Kent        Allentown  
Dan Uggla        Maine 
Chipper Jones    Joliet  
David Wright     San Diego  
Hanley Ramirez   Allentown  
Edgar Renteria   San Diego 
Hideki Matsui    LP 
Alfonso Soriano  Joliet
Carlos Beltran   Limoilou
Torii Hunter     LP 
Corey Hart       Allentown 
Magglio Ordonez  Joliet


  1.  

 
 Batting Key Performers
Carter Division
NAME       TM BA  GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB SO HB SH DP SB CS E The Skinny
J.Gathrt  MEC.356  78 188 47  67 5  0  0   14  27 24 2  7  3 18 11 2 platooner who performs
A.GonzalezMEC.281 110 441 68 124 34 1  23  77  39108 3  0  5  0  0 1 SD cleanup hitter
H.Ramirez MEC.331 108 444 76 147 35  4 15  67  40 63 3  0  9 61 16 13offense yes!defense no!
J.Kent    MEC.320  97 341 55 109 27  1 17  72  45 55 2  0  9  3  4 9 Been terrific at 2nd
B.Upton   MEC.317  95 328 69 104 19  2 21  58  45 95 6  0  6  6  3 1 One of CBA's best CF
E.Encncn  KWC.325  68 203 25  66  5  0  9  37  10 32 6  0  4  0  0 1 Lots of production platoon
J.Loney   KWC.308  64 221 32  68  9  1 13  36  19 32 2  0  6  0  0 6 Part time pop
J.Kubel   OTC.330  65 212 30  70 23  2  8  41  20 29 0  0  7  5  0 3 Lots of RBIs as platoon
M.Diaz    OTC.326  82 215 35  70 14  0 10  32   9 44 5  0  7  2  0 2 platoon force
J.Jones   OTC.321  68 218 23  70 16  0  2  25  23 30 0  1  8  4  0 2 platoon big time
M.TeixeiraOTC.268 103 340 55  91 18  1 22  65  45 87 6  0  4  0  0 3 Ohio's cleanup man
C.Jones   SWC.355 105 397 82 141 35  2 35  90  56 54 0  0 13  4  2 8 Jones having career year
M.Bradley SWC.339  70 183 37  62  7  0 14  32  26 37 3  0  5  1  3 1 Awesome 10th man
D.Young   SWC.325  99 357 58 116 29  0 17  60  35 60 0  0 12  0  0 3 Skokie's consistent offense
B.Bonds   SWC.278  94 284 63  79 16  0 26  70  57 44 4  0 13  0  0 2 Big bat and OBA
M.Hollday SLS.329 111 441 82 145 38  2 29  87  46 89 9  0 18  6  0 5 Awesome numbers
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dawson Division
NAME       TM BA  GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB  SO HB SH DP SB CS E The Skinny
A.Amezaga BBD.353  66 167  28  59 11  8  1  21  13 23 4  3  3  11  3 3 Belfast surprise
C.Figgins BBD.340  99 321  57 109 24  6  1  33  49 63 0  0  2  39 14 9 Figgins is whole offense
BBD PITCHERS .247 105 178  18  44  3  1  0  18   5 66 0 23  3   0  0 15The pitchers can hit!
S.HattbergBBD.332  96 310  45 103 25  3  5  45  38 44 1  0  8   0  0 9 Hatteberg is on base
M.Ordonez JJD.357 101 353  63 126 35  0 15  60  49 60 2  0 15   1  0 1 MVP candidate, #'s lie
D.EcksteinJJD.351  72 242  35  85 13  1  2  34   8 22 8  0  4   3  1 8 Eckstein career year
M.Lowell  JJD.310 103 339  51 105 12  2 12  50  31 39 6  0 18   1  2 12More valuable than #'s
JJD PTCHERS  .186 108 188  22  35  7  0  2  17   8 73  0 26 0   0  0 5 More hitting hurlers
C.Grndrsn LWD.319  88 348  63 111 23 17 12  67  33 68  4  0 7   9  1 3 Grand isn't he?
P.Fielder LWD.245 105 424  68 104 21  0 45  93  42 87 10  0 10  0  2 18Tons of HR,needs guys on
T.Perez   LLD.419  47  74   8  31  7  1  0   8   5  8  0  0  0  1  0 1 Super PH
I.Suzuki  LLD.331 111 478  65 158 15  3  4  49  29  48 2  8  4 33 14 0 Creates runs for LP
J.Vidro   LLD.310 101 377  48 117 18  0  6  40  35  36 0  5 11  0  0 16 Key cog in LP offense
D.Wright  SSD.357  94 311  62 111 35  1 14  64  52  55 4  0  9 18  2 7 Wright stuff
E.Rentria SSD.332  87 334  72 111 29  0  8  32  46  45 0  3  9  3  1 7 Having career year
 
 
 
Parker Division
NAME       TM BA   GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB SO HB SH DP SB CS E The Skinny
M.Young   KBP.311  93 396  59 123 18  1  3  29  35 64  3 1 15  6  0 11 Key Bryan all around guy
J.Gomes   KBP.291  87 354  57 103 23  2 31  82  30 133 4 0  3  9  2  2 unbelievable season
R.Ibanez  CIP.328 109 418  61 137 31  3 25  64  35 68  1 0 12  0  0  7 Big time for Raul
B.Harris  CIP.313  94 336  46 105 26  4  9  53  30 70  3 6  4  2  1 11 Harris with solid #s
J.Morneau CIP.311 110 425  68 132 28  3 28  82  36 55  0 0 14  0  4  7 Morneau having big yr
J.Posada  IRP.366 101 369  69 135 39  0 21  82  59 67  4 0 13  2  0  2 Career year, Gaudy stats
A.Pujols  IRP.310 105 422  86 131 28  0 33  85  63 57  7 0 18  1  3  4 Pujols power
J.Reyes   IRP.302 105 427  60 129 23  8  6  62  31 59 0 11 4  31 13  9 Reyes runs Redbirds
A.RodrguezIRP.302 103 414  94 125 21  1 31  72  55 95 19 0 14  6  1 10 No problems in clutch here
J.Thome   IRP.297  78 306  54  91 20  0 28  68  39 93  7 0 5   0  0  0 Thome thumps HRs
H.Pence   IRP.312  61 221  44  69 12  5  6  41  21 52  0 0 9   3  1  2 Pence platoon RBI
P.Polanco IRP.330 104 437  75 144 35  1 11  60  31 49 12 6 11  7  1  0 Career year
M.Cabrera BSP.367 101 390  91 143 25  1 32  93  49 85  5 0 12  5  0 14 MVP candidate carries BSP
E.Byrnes  BSP.288 101 410  78 118 18  5 14  58  41 78 10 0 10 44 18  5 Lots of steals leading off
R.Howard  BSP.265  97 351  70  93 27  0 27  79  40 140 2 0  2  2  0  0 Homers
M.Stairs  BSP.314  61 191  33  60 16  0 10  42  36 43  0 0  8  2  1  1 Stairs platoon power
T.Helton  BSP.326 101 380  76 124 24  3 14  55  59 71  1 0  5  0  0  1 Helton still produces
V.GuerreroOOP.351 108 442  86 155 33  0 39 120  41 42  5 0  14 0  1  7 MVP candidate career year
D.Ortiz   OOP.281 108 420  89 118 20  2 26  59  83 105 2 0  26 4  2 16 Papi pops
J.Mauer   OOP.317  92 344  51 109 22  3  6  45  48 40  4 0  8  0  0  4 Mauer under rated receiver
 
 
 
 
 
Schmidt Division
NAME       TM BA   GM  AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI  BB  SO HB SH DP SB CS E
J.Werth   CCS.347  61 150  39  52  8  0  9  28  25 29  0  0  1  4  0  3 Carolina super sub
M.Tejada  CCS.326 108 426  68 139 18  2 23  63  27 43  7  3 15  2  0 14 Having great year
B.Roberts CCS.301 108 462  88 139 37  3  5  37  56 75  0  1  2 34 13  5 Premiere leadoff man
W.Taveras LLS.328  80 296  51  97 15  5  0  12  17 41  7  7  5 32 10  5 Taveras great leadoff guy
J.Rollins LLS.278 111 479  70 133 28 12 17  83  21  52 7  0 16 19  4 12 Rollins does it all
R.Raburn  LLS.330  31 100  17  33  6  0  5  20  11  23 0  0  2  2  0  2 Super sub
R.Ankiel  PPS.352  39 122  25  43 14  0 14  45   9  24 0  0  4  0  1  0 Ankiel unbelievable power
J.Keppngr PPS.335  53 185  36  62 14  1  4  19  14  19 4  6  6  3  1  4 Kep keeps producing
B.Hawpe   PPS.326  85 316  61 103 28  2 16  59  40  84 0  0  8  0  0  3 Hawpe is hot
C.Utley   PPS.316  87 335  70 106 26  4 12  42  32  49 12 0 11  4  0  9 Utley hits
C.Lee     PPS.275  98 375  54 103 19  0 23  69  29  40  1 0 24  5  1  0 Lee a key performer
R.BelliardSRS.359  72 273  33  98 27  2  3  22  16  41  0 2  4  1  0  3 How is this happening?
D.Pedroia SRS.350  84 371  58 130 25  1  6  33  25  34  3 3  9  5  0  9 Rookie of the year?
C.CrawfordSRS.350 108 452  72 158 29  5 19  63  24  73  9 2  8  34 6  4 Sensational MVP candidate
M.Ramirez SRS.324 108 423  53 137 33  0 19  73  45  95  7 0  9  0  0  0 Manny mauls
C.Pena    SRS.259 108 397  76 103 20  0 34  97  78 130  5 0  6  1  0  7 Pena HRs
 
 
 Pitching Key Performers
Parker Division

 

NAME        TM  ERA  W  L  PCT  G GS CG SH SV  IP  H  R ER HR BB SO HLD
P.Feliciano BSP 1.60 2  1 .667 47 0  0  0  0 39.1 31 12 7  3  23 33 13 Good lefty set up man
R.Mahay     BSP 2.11 5  2 .714 42 0  0  0  1 38.1 36 9  9  2  19 31    Another BSP lefty
E.Bedard    BSP 3.08 14 0 1.00 17 17 3  0  0 114 104 41 39 17 36 140   Undefeated. K ratio superior
F.Cordero   CIP 1.38 4  1 .800 32 0  0  0 20 32.2 15 8  5  2  15 40    Best player on C Town
R.Oswalt    IRP 3.84 15 1 .938 21 21 6  0  0 152 134 69 65 16 62 108   Oswalt CY Young candidate
L.Hawkins   KBP 2.60 3  1 .750 40 0  0  0  0 52   40 15 15 8  20 20 11 Good set up man
J.Borowski  OOP 3.86 1  4 .200 30 0  0  0 21 32.2 36 17 14 1   8 30    Saves em for Ottawa
B.Webb      OOP 4.19 12 6 .667 21 21 4  2  0 139 144 80 65 12 43 120   Webb wins.  Staff Ace
L.Hawkins   KBP 2.60 3  1 .750  40  0  0 0 0 52.0 40 15 15  8 20 20 11  Efficient set up

 

 

Dawson Division

 

NAME        TM  ERA W L  PCT  G GS CG SH SV  IP    H  R ER HR BB SO HLD  The Skinny
J.Shields MEC 2.45 14 3 .824  23 23  6 1  0  180  151 51 49 16 29 147     Best in Carter?
J.Putz    JJD 1.83  2 4 .333  47  0  0 0 27  44.1  30  9  9  2 11  46	 Premier closer
B.Wolfe   JJD 1.83  3 1 .750  30  0  0 0  0  34.1  34  8  7  3  6  17 7   Awesome set up
A.Burnett JJD 3.03 10 4 .714  21 21  2 1  0  136  107 48 46 16 59 147     Big year JJD ace
J.Maine   JJD 4.02  9 5 .643  23 21  0 0  0  132  122 64 59 15 51 113     A Key down the stretch
T.Saito   LWD 1.64  0 4 .000  37  0  0 0 23  38.1  20  7  7  3  4 63      Phenom closer
R.Betanct LWD 1.71  2 2 .500  45  0  0 0  8  58.0  41 13 11  3  9 54 5    solid middle /long man
E.Gagne   LWD 2.21  2 0 1.000 24  0  0 0  1  36.2  26 13  9  2 26 40 5    Hold 'em
T.Jones   LLD 1.56  3 4 .429  42  0  0 0 17  40.1  25  7  7  2 11 18      Having big season
J.Gobble  LLD 2.93  0 2 .000  32  0  0 0  0  30.2  26 13  10 3 10 17 7    Set up lefty
R.Seanez  LLD 3.61  4 1 .800  48  0  0 0  3  52.1  55 24  21 5 22 47 17   Most effective set up
F.Rodrigz SSD 2.55  2 4 .333  35  0  0 0 18  35.1  19 11 10 2  28 44      Closer
J.Peavy   SSD 3.25 10 10.500  23 23  2 1  0 149.1 129 61 54 11 44 158     More offense would help
F.Herndez SSD 3.62  9 4 .692  19 19  0 0  0 112.0 107 51 45 11 39 93      King conquering
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schmidt Division
NAME        TM  ERA W L  PCT  G GS CG SH SV  IP    H  R ER HR BB SO HLD  The Skinny
 
L.Hawkins KBP 2.60 3  1 .750  40  0  0 0 0  52.0  40 15 15  8 20 20 11  Efficient set up
J.Marquis CCS 4.30 13 4 .765  23 22  1 0 0 138.0 157 79 66 21 53 68     Marquis a staff ace?
J.ValverdeCCS 1.89 4  4 .500  52  0  0 0 16 52.1  38 14 11  7 20 57     Having career year
H.Street  CCS 2.38 2  0 1.000 40  0  0 0 2  34.0  23 10  9  3 12 38 13  Great set up man
K.Gregg   CCS 3.03 2  4  .333 59  0  0 0 1  65.1  40 28 22  9 27 67 17  Awesome hold artist
M.Herges  LLS 1.98 1  2  .333 24  0  0 0 1  41.0  31  9  9  6 20 28  7  Team would be nowhere w/o
J.Vazquez LLS 2.80 9  7  .563 21 21  5 2 0 151.0 118 54 47 22 40 156    Ace
J.Beckett LLS 3.66 9  7  .563 22 22 10 3 0 157.1 139 76 64 15 42 150    Great K ratio
H.Bell    PPS 1.76 5  2  .714 33  0  0 0 8  66.2  37 16 13  3 35 76  4  Does it all in pen
J.VerlnderPPS 3.99 12 6  .667 23 23  2 0 0 140.0 141 71 62 23 43 133    Philly ace in '08
A.Brown   SLS 2.58 3  1  .750 18  0  0 0 0  45.1  31 13 13  1 22 45     Brown set up for Wags
J.Miller  SLS 3.09 3  0 1.000 47  0  0 0 3  64.0  66 24 22  8 25 64     SW set up men are good
M.Cain    SLS 3.53 9  8  .529 25 24  0 0 1 155.2 129 64 61 21 62 148    Staff ace
B.Arroyo  SRS 4.18 10 3  .769 22 22  3 1 0 137.2 136 68 64 18 39 92     Stirling ace
H.Okajima SRS 2.73 5  3  .625 44  0  0 0 0  66.0  49 20 20  7 23 59     Mid specialist
 
 
 
 
Carter Division
NAME        TM  ERA W L  PCT  G GS CG SH SV  IP   H  R  ER HR BB SO HLD  The Skinny
 
J.Shields MEC 2.45 14 3 .824  23 23  6 1  0 180  151 51 49 16 29 147     An ace for Maine
B.Jenks   MEC 2.30  2 1 .667  48  0  0 0 22 47.0  31 12 12  3 10  45     Maine closer excellence
J.Bergmnn MEC 2.98  8 5 .615  16 16  0 0  0 90.2  61 35 30  5 30  63     Having good year
B.Myers   OTC 4.97 3  1 .750  47  0  0 0  5 38.0  39 22 21  8 19  40 14  Myers good set up and mid
A.Heilman SWC 1.83 4  1 .800  42  0  0 0  2 73.2  58 18 15  3 16  49     Awesome set and mid man
C.Schrodr SWC 2.01 2  1 .667  33  1  0 0  2 49.1  36 12 11  2 19  39     Excellent set up
T.Hudson  SWC 3.11 14 5 .737  25 24  4 1  0 173  149 62 60 17 32 107     Skokie ace
G.Sherrll SWC 3.14 2  2 .500  33  0  0  0 3 43.0  27 16 15  3 20  42     Another SWC pen man
K.Wells   SWC 3.40 1  1 .500  29  1  0  0 2 50.1  47 21 19  5 24  35     SWC middle guy
C.Wang    SWC 3.79 9  4 .692  21 21  3  1 0 130  123 56 55 12 37  58     Wang solid
 
Below are our 2008 All stars.....
2008 Clemente    Black=In Majors  Blue=In Minors
 
                   
Jorge Posada     Indiana  
Joe Mauer        Ottawa 
Alberl Pujols    Indiana  
Justin Morneau   Cooperstown  
Placido Polanco  Indiana 
Brian Roberts    Caroliner 
Miguel Cabrera   Brooklyn 
Alex Rodriguez   Indiana  
Jimmy Rollins    Lake County  
Miguel Tejada    Stirling
Matt Holliday    Southwest 
Carl Crawford    Stirling 
Grady Sizemore   Indiana 
Vernon Wells     Brooklyn
Vladimir Guerrero Ottawa
Jonny Gomes      Bryan

                       
Roy Oswalt       Indiana    
Erik Bedard      Brooklyn   
Brandon Webb     Ottawa     
Javier Vazquez   Lake County     
Bronson Arroyo   Stirling     
Jonathan Papelbon   Lake County  
Francisco Cordero   Stirling  
Johan Santana       Carolina  
Scott Kazmir        Indiana  
Mariano Rivera      Brooklyn 
Brad Lidge          Bryan  
Justin Verlander    Philly

 

Nov 2nd, 2007


The Classic Battle, CBA Playoffs, Round 2

Skokie vs. Limoilou, October 2007

 

No one knew what to expect of the Wolfmen in the playoffs this year.  The Wolfmen tried as best they could for this season to correct some deficiencies from the past which resulted in bowing out from Round 1 of the playoffs in 2005 and 2006.  So was this version of the Staub finals really with the best two teams in the conference as coming in to the playoffs Skokie had the worse record of all playoff teams?  But the Wolfmen knew from the beginning of the season (even though in the early days Allentown was kicking their butt and was in first for a time) that they had an excellent chance finally to win the division outright without too much trouble as they had just lost out on the last day of the season in the past two years. (What is better: To be fighting all year for the division or win it fairly easily with no competition?)  This is not a boastful comment at all but just in studying the other teams in the division and based on our simulations, it was a good guess and  turned out to be true.  Again, we always honor and respect the other managers, as we each do our best to find a way to be successful. We never know who’s year will it be.  Also it is my hope, via this report, to be able to provide some interesting insights for others about what it takes to create a playoff-bound and possibly championship team.    Anyway, when a team knows they will comfortably make the playoffs, before the playoffs begin, they need to think about ways to prepare their team and how to make themselves stronger, so they can be very competitive in a short series.

 

For the 2007 CBA season, starting pitching was hard to come by and drove many managers mad.  For Skokie this was also true, we really had to scramble via the draft and trades as if you look at the starters we are using in the playoffs, only Clemens began on our team. (T. Hudson and Wang via trade, L. Hudson a nugget in the draft.)  If you scan the yearly stats of all of our starting pitchers, we really didn’t have a dominating pitcher for this season as we have had in the past although Clemens has a pretty good card and thank god (ha ha) he pitched over 100 innings (so really we saved him for the playoffs as he didn’t have a Clemens year). In the last two seasons we had two good 3-day starters each but this year we had to use a makeship squad.  Tim Hudson won 13 games for the Wolfmen but he received one of the best run supports in the league, he really was pretty inconsistant.  Only Luke Hudson pitched somewhat well for our squad.  So Skokie desperately needed a more dependable starter during the middle part of the season (again planning for the playoffs) and a pitcher who didn’t give up the long ball so much as in the Wolfmen’s stadium, long balls are the name of the game (via the 276 diggers we hit during the season and 230 bombs that left our park by both teams).  So the trade to obtain Wang with Maine was a trade preparing for the playoffs and is probably one of the main reasons why Skokie could have any chance at all in the playoffs.  The idea was if we had a 3 day starter like Wang and the ability to pitch Clemens twice, for five out of the seven games Skokie could have a fairly decent pitcher going who didn’t give up the long ball. This is a situation we couldn’t have done during the regular season but could in the playoffs.  So working with Luke (of Star Wars fame), this might give Skokie a chance to be very competitive with a fairly strong starting staff to go along with the various relief specialists we have and finish with Heilman and Nathan waiting in the wings.  As Skokie entered the playoffs, we were curious if this strategy could really work for our pitching staff.

 

In our first series verse San Diego, the four games we won involved four quality starts by our starting pitchers.  In two of these victories we blew out the Surf but the other two games were won by one run which means that series could have gone the other way if the Surf were hitting a bit more.  Skokie got blown out two games in San Diego but we expected to see this from time to time as going with only 9 pitchers also left a whole in our relief staff if our starters didn’t last at least six innings.  But it had to be this way to play to our strengths.

 

So as Skokie approached their first ever, conference championship series with Limoilou, we knew we would be facing one of the best teams in the CBA, with a very capable manager who has the record for World Series wins and appearances.  Limoilou is a very similar team to Skokie and perhaps even has a bit more balance and strengths as Skokie was gambling their defense at the corners and the poor throwing arm of the Pizza Man wouldn’t cause too many problems.  Skokie came into this series with a total reverse of the situation from their dramatic seven game playoff with Limoilou in 2005.  In 2005, Skokie had the better record, the home field advantage and had thrashed Limoilou during the regular season.  Limoilou was a wild card team.  For 2007, it was reserved, Limoilou had beat Skokie 11 out of 15 games, and had the best conference record with the home field advantage.  Could the tables be reversed?  And can Skokie win in Limoilou? The Wendigos had easily eliminated Longue Pointe in the first round so it seemed they were ready to make another appearance in the CBA World Series.  Could the Wolfmen stop them with all this history?

 

So here are the keys to this historic series as we review each game and discuss were the factors leading to each team’s success and failure:


------------------------------

Game 1: Skokie at Limoilou (Wang vs Schmidt)

 

Wolfmen......... 3 2 1  0 0 0  1 0 1  -  8 10  0

Wendigo......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 3  -  3  8  1

 

The Wolfmen started game 1 off up and running as Piazza, who could be the team MVP knocked in four runs.  He singled with the bases loaded in the 1st for Skokie first run followed by a 2 run shot by Edmonds.  Remember Edmonds was acquired from Wendigo in 2006 for Beltrans, showing the younger star up.  Again Piazza struck in the 2nd inning knocking in 2 more with a base hit and finished the game with a homer in the 9th.  The quick start by Skokie was too much for the Wendigos who finally broke through against Wang in the 9th when Thome hit a 3 run shot.  Could this game be an example of how the series would go?  With this win, Skokie took away the home field advantage from the Wendigos and showed they had come to play and that they really intended to go to their first World Series.  Skokie was hoping in this series their starters could go long and welcomed the complete game by Wang. Also surprised to have had such success against Schmidt who dominated them in the 2005 series.

 

Game 2: Skokie at Limoilou (L. Hudson vs Schilling)

 

Wolfmen......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  3  0

Wendigo......... 0 1 0  1 0 0  1 0    -  3  6  0

 

In Game 2, a game which the Wendigos really needed to win, Schilling came to the rescue.  He was un-hittable and stopped cold the Wolfmen.  L. Hudson pitched a good game in the losing cause.  The great closer of Limoilou, Saito came in and shut the door down to ensure the series was tied going on to Skokie, where the Wolfmen play very tough.  Glaus and Hall homered for the Wendigos to provide the needed runs.  Series tied 1 game a piece with a great pitching matchup coming up for Game 3, Johnson vs. Clemens.  (Note: Skokie missed three ball park home runs in this game of futility).

 

 

Game 3: Limoilou vs Skokie  (Johnson vs. Clemens)

 

Wendigo......... 0 0 2  0 3 5  0 0 0  - 10 11  0

Wolfmen......... 0 2 0  0 1 1  0 0 5  -  9  7  2

 

This game was expected to be a pitchers duel but Limoilou came out to play and take back the home field advantage. In the 5th inning, the Wendigos knocked Clemens out as the frustrated Wendigo bats suddenly came to life.  After Skokie had taken an early 2-0 lead on a two run shot by Edmonds, Limoilou tied it in the third and in the fifth and six inning, everything that Limoilou hit had eyes – it didn’t matter who Skokie sent to pitch, it was like they were throwing big lollies to hit.  Limoilou had 4 stolen bases, Thome hit another homer and Thome, Murton and Glaus each had 3 RBIs.  By the bottom of the 6th, Limoilou had a commanding 10-3 lead – but Skokie wasn’t ready to give up.  Rheinecker came in to pitch and somehow (not one of our best pitchers) was able to shut down the Wendigos the rest of the way. Skokie scored one run in the 6th and then trailing 10-4 going into the bottom of the 9th, came alive against Johnson and Weathers as Matthews double in 2 runs in the 9th for a 10-6 lead and then Valentin hit his second homer of this series, a 3 run shot and all of a sudden it was 10-9.  But unfortunately Saito, the great closer of the Wendigos, shut Skokie down and the Wendigos barely escaped alive with a 10-9 win.  What this meant is that Limoilou now took back home advantage and finally handed Skokie their first home lost in the playoffs.  Could we be seeing a repeat of the 2005 series?  Game four would feature a repeat of the first game starters.  Could Skokie beat again Schmidt one of the toughest pitchers in the league? 

 

Game 4:  Limoilou at Skokie (Schmidt vs. Wang)

 

Well just as Game 2 was a key game for Limoilou, as the series momentum had shifted to the  Wendigos, Skokie couldn’t afford to lose another one at home.  The Wolfman handed Wang the game ball and asked him to keep them in the game.  Well the Wendigos continued where they left off in Game 4 and quickly scored two times in the first to take a 2-0 lead.  Again Lofton was a key to generate the runs as he was unstoppable on the basepaths stealing at will.  But Skokie answered with a run in the bottom of the 1st as Valentin launched his third homer, 2-1.  Limoilou picked up a run in the fifth to go up 3-1, and Schmidt was looking very tough.  The fans in Skokie were praying for a miracle.  But the Wolfmen, who in prior playoff games have had a very difficult time in the playoffs coming from behind, awoke in the bottom of the 6th as their aged homerun leader, Barry Bonds (not having a truly good post season), launched a 2 run digger, his 2nd of the playoffs to tie it at 3 a piece.  This apparently ignited the Wolfmen as in the 7th with the bags juiced, Bonds walked in a run for a 4-3 lead and then Chipper Jones who had been silent for the playoffs, electrified the crowd and cemented the game with a grannie to give the Wolfmen an overwhelming 8-3 lead late which really was a shocker for the Wendigos as they went quietly down in the 8th and 9th as super closer Joe Nathan came in to ensure the series was tied at 2 games a piece.  So Skokie had showed in Games 3 and 4, they were hungry and had the ability to come from behind if they


had too.  Was this a sign of what was to come and would it spell trouble for the Wendigos?  Wang got his second victory in the series and the Wolfmen (thanks to the Strat Gods), were very happy they could engineer to bring Wang to Skokie!!

 

Game 5:  Limoilou at Skokie (Schilling vs T. Hudson)

 

Wendigo......... 0 0 0  0 1 1  0 0 0  -  2  6  1

Wolfmen......... 0 0 0  0 0 1  0 3    -  4 11  0

 

Game 5, was the key game of the series to decide who would go to the CBA Cup. While T. Hudson was the leader in victories for Skokie, he had a very rough season and had been bombed on a number of occasions including in game 5 of the San Diego series.  But Skokie had to trust he could do the job.  On the other hand, Skokie wasn’t looking forward to facing Schilling who shut them out in Game 5.  So the odds were not good for Skokie but the game had to be played!!


Again Lofton, the
Skokie killer knocked in the games first run in the 5th and Thome’s homer in the 6th put Limoilou ahead 2-0.  Schilling again was unhittable but the Pizza man, was able to break through with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to make it 2-1.  The bases were loaded with two outs continuing on in the inning, but Skokie just couldn’t break through to tie it.  Again in the 7th, the bases were loaded for Skokie with two outs but Speizio choked via Saito.  With the score 2-1, bottom of the 8th, the series on the line, Edmonds singled off Saito and Itzuris, the backup shortstop, doubled (4-6 on Saito’s card).  With runners on 2nd and 3rd and no one out, up came Heilman the pitcher.  Skokie selected Grudzalenek, who was having a strong series to pinch hit and he amazed the Skokie crowd with a clutch pinch hit homer, 3 run shot (2-4 on his card) as Skokie led 4-2.  Another come from behind game.  Nathan was called upon again to nail down the victory and pitched a perfect 9th.  Skokie was now one win away from being in their first World Series appearance. But could the Wolfmen beat the touch Wendigos in their home park and break their jinx??

 

Game 6:  Skokie at Limoilou (L. Hudson vs Wakefield)

 

Wolfmen......... 3 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 - 8 9 0

Wendigo......... 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 - 6 8 1

 

For this game, history was on Limoilou’s side.  Skokie has had a seven game jinx the past two years and the Wendigos have played in the World Series several times before. They were also at home.  Well Skokie was to show the world that they had come to play and Mr. Wakefield had an awful time getting the Wolfmen out of there.  In the first evening the first six batter all reached base including two runs scored via walks.  Once again Piazza knocked in the first run.  In the 2nd featuring a two run shot by the Pizza Man, Skokie forged ahead 6-0, a repeat of game 1.  Edmonds stealing a rare base, then scored on a ground ball by Wilson for a 7-0 lead in the 3rd.  Finally in the 5th, the Wendigos came to life and knocked out L. Hudson who was sailing along.  The Wendigos scored 4 runs in the bottom of this inning using timely hitting and stolen bases to make the game close at 7-4. The Wolfman thought, “Oh Jesus, (wait I am jewish, Oh Christ, oh God – yes), here we go again with that wildly Dennis and his comebacks …” Anyway, Sherill was brought in and was finally able to shut down the Wendigos in the 5th.  But the Wendigos can never be counted out.  In the top of the 7th, super-sub Spiezio, in for defense at first base, hits a towering blast against Weathers to put the Wolfmen back on top by four at 8-4 but in the bottom of the 8th, Beltran, who has been relatively quiet in the series doubled in a run to make it 8-5.  Going into the 9th, the Wolfman decides to come in with Mr. Dependable, his ace closer Nathan to seal their first conference championship and to go to the World Series. Once again Lofton knocks in Denorfia for an 8-6 score but then Nathan shuts the Wendigos down the rest of the way and Skokie, unexpectedly and unassuredly becomes the 2007 Staub champ. So, the jinx is broken –

 

… and the Wolfman sheds a tear in joy as finally in his third attempt, he is able to bring his boys to the finals for the CBA championship.  The players know how hard the Wolfman has worked on their behalf over the best few years, via trades and draft picks -- trying to bring together the right group of players – Barry Bonds who is not such an emotional guy, goes up to the chief and gives him a big hug and Clemens, Edmonds, Piazza with the younger players lift the Wolfman high up over the shoulders and carry him out on to the field where the Skokie Fans and even the Limoilou fans pay tribute to this fiery competitor, known for his early day exploits as a strat player and creator of SOM Conventions … this is the first time the Wolfman, since his return to Strat in 2005 is able to be in a league championship series.  The Wolfmen, all bow their head and smile finally happy to help their chief achieve this goal.  So now the question is, do the Wolfmen have what it takes to win it all? Can they beat the hot Philly team which no one seems able to stop?

 

Analsysis of the Series

 

For Skokie the key for this series was the middle three games in their home park.  First in game 3 after being down 10-3, that they could almost come back to tie it showed their fans that they have the ability and drive to do the impossible or what it takes to win even under insurable odds.  This could have been a sign to Limoilou of what was to come as Skokie won the final three games.  Then, the come from behind wins in Game 4 and 5 really gave the Wolfmen the momentum they needed especially with the 3 run blast by Grudzalenek in Game 5 .. a surprise and unexpected hero.  All year long the 2B tandem of Valentin and Grudzalenek was a key for the Wolfmen.  In games 1, 4 and 6, the Wolfmen scored 8 runs which they had never done in the past post-season years, so the inability of Limoilou to shut down the hitting of Skokie (via their starters and relief staff) was Limoilou’s undoing.  Also Saito was not able to stop the Wolfmen either in key moments.  Nathan picked up two more saves in this series. 


Hitting stars: Skokie prides itself in that they like to use all of their players and at any time there can be a different Hero.  Piazza certainly was one of the Skokie stars, Valentin and Edmonds did surprising well. 
Skokie seemed to be able to come up with a good lineup vs. the Wendigo starters, able to score accept against Schilling who was very tough.  And also the Skokie starters did a great job to hold the explosive Wendigos hitters down to 3 runs or less in four of the six games.  This was also a key factor in the San Diego series and maybe the real reason for Skokie’s success in the post season. The Skokie starters were able to pitch far into the games so the relief staff could be used effectively.  But also what happened in the three games (two with San Diego and once with Limoilou) where the starter was knocked out early as the pitching staff was bombed, showed a glaring weakness that Skokie has to figure out. Anyway, the starting staff had become a kind of strength in the post season and was key to why Skokie had a chance to win it all.  Including the San Diego series, the Skokie starting pitchers gave 8 quality starts out of the 12 games played.  But as stated before, Wang went 3-1 along with great starts by Clemens (2), L. Hudson (2) and one good start by T. Hudson in game 5.

 

There is no doubt the key two games of the series were Game 3 with the comeback by Skokie plus the dramatic 8th inning home run by Grudzalenek in Game 5.  As we saw in Game 1 and Game 6, if Skokie goes out to a big lead, its really hard to catch them as they will bring in their good relievers and defense late to preserve their lead.

 

Heilman also had a great series for the Wolfmen as he gave up no runs in relief.  As a team the Wolfmen hit 11 homers in the six games.  So perhaps what is proven is that if you have a team with speed versus a team with sluggers, the team with sluggers can still score more effectively and quickly. 

 

One of the things Skokie desperately tried to improve upon for 2007 was to have more hitters with a good on-base percentage as there are many Strat managers who believe this is one of the keys for success.  Anyway, this was not an easy series at all – games 4-6 could have gone the other way too.

 

We wish to salute the whole organization at Limoilou and also hats off to Jeff Boutet for a great season and building a championship team.  Coming into this series we did not expect an easy time and it was a real battle.  We weren’t able to fully relax until the final out of Game 6.  A special acknowledgement to Dennis Concepcion as the very worthy and capable proxy manager for Limoilou.  Having played Dennis live via Netplay on a number of occasions, he always has the ability to orchestrate comebacks.  This is why he is one of the former champions of the CBA in 2005.  He had us nervous all the time and he propensity to hit and run can drive anyone insane.  Dennis did a great job to manage Limoilou and make the series another memorable one in the history of the CBA.

 

Finally, I have to admit, when the season started I really didn’t believe we could be competitive enough in the playoffs as there were so many strong teams in our league.  We had a lot of holes to fill at the start of the season.  I wasn’t sure playing with Bonds and Piazza, who are poor defensively, that this could work or if Chipper’s defense would also hurt us.  But Bonds (even in a bad year for him) can help any team and Piazza (we tried to get Posada from Allentown originally – on foresight was this a blessing from God it didn’t work out?) was really the only catcher we could come up with as Matheny had an injured season. Also picking up Chipper Jones to solidify us at 3B was a gamble of sorts with his defense but we knew his bat would do well in Skokie park and that he is the type of player that can quickly put the other team out of the game.  Although Chipper didn’t have the numbers we hoped for during the season, his grand slam in game 4 was crucial to the Skokie success.

 

Sometimes as a SOM manager you have to go with your hunches. You have to try your best to field the best team you can and see which players might be available.  I observed in the Star Tournaments that the people with the championship teams generally went with good hitting teams with poor defense at the corners.  So in the 2007 version of the Skokie Wolfmen, with starting pitcher hard to find we tried our version of this.  While we didn’t have any hitters who set the league on fire individually, I feel collectively we were able to put together a good combination of players that could be competitive against any type of pitcher and could support each other.

 

Skokie’s philosophy is we like to use every player we have and to platoon.  To use each player  to their highest potential.  And I think via the post-season you can see how this can make a huge difference.  You never know who will be the hero (Game 1 victory – Piazza and Wang; Game 4 victory – Jones;  Game 5 victory – Grudzalenek; Game 6 victory – Piazza but a team effort really)

 

So it’s a good feeling to finally be there for the World Series, as you never know when you can get this chance again.  Now lets look briefly at the final 2007 CBA Matchup between the Fantastics of Philly and the Wolfmen of Skokie.

 

 

The World Series – will it be the 2nd Championship for Philly or will 2007 be the HOWL of the Wolfmen??

 

In my opinion, there are a lot of similarities between Philly and Skokie.  Both teams struggled during the season with their pitching but had success to overcome this via their ability to score runs and hit the long ball.  Philly finished with a better season record (by five games) and play a bit more balanced as they won both on the road and at home. Skokie had more trouble winning on the road.  Philly was the 2nd best hitting team in the league and 3rd in runs scored with Skokie 4th (but Skokie didn’t have the DH accept for inter-conference games).  Skokie was 2nd in Home Runs and Philly was fourth.  If Skokie has an edge, it will be that they have a slightly better pitching staff which doesn’t give up the long ball.

 

It is said in a short series, it is usually decided by pitching when all else is equal.  To get to the playoffs Philly won their last 5 season games.  In the playoffs they demolished Brooklyn, the favorite to win it all in 5 games and shutdown the Brooklyn scoring machine. Verse the former CBA champions, the Redbirds they constantly came from behind with late inning heroics.  Definitely Philly has momentum and in all sports, who has the momentum generally wins. 

 

Although Skokie is more of a hitting team, in the playoffs they won also due to quality starts and their ability to score runs (Skokie was shutout once but in all the other games they scored 3 runs or more, scoring 8 or more runs five times for which they were 4-1 in those games). 

 

Skokie hasn’t faced many left handed starters as their lineup is stronger verse right handed pitchers and Philly will have two lefties facing Skokie.  Philly has some good base speed, will they be able to take advantage of Piazza’s arm and Skokie’s inability to hold runners on base? Will the fielding at the corners be Skokie’s undoing.  Can Skokie stop the Philly sluggers of Berkman, Lee, Utley, Rolen, Thames?

 

Will Philly be able to hit Skokie’s starters and score runs or blow out their relief.  Can the Philly starters stop Skokie from scoring early or hitting so many home runs? 

 

As always, it just depends which team is the hottest. On paper even though Philly had a better record, Skokie might be a slight favorites due to their pitching.  But Brooklyn and Indiana had better pitching then Philly and they couldn’t stop them so it might mean nothing.

 

This one is a hard one to call.  It should be a very close series.  So we will have to see if the CBA might have a new champion manager or if Philly, after losing a heartbreaker to Longue Point in 2005 in 7 games can rebound and take their second CBA championship.  Only the Strat Gods know what will happen.  In any case, it should be another nail-bitter, exciting series to highlight the excitement found within the CBA.  Stay tuned!!

 


The Skokie Wolfmen Prepare for the 2007 CBA Playoffs

 

This is the third year that the Wolfmen (formerly the Royals) have been fortunate to participate in the CBA Playoffs.  Following the guidance of the their manager the Skokie Wolfman, and working hard to create a competitive team using the draft and trades and a few free agents, the franchise has been successful.

 

The 2007 version of the Wolfmen is quite different from their earlier teams in 2005 and 2006.  The former teams featured stronger squads with a more balanced pitching staff and defense.  But one of the key weaknesses of the team was to have a better on base percentage and to score more runs.  It is ultimately this weakness which caused the former teams to bow out in the first round of the playoffs.

 

With the 2007 Regular season behind us, the major challenge was for all the teams was to find good pitching.  There really wasn’t a dominating pitching team as there had been in years past.  And actually, the normally Dawson Conference which featured teams that had success more on good pitching changed in 2007 to teams that paralleled their Clemente opponents with more hitting and power.

 

To build the 2007 Wolfmen, once again key players via the draft were acquired as well as via trades.  Most of the key power hitters (Bonds, Piazza, Jones, Valentin) were acquired in this way.  There were six players who hit 20 or more homers for this squad, the 2007 version had a much higher on base percentage and set a team record with 26x homers for the season ranking 2nd in the league.  But the starting pitchers were much weaker (a key trade to bring in Wang definitely was absolutely necessary) and the relief staff was at best in consistent.  Perhaps the Wolfmen would have won a few more games if Nathan was more available but he had to sit out the last 40 games of the season.

 

A key part of the managerial strategy to play the Wolfmen, was as always to work with positional players to deal with any type of team, park and pitcher.  Skokie took a big gamble to bring on board and keep a number of very older players (late 30s or 40’s, including Bonds, Piazza, Jones, Edmonds, Giambi and Clemens.  The Skokie of 2007 sacrificed on their defense as they were willing to start poor fielding players in the corners in the outfield as well as at 1B & 3B.  The Piazza trade was a big gamble as Skokie decided to go with more hitting and power at catcher but sacrificed on stolen bases by their opponents with Piazza poor arm and several pitchers who were unable to hold base runners close.  Skokie had never tried before to play with such wholes in their defense on the field but the thinking process was, if we could bomb the other team there was the defense to come in during the late innings and their closer Joe Nathan, one of the premier closers.

 

So the 2007 Skokie Wolfmen took a big gamble, they felt they could do it because they were in a weak division and if they could just get back to the playoffs, using all the players properly, in a short series, that they could be competitive.  Another key aspect of the Wolfmen was that they lead the league in giving up the least amount of home runs.  Being that they live in Wolfie park which is a hitters park, this was crucial to balance the less then perfect defense on the field and weak ability to stop opponents to steal bases.

 

So this version of the Skokie team won 9 less games then in 2006.  It comes into the playoffs with the worse record of any playoff bound team.  With its clearing weaknesses as discussed above, few people will give them a chance against the better teams in the CBA.  If they are going to go far, it will require all the tricks and skills by their manager the Wolfman to do it and perhaps some lucky rolls of the dice.

 

There was a big debate over whether to go with Piazza at catcher but he won up tied for 2nd on the club with 28 homers in somewhat limited due and was second in RBIs.  His memorable four homer game is a record in the CBA.  Barry Bonds was another gamble with his poor knees and fielding if this would more adversely affect the team then his bat but he tied the record of 37 homers done by Beltran in 2005 and had 100 RBIs in again a bit of limited duty.  Valentin a middle inning pick in the draft (Skokie wait as long as possible to grab their old friend and former player) was also another key to Skokie’s success as he provided a good strong bat and power which was needed and lead to Grudzielanek seeing limited duty but valuable for late inning defense.  Edmonds also hit a bit more for power then expected and came through in some key games plus his consistent defensive in CF was key.  The late addition of Giambi and Dellucci added some more power for the clubs and left handed hitters who could hit lefties, Dellucci began a backup for Bonds.  1B had been a challenge for Skokie rotating four other players to fill the void (Aurilla, Shelton, Sheffield, Spiezio) but with Giambi on the scene it added another power hitter with good on base.  Skokie tried to create their own version of the famed Yankees murders row.  Especially against right handed pitchers – just about every hitter in the lineup was capable of hitting the ball out.  Gary Matthews Jr. may have been Skokie’s most consistent hitter who did a great job as a leadoff hitter.  Normally the Wolfmen like to have more speed in their lineup but the roll of the dice didn’t allow this to occur.

 

L. Hudson was a surprise starter for the team and thus earned a place on the playoff squad, was perhaps the most consistent starter. Nathan is Nathan and set a mark in the age of the Wolfman with 20 saves.  He was almost unhittable and will be a key player in the playoffs.  But the relief staff was a lot more inconsistent in times past and will have to be used wisely in the playoffs.  Look for the Wolfmen to count on their starters to go long into the game.  As far as the other Skokie starters, at times they look brilliant but overall their effective was very questionable and far less in performance then prior years.  Clemens just wasn’t his usual self winning only 6 games, Lilly and T. Hudson were inconsistent – Redman and Patterson gave some help in limited starts but the trade for Wang brought that other starter that Skokie deeply needed. 

 

So to summarize, the 2007 version of the Skokie Wolfmen was a collection of the old and new.  The team has the ability to explode at any moment but comes in with a number of holes where they could also be crunched just the same.  It will be an interest challenge to see if an improved scoring machine is enough to take the Wolfmen to a higher level.  The keys for their success will be how effective Wang and Clemens can be as consistant starters and if the club can score runs which has doomed them in the playoffs in the last two years.  There is no doubt the Wolfmen like Skokie’s park but with the worse record as a playoff team after the 1st round they could lose home field advantage.

 

Analysis of San Diego VS Skokie

 

During the regular season the two teams split the twelve games played.  Even though San Diego had a better regular season record, Skokie gained home field advantage for this series due to winning their division (finally after losing out the past two years on the last day of the season).  Skokie’s true advantage then was having possibly four games in their park as their club is really suited for the long ball.  Thus for San Diego to win the series they would need to win in Skokie.  The Surf is a better hitting team but the key weakness of the surf, if any, as Mr. Wallace had put a good squad together was in their pitching as their 3rd and 4th starters were not strong and the bullpen could be a bit stronger.  The strategy for Skokie was to bomb the Surf starters, then bring in their defense and have Nathan waiting at the end.  The Surf had better speed then Skokie and could take advantage of the weak arm of Piazza and also several of Skokie’s starters inability to hold runners.  So in comparing the two teams their strengths and weakness were pretty even, the key would see if San Diego could win in Skokie.  And with San Diego being more of a pitcher’s park (low ball park home run) if they could win 3 in San Diego, then Skokie could be in a lot of trouble.  Finally a last key for Skokie in the series was if their starters could take up a lot of innings as three of the Skokie relievers are more geared for more conditional spots.  So if the Skokie starters got bombed early, Skokie could be in a lot of trouble.

 

Now lets move on two the actual games and see what happened:

 

Game 1: At Skokie   (Haren vs Wang)

 

Surf............ 0 0 0  0 0 1  0 2 0  -  3  9  1
Wolfmen......... 2 0 0  1 3 0  0 0    -  6 10  0

 

Skokie started out the gate as the “Pizza” man hits a two run homer to begin the first inning.  This bodes badly for the Surf if the Skokie bats start blasting home runs.  Wang was pitching very good and the Surf were consistently unable to come through with clutch hits when men were on base.  Edmonds hits a solo shot for Skokie to make it 3-0 and then Shelton shocks the Surf (Note: Shelton almost was not kept on the squad for the playoffs, it was between keeping him or Sheffield) with a 3 run dinger in the 5th.  So with a commanding 6-0 lead and Nathan waiting in the wings if needed, it looked like Skokie had the game in hand.  But then the Surf bats came alive in the 8th and they threatened but good old reliable Nathan, who relishes this type of spots came in and shot the door for a 6-3 Skokie win.  Was this a sign that Skokie could break their first round jinx and move to the finals?  The Surf now needed a victory in Game 2.

 





Game 2: At Skokie   (Peavy vs Clemens)

Surf............ 0 1 0  1 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 -  2  9  1
Wolfmen......... 0 0 1  0 0 1  0 0 0  0 1 -  3  9  1

 

This was definitely a key game in the Series.  If Skokie went up 2 games to none, and especially if Skokie could beat Peavy one of the best pitchers in the league, it would be tough for San Diego.  This was a classic game, a pitchers duel between two of the greatest pitchers in the history of the game.

The Surf would take the lead and Skokie would battle back.  Neither team could get ahead and it went into extra innings.  Skokie knew if they could get past Rodriquez, the ace closer of the Surf and outlast him, they might have a chance. (BTW, C. Jones was up with the bases loaded earlier in the game and had a chance at a ball park homer which would have been a  Grand Slam but missed but he did homer later to tie the game in the 6th).  Anyway in the bottom of the 11th with two on, Matthews who had a great season (and also had 7 doubles in 6 games for the series) came through in the bottom of the 11th and Skokie won game 2 by the score 3-2.  This was the turning point of the series.  With Skokie up 2 games to none, San Diego had to do some miracles in their home park.

 


Game 3: At San Diego (L. Hudson vs Meche)

Wolfmen......... 0 0 1  0 6 0  0 2 0  -  9 12  0
Surf............ 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 1  -  1  7  0

 

This was a due or die game for San Diego Skokie surprised the world by going with Luke Hudson instead of Tim Hudson (who won 13 games for the Wolfmen).  But Luke Hudson had been one of Skokie’s most consistent starters all year long and he earned this game 3 start.  And boy did Hudson pitch his heart out.  He was virtually unhittable and only in the bottom of the 9th could the Surf score.  Shelton came through again in the 5th with a two run homer and Edmonds also hit his 2nd.  A big six run 5th put the game away for Skokie. Matthews also was a star hitting 3 doubles and driving in two runs but the real star with L. Hudson.  Well Skokie had a command 3 games to none lead.  The question was, could Skokie do a sweep?  Game 4 featured the starters of Game 1.

 

Game 4: At San Diego (Wang vs Haren)

 

Wolfmen......... 0 0 1  0 0 0  1 1 0  -  3  7  0
Surf............ 0 1 0  2 0 3  3 0    -  9 10  0

 

(Personal note: I was hoping that we could finish the series in four, as I had to stay up very late to play due to our difference in hours but Joe was not to be denied this game.)

 

The game started as many being close and tied 1-1 after 3 innings, but then the Surf bats came to life and they were unstoppable.  They sliced and diced Skokie starter Wang and Skokie saw their dream to sweep fading.  Skokie tried to use Wang as long as possible but the Surf was taking batting practice and then when the relief came in, finally Skokie was able to stop the party by the Surf.  C. Duncan feasted on Skokie pitching hitting two homers.  So Skokie just let the Surf enjoy their day as Manager Wallace earned his first playoff win in convincing fashion.  We could hear Joe saying in the dugout as the game was nearing completion if only I save some of these runs for the other games.  Well could the Surf do a Boston Redsox and take the final four? With the jinx of seven games in the past, the Wolfman was becoming a bit worried.

 




Game 5: At San Diego (T. Hudson vs Peavy)

 

Wolfmen......... 0 0 1  0 0 1  0 0 1  -  3  8  2
Surf............ 0 1 0  1 3 6  5 0    - 16 15  0

 

Well again, the Surf were facing an elimination game.  But this club which almost won their own division is a very gutsy club and they never say “Die”.  Again the game started out close but starting into the 5th through the 7th innings, the Surf could do no wrong.  They literally destroyed the Skokie pitchers, it didn’t matter who was brought in, they were cannon fodder – on this day no team could have beat the Surf, they were unstoppable.  Dye hit his 2nd homer and Victorino hit an inside the park homer.  Three of the Surf hitters had 3 RBI’s each.  So Skokie basically gave up in the 6th and let the Surf enjoy their day.  They decided than, that when they went home to Wolfmen Park, they would win the series for the fans.  Besides, they had Clemens coming up next and he didn’t have to face Peavy again.  Peavy is darn tough and Skokie was happy they could win that very hard fought Game 2 against him.  25 runs in two games for the Surf, they were now on fire and ready to win in Skokie.

 

Game 6: At Skokie   (Santana vs Clemens)

 

Surf............ 1 0 0  0 0 0  1 0 0  -  2  5  0
Wolfmen......... 0 0 0  3 0 0  0 0    -  3  7  0

 

With Skokie at home and with Clemens going, San Diego must have been a bit concerned.  Clemens had pitched great baseball in Game 2 and Santana was a bit vulnerable to go against right handed hitters.  But the Surf showed they are a good team and began to continue their hitting against Clemens by scoring in the top of the first to take an early lead.  Skokie was struggling against Santana and starting to think the curse of 7 games was coming back but finally HR and RBI team leader, Barry Bonds, who had been quiet the whole series hit one out of the park in the bottom of the 4th to tie the game.  And Bonds must have inspired the Wolf guys because shortly later, Piazza, who may well be the MVP of the Skokie squad during the regular season, launched his 2nd homer of the series (he batted in Skokie’s first runs in Game 1 and their final runs in Game 6 with homers) for Skokie to take a 3-1 lead.  With Clemens on the mound, would this be enough?  Clemens continued to dominate but then that squirley Victorino came to bat in the 7th, he did it again and hit a inside the park home run to make it 3-2.  Just one run separating the two combatants.  Clemens made it into the 9th but walked the first hitter and Duncan was up (he was killing Skokie pitching) so the Wolfman brought in Sherill to face him (or to not allow Duncan to be the guy who could defeat the Wolfmen) and Sherill was able to get pinch hitter Nady to line out).  Then it was Nathan time, for the chance for the Wolfmen to go into round 2 for the first time, this is why Skokie jumped to trade for him last year giving away Bedard one of the best starting pitchers, and Nathan in his normal fashion shut the door down and the Wolfmen are now headed to the conference championship. 

 

Series Notes and Conclusion

 

The keys for this series were the following.  First of all the Surf bats fell silent in Skokie and you will never beat the Wolfmen there if you can’t score runs as Skokie won all 3 games in their home park.  Clemens is probably the MVP for Skokie pitching two game gems.  During the regular season the Wolfmen’s starters had a lot of problems but with the two good starts by Clemens (both games won 3-2) and the strong outing by Wang and especially L. Hudson, it was actually Skokie’s starting pitching which won the series.  All year long, Skokie had to conserve Clemens (due to a limit of innings) but in the playoffs they could turn him loose.  Could Clemens be the Skokie X Factor?

 

Special achievements by players from each team:

 

San Diego Surf:

 

Duncan was a tear to the Wolfmen, hitting .714 in five games with 2 HRs and 8 RBIs.

 

Victorino also hit .429 with 2 HRs (both inside the park) and 5 RBIs

 

Dye also hit .348 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs.

 

(most of the hitting by the  Surf came in the two games they won, by a combined score of 25-6.  Unfortunately they couldn’t split part of their hitting in the other four games, especially games 2 and 6, both lost 3-2)

 

Peavy 2.81 ERA, 1-0 was very tough for Skokie and deserved recognition, if he would  have had more run support he might have been 2-0.

 

Relievers Embree / Oliver / F. Rodriquez shut the Skokie bats down

 

San Diego had a better ERA and batting average then Skokie.

 

Skokie Wolfmen:

 

Shelton .429 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, helped to win two key games with his blast

 

Mathews .400 7 doubles, 4 RBIs, was a key to helping Skokie score runs

 

Piazza .273 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, he knocked in the first two runs for Skokie and the

                                             Last two runs via Home Runs in Skokie

 

(Skokie teams as usual spread out key hits amongst its players, as the teams success depends on using their players to their max capability.  Skokie had 11 homers in the six games hit by 8 different players)

 

L. Hudson 1.00 ERA 1-0 12 Ks – pitched a masterful game 3 (unexpected)

 

Clemens 2.12 ERA 1-0 – two stellar outings including clinching game 6

 

Heilman 0.00 ERA 1-0 4 innings of shutout relief

 

Nathan 0.00 ERA two saves in 2 innings, saved game 1 and game 6

 

 Nov 3rd, 2007

WHAT IS UP NEXT?  SKOKIE VS LIMOILOU

 

While some experts might have felt Skokie could take round 1 in the playoffs due to their home field advantage where they played very well in the regular season and being that they have been in the playoffs the best two years, coming to the Conference championship, this is a different matter  entirely.  During the regular season, Limoilou humiliated the Wolfmen winning 11 out of 15 games.  Limoilou is heavily favored to go to the Series again. 

 

Limoilou and Skokie have a history together.  In the  2005 Playoffs, Skokie was up 3 games to 2, and was unable to put  Limoilou away in their home part (as Montreal).  There was the grandslam by Glaus giving Limoilou a 4-1 victory in game 7.  Limoilou and Skokie have made key trades with each other.  On the current squad Lofton and  Beltran and Betancourt were once wolf guys where Skokie has Edmonds and T. Hudson plus via Limoilou draft pick, Skokie picked up Speizio, a very capable backup and spot starter.  Some people think Skokie was crazy to trade Beltran but it was a half to do trade for Skokie and Edmonds has been a steady player for the Wolfmen although they would have loved to have Beltran in their lineup this year.  So now we will see if these trades come back to haunt Skokie.

 

Comparing the two teams, they are a bit similar, both have tremendous hitting and power with Limoilou having better starting pitcher and each has a key closer.  Skokie tried to improve their team with more on base this year as Limoilou always has this.  So the key factor to this series will be which teams starters can contain the other teams spoilers.  Skokie had a big decision to make whether to use T. Hudson or Lilly as there 4th starter but due to the stronger hitting vs lefties by Limoilou, they chose to go with T. Hudson.

 

It will be interesting to see if the Skokie weaknesses at corner defense and Piazza throwing arm will be their downfall.  Again Skokie needs for its starters to go long as they did in the San Diego series.  Limoilou going into round 2 is the only favorite who won their first playoff games.  Can the Wolfman, using his guile and intuition prevail at what looks like a much stronger and balanced team.  The only reason Skokie may have a chance is that it’s a short series – and they can use a bit more in a  balanced way their top starters.  Due to Clemens pitching game six in the San Diego series he will then start in Game 3 and if needed Game 7.  Will he be the key again. 

 

From the Skokie point of view, they need for Bond (.118), Gambi (.143), Delucci and Aurilla (.000) to pick up the hitting otherwise with the power of Limoilou (Beltrans / Thome / Hall / Glaus) it will be a  long series.

 

So can the  Wolfmen avenge their 7 game playoff loss in 2005 and make it to their first series or will the very successful and dominating team of Limoilou led by the  legendary Jeff Boutet prevail again to make another appearance in the CBA World Series, we  will find out shortly.

And last but not least, who will the the champion of the Staub conference face.  Normally the series is the pitching of Staub vs. the power  of Clemente but this year, the final four teams have all had their success more via their superior hitting and power.  Will Indiana be the first team in a long time to take the crown in back to back years, or will  the very proficient CBA managers who have been to t he series before Hite and Boutet do it again or last but not least, will the willy Wolfman guide his team to victory after having his worse record year and the worse record of any playoff bound team.  If there is one thing we all know, who takes it all is completely unpredictable in the CBA playoffs.

 

Good luck to the remaining four teams!!  (Limoilou, Philly, Indiana & Skokie)

 


October 31st, 2007

With Round 1 only awaiting Limoilou-Longue Pointe's series to complete, CBA would like to acknowledge two fine jobs of team management in the SD Surf of the Dawson, and Carolina Copperheads of the Schmidt division.

We'd like to extend a congratulations to SD Surf GM Joe Wallace on an outstanding season in a very tough division the Dawson. SD has been in CBA since 2002, and this was their first ever playoff appearance as Wallace built this team from scratch out of the lowest winning team in CBA. Originally owned by Don Jensen and known as the Hamilton Harbors. Hamilton was best known for their dogfight in 1998 with then Dawson title winner Brooklyn Superbas (Moved to Parker in 99) Hamilton fought with Longue Pointe, Quebec, and Limoilou in 1999 and 2000, but were just shy. They'd not return anywhere close again until 2007's Wallace led San Diego team. A team on the decline when Jensen retired. Wallace began to build with key trades and mostly draft picks and swaps. A true worst to first case, Wallace's plan was to take years to develop a bit at a time until he built what should be a strong contender for years to come. His attitude and dedication to CBA were evident in his very strong playoff effort and management in 2007. Joe Wallace is a class act, and quality GM whose time has arrived in the CBA. SD is an elite CBA team. Here is Hamilton/ San Diego's overall record 1997-2001 as Hamilton 2002-2007 as San Diego. Wallace's team has shown a win increase in 4 concecutive years. Who knows where they'll go in 2008.

 

I'd also like to congratulate GM Scott Kenan on rising Carolina from the ashes. The Carolina Copperheads have finally found stabilty and a division title under Kenan since 2006.

Historical record

 

 

.474

WON

LOST

1997

102

60

1998

90

72

1999

83

79

2000

45

117

2001

68

94

2002

50

112

2003

60

102

2004

84

78

2005

87

75

2006

78

84

2007

99

63

total

846

936

carolina started CBA life as Danny Noonan's (no relation to Caddyshack) Louisville Mob Squad. Just wondering if anyone even remembers talking or trading with that guy. Noonan won 102 in that first year drafting to win right away and as a result faded a bit each year as he let his team stagnate into CBA's dark ages year of 2000. With a few poor drafts, and no trades, the Mob Squad became the Mod Squad especially when commisioner Claude LaMarre (HOF) replaced Noonan in favor of a strong Strat-o-matic French Canadian gamer from the QSBL, Pierre Janneau. Janneau a good player had very little to work with. The Lifesavers had former top picks that never made it like Jose Rosado, Damon Buford, George Arias, Bill Pulsipher, mixed with an old team featuring Andre Galarraga, Eric Davis, Chuckt Finley, Lance Johnson, Joe Carter that faded away quick. Poor Janneau won a CBA low 45 games. That 2000 team set several futility records that still stand today. Pierre improved his team to 68 wins the following season which was quite remarkable considering the lack of talent inherited but he grew disenchanted and left CBA to concentrate on his other more succesful strat team in QSBL. At this point In 2002 his replacement Stephane Castilloux also from QSBL (a good league with avid gamers based in Quebec) joined CBA to guide the franchise. As soon as he did he made his legacy in CBA by unintentionally and hilariously renaming the team the Green Bay Roches. Know one to this day knows what a Roche was or is, let alone the startling fact that the decent area around Green Bay has any of them. His team logo is quite the rediculous if not unique.

Green Bay drafted what seemed promisingly, but hindsight shows disastrously. High draft pick busts like Mark Quinn, Kerry Wood, Paul Wilson, Troy O'Leary and others failed to perform or even stick around. Needless to say this team once again plummeted to the CBA abyss with a 50 win season second worst in CBA history. The Roches crawled behind the CBA baseboards and went into hiding until 2004 when Strat Pal Dan Gural one of CBA's beloved managers took control late in 2003 and made the re-named Portland Sea Doogs (new name) a winner.

Scott Kenan had taken some of Gural's nucleus and used what he had to rebuild this franchise. 2007's strong draft just added to the mix of their 99 win season. The team is now Kenan's franchise with his stamp on it. Kenan managed a series of team building trades, and drafted players who did and will make a difference. Aside, he truly has embodied what CBA is all about and has shown to be quite a sportsman and well accepted Strat-o-matic partner for us. Scott embodies the best of the new CBA whose GM's are now part of our CBA community, and have made our gaming that much better and certainly more competitive than ever.

Marc Wass__._,_.___

Playoff RD 1 results. Skokie beats SD 4 to 2. Philly over Brooklyn 4 to 1. Indiana defeats Carolina 4 to 1. Limoilou leads LP 2 to 1.

 



Big series this week. The feature series pit Carolina vs the onrushing Philly Phantastics. Every game
Philly wins pulls them closer to the division leader and fends off the tough Bryan Bashers who are 3 off
the wildcard pace. Philly is making a rush for the ages this year while trying to hang on to a slim 3 game
lead over Bryan in the Clemente wildcard race. In fact Philly is now a manageable 5 games behind the
season long fron runner who this series was played. Both teams battled with Philly taking game 1, 8-5.
Utley knocked in 4 runs, as Verlander improved his record to 11-5. Carolina struck back in game 2 with a
hard fought 3-2 win. All the runs were scored early then the pitching took over as Anibal Sanchez,
Brandon League, and Huston Street held off the Phantastics. In game 3, cole Hamels won with a save from
Mike Gonzalez, his 16th. Carlos Lee hit his 36th, then Scott Rolen his 27th to provide a 4-2 win and
inch them closer to Carolina. Bryan bestwed the Superbas for the first time this year just at the right
time, taking 2 of 3 from the Brooklyn squad. The Superbas won behind Halladay's 16th win, and HR's by
Ramirez (38th), Wells 31st, and Juan Rivera's 11th.


Dawson has another 3 way dance, just as you were about to write off the Loggers, here they come now only
3 games back of Limoilou who holds the 31 spot. Longue Pointe's bench had a great week as Jason Repko,
Ichiro, and Ryan Theriot proved to be stars. Theriot actually hit an inside the park HR. Longue POinte is
led by Aramis Ramirez acquired in 2007 and now has 32 HR's. Ramirez bat is carrying the team along with
Carlos Zambrano who actually got a HAL induced save this week in a 14 inning epic against Ottawa.
That game saw come backs from both team a couple of times before LP pulled it out. Meanwhile SD had taken
2 from the Superbas with some good pitching from Peavy who went all the way in a 12 K win. David Wright
had some more key hits in his MVP type season for San Diego. The Surf are just a 1/2 game off the Dawson
lead. Wright's BA is up to .349. Miguel Cabrera of Brooklyn leads CBA at .404.
Skokie's magic number is down to 4. They can clinch this week. It would be GM Josh Wolfman Shapiro's 3rd concecutive
entrance to CBA's playoff's first as Montreal Royals then after as the Skokie Wolfmen. Longue POinte has
made the playoffs each of the last 4 years. Limoilou will no doubt make the playoffs afetr finishing last place in 2006.
A huge win differential for former manager of the year Jeff Boutet. Boutet's resurgence and playoff
entry serves agian notice how CBA's most successful GM is a force to be reckoned with at all times. Limoilou last won
a championship in 2003 defeating the Brooklyn Superbas 4 games to 1.

CBA Team Key Performers.

Here's a few key performers of each CBA team.  In some cases the stats are team leaders, but also included are clutch performers and key contributors who stats aren't eye catching but who helps their team to win.  Several players mentioned have some interesting stats that you may find in "Report Writer".

There are several key stats that seem to have bearing on winning here in CBA with our current rules and usage balance.  Among those are offensive and defensive.  A few examples are  Team and PLayer X rating %, Inherited runners scoring,  The obvious Sabermetrics, Lefty/Righty balances and the player/team vunerabilties to pitching. When analyzing the statistical basis for the teams performances, they are relevant key stats that can help explain the success of the different franchises.   Each has an impact upon the performance of the CBA's teams.  Although I have listed some key stats they are not the only variables that can dictate success, of course the luck of the dice and cards is another.  Perhaps even a managers hunch or sense can account for good team kharma or wins its amazing how a probabilty based game can have its streaks and unlikely stars. 

In CBA winning is the primary focus.  The winners are the talk and receive the most attention.  Its the competition each year that our GM's become so involved and even obsessed with their teams and its performance.  A look into the hard to find stats and analysis of the info they can provide can give a clearer picture of a teams dynamics and strategies, especially over a full season.  Below is a look at some stats that may have some impact and are quite interesting.

 

Hits with the bases loaded.  Notice that a majority of the leaders are from winning teams.  Look how key Wells and Piazza have been to the division leaders Skokie and Brooklyn.  Wigginton has been invaluable as well to the Bashers. 

2006 Wells BSP 12
2006 Piazza SWC 8
2006 Wigginton KBP 8
2006 Cabrera SRS 7
2006 Mauer OOP 7
2006 Cabrera BSP 7
2006 Utley PPS 7
2006 Hall LWD 7

 

Game winning RBI. A stat I always liked, shows winning hits and who has provided 'em.  CBA Leader teams have guys in this list naturally.  Look how Delgado and Ordonez have equivalent big hits to guys on other teams with more wins.  Makes them invaluable to the Leopards and Jackhammers.  Cabrera's leadership here is no surprise consider the season this card is having in Coors.

Cabrera BSP 19
Utley PPS 15
Delgado LLS 15
Morneau CCS 15
Beltran LWD 15
Bay IRP 15
Ordonez JJD 14
Berkman PPS 14
Thome LWD 14
Hall LWD 14
Holliday SLS 13
Teixeira OTC 13
Thomas LLS 13
Tejada CCS 13
Inge KBP 12
Rolen PPS 12
Soriano JJD 12
Sizemore IRP 12

 

Isolated Power avg.   Isolated Power is a sabermetric statistic that shows a hitter's overall effectiveness by measuring his ability to generate extra base hits. ISO = Slugging % - Batting Average. So obviously the higher slugging pct can be looked at in terms of extreme runner advancement and movement which is a key to winning in Strat ball. 

A look at Pujols numbers rivals some of MLB's Barry Bonds in his best seasons.  .436 is hall of fame type numbers.  Generally players over about .260-.270 are considered better than average.  .300 is excellent. .436, well...

Pujols IRP .436
Hafner CCS .381
Beltran LWD .369
Thome LWD .361
Ortiz OOP .357
Bonds SWC .343
Berkman PPS .343
Ramirez BSP .327
Cabrera BSP .325
Delgado LLS .321
Valentin SWC .317

What about the tablesetters?  We know that high leadoff OBA and movemnet means more runs, but that forgotten #2 destined for sacs and hit and runs can provide vital scoring punch by getting on base.  Heres a look at CBA most prolific OBA guys from the 2 hole.  No wonder these leaders are on the winning teams. They are a big part of the winning.

Vic Martinez SSD .452 
JD Drew         BSP/PPS .440
David Wright SSD .418 
Johnny Damon SLS .414 
Ryan Zimmerman CCS .411 
Derek Jeter PPS .405 
Todd Helton BSP .391 
Jose Cruz KBP .389 

The good teams seem to have their "bottom Feeders" no player bats to take lightly.  it signifies depth and lineup potency when the 7th and 8th place hitters show OBA+SLG.  Here are the leaders of those lineup spots.  Below are runs driven home by 8th place and 7th place hitters.  It shows that runners at the end of the lineup are coming across and getting on to be driven in.

8th place hitters RBI

Ramon  Hernandez LWD 61
Brian Anderson CCS 61
Kun Griffey Jr SLS 50
Edgar Renteria SSD 30
Preston Wilson SWC 28
Marcus Thames PPS 28
Wilson Betemit SRS 27
Rod Barajas OTC 26
Ivan Rodriguez BSP 24
Brandon Inge KBP 24

7th place hitters RBI

Hall LWD 66
Piazza SWC 49
Dunn CCS 44
Lo Duca KBP 31
Paulino SLS 31
Inge KBP 31
Chavez SRS 28
Rodriguez BSP 28
Buck CIP 27
Lowell IRP 25

Squeeze Bunts successes. An interesting stat though minimal impact

2006 Wilson SWC 6
2006 Pierre JJD 4
2006 Figgins BBD 3
2006 Jeter PPS 3
2006 Molina KWC 3
2006 Punto MEC/IRP 2
2006 Ramirez ANC 2
2006 Patterson OOP 2

Steals of third

2006 Ramirez ANC 23
2006 Pierre JJD 19
2006 Gathright BSP 16
2006 Soriano JJD 16
2006 Podsednik JJD 9
2006 Reyes IRP 8
2006 Figgins BBD 7
2006 Abreu PPS 7
 

* denotes former CBA Champion

Allentown Senators: Ben Broussard 13 Hr, 50 RBI, .330 in 288 AB. Hanley Ramirez 12 Hr, 63 RBI, .275, 10 triples, 46 Doubles,75 SB

Belfast Brawlers: 3B Freddy Sanchez 4Hr, 71 RBI, .313. Closer BJ Ryan 6-3 3.21 20Saves. Specialist Chris Sampson 0-1 1.65era in 35 inn.

Brooklyn Superbas*: 3B Miguel Cabrera 38 Hr, 136RBI, .404, 57 Doubles, 13 SB. LF M Ramirez 38Hr, 104 RBI, .320. R Howard 38HR, 109, .305.

CF V Wells 32 HR, 121 RBI, .285, 21 SB. P Halladay 16-3 3.88, P M Mussina 16-2 2.94.

Bryan Bashers: Brad Inge 36 HR, 105 RBI, .273. LF P Burrell 32 HR, 94 RBI, .257. INF Ty Wigginton 24 HR, 89 RBI, .284. Blanton 13-8.

Carolina Copperheads: 1B Justin Morneau 37 HR, 98 RBI, .331. DH Travis Hafner 46 HR, 98 RBI, .284. SS M Tejada 29 HR, 91 RBI, .317. 3B R Zimmerman 22Hr, 90 RBI, .328. P Jo Santana 18-8 3.65.

Cooperstown Iron Horses: OF N Markakis 14 HR, .315. SS M Young 6 HR, 53 RBI, .316, 42 doubles.

Indiana Redbirds*: 1B A Pujols 65 HR, 135 RBI, .347, 140 runs, 11 sb. 3B A Rodriguez 44 HR, 127 RBI, .301. OF J Bay 35 HR, 88 RBI, .284. OF G Sizemore 33 HR, 83 RBI, 120 runs, 20 sb. RP C Meredith 7-1 2.17 in 35 app. P Oswalt 16-10, Kazmir 11-4.

Joliet Jackhammers: OF J Pierre .290, 88 sb. LF A Soriano 27 HR, 86 RBI, .268, 63 sb. Util R Freel .272, 37 sb. RP T Miller 1-0 1.76 45 app.

Kennesaw Mountain Woodsmen (Kenwood): C B McCann 22 HR, 75 RBI, .324. P C Silva 6-20, 6.84. SS R Furcal .290, 32 sb.

Lake County Leopards: 3B G Atkins 25 HR, 93 RBI, .302. 1B C Delgado 45 HR, 116 RBI, .264. DH F Thomas 36 HR, 101 RBI, .261. RP J Papelbon 3-3 1.74, 25 sb.

Limoilou Wendigo*: DH J Thome 47 HR, 107 RBI, .307. CF K Lofton .303, 43 sb. CF C Beltran 51 HR, 131 RBI, .273. SS B Hall 30 HR, 90 RBI. 3B T Glaus 39 HR, 90 RBI. UT F Lopez 291 AB .321, 25 sb.

Longue Pointe Loggers*: 3b A Ramirez, 32 HR, 96 RBI, .303, 101 runs. P C Zambrano 16-3 2.83, 210 K's. UT Ju Valentin 190 AB, .393, 7 HR, 30 RBI. CF I Suzuki .303, 61 sb.

Maine Express: SS K Greene 20 HR, 52 RBI, .302. 2B D Uggla 23 HR, 77 RBI, .277. RP B Jenks 18 sv.

Ohio Thundercats: OF Pr Wilson 29 HR, 87 RBI, .296. SS C Guillen 15 HR, 68 RBI, .312. UT W Pena 7 HR, 45 RBI, 211 AB, .346.

Ottawa Otters*: DH D Ortiz 41 HR, 95 RBI, .287. RF V Guerrero 27 HR, 78 RBI, .327. C P Nevin 24, 69, .274. P B Webb 15-11 3.51, 180 K's. J Borowski 1-4 10.00 era, 22 saves, 27 inn.

Philly Phantastics*: 3B S Rolen 27 HR, 94 RBI, .346. UT W Helms 11 HR, 41 RBI, .336, 220 AB. SS D Jeter 15 HR, 62 RBI, 108 runs, .315, 35 sb. LF C Lee 37 HR, 97 RBI, .293. 1B L Berkman 49 HR, 119 RBI, .292, 101 runs. UT J Willingham 19 HR 50 RBI, .292, 290 AB. P J Verlander 11-5. RP F Liriano 39 games, 107 inn, 132 K, 9-3, 3.06.

San Diego Surf: C V Martinez 17 HR, 102 RBI, .350. 3B D Wright 27 HR, 102 RBI, 112 runs, 16 sb, .349. OF J Dye 24 HR, 103 RBI, .294. P J Peavy 13-8, 190 K's. RP F Rodriguez 19 sv. RP A Embree 42 app, 2-0 2.38.

Skokie Wolfmen: C Mike Piazza 28 HR, 89 RBI, .322. CF G Mathews 26 HR, 78 RBI, .310. 2b Jo Valentin 26 HR, 86 RBI, .309. LF B Bonds 36 HR, 98 RBI, .291, .424 oba. RP J Nathan 5-3 1.20, 20 sv, 67 inn, 35 hits, 90 K's.

Southwest Lizard Kings: LF M Holliday 32 HR, 102 RBI, .310. CF J Damon 25 HR, 94 RBI, .301. 3B J Crede 34 HR, 90 RBI, .275. RP B Wagner 2-1 1.78, 21 sv, 70 Inn, 48 Hits, 91 K's. 1B A LaRoche 28 HR, 71 RBI, .257.

Stirling Redsox: CF A Jones 40 HR, 94 RBI, .260. DH P konerko 29 HR, 84 RBI, .280. RP C Cordero 3-4 3.13, 22 sv. P M Buehrle 14-9 4.65. K Correa 49 app, 6-1 3.68. OF N Swisher 33 HR, 86 RBI, .224.

 


 

August 26th 2007

Block 21 results are in. Great wild card races are shaping up.  Dawson has Limoilou and SD battling it out.  Currently the perrenial powerhouse Limoilou Wendigo managed by original CBA member and future Hall of Famer Jeff Boutet and they are in first place by a game and a half over San Diego.  The playoff bound Surf managed by veteran CBA GM Joe Wallace will be looking towards perhaps their first ever playoff appearnace since their incarnation in 2002.  Limoilou arguably CBA's most successful franchise is no stranger to playoff action in CBA harkening back to the halcyon days of 1997 when playoff series were played via ICQ and IRC chat room.   With NetPlay playoffs mandatory for all in CBA 2007, Jeff Boutet is no doubt looking forward to some sweet revenge as he has exited from the playoffs last in 2005 at the hands of division rival Longue Pointe Loggers and Dennis C. It was that classic series which was decided by basically a lone OF error on Jason Michaels and a key HR by Ichiro which decided the Staub crown.   Limoilou loks to have quite a good chance this year as the pesky Loggers sit 6 games back but in position for a possible wildcard.  This rivalry goes back 10 full years when the beloved Claude LaMarre ran CBA and GM'ed the Longue Pointe Hitmen as they were known.  Jeff's brother also a HOF'er Chris Boutet ran the now defunct Quebec Capitales in Dawson.  You can check the archives and logos pages for more on that historical and excellent team.  Vets may even recall that in that 1st season Brooklyn was a Dawson team (BSD) before moving across the leagues to the present Parker division in a realignment.  With Dawson rivalries producing some unbelievable playoff series and recent years 1 game playoffs, the San Diego Surf is right in the middle of what could be history.  They must contend with Limoilou's Staub leading power team.  Limmer's Thome has a .302 BA, 38 more HR this season, and 84 RBI, while MVP candidate Carlos Beltran Acquired in a down year from Skokie has 47 HR, 117 RBI, and a .275 BA with flawless defense and X rating numbers.  Some scoffed at the acquistion of CBA veteran, future HOF,and premier base stealer James Lofton's pre-season acquistion as selling future for now, but all Lofton has done is be a quintessential leadoff force with 41 SB and a .315 BA.  Bill Hlal's 27, 90, .266 and Try Glaus 36 HR's make this a very potent lineup that SD top rated staff will need to handle as well as they did in action this week.  Joe Wallace's Surfer dudes took 2 of 3 block 21 with some good pitching from Dan Haren 11-6 4.03, and Jake Peavy 10-6, last years perfect season man and Cy Young winner.  David Wright has carried SD offense with 20 HR and a .350 batting average.   3 starters and 1 platooner are batting .350+ for SD.  Victory Martinez 10 76 .365, R Cano 14 45 .360, Chris Duncan .350, and Wright.  Dye and Cuddyer have been very solid with 19 HR and BA in the high .280's all season.  A .293 team batting average is now 2nd in CBA behind Brooklyn's .310 team numbers. 

In Carter the Skokie Wolfmen finally faced Clemnete powerhouse Brooklyn in a series which Brooklyn swept in 3.  The games 1,2 were tighter than the finals but in the end the BSP offense and bench proved too powerful for the Wolmen's respected bullpen to contain.  Miguel Cabrera continued huis MVP quest and .410 BA pace with another big series getting 8 hits and 8 RBI's, and Manny Ramirez drove in key runs and reached base time after time.  Wells came up big at the plate and all around its tough to stop the Superbas in 2007 who appear to have their strongest team since their only championship in CBA back in 2004.  BSP may win more that that team and set some team records along the way.  The Brooklyn team ERA at 4.41 is almost a full run better that previous years perhaps due to the power decrease in Coors numbers.  The Superbas despite the gaudy numbers are fallible as proved by arch rival Indiana Redbirds this week as well.  Indy showed Brooklyn how its done cutting the BSP lead back down to 7 games with a rare sweep.  Indiana power and 2 out rallies doomed Brooklyn as Alex rodriguez, Pujols, Oswalt,  and Jeff Conine who had a GSHR and  5 RBI in game 3.  Game 2 saw a 12-11 Indy win which was a thrilling game to spectate as it ran by on quick spectator.  Back and forth with Indy taking an early lead on Conine's Granny, only to have a characteristic BSP rally cut into the lead.  In the end Indy had won and served notice that they are just as strong a force and ready for a playoff series which they just may get later on.  Against Joliet, Indiana shut 'em out twice behind Tankersley and Jarrod Washburn.

Carolina's rise in Schmidt has been well documented this season, but look at the surprising Bryan Bashers.  Not expected by some to win, expected by others the Bashers have been a team red hot in the second half.  Relying on a platoon system of role players and some solid starting pitching the Bashers offense has been productive.  7 players over double digit HR's, a .271 BA and terrific bench, the Bashers have taken a page from Longue Pointe with their bench depth.  Luke Scott.345, Julio Cruz, .326, Dioner Navarro .322, Ty Wigginton 20 HR, Brandon Inge 30 HR have all been great, and Pat the Bat Burrell a key offensive ingredient with his 26 HR.  This week Bryan swept rival Ottawa and is in possession of a wildcard seed if they can hold off Philly and perhaps Southwest.


This week saw a flurry of infractional warnings and issues.  A strong reminder to GM's to review usage and the Excel sheets carefully in preparations.  There is no leniency or amnesty so careful goes it.  Even commish is not immune picking up an infraction for inadvertently scheduling Edwin Jackson a start when below minimum requirements for MLB inn.  Skokie had the same for his use of John Patterson.  Pitchers must have 45 inn MLB to be eligible to start.   Joliet will not receive and infraction for Benoit's overuse which was result of league error, however Southwest will for over using Carrasco in block 18.  Bryan and Limoilou will not be assesed infractions for overuse in block 20 of last week since the league feels responsibile for not communicating properly intention to play 2 blocks that from vavcation break.  CBA apologizes for any strategic anomalies that it may have presented GM's by not making that issue clear enough.  We will likely play a double week to catch up on the schedule block 23-24 however.  Be forewarned.  Good luck to all teams as the races are not decided and are going down to the wire.
 


Midseason Report June 29th, 2007

CBA enters the 15th Block. The season well underway and the races defining. We can see who are the contenders and who may look ahead. Clemente Conference's big picture has Carolina and Brooklyn looking great while leading Schmidt and Parker. Indiana and Bryan hold wildcard possibilties with Philly and Lake County within striking distance. One or two good blocks could put Southwest back in the mix as well. Clemente is the home of great offense and the DH. 8 of the top 12 batting leaders for average is Clemente.  12 of the top 15 HR leaders are Clemente.  Pujols alone has 47 HR and 93 RBI's.  He's batting .343 and is a legitimate triple crown threat as the season levels off.  He may set some CBA records for power production along the way.  it will be fun watching Indiana this year with Alex Rodriguez, Pujols, Reyes, Bay, and Sizemore bunching runs.  Indiana is 6 games behind surging Brooklyn.

 Brooklyn is hitting .312 as a team with 136 HR in 84 games abdout half a season.  Howard is on the rise after a slow start and the lineup built over many years is stacked.  1998 1st round pick Todd Helton is hitting .355 in the 2 hole, with both Gathright and Brandon Phillips stealing a ton at leadoff. Miguel Cabrera has been sensational in '07 with 20 HR 75 and a .405 BA.  Manny Ramirez is red hot with 26 73 .336.  Wells has 21 63 .287 with 17 SB.  The offense and defense superb(a) but the starting pitching is pretty good.  Having Coors doesn't help that department much.  The pen is decent with Mariano, Wheeler, and Feliciano in the set up roles, but not much else.  Brooklyn could be heading for the best season since 2003. 

Bryan is a terrific story thus far in 2007. Some saw .500, others below, I thought maybe a shot at a wild card and thats exactly what is happening.  Bryan is using a diverse platoon of good cards and role players to combine as one playoff potential team.  The starting pitching is much improved over 2006 with Rogers and Carpenter starting to produce low run games.  Nate Robertson has emerged as the #3 starter with 8 wins and other pitchers like Eric Milton recently acquired Joe Blanton have added wins along the way and important innings.  The Bashers got a boost as Pat Burrell has started hitting HR's(17), and Brad Inge has been of fire raising his average to .300 with 18 HR and 49 key RBI's.  Ty Wigginton has been a great 10th man so far and with such depth on the bench, Bryan could be in this race for the long haul.  They must stay above Philly and the surprisingly tough Lake County Leopards. 

Philly is at .500.  The story is pitching or the lack of it.  Randy Johnson is a legit Ronson Candidate.  The staff has fallen on hard times while the offense meanwhile continues to flourish.  A .293 BA and 5 hitters with double digit HR's can keep Philly in any game.  Utley (15 49 .312) is having a good year even if Derek Jeter (8 34 .280) by his own standards is not.  Berkman 25 54 .300 is doing damage, as is Carlos Lee (19 49 .278).  No one stands out in the pen or rotation.  Perhaps with better twirling the Phantastics would rise a few games into wildcard status. 

Lake County is being carried by some decent pitching, nothing beyond average.  Glavine, Papelbon, Vasquez, Matt Thornton have led the way with solid performances.  Not spectacular but tsolid.  But the rest is non-descript.  Opponents have hit .272 which isn't great.  The pitchers dont walk too many only 3 a game. Inherited runners score 33% of the time. Not too good. The offense .257 BA, has little firepower.  .333 OBA as a team, 5.10 runs a game, .447 slg, ho-hum.  Why then is Lake in the wild card race?  Only 1 reason...Carlos Delgado (32 HR, 79 RBI, .285) . Pujols may have the numbers but he has great performers around him.  Delgado is doing it in the clutch with only Frank Thomas' 19 HR's a threat around him.  Curiously he may be a better MVP candidate since he does so much for his team.

The Staub Conference has the same story in Dawson again.  Another 3 way dance.  Maybe even a 4th customer if Joliet continues to improve. Longue Pointe has led it last year but this year the Limmer-Lou Wendigo are back in the first place saddle again. Moving out a game and half over San Diego and 3 and a half over Longue Tongue has gotten the fans in QWuebec all excited. No doubt Jeff Boutet and Dennis Concepcions rivalry dating back to the 2005 Staub Championship 7 game LP win is renewed in its entirety in 2007.  Who could forget the Michaels error that cost the Championship.  The Wendigo are primed and ready with a blistering offense which could be Staub's best (Skokie may disagree)  Boutet sends up 4 20 HR men each game. Beltran an MVP candidiate(32 84 .289), Thome with 24 taters, off season acquistion the catalyst Kenny Lofton (26SB .299) CBA's all time SB leader and a former 1997 first round pick of the Philly Phantastics.Glaus has 28 HR's.  The Wendigo score 6.19 runs per game and allow only 4.32 runs.  They produce .843 clip and slug about .492  Impressive power numbers.  Perhaps only some more defense and relief could make this team the class of Staub.

San Diego is playing up to their billing as a top Staub team.  Looking towards their first ever franchise playoff, SD must beat out eith LP or Limmer like to earn a spot.  Similar to Belfast the past 3 years.  They hit for average .298 but can't hit with too much power. only 89 HR in comparison Limmer has 133.  San Diego has good pitching.  3rd in CBA for ERA, the Surf has King Felix at 9-3 and Meche at 8-3.  Haren and Peavy both add 7 wins. Frank Rod has 13 sv.  David Wright is carrying SD in all areas (16 61 .363 12sb) and Cano is hitting .337.  SD with some good matchups and series wins will be a factor all season. A move any direction could mean the entire Dawson race. 

LP has been consistant much of the year.  They recently won 9 games in row and dropped 7 for their only streak.  LP is led by Cy Young candidate Carlos Zambrano has 10 wins no losses. Maddux (7-4 4.11) has done well too. The bullpen has done well by committee with 8 players gaining saves.  They have allowed only 20% of inherited runners to score a great number.  The bullpen is a signature of the Loggers.  Offensively its Ichiro, Aramis, and now Richie Sexson who has come alive. Varitek and Hunter are below the Mendoza line still and the .769 X rating has been great.  A 4.12 team ERA is good enough to win, but can they sustain SD and Limoilou?   Perhaps as always the key with LP is their depth of bench.  Lets see how this winds up in August.

Skokie is the team in Carter.  Doesn't look like anyone will constest him there as Allentown has faded and Kennesaw has been inexplicably below par.  Skokie ahs their best offense since its Montreal days with their many new additions for '07.  The addition of Mike Piazza (19 61 .326) has greatly helped the offense though his glove and arm haven't.  Gary Matthews Jr (13 55 .329) has been superb.  Chipper (19 42 .289), Bonds (17 56 .291), and Edmonds (15 44 .272) have been very dangerous all year and are a playoff threat to any team in CBA.  Jose Valentin (16 38 .304) was a find. The pitching not too bad.  Joe Nathan (13sv 1.36ERA) is lights out at closer. There is enough to get by but with pitching scarce Skokie has been shopping for more.  Don't expect the Wolfman to stand still he is always on the prowl and rumour has it a few deals waiting to happen!

 

 


April Preview by Marc Wasserman

 

Looking around CBA this week we are starting to get a feel for how our teams are performing.  With the first weeks of the season a time of sdjustment and testing, GM's are trying to optimize their lineups and talent for maximum performance.  Expected,  few teams have started off slowly and some hot.  Too early to tell, but we may begin to see who will be the contenders this year.

 
Teams that were building two three years ago have been thrust into the early season spotlight.  Lets look at these teams.  Carolina has CBA's best record.  Scott Kenan has built what could be a contending team from the remnants of the former Portland Seas Dogs.  Carolina's History has had some CBA moments over 10 seasons.  But had never been in the Finals.  Could this be the year?  carolina started CBA life as Danny Noonan's (no relation to Caddyshack) Louisville Mob Squad.  Just wondering if anyone even remembers talking or trading with that guy.  Noonan won 102 in that first year drafting to win right away and as a result faded a bit each year as he let his team stagnate into CBA's dark ages year of 2000.  With a few poor drafts, and no trades, the Mob Squad became the Mod Squad especially when commisioner Claude LaMarre (HOF) replaced Noonan in favor of a strong Strat-o-matic French Canadian gamer from the QSBL, Pierre Janneau.  Janneau a good player had very little to work with.  The Lifesavers had former top picks that never made it like Jose Rosado, Damon Buford, George Arias, Bill Pulsipher, mixed with an old team featuring Andre Galarraga, Eric Davis, Chuckt Finley, Lance Johnson, Joe Carter that faded away quick.  Poor Janneau won a CBA low 45 games.  That 2000 team set several futility records that still stand today.  Pierre improved his team to 68 wins the following season which was quite remarkable considering the lack of talent inherited but he grew disenchanted and left CBA to concentrate on his other more succesful strat team in QSBL.  At this point In 2002 his replacement Stephane Castillioux also from QSBL (a good league with avid gamers based in Quebec) joined CBA to guide the franchise.  As soon as he did he made his legacy in CBA by unintentionally and hilariuosly renaming the team the Green Bay Roches.  Know one to this day knows what a Roche was or is, let alone the startling fact that the decent area around Green Bay has any of them.  His team logo is quite the rediculous if not unique.  More draft pick busts like Mark Quinn, Kerry Wood, Paul Wilson, Troy O'Leary and others failed to perform.  Needless to say this team once again plummeted to the CBA abyss with a 50 win season second worst in CBA history.  The Roches crawled behind the CBA baseboards and went into hiding until 2004 when Strat Pal Dan Gural one of CBA's beloved managers took control late in 2003 and made Portland (new name) a winner.
 
Scott Kenan has taken some of Gural's nucleus and used what he had to rebuild this franchise.  The team is now Kenan's franchise with his stamp on it. Players of tomorrow like Annabelle Sanchez, Ryan Zimmerman, Justin Morneau, Travis Hafner, Johan Santana, James Loney, and other tlaented cards like Geoff Jenkins, Mark DeRosa, Adam Dunn , Melving Mora provide the Copperheads with a balanced lineup.  Dunn is off and running with 6 Hr already, and Morneau and Tejada have been hot.  For sure the middle of the order will produce tons of runs.  Among CBA's best production trios with Hafner, Morneau, and Dunn, formidable. 
 
Philly has played well thus far.  They took 2 of 3 from Brooklyn and Skokie establishing them as a contender.  As Rob Hite has predicted, Lance Berkman has been a force in the middle of Carlos Lee, Derek Jeter, and Bob Abreu.  He could drive in 150+ in Philly.  Southwest has been around .500 along with Lake County who finished a nice week block 3. 
 
The Lizard Kings using platooning have had good performances from David DeJesu, Orlando Hudson, and Ken Griffey Jr.  The big story has been Johnny (4 18 .348) Damon.
Holliday has been solid as well and is a nice addition. But this week they ran into rivals the Leopards. The Lake County Leopards after a slow start have poured it on sweeping the Lizards and taking 2 of 3 from Joliet.  Papelbon's relief work has been solid, and Frank Thomas (4 12 .296) and Carlos Delgado (6 15 .247) look like trouble for oppopsing managers. 
 
In Dawson,  Limoilou is back.  Their acquistion of Carlos Beltran is paying dividends with 9 Hr 16 RBI's.  Thome is back in a big way with 6 Hr and 18 RBI along with a .328 avg.  Jason Johnson is 3-0 and the Wendigo are looking forward to challenging LP for that divisions crown.  Problem is that there is also Belfast and San Diego now who are willing to contest a quick Limoilou claim.  San Diego is much improved on paper in 2007.  After a slow start GM joe wallace mad a block 3 adjustment which produced some good results thrusting SD back into the Dawson picture.  Joliet remains just outside with a better block 3 than previous 2 blocks.  Longue Pointe has struggled of late managing just 1 run in their 3 game series vs Indiana this block.  They were shutout twice.  Belfast has stayed close with a 9-9 record just 1 off the pace.  Belfast has showed little power so far.  6 HR, 3 by Lugo{?!?} but 18 sb signals Belfast small ball reliance as in years past.  Their addition of Jason Jennings (3-1) has been big and the pen has been strong thus far.  BJ Ryan is lights out.  
 
In Carter Allentown started off very strong.  Jorge Posada has 4 Hr 14 Rbi, and Bernie Williams ( 2 Hr 9Rbi .343) of all cards, has been on fire.  Russell Martin and Hanley Ramirez will score some runs, but its hard to say whether A Town can keep pace as pitchers and platooners eat up usage.
Maine is a surprise and is leading Carter 1 over A Town, and 2 over Skokie and K Mount. 
Maine gets the press in week 3 because of perfomances like sweeping 1st place ATown and winning 2 of 3 off Limoilou this week.  At 10-8, the Express hitters Adrain Gonzalez (5 16 .354) Dan Uggla (5 Hr), and Jeff Francoeur (5 Hr), Eliezer Alfonzo (5Hr), Juan Encarnacion (4Hr) have hit well.  No reason to suspect they won't continue to do so.  Ian Snell has been a welcome addition to the pitching staff as well.  
   Skokie is hitting the crud out the ball.  A .298 avg and 29 Hr's,  The Wolfie's have shifted their focus to power.  Edmonds, Mathews Jr and Bonds are off to good starts.  In the Bullpen Saroman Torres, and Littlejohn have been solid set ups for Nathan. 
 
Parker has powerful Brooklyn on top.  Hitting a team .314, with 26 Hr, the Superbas could be in line fora shot at the crown if they can get pitching.  Dontrelle is key and he is off to a rough start with 0-3 8.00+ era.  Mussina has been strong but ohh that lineup.  When you talk Brooklyn their trademark is the offense.  Helton, Cabrera, and Ramirez are on fire. But surprisingly this year BSP has some speed and are off and running.  Joey Gathright has emerged as a 4th OF and has stolen 9 bases including 3rd base a few times. 
Indiana had struggled but swept LP 3 straight tossing two shutouts in doing.  ARod, Reyes, Bay, And Pujols will score plenty.  It has been Tad Iguchi who has been Indy's biggest surprise with 5 Hr already.  It will be a dogfight again as Indy and Ottawa will spar with these two for the top spot.  Add to the mix an improved Cooperstown (9-9) team and Parker could be interesting.  C Town's Doug Mientkiewicz (12 Rbi .309) and Raul Ibanez (6 Hr 17) have provided some spark. 

2007 CBA season preview by Marc Wass

As years go by the memories of big games and series can be reflected on. CBA's history show that no team has repeated in consecutive years winning a championship. It's difficult enough to get in, and win Net Play series. Last year champion Indiana has a chance to repeat. 2005's Longue Pointe winner was able to make it into Staub Finals losing to Neah (Kennesaw). The closest to repeat was In 2004 Brooklyn when won their only championship, after losing in 2003 World Series to 3 time winner Limoilou.

.The 2007 promises to be a great one. Can Indy repeat?  We have added two great new GM's James Blakeley and the returning Eric Lindner to the mix.  I am very happy to have both aboard and each has been an asset from the get go.  With last years new GM's blending in so well, I can only feel confident that CBA will see more competition and more highlights.   Winning Strat-Ball, and sportsmanship are the standards and mean everything in CBA.  We will see plenty of both if the off season was any indication.  With a flurry of trades and draft maneuvers the guard could be changing as there will be more parity in CBA, and some long building teams finally emerging.  Lets take a short look at what perhaps could take place in CBA 2007.  

 

This years cards seem to have less of the excellent pitching cards.  Fewer than usual well balanced starters.  Fewer starters with 2 or less diamonds and 20 and 30 TB or below.  Even the aces seem to have unbalance and power problems.  But their are allot of set up relievers as the MLB trend seems to dictate.  It seems many more guys in the 20 hit 25 oba 35 TB range than usual. 

 

The Parker race may be the best that division has seen in many seasons.  Two reasons are three powerful teams that return with an eye towards the division crown.

It's hard not to start with Indiana Redbirds and GM Bob Fidler.  Fidler inherited a promising team but really put his own touch on this team with his many player and draft movements.  Fidler earned his championship with excellent CM and roster management in 2006 and we can expect more of the same this season.  With some players not approaching 2006 season card status, Fidlers other players will step it up plus some.  Where ARod tailed some, the acquisition of Jose Reyes looms large in Houston's top of the order.  Reyes should offset some of the power loss with his own power and speed.   He will form a lethal DP combo with Tad Iguchi who is solid if not excellent in this set with a well balanced card.  Pujols at first base and Indiana just may have the best infield in CBA.  Solid up the middle of the diamond.  Pujols will be an MVP candidate driving in many runs and a good shot at 1.300 tot.  He will create tons of runs with these guys ahead of him.  He will have protection with A Rod behind him.  Jason Bay has a killer card.  Alex Rodriguez likely team DH with the drop in glove skills, but Fidler acquired Mike Lowell a 1 rated 3B with good bat vs. Righties to bolster the bottom of the order.  Two 2's and two 1's in the infield?  A good bet for .750 X rating or better for this team.  

 

   The pitching however is a concern for this offensive laden team.  With few * starters available in the draft or on the trade market,  Indy will have to rely heavily on the pen aside from starter Oswalt and limited Kazmir, the other starters are decent but not top shelf.   Fidler acquired lights out Cla Meredith and Bob Wickman along with a committee of lesser IP pitchers who will be platoon during the season.  It remains to be seen how they will perform because they have a tough task ahead fending off the improved Superbas and Otters teams. 

 

Ottawa is a bonified contender for the title.  In fact Ottawa could win it all in 2007.  Their starting pitching is as solid as Indiana's and  they have impressive bullpen strength.  Brandon Webb is a true ace pitcher and should contend for the Cy Young award.  Lackey has a very nice card at number 2.  Cook, Loaiza, and Armas are adequate for innings and some good games along the way.  However they too are more likely to use their pen by committee to win ball games.  Joe Borowski will close games with strong set up men in Brian Sweeney, Chad's Bradford and Gaudin.   Eyre, Rivera, Downs , and Tavarez are better than average long men.  Bout Ottawa is know for the "Daddy and the Impaler" than its pitching.  We can expect another year of good numbers from those two.  Depending who Jung's bats in front of them the potential for runs is as good as anyone in CBA.  With top shelf offenses in Brooklyn and Indiana they must put runs on the board.  They could get more than either rival if Mauer, and Reed Johnson set the table.  The offensive production could reach 1000 runs scored.

 

Though Indy is the reigning champ, Brooklyn may have the total package after the acquisition of Pedro Feliciano and Dan Wheeler in two separate trades.  The offense is stocked top to bottom with only Adam  Everett not as a great a threat, though his 1 e8 at SS should compensate for that.  Indiana and Brooklyn are each about at the same level, and any extra additions to any of the threes team could be a difference.  Brooklyn may challenge Ottawa and Indiana for the Parker's top spot.  Brooklyn has been looking to maintain a high performance level for a number of years.  They have been a staple in the playoffs since 2003, and though knocked out in round 1 last year are only 2 championships removed from the 2004 winners.  With more offense and better pitching, Brooklyn could be trouble for Clemente.

 

The lineup seems all star with a great blend of power, on base, speed, and defense.  The defense defines Brooklyn as Ivan Rodriguez, Everett, Vernon Wells, newcomer Brandon Phillips, Drew, Helton, and Payton have superior ratings and e numbers.  Phillips, Wells, Cabrera, and Gathright all steal bases, and IRod will surprise a few catchers.  But the offense appears back.  With Sosa on hiatus, Brooklyn compensated by acquiring Manny Ramirez for LF.  Where Helton's power numbers have slipped, 2005 draftee Ryan Howard has exceeded expectations.  Miguel Cabrera will challenge for the batting crown with great doubles and HR power.  The middle of the order is possibly Brooklyn's finest ever.  The end of the order isn't bad either, with JD Drew's card, Ivan Rodriguez variables and average, Phillips power and speed.  Brooklyn could also break 1000 runs.

 

Cooperstown is a good team.  A team with promise and some good talent right now.  They play in Parker with Ottawa, Indiana, and Brooklyn which this year might not be such a good thing for them.  With this years schedule seeing more action against Schmidt and the other divisions in Staub, it could help C’Town to achieve a better record than if they played more within the division.

Some may reason it could hinder them in an attempt to gain higher draft status, but all said C'Town could surprise more than a few. 

 

Pitching is a plus for C'Town Iron Horses.  Jeff Francis is another recipient of the Strat trend towards endowing Coors pitchers with better cards as the years go by.  Coors pitchers were shunned and given horrid cards in years past but the past three seasons has seen good cards come out of the Rockies.  Francis is one of two this year (Jennings) the other, who have better than average cards.  V Padilla is solid with a decent card as is Chris Young who despite some power problems should still be an effective pitcher.  El Duque should be better than adequate as a #4 or 5 starter, with the late and beloved Cory Lidle.  Also on deck is Horatio Ramirez.  This staff should improve year by year.  In the pen, Jesse Crain, Francisco Cordero, and Justin Speier are among the better pens in Clemente.  The question is whether this years offense can give the pitching the support it deserves.  There is some excellent young talent here and C'Town should eventually become quite strong with Hermida, Markakis, Langerhaans, Ibanez, Matt Young, Zobrist, Castillo, and Peralta begin to live up to expectations.  No longer is the Iron Horse team a pushover.  They will win some big games.  Perhaps a power hitter or two away from serious contention.

 

Bryan has fallen on hard times after their near playoff journey of 2005.  The lovable Bashers are also a team seemingly on the upswing with the addition of some good new talent.  The big arrival is Pat Burrell who is always good for some big power numbers and will set base in the middle of the Bashers lineup.  A good season for Burrell in 07 MLB could time just right for the Bashers next season.  What about this year?  With the Parkers big three and CTown’s improvement the bashers will also be in the fight for perhaps the last playoff wildcard spot.  The lineup is much improved.  Paul LoDuca has a terrific offensive card, as does 2005 acquired Lyle Overbay.  Overbay has one of the best lefty cards with a nice blend of defense, power and OBA.  With Helton slipping in 07, Brooklyn could be regretting that trade soon enough.  Another Brooklyn trade away, Ty Wigginton has a very good power card as well he can play INF and OF.  Luke Scott will platoon and certainly help.  Mike Lamb will hit for a high average (33 hits vs. R), and Brad Inge will add 35-30 HR power.  Maybe a a sot at the wildcard?  The bullpen is outstanding and aces Chris Carpenter and Kenny Rogers could each win 16-20.   The Bashers could dive or could be a contender.  Much depends on Light’s effective use of his players.  This team with some MLB luck could be a hot team in 08.  In 07, they will score some more runs to help Bryan win but patience is the key here as the talent is there but could really blossom next season.  Cory Light’s chances are very good with Ellis returning, Hermanson, Millar, B Crosby, Cintron, Milton, and Gomes, all likely to exceed 2006 performance in MLB.  

 

In Schmidt, It looks like an epic battle between Philly, Carolina, Stirling, and the Morrison stadium Lizard Kings and the Lake County Leopards.  All 5 teams are in contention for the division.  All have their strengths and weaknesses take your pick who wins this division.   The Philly Phantastics.  Rob Hite’s South Philly Wonder boys will be eating a lot of celebratory Pat’s and Geno’s wit and wit out this year.    The top half of the lineup is going to puts lots of runs across. We may be able to expect a whopping 900-1000 runs season en toto.  Jeter and Abreu will set the table with .400+  OBA’s and runner movement.  Berman and C-Lee will drive home bunches.  It’s possible Berkman could break 150 RBI’s.  The end of the order has Rolen, Hawpe, Utley, and Thames.  All have strong cards.  The defense could be a weakness and the OF will allow lots of runners to move.  The Philly pitching staff doesn’t have 4 time Cy Young award and future CBA HOFer Randy Johnson as it’s ace.  That role will be shared amongst three starters.  Bedard looks good as does Verlander.  They are sure to allow as many HR as the team will probably hit.  

 

The Lizard Kings are a team that depending on management and matchups could  make allot of noise in the tough Schmidt division.  This is one division team that has the starting pitching.  The off season acquisition of Matt Cain was a huge plus as he moves to the front of a solid rotation. Freddie Garcia, Cliff Lee, Jeff Suppan round out the staff.  Billy Wagner closes with Carrasco, Farnsworth, and Ruddy Lugo handle the middles.  The offense is underrated.  Another off season deal brought Matt Holliday who will likely bat third with Garciaparra, Adam LaRoche, Griffey, Paulino, Alou, Damon, Catalanotto, and Crede in the lineup.  This team will score runs when needed.  In fact they could have one of the best lineups in CBA top to bottom.  The defense will be solid if not spectacular with two 1's and a 2.  G'Parra "won't hoit ya bad wit da glove eeder".  In fact the team's X rating should enhance the pitching some.  Perhaps only Holliday's glove and Damon's arm will be liabilities for SW.  Both have enough on their cards to offset that detraction.

 

It remains to be seen how the mix of players and styles blend in here.  Manager Lindner has a tall task in front of him, but he has already begun to put together a well balanced team.  Remember Lindner brought his teams in '97 and '98 to the playoffs in his stint in  early CBA.  No reason to think he won't be able to do it again.  This is a team in a very tough division whose teams will batter each other liley to around a .500 margin.  Its possible the SW pitching will set them just a bit above some of the pack.  The offense will be solid, however, can they score enough even with the pitching to stop the powerful Schmidt. Much depends on Lindner, and the Lizard King.

 

 

Carolina is a team whose time may have come.  Off to a fast start, the Copperheads will be in the press a lot this year.  Scott Kenan’s  team really took a major step in the off season with a strong draft and some strategic trading.  Coming to Carolina was Ryan Zimmerman who will solidify the corners with Morneau on the other side of the diamond.  Travis Hafner returns this year strong to be a 40+ HR DH threat.  The lineup is very dangerous.  A lot of runs will score for this team as well.  The bottom half of the lineup drops off a bit.  Pitching is the primary concern here as after the limited Anibal Sanchez,  hard lefty Scott Olsen, and the mortal Johan Santana the pitching is average at best. Westbrook will lose more than a few.  The bullpen is a possible weakness.

 

Stirling missed out on the playoffs by a game or two.  The Redsox last week rally caught everyone off guard.  Stirling had a strange year in ’06.  They seemingly traded to build for the future when their mid season record was poor.  They picked up some picks, and Jason Kendall in the Varitek to LP deal.  It was Kendall who turned out to play better than expected.  In fact Kendall had a comeback year in MLB which made him perhaps more valuable for ’07 than either GM would have thought.  With Johima likely to snare much of the playing time, Kendall will be a PH off the bench.  The lineup is improved in ’07  Crawford, O Cabrera, Konerko, Andreuuuw, Swisher, Byrnes, and Joje will be solid through and through.  The averages may be a little lower, but the run production will be strong.  Schmidt could be the most powerful of the 4 divisions!  Stirling has a young staff headed by Bronson Arroyo.  Pitching starters are thin with the rest of the crew high ERA type cards.  The pen is quite strong with the addition of Broxton joining C Cordero.  Expect a lot of work from the pen.  Stirling is a team whose best days seem ahead of them.  Lots of hopeful young pitchers and likely return to form vets who could mean the Redsox will be tremendous in 08 and beyond.

 

Lake County has the pitching.  Perhaps the strongest rotation in CBA.  But the offense will be a struggle.  They traded Manny Ramirez to acquire Penny.  He joins tom Glavine, Jav Vasquez, Derek Lowe, and Josh Beckett.  The pen has Papelbon, Howry, Otsuka, and enough to make LLS a favorite in the late innings of tied games.  But can the offense out hit their other divisional rivals?  The pitching will likely do well against Staub, but Parker teams and Schmidt teams may give the Leopards all they can handle because their isn’t enough offensive variable to drive in enough runs to outscore the big offenses.  The middle of the lineup has Frank Thomas, and Carlos Delgado.  L Castillo and Jimmy Rollins will set the table.

 

The Staub Conference is known for the smaller offenses, but is more well known as a pitching league.  Carter’s Skokie looks like a repeat playoff type team.  Wolfman Shapiro has had another busy off season retooling the Wolfmen and painstakingly building another playoff contender.  Like a Phoenix from the ashes, the Wolfman knows trading, and talent too.  Secured for the a lineup that needed some pop after last years playoff 7 game defeat, Skokie procured barry Bonds and his high OBA bat for LF.  It remains to be seen if the Bonds card can offset the 5 rating and +3 arm in a key spot in LF.  Chipper Jones was a strong pick up at 3B but will need to be platooned with limited appearances.  Edmonds has tailed a bit but gives good glove in CF.  Mike Piazza will handle the catching duties.  Can the arm’s in LF and behind the dish have limiting effect on the Skokie winning percentage?  It will be a good test of the Strat theories.  Perhaps Skokie can answer the well worn Strat debate as to how the defense: X ratings, arms, etc are more necessary for wins than the good old fashion On base plus slugging theory. 

 

Allentown and Maine are improved.  In fact they could surprise quite a few CBA Gm’s with wins.  Allentown has nicely balanced team.  Russ Martin and Hanley Ramirez were huge additions with excellent variables to bring to the table.  Ramirez has pop and speed, while Martin has one of the best catchers cards in the set.  He will limited baserunning with his -2 arm.  The bullpen is strong if the starters run into trouble.  Maine some good offense.  Adding Uggla, and Francouer should help not just now but into the future.  The combo of J Giambi, Cory Koskie, Karlyle Greene  and Uggla could be among CBA’s best infields.  Catching is a plus with Eliezer Alfonzo and Geoff Zaun.  A developing pitching staff could center around Lowry and C Wang, but more is needed there if they want to compete seriously. 

 

Kennesaw appears to be rebuild a bit and has a nice core of young talent blending in with the aging veterans from Neah Bay’s halcyon days.  They will score some runs near the top of the order with Furcal, Cameron, McCann, and Giles.  Not a lot of power which is typical of this franchise but some decent on base.  The pitching has atken a step back but there’s enough in the pen and in the rotation there to win. Smoltz, Sheets, and Harang should win more than a few, but the rest of the starters are shaky at best.

 

The Staub will be interesting.  Longue Pointe had an interesting draft choosing to focus on the solidifying the bench for the long run, adding pieces for platoons and reserves.  They were able to add a few good prospects along the way.  Craig Monroe takes over in LF while Matsui will hit off the bench. Jose Vidro coming in a trade takes over 2nd base, and the addition of Aramis Ramirez to hit in front of Richie Sexson will be huge for LP who keeps their strong pitching intact.  Expect prospects Jeremy Sowers and Jimmy Gobble to contribute some, and Carlos Zambrano to win around 20.  The pen wont be as strong as last years, but is fairly decent as is.  Staub Rolaids candidate Todd Jones will close again. 

 

Limoilou will be very tough in ’07.  The lineup is outstanding.  Once again Jeff Boutet showed why he was a 3 time championship GM.  Boutet had the foresight to get Carlos Beltran who rebounded into what could be an MVP candidate for this year.  Kenny Lofton and his speed and bat are now aboard, along with the under rated Matt Murton.  Troy Glaus will hit plenty of HR, and Curtis Granderson will be a pleasant surprise with a good offensive card.  The pitching is strong even after the trade of Hudson, but Hudson card was not the same as in the past seasons and appeared on the decline.  Schmidt should be the ace again, and Saito will liley close, lights out.  Schilling. 

 

SD Surf will be very tough in ’07.  They could win not only Dawson, but CBA as well. They are stacked top to bottom in the lineup.  The pitching is very solid throughout the rotation. The addition of Ervin Santana could be the missing key.  With the pitching as is, SD offensive run support should be plenty enough to give the staff many leads.  Bush, Peavy, Santana, King Felix, Haren, Meche, there isn’t much need for a bullpen.  The lineup and defense are well balanced.  David Wright, Vic Martinez, Cano, Cuddyer, Dye, Renteria, Nick Johnson, Youkiklis…No weaknesses.  Could this be the team for CBA to beat?  It remains to see how Joe Wallace manages this team, because they could go all the way, on paper that is. 

 

Joliet will have to manage well to contend.  Its hard to see them beating SD, but a wildcard isn’t out of the question.  Joliet has also added some pitchin’ and has a few good starters and spot starters that can give anyone trouble.  Jered Weaver, Burnett, Chuckt James, John Maine, John Lieber are solid.  JJ Putz will dominate in the pen.  Much improved.  The lineup is better too.  Soriano keys the attack which features speed.  JJD led CBA with 314 steals a record in ’06.  This year 200+ is likely too.   A solid lineup with no other real superstars, but nice offensive cards.  Pierre, Ordonez, Tracy, and some others.  Nothing to fear but they should score a few.  Without last years MVP Derek Lee Joliet must still be looking to replace that big power bat.

 

CBA expects a few more dogfights this year.  It’s important we all do our best to maintain a high level of competive spirit to be fair for all our great GM’s.  Every game counts as we have seen the past three seasons which have gone to the wire.  2007 should be just as great if not better.


 

 



Big series this week. The feature series pit Carolina vs the onrushing Philly Phantastics. Every game
Philly wins pulls them closer to the division leader and fends off the tough Bryan Bashers who are 3 off
the wildcard pace. Philly is making a rush for the ages this year while trying to hang on to a slim 3 game
lead over Bryan in the Clemente wildcard race. In fact Philly is now a manageable 5 games behind the
season long fron runner who this series was played. Both teams battled with Philly taking game 1, 8-5.
Utley knocked in 4 runs, as Velander improved his record to 11-5. Carolina struck back in game 2 with a
hard fought 3-2 win. All the runs were scored early then the pitching took over as Anibal Sanchez,
Brandon League, and Huston Street held off the Phantastics. In game 3, cole Hamels won with a save from
Mike Gonzalez, his 16th. Carlos Lee hit his 36th, then Scott Rolen his 27th to provide a 4-2 win and
inch them closer to Carolina. Bryan bestwed the Superbas for the first time this year just at the right
time, taking 2 of 3 from the Brooklyn squad. The Superbas won behind Halladay's 16th win, and HR's by
Ramirez (38th), Wells 31st, and Juan Rivera's 11th.


Dawson has another 3 way dance, just as you were about to write off the Loggers, here they come now only
3 games back of Limoilou who holds the 31 spot. Longue Pointe's bench had a great week as Jason Repko,
Ichiro, and Ryan Theriot proved to be stars. Theriot actually hit an inside the park HR. Longue POinte is
led by Aramis Ramirez acquired in 2007 and now has 32 HR's. Ramirez bat is carrying the team along with
Carlos Zambrano who actually got a HAL induced save this week in a 14 inning epic against Ottawa.
That game saw come backs from both team a couple of times before LP pulled it out. Meanwhile SD had taken
2 from the Superbas with some good pitching from Peavy who went all the way in a 12 K win. David Wright
had some more key hits in his MVP type season for San Diego. The Surf are just a 1/2 game off the Dawson
lead. Wright's BA is up to .349. Miguel Cabrera of Brooklyn leads CBA at .404.
Skokie's magic number is down to 4. They can clinch this week. It would be GM Josh Wolfman Shapiro's 3rd concecutive
entrance to CBA's playoff's first as Montreal Royals then after as the Skokie Wolfmen. Longue POinte has
made the playoffs each of the last 4 years. Limoilou will no doubt make the playoffs afetr finishing last place in 2006.
A huge win differential for former manager of the year Jeff Boutet. Boutet's resurgence and playoff
entry serves agian notice how CBA's most successful GM is a force to be reckoned with at all times. Limoilou last won
a championship in 2003 defeating the Brooklyn Superbas 4 games to 1

 


 

August 26th 2007

Block 21 results are in. Great wild card races are shaping up.  Dawson has Limoilou and SD battling it out.  Currently the perrenial powerhouse Limoilou Wendigo managed by original CBA member and future Hall of Famer Jeff Boutet and they are in first place by a game and a half over San Diego.  The playoff bound Surf managed by veteran CBA GM Joe Wallace will be looking towards perhaps their first ever playoff appearnace since their incarnation in 2002.  Limoilou arguably CBA's most successful franchise is no stranger to playoff action in CBA harkening back to the halcyon days of 1997 when playoff series were played via ICQ and IRC chat room.   With NetPlay playoffs mandatory for all in CBA 2007, Jeff Boutet is no doubt looking forward to some sweet revenge as he has exited from the playoffs last in 2005 at the hands of division rival Longue Pointe Loggers and Dennis C. It was that classic series which was decided by basically a lone OF error on Jason Michaels and a key HR by Ichiro which decided the Staub crown.   Limoilou loks to have quite a good chance this year as the pesky Loggers sit 6 games back but in position for a possible wildcard.  This rivalry goes back 10 full years when the beloved Claude LaMarre ran CBA and GM'ed the Longue Pointe Hitmen as they were known.  Jeff's brother also a HOF'er Chris Boutet ran the now defunct Quebec Capitales in Dawson.  You can check the archives and logos pages for more on that historical and excellent team.  Vets may even recall that in that 1st season Brooklyn was a Dawson team (BSD) before moving across the leagues to the present Parker division in a realignment.  With Dawson rivalries producing some unbelievable playoff series and recent years 1 game playoffs, the San Diego Surf is right in the middle of what could be history.  They must contend with Limoilou's Staub leading power team.  Limmer's Thome has a .302 BA, 38 more HR this season, and 84 RBI, while MVP candidate Carlos Beltran Acquired in a down year from Skokie has 47 HR, 117 RBI, and a .275 BA with flawless defense and X rating numbers.  Some scoffed at the acquistion of CBA veteran, future HOF,and premier base stealer James Lofton's pre-season acquistion as selling future for now, but all Lofton has done is be a quintessential leadoff force with 41 SB and a .315 BA.  Bill Hlal's 27, 90, .266 and Try Glaus 36 HR's make this a very potent lineup that SD top rated staff will need to handle as well as they did in action this week.  Joe Wallace's Surfer dudes took 2 of 3 block 21 with some good pitching from Dan Haren 11-6 4.03, and Jake Peavy 10-6, last years perfect season man and Cy Young winner.  David Wright has carried SD offense with 20 HR and a .350 batting average.   3 starters and 1 platooner are batting .350+ for SD.  Victory Martinez 10 76 .365, R Cano 14 45 .360, Chris Duncan .350, and Wright.  Dye and Cuddyer have been very solid with 19 HR and BA in the high .280's all season.  A .293 team batting average is now 2nd in CBA behind Brooklyn's .310 team numbers. 

In Carter the Skokie Wolfmen finally faced Clemnete powerhouse Brooklyn in a series which Brooklyn swept in 3.  The games 1,2 were tighter than the finals but in the end the BSP offense and bench proved too powerful for the Wolmen's respected bullpen to contain.  Miguel Cabrera continued huis MVP quest and .410 BA pace with another big series getting 8 hits and 8 RBI's, and Manny Ramirez drove in key runs and reached base time after time.  Wells came up big at the plate and all around its tough to stop the Superbas in 2007 who appear to have their strongest team since their only championship in CBA back in 2004.  BSP may win more that that team and set some team records along the way.  The Brooklyn team ERA at 4.41 is almost a full run better that previous years perhaps due to the power decrease in Coors numbers.  The Superbas despite the gaudy numbers are fallible as proved by arch rival Indiana Redbirds this week as well.  Indy showed Brooklyn how its done cutting the BSP lead back down to 7 games with a rare sweep.  Indiana power and 2 out rallies doomed Brooklyn as Alex rodriguez, Pujols, Oswalt,  and Jeff Conine who had a GSHR and  5 RBI in game 3.  Game 2 saw a 12-11 Indy win which was a thrilling game to spectate as it ran by on quick spectator.  Back and forth with Indy taking an early lead on Conine's Granny, only to have a characteristic BSP rally cut into the lead.  In the end Indy had won and served notice that they are just as strong a force and ready for a playoff series which they just may get later on.  Against Joliet, Indiana shut 'em out twice behind Tankersley and Jarrod Washburn.

Carolina's rise in Schmidt has been well documented this season, but look at the surprising Bryan Bashers.  Not expected by some to win, expected by others the Bashers have been a team red hot in the second half.  Relying on a platoon system of role players and some solid starting pitching the Bashers offense has been productive.  7 players over double digit HR's, a .271 BA and terrific bench, the Bashers have taken a page from Longue Pointe with their bench depth.  Luke Scott.345, Julio Cruz, .326, Dioner Navarro .322, Ty Wigginton 20 HR, Brandon Inge 30 HR have all been great, and Pat the Bat Burrell a key offensive ingredient with his 26 HR.  This week Bryan swept rival Ottawa and is in possession of a wildcard seed if they can hold off Philly and perhaps Southwest.


This week saw a flurry of infractional warnings and issues.  A strong reminder to GM's to review usage and the Excel sheets carefully in preparations.  There is no leniency or amnesty so careful goes it.  Even commish is not immune picking up an infraction for inadvertently scheduling Edwin Jackson a start when below minimum requirements for MLB inn.  Skokie had the same for his use of John Patterson.  Pitchers must have 45 inn MLB to be eligible to start.   Joliet will not receive and infraction for Benoit's overuse which was result of league error, however Southwest will for over using Carrasco in block 18.  Bryan and Limoilou will not be assesed infractions for overuse in block 20 of last week since the league feels responsibile for not communicating properly intention to play 2 blocks that from vavcation break.  CBA apologizes for any strategic anomalies that it may have presented GM's by not making that issue clear enough.  We will likely play a double week to catch up on the schedule block 23-24 however.  Be forewarned.  Good luck to all teams as the races are not decided and are going down to the wire.
 


Midseason Report June 29th, 2007

CBA enters the 15th Block. The season well underway and the races defining. We can see who are the contenders and who may look ahead. Clemente Conference's big picture has Carolina and Brooklyn looking great while leading Schmidt and Parker. Indiana and Bryan hold wildcard possibilties with Philly and Lake County within striking distance. One or two good blocks could put Southwest back in the mix as well. Clemente is the home of great offense and the DH. 8 of the top 12 batting leaders for average is Clemente.  12 of the top 15 HR leaders are Clemente.  Pujols alone has 47 HR and 93 RBI's.  He's batting .343 and is a legitimate triple crown threat as the season levels off.  He may set some CBA records for power production along the way.  it will be fun watching Indiana this year with Alex Rodriguez, Pujols, Reyes, Bay, and Sizemore bunching runs.  Indiana is 6 games behind surging Brooklyn.

 Brooklyn is hitting .312 as a team with 136 HR in 84 games abdout half a season.  Howard is on the rise after a slow start and the lineup built over many years is stacked.  1998 1st round pick Todd Helton is hitting .355 in the 2 hole, with both Gathright and Brandon Phillips stealing a ton at leadoff. Miguel Cabrera has been sensational in '07 with 20 HR 75 and a .405 BA.  Manny Ramirez is red hot with 26 73 .336.  Wells has 21 63 .287 with 17 SB.  The offense and defense superb(a) but the starting pitching is pretty good.  Having Coors doesn't help that department much.  The pen is decent with Mariano, Wheeler, and Feliciano in the set up roles, but not much else.  Brooklyn could be heading for the best season since 2003. 

Bryan is a terrific story thus far in 2007. Some saw .500, others below, I thought maybe a shot at a wild card and thats exactly what is happening.  Bryan is using a diverse platoon of good cards and role players to combine as one playoff potential team.  The starting pitching is much improved over 2006 with Rogers and Carpenter starting to produce low run games.  Nate Robertson has emerged as the #3 starter with 8 wins and other pitchers like Eric Milton recently acquired Joe Blanton have added wins along the way and important innings.  The Bashers got a boost as Pat Burrell has started hitting HR's(17), and Brad Inge has been of fire raising his average to .300 with 18 HR and 49 key RBI's.  Ty Wigginton has been a great 10th man so far and with such depth on the bench, Bryan could be in this race for the long haul.  They must stay above Philly and the surprisingly tough Lake County Leopards. 

Philly is at .500.  The story is pitching or the lack of it.  Randy Johnson is a legit Ronson Candidate.  The staff has fallen on hard times while the offense meanwhile continues to flourish.  A .293 BA and 5 hitters with double digit HR's can keep Philly in any game.  Utley (15 49 .312) is having a good year even if Derek Jeter (8 34 .280) by his own standards is not.  Berkman 25 54 .300 is doing damage, as is Carlos Lee (19 49 .278).  No one stands out in the pen or rotation.  Perhaps with better twirling the Phantastics would rise a few games into wildcard status. 

Lake County is being carried by some decent pitching, nothing beyond average.  Glavine, Papelbon, Vasquez, Matt Thornton have led the way with solid performances.  Not spectacular but tsolid.  But the rest is non-descript.  Opponents have hit .272 which isn't great.  The pitchers dont walk too many only 3 a game. Inherited runners score 33% of the time. Not too good. The offense .257 BA, has little firepower.  .333 OBA as a team, 5.10 runs a game, .447 slg, ho-hum.  Why then is Lake in the wild card race?  Only 1 reason...Carlos Delgado (32 HR, 79 RBI, .285) . Pujols may have the numbers but he has great performers around him.  Delgado is doing it in the clutch with only Frank Thomas' 19 HR's a threat around him.  Curiously he may be a better MVP candidate since he does so much for his team.

The Staub Conference has the same story in Dawson again.  Another 3 way dance.  Maybe even a 4th customer if Joliet continues to improve. Longue Pointe has led it last year but this year the Limmer-Lou Wendigo are back in the first place saddle again. Moving out a game and half over San Diego and 3 and a half over Longue Tongue has gotten the fans in QWuebec all excited. No doubt Jeff Boutet and Dennis Concepcions rivalry dating back to the 2005 Staub Championship 7 game LP win is renewed in its entirety in 2007.  Who could forget the Michaels error that cost the Championship.  The Wendigo are primed and ready with a blistering offense which could be Staub's best (Skokie may disagree)  Boutet sends up 4 20 HR men each game. Beltran an MVP candidiate(32 84 .289), Thome with 24 taters, off season acquistion the catalyst Kenny Lofton (26SB .299) CBA's all time SB leader and a former 1997 first round pick of the Philly Phantastics.Glaus has 28 HR's.  The Wendigo score 6.19 runs per game and allow only 4.32 runs.  They produce .843 clip and slug about .492  Impressive power numbers.  Perhaps only some more defense and relief could make this team the class of Staub.

San Diego is playing up to their billing as a top Staub team.  Looking towards their first ever franchise playoff, SD must beat out eith LP or Limmer like to earn a spot.  Similar to Belfast the past 3 years.  They hit for average .298 but can't hit with too much power. only 89 HR in comparison Limmer has 133.  San Diego has good pitching.  3rd in CBA for ERA, the Surf has King Felix at 9-3 and Meche at 8-3.  Haren and Peavy both add 7 wins. Frank Rod has 13 sv.  David Wright is carrying SD in all areas (16 61 .363 12sb) and Cano is hitting .337.  SD with some good matchups and series wins will be a factor all season. A move any direction could mean the entire Dawson race. 

LP has been consistant much of the year.  They recently won 9 games in row and dropped 7 for their only streak.  LP is led by Cy Young candidate Carlos Zambrano has 10 wins no losses. Maddux (7-4 4.11) has done well too. The bullpen has done well by committee with 8 players gaining saves.  They have allowed only 20% of inherited runners to score a great number.  The bullpen is a signature of the Loggers.  Offensively its Ichiro, Aramis, and now Richie Sexson who has come alive. Varitek and Hunter are below the Mendoza line still and the .769 X rating has been great.  A 4.12 team ERA is good enough to win, but can they sustain SD and Limoilou?   Perhaps as always the key with LP is their depth of bench.  Lets see how this winds up in August.

Skokie is the team in Carter.  Doesn't look like anyone will constest him there as Allentown has faded and Kennesaw has been inexplicably below par.  Skokie ahs their best offense since its Montreal days with their many new additions for '07.  The addition of Mike Piazza (19 61 .326) has greatly helped the offense though his glove and arm haven't.  Gary Matthews Jr (13 55 .329) has been superb.  Chipper (19 42 .289), Bonds (17 56 .291), and Edmonds (15 44 .272) have been very dangerous all year and are a playoff threat to any team in CBA.  Jose Valentin (16 38 .304) was a find. The pitching not too bad.  Joe Nathan (13sv 1.36ERA) is lights out at closer. There is enough to get by but with pitching scarce Skokie has been shopping for more.  Don't expect the Wolfman to stand still he is always on the prowl and rumour has it a few deals waiting to happen!

 

 


April Preview by Marc Wasserman

 

Looking around CBA this week we are starting to get a feel for how our teams are performing.  With the first weeks of the season a time of sdjustment and testing, GM's are trying to optimize their lineups and talent for maximum performance.  Expected,  few teams have started off slowly and some hot.  Too early to tell, but we may begin to see who will be the contenders this year.

 
Teams that were building two three years ago have been thrust into the early season spotlight.  Lets look at these teams.  Carolina has CBA's best record.  Scott Kenan has built what could be a contending team from the remnants of the former Portland Seas Dogs.  Carolina's History has had some CBA moments over 10 seasons.  But had never been in the Finals.  Could this be the year?  carolina started CBA life as Danny Noonan's (no relation to Caddyshack) Louisville Mob Squad.  Just wondering if anyone even remembers talking or trading with that guy.  Noonan won 102 in that first year drafting to win right away and as a result faded a bit each year as he let his team stagnate into CBA's dark ages year of 2000.  With a few poor drafts, and no trades, the Mob Squad became the Mod Squad especially when commisioner Claude LaMarre (HOF) replaced Noonan in favor of a strong Strat-o-matic French Canadian gamer from the QSBL, Pierre Janneau.  Janneau a good player had very little to work with.  The Lifesavers had former top picks that never made it like Jose Rosado, Damon Buford, George Arias, Bill Pulsipher, mixed with an old team featuring Andre Galarraga, Eric Davis, Chuckt Finley, Lance Johnson, Joe Carter that faded away quick.  Poor Janneau won a CBA low 45 games.  That 2000 team set several futility records that still stand today.  Pierre improved his team to 68 wins the following season which was quite remarkable considering the lack of talent inherited but he grew disenchanted and left CBA to concentrate on his other more succesful strat team in QSBL.  At this point In 2002 his replacement Stephane Castillioux also from QSBL (a good league with avid gamers based in Quebec) joined CBA to guide the franchise.  As soon as he did he made his legacy in CBA by unintentionally and hilariuosly renaming the team the Green Bay Roches.  Know one to this day knows what a Roche was or is, let alone the startling fact that the decent area around Green Bay has any of them.  His team logo is quite the rediculous if not unique.  More draft pick busts like Mark Quinn, Kerry Wood, Paul Wilson, Troy O'Leary and others failed to perform.  Needless to say this team once again plummeted to the CBA abyss with a 50 win season second worst in CBA history.  The Roches crawled behind the CBA baseboards and went into hiding until 2004 when Strat Pal Dan Gural one of CBA's beloved managers took control late in 2003 and made Portland (new name) a winner.
 
Scott Kenan has taken some of Gural's nucleus and used what he had to rebuild this franchise.  The team is now Kenan's franchise with his stamp on it. Players of tomorrow like Annabelle Sanchez, Ryan Zimmerman, Justin Morneau, Travis Hafner, Johan Santana, James Loney, and other tlaented cards like Geoff Jenkins, Mark DeRosa, Adam Dunn , Melving Mora provide the Copperheads with a balanced lineup.  Dunn is off and running with 6 Hr already, and Morneau and Tejada have been hot.  For sure the middle of the order will produce tons of runs.  Among CBA's best production trios with Hafner, Morneau, and Dunn, formidable. 
 
Philly has played well thus far.  They took 2 of 3 from Brooklyn and Skokie establishing them as a contender.  As Rob Hite has predicted, Lance Berkman has been a force in the middle of Carlos Lee, Derek Jeter, and Bob Abreu.  He could drive in 150+ in Philly.  Southwest has been around .500 along with Lake County who finished a nice week block 3. 
 
The Lizard Kings using platooning have had good performances from David DeJesu, Orlando Hudson, and Ken Griffey Jr.  The big story has been Johnny (4 18 .348) Damon.
Holliday has been solid as well and is a nice addition. But this week they ran into rivals the Leopards. The Lake County Leopards after a slow start have poured it on sweeping the Lizards and taking 2 of 3 from Joliet.  Papelbon's relief work has been solid, and Frank Thomas (4 12 .296) and Carlos Delgado (6 15 .247) look like trouble for oppopsing managers. 
 
In Dawson,  Limoilou is back.  Their acquistion of Carlos Beltran is paying dividends with 9 Hr 16 RBI's.  Thome is back in a big way with 6 Hr and 18 RBI along with a .328 avg.  Jason Johnson is 3-0 and the Wendigo are looking forward to challenging LP for that divisions crown.  Problem is that there is also Belfast and San Diego now who are willing to contest a quick Limoilou claim.  San Diego is much improved on paper in 2007.  After a slow start GM joe wallace mad a block 3 adjustment which produced some good results thrusting SD back into the Dawson picture.  Joliet remains just outside with a better block 3 than previous 2 blocks.  Longue Pointe has struggled of late managing just 1 run in their 3 game series vs Indiana this block.  They were shutout twice.  Belfast has stayed close with a 9-9 record just 1 off the pace.  Belfast has showed little power so far.  6 HR, 3 by Lugo{?!?} but 18 sb signals Belfast small ball reliance as in years past.  Their addition of Jason Jennings (3-1) has been big and the pen has been strong thus far.  BJ Ryan is lights out.  
 
In Carter Allentown started off very strong.  Jorge Posada has 4 Hr 14 Rbi, and Bernie Williams ( 2 Hr 9Rbi .343) of all cards, has been on fire.  Russell Martin and Hanley Ramirez will score some runs, but its hard to say whether A Town can keep pace as pitchers and platooners eat up usage.
Maine is a surprise and is leading Carter 1 over A Town, and 2 over Skokie and K Mount. 
Maine gets the press in week 3 because of perfomances like sweeping 1st place ATown and winning 2 of 3 off Limoilou this week.  At 10-8, the Express hitters Adrain Gonzalez (5 16 .354) Dan Uggla (5 Hr), and Jeff Francoeur (5 Hr), Eliezer Alfonzo (5Hr), Juan Encarnacion (4Hr) have hit well.  No reason to suspect they won't continue to do so.  Ian Snell has been a welcome addition to the pitching staff as well.  
   Skokie is hitting the crud out the ball.  A .298 avg and 29 Hr's,  The Wolfie's have shifted their focus to power.  Edmonds, Mathews Jr and Bonds are off to good starts.  In the Bullpen Saroman Torres, and Littlejohn have been solid set ups for Nathan. 
 
Parker has powerful Brooklyn on top.  Hitting a team .314, with 26 Hr, the Superbas could be in line fora shot at the crown if they can get pitching.  Dontrelle is key and he is off to a rough start with 0-3 8.00+ era.  Mussina has been strong but ohh that lineup.  When you talk Brooklyn their trademark is the offense.  Helton, Cabrera, and Ramirez are on fire. But surprisingly this year BSP has some speed and are off and running.  Joey Gathright has emerged as a 4th OF and has stolen 9 bases including 3rd base a few times. 
Indiana had struggled but swept LP 3 straight tossing two shutouts in doing.  ARod, Reyes, Bay, And Pujols will score plenty.  It has been Tad Iguchi who has been Indy's biggest surprise with 5 Hr already.  It will be a dogfight again as Indy and Ottawa will spar with these two for the top spot.  Add to the mix an improved Cooperstown (9-9) team and Parker could be interesting.  C Town's Doug Mientkiewicz (12 Rbi .309) and Raul Ibanez (6 Hr 17) have provided some spark. 

(This is the actual transcript of the live chat room draft held February 18th, 2007, edited 

 for  punctuation and Team ID's.  Kudos to our 2 new GM's Blake (K-Mt.) and Eric (SW) 

 for injecting the proceedings with this jolt of humor.  We pick it up at Round 1, Pick #18

 by Allentown... )


2007 CBA season preview by Marc Wass

As years go by the memories of big games and series can be reflected on. CBA's history show that no team has repeated in consecutive years winning a championship. It's difficult enough to get in, and win Net Play series. Last year champion Indiana has a chance to repeat. 2005's Longue Pointe winner was able to make it into Staub Finals losing to Neah (Kennesaw). The closest to repeat was In 2004 Brooklyn when won their only championship, after losing in 2003 World Series to 3 time winner Limoilou.

.The 2007 promises to be a great one. Can Indy repeat?  We have added two great new GM's James Blakeley and the returning Eric Lindner to the mix.  I am very happy to have both aboard and each has been an asset from the get go.  With last years new GM's blending in so well, I can only feel confident that CBA will see more competition and more highlights.   Winning Strat-Ball, and sportsmanship are the standards and mean everything in CBA.  We will see plenty of both if the off season was any indication.  With a flurry of trades and draft maneuvers the guard could be changing as there will be more parity in CBA, and some long building teams finally emerging.  Lets take a short look at what perhaps could take place in CBA 2007.  

 

This years cards seem to have less of the excellent pitching cards.  Fewer than usual well balanced starters.  Fewer starters with 2 or less diamonds and 20 and 30 TB or below.  Even the aces seem to have unbalance and power problems.  But their are allot of set up relievers as the MLB trend seems to dictate.  It seems many more guys in the 20 hit 25 oba 35 TB range than usual. 

 

The Parker race may be the best that division has seen in many seasons.  Two reasons are three powerful teams that return with an eye towards the division crown.

It's hard not to start with Indiana Redbirds and GM Bob Fidler.  Fidler inherited a promising team but really put his own touch on this team with his many player and draft movements.  Fidler earned his championship with excellent CM and roster management in 2006 and we can expect more of the same this season.  With some players not approaching 2006 season card status, Fidlers other players will step it up plus some.  Where ARod tailed some, the acquisition of Jose Reyes looms large in Houston's top of the order.  Reyes should offset some of the power loss with his own power and speed.   He will form a lethal DP combo with Tad Iguchi who is solid if not excellent in this set with a well balanced card.  Pujols at first base and Indiana just may have the best infield in CBA.  Solid up the middle of the diamond.  Pujols will be an MVP candidate driving in many runs and a good shot at 1.300 tot.  He will create tons of runs with these guys ahead of him.  He will have protection with A Rod behind him.  Jason Bay has a killer card.  Alex Rodriguez likely team DH with the drop in glove skills, but Fidler acquired Mike Lowell a 1 rated 3B with good bat vs. Righties to bolster the bottom of the order.  Two 2's and two 1's in the infield?  A good bet for .750 X rating or better for this team.  

 

   The pitching however is a concern for this offensive laden team.  With few * starters available in the draft or on the trade market,  Indy will have to rely heavily on the pen aside from starter Oswalt and limited Kazmir, the other starters are decent but not top shelf.   Fidler acquired lights out Cla Meredith and Bob Wickman along with a committee of lesser IP pitchers who will be platoon during the season.  It remains to be seen how they will perform because they have a tough task ahead fending off the improved Superbas and Otters teams. 

 

Ottawa is a bonified contender for the title.  In fact Ottawa could win it all in 2007.  Their starting pitching is as solid as Indiana's and  they have impressive bullpen strength.  Brandon Webb is a true ace pitcher and should contend for the Cy Young award.  Lackey has a very nice card at number 2.  Cook, Loaiza, and Armas are adequate for innings and some good games along the way.  However they too are more likely to use their pen by committee to win ball games.  Joe Borowski will close games with strong set up men in Brian Sweeney, Chad's Bradford and Gaudin.   Eyre, Rivera, Downs , and Tavarez are better than average long men.  Bout Ottawa is know for the "Daddy and the Impaler" than its pitching.  We can expect another year of good numbers from those two.  Depending who Jung's bats in front of them the potential for runs is as good as anyone in CBA.  With top shelf offenses in Brooklyn and Indiana they must put runs on the board.  They could get more than either rival if Mauer, and Reed Johnson set the table.  The offensive production could reach 1000 runs scored.

 

Though Indy is the reigning champ, Brooklyn may have the total package after the acquisition of Pedro Feliciano and Dan Wheeler in two separate trades.  The offense is stocked top to bottom with only Adam  Everett not as a great a threat, though his 1 e8 at SS should compensate for that.  Indiana and Brooklyn are each about at the same level, and any extra additions to any of the threes team could be a difference.  Brooklyn may challenge Ottawa and Indiana for the Parker's top spot.  Brooklyn has been looking to maintain a high performance level for a number of years.  They have been a staple in the playoffs since 2003, and though knocked out in round 1 last year are only 2 championships removed from the 2004 winners.  With more offense and better pitching, Brooklyn could be trouble for Clemente.

 

The lineup seems all star with a great blend of power, on base, speed, and defense.  The defense defines Brooklyn as Ivan Rodriguez, Everett, Vernon Wells, newcomer Brandon Phillips, Drew, Helton, and Payton have superior ratings and e numbers.  Phillips, Wells, Cabrera, and Gathright all steal bases, and IRod will surprise a few catchers.  But the offense appears back.  With Sosa on hiatus, Brooklyn compensated by acquiring Manny Ramirez for LF.  Where Helton's power numbers have slipped, 2005 draftee Ryan Howard has exceeded expectations.  Miguel Cabrera will challenge for the batting crown with great doubles and HR power.  The middle of the order is possibly Brooklyn's finest ever.  The end of the order isn't bad either, with JD Drew's card, Ivan Rodriguez variables and average, Phillips power and speed.  Brooklyn could also break 1000 runs.

 

Cooperstown is a good team.  A team with promise and some good talent right now.  They play in Parker with Ottawa, Indiana, and Brooklyn which this year might not be such a good thing for them.  With this years schedule seeing more action against Schmidt and the other divisions in Staub, it could help C’Town to achieve a better record than if they played more within the division.

Some may reason it could hinder them in an attempt to gain higher draft status, but all said C'Town could surprise more than a few. 

 

Pitching is a plus for C'Town Iron Horses.  Jeff Francis is another recipient of the Strat trend towards endowing Coors pitchers with better cards as the years go by.  Coors pitchers were shunned and given horrid cards in years past but the past three seasons has seen good cards come out of the Rockies.  Francis is one of two this year (Jennings) the other, who have better than average cards.  V Padilla is solid with a decent card as is Chris Young who despite some power problems should still be an effective pitcher.  El Duque should be better than adequate as a #4 or 5 starter, with the late and beloved Cory Lidle.  Also on deck is Horatio Ramirez.  This staff should improve year by year.  In the pen, Jesse Crain, Francisco Cordero, and Justin Speier are among the better pens in Clemente.  The question is whether this years offense can give the pitching the support it deserves.  There is some excellent young talent here and C'Town should eventually become quite strong with Hermida, Markakis, Langerhaans, Ibanez, Matt Young, Zobrist, Castillo, and Peralta begin to live up to expectations.  No longer is the Iron Horse team a pushover.  They will win some big games.  Perhaps a power hitter or two away from serious contention.

 

Bryan has fallen on hard times after their near playoff journey of 2005.  The lovable Bashers are also a team seemingly on the upswing with the addition of some good new talent.  The big arrival is Pat Burrell who is always good for some big power numbers and will set base in the middle of the Bashers lineup.  A good season for Burrell in 07 MLB could time just right for the Bashers next season.  What about this year?  With the Parkers big three and CTown’s improvement the bashers will also be in the fight for perhaps the last playoff wildcard spot.  The lineup is much improved.  Paul LoDuca has a terrific offensive card, as does 2005 acquired Lyle Overbay.  Overbay has one of the best lefty cards with a nice blend of defense, power and OBA.  With Helton slipping in 07, Brooklyn could be regretting that trade soon enough.  Another Brooklyn trade away, Ty Wigginton has a very good power card as well he can play INF and OF.  Luke Scott will platoon and certainly help.  Mike Lamb will hit for a high average (33 hits vs. R), and Brad Inge will add 35-30 HR power.  Maybe a a sot at the wildcard?  The bullpen is outstanding and aces Chris Carpenter and Kenny Rogers could each win 16-20.   The Bashers could dive or could be a contender.  Much depends on Light’s effective use of his players.  This team with some MLB luck could be a hot team in 08.  In 07, they will score some more runs to help Bryan win but patience is the key here as the talent is there but could really blossom next season.  Cory Light’s chances are very good with Ellis returning, Hermanson, Millar, B Crosby, Cintron, Milton, and Gomes, all likely to exceed 2006 performance in MLB.  

 

In Schmidt, It looks like an epic battle between Philly, Carolina, Stirling, and the Morrison stadium Lizard Kings and the Lake County Leopards.  All 5 teams are in contention for the division.  All have their strengths and weaknesses take your pick who wins this division.   The Philly Phantastics.  Rob Hite’s South Philly Wonder boys will be eating a lot of celebratory Pat’s and Geno’s wit and wit out this year.    The top half of the lineup is going to puts lots of runs across. We may be able to expect a whopping 900-1000 runs season en toto.  Jeter and Abreu will set the table with .400+  OBA’s and runner movement.  Berman and C-Lee will drive home bunches.  It’s possible Berkman could break 150 RBI’s.  The end of the order has Rolen, Hawpe, Utley, and Thames.  All have strong cards.  The defense could be a weakness and the OF will allow lots of runners to move.  The Philly pitching staff doesn’t have 4 time Cy Young award and future CBA HOFer Randy Johnson as it’s ace.  That role will be shared amongst three starters.  Bedard looks good as does Verlander.  They are sure to allow as many HR as the team will probably hit.  

 

The Lizard Kings are a team that depending on management and matchups could  make allot of noise in the tough Schmidt division.  This is one division team that has the starting pitching.  The off season acquisition of Matt Cain was a huge plus as he moves to the front of a solid rotation. Freddie Garcia, Cliff Lee, Jeff Suppan round out the staff.  Billy Wagner closes with Carrasco, Farnsworth, and Ruddy Lugo handle the middles.  The offense is underrated.  Another off season deal brought Matt Holliday who will likely bat third with Garciaparra, Adam LaRoche, Griffey, Paulino, Alou, Damon, Catalanotto, and Crede in the lineup.  This team will score runs when needed.  In fact they could have one of the best lineups in CBA top to bottom.  The defense will be solid if not spectacular with two 1's and a 2.  G'Parra "won't hoit ya bad wit da glove eeder".  In fact the team's X rating should enhance the pitching some.  Perhaps only Holliday's glove and Damon's arm will be liabilities for SW.  Both have enough on their cards to offset that detraction.

 

It remains to be seen how the mix of players and styles blend in here.  Manager Lindner has a tall task in front of him, but he has already begun to put together a well balanced team.  Remember Lindner brought his teams in '97 and '98 to the playoffs in his stint in  early CBA.  No reason to think he won't be able to do it again.  This is a team in a very tough division whose teams will batter each other liley to around a .500 margin.  Its possible the SW pitching will set them just a bit above some of the pack.  The offense will be solid, however, can they score enough even with the pitching to stop the powerful Schmidt. Much depends on Lindner, and the Lizard King.

 

 

Carolina is a team whose time may have come.  Off to a fast start, the Copperheads will be in the press a lot this year.  Scott Kenan’s  team really took a major step in the off season with a strong draft and some strategic trading.  Coming to Carolina was Ryan Zimmerman who will solidify the corners with Morneau on the other side of the diamond.  Travis Hafner returns this year strong to be a 40+ HR DH threat.  The lineup is very dangerous.  A lot of runs will score for this team as well.  The bottom half of the lineup drops off a bit.  Pitching is the primary concern here as after the limited Anibal Sanchez,  hard lefty Scott Olsen, and the mortal Johan Santana the pitching is average at best. Westbrook will lose more than a few.  The bullpen is a possible weakness.

 

Stirling missed out on the playoffs by a game or two.  The Redsox last week rally caught everyone off guard.  Stirling had a strange year in ’06.  They seemingly traded to build for the future when their mid season record was poor.  They picked up some picks, and Jason Kendall in the Varitek to LP deal.  It was Kendall who turned out to play better than expected.  In fact Kendall had a comeback year in MLB which made him perhaps more valuable for ’07 than either GM would have thought.  With Johima likely to snare much of the playing time, Kendall will be a PH off the bench.  The lineup is improved in ’07  Crawford, O Cabrera, Konerko, Andreuuuw, Swisher, Byrnes, and Joje will be solid through and through.  The averages may be a little lower, but the run production will be strong.  Schmidt could be the most powerful of the 4 divisions!  Stirling has a young staff headed by Bronson Arroyo.  Pitching starters are thin with the rest of the crew high ERA type cards.  The pen is quite strong with the addition of Broxton joining C Cordero.  Expect a lot of work from the pen.  Stirling is a team whose best days seem ahead of them.  Lots of hopeful young pitchers and likely return to form vets who could mean the Redsox will be tremendous in 08 and beyond.

 

Lake County has the pitching.  Perhaps the strongest rotation in CBA.  But the offense will be a struggle.  They traded Manny Ramirez to acquire Penny.  He joins tom Glavine, Jav Vasquez, Derek Lowe, and Josh Beckett.  The pen has Papelbon, Howry, Otsuka, and enough to make LLS a favorite in the late innings of tied games.  But can the offense out hit their other divisional rivals?  The pitching will likely do well against Staub, but Parker teams and Schmidt teams may give the Leopards all they can handle because their isn’t enough offensive variable to drive in enough runs to outscore the big offenses.  The middle of the lineup has Frank Thomas, and Carlos Delgado.  L Castillo and Jimmy Rollins will set the table.

 

The Staub Conference is known for the smaller offenses, but is more well known as a pitching league.  Carter’s Skokie looks like a repeat playoff type team.  Wolfman Shapiro has had another busy off season retooling the Wolfmen and painstakingly building another playoff contender.  Like a Phoenix from the ashes, the Wolfman knows trading, and talent too.  Secured for the a lineup that needed some pop after last years playoff 7 game defeat, Skokie procured barry Bonds and his high OBA bat for LF.  It remains to be seen if the Bonds card can offset the 5 rating and +3 arm in a key spot in LF.  Chipper Jones was a strong pick up at 3B but will need to be platooned with limited appearances.  Edmonds has tailed a bit but gives good glove in CF.  Mike Piazza will handle the catching duties.  Can the arm’s in LF and behind the dish have limiting effect on the Skokie winning percentage?  It will be a good test of the Strat theories.  Perhaps Skokie can answer the well worn Strat debate as to how the defense: X ratings, arms, etc are more necessary for wins than the good old fashion On base plus slugging theory. 

 

Allentown and Maine are improved.  In fact they could surprise quite a few CBA Gm’s with wins.  Allentown has nicely balanced team.  Russ Martin and Hanley Ramirez were huge additions with excellent variables to bring to the table.  Ramirez has pop and speed, while Martin has one of the best catchers cards in the set.  He will limited baserunning with his -2 arm.  The bullpen is strong if the starters run into trouble.  Maine some good offense.  Adding Uggla, and Francouer should help not just now but into the future.  The combo of J Giambi, Cory Koskie, Karlyle Greene  and Uggla could be among CBA’s best infields.  Catching is a plus with Eliezer Alfonzo and Geoff Zaun.  A developing pitching staff could center around Lowry and C Wang, but more is needed there if they want to compete seriously. 

 

Kennesaw appears to be rebuild a bit and has a nice core of young talent blending in with the aging veterans from Neah Bay’s halcyon days.  They will score some runs near the top of the order with Furcal, Cameron, McCann, and Giles.  Not a lot of power which is typical of this franchise but some decent on base.  The pitching has atken a step back but there’s enough in the pen and in the rotation there to win. Smoltz, Sheets, and Harang should win more than a few, but the rest of the starters are shaky at best.

 

The Staub will be interesting.  Longue Pointe had an interesting draft choosing to focus on the solidifying the bench for the long run, adding pieces for platoons and reserves.  They were able to add a few good prospects along the way.  Craig Monroe takes over in LF while Matsui will hit off the bench. Jose Vidro coming in a trade takes over 2nd base, and the addition of Aramis Ramirez to hit in front of Richie Sexson will be huge for LP who keeps their strong pitching intact.  Expect prospects Jeremy Sowers and Jimmy Gobble to contribute some, and Carlos Zambrano to win around 20.  The pen wont be as strong as last years, but is fairly decent as is.  Staub Rolaids candidate Todd Jones will close again. 

 

Limoilou will be very tough in ’07.  The lineup is outstanding.  Once again Jeff Boutet showed why he was a 3 time championship GM.  Boutet had the foresight to get Carlos Beltran who rebounded into what could be an MVP candidate for this year.  Kenny Lofton and his speed and bat are now aboard, along with the underrated Matt Murton.  Troy Glaus will hit plenty of HR, and Curtis Granderson will be a pleasant surprise with a good offensive card.  The pitching is strong even after the trade of Hudson, but Hudson card was not the same as in the past seasons and appeared on the decline.  Schmidt should be the ace again, and Saito will liley close, lights out.  Schilling. 

 

SD Surf will be very tough in ’07.  They could win not only Dawson, but CBA as well. They are stacked top to bottom in the lineup.  The pitching is very solid throughout the rotation. The addition of Ervin Santana could be the missing key.  With the pitching as is, SD offensive run support should be plenty enough to give the staff many leads.  Bush, Peavy, Santana, King Felix, Haren, Meche, there isn’t much need for a bullpen.  The lineup and defense are well balanced.  David Wright, Vic Martinez, Cano, Cuddyer, Dye, Renteria, Nick Johnson, Youkiklis…No weaknesses.  Could this be the team for CBA to beat?  It remains to see how Joe Wallace manages this team, because they could go all the way, on paper that is. 

 

Joliet will have to manage well to contend.  Its hard to see them beating SD, but a wildcard isn’t out of the question.  Joliet has also added some pitchin’ and has a few good starters and spot starters that can give anyone trouble.  Jered Weaver, Burnett, Chuckt James, John Maine, John Lieber are solid.  JJ Putz will dominate in the pen.  Much improved.  The lineup is better too.  Soriano keys the attack which features speed.  JJD led CBA with 314 steals a record in ’06.  This year 200+ is likely too.   A solid lineup with no other real superstars, but nice offensive cards.  Pierre, Ordonez, Tracy, and some others.  Nothing to fear but they should score a few.  Without last years MVP Derek Lee Joliet must still be looking to replace that big power bat.

 

CBA expects a few more dogfights this year.  It’s important we all do our best to maintain a high level of compettive spirit to be fair for all our great GM’s.  Every game counts as we have seen the past three seasons which have gone to the wire.  2007 should be just as great if not better.


 



 

 


CBA Executive (BKLYN): Hill to Skokie...

Mr PlanMan (ALLENTOWN): Allentown selects ... Boof Bonser, P, Twins
CBA Executive: Bonser to A-Town
lindner2win1 (SOUTHWEST): I thought she was great in Fox's "Teenage Werewolf"
CBA Executive:
Kennesaw Mt. up...
CBA Executive: lol
BlakeO50 (KENNESAW MT.): Andre Ethier, OF, LAN
Crew Daddy 2000 (INDIANA): Nice pick
DcNrknduk (LONGUE-POINTE): Says here he is nicknamed "Sleepy"...
lindner2win1: lol
CBA Executive: Ethier to K-Mount...

CBA Executive: Brooklyn selects Daisuke Matsuzaka
HiteRob (PHILLY)
: Damn you!
HiteRob: Hehe
lindner2win1: Was there any doubt on that one? hah!
lindner2win1: I told you he was a communist
Crew Daddy 2000: Nice pick, that was who I was going to take
Toolmangkk (OHIO): I can't believe he lasted this long !
Crew Daddy 2000: What # pick was that?
DcNrknduk:  Round 1 (#19) ...  Gotta watch for below the radar....
dajmun912 (LAKE COUNTY): Don't forget how old he is!
lindner2win1: I hope he gets deported
DcNrknduk: ROFL
HiteRob: Maybe his gyroball will blow a gasket

BlakeO50: He blew out his knee today at spring training.
CBA Executive: Did he?
lindner2win1: HIV test was positive
DcNrknduk: He saw a picture of Hideki Irabu...
CBA Executive: I will reselect if that so
BlakeO50: Yeah.  He is out for six weeks.
CBA Executive: Oh jeez..
HiteRob: Maybe he'll catch Hideki Irabu syndrome
BlakeO50: Just kidding.  LOL.
CBA Executive: I will reselect M Pelfrey of NYMets
lindner2win1: More Ethier!
CBA Executive: Did he REALLY blow his knee?
DcNrknduk: Eithier or....?
mak92123 (
OTTAWA): No
HiteRob: No, I didn't hear that he blew out his knee.  Sounds like draft day humor
CBA Executive: Matsuzaka is HURTCONFIRM PLEASE!!!!!
lindner2win1: Don't let em get your goat, Commish
redmad61 (
BELFAST): Who picked what?
CBA Executive: Sheesh
Crew Daddy 2000: He ISN'T hurt
CBA Executive: I'll stay with Daisucky
lindner2win1: Remember
Pearl Harbor!!!
CBA Executive:
Indiana next...
DcNrknduk: Just testing for April Fools Day..
Crew Daddy 2000: He threw to Varitek today
BlakeO50: I was kidding.
JackhammersCBA (JOLIET): You be yanked, Commish!
HiteRob: He's subject to food poisoning via bad sushi
Crew Daddy 2000:
Indiana is up
HiteRob: haha
CBA Executive: No doubt....Been owned!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Hi Guys this took weeks to do.  Lots of hours and research.  Too much time, and  I hope you like it.  Its my way of thanking you GMs for a great season. We have some terrific reliable GM's who are some of the best in the StratUniverse.

We also have a few terrific guys behind the scenes who help make CBA run as wel as I think it does.  Cory Light our senior council member has been invaluable in his assistance and insight for CBA.  Dennis Concepcion has given us a new dimension with his superb work on graphic design.  The logos, uniforms, and graphic detail work enhance the gaming experience.  John Derek Adams for his excellent work on usage regulation, Jeff Boutet for his input and scheduling.  Jack Jung our newest Council associate.  I'm also appreciate of input I've received from other veteran GM's such as Wayne McGee, Rob Hite, and some newer GM's like Josh, and Bob.   The article is long.  I hope ya'll read through it.  I posted part 1 Clemente a few weeks earlier.  Further below is the Staub report, plus some...Just to start you off is list of CBA's alltime winingest teams.  CBA honors it's winners of the past. 

CBA Champs

1997 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs. Parma Flamingos (Lou Bloss)
1998 St Foy Frenchies (Dino Barnabe) vs. Longue Pointe (Claude LaMarre)
1999 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs. Beauport Gamblers (Martin Boulet)
2000 Longue Pointe Hitmen (Claude LaMarre) vs. Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite)
2001 Ottawa Otters (Jack Jung) vs. Quebec Capitales (Chris Boutet)
2002 Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) vs Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet)
2003 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass)
2004 Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass) vs Kansas City A's (Rich Schneider)
2005 .Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) vs Longue Pointe (Dennis Concepcion)
2006 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) vs Neah Bay Whalers (league managed)

Most Wins ever
 
120   2000 Philly Phantastics   PPS Rob Hite
115   2002 Philly Phantastics   PPS Rob Hite
112   2000 Longue Pointe Hitmen LHD Claude LaMarre*
111   2002 St Foy Frenchies     SFS Dino Barnabe*
109   2002 Limoilou Wendigo     LWD Jeff Boutet
109   1997 Sunville Sunjewels   SSP Keith Jones
108   2003 St Foy Frenchies     SFS Dino Barnabe*
107   2002 Cooperstn Iron Horse CIC Scott Owens
107   2003 Neah Bay Whalers     NWC John Skillings
106   2001 St Foy Frenchies     SFS Dino Barnabe*

* = HOFer

 
It is now that time of the year for the annual CBA report and final analysis.  Most GM’s did a terrific job this year.  It wound up a great season with very close pennant races once again.  Competitive chases and races, the CBA went from opening day to fan appreciation, and some more.   3 of the 4 races were absolute thrillers.  We saw a few season records fall in the regular season, and again in the playoffs.  Individual and career records were broken and there were a few surprises along the way.  We saw the establishment of new franchise cities and addition of a couple of fine new GM’s.

 

      The Schmidt came down to a 1 game difference with Lake County besting runner up Stirling who made a late season charge, and 2 games over the faded Alamo City Flames who led most of the year.  In Dawson the perrenial battle between Longue Pointe and Belfast evolved again, but unlike in the past where Limoilou was at or near the top, they were replaced by the improved SD Surf team.  The Carter saw the former Neah Bay Whalers and Skokie dogfight all year only for Neah to win it in a 1 game end of season game 163 playoff.  As for the best division, the Parker has established itself as the strongest league with the World Champion Indiana Redbirds winning their division by 1 game over Brooklyn.  The two later met in a classic playoff series, after the Redbirds barely made it past wild card Ottawa otters in the second ever playoff series.

 

      The off season produced a lot of news and events.  There was trade talk and action abound as most every team wheeled and dealing.  Draft pick trades which 2 years ago were limited by our rules stimulated a trade frenzy as teams stocked up on the picks while others attempted to find a balance trading them for pieces to their team puzzle.  Several teams made news.  The trade season opened and by December 2nd the winter hot stove coals heated to a warm glow when  acquired catcher Paul LoDuca, Jorge Sosa, and Keving Millar in a deal for Fred Garcia.  That deal could have said lots as Kilgore moved into 2006 off the heels of a terrific 2005 season which they barely missed a first ever playoff spot.  Looking to rebuild a bit acknowledging a possible dropoff in talent, that trade could be the one to move Kilgore back into contention as LoDuca had a stellar year in MLB.  After came a flurry of trades that saw names like Millwood, Wagner, Shawn Green,  Chris Young, Mussina, Bartolo Colon, Ordonez, Patterson, Horatio Ramirez, Benitez, Crawford, Bedard, Street, Ibanez, Gagne, Beltran, Edmonds and other CBA stars change uniform.  Many of those trades came about in draft pick deals where teams sought to build from the ground up.  

 

     Speaking of uniforms, 2006 will also be remembered for the addition to CBA of our uniform and logo gallery.  Many teams were given custom designed uniforms made to the specifications of our CBA GM’s.  The new uniforms set a standard of fantasy baseball realism that few leagues can match.  Each uniform designed to meet the personality and persona of the teams leadership and regional influences.  Many uniforms were reminiscent of uniforms of MLB past. Unique team logos, pennants,  and banners were also designed for use on our webpage and GM’s own uses.

As the website expanded and new sections, stats, historical notes, and features helped our league to become prominent on the internet.  Quite a few Strat fans have visited us and reacted favorably to our many team pages and designs. 

 

     The seasonal draft was a smooth one in which almost all the GM’s were timely and efficient in their selections.  As smooth as it went for some there were lots of diamonds in the draft and a few dogs.  The jury is still out on many of them.  Cooperstown made lots of noise having quite a few first and second round picks in their rebuild year.  Philly once a  CBA juggernaut also poised to build through their 2006 draft.  As hot as the first round seemed perhaps the later draft provided more impact for 2007.  A quick look back at the 2006 draft saw  the last of round 1 providing perhaps more impact than the top of the draft.  The last couple of picks of round 1 were Granderson(LWD), Papelbon (LLS), Betemit (SRS), and Murton (NWC now KWC).

 

  Lets look at the 2006 season team by team.  First lets start in Clemente with the toughest division in CBA the Parker division.  Home of the 2006 CBA World Champion Indiana Redbirds.

The Redbirds were known in 2005 as the Houston Aeros who after an a few losing seasons and and a productive expansion draft, were able to acquire more impressive talent via trade.  Houston A few shrewd Bob Fidler signature touches and moves put the once hapless Indiana team into the first division and eventually evolved into a mighty CBA team for the ages.  Incoming were Jose Reyes (.319ba, 19sb in 141 AB), Placido (playoff MVP) Polanco (.303 ba), Tony Clark (29 HR), Isringhausen (15 sv), Garland (14 wins), Washburn (8 wins +1 in playoffs), to go along with other career year performances by key Redbirds. They reached the coveted 100 win plateau best in CBA.   Hitting a league leading 281 HRs, the Rebirds could score runs, and pitch some too.  Indiana batted a CBA high .290.  For good measure they led CBA with 48 triples.  The offense was the story with league highs in OBA (.360) and slugging (.502).  An .861 run production rate was almost .091 better than league average.  They produced runs at a far far better average than the average team did.  They walked a lot (2nd place) and thus scored a lot as guys like Pujols (52, 146, .320, .412oba) A-Rod (58, 141, .311, 16sb, 3 GSHR),  Batting champ Jason Bay (37, 119, .346) actually led the Redbirds with a 1.146 Total avg!  Leadoff hitter Grady Sizemore (30, 89, .316, 16sb), Trot Nixon (21 Hr), did terrific damage to opposing pitchers.  8 players hit above .290.  

  

    The Birds fielded their positions well too with a .740 X rating % with the league average being .716 in 2006.   Despite the offensive prowess, the lone weak spot may have been the bullpen who despite 40 saves did allow 40% of their runners already on base to score a figure they must improve if they are to repeat with the 99 win Brooklyn Superbas breathing down their neck.

Indiana matched in 2006 against their rival Parker team Brooklyn in a classic 6 game series which was punctuated by a 36-3  record setting game in game 3 of their series in rd 2.  Indiana eventually went on to defeat Neah Bay in the World Series.  Pitcher Roy Oswalt won 19 games losing only 9 finished with a 5.71 era.  When your ace compiles that many wins is shows how strong that offense was and how clutch the defense was too.  They only allowed 3 clutch hits and sucked up 19 clutch outs in big spots.  Both figures in the leagues top 3. Those lead to wins and that’s just what Indiana ordered in 2006 en route to the trophy.

 

   The Brooklyn Superbas had a quite a year again 2006.  Though some predicted Brooklyn would fall behind Indy and Ottawa, the Superbas put together a different look for this season.  One based on defense and pitching.  Sure the trademark BSP offense was there but not like in seasons past. 

CBA history argues that Brooklyn could be perhaps the top offense team in CBA’s  10 year existence.  The Superbas are in the top of most statistical offensive categories.  Brooklyn has led the league in runs scored several times.  They always seem to field powerful slugging teams marked by high on base totals and tons of runs scored.  In fact Brooklyn places 5 teams in CBA’s alltime top 10 in runs scored.  Brooklyn has a lifetime .563 win pct and Brooklyn’s career batting average now stands at .287 highest among teams who have played 5 years (Belfast at .288 needs a few more seasons)  and Brooklyn leads all CBA with 2,472 to runner up Philly’s 2256 and difference of 216 HR.  Brooklyn owns the all time HR mark hitting 351 back in 2000.

  Things have worked well in Brooklyn as a perennial contender winning 1 championship back in ’04 but the 1 component that Brooklyn was never known for was pitching.  Brooklyn has alos given up the most HR in CBA history with 2,009.  The House of Pain has been friendly with the offenses.  Often Brooklyn has relied on platoon players to fit certain roles.  Players have responded.  Brian Daubach’s 41 Hrs in 01, Henry Rodriguez 44 Hr in 99, Polonia’s .363 batting avg in ’99, Payton hitting .387 and of course future Hall of famers CBA’s all time destructive duo of Todd Helton and Sluggin Sammy Sosa {All time HR  RBI Champ} who have dominated the Parker for years together.  Helton  is currently CBA’s 2nd leading hitter all time and owns or is near to many top 10 offense career stats records incuding hits, OBA, runs, doubles, HR, RBI’s.  Sosa the same except he is CBA’s all time HR King.  Sosa likely has finished his career in CBA and will retire a Superba at the top.  2006 his swan song and the 2006 playoffs maybe one of his finest moments when on possibly his last CBA at bat ever helped win game 5 against the Redbirds in that great Clemente championship series.  A fitting tribute indeed but not enough as Brooklyn lost in 6 to the eventual champs.  That was the story of ’06, just not enough, but not by much.  The playoffs were a microcosm of the BSP season.

     

     Brooklyn relied on pitching a defense for the first time. Solid starting pitching, the games best closer, and a tremendous defense were the theme.  It fell apart in the playoffs as Brooklyn amassed a 6.64 era and allowed a .305 ba.  Most of those coming in 1 game.  BSP did get a shutout from Brad Penny and some nice Bartolo Colon work.  In the end the offense just didn’t comne through as they had done so many times in the past, just 1 piece shy.  The regular season saw IRP  with 100 wins and  BSP 99,  it was that close.  Brooklyn turned an amazing 190 DP’s more than 41 than they hit into.  Scored 10+ runs 25 times but allowed Opponents only 14.  BSP tossed 15 shutouts a CBA record amazing considering playing at Coors.  The defense helped greatly with that.  Brooklyn posted 15 shutouts in ’06, a team record, and good for 2nd place in CBA history.

 

They destroyed righties at a .634 clip but struggled close to .500 against lefties. Won most of their 1 runs games, and were 13-5 in the extras.  The defense and pitching held the games close while the offense churned the runs out.  Brooklyn pitchers allowed opponents a .271 BA despite Coors whereas in the past they frequently allowed .290 or even over .300.  The key was defense.  An amazing .799 X rating perhaps the best in CBAs 10 year history.  That means 80% of all  rolls for a fielding rating were converted to outs.  League average was about 71%.  League low Philly’s 64%.  That translates into ERA and wins.  BSP had a 4.39 era their best ever all in Coors.  With a team batting average of .289 and 252 HRs BSP had quite a solid team. 

 

11 players had double digit HRs.  Vernon Wells (38 116 .309)  led BSP in HR followed by Ryan Howard (28 69 .337) in only 294 At bats.  Helton (19 73 .332 .432oba)  put up another big year moving up to the 2 hole in the order.  Payton (25 86 .319) played a flawless defense with no errors as did Vernon Wells.  Both should win gold gloves for OF play.  Additionally Payton was a great bat at the tail end of the lineup.  Mid season acquisition Miguel Cabrera (35 114 .337) acquired from Stirling for a #2, Milledge and Nick Swisher provided much need pop in his short stay.  But the pitchers were strong too.  Mariano saved 30 and won 9, Halladay went 13-2 with a 3.05 era.  Colon (15-9 4.42), Willis went 18-5 with a 3.42 era perhaps BSP’s best pitcher season ever for ERA from a rotational starter.  Estes (3-8 6.67) was awful but despite a miserable record converted 3 of those wins into shutouts to lead CBA, inexplicable. In the end it just wasn’t enough to beat Indy.  Next year looks a whole lot brighter as strong pitching returns and some tremendous bats return.  BSP will look forward to Halladay fronting a staff that includes Brad Penny, Mike Mussina, Dontrelle Willist, and Mariano Rivera.

 

As if two teams with 99+ wins teams in the Parker weren't enough, the Ottawa Otters came up as the second playoff team in the wildcard.  The Otters strong again in '06 after barely missing the playoffs in '05, posed perhaps the biggest threat to the Redbirds Championship season. After making the 1st round and facing Indy, they took the Birds all the way to 7 games.  Game one Ottawa posted a 14-11 win after starting off with 6 first inning runs.  Ortiz again superior as he was all season long.  They shattered Oswalt for 12 runs in 6 innings.  The series was tightly played it went until game 7 when Oswalt exacted his revenge in the final win.  Details are on the website.

Ottawa struggled a bit with Indy (7-16) during the regular season but stepped it up in the playoffs behind Jack Jung's managing.  It was Ottawas first playoff appearance since their 2001 championship season.  Ottawa also had some trouble with BSP (10-13), but cleaned up against rival Bryan Texas, and Cooperstown.  The Otters offense was very potent hitting a team record 241 HR and posting a .276 BA.  The highlight was favored MVP candidate David Ortiz who slammed 63 HR!  His 149 RBI and .329 Batting avg made him a legitimate triple crown candidate and the CBA's dynamic duo of Ortiz and Vlad the Impaler Guerrero (43 125 .324) were unstoppable all year. Cliff 'Count' Floyd pitched in 32 HR and 94 Ribbies.  Ottawa by far led CBA with an amazing 13 clutch hits. 

Other unsung heroes included the last original Otter Omar Vizquel a 4th rd draft pick in '97 and his .285 BA, 20 SB.  Viz made only 3 errors in 139 games (.996 fielding %) all year leading Ottawa to a high .731 X Rating %.  By comparison reserve Chris Woodward made 8 errors in only 33 games.  Ottawa used the Hit and run to their advantage leading CBA with 71 attempts, and moving runners along 43 times, 12 of them for big basehits. 

Ottawa's pitching didnt hold up, else they may have made a run at the Parker title.  A team 4.85 era was simply too high, and the team WHIP was close to +200.  What the offense giveth the pitching tooketh despite solid defense.  Perhaps without that D, Ottawa would have done much worse.  The future looks bright with the Ottawa policy of non trade.  The Otters will continue to build with more young talent to go along with future stars such as Rickie Weeks, Casey Kotchmann, Conor Jackson, and others.

 

   The Bryan Bashers started 2006 by changing their name from Kilgore to Bryan.  Their record changed as well.  The 2005 86-76 record and near playoff shot became a disastrous 65-97 record in '06, one of the largest falls in CBA history.  In a rebuild mode the Bashers season was best summed up as a patient year while awaiting the team to blossom.  Bryan's offense was barely able to muster and offense as evidenced by a .251 Batting average, .324 oba and .419 slg pct, significantly below the league average.  Nearly .30 pts below average in run production.  No speed to talk about evidenced by only 54sb at a 61% success rate lowest in CBA.  The Bashers made a117 errors and the Defensive X rating (.683) was .31 below league avg so the pitching got little help too.  Despite 11 shutouts, the staff completed just 7 games relying heavily on the bullpen. The pen only allowed 26% of inherited runners to score in a positive note. The pitching wasn't too bad allowing 4.51 earned runs per game.  With better defense that could have been lower, but that offense well you get the picture. 

    Basher highlites were few, but there was some individual seasons of note.  Bobby "Bang" Crosby hit .322 with 14 HR in a platoon role and Johnny Gomes hit 26 taters in a platoon role as well.  The offensive regulars were otherwise just that, offensive.  The pitchers had their numbers with All Star Dustin Hermanson notching 25 more saves and a 3.06 era. Set up man Luis Ayala was brilliant in 82 games with a 2.74era despite no decisions in the won-lost.  He walked only 12 in 98 innings.  Linebrink, Kenny Rogers, and Wasdin had under 4 eras, and team MVP Chris Carpenter went 14-13  4.02era.  1 surprise saw Bruce Chen (remember him?) winning 9 games.  Maybe in another division, Bryan could have added another 15 wins because of the good pitching.   Despite the tough year, Bryan did not finish last in the Parker.  That distinction went to....

 

      The Cooperstown IronHorses Cooperstown is still in a rebuild mode so not too much to report just yet.  Theres a good nucleus developing here with players such as  Chris Young (7-7 4.94era 117K), Peralta (24 65 .306), Michael Young (26 77 .323), Raul Ibanez (21 92 .301), Dan Johnson, and Jeremy Hermida.  Cooperstown did the league in 1 catagory.  The most Young's on roster with 3. (Mike, Chris, Dmitri).  The offense wasn't too bad hitting .268 with 8 guys in double digits for HR. 3 of the players had 20 or more.  It was the pitching and too high 5.29 team era that was the Iron Horses undoing.  Retiring Rad Bradke led the team with only 10 wins.  The late Cory Lidle (4-16 4.96), Hoaratio Ramirez (9-17 5.21), and Jeff Francis (6-19 6.82) were all in the rotation and are Ronson lighter fluid of the year award candidates.  Francisco Cordero did save 19 games with a .304 era in a bright note, and Jesse Crain mustered 9 sv in mostly a set up role.  2007 could be another tough year for C-Town as they will struggle to overtake Bryan, Ottawa who are also improving.  It will be a long way before CTown can surpass BSP or IRP.  Its unfortunate they are in the same division in '07 but look out in 08 as this team is on the rise and will undoubtedly add more talent in this years draft.

 

The Schmidt division race was a classic.  At first glance the team records weren’t striking.  With Parker hosting such gaudy numbers, the Schmidt looked the weaker division.  In the end it proved true came playoff time when Lake County dropped their games to Brooklyn in Rd 1.  But there was a strong possibility that a Schmidt division team could make noise in the playoffs and maybe win.  Past seasons saw Rich Schneider’s Senators team predecessor KC A’s under his guidance advance all the way to the World Series vs Brooklyn with the 4th seed.  In 2001 Jack Jung’s Ottawa team finished barely above .500 but advanced and WON the World Series.

This years Schmidt was a battle between any one of 4 teams Alamo(SW Sun Lizards), Stirling, Carolina, or Lake County.  The entire year saw the lead change hands numerous times.  Early on in April Philly and Alamo battled back and forth with Lake County while Stirling, Carolina, stayed just between 1 and 3 games difference.  The race then saw Alamo and Lake County take over in May with Lake County dominating the top spot much through May.  Then Alamo got hot and the other teams ran into trouble against Parker.  As the others faded a bit Alamo phattened up on Philly Phantastics pitching and their so-so month was good enough to move them ahead in the standings for a long while all the way until September. Carolina suffered losing series to Alamo which separated them from the top by a few and Stirling swept in mid May to help tighten things under Alamo.  This month of games where no one team stood out was the story of the division.  Just the fact that Alamo had won series at key times while the others struggled knocking each other off was enough to keep the division very tight all year.  The rivalries between Schmidt teams was very intense.  Mostly because the Parker seemed likely early on to secure both wildcards.    So the 4 Schmidts had to battle for number 1 with no one having a clear advantage. Stirling actually gained some ground as the season wore on after making a trade with Longue Pointe returning Jason Kendall and a #1  and Nick Swisher, #2 BSP and Lastings Milledge  essentially trading Cabrera and an injured Jason Varitek.  Eventually Lake County surpassed Alamo whose usage neglection caused his regulars to be benched, while David Jones Lake County Leopards fully rested team got red hot in September.  They swept easily past rival Alamo, swept in Parker against both Brooklyn and Indiana!   September 6th game the 2nd in the series saw Tom Glavine defeat Indiana and the Leopards leap into 1st place a lead they kept through September.

 

The Leopards late run was in jeopardy when Bryan took 2 and then a three game Philly sweep set them straight temporarily. Cooperstown swept them and Stirling with a few wins against Carolina and Ottawa made their move.  Stirling had a chance to tie for first with the others knocking each other off but true to form the Carolina Copperheads returned the favor by knocking the RedSox of Stirling Canada out in game 162.  The Schmidt winner was Lake County ahead by 1 over Stirling, and 2 over Alamo.  Carolina finished 6 games behind. 

 

The Lake County Leopards home page documents their winning history. Originally named the Villanova Wildcats by then GM Joey Santangelo, they transferred ownership the CBA future Hall of Famer Dino Barnabe of Quebec.  They were called the St Foy Frenchies and through the draft  and shrewd trades built the franchise into one of CBA’s all time winners.  Mike Rescigno held the line for a couple of seasons before our David Dean took it over.   Dean did a good job wresting the division in 2006 from his peers using what tools he had available. The Leopards won another 85 games in ’06 and look for more as they added some strong pitching by acquiring Brad Penny to their thin staff for ’07. Always with strong offense, Lake County was able to move Manny Ramirez with the re-emergence of Barry Bonds into CBA for 2007.

 

Carlos Delgado (43 123 .322) had an MVP type year for LLS.  If offensive value to a team meant anything in consideration for that CBA award, then Delgado was the man.  He finished 2nd in Clemente in slugging behind Ortiz who had lots of offensive support. Manny Ramirez (34 105 .282) finished under .300, not driving HR or runs as he had.  So,  there was added pressure on the offense this year without Bonds.  Delgado filled the bill and carried the Leopards on his back. 

The Leopards relied on speed a lot.  Willie Taveras 2nd in Clemente in SB, (1 Hr 54 Rbi  .268 27sb, 23 sac), Jim3 Rollins (11 62 .279 30sb) set the table for big Carlos.  Rollins led Clemente in SB.  Using lots of sacrifices and steals despite lowly On base percentages. It makes what Delgado did that much more MVP like.  The table setters had about a .320 an base percentage.   If Lake had another bat to protect Carlos, they might have surpassed that win total by more. Pitching was mediocre.  Glavine (15-7 4.02) won 15 and Vasquez (16-10 3.93 202K) 16 games.  Beyond that was a disaster with Lowe and Marquis having ERAs above 5.50.  Marquis (11-16 6.02) is a Ronson Lighter fluid award candidate.

 

The bullpen was a sham with the saves leader only 11 saves.  The set up men did far worse with ERAs over 4 and a half.  Eric Hinske the DH was the lowest full time regular at DH in offensive production with .577 total avg and a 3.30 run created average. 

 

Stirling Red Sox (83-79) didn’t expect to be in the race at all in ’06, but with the competitive state of the division they were a major factor nonetheless.  The finished 1 game out despite trading top hitter Miguel Cabrera to Brooklyn. Andruuwew Jones and Ronnie Belliard (22  67 .319) led the way with career seasons.  Belliard was a bit of a surprise that his average finished quite so high.  Andruuw was 2nd in CBA with 61 HRs and a whopping 141 RBI. His only weakness 102 Ks and relatively few walks 49.  Eric Chavez (37 119 .276).  Paul Konerko cracked 41 Hr and had 100 RBI.   The offense was there totaling a best ever 270 CBA HR and a nifty .270 team batting average. The team as a whole finished at .332 team OBA nearly the worst in the conference Surprisingly the pitching wasn’t.  Preseason consensus was that the Red Sox pitching would carry them behind guys like Zito (10-11 5.67),  Arroyo (11-12 5.47) and Buehrle (16-11 4.90).  The team ERA of 5.71 was very poor if not totally unexpected.  Opponents hit at a .280 clip vs the Sox pitchers.  38% of their inherited runners were allowed to score by the bullpen, a terrible percentage.  A lack of clutch hitting and the failure of the defense to stop the clutch didn’t help matters for this potent offense to ever break free and take the division.  Perhaps 1 more fella in the pen, and the Red Sox could have won Schmidt for their first time ever.

 

The Carolina Copperheads made a nice showing in 2006 behind Scott Kernan.  Following last years 90+ loss season, the C-Heads team moved themselves somewhat into contention at times last year and was a factor in the Schmidt race.  The role of spoiler and contender suited Carolina well finishing 4th behind Alamo and Stirling for the Lake Co crown.  They popped 272 HRs, 2nd in CBA,  in a power display led by Adam Dunn (45  104 .255 .388oba .562 slg) and team MVP Travis Hafner’s amazing (40 92 .325) season. 10 players finished with 17 HRs or more. Tejada (26 89 .295), Casey Blake (20 44 .205), G Jenkins (25  74  .264), Melving Mora (27 82 .295), and Brian Roberts (17 50 .285 27sb) helped lead the offense to the franchises most potent one in years.  Carolina hit righties well but struggled vs the lefties with a low .251BA.  CCS was 25-35 vs lefties a huge margin, perhaps the difference in their pennant run.

 

The pitching wasn’t as poor as Stirling’s with a 4.95 team ERA, but ace Johann Santana (14-13 3.89) was disappointing and no one else stepped in to the Ace role for this team. Mark Prior added 10 wins, and Westbrook (12-16 5.96) was a bust as well. Only the pen led by Jose Valverde’s 22 saves showed any decent numbers, but they were deceptive.  The telling story as with Stirling was a high 34% inherited runner scoring rate.  Pitchers surrendered almost as much offense as the offense scored.  CCS finished 43-49 in their own division.  Things look bright for CCS in ’07 as Justin Morneau becomes a regular and Santana perhaps rounding into form. Without more consistent pitching they’ll be hard pressed to win more than 79. The defense was a bright spot in ’06 and should be again in ’07.

 

Alamo City (Southwest Lizard Kings)is now the Southwest Lizard Kings.  As returning GM Eric Lindner has said before they are the Lizard kings, and they can do anything.  Based out of Moreno Valley California, the LK’s look to be competitive in ’07.  Its anyones guess what could have been for this franchise had their previous owner done more planning and work with this team. A solid pitching staff and balanced lineup had the Flames in contention and in 1st place a good deal of the time.  4 pitchers broke 10 wins. Mark Mulder led the team with a 13-7 3.83 record. While other starters were Jeff Weaver (15-8 4.49), F Garcia (12-14 4.81), and Paul Byrd (10-13 5.63).  The bullpen allowed a low 26.7% of Inheriteds to score and Billy Wagner was absolutely brilliant tallying a 1.66era with 33 saves. Set up work was outstanding behind Carrasco, Sisco, and Philo T Farnsworth all having outstanding WHIPs.  Teams had to get to the Flames early on in the game. The pen allowed only 352 hits in 440 innings.  Alamo didn’t walk too many evidenced by their 2.4 walks per 9 figure.  So with decent pitching and decent offense through the first 5 spots in the order, how did Alamo lose?  Poor management of usage and matchups.  An absentee owner who neglected his team and cost them a shot at the coveted CBA WS. 

 

Alamo offense struggled to a 269 average vs righties, and had a .290 average vs Lefties.  A far cry from last years offensive juggernaut team. Moises Alou (26 74 .319) was big in ’06 and platooner Jeff Francoeur (22 65 .349) in 250 at bats was likely CBAs best reserve 10th man. Griffey Jr was expected to produce big numbers but fizzled (24 88 .257) in the middle of the order.  Several teams had better production at the end of the lineup than Alamo did in their cleanup spot. Only 169 HR were hit all year, a decent amount but not enough to take over that division known for its power.  The Molina brothers Yadier and Jose (.222, and .214) hit pathetically further adding to to malais that Alamo suffered in the offense and their pennant drive. Inexplicably a team that needed offense never used team mate Joe Crede for more than 1 at bat all year.  Hopes are high for Lindner and the colorful Lizard Kings in ‘07. 

 

Staub Division report

 

  The Staub division has always been known for its tough races.  The last two years have seen 1 game playoffs galore.  Belfast-Limoilou in 05, Neah-Skokie 06.  Great competition and this year was no different. The Carter was down to the wire with the Skokie Wolfmen and Neah Bay Whalers (Kennesaw Mountain Woodsmen) finishing in a dead heat.  The loser Skokie took 1 wildcard while Belfast made their first ever playoff as wildcard #2.  Longue Pointe won the Dawson again by a nice margin.  Dawson was quite tough with the improvement of both Joliet and San Diego despite the decline of the Wendigo.  The Carter a non-DH league has been exemplified by good pitching and lots of created runs.  The Staub sacrificed far more than did Clemente.  539 sacs from 734 attempts. The Clem had 238 of 302.  The Clem did hit and run more times attempting 391 as opposed to Staub’s 369.  Cesar Izturis of Skokie had 6 hit and run hits to lead Staub.  Staub attempted far more steals than Clemente who played more of station to station 3 HR ball.  Clem stole 543 bases getting nailed 195 times for a .736 success ratio.  The Staub stole an amazing 1443 bases getting nailed 475 times for a .753 pct.  Almost 3 times as many SB. Belfast accounted for 261 of those  and Joliet a league record 314 of them!.  Belfast’s Chone Figgins stole an astounding 117 bases while team mate Julio Lugo took 75 steals.  Joliet had 5 guys over 20 SB with Pierre (2 34 .246) having 80 sb and Podsednick (0 14 .278) 70 sb.

 

Staub saw other remarkable performances too.  Perhaps the greatest season ever by a CBA pitcher belonged to Jake Peavy who (19-0  2.05  203inn 127hits 50bb 222k) was without flaw.  In 26 starts he tossed 6 CG with a shutout and 23 quality starts. Roger Clemens (15-2 1.54  187k) stood out for wildcard Skokie with 30 quality starts in 35 games.  Smoltz went 17-9 with a 2.62 era for Neah.  Limoilou’s Glaus led Staub with 40 HR and 106 runs, Ohio’s Mark Texeira had 108 RBI and a league leading 11 sac flies, Derek Lee of Joliet led the batters with a .338 average and a conference leading 16 game winning RBI, and 352 total bases.  All this for Joliet who finished 79-83.  Other highlights, SD Mike Sweeney doubled 50 times,  SD’s Jose Reyes had 18 triples, Ichiro of Longue Pointe again led Staub in hits with 197 a long way off from ‘05’s 261.  Brian Giles of Neah walked 118 times, Aaron Rowand was HBP 20 times for Neah too.  Strangely, David Eckstein of Joliet was walked intentionally 25 times.  Pinch runner extraordinaire Nook Logan stole 46 bases in 88 games.  Matt Lawton of Ohio had 19 HRs in the leadoff spot, while Jason Giambi had 5 in the 9th hole.  Giambi led Staub with 6 ph HR’s. Ryan Shealy of JJD and Skokie’s Milton Bradley each had 21 PH to pace the Staub. 

 

In Dawson it was all Longue Pointe.  Dennis Concepcion’s Loggers have made their third straight plpayoff under DC’s tutelage. With a better record on the road, the residents of the great white north put together another solid season using their trademark small ball, pitching, and evil bullpen.  With Suzuki, and others in down years, they still managed to win despite late challenges from SD.  Once they put Belfast behind them on July 17th they never looked back.  They never fell more than 4.5 back, and on Aug 21st actually held an 11 ½ game lead. They finished 8 games ahead at season final. It was a total team effort.  Team MVP Shea Hillenbrand (13  77  .312 with 183 hits) was perhaps one of  CBAs most underrated players.  Ichiro (10  72  .293  38sb) struggled a bit but was picked up by his mates.  None of the stats really impress you.  143 HR .269 avg,  774 runs scored.  Although the numbers don’t strike you at first upon closer inspection perhaps only Richie Sexson {36 107 .261 33 rbi with bases loaded, 2 Grand slams} performance was up to previous standards.  LP had a little speed going too.  Torii Hunter valued more for his glove in his platoon role, stole 21 of 30 bases, Craig Counsell ( 8  57 .281 101runs) stole 29 of 39, Nook Logan 46 of 52).   LP has never been known as a speed franchise.

 

               Why then did the Loggers win so much, with less than overwhelming performances in a tough division?  The answer lies within some important Strat-o-matic variables.  The bullpen work, the incredible bench, and overall team and platoon balance. Oh that bench! The team had a league high 57 PH.  I’ve already chronicled Nook Logan’s (0  21  .279  46sb) outstanding bench contribution previously, but 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th men were all contributors in big ways and big situations.  Craig Monroe (12  54  .308 in 208 AB)  who won a few with clutch HRs, Jeff Cirillo’s .349 avg, Miracle Mirabelli’s 8 HR as a reserve, Torii Hunter in his platoon with 12 HR and flawless D. A total team effort.  Orlando Palmeiro (6  30  .301) added some bench depth as well.  In fact some could make the argument he could be one of LPs team MVPs.  His play was clutch and potent after Matsui’s horrible year in the filed and at the plate. Orlie  Palmeiro ignited several key rallies and solidified some sorely needed offense.  Nook Logan’s great 10th man work in 2007 was a surprise and perhaps deserving of award status, but it might be more fitting for the entire LP bench to receive the 10th man award as a whole.  Consider that pitcher CC Sabathia batted .306 with 2 Hr (15 for 49). Sabs even added 2 pinch hits somehow. It can now be said that LP may have had CBAs best bench depth for each of the past three seasons.  A trademark of LP and in no small part a reason behind the LP success story. 

 

The starting pitching was as usual good but not awesome.  High men there were Carlos Zambrano (15-7  2.72  23 quality starts) and Andrew Pettitte (16-8  3.12).  Maddux (12-11  4.22) and Sabathia (10-5  4.78) rounded the rotation. The bullpen was outstanding.  Some questioned the trade of Nomar who was about to make a return at 1B.  With 1B covered by Tino Martinez (3 clutch Pinch hits in 9 clutch at bats) and Richie Sexson, Nomar was shipped for Todd Jones (6-2  1.43  26 sv) who only was the Staub closer of the year.  Jones put together a terrific season allowing only a .167 inherited runner scoring pct finishing third in all CBA with 80 Rolaids award points.  He nailed the games down in late innings for the Loggers. Surprisingly,  Heath Bell (3-1  1.94 2sv in 48inn) performed well, and Brain er Brian Fuentes tossed in 69 games, Dempster ( 6-2  3.11 6sv), Halama (4-2  3.37 6sv 18 Rolaids pts.188irsc),  Calero (3-3  3.40 3 sv), Jorge Julio (.200irsc), Witasick (.250 irsc) and Escobar’s long relief.  These pitchers were shuttled in and out often in key game situations. They were able to bring in several matchups to face their opponents.  Only 30% of runners scored, not too bad.  LP used lots of hit and run too successful 45 of 66 times.  With runners moving around steadily, and the pitching keeping ‘em honest it was a recipe for success until their ultimate demise in the playoffs semi-final round.  LP defeated Skokie in 7 games in Rd 1, and lost to Neah Bay in Rd 2.  LP came so close to a repeat, something no one has yet to do in CBA.  They will need to do better than a .408 slugging pct and .331 oba in 2007 if they are to remain at the top.  The highest OBA guyson LP were their cleanup hitter Sexon and whoever batted 5th.  The LP #6 men did poorly with 10 HR and only 69 RBI, but the #7 guys hit .283 with 87 RBIs obviously driving home the middle of the order despite the feeble hitting of the #6 man.  Many of those #7 hitters were PH with outs made when the made their appearances.    The highest RBI Limoilou is much improved and looking to reclaim supremacy in Dawson as they had for years.  SD is a vastly improved franchise after Joe Wallace’s recent acquisitions, and Joliet will compete with some more pitching coming their way.  It may be hard in 2007 for LP to have another 53-39 record in the Dawson as they did in 2006.

 

Belfast Brawlers finally made the playoffs.  After three frustrating seasons just barely edged out by their Dawson rivals, J.D. Adams Belfast Brawlers had a solid year.  They made the wildcard and have to be satisfied with that etching their name into CBA history.  History doesn’t remember the losing teams but the playoff teams and strong franchises do get remembered.  Belfast will be remembered with their regular season performances of Lugo and Figgins and their third attempt at the wildcard a success.  The Belfast Brawlers came out of the gates strong taking first place right away.  They managed to stay in first place or very close to it all the way through July 16th, when the well rested LP Loggers regulars hit a winning streak while Belfasts subs couldn’t hold the lead.  The turning point came in a crucial 2 series set against first Skokie who took 3 of 4 in Holland and after LP swept the Brawlers to establish the unreturned lead. 

 

Despite only 139 HR they stole 261 bases, hit .283 and had a low 4.25 team era.  Belfast’s success in 2007 can be directly attributed to the outstanding play by dynamic duo Julio Lugo and Chone Figgins.   Not only did they steal bases and score runs, but they moved the runners along when they needed to putting the Brawlers in position to score runs.  Figgings (9  48  .301  117sb 181 hits) advanced runners 25 more times into scoring position despite making outs.  The Brawlers even stole 3B 45 times!  Figgins led CBA by hitting in 39 straight games a CBA record.  The tandem only grounded into 12 Double plays all season.  But make no mistake the Brawler playoff effort in ’07 was a team effort.  16 players had double digit RBI totals. Team slugger Aubrey Huff (28 91 .274)  had a good season.  His .274 was not even among team BA leaders as the whole team hit .283.  The first 3 spots in the batting order accounted for more than 635 hits total.  The team batting average was even more impressive since Belfast plays in the non-DH Staub conference.  Belfast took a slightly different approach in 2006 utilizing their bench more this season.  PH’s hit 70 for 234 for a .299 batting average.  The only thing that may have held Belfast from winning more was the lack of slugging and on base which limited their run production a bit.  A team .507 run produced pct is fair but not what they will need to assert control.  The weakness did factor in their playoff 1st round effort.   In 2007 they will need more pop to compete with the other teams in Dawson

 

          Belfast struggled a bit in the field in 2006 which in turn may have slowed a solid pitching performance by the Brawler pitchers who finished with a 4.25 team ERA.  Belfast had a .678 X rating pct which is well below the league .716 average.  Of course the X rating refers to how many pct of the total X rating chances resulted in an out as opposed to a safe pass.  With mediocre defense and slugging the batting average as a team and performances by the top of the batting order had most to do with Belfast’s wins.  The pitching was also a factor despite some marginal relief success.  As for the starting staff, Gustavoe Chacin {12-9 3.54}  had 16 quality starts.  Jae Bang Seo {6-1 3.15} had 15 solid starts, and Scott Elarton {11-8 4.26} performed well.  Perhaps had Brian Lawrence {12-14 5.42} more success, the Brawlers could have won a few more.  Saaloos and Tomko were both 9-9 at the end of the rotation.  The relievers didn’t do too badly with a combined 4.04 relief ERA.  It was a bullpen by committee approach with 11 players each notching at least a save.  BJ Ryan {7-3 2.17 12 sv} paid dividends as teams closer.  Miguel Batista { 4-3 4.55 9sv} did a decent job though allowing too many hits.  Opponents hit over .300 against him.  Chris Hammond and Vin3 Chulk were deadly against lefties, less so vs righties.  While Cal Eldred, Franquelis Osoria, and David Cortes did well vs righties.  Perhaps the set up work by Anthony Reyes {5-4 2.85 7sv} was more of a factor, combining with BJ Ryan.  In 2007 Belfast will need to improve a bit in the bullpen and starting staff to return to the playoffs with the possible emergence of SD and Limoilou.

 

     Well, well the San Diego Surf has finally emerged as a CBA player in the playoff race.  Joe Wallace a CBA GM since way back in 2002 has been carefully trading, drafting, and tooling his team to become a perennial powerhouse and 2007 may just be the year for him to achieve his goal.  A flurry of trades bringing in some young pitching and future talent talent in exchange for 2 of their 3 third basemen may do the trick.  At 82-80 it was SD’s best record since 2000 when they went 89-73 as the Hamilton Harbors under the leadership of Don Jensen a founding member.  Joe Wallace has been patiently rebuilding and they look to be steadily improving.  Of course all those high draft picks didn’t hurt either.  Arguably CBA’s least accomplished team, the San Diego Surf set a dubious mark of 3 100 loss seasons in a row from 2002 to 2004 which was the year they lost 110.  In 2006 all that changed as San Diego broke .500 mainly under the strength of some all time great CBA pitching.   Allow me to digress for a moment and look back at some teams who were defined by notiable performances as was San Diego this year with one of it’s own men. 

 

As I said some CBA teams have earned their place in CBA folklore by the performances of its teams. For example:

 1997 saw the  Sunville Sunjewels (Keith Jones) send 5 players to the plate with 30 or more HRs and 3 guys with 40 {MVP Caminiti 53 170 .327, Sheffield 47 127 .301, and Steinbach 41 106 .241}.

 1998 saw the rise of St Foy {Lake County} after finishing dead last the year before, had Larry Walker {56 151  .372} carry them on his back all season and wallop 5 HRs and 20 Rbis in the Playoffs and World Series for MVP. Of note Canadian River Oklahomas Ball Yard Rats Pedro Martinez K’d 440!

1999 Was the year of Mark McGwire (79 181 .316).  Ottawa had him and Vlad the Impaler (51 165 .327) who combined for 130 HRs and 346 RBIs for Ottawa Ottawa barely missed the playoffs.

2000 & 2001 Sammy Sosa’s 2 amazing seasons  in Brooklyn with 79 and 74 HRs respectively were tops all time in CBA securing his legacy as a CBA HOFer.  Sosa drove in another future HOFer Todd Helton often accumulating 183 RBIs and 179.  Helton {81 doubles, 49 HR 175RBI .379, and  39 130 .325)deserves mention here as they rivaled Ottawa’s Vlad-Mac show as CBAs best power tandems.

2002 Though the Philly Phantastics won the best record and had 4 guys hit 42+ HR (Piazza, Juan Gonzo, Canseco, and Palmeiro, Barry Bonds (82 180 .331)captivated CBA by shattering Sosa’s HR records adding 191 more walks in CBAs greatest season ever.

2003 It was Pedro Martinez who went 22-2 in a near perfect season.  Notching 2 no hitters Allowing 2.39 ER per game and adding 254K’s.

2004 Brooklyn’s Vernon Wells ({41 165 .351} won Clemente MVP with a monster season and flawless defense.

2005 Longue Pointe wins championship with Ichiro Suzuki {2 57 .410  62sb} setting some CBA records along the way including 291 hits.

2006 San Diego’s Jake Peavy achieves the perfect season!.  Setting a CBA record never to be broken with a 19-0 season most wins in CBA. He led his team with a 2.03 era 2nd best in CBA. He had 222K’s to lead CBA and every start was a quality one.  The best starting pitching season ever in CBA, but after him SD was well ordinary.

 

   The Surf stockpile of draft choices and prospects paid dividends with the emergence of Ryan Zimmerman, David Wright, Kevin Youkilis, Shane Victorino, Robinson Cano, Kharlil Greene, Danny Haren (12-10 4.29).  The development of Ryan Zimmerman and his trade allowed SD to acquire Felix Hernandez who many regard as a blue chip pitching prospect.  Former prospect and steady gloveman Karlil Greene was sent packing along with last years disappointing RF Juan Encarnacion (11 58 .310) for emerging 5 tool Delmin Young.   Ervin Santana (10-5 4.32) and his fastball come to the west coast in 2007 as well.  Greene hit 9 HR in 187 AB last year.  Edgar Renteria (11 45 .307) acquired in the Reyes trade will anchor SS in ’07.  This my friends is a team that bears watching in the Staub.  The Dawson will be very tight but looking ahead to that lineup as stands…Cano 2b, Youkiliks 1b , Dye rf, D Wright 3b, P Burrell lf, Gibbons, Renteria ss, Victore Martinez c.  A solid balanced lineup that is missing only some speed.  The pitching looks improved too with Dave Bush, Ervin Santana, Jake Peavy, Felix Hernandez, and Gil Meche.  The pen will hurt losing Hoffman who was moved along with Reyes for Felix. It’s a young staff but should be solid enough in 2007 as Belfast and Longue Pointe’s possible decline in ’07 may push SD into contention with Joliet and Limoilou for the Dawson and wildcards.  The changing of the guard may be at hand.

 

       Its hard to ignore Joliet in any Staub report.  This is a team that grew in ’06, and figures to be stronger in ’07.  It is possible Joliet could be a big surprise in ’07 if they have a good draft.  The Joliet Jackhammers have a strong hand in the draft holding several extra high and middle picks due to various trades over the past season.  The lineup could become one of the most potent in CBA.  They is lots of speed and power to spare.  This year they have some pitvhing too.  Though the starters don’t seem to impress you, that bullpen sure does.  Joliet has potential to have the best bullpen in their division LP notwithstanding.  JJ Putz has emerged and projects as simply awesome.  Duaner Sanchez, L Vizcaino, Braden Looper, Will Ohman, will be formidable in the mid to late innings.  They may not need much starting pitching.  The bench depth will be solid with the emergence of Gerald Laird,  Ryan Shealy, JJ Hardy and now Derek Lee.  The return of Chipper (22 73 .287 in 335 ab), Magglio (5 33 .317 in 252 ab), Juan Pierre (2 44 .246 80sb)  to all star form, and the emergence of Matt Holliday (21 62 .267) will give this team a big boost. 

 

    Last season Joliet offense accounted for a nice .271 batting average with a little pop 161 HR but an amazing CBA record 314 SB.  Pierre’s 80, Podsednick (0 14 .287 in 288 ab) stole 70.  Pods was used as a platooner and PR which accounted for many more SB.  Pods will be balloted for this years 10th man award.  Ryan Freel (2 44 .298) stole 54, Soriano (28 81 .248) stole 36, Derek Lee (37 101 .338) added 12, and Eckstein added 22 more.  All in all 9 players registered 8 or more SB. With only a .339 OBA, Joliet could have done much more damage to their opposition. Instead in such a tough division, they managed a respectable but humbling 79-83.  Perhaps in Schmidt Joliet would have ran away…

 

   The pitching was quite effective in ’06 sporting a nifty 4.29 era.  Led by Contreras (14-8 3.86) and Jon Lieber (12-9 3.46 +20WHiP) were effective and Burnett surprisingly not as much.  The big problem here which should be corrected next year is the bullpen.  Top closer Duaner was horrid though he saved 20.  2-6 6.12era qualifies as “Ronson Lighter Fluid” award material. 11 guys took turns saving ‘em for the Jack’s.  JJ hurt no doubt for the old bullpen. That problem should be corrected  in ’07.  Perhaps much of the blame for not winning a few more could be traced to a poor overall defense.  The X rating factor was at a low .669.  A lot of extra runners compared with teams like Brooklyn or Neah(Kennesaw) who were a full .100 higher.  Joliet allowed quite afew runners to advance on their OF arms as well notching only 29 assists, so runners did take liberties. Runners stole on Joliet left and right accruing a 76% success rate.  That must improve some for JJD to challenge for Staub Supremacy which will be well within grasp if ’07 pans out for Jack Frost.

 

The last team in Dawson may become the first team in Dawson in 2007 if championship manager Jeff Boutet drafts well in ’07.  Limoilou suffered through their worst season of their 10 year history in ’06 after an acknowledged rebuild by the CBA veteran GM.  The wait may not be long.  Jeff has long been known as a shrewd GM with an eye for talent, but now perhaps he will be known as a clairvoyant who can predict the future.  Not many people saw much hope for Carlos Beltran in 2006 except for Juff.  He gambled sending steady reliable Jim Edmonds packing in a deal before the season to get Beltran and boy will it ever pay dividends in ’07 as Beltran has an MVP type season in MLB.  He was able to draft Rookie of the Year candidates Prince Fielder and Curtis Granderson who had excellent ’06 campaigns.  Bill Hall emerged in ’06 as did Matt Murton, Chris Capuano, Josh Barfield, Chris Ray, and Josh Johnson.  Both Curt Schilling, and Jim Thome returned to prior form and that will spell trouble for Staub and Dawson.  A terrific nucleus of young players and top picks intact for 2007 means that this team will be even strionger than would so appear now.  I expect they will move past Longue Pointe and Belfast for the top spot in a battle with Joliet and SD for #1.  Don’t count out LP and Belfast though, they have a long history of being their after trades and whenm the chips are down.  Could be a 5 team race!

 

            2006 wasn’t really much to talk about with horrible performances all around by Limoilou.  Really only Bill Hall (16 65 .303) and Troy Glaus (40 88 .253) did any damage. Tim Wakefield led the staff with a surprisingly good 14-10 3.42 record.  With no one of note and substandard performances all around, its not worth it to even delve into where it all went astray for Boutet’s Wendigo.  Its better left for dead in CBA’s storied past as this still proud franchise rolls on all cylinders once again into 2007.

 

The Carter Divison featured a classic race to the wire featuring the Neah Bay Whalers and the Skokie Wolfmen.  With Neah Bay advancing beyond into the World Series against eventual champ Indiana.  Who knows what could have happened if John Skillings hadn’t abandoned his team in the playoffs as he did.  The result was that Neah defeated Belfast easily in Rd 1, and LP in Rd 2.  But with new management, lost in the most decisive round.  Skokie was indeed tough all year.  The division was totally up for grabs.  The slightest bit of manipulation or productivity would and did make the difference.  We could look back in June and July and see how the lead in Carter went back and forth between these two great teams.  Neah dropped as much as 5 ½ back on July 25, only to roar back in a classic matchup in Skokie.  A key series featured 4 games in Skokie against division rival Josh Shapiro’s Skokie Wolfmen.  Neah had just been beaten 2 of 3 by surprisingly good Joliet.  A tough series itself.  Joliet stole their way and ran exploiting the Neahs’ catching.  Frost had all systems go for that series.  Going into Skokie, Neah dropped the first two.  Game 1 saw Clemen’s pitch a 3 hitter with Betancourt a save, winning 3-1 against Sheets.  Game 2 showed some Whaler character pushing into extra innings but losing 5-4, Street getting a big last outs.  But games 3 and 4 may have been the most important as Neah even the series and setting the stage for an intense year long rivalry.  That series marked the point where Neah moved closer to the top when a powerful Skokie team could have finished them off setting them well back.  Instead the Neah Bay Whalers caught fire winning their next five in a row while Skokie hit their first slow point of the season by dropping their next series to Concepcion and Longue Pointe.  Skokie series loss in LP was devastating considering they had Whalers on the ropes with a month and change left.  Neah won some more and stayed in the lead for August until the end of the month.  

The Wolfmen stayed close as August ended with a huge series loaded with playoff ramifications happened yonder in the good time yards of the Brawlers of Belfast.  Belfast with their speed and slap hitting offense seemed a good match for Skokie who by this point in the year were feverishly out for a fix of blood.  Three lads Patterson, Jennings, and Miller put an abrupt end to any Brawler dreams of a Dawson title in ’06 to rest with 3 games won of 4.  Only 2-0 shutout by Chacin prevented worse.  Then came CBA’s designated series of the the year.  Neah Bay - Skokie something akin to the 1908 NY Giants vs Chicago Cubs Merkle series game.  Such a key series for both to be played in Neah Washington.  A sweep would have been disastrous for either with 2 weeks left.  Skokie took the first two, and with it a lead in the Carter.  Neah got to Burgos in game 3 and Skokie lost their chance to sweep and possibly win the division when the goat Blayne Boyel gave up 3 runners and the game in his inning of work, “Boyers Boner".

 

Belfast never ever quitting despite Longue Pointe’s run away with the title in Dawson, made a strong push starting Sept 5th for their wildcard chances when they faced Skokie in a huge series of the inter division rivals.  Belfast avenging their previous defeat with a 2 game thrashing of the Wolves.  Game 1 Huff and Mench powered the Brawlers and Elarton, while game 2 went 10 in a tie.  Belfast scored two in the top of the 11th and perhaps sealed the wildcard destiny when Julio Lugo began the Belfast rally when he doubled.  Freddy Sanchez stepped into the batter's box and lifted one out of the park for a two run home run (his 5th of the season).  A big HR.  In game 3 Skokie showed never say die resolve.  Skokie scored three runs in the bottom of the 9th on hits by Mark Sweeney and James Lofton.  Jorge Cantu who was acquired for draft picks by Shapiro earlier in ’06, delivered a 2 run HR to win the game.  Skokie and Neah stayed tied for first after that for 5 more games until the end of the season each team  splitting their final games at the same time.  The season ended as a tie.  It went to a 1 game, “Game 163”.  CBA has had 3 of them in the past 3 years.  Neah won that handily behind Pedro and Proctor, 6-1.  Skokie had fired all their guns at the end and were forced to use a spot starter which hurt their chances ultimately for a 1st ever Carter championship.  But Skokie did fight to the end, and Neah just barely managed to get by.  Carter meant character in ’06.

 

That Skokie mettle eventually came into the forefront during the playoff 7 game series loss to LP, when they down 3 games stormed back and forced a game 7.  LP had beaten star pitcher Clemens and his CBA leading quality starts 5-2 by game 2  made it seem that would be demoralized, but instead after losing another embarked on a rare comeback in the best of 7 series.  They pushed LP and GM Concepcion all the way to game 7.  That game was perhaps the most memorable single game of the CBA season a classic game.  The press releases and magazine article are posted by clicking the playoff banner on the main page.  Two top teams of CBA, the defending champs vs the team who just two seasons ago who lay down at the bottom the filth on the bottom of the CBA toilet, and now is among CBA elite.

 

         The game went into the 11th with Carlos Zambrano stubbornly resisting being removed for 10 1/3.  Clemens 10 innings too with no score.   Superior defense and key plays made by both teams.  The game was quite intense as these two managers Netplayed into the 11th.  A classic  extra innings HR by Ichiro Suzuki gave LP the win after Todd Jones saved it for the Loggers.  It was just that close this year for the Wolfmen. 

 

Two teams that history will show that Carter division’s Neah Bay (Kennesaw Mt) and Skokie were two of CBAs better all time pitching teams.  But each team had its own identity.  Both solid, well balanced teams that played in very competitive conference where 1 game made all the difference. 

The statistical comparisons show that though both Skokie and Neah had two of CBA’s best pitching staffs by WhiP and ERA.  {Neah had a +130 WhiP, and Skokie a +403 WHiP.  Longue Pointe was next with a +463.}, Neah’s was more effective.  But Skokie’s offense was more potent than Neah.  Both teams had about equal defense differing by .001 one thousandth of a pct point in overall defensive percentage in favor of Neah.  Neah also had a slightly better X pct of .763 to .735 which helped elevate their pitching performance.  Neah had a big edge in the bullpen with a .266 IRSC vs Skokies .345 IRSC.  The stats were fairly close in the pitching categories.  Skokie had 14 shutouts to Neahs 12.  But perhaps the offenses were most similar.  Both teams showed sparse offensive production.  Both Skokie and Neah had anemic on base pcts .325 and .329 respectively.  The slugging was quite poor with Skokie a slight edge in slugging pct .424 to Neah’s .396 slg pct.  That lack of power eventually killed off the Carter division when Neah represented the Staub in the World Series against Indiana Indiana showed Clemente to be the superior conference with timely pitching and far superior offensive production.  In this case, Offense does reign supreme in CBA’s long term sample of 2006 when answering the age old Strat-o-matic fanatic question…Which is more important Offense (Slugging)  or Pitching.

 

Neah Bay in Winning the Staub, had a .253 batting average with only 149 HR and 702 RBI.  By comparison David Ortiz and Vladimir Guerrero had 274 combined for Ottawa.  Jeff Kent (17 56 .285) had a team high 17 HRs. Nick Johnson (15 53 .286) was 2nd in HR on the Whalers. Playoff hero Rafael Furcal was perhaps Neah Bay’;s most valuable player (11 44 .260 52sb) with his SB’s.  A few players played well in platoon.  Tony Graffanino (10 46 .314 7sb) was super, 10th player candidate reserve catcher Javier Valentin (13 52 .317 in 218 Abs), Mike Cameron (8 29 .299) and So Taguchi (4 28 .297).  Brian Giles (12 62 .269) added 118 walks but his power output was down and in decline. 

 

   The well documented pitching featured 13 players with under 4 era’s.  A team ERA of 3.06 was among the all time best.  Smoltz (17-9 2.62) led the team followed by the now injured and traded Pedro Martinez (14-9 2.47 219K’s) led the way.  Pedro was again in form as he keeps demonstrating why he is considered by some, CBAs all time greatest pitcher.   Cases could be made for Randy Johnson, or John Smoltz, but Pedro has now won 167 games to lead em all.  Carlos Silva acquired in mid season may have been a huge difference notching 6 key wins in 9 starts down the stretch as a #5 starter.  The middle set up men were terrific all year, Saroman Torres (10-2 2.27 in 66 games), and Russ Springer (6-5 2.95) were solid.  Lidge saved ‘em 18 times.  Neah Bay held opponents to a .228 batting average.  Neah Bay Whalers change their name to Kennesaw in 2007.  The 2006 Whalers are recorded in CBA history as the greatest pitching staff of all time.  A team 3.06 era which bests the old 1999 Montecito Habaneros record of 3.09.  They also bested the Habaneros who allowed a paltry 1275 hits (Ray Cappocchi) by allowing only  1253 hits in 1 extra game yet(163).  Neah pitched 1493 inn.  Amazing WHiP.   

 

 

Skokie may have been the most active of the teams in 2006 in the trade and RFA market.  The Skokie Wolfman ever seeking the gaming advantage and gold ring, looked to hit paydirt after a disappointing 1st round loss in ’05.  This years team was designed for balance and wins.  They did just that and more challenging a mighty Whaler team for supremacy in Carter.  Built to win, moved along some talent like Millwood, C Crawford, Armando Benitez,  Beltran and got back Edmonds, Street, Jack Wilson, C Tracy, Patterson, and Grudzelanek.  All hitters for spots, and some very solid gloves to sure up a darn good pitching staff headed by Clemens. 

 

Clemens (15-2 1.54era) set the record for best all time ERA, had a -12 WHIp.  He led CBA in quality starts with 30.  He only had 2 outings where he gave up 4 runs, never more.  He never gave up more than 7 hits in any game.  He never completed a game though.  Coughed up only 7 HR, and didn’t allow a single tater for 11 straight games!  On July 5th had a 1.36 era, but was a recipient of many no decisions.  Patterson (15-10 3.56 era 186K’s) was brilliant down the stretch for the Wolves winning 4 of his last 5 decisions from 8/26 to season end 9/15.    A very solid #2 man.  The next 3 spots in the rotation were shuttled around for usage concerns with Eric Bedard (9-5 3.92) stepping in nicely.  Skokie relied heavily on RFA players to fill the 5th rotation spot.  Wad Miller (7-4 4.53) did a respectable job as well.  Pitchers allowed only 121 all season best ever in CBA.  The pen was fair.  The numbers on the surface look great with guys like Betancourt having a 1.91 era, and Blaine Boyer (of Boyers Boner fame) an under 2 era.  Looks deceive, you must look closer.  The pen blew a few late leads which the mediocre Skokie Offense couldn’t makeup.  They allowed .34 inherited runners to score, which is on the lower end of CBA’s bullpen ratings.  As result they were 27-23 in 1 run games only.  That is a lot of 1 run games played, and a near .500 mark isn’t championship material.  12-8 in extras isn’t too bad, but a whole lot better than was Neah Bay’s 11-13 in extras.  That is a good sized advantage for Skokie that kept ‘em in the hunt.   Skokie thus was able to close games well.  Street and Small did barely get the job done.  Small allowed only 2 of 10 to score and Street .25, and  Street led with 15 saves but he blew 4 saves.  He also lost the lead a few times earning 6 losses and 8 wins.  Sometime wins can be negative stat for a team closer who comes in holding a lead.  In this case may have been. 

 

     Skokie team defense was awesome.  .787 X rating is outstanding and certainly helped compensate the back end of the roation by keeping the runners off the paths.  With .50 pts lower, Skokie team ERA and wins would have been far worse especially in those 1 run games Skokie seemed to always play.  Jack Wilson only booted 6 at SS, but his replacements Cesar Izturis (10) and Damonion Easley (7) booted away far more in part time duty.  Jim Edmonds threw out 19 runners from CF. 

 

 

    The offense was adequate with newly acquired Chad Tracy (27 85 .285) pacing the attack.   Edmonds (29 90 .256) had an off year by his standards.  Jorge Cantu another late addition propelled the team down the stretch with 13 HR and 34 RBI and a .314 avg in only 188 AB.  Like LP, Skokie also thrived with their bench.  Damonion Easley hit 11 HR in under 200 AB.  Rich Aurilia (14 59 .292) was solid.  Team offensive MVP could have been old Kenny Lofton who stole 33 bases hitting .348 in 349AB.   Overall a nice year for Skokie.  A tough but well fought playoff drive, and aspirations for more success in ’07 if the Wolfman can help it.

 

      The other teams of Carter are admittedly building for the future.  Ohio, Allentown, and Maine.  All were active in the draft and trade mart in 2006.  Ohio emerged as the strongest of the three finishing 74-88.  To talk these teams we must look more at their potential and future.  There were some key performances which bear mentioning however. 

 

      Ohio had a great season from Mark Texeira who blossomed into a legitimate superstar with his 33 HR 108 RBI  .292 season.  His defense was among CBA’s elite making only 3 errors all season.  This was remarkable since the Ohio Thundercats had a lowly .682 X rating overall.  Texeira was intentionally walked 17 times signaling the need for batting support behind him in the order.  In ’06 Ensberg hitting cleanup din’t really get er done (22 76 .256) behind Tex.  Jacque Jones (14 45 .259) played CF and couldn’t hit or field at least up to winning standards.  Had a .488 X rating in CF with no assists.  Ohio will have a rough time in 2007.  Several picks had some difficulty and has slowed the T-Cats progress.  Willy Mo Pena, Morgan Ensberg, Chris Duffy, Jason Frasor, had poor MLB years.  Millwood had some trouble in Texas as well.  It may be a while before Ohio can catch up without some deals or guys slipping through in the draft.

 

    The  Allentown Senators after 2004’s resounding success getting to the championships have gone through two disappointing seasons.   Rich Schneider is now a veteran manager  who has a pretty strong nucleus of young players ready to break out.  Most were acquired via draft picks and shrewd rebuilding moves.  Don’t expect Rich to deal ‘em because they are quite a bunch.  Rookie Hanley Ramirez looks like a future superstar as does the 100mph Joel Zumaya.  Other good cards and talents like Jason Medders, Ben Broussard, Dan Wheeler may make things interesting.   Theres some solid veterans in the mix who come off good years like Jason Giambi, Mark Loretta, Jorge Posada, Woody Williams.  With a a handful of picks again this year, ATown can be a surprise challenger to the Carter. A few platooners here and there and Skokie may start looking over their shoulder. 

 

The Maine Express is a work in progress, but whose time may come quicker than expected.  Excuse the record, this team started out with a shell and has filled in some meat and potatoes.  Wheeling and dealing, Mike Koepp has his work cut out for him but he has some talent around.  Chien-Ming Wang was perhaps the AL’s best pitching after that guy up in Minnesota near that big river.  Matt Cain is coming on quick and is already perhaps a #1 or 2 starter.  No doubt a pitcher to watch.  Ian Snell is young and promising and will have a fairly competitive card in ’07.  Lowry shows some potential.  Jenks played well and looks like he’s for real.  He could be a closer along time for Koepp. Austin Kearns looks like he’s comfortable in D.C. and had a good season.  Juan Rivera will have a nice card and is getting better and better.  A possible sleeper there.  Orlando Hudson and Khalil Greene are a solid tandem in the middle infield.  They will need some power bats and some pop to compete.  The #1 pick in the draft means they will get a bluechip.  It’s possible that Maine could finish higher than expected.  It remains to be seen how the draft goes for Koepp, but the pitching is there as is the defense.  We could be watching another Schmidt division type race in Carter for 2007.  Several teams in the hunt fighting it out.  Expecting less pitching from Kennesaw and Skokie in ’07, and the rise of Maine and Allentown’s pitching, perhaps the gap has narrowed.  Perhaps there will be changing of the guard.  Maybe the hot team or smaller moves will pay off handsomely.  Who knows what lurks in the version 12 game for all of us CBA managers as we prepare for the upcoming 2007 season. 

 

(AP) Sportswire Brooklyn, Prospect Park NY 21:30 12-2-06

 

 

Looking to make a strong run again at the CBA Championship, Brooklyn dipped into their pitching staff and youth reserve to acquire Manny Ramirez.  Sending Brad Penny and Mike Jacobs for Ramirez is a gamble but in return they get perhaps a slugger they haven’t seen since the halcyon days of Sammy Sosa.  Ramirez likely will bat 3rd for Brooklyn behind JD Drew and Todd Helton.  Ryan Howard, Miguel Cabrera, Vernon Wells, Ivan Rodriguez, Jose Vidro, and Adam Everett round out the revamped Brooklyn lineup.  

 

Fans such as Joe Rambunctory and Doofe Dickersonm were extatic over yesterdays announcement.  “This could be Brooklyn’s best lineup ever, including 1999 and 2000.” Said Joe.  BSP led CBA  in many offensive categories over the years including the all time HR single season lead with 351.   “We love Manny we will put a new statue in Prospect park next to Rey Ordonez of Manny.  “Miguelito” Cabrera was given a statue next to Luis Polonia’s on the great lawn last season.  

 

Additional seating will be installed into the “House of Pain” that Sammy and Todd built.  Brooklyn’s all time HOF candidates will return again to the “house” in 2007.  With rumours rampant that Sammy will return in ’07 he has been retained by Brooklyn.  If for nothing else to seal his legend as Brooklyn’s main HR RBI Runs man.  It will be his 10th

 


 

THE RED BIRD GAZETTE

Reported by: Skip Duckworth

 

This is Skip Duckworth reporting for The Red Bird Gazette as we are talking to mgr Bob Fidler of the Indiana Redbirds whom hold a 3-1 games advantage over the Brooklyn Superbras in the LCS.

 

Well Bob what about this series?

 

Well Skip we played two games at home to start it out with us winning game 1 on a 5-4 score behind a good pitching outing of John Garland and our key hit in our 4 run third inning was a 3 run HR by Palicido Polanco Who has been playing tough during the playoffs so far for us both with his defense and his clutch hitting. Game 2 was a great pitching from a nice young up and coming LHSP in Scott Kazmir he only allowed 1 run in 7 innings on 4 hits and left the game leading 4-1 and the team scored 3 more in the 8th to make it 7-1.  I thought I bring in Baez to get him some work and he just didn’t have it neither did Bob Wickman. I didn’t know I would have to use a closer but IZZY came in and gave up a HR to Helton to make it a 7-5 and then he got the final out to give us a 2-0 lead in games. We then got on the Big Bird and flew over to Brooklyn to play games 3 and 4 after a days rest. And the day off I guess was a good thing for our team as they came out swinging against Brooklyn’s starter Roy Halladay as we score 7 runs off him  in just over an inning. The team was just awesome that game every pitch came up there must had looked like Basketballs to them as they were spreading hits everywhere. I believe Jason Bay had 3 HRs in that game and Toby Hall had an career game as he hit a Grand Slam and had 8 rbi’s. Roy Oswalt pitched the best game of the playoffs so far after being rocked his first 2 starts against Ottawa in round 1. I really hate to tell you the final score Skip but we won that 36-3 and I just couldn’t believe it, I guess it is like the saying when it Rains it pours. Then game 4 had matchup of Wills and Garland again and both pitchers were on. Brooklyn took the lead in the bottom of the 8th with 2 outs and a runner on 3rd Albert made an error at first to let the run come in. The ball took a crazy hop but Albert said he still should had it.  We got fortunate in the top of the 9th with Drew letting Trot Nixon’s ball drop and Trot hustled into 2nd and Iguchi came off the bench to sacrifice him over to 3rd and Grady came through with a single to tie the score at 2. I went back to Wick to see if he could close them down in the both of the inning for we could go to extras as we had the meat of the order due up, but the first pitch he through was a hanging curve to Castro whom had came into the game after Adam Everett was pinched hit for in the 7th and he was ready for it and hit in the over the fence in LF. Bob was very disappointed with himself and he has lost some confidence in this series but he is still a key part in out there in the pen.

 

What is up for the rest of this series?

 

Game 5 is still in Brooklyn with us giving the ball to Jarod Washburn a LHSP that we picked up in the middle of the season and pitched decent for us. Brooklyn is countering with Brad Penny another nice young pitcher but we will go to our scouting reports and will be ready for another tough game. If we have to go on after game 5 we will come back home to the Bird Cage and have Oswalt and Garland ready to pitch and I believe they going to counter with Colon and Willis.

 

Anything you want to add in closing?

 

Skip it has been a wild series and don’t see why the game or beyond if needed won’t be great games.

 

Thanks for the interview Bob it is always a pleasure to talk to you.

 

You are welcome Skip.

 

Well this is Skip Duckworth saying good bye and GO RED BIRDS!


 

(AP) Press release Brooklyn, NY, House of Pain, 21:30 10/16/2006

Brooklyn fans are rockin and tearing through Prospect Park. The Arch at Grand Army Plaza
was constructed and designed to commemorate the Union victory. However to the hearts of Brooklyn
millions of Superba fans it is known as the Brooklyn Victory Arch. It represents Brooklyn's winning
legacy in CBA. People know it in Brooklyn not for thrill of war against their dear southern brothers but
a celebration of baseball and winning for their beloved Superbas.
Back in 1997, sports columnists from the Quebec area and teams from Dawson in particular joked that "Superbas"
meant "Good Underware". They taunted the Brooklyn Boys of the House O' Pain with references.
By 1998 they laugh no more as Brooklyn took the Dawson crown behind the pitching of Halladay, Ramon Martinez,
and Rick Reed. For 8 of their 10 years Brooklyn has had a winning record regularly achieving 90+ wins,
and reaching the playoffs, only to be stopped short before reaching the finals. Brooklyn had been to the
conference championships several times. In recent years, 2002 lost to Philly, 2003 Lost in W.S. to Limoilou,
won the championship in 2004 and now back to the Clemente finals in 2006. Last season they were
eliminated 4 games to 1 by the Lake County Leopards whom they faced in a grudge rematch from last year.
The fans were at fever pitch for this series. From Lou Luke in Bensonhurst shooting roman candles at
anything with spots on it, to Tony BiFonzaruki of Sheepshead Bay making Gold and Black Knishes.
From Ziteric Bluitskyap of Brighton Beach wearing his Black and Gold Socks with his open toe sandals,
to Rahmel Jacksoy of Brownsville's Ocean Hill Blastin the new Superbas song on his radio,Brooklyn is
in a winning happy mood.
Brooklyn has reached the championships again defeating the Lake county Leopards in a 4 game
sweep. The fans left the H.O.P. and then swarmed to and over the nearby Brooklyn Superbas Victory memorial.
Fans held a rally to express their gratitude for a winning season and hope in an impending series
against the Indiana RedBirds also of the Parker division. Brooklyn fired on all cylinders in this series
with their pitching doing a great job against Lake Counties hitters.

In game 1 Bartolo Colon pitched a mighty 4 hit 6 K 9 inn shutout. Colon had been inconsistant all year settling
in at the end of the season. He was lights out in this game given the nob over Willis as game 1 starter.
Jose Vidro starred with 2 long doubles driving in 3 runs in a 4-0 victory. Brooklyn had 10 hits.

In game 2, Dontrelle got the start. Dontrelle was also marvelous limiting the Lakers over 8 1/3 to 3 runs
1 on a HR to Eddie Perez, the other a big Frank Thomas blast. He gave way to Mariano Rivera who closed it out
for Brooklyn. But the real story was Vernon "Sugar Bear" Wells who delighted his team mates with 2 prodigious
HR's to give Brooklyn the win. His 2nd in the 8th inn was a blast that broke a deadlocked game at 3.
Brooklyn achieved their goal taking two in Lake County.

Back home at the House of Pain it was a different story. The faithful knew from past experience with Limoilou that
Brooklyn had to win this day. They had to take what they wanted in their own house Coors Filed dubbed "house of Pain".
The opposition couldn't get comfortable as Brooklyns fans were making the House shake.
Some say that the stadium has a specially designed foundation to accentuate the rocking giving the appearance of
something frightening to opponents. Fans have speculated for years and opponents insist, but no one has
confirmed. Game 3 was a Superba kinda day. The Leopards opened up with a 2 run lead on a Manny
Ramirez 2 run HR only to have Brooklyn come right back in the bottom of the 1st with a sac fly by Wells and a 2 out
JD Drew basehit. Halladay pitching for Brooklyn was able to escape a jam in the top 2nd with 2 on by getting
Willie Taveras to pop out in the clutch. In the bottom 2nd, Drew walked again (9 walks in the series)
and Ivan Rod singled him to 2nd. Adam Everett not known for his bat in 2006, lashed a run scoring single to put BSP up by 1.
In the third Brooklyn's Helton singled and cabrera doubled second and third. The Lakers intentionally walked
Ryan Howard to face Vernon Wells who singled in 1. A wild pitch added another, and Jay Payton lofted a fly to score
Howard. Both teams exchanged a few zeros when in the 5th Payton singled in another Brooklyn run. Back came Lake County.
Rollins and Ramirez singled, and moved to 2nd and 3rd on a wild pitch. With Delgado up, Brooklyn stuck with Halladay vs
Delgado and got him to lineout into a max double play. The fans went wild in Brooklyn.
With the Leopards within easy strike Brooklyn looked to put the game out of reach in the 6th. After loading the bases,
Lake County brought in lefty Aaron Fultz to pitch to JD Drew. Brooklyn countered by bringing Brooklyn's pal Sal Fasano
to the plate. In huge Brooklyn moment the 260 lb Sideburned Fu Manchu'ed catcher hit a long
pinch hit Grand Slam HR, BSp scoring 5 that inning, and basically that was all she went as
Brooklyn won 11-3.

Game 4 was tougher. Brooklyn pitching Colon on 3 days rest got off to a 2-0 start when Vidro doubled and Helton HR's in the
1st, and Todd Helton HR'd. In the third Brooklyn added another on another Todd Helton RBI single.
Lake came back in the 4th scoring 3 runs on 4 singles by the 4 R's in the lineup! Rollins, Ramirez, John Rodriguez,
and Ryan Church. With the score tied the Leopards wouldn't go with out a fight. Brooklyn came right back with 3 more
in the bottom when BSP got 3 singles in a row from Howard, Wells, and Drew. Ivan Rodriguez then cleared the bases
with a booming double and Brooklyn held a 6-3 lead. In the 5th Castillo, Taveras, and Rollins singled to drive
home another 2 runs cutting the lead to 6-5 BSP. With Delgado up, BSP brought in lefty Ron Villone and in a
key moment induced Delgado to ground weakly to 3rd base to end the threat. But not for long.
A few innings and player moves later and Gary Geary faced PH Larry Walker who laced a single.
A Castillo bunt set Willy Taveras to atone for his poor hitting, and he laced a run scoring double to make
the score 5-4 BSP. In the 8th Hasagawa now pitching hit Carlos Delgado and gave up a single to John Rodriguez.
With 1st and 2nd, Mariano Rivera was summoned. He promptly struck out the side to end the threat still 5-4.
In the 9th he mowed the first two batters but Jose Vidro inexplicably not defensively subbed for,
booted a ball allowing the runner on 1st with 2 out. Up came Manny Ramirez who absolutely balsted a pitch over the LF
wall to give the Leopards a 6-5 lead. Rivera got the last out. But in the bottom 9th with 1 out , Mike Jacobs PH,
hit the first Derek Turnbow pitch he saw high and deep to RCF for a game tying HR. The crowd was all over itself
jumping up and down and rolling on the floor. They just knew what would follow. After Adam Everett skied to LF,
Juan Castro now in at 2B, walked, and series star Todd Helton blasted a deep drive over the head of Taveras in CF.
With a 1-9 chance for Castro to score, Brooklyn took a chance and sent castro prompting a long throw from the
rifle armed Taveras. The throw went wise and Castro scored sending the minions into a frenzy and rushing the
field. Brooklyn had successfully swept rival Lake County in 4 games to advance and face the Bob Fidler led Red Birds.
in Indiana later this week.

It was great series for Brooklyn and now that the celebrating is done, serious plans are being made by BSP
to take on and perhaps the mighty Red Birds of the heartland.

 


 

The Staub Championship Series, Round 1.

 

A 7 games series tied at 3 and 3. 

 

The defending CBA Champion up 3-0 then losing the next 3 against a resilient

contender.

 

Game 7: 55,006 in attendance.  2 hours and 45 minutes.   294 pitches. 

 

In the end, it was a titanic blast off the bat of Ichiro Suzuki with a man on that
finally ended what could possibly be the most intense Game 7 ever in CBA's
10-year history, as well as one of the most exciting postseason series ever.

 

Carlos Zambrano came through with a solid 10 and one third scoreless innings
matched by Roger Clemens equally solid 10 shutout frames as the Longue Pointe
Loggers defeated the Skokie Wolfmen in 11 innings by a score of 2 to 0 at
a delirious Molson Yards.  The hard-earned victory sends defending champion

Longue-Pointe to face the winner of the Neah Bay/Belfast series in Round 2

of the Staub Championship Series.

 

Neither team scored in the first 10 1/2 innings. Both starters, tenacious and
stubborn, were determined to outlast the other and go beyond their normal limits.
Zambrano was lifted after one out in the
Skokie 10th after allowing a man on and
was replaced by closer Todd Jones who retired the side.   

 

The Rocket, in what might be his final start, lasted through the 10th and then
handed the ball to Joe Nathan for the Loggers 11th.

 

After an out was recorded, Luis A. Gonzalez got things
rolling when he delivered a single.  Jones batting for himself, missed a bunt sign
and was retired on a weak infield popup. It was then that Ichiro Suzuki stepped in
and, on a 2-1 fastball, cracked a two-run shot to the deepest part of centerfield
(his 1st of the Playoffs) making Longue Pointe victorious to the delight of the the
home town crowd.  Longue Pointe finished with 7 hits while
Skokie ended up with 4. 

 

The victory was credited to Todd Jones(1-0) who went 2/3 of an inning,
allowing no runs. Joe Nathan(0-1) was charged with the loss in relief.  He
allowed 2 hits and no walks in 2/3 of an inning. 

SKOKIE AT LONGUE POINTE - GAME 1, 
2006 Staub Championship Series - Friday,
October 6, 2006

 


Wolfmen......... 2 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  2  7  0
Loggers......... 0 0 0  3 0 0  2 0    -  5  9  1
Win:Zambrano(1-0) Loss:Clemens(0-1) Save:Jones(1st)
Homeruns- T.Hunter(1st), T.Martinez(1st)

 


Game 1 Press

 

 


FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE:

 

LP Comes From Behind To Defeat Clemens and the Wolfmen, 5-2

 

Montreal Gazette Sports
Stephanie Myles

 

Longue-Pointe, Oct. 7, (CN) In their very first meeting in the post season,
Josh Shapiro's Skokie Wolfmen squared off against Dennis Concepcion's defending
CBA Champion Longue-Pointe Loggers under a glorious full-moon in a fully-packed
Molson Yards.

 

The large harvest Moon and the chilly night served as a thematic background setting
for the fourth duel between the Wolfmen's ace, 2006 ERA champion Roger Clemens,
and the dean of LP's pitching staff, Carlos Zambrano.  Their three previous match-ups
during the regular season have resulted in a win (3-2, April 30th), a loss (July 28th,
his first of ONLY TWO losses all season), and a no-decision (5-4
Skokie (Patterson Win),
Sept 11th) for Clemens, and a win (4-0, July 28th) and two losses (April 30th & Sept
11th) for Zambrano. 

 

Skokie tallied in the first inning scoring 2 runs when Izturis singled, Edmonds
walked,
Tracy reached first on a Shea Hillenbrand error, and Cantu singled. 
Indeed, the full-moon and the early scoring appeared to point to another Skokie
drubbing of the Loggers who were swept in their last meeting in mid-September.

 

Following Zam's shaky start, both he and Rocket settled into a pitching duel
matching goose eggs until the Logger 4th.  Back to back singles by Counsell
and Hillenbrand were followed by consecutive strikeouts of Sexon and Varitek. 
Torii Hunter finally got LP on the scoreboard with a mammoth homerun into the
bleachers in left center.  This drove the crowd crazy and recalled Hunter's clutch
dinger in last year's World Series Game 7 versus Philly.
   
Zambrano held the fragile lead as he exchanged donuts with Clemens for another 3
frames. It was in the fateful 7th inning that Shapiro and
Concepcion engaged in

identical strategic gambles which yielded widely disparate results.   

 

In the Wolfmen 7th, the Head Wolfman elected to pinch-hit for the Rocket, batting
second after a leadoff single by Mike Matheny.  "We needed to get at least one run
across," said Joshua during the post-game interview, "and we were trying to force
LP's hand hoping Dennis might call upon his bullpen and pull Zam." Sending up
switch hitting Randy Winn (.267 CBA 2006, 3R, "A"-BNT "B"-H&R & .266 Clutch),
Concepcion decided to stick with Zambrano. 

 

"I had given some thought to bring in Fuentes," Dennis said, "but on the mound visit
Zam told me that he had enough left to finsh the inning, so I left him in.
I knew that if I pulled him now, and with the pitcher's slot also batting 2nd in my
half, I might have to pinch hit AND lose another pitcher... you can never take
anything for granted when you play the Wolfmen."  The strategy paid off for LP
as Zambrano struck out Winn and got Lofton and Izturis to fly out.

 

Skokie brought in Tom Gordon to face the Loggers in their 7th. In poetic symmetry,
LP also got a leadoff single when Luis Gonzalez, going 3 for 3 for the day, stroked
his third hit. Long time Hitman/Logger Tino Martinez, who late last week announced
his retirement following the World Series, stepped up to the plate for Zambrano.
The appreciative crowd of 56,305 gave him a standing ovation and had barely sat
down when Tino golfed Gordon's first offering, a low hanging curveball to rightfield
way over a helpless Chad Tracy for a 2-run pinch-hit homer and a 5-2 margin.

 

"I'm not really one given to curtain calls, and I don't like to show-up a pitcher,
but the rest of the bench wouldn't let me sit until I tipped my helmet to the crowd,"
said the ever-modest
Martinez.  "It was a thrill to get such a vocal thank-you, and
really felt good to know that I contributed not only tonight, but for a career."

 

With a comfortable safety margin, Concepcion brought in Fuentes to retire the side
in the
Skokie 8th and Calero to close out the 9th.  After getting 2 quick outs,
however,
Skokie lashed out a Matheny double.  Quickly Concepcion dispatched
Matsui to LF to shore-up the left side.

 

Winn singles to righfield but Matheny is held up at third out of respect for
Suzuki's arm.  With 2 men on base and the potential tying run at bat, in comes
LP closer Todd Jones who then strikes out pinch-hitter Chris Shelton swinging
on a 2 and 2 change-up to end another typically tense and close Skokie/LP thriller.

 



 

 

Sept 10th, 2006

Skokie defeated Neah in their head to head for fiast place in Carter. With Skokie winning g1 and 2 by a 3-1 score
with great pitching, Skokie is tied with Neah Bay for first place. An outstanding series. The loser will take a wildcard
Belfast looks to have locked up their first ever wildcard spot after years of frustration. With a 4 game lead on fading
San Diego, JD Adams is waiting for a sweet opportunity to avenge heartbreaking near misses.

In Schmidt Alamo City climbs back in to the top spot followed closely by Lake County and Stirling. This race will come down
to the wire. Expect a fantastic finish. The losers will go home as Brooklyn and Ottawa have locked up Wild card berths at least.
The one question is whether Brooklyn can overcome a 3 game deficit to take Parker from the
dominant offense of the Indiana Redbirds. The RedBirds offense has been approaching 7 runs per game while giving up 5.
 

Sept 3rd, 2006

Belfast had a good week separating themselves from the SD Surf in the Staub Wild Card race.
Longue Pointe's lead in Dawson was cut to 'only' 9 games as Belfast had their strong week.
Neah and Skokie are still battling, however Skokie split their four with Ohio, despite
winning 2 of 3 from Maine. Neah Bay split their series with Allentown and rested for
3 games. In Clemente with Brooklyn idle in series two, the Red Birds unleashed a
devastating on Ottawa who had dropped two the previous series to Brooklyn. The Redbirds
swept past Ottawa 8-4, 14-6, and 12-4. Indy had won their two against Philly in a 4 game
split 10-2 and 10-3. Indy has had 7 of 9 games with 10+ hits, including 5 in a row with
15 or more hits for a total of 82 hits in 5 games. Ortiz had 5 HR this block to make his
MVP run including a 2 HR game vs BSP. Look who is atop Schmidt. Its Stirling. The RedSox
bested Alamo in their series to take over the lead.

Watch your usage. Overused players are non NetPlayoff eligible. Trade deadline is Monday
evening 9pm eastern US time. All trades must be posted to CBA_Council before that time or
are not allowed. Get your CM's in by Thursday, we will be continuing this week, no break.


Look at the races.  Stirling is making a surprising run at Alamo just 2.5 back in Schmidt.  As the other teams there have faded, Wayne McGee's team has responded since his Varitek trade.  That trade has helped both the Red Sox (an CBA original) and Longue Pointe who is now 11 whopping games ahead in the Dawson.  Belfast has faded quickly and is now only 1 game ahead of surging San Diego for the last wild card spot in Staub.  Their home and home series with Neah was a disaster losing 3 of 4 in each series.  It looks as if LP has wrapped up Dawson and now they will have to play for a wild card.  Belfasts new rival SD was looking for some pitching, SD made quite a stir this week trading emerging SS Jose Reyes and their big closer Trevor Hoffman to Indiana for Ervin Santana, and Edgar Renteria.  SD now has a new logo courtesy of LP's Dennis Concepcion who continues to contribute his expertise and creativity with logos and uniforms to almost all the teams now. 
      Indiana steadily improving under Bob Fidler's bold and strategic player moves is again  neck and neck with Brooklyn.  They are looking to separate from Brooklyn to win the Parker crown and homefield in the NetPlayoffs.  Brooklyn alwaysat or near the top in Parker are CBA's 2004 champions, after losing to Limoilou in 2003's World Series.  Brooklyn has won Parker in 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005.  They made wildcard in 1999.  Indiana is looking and in great position to end that Parker reign.  In Carter, Skokie and Neah are dogfighting and its beautiful to watch.  This week Neah leaps ahead by points as Skokie struggled a bit with Maine before shellacking Limoilou. 

 


August 2006

In Staub, its amazing how fortunes change in a hurry in CBA 2006.  With teams resting 'tired' players and others active on the RFA and trade markets, we have seen some separation this week.  The Longue POinte Loggers last years CBA champs have taken a bit of control in Dawson with good pitching and strong balanced run support.  The addtion of Varitek has added some punch, and that LP bench again is doing the job. As seems to be their trademark, the bottom feeders and bench have been productive.  ReserveOF/PR Nook Logan has 22 sb in 101 AB's and is hitting .287  Craig Monroe had a monster day 4 for 5 with 6 RBI agauinst Skokie in the final game of their crucial series.  LP swept 3 games from the red hot Wolfmen in revenge for Skokie's prior dominance in their series back in May. Monroe and Varitek simply capped superb pitching from the LP starters Zambrano, Pettitte, and Escobar, and the relief by committee corps.

Neah  and Skokie split the first series of the block, a classic one.  A great and important battle, Skokie opened up some offense on Neah to win g1 and 2.  After winning with the undefeated Clemens in g1 3-1, game 2 saw Chad Tracy provide the fireworks with a walk off hit for a 5-4 win in 10.  The series looked grim for Neah, but CBA future HOF'er Pedro Martinez arguably the greatest Righty in CBA history, stopped neahs bleed with a key 7-1 win in Illinois. With momentum turned, g4 went 4-2 to Neah and Smoltzie chased the Wolfmen in their house.  Things only got worse for the Wolfies when they got swept by LP later that week. 

Limoilou has been hot of late winning a few big games the past few weeks and climbing closer to the .500 mark.  After winning the slumping Brawlers last week, they swept lowly Maine, and with an opportunity to rise, got caught by Neah for a sweep, setting them back a bit....Afetr splitting with LP in series 1, SD bested Belfast 2 of 3 .  Belfast has been slumping and now stands 7 back of LP in Dawson.  So with Joliet and SD flirting near .500, and the big boys NWC, LLD, SWC, and BBD out front, the races are mainly for the top spot in the division.  The wild cards would go to the losers of that battle.  With Blefast dropping a few more and SD, Joliet, or Ohio even getting hot for a couple weeks, the wildcard could be up for grabs. 

Wild card picture...Either Skokie or Neah would get 1 spot, and Belfast the other with SD 6 back, Joliet 7 back, Ohio 9 back.

 

In Clemente Brooklyn and Indiana are still locked in a duel.  The loser virtually assured a wildcard, its anyones race their as the lead has changed hands a few times.  Ottawa has faded a bit 7.5 back but are in line for a wildcard with the Schmidt division looking so much weaker.  Brooklyn's offense has heated up a bit raising their season average to  .283 Vernon Wells is playing solid ball and their great defense has helped the Brooklyn pitching staff keep runs from scoring while the fabled Brooklyn offense clicks.  Brooklyn usually has is at the top of all team offensive catagories year after year since '97. Indiana just batters their foes.  That lineup is about the best in CBA's Parker which says alot.  Indiana and Brooklyn face off next week in what is a major abttle for Parker bragging rights. Ottawa has rebounded a bit after falling into a minor slump.  With both Parker boys winning, is was a bad time for Ottawa to slump in July.  This week Ottawa distanced themselves from Wildcard contender Lake County winning 3 of 4 in their series.  The Lakers were hoping to cut the distance between them. it satnds that Ottawa would be the last WC entry if the season ended right now.   David Ortiz looking like an MVP had another huge 6 RBI day for Ottawa who was sparked by the emergence of Joe Mauer in the lineup.  I'm sure we'll hear that name alot in the years to come.

Alamo has a 6 game lead over the pack in Schmidt.  Lake Leopards, Stirling, and Carolina are in striking distance.  Strong weeks and a few AFS losses and that race could become quite a dandy, watch out.  If Ottawa folds a bit, someone there could sneek in.  Carolina had been hot of late, took 3 of 4 from Philly, and with an opportunity to move up, dropped 2 of 3 to Alamo.  Would have needed a sweep there, key wins for Malachi Nellum who has been quietly winning this year.


The lead changed hands as its likely to do all season in both Parker and Dawson.  In the Parker, Indiana, Brooklyn, and Ottawa have been just absolutely pounding the baseball.  The Parker's signature has always been an offense minded slugging division.  Its roots go way back to the days of Albert Belle, Mark McGwire, and later Pujols, Vlad, Papi, and now Bay.  Bay has been on fire for the RedBirds.  He is among league leaders in several catagories.  He raised his average to .300 this week and assured Indiana fans that he would be around awhile.  The Indiana offense has thrived as both Bay and Grady Sizemore have ignited run scoring rallies, and their numbers show it.Bay sports a whopping 1.125 Total average with a gaudy 9.89 runs per 27 outs.  Sizemore .968 Total avg is a welcome number in front of the big boys Pujols, Alex Rodriguez (who hit 4Hr and 13RBI this week).  With all that, they lost the lead on the last day of the block as Brooklyn Superbas matched up game by game with the RedBirds.  Both teams are running a virtual deadheat with Brooklyn a game ahead in the schedule.  Indiana dropped 2 of 3, key games this week to the Bryan Bashers (remember them form last years race?)  Bryan showed they are still a force in the Parker a very tough division.  Perhaps in some other division, the Bashers would be a different story.  Dustin Hermanson continues to be a dominant closer for Bryan formerly Kilgore.  Indiana needed to win that last game, now Brooklyn has a 1 game in the win column edge.  Brooklyn had a terrific week taking 3 of 4 from Schmidt contender Carolina.  Brooklyn pulled all the stops with a devastating hitting attack featuring the combined play of Miguel Cabrera, Todd Helton, Ivan Rodriguez, Ryan Howard, JD Drew, and Jay Payton.  Payton was on fire having a 2 HR game against Carolina.  He has now 22 HR and is 2nd on the team in RBI's.  Since Cabrera's arrival the Brooklyn offense has been heating up.  Theyve raised their team BA to .280 and are back among the leaders in HR, clustered with Indiana, Carolina, and Philly.  Brooklyn uses a platoon lineup in the OF/DH with several big bats playing semi regularly.   Brooklyn always known for its bench strength, have used cards like Mike Jacobs, and Sal Fasano to provide potent power in key series.

In Staub Conference, Dawson's Belfast was the team to watch.  So it went against Skokie and LP would determine whether first place stays in 'Ireland'.  Longue Pointe however made a resurgence of sorts once again securing first place when a hot pitching rotation returned to form.  Back to back shutouts on the 11th and 12th lifted LP over Allentown. ATown took back a game 8-4, then LP behind Sabathia won 6-2.  Skokie came into Dawson to do alot of damage from abroad.  They took 3 of 4 from the Brawlers in a critical series.  Next for Belfast came the series of the week, perhaps the season to now.   The division leading Adams' Belfast Brawlers.  The Brawlers a very strong team the past few years and always tough as their name had been riding Chone Figgins and Julio Lugo all season.  Lugo having a MVP type year is hitting .356 with 41 SB, and Figgins another big year .313 and 82 SB.  With Brady Clarks 64 runs, Belfast speed game had to be stopped or slowed for LP to win.  They dint stop their bats, but slowed the running a bit allowing only 1 SB from the tandem.  This week Concepcion added Jason Varitek presumably to protect Sexson, and slow down the Brawlers.  It worked this week, as LP took all 3 from Belfast.3-2, 7-4, and in 10 inn 5-2.  Zambrano and Pettitte were strong and proved the difference limiting them on the paths.  In fact LP used some speed from Counsell, Ichiro, and Nook Logan to reverse the roles.  Logan has given LP and boost in reserve with his speed in a part time role.  LP has 1 game in the win column on Belfast and is in a virtual deadheat. 

Alamo had a good week returning to form.  They moved 4 in front of Carolina who didn't recover from the beating at the hands of the Superbas.  Alamo City has been in first place since May 18th.  The knocked off Lake Co 2 of 3 and Philly by the same.  Weaver, Mulder , and Garcia pitched well for the wins.  Malachi Nellum must be pleased with his pitching this year.  After last years record offense, Nellum landed some pitching in the off season to add to the offense.  The result, the largest divisional lead in CBA at this point.  Only 8 over .500, this is a race that bears watching.  It could be decided at the wire.  Carolina has a strong offense, and could get hot.  The managers will play a key role in the outcome of this race for the NetPlayoffs.  Moises is hitting .357 and is like a loaded gun providing necessary offense alongside Griffey.  Alamo has stolen only 11 bases this year is having power problems this year.  Carolina the opposite.  172 HR ties them with Brooklyn in HR.  They dropped 2 of 3 to Ottawa this week.  Shows that Schmidt has a ways to go to catch up to the big boys in Parker.  

Skokie and Neah are dogfighting back and forth and back again. Now Neah is 1/2 game over the Wolfmen and their nice new uniforms.  The CBA's European entries wheeling and dealing has been matched by Skillings Neah and his nice new uniforms.  Neah's uniforms look a bit like the old Cincinnati uniforms of the early 60's.  They they are playing well like those old Reds teams too. Neah owns CBA's best record with a .629 win pct.  With the addition of some pitching, Silva, and nice cards, Cory Sullivan, and super sub Piedras,   neah added what could be the final pieces to the puzzle and their bench.  Looking for favorable matchups, Skillings is like a chess master with this team year after year.  Kent and Piazza provided another lift for the Whalers this week.  Piazza now has 4 HR in his last 7 games. Kent 3 HR 10 RBI in his last 6....Skokie

 

Skokie, Illinois, late Saturday, July 8th

Item: Pennant Fever -- The New Faces of the Wolfmen!!

This is Don Jacobs, lead reporter for the Skokie News

I am a personal friend of the Wolfman, and he has
been confiding in me for some time the private discussions
he has been having with various clubs -- so now that
the trade with Allentown has been approved by
the commissioner's office, late this evening,
we can make the official announcement.

First some background on the long drive to make
this trade since early in the year.

In private discussions with Wolfman Shapiro, he
admitted that he felt what would prevent the Wolfmen
from make the Series was some extra hitting and the
long ball -- last season Montreal under his guidance
did well due to strong pitching (especially relief),
with defense and power but this year, the boys
are not hitting as many long balls although the
pitching has stepped up -- especially needed with
the long ball in Skokie Stadium where long balls can be seen
a lot due to the dimensions of the Park

Always in the way is arch divisional rival Neah Bay
who's pitching is keeping them just ahead of the Wolfmen
plus Neah Bay has just made themselves a key trade with Allentown
to strengthened their own squad with some extra hitting and
defense since Allentown sprang the news of house cleaning
to build for the future.

Wolfman has tried for quite some time to upgrade at 3B with a power
hitter -- he has pursued Chavez/Blalock with Sterling and also had
a trade on the table with Philly for A. Ramirez but he just
couldn't find a way to get to the pot of gold as both of
these clubs passed on any offers.

Now Aurilla, is to be commended, picked up from
Cooperstown just before the season ended -- he has
been a god send for the 2006 Wolfmen Campaign at 3B
where compared to 2005 with the tandem of Castilla and Feliz anchored
a strong hitting with power 3B for the Royals in 2005
but at the beginning of the year, Wolfman saw 3B
as a sore spot. Aurilla hs come to the task and at
the moment is 3rd on the club in homers and RBIs.
Aurilla was not happy with the trade news as now
he becomes the Wolfmen's defacto super-sub for
the infield but Skokie wouldn't be where it is now
without him. Aurilla said he realized the team
was searching for a better power hitter at 3B
and he wanted to do what was good for the team.

Skokie almost made a trade for Sheffield straight up
at the end of last week, giving away their top draft pick
of 2007, that they had been dangling to the league
but management felt with Sheffield age (Note:
and his injury in real life MLB will curtail his usage in
the 2007 CBA) that it was too high a price to pay
just to get one good hitter for the current season.

but then suddenly Allentown opened up and offered
all kinds of players so Wolfman made one last shot
to see if he could strengthen the club, especially
with power and hitting and a brief dialogue with
Allentown began with the offer mainly coming
from Allentwon -- Skokie knew Allentown wanted
either young players or draft picks

The Skokie needs were:

1) Power Hitting 3B
2) a young 1B who can hit lefties (since Tracy goes to 3B next year)
3) help for Lofton, who is showing his age and will need to be rested

Well, Skokie and Allentown came to an agreement on Friday
and the league approved the trade late tonight -- this could be
the one that puts Skokie over the top -- time will tell, as the
two giants of the Carter Division will see another photo finish
(hats off to John Skillings)

The trade made then is as follows, and we will provide our
analysis and part of the thinking of the Wolfman

Skokie trades their 1st & 2nd round draft picks with Feliz and
J. Michaels to Allentown for Sheffield, Cantu, Winn & Shelton

Wolfman admitted that he hated to give up the Skokie draft
picks but he believes for next season the team will be overstocked
with hitters (especially in the OF) and have two closers plus this
year they are developing a younger pitching staff -- and Clemens
will be back for one more final year and could slide in as a #3 or #4
starter so he is not too worried plus there are always good fringe
pitchers one can pick up.

Also sentimental favorite Feliz, was tough to part with considering
the incredible year he had for Montreal in 2005, but for this season
with the raising of Tracy (who will play 3B next year) and Feliz unable
to contribute to the club, it was decided to shore up the other ends of the
team, he would have to go. Plus, Michaels also has been a great
player for the Wolfmen, very versatile in the OF, able to get
on base -- but with Tracy, Bradley, Lofton, Edmonds, Matthews, Brown
and now Winn and Sheffield, the OF which was a concern at
the beginning of the year, is now a strength -- we wish Michaels
well at Allentown, he is a great player and also we know that
Feliz will be great at 3B, and very steady for Allentown too.

Cantu will become the main 3B now, especially versus righties
with Aurilla and Easley playing against lefties

Sheffield will replace Michaels and play RF with Brown moving
to left field vs LHP -- quite a tandem and also will be starting
at times vs. reverse righties -- and play more in Skokie Stadium

Winn is going to give Lofton a rest -- who has been holding down
LF vs RHP -- Winn also brings some good power vs. RHP

and Shelton finally gives us a good hitting RH 1B and 1B
for the future

in order to make room the new faces, Matt Miller and Rafael
Palmiero are released as free agents.

With the trading of Feliz and releasing of Palmiero, only
Ted Lilly and G. Matthews (re-acquired and will be a key
player for 2007) are the remaining players from the very original team
Wolfman took over in Montreal, all the other players
who were Royals at the start of 2005 before the draft
are now gone. From the 2005 team at the end of the
year, the remaining players who finished with the playoff Royals
there are still here are the following five players:
Clemens, Lilly, Matheny, Itzuris, Mercker -- 6 if you include
Schoenweis, who was an RFA for Montreal. So the Wolfmen
does a lot of wheeling and dealing but he knows the type
of team he wants to build.

Also in other news, Skokie needing some more RH RP
innings has announced that after block 15 it will be dropping
J. Eischen and picking up as a RFA Blaine Boyer

Finally, not only was Skokie concerned about Neah Bay
but they are looking in the future and Indiana has also
made some key trades recently to bolster their team,
Wolfman feels that Indy right now could be the CBA
team to beat with Pujois, Rodriquez and Bay along with
some good pitchers they just picked up -- but Skokie now
has its own lubbering hitters as all four of the new
players can beat up the baseball to join Tracy and
Edmonds and various situation specialist -- Skokie
will be very tough vs. LHP but also now has the
bats vs RHP as well.

Anyway, the CBA is turning into another great season
with all kinds of races and stories -- who will be there
at the end or could it be another unsuspected team such
as Longue Pointe, who came from out of the blue last season
to capture the championship -- their recent pickup of
Varitek for Longue Pointe also was a great coup -- hats
off to good old Dennis (we know Varitek as we have him
on the Skokie Cubbies in the PSBL and he is doing
great for us, we also have Cantu and Sheffield too with
Griffey, Lee, Guillen, Boone, Matthews)

Well sports fans -- enjoy your Sunday, this is
Don Jacobs, reporting from Wolfmen Central,
lets see what happens next -- there is no telling
how the final half of the season may go!!

Quote from the Wolfman, "Thank god we finally
made this trade -- we have been working on this
for months -- congrats to Rich at Allentown, he
will be tough next year, there is no doubt, we
may be chancing him in 2007 but for now,
our focus is to secure our playoff spot and see
if we can overtake those tough Whalers -- they
still have the best pitching in the league and
good pitching will take you far!! Our staff is
also not bad and thank God we didn't have to
trade one of our key pitchers as we tried to
do so earlier in the year. I don't think we will
be making any other trades unless someone
overwhelms us -- we do have some extra
outfielders now and infielders!!"



 

A look around the CBA this month is quite interesting.  With CBA GM’s among the most experienced and competitive in the Strat-o-matic fanatic universe, CBA in 2006 can be described best as very competitive.  GM’s have been very diligent in managing their teams.  The result is again some terrific pennant races and wildcard chases we’ve seen.  The battles are hard fought and there are many teams trading and jockeying for position.  Each game means so much considering how the Dawson was decided with a 1 game playoff two years in a row.

 

The Dawson story this season is two fold.  Belfast dominates the headlines as they opened a 4 ½ game lead over LP.  With Limoilou 12 out and not much of a threat…yet…

And the disappointingly underachieving  tandem of Joliet and SD out of contention, the Brawlers are a shining light in an otherwise moribund division.  The Brawlers this week used some good pitching from Elarton, Chacin, Lawrence, and Seo to stay hot.  Elarton & Chacin have 10 quality starts each. The Brawlers have won their last 18 of 22, to put distance between them and LP.  Chone Figgins is well on way to a CBA record with 81 SB so far.  Willie Aybar has a been a PH terror hitting .410 with about .500 OBA.  

Meanwhile Longue Pointe hasn’t exactly done poorly themselves.  Its just that Belfast has been on fire.  Longue Pointe named after a recreation area in Quebec has just bid farewell to original Hitman/Logger Jason Kendall.   Kendall goes on to Stirling (also in Canada) in exchange for Jason Varitek. LP is hoping to add a little power to their lineup.  And they’ll need it to trim that mounting 4 ½ game distance.  LP has had some great work off the bench from Craig Monroe who hit three HR’s in a game last week, and Nook Logan who has come in to hit .351 and steal 14 bases so far.  The trademark LP bench has been solid, and the usual LP bullpen has done the trick.  Todd Jones acquired for Nomar Garciavega, has been all that and more.  15 saves, and a tiny 1.24 ERA.  LP and Belfast will be battling all year.  Don’t be surprised if Limoilou makes some noise before its over.  Never count out Jeff Boutet.

 

Skokie’s Wolfman has made quite an impact here in CBA with his competitive fire and winning ways.  Skokie and Neah are really dogfighting for the Carter title, leaving the rest of Carter in the dust.  Both teams went out and made some shrewd moves to go into battle and likely in the NetPlayoffs in October.  Skokie needing some pop went out and acquired Cantu and Sheffield from division rival Allentown for the middle of Wolfmen’s order.  Shapiro must have not been satisfied by the lowly .328 team OBA, and the .420 Slg when he authored that deal.  Sheff is a .376 OBA man despite diminished power numbers in 06

.   Neah added some puzzle pieces to solidify their bench with Piedra, and pitching staff with Carlos Silva and Corey Sullivan.  Pedro and Smoltz have been excellent all year, and now the additions of Kent and Piazza are starting to pay dividends.  Piazza had two big HR this past week, including a 4 for 6 game.  Kent has hit 8 HR since joining Neah giving some needed power.  It remains to be seen how losing the underrated Taguchi nad his combo of BA defense and speed will affect John Skillings Neah Bay Whalers.   . 

 

The Clemente battles are just as fascinating.  The Schmidt has come alive in 06.  In the past it was Lake County (NY Bombers) and the Rob Hite led Philly Phanatics always heading the division.  This year we see a real race with 4 teams in contention.  Alamo had been out front, but in CBA a 4 game lead is never safe.  The story is the oncoming rush of the Carolina Copperheads.  Winning 7 of 10, Carolina is now within a game and half of the Flames who have been atop through the past month.  Carolina managed by Scott Kernan, have a lot of power.  9 players have 8+ HR.  Dunn has 35 HR, Hafner 26, Tejada 16.  All having big offensive seasons.  Pitching is the question for the Copperheads.  Though Mark Prior has been solid, the CC’s bullpen has been shambles.  To win their division they will need to improve there.  

Lake County is struggling a bit winning then losing alternatively it seems.  David Dean went out and acquired Derek Turnbow to close games.  The bullpen already pretty solid has been by committee with 8 pitchers recording saves.  Turnbow is the kind of dominant closer Lake may need to rise in this division.  The Schmidt leader Alamo is only 6 over .500, and the contenders all around .500 means that it will be the team that makes the moves at the right time could sneak into the title and the playoffs.  It is likely that the Wildcard winners may come from Parker where Brooklyn, Indiana, and Ottawa are in a classic battle for that title.

 

Indiana has finally achieved first place for the first time this late in many years as the Houston Aeros.  They officially went into 1st on July 7th.  With June a strong month, and July off and running, Indiana has made quite a few trades to get into position in what some say is the toughest division in CBA.  Certainly the most offense is in the Parker.  Indiana ‘s lineup is awesome.  Bay-Rod and Pujols have been tearing it up.   Sizemore has been tremendous getting on base and hitting .325 and could be made a case for MVP for.  Kazmir has emerged as staff ace winning 14 thus far.  Oswalt has added 12 more wins. Indiana looks to be headed towards a playoff spot and could be seriously tough when the NetPlay gets going.  Bob Fidler has been looking to play all comers online, but it seems CBA may be running scared of that matchup. 

Brooklyn however is not.  Brooklyn GM Marc Wass wnet and secured the services of slugging Miguel Cabrera to address the drop off in run production since Sosa’s alleged steroids stopped having effect.  Cabrera has been solid so far hitting .320 in the Brooklyn Black and Gold.  Mariano Rivera is making a case for Cy Young and has been lights out as the lone bright spot in the Brooklyn bullpen.  Brooklyn pitching at Coors is a key, and with the staff ERA at 4.40 a full run less than last year, Brooklyn is quite solid.  Brooklyn’s platoon system has been effective keeping Brooklyn a half game behind Indiana.  Howard, Jacobs, Payton , and Vidro have been great in part time roles.  Sal Fasano has been terrific against left handers too. 

Ottawa had held the lead in Parker from May 17th to June 27th.  Ottawas Vlad Papi(36 HR 96 RBI) show show has again carried them.  Papi may break Sosa’s 2001 CGBA RBI record at this pace.  Mix in Cliff Floyds solid season  of 22 HR and that offense is nothing to take lightly. Loaiza and Webb have won 10 games each, and Ottawa will need more from their pitching to get back into first as they have slipped to 3 games out. 

Stay tuned as this season gets down to the wire.

 

Some more hard to find stats…..

 

Quality Starts

R.Clemens        SWC   21

C.Zambrano     LLD     15

J.Peavy            SSD     15

P.Martinez        NWC   14

J.Smoltz           NWC   14

C.Silva             NWC   13

J.Lieber            JJD      13

G.Maddux        LLD     12

S.Kazmir          IRP      12

C.Carpenter     KBP    12

J.Johnson         OTC    11

A.Pettitte          LLD     11

J.Towers          ANC    11

L.Hernandez     ANC    11

J.Santana          CCS    11

R.Oswalt          IRP      11

J.Moyer           LLD     11

K.Benson         SSD     11

R.Harden         PPS     11

T.Wakefield     LWD   11

 

Rolaids Relief Point leaders…

 

M.Rivera          BSP     64

B.Wagner         AFS     59

J.Valverde        CCS    49

D.Hermanson   KBP    49

T.Jones            LLD     47

J.Nathan           PPS     44

F.Rodriguez      SSD     42

C.Cordero       SRS     38

D.Sanchez        JJD      34

J.Tavarez          OOP    33

S.Shields          OTC    32

J.Isringhausen   ***      30

D.Turnbow       LLS     30

M.Wise            SRS     25

B.Ryan BBD    25

B.Wickman      IRP      24

H.Street           SWC   23

F.Cordero        CIP      22

J.Fassero          SWC   22

C.Hensley        LLS     21

C.Dingman       OOP    20

C.Ray              LWD   20

B.Lidge            NWC   19

M.Batista         BBD    19

B.Howry          LLS     16

S.SchoeneweisSWC    15

N.Cotts            PPS     15

C.Politte           OOP    15

 

 

Most triples allowed.

J.Beckett          LLS     7

B.Webb           OOP    7

M.Mulder         AFS     7

C.Lee   AFS     6

J.Weaver          AFS     6

D.Wells            NWC   5

E.Bedard          SWC   5

P.Martinez        NWC   5

D.Davis            ANC    5

J.Santana          CCS    5

D.Haren           SSD     5

 

Triples allowed in relief

R.Franklin        CIP      5

G.Mota            SRS     4

D.Sanchez        JJD      3

J.Kennedy        SSD     3

C.Fossum         AFS     3

 

Wins in relief

S.Torres           NWC   6

B.Ryan BBD    6

S.Eyre               OOP   5

D.Weathers      LWD   5

B.Kim              PPS     5

M.Rivera          BSP     5

M.Macdougal   SSD     5

R.Franklin        CIP      5

A.Reyes           BBD    5

R.Springer        NWC   5

 

Wild Pitches

M.Clement       PPS     15

J.Lackey          OOP    12

V.Zambrano     MEC    10

J.Johnson         OTC    10

B.Webb           OOP    10

J.Contreras       JJD      9

H.Carrasco      AFS     8

M.Mulder         AFS     8

D.Cabrera        LWD   8

 

Most pitches in relief average

R.Franklin        CIP      48.8

B.Kim  PPS     48.2

D.Brazelton      ***      47.6

C.Fossum         AFS     44.4

J.Westbrook    CCS    44.0

S.McClung       SRS     42.8

G.Carrara         BSP     41.6

D.Haren           SSD     40.0

J.Papelbon       LLS     39.0

 

Most inherited runners scored.

B.Kim               PPS    24

A.Eaton            JJD      22

R.Madson        SRS     20

J.Kennedy        SSD     17

H.Carrasco      AFS     16

S.Kim              OOP    15

D.Riske            IRP      15

M.Wuertz         ANC    14

G.Mota            SRS     13

D.Weathers      LWD   12

B.Meadows     BBD    12

R.Franklin        CIP      12

G.Meche          SSD     12

E.Guardado      LLS     12

J.Speier            CIP      12

 

Most groundballs induced

B.Webb           OOP    295

J.Garland          ***      280

H.Ramirez        CIP      271

J.Towers          ANC    268

R.Oswalt          IRP      266

M.Mulder         AFS     265

D.Willis            BSP     265

G.Maddux        LLD     264

C.Carpenter     KBP    264

D.Haren           SSD     257

L.Hernandez     ANC    253

R.Johnson        PPS     251

J.Marquis         LLS     251

 

Most HBP by pitcher

R.Johnson        PPS     12

C.Capuano       LWD   11

J.Vazquez         LLS     10

R.Clemens        SWC   10

S.Kazmir          IRP      9

J.Weaver          AFS     9

R.Madson        SRS     9

J.Westbrook    CCS    9

B.Zito                SRS    8

J.Santana          CCS    8

D.Davis            ANC    8

B.Chen KBP    8

B.Sheets           NWC   8

R.Oswalt          IRP      8

 

Most flyball outs recorded by pitcher

R.Johnson        PPS     236

B.Kim  PPS     233

J.Garland          ***      225

J.Santana          CCS    225

C.Lee   AFS     220

R.Franklin        CIP      220

B.Arroyo          SRS     215

J.Towers          ANC    214

J.Weaver          AFS     210

C.Capuano       LWD   209

B.Webb           OOP    208

C.Carpenter     KBP    205

 

Most Ground outs into DP’s

B.Webb           OOP    25

F.Garcia           AFS     22

J.Smoltz           NWC   21

J.Westbrook    CCS    21

G.Chacin          BBD    18

M.Mulder         AFS     18

C.Carpenter     KBP    18

E.Loaiza           OOP    17

R.Oswalt          IRP      17

C.Wang           ***      16

R.Clemens        SWC   16

B.Colon           BSP     16

J.Garland          ***      16

J.Lackey          OOP    16

J.Vazquez         LLS     16

D.Willis            BSP     16

 

Batters:

Most intentional walks

M.Young          CIP      12

D.Eckstein        JJD      12

J.Damon           AFS     10

F.Catalanotto   AFS     10

M.Teixeira        OTC    10

J.Peralta           CIP      9

P.Polanco         ***      9

G.Atkins           LLS     8

R.Hernandez    LWD   8

A.Miles            BBD    8

J.Cantu ***      8

J.Kent  ***      8

R.Johnson        OOP    8

M.Kotsay         BBD    8

 

LF Assists

C.Crawford      SRS     8

J.Bay                 IRP     8

H.Matsui          LLD     8

C.Floyd            OOP    7

C.Lee                PPS    7

R.Ibanez           CIP      5

L.Gonzalez       MEC    5

J.Gomes           KBP    4

M.Ramirez       LLS     4

J.Payton           BSP     4

C.Granderson   LWD   4

J.Cruz Jr           KBP    4

K.Griffey Jr      AFS     4

B.Kielty            ANC    4

 

CF Assists

V.Wells            BSP     20

D.Roberts        CIP      15

R.Johnson        OOP    13

J.Edmonds       SWC   12

J.Damon           AFS     11

G.Sizemore      IRP      11

W.Taveras       LLS     11

B.Wilkerson     KBP    10

M.Kotsay         BBD    9

C.Beltran          LWD   9

G.Jenkins         CCS    9

A.Jones            SRS     9

L.Berkman       PPS     8

J.Rivera            MEC    8

C.Sullivan         NWC   8

A.Rowand        NWC   8

R.Winn SWC   8

 

RF Assists

M.Cabrera       BSP     8

B.Clark            BBD    8

B.Abreu           PPS     7

G.Sheffield       SWC   6

T.Nixon            IRP      5

I.Suzuki            LLD     5

V.Guerrero       OOP    5

L.Matos           LWD   4

P.Wilson          OTC    4

J.Guillen           AFS     4

R.Langerhans   CIP      3

S.Green            JJD      3

L.Walker          LLS     3

R.Church          LLS     3

V.Diaz              LWD   3

C.Blake            CCS    3

B.Giles NWC   3

M.Ordonez      JJD      3

 

Working the Count (Most pitches Seen)

I.Suzuki            LLD     1779

D.Jeter             PPS     1776

D.Ortiz OOP    1768

A.Rodriguez     IRP      1756

A.Pujols           IRP      1750

T.Glaus            LWD   1749

L.Overbay        KBP    1730

B.Hall               LWD   1725

J.Damon           AFS     1719

J.Kent               NWC  1708

J.Bay                 IRP     1706

B.Giles NWC   1706

M.Young          CIP      1696

A.Jones            SRS     1690

O.Vizquel         OOP    1677

J.Rollins            LLS     1674

B.Wilkerson     KBP    1669

M.Giles            AFS     1660

G.Sizemore      IRP      1654

G.Jenkins         CCS    1654

C.Lee               PPS     1643

P.Konerko       SRS     1643

C.Floyd            OOP    1642

M.Teixeira        OTC    1636

J.Cantu SWC   1632

P.Polanco         ***      1631

S.Hillenbrand    LLD     1629

 

Sac flies

I.Rodriguez       BSP     7

A.Miles            BBD    7

M.Young          CIP      6

D.Eckstein        JJD      6

N.Swisher        SRS     5

J.Kendall          SRS     5

M.Teixeira        OTC    5

D.Ortiz OOP    5

M.Cabrera       BSP     5

B.Giles NWC   5

 

Most Sacs

W.Taveras       LLS     14

A.Berroa          ANC    10

C.Sullivan         NWC   10

A.Everett          BSP     10

M.Mora           CCS    9

D.Roberts        CIP      9

J.Pierre JJD      9

D.Eckstein        JJD      8

A.Kennedy       OOP    8

D.Jeter             PPS     8

O.Vizquel         OOP    7

J.Carroll           BBD    7

C.Figgins          BBD    7

T.Iguchi            IRP      7

 

Steals of third

J.Pierre JJD      15

C.Figgins          BBD    12

J.Reyes            SSD     11

J.Lugo              BBD    11

S.Podsednik     JJD      9

M.Lawton        OTC    6

R.Freel             JJD      5

N.Logan           LLD     4

B.Hall               LWD   4

I.Suzuki            LLD     4

 

Total Bases

D.Ortiz OOP    257

A.Pujols           IRP      235

C.Utley            PPS     216

G.Sizemore      IRP      216

C.Delgado        LLS     215

A.Dunn            CCS    214

J.Bay                 IRP     212

A.Jones            SRS     210

A.Rodriguez     IRP      209

V.Guerrero       OOP    208

M.Tejada         CCS    206

M.Cabrera       BSP     204

E.Chavez          SRS     202

V.Wells            BSP     199

 

 

HR from 5th  hole

C.Floyd            OOP    18

A.Dunn            CCS    17

C.Tracy            SWC   12

T.Clark            IRP      11

V.Diaz             LWD    10

A.Rodriguez     IRP      10

A.Huff              BBD    9

J.Payton           BSP     9

C.Jones            JJD      8

G.Sheffield       SWC   8

J.Bay                 IRP     8

 

HR from 6th hole

P.Konerko       SRS     16

R.Branyan        OOP    13

G.Jenkins         CCS    12

R.Hernandez    LWD   9

M.Kotsay         BBD    8

A.Dunn            CCS    7

T.Clark            IRP      7

G.Zaun MEC    7

M.Sweeney      SSD     6

B.Hawpe          ***      6

N.Swisher        SRS     6

R.Howard        BSP     6

 

RBI’s from 6th hole

R.Hernandez    LWD   44

P.Konerko       SRS     40

M.Sweeney      SSD     30

G.Jenkins         CCS    27

R.Aurilia           SWC   25

R.Branyan        OOP    23

M.Kotsay         BBD    22

J.Posada          ANC    21

G.Zaun MEC    20

B.Hawpe          ***      20

 

HR 7th hole

J.Gibbons         SSD     9

C.Pena             SRS     8

C.Utley            PPS     7

T.Nixon            IRP      7

C.Lee               PPS     7

J.Varitek          LLD     7

N.Swisher        SRS     6

A.Dunn            CCS    5

C.Crisp            CCS    5

C.Shelton         SWC   5

 

RBI’s from 7th hole

C.Lee               PPS     32

J.Gibbons         SSD     29

S.Stewart         LWD   29

T.Nixon            IRP      27

J.Varitek          LLD     24

C.Pena              SRS    20

C.Crisp            CCS    19

C.Utley            PPS     19

C.Shelton         SWC   18

M.GrudzielaneSWC     18

D.Eckstein        JJD      18

S.Casey           AFS     17

E.Hinske          LLS     17

 

HR 8th hole

 

J.Varitek          LLD     8

M.Matheny      SWC   7

M.Cuddyer      SSD     6

C.Everett          OOP    6

C.Beltran          LWD   6

B.Wilkerson     KBP    6

C.Lee               PPS     5

A.Rios              BBD    5

A.Pierzynski     JJD      5

R.Barajas         OTC    5

J.Dye               SSD     5

 

RBI’s 8th hole

M.Matheny      SWC   35

C.Beltran          LWD   34

B.Wilkerson     KBP    24

A.Pierzynski     JJD      23

I.Rodriguez       BSP     23

A.Rios              BBD    23

C.Everett          OOP    22

J.Varitek          BSP     22

A.Gonzalez       MEC    21

J.Uribe             AFS     20

M.Cuddyer      SSD     19

R.Ibanez           CIP      19


 

In looking over this weeks games a few things stood out.  First look how many teams are right in the thick of the race. Second, how small a margin it is between contenders.  Any advantage can mean so much given CBA’s recent past.  Noting how the 2004 & 2005 seasons came down to a 1 game playoff in that incredible Dawson division.  Third the possibility of a Cinderella team like the 04 KC A’s (Allentown Senators) who hovered near .500 then exploded to make a wildcard when Rich Schneider took over.  That wildcard later faced Brooklyn in the World Championship.  They all mix together and form quite a competitive season where there are no dominant teams.  Anything goes.

 

Again the Dawson is something interesting to watch.  Again LP and Belfast are battling, this time without Limoilou in the picture.  Neither team seems to be dominant but each has their specialty. LP their terrific bullpen, and Belfast with lots of hits and speed. Lost in this mix inexplicably is Joliet and SD who seem to be classic underachievers year after year.  The story of ’06 has to be Belfast’s climb to the top of Dawson.  It just seems that everyone is getting in on the act.  Unsung stars such as Chone Figgins and his 70 count ‘em 70 SB’s is well on his way to a CBA record.  Julio Lugo at .356 31sb , Brady Clark in the 3 hole in the lineup hitting .350 with 47 RBI and  super sub Aaron Miles 31 RBI and .366 Batting avg.  Belfast’s bullpen has kept them in most games allowing only 28% of inherited runners to score.  LP has had some strong bullpen production by committee as 7 relievers have saved games.  Todd Walker has been outstanding coming in a pre-season trade.  The old LP set men are still getting it done as they always have.  Guys like Brian Fuentes, Jorge Julio, Kiko Calero, and Kelvim Escobar have had quite a bit to do with LP’s successes the past 2 seasons.  Shea Hillenbrand has been LP’s top hitter and surprisingly Ichiro is hitting below .290.  Be interesting to see how this race develops.

 

The other Staub Conference division the Carter is having a street fight between Neah and Skokie.  Each team is manipulating and moving trying to outdo each other in the heated battle for the crown. Skokie had a tough time with Belfast this past week dropping two.  Clemens gained a no decision in a loss.  Clemens had been lights out all year with a CBA leading 17 quality starts.  Skokies pitching has been the M.O. as their offense has been a bit soft with a .332 OBa and .428 slg.  Meanwhile the hurlers are keeping runners off the paths yielding only a .248 Ba.  Edmonds and Tracy have been much of the offense in Skokie.

 

Neah Bay has had less offense, but once again reigns supreme with their yearly dominant pitching.  Neah Bay’s legacy is second to none in the pitching department.  Pedro has 5 CBA no-hitters.  Again the Whalers have the CBA lead with a 3.16 ERA.  Pedro is 10-4 2.09, Smoltz is 9-5 2.57.  The staff has allowed the least amount of baserunners in CBA.  They have allowed the fewest walks too, 194.  This years offensive stars for Neah are Brian Giles and Mike Cameron with each amassing over a  1.000 total average.  Next week Neah plays the Dawson’s Joliet in series 1, and SD in series 2. While Skokie only plays a 4 game series against Longue Pointe.

 

The Clemente had some noise when Brooklyn and Stirling swapped some players. Swisher headed up north to Canada along with wonderkind Milledge and Brooklyn settled Miguel Cabrera in the House of Pain.  Indiana off several recent deals is still struggling to gain some winning consistency as is Brooklyn. Both are trailing behind ‘Hot’tawa by 5 and 3 respectively.  Indiana though is showing some signs as ARod and Pujols are on fire.  Indiana’s twin terrors both launched moonshots in the same game 2 nights in a row on June 15th and 16th on the schedule.  A Rod has been on fire with 14 hits in 7 games.  Hitting 3 Hrs and having 2, 4 hit games. He has 16 runs scored in 9 games.  Indiana needs him and Pujols to stay hot.  Tony Clark has been devastating for Indiana since his acquisition hitting 7 Hr and a .311 Ba in 45 AB’s.  Ottawa has won 9 of the last 10 and just keeps a rollin even when their subs play.  Chris Woodward played LF in  a key role in the Ottawa lineup.  He has been hitting .500 since his activation this week. 

Scott Eyre has been such a story for the Otters. A 0.88 era in 45 innings with 10 holds good for 2nd in CBA. 

 

Alamo maintains a 3 game lead over Dean’s Lake County Leopards.  Now Carolina Copperheads after a successful week has entered the scene.  Only 5 ½ back, the Copperheads led by Brian Roberts .326 good for CBA top 10 in BA, and Adam Dunn’s 31 HR’s are looking more like a contender.  Carolina leads CBA with 141 HR’s which puts them on pace to join CBA’s all time HR leaders by seasons end.  CCS has a .488 team slug pct.  And also are 2nd in CBA in K’s. Travis Hafner has socked 23 HR hitting .302, and 10 hitters have 7 or more HR. A team effort, when Johan Santana heats up, this team could be in like for a nice September.

 


 

(AP) 'House Of Pain', Bklyn NY 21:43pm.....................

To Brooklyn: Miguel Cabrera, Anderson Hernandez and SRS # 6
To Stirling: Nick Swisher, Lastings Milledge, BSP # 2 and BSP # 5

The House of Pain has added a new slugger to the offensive leagcy of the Brooklyn 'Poibs.  Miguelito Cabrera the young 3B/OF with the potent bat is the latest and newest Superba to wear the Black and Gold.  In a deal that took well over a year to materialize, Brooklyn moved away quite a bit of young potential and talent to get him and future 2B Anderson Hernandez.  Gone are the 4 tool Swisher, and super propsect Lastings Milledge along with a #2 and a #5 pick.

Manager John Stearns is very pleased with the trade and has announced that Cabrera will receive a majority of his playing time at 3B allowing the potent bat and versatility of Rob Mackowiak to become the teams primary utility man.  Said SStearns, "Miguelito will be a huge hit with the Brooklyn fans.  He will love playing in Prospect Park's House of Pain.  He will love his team mates but I hope not too much if you know what I...."  Stearns was immediate cutoff by media secretary Bebe Rebozito before he could finish his thought.  It is believed that Jay Payton will take most of the At bats that Swisher was getting and play LF.  Swisher had already hit 14 HR's for Brooklyn this season just 1 less than Cabrera. 

" We team good be good now you bet " said NY cab driver Shetstayn Al-Faitale.  "This Miguelito is good playa.  He be de guy that be."  Other fans voiced their satisfaction over the deal.  Tony BiFonzarukie another Brooklyn fan offered this analysis.  "Yo, wit Cabrera in da House, the Poibs got a shot at catching the Otters, and holding off that Indiana team.  Those guys are tough we had to do something...."

GM Marc Wass agreed......


 

 

Well how about Malachi Nellum's Alamo City Flames. One of CBA's veteran franchises, Alamo has been slowly rebuilding and now the dividends. A 4 game lead over Dave Dean's struggling Lake County Leopards, and Wayne "McGoo's" Stirling Red Sox. The Flames have been in first for 3 weeks now and they look like an emerging CBA force. Look at the damage Ken Griffey Jrdid for the Flames in this June 7th game.

ALAMO CITY AT PHILLY
Flames.......... 3 3 7 0 0 0 3 0 0 - 16 16 0
Phantastics..... 3 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 - 9 12 1
Win:Seanez(2-3) Loss:Perez(1-6)
Homeruns- M.Giles(5th), K.Griffey Jr-2(14th), B.Abreu(17th), C.Utley-2(25th)

Left fielder Ken Griffey Jr slammed 2 homeruns and had 8 RBI at Ameriquest
Field where the Alamo City Flames beat the Philly Phantastics 16 to
9.

Griffey Jr had a great day at the plate. He smacked a three-run homer in the
1st inning, doubled which was good for two runs in the 2nd inning and lifted
one out of the park for a two run home run (his 14th of the season) in the
3rd inning. Alamo City kept the scorekeepers busy in the 3rd inning with 7
runs on 6 hits. Alamo City finished with 16 hits while Philly ended up with
12.

Rudy Seanez(2-3) picked up the victory, allowing no runs in 3 and 2/3 innings.
Oliver Perez(1-6) ended up with the loss. He pitched 1 and 2/3 innings
giving up 4 hits and 4 walks.

Jack hammers sweep Longue Pointe...June 7th. Joliet left for dead after their May swoon, sought revenge on the LP Loggers who have been in first for most of the season. Joliet swept 4 games from Dennis C's team who had just split with Carter divisions Thundercats in the first series. LP riding a strong team effort and a nice lead in Dawson, didnt expect the venom the Jack's dished out. Joliet a fairly laid back team exploded in a 15-11 win on June 6th. Aolfonso Soriano lived up to his price tag with 2 HR's and the game winner in the 11th, a Grand Slam HR to win it.

BOXSCORE: 2006 Joliet Jackhammers At 2006 Longue Pointe Loggers 6/6/2006
Lots of runs, lots o' hits. Joliet climbs back into race.

Jackhammers AB R H RBI AVG Loggers AB R H RBI AVG
J.Pierre CF 4 3 2 1 .258 C.Counsell SS 5 1 2 2 .281
M.Holliday LF 3 2 1 0 .242 I.Suzuki RF 6 1 1 1 .282
A-S.Podsednik LF 2 1 0 0 .241 S.Hillenbrand 3B 6 1 2 2 .316
A.Soriano 2B 6 2 3 8 .228 R.Sexson 1B 5 1 1 0 .255
D.Lee 1B 6 2 2 2 .337 H.Matsui LF 6 1 2 2 .242
S.Green RF 6 1 4 0 .295 T.Hunter CF 6 1 2 1 .255
D.Eckstein SS 5 1 2 0 .316 J.Kendall C 4 3 2 0 .254
A.Pierzynski C 4 0 0 0 .244 L.Gonzalez 2B 3 0 0 0 .231
B-Y.Torrealba C 2 1 1 2 .275 D-T.Martinez PH 1 0 0 0 .224
R.Freel 3B 4 0 0 0 .252 E-J.Cirillo 2B 0 1 0 0 .364
C.Spurling P 0 0 0 0 .000 G.Maddux P 2 0 1 1 .115
J.Putz P 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Witasick P 0 0 0 0 ----
A.Eaton P 0 0 0 0 .333 F-N.Logan PH 1 0 0 0 .000
G-R.Shealy PH 0 0 0 0 .432 J.Julio P 0 0 0 0 ----
H-C.Barmes PR 1 1 0 0 .273 R.Dempster P 0 0 0 0 .091
D.Sanchez P 0 0 0 0 ---- H.Bell P 0 0 0 0 ----
M.Redman P 0 0 0 0 .095 I-A.Gonzalez PH 1 1 1 2 .292
D.Williams P 0 0 0 0 .000
J.Contreras P 2 0 0 0 .172
L.Vizcaino P 1 0 0 0 .000
C-W.Helms 3B 2 1 2 1 .365
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 48 15 17 14 Totals 46 11 14 11

A-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Holliday In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Pierzynski In 8th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Vizcaino In 8th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Gonzalez In 8th Inning
E-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Martinez In 9th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Witasick In 9th Inning
G-Pinch Hit For Eaton In 11th Inning
H-Pinch Ran For Shealy In 11th Inning
I-Pinch Hit For Bell In 11th Inning

Jackhammers..... 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 - 15 17 1
Loggers......... 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 5 - 11 14 1

Jackhammers (32-35) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
J.Contreras 4 1/3 7 5 5 1 5 2 91 4.83
L.Vizcaino 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 39 4.10
C.Spurling HOLD(3rd) 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 3.69
J.Putz BS(1st) 0 2/3 1 1 1 0 0 1 3 4.29
A.Eaton WIN(2-2) 1 1/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 10 4.63
D.Sanchez 0 2 3 3 0 0 0 11 4.73
M.Redman 0 1/3 1 1 1 0 0 0 11 4.14
D.Williams 0 2/3 2 1 1 0 0 1 8 4.90
Totals 11 14 11 11 2 8 4

Loggers (39-29) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
G.Maddux 7 10 6 6 1 5 2 142 3.81
J.Witasick 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 34 7.07
J.Julio LOSS(0-1) 1 2 5 5 2 1 1 38 8.25
R.Dempster 0 1/3 2 4 3 1 0 0 18 3.55
H.Bell 0 2/3 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 3.38
Totals 11 17 15 14 4 6 3

ATTENDANCE- 51,907 DATE- Friday, June 6th 2006 TIME- Night WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Tim Welke, Larry Poncino, Svooge Nybroutiv, Ed Rapuano
T- 4:28
LEFT ON BASE- Jackhammers: 8 Loggers: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Jackhammers: 0 Loggers: 1
ERRORS- J.Contreras, J.Cirillo
DOUBLES- A.Soriano(17th), D.Lee(24th), D.Eckstein(8th), Y.Torrealba(9th),
W.Helms(8th), S.Hillenbrand(20th), H.Matsui(9th)
TRIPLES- M.Holliday(3rd), J.Kendall(2nd), A.Gonzalez(1st)
HOME RUNS- A.Soriano-2(14th), D.Lee(14th), I.Suzuki(3rd), S.Hillenbrand(8th),
H.Matsui(6th), T.Hunter(9th)
STOLEN BASES- J.Pierre-5(46th)
CAUGHT STEALING- J.Pierre-2, C.Counsell
SACRIFICE HITS- J.Pierre, G.Maddux
WALKS- M.Holliday, S.Podsednik, D.Eckstein, R.Shealy, C.Counsell, R.Sexson
HIT BY PITCH- J.Pierre-2, W.Helms, J.Kendall, J.Cirillo
STRIKE OUTS- M.Holliday, D.Lee, D.Eckstein, A.Pierzynski, J.Contreras-2,
C.Counsell, I.Suzuki, S.Hillenbrand-2, H.Matsui, T.Hunter,
J.Kendall, L.Gonzalez
GIDP- D.Eckstein
BALKS- H.Bell
WILD PITCHES- J.Julio

Second baseman Alfonso Soriano smashed 2 homeruns as the Joliet Jackhammers
defeated the Longue Pointe Loggers in 11 innings by the score of 15 to 11 at
Molson Yards (nya).

The score was knotted at 6 after nine innings. Joliet won the hard fought
contest in the 11th inning. The key offensive moment was provided by Soriano
who deflated the crowd as he launched a Grand Slam homerun (his 14th of the
season). Joliet provided plenty of action in the 11th inning which saw them
plate 9 runs on 4 hits. Joliet had 17 hits overall, while Longue Pointe had
14.

The win went to Adam Eaton(2-2) who allowed no runs in 1 and 1/3 innings.
Jorge Julio(0-1) was the loser in relief. He gave up 2 hits and 2 walks in 1
inning.

Joliet also solved the Longue Pointe lefty puzzle. Sabathia and Moyer were roughed by the Frosted Jack's. Julio the dominant has become Julio the bombed. Wes Helms has stepped in with a .353 bat and Derick Lee has hit 14 Hr's to give Joliet some hope. Lee's 3 hits helped JJ defeat LP in game 3, 11-5. Lee knocked in 3 runs in Parc Jarry#2...

 

Indiana looked so hopeful after a couple bold trades and a strong block 9. The week started great for the RB's as they met Ottawa in a battle of Parker rivals. Ottawa has held first place and has been dog fighting with both Brooklyn and Indiana all season long. Indiana needed to take a series from Ottawa and they did. May 31st game was a classic with Indy winning with a run in the 1oth on a Toby Hall single. Indy took 3 of 4 moving to within 2 games of the lead. The road to the top seemed easy enough as Cooperstown was next. RedBird fans ever optimistic and buzzing from the weeks events thus far may have taken the Ryan Wyke led Iron Horses too lightly.

Cooperstown stopped the Indiana Redbirds winning 3 of 4 behind renewed offense, and Justin Speier. Speier has issued no runs in 13 appearances. Radke, Franklin, and Ch Cordero captured the Birds and stalled their flight to the top in Parker. In the 4th game of the series, Cooperstown managed only 3 hits in their 2-1 win. Indy had 12 hits. Despite Tony Clark's heroics this week (7 HR), Indy only moved up 1 notch towards Ottawa in Parker....

BOXSCORE: 2006 Indiana RedBirds At 2006 Cooperstown Iron Horses 6/7/2006

RedBirds AB R H RBI AVG Iron Horses AB R H RBI AVG
G.Sizemore CF 5 0 1 0 .315 M.Young SS 3 1 1 0 .306
P.Polanco 2B 4 0 3 0 .348 C.Wilson RF 3 0 0 0 .250
D-T.Walker PH 1 0 0 0 .329 D.Johnson 1B 3 0 0 1 .280
A.Pujols 1B 4 0 2 0 .301 D.Bell 3B 4 0 1 1 .270
A.Rodriguez SS 4 0 1 0 .276 J.Buck C 2 0 0 0 .262
J.Bay LF 4 0 1 0 .308 R.Langerhans LF 3 0 1 0 .181
T.Clark DH 4 1 2 1 .265 J.Peralta DH 3 0 0 0 .299
T.Nixon RF 3 0 0 0 .221 R.Gotay 2B 3 0 0 0 .248
H.Blalock 3B 4 0 1 0 .235 D.Roberts CF 1 1 0 0 .286
T.Hall C 2 0 0 0 .243
A-M.Stairs PH 1 0 1 0 .308
B-M.Olivo C 0 0 0 0 .184
C-J.Conine PH 1 0 0 0 .343
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 37 1 12 1 Totals 25 2 3 2

A-Pinch Hit For Hall In 7th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Stairs In 7th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Olivo In 9th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Polanco In 9th Inning

RedBirds........ 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 12 0
Iron Horses..... 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 - 2 3 0

RedBirds (36-30) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA SCORESHEET
S.Kazmir LOSS(9-5) 7 3 2 2 6 6 0 130 3.90 A1 D5
D.Riske 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 15 4.62 D6
Totals 8 3 2 2 6 8 0

Iron Horses (28-40) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA SCORESHEET
B.Radke WIN(5-7) 7 12 1 1 1 6 1 104 3.49 A1 D5
B.Thompson HOLD(1st) 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 6.57 D6 D6
J.Crain HOLD(7th) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 3.14 D7 D9
F.Cordero SAVE(6th) 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 2 0 10 5.63 E1
Totals 9 12 1 1 1 8 1

ATTENDANCE- 16,786 DATE- Saturday, June 7th 2006 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Dougles Eddings, Greg Gibson, Sam Holbrook, Paul Emmel
T- 2:26
LEFT ON BASE- RedBirds:10 Iron Horses: 9
DOUBLE PLAYS- RedBirds: 0 Iron Horses: 1
DOUBLES- P.Polanco(21st)
HOME RUNS- T.Clark(20th)
SACRIFICE HITS- D.Roberts
SACRIFICE FLIES- D.Johnson
WALKS- T.Nixon, M.Young, C.Wilson, J.Buck-2, J.Peralta, D.Roberts
HIT BY PITCH- R.Langerhans, R.Gotay
STRIKE OUTS- G.Sizemore-3, T.Walker, A.Pujols, A.Rodriguez, T.Nixon, H.Blalock,
M.Young, C.Wilson, D.Johnson, D.Bell, J.Buck, J.Peralta, R.Gotay-2
GIDP- H.Blalock
WILD PITCHES- S.Kazmir

At Wrigley Field, the Cooperstown faithful were treated to an intriguing
pitcher's duel. Brad Radke(5-7) finally bested his Indiana counterpart,
Scott Kazmir(9-5), by the score of 2 to 1.

Cooperstown had 2 runs cross the plate in the 5th inning. Despite losing,
Indiana out-hit Cooperstown 12 to 3. Radke got help from Francisco Cordero
who earned his 6th save. The loss was charged to Kazmir. He surrendered 3
hits and 6 walks in 7 innings.

MARIANO! Brooklynites are ecstatic about Mariano's 30 scoreless inning streak! He single handedly helped push Brooklyn back into the race in Parker with 3 big wins to put his record at 5-0, and 3 more saves to give him 13 on the season. Rivera has not allowed a single run this year nailing shut all his opponents. Read this, 30 innings, 7 hits!!! 34 K's. Ligts out a 0% inherited runner scoring stat. Brooklyn's super platooners starred. The House of Pain is still rockin'.

46,907 fans were treated to a fine game at House of Pain {Col} as only one run
separated the combatants at game's end. The Brooklyn Superbas won by the
slimmest of margins, 6 to 5.

The game was won by Brooklyn with a run in the 8th inning. Todd Helton hit a
bases-empty home run (his 6th of the season). Brooklyn managed 11 in their
victory.

The victory went to Mariano Rivera(4-0) who went 2 innings, allowing no runs.
Scott Linebrink(3-8) was charged with the loss in relief....


The battle fior Carter rages. With the Wolfmen looking to tear into the Whalers. In Game 1 lefty David Wells easily handled the Skok's lineup. Game 2 Game 2 was all Neah teaching the newer Skokie franchise a 7-0 lesson in pitching seemingly asserting their strength over the past 4 seasons in one walloping game. Recent #1 draftee "King" Felix Hernandez made a spot start and mowed down the Skoks in this key game. Piazza paid dividends witha HR and 5 RBi's.

 


May 30th, 2006

Although this week didn't see the leads change hands, the pennant races became more defined. In the Staub, Longue Pointe was able to hold off rival Belfast this week. Belfast's Chone Figgins is currently on a27 game hitting streak, longest of the year thus far. LP has won 8 of last 10 games, with a 10-5 record in 1 run games a testament to their bullpen support. LP was able to Slow SD who dropped 8 back and Maine who is struggling to find themselves in '06. SD and Joliet had dismal weeks and are rapidly falling out of the playoff race as Allentown has played well enough to move into contention for at least a wildcard being 4 games over .500 while the others have struggled. Unless SD and joliet make some progress it may be those three looking into the post season. Skokie has been on fire and now owns a 1.5 game lead over ever tough Neah Bay. Those two will dogfight all year as they have each made moves to improve their Staub division playoff chances.

In Clemente Philly again set some offensive marks. Scoring 26 runs on May 28th, in a 26-4 win over contending Stirling, the Phantastics lashed 24 hits. Carlos Lee walked 4 times, Lance Berkman scored 5 runs and Knocked in 6 on 4 hits. There were 3 players with 5 RBI or more. Philly is 8.5 behind Schmidt division leader Alamo City whop held first for another week. Alamo, Malachi Nellum's team, 32-26, isn't the offensive force they were '05, but much improved pitching has been the difference. With their team ERA about 1.5 runs less, the Flames and their new uniforms, have been solid this season. Billy Wagner has been lights out with 15 sv and a miniscule 0.71 ERA. Moises Alou is still flirting with .400 and has hit 8 taters thus far...Lake County a game back is hanging tough as Frank Thomas, and Larry Walker / Carlos Delgado have been quite deadly, rivaling Ottawa's Vlad-Papi combo. The Leopards pitching has been even better than Alamo's so this will be an interesting race to watch. Stirling is right there a game back as well. Wayne McGee, an original CBA owner has to be pleased how his RedSox have bounced back after a short 1 year rebuild. Cabrera and Konerko have been marvelous for Wayne. SRS has been winning despite not getting on base as much as expected, .336 team OBA.Lots of power and a good leadoff man, Crawford, may be the difference. David Ortiz had a 5 hit game for Parker leader Ottawa on May 30th. Ottawa has a 4 game lead over both Brooklyn and Indiana. It looks like Jack Jung's team may be the class of Parker. Brooklyn cant seem to get untracked. Brooklyn doesn't seem to have their renowned pop this year, struggling along with a '.266' Batting avg, about 30 pts below their 10 year normal. Indiana is also at 4 games back and both those two should be battling all year for a playoff spot. With Indiana's latest trades, they may be a favorite to overtake the Superbas in the chase.

 


May 22nd 2006

Very interesting month. With some race lead changes. Never can tell week to week who will
emerge with everyone so tightly packed. With a rush, Alamo City has taken control in the
Schmidt from Lake County. Malachi Nellum has been waiting patiently for a few season for
his team to gel and it appears it may be doing just that, having a strong week, sweeping
Bryan their Texas rivals. May has been good for Alamo who were a few under .500 as of
May 4th, but have steady climbed now in first place. Could have been a bigger lead had
they not lost 2 of 3 to Lake County in the final series....Striling has quietly moved back
into the race actually to within a half game of first for. Its their first time that close
to the top spot since early 2004. 5 players with double digit HR's. Andruuw Jones had a
big week breaking his slump with a multiple HR game. Chavez, Konerko, Cabrera and Belliard
10 27 .355 have all hit the long balls. It certainly hasn't been their pitching with a mid
5 ERA. Lake County ever tough has used the big bat of Carlos Delgado 16 50 .321 to stay
in the thick of it. Carolina led by 101 HR Adam Dunn's 25 HR and the amazing season of
Travis Hafner's 17 41 .317 are poised to strike with a great offense....Ottawa is back in
first place. They took apart Brooklyn in their head to head by the Bash Brothers Ortiz and
Guerrero doing tons of damage. Perhaps CBA's strongest offensive tandem they helped take 3
games form the Superbas destroying the Brooklyn pitchers...Indiana and Brooklyn went head
to head with the Supers winning 3 of 4 from them. Brooklyn pitchers couldnt hold on as
Indiana makes their rush to fight in the Parker.Wang and Loaiza pitching well in their key
starts. Brooklyn has fallen 3 1/2 out and are looking at a tough road ahead if they wish
to repeat. Indiana has won 7, 1 run games to account for their rise. Sizemore, Bay, and
Al Pujols have been hitting very well. Could you imagine when A Rod heats up what may
happen here in Parker?....

Longue Pointe has taken command in Dawson with a solid week splitting with the Senators
and taking 2 of 3 from Maine. Pitching the key with solid pen work by committee and
excellent starting pitching. LP got some nice small ball using Hit and Run and some key
steals by Ichiro to move ahead. Hillenbrand continues his clutch hitting to keep LP
atop... Belfast struggled dropping both their series. Belfast has hit a team .292 BA
but managed only 46 HR's this year. JD Adams must be scratching his head after losing
to Joliet after Limoilou took 3 of 4 from Belfast in Quebec in was a crucial city for the
Brawlers. It was a lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the once mighty
Wendigo. Perhaps this weeks trade for Tim Hudson proved a spark. It sure did for Neah Bay
who despite the tremendous play of Skokie had an awesome first week half defeating Joliet
3 of 4 in retaking 1st place in Carter, only to drop their final series to SD 2 of 3. Neah
swept OTC in their series after losing two to SD in the first half. Joliet remains 5 1/2
out with SD 6 games out floating along on the cusp....
 


 

 CBA is off and running. The new website address is speedy and no pop-ups.
As a few guys had said before the season, teams that were second division last year
will be much improved this season, and a few better teams will drop. The prophecy
thus far is correct. A look around CBA shows just that trend with a few surprises.
Some players have gotten off to great starts and some teams as well. The divisions
are bunched up promising for another great pennant chase. A look around CBA shows
alot of competition in the Parker, Dawson, Schmidt and somewhat Carter.  We had our first no hitter this week with Stirling getting their 3rd since '97. Barry Zito combined with Matt Wise.  They gave up 1 run with walks.


The Clemente division has been labeled by some as perhaps less competitive in past
seasons than the Staub. Dominated by a few teams like Brooklyn in Parker, Neah,
and teams like Lake Co (New york) Philly, not too many other teams have gone into
the playoffs in the recent past. This year there seems to be some new players
emerging. After last years forgettable season, the Alamo City Flames made a few
strong moves in the off season to solidify their once feeble pitching staff and
improve their lineup. Last year the Flames made CBA's top 5 alltime with a .310
team Batting average. They appear on track again for big offense with a .289 BA
which is climbing each block. They lead CBA with 287 hits at press time. Off to
a 15-12 start they sit alone atop Schmidt ahead of Lake County, and Philly.
Carolina (formerly Wantagh) has showed some signs of life hovering near .500 they
sit just behind Philly and Lake County. A few trades and personnel moves could
spell the difference in Schmidt.

Once again Brooklyn led by surprisingly good pitching is starting to hit like
Brooklyn teams always do at the House of Pain. They lead CBA with a .290 BA clubbing
44 HR's. Brooklyn has had solid performances from Vernon Wells and Mariano Rivera
to help pace their 18-9 record. 2 games behind are the very tough Indiana RedBirds.
The RedBirds favored by some to win Parker, are off and flying. Albert Pujols and
Arod has been a wrecking crew, each slamming 11 HR's. Its hard to imagine what their
numbers will be like at seasons end, but with Grady Sizemore getting on base regurlarly
and guys like Bay behind the trio, AFS will likely score tons of runs and maybe shatter
some CBA records in the process. Paced by Scott Kazmir's 6-0 record, the RedBirds hope
to keep pitching to stay with the well balanced Brooklyn team.
Bryan and Ottawa look to have an effect on the race and are poised to break soon.
Ottawa finished week 4 strong after struggling with Indiana in series 1. Ottawa handled
Cooperstown who themselves are looking much improved over '05. Ottawa remains very
dangerous with Vlad, Ortiz, and Floyd in the middle of a strong lineup. Ottawa will battle
Bryan who is just under .500 in a very tough division, perhaps CBA's toughest in '06.
Bryan (formerly Kilgore) has gotten stellar bullpen work once again from Dustin Hermanson
(10 sv) Scott Linebrink and Luis Ayala. In Parker Brooklyn and Bryan may have the pitching,
but the RedBirds and Otters have the bats.


Looking into the Staub, once again the Dawson is a battle that will likely go to the wire.
Two years in a row 1 game playoffs had to be played. The exception is that this season
it may not include Limoilou. How the mighty have fallen. The big story is their rapid drop
after all their winning seasons into CBA's cellar. Arguable CBA's most successful franchise,
the once mighty Wendigo have been caught captured and shown to the public with a 6-15 record,
7 games off the pace set by now Longue Pointe. LP has reclaimed the top spot from the
Belfast Brawlers who had jumped into first early in block 1 to 3. Longue Pointe broke even
in 4 games block 4 with the Bullies and took 2 of 3 from SD another division rival clutch wins
for sure moving into first place with the last Belfast win. Although the pitching has been
inconsistant with Moyer and Sabathia struggling, clutch hitting from Shea Hillenbrand and
Richard Sexson have kept the Loggers and their mascot Lumber'Jacque' rolling. Belfast has to
be considered among early surprises. Belfast jumped out to an early Dawson lead and have looked
pretty balanced and strong so far. Strong pitching and timely hitting. Solid starts from Seo
and Chacin and great pen work has meant wins. Belfast bench may be the only question here as
usage is a concern for this team. San Diego has often given CBA absolutely nothing to talk about
in their 4 years in CBA. This year we may get some stories from the CBA's westernmost outpost
since they certainly have the talent this year to make noise. Of note Jake Peavy is off to a
6-0 start with a miniscule 0.92 ERA. Their team is perhaps alot better than their 13-14 record
suggests. Let see what happens here as the season goes. Joliet is certainly looking better in
'06 than '05. Good pitching and good hitting and ouila! Joliet is challenging for the Dawson at
13-13. Jack Frost has made several key trades in the off season and looks to get some mileage
from new players. Good starts by Soriano, Shawn Green, AJ Pierzynski, and Chipper have kept the
Jacks in the hunt. Block 5 will be an important one for both JJD and SSD.


The Carter looks to be Neah Bay's to lose in '06. A perrenial powerhouse, John the Revelator Skillings
is again using pitching to git er done boasting a 3.31 team ERA. Cy Young candidate Pedro Martinez
is 5-0, Sheets stingy pitching, and the pen has been solid if not spectacular. Neah is at 17-7.
The aren't hitting much but with pitching like that, they will compete all year. Their main
competition comes from the Steel town of Allentown Pennsylvania. The Senators who along with their
new logo are going strong at 14-13. The former KC (KAC) team is looking to repeat the successes
of the '04 A's who Rich Schneider led into CBA's finals against the '04 World Champion Brooklyn Superbas.
Allentown (ANC not ASC which used to be the Acadie Stras initials) has done it opposite Neah,
with the bats. 6 players are double digit in RBI's with emerging CBA star Jorge Cantu going
6 23 .331 Skokie is at 13-13 and looking to find some consistancy and put together a winning streak.
Despite the Wolfman's assertions, the Wolfmen are a very tough team again and should compete all year.
The Wolf will howl again we're sure.

Below is the no hitter....

BOXSCORE: 2006 Alamo City Flames At 2006 Stirling Redsox            4/25/2006
 
  Flames             AB  R  H RBI AVG     Redsox             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  J.Damon CF          4  0  0  0 .244     C.Crawford LF       4  1  1  0 .226 
  M.Giles 2B          3  0  0  0 .333     R.Belliard 2B       4  1  3  1 .385 
  M.Alou DH           4  0  0  0 .421     A.Jones CF          3  2  1  2 .221 
  J.Francoeur RF      4  0  0  0 .333     M.Cabrera RF        3  0  1  1 .354 
  K.Griffey Jr LF     2  1  0  0 .310   A-J.Repko RF          1  0  0  0 .250 
  B.Mueller 3B        4  0  0  0 .261     E.Chavez 3B         4  0  0  0 .187 
  S.Casey 1B          2  0  0  0 .373     P.Konerko 1B        4  0  0  0 .208 
  J.Uribe SS          2  0  0  0 .189     J.Varitek C         3  0  0  0 .239 
  M.Redmond C         2  0  0  1 .185     J.Larue DH          1  0  0  0 .148 
                                          O.Cabrera SS        3  0  1  0 .242 
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      27  1  0  1                 Totals      30  4  7  4
 
A-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Cabrera In 8th Inning
 
Flames.......... 0 1 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  1  0  0
Redsox.......... 3 0 0  0 1 0  0 0    -  4  7  1
 
Flames (15-12)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
C.Lee LOSS(3-3)           8       7   4   4   2  10   1 127   4.68  A1
Totals                    8       7   4   4   2  10   1
 
Redsox (9-18)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
B.Zito WIN(1-5)           7       0   1   1   5   5   0 121   8.88  A1 C8
M.Wise SAVE(4th)          2       0   0   0   1   3   0  26   2.08  C9
Totals                    9       0   1   1   6   8   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 27,781 DATE- Friday, April 25th 2006 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Alfonso Marquez, Jeff Kellogg, Jerry Layne, Lil' Jack Little
T- 2:12
LEFT ON BASE- Flames: 5  Redsox: 5
DOUBLE PLAYS- Flames: 0  Redsox: 1
ERRORS- R.Belliard
DOUBLES- C.Crawford(7th), R.Belliard(7th), M.Cabrera(6th)
HOME RUNS- A.Jones(7th)
WALKS- M.Giles, K.Griffey Jr-2, S.Casey, J.Uribe, M.Redmond, J.Larue-2
HIT BY PITCH- A.Jones
STRIKE OUTS- M.Giles, M.Alou, J.Francoeur, K.Griffey Jr-2, B.Mueller, J.Uribe-2,
             C.Crawford-2, R.Belliard, M.Cabrera-2, J.Repko, E.Chavez,
             P.Konerko, J.Varitek-2
GIDP- M.Giles
 
The Stirling Redsox pitching staff gave the fans an afternoon that they'll
never forget by tossing a combined no-hitter! The tension started to build
around the 6th inning.  By the 9th inning the crowd was electrified.  Alamo
City went down without a fight in the 9th. 
 
Barry Zito(1-5) got credit for the victory, pitching 7 innings and allowing 1
run. Zito got help from Matt Wise who was credited with his 4th save.  Cliff
Lee(3-3) absorbed the loss.  He surrendered 4 runs and 7 hits in 8 innings.
 
'You probably have a better chance of winning the lottery than this
happening,' said Zito who got credit for the win, 'I don't expect it to sink
in for awhile.' he said. 'You know, it's hard to say who was better, the
starter or the bullpen!'
 


Brooklyn Luvs their Wacky Superbas....4-23-06

by Joe Slats

 

 

In 1997 the city of Brooklyn was awarded a franchise by the fledgling Cyber Baseball Association. A league better known in the Strat-o-sphere as C.B.A.

Quickly a civic commision ("Baseball Back in Bklyn") was appointed by Borough President Mike DelPritito to oversee and build a new stadium known as "The House of Pain" to the same specifications as Colorado's Coors Field. It went up quickly in Brooklyn's midsection in a place called Prospect Park. Based on an old Olmstead and Vaux design, the area was beautiful yet not efficient for the increased traffic flow. As result the trains were packed, and traffic stopped.

The Superbas stopped too. They stopped pitching in their inaugural year. Though they did hit at the House of Pain, leading the league with a .284 BA. But the rest of the season, well...not s'good.... A former CBA member once said "Superbas" means 'great underwear' in French. The Superbas were as pathetic as a dried skidmark committing 143 errors and amasing a league worst 5.18 ERA. Those numbers were good enough to snatch defeat 97 times from the jaws of victory and a pathetic last place finish. Through the stench of the 97 season, "The House of Pain" rocked every night!..... and still it rocks on into 2004.....

This season, the city fixed its traffic mess around Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park. At the same time fixing the subway snarl and logjams by finalizing and building a long awaited "Superba Hovercraft" and "KiteTrain" fan mover transport system. Able to move crowds from the outer fringes of Midwood, Bensonhurst, and New Lots to Flatbush has eased traffic and brought big business to the middle Brooklyn stadium area.

Brooklyn fans such as Broog Tylobrow, Vito DelaChien, Mike Fionzarukii, and Eric Lindner still love their fun and maniacal team. Years before They came out en masse to watch such former original Brooklyn Superbas such as Albert Belle, Lance Johnson, Jeff Frye, Butch Huskey, Felipe Lira, Paul Sorrento, and the legendary Peoples cherce Mel Rojas battle teams such as the SunJewels, Canadian River, Hootersville, The MobSquad, Parma Flamingoes, and the beloved Southwest Sun Lizards. Nowadays 'dem SuPoib's take on teams such as the Durango Dirtbags, Belfast Brawlers, Houston Aero's, NY Bombers and the Neah Bay Whalers. Fans now however are seeing a better brand of winning ball played by characters who remind oldtimers of the fabled GasHouse Gang clubs. Look at some of the 'colorful' players on the Brooklyn Bums team.

Todd "The Mod" Helton a surefire CBA HOFer, Todd has adopted a fake British Accent (like Johnny Depp). He flits around the clubhouse and enjoys entertaining repoters by portraying Bill Cosby acting as a British spy. It is quite bizzare say some reporters but teammates dont mind as long as he keeps hitting they report.

Ivan Rodriguez always keeps a dish of caviar and oil in his locker. Like a form of aroma therapy it helps this potential all star catcher achieve his best emotional state before games.

Roy Halliday often helps local police chase down local wiseguys on off days. He often has been said to chase an occassional fire engine or two.

Adam Everett Another strange case. Suffering from some form of paranoia, Everett is constantly comparing himself to Carl Everett much to his own consternation.

Ryan Howard Has embraced technology. Last years attempt to Implant a GPS tracking device in his body to help him find himself at the plate was supposed to work wonders. However it backfired and Ry-Oh-Ho was sent to the DL with a staph infection caused by the foreign device. Oh no Ry-Ho.

Robin Ventura Lost his 1B job vs Lefties to the enigmatic Juan "In-fidel" Castro. The slump and humilation grew worse with each series. So what did the do? He simply went up in a game against KC A's lefthander with his bat held upside down by the barrell. He actually lashed a single to left splintering the bat before a laughing Brooklyn dugout.

Jay Payton His spot in LF is known on the Brooklyn streets as "Payton's Place" Always refers to himself in the third person.

Generalismo Mariano Rivera The brutal dictator of the bullpen likens himself to dictators such as Somoza, Trujillo, Noriega, Evita Peron, Wally Cox, and Captain Kangaroo. He has a different pitch for each dictatorial mood swing he encounters on the mound. Quite an entertaining reliever to watch.

Jason Kirschner used to be The teams musician, now it's LaTroy "Sadie-Sophie" Hawkins often found by Bklyn's Ave U, listening to the rock bands. Rumoured to be looking to produce an hour long rock concert show on NBC Saturday night......

Jose Vidro quite a hit with the female fans at The House that Rafael Bournigal built. Many a young fan look up to him.

And perhaps the liveliest personality in dugout, the Wacky Claudio Vargas. Ever the source of fun and target of jokes, The Bolivian is so popular in Brooklyn that they made a doll/action figure of him.

The doll retails for a buck 99 at Gas stations everywhere. It's dual purpose as a toy and lighter fluid cannister has caused quite a sensation in schoolyards around the city. Says Bklyn fan Lenny Leotardo

 

 


 

   Block 2 April 9th 2006

A few surprises but remember a long season with lots of factors will come into play…
In the Dawson, Belfast has jumped to an early lead. Belfast’s league leading pitching is
a big part of the reason for success. Chone Figgins is leading CBA with 8 SB picking right
up where he left off last season. Mark Kotsay has jumped out quick as well with 4 HR ,
10RBI and a .405 BA. Longue Pointe hasn’t been terribly consistant despite Richie Sexson’s
3 HR 15 RBI .313 production. Injured most of ‘05’s CBA championship run, Sexson will be a
key for LP. The Loggers saw the Brawlers sweep past them in a crucial divisional series in
series 1, and series 2 LP returned the favor with some clutch bullpen work. Jimmy Gobble
who was terrible in series 1 did good work in series 2. Joliet with high hopes for the ’06
season is struggling just a bit 3 games out of first but well within striking distance.
The SD Surf look to be much improved despite dropping a key series with Skokie. Some timely
hitting spread around the order and a few (6) SB’s by Reyes have led SD thus far. Joliet
despite some good pitching, hasn’t gotten much from their offense, yet. Expect them to rise
up as Jack Frost’s team looks to rebound next week against the SD Surf and Skokie, no easy
task.


     As seems to be the yearly custom John Skillings Neah Bay Whalers are out in first place a
gain. Not far behind are the Wolfmen of Skokie. Neah Bay is CBA’s first 10 game winner
despite a fair offense. Again the story is pitching with a 2.75 ERA. Pedro threw 3 CG
games thus far getting 3 quick wins in 27 innings allowing only 16 hits.
Skokie needed Clemens to pick up 2 key wins and has had some bullpen success
even if the offense has been a bit sluggish. Allentown and Ohio are hanging
in there as well. The opposites of their Carter peers, the Thundercats offense has been
clicking posting a .273 BA, but yielding 5.73 earned runs per game. Rich Schneider’s
Senators have hit an anemic .243 but had a lower (4.05 ERA)than Ohio. Jorge Cantu had some
key hits for ATown and has had some great relief work from Juan Rincon to keep both within
the top of the division. Maine is 5-8 but has really struggled at the plate hitting .222.
A poor block 2 has substituted for a nice 1st block which saw Maine go 3-4. Maine’s
reaching base only 28% of the time accounting for a lack of runs scored.


  In the Clemente's Parker division, Brooklyn has paced Parker with outstanding pitching including two back to back dominant pitching performances in games pitched by Colon, and Estes against Carolina. The Superbas
swept Carolina only to drop two intheir division to the improving Cooperstown Iron Horses.
Rumour has it that Cooperstown will have a new a new set of uniforms by mid April.
Cooperstown got great pitching from Rookie Chris Young and Brad Radke the wily vet.
The rest of their staff has faltered as the Horses have a team 6.28 ERA.
Ottawa is at 4-6 despite last years excellent playoff run. Ottawa hopes to improve their
record to keep pace with the mortal Superbas and Bob Fidler’s Indiana Redbirds. Indiana
is improved and looking for a shot at the Parker’s first place which Brooklyn has held
since 2003. Indiana at 7-6 has knocked 18 HR’s so far with ARod off to a great start
(5 HR 13RBI) and rookie Grady Sizemore off to a 4HR 8 RBI start. Bryan has been limping
along with only 4 wins hoping to improve their success against Cooperstown and Philly in
week 3.

In the Schmidt A real race is brewing with 4 teams atop the division fighting for first.
The Stirling RedSox are looking to rebound after last season’s nightmare some trades and
good drafting have placed the Sox back in contention for the first time since their first
round playoff elimination in 2004. A whopping 26 HR’s paced by 4, 4+ HR batters,
Eric Chavez (5HR 14RBI), Miguel Cabrera (4HR 13RBI) , Paul Konerko (4HR 11RBI) , and
Andruuw Jones (4HR 11 RBI). Philly is also at 7-6 a team .291 BA but a ghastly 6.20 ERA
could mean trouble for the Clemente champions. It is very hard to repeat in CBA, no one
has done back to back yet, Though a few have repeated playing in the World Series.
Carolina can’t seem to hit the ball. The Brooklyn staff exploited their hitting weakness,
despite some decent pitching that has the Copperheads near CBA’s top in most pitching
categories. Alamo is 7-6 after a whirlwind of Trade activity in the off season, the Flames
are looking to get into CBA’s playoffs. Alamo hurt themselves dropping 4 games of 6 in
Bk 2. Moises Alou has been hitting over .400. Stay tuned to next weeks block for more CBA
pennant chase.


 

2005 will be remembered for lots of things.  It was a special season.  2005 CBA was truly international adding a franchise in Holland as well as another Canadian friend to our family.  CBA's website added many new features, and tons of history and achievements never before posted.   The pennant race was a dandy.  The races went down to the last detail.  Teams strategized to the very last game with game to game CM's and player moves to knock each other out of the post season.  2005 saw excellent, timely, and responsible preparation by almost all of CBA's GM's.  In 2005 we saw continuous uninterrupted play.  The 2005 season completed it's final game on time.  All files were complete and proofed.  Perhaps just as gratifying thanks to cooperation of our some and painstaking research and filework, CBA has an extended encyclopedia and record/achievment book. Technically a satisfying season.  Statistically a very interesting one.  It was generally a pleasure my Strat friends to se
rve you this 2005 season. 
 We took another step toward being one of Strat-o-matic's finest leagues with the help our committee Cory Light, Dennis Concepcion, and consultant Jeff Boutet.  From running the draft, checking facts, lists, and archives, to interpreting the CBA constitution and assisting other GM's with tech support.  Arranging league scheduling,  deciding trade approvals (a few controversies behind the scenes), league outreach, and the other contributions, they help make CBA go.  Additionally I'd also like to extend a personal thank you to Dennis C who spent many additional hours designing some terrific baseball cards with our likenesses, and team logos.  They are great.  With the addition of the team personal pages, I have found that quite a few outside Strat fanatics have browsed by and sent positive feedback to that fun extra.  Perhaps in '06 more can be added.   Speaking of the website, another thanks to Rob Hite who designed the unofficial CBA website which will be more developed in 2
006. CBA has a complete library of old team logos fro current and defunct teams in the 9 year past.  Some current teams have gone through several logo changes over the years.   The website, press, and certainly our logos are a major component of the CBA, as CBA was largely based around that fantasy sports/press relationship that we currently see from some members.  We are in the process of culling the past 7 years of CBA press releases and have obtained quite a bit so far.  It will be posted on the webcomplex shortly.

     There was much rivalry and a measure of revenge in the final days of the season.  There was elation and extreme disappointment.  Guys let me tell you, this year we saw the competition go to a new level as guys delighted beating their rivals and some were more than pissed when their rivals beat them.  There seemed to be alot more off list banter and IM talk this year though the list was a bit quiet.  But no doubt alot of activity this year, and even better, more Strat friends made.   
       Some GM's managed to discover loopholes and tweaks that could give them that extra advantage which in this years case could even had made a difference in the playoff picture.   Some guys studied and tested and won, others floated through the schedule.   Some teams bench depth gave them staying power while others succombed to fatigue/Usage  problems.  As always a few teams shot out the gate fast but faded, and some others came on later.  Some teams agonized over that narrowly missed playoff spot. While a few may have hoped for that #1 pick in 2006.  GM's and Teams in 2005 traded less than before, although the preseason saw as many trades as ever.  We saw in 2005 new GM's rise to the occasion, and older ones fade away.  We said goodbye to some GM's who became part of CBA's history, and hello to reliable and enthusiastic competitors.  We shed a proverbial tear when Gerald our founder finally left us after 9 terrific years, and we had anger because baseball abandoned he o
ther other Montreal / Quebec baseball fans like Gerald who simply can not face the game anymore.  We studied our LaManna's, Ratings guide's, and Strat analysis sheets looking for advantages over lesser informed GM's.  Old timers had lots of fun with the newly completed database and archive completed this season going back to inception, while others sought to preserve CBA's heritage by delving into the extensive past. CBA's press was alive and well this year with several bulletin's and some editorials that stirred the kettle leading to great friendly rivalries while a few chose to lay low.   We had a great trans-Atlantic NetPlay series start in the wee morning hours, and other NetPlays help decide the playoff and usage pictures.  And last but not least once again we had another 1 game playoff in Staub's Dawson division....

The schedule provided a great deal of rivalry as each divisional game meant so much.  Each season series was vital.  And rise to the challenge teams did, while others faded away in the end.  It was a season where the bench became mightier than the sword as teams were forced to their secondary stars to pull out a playoff berth.  2005 showed us individual glory like Ichiro (.410) from Longue Pointe and Todd Helton (.405) from Brooklyn being CBA�s first ever .400 regular season hitters.  Other individual glories like LP�s Carlos Zambrano's June 17th, no hit shutout in a 1-0 LP over Limoilou revenge win or glory like Alamo's Juan Pierre (2nd all time steals with 279) 5 stolen bases against Michael Barrett in an August game against NY.  We saw many highlights and key games.   Let�s look at a few...

For my money the 2005 highlights would have to spotlight the Limoilou - Longue Pointe series from June 17-19.  These teams have a long rivalry going back to CBA's first season in which Jeff Boutet's Limoilou Wendigo won the 1st ever CBA World Series.  The former Hit men, from the Quebec province looking to prove last year was no fluke sent Carlos Zambrano to the mound and he delivered a 1-0 gem to set the tone for LP's winning series block.  Both teams seem to be fighting it out annually in the Dawson division.  An all time CBA game of note took place with the awesome Phantastics against the former Houston Aero's.  Philly who was involved in several highlight games no doubt had a tremendous year in CBA winning the Clemente overall crown with 99 wins.  An astronomical team batting average of .315 was Philly�s calling card.

Let�s look at the 2005 season.   Team by team we start in the Clemente division.   The Schmidt division saw 2005 with several possible candidates for a playoff spot.  The Alamo City can be compared the 1930�s Phillies.  All bat no pitching.  The Alamo (San Antonio Texas) Flames appeared in April to be headed in the right direction.  A powerful and run producing lineup managed by a top shelf Strat GM, runs would come fast and furious.   Scheduled to be KC Kauffman stadium, the stadium HR and single totals were higher than should be allowing both the Flames and their opponents more hit opportunities than expected.  Playing through the Stadium �reconstruction� proved disastrous for Malachi�s Flames suspect pitching.
A CBA high 6.75 team ERA doomed the Flames who could hit with the best in CBA.  The top winning starter was Steve Trachsel who finished 8-16.  Jorge Sosa fared better with a 7-4 record and a whopping 9.80 ERA!  The bullpen managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with only a measly 22 saves with Danny Graves the high man at 8 sv.  His 5-6  7.88 ERA showed his effectiveness thus the Flames season.  The Flames tough times may be over with the upcoming draft and a solid nucleus of good cards and players signed for 2006.  There�s enough talent on hand to make a solid playoff run. Suppan, Byrd, Todd Jones, Mussina, Weaver, Mulder, Farnsworth, will comprise one of the best pitching staffs in CBA.  The lineup will be balanced and strong with the reemergence of Griffey Jr, Lo Duca, Roberts, Molina, and Gonzalez.  For Alamo Sean Casey had a career year with 30-117 .344 BA , MVP candidate Juam Pierre had 17 triples, a .369 BA, 240 hits, and 74 steals playing a near flawless C
F.   A team .373 OBA and .501 slug. Alamo scored 6.77 runs per game a team BA of .305 not too shabby.  More telling was a CBA low 9 PH attesting to the benches vunerability and Alamo�s struggles to pull out wins at key times in games.

New York�s big three carried them to another playoff spot.  Ramirez, Bonds, and Beltre drove in scores of runs staking the Bomber�s to 92 wins.  Although the pitching was suspect a 5.06 ERA, there were some bright spots as Tim Harikkala posted 11 saves to complement Eddie Guardado�s 19.  Harikkala allowed only 38 hits in 69 innings.   Glavine won 13, and Derek Lowe miraculously finished as top winner with 14.  NY�s pitching finished tied with Joliet tied for 11th place.     MVP candidate Bonds finished 55-134 .373Ba, and his 1.956 total average led the CBA.  Beltre had a 1.003 TotAvg with a .333 44 130 season.  His .757 XChart rating was not too shabby for NY�s fine defense.  Ramirez added 47 more HR to a team total of 248 good for 6th place in CBA for 2005.  A team BA of .288 was good for 4th place.    NY�s defense made all the difference for the pitching as Guys like Castillo, Rollins, Ausmus, Renteria, Bradley, L Walker all finished above .800 XChart primary positions.  T
hat�s winning baseball and a lot of luck in inheriting a good squad like Rescigno did.  New Yorkers must be paying tribute to the legacy of Dino Barnabe a CBA Hall of Fame candidate who retired from Strat-o-matic and CBA back in 2002.  The �St Foy Frenchies� franchise will be awarded to a new (old) GM shortly. 

 

Ahh those Philly Phantastic�s!  The �American team� of the CBA.  The Rob Hite led Philly Phantastics built up a huge following early in CBA history after painstakingly building from the ground up through shrewd trading a CBA empire. In 1997 the Phans were 48 -114 Early on, Hite was active in the CBA trade scene.  By 1999 his team had finished with 89 wins.  One of CBA�s early rivalries with the Southwest Lizard Kings GM Eric Lindner) provided lots of fun and headaches for the committee and then commissioner Claude LaMarre.  Teams seeing the juggernaut building in the Clemente took notice of the Philly team.   But Hite proved a keen judge of talent.  His trades perhaps then the source of controversy indeed helped The Phans to become the one CBA�s all time powerful franchises.  Once winning 120 games, they represented with an all star lineup CBA in the 2003 ESSOM Friendship advancing as far as the semi finals, best showing ever for a CBA team.  Now after a brief rebuild back t
hey were with a vengeance winning 99 games most in CBA in 2005.  Philly got solid defense and strong pitching to go with perhaps CBA�s greatest offense ever helped Philly walk away with the Schmidt title.  The Phans had 8 of 9 lineup spots with players over .800 OPS.
The #2, 3,4,6 batters all had OPS over .1000.  7 major contributors hit over .330   a team .317 BA best ever in CBA.  328 Hr�s at Ameriquest Field.  Considering the ballpark 1-15 Si* and 1-16 Hr, the pitching success can�t be measured here by numbers.  Teams in the smaller parks expect higher ERA�s the more telling numbers can be shown in ratio of HR for team and opponent which in this case showed Philly out slugging their opponents by 70 Hr�s.  Scoring an amazing 1139 runs while allowing only 899, Philly also had two aces on their pitching staff that combined for 41 wins and only 8 losses!  Oliver Perez a strong Cy Young candidate finished 19-2 K�ng 240, and a tidy 3.25 ERA which is outstanding for Ameriquest teams.  Randy Johnson in what may be his last 20 game season went 22-6 K�ing 298.  Johnson is a shoo-in CBA HOF�er.   Seasonal High lites were many Rolen�s 50 Hr, Durazo 29 105 .350, Aramis Ramirez .341 39 125, Berkman 38 115 .338, Abreu 31 116 .334 24sb, Jeter 22 87 .
313 197 hits 22sb, the list goes on�

Wayne McGee�s Stirling RedSox entered 2005 knowing that it would be tough to repeat the successes of 2004, Stirlings first ever playoff.  Marked as rebuilding year Dealer Wayne had an off year in the hot stove league not pulling off his usual stunning moves.  CBA�s former most prolific trader had to sit painfully through a 95 loss season, their worst season since �1999 RedSox 59 - 103 season.  Even Stirling�s initial 1997 team had lost only 93. That lineup boasted names like Sorrento, Tartabull, Nixon, Sprague, Baerga, and Blowers.  This years studs managed to hit a lofty 275 Hr�s and had a decent .267 Ba better than some playoff bound teams.  The pitching, mainly the pen were disastrous.  Cordero blew 15 saves.  In fact the whole pen converted saves an atrocious 46% rate, and allowed 39% of all inherited runners to score one way or another.   Zito and Matt Morris both had winning years and had records with high ERA�s as the RedSox defense was not to blame being somewhere in
 the middle of the pack.  The pitching was a bust with Wood having a poor year and a team 5.75 Era.  Oh yeah and 66 wild pitches.  Guys were jaywalking around the base paths.  The failure of the bullpen likely contributed greatest to the Sox demise as it went to show how important that middle guys are in Clemente nowadays.  Stirling allowed 29 batters to reach base with a tired pitcher on the mound while their opponents allowed Stirling the ability to hit tired pitchers 11 times.  The opponent also out clutched the Sox by a wide margin.  They led CBA with over 77 intentional walks, no doubt which most probably scored�

Portland SeaDogs.  The team managed by a man from Detroit, everyone�s Strat Pal, Disco Danny Gural.  Gural burst upon CBA taking over the team mid season and then when subbing for a team, advanced into CBA�s playoff proving his managerial abilities.  Portland improved after a strong draft this year gaining 3 wins from last years 84 to finish with 87 wins.  In 2003 they had only 60 wins.  They face Philly in this years playoffs.  Portland�s Travis Hafner carried them on his back in 2005.  Hafner was 6th in CBA batting at .359.  pacing a 38 116 season. His ISoPower .374 isn�t too shabby either.  Melving Mora who was overused, finished with 37 112 .332 and Tejada 38 125 .320.  The best 10th man in CBA candidate has to be Justin Morneau who clobbered 26 Hrs in just 261 AB�s.  Adam Dunn added a 46 Hr 125 season to put Portland into the playoffs.  Hitting .291 against the many CBA righties also helped.  If it wasn�t for Portland�s sloppy defense, who knows how many they would have
 won.  Gural�s hiatus at the end of the season no doubt cost this team of wins and players and perhaps a great shot at the CBA title.  But who knows what can happen in CBA�s playoffs.  Just look at last years KC team. 

The Parker Division is noted for Brooklyn�s domination over division teams.  With the current CBA champs once again dominating Parker, 2005 was the year they finally faced some competition this year from Ottawa, and of all teams Kilgore.  Many expected Houston to factor in the race, though they did somewhat as a spoiler, Houston pitching couldn�t support their playoff drive.  Brooklyn whose pitching was not terribly good, used big defense to prop up the staff, and a mega performances from Todd Helton who smacked 33 Hr and 133 RBI�s 143 runs scored while hitting .405 second highest regular season average ever.  Helton is 1/1000 of a point behind Ichiro Suzuki as CBA�s highest all time batting leader with a career .346 BA.   JD Drew hit 44 Hr 11 triples, drove in an amazing 141 runs while hitting .341 scoring an amazing 151 runs.  Sammy Sosa slugged 38 HR�s for Brooklyn before his much talked about trade to Longue Pointe.  Sosa is currently CBA�s all time HR leader with 448 ad
d perhaps another 40 from 1998 and Sosa is at about the 500 career CBA HR level.  He is in first place with RBI�s.  Sosa 37  113  .311 for Bklyn, Vidro (26 76 .328), Ivan Rod his best season ever ( 26  106  .359) , and Jeff Bagwell (29 HR  112  .285)  added good performances at the plate for the perennial powerhouse Brooklyn offense at Coors field.  The platooners had great years too.  Eric Valent took over in RF for Sosa and did an adequate job with 5 for 7 as a PH,  and a 10 37 .285 season.  Payton added some defense with an .806 X rating.  RFA Miguel Ojeda hit 19 Hr off the bench mostly vs Lefties.  Gomez .323, Everett�s 24 steals and CBA leading .930 X rating at SS.  Aging hipster Barry Larkin�s final CBA hurrah was triumphant as he hit a career ending .311 for the Superbas.  Vernon Wells had about as good a year in CF as any CBA player could ever have with a perfect 1.000 X rating. Late season RFA Luis Rivas ( 5 28 .333 6sb) had key contributions down the stretch with hi
s bat and glove.

The story for Brooklyn was the defense, because there wasn�t much pitching to rave about despite Hernandez 15-11, Halliday 13-3 and Willis 15-5.  Looks deceive because these pitchers all had ERA�s over 4.70.  Totaling more than 1000 K�s the Superbas were able to limit the damage caused by their starters by getting big strikeouts, and having a tremendous defense.  The Superbas committed a CBA low 76 errors.  16 were made by pitchers and 18 by their 3rd basemen Mackowiak, Gomez and Castro.  The rest of the defense was rock solid.   Brooklyn signature offense hit a whopping .310 good for CBA�s all time top 5 along with this year�s Philly team.  Brooklyn is looking to make their third consecutive trip to the Finals.

As tough as Brooklyn was this year they had their hands full all season with the Jack Jung led Ottawa Otters.  Ottawa came close to their best finish since 1999's 88 win season.  Ottawa got a few big time performances from their lineup.  The success of Ottawa had largely to do with the 1-2 punch of Vlad Guerrero and David Ortiz.  The Vlad and Papi show accounted for Ottawa most potent run production since Vlad hit 51 Hr's and McGwire hit 79 for the 1999 Otters.  Ortiz joined CBA�s elite 50 HR club with 58 and 145 RBI.  He scored 131 runs and many of them in the clutch in key games and situations.  He also hit a very higher .400 IsoPower average to boot showing even futher his value to this team.   The only downside was Ortiz 24 errors at 1B.   Vlad�s 43 HR 120 RBI and .344 BA ahead of Ortiz was outstanding as was Patterson�s leadoff work (29 85 .284  14sb)  setting the table along side of Vizquel who moved runners along with a .310 BA and tons of runner advances.  Adam Kenne
dy too had a good year moving runners along and a decent year with the glove.  Ottawa had every chance to win this season a wildcard spot but fell shy in the final week.  Perhaps the lack of bench strength doomed them at the end, when backups like Kotchmann, Cota, Zeile, Quiroz couldn�t keep pace with the spoilers.  There were some surprisingly good contributions not only from the dynamic duo, Vlad and Papi, but others such as Scott Hairston 17 64  .268,  and Randa who hit .291 vs righties and putting the ball in play.  He also provided  a steady glove with a .765 X% per chance.  Not bad at third base.  Even Ottawa's 9th place hitters contributed 24 HR.  264 HR is perhaps Ottawa team record.  21 PH with high man having 5 (Vizquel).  Ottawa PH hit at a .364 clip.
Ottawa's season never looked more promising when from June 16 to July 4th, Ottawa held first place in the Parker.  Key contributions by their bullpen during that run from 2 way play Brooks Kieschnick, Julian Tavarez helped a lot with 26 saves. Scott Eyre did a yeoman's job as a lefty set up getting many key outs.  The rest of the pen was an adventure.  Wheeler suffered a dismal season with a 6.12 ERA.   Brandon Webb had some impressive stats in '05 with 173 K's and 189 hits in 211 innings.  But his 116 bb's contributed to a losing 8-11 record.  Ottawa's final record doesnt do justice to the quality of the season they had in a tough division.  4 teams in Parker had the ability to win a series from anyone in CBA.  Ottawa gave Brooklyn and Kilgore all they could handle in '05.  The Otters came a long way back in 2005.  For awhile fans in the capitol city thought it was 2001.

The Kilgore Bashers completed their best season ever.  Back in July we got a taste of what Kilgore would be able to accomplish when we saw Kilgore defeat Houston on July 25th, 19-15 in a game which saw a CBA record 44 runs and 43 hits.  It was a foreshadow of the excitement to come as the Bashers stayed in the playoff hunt right down to the last game of 2005.  It was only a Portland win which kept them from their first ever post season appearance.   They finished 86-76,  just 1 game off the wildcard this year, and were in the race all the way until the last 2 games of the year.  Cory Light must have been really proud as his team performed beyond even his expectations.   Although preseason analysis showed Kilgore could finish with a strong season, Kilgore had never had a team finish that close to a spot in the post season.  In fact looking at Kilgores season to season record it may be the strongest Basher team sinces the 1997-1999 Bashers who finished with 80+ wins.  Only 3 p
layers remain from that 1999 Kilgore team. Chan Park 0-1 7.68 whose Basher career is in jeopardy, Miguel Cairo playing as well as ever finishing a great season as a utility/platooner with a career best .345 average along with 4HR and 44 RBI, a key performance and reason behind the success of Kilgore.  Mitch Redmond is still around as well hitting a lowly .223.   You could make a case that the super subs of Kilgore were as much reason for success as the regular lineup. A team BA of .265 along with 206 Hr's and 51 Sac fly RBI's staked a good offense for Kilgore.   Despite Burnitz 39HR  125RBI  .275 season, and the emergence of Brad Wilkerson who hit 37 Hr driving in 93, the team play in Kilgore gave the offense just enough to stay competitive.  Strangely enough, Wilkinson was mostly a #2 hitter in the Basher lineup.  Overbay hit 20 with a .287 avg, and Mike Lamb added 22 more for the Basher lineup. Kilgore got it done in the clutch with several 9tth inning comeback wins early i
n the season to set the tone.  Mike Tucker, Brad Inge, Ross Gload, and Vance Wilson did well in part time roles.  Mr Vance was Mr clutch all year with big hits to win games and 8 backup HR's to boot.  Gload took the 3 hole at the end of the year giving the Bash Bros a solid hitter at the top when it counted most finishing at .333.  The biggest reason for Kilgore's success was the bullpen in particular CBA All-star Dustin Hermanson.  The 2005 Rolaids fireman of the year award winner in CBA finished with a near CBA record 40 saves alongside 10 wins in 80 appearances and 100+ innings.  Simply without him, Kilgore would have quite a lower record.  He easily surpassed Basher all time save king, 2001 Bob Wickman's  21 saves, and 2002's Buddy Groom who had 22 saves, and 2004's Lance Carter who saved what was a team record of 36 for the Bashers.  6 Bashers drove in 2 or more and 5 with 3 or more to kind of capsulize the overall team offensive contribution all season. The defense was
a sore point with a lower end of the CBA  .66% X rating despite 1 team triple play from Belliard to Overbay.  Kilgore had 4 Pinch HR.  All key contributors to big wins.  1 by Wilkerson won it in extras for Kilgore, and Mr Dance, Vance Wilson had another big blast to win another late inning escapade.  Those lengthy games are a signature of Kilgore�s. As they played over 20 innings in one game and 18 in another.   

The Houston Aero's are a team of the past.  Hopes were high in the pre season as this franchise was able to land several good prospects and a marquis player Alex Rodriguez in the expansion draft of �04.  Bob Fidler took over in 2005 and added his Strat knowledge to take Houston higher in the standings.  A slow start when Fidler took over the team took Houston of of the wildcard race early.  The Aero�s dropped a whole bunch early in July effectively dulling any hopes for a playoff shot.  On July 10th they were 14 games under .500.   They hit their low point on July 17th having a .400 winning % after dropping a series to Kilgore. Fidler then led them to a winning record afterwards establishing a potent lineup and offense with a few tweaks of the CM. The Aeros had a high .281 BA and 295 HR.   Personal achievements marked the Aeros in �05.  Albert Pujols had an absolutely incredible year.  Consider 65 HR 160 RBI .366 157runs .436 oba  .802 slg  1.238OPS.   Gosh.  A triple  crown
 contender, he only missed the batting title by finishing 5th after leading CBA in HR RBI Slug OPS for 2005.  No question one of the all time performances in CBA history.  His partners in the lineup fared pretty well too though paling in comparison.  Both A Rod and Hank Blalock hit 45 HR.  A Rod hit only .278 with 12SB, but drove in 127 runs in what some might say was a �disappointing� season.  Considering the stadium advantages and his card (and performance in other leagues) A Rod (45 127 .278) seemed more a culprit than MVP contender grounded into 21 double plays. His numbers were nearly identical to Blalock (45 124 .280)
Houston catchers did the job, and the Aero pitchers held runners at their bases, allowing by far the least amount of SB in CBA, 34. 14 more were gunned. Matt Stairs was their top PH with 3 not a great number in the clutch as PH by committee accumulated only 16 hits.  Houston�s pitching was in shambles. Oswalt and Pavano did excellent work. Both winning 17. The rest of the staff unbelievablely rotten.  Couldn�t be worse, just putrid, absolute�well you get the picture.  12 guys over 5 ERA, 9 of �em over 6 ERA.   And so it goes for Houston�s last hurrah. 

 
 

 

CBA Press Archives

Hello Sports Fan

This is Harvey Cutler reporting from Royals
Stadium

The fans are very excited as the first playoff
series in the history of the CBA come to
Montreal

The fans of Montreal are still in a bit of shock
from the announcement of  management that
finally after they get into the playoffs they
are losing their team to Illinois but the fans
are taking it in stride that perhaps the Royals
might go out in a big way

Anyway off to the Games:

September 22nd, 2005, Montreal Stadium
O. Perez vs. Millwood

Millwood has been a big surprise for the Royals
as he went 8-4 in the season and based on the
scouting reports the Wendigos seem to have
a tougher time vs the righties.

The Royals start the game with 2 runs in the
first including an inside-the-park Homer by Durham.
Valentin comes  through and singles in a second
run and the Royals lead 2-0

Millwood pitches a  great game giving up just
2 hits and then Wolfman goes  to his great pen
and brings in Gordon who shutouts the Wendigos
for the second shutout victory for the Royals
at  4-0 (Beltran hit a homer in the 6th)

So the Royals take a 2-1 lead in the series
and now seek to win game 4 as there is
a rematch between Clemens and Schmidt

September 23rd, Montreal Stadium
Rematch, Clemens vs. Schmidt

Two of the best pitchers in the league  hook up.
The Royals got to Schmidt before.  However this
day it was  Schmidt turn to be the pitcher of the
day.

Backed by Homers by Michael and Emonds (2 run
shot) the Wendigo are able to even the series
with a 4-1 win.  The Royals get one run due to
an error by Glaus.  The Royals had the bases
loaded with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th and
Beltran up but he fouled out -- was the only
time the Royals actually threatened.  Hawkins
and Foulke came in and shot down the Royals
with Foulke getting the save.

Series  is  now tied at  2-2 and the  key 3rd game
coming up -- a rematch of 20 game win Lilly for
the Royals (who the Wendigos roughed up in Game 2)
vs Schilling who threw a  shutout.

A very tight and tense see-saw battle between these
two leaders in the Staub Conference, who will take
the key game 3, a must win for both clubs?

September 24th, Montreal Stadium Game #5
Schilling vs Lilly

Wolfman knows the Wendigos are pretty tough
on the left handers and also the Royals were
cannon fodding for Schmidt in Game #2

Wolfman hoped his ace T. Lilly could hold
the Wendigos this time.

The game was scoreless through 3, then
in the bottom of the 4th, the Royals scored
first blood -- Itzuris got a single and Castilla
with 2 outs double him home. In the 5th
inning, Mabry hit a tremendous shot to right
field to give the Royals a 2-0 lead.

Lilly give up a hit in the 6th so Wolfman
brought in old dependable Gordon to shut
down the Wendigos, Kline came in for
two hitters and Gagne got the save and
pitched 2-1/3 innings of shutout baseball
as the Royals did it again, their third
victory, their  3rd  shutout.

So the Royals are one game away to
enter the Staub Championship series.
What a ride this year!!!

It  will be Rusch against Wakefield
back in Limoilou

who will win it?

this is your report Harvey Cutler
bringing you the news  from Montreal

(from Wolfman: We hope to finish the
series on Saturday -- a real nail bitter,
no easy victories so far)


 

at officially 5:20 PM in Holland the CBA Playoffs
began as Wolfman Shapiro took his surprising
Montreal Royals to their first playoff game,
here in Limiolou (so this would be 10:20 AM
for Bob, acting on behalf of Jeff)

our report was on the field to speak to the
Wolfman and boy was he pretty nervous

When Wolfman was asked what is a key
for the series  of what might be a tough
challenge from the Wendigos -- he said
"Schmidt - Schmidt and Schilling"

Well Game 1 was spoken of as a pitcher's
dual between Clemens and Schmidt but the Royals
broke through in the 3rd with the series 1st run
as Gonzalez hit a double and reached 3rd on an error
by Michaels and then Matheny squeezed Gonzalez home

the Royals stole 4 bases which helped to take a 4-0 lead
against  Schmidt -- also the Wendigos has  bases loaded in the
bottom of the fourth trailing 2-0 with no outs and Gonzalez executed
a perfect double play at  home to keep it that way.

In the 9th a pinch hit homer by Valentin and 2 round shot by
Beltrans put it away as the Royal pitchers combined for a 1 hit shutout
at 8-0 -- this Royal team is for real !!

Boxscore below:
===================

[1]BOXSCORE: 2005 Montreal Royals At 2005 Limoilou
Wendigo             9/19/2005

[1]  Royals             AB  R  H RBI
AVG     Wendigo            AB  R  H RBI AVG
   C.Crawford LF       5  1  2  0 .400     S.Stewart
LF        4  0  0  0 .000
   R.Durham 2B         4  0  0  0 .000     J.Kent
2B           4  0  1  0 .250
D-W.Harris 2B         1  1  1  11.000     J.Edmonds CF        3  0  0  0 .000
   C.Beltran CF        5  2  3  2 .600     J.Thome
1B          3  0  0  0 .000
   P.Feliz 1B          3  0  0  0 .000     T.Glaus
3B          2  0  0  0 .000
A-D.Erstad 1B         2  0  0  0 .000     J.Michaels RF       2  0  0  0 .000
   V.Castilla 3B       4  1  1  1 .250   E-L.Nix
PH,RF         1  0  0  0 .000
   G.Kapler RF         4  0  1  1 .250     R.Hernandez
C       3  0  0  0 .000
   A.Gonzalez SS       2  2  1  0 .500     C.Guzman
SS         3  0  0  0 .000
B-C.Izturis SS        1  0  0  0 .000     J.Schmidt P         2  0  0  0 .000
   M.Matheny C         3  0  1  1 .333     L.Hawkins
P         0  0  0  0 ----
   R.Clemens P         2  0  1  1 .500   F-M.McLemore
PH       1  0  0  0 .000
   S.Kline P           0  0  0  0 ----     R.Betancourt
P      0  0  0  0 ----
C-R.Palmeiro PH       1  0  0  0 .000
   T.Gordon P          0  0  0  0
----
G-J.Valentin PH       1  1  1  11.000
   G.Rusch P           0  0  0  0
----
                      -- -- -- ---                            -- --
-- ---
[1]         Totals      38  8 12  8                 Totals      28  0  1  0

A-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Feliz In 6th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Gonzalez In 6th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Kline In 7th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Durham In 7th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Michaels In 7th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Hawkins In 8th Inning
G-Pinch Hit For Gordon In 9th Inning

Royals.......... 0 0 1  0 1 2  0 0 4  -  8 12  2
Wendigo......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  1  2

[1]Royals
(1-0)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
R.Clemens WIN(1-0)        5 1/3   1   0   0   2   6   0  60   0.00  A1 C2
S.Kline                   0 2/3   0   0   0   0   1   0  10   0.00  C3 C4
T.Gordon                  2       0   0   0   0   0   0  20   0.00  C5 D1
G.Rusch                   1       0   0   0   0   3   0  13   0.00  D2
[1]Totals                    9       1   0   0   2  10   0

[1]Wendigo
(0-1)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
J.Schmidt LOSS(0-1)       6 1/3   8   4   3   1   4   0 113   4.26  A1 D1
L.Hawkins                 1 2/3   0   0   0   0   1   0  19   0.00  D2 D6
R.Betancourt              1       4   4   4   0   0   2  23  36.00  D7
[1]Totals                    9      12   8   7   1   5   2

ATTENDANCE- 43,944 DATE- Monday, September 19th 2005 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Ted Barrett, Wally Bell, Joe Brinkman, C.B. Buckner
T- 2:36
LEFT ON BASE- Royals: 5  Wendigo: 4
DOUBLE PLAYS- Royals: 2  Wendigo: 0
ERRORS- P.Feliz, C.Izturis, J.Michaels, J.Schmidt
DOUBLES- C.Beltran(1st), V.Castilla(1st), A.Gonzalez(1st), J.Kent(1st)
TRIPLES- C.Crawford(1st)
HOME RUNS- C.Beltran(1st), J.Valentin(1st)
STOLEN BASES- W.Harris(1st), C.Beltran-2(2nd), A.Gonzalez(1st)
SACRIFICE HITS- M.Matheny
WALKS- A.Gonzalez, J.Edmonds, J.Thome
HIT BY PITCH- T.Glaus
STRIKE OUTS- R.Durham-2, V.Castilla-2, G.Kapler, S.Stewart-2, J.Kent,
              J.Edmonds-2, J.Thome-2, T.Glaus, J.Michaels, J.Schmidt
GIDP- T.Glaus, L.Nix
WEB GEMS- Top 8th: Cristian Guzman robbed Gabe Kapler of a base hit.

The Limoilou Wendigo endured an embarrassing pasting as a potent Montreal
Royals lineup tallied 8 runs while Roger Clemens(1-0)with the aid of the
bullpen contained Limoilou.

Limoilou was unable to claim the lead after Montreal went ahead in the 3rd
inning scoring one runner.  Alex Gonzalez doubled, and an error was also
committed.  Mike Matheny next to the plate and he worked the squeeze play to
perfection scoring the run.  That early scoring was all that Clemens needed.
Montreal totaled 12 on the afternoon.

Jason Schmidt(0-1) was charged with the loss.  He pitched 6 and 1/3 innings
and surrendered 8 hits and 1 walk.

=======================================

Well the Wendigos didn't want to go to Montreal down 2-0
so they sent Schilling to face the Royal wonder and 20 game winner
Ted Lilly.  Again Wolfman was a bit concerned as the Wendigos
like their  lefties but also he felt confident the Royals could hit
Schilling hard.

Well sport fans, Game 2 was all the way the Wendigos,
The Royals just could never get started against Schilling who
completely shut them down and they were able to easily
score on Lilly as R. Hernandez had 4 RBis and a homer
and Thome added another  one for a 5-0 shutout of the
Royals and to tie the series at one game a piece

so Sports fans don't go away, this is going to be
a long series -- it will continue in Montreal tomorrow

the Royals play tough in Montreal and hope to get
on the winning track in game 3 as Millwood goes
against Perez with a rematch of Schmidt vs. Clemens
in game 4

stay tuned (box score below)


[1]BOXSCORE: 2005 Montreal Royals At 2005 Limoilou
Wendigo             9/20/2005

[1]  Royals             AB  R  H RBI
AVG     Wendigo            AB  R  H RBI AVG
   C.Crawford LF       4  0  2  0 .444     S.Stewart
LF        3  1  0  0 .000
   G.Kapler RF         4  0  0  0 .125     C.Guzman
SS         4  1  1  0 .143
   C.Beltran CF        4  0  1  0 .444     J.Werth
RF          3  1  1  0 .333
   P.Feliz 1B          4  0  0  0 .000     R.Hernandez
C       4  1  3  4 .429
   V.Castilla 3B       3  0  1  0 .286     J.Hernandez
3B      4  0  0  0 .000
   T.Greene C          3  0  1  0 .333     J.Edmonds
CF        4  0  1  0 .143
B-M.Matheny C         0  0  0  0 .333     J.Kent 2B           4  0  2  0 .375
   R.Durham 2B         4  0  1  0 .125     J.Thome
1B          4  1  1  1 .143
   A.Gonzalez SS       2  0  0  0 .250     C.Schilling
P       4  0  0  0 .000
A-J.Valentin PH       1  0  0  0 .500     K.Foulke P          0  0  0  0 ----
C-C.Izturis  ,SS      1  0  0  0 .000
   T.Lilly P           2  0  0  0
.000
D-J.Conine PH         1  0  1  01.000
   K.Mercker P         0  0  0  0
----
E-R.Palmeiro PH       1  0  0  0 .000
                      -- -- -- ---                            -- --
-- ---
[1]         Totals      34  0  7  0                 Totals      34  5  9  5

A-Pinch Hit For Gonzalez In 7th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Greene In 7th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (  ) For Valentin In 7th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Lilly In 8th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Mercker In 9th Inning

Royals.......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  7  2
Wendigo......... 0 0 2  1 0 0  2 0    -  5  9  0

[1]Royals
(1-1)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
T.Lilly LOSS(0-1)         7       8   5   4   2   6   2 116   5.14  A1 D5
K.Mercker                 1       1   0   0   0   1   0  14   0.00  D6
[1]Totals                    8       9   5   4   2   7   2

[1]Wendigo
(1-1)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
C.Schilling WIN(1-0)      8       7   0   0   1   7   0 115   0.00  A1 D6
K.Foulke                  1       0   0   0   0   3   0  14   0.00  D7
[1]Totals                    9       7   0   0   1  10   0

ATTENDANCE- 31,440 DATE- Tuesday, September 20th 2005 TIME- Night WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Fieldin Culbreath, Gary Darling, Lazaro Diaz, Derryl Cousins
T- 3:07
LEFT ON BASE- Royals: 9  Wendigo: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Royals: 0  Wendigo: 0
ERRORS- P.Feliz, R.Durham
DOUBLES- C.Crawford(1st), R.Durham(1st), R.Hernandez(1st), J.Edmonds(1st)
HOME RUNS- R.Hernandez(1st), J.Thome(1st)
WALKS- V.Castilla, S.Stewart, J.Werth
HIT BY PITCH- M.Matheny
STRIKE OUTS- G.Kapler-2, C.Beltran, P.Feliz, R.Durham-2, A.Gonzalez,
J.Valentin,
              C.Izturis, R.Palmeiro, C.Guzman-2, J.Werth,
J.Hernandez, J.Edmonds,
              C.Schilling-2

Curt Schilling(1-0), with relief help from Keith Foulke, shut down the
Montreal Royals hitters at Minute Maid Field.  The Limoilou Wendigo came away
with a 5 to 0 victory.

Ramon Hernandez had a big evening at the plate.  He lined a one-base hit in
the 1st inning, cleared the fences for a two-run home run (his 1st of the
season) in the 3rd inning and doubled which was good for two runs in the 7th
inning.  Limoilou banged out 9 on the night.

Ted Lilly(0-1) ended up with the loss.  He allowed 8 hits and 2 walks in 7

 

July 2006

Reggie Sanders is an original Belfast Brawler. Originally drafted in the 9th round by
the Montecito Habaneros (MHC) the orginal franchise name for Belfast.

Larry Walker is an original Lake County Leopard. Originally drafted in Rd 7 of the
1997 CBA draft by Randall Flowers Vancouver Storm (VSM).

Omar Vizquel was drafted round 2 in 1997 and is an original Otter.
Vladimir Guerrero was drafted in 4th round of inaugural 1997 CBA draft by Ottawa Otters.
He is an original Otter. He has a Lifetime .329 BA, 1440 hits, 293 HR, 898 RBI, 144 SB.
Joe Randa is an original Otter too. Randa was drafted in round 8 of the 1997 draft by
Ottawa.

In looking over this weeks games a few things stood out.  First look how many teams are right in the thick of the race. Second, how small a margin it is between contenders.  Any advantage can mean so much given CBA’s recent past.  Noting how the 2004 & 2005 seasons came down to a 1 game playoff in that incredible Dawson division.  Third the possibility of a Cinderella team like the 04 KC A’s (Allentown Senators) who hovered near .500 then exploded to make a wildcard when Rich Schneider took over.  That wildcard later faced Brooklyn in the World Championship.  They all mix together and form quite a competitive season where there are no dominant teams.  Anything goes.

 

Again the Dawson is something interesting to watch.  Again LP and Belfast are battling, this time without Limoilou in the picture.  Neither team seems to be dominant but each has their specialty. LP their terrific bullpen, and Belfast with lots of hits and speed. Lost in this mix inexplicably is Joliet and SD who seem to be classic underachievers year after year.  The story of ’06 has to be Belfast’s climb to the top of Dawson.  It just seems that everyone is getting in on the act.  Unsung stars such as Chone Figgins and his 70 count ‘em 70 SB’s is well on his way to a CBA record.  Julio Lugo at .356 31sb , Brady Clark in the 3 hole in the lineup hitting .350 with 47 RBI and  super sub Aaron Miles 31 RBI and .366 Batting avg.  Belfast’s bullpen has kept them in most games allowing only 28% of inherited runners to score.  LP has had some strong bullpen production by committee as 7 relievers have saved games.  Todd Walker has been outstanding coming in a pre-season trade.  The old LP set men are still getting it done as they always have.  Guys like Brian Fuentes, Jorge Julio, Kiko Calero, and Kelvim Escobar have had quite a bit to do with LP’s successes the past 2 seasons.  Shea Hillenbrand has been LP’s top hitter and surprisingly Ichiro is hitting below .290.  Be interesting to see how this race develops.

 

The other Staub Conference division the Carter is having a street fight between Neah and Skokie.  Each team is manipulating and moving trying to outdo each other in the heated battle for the crown. Skokie had a tough time with Belfast this past week dropping two.  Clemens gained a no decision in a loss.  Clemens had been lights out all year with a CBA leading 17 quality starts.  Skokies pitching has been the M.O. as their offense has been a bit soft with a .332 OBa and .428 slg.  Meanwhile the hurlers are keeping runners off the paths yielding only a .248 Ba.  Edmonds and Tracy have been much of the offense in Skokie.

 

Neah Bay has had less offense, but once again reigns supreme with their yearly dominant pitching.  Neah Bay’s legacy is second to none in the pitching department.  Pedro has 5 CBA no-hitters.  Again the Whalers have the CBA lead with a 3.16 ERA.  Pedro is 10-4 2.09, Smoltz is 9-5 2.57.  The staff has allowed the least amount of baserunners in CBA.  They have allowed the fewest walks too, 194.  This years offensive stars for Neah are Brian Giles and Mike Cameron with each amassing over a  1.000 total average.  Next week Neah plays the Dawson’s Joliet in series 1, and SD in series 2. While Skokie only plays a 4 game series against Longue Pointe.

 

The Clemente had some noise when Brooklyn and Stirling swapped some players. Swisher headed up north to Canada along with wonderkind Milledge and Brooklyn settled Miguel Cabrera in the House of Pain.  Indiana off several recent deals is still struggling to gain some winning consistency as is Brooklyn. Both are trailing behind ‘Hot’tawa by 5 and 3 respectively.  Indiana though is showing some signs as ARod and Pujols are on fire.  Indiana’s twin terrors both launched moonshots in the same game 2 nights in a row on June 15th and 16th on the schedule.  A Rod has been on fire with 14 hits in 7 games.  Hitting 3 Hrs and having 2, 4 hit games. He has 16 runs scored in 9 games.  Indiana needs him and Pujols to stay hot.  Tony Clark has been devastating for Indiana since his acquisition hitting 7 Hr and a .311 Ba in 45 AB’s.  Ottawa has won 9 of the last 10 and just keeps a rollin even when their subs play.  Chris Woodward played LF in  a key role in the Ottawa lineup.  He has been hitting .500 since his activation this week. 

Scott Eyre has been such a story for the Otters. A 0.88 era in 45 innings with 10 holds good for 2nd in CBA. 

 

Alamo maintains a 3 game lead over Dean’s Lake County Leopards.  Now Carolina Copperheads after a successful week has entered the scene.  Only 5 ½ back, the Copperheads led by Brian Roberts .326 good for CBA top 10 in BA, and Adam Dunn’s 31 HR’s are looking more like a contender.  Carolina leads CBA with 141 HR’s which puts them on pace to join CBA’s all time HR leaders by seasons end.  CCS has a .488 team slug pct.  And also are 2nd in CBA in K’s. Travis Hafner has socked 23 HR hitting .302, and 10 hitters have 7 or more HR. A team effort, when Johan Santana heats up, this team could be in like for a nice September.

 


 

(AP) 'House Of Pain', Bklyn NY 21:43pm.....................

To Brooklyn: Miguel Cabrera, Anderson Hernandez and SRS # 6
To Stirling: Nick Swisher, Lastings Milledge, BSP # 2 and BSP # 5

The House of Pain has added a new slugger to the offensive leagcy of the Brooklyn 'Poibs.  Miguelito Cabrera the young 3B/OF with the potent bat is the latest and newest Superba to wear the Black and Gold.  In a deal that took well over a year to materialize, Brooklyn moved away quite a bit of young potential and talent to get him and future 2B Anderson Hernandez.  Gone are the 4 tool Swisher, and super propsect Lastings Milledge along with a #2 and a #5 pick.

Manager John Stearns is very pleased with the trade and has announced that Cabrera will receive a majority of his playing time at 3B allowing the potent bat and versatility of Rob Mackowiak to become the teams primary utility man.  Said SStearns, "Miguelito will be a huge hit with the Brooklyn fans.  He will love playing in Prospect Park's House of Pain.  He will love his team mates but I hope not too much if you know what I...."  Stearns was immediate cutoff by media secretary Bebe Rebozito before he could finish his thought.  It is believed that Jay Payton will take most of the At bats that Swisher was getting and play LF.  Swisher had already hit 14 HR's for Brooklyn this season just 1 less than Cabrera. 

" We team good be good now you bet " said NY cab driver Shetstayn Al-Faitale.  "This Miguelito is good playa.  He be de guy that be."  Other fans voiced their satisfaction over the deal.  Tony BiFonzarukie another Brooklyn fan offered this analysis.  "Yo, wit Cabrera in da House, the Poibs got a shot at catching the Otters, and holding off that Indiana team.  Those guys are tough we had to do something...."

GM Marc Wass agreed......


 

 

Well how about Malachi Nellum's Alamo City Flames. One of CBA's veteran franchises, Alamo has been slowly rebuilding and now the dividends. A 4 game lead over Dave Dean's struggling Lake County Leopards, and Wayne "McGoo's" Stirling Red Sox. The Flames have been in first for 3 weeks now and they look like an emerging CBA force. Look at the damage Ken Griffey Jrdid for the Flames in this June 7th game.

ALAMO CITY AT PHILLY
Flames.......... 3 3 7 0 0 0 3 0 0 - 16 16 0
Phantastics..... 3 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 - 9 12 1
Win:Seanez(2-3) Loss:Perez(1-6)
Homeruns- M.Giles(5th), K.Griffey Jr-2(14th), B.Abreu(17th), C.Utley-2(25th)

Left fielder Ken Griffey Jr slammed 2 homeruns and had 8 RBI at Ameriquest
Field where the Alamo City Flames beat the Philly Phantastics 16 to
9.

Griffey Jr had a great day at the plate. He smacked a three-run homer in the
1st inning, doubled which was good for two runs in the 2nd inning and lifted
one out of the park for a two run home run (his 14th of the season) in the
3rd inning. Alamo City kept the scorekeepers busy in the 3rd inning with 7
runs on 6 hits. Alamo City finished with 16 hits while Philly ended up with
12.

Rudy Seanez(2-3) picked up the victory, allowing no runs in 3 and 2/3 innings.
Oliver Perez(1-6) ended up with the loss. He pitched 1 and 2/3 innings
giving up 4 hits and 4 walks.

Jack hammers sweep Longue Pointe...June 7th. Joliet left for dead after their May swoon, sought revenge on the LP Loggers who have been in first for most of the season. Joliet swept 4 games from Dennis C's team who had just split with Carter divisions Thundercats in the first series. LP riding a strong team effort and a nice lead in Dawson, didnt expect the venom the Jack's dished out. Joliet a fairly laid back team exploded in a 15-11 win on June 6th. Aolfonso Soriano lived up to his price tag with 2 HR's and the game winner in the 11th, a Grand Slam HR to win it.

BOXSCORE: 2006 Joliet Jackhammers At 2006 Longue Pointe Loggers 6/6/2006
Lots of runs, lots o' hits. Joliet climbs back into race.

Jackhammers AB R H RBI AVG Loggers AB R H RBI AVG
J.Pierre CF 4 3 2 1 .258 C.Counsell SS 5 1 2 2 .281
M.Holliday LF 3 2 1 0 .242 I.Suzuki RF 6 1 1 1 .282
A-S.Podsednik LF 2 1 0 0 .241 S.Hillenbrand 3B 6 1 2 2 .316
A.Soriano 2B 6 2 3 8 .228 R.Sexson 1B 5 1 1 0 .255
D.Lee 1B 6 2 2 2 .337 H.Matsui LF 6 1 2 2 .242
S.Green RF 6 1 4 0 .295 T.Hunter CF 6 1 2 1 .255
D.Eckstein SS 5 1 2 0 .316 J.Kendall C 4 3 2 0 .254
A.Pierzynski C 4 0 0 0 .244 L.Gonzalez 2B 3 0 0 0 .231
B-Y.Torrealba C 2 1 1 2 .275 D-T.Martinez PH 1 0 0 0 .224
R.Freel 3B 4 0 0 0 .252 E-J.Cirillo 2B 0 1 0 0 .364
C.Spurling P 0 0 0 0 .000 G.Maddux P 2 0 1 1 .115
J.Putz P 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Witasick P 0 0 0 0 ----
A.Eaton P 0 0 0 0 .333 F-N.Logan PH 1 0 0 0 .000
G-R.Shealy PH 0 0 0 0 .432 J.Julio P 0 0 0 0 ----
H-C.Barmes PR 1 1 0 0 .273 R.Dempster P 0 0 0 0 .091
D.Sanchez P 0 0 0 0 ---- H.Bell P 0 0 0 0 ----
M.Redman P 0 0 0 0 .095 I-A.Gonzalez PH 1 1 1 2 .292
D.Williams P 0 0 0 0 .000
J.Contreras P 2 0 0 0 .172
L.Vizcaino P 1 0 0 0 .000
C-W.Helms 3B 2 1 2 1 .365
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 48 15 17 14 Totals 46 11 14 11

A-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Holliday In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Pierzynski In 8th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Vizcaino In 8th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Gonzalez In 8th Inning
E-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Martinez In 9th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Witasick In 9th Inning
G-Pinch Hit For Eaton In 11th Inning
H-Pinch Ran For Shealy In 11th Inning
I-Pinch Hit For Bell In 11th Inning

Jackhammers..... 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 - 15 17 1
Loggers......... 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 5 - 11 14 1

Jackhammers (32-35) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
J.Contreras 4 1/3 7 5 5 1 5 2 91 4.83
L.Vizcaino 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 39 4.10
C.Spurling HOLD(3rd) 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 3.69
J.Putz BS(1st) 0 2/3 1 1 1 0 0 1 3 4.29
A.Eaton WIN(2-2) 1 1/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 10 4.63
D.Sanchez 0 2 3 3 0 0 0 11 4.73
M.Redman 0 1/3 1 1 1 0 0 0 11 4.14
D.Williams 0 2/3 2 1 1 0 0 1 8 4.90
Totals 11 14 11 11 2 8 4

Loggers (39-29) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
G.Maddux 7 10 6 6 1 5 2 142 3.81
J.Witasick 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 34 7.07
J.Julio LOSS(0-1) 1 2 5 5 2 1 1 38 8.25
R.Dempster 0 1/3 2 4 3 1 0 0 18 3.55
H.Bell 0 2/3 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 3.38
Totals 11 17 15 14 4 6 3

ATTENDANCE- 51,907 DATE- Friday, June 6th 2006 TIME- Night WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Tim Welke, Larry Poncino, Svooge Nybroutiv, Ed Rapuano
T- 4:28
LEFT ON BASE- Jackhammers: 8 Loggers: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Jackhammers: 0 Loggers: 1
ERRORS- J.Contreras, J.Cirillo
DOUBLES- A.Soriano(17th), D.Lee(24th), D.Eckstein(8th), Y.Torrealba(9th),
W.Helms(8th), S.Hillenbrand(20th), H.Matsui(9th)
TRIPLES- M.Holliday(3rd), J.Kendall(2nd), A.Gonzalez(1st)
HOME RUNS- A.Soriano-2(14th), D.Lee(14th), I.Suzuki(3rd), S.Hillenbrand(8th),
H.Matsui(6th), T.Hunter(9th)
STOLEN BASES- J.Pierre-5(46th)
CAUGHT STEALING- J.Pierre-2, C.Counsell
SACRIFICE HITS- J.Pierre, G.Maddux
WALKS- M.Holliday, S.Podsednik, D.Eckstein, R.Shealy, C.Counsell, R.Sexson
HIT BY PITCH- J.Pierre-2, W.Helms, J.Kendall, J.Cirillo
STRIKE OUTS- M.Holliday, D.Lee, D.Eckstein, A.Pierzynski, J.Contreras-2,
C.Counsell, I.Suzuki, S.Hillenbrand-2, H.Matsui, T.Hunter,
J.Kendall, L.Gonzalez
GIDP- D.Eckstein
BALKS- H.Bell
WILD PITCHES- J.Julio

Second baseman Alfonso Soriano smashed 2 homeruns as the Joliet Jackhammers
defeated the Longue Pointe Loggers in 11 innings by the score of 15 to 11 at
Molson Yards (nya).

The score was knotted at 6 after nine innings. Joliet won the hard fought
contest in the 11th inning. The key offensive moment was provided by Soriano
who deflated the crowd as he launched a Grand Slam homerun (his 14th of the
season). Joliet provided plenty of action in the 11th inning which saw them
plate 9 runs on 4 hits. Joliet had 17 hits overall, while Longue Pointe had
14.

The win went to Adam Eaton(2-2) who allowed no runs in 1 and 1/3 innings.
Jorge Julio(0-1) was the loser in relief. He gave up 2 hits and 2 walks in 1
inning.

Joliet also solved the Longue Pointe lefty puzzle. Sabathia and Moyer were roughed by the Frosted Jack's. Julio the dominant has become Julio the bombed. Wes Helms has stepped in with a .353 bat and Derick Lee has hit 14 Hr's to give Joliet some hope. Lee's 3 hits helped JJ defeat LP in game 3, 11-5. Lee knocked in 3 runs in Parc Jarry#2...

 

Indiana looked so hopeful after a couple bold trades and a strong block 9. The week started great for the RB's as they met Ottawa in a battle of Parker rivals. Ottawa has held first place and has been dog fighting with both Brooklyn and Indiana all season long. Indiana needed to take a series from Ottawa and they did. May 31st game was a classic with Indy winning with a run in the 1oth on a Toby Hall single. Indy took 3 of 4 moving to within 2 games of the lead. The road to the top seemed easy enough as Cooperstown was next. RedBird fans ever optimistic and buzzing from the weeks events thus far may have taken the Ryan Wyke led Iron Horses too lightly.

Cooperstown stopped the Indiana Redbirds winning 3 of 4 behind renewed offense, and Justin Speier. Speier has issued no runs in 13 appearances. Radke, Franklin, and Ch Cordero captured the Birds and stalled their flight to the top in Parker. In the 4th game of the series, Cooperstown managed only 3 hits in their 2-1 win. Indy had 12 hits. Despite Tony Clark's heroics this week (7 HR), Indy only moved up 1 notch towards Ottawa in Parker....

BOXSCORE: 2006 Indiana RedBirds At 2006 Cooperstown Iron Horses 6/7/2006

RedBirds AB R H RBI AVG Iron Horses AB R H RBI AVG
G.Sizemore CF 5 0 1 0 .315 M.Young SS 3 1 1 0 .306
P.Polanco 2B 4 0 3 0 .348 C.Wilson RF 3 0 0 0 .250
D-T.Walker PH 1 0 0 0 .329 D.Johnson 1B 3 0 0 1 .280
A.Pujols 1B 4 0 2 0 .301 D.Bell 3B 4 0 1 1 .270
A.Rodriguez SS 4 0 1 0 .276 J.Buck C 2 0 0 0 .262
J.Bay LF 4 0 1 0 .308 R.Langerhans LF 3 0 1 0 .181
T.Clark DH 4 1 2 1 .265 J.Peralta DH 3 0 0 0 .299
T.Nixon RF 3 0 0 0 .221 R.Gotay 2B 3 0 0 0 .248
H.Blalock 3B 4 0 1 0 .235 D.Roberts CF 1 1 0 0 .286
T.Hall C 2 0 0 0 .243
A-M.Stairs PH 1 0 1 0 .308
B-M.Olivo C 0 0 0 0 .184
C-J.Conine PH 1 0 0 0 .343
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 37 1 12 1 Totals 25 2 3 2

A-Pinch Hit For Hall In 7th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Stairs In 7th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Olivo In 9th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Polanco In 9th Inning

RedBirds........ 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 12 0
Iron Horses..... 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 - 2 3 0

RedBirds (36-30) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA SCORESHEET
S.Kazmir LOSS(9-5) 7 3 2 2 6 6 0 130 3.90 A1 D5
D.Riske 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 15 4.62 D6
Totals 8 3 2 2 6 8 0

Iron Horses (28-40) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA SCORESHEET
B.Radke WIN(5-7) 7 12 1 1 1 6 1 104 3.49 A1 D5
B.Thompson HOLD(1st) 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 6.57 D6 D6
J.Crain HOLD(7th) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 3.14 D7 D9
F.Cordero SAVE(6th) 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 2 0 10 5.63 E1
Totals 9 12 1 1 1 8 1

ATTENDANCE- 16,786 DATE- Saturday, June 7th 2006 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Dougles Eddings, Greg Gibson, Sam Holbrook, Paul Emmel
T- 2:26
LEFT ON BASE- RedBirds:10 Iron Horses: 9
DOUBLE PLAYS- RedBirds: 0 Iron Horses: 1
DOUBLES- P.Polanco(21st)
HOME RUNS- T.Clark(20th)
SACRIFICE HITS- D.Roberts
SACRIFICE FLIES- D.Johnson
WALKS- T.Nixon, M.Young, C.Wilson, J.Buck-2, J.Peralta, D.Roberts
HIT BY PITCH- R.Langerhans, R.Gotay
STRIKE OUTS- G.Sizemore-3, T.Walker, A.Pujols, A.Rodriguez, T.Nixon, H.Blalock,
M.Young, C.Wilson, D.Johnson, D.Bell, J.Buck, J.Peralta, R.Gotay-2
GIDP- H.Blalock
WILD PITCHES- S.Kazmir

At Wrigley Field, the Cooperstown faithful were treated to an intriguing
pitcher's duel. Brad Radke(5-7) finally bested his Indiana counterpart,
Scott Kazmir(9-5), by the score of 2 to 1.

Cooperstown had 2 runs cross the plate in the 5th inning. Despite losing,
Indiana out-hit Cooperstown 12 to 3. Radke got help from Francisco Cordero
who earned his 6th save. The loss was charged to Kazmir. He surrendered 3
hits and 6 walks in 7 innings.

MARIANO! Brooklynites are ecstatic about Mariano's 30 scoreless inning streak! He single handedly helped push Brooklyn back into the race in Parker with 3 big wins to put his record at 5-0, and 3 more saves to give him 13 on the season. Rivera has not allowed a single run this year nailing shut all his opponents. Read this, 30 innings, 7 hits!!! 34 K's. Ligts out a 0% inherited runner scoring stat. Brooklyn's super platooners starred. The House of Pain is still rockin'.

46,907 fans were treated to a fine game at House of Pain {Col} as only one run
separated the combatants at game's end. The Brooklyn Superbas won by the
slimmest of margins, 6 to 5.

The game was won by Brooklyn with a run in the 8th inning. Todd Helton hit a
bases-empty home run (his 6th of the season). Brooklyn managed 11 in their
victory.

The victory went to Mariano Rivera(4-0) who went 2 innings, allowing no runs.
Scott Linebrink(3-8) was charged with the loss in relief....


The battle fior Carter rages. With the Wolfmen looking to tear into the Whalers. In Game 1 lefty David Wells easily handled the Skok's lineup. Game 2 Game 2 was all Neah teaching the newer Skokie franchise a 7-0 lesson in pitching seemingly asserting their strength over the past 4 seasons in one walloping game. Recent #1 draftee "King" Felix Hernandez made a spot start and mowed down the Skoks in this key game. Piazza paid dividends witha HR and 5 RBi's.

 


May 30th, 2006

Although this week didn't see the leads change hands, the pennant races became more defined. In the Staub, Longue Pointe was able to hold off rival Belfast this week. Belfast's Chone Figgins is currently on a27 game hitting streak, longest of the year thus far. LP has won 8 of last 10 games, with a 10-5 record in 1 run games a testament to their bullpen support. LP was able to Slow SD who dropped 8 back and Maine who is struggling to find themselves in '06. SD and Joliet had dismal weeks and are rapidly falling out of the playoff race as Allentown has played well enough to move into contention for at least a wildcard being 4 games over .500 while the others have struggled. Unless SD and joliet make some progress it may be those three looking into the post season. Skokie has been on fire and now owns a 1.5 game lead over ever tough Neah Bay. Those two will dogfight all year as they have each made moves to improve their Staub division playoff chances.

In Clemente Philly again set some offensive marks. Scoring 26 runs on May 28th, in a 26-4 win over contending Stirling, the Phantastics lashed 24 hits. Carlos Lee walked 4 times, Lance Berkman scored 5 runs and Knocked in 6 on 4 hits. There were 3 players with 5 RBI or more. Philly is 8.5 behind Schmidt division leader Alamo City whop held first for another week. Alamo, Malachi Nellum's team, 32-26, isn't the offensive force they were '05, but much improved pitching has been the difference. With their team ERA about 1.5 runs less, the Flames and their new uniforms, have been solid this season. Billy Wagner has been lights out with 15 sv and a miniscule 0.71 ERA. Moises Alou is still flirting with .400 and has hit 8 taters thus far...Lake County a game back is hanging tough as Frank Thomas, and Larry Walker / Carlos Delgado have been quite deadly, rivaling Ottawa's Vlad-Papi combo. The Leopards pitching has been even better than Alamo's so this will be an interesting race to watch. Stirling is right there a game back as well. Wayne McGee, an original CBA owner has to be pleased how his RedSox have bounced back after a short 1 year rebuild. Cabrera and Konerko have been marvelous for Wayne. SRS has been winning despite not getting on base as much as expected, .336 team OBA.Lots of power and a good leadoff man, Crawford, may be the difference. David Ortiz had a 5 hit game for Parker leader Ottawa on May 30th. Ottawa has a 4 game lead over both Brooklyn and Indiana. It looks like Jack Jung's team may be the class of Parker. Brooklyn cant seem to get untracked. Brooklyn doesn't seem to have their renowned pop this year, struggling along with a '.266' Batting avg, about 30 pts below their 10 year normal. Indiana is also at 4 games back and both those two should be battling all year for a playoff spot. With Indiana's latest trades, they may be a favorite to overtake the Superbas in the chase.

 


May 22nd 2006

Very interesting month. With some race lead changes. Never can tell week to week who will
emerge with everyone so tightly packed. With a rush, Alamo City has taken control in the
Schmidt from Lake County. Malachi Nellum has been waiting patiently for a few season for
his team to gel and it appears it may be doing just that, having a strong week, sweeping
Bryan their Texas rivals. May has been good for Alamo who were a few under .500 as of
May 4th, but have steady climbed now in first place. Could have been a bigger lead had
they not lost 2 of 3 to Lake County in the final series....Striling has quietly moved back
into the race actually to within a half game of first for. Its their first time that close
to the top spot since early 2004. 5 players with double digit HR's. Andruuw Jones had a
big week breaking his slump with a multiple HR game. Chavez, Konerko, Cabrera and Belliard
10 27 .355 have all hit the long balls. It certainly hasn't been their pitching with a mid
5 ERA. Lake County ever tough has used the big bat of Carlos Delgado 16 50 .321 to stay
in the thick of it. Carolina led by 101 HR Adam Dunn's 25 HR and the amazing season of
Travis Hafner's 17 41 .317 are poised to strike with a great offense....Ottawa is back in
first place. They took apart Brooklyn in their head to head by the Bash Brothers Ortiz and
Guerrero doing tons of damage. Perhaps CBA's strongest offensive tandem they helped take 3
games form the Superbas destroying the Brooklyn pitchers...Indiana and Brooklyn went head
to head with the Supers winning 3 of 4 from them. Brooklyn pitchers couldnt hold on as
Indiana makes their rush to fight in the Parker.Wang and Loaiza pitching well in their key
starts. Brooklyn has fallen 3 1/2 out and are looking at a tough road ahead if they wish
to repeat. Indiana has won 7, 1 run games to account for their rise. Sizemore, Bay, and
Al Pujols have been hitting very well. Could you imagine when A Rod heats up what may
happen here in Parker?....

Longue Pointe has taken command in Dawson with a solid week splitting with the Senators
and taking 2 of 3 from Maine. Pitching the key with solid pen work by committee and
excellent starting pitching. LP got some nice small ball using Hit and Run and some key
steals by Ichiro to move ahead. Hillenbrand continues his clutch hitting to keep LP
atop... Belfast struggled dropping both their series. Belfast has hit a team .292 BA
but managed only 46 HR's this year. JD Adams must be scratching his head after losing
to Joliet after Limoilou took 3 of 4 from Belfast in Quebec in was a crucial city for the
Brawlers. It was a lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the once mighty
Wendigo. Perhaps this weeks trade for Tim Hudson proved a spark. It sure did for Neah Bay
who despite the tremendous play of Skokie had an awesome first week half defeating Joliet
3 of 4 in retaking 1st place in Carter, only to drop their final series to SD 2 of 3. Neah
swept OTC in their series after losing two to SD in the first half. Joliet remains 5 1/2
out with SD 6 games out floating along on the cusp....
 


 

 CBA is off and running. The new website address is speedy and no pop-ups.
As a few guys had said before the season, teams that were second division last year
will be much improved this season, and a few better teams will drop. The prophecy
thus far is correct. A look around CBA shows just that trend with a few surprises.
Some players have gotten off to great starts and some teams as well. The divisions
are bunched up promising for another great pennant chase. A look around CBA shows
alot of competition in the Parker, Dawson, Schmidt and somewhat Carter.  We had our first no hitter this week with Stirling getting their 3rd since '97. Barry Zito combined with Matt Wise.  They gave up 1 run with walks.


The Clemente division has been labeled by some as perhaps less competitive in past
seasons than the Staub. Dominated by a few teams like Brooklyn in Parker, Neah,
and teams like Lake Co (New york) Philly, not too many other teams have gone into
the playoffs in the recent past. This year there seems to be some new players
emerging. After last years forgettable season, the Alamo City Flames made a few
strong moves in the off season to solidify their once feeble pitching staff and
improve their lineup. Last year the Flames made CBA's top 5 alltime with a .310
team Batting average. They appear on track again for big offense with a .289 BA
which is climbing each block. They lead CBA with 287 hits at press time. Off to
a 15-12 start they sit alone atop Schmidt ahead of Lake County, and Philly.
Carolina (formerly Wantagh) has showed some signs of life hovering near .500 they
sit just behind Philly and Lake County. A few trades and personnel moves could
spell the difference in Schmidt.

Once again Brooklyn led by surprisingly good pitching is starting to hit like
Brooklyn teams always do at the House of Pain. They lead CBA with a .290 BA clubbing
44 HR's. Brooklyn has had solid performances from Vernon Wells and Mariano Rivera
to help pace their 18-9 record. 2 games behind are the very tough Indiana RedBirds.
The RedBirds favored by some to win Parker, are off and flying. Albert Pujols and
Arod has been a wrecking crew, each slamming 11 HR's. Its hard to imagine what their
numbers will be like at seasons end, but with Grady Sizemore getting on base regurlarly
and guys like Bay behind the trio, AFS will likely score tons of runs and maybe shatter
some CBA records in the process. Paced by Scott Kazmir's 6-0 record, the RedBirds hope
to keep pitching to stay with the well balanced Brooklyn team.
Bryan and Ottawa look to have an effect on the race and are poised to break soon.
Ottawa finished week 4 strong after struggling with Indiana in series 1. Ottawa handled
Cooperstown who themselves are looking much improved over '05. Ottawa remains very
dangerous with Vlad, Ortiz, and Floyd in the middle of a strong lineup. Ottawa will battle
Bryan who is just under .500 in a very tough division, perhaps CBA's toughest in '06.
Bryan (formerly Kilgore) has gotten stellar bullpen work once again from Dustin Hermanson
(10 sv) Scott Linebrink and Luis Ayala. In Parker Brooklyn and Bryan may have the pitching,
but the RedBirds and Otters have the bats.


Looking into the Staub, once again the Dawson is a battle that will likely go to the wire.
Two years in a row 1 game playoffs had to be played. The exception is that this season
it may not include Limoilou. How the mighty have fallen. The big story is their rapid drop
after all their winning seasons into CBA's cellar. Arguable CBA's most successful franchise,
the once mighty Wendigo have been caught captured and shown to the public with a 6-15 record,
7 games off the pace set by now Longue Pointe. LP has reclaimed the top spot from the
Belfast Brawlers who had jumped into first early in block 1 to 3. Longue Pointe broke even
in 4 games block 4 with the Bullies and took 2 of 3 from SD another division rival clutch wins
for sure moving into first place with the last Belfast win. Although the pitching has been
inconsistant with Moyer and Sabathia struggling, clutch hitting from Shea Hillenbrand and
Richard Sexson have kept the Loggers and their mascot Lumber'Jacque' rolling. Belfast has to
be considered among early surprises. Belfast jumped out to an early Dawson lead and have looked
pretty balanced and strong so far. Strong pitching and timely hitting. Solid starts from Seo
and Chacin and great pen work has meant wins. Belfast bench may be the only question here as
usage is a concern for this team. San Diego has often given CBA absolutely nothing to talk about
in their 4 years in CBA. This year we may get some stories from the CBA's westernmost outpost
since they certainly have the talent this year to make noise. Of note Jake Peavy is off to a
6-0 start with a miniscule 0.92 ERA. Their team is perhaps alot better than their 13-14 record
suggests. Let see what happens here as the season goes. Joliet is certainly looking better in
'06 than '05. Good pitching and good hitting and ouila! Joliet is challenging for the Dawson at
13-13. Jack Frost has made several key trades in the off season and looks to get some mileage
from new players. Good starts by Soriano, Shawn Green, AJ Pierzynski, and Chipper have kept the
Jacks in the hunt. Block 5 will be an important one for both JJD and SSD.


The Carter looks to be Neah Bay's to lose in '06. A perrenial powerhouse, John the Revelator Skillings
is again using pitching to git er done boasting a 3.31 team ERA. Cy Young candidate Pedro Martinez
is 5-0, Sheets stingy pitching, and the pen has been solid if not spectacular. Neah is at 17-7.
The aren't hitting much but with pitching like that, they will compete all year. Their main
competition comes from the Steel town of Allentown Pennsylvania. The Senators who along with their
new logo are going strong at 14-13. The former KC (KAC) team is looking to repeat the successes
of the '04 A's who Rich Schneider led into CBA's finals against the '04 World Champion Brooklyn Superbas.
Allentown (ANC not ASC which used to be the Acadie Stras initials) has done it opposite Neah,
with the bats. 6 players are double digit in RBI's with emerging CBA star Jorge Cantu going
6 23 .331 Skokie is at 13-13 and looking to find some consistancy and put together a winning streak.
Despite the Wolfman's assertions, the Wolfmen are a very tough team again and should compete all year.
The Wolf will howl again we're sure.

Below is the no hitter....

BOXSCORE: 2006 Alamo City Flames At 2006 Stirling Redsox            4/25/2006
 
  Flames             AB  R  H RBI AVG     Redsox             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  J.Damon CF          4  0  0  0 .244     C.Crawford LF       4  1  1  0 .226 
  M.Giles 2B          3  0  0  0 .333     R.Belliard 2B       4  1  3  1 .385 
  M.Alou DH           4  0  0  0 .421     A.Jones CF          3  2  1  2 .221 
  J.Francoeur RF      4  0  0  0 .333     M.Cabrera RF        3  0  1  1 .354 
  K.Griffey Jr LF     2  1  0  0 .310   A-J.Repko RF          1  0  0  0 .250 
  B.Mueller 3B        4  0  0  0 .261     E.Chavez 3B         4  0  0  0 .187 
  S.Casey 1B          2  0  0  0 .373     P.Konerko 1B        4  0  0  0 .208 
  J.Uribe SS          2  0  0  0 .189     J.Varitek C         3  0  0  0 .239 
  M.Redmond C         2  0  0  1 .185     J.Larue DH          1  0  0  0 .148 
                                          O.Cabrera SS        3  0  1  0 .242 
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---     
         Totals      27  1  0  1                 Totals      30  4  7  4
 
A-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Cabrera In 8th Inning
 
Flames.......... 0 1 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  1  0  0
Redsox.......... 3 0 0  0 1 0  0 0    -  4  7  1
 
Flames (15-12)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
C.Lee LOSS(3-3)           8       7   4   4   2  10   1 127   4.68  A1
Totals                    8       7   4   4   2  10   1
 
Redsox (9-18)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
B.Zito WIN(1-5)           7       0   1   1   5   5   0 121   8.88  A1 C8
M.Wise SAVE(4th)          2       0   0   0   1   3   0  26   2.08  C9
Totals                    9       0   1   1   6   8   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 27,781 DATE- Friday, April 25th 2006 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Alfonso Marquez, Jeff Kellogg, Jerry Layne, Lil' Jack Little
T- 2:12
LEFT ON BASE- Flames: 5  Redsox: 5
DOUBLE PLAYS- Flames: 0  Redsox: 1
ERRORS- R.Belliard
DOUBLES- C.Crawford(7th), R.Belliard(7th), M.Cabrera(6th)
HOME RUNS- A.Jones(7th)
WALKS- M.Giles, K.Griffey Jr-2, S.Casey, J.Uribe, M.Redmond, J.Larue-2
HIT BY PITCH- A.Jones
STRIKE OUTS- M.Giles, M.Alou, J.Francoeur, K.Griffey Jr-2, B.Mueller, J.Uribe-2,
             C.Crawford-2, R.Belliard, M.Cabrera-2, J.Repko, E.Chavez,
             P.Konerko, J.Varitek-2
GIDP- M.Giles
 
The Stirling Redsox pitching staff gave the fans an afternoon that they'll
never forget by tossing a combined no-hitter! The tension started to build
around the 6th inning.  By the 9th inning the crowd was electrified.  Alamo
City went down without a fight in the 9th. 
 
Barry Zito(1-5) got credit for the victory, pitching 7 innings and allowing 1
run. Zito got help from Matt Wise who was credited with his 4th save.  Cliff
Lee(3-3) absorbed the loss.  He surrendered 4 runs and 7 hits in 8 innings.
 
'You probably have a better chance of winning the lottery than this
happening,' said Zito who got credit for the win, 'I don't expect it to sink
in for awhile.' he said. 'You know, it's hard to say who was better, the
starter or the bullpen!'
 


June 26th, 2006

Brooklyn Luvs their Wacky Superbas....

by Joe Slats

 In 1997 the city of Brooklyn was awarded a franchise by the fledgling Cyber Baseball Association. A league better known in the Strat-o-sphere as C.B.A.

Quickly a civic commision ("Baseball Back in Bklyn") was appointed by Borough President Mike DelPritito to oversee and build a new stadium known as "The House of Pain" to the same specifications as Colorado's Coors Field. It went up quickly in Brooklyn's midsection in a place called Prospect Park. Based on an old Olmstead and Vaux design, the area was beautiful yet not efficient for the increased traffic flow. As result the trains were packed, and traffic stopped.

The Superbas stopped too. They stopped pitching in their inaugural year. Though they did hit at the House of Pain, leading the league with a .284 BA. But the rest of the season, well...not s'good.... A former CBA member once said "Superbas" means 'great underwear' in French. The Superbas were as pathetic as a dried skidmark committing 143 errors and amasing a league worst 5.18 ERA. Those numbers were good enough to snatch defeat 97 times from the jaws of victory and a pathetic last place finish. Through the stench of the 97 season, "The House of Pain" rocked every night!..... and still it rocks on into 2004.....

 

This season, the city fixed its traffic mess around Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park. At the same time fixing the subway snarl and logjams by finalizing and building a long awaited "Superba Hovercraft" and "KiteTrain" fan mover transport system. Able to move crowds from the outer fringes of Midwood, Bensonhurst, and New Lots to Flatbush has eased traffic and brought big business to the middle Brooklyn stadium area.

 

Brooklyn fans such as Broog Tylobrow, Vito DelaChien, Mike Fionzarukii, and Eric Lindner still love their fun and maniacal team. Years before They came out en masse to watch such former original Brooklyn Superbas such as Albert Belle, Lance Johnson, Jeff Frye, Butch Huskey, Felipe Lira, Paul Sorrento, and the legendary Peoples cherce Mel Rojas battle teams such as the Sunville SunJewels, Canadian River Valley Ballyard Rats, Hootersville Cannonballs, The Louisville MobSquad, The Parma Flamingoes, and the beloved Southwest Sun Lizards.  Even some bizarre Canadian team called the Green Bay Roches (Never understood that name) Nowadays, 'dem’ SuPoib's take on teams such as the Allentown Senators, Maine Express, Carolina Copperheads, Lake County Leopards and the Ohio T-Cats. Fans now however are seeing a better brand of winning ball played by characters who remind oldtimers of the fabled GasHouse Gang clubs. Lets once again today in 2006 at some of the 'colorful' players on the Brooklyn Bums team.

 

Todd "The Mod" Helton a surefire CBA HOFer, Todd has adopted a fake British Accent (like Johnny Depp). He flits around the clubhouse and enjoys entertaining repoters by portraying Bill Cosby acting as a British spy. It is quite bizzare say some reporters but teammates don’t mind as long as he keeps hitting they report.  This season Todd has company.  Another Todd has joined the Supebas.  Todd Greene, who coincidently always dresses in green has been practicing his mime act around the clubhouse.  He has been provoking controversy keeping everyone’s muscles loose. Unhappy players have taken their toll on Greene who is constanttly mimicking the other Todd, Helton.  Greene prances around behind Helton repeating everything his mentor says.

 

Ivan Rodriguez always keeps a dish of both liverwurst and cod liver oil in his locker. Like a form of aroma therapy it helps this potential all star catcher achieve his best emotional state before games. He and ‘Sal’s pals’ namesake Sal Fasano eat hero sandwiches with the food substances each morning at 10 am. 

 

Sal Fasano has cut a new dance record in Brooklyn’s Electric Plant studios.  His new video shot nearly in the buff had bizarre reaction on MTW’s  TRL show.  Aside from the cheers and chants, Fasano managed to capture the hearts and souls of the Brooklyn faithful.  A popular player in Brooklyn Fasano spends lots of time autographing books of other players for any fans who may be within yards of the burly catcher.

 

Roy Halliday has joined the Bensonhurst 07740 Volunteer Police force.  He has assigned himself to oversee the protection of Brooklyn’s burgeoning Canadian Goose(Geese,whatever) population.  He can be sighted on off days in Marine Park playing spot the ‘Looney’ with town area residents.  Team officials don’t mind his dedication to area interests but remains concerned about his chasing fire engines.

 

Adam Everett Another strange case. Suffering from some form of paranoia, Everett is constantly comparing himself to Carl Everett much to his own consternation. Recently Adam presented Superba fans with deluxe opportunity to have his picture taken with both personalities.  Few attended, but a good time was had by those on East 12th and East 13th street.

 

Ryan Howard Has embraced technology. Last year’s attempt to Implant a GPS tracking device in his body to help him find himself at the plate was supposed to work wonders. However it backfired and Ry-Oh-Ho was sent to the DL with a staph infection caused by the foreign device. Oh no Ry-Ho.  Howard has responded to the rumours of Doctors planting a new analog abacus rack into his back has been scoffed by Ryoho.  “ I caint do that sheet.  You think Im some kinda…”

 

Vinny Castilla was Brooklyn’s favorite Coo-Jine (A Bklyn term, see Saturday nite fever) back in April when he took over play at 3B. Castilla was claimed off the RFA wires but  just has been unable to get the job done in Brooklyn. He is quite unpopular in Brooklyn and is heaped lots of Brooklyn abuse by the faithful Prospect Park people. Tossed at and spat at thrown at with garbage and fish, he is considered ‘asinine’ by many loyal Brooklyn fans.  Some fired carpet guns at the player at his hotel in Red Hook, and a few even tried to give him money and advice to leave town. Castilla, Lost the 3B to the enigmatic Juan "In-fidel" Castro. Vinny slumpd badly.  The slump and humilation grew worse with each series. Mercilessly Castilla has been mocked and taunted especially following his infamous game against Bryan on June 25th. He actually stumbled to the plate, his bat held upside down by the barrel. Although being laughed at frantically by many, he popped a single to left splintering the bat before the hysterical Brooklyn dugout.  Upon his return to the bench, Manager John Stearns tackled him in the dugout and umpire Svooge Nybroutiv tossed both from the game.  Fans wont be so quick to forgive either player or manager for the disrespect to the Brooklyn Superba ‘family’ in the bizarre happening in the House of Pain.  

 

Jay Payton His spot in LF is known on the Brooklyn streets as "Payton's Place" Always refers to himself in the third person.

 

Generalismo Mariano Rivera The brutal dictator of the bullpen likens himself to dictators such as Somoza, Trujillo, Noriega, Mao, Fidel, Napolean, Bob Barker, and Major Healy. He has a different pitch for each dictatorial mood swing he encounters on the mound.  He is quite an entertaining reliever to watch.

 

Albert Belle used to be the teams best dancer, now it's LaTroy "Sadie " Hawkins often found by Bklyn's Trolley’s disco.  He has won a few contests and now teaches the Hustle in his spare time.  He is now rumored to be looking open an all night produce stand in Boro Park. 

 

Jose Vidro is quite a hit with the female fans at The House that Rafael Bournigal built. His newly dyed hair extension are the talk of Cadman Plaza.  Many a young fan look at him.

 

And perhaps the liveliest personality in dugout, the Wacky Claudio Vargas. Ever the source of fun and target of jokes, The Bolivian is so popular in Brooklyn that they made a doll/action figure of him.

The doll retails for a buck 99 at Gas stations everywhere. It's dual purpose as a toy and lighter fluid cannister has caused quite a sensation in schoolyards around the city. Says Bklyn fan Lenny Leotardo "...The toy imitates life so well. Ain't it just like Vargas too? You can definitely put fuel on the fire with this toy just like my hero..."

 


June 5th, 2006

Well how about Malachi Nellum's Alamo City Flames. One of CBA's veteran franchises, Alamo has been slowly rebuilding and now the dividends. A 4 game lead over Dave Dean's struggling Lake County Leopards, and Wayne "McGoo's" Stirling Red Sox. The Flames have been in first for 3 weeks now and they look like an emerging CBA force. Look at the damage Ken Griffey Jrdid for the Flames in this June 7th game.

ALAMO CITY AT PHILLY
Flames.......... 3 3 7 0 0 0 3 0 0 - 16 16 0
Phantastics..... 3 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 - 9 12 1
Win:Seanez(2-3) Loss:Perez(1-6)
Homeruns- M.Giles(5th), K.Griffey Jr-2(14th), B.Abreu(17th), C.Utley-2(25th)

Left fielder Ken Griffey Jr slammed 2 homeruns and had 8 RBI at Ameriquest
Field where the Alamo City Flames beat the Philly Phantastics 16 to
9.

Griffey Jr had a great day at the plate. He smacked a three-run homer in the
1st inning, doubled which was good for two runs in the 2nd inning and lifted
one out of the park for a two run home run (his 14th of the season) in the
3rd inning. Alamo City kept the scorekeepers busy in the 3rd inning with 7
runs on 6 hits. Alamo City finished with 16 hits while Philly ended up with
12.

Rudy Seanez(2-3) picked up the victory, allowing no runs in 3 and 2/3 innings.
Oliver Perez(1-6) ended up with the loss. He pitched 1 and 2/3 innings
giving up 4 hits and 4 walks.

Jack hammers sweep Longue Pointe...June 7th. Joliet left for dead after their May swoon, sought revenge on the LP Loggers who have been in first for most of the season. Joliet swept 4 games from Dennis C's team who had just split with Carter divisions Thundercats in the first series. LP riding a strong team effort and a nice lead in Dawson, didnt expect the venom the Jack's dished out. Joliet a fairly laid back team exploded in a 15-11 win on June 6th. Aolfonso Soriano lived up to his price tag with 2 HR's and the game winner in the 11th, a Grand Slam HR to win it.

BOXSCORE: 2006 Joliet Jackhammers At 2006 Longue Pointe Loggers 6/6/2006
Lots of runs, lots o' hits. Joliet climbs back into race.

Jackhammers AB R H RBI AVG Loggers AB R H RBI AVG
J.Pierre CF 4 3 2 1 .258 C.Counsell SS 5 1 2 2 .281
M.Holliday LF 3 2 1 0 .242 I.Suzuki RF 6 1 1 1 .282
A-S.Podsednik LF 2 1 0 0 .241 S.Hillenbrand 3B 6 1 2 2 .316
A.Soriano 2B 6 2 3 8 .228 R.Sexson 1B 5 1 1 0 .255
D.Lee 1B 6 2 2 2 .337 H.Matsui LF 6 1 2 2 .242
S.Green RF 6 1 4 0 .295 T.Hunter CF 6 1 2 1 .255
D.Eckstein SS 5 1 2 0 .316 J.Kendall C 4 3 2 0 .254
A.Pierzynski C 4 0 0 0 .244 L.Gonzalez 2B 3 0 0 0 .231
B-Y.Torrealba C 2 1 1 2 .275 D-T.Martinez PH 1 0 0 0 .224
R.Freel 3B 4 0 0 0 .252 E-J.Cirillo 2B 0 1 0 0 .364
C.Spurling P 0 0 0 0 .000 G.Maddux P 2 0 1 1 .115
J.Putz P 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Witasick P 0 0 0 0 ----
A.Eaton P 0 0 0 0 .333 F-N.Logan PH 1 0 0 0 .000
G-R.Shealy PH 0 0 0 0 .432 J.Julio P 0 0 0 0 ----
H-C.Barmes PR 1 1 0 0 .273 R.Dempster P 0 0 0 0 .091
D.Sanchez P 0 0 0 0 ---- H.Bell P 0 0 0 0 ----
M.Redman P 0 0 0 0 .095 I-A.Gonzalez PH 1 1 1 2 .292
D.Williams P 0 0 0 0 .000
J.Contreras P 2 0 0 0 .172
L.Vizcaino P 1 0 0 0 .000
C-W.Helms 3B 2 1 2 1 .365
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 48 15 17 14 Totals 46 11 14 11

A-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Holliday In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Pierzynski In 8th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Vizcaino In 8th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Gonzalez In 8th Inning
E-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Martinez In 9th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Witasick In 9th Inning
G-Pinch Hit For Eaton In 11th Inning
H-Pinch Ran For Shealy In 11th Inning
I-Pinch Hit For Bell In 11th Inning

Jackhammers..... 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 - 15 17 1
Loggers......... 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 5 - 11 14 1

Jackhammers (32-35) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
J.Contreras 4 1/3 7 5 5 1 5 2 91 4.83
L.Vizcaino 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 39 4.10
C.Spurling HOLD(3rd) 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 3.69
J.Putz BS(1st) 0 2/3 1 1 1 0 0 1 3 4.29
A.Eaton WIN(2-2) 1 1/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 10 4.63
D.Sanchez 0 2 3 3 0 0 0 11 4.73
M.Redman 0 1/3 1 1 1 0 0 0 11 4.14
D.Williams 0 2/3 2 1 1 0 0 1 8 4.90
Totals 11 14 11 11 2 8 4

Loggers (39-29) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
G.Maddux 7 10 6 6 1 5 2 142 3.81
J.Witasick 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 34 7.07
J.Julio LOSS(0-1) 1 2 5 5 2 1 1 38 8.25
R.Dempster 0 1/3 2 4 3 1 0 0 18 3.55
H.Bell 0 2/3 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 3.38
Totals 11 17 15 14 4 6 3

ATTENDANCE- 51,907 DATE- Friday, June 6th 2006 TIME- Night WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Tim Welke, Larry Poncino, Svooge Nybroutiv, Ed Rapuano
T- 4:28
LEFT ON BASE- Jackhammers: 8 Loggers: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Jackhammers: 0 Loggers: 1
ERRORS- J.Contreras, J.Cirillo
DOUBLES- A.Soriano(17th), D.Lee(24th), D.Eckstein(8th), Y.Torrealba(9th),
W.Helms(8th), S.Hillenbrand(20th), H.Matsui(9th)
TRIPLES- M.Holliday(3rd), J.Kendall(2nd), A.Gonzalez(1st)
HOME RUNS- A.Soriano-2(14th), D.Lee(14th), I.Suzuki(3rd), S.Hillenbrand(8th),
H.Matsui(6th), T.Hunter(9th)
STOLEN BASES- J.Pierre-5(46th)
CAUGHT STEALING- J.Pierre-2, C.Counsell
SACRIFICE HITS- J.Pierre, G.Maddux
WALKS- M.Holliday, S.Podsednik, D.Eckstein, R.Shealy, C.Counsell, R.Sexson
HIT BY PITCH- J.Pierre-2, W.Helms, J.Kendall, J.Cirillo
STRIKE OUTS- M.Holliday, D.Lee, D.Eckstein, A.Pierzynski, J.Contreras-2,
C.Counsell, I.Suzuki, S.Hillenbrand-2, H.Matsui, T.Hunter,
J.Kendall, L.Gonzalez
GIDP- D.Eckstein
BALKS- H.Bell
WILD PITCHES- J.Julio

Second baseman Alfonso Soriano smashed 2 homeruns as the Joliet Jackhammers
defeated the Longue Pointe Loggers in 11 innings by the score of 15 to 11 at
Molson Yards (nya).

The score was knotted at 6 after nine innings. Joliet won the hard fought
contest in the 11th inning. The key offensive moment was provided by Soriano
who deflated the crowd as he launched a Grand Slam homerun (his 14th of the
season). Joliet provided plenty of action in the 11th inning which saw them
plate 9 runs on 4 hits. Joliet had 17 hits overall, while Longue Pointe had
14.

The win went to Adam Eaton(2-2) who allowed no runs in 1 and 1/3 innings.
Jorge Julio(0-1) was the loser in relief. He gave up 2 hits and 2 walks in 1
inning.

Joliet also solved the Longue Pointe lefty puzzle. Sabathia and Moyer were roughed by the Frosted Jack's. Julio the dominant has become Julio the bombed. Wes Helms has stepped in with a .353 bat and Derick Lee has hit 14 Hr's to give Joliet some hope. Lee's 3 hits helped JJ defeat LP in game 3, 11-5. Lee knocked in 3 runs in Parc Jarry#2...

 

Indiana looked so hopeful after a couple bold trades and a strong block 9. The week started great for the RB's as they met Ottawa in a battle of Parker rivals. Ottawa has held first place and has been dog fighting with both Brooklyn and Indiana all season long. Indiana needed to take a series from Ottawa and they did. May 31st game was a classic with Indy winning with a run in the 1oth on a Toby Hall single. Indy took 3 of 4 moving to within 2 games of the lead. The road to the top seemed easy enough as Cooperstown was next. RedBird fans ever optimistic and buzzing from the weeks events thus far may have taken the Ryan Wyke led Iron Horses too lightly.

Cooperstown stopped the Indiana Redbirds winning 3 of 4 behind renewed offense, and Justin Speier. Speier has issued no runs in 13 appearances. Radke, Franklin, and Ch Cordero captured the Birds and stalled their flight to the top in Parker. In the 4th game of the series, Cooperstown managed only 3 hits in their 2-1 win. Indy had 12 hits. Despite Tony Clark's heroics this week (7 HR), Indy only moved up 1 notch towards Ottawa in Parker....

BOXSCORE: 2006 Indiana RedBirds At 2006 Cooperstown Iron Horses 6/7/2006

RedBirds AB R H RBI AVG Iron Horses AB R H RBI AVG
G.Sizemore CF 5 0 1 0 .315 M.Young SS 3 1 1 0 .306
P.Polanco 2B 4 0 3 0 .348 C.Wilson RF 3 0 0 0 .250
D-T.Walker PH 1 0 0 0 .329 D.Johnson 1B 3 0 0 1 .280
A.Pujols 1B 4 0 2 0 .301 D.Bell 3B 4 0 1 1 .270
A.Rodriguez SS 4 0 1 0 .276 J.Buck C 2 0 0 0 .262
J.Bay LF 4 0 1 0 .308 R.Langerhans LF 3 0 1 0 .181
T.Clark DH 4 1 2 1 .265 J.Peralta DH 3 0 0 0 .299
T.Nixon RF 3 0 0 0 .221 R.Gotay 2B 3 0 0 0 .248
H.Blalock 3B 4 0 1 0 .235 D.Roberts CF 1 1 0 0 .286
T.Hall C 2 0 0 0 .243
A-M.Stairs PH 1 0 1 0 .308
B-M.Olivo C 0 0 0 0 .184
C-J.Conine PH 1 0 0 0 .343
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 37 1 12 1 Totals 25 2 3 2

A-Pinch Hit For Hall In 7th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Stairs In 7th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Olivo In 9th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Polanco In 9th Inning

RedBirds........ 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 12 0
Iron Horses..... 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 - 2 3 0

RedBirds (36-30) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA SCORESHEET
S.Kazmir LOSS(9-5) 7 3 2 2 6 6 0 130 3.90 A1 D5
D.Riske 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 15 4.62 D6
Totals 8 3 2 2 6 8 0

Iron Horses (28-40) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA SCORESHEET
B.Radke WIN(5-7) 7 12 1 1 1 6 1 104 3.49 A1 D5
B.Thompson HOLD(1st) 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 6.57 D6 D6
J.Crain HOLD(7th) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 3.14 D7 D9
F.Cordero SAVE(6th) 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 2 0 10 5.63 E1
Totals 9 12 1 1 1 8 1

ATTENDANCE- 16,786 DATE- Saturday, June 7th 2006 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Dougles Eddings, Greg Gibson, Sam Holbrook, Paul Emmel
T- 2:26
LEFT ON BASE- RedBirds:10 Iron Horses: 9
DOUBLE PLAYS- RedBirds: 0 Iron Horses: 1
DOUBLES- P.Polanco(21st)
HOME RUNS- T.Clark(20th)
SACRIFICE HITS- D.Roberts
SACRIFICE FLIES- D.Johnson
WALKS- T.Nixon, M.Young, C.Wilson, J.Buck-2, J.Peralta, D.Roberts
HIT BY PITCH- R.Langerhans, R.Gotay
STRIKE OUTS- G.Sizemore-3, T.Walker, A.Pujols, A.Rodriguez, T.Nixon, H.Blalock,
M.Young, C.Wilson, D.Johnson, D.Bell, J.Buck, J.Peralta, R.Gotay-2
GIDP- H.Blalock
WILD PITCHES- S.Kazmir

At Wrigley Field, the Cooperstown faithful were treated to an intriguing
pitcher's duel. Brad Radke(5-7) finally bested his Indiana counterpart,
Scott Kazmir(9-5), by the score of 2 to 1.

Cooperstown had 2 runs cross the plate in the 5th inning. Despite losing,
Indiana out-hit Cooperstown 12 to 3. Radke got help from Francisco Cordero
who earned his 6th save. The loss was charged to Kazmir. He surrendered 3
hits and 6 walks in 7 innings.

MARIANO! Brooklynites are ecstatic about Mariano's 30 scoreless inning streak! He single handedly helped push Brooklyn back into the race in Parker with 3 big wins to put his record at 5-0, and 3 more saves to give him 13 on the season. Rivera has not allowed a single run this year nailing shut all his opponents. Read this, 30 innings, 7 hits!!! 34 K's. Ligts out a 0% inherited runner scoring stat. Brooklyn's super platooners starred. The House of Pain is still rockin'.

46,907 fans were treated to a fine game at House of Pain {Col} as only one run
separated the combatants at game's end. The Brooklyn Superbas won by the
slimmest of margins, 6 to 5.

The game was won by Brooklyn with a run in the 8th inning. Todd Helton hit a
bases-empty home run (his 6th of the season). Brooklyn managed 11 in their
victory.

The victory went to Mariano Rivera(4-0) who went 2 innings, allowing no runs.
Scott Linebrink(3-8) was charged with the loss in relief....


The battle fior Carter rages. With the Wolfmen looking to tear into the Whalers. In Game 1 lefty David Wells easily handled the Skok's lineup. Game 2 Game 2 was all Neah teaching the newer Skokie franchise a 7-0 lesson in pitching seemingly asserting their strength over the past 4 seasons in one walloping game. Recent #1 draftee "King" Felix Hernandez made a spot start and mowed down the Skoks in this key game. Piazza paid dividends witha HR and 5 RBi's.

 

 


May 30th, 2006

Although this week didn't see the leads change hands, the pennant races became more defined. In the Staub, Longue Pointe was able to hold off rival Belfast this week. Belfast's Chone Figgins is currently on a27 game hitting streak, longest of the year thus far. LP has won 8 of last 10 games, with a 10-5 record in 1 run games a testament to their bullpen support. LP was able to Slow SD who dropped 8 back and Maine who is struggling to find themselves in '06. SD and Joliet had dismal weeks and are rapidly falling out of the playoff race as Allentown has played well enough to move into contention for at least a wildcard being 4 games over .500 while the others have struggled. Unless SD and joliet make some progress it may be those three looking into the post season. Skokie has been on fire and now owns a 1.5 game lead over ever tough Neah Bay. Those two will dogfight all year as they have each made moves to improve their Staub division playoff chances.

In Clemente Philly again set some offensive marks. Scoring 26 runs on May 28th, in a 26-4 win over contending Stirling, the Phantastics lashed 24 hits. Carlos Lee walked 4 times, Lance Berkman scored 5 runs and Knocked in 6 on 4 hits. There were 3 players with 5 RBI or more. Philly is 8.5 behind Schmidt division leader Alamo City whop held first for another week. Alamo, Malachi Nellum's team, 32-26, isn't the offensive force they were '05, but much improved pitching has been the difference. With their team ERA about 1.5 runs less, the Flames and their new uniforms, have been solid this season. Billy Wagner has been lights out with 15 sv and a miniscule 0.71 ERA. Moises Alou is still flirting with .400 and has hit 8 taters thus far...Lake County a game back is hanging tough as Frank Thomas, and Larry Walker / Carlos Delgado have been quite deadly, rivaling Ottawa's Vlad-Papi combo. The Leopards pitching has been even better than Alamo's so this will be an interesting race to watch. Stirling is right there a game back as well. Wayne McGee, an original CBA owner has to be pleased how his Red Sox have bounced back after a short 1 year rebuild. Cabrera and Konerko have been marvelous for Wayne. SRS has been winning despite not getting on base as much as expected, .336 team OBA.Lots of power and a good leadoff man, Crawford, may be the difference. David Ortiz had a 5 hit game for Parker leader Ottawa on May 30th. Ottawa has a 4 game lead over both Brooklyn and Indiana. It looks like Jack Jung's team may be the class of Parker. Brooklyn cant seem to get untracked. Brooklyn doesn't seem to have their renowned pop this year, struggling along with a '.266' Batting avg, about 30 pts below their 10 year normal. Indiana is also at 4 games back and both those two should be battling all year for a playoff spot. With Indiana's latest trades, they may be a favorite to overtake the Superbas in the chase.


May 18th, 2006

Very interesting month. With some race lead changes. Never can tell week to week who will
emerge with everyone so tightly packed. With a rush, Alamo City has taken control in the
Schmidt from Lake County. Malachi Nellum has been waiting patiently for a few season for
his team to gel and it appears it may be doing just that, having a strong week, sweeping
Bryan their Texas rivals. May has been good for Alamo who were a few under .500 as of
May 4th, but have steady climbed now in first place. Could have been a bigger lead had
they not lost 2 of 3 to Lake County in the final series....Striling has quietly moved back
into the race actually to within a half game of first for. Its their first time that close
to the top spot since early 2004. 5 players with double digit HR's. Andruuw Jones had a
big week breaking his slump with a multiple HR game. Chavez, Konerko, Cabrera and Belliard
10 27 .355 have all hit the long balls. It certainly hasn't been their pitching with a mid
5 ERA. Lake County ever tough has used the big bat of Carlos Delgado 16 50 .321 to stay
in the thick of it. Carolina led by 101 HR Adam Dunn's 25 HR and the amazing season of
Travis Hafner's 17 41 .317 are poised to strike with a great offense....Ottawa is back in
first place. They took apart Brooklyn in their head to head by the Bash Brothers Ortiz and
Guerrero doing tons of damage. Perhaps CBA's strongest offensive tandem they helped take 3
games form the Superbas destroying the Brooklyn pitchers...Indiana and Brooklyn went head
to head with the Supers winning 3 of 4 from them. Brooklyn pitchers couldnt hold on as
Indiana makes their rush to fight in the Parker.Wang and Loaiza pitching well in their key
starts. Brooklyn has fallen 3 1/2 out and are looking at a tough road ahead if they wish
to repeat. Indiana has won 7, 1 run games to account for their rise. Sizemore, Bay, and
Al Pujols have been hitting very well. Could you imagine when A Rod heats up what may
happen here in Parker?....

Longue Pointe has taken command in Dawson with a solid week splitting with the Senators
and taking 2 of 3 from Maine. Pitching the key with solid pen work by committee and
excellent starting pitching. LP got some nice small ball using Hit and Run and some key
steals by Ichiro to move ahead. Hillenbrand continues his clutch hitting to keep LP
atop... Belfast struggled dropping both their series. Belfast has hit a team .292 BA
but managed only 46 HR's this year. JD Adams must be scratching his head after losing
to Joliet after Limoilou took 3 of 4 from Belfast in Quebec in was a crucial city for the
Brawlers. It was a lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the once mighty
Wendigo. Perhaps this weeks trade for Tim Hudson proved a spark. It sure did for Neah Bay
who despite the tremendous play of Skokie had an awesome first week half defeating Joliet
3 of 4 in retaking 1st place in Carter, only to drop their final series to SD 2 of 3. Neah
swept OTC in their series after losing two to SD in the first half. Joliet remains 5 1/2
out with SD 6 games out floating along on the cusp....
 


 

April 9th 2006 Block 2

 A few surprises but remember a long season with lots of factors will come into play…
In the Dawson, Belfast has jumped to an early lead. Belfast’s league leading pitching is
a big part of the reason for success. Chone Figgins is leading CBA with 8 SB picking right
up where he left off last season. Mark Kotsay has jumped out quick as well with 4 HR ,
10RBI and a .405 BA. Longue Pointe hasn’t been terribly consistant despite Richie Sexson’s
3 HR 15 RBI .313 production. Injured most of ‘05’s CBA championship run, Sexson will be a
key for LP. The Loggers saw the Brawlers sweep past them in a crucial divisional series in
series 1, and series 2 LP returned the favor with some clutch bullpen work. Jimmy Gobble
who was terrible in series 1 did good work in series 2. Joliet with high hopes for the ’06
season is struggling just a bit 3 games out of first but well within striking distance.
The SD Surf look to be much improved despite dropping a key series with Skokie. Some timely
hitting spread around the order and a few (6) SB’s by Reyes have led SD thus far. Joliet
despite some good pitching, hasn’t gotten much from their offense, yet. Expect them to rise
up as Jack Frost’s team looks to rebound next week against the SD Surf and Skokie, no easy
task.


     As seems to be the yearly custom John Skillings Neah Bay Whalers are out in first place a
gain. Not far behind are the Wolfmen of Skokie. Neah Bay is CBA’s first 10 game winner
despite a fair offense. Again the story is pitching with a 2.75 ERA. Pedro threw 3 CG
games thus far getting 3 quick wins in 27 innings allowing only 16 hits.
Skokie needed Clemens to pick up 2 key wins and has had some bullpen success
even if the offense has been a bit sluggish. Allentown and Ohio are hanging
in there as well. The opposites of their Carter peers, the Thundercats offense has been
clicking posting a .273 BA, but yielding 5.73 earned runs per game. Rich Schneider’s
Senators have hit an anemic .243 but had a lower (4.05 ERA)than Ohio. Jorge Cantu had some
key hits for ATown and has had some great relief work from Juan Rincon to keep both within
the top of the division. Maine is 5-8 but has really struggled at the plate hitting .222.
A poor block 2 has substituted for a nice 1st block which saw Maine go 3-4. Maine’s
reaching base only 28% of the time accounting for a lack of runs scored.


  In the Clemente's Parker division, Brooklyn has paced Parker with outstanding pitching including two back to back dominant pitching performances in games pitched by Colon, and Estes against Carolina. The Superbas
swept Carolina only to drop two intheir division to the improving Cooperstown Iron Horses.
Rumour has it that Cooperstown will have a new a new set of uniforms by mid April.
Cooperstown got great pitching from Rookie Chris Young and Brad Radke the wily vet.
The rest of their staff has faltered as the Horses have a team 6.28 ERA.
Ottawa is at 4-6 despite last years excellent playoff run. Ottawa hopes to improve their
record to keep pace with the mortal Superbas and Bob Fidler’s Indiana Redbirds. Indiana
is improved and looking for a shot at the Parker’s first place which Brooklyn has held
since 2003. Indiana at 7-6 has knocked 18 HR’s so far with ARod off to a great start
(5 HR 13RBI) and rookie Grady Sizemore off to a 4HR 8 RBI start. Bryan has been limping
along with only 4 wins hoping to improve their success against Cooperstown and Philly in
week 3.

In the Schmidt A real race is brewing with 4 teams atop the division fighting for first.
The Stirling RedSox are looking to rebound after last season’s nightmare some trades and
good drafting have placed the Sox back in contention for the first time since their first
round playoff elimination in 2004. A whopping 26 HR’s paced by 4, 4+ HR batters,
Eric Chavez (5HR 14RBI), Miguel Cabrera (4HR 13RBI) , Paul Konerko (4HR 11RBI) , and
Andruuw Jones (4HR 11 RBI). Philly is also at 7-6 a team .291 BA but a ghastly 6.20 ERA
could mean trouble for the Clemente champions. It is very hard to repeat in CBA, no one
has done back to back yet, Though a few have repeated playing in the World Series.
Carolina can’t seem to hit the ball. The Brooklyn staff exploited their hitting weakness,
despite some decent pitching that has the Copperheads near CBA’s top in most pitching
categories. Alamo is 7-6 after a whirlwind of Trade activity in the off season, the Flames
are looking to get into CBA’s playoffs. Alamo hurt themselves dropping 4 games of 6 in
Bk 2. Moises Alou has been hitting over .400. Stay tuned to next weeks block for more CBA
pennant chase.


 

Decmeber 2005

 

Hail to the champs!  Congratulations to Dennis Concepcion and his Longue Pointe Loggers on their CBA championship. 

After reading the detailed recaps of the World Series, I must say it soulnds like one of the greatest series we've had. 

A perfect end to another great year.  A lot of off line buzz around this one, the Loggers accomplished a great deal in 2005.  A well put together team, and some shrewd management led to a well earned victory over a formidible team and equally formidible manager Rob Hite.  I wish to congratulate both teams on successful years.

It was interesting to me how the often underutilized Hit and Run actually was used effectively to contribute to a championship.

  It was my understanding that Concepcion had quite some success with it.   Longue Pointe used small ball al through the playoffs.

The first round this year had some trying moments.  With the Neah Bay and Portland fiasco's, it was a poor start. 

Neah Bay's designated GM disappeared from the radar abandoning  a very good team at the gate.  With Skillings unavailable,

the series was played and LP advanced.  In Carter an absolute war between Shapiro's Montreal and Limoilou went the distance. 

A classic series which ultimately went the way of the Boutet's Wendigo as has happened many times before in CBA's past. 

In Clemente, the Brooklyn Superbas folded under the pressure of the David Dean led New York Bombers.  Dean took 4 games

 losing 1 as the Superbas legendary offense was grounded by the high flying Bombers (Lake County).   Dan Gural expectedly

too took his unannounced leave again in the playoffs, and the Portland (Carolina) team met their quick demise at the hands of the

 powerful Philly Phantastics in the Clemente, 4-0.  At this point the Philly team had to be favored for the WS. 

The following round saw the DeanBombers take on Hite's Phantastics.  Dean gave Hite all he could handle in a great series. 

The Philly team finally took it in 7 with NY going further than anyone could have expected after last years 1st round exit from the playoffs. 

  Longue Pointe who had lost in the 1 game playoff at seasons end was rematched with Limoilou.  The favored Wendigo and LP Netplayed to a

7 game end and Concepcion's team was headed to the WS to face Hite's Phans.  With the WS going another full 7, the LP played

20 total games enroute to a thrilling WS win which wasn't decided until the final at bat on a critical double play with the tying run at the plate. 

A great year, and series. 

 

With the season finally at a close, trades are once again open so get your hotstoves fueled.

The reporting procedure is as follows...

1) Complete deal.  make sure all injuries are disclosed prior to trade.  Remember, let the buyer beware!

2) Both parties should announce the trades first to cba_committee@yahoogroups.com do NOT send to list.  The trade must be authorized by committee first.  The committee consists of the commissioner, both league presidents and Jeff Boutet.

3) Pending approval trade will be announced by league office.  Any trade announcements now should be resubmitted to the above address.  The Committee list is archived for CBA records. All trades will be posted to the website by the CBA.

4) No 2007 picks may be dealt until after the draft is announced open.  PLEASE take time to read the constitution to further understand the guidelines.  If not sure, please ask.  Send your ask to the committee if you need or your league presidents.

WEBPAGE: GM"s please take some time to update your home pages.  CBA needs updates from all managers for their personal profile.  Include strat experience, interests, hobbies, and other things that your league members can identify you with.  They can be funny or serious, they can be quotes or perhaps favorite books or movies.  If you have baseball pictures that you like or are special we'd be happy to post em here too.  Anyone have old baseball stadium photos?  : )

We ask all GM's to submit a personal picture for their page.  We have some but really want more.  Everyone is curious to attach the mug to the personality and team.

December 5th, 2005 Alamo City Sentinel

GM Nellum:

Wow I have some exciting news. In an effort to continue our theme of revamping our Pitching Staff we would like to introduce you to our new Closer..........BIlly Wagner!!!

We had to dig deep in our pockects to pull this one off but we feel that the 34 year old closer is well worth it.

We hope that Fartsworth, Jones, and Witasick can get the ball to him where he can put the game on ice (we had 30 blown saves last season).

On another note we feel like with the new Direction we going in we needed to go in the new direction with a pitching coach. Sudden Sam McDowell agreed that CBA league has changed and he can no longer be effective so he has agreed to step down and to my left I will like to introduce you to our new pitching coach Bud Black.

Bud Black: it's a thrill to become part of a great league and to be part of a franchise on the move in the positve direction. My job as pitching coach will be to challenge this staff to be competive every night. Yes they did strikeout over 1000 batters last year, but they also gave up a ridicules number of hr's (314). Well all I can say is to wait until march and spring training because that's when it begins.

GM nellum: Thank you guys for coming out and I'll see you guys soon again.

Media: Nellum, don't tell me you have something else up your sleeve.

GM Nellum: What sleeve, all I wear are tanks tops, later Gentlemen.


CBA 9th World Series Game 1
 
Loggers With Something to Prove Square Off Against 
Heavily Favored Phantastics But Come Up Short, 6-2
 
by Stephanie Miles
Montreal Gazette Sports
October 10, 2005
 
Longue-Pointe Oct. 9 (CN)  It was a brilliant fall afternoon as the
CBA World Series returned to Longue-Pointe for the third time in
the CBA's nine year history with a rematch of the Staub Champion Loggers
and the Clemente Champion Philadelphia Phantastics. 
 
The 45 minute Opening Ceremony celebrated all aspects of Montreal's rich
baseball history past and present.  From the flag poles crowning the facade
above the scoreboard could be seen the pennant of the 1946 International League Champion
Montreal Royals (Jackie Robinson's team), as well as a flag of the Montreal Expos. 
 
Introduced to roars of fan approval were surviving members of both storied franchises,
the members of the family of late Expos public address announcer Claude Mouton,
Parc Jarry organist Fernand Lapierre, and finally, members of the 2000 Champion
Longue-Pointe Hitmen: Jeff Cirillo, Bernie Williams, Ken Griffey Jr., Brad Ausmus,
and even recent and current opponents: Wendigo Curt Schilling and Philly closer
Urgueth Urbina.  The final and best surprise was former LP Owner and
Commissioner Claude LaMarre who threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
 
Indeed, the Loggers' uniforms will have on their left sleeve a commemorative
patch sporting the Royals' traditional blue and white "M", and the famous
tri-color Expos "M".  Explained team owner Bernard Titkowsky, "The perception
in the U.S. is that Montrealers, and Canadians in general are indifferent to
baseball overall, but that is just not true. The Royals/Expos patch on the
Loggers sleeves is a statement to the world of just how vital baseball is
and has been to Montreal and to Canada, and that though the Expos never made
it to a World Series in their league or lifespan, we regard them, the IL Royals, 
and ourselves as descendants of a common baseball heritage."
 
Titkowsky actually has a valid point: in the previous 8 CBA championships, until
Marc Wass' Brooklyn Superbas won last year, the only United States-based franchise
to win the CBA crown were these same Rob Hite-managed Phantastics, in the 6th CBA
World Series (2002) against the powerful Limoilou Wendigo of Jeff Boutet. 
Their other appearance was the aforementioned match-up in 2000 against this same
Longue-Pointe franchise who defeated them.
 
The 2000 Champion Hitmen won a then record of 112 regular season games before
they bested the Phantasics.  In 2002, the  Champion Phantastics surpassed that total
by winning 115.  In power, these 2005 Phantastics are similar: They possess
high-average, high-output hitters up and down their lineup that give opposing
pitchers stiff shoulders from just staring at a Philly line-up card: Abreau (29HR),
Rolen (47HR), Ramirez (31HR), Lee (27HR) and so on. On the mound they have
K-machine Randy Johnson (19-5, 268K) and Oliver Perez (16-2, 198K), and
Matt Clement (14-9, 158K). 
 
In contrast, the underdog Loggers, somehow managed to seize to a Wild Card berth
without full use of several key players that won them the Dawson last year: slugger
Richie Sexon saw very limited action all year, as did Nomar who still suffers from his
nagging groin injury that will prevent him from full-time duty this Series. 
Andy Pettite has proven to be a bullpen asset this postseason with 2 wins and
a save in almost 11 innings of quality relief over six playoff games.  Beyond
the reliable pitching of Zambrano and Maddux, and the virtuoso hitting of Ichiro,
the Loggers had no legitimate sluggers until the surprise trade for Superbas
rightfielder Sammy Sosa.
 
Still, the "faceless" aspect of the team has become a rallying point within the
clubhouse."I'm not sure who started it," says Shea Hillenbrand, "but I think it
was either Marcus (Thames, free-agent pickup), or maybe its Craig (Monroe, OF/PH)
who after a characteristic"team" win, started the chant, "No Names, just Game!" 
Everyone has a role to fill, and we pick each other up when we can."
 
It's a philosophy and approach that suits Loggers manager Dennis Concepcion well. 
"It surprised a lot of writers that LP did as good as it did last year, but even
more remarkable that we advanced even further this year," Concepcion said in the
pre-game press conference.  "Hey, I give those 25 guys in that locker room all the
credit.  Me? I said last year that I seem to manage more lucky than smart.  That we
have gone almost all the way this year, is still because of those same guys on the
other side of that door.  As far as how muchI have to do with it?  Hmmmm... Ok, I'll
grant you that I do decide the "hit & run" calls..." he said with a chuckle. "But
don't get me wrong," he cautioned sternly, "each of these teams we defeated this
postseason (Neah Bay and Limoilou) have been our most difficult opponents we faced
all year.  And Philly, with their power, can never be mistaken for pushovers."
 
And so they weren't, as the Loggers after scoring their first run in the first inning,
scored but once more the rest of the game while the Phantastics, led by RBI doubles by
Carlos Lee and Johnny Estrada scored 6 runs of loser Kelvim Escobar (0-1, 5BB, 7K, 5.79ERA).
LP stranded a woeful 10 runners on base over the course of the game despite outhitting
Philly 11-6. 

 

 

 


Gentlemen,

The Longue-Pointe Loggers would like to extend to the Limoilou Wendigo and their

manager Jeff Boutet a heartfelt expression of thanks and appreciation for a hard fought,

exciting, and suspenseful 2005 Staub Championship Series between our two storied

franchises.

It is in baseball games like these, played live with heart and grit and determination, that

the beauty of baseball and the Strat-o-matic experience shines like a brilliant sun.

I am still in disbelief and quite a bit heady from the shock (PLUS the countless medications

I've been eating like an addict from this stubborn cough I've been suffering from all week and

all Series). My regret is that there had to be a defeated team, and but for 2 errors I could

easily have been that defeated team. That would not, however, change my belief that Jeff and

his team are winners as well, and that this just completed series will add yet another positive

dimension, and yes, even more determination, to battle it out in our rivalry next season and

beyond.

Each team had a lion's share of moments of elation and heartbreak that ranged from the

unbelievable (Ramon Hernandez 3-run blast in the 9th inning of Game 1, and Jayson Werth's

13th inning 2-run shot to end Game 2), to the improbable (2 pairs of back-to-back 1st inning

homers by Hillenbrand & Sosa, and then Monroe & Martinez off the HR-stingy Jason Schmidt

in Game 6), from the comedic (Third base Coach John Boccabella waving Hillenbrand in to

score a critical run in Game 3), to the tragic (Jason Michael's dual errors costing Game 7).

This was a Series filled with high drama and amazing action:

Game 1: The Loggers break out to an early lead with Zambrano on the mound against

Curt Schilling, outpacing Lim after 7 1/2 innings with a secure 9-2 margin. An 8th inning

bullpen implosion by the normally reliable Logger tandem of Tucker & Calero and clutch Wendigo

hitting dissolves the 7-run margin to a single tally. In the 9th, Calero walks two of the first three

Wendigo he faces. All it takes is one pitch from closer Jorge Julio to yield both a dramatic

Wendigo 11-9 victory AND their first lead in the game with Hernandez's walk-off clout.

WENDIGO LEADS 1-0

Game 2: The Wendigo's "It ain't over til its over" season-long approach is plainly evident here.

After being down 7-2 after 7 1/2 innings, Lim scores 3 runs in 8th, ties the game in the 9th,

surrenders the lead run in the top of the 12th. In the Limoilou 12th, facing Andy Pettite, Game 1

nemesis Ramon Hernandez doubles, scores on a Cristian Guzman single, and then pinch hitter

Jayson Werth, batting a mere .125 after the Montreal Royals series, proves that Limoilou lightning

CAN strike twice as he lofted his own 2-run walk-off shot to give the Mighty Wendigo a 10-8 win

and a commanding 2-0 SCCS lead.

WENDIGO LEADS 2-0

Game 3: The scene switches to Molson Yards after a day off with Lim's Jason Schmidt locked

in a scoreless duel with Logger Kelvim Escobar until the top of the 6th inning. After Jeff Kent

reaches 1st after a strikeout wild pitch similar to Mickey Owen and Tommy Henrich in 1941,

Kent steals second base and comes around to score on yet another Hernandez RBI.

The Loggers tie it in the 7th on some daring Hideki Matsui basestealing (1SB for entire CBA2005)

and clutch pinch hitting by Frank Menechino. The Loggers finally get their 1st win on the strength

of a very close call at the plate involving a Sammy Sosa single, a chugging Shea Hillenbrand,

and a singular traffic control job by third base coach John Boccabella. Final score: LP-2, Lim-1.

WENDIGO LEADS 2-1

Game 4: Its a rematch of Game 1 starters Schilling and Zambrano. A nagging severe cough

from manager Concepcion seems to also have hit starting catcher Jason Kendall, who is subbed

at the last instant by back-up Doug Mirabelli. Normally used throughout the season as a pinch hitter,

Dougie single handedly demolishes the Wendigo moundsmen going 3 for 4, with 1 run scored and

3 RBI. He was batting an astounding playoff .646 avg. at game's end. Lost in the stellar performance

by Mirabelli was Staub 2005 and newly-crowned All-Time CBA Batting Champion Ichiro's

routine 3 for 4, and awesome .348 avg. A Nomar solo homerun in the 6th proved to be the winning

margin. Despite homers by Thome and Ramon "There's That Man" Hernandez, Zambrano went

all the way to notch his first victory this series and bring the Loggers up even overall. LP-4, Lim-3.

WENDIGO & LOGGERS TIED 2-2

Game 5: The rubber match at Longue-Pointe and their fans' hope for a 3-game sweep was decisively

shattered as the Wendigo reverted to the winning form they had shown in Games 1 & 2 by pulling

away in the late innings to defeat C.C. Sabathia and the Loggers by the score of 7 to 2. Knuckler

Tim Wakefield held the Loggers to a pair of runs tallied in the first inning and the rest of the Wendigo

bullpen denied them any further scoring by stranding 10 Loggers on base. Limoilou runs were

provided by Cristian Guzman who went 4 for 4, 1 HR, 1 RBI and 3 runs scored, with the usual

Wendigo suspects Ramon Hernandez and Jim Edmonds with additional help from Jose Hernandez

and 3 Logger errors by Reyes and a pair by Alfonzo. The games will now return to Limoilou with

the Wendigo needing a single win to clinch the Staub pennant. Lim-7, LP-2.

WENDIGO LEADS 3-2

Game 6: All of the elements were in place for another Limoilou pennant: The Wendigo were back home

where they enjoyed a 6-5 record against the Loggers during the regular season, had defeated them in the

second-ever CBA tie-breaker to clinch the Dawson champoinship and home advantage, PLUS the Loggers

had already lost the first 2 games of this series with leads that were instantly destroyed by the vaunted

late-inning Limoilou lightning. Jason Schmidt, with his 1.50 ERA, was a cinch to end the Loggers season.

Then Fate intervened again: In the first inning, there is a sudden display of Logger lumber when

Hillenbrand and then Sosa blast back-to-back home runs, (Shea's with a runner on). One out later,

Craig Monroe, then Tino Martinez repeat the scenario with solo shots of their own. Before the Wendigo

even get to bat, they are down 5-0, but in characteristic style, chip away at the lead. A Guzman triple

in the 3rd and a Schmidt sacrifice drives in one, and in the 5th, Lim has a back-to-back homerun display

of their own courtesy of Michaels and "That Man" Hernandez who later blasts another, making the

score 5-4 Longue-Pointe. Both Schmidt and Logger starter Greg Maddux hurl a complete game without

any further scoing setting up the ultimate showdown for Game 7: Schilling vs. Zambrano. LP-5, Lim-4.

WENDIGO & LOGGERS TIED 3-3

Game 7: The scoring starts early with Limoilou getting a 3 run lead on singles by Kent and Edmonds,

and a home run by Glaus. LP ties it up in the third where a Zambrano single is followed by a Kendall

hit and run and a critical 2-base error in RF by Jason Michaels allowing Zam to score and Kendall to

reach third base. Kendall later scores on a ground out by Hillenbrand. The 5th inning sees the

Loggers add a pair of runs in another hit and run executed by Ichiro moving Zam to third, and Ichiro

stealing second, both scoring on a Kendall double. The final Logger tallies occur in the 7th, where

Kendall scores from first on a hit and run by Hillenbrand and the second 2-base error by Michaels in

RF. A Sosa blast makes the score 8-3, Loggers, but as all are already aware, no margin is safe

against the Wendigo. In the 9th, the never-say-die Lims string together 4 runs on a 2 walks, a single,

a sac fly, and a titanic 3-run blast by Jim Thome off a tiring Zambrano. The Wendigo need just a single

run to tie and the Loggers need just 2 more outs... In comes a rested Andy Pettite, and with the stinging

12th inning defeat of Game 2 in mind, proceeds to strike out Jose Hernandez and the unfortunate

Jason Michaels for the final out to clinch the Loggers second Staub pennant. Final score: LP-8, Lim-7

LOGGERS WIN SERIES 4-3

The series MVP is Carlos Zambrano (2-0) and the Wendigo MVP is Ramon Hernandez (.550 avg.

5 HR, 10 RBI).

Again, a tip of the hat to Jeff for a series well-fought and well-played!

Dennis

Longue-Pointe

 


Loggers' Sweep San Diego in Season Finale 7-2 To Force
Single Tie-Breaker Game with Limoilou, September 18th

by STEPHANIE MYLES
Montreal Gazette Sports


Will They Have Enough Left In Tank?
Nagging Injuries Will Limit Nomar, Sosa and Ichiro

Sabathia or Escobar to Start Against Wendigo
In Second Battle of Longue-Pointe Almost Exactly
230 Years Later

     

Longue-Pointe, Sept 16, (CN)

Shea Hillenbrand's grand slam capped a 5-run 7th inning as the Loggers
swept the Surf and clinched a tie with the Wendigo for first place in
the Dawson Division on the final day of the CBA 2005 regular season.

What results is the CBA's second tie-breaker in as many years, pitting
Longue-Pointe against Limoilou. In last season's Dawson race, Longue-Pointe,
in their first year under new management, was the surprise winner by
two and a half games over Limoilou after the Wendigo defeated the Brawlers
6-4 for to gain the Dawson wildcard in the first CBA tie-breaker ever.
The Loggers dreams of a Staub pennant were then soundly thrashed losing
4 games to 1 to a strong Kansas City team in the first Playoff round.

This tie-breaker victory will gain both the Dawson Division title and
Playoff home advantage against the resurgent Clemente wildcard
Montreal Royals in the Staub quarterfinals, with the loser facing the
perennial Clemente champion Neah Bay Whalers.

All are formidable opposition for the Loggers who achieved only a 21-30
composite 2005 record despite taking the season series from Lim, 13-10.

The challenge facing both teams is that most regulars will have
limited or no participation at all: Nomar Garciaparra and recent arrival
Sammy Sosa, the core of the Loggers late surge, are slated to see partial
duty at best. For the Wendigo, Troy Glaus and Curt Schilling are scratched,
while Jim Edmonds and Jeff Kent are available for PH or late inning subs duty.
Either C.C. Sabathia or Kelvim Escobar will start for LP, while Lim is
still undecided.

So it looks that the keys to this game rest squarely on bench depth to
supplement the starters who are available: Michaels, McLemore, and Piazza vs.
Hillenbrand, Matsui, and Kendall.

A fellow scribe who is a history buff noted that this momentous game
will take place about a week shy of the 230th anniversary of the
Battle of Longue-Pointe. In that Revolutionary War encountner, Ethan Allen of
Green Mountain Boys/Fort Ticonderoga fame besieged Montreal in the opening
days of fall on September 24th, 1775. Allen was defeated and taken prisoner,
and Logger fans hope to repeat, or at least mimic, history in Sunday's
game.


 

2005 will be remembered for lots of things.  It was a special season.  2005 CBA was truly international adding a franchise in Holland as well as another Canadian friend to our family.  CBA's website added many new features, and tons of history and achievements never before posted.   The pennant race was a dandy.  The races went down to the last detail.  Teams strategized to the very last game with game to game CM's and player moves to knock each other out of the post season.  2005 saw excellent, timely, and responsible preparation by almost all of CBA's GM's.  In 2005 we saw continuous uninterrupted play.  The 2005 season completed it's final game on time.  All files were complete and proofed.  Perhaps just as gratifying thanks to cooperation of our some and painstaking research and filework, CBA has an extended encyclopedia and record/achievment book. Technically a satisfying season.  Statistically a very interesting one.  It was generally a pleasure my Strat friends to se
rve you this 2005 season. 
 We took another step toward being one of Strat-o-matic's finest leagues with the help our committee Cory Light, Dennis Concepcion, and consultant Jeff Boutet.  From running the draft, checking facts, lists, and archives, to interpreting the CBA constitution and assisting other GM's with tech support.  Arranging league scheduling,  deciding trade approvals (a few controversies behind the scenes), league outreach, and the other contributions, they help make CBA go.  Additionally I'd also like to extend a personal thank you to Dennis C who spent many additional hours designing some terrific baseball cards with our likenesses, and team logos.  They are great.  With the addition of the team personal pages, I have found that quite a few outside Strat fanatics have browsed by and sent positive feedback to that fun extra.  Perhaps in '06 more can be added.   Speaking of the website, another thanks to Rob Hite who designed the unofficial CBA website which will be more developed in 2
006. CBA has a complete library of old team logos fro current and defunct teams in the 9 year past.  Some current teams have gone through several logo changes over the years.   The website, press, and certainly our logos are a major component of the CBA, as CBA was largely based around that fantasy sports/press relationship that we currently see from some members.  We are in the process of culling the past 7 years of CBA press releases and have obtained quite a bit so far.  It will be posted on the webcomplex shortly.

     There was much rivalry and a measure of revenge in the final days of the season.  There was elation and extreme disappointment.  Guys let me tell you, this year we saw the competition go to a new level as guys delighted beating their rivals and some were more than pissed when their rivals beat them.  There seemed to be alot more off list banter and IM talk this year though the list was a bit quiet.  But no doubt alot of activity this year, and even better, more Strat friends made.   
       Some GM's managed to discover loopholes and tweaks that could give them that extra advantage which in this years case could even had made a difference in the playoff picture.   Some guys studied and tested and won, others floated through the schedule.   Some teams bench depth gave them staying power while others succombed to fatigue/Usage  problems.  As always a few teams shot out the gate fast but faded, and some others came on later.  Some teams agonized over that narrowly missed playoff spot. While a few may have hoped for that #1 pick in 2006.  GM's and Teams in 2005 traded less than before, although the preseason saw as many trades as ever.  We saw in 2005 new GM's rise to the occasion, and older ones fade away.  We said goodbye to some GM's who became part of CBA's history, and hello to reliable and enthusiastic competitors.  We shed a proverbial tear when Gerald our founder finally left us after 9 terrific years, and we had anger because baseball abandoned he o
ther other Montreal / Quebec baseball fans like Gerald who simply can not face the game anymore.  We studied our LaManna's, Ratings guide's, and Strat analysis sheets looking for advantages over lesser informed GM's.  Old timers had lots of fun with the newly completed database and archive completed this season going back to inception, while others sought to preserve CBA's heritage by delving into the extensive past. CBA's press was alive and well this year with several bulletin's and some editorials that stirred the kettle leading to great friendly rivalries while a few chose to lay low.   We had a great trans-Atlantic NetPlay series start in the wee morning hours, and other NetPlays help decide the playoff and usage pictures.  And last but not least once again we had another 1 game playoff in Staub's Dawson division....

The schedule provided a great deal of rivalry as each divisional game meant so much.  Each season series was vital.  And rise to the challenge teams did, while others faded away in the end.  It was a season where the bench became mightier than the sword as teams were forced to their secondary stars to pull out a playoff berth.  2005 showed us individual glory like Ichiro (.410) from Longue Pointe and Todd Helton (.405) from Brooklyn being CBA�s first ever .400 regular season hitters.  Other individual glories like LP�s Carlos Zambrano's June 17th, no hit shutout in a 1-0 LP over Limoilou revenge win or glory like Alamo's Juan Pierre (2nd all time steals with 279) 5 stolen bases against Michael Barrett in an August game against NY.  We saw many highlights and key games.   Let�s look at a few...

For my money the 2005 highlights would have to spotlight the Limoilou - Longue Pointe series from June 17-19.  These teams have a long rivalry going back to CBA's first season in which Jeff Boutet's Limoilou Wendigo won the 1st ever CBA World Series.  The former Hit men, from the Quebec province looking to prove last year was no fluke sent Carlos Zambrano to the mound and he delivered a 1-0 gem to set the tone for LP's winning series block.  Both teams seem to be fighting it out annually in the Dawson division.  An all time CBA game of note took place with the awesome Phantastics against the former Houston Aero's.  Philly who was involved in several highlight games no doubt had a tremendous year in CBA winning the Clemente overall crown with 99 wins.  An astronomical team batting average of .315 was Philly�s calling card.

Let�s look at the 2005 season.   Team by team we start in the Clemente division.   The Schmidt division saw 2005 with several possible candidates for a playoff spot.  The Alamo City can be compared the 1930�s Phillies.  All bat no pitching.  The Alamo (San Antonio Texas) Flames appeared in April to be headed in the right direction.  A powerful and run producing lineup managed by a top shelf Strat GM, runs would come fast and furious.   Scheduled to be KC Kauffman stadium, the stadium HR and single totals were higher than should be allowing both the Flames and their opponents more hit opportunities than expected.  Playing through the Stadium �reconstruction� proved disastrous for Malachi�s Flames suspect pitching.
A CBA high 6.75 team ERA doomed the Flames who could hit with the best in CBA.  The top winning starter was Steve Trachsel who finished 8-16.  Jorge Sosa fared better with a 7-4 record and a whopping 9.80 ERA!  The bullpen managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with only a measly 22 saves with Danny Graves the high man at 8 sv.  His 5-6  7.88 ERA showed his effectiveness thus the Flames season.  The Flames tough times may be over with the upcoming draft and a solid nucleus of good cards and players signed for 2006.  There�s enough talent on hand to make a solid playoff run. Suppan, Byrd, Todd Jones, Mussina, Weaver, Mulder, Farnsworth, will comprise one of the best pitching staffs in CBA.  The lineup will be balanced and strong with the reemergence of Griffey Jr, Lo Duca, Roberts, Molina, and Gonzalez.  For Alamo Sean Casey had a career year with 30-117 .344 BA , MVP candidate Juam Pierre had 17 triples, a .369 BA, 240 hits, and 74 steals playing a near flawless C
F.   A team .373 OBA and .501 slug. Alamo scored 6.77 runs per game a team BA of .305 not too shabby.  More telling was a CBA low 9 PH attesting to the benches vunerability and Alamo�s struggles to pull out wins at key times in games.

New York�s big three carried them to another playoff spot.  Ramirez, Bonds, and Beltre drove in scores of runs staking the Bomber�s to 92 wins.  Although the pitching was suspect a 5.06 ERA, there were some bright spots as Tim Harikkala posted 11 saves to complement Eddie Guardado�s 19.  Harikkala allowed only 38 hits in 69 innings.   Glavine won 13, and Derek Lowe miraculously finished as top winner with 14.  NY�s pitching finished tied with Joliet tied for 11th place.     MVP candidate Bonds finished 55-134 .373Ba, and his 1.956 total average led the CBA.  Beltre had a 1.003 TotAvg with a .333 44 130 season.  His .757 XChart rating was not too shabby for NY�s fine defense.  Ramirez added 47 more HR to a team total of 248 good for 6th place in CBA for 2005.  A team BA of .288 was good for 4th place.    NY�s defense made all the difference for the pitching as Guys like Castillo, Rollins, Ausmus, Renteria, Bradley, L Walker all finished above .800 XChart primary positions.  T
hat�s winning baseball and a lot of luck in inheriting a good squad like Rescigno did.  New Yorkers must be paying tribute to the legacy of Dino Barnabe a CBA Hall of Fame candidate who retired from Strat-o-matic and CBA back in 2002.  The �St Foy Frenchies� franchise will be awarded to a new (old) GM shortly. 

 

Ahh those Philly Phantastic�s!  The �American team� of the CBA.  The Rob Hite led Philly Phantastics built up a huge following early in CBA history after painstakingly building from the ground up through shrewd trading a CBA empire. In 1997 the Phans were 48 -114 Early on, Hite was active in the CBA trade scene.  By 1999 his team had finished with 89 wins.  One of CBA�s early rivalries with the Southwest Lizard Kings GM Eric Lindner) provided lots of fun and headaches for the committee and then commissioner Claude LaMarre.  Teams seeing the juggernaut building in the Clemente took notice of the Philly team.   But Hite proved a keen judge of talent.  His trades perhaps then the source of controversy indeed helped The Phans to become the one CBA�s all time powerful franchises.  Once winning 120 games, they represented with an all star lineup CBA in the 2003 ESSOM Friendship advancing as far as the semi finals, best showing ever for a CBA team.  Now after a brief rebuild back t
hey were with a vengeance winning 99 games most in CBA in 2005.  Philly got solid defense and strong pitching to go with perhaps CBA�s greatest offense ever helped Philly walk away with the Schmidt title.  The Phans had 8 of 9 lineup spots with players over .800 OPS.
The #2, 3,4,6 batters all had OPS over .1000.  7 major contributors hit over .330   a team .317 BA best ever in CBA.  328 Hr�s at Ameriquest Field.  Considering the ballpark 1-15 Si* and 1-16 Hr, the pitching success can�t be measured here by numbers.  Teams in the smaller parks expect higher ERA�s the more telling numbers can be shown in ratio of HR for team and opponent which in this case showed Philly out slugging their opponents by 70 Hr�s.  Scoring an amazing 1139 runs while allowing only 899, Philly also had two aces on their pitching staff that combined for 41 wins and only 8 losses!  Oliver Perez a strong Cy Young candidate finished 19-2 K�ng 240, and a tidy 3.25 ERA which is outstanding for Ameriquest teams.  Randy Johnson in what may be his last 20 game season went 22-6 K�ing 298.  Johnson is a shoo-in CBA HOF�er.   Seasonal High lites were many Rolen�s 50 Hr, Durazo 29 105 .350, Aramis Ramirez .341 39 125, Berkman 38 115 .338, Abreu 31 116 .334 24sb, Jeter 22 87 .
313 197 hits 22sb, the list goes on�

Wayne McGee�s Stirling RedSox entered 2005 knowing that it would be tough to repeat the successes of 2004, Stirlings first ever playoff.  Marked as rebuilding year Dealer Wayne had an off year in the hot stove league not pulling off his usual stunning moves.  CBA�s former most prolific trader had to sit painfully through a 95 loss season, their worst season since �1999 RedSox 59 - 103 season.  Even Stirling�s initial 1997 team had lost only 93. That lineup boasted names like Sorrento, Tartabull, Nixon, Sprague, Baerga, and Blowers.  This years studs managed to hit a lofty 275 Hr�s and had a decent .267 Ba better than some playoff bound teams.  The pitching, mainly the pen were disastrous.  Cordero blew 15 saves.  In fact the whole pen converted saves an atrocious 46% rate, and allowed 39% of all inherited runners to score one way or another.   Zito and Matt Morris both had winning years and had records with high ERA�s as the RedSox defense was not to blame being somewhere in
 the middle of the pack.  The pitching was a bust with Wood having a poor year and a team 5.75 Era.  Oh yeah and 66 wild pitches.  Guys were jaywalking around the base paths.  The failure of the bullpen likely contributed greatest to the Sox demise as it went to show how important that middle guys are in Clemente nowadays.  Stirling allowed 29 batters to reach base with a tired pitcher on the mound while their opponents allowed Stirling the ability to hit tired pitchers 11 times.  The opponent also out clutched the Sox by a wide margin.  They led CBA with over 77 intentional walks, no doubt which most probably scored�

Portland SeaDogs.  The team managed by a man from Detroit, everyone�s Strat Pal, Disco Danny Gural.  Gural burst upon CBA taking over the team mid season and then when subbing for a team, advanced into CBA�s playoff proving his managerial abilities.  Portland improved after a strong draft this year gaining 3 wins from last years 84 to finish with 87 wins.  In 2003 they had only 60 wins.  They face Philly in this years playoffs.  Portland�s Travis Hafner carried them on his back in 2005.  Hafner was 6th in CBA batting at .359.  pacing a 38 116 season. His ISoPower .374 isn�t too shabby either.  Melving Mora who was overused, finished with 37 112 .332 and Tejada 38 125 .320.  The best 10th man in CBA candidate has to be Justin Morneau who clobbered 26 Hrs in just 261 AB�s.  Adam Dunn added a 46 Hr 125 season to put Portland into the playoffs.  Hitting .291 against the many CBA righties also helped.  If it wasn�t for Portland�s sloppy defense, who knows how many they would have
 won.  Gural�s hiatus at the end of the season no doubt cost this team of wins and players and perhaps a great shot at the CBA title.  But who knows what can happen in CBA�s playoffs.  Just look at last years KC team. 

The Parker Division is noted for Brooklyn�s domination over division teams.  With the current CBA champs once again dominating Parker, 2005 was the year they finally faced some competition this year from Ottawa, and of all teams Kilgore.  Many expected Houston to factor in the race, though they did somewhat as a spoiler, Houston pitching couldn�t support their playoff drive.  Brooklyn whose pitching was not terribly good, used big defense to prop up the staff, and a mega performances from Todd Helton who smacked 33 Hr and 133 RBI�s 143 runs scored while hitting .405 second highest regular season average ever.  Helton is 1/1000 of a point behind Ichiro Suzuki as CBA�s highest all time batting leader with a career .346 BA.   JD Drew hit 44 Hr 11 triples, drove in an amazing 141 runs while hitting .341 scoring an amazing 151 runs.  Sammy Sosa slugged 38 HR�s for Brooklyn before his much talked about trade to Longue Pointe.  Sosa is currently CBA�s all time HR leader with 448 ad
d perhaps another 40 from 1998 and Sosa is at about the 500 career CBA HR level.  He is in first place with RBI�s.  Sosa 37  113  .311 for Bklyn, Vidro (26 76 .328), Ivan Rod his best season ever ( 26  106  .359) , and Jeff Bagwell (29 HR  112  .285)  added good performances at the plate for the perennial powerhouse Brooklyn offense at Coors field.  The platooners had great years too.  Eric Valent took over in RF for Sosa and did an adequate job with 5 for 7 as a PH,  and a 10 37 .285 season.  Payton added some defense with an .806 X rating.  RFA Miguel Ojeda hit 19 Hr off the bench mostly vs Lefties.  Gomez .323, Everett�s 24 steals and CBA leading .930 X rating at SS.  Aging hipster Barry Larkin�s final CBA hurrah was triumphant as he hit a career ending .311 for the Superbas.  Vernon Wells had about as good a year in CF as any CBA player could ever have with a perfect 1.000 X rating. Late season RFA Luis Rivas ( 5 28 .333 6sb) had key contributions down the stretch with hi
s bat and glove.

The story for Brooklyn was the defense, because there wasn�t much pitching to rave about despite Hernandez 15-11, Halliday 13-3 and Willis 15-5.  Looks deceive because these pitchers all had ERA�s over 4.70.  Totaling more than 1000 K�s the Superbas were able to limit the damage caused by their starters by getting big strikeouts, and having a tremendous defense.  The Superbas committed a CBA low 76 errors.  16 were made by pitchers and 18 by their 3rd basemen Mackowiak, Gomez and Castro.  The rest of the defense was rock solid.   Brooklyn signature offense hit a whopping .310 good for CBA�s all time top 5 along with this year�s Philly team.  Brooklyn is looking to make their third consecutive trip to the Finals.

As tough as Brooklyn was this year they had their hands full all season with the Jack Jung led Ottawa Otters.  Ottawa came close to their best finish since 1999's 88 win season.  Ottawa got a few big time performances from their lineup.  The success of Ottawa had largely to do with the 1-2 punch of Vlad Guerrero and David Ortiz.  The Vlad and Papi show accounted for Ottawa most potent run production since Vlad hit 51 Hr's and McGwire hit 79 for the 1999 Otters.  Ortiz joined CBA�s elite 50 HR club with 58 and 145 RBI.  He scored 131 runs and many of them in the clutch in key games and situations.  He also hit a very higher .400 IsoPower average to boot showing even futher his value to this team.   The only downside was Ortiz 24 errors at 1B.   Vlad�s 43 HR 120 RBI and .344 BA ahead of Ortiz was outstanding as was Patterson�s leadoff work (29 85 .284  14sb)  setting the table along side of Vizquel who moved runners along with a .310 BA and tons of runner advances.  Adam Kenne
dy too had a good year moving runners along and a decent year with the glove.  Ottawa had every chance to win this season a wildcard spot but fell shy in the final week.  Perhaps the lack of bench strength doomed them at the end, when backups like Kotchmann, Cota, Zeile, Quiroz couldn�t keep pace with the spoilers.  There were some surprisingly good contributions not only from the dynamic duo, Vlad and Papi, but others such as Scott Hairston 17 64  .268,  and Randa who hit .291 vs righties and putting the ball in play.  He also provided  a steady glove with a .765 X% per chance.  Not bad at third base.  Even Ottawa's 9th place hitters contributed 24 HR.  264 HR is perhaps Ottawa team record.  21 PH with high man having 5 (Vizquel).  Ottawa PH hit at a .364 clip.
Ottawa's season never looked more promising when from June 16 to July 4th, Ottawa held first place in the Parker.  Key contributions by their bullpen during that run from 2 way play Brooks Kieschnick, Julian Tavarez helped a lot with 26 saves. Scott Eyre did a yeoman's job as a lefty set up getting many key outs.  The rest of the pen was an adventure.  Wheeler suffered a dismal season with a 6.12 ERA.   Brandon Webb had some impressive stats in '05 with 173 K's and 189 hits in 211 innings.  But his 116 bb's contributed to a losing 8-11 record.  Ottawa's final record doesnt do justice to the quality of the season they had in a tough division.  4 teams in Parker had the ability to win a series from anyone in CBA.  Ottawa gave Brooklyn and Kilgore all they could handle in '05.  The Otters came a long way back in 2005.  For awhile fans in the capitol city thought it was 2001.

The Kilgore Bashers completed their best season ever.  Back in July we got a taste of what Kilgore would be able to accomplish when we saw Kilgore defeat Houston on July 25th, 19-15 in a game which saw a CBA record 44 runs and 43 hits.  It was a foreshadow of the excitement to come as the Bashers stayed in the playoff hunt right down to the last game of 2005.  It was only a Portland win which kept them from their first ever post season appearance.   They finished 86-76,  just 1 game off the wildcard this year, and were in the race all the way until the last 2 games of the year.  Cory Light must have been really proud as his team performed beyond even his expectations.   Although preseason analysis showed Kilgore could finish with a strong season, Kilgore had never had a team finish that close to a spot in the post season.  In fact looking at Kilgores season to season record it may be the strongest Basher team sinces the 1997-1999 Bashers who finished with 80+ wins.  Only 3 p
layers remain from that 1999 Kilgore team. Chan Park 0-1 7.68 whose Basher career is in jeopardy, Miguel Cairo playing as well as ever finishing a great season as a utility/platooner with a career best .345 average along with 4HR and 44 RBI, a key performance and reason behind the success of Kilgore.  Mitch Redmond is still around as well hitting a lowly .223.   You could make a case that the super subs of Kilgore were as much reason for success as the regular lineup. A team BA of .265 along with 206 Hr's and 51 Sac fly RBI's staked a good offense for Kilgore.   Despite Burnitz 39HR  125RBI  .275 season, and the emergence of Brad Wilkerson who hit 37 Hr driving in 93, the team play in Kilgore gave the offense just enough to stay competitive.  Strangely enough, Wilkinson was mostly a #2 hitter in the Basher lineup.  Overbay hit 20 with a .287 avg, and Mike Lamb added 22 more for the Basher lineup. Kilgore got it done in the clutch with several 9tth inning comeback wins early i
n the season to set the tone.  Mike Tucker, Brad Inge, Ross Gload, and Vance Wilson did well in part time roles.  Mr Vance was Mr clutch all year with big hits to win games and 8 backup HR's to boot.  Gload took the 3 hole at the end of the year giving the Bash Bros a solid hitter at the top when it counted most finishing at .333.  The biggest reason for Kilgore's success was the bullpen in particular CBA All-star Dustin Hermanson.  The 2005 Rolaids fireman of the year award winner in CBA finished with a near CBA record 40 saves alongside 10 wins in 80 appearances and 100+ innings.  Simply without him, Kilgore would have quite a lower record.  He easily surpassed Basher all time save king, 2001 Bob Wickman's  21 saves, and 2002's Buddy Groom who had 22 saves, and 2004's Lance Carter who saved what was a team record of 36 for the Bashers.  6 Bashers drove in 2 or more and 5 with 3 or more to kind of capsulize the overall team offensive contribution all season. The defense was
a sore point with a lower end of the CBA  .66% X rating despite 1 team triple play from Belliard to Overbay.  Kilgore had 4 Pinch HR.  All key contributors to big wins.  1 by Wilkerson won it in extras for Kilgore, and Mr Dance, Vance Wilson had another big blast to win another late inning escapade.  Those lengthy games are a signature of Kilgore�s. As they played over 20 innings in one game and 18 in another.   

The Houston Aero's are a team of the past.  Hopes were high in the pre season as this franchise was able to land several good prospects and a marquis player Alex Rodriguez in the expansion draft of �04.  Bob Fidler took over in 2005 and added his Strat knowledge to take Houston higher in the standings.  A slow start when Fidler took over the team took Houston of of the wildcard race early.  The Aero�s dropped a whole bunch early in July effectively dulling any hopes for a playoff shot.  On July 10th they were 14 games under .500.   They hit their low point on July 17th having a .400 winning % after dropping a series to Kilgore. Fidler then led them to a winning record afterwards establishing a potent lineup and offense with a few tweaks of the CM. The Aeros had a high .281 BA and 295 HR.   Personal achievements marked the Aeros in �05.  Albert Pujols had an absolutely incredible year.  Consider 65 HR 160 RBI .366 157runs .436 oba  .802 slg  1.238OPS.   Gosh.  A triple  crown
 contender, he only missed the batting title by finishing 5th after leading CBA in HR RBI Slug OPS for 2005.  No question one of the all time performances in CBA history.  His partners in the lineup fared pretty well too though paling in comparison.  Both A Rod and Hank Blalock hit 45 HR.  A Rod hit only .278 with 12SB, but drove in 127 runs in what some might say was a �disappointing� season.  Considering the stadium advantages and his card (and performance in other leagues) A Rod (45 127 .278) seemed more a culprit than MVP contender grounded into 21 double plays. His numbers were nearly identical to Blalock (45 124 .280)
Houston catchers did the job, and the Aero pitchers held runners at their bases, allowing by far the least amount of SB in CBA, 34. 14 more were gunned. Matt Stairs was their top PH with 3 not a great number in the clutch as PH by committee accumulated only 16 hits.  Houston�s pitching was in shambles. Oswalt and Pavano did excellent work. Both winning 17. The rest of the staff unbelievablely rotten.  Couldn�t be worse, just putrid, absolute�well you get the picture.  12 guys over 5 ERA, 9 of �em over 6 ERA.   And so it goes for Houston�s last hurrah. 

 
 

Final Week Notes 

With Belfast being eliminated after crushing defeats being sweptby John the Revelators, Neah Bay Whalers and then by

Bodega Bay (HAL). JD Adams Belfast was the first to drop out.  With Jack Jung's Ottawa in usage difficulties, they too dropped after losing 2 of 3 to Wayne McGee

Stirling RedSox, leaving Cory Light's Kilgore Bashers to still stay in the hunt.  

The Bashers won game after game, but Portland matched  Kilgore's win streak and maintained

their 1 game  advantage in the win column at the end.   Kilgore never in CBA's playoffs, missed the last Wildcard spot in Clemente

by only 1 game.  Dan Gural's Portland team takes the last spot in a strong final month playing super ball.  

Brooklyn ran away with the Parker title and they won big in their final series against Ottawa with huge offensive totals. 

Brooklyn was chasing but fell shortof CBA's best record and the homefield advantage in the playoffs.  

Neah finished strong.  Montreal micromanaged to a great finish, but just couldn't get past the red hot Whalers who peaked

at the  same time as well thus becoming a 3 time Carter champion.  Montreal wrapped up a rags to riches season

with a very impressive 95 win season and the 1st wildcard spot in the Staub Conference.  However the story as was

last year the great Dawson race. Longue Pointe has emerged as a playoff force with a tremendous finish forcing a tie for

 the lead with the mighty Limoilou Wendigo!  The CBA's second ever tie breaker, both in concecutive years, was won 5-1 by Limoilou  

 Last years Dawson winner  was decided when Belfast and Limoilou had squared off.  With Limoilou winning Dawson, Longue Pointe was

left to square off against the Whalers.  Limoilou has dominated Staub over the years with several 1st place finishes including the 1997 championship,

and the 2003 championship. The playoff matchups in Clemente  are #1 Philly facing 4th seeded Portland in Philly.  And #2 seeded Brooklyn faces

 #3 Seeded New York Bombers at the House of Pain. In Staub It will be Neah Bay facing Longue Pointe, and Montreal heading to Limoilou to play the Wendigo.

NEWSPAPER STYLE RECAP FOR 2005 C.B.A. Date: 9/17/2005

 

TEAM WON LOST BATTING AVERAGE     HOME RUNS      RUNS BATTED IN

Dawson

2005 LWD 92 71 I.Suzuki LLD .410 A.Pujols HAP 65 A.Pujols HAP 160

2005 LLD 91 72 T.Helton BSP .405 D.Ortiz OOP 58  D.Ortiz OOP 145

2005 BBD85 77  B.Bonds NBS .373  B.Bonds NBS 55  J.Drew BSP 141

2005 SSD 65 97 J.Pierre AFS .369 S.Rolen PPS 50 S.Sosa LLD 140

2005 JJD 63 99 A.Pujols HAP .366 M.Ramirez NBS  47 OTHERS TIED W 134

 Carter              

2005 NWC 96 66      Wins             Saves             ERA

2005 MOC 95 67 R.Johnson PPS 22   D.Hermans KBP 40   P.Martine NWC 2.47

2005 BMC 79 83 T.Lilly   MOC 20   K.Foulke LWD  33   B.Sheets NWC 2.64

2005 KAC 76 86 B.Sheets  NWC 20   J.Julio LLD   29   J.Schmidt LWD 3.09

2005 WWC 69 93 OTHERS TIED W 19   O.Dotel HAP   27   R.Johnson PPS 3.11

                                  J.Tavarez OOP 26   C.Schilli LWD 3.18

Schmidt

2005 PPS 99 63

2005 NBS 92 70   CUR HIT STREAK    STOLEN BASES     STRIKEOUTS

2005 PSS 87 75  A.Ramirez PPS 19 R.Freel   JJD 84 J.Santana PSS 329

2005 SRS 67 95  E.Martine HAP 17 S.Podsedn JJD 83 R.Johnson PPS 298

2005 AFS 61 101 T.Martine LLD 16 C.Crawfor MOC 81 B.Sheets  NWC 257

Parker         I.Suzuki LLD 14  J.Pierre AFS  74 O.Perez   PPS 240

2005 BSP 98 64  L.Castill NBS 12 C.Figgins BBD 71 J.Schmidt LWD 238

2005 KBP 86 76

2005 OOP 83 79

2005 HAP 77 85

2005 CIP 60 102

 


 

In a stunning scenario Three Division races were not decided entering the last series of 3 games.  

With Belfast being eliminated after crushing defeats being sweptby John the Revelators, Neah Bay Whalers and then by

Bodega Bay (HAL). JD Adams Belfast was the first to drop out.

  With Jack Jung's Ottawa in usage difficulties, they too dropped after losing 2 of 3 to Wayne McGee

Stirling RedSox, leaving Cory Light's Kilgore Bashers to still stay in the hunt.  The Bashers won game after game, but Portland matched  Kilgore's win streak and maintained

their 1 game  advantage in the win column at the end.   Kilgore never in CBA's playoffs, missed the last Wildcard spot in Clemente

by only 1 game.  Dan Gural's Portland team takes the last spot in a strong final month playing super ball.  

Brooklyn ran away with the Parker title and they won big in their final series against Ottawa with huge offensive totals. 

Brooklyn was chasing but fell shortof CBA's best record and the homefield advantage in the playoffs.  

Neah Bay finished strong with John Skillings team winning Carter division again.  Montreal micromanaged to a great finish, but just couldn't get past the redhot Whalers who peaked

at the  same time as well thus becoming a 3 time Carter champion.  Montreal wrapped up a rags to riches season

with a very impressive 95 win season and the 1st wildcard spot in the Staub Conference.  However the story as was

last year the great Dawson race. Dennis Concepcion has emerged as a force with a tremendous  finish forcing a tie for

 the lead with the mighty Limoilou Wendigo!  Limoilou defeated Longue Pointe in their 1 game playoff to win the Dawson crown. 

 Last years Dawson winner  was decided when Belfast and Limoilou squared off.  

 Limoilou has dominated Staub over the years with several 1st place finishes. Both the Loggers (formerly the Hitmen) and Wendigo

 may have some usage issues in their 1 game playoff scheduled for this week...Both Jeff and Dennis 1 game will be the final game of the CBA

regular season, played as a nonscheduled game stats and records counting.   So the the playoff matchups look set in Clemente

 with #1 Philly facing 4th seeded Portland in Philly.  Philly had a season for the ages finishing with a team .315 batting average and 99 wins

And #2 seeded Brooklyn facing #3 Seeded New York Bombers

at the House of Pain. In Staub It will be Neah Bay facing the loser of the 1 game playoff, and the winner of the

1 game playoff playing Montreal. Neah and the Dawson champ will have homefield advantage.

 

 

Sept 2005

Pennant races were the big CBA news this week. A week of surprising successes, and sharp declines.
Its been hard to predict what will happen just by looking at the standings. With each week more critical
than the last, races can be decided by one game. A sweep is a frightening thought for a playoff contending
team on the losing end, a thing of excitement for a team on the rise. We saw two sharp contrasts with Limoilou,
Montreal and Longue Pointe in the Staub, although in different conferences they are now competing (as is Belfast)
perhaps for what could be the last wildcard position in the division. Both teams were involved in sweeps with
Montreal and Limoilou on the short side and Longue Pointe on the long side. Montreal dropped two straight series
with Bodega Bay and then the Woodsmen. The Hal generated and managed MadBirds used John Thomson, Mark Hendrickson,
and Jeremy Bonderman in posting a 4 game sweep. Bodega bats were led by Carlos Guillen who raised his se
ason average to .331, Mark Texeira who drove in 5 runs on 8 hits raisng his average to .328. Wantagh finally
awoke with Jack Wilson redhot bat 7 hits and 4 key RBI's, and Luis Gonzalez knocked in 5 on 7 hits. Wantagh
is a different team with Juan Rivera in the lineup. He is on a tear.
Longue Pointe's stock rose again this week. After leading Dawson much of the season, then falling behind both
Belfast and Limoilou, the resilient Loggers excited the Quebecois taking three of 4 from Joliet (French name) and
then in their most critical series of the season made short work of the mighty Limoilou Wendigo. Since being traded
up North from Brooklyn, In just 54 AB's, Sammy Sosa is hitting .315 with 5 key HR's and 17 RBI on 17 hits for LP.
Sosa starred in games 2 and 3 in that key matchup stroking key blows to move the Loggers back to within 4 of the
Wendigo. At one point, LP fell 8 games behind Limoilou and seemed to be fading out of the playoff picture.
Belfast won both their last two series making their annual strong for the playoffs and now both they and LP are tied
for the last WC.

With Montreals slump, Neah has moved to a not so comfortable 3 game lead. Neah has never been less than 2.5 games
out of first and is back in first again despite dropping 3 of 4 to KC. KC is still mathematically in the race
and would need a miracle to get in. But anything can happen...Neah despite ahving CBA's best pitching ERA has been
struggling at the plate with their team BA dropping to .246.

Meanwhile in Clemente, Brooklyn's stock is on the rise. A well rested Brooklyn team is starting to make their move
dsipatching Ottawa 3 of 4 in their key series for Parker. Brooklyn now is a comfortable 7 games in front of the
Otters who are dogfighting with the Kilgore Bashers for the final wildcard spot. Brooklyn has a 49-31 record in the
division with this series win. Mariano Rivera has settled in a bit since his disastrous start in Brooklyn acquiring
11 saves since his trade from KC. Todd Helton is flirting with the .400 mark looking to become CBA's first ever
.400 hitter over a full season. Ichiro is now at .408. JD Drew the topic of trade rumours earlier in the season, has
given Brooklyn much bat hitting .336 now with 39 Hr and 121 RBI. Ivan Rodriguez is poised to break 100 RBI's for the
first time in his CBA career and is among league leaders with a .351 BA. It appears Ottawa and Kilgore will duke it
out the rest of the way for a playoff berth. The first series next week pits the Otters gainst the Bashers in Kilgore Texas.
This is a series to watch very closely as it may determine who plays and who prays in Clemente. As of now it appears
Brandon Webb will face Kenny Rogers in g1 of that series. Kilgore must look to neutralize one of the CBA's most
devastating 1-2 punches in Vlad Guerrero (39 113 .334) and David Ortiz. Ortiz batiing .316, hit his 58th Hr and drove in his 151st RBI this both adding to a sure Ottawa team record. Ortiz hit 4 Hr's this block driving in 8 runs. Kilgore is hoping their closer Hermanson, and ace Freddy Garcia will have enough to lead them past O
ttawa. Ross Gload has been a blessing for Kilgore inn 80 ABs hitting .349 with 5Hr and 18 rbi since his signing.
Jeromy Burnitz is having a stellar power season with 36 Hr and 112 ribbies in the 4 hole for Kilgore. Brad Wilkerson
has added 34 more Hr's.

Bonds and Beltre go bang. Speaking of 1-2 punches perhaps NY has the best. Bonds is ahving an MVP type year again
raising his average to .384 while socking 49 Hrs. With no usage problems Bonds may yet get another CBA batting title.
Ny holds 1 game on the slugging Philly team. This week NY swept the Stirling RedSox upseting GM Wayne McGee beyond
repair. "McGoo" Im sure is looking ahead to better time in 2006. His team has fallen on hard times after losing in
the playoffs last season in 5 games. Itts not all about NY's potent bats, but some pitching as well.
New York's Tim Harrikala posted 4 saves to earn Clemente player of the week for block 22. Philly rebounded against
Bob Fidler's Aeros in their only series this week after losing 4 to 2 in game 1. The Phantastics then went on a rampage
the next three games winning 15-4 behind Randy Wolf, then 11-5 twice behind Clement and Perez.

 


 

" Say it ain't so!" cried Little Tommy Bluehorn of East 22nd st in Brooklyn.  The pride of Suzy and Morris of Midwood is packing his bags for the cooler climes of Quebec.  Tommy had good reason to cry as today the Brooklyn Superbas in midst of a playoff push, traded future CBA hall of famer Sluggin Sammy Sosa to the Longue Pointe Loggers for a #2, and future Superba starter Dave "Tiger" Williams.  In this move bound to cause controversy at the House of Pain, The CBA's all time leading HR hitter (460+), RBI Leader (1210+) and one of the last Superbas from the 1997 original team has been traded to the LP team who is looking to make their push for the CBA playoffs.  LP is in midst of a three way dance with Belfast, Limoilou, NY, and Neah for the playoff in Staub.  Brooklyn also in the playoff hunt has decided to go in a different direction opting towards a stronger defense for its weak pitching.  Replacing Sosa is longtime Superba Jay Payton and Eric Valent in LF.  Brooklyn is obviously looking ahead to the future with the pick up of Willimas whom GM Marc Wass feels shows what it takes to become a solid starter for years to come.  In Sosa, LP will get a devastating power bat for the middle of their lineup whom teams wont be able to pitch around.  Matsui, Garciaparra, and Sosa should form a lethal combo for the Loggers.


 

CBA Ballpark Notes as of August 7th on schedule...

Triple crown candidate Al Pujols has been on fire, and its no wonder that Houston has caught fire too. Charging through since the all star break, the Aeros have soared under Bob Fidler of late. Its of wonder to many how such a seemingly talented team had been mired in the 'second' division so long. Its no coincidence as A Rod and Pujols have caught on, the Aeros have scored enough to win. The Aeros top of the rotash Oswalt and Pavano both 14-5 have gotten it done. Harden (7-8)and Brazelton (2-11) havent held up on their end of the deal with sky high ERA's. The middle pen has been diasatrous. Blown games by committee with 7 fellas combusting a 6.00+ ERA. Kazmir with 9.57, and Ronson lighter fluid award candidate R.U Dickey 8.95.

The hotly contested Dawson race sees the Wendigo with a 2.5 game lead over Belfast. Both teams are playing well as the Loggers have leveled off a bit after a strong 1st half. The Wendigo, an early season favorite is displaying some great balance. Though not among league leaders, good pitching and defense are the signature of Limoilou. Pitching coach Gary Del'Abate and Bench coach Robin Quivers have been gushing over the recent performances by guys like Wakefield and Foulke. Limoilou has won 9 of last 10. Chone Figgins . 346 BA has been red hot for Belfast. The Brawlers have been hovering around 2.5 game out since around July 6th. They are looking for a breakout, as LP slides back a bit. Never count out the Loggers as last year you may recall they won key games late to take that Dawson title.

Neah staged a bit of a come back as it seemed Montreal was asserting cointrol in the division. Neah rallies to win their first series against SD 2-1, and splitting with LP after losing the first 2 of the 4 games. It took Martinez and another great week from Sheets to pull that one out. The boys from the Olympic Peninsula area of beautiful Washington state fell out of first place for the first time in recent memory on June 24th, and are looking to get it back as this race really heats up. Portland falls back to 3 out as Ben Molina's overuse gave Dan Gural's team some trouble as he was deactivated. Portland's .368 oba and .508 slug place it as a dangerous team come playoff time.

The Parker race has thinned a bit as Cory Light's Kilgore Bashers have slipped 7.5 out. The Bashers have lost their last 6, and are 3-7 in their last ten. Ottawa and Brooklyn are dogfighting. With Vlad Guerrero red hot and showing awmazing power and BA. With 13 hits 4huge HR's , Guerrero led Ottawa to a few big wins this week. Ottawa won then lost then won then lost all week long to keep pace with the Superbas. Brooklyn and Ottawa both won 4 and lost 3 this block. Expensive acquisition Mariano picked up only his 2nd save since July 19th. Mariano has more blown opportunities than actual saves for the struggling Superba pitching staff.

Can you believe the game between Malachi Nellum's Alamo and NY on August 6th? 8 HR's for NY in that one with Ramirez, Walker, and Beltre hitting 2 each. Speaking of Alamo, Juan Pierre stole 5 bases against NY the day before. Batting over .370, Pierre's SB's won the game for Alamo. In that same game, Derek Lowe who started the first half as a major surprise winner, gave up 13 runs, and 21 hits! Lowe has slumped since the all star break..

 

 

 

That game was a CBA first between John Derek Adams' Belfast team, and original CBA member Jeff Boutet's legendary
Limoilou Wendigo franchise. Two veteran CBA managers who played it out Net Play, head to head.
Could 2005 be repeat in history with races coming down to that 1 final game this year? The possibilities are more
likely than ever. Its been hard to predict which teams would explode and go on tears and who would slump. Belfast is now
just 1.5 games behind Dawson leading Limoilou. Currently tied with Longue Pointe, John Derek Adams teams have been on the
verge of breaking big in CBA the past 3 years. Could this be the year they do it? A healthy .286 team BA, but only 84 HRs.
well below some of the mighty slugging teams of CBA. The Brawlers are a scrappy team utilizing small ball, and excellent
pitching staff and pen, second in CBA in ERA. Only 71 errors this season and an excellent 126 double plays have helped
them stay right with the Loggers and Wendigo. Of note San Diego who has potential to beat any team on any given day, has
a surprisingly good pitching staff. Posting a respectable 4.63 ERA. A .248 BA , only 119 Hr’s, a.318 OBA, and .402 slug
have doomed the SuperSurfers.

A comparison of the standings early in the season to now wouldn't have predicted the rise of certain teams.
One is Montreal who was mired in the "second division" has rebuilt a dormant franchise into one of CBA's top contenders
in a few short months and alot of moves. Whereas it seemed John Skillings Neah Bay Whalers had the Carter division to
itself, the Royals have built a 2.5 game lead. To think where this franchise was a short time ago. It shows how a
strong effort and a solid plan can lead to success. Neah’s hitting has shown to be lacking a bit as their
team BA has fallen to .245. Neah’s pitching is solid off course leading the CBA by almost a half run a game over
2nd place Montreal. Montreal is hitting about .277 and there’s the difference right now. KC has fallen quite
a ways back 2 games below .500. Wantagh had enjoyed a good block 18 picking up some games, but AJ Cusimano’s
team has fallen on hard times after starting out so promisingly the last two seasons.

Alamo leads CBA with a whopping .310 average, but like the 1930 Phillies, no pitching has doomed them in CBA’s
version of the Baker Bowl. Philly a half game behind NY in the Schmidt, is 2nd in CBA with a .309 average.
Philly appears poised to shatter some CBA records. They have 253 HR’s already. The CBA record of 351 Hr’s
was set by Brooklyn in 2000, and Philly also hit 347 that same year. In fact Philly led CBA by hitting
.312 and scoring a CBA record 1225 runs. Philly just a half game behind perrenial power Mike Rescigno's NY Bombers,
with everyones StratPal Dan-o Gural's Portland SeaDogs only 2 out. gural is quite amanger and knows how to get the
most out of his lineups. He is a master of NetPlay...

Brooklyn is also hitting over .300 this season once again.
Brooklyn has been atop Parker much of the season despite poor pitching. Brooklyn’s ERA is at 5.92 and
could be a heck of a lot higher if not for their league low 59 errors. It seems that Brooklyn’s excellent
hitting from perennial CBA superstars Sammy Sosa and Todd Helton have supported the team.
Quietly Ivan Rodriguez, Jose Vidro, and JD Drew have launched lots of slug in keeping Brooklyn in CBA elite.
Brooklyn has now been in contention for most of their seasons in CBA.
 

 

 

 

Sept 18th

For Those concerned about usage and dwindling innings.  You may send individualized CM's for series and different lineups. 
With the rosters opening up to 35, you may activate players and deactivate those in close usage. Dont activate any illegal players.
Planning The final block of games may be hard. you will have to regulate your usage of relievers with HAL as best you can. 
You may solve this problem in a few ways. #1 you can Net play to control pitchers and players.  #2 you may deactivate and
send Multiple CM's with players activated for 1 game or 2 or 3 games and not others.
If you are close on usage on your closer, reliever, or player send multiple CM's if you must, and deactivate for some games. 
Please make your best efforts for usage and leave a comfortable margin of innings to left.  A good rule of thumb is about 1 inning
of relief per game so expect to go into the last block of games with about 6 or 7 innings available.  Sometimes HAL will use guys in
mid relief for several innings.  Use your innings max toggle in your CM for the individual players.   Dont assume that I will demote
players the last series just as soon as their usage runs out. 
You are solely responsible for overuse. It can be done though is not always precise. For example if say "Dave Duddy" has 5
inn remaining of usage in the pen you may want to allow him use on your first series CM but not the 2nd series.  You can send
even more CM's if you wish,Ill use them and take the time in the final block. With about 8 inn left you may include him on both CM's,
If a player goes over an inning or two, or maybe an appearance or two,   Because HAL is so imprecise, I wont penalize slight overuse
that is if efforts are made by the GM and a players to control usage and the player has some good usage available
since we cant control HAL more than a 2 inn max in relief if I see that the GM has made every effort to limit overuse. 
Notify the office address if you have a question regarding a key player.  Dont expect that a guy with 9 Appearances remaining can
play an entire series let alone block of games.  That player should be accounted for in CM's for usage regulation.
Not easily done, but necessary as strategy and long term planning is essential in CBA.

August 29th 2005

As the trade deadline approaches teams are making preparations for the final stretch of games which could determine who squares off in the playoffs. As of now no division race is locked up. Brooklyn maintains a 4 1/2 game lead over Ottawa and will be resting 1 series this block. Ottawa is looking for their first return to the playoffs since their 2001 World series win. Hard to believe Ottawa has never made a trade in CBA history. They are built by draft. Can you believe the year David Ortiz is having for Ottawa?54 Hr's and 137 RBI's, Ortiz is having an all time CBA year. Vlad Guerrero's 39 HR .337 BA and 119 RBi's make them one of the most lethal combo's in CBA history. Kilgore with 20 games to play is 9 1/2 games out and seemingly out of the hunt for the Parker division title, but is very much in the race for one of the two wildcards from Clemente.

Houston though improving rapidly has a mathematic shot at the final wildcard spot but thats a stretch. Pujols 53 and A Rod's 41 Hr's pace them.

Philly has built their team with many shrewd trades over the years and have returned to fiorm from the CBA abyss. Rob Hites team is battling Mike Rescigno's Bombers of Long Island NY. Both are in a virtual tie for first in Schmidt. 11 players with double digit HR's the powerful Phantastics use great role players acquired through trades and draft to round out their tough squad. A .313 team BA could break an all time CBA record. NY's big 3 of Bonds, Beltre, and M Ramirez are fighting with all theyve got. Its possible this may be the last time these players put up such numbers as their 2005 MLB numbers are much lower than this past years. NY has won despite pitching poorly this season as a team 5.18 era would suggest. Portland currently in position by a game or two for a wildcard spot has been fading of late and is in danger this month as theyve lost several starters to usage problems. This could open the door for Kilgore to move in front Dan Gural will have to use his storied managerial skills to pull this one out, as J Santana, J Lane, M Mora, F Francisco, and Ben Molina will be sorely missed. Houston could sneak back in there with a hot streak if the SeaDogs continue to fade.

In the Carter its all Montreal. Last years doormat to this years darlings, the "Wolfman" has made this once nowhere franchise into a powerful contender. Loaded with great defense and a solid pen, the Royals are a team to be reckoned with as is Neah Bay. Neah's usage could present a problem as Pedro, and Lidge are nearly used up, but count on them in the playoffs to be at full strength. KC though mathematically in it, need another miracle rush like last years to get into a playoff spot. But the real tight race right now as was last year is in the Dawson where it looks like Longue POinte Belfast and Limoilou will go down to the wire. If you recall last year with a tie both Limoilou and the Brawlers were forced to a 1 game playoff (netPlayed) to determine the final wildcard spot. Longue Pointe won the division. This year with the mighty Wendigo once again mighty, LP and Belfast may have to duke it out. LP bolstered their offense acquiring Sammy Sosa and Belfast holds a slight lead over them.

The Wendigo may have some slight usage problems as with the 100% appearance/IP rule they are close to overuse with several key players. Belfast and LP appear better rested though never ever count out a Bouts run CBA strat team. The Wendigo are perhaps CBA's most successful franchise of all time.

 


August 16th 2005

" Say it ain't so!" cried Little Tommy Bluehorn of East 22nd st in Brooklyn.  The pride of Suzy and Morris of Midwood is packing his bags for the cooler climes of Quebec.  Tommy had good reason to cry as today the Brooklyn Superbas in midst of a playoff push, traded future CBA hall of famer Sluggin Sammy Sosa to the Longue Pointe Loggers for a #2, and future Superba starter Dave "Tiger" Williams.  In this move bound to cause controversy at the House of Pain, The CBA's all time leading HR hitter (460+), RBI Leader (1210+) and one of the last Superbas from the 1997 original team has been traded to the LP team who is looking to make their push for the CBA playoffs.  LP is in midst of a three way dance with Belfast, Limoilou, NY, and Neah for the playoff in Staub.  Brooklyn also in the playoff hunt has decided to go in a different direction opting towards a stronger defense for its weak pitching.  Replacing Sosa is longtime Superba Jay Payton and Eric Valent in LF.  Brooklyn is obviously looking ahead to the future with the pick up of Willimas whom GM Marc Wass feels shows what it takes to become a solid starter for years to come.  In Sosa, LP will get a devastating power bat for the middle of their lineup whom teams wont be able to pitch around.  Matsui, Garciaparra, and Sosa should form a lethal combo for the Loggers.

 


 

CBA Ballpark Notes

Triple crown candidate Al Pujols has been on fire, and its no wonder that Houston has caught fire too. Charging through since the all star break, the Aeros have soared under Bob Fidler of late. Its of wonder to many how such a seemingly talented team had been mired in the 'second' division so long. Its no coincidence as A Rod and Pujols have caught on, the Aeros have scored enough to win. The Aeros top of the rotash Oswalt and Pavano both 14-5 have gotten it done. Harden (7-8)and Brazelton (2-11) havent held up on their end of the deal with sky high ERA's. The middle pen has been diasatrous. Blown games by committee with 7 fellas combusting a 6.00+ ERA. Kazmir with 9.57, and Ronson lighter fluid award candidate R.U Dickey 8.95.

The hotly contested Dawson race sees the Wendigo with a 2.5 game lead over Belfast. Both teams are playing well as the Loggers have leveled off a bit after a strong 1st half. The Wendigo, an early season favorite is displaying some great balance. Though not among league leaders, good pitching and defense are the signature of Limoilou. Pitching coach Gary Del'Abate and Bench coach Robin Quivers have been gushing over the recent performances by guys like Wakefield and Foulke. Limoilou has won 9 of last 10. Chone Figgins . 346 BA has been red hot for Belfast. The Brawlers have been hovering around 2.5 game out since around July 6th. They are looking for a breakout, as LP slides back a bit. Never count out the Loggers as last year you may recall they won key games late to take that Dawson title.

Neah staged a bit of a come back as it seemed Montreal was asserting cointrol in the division. Neah rallies to win their first series against SD 2-1, and splitting with LP after losing the first 2 of the 4 games. It took Martinez and another great week from Sheets to pull that one out. The boys from the Olympic Peninsula area of beautiful Washington state fell out of first place for the first time in recent memory on June 24th, and are looking to get it back as this race really heats up. Portland falls back to 3 out as Ben Molina's overuse gave Dan Gural's team some trouble as he was deactivated. Portland's .368 oba and .508 slug place it as a dangerous team come playoff time.

The Parker race has thinned a bit as Cory Light's Kilgore Bashers have slipped 7.5 out. The Bashers have lost their last 6, and are 3-7 in their last ten. Ottawa and Brooklyn are dogfighting. With Vlad Guerrero red hot and showing awmazing power and BA. With 13 hits 4huge HR's , Guerrero led Ottawa to a few big wins this week. Ottawa won then lost then won then lost all week long to keep pace with the Superbas. Brooklyn and Ottawa both won 4 and lost 3 this block. Expensive acquisition Mariano picked up only his 2nd save since July 19th. Mariano has more blown opportunities than actual saves for the struggling Superba pitching staff.

Can you believe the game between Malachi Nellum's Alamo and NY on August 6th? 8 HR's for NY in that one with Ramirez, Walker, and Beltre hitting 2 each. Speaking of Alamo, Juan Pierre stole 5 bases against NY the day before. Batting over .370, Pierre's SB's won the game for Alamo. In that same game, Derek Lowe who started the first half as a major surprise winner, gave up 13 runs, and 21 hits! Lowe has slumped since the all star break..

 

 

 

 


 

That game was a CBA first between John Derek Adams' Belfast team, and original CBA member Jeff Boutet's legendary
Limoilou Wendigo franchise. Two veteran CBA managers who played it out Net Play, head to head.
Could 2005 be repeat in history with races coming down to that 1 final game this year? The possibilities are more
likely than ever. Its been hard to predict which teams would explode and go on tears and who would slump. Belfast is now
just 1.5 games behind Dawson leading Limoilou. Currently tied with Longue Pointe, John Derek Adams teams have been on the
verge of breaking big in CBA the past 3 years. Could this be the year they do it? A healthy .286 team BA, but only 84 HRs.
well below some of the mighty slugging teams of CBA. The Brawlers are a scrappy team utilizing small ball, and excellent
pitching staff and pen, second in CBA in ERA. Only 71 errors this season and an excellent 126 double plays have helped
them stay right with the Loggers and Wendigo. Of note San Diego who has potential to beat any team on any given day, has
a surprisingly good pitching staff. Posting a respectable 4.63 ERA. A .248 BA , only 119 Hr’s, a.318 OBA, and .402 slug
have doomed the SuperSurfers.

A comparison of the standings early in the season to now wouldn't have predicted the rise of certain teams.
One is Montreal who was mired in the "second division" has rebuilt a dormant franchise into one of CBA's top contenders
in a few short months and alot of moves. Whereas it seemed John Skillings Neah Bay Whalers had the Carter division to
itself, the Royals have built a 2.5 game lead. To think where this franchise was a short time ago. It shows how a
strong effort and a solid plan can lead to success. Neah’s hitting has shown to be lacking a bit as their
team BA has fallen to .245. Neah’s pitching is solid off course leading the CBA by almost a half run a game over
2nd place Montreal. Montreal is hitting about .277 and there’s the difference right now. KC has fallen quite
a ways back 2 games below .500. Wantagh had enjoyed a good block 18 picking up some games, but AJ Cusimano’s
team has fallen on hard times after starting out so promisingly the last two seasons.

Alamo leads CBA with a whopping .310 average, but like the 1930 Phillies, no pitching has doomed them in CBA’s
version of the Baker Bowl. Philly a half game behind NY in the Schmidt, is 2nd in CBA with a .309 average.
Philly appears poised to shatter some CBA records. They have 253 HR’s already. The CBA record of 351 Hr’s
was set by Brooklyn in 2000, and Philly also hit 347 that same year. In fact Philly led CBA by hitting
.312 and scoring a CBA record 1225 runs. Philly just a half game behind perrenial power Mike Rescigno's NY Bombers,
with everyones StratPal Dan-o Gural's Portland SeaDogs only 2 out. gural is quite amanger and knows how to get the
most out of his lineups. He is a master of NetPlay...

Brooklyn is also hitting over .300 this season once again.
Brooklyn has been atop Parker much of the season despite poor pitching. Brooklyn’s ERA is at 5.92 and
could be a heck of a lot higher if not for their league low 59 errors. It seems that Brooklyn’s excellent
hitting from perennial CBA superstars Sammy Sosa and Todd Helton have supported the team.
Quietly Ivan Rodriguez, Jose Vidro, and JD Drew have launched lots of slug in keeping Brooklyn in CBA elite.
Brooklyn has now been in contention for most of their seasons in CBA.


 

 


July 31st 2005 on Schedule

  The races are still strong in all divisions.  Limoilou has a game and a half lead over Belfast and LP in their perrenial three way dance.  Ottawa has been remarkable all year keeping pace with the improving Brooklyn team using Vlad and MVP candidate David Ortiz to keep pace. .  Kilgore has stayed within striking distance of both.  Its still anyone's race in Parker.  The Schmidt has Philly challenging NY for the lead, and Portland breathing right down their necks. Montreal has now a 2.5 game lead on struggling Neah Bay who should benefit once their regulars are done being rested.  Strong performances by player of week Josh Towers (KC) and D Hermanson (Kilgore) who is rapidly turning into Clemente's best closer.  The press archives section features two great games this weeks.  Towers 1 hit shutout domination of Joliet, and the 43 run outburst between Kilgore and Houston.

M's I must remind you that starters schedules should be completely set on your CM's  for the whole season.  Changes could be made week to week thereafter.  I have reminded the league several times this and last year yet still it's not being done by some.  When a proper rotation isn't set, HAL will select pitchers according to default settings which often means a pitcher will not be given proper CBA rest between starts.   A * pitcher can go every 4 days, Those without * ratings can start every 5th day.  Infractions will be enforced for improper rest, usage, or positioning. See the rules and ask questions if you must to any committee member if need be.  The Committee is composed of Marc Wass Commisioner, Cory Light Clemente President, Dennis Concepcion Staub President. Jeff Boutet league consultant, Gerald Benoit league consultant.  Address your mail either directly to a party or to CBA_Office@cba.webfitzz.com.  

A question was asked by a GM whether there are trade restrictions on RFA's.  There is no provision in the constitution that prohibits trading an RFA to another team.  However the RFA must follow all eligibility rules.

Strat-O-Matic Report




 


BOXSCORE: 2005 Kilgore Bashers At 2005 Houston Aeros                7/25/2005
Wow!!! A highlite game of 2005

  Bashers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Aeros              AB  R  H RBI AVG
  L.Overbay 1B        6  2  3  1 .286     R.Baldelli CF       6  3  5  3 .279  
  B.Wilkerson CF      4  3  1  2 .251     E.Young LF          3  1  2  1 .250  
  V.Wilson C          5  1  1  0 .319   A-M.Stairs PH         1  0  1  1 .318  
  J.Burnitz RF        5  1  2  2 .269   B-B.Hawpe PR,RF       1  0  0  0 .274  
  M.Lamb DH           5  2  1  3 .289     A.Pujols 1B         5  2  3  2 .355  
  M.Tucker LF         6  2  4  3 .357     A.Rodriguez SS      3  1  1  4 .278  
  T.Wigginton 3B      5  3  3  4 .225     H.Blalock 3B        6  1  3  1 .294  
  R.Belliard 2B       5  1  0  0 .246     J.Bay RF,LF         6  2  2  1 .292  
  A.Cintron SS        5  4  4  3 .275     E.Martinez DH       5  1  1  0 .309  
                                          A.Miles 2B          6  1  3  0 .221  
                                          T.Hall C            5  3  2  1 .266  
                                        C-A.Cora PH           1  0  1  0 .248  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      46 19 19 18                 Totals      48 15 24 14

A-Pinch Hit For Young In 8th Inning
B-Pinch Ran For Stairs In 8th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Hall In 9th Inning

Bashers......... 0 0 4  3 1 2  0 6 3  - 19 19  1
Aeros........... 2 4 0  0 4 0  2 3 0  - 15 24  2

Bashers (61-55)          IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
K.Rogers                  4 1/3  13  10   9   3   4   3 131   6.30
D.Burba                   2 1/3   3   0   0   0   3   0  42   0.96
B.Backe WIN(1-0)          1       7   5   5   1   1   2  52  16.87
D.Hermanson SAVE(28th)    1 1/3   1   0   0   1   0   0  20   4.78
Totals                    9      24  15  14   5   8   5

Aeros (50-61)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
R.Harden                  4 2/3   8   8   7   3   5   1 101   5.95
S.Reed                    2 1/3   3   2   2   0   1   1  43   5.48
B.Howry LOSS(2-2) H(3rd)  0 2/3   2   3   3   1   0   0  26   6.82
O.Dotel BS(8th)           0       1   2   2   1   0   0  10   5.23
D.Riske                   0 1/3   3   3   3   0   1   1  14   8.87
C.Reitsma                 1       2   1   1   1   2   0  25   8.40
Totals                    9      19  19  18   6   9   3

ATTENDANCE- 28,204 DATE- Friday, July 25th 2005 TIME- Night WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Paul Emmel, Dougles Eddings, Greg Gibson, Sam Holbrook
T- 4:30
LEFT ON BASE- Bashers: 6  Aeros:14
DOUBLE PLAYS- Bashers: 2  Aeros: 1
ERRORS- M.Tucker, R.Baldelli, A.Miles
DOUBLES- M.Tucker-2(9th), T.Wigginton-2(15th), A.Cintron-3(18th),
         M.Stairs(18th), A.Pujols(37th), E.Martinez(16th)
HOME RUNS- B.Wilkerson(28th), M.Lamb(22nd), T.Wigginton(12th), R.Baldelli(9th),
           A.Pujols(38th), A.Rodriguez(36th), H.Blalock(31st), J.Bay(16th)
SACRIFICE FLIES- E.Young, A.Rodriguez
WALKS- B.Wilkerson-2, V.Wilson, J.Burnitz, M.Lamb, T.Wigginton, R.Baldelli,
       E.Young, A.Pujols, A.Rodriguez, E.Martinez
HIT BY PITCH- A.Rodriguez
STRIKE OUTS- L.Overbay-2, V.Wilson-2, J.Burnitz-2, M.Tucker, T.Wigginton,
             R.Belliard, A.Rodriguez, H.Blalock-2, J.Bay-3, E.Martinez, T.Hall
GIDP- M.Lamb, E.Young, B.Hawpe
PASSED BALLS- V.Wilson

Ty Wigginton hit one over the fence and had 4 RBI as the Kilgore Bashers
defeated the Houston Aeros 19 to 15 at US Cellular Field.

Wigginton enjoyed a fine evening at the plate.  He doubled plating a run in
the 4th inning, doubled in the 5th inning and smacked a three-run homer (his
12th of the season) in the 8th inning.  Kilgore kept the scorekeepers busy in
the 3rd inning plating 4 runs and the 8th inning with 6 runs on 4 hits.  A
wild and woolly affair, this game saw the lead change 5 times.  

Brandon Backe(1-0) went 1 inning allowing 5 runs for the win. Dustin Hermanson
recorded the save, his 28th.  Bob Howry(2-2) suffered the loss in relief.  


Strat-O-Matic Report




 


BOXSCORE: 2005 Kansas City A's At 2005 Joliet Jackhammers           7/24/2005
Towers pitches a masterpiece!  1 hit shutout

  A's                AB  R  H RBI AVG     Jackhammers        AB  R  H RBI AVG
  R.Winn LF           3  1  0  0 .289     R.Freel RF          3  0  1  0 .266  
B-J.Piedra LF         0  1  0  0 .333     S.Podsednik CF      3  0  0  0 .234  
  C.Izturis SS        4  0  2  0 .332     D.Eckstein SS       3  0  0  0 .241  
  M.Loretta 2B        4  0  2  2 .353     M.Holliday LF       3  0  0  0 .287  
  S.Finley CF         4  0  1  1 .292     W.Helms 3B          3  0  0  0 .297  
  J.Olerud 1B         5  1  1  0 .280     A.Pierzynski C      3  0  0  0 .252  
  G.Sheffield RF      3  0  2  0 .281     A.Melhuse 1B        3  0  0  0 .185  
  J.Posada C          4  0  1  0 .220     B.Koch P            0  0  0  0 ----  
  N.Perez 3B          4  0  1  1 .190     M.Kata 2B           3  0  0  0 .178  
  J.Towers P          3  1  0  0 .000     R.Franklin P        1  0  0  0 .125  
                                        A-D.Mohr PH           1  0  0  0 .256  
                                          R.Rincon P          0  0  0  0 .000  
                                          A.Good P            0  0  0  0 ----  
                                        C-D.Lee 1B            1  0  0  0 .267  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      34  4 10  4                 Totals      27  0  1  0

A-Pinch Hit For Franklin In 6th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Winn In 7th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Good In 9th Inning

A's............. 1 0 0  1 0 0  0 0 2  -  4 10  0
Jackhammers..... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  1  0

A's (56-56)              IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
J.Towers WIN(1-0)         9       1   0   0   1   5   0 109   0.00
Totals                    9       1   0   0   1   5   0

Jackhammers (42-67)      IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
R.Franklin LOSS(4-14)     6       7   2   2   3   6   0 101   7.07
R.Rincon                  1 2/3   2   0   0   0   2   0  25   3.91
A.Good                    0 1/3   0   2   2   2   0   0  13  54.00
B.Koch                    1       1   0   0   1   0   0  18   0.00
Totals                    9      10   4   4   6   8   0

ATTENDANCE- 42,941 DATE- Thursday, July 24th 2005 TIME- Night WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Ted Barrett, Wally Bell, Joe Brinkman, C.B. Buckner
T- 2:34
LEFT ON BASE- A's:10  Jackhammers: 2
DOUBLE PLAYS- A's: 0  Jackhammers: 2
STOLEN BASES- R.Freel-2(54th)
SACRIFICE HITS- C.Izturis, S.Podsednik
WALKS- R.Winn, J.Piedra, M.Loretta, S.Finley, G.Sheffield, J.Towers, R.Freel
STRIKE OUTS- R.Winn, C.Izturis, S.Finley, J.Olerud, G.Sheffield, J.Posada-2,
             J.Towers, R.Freel, S.Podsednik, W.Helms, M.Kata, R.Franklin
GIDP- J.Olerud-2
BALKS- R.Franklin
WEB GEMS- Top 3rd: Matt Holliday robbed Mark Loretta of a Homerun!

Mark Loretta had 2 base hits and 2 RBI and Josh Towers carried a no-hitter
into the 9th inning as the Kansas City A's outscored the reeling Joliet
Jackhammers 4 to 0.

Towers(1-0) dominated Joliet hitters.  He was stingy on the mound, allowing
just 1 hit and 1 walk in 9 innings.  The right-handed Towers lost his chance
for a no-hitter when Ryan Freel singled with two outs in the 9th inning.
Kansas City finished with 10 hits in the victory.  

Ryan Franklin(4-14) was the loser.  'Towers gave us exactly what we needed
tonight,' Rich Schneider said. 'When he threw the fastball he threw it for
strikes.  They were really fooled by his change.  Most of the time he had
them chasing it.'

Quality Starts

 

D.Davis           KAC     17

C.Schilling       LWD     15

K.Benson          SSD     15

B.Sheets          NWC     14

P.Martinez        NWC     14

B.Tomko           BBD     13

R.Clemens         MOC     12

J.Schmidt         LWD     12

R.Drese           KAC     12

J.Moyer           LLD     12

J.Lieber          JJD     12

J.Wright          BMC     12

T.Glavine         NBS     11

C.Zambrano        LLD     11

R.Johnson         PPS     11

C.Sabathia        LLD     11

B.Radke           CIP     11

F.Garcia          KBP     11

J.Santana         PSS     11

O.Perez           PPS     10

R.Oswalt          HAP     10

K.Millwood        MOC     10

M.Batista         BBD     10

D.Wells           NWC    10

T.Hudson          NWC    10

 

Pitches per start

R.Dickey          HAP     136.5

K.Wells           NBS     134.0

J.Santana         PSS     133.5

L.Hernandez       BSP     130.6

R.Wolf            PPS     130.2

S.Kazmir          HAP     129.3

R.Johnson         PPS     129.2

J.Garland         PPS     125.9

A.Leiter          BSP     125.5

D.Willis          BSP     125.4

K.Wood            SRS     124.7

M.Maroth          PPS     124.6

B.Penny           BSP     123.5

J.Wright          BMC     123.0

R.Oswalt          HAP     122.8

O.Perez           PPS     122.4

J.Westbrook       PSS     120.8

C.Zambrano        LLD     119.6

A.Cook            OOP     119.4

F.Garcia          KBP     119.1

J.Pineiro         PSS     118.7

R.Harden          HAP     118.6

E.Dessens         BSP     118.5

 

Wild Pitches

R.Bell            MOC     11

M.Batista         BBD    10

F.Garcia          KBP    10

J.Washburn        SRS    9

B.Webb            OOP    8

R.Villone         KBP    8

K.Gryboski        WWC    7

J.Lackey          OOP    7

C.Lidle           CIP    7

C.Vargas          HAP    7

B.Tomko           BBD    7

B.Sheets          NWC    7

J.Brower          PSS    7

J.Romero          NWC    7

 

 

 

 

Current Hiting streaks

I.Suzuki          LLD     14

C.Izturis         KAC     14

E.Martinez        HAP     11

D.Jeter           PPS     11

S.Finley          KAC     9

B.Inge            KBP     9

M.McLemore        LWD     8

F.Thomas          NBS     8

 

Long Hitting Streaks

M.Mora             PSS     25

J.Pierre           AFS     24

A.Pujols           HAP     18

B.Abreu            PPS     17

M.Kotsay           BBD     16

C.Guillen          BMC     16

J.Vidro            BSP     16

I.Suzuki           LLD     16

A.Ramirez          PPS     16

A.Soriano          JJD     16

M.Giles            AFS     15

E.Renteria         NBS     15

M.Ramirez          NBS     14

S.Hatteberg        CIP     14

J.Kent             LWD     14

I.Rodriguez        BSP     14

B.Molina           PSS     14

A.Beltre           NBS     14

C.Izturis          KAC     14

M.Bellhorn         SRS     14

L.Berkman          PPS     14

B.Larkin           BSP     13

J.Bay              HAP     13

E.Chavez           PSS     13

B.Bonds            NBS     13

M.Tejada           PSS     13

 

 

Caught Stealing

 

I.Suzuki          LLD       18

C.Figgins         BBD       14

J.Pierre          AFS       13

C.Crawford        MOC       10

R.Freel           JJD       9

S.Podsednik       JJD       9

R.Winn            KAC       8

M.Lawton          BMC       8

C.Beltran         MOC       7

J.Uribe           AFS       7

M.Cameron         NWC       7

D.Eckstein        JJD       7

 

Caught Stealing Third

R.Freel           JJD       4

I.Suzuki          LLD      4

C.Beltran         MOC     4

B.Roberts         PSS     3

M.Lawton          BMC     3

R.Winn            KAC     3

 

Clutch Hits

M.Alou            AFS     21

P.Feliz           MOC     21

S.Rolen           PPS     19

H.Matsui          LLD     19

J.Pierre          AFS     18

V.Guerrero        OOP     18

D.Ortiz           OOP     17

J.Morneau         PSS     17

J.Guillen         AFS     17

J.Randa           OOP     17

S.Finley          KAC     17

D.Jimenez         BBD     16

A.Jones           SRS     16

M.Tejada          PSS     16

A.Beltre          NBS     16

A.Dunn            PSS     16

L.Castillo        NBS     16

A.Rodriguez       HAP     16

 

Clutch Doubles

J.Randa           OOP     7

T.Hafner          PSS     6

S.Finley          KAC     6

E.Durazo          PPS     6

A.Beltre          NBS     6

J.Morneau         PSS     6

 

Clutch HR's

A.Rodriguez        HAP     8

M.Mora             PSS     7

S.Rolen            PPS     7

D.Ortiz            OOP     7

P.Konerko          SRS     7

B.Bonds            NBS     6

A.Jones            SRS     6

A.Dunn             PSS     6

J.Guillen          AFS     5

M.Alou             AFS     5

C.Beltran          MOC     5

L.Berkman          PPS     5

P.Feliz            MOC     5

J.Bagwell          BSP     5

H.Matsui           LLD     5

M.Ramirez          NBS     5

 

Clutch RBI's

S.Rolen            PPS     35

A.Rodriguez        HAP     34

M.Alou             AFS     31

A.Dunn             PSS     29

P.Feliz            MOC     29

M.Mora             PSS     28

J.Guillen          AFS     28

A.Jones            SRS     27

P.Konerko          SRS     27

V.Guerrero         OOP     26

D.Ortiz            OOP     25

H.Matsui           LLD     25

M.Tejada           PSS     25

 

 

 

Clutch Intentional Walks

D.Ortiz            OOP     16

P.Lo Duca          AFS     14

S.Casey            AFS     14

D.Miller           WWC     12

B.Bonds            NBS     10

M.Young            CIP     10

B.Giles            NWC     9

M.Loretta          KAC     9

S.Rolen            PPS     9

C.Guillen          BMC     8

R.Klesko           BMC     8

I.Rodriguez        BSP     8

J.Rollins          NBS     8

R.Johnson          OOP     8

M.Mora             PSS     8

 

Clutch Strikeouts

A.Dunn             PSS     21

E.Chavez           SRS     21

C.Patterson        OOP     20

B.Boone            NWC     18

A.Jones            SRS     16

J.Uribe            AFS     15

J.Edmonds          LWD     14

J.Bagwell          BSP     14

J.Drew             BSP     14

A.Kennedy          OOP     14

J.Dye              SSD     13

R.Baldelli         HAP     13

S.Sosa             BSP     13

M.Cameron          NWC     13

K.Harvey           CIP     13

 

Game Winning RBI's

C.Beltran          MOC     14

A.Beltre           NBS     13

H.Matsui           LLD     12

S.Sosa             BSP     10

B.Giles            NWC     10

J.Edmonds          LWD     10

T.Hafner           PSS     10

J.Thome            LWD     10

C.Delgado          NBS     9

A.Ramirez          PPS     9

A.Rodriguez        HAP     9

M.Mora             PSS     9

A.Dunn             PSS     9

T.Helton           BSP     9

B.Wilkerson        KBP     8

T.Wigginton        KBP     8

D.Jeter            PPS     8

E.Chavez           SRS     8

M.Loretta          KAC     8

 

Most Extra Basehits

D.Ortiz              OOP     72

A.Pujols             HAP     70

C.Beltran            MOC     66

L.Berkman            PPS     66

V.Guerrero           OOP     64

M.Ramirez            NBS     64

P.Feliz              MOC     62

A.Beltre             NBS     62

B.Bonds              NBS     61

T.Hafner             PSS     60

M.Mora               PSS     59

H.Matsui             LLD     58

M.Cabrera            SRS     57

T.Helton             BSP     56

S.Casey              AFS     56

A.Jones              SRS     56

D.Jeter              PPS     56

 

Most GrandSlams

B.Bonds            NBS     4

R.Branyan          OOP     2

H.Blanco           SSD     2

M.Alou             AFS     2

C.Beltran          MOC     2

J.Morneau          PSS     2

S.Rolen            PPS     2

B.Jacobsen         PSS     2

T.Sledge           KAC     2

 

Most Flyballs

V.Guerrero         OOP     194

S.Casey            AFS     189

M.Loretta          KAC     185

A.Pujols           HAP     184

H.Matsui           LLD     183

M.Alou             AFS     183

M.Lowell           NWC     180

C.Beltran          MOC     179

M.Young            CIP     174

L.Berkman          PPS     171

D.Lee              JJD     170

A.Beltre           NBS     169

A.Soriano          JJD     168

M.Mora             PSS     167

C.Lee              PPS     166

 

Hit By Pitch

C.Floyd             OOP     16

S.Hillenbrand       LLD      15

C.Wilson            CIP      14

T.Hafner            PSS      13

C.Delgado           NBS      13

M.Cairo             KBP      12

P.Lo Duca           AFS      12

A.Cora              HAP      12

D.Eckstein          JJD      11

M.Giles             AFS      11

D.Jeter             PPS      11

M.Lawton            BMC      11

K.Harvey            CIP      11

M.Mora              PSS      10

L.Berkman           PPS      10

M.Lieberthal        BMC      10

J.Crede             AFS      10

J.Kendall           LLD      10

 

Runners advanced on Hit & Run

M.Loretta           KAC     14

C.Guillen           BMC     8

J.Wilson            WWC     7

J.Olerud            KAC     7

D.Eckstein          JJD     7

E.Chavez            PSS     7

O.Vizquel           OOP     7

M.Mora              PSS     7

E.Alfonzo           LLD     6

J.Carroll           LWD     6

J.Kendall           LLD     6

 

Hit & Run Hits

 

C.Guillen           BMC   5

E.Alfonzo           LLD   4

M.Loretta           KAC   3

M.Kotsay            BBD   3

J.Carroll           LWD   3

O.Vizquel           OOP   3

J.Phillips          CIP   3

J.Olerud            KAC   3

C.Izturis           KAc   3

J.Wilson            WWC   3

 

Runners Left On Base

M.Alou            AFS     122

A.Beltre          NBS     114

A.Dunn            PSS     105

B.Boone           NWC     102

C.Patterson       OOP     102

A.Kennedy         OOP     101

L.Ford            PSS     100

D.Lee             JJD     99

M.Kotsay          BBD     95

A.Jones           SRS     95

S.Casey           AFS     94

L.Berkman         PPS     93

E.Chavez          SRS     93

D.Ortiz           OOP     90

L.Castillo        NBS     90

J.Randa           OOP     90

S.Finley          KAC     90

M.Teixeira        BMC     89

C.Guzman          LWD     89

T.Wigginton       KBP     88

H.Matsui          LLD      88

C.Lee             PPS     88

J.Pierre          AFS      87

 

Pitches Seen

J.Pierre           AFS      2046

A.Beltre           NBS     1999

M.Mora             PSS     1975

A.Jones            SRS     1968

I.Suzuki           LLD      1966

A.Dunn             PSS     1957

M.Cabrera          SRS     1939

E.Chavez           SRS     1936

M.Alou             AFS      1931

A.Kennedy          OOP     1922

V.Guerrero         OOP     1920

M.Ramirez          NBS     1898

D.Lee              JJD       1870

J.Guillen          AFS      1863

L.Ford             PSS     1861

D.Ortiz            OOP     1860

S.Casey            AFS      1857

M.Tejada           PSS     1856

M.Loretta          KAC     1839

 

Road HR's

A.Rodriguez      HAP     20

J.Guillen        AFS      20

M.Mora           PSS     19

A.Dunn           PSS     18

A.Beltre         NBS     18

M.Ramirez        NBS     18

D.Ortiz          OOP     17

E.Chavez         SRS     16

J.Burnitz        KBP     16

J.Morneau        PSS     16

S.Sosa           BSP     16

H.Blalock        HAP     16

 

 


 

July 29th, 2005

The races stay the same this week with the usual jockeying around the top spot by the same teams.  A strange kinda week in CBA that saw records fall, and the meek inherit the well...the second division teams slow down the top dogs.  The Dawson looks the same as it does every year, a three way dance with Concepcion, Bouts, and Adams fighting tooth and nail.  However this week Joliet finally made some noise by playing Neah Bay very well taking their series, and Bodega Bay surprising Montreal in their series.  Bodega saw their bullpen play well this block, and get production from their bats.  But nothing like the power-phul Phill Phantastics.  In back to back games against Alamo in series 2, they scored 43 runs total! and 50 hits, raising their team BA to an amazing .314   In 1 game Scott Rolen tied a CBA record by recording 6 hitsout of 7 in a 9 inning game.  He drove in 8 runs in those games as Philly's entire lineup hit in both games.  Rolen won Clemente player of the week going 14-24 with 4 HR and 9 RBI including the record setting performance.  In the Staub Ichiro went 14-28 with 7 RBI and 3 SB to cop this weeks award. Here are the standings.

 


July 25th, 2004   Schedule July 17th, 2005

The races stay the same this week with the usual jockeying around the top spot by the same teams.  A strange kinda week in CBA that saw records fall, and the meek inherit the well...the second division teams slow down the top dogs.  The Dawson looks the same as it does every year, a three way dance with Concepcion, Bouts, and Adams fighting tooth and nail.  However this week Joliet finally made some noise by playing Neah Bay very well taking their series, and Bodega Bay surprising Montreal in their series.  Bodega saw their bullpen play well this block, and get production from their bats.  But nothing like the power-phul Phill Phantastics.  In back to back games against Alamo in series 2, they scored 43 runs total! and 50 hits, raising their team BA to an amazing .314   In 1 game Scott Rolen tied a CBA record by recording 6 hitsout of 7 in a 9 inning game.  He drove in 8 runs in those games as Philly's entire lineup hit in both games.  Rolen won Clemente player of the week going 14-24 with 4 HR and 9 RBI including the record setting performance.  In the Staub Ichiro went 14-28 with 7 RBI and 3 SB to cop this weeks award. Here are the standings.



 


BOXSCORE: 2005 Philly Phantastics At 2005 Alamo City Flames         7/15/2005
Philly bats go wild! Alamo staff flamed.  Rolen 6 for 7 a record for hits in 9 i

  Phantastics        AB  R  H RBI AVG     Flames             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  A.Blanco SS         6  4  3  2 .348     J.Pierre CF         3  1  2  0 .377  
  B.Abreu RF          7  2  4  5 .295     P.Lo Duca C         4  0  0  1 .301  
  S.Rolen 3B          7  3  6  4 .348     S.Casey 1B          5  0  1  1 .333  
  L.Berkman CF        6  2  2  2 .337     M.Alou LF           3  0  0  0 .292  
  A.Ramirez DH        5  3  3  3 .341     J.Guillen RF        4  1  0  0 .304  
  E.Durazo 1B         6  3  4  3 .332     K.Griffey Jr DH     5  1  2  1 .300  
  C.Lee LF            5  1  1  1 .291     J.Uribe SS          5  0  0  0 .259  
  J.Estrada C         5  3  4  2 .310     J.Crede 3B          5  3  3  2 .277  
  P.Polanco 2B        6  2  3  1 .275     B.Mueller 2B        3  2  2  3 .291  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      53 23 30 23                 Totals      37  8 10  8


Phantastics..... 5 3 1  0 0 0  4 5 5  - 23 30  0
Flames.......... 0 3 0  1 0 3  0 1 0  -  8 10  0

Phantastics (63-40)      IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
M.Clement WIN(11-7)       5       8   7   7   5   5   2 129   7.96  A1 D1
U.Urbina HOLD(3rd)        3       1   1   1   1   6   1  56   6.09  D2 E4
G.Carrara                 1       1   0   0   0   0   0  18   3.65  E5
Totals                    9      10   8   8   6  11   3

Flames (37-63)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
S.Trachsel LOSS(7-10)     0 2/3   4   5   5   1   1   0  30   6.89  A1 A7
J.Sosa                    0 2/3   5   3   3   0   0   2  29   9.23  A8 B5
J.Benoit                  5       6   2   2   1   3   1  88   5.95  B6 D8
T.Jones                   0       3   3   3   1   0   0  16   4.00  D9 E3
D.Graves                  1 1/3   3   3   3   0   1   0  26   7.91  E4 E9
P.Byrd                    0       2   2   2   0   0   1   8   6.28  F1 F2
M.Mulder                  1       1   1   1   0   0   0  20   7.37  F3 F6
J.Weaver                  0       3   3   3   0   0   0  18   8.83  F7 F9
M.Hampton                 0 1/3   3   1   1   0   0   0  14   7.02  G1
Totals                    9      30  23  23   3   5   4

ATTENDANCE- 56,017 DATE- Tuesday, July 15th 2005 TIME- Night WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Jeff Kellogg, Jerry Layne, Lil' Jack Little, Alfonso Marquez
T- 3:34
LEFT ON BASE- Phantastics: 8  Flames: 9
DOUBLE PLAYS- Phantastics: 0  Flames: 2
DOUBLES- A.Blanco(2nd), B.Abreu(31st), L.Berkman(37th), A.Ramirez(20th),
         E.Durazo-2(21st), J.Estrada-2(34th), J.Crede-2(13th)
TRIPLES- K.Griffey Jr(1st)
HOME RUNS- B.Abreu(21st), S.Rolen(34th), L.Berkman(26th), A.Ramirez(26th),
           J.Crede(16th), B.Mueller-2(7th)
STOLEN BASES- B.Abreu(12th), J.Pierre(55th)
CAUGHT STEALING- B.Abreu
SACRIFICE FLIES- C.Lee
WALKS- A.Blanco, L.Berkman, A.Ramirez, J.Pierre, P.Lo Duca, M.Alou-2, J.Guillen,
       B.Mueller
HIT BY PITCH- J.Estrada, J.Pierre
STRIKE OUTS- A.Blanco, B.Abreu, E.Durazo, C.Lee, J.Estrada, J.Pierre, P.Lo Duca,
             S.Casey, M.Alou, J.Guillen-2, K.Griffey Jr-2, J.Uribe-2, J.Crede
GIDP- L.Berkman-2
WILD PITCHES- D.Graves

Right fielder Bobby Abreu had 4 hits and 5 RBI as the Philly Phantastics
ballclub embarrassed the slumping Alamo City Flames by the count of 23 to
8.

Abreu had a big day with his bat.  He lined a base-hit in the 3rd inning,
doubled which was good for two runs in the 7th inning, lofted a three-run
'big-fly' (his 21st of the season) in the 8th inning and lined a single in
the 9th inning.  Philly bats were hot in the 1st inning which saw them plate
5 runs on 6 hits, the 8th inning with 5 runs on 5 hits and the 9th inning
which saw them plate 5 runs on 7 hits.  Philly simply wore out the Alamo City
pitching staff, scoring in 6 different innings.  

The victory went to Matt Clement(11-7) who went 5 innings, allowing 7 runs.
Steve Trachsel(7-10) was the loser.  He gave up 4 hits and 1 walk in 2/3 of
an inning.  


SCORESHEET: 2005 Philly Phantastics at 2005 Alamo City Flames
A.Blanco-A1  A1:Si      B1:F/8     *3*:K      D1:G/43    E1:W>12 b  F1:Si>3#
                                                         1          12
                                                                    
B.Abreu-A1   A2:K       *2*:G/43   C2:Si      D2:G/43    E2:Do>3#   F2:HR>2#
                                                         2# 13      1# b#
                                                                    
S.Rolen-A1   A3:Si>13   B3:Si      C3:SB>12   *6*:Si     E3:Si>3#   F3:F/8
                                   CS/25>2o              2#         
                                   HR>b#                            
L.Berkma-A1  A4:W>12 b  B4:HR>1#   C4:Do      D4:G-DP/6  E4:G-DP/4  *9*:F/8
             1          b#                    43>1o      63>1o      
                                                                    
A.Ramire-A1  A5:Si>3#   B5:HR>b#   C5:G/53    D5:W>b1    *8*:Do     F5:G/63
             2# 12                                                  
                                                                    
E.Durazo-A1  A6:Do>2#   B6:Do      *4*:K      D6:G/43    E6:WP>23   F6:Si
             1#                                          Si>3#      
                                                                    
C.Lee-A1     A7:SF/9>3  B7:F/8     C7:G/63    *7*:F/9    E7:K       F7:Si>13
             #                                                      
                                                                    
J.Estrad-A1  A8:Si      B8:HBP     C8:K       D8:Do      E8:Si>13   F8:Do>3#
                                                                    1#
                                                                    
P.Polanc-A1  A9:Si>12   B9:G/3     *5*:F/8    D9:Si>23   E9:P/4     F9:Si>2#
                                                                    
                                                                    

J.Pierre-A1  A1:Si      B1:Si>23   C1:K       D1:W>b1    E1:HBP
                        12                               
                                                         
P.Lo Duc-A1  A2:Force/  B2:G/43>3  C2:W>b1    D2:SB>12   E2:K
             46>1o b1   # 23 12               G/43>23    
                                                         
S.Casey-A1   A3:K       B3:G/43    C3:Si>13   D3:G/3>3#  E3:P/4
                                                         
                                                         
M.Alou-A1    A4:G/53    *3*:W>b1   C4:G/13    D4:W>b1    E4:K
                                                         
                                                         
J.Guille-A1  *2*:W>b1   B5:F/9     *5*:K      D5:K       *9*:F/7
                                                         
                                                         
K.Griffe-A1  A6:Tr>1#   B6:K       C6:G/3     *7*:K      E6:Si
                                                         
                                                         
J.Uribe-A1   A7:K       B7:F/8     C7:F/9     D7:K       E7:F/8
                                                         
                                                         
J.Crede-A1   A8:Do>3#   *4*:HR>b#  *6*:Do     D8:K       E8:P/6
                                                         
                                                         
B.Muelle-A1  A9:W>b1    B9:G/63    C9:HR>2#   *8*:HR>b#
                                   b#         
                                              



SCORESHEET: 2005 Philly Phantastics at 2005 Alamo City Flames
A.Blanco-A1  G1:Do>2#
             
             
B.Abreu-A1   G2:Si>23
             
             
S.Rolen-A1   G3:Si>3#
             13
             
L.Berkma-A1  G4:G/43
             
             
A.Ramire-A1


E.Durazo-A1


C.Lee-A1


J.Estrad-A1


P.Polanc-A1



J.Pierre-A1


P.Lo Duc-A1


S.Casey-A1


M.Alou-A1


J.Guille-A1


K.Griffe-A1


J.Uribe-A1


J.Crede-A1


B.Muelle-A1




*** TOP OF INNING 1 ***
0     A.Blanco             6 Single                         b-1 
0 1   B.Abreu              4 Strike Out                     b-0 
1 1   S.Rolen              3 Single                         1-3 b-1 
1 1 3 L.Berkman            5 Walk                           1-2 b-1 
1 123 A.Ramirez            4 Single                         3-H 2-H 1-2 b-1 
1 12  E.Durazo             3 Double                         2-H 1-H b-3 
1   3 C.Lee                5 Sac Fly                        3-H b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Jorge Sosa
2     J.Estrada            5 Single                         b-1 
2 1   P.Polanco            5 Single                         1-2 b-1 
2 12  A.Blanco             3 Fly Out                        b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 1 ***
0     J.Pierre             3 Single                         b-1 
0 1   P.Lo Duca            4 Force Play                     1-o b-1 
1 1   S.Casey              6 Strike Out                     b-0 
2 1   M.Alou               3 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 2 ***
0     B.Abreu              5 Ground Out                     b-0 
1     S.Rolen              5 Single                         b-1 
1 1   L.Berkman            3 Home Run                       1-H b-H 
1     A.Ramirez            3 Home Run                       b-H 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Joaquin Benoit
1     E.Durazo             3 Double                         b-2 
1  2  C.Lee                4 Fly Out                        b-0 
2  2  J.Estrada            3 HBP                            b-1 
2 12  P.Polanco            6 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 2 ***
0     J.Guillen            5 Walk                           b-1 
0 1   K.Griffey Jr         6 Triple                         1-H b-3 
0   3 J.Uribe              5 Strike Out                     b-0 
1   3 J.Crede              3 Double                         3-H b-2 
1  2  B.Mueller            6 Walk                           b-1 
1 12  J.Pierre             4 Single                         2-3 1-2 b-1 
1 123 P.Lo Duca            5 Ground Out                     3-H 2-3 1-2 b-0 
2  23 S.Casey              4 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 3 ***
0     A.Blanco             3 Strike Out                     b-0 
1     B.Abreu              3 Single                         b-1 
1 1                        1 Stolen Base                    1-2 
1  2                       1 Caught Stealing                2-o 
2     S.Rolen              2 Home Run                       b-H 
2     L.Berkman            5 Double                         b-2 
2  2  A.Ramirez            4 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 3 ***
0     M.Alou               6 Walk                           b-1 
0 1   J.Guillen            4 Fly Out                        b-0 
1 1   K.Griffey Jr         4 Strike Out                     b-0 
2 1   J.Uribe              3 Fly Out                        b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 4 ***
0     E.Durazo             3 Strike Out                     b-0 
1     C.Lee                3 Ground Out                     b-0 
2     J.Estrada            3 Strike Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 4 ***
0     J.Crede              3 Home Run                       b-H 
0     B.Mueller            3 Ground Out                     b-0 
1     J.Pierre             3 Strike Out                     b-0 
2     P.Lo Duca            5 Walk                           b-1 
2 1   S.Casey              6 Single                         1-3 b-1 
2 1 3 M.Alou               4 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 5 ***
0     P.Polanco            6 Fly Out                        b-0 
1     A.Blanco             6 Ground Out                     b-0 
2     B.Abreu              6 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 5 ***
0     J.Guillen            6 Strike Out                     b-0 
1     K.Griffey Jr         6 Ground Out                     b-0 
2     J.Uribe              6 Fly Out                        b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 6 ***
0     S.Rolen              6 Single                         b-1 
0 1   L.Berkman            2 Ground Out Double Play         1-o b-0 
2     A.Ramirez            6 Walk                           b-1 
2 1   E.Durazo             6 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 6 ***
0     J.Crede              6 Double                         b-2 
0  2  B.Mueller            5 Home Run                       2-H b-H 
0     J.Pierre             5 Walk                           b-1 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Ugueth Urbina
0 1                        1 Stolen Base                    1-2 
0  2  P.Lo Duca            5 Ground Out                     2-3 b-0 
1   3 S.Casey              5 Ground Out                     3-H b-0 
2     M.Alou               5 Walk                           b-1 
2 1   J.Guillen            4 Strike Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 7 ***
0     C.Lee                3 Fly Out                        b-0 
1     J.Estrada            3 Double                         b-2 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Todd Jones
1  2  P.Polanco            1 Single                         2-3 b-1 
1 1 3 A.Blanco             4 Walk                           1-2 b-1 
1 123 B.Abreu              6 Double                         3-H 2-H 1-3 b-2 
1  23 S.Rolen              5 Single                         3-H 2-H b-1 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Danny Graves
1 1   L.Berkman            5 Ground Out Double Play         1-o b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 7 ***
0     K.Griffey Jr         5 Strike Out                     b-0 
1     J.Uribe              5 Strike Out                     b-0 
2     J.Crede              5 Strike Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 8 ***
0     A.Ramirez            5 Double                         b-2 
0  2  E.Durazo             1 Wild Pitch                     2-3 
0   3 E.Durazo             4 Single                         3-H b-1 
0 1   C.Lee                3 Strike Out                     b-0 
1 1   J.Estrada            7 Single                         1-3 b-1 
1 1 3 P.Polanco            1 Pop Out                        b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Paul Byrd
2 1 3 A.Blanco             3 Single                         3-H 1-2 b-1 
2 12  B.Abreu              5 Home Run                       2-H 1-H b-H 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Mark Mulder
2     S.Rolen              5 Fly Out                        b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 8 ***
0     B.Mueller            5 Home Run                       b-H 
0     J.Pierre             5 HBP                            b-1 
0 1   P.Lo Duca            4 Strike Out                     b-0 
1 1   S.Casey              3 Pop Out                        b-0 
2 1   M.Alou               4 Strike Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 9 ***
0     L.Berkman            5 Fly Out                        b-0 
1     A.Ramirez            5 Ground Out                     b-0 
2     E.Durazo             5 Single                         b-1 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Jeff Weaver
2 1   C.Lee                5 Single                         1-3 b-1 
2 1 3 J.Estrada            6 Double                         3-H 1-H b-2 
2  2  P.Polanco            7 Single                         2-H b-2 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Mike Hampton
2  2  A.Blanco             3 Double                         2-H b-2 
2  2  B.Abreu              5 Single                         2-3 b-1 
2 1 3 S.Rolen              5 Single                         3-H 1-3 b-2 
2  23 L.Berkman            1 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 9 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Giovanni Carrara
0     J.Guillen            5 Fly Out                        b-0 
1     K.Griffey Jr         5 Single                         b-1 
1 1   J.Uribe              5 Fly Out                        b-0 
2 1   J.Crede              3 Pop Out                        b-0 

 


 

 

[1]BOXSCORE: 2005 Philly Phantastics At 2005 Alamo City Flames 7/16/2005
[1]43 runs in only 2 games a CBA resord that may never be broken.

[1] Phantastics AB R H RBI AVG Flames AB R H RBI AVG
A.Blanco SS 6 2 1 0 .327 J.Pierre CF 5 1 4 1 .381
B.Abreu RF 5 4 3 2 .300 M.Giles 2B 5 0 1 1 .376
S.Rolen 3B 5 3 2 1 .349 S.Casey 1B 4 2 1 0 .332
L.Berkman CF 3 4 2 1 .340 J.Guillen RF 5 2 1 0 .303
A.Ramirez DH 6 3 3 5 .343 M.Alou LF 5 1 4 2 .298
E.Durazo 1B 5 3 4 4 .340 K.Millar DH 4 0 1 0 .332
C.Lee LF 6 1 1 3 .289 J.Crede 3B 5 0 1 0 .276
J.Estrada C 5 0 2 3 .311 J.Uribe SS 5 2 4 2 .265
P.Polanco 2B 6 0 2 0 .276 P.Lo Duca C 5 0 0 0 .297
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
[1] Totals 47 20 20 19 Totals 43 8 17 6


Phantastics..... 5 4 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 - 20 20 1
Flames.......... 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 2 - 8 17 2

[1]Phantastics (64-40) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
M.Maroth WIN(6-4) 8 14 7 5 2 2 1 154 5.63
G.Carrara 1 3 1 1 0 1 0 27 3.86
[1]Totals 9 17 8 6 2 3 1

[1]Flames (37-64) IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
J.Weaver LOSS(4-8) 0 2/3 3 5 2 1 0 0 31 8.97
J.Sosa 0 2/3 3 4 4 2 1 1 31 10.33
J.Benoit 2 2/3 6 4 3 1 0 1 52 6.05
T.Jones 2 2/3 4 4 4 2 1 0 52 4.32
D.Graves 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 7.91
S.Trachsel 1 1/3 2 3 3 1 0 0 38 7.05
M.Mulder 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 7.31
[1]Totals 9 20 20 16 7 2 2

ATTENDANCE- 44,336 DATE- Wednesday, July 16th 2005 TIME- Night WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Greg Gibson, Sam Holbrook, Paul Emmel, Dougles Eddings
T- 3:40
LEFT ON BASE- Phantastics: 8 Flames:10
DOUBLE PLAYS- Phantastics: 1 Flames: 2
ERRORS- B.Abreu, S.Casey, J.Crede
DOUBLES- B.Abreu(32nd), S.Rolen(10th), L.Berkman-2(39th), E.Durazo-2(23rd),
J.Pierre-3(14th), M.Alou(24th), J.Uribe-3(26th)
HOME RUNS- B.Abreu(22nd), A.Ramirez(27th), M.Alou(25th)
WALKS- A.Blanco, B.Abreu, S.Rolen, L.Berkman-2, E.Durazo, J.Estrada, S.Casey,
K.Millar
HIT BY PITCH- L.Berkman
STRIKE OUTS- A.Blanco, J.Estrada, K.Millar, J.Crede-2
GIDP- A.Ramirez, C.Lee, J.Crede
WILD PITCHES- M.Maroth
WEB GEMS- Bot 5th: Johnny Estrada blocked the plate, saving a run!

Aramis Ramirez blasted a homerun and had 5 RBI at Kauffman Stadium as the
Philly Phantastics belted the reeling Alamo City Flames by the count of 20 to
8.

Ramirez had a big day against Alamo City. He slapped a base-hit which was
good for two runs in the 1st inning, lofted a three-run bomb (his 27th of the
season) in the 2nd inning and lined a single in the 9th inning. Philly
provided plenty of action in the 1st inning with 5 runs on 3 hits and the 2nd
inning when they had 4 runs on 3 hits. Despite scoring in 5 separate
innings, Alamo City could not get the win.

The victory was credited to Mike Maroth(6-4) who went 8 innings, allowing 7
runs. Jeff Weaver(4-8) suffered the loss. He allowed 3 hits and 1 walk in
2/3 of an inning.
 


 

The 9th Annual CBA All Star game has been completed with the Clemente Division winning the classic 3-2.  The big blow a Juan Uribe HR.  Uribe the games MVP seemed the unlikely hero from Clemente with the likes of ARod Pujols Sosa and others on squad....Click on the press conference section for more.

The races are tightening again. Ottawa took a dive this block allowing Brooklyn who struggled as well to take back the top spot by a game and a half, after leading in the Parker last week. Kilgore suffered in their series swept by Portland whose stock has risin tremendously the past month. Kilgore split their first series with NY.

The Schmidt saw Philly, NY, and Portland assert dominance by fattening up on other divisional foes in Parker. Schmidt could be the toughest division in CBA at this time. Stirling is no slouch either. The Parker is interesting as of right now.

Longue Pointe maintains a slim .5 game lead in Dawson. LP has been in 1st since May 28th on the sched. After splitting against Limoilou in series 1, LP dropped 3 of 4 to Neah Bay. Limoilou dropped 2 to Montreal costing them a chance to move into 1st place. Belfast won 3 of 4 from Sd and 2 of 3 from Bodega Bay to move within a game and half of Dawsons lead. As of June 22nd, Belfast was 6 games out. Joliet is out of it at 20.5 out, SD just 19 games.

The Royals and Neah Bay are in a tremendous dogfight right now. The loser of that battle may need to win as much as possible as the wildcard fight will be important. Belfast, LP, Limoilou will be fighting for the WC's, but are quite a distance behind their Carter counterparts in the win column. This last block could be huge as Carter shattered Dawson this week to give them an edge in the wildcard race. Neah, Montreal could sew up 1 wildcard relatively early at this pace, leaving 1 card open for one of the Dawson title losers, or perhaps KC (remember last year).
 

 Staub Wild Card race

WC #1 Montreal    MOC 60 35 .632
WC #2 Limoilou    LWD 54 42 .563
      Belfast     BBD 54 44 .551 1
      Kansas City KAC 50 48 .510 5





Clemente Wild Card race


WC #1 Philly   PPS 60 38 .612
WC #2 Portland PSS 58 37 .611
      Ottawa   OOP 51 45 .531   7

 

 July 21st, 2005 CBA All Star game




 


BOXSCORE: 2005 Staub All Stars At 2005 Clemente All Stars
A Wild All star game dominated by great pitching.  Underdog Uribe HRs!

  All Stars                AB  R  H RBI   All Stars                AB  R  H RBI
  I.Suzuki RF               3  0  1  0    M.Mora 3B,SS              1  1  0  0 
O-A.Huff PH,3B              2  0  0  0  F-A.Beltre 3B               1  0  0  0 
  M.Loretta 2B              0  0  0  1    M.Cabrera RF              2  0  1  0 
P-J.Kent PH                 0  0  0  0  B-M.Ramirez PH              1  0  1  0 
Q-C.Guillen PH              0  0  0  0  E-J.Drew RF,CF              1  0  0  0 
T-R.Hernandez C             1  0  0  0    B.Bonds LF                2  0  0  1 
  C.Beltran CF              3  0  1  0    D.Ortiz 1B                2  0  0  0 
  J.Thome 1B                3  1  1  0  C-A.Pujols PH,1B            2  0  1  0 
R-C.Crawford PH             1  0  0  0    M.Tejada SS               2  0  0  0 
U-R.Freel 2B                0  0  0  0  D-A.Rodriguez PH,3B,SS      2  1  1  0 
  J.Lopez C                 3  0  0  0    A.Jones CF                1  0  0  0 
S-C.Tracy PH                1  0  0  0  I-L.Berkman PH,RF           2  0  0  1 
  C.Schilling P             0  0  0  0    J.Varitek C               2  0  0  0 
  H.Matsui LF               4  0  0  0  J-I.Rodriguez PH,C          2  0  0  0 
  R.Furcal SS               2  0  0  0    J.Uribe 2B                1  1  1  1 
G-M.Young PH,SS             2  0  1  0  K-D.Jeter PH                0  0  0  0 
  M.Lowell 3B               1  1  1  0  M-M.Bellhorn 2B             0  0  0  0 
H-P.Feliz PH,3B,1B          2  0  1  1    J.Santana P               2  0  0  0 
  P.Martinez P              1  0  0  0    R.Johnson P               0  0  0  0 
A-G.Sheffield PH            1  0  0  0    R.Oswalt P                0  0  0  0 
  B.Ryan P                  0  0  0  0  L-S.Casey PH                1  0  1  0 
  C.Zambrano P              0  0  0  0    A.Otsuka P                0  0  0  0 
  T.Lilly P                 0  0  0  0    R.Villone P               0  0  0  0 
  R.Clemens P               0  0  0  0    J.Tavarez P               0  0  0  0 
  J.Julio P                 0  0  0  0    E.Guardado P              0  0  0  0 
  B.Lidge P                 0  0  0  0    D.Hermanson P             0  0  0  0 
  D.Davis P                 0  0  0  0    C.Pavano P                0  0  0  0 
  K.Foulke P                0  0  0  0    F.Garcia P                0  0  0  0 
  B.Looper P                0  0  0  0    O.Perez P                 0  0  0  0 
N-D.Lee PH                  1  0  0  0                                         
V-S.Finley RF               1  0  0  0                                         
                           -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---
         Totals            32  2  6  2           Totals            27  3  6  3

A-Pinch Hit For Martinez In 5th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Cabrera In 5th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Ortiz In 5th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Tejada In 5th Inning
E-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Ramirez In 6th Inning
F-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Mora In 6th Inning
G-Pinch Hit For Furcal In 6th Inning
H-Pinch Hit For Lowell In 6th Inning
I-Pinch Hit For Jones In 6th Inning
J-Pinch Hit For Varitek In 6th Inning
K-Pinch Hit For Uribe In 6th Inning
L-Pinch Hit For Oswalt In 6th Inning
M-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Jeter In 7th Inning
N-Pinch Hit For Looper In 7th Inning
O-Pinch Hit For Suzuki In 7th Inning
P-Pinch Hit For Loretta In 7th Inning
Q-Pinch Hit For Kent In 7th Inning
R-Pinch Hit For Thome In 7th Inning
S-Pinch Hit For Lopez In 7th Inning
T-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Guillen In 7th Inning
U-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Crawford In 7th Inning
V-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Lee In 7th Inning

All Stars....... 0 0 0  0 1 1  0 0 0  -  2  6  0
All Stars....... 0 0 0  1 1 0  0 1    -  3  6  2

All Stars                IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC  SCORESHEET
P.Martinez                4       2   1   1   4   5   1  84  A1 B9
B.Ryan                    0       0   1   1   1   0   0   5  C1 C1
C.Zambrano                0       1   0   0   0   0   0   4  C2 C2
T.Lilly                   0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   5  C3 C3
R.Clemens                 0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   5  C4 C4
J.Julio                   0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   5  C5 C5
B.Lidge                   0 1/3   0   0   0   0   1   0   3  C6 C6
D.Davis                   0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   1  C7 C7
K.Foulke                  0       0   0   0   1   0   0   4  C8 C8
B.Looper                  0 1/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   4  C9 C9
C.Schilling LOSS          2       2   1   1   0   0   0  19  D1
Totals                    8       6   3   3   6   6   1

All Stars                IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC  SCORESHEET
J.Santana                 5       2   1   1   4   2   0  94  A1 C3
R.Johnson HOLD            0 2/3   2   1   1   0   1   0  11  C4 C7
R.Oswalt BS               0 1/3   1   0   0   0   0   0   6  C8 C8
A.Otsuka                  0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   2  C9 C9
R.Villone                 0       0   0   0   0   0   0   4  D1 D1
J.Tavarez                 0       1   0   0   1   0   0  12  D2 D3
E.Guardado                0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   1  D4 D4
D.Hermanson               0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   3  D5 D5
C.Pavano                  0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   2  D6 D6
F.Garcia                  0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   2  D7 D7
O.Perez WIN               1 1/3   0   0   0   0   3   0  11  D8
Totals                    9       6   2   2   5   6   0

ATTENDANCE- 50,287 TIME- Day 
UMPIRES- Mark Carlson, Gary Cederstrom, Eric Cooper, Ted Fiorita
T- 3:00
LEFT ON BASE- All Stars: 9  All Stars: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- All Stars: 0  All Stars: 1
ERRORS- M.Tejada, R.Villone
DOUBLES- P.Feliz, M.Ramirez, A.Rodriguez, S.Casey
HOME RUNS- J.Uribe
SACRIFICE FLIES- M.Loretta, B.Bonds
WALKS- M.Loretta-2, C.Guillen, C.Beltran, M.Lowell, M.Mora-2, B.Bonds, A.Jones,
       J.Uribe, D.Jeter
STRIKE OUTS- A.Huff, R.Hernandez, C.Beltran, J.Lopez, R.Furcal, S.Finley,
             M.Mora, D.Ortiz, A.Jones, L.Berkman, J.Santana-2
GIDP- C.Beltran
WILD PITCHES- J.Santana
WEB GEMS- Top 6th: Jason Varitek blocked the plate, saving a run!
          Bot 8th: Ramon Hernandez blocked the plate, saving a run!

SCORESHEET: 2005 Staub All Stars at 2005 Clemente All Stars
I.Suzuki-A1  A1:L/4     B1:Force/  C1:Si>12   D1:E/1     E1:K
A.Huff-D1               14>1o b1                         
                                                         
M.Lorett-A1  A2:W>b1    B2:W>12 b  C2:WP>23   D2:W>12 b  E2:K
J.Kent-D2               1          12 SF/7>3  1          
C.Guille-D2+                       #                     
C.Beltra-A1  A3:G-DP/4  B3:W>23 1  C3:K       D3:Si>23
             63>1o      2 b1                  12
                                              
J.Thome-A1   *2*:G/63   B4:F/7     *6*:Si     D4:L/3
C.Crawfo-D4                                   
R.Freel-D6                                    
J.Lopez-A1   A5:E/6     *4*:F/7    C5:K       D5:F/8
C.Tracy-D5                                    
C.Schill-D6                                   
H.Matsui-A1  A6:Force/  B6:G/13    C6:L/4     *8*:F/7
             64>1o b1                         
                                              
R.Furcal-A1  A7:G/3     B7:K       C7:Si>12   D7:G/3
M.Young-C7                                    
                                              
M.Lowell-A1  *3*:W>b1   *5*:Si     C8:Do>2#   D8:G/53
P.Feliz-C8                         1o         
                                              
P.Martin-A1  A9:Force/  B9:F/7     *7*:F/8    *9*:K
G.Sheffi-B9  16>1o b1                         
B.Ryan-C4+                                    

M.Mora-A1    A1:W>b1    *3*:K      *5*:W>b1   *7*:F/9
A.Beltre-C6                                   
                                              
M.Cabrer-A1  A2:L/6     B2:Si      C2:Do>13   D2:G/63
M.Ramire-C2                                   
J.Drew-C6                                     
B.Bonds-A1   A3:Force/  B3:W>12 b  C3:SF/8>3  D3:G/13
             46>1o b1   1          #          
                                              
D.Ortiz-A1   A4:F/9     B4:K       C4:F/8     *8*:Si
A.Pujols-C4                                   
                                              
M.Tejada-A1  *2*:G/53   B5:G/63    C5:F/7     D5:Do>1o
A.Rodrig-C5                                   
                                              
A.Jones-A1   A6:W>b1    *4*:K      *6*:K      D6:G/3>3#
L.Berkma-C6                                   
                                              
J.Varite-A1  A7:G/43>1  B7:G/43    C7:F/7     D7:F/9
I.Rodrig-C7  2                                
                                              
J.Uribe-A1   A8:W>b1    B8:HR>b#   C8:W>b1
D.Jeter-C8                         
M.Bellho-D1                        
J.Santan-A1  A9:K       B9:K       C9:Do>1o
R.Johnso-C6                        
R.Oswalt-C6+                       


*** TOP OF INNING 1 ***
0     I.Suzuki             3 Line Out                       b-0 
1     M.Loretta            6 Walk                           b-1 
1 1   C.Beltran            3 Ground Out Double Play         1-o b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 1 ***
0     M.Mora               4 Walk                           b-1 
0 1   M.Cabrera            5 Line Out                       b-0 
1 1   B.Bonds              4 Force Play                     1-o b-1 
2 1   D.Ortiz              2 Fly Out                        b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 2 ***
0     J.Thome              5 Ground Out                     b-0 
1     J.Lopez              5 1 Base Error - SS              b-1 
1 1   H.Matsui             1 Force Play                     1-o b-1 
2 1   R.Furcal             4 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 2 ***
0     M.Tejada             2 Ground Out                     b-0 
1     A.Jones              5 Walk                           b-1 
1 1   J.Varitek            5 Ground Out                     1-2 b-0 
2  2  J.Uribe              6 Walk                           b-1 
2 12  J.Santana            5 Strike Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 3 ***
0     M.Lowell             6 Walk                           b-1 
0 1   P.Martinez           4 Force Play                     1-o b-1 
1 1   I.Suzuki             7 Force Play                     1-o b-1 
2 1   M.Loretta            5 Walk                           1-2 b-1 
2 12  C.Beltran            4 Walk                           2-3 1-2 b-1 
2 123 J.Thome              4 Fly Out                        b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 3 ***
0     M.Mora               6 Strike Out                     b-0 
1     M.Cabrera            6 Single                         b-1 
1 1   B.Bonds              6 Walk                           1-2 b-1 
1 12  D.Ortiz              5 Strike Out                     b-0 
2 12  M.Tejada             3 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 4 ***
0     J.Lopez              5 Fly Out                        b-0 
1     H.Matsui             5 Ground Out                     b-0 
2     R.Furcal             5 Strike Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 4 ***
0     A.Jones              5 Strike Out                     b-0 
1     J.Varitek            5 Ground Out                     b-0 
2     J.Uribe              5 Home Run                       b-H 
2     J.Santana            5 Strike Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 5 ***
0     M.Lowell             5 Single                         b-1 
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Gary Sheffield
0 1   G.Sheffield          5 Fly Out                        b-0 
1 1   I.Suzuki             5 Single                         1-2 b-1 
1 12  M.Loretta            1 Wild Pitch                     2-3 1-2 
1  23 M.Loretta            1 Sac Fly                        3-H b-0 
2  2  C.Beltran            5 Strike Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 5 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE P - B.J. Ryan
0     M.Mora               5 Walk                           b-1 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Carlos Zambrano
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Manny Ramirez
0 1   M.Ramirez            4 Double                         1-3 b-2 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Ted Lilly
0  23 B.Bonds              5 Sac Fly                        3-H b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Albert Pujols
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Roger Clemens
1  2  A.Pujols             5 Fly Out                        b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Alex Rodriguez
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Jorge Julio
2  2  A.Rodriguez          5 Fly Out                        b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 6 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE 1B- Albert Pujols
                             SUBSTITUTE SS- Melvin Mora
                             SUBSTITUTE 3B- Alex Rodriguez
                             SUBSTITUTE RF- J.D. Drew
                             SUBSTITUTE 3B- Adrian Beltre
                             SUBSTITUTE SS- Alex Rodriguez
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Randy Johnson
0     J.Thome              3 Single                         b-1 
0 1   J.Lopez              3 Strike Out                     b-0 
1 1   H.Matsui             3 Line Out                       b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Michael Young
2 1   M.Young              2 Single                         1-2 b-1 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Roy Oswalt
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Pedro Feliz
2 12  P.Feliz              6 Double                         2-H 1-o b-2 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 6 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE 3B- Pedro Feliz
                             SUBSTITUTE SS- Michael Young
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Brad Lidge
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Lance Berkman
0     L.Berkman            3 Strike Out                     b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Ivan Rodriguez
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Doug Davis
1     I.Rodriguez          1 Fly Out                        b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Derek Jeter
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Keith Foulke
2     D.Jeter              4 Walk                           b-1 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Braden Looper
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Sean Casey
2 1   S.Casey              4 Double                         1-o b-2 
*** TOP OF INNING 7 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Akinori Otsuka
                             SUBSTITUTE C - Ivan Rodriguez
                             SUBSTITUTE CF- J.D. Drew
                             SUBSTITUTE RF- Lance Berkman
                             SUBSTITUTE 2B- Mark Bellhorn
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Derrek Lee
0     D.Lee                2 Fly Out                        b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Aubrey Huff
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Ron Villone
1     A.Huff               4 1 Base Error - P               b-1 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Julian Tavarez
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Jeff Kent
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Carlos Guillen
1 1   C.Guillen            6 Walk                           1-2 b-1 
1 12  C.Beltran            6 Single                         2-3 1-2 b-1 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Eddie Guardado
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Carl Crawford
1 123 C.Crawford           1 Line Out                       b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Dustin Hermanson
                             SUBSTITUTE PH- Chad Tracy
2 123 C.Tracy              3 Fly Out                        b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 7 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Curt Schilling
                             SUBSTITUTE 1B- Pedro Feliz
                             SUBSTITUTE 3B- Aubrey Huff
                             SUBSTITUTE C - Ramon Hernandez
                             SUBSTITUTE 2B- Ryan Freel
                             SUBSTITUTE RF- Steve Finley
0     A.Beltre             2 Fly Out                        b-0 
1     J.Drew               2 Ground Out                     b-0 
2     B.Bonds              2 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 8 ***
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Carl Pavano
0     H.Matsui             2 Fly Out                        b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Freddy Garcia
1     M.Young              2 Ground Out                     b-0 
                             SUBSTITUTE P - Oliver Perez
2     P.Feliz              2 Ground Out                     b-0 
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 8 ***
0     A.Pujols             2 Single                         b-1 
0 1   A.Rodriguez          5 Double                         1-o b-3 
1   3 L.Berkman            3 Ground Out                     3-H b-0 
2     I.Rodriguez          3 Fly Out                        b-0 
*** TOP OF INNING 9 ***
0     S.Finley             3 Strike Out                     b-0 
1     A.Huff               3 Strike Out                     b-0 
2     R.Hernandez          3 Strike Out                     b-0 

 


 

June 18th 2005

  This weeks highlites include Staub Player of the week Carlos Zambrano's first CBA no -hitter against arch rival Limoilou Wendigo.  4 seasons ago, Limoilou tossed a no hitter at the Longue Pointers on 4/6/0.  Curt Schilling was the pitcher.  This time the Loggers returned the favor with only 2 walks separating Zambrano from a perfecto.  It was CBA's first no hitter since 7/3/03 when Pedro Martinez threw his fifth CBA no-no vs Wantagh his 2nd of the season vs Wantagh.  Overall CBA has had 13 no hitters since its 1997 inception.

Pedro Martinez  #5 Neah Bay vs Wantagh (Minn) 6/14/03
Pedro Martinez  #4 Neah Bay vs Wantagh (Minn) 7/03/03
Pedro Martinez  #3 Neah Bay vs Acadie 7/5/02
Pedro Martinez  #2 Neah Bay (Kennesaw Woodsmen) vs Acadie 4/16/01
Pedro Martinez  #1 Opening Day 4/1/97 Neah Bay (Canadian River Ballyard Rats) vs Wantagh(Phlorida)

Carlos Zambrano 1 6/17/05 Longue Pointe vs Limoilou Wendigo

Greg Maddux 1 Acadie (Mackinaw Breakers) vs Wantagh (Burlington BlackSox) 9/4/01
Acadie (Mackinaw Brkers) vs Quebec (Defunct) 6/13/99

Kerry Wood 1 Stirling vs Kilgore 8/25/03

Jav Vasquez 1 St Foy (NY) vs Green Bay Roches(Portland)6/1/02

Kevin Appier 1 Philly vs Green Bay Roches (Portland) 7/1/02

Curt Schilling 1 Limoilou vs LonguePointe 4/6/01

Jose Rosado 1 Philly vs Jonquiere Lifesavers(Portland) 9/5/00

Aaron Sele 1 St Foy (NY) vs Wilmington Bluerocks (Defunct) 6/21/99

Pete Harnisch 1 Burlington(Wantagh) vs Cooperstown Iron Horses 7/2/99

Charles Nagy 1 Parma Flamingos vs Hamilton Harbors 7/19/97

San Diego knocked in 25 runs vs the hapless Joliet Jackhammers.  What started as a promising season for Joliet has taken a disastrous turn.  The Surfers with little to smile about the past several years picked up 25 runs with 3 guys knocking in 4 or more in the game.  Joliet had to use 4 non pitchers in the loss who fared poorly as well.  Could better times be ahead for SD?

The Dawson division battle has colled a bit as the Loggers have asserted some  control over the Wendigo and Belfast.  Belfast looked good in series 1 this block but a sweep at the hands of the Royals have set them beck some in their quest to make the playoffs. 

The Carter division is all Montreal and Neah Bay. As well as the Royals have been playing, the Whalers have been just as tough.  Great pitching and a scoring outburst getting 30 + runs in games of series 1 have meant trouble for opponents.  The Royals had some trouble losing two to the Wendigo, but sweeping Belfast to make respectability out of their week. 

In Schmidt its all NY and Philly a close second.  NY could be the class of CBA with first rate hitting and some solid pitching.  Philly wont play dead as the Hite hammerers are first rate in '05.  This race bears watching as the loser of that division may take a wild card.
 
The race in CBA that bears watching is the Parker.  Last years runaway winner Brooklyn has struggled behind a horrible pitching staff despite the acquistion of Mariano Rivera.  Both the Bashers and the Otters have been playing their best ball of the past 5 years with Ottawa holding the division lead by percentage points over the Superbas.  Kilgore is only 1/2 game out in 3rd place of this years three way dance.  Its possible that future deals could influence the outcome of this race.
 


 

June 1st, 2005

As CBA enters June, we are starting to see how the races are taking shape.  GM's are starting to talk trade again as usage and bench depth become an issue with some.  Montreal has captivated CBA, by extensively remodeling the long dormant Royals franchise.  After a Rocky start the Royals have made tremendous strides acquiring 3 more players this week in their quest to challenge Skilling's Neah Bay Whalers.  Coming to bolster the Royals are Tom Flash Gordon, Vinny Castilla, and Rob Bell.   Montreal is within 2.5 games of the Whalers after another solid week.  The story in Carter was Neah's 2 series sweeps over Gerald Benoit's Bodega Bay MadBirds, and a key series vs Dawson's Belfast Brawlers who are dogfighting with LP, and the Wendingo. 
The Carter division leader Whaler's swallowed the Brawlers whole enabling, Longue Pointe to go thru the rovolving door back into first.  The sweep not only kept the Skillings squad atop Carter, but allowed Jeff Boutet's Wendingo to pull within a game of the top spot .002 points ahead of Belfast who drops to 3rd place.  Mike Lowell's 12 Hr 39 RBI are among Staub leaders, but the pitching has been Neah's calling card.  Pedro's league leading 2.12 era, Sheets 7 wins 2.49 era, Lidge's 6 out of the pen, have gotten it done. 
Montreal has had some good defense and strong pitching this season as well.
Montreals pen has allowed a league low .217% of inherited runners to score.  A league leading .76% X chart out rating has significantly lowered the Montreal staff ERA to 3.77.  Feliz 16Hr, 50 rbi, .330  season has been a pleasant surprise during the Montreal climb.  
Bodega Bay suffered a poor week just they appeared to be turning the corner.
Juan Rincon's 1.09 era, and Jamey Wrights 6-3 record have kept the MadBirds competitive.  Wantagh though hardly out of the race seems dormant in 2005 and fading a bit.  Wantagh's usage problems make it even more difficult.

The Dawson race is red hot still.  It could be that SD and Joliet will play a major role in determining that hot race.  Joliet only 7.5 out is within range as with the divisional play these teams could knock each other around and leave the door open.
Joliet's speed has made up for their power shortage.  Scott Pods has 41 sb, while Freel has 24 already.  Derek Lee's 9 Hr have helped, but a lack of Offense has limited Joliet's run production.  Joliet pitching has surrendered a low amount of power which could be a blessing with a few more Jacks from the Jackhammers.  Joliet just doesn't get past 2nd base they are next to last in CBA in total bases for the offense.  opposing pitchers do not fear the Jack's only allowing 11 intentional passes thru their lineup.  As ungainly as is the Jack's offense so is San Diego's.  What started as a promising season for SD has slowly fallen apart as a lack computer management has put many unfavorable matchups for SD against tough competition.  San Diego only managed to get on base 30% of the time this season.  Team leader Sean Burroughs not exactly known for power is the leading sabermetric run producer with an average 6.80 rc/27 avg.   Unacceptable for an offense in such a tough division.
  SD seems in perpetual rebuild.  Just can't seem to string wins together.  The SD bullpen has been sharp as their inherited runners score only at a .247 average.  An .824 total avergae doesn't exactly make opposing pitchers shake in their boots.

Meanwhile Belfast in first place last week is now in third place.  The Brawlers have several players who hit 6.80 + in their lineup.  They average 5 runs per game and get on base .353% of the time.  Although no one power source stands out,  the overall offensive balance of power and on base has been sufficient to get the job done...for now.  Aside from the top of the rotation the Brawlers pitching has been less than spectacular.  Batista and Elarton have 7 and 8 losses respectively.  The staff whip is like +150.  Not good enough to hold off teams like Longue Pointe and Limoilou for long.  The difference here has been  GM JD Adams CM managing.  Solid well matched lineups vs key teams, and sound strategies have meant key wins.  Well used sacrifices by strategically used players have helped.  Belfast leads CBA in sacrifices which amounts to many runners in scoring position.  The Brawlers show that a lack of power can be adjusted for evidenced by only 9 BP HR of 36 possibilities
.  Good defense has kept teams from clustering runs as well.  The Brawlers face stiff challenge from the Longue Pointe Loggers.  Even though  Longue Pointe is an area in Quebec where amusment parks were the thing, Concepcion has shown that he is no clown when building his teams to perform in the Dawson.  Last years Dawson champs, just went out and solidfied their infield with the acquistion of Edgardo Alfonso the once hotly sought after infielder.  It was no secret that Alfonso was a player that former LP GM Claude "I hate Loria" LaMarre always tried to trade for.  He is finally at home after a long stint in Philly and other localities.  Longue Pointe will never clobber teams into submission the way say Philly, NY, or Brooklyn do, but in the thick of a race the bench and depth have been the Logger MO.  It seems that LP can plug in adequate reserves at all positions and not lose much.  The unsung Super-Scrubs corp includes Doug Mirabelli whose been sensational   5hr 23rbi .309
, Craig Monroe, Tino Martinez, and others have filled their roles well.  Key players like MVP candidates the Nippon Knights Ichiro and Godzilla Matsui have carried the offense with suport from Shea Hillenbrand who has been a pleasant surprise at 1st base.  The Loggers story is that pitching staff.  A 3.73 team ERA with great pen work again by the lightly regarded Jorge Julio 9sv 1.81era, Fassero, Calero, Reyes, Williams, and Tucker have made the late innings all Loggers. 

The Parker is having their best race in years.  Kilgore, the Bashers the surprise of CBA have taken first place and could be there to stay awhile as they have been super tough. Great performances in close games 13-5 and great power from Wilkinson, Burnitz, Lyle Overbay and Mike Lamb have carried this lineup.  Who woulda thunk, Wilkinson and Lamb would be heading for big HR production years?  Nothing fancy here, no bunting, Hit and running but excellent clutch performance have moved the Bashers into CBA's elite.  No less than 5 pitchers have winning records so far.  Hermanson has become a premier closer with 13 saves through 60 games.  The Otters are breathing right down their neck as the Guerrero, Ortiz, Branyan show continues to pound the ball.  Jack's team is 8 games over .500 and on a pace for their winning season in 9 years despite already owning 1 CBA crown.  The pitching has been fabulous with great bullpen work.  Just goes to show how teams with little starting pitchi
ng can overcome their odds with efficient astute management and a good pen.   Ottaws catching has cost them a few ins however allowing runners to cross the plate and advance with a whopping 16 PB's. 

The Schmidt has become more interesting as now Portland is rushing to the top. Only 4.5 out, Dan Gural everyones StratPal has made this franchise a contender in 05.  Travis Hafner has been tearing it up with a .406 BA and lots of run production.  A bonified MVP candidate Hafner has driven in 51, and leads CBA with 25 2 sackers.  He gets on base for Adam dunn who is having a career CBA year in the 4 hole for The SeaDoogs.  Melving Mora has 57 runs already.  What an offense!  114 team HR's, on a pace for 250+ taters. With some pitching one could imagine that this team could perhaps overtake the Phans in Philly and the almighty Bombers of Long Island NY.   NY holds a slim 2.5 game lead over veteran Rob Hite's Phill Phans who lead the CBA world with 122 Hr  400+ runs  and a .313 team BA.  Could Philly be heading towards another CBA record offensive performance?


 


May 21st 2005

The Dawson 3 way dance has replaced Joliet with Limoilou. As can always be expected, the mighty Wendigo will always be in the hunt as long as Boutin is at the helm. Longue Pointe finished a tough week with Wantagh spoiling their chances to acquire first place in the second series of the 8th block. Belfast is in control with the Wendigo breathing down the Bashers neck.

The Carter is getting tighter as Neah is slipping a bit, and Montreal perhaps CBA's hottest team. KC is right in there too.

The Royals are this weeks story winning 2 huge series to move within 1.5 games of the formerly incible Whalers. We can hear the Wolfman howl across the Atlantic as Carlos Beltran (Player of the Week) hit 6 HR's to lead the Royales. The A's are winning so the Carter is now looking very tight. Its anyones race right now.

In Clemente the story has to be the emergence of the long suffering Ottawa Otters and the Kilgore Bashers. Both teams had fallen on hard times in recent years but a few strong drafts for Ottawa's Jack Jung, and key trades made by the Bashers Cory Light have put them just behind Brooklyn in the Parker race. Ottawa is 12-4 in 1 run games thanks to some good pen work. The Ortiz, Vladimir, Patterson show has them their best offense in years. Both teams are well within the Wildcard and division title race as it now stands. It's hard to believ in CBA's 9 years that Jack has never made a trade in CBA, yet has 1 championship under his belt. Could it be that 2005 makes 2 championships? Brooklyn took a beating at the hands of the Otters this week, and Kilgore managed their first 4 game sweep in series 1 vs Alamo. Alamo had the player of the week in Clemente with OF Jose Guillen who went 12-29 with 5 hr and 9 rbi. Kilgore lost in the match of the week a 3 game set to the Otters in the battle for Parker. Kilgore had a golden opportunity to wrest first place from Brooklyn before losing to the Otters.

The story in Schmidt is still Mike Rescigno's NY Bombers. Rob hite's Philly team is still within striking range however.

Both teams have played well this year, but Philly got shuffled in the 2nd series by hard charging Portland who is now right with them in the standings, looking towards a playoff berth in 2005.

 


 

 

 


 

May 7th, 2005

Whats shaping up as a terrific battle has been the red hot Philly Phantastics and the perrenially tough Neah Bay Whalers.  Rob Hite one of CBA's prolific traders has once again put together a tremendous team for his 9th season.  Hite always known for a keen sense of talent, has taken the PPS back to the forefront of CBA.  It was just 2 seasons ago when the Philly Phantastics finished fourth in the 2003 ESSOM Friendship tournament, the best showing a CBA team has made. Philly went 59-101 in 2004, after a 99-63 season in '03.
It was Hite's 2002 team that went 115-47 that went the furthest. Perhaps CBA's best team ever? Consider this. Philly had built and improved year by year from the inception to a peak in 2000 of 120-42. They advanced that year to the Cup tournament (Then co-sponsored by StratAlliance) only to exit early.
Philly Phantastics.  Is the Phoenix rising from the ashes?
1997 48-114
1998 84-78
1999 89-74
2000 120-42 Perhaps CBA's greatest team ever?
2001 100-62
2002 115-47
2003 99-63
2004 59-101
2005 24-17

Neah Bay has a rich CBA team history.  An elite team of CBA, Neah Bay was once known as the St Foy Frenchies of the Schmidt division.  The Frenchies were always a force in that divison actually winning the 1998 CBA WS that year under the guidance of Dino Barnabe who departed CBA as grew too grew disenchanted with the situation of baseball in Quebec.  He had built his team through the draft utilizing many trades for young talent and draft pick acquisitions to bring in top shelf talent and Strat cards.  The 1997 season the Vancouver Storm an original franchise run by Randall Flowers finished at 59-103. Randall drafted well
#1 VSM  Jim Thome 3B - Cle
#2 VSM  Edgar Renteria SS - Flo
#3 VSM  Andrew Jones OF - Atl
#4 VSM  Luis Castillo 2B - Fla
#7 VSM 1. 1473 Larry Walker OF - Col
#8 VSM 1. 1112 Carlos Delgado 1B - Tor
#14 VSM 1. 507 Livian Hernandez SP - Fla
#16 VSM 1. 351 Jason Schmidt P Pit
Taking Montreal Olympic Stadium with his last pick in the inaugural draft.  After the demise of Flowers, Dino Barnabe was brought in by Claude LaMarre and Gerald Benoit and take the reins. Dino relied on acqiring draft picks, and shrewd dealing for young talent to stock Neah Bay for years.  Big trades and big drafts, Dino pursued his plan. Dino brought them to 94 wins mostly on the back of Larry Walker' s incredible .350  45 HR 139 rbi 139 run season.
That team also saw future CBA HOF'er Jim Thome hit his first 50 Hr season.
Again they won 96 in 1999 when Original Frenchie draftees Carlos Delgado, Jim Thome hit 30+ Hr 110+ rbi's.  That year they acquired Scott Brosius who went on to hit 22Hr and drive in 122 rbi's.  The 99 team reached first place on September 5th after floating around second -third place most the year around 5 games behind.  At the end of the year Dino went out and acquired Albert Belle who was beating the crap out of cab drivers in Brooklyn.  Belle perhaps CBA's best hitter at that time and a near triple crown winner, dogged it for St Foy, not coming close to his near triple crown numbers .328 56hr 148 rbi year. 

The 2000 Frenchie's won 95 more with Delgado 44 hr 140Rbi, Steve Finley's 30 Hr, and Ben Grieve's 28 Hr 81 Rbi year.  Grieve would never be that prolific again, now mired in the CBA doghouse in Brooklyn's minor league.
106 wins in 2001, 111 in 2002 and then current GM John Skillings won 107 then 101 again last year. Easily Neah Bay has the most 90+ win seasons in the history of CBA with 8. 


 

 

May4th, 2005

CBA Reporter, Hans Lowbrow



Date: Friday, April 29th
Place: a link between Holland & Brooklyn?
Contestants: Wolfman for the Royals, Dennis for the Loggers

Situation:

For Block 5, attempt to play 4 games series between
the Loggers and Royals with Montreal being home

Wolfman spoke to Steve Berens of ESSOM as he was
trying to understand what to setup for Netplay so the right
files could be sent to our lovable commish

Wolfman told Steve this would be the first time he would
have played league games by Netplay -- so Steve said
if we sent him the game files, he would publish a story
in his newsletter called the Skokie Wolfman comes to Netplay
(a take-off on Shoeless Joe Jackson comes to Iowa)

So Wolfman was all ready to go and then sent to big D (that
is Dennis) the two IP addresses that Netplay gave (as he have
a wireless network) but neither worked

then Wolfman did a direct connect of the cable wire for the
internet into the computer and it still didn't work.

However, what is quite strange is that before, the Royals
and Loggers played exhibition via Netplay with the Loggers
as the home team and it worked -- (Loggers won that game)
so to not make it all a lost cause -- another exhibition game
was played this very day as the Loggers bombed Clemens of the Royals
and won 10-5.

So an old rivalry had re-started as we are told the Royals
and Loggers are two of the first teams to join the CBA

The Royals though were determined and when the
actual series began -- after losing once again to Escobar
8-3 (this time, he pitched in the exhibition) in the 1st game, they came
back to miraculously win the final three games (check the boxscores)

It is rumored that the Big D (that's Dennis) is swearing
to get revenge when the Royals go to Loggers stadium
later this year but when this report spoke to the Royals
manager, the Skokie Wolfman, Wolfman is quoted as
saying:

"Vhat, is Denny crazy -- no way in xell he is gonna yoke
our chain ..... our guys are ready -- we have won 11 of
our last 15 and we ain't cookin yet -- Beltran hasn't gotten
uncorked yet and Clemens hasn't shown his true colors yet
-- we are out for blood (especially who are these guys called
the Whalers -- what kind of name is that -- and we beat them
2 of 3 already ...!!)

Well this reporter didn't want to argue with the Wolfmen,
he can howl pretty loud (he almost was making that statement)

in any case, stay tuned for our next report as we get
feedback from big D and his loggers

everyone have a good week
this is live reporter, being chased by that crazy wolfmen
hope to see you again



 


 

May 1st 2005

An unremarkable week in CBA but The races are shaping up. The Dawson is a crapshoot still.

Joliet has regained the top spot in what has been a three way dance thus far. All the teams are bunched up.

Frost's Joliet team has been playing .500 ball which has been just good enough for a half a game lead. 8 players

with double digit RBI's already lead a balanced offense. Good pen work keep them in the race.

Belfast had a tough block dropping their last 6 in a row to fall a half game out. Trouble with lefthanders

have cost them some big games. Longue Pointe had a tough block losing 3 of 4 to both Neah and Montreal despite

Hideki Matsui, and Nomar's best efforts. The lone bright spot a thrilling 19 inning win over Neah which saw

a tie into the top of the 19th. Aaron Rowand HR'd dramatically, to grab a lead only to see Carlos Zambrano HR, and Nomar

win it on a long double. LP has been in a few long contest this year.  Who can forget last season's CBA record 28 inning thriller won by the Logger's. Its hard to believe Limoilou is just 13-16 let alone within the race only 2.5 games out.

 

The Carter division still has Neah Bay up top although their record this week was subpar for them. Winning against the tough Loggers but dropping 3 against the struggling Woodsmen. Mike Lowell has been red hot for the Whalers with 9HR and a gaudy .350 BA.

Pedro has been stellar with a CBA low 1.04 ERA and 4 wins. KC has stepped it up a notch, splitting Wantagh, but sweeping the ever tough Belfast Brawlers 4 straight. Steve Finley's 13-31 3 HR, 6 runs scored helped Rich Schneider's team step back into the race. Gary Sheffield hit 4 Hr, and drove in 10 big runs to help the A's. "Wolfman" Shapiro has finally gotten his Montreal Royals into the swing of things.

His combination of defense and pitching are starting to pay off evidenced by his demolition of Longue Pointe. With opponents only hitting .246 off the staff and a 5th place team ERA, the Royals appear on the move upward. A dismal record in close games may not tell the tale as the season moves along with the bullpen they have. Wantagh had a decent week getting great performances from Tony Womack who upped his average to .343 with 8sb, and Luis Gonzalez who had some big hits. Bodega bay slipped some this week and is now 3 games below .500, although 3 starters have tossed shutouts. J Wright. J Thomson, and J Bonderman Bodega's " Triple J Connection".

The Schmidt has both the dominant NY Bombers and Philly Phantastics looking towards playoffs. NY continues its roll. With one of the best offenses CBA has seen in years pounding the hardball, NY looks the team to beat. Barry Bonds is looking for CBA's first ever triple crown win. With a .414 ba 19 HR and 43 RBI's he is on the way. He is currently 3rd in BA behind Todd Helton's. 450 ba and Travis Hafner's .419. NY has been in first place since April 5th on the schedule. A .301 team BA and 4,19 team ERA spell trouble for opponents.

On the other hand, Philly has a whopping .312 BA but a high 5.45 team ERA. Clemente player of the week Scott Rolen has been all world with a 12 Hr 30 RBI .381 season. This week alone he hit 6 HR's knocked in 15 runs had 15 hits including a 2 HR game vs Stirling. He had two 4 rbi games as well vs Brooklyn. Berkman, and Aramis are having all star seasons as well batting .364 and .351 respectively. 5 players have over 1000 total averages. Portland has hung in there as well. Dan Gural's team has broken over .500 winning 7 of their last 10. Travis Hafner has been devastating. He already has 10 multi hit games. Both Stirling and the lowly Alamo Flames, well nothing much to report there.

In the Parker, Brooklyn maintains a slight lead over the surging Ottawa Otters. 2000 CBA champ Jack Jung's team has been keeping pace as has the Kilgore Bashers. Ottawa's wins have been generally due to good performances by heavy hitters Vlad Guerrero and David Ortiz. The Dynamic Duo have combined for over 1/3 of Ottawa's runs 20HR, 53 rbi and many clutch hits. Starter Aaron Cook has provided stabilty to the Ottawa pitching staff. Kilgore's team BA might not be high, but they drove home runs. Wilkerson and Burnitz have been clutch and both have 11 Hr's. The Kilgore staff has been the reason for their good start. Freddie Garcia and Nate Robertson have both 4 and 5 wins respectively.

The races are tight. Dawson leader: The Belfast Brawlers...The Carter leader is the NeahBay Washington Whalers...The Schmidt leader is The New York Bombers...The Parker leader is the Brooklyn NY Superbas...The CBA HRleaderboard: 1}Barry Bonds 19 Al Pujols Adam Dunn Eric Chavez 13 apiece 3} Scott Rolen Andruuw Jones12 apiece.....CBA Batting leaders in Staub1} Ichiro Suzuki.384 LLD 2}Mark Loretta .382 KAC  3}Aubrey Huff .354 BBD 4} Mike Lowell .354 NWC 5} Tony Womack .343 WWC....Clemente batting leaders 1} Todd Helton .450 BSD  2} Travis Hafner .419  PSS  3} Barry Bonds  .414    4} Juan Pierre  .373   5} Lance Berkman .364 PPS.........ERA leaders Staub  1} Pedro Martinez 1.04 NWC 2} Curt Schilling 1.44 LWD 3} Ben Sheets 2.15 NWC 4} Brian Lawrence 2.25 BBD 5} Jeremy Bonderman2.36 BMC.....Clemente ERA leaders 1} Tom Glavine 1.66 NBS  2} Odalis Perez 2.10 PPS  3} Aaron Cook 2.63 OOP  4} Nate Robertson 2.76 KBP 5} Livan Hernandez 3.16 BSP..... Staub Wins leaders 1}  Brad Lidge 5  2  many others tied with 4...Clemente wins leaders 1} Odalis Perez 7 PPS  2} Randy Johnson 5 PPS  Freddie Garcia 5 KBP  Annoyar Otsuka 5 NBS  3} Many tied with 4.......See below on page for more leaders..........


 

Week of April 16th 2005

Restricted free agency period is open.  Brooklyn selected Miguel Ojeda, and Elmer Dessens while KC selected Tyler Walker and Cal Eldred.  The Dawson is  a huge dogfight.  This weeks story Jack F rost's Joliet Jacks using incredible speed from Scott Podsednick (21 steals) and Ryan Freel (15 steals) has taken over the top spot from Longue Pointe with 7 wins in a row including a huge series win over Montreal.  The Jackhammers are looking to return to 2003 form where they won 85 games.  Belfast and Longue Point had a tough 3 game series seeing the Brawlers get revenge for last year with a series win.  The Limoilou and LP series was a split, but the Wendigo are on the move and are within easy reach of the the top 3.  San Diego is a major factor this year though they had a more difficult week than last week.

Neah Bay had an off week getting into trouble with the surging Bodega Bay MadBirds managed by Gerry Benoit.  They Madbirds had a great week and brought their record to a respectable .500.  They look to be a factor in the playoff hunt, tied currently for 2nd in the Carter with last years Staub champs KC A's (Rich Schneider).  AJ Cusimano's Wantagh Woodsmen/Wolverines are struggling at 3.5 games out but are still within striking distance as Neah Bay has dropped a bit since their torrid start.

The Schmidt is all NY right now.  Mike Rescigno's Bombers (formerly St Foy) are looking like CBA's best team at the moment, but Rob Hite's Philly Phun bunch are certainly going to dispute that claim being just 2.5 games off the pace.  Barry Bonds has 16 HR's already and has been all world, winning another player of the week award for block 3. 

In the Parker Brooklyn despite some difficulties, has regained the top spot with the surging kilgore bashers on the rise after a tremendous week.  Jose Vidro's bat was the key for the Supers this week, and Livan hernandez has finally settled in to the ace spot in the rotation.  Kilgore is the story however, winning 5 1 run games so far with good bullpen support led by Jason Davis.  Kilgore won back to back extended games which Davis tossed excessive innings in the xtras.  The first game went 20, the second went 18 innings.  Huge wins for the Bashers who appear to be heading towards CBA top eschalon. Check the boxes for more.  Look at the Iron Horses!  Just 1 game out and playing very well.  Wyke's team is going to compete all year long, and together with Jack Jung's Ottawa and Brooklyn, the Parker is anything but a lock for the Superbas.....

 


 

 

 

PC) There was an unexpected press conference in Bodega Bay today
(near San Francisco). Only a few hours from CBA 2005 opening day Gerald
Benoit announced that he was back in CBA as an active manager.

He made a last minute deal with Commissioner Marc Wasserman and
bought the right to the Acadie franchise. You
will all remember that the team was stranded down south in training camp.

"That was ridiculous we had a game tonight but nobody from the office
made arrangement for us to leave training camp. We knew that the owner
had left the franchise but we never expected to be forgotten in
Florida", Ryan Klesko told this reporter

A plane was dispacthed to retrieve the teams and send them to Kansas
City where they will open there season. Meanwhile the old Bodega Bay
stadium was dusted off for the opening in four days again the Neah Bay
Whalers.

"When I woke up this morning I had no idea I would own a baseball team
by this afternoon. But I had nothing else to do and my good pal Marc
Wasserman needed to smile so I decided to do it", announced Gerald
Benoit.

"We're also thrilled to re-introduce baseball in Bodega Bay we had
some great years here from 1997 to 2002 and we hope to recapture our
fan base.", added a smiling Gerald Benoit.

The players arrived in Kansas Ciy only an hour ago an were immediately
given there new teams colour.

"The uniforme are old and they smell like mothballs but the eagle on
the logo looks very mean. You know as long as I got my millions I don't
really care...", said Ryan Klesko

 


New owner, Rosters cut, First trade of 2003 V1 #1
by Gerald Benoit (16/02/2003 at 18h10)


Hey everybody,

It's all goiing very well in the CBA league office. Marc Wasserman is doing
a terrific job interviewing prospective owner. He worked on the first phase
of getting the rosters ready for the 2003 season and I'm currently checking
them to be sure they are all correct. I have received my game last week and
there is nothing that prevent us to go forward with the season. We should
be able to begin the draft march 3rd with most of the new owner in place.

Speaking of that :

Please give a warm welcome to Japser Cattin (stratbaseballman@attbi.com)
who is taking over the St-Louis Franchise (ex: Washington Feds). He will be
assisted by Marc Wasserman for his first year in the CBA. All info about
Jasper will be posted soon on the owner page of the web site.


We have a deadline coming very fast.


Rosters Cut (due Thursday february 20th 8PM EST) / Trading suspended
====================================================================

Something to remember:

You have to cut to 20 players.
You will have to send me two list (in the same message).

One for the position player IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER the players you keep and
the players you cut.
And one for the pitchers IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER the players you keep and the
players you cut.

It will greatly help me of you do that. Thank's alot.

The trades will also be suspended for a few days so I can process all that
information.

I will also take a 3 days short leave from friday the 21st. I'll be back in
front of the computer somewhere saunday february 23th. I'll be heading the
Eric Leger beautiful country (Saguenay) to visit some friend.

CBA Back on Track
by Gerald Benoit (02/2003 at 17h04)

Friday I took a bit personnaly the fact that all my proposition we're
beaten. I posted my message about my resignation out of anger and
sadeness. I knew right then that CBA was probably finished. Claude
message, that folowed mine, only confirmed my feelings.

This week-end I had a hard time letting CBA go, I was franticly
watching my email or my ICQ to get some reaction.

I could'nt understand what I had done wrong as commissionner….

When I took the job of commish my primary goal was to finish the 2002
season. I did acomplish that. The secondary goal was to put CBA back
on track for 2003…. I fail miserably. This week-end I was wondering
why and yesterday through a conversation I got the answer….

I failed because I decided to play on the `safe side' like others
before me. And contrary to some of my predecessor I did'nt had enough
courage to take action. I was affraid that I would loose some owners
that others would be angry about me, etc…

So I consulted….. And instead of having some GM against me and loose
some of them, I now have the feeling that every owner blamed me for
all that is happening. In that context it was easy for me friday
night, to say screw you all and do what you think need to be done….

But letting go of CBA is very hard…. I said it many times and I'll
say it again it's my child…

So after a long and enlightning talk yesterday night I decided that I
will give it another try.

What I porpose here is not debatable.

This is what will go on for the next season. Wether there is 5 or 6
owners after reading this that want to join me or that you all
decided to join, what you'll read in the next line is what will goes
for the 2003 season in the CBA. Period ! ! !

1) The vote of last friday is nullified. It never happened.
I'll make some change to the constitution that will simplify some of
my task. Once I'll consult with my futur co-comissioner I'll
communicate those change to you. Those change will apply for the 2003
season

2) All game will be played on a central computer.
No one will play games beside me or the person I'll appoint to the
task.

3) No more committee. I run the show alone and you accept my ruling
as I made them.
No more wide vote on the league list. I'll choose two co-commissioner
to help him with various task. And the three of us will be the
decision power of the CBA.
New position will be created to help me check on over usage, roster
movement and to create encyclopedia and record book and also to
create content for the web site.

This may sound like an ego trip to you....... and it maybe one....
but short of that CBA will go nowhere.....

4) From now on only CM setting submitted via an exported files will
be allowed. So you'll have to own the game or have access to it to
send them to me. If an owner want to take upon himself and enter cm
settings by hand for owner who don't have the game I will alow that.
But the league office will not take responsibility for this.

5) We stay at 24 teams

6) Every new owner that is recruited must own a copy of SOMBB (for cm
purpose).
Plus they will be assigned someone (one of the co-comissioner for
this season) to help them and keep an eye on them during the course
of the season. All their trade, draft pick will have to pass though
this guys.

7) Once we find replacement for all unownwed teams (seven for the
moment but I expect the number to get higher after this message) we
will cut our rosters to 20 players (back to 25 next season)

We will then do a 15 draft round this year that will not take 2
months to complete. (lists are to be expected!!!) (That means we will
have 35 players on rosters from now on instead of 33)

8) All unowned franchise will be return to a major league city and
renamed accordingly.
From this moment renaming your franchise is prohibited (unless you
want to change to a major league city and name). In the future when a
franchise is vacated it will revert back to a MLB city and it's name.
(This is to simplify the off season proceeding and keep a sense of
continuity in this league and it's also much easier for the commish)

9) One middle term (3-5 years) goal of the CBA will be to implement a
salary and contract system.

10) No more yearly vote on rules changes. You have a change to
propose you send to me. If I like it I inquired other owner, if I
don't like it you're screwed!

11) I expect more interactivity, more action, more spark to this
league. The list, the web site, the forum are there for that. Your
contribution will be expected. We, owner, have all the
responsabilities of making this league fun again.

This is basically what I will do to get CBA back on his feet.

Time is for action.... this is action. Short of that I don't know
what can be done to save the CBA.

I will not discuss any of this. Take it or leave it….. I'm sorry
there was enough talk, idea and debate. I know that some of you will
not be happy, sorry I learn over the last days that I can make
everybody happy. I'll hope you undesrtand what I try to do here….

If you're with me please send an email to me or to the list

If you're not with me and choose to quit CBA, again I'm sorry. I'm
doing what I strongly fell is is best for the league. I hope you
understand. Please send me an email so that I know why you're
quitting.

You have until Thursday the 30th to get back to me if you don't I,ll
consider that you gave up your franchise....

Gerald


2002 Review

CBA IN Focus....."An outstanding performance!"
by Wass (10/02/2003 at 21h27)

This weeks focus....

Turbulent...Thats how to best describe the CBA last season. What started off as a promising season had its moments of highs and lows. But look how it finished. For years, Philly GM Rob Hite has been painstakingly taking time and scrutinizing the numbers and gaming aspects of the entire season set. Known in CBA as "Trader Rob", Hite has built a once weak franchise to the level of competitiveness not often seen in leagues. The Philly Phanatic's have reached the upper elite of the StratAlliances teams, perhaps in the nation.
Each year the best leagues teams meet to play for the "Unofficial" Strat-o-matic Leagues World Cup. Considerable attention within the Strat-o-matic community is given to the finalists in the tourney. It has been run by Steve Beren for several years. Rob Hite's CBA team may represent CBA in that tournament. As CBA's Association Champion, Hite has earned the right to represent CBA as its premier team. No small accomplishment as he has stepped the Philly team up to the level reached by only a few in CBA. Previous CBA champions include dynasties like Longue Point a perrenial powerhouse, and other champs like Limoilou, Ottawa, Quebec.
Going back to 1998, it seemed Rob's vision was to create not just a winning team, but one with players who would consisitantly produce high run production in the lineup year after year. Rob's preparation has enabled him to acquire good Strat talent. Cards that produce in the areas where an astute GM's know they must excel to be competitive in Strat-o-matic baseball. Its no wonder his lineup has several players with extraordinarily high 'runs/27' percentages. The Phanatics boasted 7 players with 8.00 or better percentages! If we go back through the years, we can see the the past 3 seasons the Phanatics were at or near the top in several offensive catagories...
*On Base % .387 as a team!!!
*Slugging
*Runs created per 27 outs
*Run Production
*Run Support for his pitchers
*Total average.

The 2002 Phanatics boasted an astounding .949 Total average! This was .85 better than CBA's 2nd place team! League mean average in CBA was about .729 a differential of .220 percentage points higher than league average. That kind of hitter card production is surely good enough to outdistance most competion in any league.

2002's Phanatics were dominating team. Offensive production such as described may have required only mediocre to poor pitching to get through to the playoffs... Well as if that wasn't enough for CBA, the Philly Phan's pitching staff yielded a paultry .237 batting average to the rest of the league! Talk about the total package. Trader Rob indeed. This is one GM who knows what it takes to put a winner on the field. Theres no reason to think he wont repeat this success for years to come. He clearly is this writers choice for GM of the year 2002.


Another new owner, Friendship Cups
by Gerald Benoit (17/02/2003 at 23h23)

Hi everyone,

Just another message from your keyboard-happy commissioner. I just have a
few topics for you discussing several thing pertaining to the CBA and the
various deadline or event ahead of us.

For the second row in a night (Damn, Wasserman is good! ;-) ) I have some
good news for you.

Jim Correl (j_correll@hotmail.com) will be taking the ownership of the
Baltimore franchise. PLease give him a warm welcome.

Trade Report
=============
To Philly (PPS): Orlando Hernandez
To Kansas City (KAC): Kevin Appier and Chuck Finley

Rosters Cuts
============
Remember rosters cuts are due this thursday february 20th at 8pm EST. You
have to cut to 20 players and you send me your list (batters and players
seperated) in alphabetical order. This will help me immensely and I thank
you in advance for this.

Free Agent List
===============
Attached to this are a preliminary free agent list (free.txt) of players
that will be available for the draft. I want to point out to new owners
that there is a minimum rules for players eligibility and the players who
do no met the minimum rules are called POPNOMER (Pick Of Player NOt MEeting
Requirement) and you can have a maximum of three of those on your
rosters.... Ah I'm not doing to well explaining this, you should go and
read the constitution about those point.

Revised Constitution
=====================
I send an imporant message a while ago (february 3rd) about the revision of
the constitution. In that message I specifically asked that you write back
to me to let me know that you had read and understood the rules.

Two of you didn't do it. Under the new constitution this is something that
can be penalized. I will not apply any penalty for this time but If you
haven't read the constitution I suggest you do so before the season begins.

Owner page on the web site
==========================
I still miss information about some of you. Please go to the web page
choose owner in the menu and if information are issed for you send them to
me. Thank you.

ESSOM Friendship Cup
====================
The CBA has been selected to be in the ESSOM Friendship cup this year. That
mean that the winner of the CBA world series will be competing representing
us in the tournaments. More detail can be find here:
http://members.aol.com/sberen2000/FrCup2002.htm

I think that I've cover everything for tonight.... Thank you and goodnight.
Gerald


2003 CBA draft. Picking a winner.
by Beavis Ueberroth (18/02/2003 at 03h27)

   

  Aside from the big hitters cards in this CBA draft Hinske, Kearns, Bellhorn who figure to go high there are not many hitters in this draft past those names.  Some cards that can help you win can be found, and may even slip a few rounds for an added bonus.

Matt Franco is one.   Not likely to go high, his card gives about 200 AB's of terrific run production.  Lots of OBA and extra basehits, those 205 Ab's vs Righty can be used effectively as a lefty platooner.  He is capable of starting vs tough teams.  Plays OF/1B.

Another interesting pick up could be john Mabry.  Decent 3 e15 at 1B in some OF play in 214 Ab's, Mabry has good power and adequate OBA  to work in a platoon system.  Combined with franco and you have 1 solid 1B!

SS Chris Woodward shows up nicely with a serviceable card.  Decent power for a SS with BP Hr, and some extra basehits in the 2 column, the 3 e28 isnt that bad considering  how many more hits the 4 rating can give the opposition when stuck at short.  Scott Dobson's theory can be found on StratAlliance express link.  Otherwise Chris Gomez couldve had much more value.  His 4 rating tears apart a decent hitting card for a SS.  Merced's card may help as a PH or 4th OF, but his slug is kinda low.  OBA is nice. 

  Craig Wilson.  Lefty killa.  Plays catcher (5 +3) is Hundleyesque vs righties, but not awful.  Some pop.  Terrific PH for Lefty pitchers.  He is loaded in the two and three columns with extra basehits and HR.  Best yet and can fill the back up C role. 

   Mark Ellis can help you now at 2B.  Rumour has it he will take 2B job in Oakland.  His 2 e18 is pretty solid and should help turn alot of DP's witha gnd ball staff.  can hit a bit too.  Decent OBA, not much slug.  Ramon Vasquez also got a 2 at 2B, and has a fairly decent hitters card.  Some oBA low slug, but at a position where 6 chances for X rating appear, his glove is too valuable to ignore.  The hitting is just a bonus.

   Despite the low average Jared Sandberg isnt too awful of a choice at 3B.  3B is a weak position this year.  Despite low hit totals, his walks help the card out a bit.  Great defense a 2 at 3b is hard to come by.  He will hit the occassional HR.  In a small ball park could have terrific value and knock out 25+ Hr's. 

   Adam Hyzdu crushes the lefties.  He has Gorman Thomas type card with great power ion decent OBA.  Vs R a bit weaker.  Makes a nice future pick as he blossomed a bit at the end of last season.  Could be a sleeper, finally living up to those gaudy minor league numbers he posted not long ago.



Coming Next, Pitchers...
 




CBA NewsLetter V1 #2
by Marc Wass (20/02/2003 at 03h52)

Gentlemen,

To our new GM's......Welcome to the CBA!
So glad to have you with us....


We've set out to bring to CBA a few of the best Strat-o-matic gamers in the Strat-o-matic community. New owners in CBA must be gamers with a proven track record, who were responsible, and knowledgeable. CBA StratPlayers who have been around the game for many years, and are in for the long haul building strong franchises. CBA GM's expect the best considering they all worked hard showing patience, caring, effort for each franchise under the CBA banner.
I think we have succeded. I am very happy to see the our CBA team expand with not just any GM's, but a group of dilligent and effective new GM's that are of high quality and respect in our Strat-o-matic community. All come to us with excellent credentials.

Welcome...
Joe D'Amore. Joe started playing his Strat back in 1969 making him one of the games true patriarchs. Active in tournament play, Joe has won two Chicago tournaments hosted by "Wolfman" Shapiro among his long list of Strat Achievements. Joe D currently is GM of a perrenial powerhouse team in GMBL, another fine active strat league. Joe also plays in the excellent GABL, where he led the Texas Outlaws to the 2002 GABL title. Representing that league in the Friendship Cup. He has demonstrated year after year a strong knowledge of Strat and knows well how to place a winner on the field, all the time. Joe takes the CBA Chicago Cubs.

Joel Ferich: Joel has been playing Strat-o-matic since 1973, He is an avid long time gamer who also has had success in several leagues.
Currently a member of the INetBL, and the excellent FCHL. Joel won the Baltimore S.T.A.R. strat tourney in 1993. In 2000 won the CGL league championship. Joel is looking forward to his CBA tenure. Joel is an American Legion level basketball coach from Lancaster Pennsylvania. Joel also won 3 straight league championships in now defunct EPBL FtF league during the Mid 80's.
Joel will GM the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Chris Thomas : Chris comes to CBA with a wealth of experience in FtF and League play. Playing Strat almost 20 years, Chris currently is playing some Retro Ball with the 1954 season (remember those Indians?) Chris enjoys playing those oldie teams especially the old Twins teams from the 80's. Chris pilots the CBA Chicago White Sox.

Jim Correll : Jim comes to us with super credentials. Currently in the well established Mason-Dixon League (MDBL) Jim is a long time gamer playing since 1986. He has a strong reputation as a GM. and a knowledge of winning StratBall. He is off to a flying start already as owner of the CBA Balt Orioles.

Michael Rescigno: He comes to CBA from the SOMWorld league and the Pastime League with strong credentials. Mike is married with children and is 39 years old. He has been playing in a Long Island NY based Face to face league for 8 years. Spent 2 seasons in the BRASS league with success. Mike has been a StratFanatic since 1974. Mike should feel right at home with the veterans here in CBA.


Jasper Cattin comes to CBA from the SIWL, with a good reputation as a Strat gamer. He is anxious take to take a CBA to the top. He takes the CBA St Louis Cardinals.


Don't forget to use the search function to fina particular player and see what team he may be on. It will save lots of time and help you home in on who you want to deal for...


Here are some interesting Strat Notes.


In addition to LaManna, and the ratings disk, here is another guide published for you to get that winning edge. I touted this guy on StratAlliance a few years back and Im glad to see he is doing well with his balanced-unbalanced theory of Strat... Check him..
Dell's Strato Guide

For MLB replay guys, here is an interesting resource....
2002 ACTUAL LINEUPS
Rob Ratliff - www.geocities.com/robkimratliff

Heres a recommended Strat Site you may want to browse and check on the drafts to see whose going, and whose remaining : ) Steve Beren is one of Strat's good guys....
Steve Beren's Strat-O-Matic Baseball Links


Just checking some leagues drafts with the CBA draft coming very soon, Here is how a few leagues wound up drafting in the 1st rd...
16 teams League
1-Hinske
2-Kearns
3-Prior
4-Beckett
5-Perez

Prior
Beckett
Kearns
Hinske
Spivey
Wilkerson
Padilla
Moss
Lopez
Byrd

1. Prior
2. Kearns
3. Hendrickson (Tor)
4. Hinske
5. Condrey (SD)
Perhaps some of that other talent was gone in this league....

Here is the 1st round of the OTBA
Wisconsin - Mark Prior
Long Island - Josh Beckett
Williamsport - Eric Hinske
New York - Austin Kearns
Pittsburgh - Josh Phelps
Seattle -- Damian Moss
Pittsburgh --Rodrigo Lopez
Outlaw - Jake Peavy
Williamsport - Mike Cuddyer
Long Island - Hank Blalock
Twin City - John Lackey
Long Island - Sean Burroughs
Long Island - Brett Myers
Wisconsin - Francisco Rodriguez
Dysart - Rafael Soriano
Dysart - Carl Crawford

24 team league reports
1.Prior
2.Henske
3.Kearns...same team for 2&3
4.V.Martinez
5.H.Blalock
6.B.Phillips
7.R.Lopez
8.B.Larson
9.S.Burroughs
10.J.Peavy
In this league Myers went 13th and Beckett was already on a roster.

24 team league; all carded players eligible, but no computer-only players

1.Prior
2.Kearns
3.Beckett
4.Hinske
5.Fogg
6.Blalock
7.R.Lopez
8.M.Ellis
9.Peavy
10.Simontacchi
B.Myers went 15th.



1. Austin Kearns
2. Junior Spivey
3. Eric Hinske
4. Brendan Donnely
5. Jacques Jones
6. Mark Prior
7. Vincente Padilla
8. Orlando Hernandez
9. Paul Byrd
10. Bellhorn

4 team all star league... due to many trades, one team (me) had 2, 4, 6, 10; another had 3, 5, and 9.

1. prior
2. gagne
3. weaver
4. hinske
5. kearns
6. clement
7. witasick(!)
8. colon
9. groom
10.padilla
Beckett went 20th and myers 40th (same team). i would have taken myers after beckett, but i had protected 3.5 starters who are not starting (buehrle gets some starts; also mussina, mays, and benson), and drafted john patterson and paul byrd with 2 of my last 3 picks.
bellhorn went 22nd - had i not taken him, he would have gone 23rd, and if not, then 24th heh heh... it's great to see 2 of my competitors throw looks of disgust at me for taking "their guy"!!

20 team keeper league (CASBL). First round:

Carbondale Kearns
Waffletown Prior
Sunville Beckett
Waffletown Hinske
Connecticut Wells
LOST LOST
Sunville Blalock
Waffletown R. Lopez
Connecticut Burroughs
La Jolla Choi
Albequerque Moss
New England Myers
Connecticut Peavy
Sunville Phelps
Kennewick Crawford
Basin St. J Santana
Chicago Bellhorn
Holland Byrd
Iran Lackey
Connecticut Cuddyer

1 Mark Prior
2 Austin Kearns
3 Josh Beckett
4 Kip Wells
5 Damian Moss

In our 8 team All-Star FTF league, yesterday's draft went something like this:

Odalis Perez
Eric Hinske
Vincente Padilla
Bobby Kielty
Mark Bellhorn
Kip Wells
Johan Santana
Victor Martinez


Here's another good Strat page for you to check out...
Ted's Strat-O-Matic Information Page


CBA champ will be recognized as CBA entry in the 2003 Friendship cup .
ESSOM LDK Friendship Cup Tournament – Past Champions 
1998 champions: Randy Flowers, St. Louis Cardinals, Franchise Computer Baseball League (FCBL) 

1999 champions: Rick Bowman, Racine Travelers, Midwest Draft League
(MDL)
 
2000 champions: Dave Marks, Cleveland Spiders, ESSOM Fall League (EFL) 

2001 champions: Derrick Beckner, Minnesota Twins, Franchise Computer Baseball League (FCBL) 

2002 champions: Dave Marks, Cleveland Spiders, ESSOM Fall League (EFL) 

2002 ESSOM LDK Friendship Cup Tournament Rules http://members.aol.com/sberen2000/FrCup2002.htm


Marc Wass


Season 2003 can begin!
by Gerald Benoit (27/02/2003 at 12h27)

Hi everybody,

This is a very long message but it contains important information about the spring draft.

First, one thing that I forget to mention in my last message, and this is a cause to celebrate, is that we now have a full

complements of owner. Every franchise is filled with good and dedicated owner. We may actually end-up with a waiting list a

luxury that CBA has'nt enjoy since the first few years.

Who could have say that back in january ?!?!

I said it many times but you never say those thing enough, Marc 'The Wass' Wasserman did (and his still doing!) an incredible

job as the 'recruiter in chief' ! ;-)


LEAGUE FILES
============
On other front I have finish all the cuts and prepared the league files in SOM V8.0. This morning I have uploaded a file to

the cba yahoo groups which you can download at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cba/files/2003%20Rosters/

PLEASE NOTE that this files does'nt contain the games schedule yet. We are presently working on that. It will be included in

the next 'official' release of the leagues files after the draft.

FREE AGENTS LIST
================
I have also uploaded a text files named 'free agent.txt' this is all the free agent that is available in the upcoming draft.

The file can be downloaded at this adress: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cba/files/
I'll make an Excel spread sheets that will be available later tonight with those free agents for you convenience.

WEB SITE
========
Also I have updated all the rosters on the web sites and added some stats to make you're browsing easier. There is also a new

menu item at the top 'free agent' that also contains all the free agent available for the draft.

The search engine have a litle difficulty with the free agent for the moment. It can find free agent players but you'll get

an error if you try to display his stats. I know why it's doing this so fixing it is just a matter of finding the time... It

should be fix either very late tonight or tomorrow night.

SPRING DRAFT
============
The draft will officialy begin next monday march 3rd 9h00pm EST.

The draft order is already on the web page but over the week-end you'll see a whole new section added to the web page called

the 'draft center'. It will be a place where you'll get all the information to follow the draft.

Monday from 9h00pm EST until 11h30pm EST we will go as far as possible via an AOL chat. We will do AT LEAST the first round

and go as far as we can with list and time constraints.

I'll create a chat room and invite everybody that his on-line via Instant Messenger the result will be posted on the chat

room but they will be also posted to the list and on the web site almost instantenously. If you cannot be on-line (on the

chat room, on the web site or looking your email every 5 minutes) you'll have to provide me a list to cover at least your

first round pick.

Again I want to reiterate monday night WE WILL DO THE FIRST ROUND NO MATTER WHAT. If I don't have a list or any sign from you

your turn will be skipped and as provided by the constitution you'll be serve a warning. You'll be alble to pick up once

you'll be back on-line.

Here is how the thing will work on the chat room.

1) I'll annouce witch team has to pick
2) The owner will be given 5 minutes to make his pick
3) Once the pick is annouced there will be a litle time (1 or 2 minutes) in order for me to update the web site and post to

the list

And the process will be repeated until we reached the begin of the second round. At that point we will try to continue as

much as we can if it's not too late and if we have enough lists from absent owner.

Unfortunately It will be impossible for me to do a live draft each night like I plan to do. Mostly because my boss at work

decided that I did'nt work enough and schedule some overtime for tuesday, thursday and friday night of next week.

Damn real life !!!!! ;-)

So AFTER THE LIVE DRAFT WILL END MONDAY NIGHT we will go under E-MAIL DRAFT MODE. Each owner will have 8 hours to annouce his

pick to the list.

So for example if owner A annouce his pick at 1pm, owner B will have until 9pm to annouce his pick, if owner B annouce his

pick at 3pm, owner C will have until 11pm to annouce his pick. If owner C does'nt show up before 11pm than owner D has until

7am the following morning to annouce his pick. Owner C can pick the next time he log on

Again if you know you're pick his comming it's a good idea to send a short list to me so when your pick come up the league

don't have to wait 8 hours before realising that you're not on-line. Same thing if you have to skip town or know you'll be

unable to log-on for more than 8 hours.

Anyway I think you all understand, good sense will prevails and I don't think this will be a major issue.

Since I still plan to start the season on the week-end of april 5th the draft have to end around march 21th. So at some point

I may change the email draft to a schedule email draft wich I will discuss if it has to happen at that moment.

If you have question please don't hesitate....


TRADE
=====
Trade are re-open. I have one to annouce but since I'm at work (Damn real life again!) I don't have it at hand. I'll annouce

it later tonight or tomorrow night.

Well this post is'nt getting any shorter so I'll end it up right here.


Gerald


Draft Report: Sleepers and Disappointments...
by Stymie Boil (05/04/2003 at 23h30)

Well the 2003 CBA draft has finally been completed. It went fairly smoothly as CBA drafts go. With this draft there was lots of good talent all the way through. Top to bottom, CBA hasn't had such a rich draft since its 1997 inception. Lets take a quick look at how things proceeded. This is only a reporters opinion and not necessarily that of CBA league.

Round 1 started off predictably with the phenoms Mark Prior and Austin Kearns going 1 and 2 respectively. Both excellent choices, both will ahve impact right from the start. But then things got a little...unpredictable. Victor Martinez and then Ron Freakin Gant went next....Heads turned everywhere for these two choices. Martinez a good prospect may yet pan out, but Gant? Gant? HAL proved to be a complete idiot when he chose this ill fated pick. Kinda strange since there were quite a few other cards which seemed more productive around. Blalock, Hinske went next. Both promising 3B. Both could be great producers. Hinske going after Blalock was a bit of a surprise there as his 2002 MLB season was so productive. His card quite good for 2003. Blalock still unproven as yet. This move puzzled me.

The draft proceeded well with the next few choices no surprise as the GM's grabbed the blue chip talent. A few sleeper choices in the first round seemed to be Burroughs dropping so far, Ashby going so high and Hammond going so high to LWD. Hammonds card is quite good, but it was surprising to see areliever go so high. I guess the pennant seems in reach. Sandberg going late in the first may not have been the most expected choice as he is now in the MLB minors and has quite a horrible card for 2003. better luck next time. Seop choy, and Joe Borchard at the end of the round could be real sleeper picks there...

The second round usually produces alot of good strat cards in the pen, and future. With Prior, Ashby, Ishii, Holmes, Hammond gone, the second round was a run on the pitchers. Peavy, Simontacchi, RunElvis (what a name), Maroth, Cordero all went in this pitching thin draft. Slim pickens there. Travis Hafner is off to a good start. He could be quite a sleeper at #25. Chris Snelling the once promising prospect caused quite a stir going in rd #2. He is healthy now, and Stirling is hoping for the best. Kevin Mench dropped to #39. Many drafts had him going higher. He seems like a good bet to be a productive ML player for a few years. Philly raised some eyebrows with their final selecttion in rd 2 of Jon Rauch.

The 3rd round saw a few names go who were overlooked or forgotten. Ben Grieve dropped into the mid 3rd. recently a prime #1 choice Grieve could turn out yet to be the steal of the draft. Some really good prospects and cards went in the 3rd. Ty Wiggington the Mets opening day 3B, Kirk Saarloos the highly rated Astros hurler were taken. A few good reliever cards went too. Durocher, Nunez, Borowski and Eischen who have two fantastic reliever cards dropped into this round. At the end of rd 3 Danny Bautista was had by Cleveland. Bautista is quite a hitter and could produce not just now but for years to come.

Round 4 hot choices included Jeromy Burnitz (Off to a torrid MLB start), The underrated Morgan Ensberg (great spring), Justin Speier, Felix Rodriguez, and Ben Petrick...

Other seemingly good picks included Rd 5 Sele, Weathers, Crudale and Munson.
Round 6 saw Glanville, Endy Chavez go among others and in the 7th perhaps the steal of the entire draft Jeff Cirillo forgotten and finally going at choice # 148. It was quite a draft. A good time had by all.

 





CBA Newsletter #3 Draft is finally over!
by League Office (05/04/2004 at 00h19)

All teams have reached their 35 man roster limits. This concludes the 2004 draft.This years draft was successful and ran quite smoothly due to excellent participation by you the CBA GM's. You all did a great job despite the legnth and timing this year. It promises to be quite a competitive and good year in CBA. Thanks to all for a terrific job. I especially want to thank Gerald for his fantastic job on the website and in co running the draft. Jim Correll and Cory Light who also provide additional support and time to ensure this CBA draft was a successful one.

Cory Light is an original CBA member who is now part of the CBA office committee. We are lucky to have him aboard as we are the rest of you the GM's here in 2004 CBA. With several new GM's last season and some new GM's for 2004, CBA has turned the corner with added enthusiasm and quality people who will no doubt lead us into the new era of Strat-o-matic 9.0

We are glad to bring on board in 04 great new GM's such as Nick Flory, JD Adams, Anthony Cusumano, Dennis Concepcion. Each has brought an added dimension to CBA that has us excited for this coming season. As you know the league champion will represent CBA in the ESSOM Friendship tournament next winter. Last years new GM's have certainly stepped it up and we are also thrilled to have them aboard as well. Its great to see how they too inherited some poorer franchises and have retooled and improved them into contenders and teams with much potential.

CBA has just managed to acquire (thanx Claude) the original files from the inaugural 1997 season. They are quite facinating to scan and bring back lots of memories especially for some of us old timers. I am currently compiling the CBA encyclopedia using all the past seasons files for your enjoyment. After several seasons of stats it will be great to see the all time CBA leaders by team and individual players.

Trading will reopen soon after the files have been checked rechecked again and confirmed. I will expect that once the files are released, GM's will be able to set and program their initial CM's for 2004. I will ask that the starter schedule be used and completed for the entire season in advance. It may of course be modified as we go along as you wish, and adjusted at anytime after the initial block of games is played.
Remember, starters may throw on 4 games rest unless they have an asterisk rating which will allow 3 games rest for those starters. Usage is your responsibilty so be dilligent and remember the 100% IP/plate appearance rule. CBA now has a utility to regulary check usage as the season goes.

We expect opening day will take place about a week after the files release. Late CM's may constitue an infraction so please be timely when returning the CM's.


 

CBA Week 3 at a Glance...
by Marc Wass (21/04/2003 at 03h28)

CBA at a glance:

Taking a look around the league....

Big drop in the offense for the Pahnatics this year. 2002 season Philly registered an amazing .570+ slugging pct. In 2003 slow start Philly has a team .491 slug. Not too shabby but a far cry from last years spectacular numbers. The story this year isn't the offense, but rather the bullpen. Runners have scored on 60% of the appearances by the pen! The Phanatic defense has been porous with a .691 X %. not strong enough to win games. It may be too early to tell but... Speaking of defense the ever popular Wendigo (Named after the legendary Canadian 'Creature') lead CBA with an .809 team X %.
Its that kind of defense that wins games. A .092 difference. A 9% better chance per roll to get a big out per batter than the average CBA team. That helps the Wendigo pitchers limit opposing hitters to a .222 batting average against them, good for 2nd best in the CBA behind Mike Johnson's Kansas City team with .221 OPP BA....
Kansas City off to a nice start in great part due to the pitching. KC team ERA is 3.20 3rd in CBA rank.....
Leading the CBA in pitching ERA and not surprisingly in wins is Mike Rescigno's NY Bombers. With a 2.92 ERA and a near 8 K/9inn rate as a team, the Bombers are flying atop the tough Schmidt division. Together with a team .287 BA, the Bombers have a solid team and are ahead of veteran teams like McGee's Stirling, Jung's Ottawa, and Malachi's Alamo teams.....
Joel Ferich's Pittsburgh team is off to a good start. Not much offense but some good fundamentals and variables help Joel out there. Pittsburgh's 75% SB, 60% H&R, 75% sac, 4-22 BP HR allowed, and excellent defense help there....
As was expected, Barry Bonds is off to a terrific start. Before this is over the likely MVP award candidate may post some record setting numbers. His 441 MVP points dwarf Stirling's Shawn Green's 331 by 106 pts.....Speaking of CBA surprises, can you believe Quebec's Brian Schneider is out performin Mike Piazza in CBA All star votes? Top performers by position this month...
c Schneider
1b Thome
2b Durham
3b Rolen
ss ARod
cf Beltran
rf Green
lf Bonds
Lowe, Martinez, and Millwood vying for pitchers honors

Here are the top CBA catchers by percentage of 'Caught stealing' against them...
SB CS Pct %
M.Barret SFS 6 7 .46
D.Miller MMS 6 6 .50
P.Bako HAC 7 7 .50
T.Lampkin NWC 6 5 .55
I.Rod BSP 4 3 .57
B.Inge KBP 4 3 .57
G.Bennett TDS 7 5 .58
A.P'rznskiJJS 7 5 .58

Till next time.......

CBA hardcore stats
by Marc Wass (21/04/2003 at 04h43)

For your information....

Relief Pitcher with most innings pitched thus far...
Octavio Dotel Houston 57
Best Hitters with the bases loaded (RBI:BasesLoaded)
Jeff Conine 10 Mont
Larry Walker 7 KC
Mike Piazza 7 Wendigo
Relaford 6 Minn
Fullmer 5 Minn
Ibanez 5 Neah
Johnson 5 Neah

Triple Plays
Brooklyn Bell, Helton, Bellhorn, Ordonez
KC Truby, Vidro.

Leading Pinch Hitters
Grace 5
Mientkiewicz 4
Nixon 4
few tied with 3..

Best Triples % per time at bats
R Santiago Hou 4.8%
A Sanchez Hou 4.8%
J Hairston Hrtfd 4.5%

Most Clutch hits
Vidro Kilgore 4

Most UnClutch
S Sosa Brooklyn 3
M Bradley NYBombers 3
R Greer Portland 3

Most save opportunities
A.Levine Ottawa 9
J.Smoltz Neah 7
R.Nen SD 6
E.Gagne Que 6

R.Arrojo Alamo 5

J.Romero Neah 5


Pitcher pickoffs
Jake Peavy 2 SD

Balks
Odalis Perez 2
Randy Johnson 2

Quality Starts
Kip Wells Tennessee 5
Derek Lowe NY Bombers 5
Roy Halliday Brooklyn 5
Paul Byrd Tennessee 5

Which Pitcher gives up the most sac flies : )
CC Sabathia 4

Which P gives most ballpark single chances
Roger Clemens 13
Dotel, Sheets, Acencio, 12

Pitcher with most fielding assists
Ben Sheets Detroit 11
LaTroy Hawkins 8
Curt Schilling Limoilou 8
Jamie Moyer Longue Tongue 8

PH Homers
Tony Batista Acadie 2
Trotsky Nixon Pitt 2

Most pitches to a batter (most pitches seen)
D Jeter Philly 429
B Giles Neah 428
E Renteria NY Bombers 427
Gary Matthews Jr. Joliet 422

Derrek Lee Joliet 421

Juan Encarnacion San Diego 419

Luis Castillo New York 418

Junior Spivey Tennessee 415

Barry Bonds New York 410

Bobby Abreu Kansas City 410

Craig Biggio Longue Pointe 408

Mark Bellhorn Brooklyn 408

Didnt know Strat kept these stats? The game records it all.... Here's more.....

Most RF Assists
Ichiro Mont 3
Ochoa Portland 3

Most CF Assists
Michael Tucker 7
Mark Kotsay Pittsburgh 6

Carlos Beltran Montreal 5

Andruw Jones Stirling 4

Gene Kingsale Portland 4


Most LF Assists
Russell Branyan Ottawa 3

Moises Alou Traded 3

Jacque Jones Acadie 3

Most successful advancing runners
Alex Ochoa Portland 6

Pokey Reese San Diego 6

David Eckstein Joliet 5

Ryan Klesko Acadie 5

Todd Walker Kansas City 5

Brian Giles Neah Bay

 




CBA At A Glance: Week 4
by Darley Dootin (26/04/2003 at 02h46)

CBA At A Glance....

Dogfights emerging for all the divisions. Parity has arrived with most divisions all bunched up at the start. It's anybodies race to the CBA 6th World Champioship Series. Atop the Dawson is the surprising Pittsburgh Pirates led by a well balanced offense and defense.
The Carter has John Skillings Neah Bay Whalers in front again. John's Neah team is always strong. This year at County stadium, Giles Lowell and company are driving in runs for the tough Whalers pitching staff.
The Schmidt's NY "Barry" Bombers maintain a sizeable 7 game lead over Nellum's Alamo City team. The Bombers team has been a juggernaut with a 22-6 record. Their team ba is .301 with an amazing 2.76 team ERA!
In the race for the Parker crown, Quebec and Brooklyn are starting to pull ahead with Brooklyn holding a narrow 1 1/2 game lead. The Parker teams have notoriously been embroiled in pennant races throughout CBA's existance. Quebec has been 9-4 on the road, while Brooklyn has owned the House of pain with a 7-2 record. The Capitales Alex rodriguez is off to an MVP type season with 11 Hr 25 Rbi and a lofty .357ba. Brooklyn has been led by great pitching and Jay Payton's .402 bat. Brooklyn welcomes back former Superba Raul Mondesi (also adding the infamous Chris Snelling). Expect both teams to fight till the end.
CBA Fact: Did you know that both perrenial contenders the Brooklyn Superbas, and Quebec Capitales (both original charter memeber) were at one time in the competitive Dawson division?...
Detroits Cliff Floyd, and Brad Wilkerson have given that team a little boost. Both over .300 and keeping them within range. Arthur Rhodes has been lights out for opposing hitters. giving up only 6 hits in 15 innings... Tennessee's Troy Glaus is on a tear with a .368 ba and 6 Hr, 19 rbi. I dont expect the high ba to continue because Glaus has only 12 hit units vs R. While Tejeda has been hitting a dismal .245 go figure. Tennessee is at 500 and challenging for the top spot in the Parker...Kilgore Basher' have been off to a slow start but no fault of Jose Vidro. Vidro is hitting .372 4hr 19rbi with 8 2b. Kilgore's bullpen has been overworked as the starting pitching is not getting deep enough into games....Houston rounds out the parker with two bright spots. Chris Reitsema has accounted for 3 of their 8 wins in 4 starts. Albert Pujols .318ba and 19 rbi the lone offensive bright spot for the rebuilding Aero's....
In the Dawson, Limoilou, Joliet and SanDiego are all jockeying for position. Joliet is just 2 games behind front runner Pittsburgh. Playing better at home than the road the Jackhammers have been getting offensive support averaging 5.5 runs per game. They also turn the DP well getting key defensive gems thus far. Losing 6 games to the 14-11 Wendigo in a home/away series has't helped put them over...
Limoilou has been riding MVP candidate Jim Thome's back. .368 11 Hr 24 rbi, Thome paces the Wendigo's attack. Jeff Kent has helped out there with 7 Hr 23 Rbi...
Surprise of the start of the CBA season? Got to be San Diego's Juan Encarnacion. 11 Hr 24bi, Encarcion has been a wrecking crew for the Surfers. Woody Williams has shown flashes of brillance but is in limited duty dues to arm woes...
The bst race of all is in the Carter. All the teams are bunched up, and dog fighting for the lead. This divison will change leaders often it seems. No one team stands out yet, but remember that trading may alter that race in a hurry, as GM's vie for the playoffs...
Both Neah's and Acadie's bullpens have done the job. Acadie's allowing opposing baserunners only a 16% chance of scoring when they enter the game...
Montreal also in the thick of the race has been improving bit by bit with a couple of trades. Montreal's OFers have assisted on 10 plays thus far leading CBA...Mike Johnson's KC team has been pitching lights out with a team 3.36 ERA. Johnson's A's offense has been well balanced too with nearly 6 players in double digits for Rbi's...
Texas has been in there too with great pitching from Mike Stanton, and Paul Shuey. Shuey's 0.86 era is tops among pitchers with 20+ innings...


CBA 2003 by the numbers
by Jim Correll (02/05/2003 at 12h15)

*Sammy Sosa crossed the 500 Runs Scored mark last week, bringing his career total to 501.

*Sosa also crossed the 200 HR mark earlier in the year. His CBA leading total stands at 208 now.

*During the first week of April, Derek Jeter surpass 700 total hits. His career total now stands at 726.

*Pedro Martinez recently crossed the 1000 strikeout plateau. Standing second all-time behind Randy Johnson, his career total is 1007.

*Though he only has one win so far this season, Randy Johnson is only 24 wins short of reaching 100 wins since 2000.

*Keith Foulke and Mariano, career leaders in saves, are in a tight race to see who can reach the 100 save mark first. They have 93 and 87 saves respectively.


 

CBA News #8
by League office (09/05/2004 at 23h27)

CM's due as soon as possible....
Trading is open. Any trades made now will be in effect for wk 5.
Please report all deals to cba office for approval....


NEWSPAPER STYLE RECAP FOR 2004 C.B.A. Date: 4/17/2004

TEAM WON LOST BATTING AVERAGE HOME RUNS RUNS BATTED IN
2004 LWD 11 7 J.Pierre AFS .440 J.Lopez BBD 10 B.Boone NWC 27
2004 BBD 10 8 G.Anderso DDP .413 V.Wells BSP 9 J.Lopez BBD 26
2004 JJD 8 10 B.Boone NWC .403 G.Anderso DDP 9 V.Wells BSP 23
2004 LLD 7 11 C.Delgado NBS .394 OTHERS TIED W 8 G.Anderso DDP 22
2004 SSD 3 12 V.Wells BSP .387 C.Delgado NBS 21

2004 WWC 12 6 WINS SAVES ERA
2004 KAC 10 8 B.Colon KAC 4 L.Carter KBP 6 B.Kim PPS 1.38
2004 NWC 9 9 OTHERS TIED W 3 J.Julio SRS 6 S.Linebri KBP 1.59
2004 MOC 9 9 M.Rivera KAC 5 D.Lowe NBS 1.71
2004 ASC 7 8 E.Gagne JJD 5 C.Schilli LWD 1.80
D.Riske HAP 5 B.Colon KAC 1.86
2004 SRS 12 6
2004 NBS 11 7 CUR HIT STREAK STOLEN BASES STRIKEOUTS
2004 PPS 9 9 I.Suzuki LLD 18 J.Pierre AFS 14 M.Prior PSC 39
2004 PSC 9 9 T.Helton BSP 13 S.Podsedn JJD 10 M.Clement MOC 31
2004 AFS 7 11 J.Payton BSP 12 A.Soriano JJD 6 J.Vazquez NBS 31
R.Sanders BBD 12 J.Davanon ASC 6 K.Wood SRS 30
2004 BSP 12 6 J.Conine MOC 10 E.Renteri NBS 6 C.Schilli LWD 29
2004 DDP 9 9
2004 OOP 8 10
2004 KBP 8 10
2004 HAP 6 12

YESTERDAY'S GAMES TODAY'S SCHEDULE AND PROBABLE STARTERS
BSP 13 at AFS 4 SRS-Zito(2-1, 3.72) at KBP-Hentgen(1-1, 9.45)
MOC 10 at KAC 12 DDP-Morris(2-1, 5.57) at BSP-Nomo(2-0, 5.09)
HAP 3 at OOP 2 AFS-Trachse(1-0, 1.56) at HAP-Redding(0-3, 7.56)
LLD 1 at WWC 3 MOC-Millwoo(0-2, 3.55) at WWC-Affeldt(0-1, 5.79)
NBS 10 at LWD 7 LLD-Escobar(1-1, 5.71) at LWD-Perez(2-0, 2.79)
PPS 4 at KBP 5 OOP-Stephen(0-2,11.17) at NBS-Glavine(1-0, 7.36)
NWC 1 at BBD 7 ASC-Ohka(0-1,10.34) at BBD-Tomko(2-0, 7.27)
ASC 8 at JJD 2
PSC 3 at SRS 4
SSD 2 at DDP 13

YESTERDAY'S BEST PERFORMANCES
BATTER TM OPP AB R H RB BB Ks HR SB
J.Thome LWD NBS 7 3 3 6 0 2 3 0
G.Anderson DDP SSD 5 3 3 6 0 0 2 0
J.Lopez BBD NWC 4 2 3 4 0 0 2 0
R.Alomar DDP SSD 3 3 2 2 2 0 1 0
T.Helton BSP AFS 6 3 4 3 0 0 1 0

PITCHER TM OPP INN H R ER BB Ks HR WLS
W.Alvarez ASC JJD 6.0 1 0 0 1 2 0 W
R.Oswalt HAP OOP 8.0 4 2 2 1 6 0 W
D.Baez SRS PSC 2.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 W
E.Guardado NBS LWD 2.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 W
M.Rivera KAC MOC 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 W
AWARDS VOTING FOR 2004 C.B.A. Date: 4/17/2004

MVP AWARD CY YOUNG AWARD
G.Anderson(DDP) 380 K.Wood(SRS) 113
V.Wells(BSP) 362 M.Clement(MOC) 94
J.Lopez(BBD) 216 R.Clemens(PPS) 51
B.Boone(NWC) 139 M.Prior(PSC) 20
C.Delgado(NBS) 100 B.Colon(KAC) 10

ALL-STAR SELECTIONS BY POSITION
C J.Lopez(BBD) 418,565 J.Posada(PPS) 142,360
1B C.Delgado(NBS) 342,866 K.Millar(AFS) 266,351
2B B.Boone(NWC) 390,768 R.Durham(MOC) 245,814
3B B.Mueller(AFS) 186,266 T.Glaus(LWD) 176,623
SS J.Lugo(BBD) 183,253 A.Berroa(KAC) 160,722
LF G.Anderson(DDP) 500,091 R.Sanders(BBD) 276,010
CF V.Wells(BSP) 405,489 P.Wilson(PSC) 293,388
RF G.Sheffield(KAC) 280,199 S.Sosa(BSP) 262,028
Pi K.Wood(SRS) 480,088 M.Clement(MOC) 435,392
R.Clemens(PPS) 416,680 M.Prior(PSC) 406,917
B.Colon(KAC) 398,717 S.Sullivan(LWD) 340,551
B.Webb(OOP) 314,263 E.Gagne(JJD) 298,008
J.Julio(SRS) 286,504 M.Batista(BBD) 279,358
A.Pettitte(LLD) 263,516 B.Kim(PPS) 256,791

GOLD GLOVE SELECTIONS BY POSITION
WINNER RUNNER UP
P L.Hernandez(BSP) J.Fogg(JJD)
C R.Hernandez(LWD) J.Posada(PPS)
1B S.Hatteberg(DDP) K.Millar(AFS)
2B P.Polanco(PPS) B.Boone(NWC)
3B S.Rolen(KAC) C.Koskie(BBD)
SS M.Tejada(PSC) R.Furcal(NWC)
OF A.Jones(SRS) V.Wells(BSP)
OF J.Edmonds(LWD) C.Patterson(OOP)
OF M.Cameron(NWC) A.Pujols(HAP)

SILVER SLUGGER SELECTIONS BY POSITION
WINNER RUNNER UP
C J.Lopez(BBD) J.Posada(PPS)
1B C.Delgado(NBS) K.Millar(AFS)
2B B.Boone(NWC) R.Durham(MOC)
3B B.Mueller(AFS) T.Glaus(LWD)
SS J.Lugo(BBD) A.Berroa(KAC)
LF G.Anderson(DDP) L.Berkman(PPS)
CF V.Wells(BSP) P.Wilson(PSC)
RF G.Sheffield(KAC) S.Sosa(BSP)

ROLAIDS FIREMAN RELIEF AWARD
L.Carter(KBP) 18
J.Julio(SRS) 18
E.Gagne(JJD) 15
D.Riske(HAP) 15
M.Rivera(KAC) 11


2003 Portland Sea Dogs Preview
by Tweek Trammell (10/05/2003 at 22h06)

Ballpark
Camden Yards
(capacity: 56,292)
Tickets:1-800-GO-DOGS

2002 Record
50-112 (6th in Schmidt Division)
This organization has undergone a series of dramatic changes in
the past few years. In their fourth city in the last five years, it appears a welcome home has finally been found.
With the transition to new owner Jim Correll’s front office group finally complete, GM Dave Winfield looks to begin a
rebuilding process that will give Portland a team to be proud of for years to come. Already, there is hope for the
future as Winfield signed several talented young players to go along with the core of veterans retained from last
year’s disappointing club. New field manager Bochy will try to put a team competitive enough on the field to avoid a
third 100 loss season in the last four years. Unfortunately, Portland fans, I’m here to tell you that it won’t happen.
Have faith though, while the product on the field will again be hard to watch at times, there will also be several
bright spots as we follow the progress of the young Sea Dogs.

Front Office
Backed by the deep pockets of Correll and a brand new five year contract, GM Dave Winfield inherits a club that
has been less than spectacular over the years. A yearly doormat for the rest of the league, he has vowed to give the
Portland fan base a team that is young and exciting, as well as competitive for years to come. His first test came
quickly with the 2003 Draft, and while it’s still too early to tell for sure, the results look promising. Winfield
first targeted a group of young players he could quickly build around. This netted such talented rookies as Mark Prior,
Travis Hafner, Bobby Hill, Jason Lane, Endy Chavez, Zach Day, and Franklyn German. Throw in the additions of Matt
Clement, Carlos Lee, and Mike MacDougal in his first few trades, and the future looks brighter for this club than it
has in years. Having said that, it will take time to see if the positive aura surrounding the team isn’t just another
failed rebuilding process in a long series of them in the team’s recent history. Grade: B+

Manager
Manager
It’s fitting that that Portland will field so many young players
this year, as Manager Bruce is a rookie himself. He’ll be forced to gain much of his field experience on the job
after managing in the minors for only a year before given this opportunity by Correll and Winfield. Highly regarded
by his peers, he’s a former catcher in the major leagues, credited with a reputation for solid defense and intelligent
game calling. It remains to be seen if that intelligence as a player translates to on-field success. Grade: Incomplete

Rotation
Matt Clement--and then what? Acquired in an offseason trade with
Carlos Lee and Wilson Betemit, the veteran starter will be relied upon heavily to help the team avoid morale-crushing
losing streaks. Dan Wright, Paul Wilson, and Darrell May will be inserted into the middle of the rotation. While
they’ve all had little success so far in the CBA, each of them have quality arms and are eager for the chance for more
responsibility. Bochy will likely try out several younger pitchers in the fifth spot, the most promising being Mark
Prior, the #1 overall draft pick this year. Johan Santana, Zach Day, Jake Westbrook, and the veteran John Halama will
also vie for starts. Grade: C-

Bullpen
If this team has a strength, it lies in the bullpen. With Latroy
Hawkins and Scott Strickland pitching the eighth and ninth innings, leads should be relatively safe. Assuming, of
course, there are leads to protect. Veteran Todd Van Poppel and rookies Franklyn German and Mike MacDougal will likely
fill out the rest of the bullpen along with the losers in the fifth starter competition. Grade: C


Catching
Wiki Gonzalez will be asked to fill the starting role this year at catcher. Though he’s been unable to hold
down the starting spot in the past, due to his inability to hit right handers very hard, there are signs that he may
have finally turned the corner. If not, Bochy will turn to a barely adequate platoon of Gonzalez and Mark Johnson,
with Vance Wilson serving as the third catcher. Grade: C-

Infield
After looking over the infield roster, the old comedy routing
‘Who’s on First?’ comes to mind. Though Hafner will be given every opportunity to play every day, it is unlikely that
he’ll be able to do so on a regular basis. So instead, Rusty Greer and Geoff Blum will be relied on heavily to play a
position they are unfamiliar with. Jose Ortiz is the opening day second baseman, though Damian Jackson will inevitably
see plenty of playing time. Rookie Bobby Hill will also be looked at in spring training. Jose Valentin is back for
another season at shortstop. Though he doesn’t have the range and speed he once had, his bat still has plenty of pop.
He’ll need it, batting in the middle of this lineup. When he isn’t playing elsewhere, third base will be manned by
Geoff Blum, with Pedro Feliz spelling him on occasion. Grade: D

Outfield
Carlos Lee is the only outfielder expected to play every day among
this mix of not-quite-ready youngsters and veteran roleplayers. Though Eugene will start in centerfield on opening day,
he’s expected to face fierce competition from rookies Jason Lane and Endy Chavez, giving Bochy reason for hope during
the long season. Alex Ochoa will get most of the starts in rightfield, with Geoff Jenkins, Troy O’Leary, Armando Rios,
and Mark Quinn all vying for at bats behind him. Grade: D


Projected division finish: 6


This week in CBA (Week 9)
by Gérald Benoit (30/05/2003 at 20h39)

Another week has come and gone in the CBA and this is your weekly report recaping what has been going on in your league....

In the Dawson division Two teams had a winning record of 5 wins and 2 defeat. Limoilou settle in the confortable first place and Longue-Pointe continue to rise up and passed the falling Surfers who lost 6 games. The Hitmen are on a roll lately and they can now on pace to upset Joliet and
Pittsburgh. Those two lost 4 games out of 7 and really need to shake things up and fast. Hartford had a loosing week but winning thre game out of seven for them can only be seen as a good thing. With the acquisition of Lily, Fossum and Tatis thing can only improve.

The dominating force of the Carter division for the last 8 block, the Neah Bay Whalers, posted a loosing week. Nothing to be scared a 3 and 4 weeks is'nt so bad once in a while but they can repeat this too often cause others are lurking for the opportunity. Acadie had 4 win and that was just enough to stay in front of Montreal who won five games. With the acquisition of Carlos Lee and Matt Clement among others the Royaux had gone to battle. The As's on their part lost 4 games. But they are to good not to rebound from that and join the party for the top spot. Texas did 4 and 3 and improved their wining percentage. Keeping that momentum will be important for them. The Muskies dis better this week altough they still had a loosing week 3-4 is'nnt so bad.

Hell may have freeze over! Big Surprise in the Schmidt, New york lost five games! First time they had a loosing week.... 2 wins 5 lost. Their lead was so big that it ain't so bad for them. Alamo City and Philly posted and identical 4 wins and 3 defeat and both gained short ground. The last third team of the division had loosing record. Ottawa is heading straight down since the last two weeks and their six lost this block won't help. Stirling who made some acquisition hoped for better than 3 wins out of 7. Portland who was also very active on the trading market had a 3 and 4 weeks. Again not so bad for such a team.

Movement is a concept that does'nt exist in the Parker division. To this reporter it seems that those six teams has held their rank since week one. Brooklyn had an incredible week of 6 wins and only one lost. Quebec held thier ground and kept their rival in sight. Brooklyn made some transaction this week let's see if Quebec will be tempted to move. Tenessee also had a 6 wins 1 lost week but are still ten games behid the leaders. Kilgore and Detroit had a bad weeks 2 wins 5 lost it ain't good news for either teams. Houston won't win anything this year but they enjoyed three win over the weeks and it something thay can look on.


Edmonds Leads Way With Wendigo in First Place
by Tweek Trammell (08/06/2003 at 18h34)

Hitter of the Month - May
This month, Jim Edmonds was voted as Hitter of the Month by managers of the CBA. In a set of odd circumstances, Magglio Ordonez was named first on more ballots than Edmonds, but was inexplicably left completely off others. Edmonds finished the month with averages of .442/.500/.837.


Name / Points
Jim Edmonds 42(3)
Magglio Ordonez 33(6)
Aubrey Huff 22(2)
Jim Thome 14(2)
Nomar Garciappara 8(1)
Brian Jordan 4
Alfonso Soriano 3



Pitcher of the Month - May
Three pitchers who aren’t strangers to headlines in their careers topped the voting for May’s Pitcher. In a close vote, Randy Johnson edged out Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling. Big Unit won three games against one loss to go with a microscopic 0.51 ERA and 0.74 WHIP.


Name / Points
Randy Johnson 37(6)
Pedro Martinez 33(3)
Curt Schilling 25(2)
Jamie Moyer 17(3)
Vincente Padilla 9
Rolando Arroyo 3
Jeff Weaver 2



Rookie of the Month - May
Eric Hinske led all rookies in run production en route to winning the Rookie of the Month award for May. In a vote where eight different players was named first by CBA managers, Hinske beat out pitcher Rodrigo Lopez and second baseman Orlando Hudson. Hinske batted .284 in May with 17 runs scored and 14 RBIs to go with 10 extra base hits.


Name / Points
Eric Hinske 25(2)
Rodrigo Lopez 21(4)
Orlando Hudson 18(1)
Brendan Donnelly 16(1)
Corey Patterson 13(2)
Mark Bellhorn 10(2)
Tim Spooneybarger 10
Ramon Vazquez 7(1)
Carlos Zambrano 5(1)
Junior Spivey 1


First place votes in parentheses


This week in CBA (Week 11)
by Gerald Benoit (17/06/2003 at 07h50)

Week eleven in the CBA we're approching very fast from the half way point and there is still battle to be done.

In the Dawson division Limoilou who took out the first spot a couple of week is now firmly in place with a 5 win 2 lost week they have nothing to worry about. Pittsburgh is another matter they only play 4 games and manage to split it in half. But this indecision is costing them cause Joliet had 5-2 week and both team are now tied at the second spot. After two promising week Longue-Pointe posted a 2-5 week it's difficult to predict what this
team will do next. Hartford has done it! They have pulled themselves out of the cellar. They are now tied in 4th place with San Diego who seems to be in and endless spirale at the moment.

Neah Bay has been one of the most stable franchise in the league and the top spot of the Carter division is owned by them. Acadie and Montreal are still battling for the second spot. Acadie had the better this week they posted a strong 5-2 week while Montreal only won 4 games. Kansas City only had 4 games this week and they won three of them, with a litle effort they could rejoin the battle at the second spot. Texas won 3 games out of 7 and continue a very strange seaon for the, still trying to find the right mix. Minnesota last week won all their games, this week is another story they almost lost them all but one.

In the Schmidt division there is really nothing exciting happening. New York posted a winning week (4-3) their winning percentage has dropped .016 points but at .730 who can complain? Philly are red hot at the moment and
won 6 games lossing only one. Maybe this division can catch fire if Philly continue to charge like that. Alamo City won 1 games and lost 3. They better get their act together because Philly are not waiting for them at
all. Striling continue to struggle and only won 3 games. Ottawa is also in difficulty with only 2 wins out of 7. In the meantime Portland had 4 wins and continue to show goof thing for next years.

Brooklyn now owne the Parker division 4 wins over the week only confirm that fact. Quebec is trying but they will have to do better then 3-4 to challenge the superbas. Detroit and Tenesse has inverted their position. Detroit wond 5 games and Tenesse won only three. Kilgore had a winning week of 4 games and 3 lost but stay at 21 games front the forst place. Houston had difficulty this week and only won 2 games.


Hardcore CBA Stats
by Marc Wass (07/07/2003 at 04h52)

Once again its time to dig into the CBA stats and see who is really doing what in CBA....
Clemente Leaders.....
leadoff hitter OB+Slg 200+ AB
CameronQCD .915
Rivas DEA .752
Roberts AFS .751
Jeter PPS .722
CastilloSFS .719
Cabrera SRS .712

Clutch HR
Barrett SFS 5
Bonds SFS 5
Jones SRS 5
Burrell QCD 5
OrdonezQCD 5
Floyd DEA 4
Giambi PPS 4
Posada PPS 4
RodriguezQCD 4
BranyanOOS 4

Left On Base
Burrell QCD 99
Sosa BSP 91
Perry KBP 89
Wells BSP 88
SchneiderQCD 86
OrdonezQCD 83
Floyd DEA 78
Posada PPS 33
SchneiderQCD 33
SantiagoOOS 30
Barrett SFS 29
HernandezDEA 28
Lo DucaTTP 28



Staub Leaders.....
Left on base leaders....
Piazza LW 111
GuzmanLW 98
Beltran MOS 97
Jordan LHD 95
Lowell NWC 92
Batista ASC 89
GarciaparraLH 87
Boone MMS 85

Best Leadoff Hitters 200+ Ab OB+Slg
Wilson HWS 2.667
Guillen ASC 1.070
Soriano JJS 1.011
Chavez TDS 1.000
Giles NW .963
Durham MOS .886

catcher assists
Piazza LWD 43
Alomar Jr.SSD 40
LieberthalASC 37
Kendall LHD 33
Marrero PIN 29

Steals of third
Soriano JJS 11
Lee JJS 5
Beltran MOS 4

Total Bases
Kent LWD 268
Thome LWD 243
Soriano JJS 236
GarciaparrLHD 223
Edmonds LWD 218

% of triples per AB 200+ Ab
Stewart LWD .026
Perez MMS .024
Hairston Jr. HWS .022
Matthews Jr.JJS .022

Clutch PH
Ward SSD 3
Gant JJS 3
GraffaninoTDS 2
Norton LHD 2
Mabry TDS 2

Hitting streaks
Kent LWD 20
Stewart LWD 15
Lowell NWC 14
Cruz SSD 12
VazquezLWD 11

CBA Leaders
Grand Slams
Barrett SFS 2
Cabrera SRS 2
JohnsonNWC 2
Ibanez NWC 2
BellhornBSP 2
GonzalezPPS 2
Durazo PPS 2

Game winning RBI's
Sosa BSP 13
Kent LWD 13
Thome LWD 12
RamirezSFS 12
Floyd DEA 11
OrdonezQCD 11

Squeeze bunts
CastilloSFS 4
Alicea BSP 3
Rivas DEA 2
Jones ASC 2
AbernathyMMS 2
HernandezDEA 2
RenteriaSFS 2
SantiagoHAC 2
Ordonez BSP 2

Clutch K's
Wilkrsn DEA 18
Burrell QCD 17
Lee JJS 16
Dunn HWS 15
Vaughn ASS 15
Kennedy OOS 15
Delgado SFS 13
Pena HWS 13
Sexson DEA 13
Sosa BSP 12
Sanders PIN 12
Thome LWD 12
Wells BSP 12

SS assists
Gonzalez Alamo City Flames (AFS) 310
Vizquel Ottawa Otters (OOS) 308
Furcal Neah Bay Whalers (NWC) 298
Rodriguez Quebec Capitale (QCD) 291
Garciaparra Longue Pointe Hitmen (LHD) 286
Tejada Tennessee Tazmanians (TTP) 284
Ordonez Brooklyn Superbas (BSP) 268
Jeter Philly Phantastics (PPS) 259
Wilson Hartford Whalers (HWS) 258
Cabrera Stirling Redsox (SRS) 250
Guzman Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) 249
Womack Minnesota Muskies (MMS) 244
Lugo Pittsburgh Pirates (PIN) 227
Eckstein Joliet Jackhammers (JJS) 209

1b Assists
Palmeiro Assoc Scrap Speve (ASS) 90
Hatteberg Texas Desperados (TDS) 89
Olerud Kansas City A's (KAC) 85
Lee J Joliet Jackhammers (JJS) 82
Bagwell Kilgore Bashers (KBP) 78
Helton Brooklyn Superbas (BSP) 73
McGriff San Diego Surf (SSD) 72

2B Assists
CastilloNew York Bombers (SFS)316
Kennedy Ottawa Otters (OOS) 295
Young Stirling Redsox (SRS) 294
Boone Neah Bay Whalers (NWC) 289
Durham Montreal Royals (MOS) 287
Kent Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) 286
Biggio Longue Pointe Hitmen 278
Spivey Tennessee Tazmanians 276
Vidro Kilgore Bashers (KBP)m 266
Vina Alamo City Flames (AFS)263
Walker Kansas City A's (KAC) 253
Soriano Joliet Jackhammers 252
Bellhorn Brooklyn Superbas 235

3B Assists
Koskie Quebec Capitale (QCD) 160
Rolen Kansas City A's (KAC 150
Lowell Neah Bay Whalers (NWC) 135
Boone Minnesota Muskies (MMS) 131
Hinske Hartford Whalers (HWS) 125
Ventura Brooklyn Superbas (BSP) 120
Chavez Texas Desperados (TDS) 118
Counsell 110
Alfonzo Philly Phantastics (PPS)107
Bell *** 105

Bases Loaded hits
Gonzalez Philly Phantastics (PPS)7
Schneider Quebec Capitale (QCD)6
Beltre New York Bombers (SFS) 6
Hammonds Acadie Stars (ASC 6
Valentin Los Rediculo Foolos 6
Burrell Quebec Capitale (QCD) 6

Best Advancing runners.., Adv Run success
Stewart Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) 21
Suzuki *** 20
Eckstein Joliet Jackhammers (JJS)18
Durham Montreal Royals (MOS) 17
Walker New York Bombers (SFS) 16
Jones Joliet Jackhammers (JJS) 16
Klesko Acadie Stars (ASC) 15
Kotsay Pittsburgh Pirates (PIN) 15
Wells Brooklyn Superbas (BSP) 15
Jeter Philly Phantastics (PPS) 15
Vizquel Ottawa Otters (OOS) 15
Lee Joliet Jackhammers (JJS) 15
Garciaparra Longue Pointe Hitmen (LHD)15

Most K's with bases loaded
Cameron Quebec Capitale (QCD) 6
Delgado New York Bombers (SFS) 6
Berkman Philly Phantastics (PPS) 5
Schneider Quebec Capitale (QCD) 5
Guzman Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) 5
Jordan Longue Pointe Hitmen (LHD) 5
Burrell Quebec Capitale (QCD) 5

PH Grand Slams...
Ledee Neah Bay Whalers (NWC) 1
Greene Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) 1

Who reached on catchers Interferences
Green Stirling Redsox (SRS) 1
Rollins New York Bombers (SFS) 1
Offerman Ottawa Otters (OOS) 1
Kent Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) 1
Fullmer *** 1
Vaughn *** 1
Vazquez Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) 1
Sosa Brooklyn Superbas (BSP) 1

Wild Pitches
Jason Schmidt Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) 13
Johan Santana Portland Sea Dogs (PSC) 12
Tony Armas Jr. New York Bombers (SFS) 12
Orlando Hernandez Philly Phantastics (PPS)10
Miguel Asencio San Diego Surf (SSD) 10

Quality Starts
Derek Lowe New York Bombers (SFS) 16
Kevin Millwood Tennessee Tazmanians (TTP) 16
Jamie Moyer Longue Pointe Hitmen (LHD) 16
Russ Ortiz Montreal Royals (MOS) 15
Javier Vazquez New York Bombers (SFS) 15
Mark Mulder Alamo City Flames (AFS) 14
Vicente Padilla Texas Desperados (TDS) 14
Curt Schilling Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) 13
Randy Johnson Philly Phantastics (PPS) 13
Roy Halladay Brooklyn Superbas (BSP) 13
Greg Maddux Stirling Redsox (SRS) 13
Pedro Martinez Neah Bay Whalers (NW 13
Paul Byrd Kansas City A's (KAC) 13
Al Leiter *** 12
Brian Lawrence Pittsburgh Pirates (PIN) 12
Wade Miller Stirling Redsox (SRS) 12
Tim Hudson Neah Bay Whalers (NWC) 12
Roy Oswalt Joliet Jackhammers (JJS) 12
Rodrigo Lopez Pittsburgh Pirates (PIN) 12


Newsletter #15
by League Office (21/07/2004 at 01h34)

To be precise in the simulation, It is important that procedure be correct. All files and exports are backed up procedurally. While proving the stats at block end, I noticed where a certain teams record did not coincide with the standings. Therefore games had to be replayed causing the delay in results posting. In the replay, indeed a certain teams CM did not import correctly causing a difference in his teams performance and strategy. To be fair to my GM I have elected to replay his two series upon his humble request.
It is not something I generally want done in this league, nor wish to do again. But more important is the integrity of the CBA file, and fair gamesmanship. Please use the attached files for your next CM.

KC A's Doug Mirabelli usage has expired and gone over limit. The player will be demoted for season's remainder. Mike Johnson announced his retirement effective immediately from CBA due to time constraints. We really enjoyed having Mike with us for the past few years. He is a class gentleman, and was an astute Gm in past seasons with the KC franchise. We welcome Rich Schneider
(Mr PlanMan@aol.com) to CBA who will take upon the reigns of the KC A's franchise.
Rich comes to us with experience, success, and enthusiasm and loves to trade and build franchises to contender status. I am very pleased to bring him into our league.
Until he is added to the list please attach his e mail address on any league correspondence.


Pennant race report
by Marc Wasserman (20/08/2003 at 02h37)

The divisions races seem to be settling down after some early action. The leaders are starting to pull away leaving a hotly contested wild card race. All season long the Mike Rescigno led NY Bombers (formerly StFoy) maintained their overwhelming lead in the overall W-L standings. Over the last month their lead has been appraoched by the fast charging Brooklyn Superbas, Neah Bay, and streaking Limoilou teams. Brooklyn has made the most gains this past month after a few minor roster adjustments. Brooklyn has gotten All-Star (What happened there Rob?) performances from Jay Payton, Slammy, Todd Helton, IRod, and Cy Young candidates Halliday (16-6), David Wells (15-3) to pace their drive for top honors. Payton snubbed in the AllStar voting leads CBA with a .385 BA, 24 HR 75 RBI. Sosa hitting .301 has 44 HR and 120 RBI. Both Robin Ventura and Todd Helton are hovering around the .300 mark with 30 Hrs. Bellhorn, Daubach, and Ivan Rod are at or beyond 20HRs. Brooklyn is only 3 games off New Yorks pace.

Speaking of the Bombers, Mike's team boasts the best record for a reason. Lets look at the numbers here. The Bombers are hitting .292 with 187 Hr's thus far. They've allowed only a .239 BA against them. Mighty impressive, but the real secret to success here lies in the some other statistical areas. Barry Bonds, Larry Walker, Manny Ramirez, and Carlos Delgado each have well over 1.050 Bonds TA alone is an astounding 1.536! He is set to smash some CBA records. A more important indicator for Strat success in the runs created per 27 outs. 3 players have over 10.0, with Bonds 14.98 runs. What unbelievable overall offensive production. Considering league average is somewhere around 4.7 per player, this means wins. Lots of 'em.
The pitching with less hits than innings, and a good bullpen that allows less than 30% (29.2) of inherited runners to score, the Bombers are dangerous holding leads too.

Neah Bay is a perfect example of how a well balanced team with great pitching can win big in CBA. With only 137 HR, and a team .260 BA, Neahs stellar pitching staff has compiled a 3.46 ERA. A look inside sees terrific planning by GM Skillings. Pedro Martinez has been downright destructive to the opposition. Hall of fame? CBA will be making room in their archives for the perfection of Pedro. The master of miss has amassed a 19-1 record with a CBA 2.28 ERA. He is 1 win away from 20 and the now inactive (Usage limit) Kevin Millwood. With a few more starts possible, Martinez may break 20 and could conceivably get 23-24 before its over. He is a good bet to win CBA's Triple Crown award. Wins, ERA, Win Pct. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling are fighting it out the strikeout title. Both are looking towards 300 K seasons again. John's opponents have managed a measley .235 BA vs Neah, who leads CBA in Team ERA by .14 pts over Mike Johnson's Kansas City team. Neah leads or is near the top of CBA in some other key catagories. Fielding %, Throwing out runners, and stealers, Moving runners, and Bullpen. Oh that bullpen. Best in CBA. Romero, Walker, Koch, Hasegawa, Biddle, Guthrie are the best set up and middle reliever going. They mix and match most lineups, and are well managed. All have ERA's under 3.30. Romero and Walker have been lights out, and Smoltz closes. Tough to beat a team like that in the playoffs where its Face to Face!

Limoilou, Limoilou where and what is a Wendingo? Similar to the fabled monster which scares the bejesus out of the Quebec citizens stuck in the woods, CBA's Wendingo has scared its division rivals with a powerful lineup. Edmonds, Kent, Piazza, and Thome have been deadly. Its something that these guys are nowhere near the top of the Intentioanlly walked list.
Ibanez Neah Bay Whalers (NWC) 11
Abreu Kansas City A's (KAC) 10
Sheffield Kansas City A's (KAC) 10
Salmon Texas Desperados (TDS) 10
Perez Minnesota Muskies (MMS) 10
Crawford Hartford Whalers (HWS) 9
Mohr Joliet Jackhammers (JJS)8
Beltran Montreal Royals (MOS) 8
Mientkiewicz Minnesota Muskies (MMS)8
Jordan Longue Pointe Hitmen (LHD)8

Limoilou has an .850 total team batting avg, with an .860 runs produced avg. Super performance.

Looking at the other playoff contenders performances, Quebec was on the verge of some fireworks as well. However managements descision to overuse certain players will certainly cost them now that they are in the playoff hunt. Quebec has 5 of the top 10 CBA HR leaders! ARod, Giambi, Mike Cameron, Pat 'the bat' Burrell, and Mags Ordonez have all slugged over 37 HR's. Burrell, Ordonez, and ARod are in the top 5 of RBI's as well. The Quebecer's have hit 238 HR's so far. Eric Gagne has 33 saves which kept the Capitale's in the thick of things. Its a good bet they will lose ground in the weeks to come to Wayne's Stirling team , Tennessee, and Detroit.

Look out for the Kansas City team. Mike Johnson's team has been doing well. Todd Walker, arguably teams MVP with a .321 BA, Abreu, Scheffield and company have helped KC's excellent pitching staff to 70 wins. The KC bullpen is as good as any with Bradford, Pote, Condrey, and Jiminez showing further how great middle relief is vital for winning. Teams bat .247 against them. With small run support about 4.39 per game, the bullpen has put KC in more games than could be expected. An interesting stat here has Steve Finley with a 1.000 Fielding % 59/59 but 1 err. Musta been on the toss.

The Joliet Jackhammers, Jack Frost's team. Is it any wonder what happens when a veteran like "The Ice Man" Jack Frost takes the helm? The team rises to respectability and beyond. Wins follow and thats what the Jacks are doing; Winning. Consider the sources, Soriano. 33 HR 89 RBI and 57, yes 57 SB! He will get overlooked the the Strat MVP, but lord he is amazing! Excellent platooning and management have put this nicely balanced team into the mix. The Oswalt and Moss duo have anchored the staff with All Star type numbers. Sasaki has been lights out in the pen as well with 76 K's in 59 inn and a 1.68 ERA.

Longue Pointe has been mediocre this year. Not much doing here, but Claude LaMarre is usually tough in the playoffs, if he gets there again. Claude's team has been a bit of a disappointment this year as Claude's team has seemingly faded from CBA's view. Burnetts 4 shutouts, and Nomar have paced their attack.

What a year for Jacque Jones. Acadie's likely team MVP, has been hitting .317 30 HR 90 RBI's. Acadie has bolstered their pitching acquiring Travis Driskill, and Jason Simontacchi to help their cause. A well managed team, Eric Leger has squeezed 68 wins from his team.

D'troit has won 66. Floyd's 28 HR 104 RBI's follwed by Torii Hunters 28 HR and stellar D have made some impact. Rhodes has been brilliant helping put the D men in the over 500 department. Usage concerns limits their entry into the pennant race.

 

 


CBA Trivia Test
by (21/08/2003 at 03h27)

1. Who was the 1998 first pick of the draft?
Who was the second and third picks of the first rd?

2. Who are the only originally named teams still extant in CBA?

3. What two brothers were original charter members of CBA?
Hint:One wrote for the original Strat-o-matic Digest

4. What CBA player has the most career HR's?

5. Who did Ottawa play in the 2001 Championship?

6. Who was the 1997 Clemente Division MVP?
Was it a)Barry Bonds b) Ken Caminiti or c) Mike Piazza?
*Who won the Cy Young?

7. What player has the record for most triples in a season by CBA player?

8. Who led the CBA in HR, and RBI's and missed winning the triple crown by .18 pts in his batting average back in 1997?


Inaugural Draft in CBA by franchise..
by Marc Wasserman (29/08/2003 at 04h26)

*Denotes Original franchise still extant. **Original Owner still in CBA

Conference Rusty Staub
Division Andre Dawson
Longue-Pointe Hitmen* Stephane Bouchard/Claude Lamarre **
#1 5. 61 Kevin Brown SP - Fla
#2 1. 1497 Eric Young 2B - Col
#3 1. 1176 Mark Grudzielanek SS - Mtl

Limoilou Wendigo* Jeff Boutet**
#1 4. 1254 Barry Larkin SS - Cin
#2 5. 1124 Jim Edmonds OF - Cal
#3 1. 1121 Ray Durham 2B - CHA

Quebec Capitales* Christian Boutin **
#1 5. 1163 Juan Gonzalez RF - Tex
#2 2. 1012 Brady Anderson CF - Bal
#3 1. 1158 Bernard Gilkey OF - NYM

Brooklyn Superbas* Marc Wasserman **
#1 4. 1032 Albert Belle LF - Cle
#2 2. 1426 Terry Steinbach C - Oak
#3 4. 1465 Robin Ventura 3B - CHA

Division Gary Carter
Phlorida Gaters Justin Gates (currently Minnesota Muskies)
#1 12. 1386 Ivan Rodriguez C - Tex
#2 1. 1229 Chipper Jones 3B - Atl
#3 1. 298 Troy Percival RP - Cal

Canadian River Valley Ball Yard Rats Dave Covert (Currently Neah Bay)
#1 1. 234 Pedro J Martinez SP - Mon
#2 1. 394 Ismael Valdes SP - LA
#3 1. 1389 Tim Salmon OF - Cal

Cooperstown Iron Horses Scott Owens (Currently Texas Desperados)
#1 9. 1463 Mo Vaughn 1B - Bos
#2 2. 1373 Manny Ramirez RF - Cle
#3 1. 134 Tom Glavine SP - Atl

Villanova Wildcats Joey Santangelo (Currently Acadie Stars)
#1 2. 228 Greg Maddux SP - Atl
#2 1. 1418 Sammy Sosa CF - ChN
#3 2. 1347 Rafael Palmeiro 1B - Bal

Division Steve Rogers
Hamilton Harbors Don Jensen (Currently San Diego Surf)
#1 1. 1383 Alex Rodriguez SS - Sea
#2 3. 81 Roger Clemens SP - NYY
#3 4. 196 Randy Johnson SP - Sea

Montecito Habaneros Ray Cappocchi (Currently Pittsburgh Pirates)
#1 3. 253 John Smoltz SP - Atl
#2 3. 324 Shane Reynolds SP - Hou
#3 2. 1230 Brian Jordan OF - StL

Hooterville Cannonball Eric Bloss (Currently KC A's)
#1 3. 1222 Derek Jeter, SS, NYY
#2 3. 1136 Steve Finley CF - SD
#3 2. 1346 Tom Pagnozzi C - StL

Bodega Bay Mad Birds Gerald Benoit** (Now Montreal Royals)
#1 2. 1173 Ken Griffey Jr. CF - Sea
#2 1. 171 Pat Hentgen SP - Tor
#3 2. 304 Andy Petitte SP - NYY

Conference Roberto Clemente
Mike Schmidt Division

Stirling Red Sox* Wayne D. McGee**
#1 1. 1443 Frank Thomas 1B/DH - CHA
#2 3. 1271 Javy Lopez C - Atl
#3 3. 1287 Edgar Martinez 3B - Sea

Louisville Mob Squad Dan Noonan (Currently Portland SeaDogs)
#1 2. 1047 Barry Bonds LF - SF
#2 1. 332 Mariano Rivera RP - NYY
#3 1. 1064 Jay Buhner RF - Sea

Ottawa Otters* Jack Jung**
#1 CC 1297 Mark McGwire 1B - Oak
#2 2. 1470 Omar Vizquel SS - Cle
#3 1. 116 Jeff Fassero SP - Mtl

Philly Phantastics* Rob Hite**
#1 10. 1269 Kenny Lofton CF - Cle
#2 2. 1070 Ken Caminiti 3B - SD
#3 1. 350 Curt Schilling SP - Phi

Dave Parker Division

Alexandria Assault Jon Calder (Currently Joliet Jackhammers)
#1 1. 1066 Ellis Burks OF - Col
#2 5. 1148 Andres Galarraga 1B - Col
#3 1. 1041 Dante Bichette OF - Col

Sunville SunJewel Keith B Jones (Currently Houston Aeros)
#1 7. 1403 Gary Sheffield RF - Fla
#2 1. 1210 Todd Hundley C - NYM
#3 2. 150 Juan Guzman SP - Tor

Parma Flamingos Lou Bloss (Currently Detroit Tigers)
#1 2. 1007 Roberto Alomar 2B - Bal
#2 3. 1077 Vinny Castilla 3B - Col
#3 1. 1174 Marquis Grissom CF - Atl

Hicksville Ragin Rednecks Greg Mason (currently Hartford Whalers)
#1 4. 1042 Craig Biggio 2B - Hou
#2 1. 279 Hideo Nomo SP - LA
#3 1. 1494 Dan Wilson C - Sea

Rick Monday Division
Kilgore Bashers* Cory Light**
#1 2. 1246 Chuck Knoblauch 2b - Min
#2 PL 1090 Royce Clayton SS - StL
#3 PL 1183 Darryl Hamilton CF - Tex

Memphis Mafia Shaun Jones (Currently Tennessee Tazmanians)
#1 CC 1021 Jeff Bagwell 1B - Hou
#2 CC. 13 Kevin Appier SP - KC
#3 CC 1489 Bernie Williams OF - NYY

Southwest California Lizard Kings Eric Lindner (Currently Alamo City Flames)
#1 4.1365 Mike Piazza C - LA
#2 4. 1493 Matt Williams 3B - Cle
#3 1. 117 Alex Fernandez SP - CHA

Vancouver Storm Randall Flowers (currently New York Bombers)
#1 6. 1444 Jim Thome 3B - Cle
#2 2. 1657 Edgar Renteria SS - Flo
#3 1. 1592 Andrew Jones OF - Atl
 


AllTime CBA single season records:Pitching
by Marc Wasserman (19/09/2003 at 00h06)

Since the team codes have changed a bit over the years it may be hard to identify which players performed for which teams. Here are the tema codes over the years to help you identify your franchises players....

Team codes....Over the years

Longue-Pointe Hitmen* LHD
Quebec Capitales QCD
Limoilou Wendigo LWD
Brooklyn Superbas BSD,BSP
Minnesota Muskies PGC, BBC,MMS
Neah Bay Whalers CRC, KWC,NWC
Texas Desparados CIC, TDS
Acadie Stars VWC, OGC, MBC, ASC
San Diego Surf HHD, SSD
Pittsburgh Pirates MHD, KTD, PIN
Kansas City A's HCR, KAC
Montreal Royals BMR, BMC, VEC, MOS
Stirling RedSox SRS
Portland SeaDogs LMS, GRS, JLS, PSC
Ottawa Otters OOS
Philly Phanatics PPS
Joliet Jackhammers AAS, JJS
Houston Aeros SSP, GGP, BGP,HAC
Detroit Tigers PFP, FCP, WGP, DEA
Hartford Whales HWC, HRP, SSP
Kilgore Bashers KBP
Tennessee Tazmanians TTP,HKM,MMM
Alamo City Flames SLS, MRS, ACF
New York Bombers VSM, SFS


Pitching
WINS
36 R.JOHNSON 2002CL PPS
30 K.BROWN 2000CL PPS
29 G.MADDUX 2001CL MBC
28 P.MARTINEZ 2000CL KWC
26 A.ASHBY 2000CL SFS
25 K.MILLWOOD 2000CL TTP
25 J.VAZQUEZ 2002CL SFS
24 M.HAMPTON 2000CL BMC
24 J.ROSADO 2000CL PPS
24 M.MORRIS 2002CL CIC
24 C.SCHILLING 2002CL LWD

STRIKEOUTS
481 P.MARTINEZ 2000CL KWC
457 R.JOHNSON 2002CL PPS
401 R.JOHNSON 1999CB HHD
386 R.JOHNSON 2001~~ ~~~
378 R.JOHNSON 2000CL HHD
378 C.SCHILLING 2002CL LWD
359 R.CLEMENS 1999CB HHD
340 P.MARTINEZ 1999CB CBC
338 C.SCHILLING 1999~~ ~~~
320 P.MARTINEZ 2001CL KWC
316 K.BROWN 1999CB MBC
311 M.MUSSINA 2002CL AFS
300 K.MILLWOOD 2000CL TTP
297 C.SCHILLING 2003CB LWD

LOSSES
24 M.MUSSINA 2001CL AFS
24 J.ANDERSON 2002CL BBC
23 R.ORTIZ 2000CL BMC
23 K.ROGERS 2001~~ ~~~
22 R.ORTIZ 2001CL BMC
21 B.TOMKO 1999CB HRP
21 C.NAGY 1999CB WBP
21 P.ASTACIO 2000CL BBC
21 R.HELLING 2000~~ ~~~
21 R.WOLF 2001CL CIC
21 J.LIMA 2001CL KBP
21 J.JOHNSON 2002CL ASC
21 F.GARCIA 2002CL KBP
20 TIED BY MULTIPLE PLAYERS

GAMES PITCHED
95 C.PEREZ 2001CL BBC
85 J.MESA 2003CB AFS
84 R.MENDOZA 2000~~ ~~~
84 A.TELFORD 2001CL QCD
81 P.BYRD 2002CL KAC
80 J.MECIR 1999CB HRP
80 A.LEVINE 2000CL OOS
79 S.HASEGAWA 2001CL KWC
76 S.LOWE 2001CL KBP
76 T.WORRELL 2001CL QCD
75 J.TAM 2001CL MBC
75 D.WEATHERS 2001CL QCD
74 S.WILLIAMSON 2000CL BSP
73 TIED BY MULTIPLE PLAYERS

26 M.MUSSINA 2001CL AFS
26 F.GARCIA 2002CL KBP
22 R.JOHNSON 2002CL PPS
21 J.VAZQUEZ 2002CL SFS
20 G.MADDUX 2002CL SRS
18 P.MARTINEZ 1999CB CBC
18 K.MILLWOOD 2000CL TTP
18 R.JOHNSON 2003CB PPS
17 P.MARTINEZ 2000CL KWC
17 K.BROWN 2001CL WBP
16 K.BROWN 2000CL PPS
16 M.HAMPTON 2001CL BSP

SHUTOUTS
8 P.MARTINEZ 2000CL KWC
8 J.VAZQUEZ 2002CL SFS
5 P.MARTINEZ 1999CB CBC
5 M.HAMPTON 2001CL BSP
5 P.MARTINEZ 2001CL KWC
5 M.MORRIS 2002CL CIC
5 C.SCHILLING 2002CL LWD
5 D.KILE 2002~~ ~~~
5 A.BURNETT 2003CB LHD
4 TIED BY MULTIPLE PLAYERS

SAVES
42 U.URBINA 2000CL LHD
40 T.HOFFMAN 2000CL BBC
40 B.WAGNER 2000CL HHD
39 U.URBINA 1999CB LHD
37 R.NEN 1999CB HHD
35 B.KOCH 2001CL KWC
35 J.MESA 2002CL AFS


HOME RUNS ALLOWED
69 J.LIMA 2001CL KBP
60 K.MILLWOOD 2000CL TTP
57 B.ANDERSON 2001CL KAC
56 D.WELLS 2000~~ ~~~
54 H.NOMO 2002CL BSP
53 H.NOMO 2000CL BSP
52 M.MUSSINA 2001CL AFS
51 J.LIMA 1999CB KBP
50 K.APPIER 2002CL PPS
50 W.MILLER 2002CL TTP
49 R.REED 2002CL BSP
49 K.JARVIS 2002~~ ~~~
48 E.MILTON 2000CL TTP
48 E.MILTON 2002CL TTP
 

 


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