Posted by BDoof  6/04/2024 11:28 am | #61 |
2112 World Cup
Group Stage
Tournament Stage:Susquehanna would open the games with a complete game shutout of Arctic Circle by Jalen Wilson. The hosting nation, Florida, would be the last team to be defeated after losing to the 0-5 Mexico. They’d lose again to Virginia who would become the first team to guarantee themselves past the group stage. Quebec would shortly follow thanks to solid pitching and showcases from Ernest Mott and Tom Phelan. Surprisingly, despite Susquehanna shutting out Arctic Circle in the first game, they’d be tied in the group going into the second to last game in which they played each other. In which the ACF’s Tom Swedlove would give up just 6 hits through 7 innings and put a stamp on their World Cup performance, all but guaranteeing themselves a spot in the tournament. In terms of surprise failures, Texas would finish last in Group C while Georgia could not overcome Quebec or The Dakotas and finish with only 3 wins.
Going into the final day only 2 teams had actually guaranteed themselves a spot in the tournament (Quebec and Virginia). Leading to another fantastic decision day. As only 1 more nation would lock themselves in, the Rocky Mountains. This would lead to the first ever tie-breaker World Cup games. Firstly, the tie-breaker games to decide the final 2 group winners.
Group A, Susquehanna and the Arctic Circle ace off again. The ACF won 2 of their 3 matchups in the group stage. Susquehanna would have to rely on Adelbert Miller while the ACF has former 5th overall pick Ray Nelson. However, Nelson would give up a big second-inning thanks to big hits from Ritter Ammann and Gary Urbanczyk. They’d try to comeback but they’d hit into a double play to end the 8th as they lose 6-3.
Group D, California and Great Lakes. California has swept the Lakers in the group stage but they sit tied after 9 games. The pitching matchup would be Ben Ford vs Justin Loeser as both nations are scraping the end of their rotation which led to an offensive performance. In which Californian Jake Herold would force them onwards with a 2-hit, 4-RBI game while Huron’s own Chris Walker would have 3 hits in the contest. California would barely pull out the win, 6-4.
But this isn’t the end of the road for the Arctic Circle or the Great Lakes. As there’s still 3 wild card spots to chase and 4 contenders as they finished with the same record as The Dakotas and Florida.
Great Lakes vs The Dakotas. Star Keith Badey would get the call for the Lakers while Dustin Cloud, nephew of new Sioux City owner James Cloud, would get the start for The Dakotas. Badey would win the duel, pitching a complete game shut-out to advance the Lakers.
Arctic Circle vs Florida. The World Cup hosts host the most northern nation in an all-out brawl of a game. Flamethrower Heath Victory squared off against 27th overall pick Shane Reynolds. Reynolds would actually hold on quite well giving up only 1 run. But he’d tire by the 7th and gave up 2 before his replacement, Mike Belchor, ended the game. A 6-1 routing by the Arctic Circle.
Leaving the final tie-breaker between The Dakotas and Florida. The matchup would be between 2 top relievers, John Sweet and Trent Pullin. Both would give up 4 runs, but Dakotan reliever Jan Lillegård would fall apart and give up 5. Leaving the Sunshine nation to advance to the tournament stage.
Final Group Standings:
Quarter-Finals:
Semi-Finals:Florida vs Virginia. Despite being in the same group, they meet in the Quarter-Finals. Virginia went 8-1 with their only loss being to Florida. But they dominated every other matchup. Only giving up more than 3 runs once (to Mexico). The pitching matchup would be a duel between Rafael Santa Cruz and Nick Grueneich. Santa Cruz has not given up a run in 10 innings so far in the world cup. He would continue that streak all the way until the 7th where Frankie Porter, a 2109 3rd round pick who was waived just before the world cup, would hit a 3-run home run to help Virginia advance. Grueneich also threw a complete game shutout, only allowing 3 hits.
FLA 0 - 4 VIR
Susquehanna vs California. Jalen Wilson threw 17 innings in the group stage, only allowing 1 run. While Cameron Broome faced similar success with California. It’d be a back-and-forth affair as they’d take turns scoring a run or 2 every few innings. But a 2-run double from Kurtz in the 8th would end up being the decider as Susquehanna moves on to their second straight Semi-Finals appearance.
SUS 5 - 3 CAL
Arctic Circle Federation vs Quebec. Lefties Tim Troke and Alain Thomas take the mound in this 'cold' matchup. Despite it being in February, the temperature in Daytona this evening was close to 90 degrees. Some joked that it may hinder the Arctic Circle batters, which it may have. As they’d only get 4 hits throughout the game. Luckily, Troke would keep it close only giving up 2 runs. But Richey and Arctic Circle offense wouldn’t be able to score at all, giving Quebec the win.
ACF 0 - 2 QUE
Great Lakes vs Rocky Mountains. After the Great Lakes barely advanced, they’d be down to Tim Jackson on the mound. While he is a decent pitcher for Trois-Rivières he has been absolutely awful in the World Cup with a 6.75ERA. While the Rocky Mountains use Mike Hilger, who is possibly the greatest closer in NABF history. He’d showcase his stuff by only allowing 1-hit through 8 innings. McCready would come in to close it out as their 4-runs would be enough to silence the Great Lakes.
GL 0 - 4 RCK
World Cup Finals:Susquehanna vs Virginia. Historically, possibly the biggest rivalry within the baseball sphere. However, they haven’t really been able to showcase such due to Chesapeake not being as competitive as Germantown. But for this game? They showed out. The stands would be packed into Tallahassee to witness this game. Banners and flags waved throughout the streets as parts of the city were nearly unrecognizable due to the support from these nations. The matchup would be slightly unexpected as Steven Dorsey would face Baton Rouge’s franchise save leader in Adam Gibson who would get the nod for Virginia. Neither were the biggest names. But it’d seemingly not matter as Susquehanna put up 5 runs in the 2nd despite not registering anything more than a single. Germantown’s own Kevin Taylor would be brought out by Virginia who’d then shut down Susquehanna for the entire rest of the game. Doubles from Bentz, Porter, and Clarke would set up a 9th where Virginia would only be down by 3. With Josh Burford on the mound, he’d get Porter for the first out. Then Clarke would single. Rogers would strike out. Joe Delli Santi would launch a first-pitch home run to bring the game within 1. Surprisingly they’d leave Burford in to face Matt Bentz who has been one of Virginia’s best hitters in the World Cup. But Burford would get ahead and bury a slider in the dirt to get Bentz swinging to end the game.
SUS 6 - 5 VIR
Quebec vs Rocky Mountains. Despite Cheyenne’s success, the Rocky Mountains are not considered to be baseball powerhouses. But here they are, facing the monstrous Quebec. And their starter for this game is Kevin Potter, who just won the Castaneda for his breakout rookie season. The nerves would seemingly get to him as Barthélémy would double in a run in the first. But a 3-run bottom by the Rockies would calm him down as he’d pitch the next 6 innings without giving up a run. In the 7th, Quebec would bring it within 1, but Phil Propst would hit his 3rd double of the game, extending the Rocky lead to 5. Closer Chris McCready would come out and shut down the Quebec offense to send the Rocky Mountains to a surprise Finals matchup!
QUE 3 - 8 RCK
Susquehanna vs Rocky Mountains. Matchup would be Even Peterson vs Nelson Encarnación. Peterson was undrafted and was signed by Halifax where he has been their best pitcher, but had an absolutely awful 2111. While Encarnación was a second round pick who has been getting better and better with Galveston finishing 4th in the Taylor voting last season. Both would struggle early allowing 4 runs in the first 4 innings. By the 6th both teams would have relievers in the game. In the 8th, the Phil Propst, who played for Germantown but is a Rocky Mountain native would hit a triple before scoring from a Joseph Wallace single. Wallace would later score on a single as well, giving the Rockies a 2-run lead. In the 7th, Rocky Mountains would use Kyle McMurphy, one of the greatest closers of all time. In the 8th, they’d use #1 prospect Greg Dryer. Then for the 9th, Chris McCready who finished 2nd in Gervais voting last year. He’d get Gerard Martin to ground out. Before giving up back-to-back singles to Belew and Lamm. Jason Martin would fly out to make it 2-outs, with the winning run up to the plate. That hitter would be 2111 Willie Baxter winner, Nikolaus Wallauer. In a cinematic sequence, including a foul ball that landed just feet away from being a homerun, McCready would get a perfect change-up to fool Wallauer to end the game and end the World Series as the Rocky Mountains are champions of baseball!
SUS 4 - 6 RCK
In World Cup tradition, Paul Butler who won World Cup MVP would get his #35 retired by his nation. Only he can wear it from now on. Butler hit .360 with 4 home runs, which lead the Cup, including one in the finals to tie the game. Butler, who just won the NABF Championship for the first time just a few months earlier was speechless as they handed him the trophy first.
Runs the highly unsuccessful PSC project featuring the Premier Soccer League and National Baseball Federation
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Posted by BDoof 6/06/2024 11:01 am | #62 |
2112 Pre-Season Preview
last season 68-94, 6th in Pacific
16th ranked farm system (none in top 50)
Payroll $1,288,971 - 14th
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, Czar Artemenko, Arctic Circle, .257/.308/.314, 70OPS+
1B 23, Carlos Ramírez, Puerto Rico, .238/.336/.367, 98OPS+
2B 24, John Hanshaw, Texsa, no stats, rookie season. #76 ranked prospect
3B 30, Joel Bain, The Dakotas, .212/.298/.299, 69OPS+
SS 22, Kazuki Miyahara, Japan, only played 21 games last season
LF 28, Zack Joyner, Florida, .279/.332/.484, 123OPS+ in 56 games with Germantown
CF 23, Jason Hibbard, Texas, .264/.307/.385, 95OPS+
RF 28, Kyle Miller, Susquehanna, .282/.349/.391, 109OPS+
DH 25, Talbot Boulet, Quebec, .331/.368/.506, 145OPS+ in injury shortened season
1 25, Roth Reiter, Germany, 11-12, 3.85ERA, 105ERA+
2 27, Zane Dubos, Quebec, 12-19, 4.85ERA, 83ERA+
3 25, Bryen Beckstrom, Arctic Circle, 8-9, 5.06ERA, 80ERA+
4 28, Wayne Hamel, Arctic Circle, 5.43ERA in 59.2 innings with Baton Rouge and Dakota
5 24, Warner Duval, Quebec, only pitched 1 game last season.
CL 27, John Sweet, The Dakotas/Arctic Circle, 26 Saves, 2.53ERA, 160ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: John Gillingham, Dana Dorey, Alex García, Tyler D’Orio, and Luc Villain
Well, this is it. Virtually every prospect has been called up. This is the end of their rebuild… unless a miracle happens they will likely have to rebuild again. To think I had said that I preferred Alaska over Rome a few seasons ago. While their attendance has wavered, it’s still not as bad as many other teams.
last season 79-83, 4th in Pacific7th ranked farm system (RHP Larry McCoy #1 and SS Antony Pedley #15)
Payroll $1,437,474 - 12th
Lineup and Pitching
C 29, Ross Edwards, Virginia, .237/.320/.308, 71OPS+ with Halifax
1B 29, Bob Heath, Quebec, .297/.352/.399, 112OPS+, won Deshayes award
2B 30, Justin Driscoll, California, .339/.377/.413, 123OPS+
3B 25, David Stephens, Georgia, .286/.351/.372, 105OPS+
SS 27, Rene Gaultier, Louisiana, .223/.307/.314, 76OPS+ with Dakota
LF 25, Andy Koester, Rocky Mountains, .276/.403/.414
CF 26, David Westfall, Texas, .352/.373/.475, 48SBs, 139OPS+
RF 26, Ryan Johnson, The Dakotas, no stats, rookie season. Unranked prospect
DH 26, Alex Jimenez, Venezuela, only played 16 games last season
1 23, Kevin Potter, Rocky Mountains, 16-12, 3.14ERA, 128ERA+
2 26, Josh Detamore, New England, 16-13, 4.09ERA, 229Ks, 98ERA+
3 26, Jeremy Miron, The Dakotas, 9-21, 5.15ERA, 78ERA+
4 24, Gerold van Kooten, Aruba/The Netherlands, 2.83ERA in 35 innings
5 33, Dusty McCord, 8-4, 3.75ERA, 107ERA+
CL 26, Mitch Null, The Dakotas, 32 Saves, 3.44ERA, 117ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Marshall Elkan and Nick Ashley
Astoria was a surprise last season. Justin Driscoll was waived 2 times in 2110 but ended up being the star of the season for the Osprey. Plus Kevin Potter’s insane rookie season, probably the best in NABF history. They could definitely reach .500 if not the playoffs this year, however they will be down reliever Mike Kohn and starter Brad Winters who are both above average pitchers.
last season 77-85, 7th in Atlantic2nd ranked farm system (SS Rafael de la Cruz #10, RHP Shawn Galewski #14, CF Rainer Jacobs #16, 2B Alex Sandoval #29, RHP Jake Dupree #32, and LHP Bobby Merryman #37)
Payroll $2,014,629
Lineup and Pitching
C 27, Vance Wool, New England, played 18 games with Plymouth
1B 27, Alex Salgado, California, no stats, rookie season. Unranked prospect
2B 28, John Hunter, Great Lakes, 21 games with Cheyenne
3B 26, Dan Nichols, The Dakotas, .211/.293/.294, 60OPS+
SS 30, Douggie Clarke, Virginia, .322/.367/.424, 114OPS+, won Deshayes and Hernandez awards
LF 34, Gary Urbanczyk, Susquehanna, .242/.362/.487, 33HRs, 129OPS+
CF 24, Dan Vokey, Quebec, .213/.258/.324, 57OPS+
RF 24, Jake Rogers, Virginia, .338/.389/.476, 26SBs, 134OPS+, won Frey award
DH 22, Sosa Jouon, Japan, .313/.409/.408, 36SBs, 123OPS+
1 29, Matt Frizzell, Cascadia, didn’t pitch last season due to injury
2 29, Thomas Legros, Quebec, 17-9, 3.66ERA, 115ERA+
3 34, Josh Newcomer, 5.65ERA in 28.2 innings with Alaska
4 33, Jose Orozco, Dominican Republic, 4-7, 3.97ERA, 102ERA+ with Alaska
5 25, Teruo Onoda, Japan, 9-13, 4.78ERA, 88ERA+
CL 28, Aaron Odle, Virginia, 4.54ERA in 75.1 innings with Dakota
Other notable bullpen arms: Chris McCready, Andrew Redepenning, Jeremy Peerenboom, and C.J. Clymer
Last season they had career years from Clarke, Urbanczyk, Rogers, Jouon, and Whitford (now on the bench for some reason) yet they ranked last in total offense. I think it was clearly a depth problem as they had, and still have, basically nobody other than those guys on offense. Now with Frizzell back from injury they should be able to compete. But the Atlantic is as tight as ever. They also had the lowest attendance in the Atlantic last season, which was unexpected. The Admirals are definitely in a limbo state.
last season 100-62, 2nd in Pacific, won NABF Championship Series6th ranked farm system (LF Juan Balladares #8, C Eddie Marrero #39, SS Charlie Craig #40, and RHP Humberto Trujillo #50)
Payroll $2,389,134 - 4th
Lineup and Pitching
C 25, Nolan Hemery, Quebec, no stats, rookie season. #55 ranked prospect.
1B 26, Valentin Pernot, Louisiana, .225/.264/.293, 38SBs, 58OPS+
2B 31, Dan Harbin, New England, .271/.345/.343, 95OPS+
3B 27, Maru Kalamka, Georgia, .305/.381/.417, 126OPS+, won Frey award
SS 30, Dean Monahan, Cascadia, .227/.316/.293, 73OPS+, won Deshayes and Hernandez award
LF 28, Eddie Sheridan, Virginia, .281/.367/.423, 123OPS+
CF 24, Bill Bonjour, Rocky Mountains, .232/.329/.308, 35SBs, 81OPS+
RF 27, Yekuno-Amlak Mshangama, Zambia, .282/.395/.421, 52SBs, 131OPS+, won Deshayes award
DH 37, Paul Butler, Rocky Mountains, .319/.388/.577, 40HRs, 171OPS+
1 35, Marty Hodge, Australia, 19-9, 2.80ERA, 144ERA+
2 26, Carlos Padilla, Mexico, 13-16, 3.67ERA, 110ERA+
3 25, Tim Cote, Maritimes, 17-11, 3.21ERA, 125ERA+
4 30, Bill Mowry, Susquehanna, 2.89ERA in 37.1 innings
5 27, Mike Tijerina, Rocky Mountains, 2.62ERA in 58.1 innings
(Starter Chris Keon will miss 4 months with an elbow injury)
CL 36, Mike Hilger, Rocky Mountains, 22 Saves, 2.41ERA, 167ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Jeffrey Simon, Ivan Ramírez, Jonathan Pinard, Jesus Ortega, and Jonathan Masden
The Buffalo will feature a starting catcher other than Eric Titus for the first time ever. Luckily, Hemery and Marrero are top prospects waiting for their chance to shine. Even with star Keon injured, they still have possibly the best pitching staff in the entire league. They will easily dominate again.
last season 60-102, 8th in Pacific1st ranked farm system (RHP Kyle Richards #2, LHP Suk Kim #4, LHP Tere Myuna #13, and LHP Dan Lankhaar #48)
Payroll $1,390,503 - 13th
Lineup and Pitching
C 25, Matthew MacDonald, Maritimes, only played 9 games last season
1B 37, Trevor Reardon, The Dakotas, .225/.340/.343, 94OPS+
2B 30, D.W. Manning, Georgia, .299/.408/.379, 124OPS+
3B 22, Rüdiger Martin, Germany, only played 24 games last season. Former top 10 prospect
SS 26, Jonathan Hodge, Great Lakes, no stats, rookie season. Unranked prospect
LF 26, Yin-reng Fa, Cascadia, .269/.364/.417, 121OPS+
CF 28, Mike Lewis, Cascadia, only 21 games played last season.
RF 25, Nicolas Gérard, Quebec, .227/.337/.356, 97OPS+
DH 23, Travis Carr, New England, only 16 games played last season. Former top 25 prospect
1 29, Fritz Bresson, Quebec, 13-14, 3.85ERA, 216Ks, 104ERA+
2 25, Ryan Reimann, New England, 9-22, 4.51ERA, 89ERA+
3 26, Scott Szczur, Cascadia, 10-18, 4.76ERA, 84ERA+
4 33, Charlie Symmonds, Susquehanna, 6.01ERA in 67.1 innings with Astoria
5 28, Claude Trouvé, Haiti/Louisiana, played in minor leagues last season
CL 31, Greg Cone, The Dakotas, 23 Saves, 2.93ERA, 137ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Nick Hartle and Ryan Leonard
A major transitional year for the Eagles. They could make a surprise run this year, but likely would not be in the best interest of the team. Reardon, Manning, and Bresson are all on the last year of the contracts (Bresson has a player option, but will likely take it). While Reardon could rejoin, he’s lost his speed which was his best attribute. The most exciting part about this team is what a full season of Martin, Fa, and Carr can accomplish. All 3 showed great flashes in limited playing time last year. Plus Gérard who won the Castaneda and a Frey in 2110 (though had a sophomore slump). With possibly the best pitching prospects coming up through the minors, this rebuild may only last another season or 2. The main thing is their already blossoming rivalry with Sioux City. As benches already cleared once in Spring Training after a rough slide from Reardon. Both owners have taken shots at each other on social media as well.
last season 62-100, 7th in Pacific10th ranked farm system (LHP Ryan Coate #18, RHP Scott Craig #26, and RHP Omar Barrera #30)
Payroll $1,152,948 - 15th
Lineup and Pitching
C 29, Bernward Kurtz, Susquehanna, .249/.317/.435, 106OPS+, won Frey award with Germantown
1B 27, John Davis, Louisiana, .275/.363/.434, 126OPS+, won Frey with Dakota
2B 41, Ian Brinley, Texas, .250/.375/.362, 110OPS+
3B 26, Ed Shea, New England, only played 12 games with Rome last season
SS 27, Julio Manzo, Spain/Dominican Republic, .269/.328/.352, 50SBs, 93OPS+
LF 27, Dean Ebeling, Australia, played in the Oceanic Association last year
CF 21, Nick Llamas, Texas/Mexico, only played 52 games last season
RF 31, Rey Mora, Costa Rica, .273/.329/.441, 117OPS+
DH 25, Frankie Porter, Virginia, .264/.336/.356, 96OPS+ with Baton Rouge
1 23, Greg Dryer, Rocky Mountains, 5-7, 4.15ERA, 97ERA+
2 24, Cy Kallner, Cascadia, 9-21, 4.08ERA, 98ERA+
3 26, Lionel Barret, Quebec, 11-8, 4.53ERA, 89ERA+ with Baton Rouge
4 29, Ryan Hyde, Great Lakes, 9-16, 4.52ERA, 89ERA+
5 29, Alex Carrillo, Mexico, played in the Caribbean League last season
CL 24, Tom Swedlove, Arctic Circle, 32 Saves, 2.63ERA, 153ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Oscar Noriega, Kelalani Aloiki, and prospect Omar Barrera
Honestly a pretty darn good lineup for a team that last 100 games last year. Kurtz and Davis are very underrated. Brought back Brinley. Porter was huge in the World Cup for Virginia. Ebeling is expected to do well in the NABF. While Dryer and Kallner are still essentially top prospects. Swedlove is one of the best closers in the game. Plus top prospect Scott Craig will likely debut later in the season. I wouldn’t be surprised if they finished above .500. Not sure about a playoff spot, but definitely something to look forward to.
last season 87-75, 3rd in Pacific. Lost in Wild Card Series3rd ranked farm system (RHP Ron Kalb #6, CF Bart Gallagher #11, RF Bill Sutherland #17, and RHP Marcel Hoffman #42)
Payroll $2,273,734 - 5th
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, Ismael Méndez, Puerto Rico, .289/.353/.418, 118OPS+, won Deshayes award
1B 27, Amador Navo, California, .301/.351/.439, 123OPS+
2B 31, Jamie Tipton, California, .255/.335/.298, 80OPS+
3B 23, William García, Venezuela, .326/.378/.452, 135OPS+ in 40 games
SS 27, Tyler McClean, Great Lakes, .234/.313/.298, 73OPS+
LF 37, Jesse Haskins, California, .285/.409/.429, 137OPS+, won Frey award
CF 27, Jim Rivers, Susquehanna, .260/.359/.322, 94OPS+
RF 38, Jake Herold, California, .301/.403/.541, 36HRs, 166OPS+, won Frey award
DH 28, Cor John, Aruba/Netherlands, .332/.388/.536, 160OPS+, won Frey award
1 30, Dustin Cloud, The Dakotas, 16-15, 4.91ERA, 82ERA+
2 27, Tillmam Tamayo, Brazil, 14-16, 4.55ERA, 88ERA+
3 25, Ben Ford, Great Lakes, 17-11, 3.67ERA, 109ERA+
4 23, John Allard, Arctic Circle, 4.81ERA in 39.1 innings
5 38, Jake Hale, California, 5.67ERA in 54 innings with Plymouth
CL 30, Dale Patterson, Florida, 23 Saves, 3.88ERA, 104ERA with Germantown and Eureka
Other notable bullpen arms: Trent Pullin, Harold Sykes, Jaylen Flynn, and Pat Dow
They continue to have a great lineup, yet ruin it by choosing weird starters. Cor John is back at DH, forcing the aging Herold to play the field. Tipton (and his god-awful contract) moves into second to allow McClean to go to short. Both are really not that good. Having McClean at short is the real weird choice as García is naturally a shortstop (a really good one). But having him at 3rd forces Orlando Lazzarini to be on the bench. The guy who led the league in hits, runs, and steals last season. Hopefully something changes soon. Especially with Gallagher and Sutherland coming up quickly. Pitching is still a bit of an issue. But they did acquire a top 3 bullpen with Dow and getting Patterson on an extension. Though, moving Pullin to set-up is also strange as he won the Gervais last year. Definitely confuses me. Either way they are a playoff team and an easy contender for the Pacific crown.
last season 84-78, 4th in Atlantic11th ranked farm system (RHP Ricardo Ortega #12 and 2B Gabe Barientos #22)
Payroll $2,030,685 - 6th
Lineup and Pitching
C 25, Greg Lloyd, Quebec, .253/.323/.419, 100OPS+
1B 28, Tyler Hammerich, Florida, .274/.323/.554, 46HRs, 134OPS+, won Frey award
2B 26, Chris Howe, Hawaii/California, only played 20 games with Chesapeake
3B 30, Tom Newman, Arctic Circle, .210/.325/.268, 63OPS+
SS 27, Nelson Cabrera, Mexico, .299/.369/.427, 115OPS+
LF 29, David Castillo, Texas, .371/.458/.589, 182OPS+ (in 93 games as 2-way)
CF 25, Dale Toman, Australia, .244/.298/.374, 27SBs, 81OPS+
RF 30, Adam Beyer, Florida, .291/.368/.447, 120OPS+
DH 22, Carlos Hernández, Panama, only played 7 games last season. Former top 10 prospect
1 27, Dan Miles, Texas, did not play due to injury. 144ERA+ in 2110
2 30, Cyrille Vincent, Quebec, 18-17, 4.46ERA, 224Ks, 95ERA+
3 34, Rafael Santa Cruz, Florida, 18-13, 3.65ERA, 115ERA+
4 25, Sean Meagher, Maritimes, 7-8, 4.84ERA, 87ERA+
5 29, David Castillo, Texas, 14-15, 3.83ERA, 110ERA+
CL 27, Manny Julia, Florida, 27 Saves, 3.10ERA, 136ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Jim Gutsch and Phil Hoffman
Jayden Royal’s departure hurts. But a fully healthy Dan Miles should make up for it. If they all stay healthy, Florida has a good chance at being title contenders. But they have to make it through the minefield that is the Atlantic first.
last season 110-52, 1st in Pacific. Lost in Pacific Series (again)9th ranked farm system (3B/SS Hai-liang Guao #5, RF Yehlem Barsosio #21, and 2B Jack Thomson #49)
Payroll $2,556,286 - 1st
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, R.J. Pope, Quebec, only played 34 games last season
1B 28, Javier Quintero, Texas, no stats, rookie season. Received in rule 5 draft from Halifax
2B 31, Josh Peppers, Great Lakes, .255/.340/.401, 14HRs, 110OPS+
3B 31, Jose Orozco, Dominican Republic, .214/.285/.334, 75OPS+
SS 37, Mike McClary, Texas, .307/.393/.407, 128OPS+, won Frey award
LF 30, Matt Gilroy, Quebec, .268/.354/.359, 32SBs, 103OPS+, won Deshayes award
CF 32, Katsumi Canio, Brazil/Japan, .375/.402/.502, 64SBs, 156OPS+, won Deshayes, Baxter, and Frey awards
RF 28, Melvin Navarrete, California, .312/.386/.446, 69SBs, 136OPS+
DH 29, Chris Caron, Texas, .300/.429/.579, 40HRs, 185OPS+, won Frey
1 30, Nick Lambert, Georgia, 22-6, 2.70ERA, 215Ks, 148ERA+, won Taylor award
2 28, Nelson Encarnación, Rocky Mountains, 17-10, 3.38ERA, 119ERA+
3 26, Jalen Wilson, Susquehanna, 18-5, 2.34ERA, 171ERA+
4 27, Paolo Barreau, France/Quebec, 18-5, 3.79ERA, 106ERA+
5 31, Rich Platte, New England, 8-6, 3.74ERA, 107ERA+
CL 31, Alain Thomas, Quebec, 42 Saves, 1.86ERA, 216ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Clive Kavanagh
In my opinion, the best all around team in the NABF. OOTP doesn’t seem to think so as they have them finishing last in the Pacific which I just don’t even know how it could think that. Either way, this could be Lambert’s last season in Texas as the Launch are at the cap, and even if David Moran retires (currently on their bench) it may not free up enough space to sign him as they also have to save for the increase in salary that Canio and Encarnación will receive next season. Doesn’t help that Rich Platte is going to be making nearly 300k for the next 3 seasons, which is top 3 in the league for their 5th starter. Even if they can’t re-sign Lambert, they have plenty of good pitchers outside of him.
last season 77-85, 5th in Atlantic12th ranked farm system (RHP Fepiku Nekeare #20, IF Jose Rueda #28, C Tyler Kelly #47)
Payroll $1,956,601 - 8th
Lineup and Pitching
C 24, Han-seung Park, South Korea, .332/.403/.483, in 55 games as backup
1B 23, Jose Rueda, Florida, no stats, rookie season. #28 ranked prospect
2B 25, Jimmy Tellman, Arctic Circle, .239/.364/.284, 81OPS+
3B 27, Craig Lamm, Susquehanna, .327/.363/.474, 41SBs, 130OPS+
SS 26, Max Smith, Georgia, only 36 games played with Florida
LF 30, Jeremy Cooper, Georgia, .262/.341/.427, 32SBs, 111OPS+
CF 27, Ivan Nájera, Dominican Republic, .214/.298/.272, 39SBs, 59OPS+
RF 25, Phil Propst, Rocky Mountains, .256/.329/.379, 26SBs, 95OPS+
DH 34, George Powers, Quebec, .271/.393/.459, 25HRs, 135OPS+
1 25, Heath Victory, Arctic Circle, 16-15, 3.98ERA, 211Ks, 104ERA+
2 32, Steven Dorsey, Susquehanna, 11-13, 4.25ERA, 98ERA+
3 22, Julio Then, Dominican Republic, 7-19, 6.20ERA, 67ERA+
4 27, William Miller, Maritimes, no stats, rookie season. Unranked prospect
5 27, Ikuo sh-t, Brazil/Japan, 4.70ERA in 95.2 innings with Florida
CL 29, Kevin Taylor, Virginia, 1.40ERA in 45 innings
Other notable bullpen arms: Josh Burford, Eric Reed, Angelo Juarez, and Jason Walker
Bernward Kurtz left on awkward terms as team owner, John Weymouth, had made remarks about Kurtz’ ballooning weight (despite him continuing to win Deshayes and Frey awards). However, it allows Park to finally become a starter. The team still has some issues to iron out, mainly at pitching. Victory and Then were former top 5 prospects but really haven’t shown it. Dorsey is serviceable, but shouldn’t be a teams #2 option. They still have a great bullpen as always. I could definitely see them making a surprise run, but with how competitive the Atlantic is, I don’t see them going too far with how they’re built at the moment.
last season 67-95, 8th in Atlantic15th ranked farm system (2B Jordan Sánchez #34 and 2B Josh Pickup #41)
Payroll $687,623 - 16th
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, Darius Simon, Georgia, .173/284/.241, 50OPS+ with Galveston
1B 26, Lou van der Vegt, Netherlands, .221/.286/.362, 50SBs, 75OPS+
2B 23, Joe Brewer, Maritimes, .317/.358/.427, 112OPS+
3B 28, Casey Collard, Great Lakes, .235/.312/.299, 10SBs, 67OPS+
SS 29, Ernest Weingarten, Germany, .238/.288/.342, 71OPS+
LF 25, Dave Foote, Quebec, no stats, rookie season. Unranked prospect
CF 25, Ivan Andrade, Colombia, .224/.293/.376, 72SBs, 80OPS+
RF 26, Mike Landis, Texas/Louisiana, only played 12 games with Eureka
DH 23, Josh Pickup, Great Lakes, #41 ranked prospects, 3rd overall pick in the draft
1 25, Rolf Hewitt, Maritimes, 10-12, 4.30ERA, 98ERA+
2 22, Cameron Whitehead, Maritimes, 9-17, 5.21ERA, 81ERA+
3 27, Jake Beem, Hawaii, 12-16, 4.45ERA, 95ERA+
4 25, Evan Peterson, Susquehanna, 12-18, 5.38ERA, 78ERA+
5 27, Carlos Flores, Dominican Republic, only 2 games last year with Chesapeake
CL 25, Billy Griffin, Rocky Mountains, 23 Saves, 2.92ERA, 145ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Phil Palmer and Brennan Collins
Easily the worst team going into this season. They have several bright spots with the Maritimes trio of Brewer, Whitehead, and Hewitt. With some other names such as Pickup, Andrade, and Beem look interesting. But I really don’t see the Voyageurs doing much with this current team. However, they have the lowest payroll by a ton. They could easily catch a ton of free agents in the coming off-seasons… if anyone wants to go to Halifax.
last season 77-85, 6th in Atlantic8th ranked farm system (RHP Marius Thibaut #19, RHP Alex Baltierrez #23, C Charlie Baldwin #24, and RHP Moana Iasepa #45)
Payroll $1,810,494 - 10th
Lineup and Pitching
C 25, Chris Walker, California, .296/.348/.401, 105OPS+, won Deshayes award
1B 25, Danny Thomas, Great Lakes, .252/.309/.391, 91OPS+, won Frey award
2B 36, Fernando Criado, California, .287/.370/.468, 24HRs, 128OPS+, won Frey award
3B 29, Philip Brawner, Arctic Circle, .274/.326/.413, 101OPS+
SS 31, Eddie de Leon, Nicaragua, .220/.274/.273, 50OPS+
LF 34, Matthew Wagoner, Great Lakes, .270/.349/.463, 24HRs, 121OPS+
CF 25, Corey Cozad, Virginia, only played 38 games last season
RF 27, Jeremy Richey, Arctic Circle, .266/.312/.395, 92OPS+ in injury shortened season
DH 28, Gary Fisher, Georgia, .290/.350/.438, 115OPS+
1 30, Keith Badey, Great Lakes, 13-11, 3.41ERA, 122OPS+
2 27, Bill Clark, Arctic Circle, 12-16, 4.14ERA, 101ERA+
3 27, Hao Huan, California, 12-12, 4.82ERA, 87ERA+
4 27, Marty Díaz, Venezuela, 7-14, 4.81ERA, 87ERA+
5 30, Brad Vedder, 37 Saves, 3.72ERA, 112ERA+ (back as a starter)
CL 23, Leonardo Sánchez, Texas, 3.50ERA in 43.2 innings
Other notable bullpen arms: Kirk Morgan and Kieron Dale
Owner Jamari Simmons opened up this season with a full front-page cover stating that it’s his goal to have the Gryphons win the championship series within the next 3 seasons or else he will sell the team. They’ve been consistently well throughout the history of the NABF, but have only made the playoffs once in the last 8 seasons. I still don’t know how to read this team. As they always do the opposite of what I expect them to do.
last season 92-70, 2nd in Atlantic. Lost in Atlantic Series14th ranked farm system (RHP Nick Chenevert #25 and 1B Scottie Gaylord #38)
Payroll $1,743,801 - 11th
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, David Gonzalez, Guatemala, .229/.343/.325, 21SBs, 84OPS+
1B 39, Kyle Thompson, California, .256/.353/.525, 36HRs, 137OPS+
2B 27, Rod Morales, Colombia, .300/.369/.488, 133OPS+
3B 31, Matt Bentz, Virginia, .281/.341/.401, 103OPS+
SS 23, Masashi Miyahara, Japan, .270/.354/.381, 22SBs, 101OPS+
LF 27, Justyn Cox, New England, .295/.377/.458, 25SBs, 127OPS+
CF 23, Daryl Haydon, Arctic Circle, .272/.359/.382, 32SBs, 103OPS+, won Castaneda award
RF 30, Javier del Fierro, Curaçao/Netherlands, .299/.348/.397, 103OPS+, won Deshayes award
DH 26, Matunde Simai, Gabon, .247/.319/.416, 20HRs, 100OPS+
1 25, Felike Ipo, Hawaii, 20-11, 3.34ERA, 125ERA+
2 25, Matt Zeidman, New England, 13-13, 3.99ERA, 105ERA+
3 25, Tim Troke, Arctic Circle, 17-5, 3.29ERA, 127ERA+
4 29, Chad Reichert, Cascadia, 13-15, 3.87ERA, 108ERA+
5 27, Dan Richard, Quebec, 5.20ERA in 105.2 innings
CL 25, Nick Christiana, The Dakotas, 2.84ERA in 31.2 innings
Other notable bullpen arms: Rogelio Victoria, Geoff Bolen, and Ted Bass
Plymouth made it back to the Atlantic Series for the first time since 2107. Riding the backs of great pitching, great rookie performances, and home run king Kyle Thompson. I expect more of the same this year. Should be a lock for the playoffs, possibly even the best bet in the Atlantic.
last season 98-64, 1st in Atlantic. Lost Championship Series to Cheyenne13th ranked farm system (RHP Bobby Colon #27 and OF Matt Henry #35)
Payroll $1,900,805 - 9th
Lineup and Pitching
C 27, Bill Freeman, Georgia, .196/.321/.415, 26HRs, 98OPS+
1B 27, Jonathan Carrethers, Georgia, .257/.383/.529, 39HRs, 144OPS+, won Frey award
2B 28, Kyle Belew, Susquehanna, .327/.387/.475, 132OPS+
3B 23, Jimmy Sparrowhawk, The Dakotas, .279/.331/.455, 22HRs, 111OPS+
SS 22, Nikolaus Wallauer, Susquehanna, .332/.426/.441, 44SBs, 135OPS+, won Frey and Baxter awards
LF 23, Matt Henry, Cascadia, no stats, rookie season. #35 ranked prospect
CF 32, Javon Doolin, Florida, .229/.332/.300, 21SBs, 72OPS+
RF 29, Ben Black, Georgia, .318/.394/.465, 23SBs, 131OPS+, won Frey award
DH 28, Russ Pettaway, Georgia, .280/.369/.415, 112OPS+
1 30, Mike Kulbeth, Louisiana, 22-9, 2.46ERA, 364Ks, 172ERA+, won Taylor award
2 27, Justin Cryer, New England, 3.86ERA in 16.1 innings with Galveston
3 29, Lee Kowalchuk, Maritimes, 8-13, 5.24ERA, 77ERA+ with Durango
4 26, Mark Ray, Rocky Mountains, 9-7, 4.26ERA, 99ERA+
5 30, Jacob Wood, New England, 8-5, 5.11 ERA, 83ERA+
CL 29, Kyle Magnani, Georgia, 2.13ERA in 25.1 innings
Other notable bullpen arms: none
The insane lineup comes back, this time with top prospect Matt Henry. Not to mention Carlos Dominguez, Sean Khalfani, and Kevin Robinon on the bench, all of whom could be all-stars on other teams. Truly live by the offense, die by the offense. Without closer Marshall Elkan, it leaves just Magnani in the pen which will really hamper their ability to close games out late. It would be in their best interest to trade off one of the players I mentioned for some bullpen arms, but nobody ever trades in this save (I have tweaked some stuff but still doesn’t seem to have changed much). Still one of the best teams in the league.
last season 71-91, 5th in Pacific, as the Baton Rouge Cajuns4th ranked farm system (LHP Igone Sánchez #3, 3B Gregor Hester #31, RHP Alfonso Valdez #36, RHP Joe Long #43, RHP Mike Belcher #46)
Payroll $2,420,745 - 3rd
Lineup and Pitching
C 34, Eric Titus, Great Lakes, .323/.439/.487, 162OPS+, won Frey award with Cheyenne
1B 26, Bobby Schwartz, The Dakotas, .318/362/.406, 24SBs, 117OPS+
2B 28, Malachi Perry, Great Lakes/The Dakotas, .249/.322/.312, 72OPS+ with Rome
3B 29, Jayden Royal, Florida, .314/.386/.408, 115OPS+, won Deshayes award with Florida
SS 24, Mennac Shamakani, Georgia, .275/.347/.375, 104OPS+
LF 30, Ernest Mott, Quebec, .307/.402/.486, 47SBs, 140OPS+, with Halifax
CF 24, Adam Jackson, California, .233/.310/.321, 79OPS+ with Dakota
RF 30, Milt Scovell, Great Lakes, .214/.296/.273, 62OPS+
DH 24, Avery White, Great Lakes, only played 14 games with Cheyenne
1 29, Nick Grueneich, Virginia, 16-16, 3.33ERA, 126ERA+ with Chesapeake
2 26, Ruben Cabrales, Mexico, 17-11, 3.50ERA, 115ERA+
3 27, Frank Hernández, Puerto Rico, played in Caribbean League
4 24, Mike Carbone, Louisiana, 12-18, 5.05ERA, 80ERA+
5 26, Daniel Ojeda, Mexico, 10-10, 4.20ERA, 96ERA+
CL 27, Adam Gibson, Virginia, 27 Saves, 2.15ERA, 188ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Jim Eustace, Benjamin Platt, Jan Lillegård, and prospects Sergio Montes and Dennis Echevarria
The Spiders enter their inaugural season with a ton of top free agent acquisitions. Mainly former Baxter winner, Eric Titus. While having a top farm system and several prospects who are already in the majors. So much so that former top prospect Oliver Yonker, who was arguably their best pitcher last season, has to start in the minors. The same can be said of SS Alfredo Labrega, LF Juan Castillo, and RP Lorenzo Branch who all had above-average seasons. OOTP has them as the favorites to win the Pacific and I honestly agree.
Jerseys: White home with black sleeve and pant piping. Red player numbers with a black outline and black nameplates. Roads are the same but in gray. Both feature a black hat with a red brim. Alternates are a complete blackout, including black pants. They feature white piping that almost mimics spider webs. The hats are all black and feature a sublimated spider web emanating from the button. For the wordmark on the alternate it spells out the name of the city in the Sioux writing system.
last season 87-75, 3rd in Atlantic. Lost in Wild Card Series5th ranked farm system (C Hairama Nalanie #7, 1B Conceição Arruda #9, RHP Ryan Mayhew #33, and RHP Jesus Gomez #44)
Payroll $2,511,734 - 2nd
Lineup and Pitching
2112 OOTP Pre-Season PredictionsC 32, Josh Lemon, Great Lakes, .259/.320/.359, 85OPS+
1B 28, Pierce Mooney, Susquehanna, .237/.343/.375, 96OPS+
2B 26, Enrique Deramos, Puerto Rico, .347/.390/.477, 135OPS+
3B 32, Christian Dubois, Quebec, .330/.406/.431, 128OPS+
SS 29, Jimmy Nickolaus, Virginia, .247/.324/.334, 80OPS+
LF 35, Hervé Barthélémy, Quebec, .291/.408/.574, 33HRs, 165OPS+, won Frey award
CF 28, Luis de Anda, Guatemala, .258/.338/.373, 94OPS+
RF 29, Gary Hamilton, Quebec, .217/.298/.339, 73OPS+ (2-way player)
DH 32, Joe Delli Santi, Virginia, .262/.359/.493, 35HRs, 130OPS+
1 27, Tony Padia, Dominican Republic, 14-11, 3.31ERA, 127ERA+
2 25, Philippe Lemaître, Quebec, 15-10, 3.86ERA, 109ERA+
3 31, Tim Jackson, Great Lakes, 16-9, 3.75ERA, 112ERA+
4 29, Gary Hamilton, Quebec, 10-12, 4.83ERA, 87ERA+ (2-way player)
5 32, Jorge Franco, Panama, 6-11, 4.55ERA, 92ERA+
CL 26, Cameron Broome, California, 39 Saves, 2.52ERA, 166ERA+, won Gervais award
Other notable bullpen arms: Kyle McMurphy, Brian Gray, Warren Bourdon, and Nicolas Bernard
The Harfang finished with their worst record since 2101 and got swept in the wild card series. It was labeled as a massive disaster by the Quebec media and with them being at the salary cap they weren’t able to do anything in the off-season except to watch 2B Tom Phelan walk. I expect them to still be above .500, but they might actually struggle for the first time in over a decade. A huge bright spot however, is that both top prospects Nalanie and Arruda are expected to make their debuts during the season. Both are right handed hitters which compliments the historically left-hand oriented Harfang lineup.
Pacific:
Sioux City Spiders 98-64
Eureka Redwoods 92-70
Alaska Avalanche 78-84
Cheyenne Buffalo 77-85
Durango Escorpiones 76-86
Dakota Eagles 73-89
Astoria Osprey 70-92
Galveston Launch 70-92
Atlantic:
Rome Gladiators 98-64
Florida Flamingos 88-74
Plymouth Pilgrims 87-75
Chesapeake Admirals 86-76
Trois-Rivières Harfang 84-78
Huron Gryphons 79-83
Germantown Pretzels 78-84
Halifax Voyageurs 67-95
It was also announced that the NABF would officially be looking into expansion candidates. They gave no official time-line, but many speculate that the expansion will happen in 2-4 seasons. The primary decision was based upon the outcry of the Cajuns leaving Louisiana as multiple players included Mike Kulbeth and Mike Carbone stated disgruntlement in the league for allowing them to leave the nation. However the league did not specify that they would automatically give Louisiana back a team, instead mentioning that every city would be vetted and voted on by a group of specialized voters. Thus an expansion committee will be formed and voting will likely begin prior to the start of 2113.
Runs the highly unsuccessful PSC project featuring the Premier Soccer League and National Baseball Federation
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Posted by BDoof 6/11/2024 6:20 pm | #63 |
2112 Season
April:
May:Sioux City would welcome their inaugural season with a complete game, 10 strikeout, shut-out by newly acquired ace Nick Grueneich against Dakota. They’d end up sweeping the series with Ruben Cabrales and Frank Hernández pitching absolute gems of their own. They’d go on to win 7 straight games to open their inaugural season. Alaska would start the season strong and then decide to push this momentum by signing a few of the unsigned free agents left. Mainly starter Matt Kenney but also top relievers Ben Keddy and Roberto Cruz. They’d then go on a 9-game winning streak being second to only Sioux City in the Pacific. Just 2 weeks into the season, and Astoria announced that they have fired both their GM and manager after a 4-9 start. The change wouldn’t seem to matter as their losing streak continued until it reached 12 games. Trois’ Christian Dubois would get a 30-game hitting streak (continuing from the previous season) which becomes the longest streak in NABF history. After struggling the first 2 weeks, Huron would go on an impressive 10-game winning streak and be apart of an insanely close 3-team race in the Atlantic. With Trois, Florida, and Huron all separated by .5 games.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Melvin Navarrete, .409avg, 16RBIs, 27Runs, 19SBs (GAL)
AC: Matthew Wagoner, .333avg, 6HRs, 18RBIs (HUR)
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Nick Grueneich, 4-1, 2.19ERA, 34Ks (SC)
AC: Cameron Broome, 7 Saves, 0 runs allowed, 16Ks in 12 innings (TR)
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Frank Hernández, 4-1, 1.79ERA, 31Ks (SC)
AC: Josh Pickup, .366avg, 4HRs, 14RBIs (HFX)
June:Eureka would begin the month with an 8-game winning streak to take over first place in the Pacific; they also sweeped Sioux City in that span. Galveston, despite leading the NABF in runs scored, would be 2nd to last in the league. Mostly due to the complete collapse of their entire pitching staff. Jalen Wilson is the only starter with an ERA below 4.80. Even relievers Alain Thomas and Jim Bonnar have struggled thus far. Florida, Trois, and Plymouth would all go on impressive winning streaks to make an interesting early look at the playoff chase as Huron still tops the table with Rome only a few games behind. Cheyenne, who has been struggling to stay .500 all season, would end the month on a horrible 7 game skid, putting them behind Astoria in the standings. Mostly due to combined injuries and rough skids with their healthy starters.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Jake Herold, .400avg, 8HRs, 22RBIs (EUR)
AC: Adam Beyer, .392avg, 8HRs, 22RBIs (FLA)
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Greg Dryer, 5-0, 3.09ERA, 42Ks (DUR)
AC: Keith Badey, 4-2, 1.64ERA, 30Ks (HUR)
Rookies of the Month:
PC: John Hanshaw, .366avg, 12Runs (AK)
AC: Josh Pickup, .320avg, 19RBIs (HFX) x2
July:June is the month of injuries as several high-profile pitchers would come down with the injury bug. Huron’s Bill Clark, Chesapeake’s Matt Frizzell, Cheyenne’s Mike Hilger, Plymouth’s Tim Troke, as well as the home run king, Kyle Thompson would also go down with an injury. Only other major news of the month was George Powers, Joe Delli Santi, and Fernando Criado all reaching 300 career home runs while Gary Urbanczyk became the fourth player to reach the 400 home run club.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Ernest Mott, .393avg, 4HRs, 19RBIs (SC)
AC: George Powers, .337avg, 6HRs, 26RBIs (GER)
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Nick Grueneich, 5-1, 2.16ERA, 42Ks (SC) x2
AC: Marty Díaz, 4-1, 2.08ERA, 27Ks (HUR)
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Bart Gallagher, .287avg, 12RBIs (EUR)
AC: Jose Rueda, .320avg, 13RBIs (GER)
August:June would see the much anticipated debuts of several top prospects. For Trois they’d see #7 C Hairama Nalanie and #4 1B Conceição Arruda. For Cheyenne #3 LF Juan Balladares. Finally, for Astoria #2 RHP Larry McCoy. After a strong recovery by Astoria, all 3 of these teams are in the playoff hunt. Will these youngsters prove the hype and propel their teams to the playoffs? That will be seen soon. Galveston would have an outstanding July. Going from 6th in the Pacific all the way to sole possession of the 2nd wild card spot and pulling ahead of the competition by 5 games by the end of the month.
Standings as of the All-Star Game
Pacific:
Eureka Redwoods 58-30
Sioux City Spiders 57-32
Cheyenne Buffalo 44-46
Alaska Avalanche 43-47
Astoria Osprey 42-47
Galveston Launch 41-48
Durango Escorpiones 34-54
Dakota Eagles 34-55
Atlantic:
Florida Flamingos 57-32
Huron Gryphons 53-36
Trois-Rivières Harfang 47-41
Rome Gladiators 45-45
Chesapeake Admirals 43-47
Plymouth Pilgrims 39-50
Germantown Pretzels 39-51
Halifax Voyageurs 36-53
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Ernest Mott, .363avg, 3HRs, 25RBIs (SC) x2
AC: Matthew Wagoner, .341avg, 9HRs, 27RBIs (HUR) x2
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Frank Hernández, 4-1, 2.44ERA, 33Ks (SC)
AC: Mike Kulbeth, 4-1, 1.64ERA, 47Ks (ROM)
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Frank Hernández, 4-1, 2.44ERA, 33Ks (SC) x2
AC: Jose Rueda, .351avg, 18RBIs (GER) x2
September:Entering August one of the stories was the “tank battle” between Durango and Halifax. The Escorpiones would seemingly have it locked down until Halifax went on to lose 14 consecutive games which were highlighted by a scuffle on their own benches between Rodolfo Valentín and Ernest Weingarten. During this skid, Galveston would go on a 14-game winning streak seemingly sealing themselves a wild card spot. Galveston’s Mike McClary also became the 2nd player to reach 2,000 career hits. Both Germantown and Chesapeake would go on their own sets of winning streaks to tie Rome and Trois for the final wild card spot.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Jesse Haskins, .446avg, 25RBIs, 25Runs (EUR)
AC: Jimmy Sparrowhawk, .417avg, 9HRs, 34RBIs (ROM)
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Nick Lambert, 6-0, 1.63ERA, 46Ks (GAL)
AC: Mike Kulbeth, 6-0, 1.03ERA, 58Ks (ROM) x2
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Bart Gallagher, .309avg, 4HRs, 18RBIs (EUR) x2
AC: Jose Rueda, .327avg, 14RBIs (GER) x3
2112 Regular Season StandingsWith 1 month to go the Pacific playoff race was essentially wrapped up as Eureka, Sioux City, and Galveston sat well above the rest. While in the Atlantic Florida and Huron had a 7+ game cushion over the final spot. Said final spot is a close race between 4 teams. Germantown who has had a consistent and well-balanced offense, but lacks a solid pitcher. Trois-Rivières who are historically dominant with stars and rookies aplenty. Rome with a monstrous offense, with at least 3 players who could win the Baxter plus ace Mike Kulbeth. Outside of him there’s not a lot on the pitching front which is why they have “struggled” this season. Finally there’s Chesapeake. Pitchers Thomas Legros and Teruo Onoda have had break-out seasons while the offense is good but lacks depth and that “glue” to consistently score. Rome would appear to be the first ones out as ace Kulbeth, CL Magnani, and SS Wallauer both came down with season ending injuries. Chesapeake would get close but could not keep up and would get eliminated with a week left. Huron, who was seemingly free from contention now sees themselves with a chance to miss the playoffs after a small skid put them right in the thick of things with Germantown and Trois. With 1 series left Germantown goes to Quebec with a 2 games lead against the Harfang. At the same time the Gryphons face the Admirals. Huron sees themselves in the middle of the Pretzels and Harfang. Germantown would win the first game, locking themselves into the playoffs. Another loss or a Huron win would have the Harfang miss the playoffs for the first time ever. Unfortunately, both of those things would happen as Trois-Rivières would not be playing in October.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Carlos Ramírez, .278avg, 10HRs, 32RBIs (AK)
AC: George Powers, .322avg, 8HRs, 31RBIs (GER)
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Paolo Barreau, 5-0, 1.46ERA, 31Ks (GAL)
AC: Rafael Santa Cruz, 4-1, 2.05ERA, 10Ks (FLA)
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Frank Hernández, 5-1, 3.08ERA, 30Ks (SC) x3
AC: Jose Rueda, .318avg, 12XBHs, 17RBIs (GER) x4
2112 Season Stat Leaders
Batting Average:
PC: GAL Katsumi Canio .368, GAL Thierry Charles .361, SC Eric Titus .335
AC: FLA Adam Beyer .352, TR Christian Dubois .343, ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk .334
Home Runs:
PC: GAL Chris Caron 32, EUR Jake Herold 32, AK Carlos Ramírez 30
AC: TR Joe Delli Santi 40, TR Hervé Barthélémy 37, HUR Matthew Wagoner 35
RBIs
PC: AK Carlos Ramírez 115, EUR Jake Herold 109, EUR Amador Navo 105
AC: ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk 134, GER George Powers 129, TR Hervé Barthélémy 122
On-Base + Slugging%
PC: SC Eric Titus .970, EUR Jake Herold .968, SC Ernest Mott .941
AC: FLA Adam Beyer .964, GER George Powers .955, ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk .943
Stolen Bases:
PC: GAL Thierry Charles 65, GAL Melvin Navarrete 63, GAL Katsumi Canio 58
AC: GER Ivan Nájera 61, CHS Sosa Jouon 51, HFX Lou van der Vegt 49
Batter WAR
PC: SC Eric Titus 7.8, GAL Katsumi Canio 7.6, SC Ernest Mott 7.2
AC: ROM Nikolaus Wallauer 8.5, ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk 7.9, TR Christian Dubois 6.5
Pitcher Wins
PC: SC Nick Grueneich 21, SC Mike Carbone 20, EUR Dustin Cloud 20
AC: ROM Mike Kulbeth 21, FLA Dan Miles 19, HUR Marty Díaz 18
ERA
PC: SC Nick Grueneich 2.87, GAL Nick Lambert 3.20, SC Frank Hernández 3.24
AC: ROM Mike Kulbeth 2.47, FLA Dan Miles 2.71, TR Philippe Lemaître 2.72
Strikeouts
PC: GAL Nick Lambert 237, SC Nick Grueneich 229, AST Gerold van Kooten 220
AC: ROM Mike Kulbeth 258, GER Julio Then 238, FLA Sean Meagher 202
Saves
PC: EUR Dale Patterson 35, AK John Sweet 35, GAL Alain Thomas 33
AC: HUR Leonardo Sánchez 38, TR Cameron Broome 36, FLA Manny Julia 36
Pitcher WAR
PC: GAL Nick Lambert 7.5, SC Nick Grueneich 7.2, SC Ruben Cabrales 5.4
AC: ROM Mike Kulbeth 9.9, FLA Dan Miles 7.4, HUR Keith Badey 6.1
(yes, Kulbeth won the triple crown despite missing an entire month+)
Runs the highly unsuccessful PSC project featuring the Premier Soccer League and National Baseball Federation
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Posted by BDoof 6/14/2024 11:39 am | #64 |
2112 Playoffs
Pacific Wild-Card Series
Atlantic Wild Card Series
Galveston enters while riding hot after being absolutely awful prior to the All-Star break. Being 2nd in the NABF in runs scored thanks to insane seasons from CF Katsumi Canio, RF Melvin Navarrete, 2B Thierry Chalres, and DH Chris Caron. Plus solid seasons from SS Mike McClary, LF Matt Gilroy, 3B Josh Peppers, and breakout star 1B Humphrey Grant. One of the biggest things about the Launch is their ridiculous speed. Leading the league with 273 stolen bases (50 more than 2nd place Eureka). With Canio, Charles, and Navarrete all having over 58. Earlier in the year they were struggling on the pitching side of things, but great second halves from Nick Lambert and Paolo Barreau helped them cruise to a 5th straight playoff berth. They’d be facing a team making their first playoff appearance which happens to be their first year in Sioux City. The Spiders have been absolutely dominant this year. At one point they were 19-1. They’ve also destroyed the Launch, winning the season series 14-5. Much of their success comes from the massive stars they acquired in the off-season like 3B Jayden Royal, C Eric Titus, OF Ernest Mott, SPs Nick Grueneich and Frank Hernández. But a lot of it also comes from talent that was planted in Baton Rouge and sprouted in Sioux City such as SS Mennac Shamakani, DH Juan Castillo, SPs Ruben Cabrales and Mike Carbone, and a ton of bullpen arms and young talent such as Adam Gibson, Jan Lillegård, Dennis Echevarria, Sergio Montes, Jim Eustace, and Oliver Yonker. The main struggle will be if their young and inexperienced arms can withstand the onslaught of power and talent on Galveston’s offense.
Game 1: GAL Paolo Barreau (13-9, 3.46) vs SC Frank Hernández (19-10, 3.24)
Galveston’s 1B Humphrey Grant would open the game with a 3-run home run followed by a 2-run shot from RF Navarrete not long after. Which thrusted the game open and Sioux City could not get close to a comeback.
GAL 8 - 3 SC
Game 2: GAL Jalen Wilson (12-14, 5.04) vs SC Mike Carbone (20-10, 3.27)
This time the Spiders would get on the board first with a 3-run home run by RF Mott. The Spiders would ride this momentum to basically a reverse of game 1.
GAL 3 - 7 SC
Game 3: SC Nick Grueneich (21-10, 2.87) vs GAL Nick Lambert (19-8, 3.20)
A battle of aces. Both pitchers would go the full game in an amazing duel. However, in the first, Galveston 1B Humphrey Grant would hit a 3-run home run which would be the only baserunners allowed by Grueneich for the rest of the game. Lambert would take this lead and only surrender 4 hits in a career game.
SC 0 - 3 GAL
Game 4: SC Ruben Cabrales (15-13, 3.36) vs GAL Jim Bonnar (9-4, 2.67)
Bonnar, who was a 9th round pick in 2105, would get the bump despite normally being a reliever. He’d get wrecked hard. First giving up a 2-run home run to 1B Huseinovic then a 3-run home run to C Titus. Even after swapping pitchers the Spiders offense would continue to pound while Cabrales would get a complete game.
SC 11 - 2 GAL
Game 5: GAL Paolo Barreau (13-9, 3.46) vs SC Frank Hernández (19-10, 3.24)
The onslaught from game 4 would continue as the Spiders would score 3 runs in each of the first 3 innings. Highlighted by C Titus would score 6 RBIs off of 5 hits (a Pacific Conference playoff record) while 3B Royal and SS Shamakani would both set and tie each other with 4 runs. Galveston would end up being so exhausted of relief pitchers that they’d have to send Lambert out to get the last out in the 8th on just 2 days rest. The Spiders advance in dominating fashion.
GAL 2 - 13 SC. Spiders win the series 3-2. SS Shamakani wins series MVP.
Pacific Series
Huron makes their first postseason since 2109 and Germantown makes it back for the first time since playoff expansion in 2108. Historically both teams would trade getting beat up by Trois for over a decade. This time they get to laugh as they were able to knock out the Harfang for the first time. In the season series, Huron dominated, winning 14-5 in their matchups. The Gryphons made it this far with a great top-heavy offense and rotation. Led by outfielders Matthew Wagoner, Corey Cozad, and Jeremy Richey as well as stellar performances from hometown 1B Danny Thomas and future Hall of Famer 2B Fernando Criado. Pitching was up and down as Bill Clark went down with an injury mid-way through the season. But Keith Badey, Hao Huan, Marty Díaz, and the emergence of prospect Mike Cervantes has propelled them to be one of the top rotations in the NABF. Both teams lack a solid bullpen as only 1 player between them has an ERA below 3 (Germantown middle-reliever Jason Walker). Germantown is led by rookie 1B/IF Jose Rueda and DH George Powers. With a decent core around them made up by 3B Craig Lamm, C Han-seung Park, and OFs Ivan Nájera, Jeremy Cooper, and Phil Propst. Pitching has been a battle as young arms Heath Victory, Julio Then, and Adelbert Miller took turns showing flashes of brilliance but none could get consistent enough to be considered an ace. Which for the Pretzels is usually fine as they almost always have the best bullpen in the league, but as mentioned above they’ve gone cold all season.
Game 1: GER Heath Victory (17-10, 4.03) vs HUR Keith Badey (14-13, 3.17)
LF Cooper, 1B Rueda, and 3B Lamm each took turns hitting home runs with Rueda ending the day with 5RBIs in an absolute dominating performance by the Pretzels.
GER 17 - 3 HUR
Game 2: GER Julio Then (18-12, 4.45) vs HUR Marty Díaz (18-8, 4.05)
The blowout would be followed by a pitching duel from the young guns. A solo shot from 2B Criado being the difference going into the 9th. Huron would call upon closer Leonardo Sánchez to close the game out. He’d walk DH Powers. Get LF Cooper to fly out. Walk RF Propst. Struct out 2B Tellman to get to 2 outs with C Park up to bat. He’d launch a 106MPH ground ball right to SS de Leon who showed his glove with a diving catch and toss to second to get the final out to tie the series.
GER 1 - 2 HUR
Game 3: HUR Hao Huan (16-12, 4.02) vs GER Steven Dorsey (14-16, 5.04)
Both teams would score 2 in the first followed by each team scoring 5 in a single inning later. (highlighted by a 1B Walker 3-run home run and a 3RBI triple by CF Nájera). The score would be tied heading into the 9th. Germantown would put in Kevin Taylor who’d immediately give up a double to Wagoner. Then pinch hitter Ikeda would fly out before fellow pinch hitter Larcher would hit a double with Wagoner scoring to take the lead. DH Fisher would be intentionally walked to get the double play, which followed the next batter. Huron would bring back CL Sánchez to finish the game. He’d strike out DH Powers before hitting LF Cooper with a pitch. RF Propst would hit into a fielder’s choice and he’d get 2B Tellman to end the game on a flyout to end this high-scoring affair.
HUR 10 - 9 GER
Game 4: HUR Mike Cervantes (3-4, 2.44) vs GER Adelbert Miller (13-6, 4.25)
The Gryphons took a blow during the last game as it was revealed that star 2B Fernando Criado received a strained oblique and will be out for the rest of the playoffs. Both teams would be on the board early highlighted by an RBI double from 1B Rueda and 2 home runs by LF Wagoner. Germantown would be up by 2 entering the 8th, they’d rely on Kevin Taylor to keep it close. He’d give up back-to-back singles from 3B Brawner and RF Richey before walking LF Wagoner to avoid another home run. It wouldn’t matter as he’d 4 more hits as the Gryphons batted around and took a 2-run lead of their own. Sánchez would be called upon to close out the game and the series. He’d strike out pinch hitter Kelly before getting SS Abbott and 3B Lamm to ground out to give Huron their first playoff series win.
HUR 8 - 6 GER. The Gryphons win the series 3-1. Series MVP would go to 1B Rueda despite the Pretzels losing the series.
Atlantic Series
Eureka enters with the highest rated offense in the league. Led by outstanding performances from LF Jesse Haskins, DH Orlando Lazzarini, 1B Amador Navo, rookie CF Bart Gallagher, and Baxter candidate RF Jake Herold. Their rotation is solid, but not great, with one of the best bullpens in the league. They’re the favorites to win it all this year. They won the season series 11-7 against Sioux City.
Game 1: SC Nick Grueneich (21-10, 2.87) vs EUR Trent Pullin (15-9, 3.70)
Eureka would score first but Sioux City would take the lead. They’d leave Grueneich out for the latter innings in which he gave up 4 runs (2 being from a RF Herold home run). The decision to leave him out likely cost them the game as the Spiders could not score.
SC 2 - 5 EUR
Game 2: SC Ruben Cabrales (15-13, 3.36) vs EUR Dustin Cloud (20-8, 4.14)
This time Sioux City would get an early lead and keep it thanks to 4 home runs (C Titus, LF Blosser, SS Shamakani, and 1B Huseinovic). They’d also substitute Cabrales before he collapsed like Grueneich did. Eureka would get 2 in the 8th but it would not be enough as Sioux City ties the series.
SC 6 - 3 EUR
Game 3: Tillmam Tamayo (14-12, 3.82) vs SC Frank Hernández (19-10, 3.24)
A high scoring affair as Eureka scored 5 in the second before Sioux City got 4 in the 3rd. They’d each tack on some more but the Redwoods stayed ahead and would win the shootout.
EUR 10 - 6 SC
Game 4: EUR Ben Ford (17-12, 4.12) vs SC Mike Carbone (20-10, 3.27)
Carbone would keep it close, leaving the game with the Spiders up 3-2 in the 8th. They’d bring out Jan Lillegård for a 6 out save. SS McClean would reach on an error. Then DH Lazzarini would attempt a sac bunt which would turn into a base-hit while advancing the runner to third. Lillegård would bounce back with 2 quick outs. But then would hit RF Herold with a pitch to load the bases for C Méndez. The catcher would hit a single to score 2 before CF Gallagher and 3B García each took turns in what ended up being a huge choke.
EUR 6 - 3 SC
Game 5: EUR Trent Pullin (15-9, 3.70) vs SC Nick Grueneich (21-10, 2.87)
The game would be close, 2-1 in favor of Eureka heading into the 8th. Pullin would start the inning before being pulled for Pat Dow who’d go on to give up 4 runs to the Spiders. Sioux City would then have Adam Gibson come out for the 9th who’d shut out the Redwoods to keep the Spiders alive.
EUR 2 - 5 SC
Game 6: SC Ruben Cabrales (15-13, 3.36) vs EUR Dustin Cloud (20-8, 4.14)
It was announced before the game that Eureka 2B Jamie Tipton would be suspended 3 games after going ballistic on the home plate umpire in game 5. Though that may end up helping them as it opens up a spot for 2B Cor John. Also a reminder that Eureka starter, Dustin Cloud, is the nephew of Sioux City’s owner, James Cloud. Though I don’t think that's the reason why Sioux City was able to win to force a game 7. It was a fairly low scoring match with just a lot of singles.
SC 4 - 2 EUR
Game 7: SC Frank Hernández (19-10, 3.24) vs EUR Tillmam Tamayo (14-12, 3.82)
As previously mentioned, 2B Cor John is considered an upgrade and he’d show it with an RBI double and a stolen base in the finale. LF Haskins would showcase his skills with 3 hits and a home run in the match. All while the Brazilian, Tamayo would pitch a complete game shutout allowing only 6 hits as the Redwoods advance to their 4th Championship Series.
SC 0 - 4 EUR. The Redwoods win the series 4-3. LF Jesse Haskins wins series MVP.
2112 NABF Championship Series
Florida straight up dominated Huron in the season series, with a record of 15-4. Led by a trio of aces: Rafael Santa Cruz, Cyrille Vincent, and Dan Miles. Along with a talented bullpen. Offensively they look great, 1B Tyler Hammerich, DH Carlos Hernández, RF Adam Beyer, CF Dale Toman, and LF/SP David Castillo. They will have to compete without catcher Greg Lloyd as he’s down with a fractured hand. No matter who wins this series it will be their first appearance in the Championship Series.
Game 1: HUR Keith Badey (14-13, 3.17) vs FLA Dan Miles (19-7, 2.71)
Huron’s CF Cozad would hit a lead-off home run to open the series. In the 2nd, LF Castillo and RF Beyer would each hit an RBI double before Beyer hit a home run in the 4th. Both teams would tack on a couple more but the Flamingos would end up on top.
HUR 3 - 6 FLA
Game 2: HUR Hao Huan (16-12, 4.02) vs FLA Cyrille Vincent (17-15, 3.26)
Game 2 would be a high scoring affair as Florida would score 6 in the first 3 innings while Huron would score 4 in the 6th to tie the game up. In the bottom of the 8th, Huron would have Kieron Dale on the mound. Who would promptly give up a 3-run home run from 1B Hammerich. Huron would get a chance in the 9th, have 2 runners on but Florida closer Manny Julia would strike out DH Fisher and C Walker to end the game.
HUR 6 - 9 FLA
Game 3: FLA Rafael Santa Cruz (13-5, 2.89) vs HUR Marty Díaz (18-8, 4.05)
Huron would score 3 in the fourth, but couldn’t get anything else going against Santa Cruz. Luckily, Díaz won the pitching duel and only allowed 1 run.
FLA 1 - 3 HUR
Game 4: FLA David Castillo (14-7, 4.59) vs Mike Cervantes (3-4, 2.44)
The lefties would deal on the mound, limiting base-runners and opportunities. The deciding factor would be an RBI single from 1B Thomas in the 6th as Huron ties the series.
FLA 1 - 2 HUR
Game 5: LHP Dan Miles (19-7, 2.71) vs HUR Keith Badey (14-13, 3.17)
LF Wagoner would hit a 2-RBI single in the first. Dan Miles would limit things from then on before coming down with an injury while trying to field a ball. The Flamingos would use a mix of relievers to cover the final 5 innings. Who combined to only allow 3 hits. Florida would bounce back to tie it, then take the lead by 1. And then they’d make sure of it with a home run from CF Toman in the 9th to seal it.
FLA 5 - 2 HUR
Game 6: HUR Hao Huan (16-12, 4.02) vs FLA Cyrille Vincent (17-15, 3.26)
Huan would pitch the game of his life, only allowing 1-run in a complete game 5-hitter. Unfortunately, Vincent did even better. A complete game, shutout, 1-hitter to advance the Flamingos to their first ever Championship Series.
HUR 0 - 1 FLA. The Flamingos win the series 4-2. 1B Tyler Hammerich wins series MVP.
Eureka is undefeated in each of their 3 previous appearances in the Championship while Florida is making their first such appearance. Both are #1 seed of their conferences and split the season series 2-2. However, Florida would be dealing with some injuries, the aforementioned C Greg Lloyd but also starter Dan Miles is day-to-day and will miss at least the first 4 games if not more.
Game 1: FLA Rafael Santa Cruz (13-5, 2.89) vs EUR Trent Pullin (15-9, 3.70)
Trent Pullin would continue his dominance in the playoffs going the whole game while only giving up 1 run. Santa Cruz would do well but could not last as Eureka would score 3 in the 7th to claim game 1. However, Eureka CF Gallagher would be injured while diving for a catch, it’d be revealed that he broke his elbow and will be out for 7 months.
FLA 1 - 4 EUR
Game 2: FLA Sean Meagher (16-11, 4.91) vs EUR Ben Ford (17-12, 4.12)
Both pitchers would surprisingly keep the scoring low, both only allowing 2 runs through 8 innings. Closers would come out for the 9th. Eureka’s Patterson would give up a walk but not a run. Florida’s Julia would start the 9th with getting RF Herold to ground out. C Méndez would single before walking pinch hitter Ruggiero. CF Rivers would hit a single to the right-center gap, Méndez would not pinch ran for despite his low speed, but he would hustle like never before and barely manage to get home before the throw from CF Toman to walk it off!
FLA 1 - 2 EUR
Game 3: EUR Dustin Cloud (20-8, 4.14) vs FLA Cyrille Vincent (17-15, 3.26)
Another close duel brought to you by the starters. Vincent would give up 1 run in the 8th which would tie the game. Entering the 9th the same as the previous game with Patterson and Julia. This time Julia would get out easily. Patterson would start the 9th by hitting pinch hitter Jason Martin then walking pinch hitter Lonsbury. SS Cabrera would hit a sac bunt to move the runners over. LF Brown would hit a sac fly to the warning track and Martin would score easily to walk it off in the reverse of game 2.
EUR 1 - 2 FLA
Game 4: EUR Tillmam Tamayo (14-12, 3.82) vs FLA David Castillo (14-7, 4.59)
Florida’s home unbeaten streak would break as Eureka would tear into Castillo, scoring 6 runs in the first 2 innings. Florida could get very little going as Tamayo had another dominant performance.
EUR 8 - 1 FLA
Game 5: EUR Trent Pullin (15-9, 3.70) vs FLA Rafael Santa Cruz (13-5, 2.89)
Both would score early, but Florida would manage to keep it close. Entering the 8th, Eureka would be trailing 4-3. Santa Cruz would start the inning but would quickly get pulled for Felipe Vargas. Who’d give up a huge 3-run home run from LF Haskins along with several insurance runs as the Redwoods crushed the hopes of the Flamingos. Eureka continues their unbeaten Championship streak as they also tie Trois-Rivières for most Championships won.
EUR 10 - 4 FLA. The Redwoods win the series 4-1. LF Jesse Haskins wins series MVP.
Runs the highly unsuccessful PSC project featuring the Premier Soccer League and National Baseball Federation
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Posted by BDoof 6/14/2024 11:54 am | #65 |
2115 Expansion council vote
With Louisiana losing their NABF team an expansion call of interest was made earlier than originally planned. Surprisingly a ton of cities tossed their hats into the ring. So much so that Springfield is not even a favorite to receive a team. This will be a 4 team expansion, 2 in each conference. The vote is for 3 cities in each league as the votes will also be taken for consideration for the next expansion (planned for the mid 2120s).
Link for the vote https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckbbspWNe9gMwOw1VODca1lf7HhEAen-XUaRbzgyn-tLqkOw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Cities for the Pacific:
Oceanside, California.
Population: 3,000,000. The largest city without a team. Located in sunny, southern California it has gone from a small oceanic trade town to one of the largest and culturally important cities in the nation. There are current plans in place for a seaside stadium and multiple possible owner candidates.
Waco, Texas.
Population: 1,750,000. The capital of Texas and has one of the most successful football teams on the continent. They already have a decent stadium in place that can seat roughly 30,000 (only a little bit smaller than Eureka and Alaska). Along with plans to renovate what they call “The Ranch” to keep up with the standards of the NABF.
Springfield, Louisiana.
Population: 1,400,000. The largest city in Louisiana but the smallest of the expansion candidates. During westward expansion, Cahokia was seen as the “Gateway to the West” but Springfield became the city to take in trailblazers who couldn’t make it to the Pacific. Situated atop the Ozarks with some of the best city parks in the world. They already have a stadium being built and a potential owner lined up. The only issue is their population which would be the smallest outside of Halifax.
Albuquerque, Rocky Mountains.
Population: 2,300,000. They enter the competition with an outrageous stadium proposal with a fully solar-powered retractable roof with a massive “skylight”. Though proposal is all it is. As with the Rocky Mountains recent World Cup victory baseball has skyrocketed in popularity and this proposal mostly comes out of hopes and dreams. However, they have the population and history to prove it possible. Said stadium is also multi-purpose with their football and extremely popular soccer team. Which gives the proposal more to stand-on, however, all 3 teams have separate owners which complicates rights.
Tijuana, Mexico.
Population: 1,800,000. The 3rd largest city in Mexico, but possibly the most baseball crazed. 2112 #1 pick, Alberto Cuestas is also from Tijuana as are many other talented players. There is a stadium proposal but some land-right issues surround the current proposal which has slowed down construction. They do have several smaller stadiums to play in during construction if needed.
Wichita, The Dakotas.
Population: 1,700,000. Despite its relatively small size, it nearly won James Cloud’s choice for a city due to its rich culture and real estate availability. It currently has no other major professional team. They already started building a stadium in a similar design to Cloud’s proposed design. But with their size and there already being 2 teams in The Dakotas is their biggest challenge.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Population: 900,000. They lost the Baton Rouge Cajuns in 2112 after ownership failures and a partial stadium collapse that still hasn’t been fixed. Purely ran by local city electors and would be owned by the city rather than an owner. The stadium is still not fixed but they have plans to do so if they get selected for expansion.
Cities for the Atlantic:
Dover, Susquehanna.
Population: 2,400,000. Was once the capital of Susquehanna and has continued to be a large cultural hub, being considered one of the most modern cities of the nation. Their bid also comes from Fitz Kochenderfer, one of the richest men in the world but no formal stadium plan has been submitted.
Roanoke, Virginia.
Population: 2,100,00. Roanoke also encompasses the Outer Banks region of Virginia which is where the Wright Brothers first flew. With a massive land reclamation effort in the mid-2000s has turned the tourist town into a massive metropolis. Similar to Eureka, stadium plans are a bit difficult to come by, but they have the support of the city as there’s no other major professional teams in the metro.
Daytona, Florida.
Population: 1,800,000. Recently hosted Quarter-Final games in the World Cup and has been a prime destination for the proposed “Developmental Sun League” (similar to the Junior Leagues in hockey). Said league’s primary benefactor is also the leader of this bid and has already secured stadium rights but has had trouble finding land to build in the dense city.
Thunder Bay, Great Lakes.
Population: 1,800,000. Historically important to both the Great Lakes and to the former Rupert’s Land Empire. They already have a stadium being built and have a combined ownership effort from various businesses around Lake Superior in order to build a “local, blue-collar vibe” to the team. They also announced they’d go with the geographic identity of “Superior”.
Gatineau, Quebec.
Population: 1,300,000. Mostly funded by the ravenous Quebecois fans. There’s no former stadium plan but there is an amateur stadium that can hold them off while a new one is built. The main issue is Trois-Rivières is actually attempting to block any other Quebec expansions to hold onto their territory.
Charleston, Georgia.
Population: 2,000,000. Charleston is actually larger than Rome, but barely lost the previous bid to the capital. Charleston is historically important as its the city that allowed Edward Teach to eventually take over the nation and turn it into a pirate empire at one point. While now it’s been turned into one of the largest ports in the Atlantic and a large business sector. They have a stadium in the process of being built, however it’s multi-purpose and not in the good way. Baseball in Georgia is also not super popular, despite Rome’s success. As football, basketball, and handball all outrank it in youth competition.
Cairo, Great Lakes.
Population: 2,200,000. Built on the convergence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. It’s been both a huge trade city along both rivers as well as a major military city thanks to its strategic location, directly bordering Virginia and The Dakotas with Louisiana close by as well. It’s also the southernmost settlement in the Great Lakes and is built near the Cache River Complex which gives rise to its name. Similar to Roanoke there’s not a real stadium deal with the best options being to put the stadium across the river in Virginia which is not a move anyone wants to make.
Runs the highly unsuccessful PSC project featuring the Premier Soccer League and National Baseball Federation
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Posted by BDoof 6/22/2024 1:43 pm | #66 |
2112 Off-Season
Awards:
Rookie Draft: (only first round)Jean Frey Awards (silver slugger equivalent)
Pacific:
C SC Eric Titus, .335/.435/.535, 169wRC+, 9th
1B AK Carlos Ramírez, .270/.367/.489, 30HRs
2B GAL Thierry Charles, .361/.414/.462, 65SBs, 129wRC+
3B SC Jayden Royal, .306/.367/.450, 27SBs, 5th
SS EUR Tyler McClean, .302/.360/.377, 32SBs
LF EUR Jesse Haskins, .280/.394/.440, 129wRC+, 2nd
CF GAL Katsumi Canio, .368/.390/.490, 58SBs, 11th
RF EUR Jake Herold, .306/.403/.565, 32HRs, 5th
DH GAL Chris Caron, .269/.383/.505, 32HRs, 2nd
Atlantic:
C FLA Greg Lloyd, .275/.355/.420, 114wRC+
1B GER Jose Rueda, .328/.388/.469, 134wRC+
2B HUR Fernando Criado, .266/.371/.445, 23HRs, 6th
3B ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk, .334/.387/.556, 30HRs, 134RBIs
SS ROM Nikolaus Wallauer, .333/.471/.448, 45SBs, 130Runs, 2nd
LF HUR Matthew Wagoner, .296/.380/.562, 35HRs, 4th
CF HUR Corey Cozad, .296/.351/.404, 36SBs
RF FLA Adam Beyer, .352/.432/.531, 165wRC+, 3rd
DH GER George Powers, .295/.427/.528, 30HRs, 129RBIs, 5th
Laurent Gervais Award (reliever award)
Pacific: EUR Dale Patterson, 35 of 37 Saves, 1.59ERA, 1.06WHIP, 10.9K/9, 268ERA+, unanimous
Atlantic: FLA Manny Julia, 36 of 40 Saves, 1.25ERA, 1.07WHIP, 8.4K/9, 343ERA+, 15 first place votes
TR Cameron Broome, 36 of 46 Saves, 2.55ERA, 1.11WHIP, 8.1K/9, 167ERA+, 1 first place vote
Dimitri Deshayes Awards (gold glove equivalent)
Pacific
P AK Wayne Hamel
C EUR Ismael Méndez 4th
1B AST Bob Heath 5th
2B SC Malachi Perry
3B SC Jayden Royal 8th
SS CHY Dean Monahan 9th
LF GAL Matt Gilroy 4th
CF GAL Katsumi Canio 12th
RF DUR Rey Mora
Atlantic:
P ROM Mike Kulbeth 2nd
C GER Han-seung Park
1B HUR Danny Thomas 3rd
2B FLA Chris Howe
3B TR Christian Dubois
SS CHS Douggie Clark 8th
LF GER Jeremy Cooper 4th
CF ROM Javon Doolin 3rd
RF PLY Javier del Fierro 2nd
Raul Hernandez Award (platinum glove award)
Pacific: CHY SS Dean Monahan, 9th career award, all consecutive. This was his best overall season.
Atlantic: CHS SS Douggie Clarke, 2nd career award, only the 3rd to win multiple (OF Ivan Nájera is the other)
Pedro Castaneda Award (rookie award)
Pacific: AK John Hanshaw, .326/.396/.460, 4.5WAR, 11 first place votes
SC Frank Hernández, 19-10, 3.24ERA, 171Ks, 3.8WAR, 4 first place votes
EUR Bart Gallagher, .271/.325/.452, 24SBs, 2.2WAR, 1 first place vote
Atlantic: GER Jose Rueda, .328/.388/.469, 3.8WAR, unanimous award
Matt Taylor Award (pitcher award)
Pacific:
1 SC Nick Grueneich, 21-10, 2.87ERA, 229Ks, 1.11WHIP, 149ERA+, 7.2WAR, unanimous
2 GAL Nick Lambert, 19-8, 3.20ERA, 237Ks, 1.28WHIP, 133ERA+, 7.5WAR, end his 4 consecutive Taylor streak
3 SC Mike Carbone, 20-10, 3.27ERA, 178Ks, 1.22WHIP, 130ERA, 5.3WAR
Atlantic:
1 ROM Mike Kulbeth, 21-7, 2.47ERA, 258Ks, 0.91WHIP, 175ERA, 9.9WAR, triple crown, unanimous, 6th career award, 5th consecutive
2 FLA Dan Miles, 19-7, 2.71ERA, 168Ks, 1.24WHIP, 158ERA+, 7.4WAR
3 TR Philippe Lemaître, 2.72ERA, 192Ks, 1.22WHIP, 157ERA+, 5.8WAR
Willie Baxter Award (hitter award)
Pacific:
1 SC Eric Titus, .335/.435/.535, 17HRs, 165OPS+, 7.8WAR, 13 first place votes, 2nd Baxter of career
2 GAL CF Katsumi Canio, .368/.390/.490, 236Hits, 58SBs, 140OPS+, 7.6WAR, 3 first place votes
3 SC Ernest Mott, .311/.440/.501, 109Runs, 41SBs, 157OPS+, 7.2WAR
Atlantic:
1 ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk, .334/.387/.556, 30HRs, 213Hits, 134RBIs, 153OPS+, 7.9WAR, 14 first place votes
2 ROM Nikolaus Wallauer, .333/.471/.448, 45SBs, 150OPS+, 8.5WAR, 0 first place votes, missed last month due to injury
3 FLA Adam Beyer, .352/.432/.531, 16HRs, 46Doubles, 161OPS+, 6.0WAR, 2 first place votes
International Rookie Signings: (just top 7)1st Overall, Halifax Voyageurs select RHP Alberto Cuestas from Mexico. The highest touted pitcher since Mike Kulbeth. But has stated a disdain for playing for Halifax.
2nd Overall, Dakota Eagles select RHP Wade Boulden from The Dakotas. Could’ve gone #1 in any other draft.
3rd Overall, Durango Escorpiones select LHP Shane Bryant from Rocky Mountains. Tall, lanky lefty with a ridiculous curveball.
4th Overall, Plymouth Pilgrims select 2B/SS Hunter Suárez Jr. from Texas. Is from a famous baseball family in Texas, 5-tool potential.
5th Overall, Astoria Osprey select 3B Kyle Stimpson from Texas. Honestly wasn’t even my top 5 hitters, another bizarre selection for Astoria.
6th Overall, Cheyenne Buffalo select OF/1B Greg Meadows from the Arctic Circle. Has the most ‘pop’ in the draft.
7th Overall, Alaska Avalanche select Ron Acorn from The Dakotas. Not the highest ceiling but has a high floor and is NABF ready.
8th Overall, Rome Gladiators select OF Ben Jones from California. Home run or bust kind of guy, they probably should’ve picked a pitcher.
9th Overall, Chesapeake Admirals select LHP Leo Crabtree from Virginia. Has 2-way potential.
10th Overall, Trois-Rivières Harfang select 3B/RF Ian Carpenter from The Dakotas. Stocky, but has a power bat with a great arm.
11th Overall, Germantown Pretzels select SS/2B Chris Puglisi from Great Lakes. High upside bat with above-average defense.
12th Overall, Huron Gryphons select OF John Frost from Cascadia. Big lefty with good potential but can’t hit lefties.
13th Overall, Galveston Launch select OF Clay Pickering from Quebec. Amazing speed.
14th Overall, Sioux City Spiders select RHP Bryan Reed from Virginia. Not a lot stands out, very solid.
15th Overall, Florida Flamingos select OF Matt Whelton from Virginia. Not quite 5-toolsy, but close.
16th Overall, Eureka Redwoods select RHP Andrez Pérez from California. Has too many pitches to even count. It’s like he makes them up in the middle of games.
Roster Moves:1B Jacquot Scalia from Italy. Big right-handed power, but practically has 2 left feet on defense. Signs with Huron.
IF/OF Simon Marris from Australia. Can play pretty much any position and has a good switch-hitting bat. Signs with Trois-Rivières.
C Raul Juarez from Cuba. Good defensively with above-average bat. Signs with Durango.
C Joël Pisa from Italy. Has received comparisons to Eric Titus. Signs with Trois-Rivières.
CF Nelson Reyes from Venezuela. 5-tool potential. Signs with Astoria.
LHP Danny Acevedo from Venezuela. Classic 3-pitch mix. Signs with Durango.
RHP Ivan Hurtado from Puerto Rico. Has a really good curveball. Signs with Durango.
Another HUGE off-season full of stars, head-lined by SPs, Nick Lambert, Fritz Bresson, and RF Adam Beyer who all exercised their options to leave their current clubs early. Veterans 1B Kyle Thompson, 2B Ritter Ammann, and 2B/SS Ian Brinley also make a return to free agency. Young studs CF David Westfall, 2B D.W. Manning, CL John Sweet, RF Kyle Miller, and SP Dan Miles also reach free agency as marquee items.
Losses: SP Matt Kenney 4.1, RF Kyle Miller 2.1, C Czar Artemenko 1.9, SP Wayne Hamel 1.4, and CL John Sweet 1.2
Extends 2B Raul Rangel, 5 years with AAV of $112k. Rangel broke out in 2110 and has been one of the better second-basemen in the Pacific since despite not winning any awards yet.
Signs SP Fritz Bresson, 7 years with AAV of $203k. A slightly risky deal, as there’s no option years and he has struggled the past few seasons.
The Bresson signing was unexpected, but very much needed. Their rebuild is fully over, with basically every prospect in the majors and they still can’t seem to get much momentum. Bresson gives them an ace. Along with drafting Ron Acorn who will be in the starting rotation next season give them some hope for once.
Losses: CF David Westfall 2.8, SP Josh Detamore 1.1,, and IF Justin Driscoll 0.6
Re-signs CF David Westfall, 5 years with an AAV of $226k. Has been one of the premier contact/speed threats in the league but has not so great track record on defense.
Signs 2B D.W. Manning, 6 years with AAV of $226k. Astoria traded for Manning in 2106 during their Championship run but only kept him for 1 season. He looks to have a runback at the championship.
Owner Corey Zink dipped back into his wallet for Manning and was in the running to sign Lambert. However, I don’t think this is enough to fix Astoria.
Losses: 1B Jason Martin 1.7, 3B Dan Nichols 0.9
Extends RF Jake Rogers, 5 years with AAV of $122k. A Virginian native that has hit over .330 the past 2 seasons while having above-average defense. Will likely become the face of the franchise.
With Sioux City (formerly Baton Rouge) making the playoffs, it leaves Chesapeake as the only original NABF team to never reach the playoffs. Their strong pitching core has been devastated after losing Grueneich to free agency last year and the shocking retirement of Matt Frizzell this off-season. He received his second torn rotator cuff in 2 years (which was his 5th major arm injury in his short career). While Legros and Onoda both took big steps last year, They won’t be able to pull the team to the playoffs if their offense can’t score.
Losses: 1B Valentin Pernot 1.1
Extends SP Tim Cote, 5 years with AAV of $132k. Like most Buffalo pitchers, when he’s healthy he’s really good.
After a miserable season they don’t really do anything. They did finish the season strong thanks to rookie LF Juan Balladares. Injuries plagued the pitching staff like usual while their bullpen collapsed. Hopefully a few depth changes is enough for them to get back to their usual dominance.
Losses: SP Fritz Bresson 3.6, 1B Trevor Reardon 2.7, 2B D.W. Manning
Signs 2B/SS Ian Brinley for 1 year, worth $174k. The 42-year comes back to Dakota in what should be his final season.
Prospects Martin, Fa, and Carr all impressed in their first full seasons. They look to continue building on that success by signing a lot of minor league deals for underrated depth pieces. Such as C Czar Artemenko, 1B Sueki Kaneshige, OF Oscar Solís, and 2B Malachi Perry. Paired with 2nd overall pick, Wade Boulden who will be responsible for pulling the rotation in his first season makes the future appear brighter for the Eagles.
Losses: 2B Ian Brinley
Despite no real moves, they showcased a desire to spend by being finalists to sign Manning, Lambert, and Miles. But were unable to get them. They have the tools for success with C Kurtz, 1B Davis, and RF Mora all posting good seasons while waiver claim DH Rivas broke out being arguably their best hitter. Pitching wise they still have former top prospects Kallner and Dryer, though the former is looking worse and worse by the minute.
Losses: RP Harold Sykes 0.6
Extends 1B Amador Navo, 5 years with AAV of $95k. A surprisingly cheap deal for the player who has been called the successor of Kyle Thompson.
Eureka currently has too many players and not enough spots. Which is a good thing and a bad thing. Currently, they have possibly the best overall team so no major changes were needed (besides maybe cutting Tipton, he makes way to much for a bench player and is locked down for 5 more years)
Losses: SP Dan Miles 7.4, RF Adam Beyer 6.0, LF Tim Brown 1.6
Extends 1B/DH Tyler Hammerich, 3 years with AAV of $222k. Hammerich led the league in home runs 2 of the last 3 years.
Florida has been bleeding talent the past few seasons losing 3B Royal and now Miles and Beyer. The Beyer loss is the most shocking as he’s a Florida native and had mentioned wanting to play in Florida for the rest of his career. This will definitely impact the Atlantic champions, but I still expect them to be contenders next season.
Losses: SP Nick Lambert 7.5 and RP Joey Nuttle 1.0
Trades RF Oscar Aguilar to Sioux City for IF Freddy Harrington. Both had nowhere to play last season and struggled.
5 straight playoffs, 3 100-win seasons (another at 99), and yet can’t make it to the Championship Series. I guess that’s standard for Texas teams (rip Cowboys). They couldn’t even make an offer for Lambert due to being so close to the salary cap, and probably won’t be able to sign anyone next year either as multiple players receive pay increases. The next few seasons will be pivotal for the Launch.
Losses: CL Kevin Taylor 1.9, SS Leland Abbott 1.0, RP Angelo Juarez 0.7
Signs SP Nick Lambert, 6 years with AAV of $258k. The Pretzels finally get their ace, and for much cheaper than he was expected to sign for. Lambert has won 4 Taylor already in his amazing career.
Signs SP Dan Miles, 6 years with AAV of $230k. Miles has had lots of injuries but has finished 2nd in the Taylor twice.
Extends CF Ivan Nájera, 4 years with AAV of $205k. One of the best defenders and base stealers but is pretty awful at batting, probably an overpay.
Their pitching has been pretty awful for most of their history and had to resort to calling up prospects early the past few seasons (Victory, Then, and Nekeare) which has almost always been disastrous for teams. But now they finally get their ace, and 2 of them at that. While still maintaining salary room (which will get larger next season as Dorsey’s contract ends). The Pretzels look to be the first Atlantic team other than the Harfang to win the Championship Series.
Losses: none
They had good rookie performances from Brewer and Pickup, but Hewitt and Whitehead continue to struggle mightily on the mound. They hope the #1 prospect, Alberto Cuestas will turn things around. He should be in the majors, but the Voyageurs are doing some service time manipulation to keep him in Halifax for longer. Cuestas already has issues with Halifax, stating that he would not play for them if he got drafted, though he did later recall that statement as they gave him the largest rookie bonus in history. They are easily the worst franchise in the league at the moment as Durango has at least been able to sign free agents and international rookies while Halifax has struggled to do either.
Losses: RP Kieron Dale 1.4
Extends SP Bill Clark, 4 years with AAV of $140k. Clark had a great 2112 before coming down with an injury. Buys out 3 years of free agency.
Signed Nicaraguan SS Alex Becerra to an entry deal. Becerra played in the Caribbean League and is only 23. He will start the season in the minors.
No major deals, which they don’t really need to. They probably have the best squad in the Atlantic when healthy. With plenty of prospects waiting in the wings such as SS Becerra, C Baldwin, and SPs Thibaut and Iasepa. But they’ve had many of these qualities for a decade and have only seen some success.
Losses: RP Geoff Bolen 0.4, 1B Kyle Thompson 0.2, and 1B Matunde Simai (negative WAR despite hitting 30HRs)
Make the playoffs, then suck. That’s basically the second time in a row this has happened with Plymouth. At this point I just don’t think New England is allowed to have good things.
Losses: RF Russ Pettaway 0.5
Extends 1B Jonathan Carrethers, 5 years with AAV of $235k. Georgian native with a huge power bat that also can steal bases? Easily one of the most recognized faces in the league. Though did have a rough 2112, only hitting 24 home runs.
Extends 3B Jimmy Sparrowhawk, 8 years with AAV of $196k. The first overall from Dakota has been very consistent but broke out in 2112, with a 7.9WAR, 30HRs, .334avg, and led the league with 134RBIs to win the Baxter award.
They missed the playoffs this year, but they still have every necessary tool to make it back again. Pitching is still a major issue, but they couldn’t get any of the big 3 pitchers. Instead they decided to lock up Carrethers and Sparrowhawk. The latter was made into a big deal as Sioux City’s owner, James Cloud, had made mention of wanting to trade for Sparrowhawk as he’s the best Dakotan player in the league. An offer was leaked that included 3 major league pitchers and 2 prospects, which would’ve been an insane offer to turn down. But alas they chose to extend their star. Out of their 4 first overall picks, only Wallauer has no extension but he still has 4 years of control left.
Losses: 2B Malachi Perry 1.6, 1B Roger Huseinovic 1.1
Trades IF Freddy Harrington to Galveston for RF Oscar Aguilar. Both had nowhere to play last year and both struggled
Signs CL John Sweet for 1 year worth $168k. The biggest salary ever given to a closer.
Sioux City entered the off-season close to the salary cap and would be unable to try to land any of the big names. But instead they set their sights on Baxter winner Jimmy Sparrowhawk who has been labeled the greatest Dakotan of all time. Rumors swirled around them giving up 5 pitchers to Rome in order to land him as the Spiders have a surplus while the Gladiators have a major deficit. But instead Rome decided to extend him long term. Either way, they still have possibly the best overall team with prospects galore. They also managed to steal away Dakota legend Trevor Reardon from the Eagles. Reardon was the longest tenured player for 1 team and his departure sparked drama between fans.
RetirementsLosses: SS Jimmy Nickolaus 3.7, SP Tim Jackson 3.0, and RP Kyle McMurphy 0.3
Extends LF Hervé Barthélémy, 3 years with AAV of $280k. Probably the best hitter in league history and is looking to finish his career in his hometown.
Signs RF Adam Beyer, 6 years with AAV of $250k. Despite the high AAV he will actually make a small amount the first 2 years before growing to over $300k towards the end in order to fit him into the salary cap.
Extends 3B Christian Dubois, 5 years with AAV of $284k. Has been one of the best overall players in the league for years, not surprised he would re-sign.
“Inexcusable. Complete Disaster.” Were phrases thrown around by the media and ownership demanding perfection. The Harfang missed the playoffs for the first time ever. Their fix? Sign the biggest offensive player while reassuring their biggest stars. Plus signing 2 of the biggest international rookies in IF Marris and C Pisa. All while firing manager Rob Noble. He had been the longest tenured manager in the league, being with the Harfang for all 12 of their seasons. With them he went 1,183-737, with 4 Championships, and 7 Ross awards (manager of the year) with 6 of those being consecutive.
RHP Matt Frizzell would retire due to tearing his rotator cuff for the second time in 2 years among other arm issues. Frizzell was the #2 overall pick in 2101 and would play all 9 seasons of his career with Chesapeake. He’d finish with a 69-73 record and 3.77ERA but was consistently below 4 and was getting better. 20WAR and 111ERA+ are good but likely won’t be on any hall of fame ballots but will go down as one of the biggest “what ifs”.
CL Anton Latorre, easily the most dominant closer of all time, despite not having a ton of saves. He pitched 9 seasons in Germantown and finished 1 each with Trois-Rivières and Durango. He totaled 266 Saves, 3rd all time as of retirement. 1.73ERA, 1.01FIP, 50.4WAR, and 234ERA+ which is all insane. But his best stat would be his career 16.3K/9, for most of his career it was over 18. This allowed him to have a ridiculous 1,353Ks in only 11 seasons of pitching (that’s more than Billy Wagner who is pretty comparable). He also won 5 Laurent Gervais awards, including 3 in a row from 2107-2109. His number ‘20’ became the first jersey number retired in the NABF by Germantown.
LHP Leon López, the greatest lefty pitcher in NABF history. He retired super early at age 34, but continues pitching in his local Puerto Rican league. Career 192-90 record, 3.10ERA, 65.8WAR, and as of his retirement is 2nd all time in strikeouts with 2,605. He won 4 Matt Taylor awards with Trois-Rivières, including 3 in a row. He also played 3 years with Florida and 1 with Huron. Will likely be a Hall of Famer.
2B Tom Phelan, one of the best contact hitters in history. 1,948 hits places him 3rd all-time, and likely would’ve been a 3,000 hitter if he entered the league early enough. A career clash of .318/.380/.414 plus 173 career steals and a 56.2WAR in only 11 full seasons is definitely Hall of Fame worthy. 4 career Frey awards, 4 batting titles, 8 All-Stars and won 2 Championships with Trois-Rivières. He spent 5 years in Huron and Trois, with 1 in Astoria which was the Osprey’s miracle run to the 2106 Championship Series.
RHP Brian Van Winkle, least notable of the group but a chad innings eater for Chesapeake and Galveston. Finished with a 119-125 record, but played on mostly poor teams. 3.98ERA, 1,149Ks, 35.8WAR, 4 Deshayes awards, and 4 All-Stars cemented a solid career for an underrated Texan.
DH/1B/LF David Moran. Nicknamed “Lone Star” played all 12 of his professional seasons with Galveston. Moran was a premier contact hitter that also had a surprising amount of pop with 212 career home runs, with a career high of 31 in 2106. He had 1,798 hits for a clip of .308/384/482 for 140OPS+. Only 39.5WAR but as a primarily DH/1B that lowers his totals. His jersey would also be retired in Galveston, becoming the first hitter for such an honor.
Last edited by BDoof (6/22/2024 1:45 pm)
Runs the highly unsuccessful PSC project featuring the Premier Soccer League and National Baseball Federation
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Posted by BDoof 6/29/2024 4:36 pm | #67 |
2113 Pre-Season Preview last season 77-85, 4th in Pacific.
16th ranked farm system (RHP Ron Acorn #22)
Payroll $1,250,810 - 13th
Lineup and Pitching
C 25, Rob Finco, Georgia, .203/.269/.308, 59OPS+
1B 24, Carlos Ramírez, Puerto Rico, .270/.367/.489, 30HRs, 135OPS+, won Frey award
2B 30, Raul Rangel, Puerto Rico, .267/.331/.405, 102OPS+
3B 24, Adhane Leabua, Georgia, rookie season, unranked prospect.
SS 25, John Hanshaw, Texas, .326/.396/.460, 135OPS+, won Castaneda award
LF 26, Talbot Boulet, Quebec, .311/.367/.418, 116OPS+
CF 24, Jason Hibbard, Texas, .275/.348/.410, 22SBs, 109OPS+
RF 30, Manny Guzman, Puerto Rico, didn’t play in majors last season
DH 24, Bill Penny, The Dakotas, .286/.423/.361, 117OPS+ in 74 games
1 30, Fritz Bresson, Quebec, 10-15, 4.11ERA, 103ERA+ with Dakota
2 26, Roth Reiter, Germany, 10-5, 3.80ERA, 112ERA+
3 22, Ron Acorn, The Dakotas, rookie season, #22 ranked prospect
4 28, Zane Dubos, Quebec, 13-16, 4.68ERA, 91ERA+
5 26, Bryen Beckstrom, Arctic Circle, 6-15, 5.32ERA, 76ERA+
CL 26, Dana Dorey, Arctic Circle, 4.03ERA in 38 innings
Other notable bullpen arms: Tyler D’Orio, Jason Walker, and John Gillingham
The Av’s were above .500 for much of last season thanks to great showings from Ramírez, Hanshaw, and Boulet. They come back with a big free agent signing in Bresson. Though I don’t think he’ll be enough as Alaska lost a lot of depth over the off-season. Without a deep farm system to replenish the major league squad and with Boulet likely to leave in free agency, this could be their only window.
last season 71-91, 6th in Pacific. 11th ranked farm system (SS Antony Pedley #8 and 3B Kyle Stimpson #33)
Payroll $1,636,591 - 12th
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, Cameron Busche, Cascadia, .250/.361/.309, 86OPS+
1B 30, Bob Heath, Quebec, .290/.350/.380, 101OPS+, won Deshayes award
2B 31, D.W. Manning, Georgia, .266/.383/.354, 105OPS+ with Dakota
3B 27, Alex Jimenez, Venezuela, .283/.336/.353, 90OPS+
SS 28, Rene Gaultier, Louisiana, .214/.298/.304, 66OPS+
LF 30, Austin O’Neill, The Dakotas, .277/.334/.377, 96OPS+
CF 27, David Westfall, Texas, .319/.346/.456, 40SBs, 120OPS+
RF 28, Bryan Smith, Great Lakes, rookie season. Rule 5 pick from Halifax
DH 26, Andy Koester, Rocky Mountains, .209/.358/.385, 105OPS+
1 24, Kevin Potter, Rocky Mountains, 14-9, 3.68ERA, 115ERA+
2 26, Brad Winters, Hawaii, did not play last season due to injury.
3 27, Jeremy Miron, The Dakotas, 10-16, 4.35ERA, 97ERA+
4 25, Gerold van Kooten, Aruba/Netherlands, 13-15, 4.35ERA, 220Ks, 97ERA+
5 34, Dusty McCord, Cascadia, 6-14, 4.78ERA, 90ERA+
CL 27, Mitch Null, The Dakotas, 32 Saves, 3.92ERA, 108ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Marshall Elkan, Mike Kohn, and prospects Larry McCoy and Kelan McPherson
Astoria’s in an interesting spot. Plenty of good names mixed in with names that could break out plus were able to bring in star D.W. Manning who spent 2107 with the Osprey. They’re in the mix in the middle with the rest of the Pacific. With how good Galveston, Eureka, and Sioux City are they likely can’t make the playoffs but should be able to put up a fight for 4th.
last season 82-80, 5th in Atlantic2nd ranked farm system (SS Rafael de la Cruz #7, CF Rainer Jacobs #9, 2B Alex Sandoval #21, RHP Jake Dupree #23, and CF Leo Crabtree #25)
Payroll $1,815,832 - 9th
Lineup and Pitching
C 29, Casey Curry, Rocky Mountains, .221/.287/.292, 57OPS+
1B 28, Alex Salgado, California, only played 22 games last season
2B 31, Douggie Clarke, Virginia, .266/.322/.368, 86OPS+
3B 28, Norm Hicks, Georgia, only 14 games played last season
SS 23, Sosa Jouon, Japan, .327/.400/.449, 51SBs, 130OPS+
LF 24, Matthew Clow, Maritimes, only played 37 games last season
CF 25, Dan Vokey, Quebec, .244/.305/.338, 74OPS+
RF 25, Jake Rogers, Virginia, .333/.379/.473, 43SBs, 130OPS+
DH 35, Gary Urbanczyk, Susquehanna, .175/.300/.391, 27HRs, 86OPS+
1 30, Thomas Legros, Quebec, 16-8, 3.35ERA, 200Ks, 129ERA+
2 26, Teruo Onoda, Japan, 14-11, 3.80ERA, 114ERA+
3 29, Rick Lovell, Maritimes, 11-12, 4.00ERA, 108ERA+
4 25, Shawn Galewski, Louisiana, 5-7, 5.60ERA, 77ERA+
5 30, C.J. Clymer, Virginia, 3.64ERA in 64.1 innings
CL 30, Aaron Odle, 30 Saves, 3.53ERA, 122ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Chris McCready, Angelo Juarez, Kevin Taylor, and Jeremy Peerenboom
Now the only original 12 team to never make the playoffs, despite a near .500 historic record. The offense has a solid top 3 with Jouon, Rogers, and Urbanczyk, though does have some depth issues, but that could be filled with top prospects de la Cruz, Jacobs, and Sandoval who are all close to the majors. If they can keep Urbanczyk and Legros they may be contenders next season. But I’m unsure if they can compete this year with how tight the Atlantic is.
last season 75-87, 5th in Pacific. 10th ranked farm system (SS Antonio Miranda #35, RHP Josh Penny #39, and CF Andy Ellstrom #44)
Payroll $2,225,650 - 5th
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, Nolan Hemery, .204/.315/.316, 75OPS+
1B 27, Bobby Schwartz, The Dakotas, .268/.327/.344, 86OPS+
2B 32, Dan Harbin, New England, .251/.326/.324, 80OPS+
3B 28, Maru Kalamka, Georgia, .302/.378/.404, 116OPS+
SS 31, Dean Monahan, Cascadia, .256/.340/.323, 84OPS+, won Deshayes and Hernandez awards
LF 20, Juan Balladares, Cuba, .290/.316/.417, 102OPS+
CF 25, Bill Bonjour, Rocky Mountains, .245/.329/.336, 24SBs, 84OPS+
RF 28, Yekuno-Amlak Mshangama, Zambia, .254/.353/.376, 43SBs, 102OPS+
DH 38, Paul Butler, Rocky Mountains, .288/.376/470, 25HRs, 133OPS+
1 27, Carlos Padilla, Mexico, 11-14, 3.92ERA, 108ERA+
2 26, Tim Cote, Maritimes, 11-11, 4.00ERA, 105ERA+
3 36, Marty Hodge, 9-15, 5.08ERA, 83ERA+
4 27, Chris Keon, Cascadia, 4-4, 3.27ERA, 129ERA+
5 28, Mike Tijerina, Rocky Mountains, 10-13, 4.40ERA, 96ERA+
CL 37, Mike Hilger, 11 Saves, 3.31ERA in 32.2 innings, 128ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Kyle McMurphy, Jonathan Masden, Tony Aguilar, Jesus Ortega, and Jonathan Pinard
The Buffalo faced their first losing season since 2103 (which was the only other time they missed the playoffs). Similar to 2103 it could be attributed to many injuries on the squad as well as horrid performances from star pitchers Padilla, Cote, and Hodge. But the biggest issue was the loss of C Eric Titus in the previous off-season. While Hemery did alright to fill his place, the offense lost almost all semblance outside of him. Rookie LF Balladares looks to help reinvigorate the Buffalo offense to bring them back to the playoffs once again.
last season 62-100, 8th in Pacific. 1st ranked farm system (RHP Wade Boulden #3, LHP Suk Kim #10, RHP Kyle Richards #13, LHP Tere Myuna #15, and LF Julius Bergomi #45)
Payroll $1,018,748 - 15th
Lineup and Pitching
C 27, Czar Artemenko, Arctic Circle, .235/.306/.353, 81OPS+ with Alaska
1B 27, Sueki Kaneshige, California, only played 23 games with Huron
2B 29, Malachi Perry, Great Lakes/The Dakotas, .203/.293/.273, 20SBs, 58OPS+ with Sioux City
3B 23, Rüdiger Martin, Germany, .293/.363/.364, 42SBs, 102OPS+
SS 34, Kevin Jones, The Dakotas, .219/.289/.309, 38SBs, 66OPS+
LF 26, Nicolas Gérard, Quebec, .242/.348/.380, 102OPS+
CF 28, Oscar Solís, Florida, only played 14 games with Alaska
RF 24, Travis Carr, New England, .295/.360/.520, 23HRs, 141OPS+
DH 27, Yin-reng Fa, Cascadia, .272/.362/.447, 123OPS+
1 26, Ryan Reimann, New England, 9-13, 3.75ERA, 112ERA+
2 23, Wade Boulden, The Dakotas, rookie season. #3 overall prospect
3 27, Scott Szczur, Cascadia, 7-21, 5.86ERA, 72ERA+
4 26, Bill Martel, Arctic Circle, 5-9, 6.20ERA 68ERA+
5 27, Bobby Whitener, Cascadia, 3.38ERA in 16 innings
CL 32, Greg Cone, The Dakotas, 2.77ERA in 52 innings
Other notable bullpen arms: Nick Hartle and prospect Randy Roberson
Not only did they lose 100 games, they also lost their best players in SP Fritz Bresson and 2B D.W. Manning, as well as losing their face of their franchise Trevor Reardon who signed with national rival Sioux City. With no long term deals bogging them down, the Eagles went full-on to digging up untapped potential, signing a record 4 players in the Rule 5 Draft, including former top 10 prospect Czar Artemenko who has not lived up to his potential in Alaska. They also brought back the 42-year old Ian Brinley, who will be on more of a bench-role this season but is expected to help mold this young core of hitters together. And boy can this young core hit. Fa, Carr, and Martin finally had a full year together and all of them did outstanding. Gérard returned to his past as well. With the speedy infielders of Jones and Perry should provide on the bases to give them a surprising offense. Pitching is the biggest struggle, even if Reimann can capture his 2112 performance he will be gone by season's end leaving them with newly drafted Wade Boulden as their “ace”. Luckily they have a surplus of pitchers coming up from the minors. Myuna and Kim could make debuts this year, while other prospects like Roberson, Lankhaar, and Munford have all pitched a bit in the majors and are waiting for larger roles. The Eagles could very well be dominant for a long time coming, just not this year.
last season 64-98, 7th in Pacific9th ranked farm system (LHP Shane Bryant #6 and LHP Ryan Coate #17)
Payroll $1,148,939 - 14th
Lineup and Pitching
C 30, Bernward Kurtz, Susquehanna, .261/.357/.472, 21HRs, 128OPS+
1B 28, John Davis, Louisiana, .246/.334/.400, 102OPS+
2B 28, Gherardo Chili, Venezuela, rookie season. Unranked
3B 27, Ed Shea, New England, .229/.323/.305, 74OPS+
SS 28, Julio Manzo, Dominican Republic, .230/.284/.291, 38SBs, 59OPS+
LF 28, Dean Ebeling, Australia, .272/.316/.396, 21SBs, 96OPS+
CF 22, Nick Llamas, Texas/Mexico, .243/.326/.323, 80OPS+
RF 32, Rey Mora, Costa Rica, .241/.315/.407, 99OPS+, won Deshayes award
DH 29, Nestor Rivas, Rocky Mountains, .277/.373/.468, 24HRs, 132OPS+
1 24, Greg Dryer, Rocky Mountains, 11-15, 3.96ERA, 212Ks, 107ERA+
2 26, Cesar Romo, Colombia, 4-7, 3.70ERA, 114ERA+
3 25, Cy Kallner, Cascadia, 12-18, 4.95ERA, 85ERA+
4 22, Omar Barrera, Texas, only played 4 games due to injury
5 27, Lionel Barret, Quebec, 9-18, 5.58ERA, 76ERA+
CL 25, Tom Swedlove, Arctic Circle, 29 Saves, 3.30ERA, 128ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Oscar Noriega
So close but not quite there. They have the makings for a miracle team but just can’t quite grasp it. Multiple top prospects that seemingly haven’t put it together yet. Maybe too soon, but many are called Dryer and Kallner 2 of the biggest draft busts ever. Can they change their fate?
last season 105-57, 1st in Pacific, won Championship Series5th ranked farm system (RHP Ron Kalb #2, RF Bill Sutherland #14, and RHP Marcel Hoffman #36)
Payroll $2,447,183 - 1st
Lineup and Pitching
C 27, Ismael Méndez, Puerto Rico, .298/.373/.407, 116OPS+, won Deshayes award
1B 28, Amador Navo, California, .316/.372/.461, 129OPS+
2B 29, Cor John, Aruba/Netherlands, .303/.360/.454, 124OPS+
3B 24, William García, Venezuela, .304/.336/.387, 25SBs, 100OPS+
SS 28, Tyler McClean, Great Lakes, .302/.360/.377, 32SBs, 104OPS+
LF 38, Jesse Haskins, California, .280/.394/.440, 34SBs, 130OPS+, won Frey award
CF 23, Bart Gallagher, Aruba/Netherlands, .271/.325/.452, 24SBs, 113OPS+ (will miss at least 1 month)
RF 39, Jake Herold, California, .306/.403/.565, 32HRs, 166OPS+, won Frey award
DH 25, Orlando Lazzarini, Venezuela, .367/.397/.482, 40SBs, 142OPS+
1 30, Trent Pullin, Florida, 15-9, 3.70ERA, 114ERA+
2 31, Dustin Cloud, The Dakotas, 20-8, 4.14ERA, 102ERA+
3 24, John Allard, Arctic Circle, 15-5, 3.69ERA, 114ERA+
4 28, Tillmam Tamayo, Brazil, 14-12, 3.82ERA, 111ERA+
5 26, Ben Ford, Great Lakes, 17-12, 4.12ERA, 102ERA+
5 31, Dale Patterson, Florida, 35 Saves, 1.59ERA, 266ERA+, won Gervais award
Other notable bullpen arms: Alex Silva, Jaylen Flynn, Pat Dow, Jeff Caron, and #36 prospect Marcel Hoffman
The defending champs come back with easily their best overall team yet. Pretty much no weak spots as McClean had a career year and Haskins continues to age like fine wine. Pullin went from winning the Gervais in 2111 to becoming the teams top starter while Patterson not just had his best year but won his 5th championship ring. With Kalb and Sutherland coming up soon this team has near limitless potential. However, they are and will be at the salary cap for the next 3 seasons and Lazzarini is getting close to his option (which he most definitely will take as he’s getting paid half of what McClean and Tipton get). Which will make budgeting really difficult, especially once arbitration hits.
last season 99-63, 1st in Atlantic, lost championship series13th ranked farm system (IF Gabe Barientos #18)
Payroll $1,932,730 - 8th
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, Greg Lloyd, Quebec, .275/.355/.420, 109OPS+, won Frey award
1B 29, Tyler Hammerich, Florida, .256/.314/.509, 30HRs, 27SBs, 119OPS+
2B 27, Chris Howe, Hawaii/California, .269/.337/.380, 27SBs, 93OPS+, won Deshayes award
3B 27, Dan Nichols, The Dakotas, .213/.328/.301, 71OPS+ with Chesapeake
SS 28, Nelson Cabrera, Mexico, .256/.320/.346, 80OPS+
LF 30, David Castillo, Texas, .337/.404/.535, 152OPS+ (2-way, only 79 starts)
CF 26, Dale Toman, Australia, .259/.308/.390, 30SBs, 88OPS+
RF 29, Russ Pettaway, Georgia, .269/.349/.369, 94OPS+ with Rome
DH 23, Carlos Hernández, Panama, .251/.357/.457, 21HRs, 118OPS+
1 31, Cyrille Vincent, Quebec, 17-15, 3.87ERA, 132ERA+
2 35, Rafael Santa Cruz, 13-5, 2.89ERA, 150ERA+
3 26, Sean Meagher, Maritimes, 16-11, 4.91ERA, 202Ks, 88ERA+
4 30, David Castillo, Texas, 14-7, 4.59ERA, 94ERA+ (2-way)
5 29, Jim Gutsch, Florida, 4.02ERA in 80.2 innings
CL 28, Manny Julia, Florida, 36 Saves, 1.25ERA, 345ERA+, won Gervais award
Other notable bullpen arms: Ben Keddy, Phil Hoffman, and prospect Ricardo Ortega
Royal, Miles, and Beyer all left within the past 2 seasons. Royal and Beyer being the biggest shock as they are Floridian and had stated a desire to stay with the Flamingos. I’m really not sure how to read this team. They don’t have any long term deals with any player (Hammerich’s 3-year extension is currently the longest). With a lack of a farm system they could be out of their window in a season or 2, or try to make huge free agent splashes again. Either way they should be playoff contenders again this season.
last season 92-70, 3rd in Pacific, lost in Wild Card Series6th ranked farm system (IF Hai-liang Guao #5, RF Yehlem Barsosio #16, and RHP Bill José #26)
Payroll $2,414,979 - 2nd
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, Jordan Latten, Georgia, .221/.337/.268, 69OPS+
1B 24, Humphrey Grant, Germany, .337/.3989/.468, 139OPS+
2B 25, Thierry Charles, Germany/Luxembourg, .361/.414/.462, 65SBs, 142OPS+, won Frey award
3B 32, Jose Orozco, Dominican Republic, .182/.260/.292, 52OPS+
SS 30, Freddy Harrington, The Dakotas, .293/.388/.376, 111OPS+ in half a season with Sioux City
LF 31, Matt Gilroy, Quebec, .265/.358/.365, 32SBs, 100OPS+, won Deshayes award
CF 33, Katsumi Canio, Japan/Brazil, .368/.390/.490, 58SBs, 142OPS+, won Frey and Deshayes award
RF 29, Melvin Navarrete, California, .307/.370/.478, 63SBs, 133OPS+
DH 30, Chris Caron, Texas, .269/.383/.505, 32HRs, 144OPS+
1 28, Paolo Barreau, Quebec, 13-9, 3.46ERA, 122ERA+
2 29, Jim Bonnar, Maritimes, 2.67ERA in 70.2 innings (mostly relief, but became starter in September)
3 29, Nelson Encarnación, Rocky Mountains, 12-13, 5.18ERA, 82ERA+
4 27, Jalen Wilson, Susquehanna, 12-14, 5.04ERA, 84ERA+
5 32, Rich Platte, New England, 8-6, 4.16ERA, 102ERA+
CL 32, Alain Thomas, Quebec, 33 Saves, 3.82ERA, 111ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Joey Nuttle and Kieron Dale
A disastrous first half led to a resurgent second half of 2112 to get Galveston to their 5th straight playoff appearance. In that frame they’ve only won 1 series and have not yet made it to the Finals. They also lose ace Lambert and veteran David Moran. However, they continue to have a top offense with breakouts from 2B Charles, 1B Grant and newly acquired SS Harrington along with good depth with future Hall of Famer IF Mike McClary and top prospect Yehlem Barsosio. Pitching on paper looks good, but horrid seasons from Encarnación and Wilson coupled with a lackluster bullpen might make it another difficult season from the Launch.
last season 91-71, 3rd in Atlantic. Lost in Wild Card Series15th ranked farm system (LHP Alex Hernández #41 and RHP Danny Weiler #42)
Payroll $2,206,308 - 6th
Lineup and Pitching
C 25, Han-seung Park, South Korea, .276/.335/.395, 100OPS+, won Deshayes award
1B 24, Jose Rueda, Florida, .328/.388/.469, 135OPS+, won Castaneda and Frey awards
2B 26, Jimmy Tellman, Arctic Circle, .205/.385/.278, 85OPS+
3B 28, Craig Lamm, Susquehanna, .288/.338/.410, 38SBs, 105OPS+
SS 27, Max Smith, Georgia, only 30 games played
LF 31, Jeremy Cooper, Georgia, .264/.374/.419, 31SBs, 118OPS+, won Deshayes award
CF 28, Ivan Nájera, Dominican Republic, .255/.337/.325, 61SBs, 83OPS+
RF 26, Phil Propst, Rocky Mountains, .283/.348/.422, 42SBs, 111OPS+
DH 35, George Powers, Quebec, .295/.427/.528, 30HRs, 161OPS+
1 28, Dan Miles, Texas, 19-7, 2.71ERA, 159ERA+, with Florida
2 31, Nick Lambert, Georgia, 19-8, 3.20ERA, 237Ks, 132ERA+, with Galveston
3 26, Heath Victory, Arctic Circle, 17-10, 4.03ERA, 106ERA+
4 23, Julio Then, Dominican Republic, 18-12, 4.45ERA, 238Ks, 96ERA+
5 33, Steven Dorsey, Susquehanna, 14-16, 5.04ERA, 84ERA+
CL 39, Josh Burford, Susquehanna, 4.11ERA in 15.1 innings
Other notable bullpen arms: Eric Reed and Fepiku Nekeare
Huge offseason by the Pretzels signing 2 of the top 3 pitchers. Not only does this give them aces, it also allows Victory and Then to develop without the pressure of being the “ace”. With the emergence of Park and Rueda it turned the Pretzels from a top-heavy, streaky lineup to a powerhouse. They are currently the favorites to return to the top of the Atlantic.
last season 55-107, 8th in Atlantic. 8th ranked farm system (RHP Alberto Cuestas #1, 2B Jordan Sánchez #30, and LF Santiago Armenta #31)
Payroll $821,410 - 16th
Lineup and Pitching
C 27, Darius Simon, Georgia, .200/.265/.289, 50OPS+
1B 28, Ezequiel Gomes, Brazil, .288/.355/.356, 95OPS+ with Halifax and Cheyenne
2B 29, Casey Collard, Great Lakes, only 37 games played
3B 27, Lou van der Vegt, Netherlands, .243/.303/.405, 49SBs, 90OPS+
SS 29, Nick Fraser, Susquehanna, didn’t play in majors last season
LF 26, Dave Foote, Quebec, .276/.328/.376, 28SBs, 90OPS+
CF 26, Ivan Andrade, Colombia, .231/.298/.383, 32SBs, 83OPS+
RF 24, Joe Brewer, Maritimes, .295/.333/.394, 96OPS+
DH 24, Josh Pickup, Great Lakes, .294/.363/.399, 35SBs, 106OPS+
1 26, Rolf Hewitt, Maritimes, 4-7, 6.32ERA, 68ERA+
2 23, Cameron Whitehead, Maritimes, 12-19, 5.22ERA, 83ERA+
3 28, Jake Beem, Hawaii, 9-17, 6.25ERA, 69ERA+
4 26, Evan Peterson, 6-22, 5.32ERA, 81ERA+
5 28, Carlos Flores, 0-10, 6.52ERA, 66ERA+
CL 26, Billy Griffin, 19 Saves, 1.20ERA, 362ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Geoff Bolen
Their offense is honestly interesting, from scrappy players like van der Vegt, Foote, and Andrade to leftovers Simon and Gomes, to 5’9 overlooked Brewer and Pickup. They could be a top half offense this season if they can all jell. But the pitching? No words. Griffin and Bolen look like a top 8-9 pair. But Hewitt and Whitehead have done nothing so far in their short careers. Peterson went from a great feel-good story to being out of the league. Flores went from top prospect in Chesapeake to 0-10 in only 3 seasons. The real story for the Voyageurs would be in 1st overall pick and #1 prospect Alberto Cuestas. Initially he relented to signing with them, but Halifax gave him almost double the record highest signing bonus to get him. His view of the team would only worsen as they would start him in the minors in order to get an extra year of control over his contract. The season hasn’t even started yet and he’s already told the media that he wants out of Halifax.
last season 91-71, 2nd in Atlantic. Lost in Atlantic Series to Florida3rd ranked farm system (SS Alex Becerra #12, RHP Alex Baltiérrez #19, RHP Marius Thibaut #20, 1B Jacquot Scalia #34, and RHP Moana Iasepa #49)
Payroll $2,081,961 - 7th
Lineup and Pitching
C 26, Chris Walker, California, .262/.325/.378, 91OPS+
1B 26, Danny Thomas, Great Lakes, .258/.339/.451, 23HRs, 114OPS+, won Deshayes award
2B 37, Fernando Criado, California, .266/.371/.445, 23HRs, 122OPS+, won Frey award
3B 26, Logan Inglis, Maritimes, did not play in majors last season
SS 30, Philip Brawner, Arctic Circle, .268/.309/.413, 96ERA+
LF 36, Matthew Wagoner, Great Lakes, .296/.380/.562, 35HRs, 154OPS+, won Frey award
CF 26, Corey Cozad, Virginia, .296/.351/.404, 36SBs, 105OPS+, won Frey award
RF 28, Jeremy Richey, Arctic Circle, .302/.352/.468, 30SBs, 20HRs, 122OPS+
DH 23, Eiji Ikeda, Japan, rookie season, #72 ranked prospect
1 31, Keith Badey, Great Lakes, 14-13, 3.17ERA, 135ERA+
2 28, Bill Clark, Arctic Circle, 7-2, 3.48ERA, 123ERA+
3 28, Hao Huan, California, 16-12, 4.02ERA, 106ERA+
4 28, Marty Díaz, Venezuela, 18-8, 4.05ERA, 106ERA+
5 25, Mike Cervantes, Dominican Republic, 2.44ERA in 66.1 innings
CL 24, Leonardo Sánchez, Texas, 38 Saves, 3.87ERA, 111ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Brad Vedder, Kirk Morgan, Ryan Leonard and prospects Lupe Melchor and Dragutin Ostrozinska
2112 was easily one of the best seasons for Huron and they come back with even better odds as their emerging young core continues to develop. While the story is about their youth, you can’t overlook Criado and Wagoner having career years. The question is whether or not they can make the playoffs but how far they will go. Also to note that Criado and Richey are at the end of their contracts, Criado already signed an extension before.
last season 68-94, 7th in Atlantic14th ranked farm system (SS Hunter Suárez Jr. #24 and 1B Scottie Gaylord #28)
Payroll $1,806,801 - 11th
Lineup and Pitching
C 27, David Gonzalez, Guatemala, .193/.269/.300, 30SBs, 55OPS+
1B 25, Joseph Bruns, Susquehanna, .240/.306/.377, 85OPS+ in 45 games
2B 25, Jake Dickie, The Dakotas, .255/.346/.356, 91OPS+ in 64 games
3B 32, Matt Bentz, Virginia, .277/.344/.403, 103OPS+
SS 24, Masashi Miyahara, Japan, .265/.324/.416, 100OPS+ in injury shortened season
LF 28, Justyn Cox, New England, .318/.392/.457, 32SBs, 131OPS+
CF 24, Daryl Haydon, Arctic Circle, .244/.342/.324, 45SBs, 82OPS+
RF 31, Javier del Fierro, Netherlands/Curaçao, .219/.289/.281, 56OPS+, won Deshayes award
DH 25, Danny Martel, Georgia, rookie season. Unranked prospect
1 26, Felike Ipo, Hawaii, 14-18, 3.78ERA, 113ERA+
2 26, Tim Troke, Arctic Circle, 4-4, 3.97ERA, 108ERA+ in injury shortened season
3 30, Chad Reichert, Cascadia, 13-15, 4.04ERA, 106ERA+
4 26, Matt Zeidman, New England, 11-15, 5.09ERA, 84ERA+
5 24, Adam Perry, Georgia, rookie season. Unranked prospect
CL 26, Nick Christiana, The Dakotas, 26 Saves, 3.65ERA, 117ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Harold Sykes and prospect Nick Chenevert
OOTP predicts that they will be an easy playoff candidate. I’m not sure how I feel about them. Quite a few fresh young faces dot the team with several players now healthy. But the last few years they have been so flip-floppy it’s hard to tell. No more Simai either as the Gabonian starts the season unsigned, leaving the team really dry of power. No real ace either as neither Ipo or Troke have broken out.
last season 81-81, 6th in Atlantic 7th ranked farm system (RHP Bobby Colon #4, CF Jordan Guzman #32, and 1B Diego Murri #43)
Payroll $1,812,634 - 10th
Lineup and Pitching
C 28, Bill Freeman, Georgia, .211/.324/.356, 83OPS+
1B 28, Jonathan Carrethers, Georgia, .254/.379/.454, 24HRs, 124OPS+
2B 29, Kyle Belew, Susquehanna, .270/.340/.380, 94OPS+
3B 24, Jimmy Sparrowhawk, The Dakotas, .334/.387/.556, 30HRs, 151OPS+, won Frey and Baxter awards
SS 23, Nikolaus Wallauer, Susquehanna, .333/.471/.448, 45SBs, 149OPS+, won Frey award
LF 24, Matt Henry, Cascadia, .234/.330/.311, 22SBs, 73OPS+
CF 33, Javon Doolin, Florida, .227/.299/.337, 26SBs, 71OPS+, won Deshayes award
RF 30, Ben Black, Georgia, .309/.372/.461, 25SBs, 123OPS+
DH 3-way platoon between UT Carlos Dominguez, 2nd year prospects Kevin Robinson and Giuseppe Nana
1 31, Mike Kulbeth, Louisiana, 21-7, 2.47ERA, 258Ks, 176ERA+, won Taylor award
2 27, Mark Ray, 16-11, 3.45ERA, 126ERA+
3 24, Jessie Klopfer, Virginia, 5.19ERA in 26 innings
4 29, Matt Atkinson, Georgia, 5.43ERA in 54.2 innings with Florida
5 30, Lee Kowalchuk, Maritimes, 13-15, 6.00ERA, 72ERA+
CL 30, Kyle Magnani, Georgia, 27 Saves, 2.86ERA, 152ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: not really any
A few late injuries prevented the Gladiators from defending their 2 consecutive Atlantic Titles. They come back as mostly the same team, many thought they might take chances at the top free agent pitchers but instead shored up their young offense. They continue to live and die by the offense.
last season 95-67, 2nd in Pacific. Lost Pacific Series4th ranked farm system (LHP Igone Sánchez #11, 3B Paul Hughes #37, RHP Bryan Reed #38, 3B Gregor Hester #40, LHP Antonio Quiroz #47, and RHP Mike Belcher #48)
Payroll $2,377,636 - 4th
Lineup and Pitching
C 35, Eric Titus, Great Lakes, .335/.435/.535, 167OPS+, won Frey and Baxter award
1B 26, Jason Weissman, Rocky Mountains, only played 29 games last season
2B 26, Alfredo Labrego, Brazil, .252/.348/.333, 89OPS+
3B 30, Jayden Royal, Florida, .306/.367/.450, 27SBs, 125OPS+, won Deshayes and Frey awards
SS 25, Mennac Shamakani, Georgia, .286/.351/.362, 27SBs, 97OPS+
LF 24, Sean Khalfani, Georgia, played 21 games with Rome
CF 25, Adam Jackson, California, .256/.341/.369, 20SBs, 96OPS+
RF 31, Ernest Mott, Quebec, .311/.440/.501, 41SBs, 159OPS+
DH 24, Juan Castillo, Cuba, .384/.386/.416, 121OPS+
1 30, Nick Grueneich, Virginia, 21-10, 2.87ERA, 229Ks, 148ERA+, won Taylor award
2 27, Ruben Cabrales, Mexico, 15-13, 3.36ERA, 219Ks, 126ERA+
3 25, Mike Carbone, Louisiana, 20-10, 3.27ERA, 129ERA+
4 28, Frank Hernández, Puerto Rico, 19-10, 3.24ERA, 131ERA+
5 24, Sergio Montes, Rocky Mountains, 3.95ERA in 27.1 innings
CL 28, John Sweet, The Dakotas/Arctic Circle, 35 Saves, 3.13ERA, 136ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Adam Gibson, Jim Eustace, Jan Lillegård, and top prospects Dennis Echevarria and Oliver Yonker (both could easily be a top 2 pitcher in most rotations)
James Cloud showed last year that you can buy wins with money, but they didn’t quite win it all. With easily the #1 rotation and bullpen and a top tier lineup and farm system they are considered favorites in their second full season in Sioux City. In a decision that was slightly controversial, they’d sign long-time Dakota player Trevor Reardon. Reardon is easily the most recognizable player from the country and has spent all but 1 of his seasons with the Eagles. The former stolen base king has slowed down the last few seasons but was still getting playing time due to the weak Eagles squad. Some fans were clambering that he shouldn’t get his jersey retired in Dakota due to this. Others however, respected the decision, knowing that Reardon only has a few seasons left to win another championship and were glad he signed with another Dakotas team.
last season 88-74, 4th in Atlantic. 12th ranked farm system (RHP Oktav Eisler #27, RHP Ryan Mayhew #29, and SS Simon Marris #46)
Payroll $2,384,912 - 3rd
Lineup and Pitching
OOTP Pre-Season PredictionsC 24, Hairama Nalanie, Hawaii, .279/.330/.407, 99OPS+
1B 23, Conceição Arruda, Brazil, .258/.360/.289, 78OPS+
2B 27, Enrique Deramos, Puerto Rico, .317/.375/.438, 120OPS+
3B 33, Christian Dubois, Quebec, .343/.399/.465, 134OPS+
SS 27 Juan Ortíz, Nicaragua, only played 34 games
LF 36, Hervé Barthélémy, Quebec, .267/.391/.544, 37HRs, 151OPS+
CF 29, Luis de Anda, Guatemala, .263/.348/.375, 96OPS+
RF 31, Adam Beyer, Florida, .352/.432/.531, 159OPS+, won Frey award
DH 33, Joe Delli Santi, Virginia, .274/.379/.534, 40HRs, 145OPS+
1 26, Philippe Lemaître, Quebec, 16-8, 2.72ERA, 158ERA+
2 26, Nicolas Bernard, Quebec, 9-9, 3.66ERA, 118ERA+
3 30, Gary Hamilton, Quebec, 17-6, 3.75ERA, 115ERA+
4 28, Tony Padia, Dominican Republic, 7-9, 4.31ERA, 71ERA+
5 33, Jorge Franco, Panama, 14-7, 3.76ERA, 115ERA+
CL 27, Cameron Broome, California, 36 Saves, 2.55ERA, 169ERA+
Other notable bullpen arms: Brian Gray, Rogelio Victoria, and prospects Jesus Gomez and Ryan Mayhew
A slightly new look Harfang squad headlined by the firing of long-time manager Rob Noble after he failed to make the playoffs for the first time. Other new key contributors are RF Adam Beyer who won the batting title with Florida as well as top 10 prospects C Hairama Nalanie and 1B Conceição Arruda playing in their first full-season. The pair have been long-touted and have incredible chemistry together. The Harfang also continue to have most of their core locked up long-term, with only Franco being a notable FA in the off-season. However, DH Joe Delli Santi has an option and is rumored to take it.
Pacific
Sioux City Spiders 108-54
Eureka Redwoods 95-67
Cheyenne Buffalo 85-77
Alaska Avalanche 75-87
Galveston Launch 74-88
Dakota Eagles 71-91
Astoria Osprey 69-93
Durango Escorpiones 66-96
Atlantic
Germantown Pretzels 90-72
Plymouth Pilgrims 87-75
Florida Flamingos 86-76
Huron Gryphons 86-76
Trois-Rivières Harfang 80-82
Chesapeake Admirals 79-83
Rome Gladiators 78-84
Halifax Voyageurs 70-92
Runs the highly unsuccessful PSC project featuring the Premier Soccer League and National Baseball Federation
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Posted by BDoof 7/03/2024 11:56 pm | #68 |
2113 Season
April:
May:Germantown would open their season with a sweep of defending Atlantic champion Florida and Plymouth. Rome would match them through the first 2 weeks before signing unsigned pitcher Matt Kenney who was a star in Cheyenne a few seasons ago. Durango would sweep Galveston to put themselves atop the Pacific standings after 3 weeks. Halifax would lose 10 in a row and be the only team to not win at least 10 games in April.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Jake Herold, .400avg, 7HRs, 17RBIs (EUR)
AC: Jeremy Richey, .366avg, 5HRs, 21RBIs (HUR)
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Marty Hodge, 5-0, 1.93ERA, 17Ks (CHY)
AC: Mike Kulbeth, 4-1, 1.92ERA, 50Ks (ROM)
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Tony Aguilar, 3.68ERA in 7.1 innings (CHY)
AC: Eiji Ikeda, .326avg, 3HRs, 14RBIs (HUR)
June:Trois would begin the month with a winning streak that would propel them from 7th to 2nd. Huron, who are currently third in the Atlantic, would extend star RF Jeremy Richey for 7 years on a surprisingly friendly deal (though does include an opt-out after 3 seasons). Richey is not just the best hitter in Huron but is top 3 in average, RBIs, and WAR in the Atlantic. Despite being in last, Alaska would go on an impressive streak led by a trio of Boulet, Ramírez, and Hanshaw who are arguably the best trio in the league, but have basically no one around them. Similarly, Dakota, who is now last in the Pacific, is led by a dominant quartet of Martin, Fa, Carr, and Gérard with not much surrounding them. Though top pitching prospects Tere Myuna and Suk Kim were recently called up to help out the pitching staff.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Nicolas Gérard, .326avg, 11HRs, 29RBIs (DAK)
AC: Jimmy Sparrowhawk, .333avg, 8HRs, 30RBIs (ROM)
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Trent Pullin, 6-0, 1.88ERA, 41Ks (EUR)
AC: Heath Victory, 4-1, 1.27ERA, 45Ks (GER)
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Tony Aguilar, 4-1, 3.00ERA, 15Ks (CHY)
AC: Hector Delgado, 2.78ERA in 22.2 innings (PLY)
July:June would be a season of ups and downs for many teams and players as the youth movement would continue as new stars would emerge while several veterans would struggle, most notably, Huron 2B Fernando Criado, Trois LF Hervé Barthélémy, Chesapeake LF Gary Urbanczyk, and Dakota 2B Ian Brinley would all be hitting at or below the “Mendoza Line”. The Gryphons would have a mostly bad month capped off by a 7-game losing streak leaving them 7th in the Atlantic. Durango would also falter, going from .500 to 10 games below in just a month. Florida would start the month in 2nd, fall to 7th, then rise back to 3rd by the end of the month.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Carlos Ramírez, .292avg, 9HRs, 35RBIs (AK)
AC: Jimmy Sparrowhawk, .360avg, 8HRs, 25RBIs (ROM) x2
Pichers of the Month:
PC: Ruben Cabrales, 6-0, 2.25ERA, 45Ks (SC)
AC: Dan Miles, 4-2, 1.99ERA, 45Ks (GER)
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Ron Acorn, 2-1, 3.51ERA, 36Ks (AK)
AC: Eiji Ijeda, .246avg, 3HRs (HUR) x2
August:I haven’t spoken about them much, but Astoria would be in playoff contention half-way through the season. Mostly due to a “next man up” mentality as there hasn’t been any single player stepping out, outside maybe ace Kevin Potter who has been the only consistent presence on the mound. Sioux City is having an absolutely legendary season, with a team ERA of 3.03 while having a team AVG of .284, both phenomenal marks which overshadow the great seasons from Eureka, Germantown, and Rome. Halifax is falling apart at the seams. While their record isn’t helping, reports are coming out from their clubhouse that its basically a dumpster fire with no responsibility and several players have shown up to games late, most notably rookie Alberto Cuestas. Things only get worse now that team captain Rolf Hewitt is out for the season with an injury. Fan attendance is projected to be the worst in NABF history (including the shortened 2105 season). There would actually be a few trades prior to the deadline for once as Chesapeake dealt relievers Chris McCready to the Pretzels, Jeremy Peerenboom to the Gladiators, and Mike Pope to the Gryphons, in all deals the Admirals received 3 unranked prospects.
Standings as of the All-Star Break
Pacific:
Sioux City Spiders 67-22
Eureka Redwoods 51-38
Astoria Osprey 49-41
Cheyenne Buffalo 46-43
Galveston Launch 40-49
Alaska Avalanche 38-50
Durango Escorpiones 38-52
Dakota Eagles 33-55
Atlantic
Germantown Pretzels 60-29
Florida Flamingos 48-41
Rome Gladiators 47-42
Trois-Rivières Harfang 44-45
Plymouth Pilgrims 43-45
Huron Gryphons 42-48
Chesapeake Admirals 39-49
Halifax Voyageurs 27-62
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Travis Carr, .345avg, 8HRs, 22RBIs (DAK)
AC: Joseph Bruns, .317avg, 11HRs, 27RBIs (PLY)
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Oliver Yonker, 4-0, 1.54ERA, 21Ks (SC)
AC: Heath Victory, 5-0, 2.81ERA, 35Ks (GER) x2
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Juan Arceo, .300avg (AST)
AC: Adam Henneke, 2.08ERA in 26 innings (PLY)
September:Despite a poor season, Cheyenne’s Marty Hodge became the first pitcher to break 200 career wins. Cheyenne themselves were having an uncharacteristically bad season pitching-wise, with only Carlos Padilla and closer Mike Hilger being above-average. Their season’s success falls mostly to their offense and the sophomore emergence of LF Juan Balladares who is on pace to get close to the single-season hits record. Both Rome and Germantown would have their own 10-game winning streaks in August, with the latter now matched with Sioux City as the best in the entire league.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Melvin Navarrete, .396avg, 4HRs, 24RBIs (GAL)
AC: Jimmy Sparrowhawk, .379avg, 12HRs, 39RBIs (ROM) x3
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Nick Hartle, 1.71ERA in 21 innings, 8 Saves (DAK)
AC: Dan Miles, 5-1, 1.78ERA, 40Ks (GER) x2
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Kyle Richards, 3-0, 2.18ERA in 20.2 innings (DAK)
AC: Scottie Gaylord, .314avg, 10HRs, 30RBIs (PLY)
2113 Season StandingsWith a month left the playoff hunt was set as only 2 teams were locked into the playoffs (Sioux City and Germantown). In the Pacific, Eureka sat 2 games ahead of Cheyenne and Astoria, while the rest sat 10 games under .500 but not fully out of the fight. In the Atlantic Rome and Florida had a 3.5 game lead over Plymouth and Trois, with Huron not that far behind them. Despite how poor Alaska and Dakota were earlier in the season, and how far Chesapeake has fallen due to injuries, the league showed surprising parity this season. All except the dumpster fire that is Halifax. They nearly reached 100 losses before September even started, with no qualified player reaching league average. (Their highest rated player is 3B Lou van der Vegt with 93OPS+). Their team chemistry reached a boiling point during a long road trip during which starting pitcher Alberto Cuestas reportedly didn’t travel to their series in Trois since he wasn’t scheduled to start. When he reappeared during their next series in Germantown (in the 3rd inning), Cameron Whitehead, who was starting the game, along with 2B Josh Pickup met him in the tunnel and wouldn’t let him into the dugout. Tempers rose and reportedly 6 Halifax players and 2 coaches were involved in a scrum that lasted so long the game would have to be delayed while their side could solve things out. The league would suspend the 3 named players and 2 coaches as well as provide warnings to the teams GM and owner to sort things out before it escalates. While expansion teams are expected to fail, they tend to fall with more dignity. Back to playoff hunt news, Astoria would have a rough patch dropping 8 of 9 in consecutive series against playoff teams, dropping them out of the Pacific wild card hunt, seemingly locking up the Pacific for Sioux City, Eureka, and Cheyenne. Huron would go on an 8-game winning streak to put them in with Trois for the hunt for the final spot. Speaking of the Harfang, they’d lose 10-straight to lose out of the playoffs and record their first ever season below .500. Florida would hang on to secure the final wild card spot as Huron could not match their pace while Sioux City and Germantown would both have seasons with over 110 wins as both teams beat the single-season record for most wins in a season (previously Eureka in 2104 with 112). Both were the overwhelming favorites to face each other in the championship series. However, the Pretzels odds would take a slight hit as star LF Jeremy Cooper would pull an abdominal muscle on the penultimate day and will miss the playoffs.
Hitters of the Month:
PC: Juan Castillo, .400avg, 6HRs, 19RBIs (SC)
AC: Nikolaus Wallauer, .436avg, 32Runs, 3HRs (ROM)
Pitchers of the Month:
PC: Nick Grueneich, 5-0, 2.32ERA, 38Ks (SC)
AC: Mike Kulbeth, 6-0, 2.76ERA, 48Ks (ROM) x2
Rookies of the Month:
PC: Bill Sutherland, .381avg, 3HRs, 18RBIs (EUR)
AC: Scottie Gaylord, .348avg, 6HRs, 18RBIs (PLY) x2
2113 Season Stat Leaders
AVG
PC: CHY Juan Balladares .363, DAK Rüdiger Martin .352, GAL Katsumi Canio .346
AC: HUR Jeremy Richey .365, ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk .354, TR Enrique Deramos .334
Home Runs
PC: EUR Jake Herold 32, DAK Travis Carr, 31, AK Carlos Ramírez 30
AC: ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk 46, TR Joe Delli Santi 43, FLA Tyler Hammerich 39
RBIs
PC: AK Carlos Ramírez 129, CHY Paul Butler 119, DAK Travis Carr 117
AC: ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk 157, GER George Powers 129, FLA Tyler Hammerich 125
On-Base + Slugging%
PC: EUR Jake Herold .956, SC Juan Castillo .954, DAK Travis Carr .952
AC: ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk 1.072, HUR Jeremy Richey .968, GER George Powers .959
Stolen Bases:
PC: DAK Rüdiger Martin 86, EUR Orlando Lazzarini 60, SC Ernest Mott 60
AC: PLY Daryl Haydon 73, CHS Sosa Jouon 52, HFX Lou van der Vegt 47
Batter WAR
PC: CHY Juan Balladares 7.7, GAL Katsumi Canio 6.9, SC Jayden Royal 6.8
AC: ROM Jimmy Sparrowhawk 10.6, ROM Nikolaus Wallauer 7.1, CHS Sosa Jouon 6.6
Wins
PC: SC Nick Grueneich 21, EUR Trent Pullin 18, CHY Carlos Padilla 17
AC: ROM Mike Kulbeth 24, GER Nick Lambert 20, GER Heath Victory 19
ERA
PC: GAL Paolo Barreau 2.73, SC Oliver Yonker 2.78, SC Nick Grueneich 2.98
AC: GER Dan Miles 2.80, ROM Mike Kulbeth 2.88, GER Heath Victory 3.23
Strikeouts
PC: DUR Greg Dryer 250, SC Nick Grueneich 242, SC Ruben Cabrales 189
AC: ROM Mike Kulbeth 277, GER Julio Then 252, GER Heath Victory
Saves
PC: AST Mitch Null 33, SC John Sweet 33, CHY Mike Hilger 30
AC: GER Josh Burford 40, TR Cameron Broome 32, FLA Manny Julia 30
Pitcher WAR
PC: Nick Grueneich 8.2, AK Fritz Bresson 6.8, CHY Carlos Padilla 6.5
AC: ROM Mike Kulbeth 10.3, GER Dan Miles 7.1, GER Heath Victory 6.7
Runs the highly unsuccessful PSC project featuring the Premier Soccer League and National Baseball Federation
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Posted by BDoof 7/04/2024 12:02 am | #69 |
2113 Playoffs
Pacific Wild Card Series
Atlantic Wild Card Series
The eternal rivals face each other for the 7th time in the playoffs. The Buffalo enter with possibly the biggest home-road disparity in NABF history, with a home record over .600 and road below .400. Their normally strong pitching has been rather lackluster this season, finishing 3rd in the Pacific for runs against. Their offense has been carried by veterans such as CF Bonjour, DH Butler, RF Mshangama, and 2B Harbin. But the spotlight lands on LF Juan Balladares, who in his first full season led the Pacific in AVG, WAR, and tied the NABF record for most doubles in a single-season while stealing 57 bags. Eureka enters with the 2nd best offense and defense (only lagging behind Sioux City). With 7 of their starting hitters being league average or better. Led by DH Lazzarini, 1B Navo, CF Gallagher, 2B John, C Méndez, and veteran RF Jake Herold who in his age 39 season led the Pacific in home runs and OPS. Pitching features Redwood veterans Trent Pullin, Dustin Cloud, Tillmam Tamayo, and rookie Ron Kalb. Along with decorated closer Dale Patterson.
Game 1: CHY Tim Cote (12-12, 4.06) vs EUR Dustin Cloud (7-15, 4.65)
The game would start out slow, with both teams only scoring once through 5 innings. But the Redwoods would then go off for 12 runs capped off by a 1B Navo 3-run home run to take a dominant game 1.
CHY 5 - 13 EUR
Game 2: CHY Chris Keon (11-11, 5.19) vs EUR Tillmam Tamayo (17-11, 4.15)
Keon would limit the Redwoods to only 3 runs before giving the ball to closer Mike Hilger, who is the NABF all-time leader in saves. The Buffalo would have a 95% win probability with a 6-3 lead. But Hilger would blow it, giving up 4 runs to the Redwoods, giving them the lead and the victory.
CHY 6 - 7 EUR
Game 3: EUR Trent Pullin (18-11, 3.81) vs CHY Carlos Padilla (17-7, 3.13)
Both Pullin and Padilla would go band-for-band as each would only give up 1 run. But in the 7th the Redwoods offense would get going as 1B Navo would knock a 2-run single to take the lead. Dale Patterson would come in to close it out. The Buffalo would get a hit but the game and series would end on a C Hemery strikeout.
EUR 4 - 1 CHY. The Redwoods sweep the series, 3-0. 1B Navo wins series MVP.
Pacific Series
2 franchises marked by failure during the beginning of their existence. But now are considered 2 of the best franchises in the Atlantic, however neither has yet won a Championship Series. Rome continues to have a ridiculous offense, led by SS Wallauer, RF Black, 1B Carrethers, DH Nana, 2B Belew, and the utterly dominating 3B Jimmy Sparrowhawk who is coming off arguably the best offensive season since Kyle Thompson’s record 61 home runs. Sparrowhawk signed an 8 year extension in the offseason so expect him to be lighting up the Roman scoreboard for a long time. Pitching will be a bit of a struggle, while they do have Mike Kulbeth who is likely to win his 7th straight Taylor, they don’t have much else with their next 2 best pitchers being injured (Matt Kenney and Kyle Magnani). Though a mid-season trade for closer Jeremy Peerenboom at least gives their bullpen a chance in the late innings. While Rome has been great all season, Florida has been anything but. Constantly going from the top of the standings to the bottom and back up again. Florida enters with only the 4th ranked offense and 7th ranked defense. They’ve been getting lucky all season with clutch plays from DH Hernández, 1B Hammerich, SS Cabrera, and 2-way outfielder David Castillo who had his best offensive season. However, he struggled a bit on the mound, as did all the Flamingo starters. Except Rafael Santa Cruz… who will be out for the whole playoffs.
Game 1: FLA Sean Meagher (16-10, 4.33) vs ROM Mike Kulbeth (24-8, 2.88)
1B Carrethers would get a 2-RBI single in the first followed by a solo home run by SS Wallauer in the 3rd while Mike Kulbeth would strike out 12 Flamingos in a complete game to set the tone for the series.
FLA 2 - 7 ROM
Game 2: FLA Cyrille Vincent (12-18, 4.32) vs ROM Tim Jackson (15-12, 3.92)
Tim Jackson, the former Harfang, would have the game of his career, throwing a complete game shutout giving up only 3 hits. Leaving the Gladiators offense to score 7 runs of multi-hit games from 1B Carrethers, 2B Belew, and 3B Sparrowhawk.
FLA 0 - 7 ROM
Game 3: ROM Frederick Pugner (9-3, 4.02) vs FLA David Castillo (15-12, 4.40)
A 2-run home run from DH Nana would give the Gladiators a 2-run lead going into the 7th. The Flamingos would have multiple runners on in each of the next 2 innings but would hit into double plays each time as they were unable to score on the Gladiators bad bullpen as Rome sweeps the Wild Card Series.
ROM 5 - 3 FLA. The Gladiators sweep the series 3-0. SP Tim Jackson wins series MVP.
Atlantic Series
A rematch of last season's Pacific Series. Sioux City enters after having the best season in Pacific history. With a team ERA of 3.20 and team AVG of .284. Pitching being their strongest suit. Grueniech is likely to win the Taylor for the 2nd time. Cabrales, Ojeda, Echevarria, Carbone, Hernández, Yonker, and Montes all had great seasons as starters. Yes, all those names are elite starters. It's so many that Montes missed out on the playoff roster while Yonker, who had the league's second lowest ERA is in the bullpen. In terms of bullpen, John Sweet continued his dominant career as the closer while Lillegård and Eustace had ERA below 1. Offensively, 3B Royal had arguably his best season, while RF Mott, DH Castillo, C Titus, and 2B Labrego all had career years themselves. Along with great depth features names like LF Khalfani, RF Aguilar, and 1B Reardon making up great late game substitutions if they are even needed. It’s hard to imagine that just 2 seasons ago they were losing 100s of games each season in Baton Rouge. Speaking of the Cajuns, their best player was RF Jake Herold who for the longest time was outspoken against the squad, but now he’s facing them as a part of Eureka looking for revenge for all his wasted prime years.
Game 1: EUR Ron Kalb (5-2, 2.84) vs SC Nick Grueneich (22-10, 2.98)
Spiders DH Castillo would have 2 doubles while Grueneich locked down the Redwoods, only allowing 1 run as Sioux City takes game 1.
EUR 1 - 5 SC
Game 2: EUR Tillmam Tamayo (17-11, 4.15) vs SC Ruben Cabrales (16-14, 3.61)
DH Castillo and C Titus would hit back-to-back doubles in the first as the Spiders would score 3, followed by 2 more the next inning. The Redwoods would struggle to get anything going until the 8th, but by then it’d be too late.
EUR 4 - 6 SC
Game 3: SC Dennis Echevarria (10-4, 2.72) vs EUR Trent Pullin (18-11, 3.81)
Sioux City 1B Jason Weissman would hit a home run in his 2nd consecutive game as the Spiders continue to roll past the Redwoods.
SC 6 - 2 EUR
Game 4: SC Daniel Ojeda (12-5, 3.54) vs EUR Dustin Cloud (7-15, 4.65)
Redwoods would finally get a win as 3B García gets 3 hits while Cloud limits the Spiders 2 just a solo home run from C Titus.
SC 1 - 7 EUR
Game 5: SC Nick Grueneich (22-10, 2.98) vs EUR Ron Kalb (5-2, 2.84)
Back-to-back-to-back doubles from C Titus, 1B Weissman, and CF Jackson would start the game off for an easy victory for the Spiders as they complete the gentleman sweep of the Redwoods to go to their first ever Championship Series.
SC 6 - 0 EUR. The Spiders win the series 4-1. 1B Weissman wins series MVP.
2113 Championship Series
The team that ranks 1st in everything and the team in 2nd. Though I wouldn’t bet against Rome quite yet. The Pretzels will be out LF Cooper and 3B Lamm for the series. With Rome’s ridiculous offense and the momentum from their Wild Card sweep they stand a great chance. Germantown’s offseason acquisitions of SPs Dan Miles and Nick Lambert has paid off through not just their tangible contributions but their presence has allowed Heath Victory and Julio Then to blossom in their roles. Offensively, they still feature a strong core of C Park, RF Propst, 1B Rueda, and LF George Powers who posted another strong season, leading the league in walks for the 9th time while hitting over .300 with 27HRs and 129RBIs. The Pretzels won the season series 13-6.
Game 1: ROM Mike Kulbeth (24-8, 2.88) vs GER Dan Miles (18-11, 2.80)
In the 2nd, Kulbeth would load the bases before walking CF Nájera followed by a 2-run double from 1B Rueda. That would stand as the only difference in the match as Dan Miles locked down the Gladiators offense.
ROM 1 - 4 GER
Game 2: ROM Matt Kenney (18-11, 4.55) vs GER Heath Victory (19-8, 3.23)
Kenney would be back from injury and he’d dominate, giving up only 4 hits in a complete 1-run game. The Gladiators would score 3 from a big 3rd inning and that’d be it as the Pretzels bullpen locked down the rest of the game.
ROM 3 - 1 GER
Game 3: GER Nick Lambert (20-6, 3.64) vs ROM Tim Jackson (15-12, 3.92)
The Gladiators offense would get shut down once again as Lambert allowed only 1 run to score. While the Pretzels would score 5 with each being thanks to a different player as everyone got involved.
GER 5 - 1 ROM
Game 4: GER Julio Then (18-6, 4.01) vs ROM Frederick Pugner (9-3, 4.02)
The Gladiators offense would finally break through, scoring 8 in the first 4 innings. Pugner would only give up 1 run through 7 and would be left out for the 8th, where he’d give up 3 runs before being taken out. His replacement, Luis López would give up 3 without even recording an out. Luckily, Jonathan Latham was able to get a groundout to end the inning. He’d come back out in the 9th and would get 2 quick outs before RF Propst and LF Powers would each single. But C Park would strike out as Rome would tie the series.
GER 6 - 8 ROM
Game 5: GER Dan Miles (18-11, 2.80) vs ROM Mike Kulbeth (24-8, 2.88)
They’d go back and forth through 9 innings with the game tied. In the bottom of the 10th, Germantown would have closer Josh Burford pitching. He’d give up a leadoff double to 1B Carrethers before intentionally walking DH Nana. Sullivan Cros would pinch hit and lay down a perfect sacrifice bunt. LF Henry would be intentionally walked to have the force out and load the bases. C Freeman would work a full count and foul off the next 2 pitches before Burford would lose control and walked him for a walk-off walk as the Gladiators take the series lead!
GER 6 - 7 ROM
Game 6: ROM Matt Kenney (18-11, 4.55) vs GER Heath Victory (19-8, 3.23)
3B Sparrowhawk would hit 2 home runs along with 1B Carrethers to cap off an upset in the Atlantic Series as the Gladiators take down the team with the most wins in a single season, continuing the curse of 110+ win teams (only 1 team in MLB history won the World Series after winning 110 games (1998 Yankees) while none of the 4 teams to do so in the NABF has won the Championship Series either).
ROM 6 - 2 GER. Gladiators win the series 4-2. 1B Jonathan Carrethers wins series MVP.
Rome enters their third Championship Series in 4 years, but has yet to win it all. While Sioux City is playing in the franchise's first ever Series. Rome has arguably the better offense while Sioux City has the much better defense, but that’s pretty standard. Both teams feature an ace that won last year's Taylor award and both are likely to win again this year (Grueneich and Kulbeth). Both teams feature last year's Baxter winner and both have likely winners this year (Titus and Sparrowhawk). A matchup of juggernauts. Sioux City won the season series 3-1 and are looking to break the curse of 110+ win teams.
Game 1: ROM Tim Jackson (15-12, 3.92) vs SC Ruben Cabrales (16-14, 3.61)
Sioux City would score first and then a 3-run home run from LF Weber would take a commanding lead. But Cabrales would fall apart in the 7th, giving up a 3-run pinch hit home run to Cros to give Rome a 1 run lead. In the 9th, Jonathan Latham would be pitching for the Gladiators. 2B Labrego would hit a leadoff single before being bunted over by CF Jackson. PH Khalfani would be hit by a pitch. 3B Royal would slap a single into left but Labrego would be held up at third in what would become a controversial decision as SS Shamakani would ground into a double play to end the game.
ROM 5 - 4 SC
Game 2: ROM Mike Kulbeth (24-8, 2.88) vs SC Nick Grueneich (22-10, 2.98)
The Taylor winners would duel with Kulbeth allowing 3 runs in 8 innings while Grueneich would give up 2. Spiders closer John Sweet would come out for the 9th. DH Nana would hit a leadoff single before getting bunted to 2nd. But Sweet would get out of the jam by striking out PH Cros and C Freeman to tie the series.
ROM 2 - 3 SC
Game 3: SC Dennis Echevarria (10-4, 2.72) vs ROM Matt Kenney (18-11, 4.55)
Bad defense would lead to a 5-run inning by the Spiders. Rome would battle back to tie the game but a 2-run home run from 1B Weissman would seal the deal for the Spiders.
SC 8 - 6 ROM
Game 4: SC Daniel Ojeda (12-5, 3.54) vs ROM Frederick Pugner (9-3, 4.02)
The Gladiators offense would decimate Ojeda thanks to a 3-run home run from C Freeman and a grand slam from DH Nana. DH Castillo would hit a solo home run in the 9th but it wouldn’t be near enough as Rome ties the series at 2.
SC 2 - 11 ROM
Game 5: SC Ruben Cabrales (16-14, 3.36) vs ROM Tim Jackson (15-12, 3.92)
SS Wallauer would start things off for the Gladiators with a leadoff home run, but Cabrales would shut down the offense for the rest of the game. While 1B Weissman would have another home run along with 2B Labrego continuing to have a great postseason as the Spiders pull 1 away from the Championship.
SC 5 - 1 ROM
Game 6: ROM Kulbeth (24-8, 2.88) vs SC Nick Grueneich (22-10, 2.98)
Many were hoping that this would be the game 7 matchup, but instead they face off in an ever important game 6. Kulbeth and Grueneich would match up similar to Game 2 both allowing only 2 runs through 7. In the bottom of the 9th, a DH Castillo single would allow RF Mott to score on a close play at the plate to barely give the Spiders the lead. Grueneich would be allowed back out in the 9th, but a leadoff single from 1B Carrethers would prompt manager Rob Noble to put closer John Sweet on the mound. He’d then strike out DH Nana and PH Haas before getting LF Cros to ground out to narrowly win the series for the Spiders! They win the Championship in only their 2nd season in Sioux City.
ROM 2 - 3 SC. The Spiders win the series 4-2. DH Juan Castillo wins series MVP.
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