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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:02 am 
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September 2011 in review

    It was an amazing way to end the season. The Bobcats rested their starting position players and got a look at some potential contributors for next year, while also arranging their starting lineup for the playoffs, all while posting their winningest month this season

    The Bobcats are the clear favorites this post season. The Padres and Phillies are the strongest National League teams, with the Nationals winning the wildcard and the Astros being the third national league division winner.

    In the American League, the White Sox and Orioles won their divisions, while the Muskrats take the wildcard and will square off against the 'Cats in the division series

Record

    The Bobcats won 25 games, dropping only 3 this month, making them the winningest team in the league. Their 151 runs scored was their second-most this season, Good for the 11th strongest offense this September. Their 64 runs allowed was their best month of the season, and they were the only team to allow fewer than 100 runs to score. This means that they averaged 5.4 runs per game while allowing only 2.3 runs pregame.

    This puts their season record at an outstanding 131 and 31. 49 games ahead of their division rival Athletics, 41 games better than the next strongest American League team, the Chicago White Sox, and 37 games better than the strongest National League teams – the Padres & Phillies

Awards

    It might have been because the Bobcats rested their starters on and off this month, but only one player won a player of the week award – Suárez, who was named player of the week for the last week of the season in which he batted 556 with two homeruns and six RBIs. No other Bobcat won player of the week or player of the month this month

Who's hot

    Obradovich (DDCCCD), the Bobcats strong-armed catcher who triggered a controversy last season when he hit enough to warrant the starting catcher spot during the playoffs, subsequently lost his starting catching position due to the strong offensive performance of current starter, Cunane (EDCDEG), who batted close to 400 this season, hit much better this month, and his stronger arm may mean that he gets the nod when the Bobcats face teams with multiple base stealing threats in their lineup

    After being on the home run leader boards throughout most of the season, Suárez pulled away from the pack and finished with an AL-leading 49 homeruns, while batting 339 for the season, driving in the third most runs in all of baseball, and being third in stolen bases (46) in all of baseball, while playing solid defense. No one would be surprised if he wins his second consecutive league MVP

    Centerfielder Ruggiano led the league with 53 stolen bases. Suárez was third and Dawley, who was suspended for the last month of the season, was tied for fifth with 42. Shortstop Grindell was tied for eighth with 37 stolen bases.

    Starting pitching was excellent, and minor league knuckleballer, Crabtree (87 EC 2SF – three, SL – three, CB – one, KN – five), who lost his major-league spot last season when he could not retire batters and was simply not given opportunity earlier in this season, showed that he should be considered for a relief spot in 2012

    Jake Peavy finished the season with a league best 2.63 ERA He is not considered a front runner to repeat for this years Cy Young Award, even though he also pitched the fourth most innings this year, posted a solid 14 and 4 record, and threw the second most quality starts in baseball.

    Closer Kevin Hart (96 DE SL – four, CB – four, CH – three) led the league in saves for a third consecutive season with 54 saves in 61 opportunities

Who's not

    No one seemed to underperform this month, which bodes well entering the playoffs and off-season

Dawley Suspension

    The suspension of the Bobcats dynamic leader of hitter and second baseman ended, but the Bobcats made a statement that they did not want to bring suspended second baseman Dawley with them on the playoffs, petitioning the league to allow them to replace Dawley on the postseason wind up. The union objected, on the basis that Dolly should not suffer any additional consequences other than those imposed by major-league baseball, and the commissioner agreed. The Bobcats released a statement indicating that they will carry Dawley, and will use him as a defensive replacement since they will not otherwise have a defensive replacement for second base, but will not bring him in to start or to serve as a pinch hitter or runner. Skeptics claim the Bobcats are making this move because of the overwhelming support (including attendance at games and good publicity) from the various anti-drug organizations, And that they might be receiving additional favorable treatment from the government of Nevada, which wants it's sports teams to be "ultra clean" in order to make up for the reputation of its most significant city – Las Vegas


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:13 am 
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2011 AL division series preview: Mohave Bobcats host the Louisville Muskrats.

Here is a position by position comparison, formatted as follows:

    Position
    Muskrat
    Bobcat
    Comment

      Catcher
      Kenji Johjima (Arm – C; 295, 23 HR, 112 RBI)
      Cunane (D arm; 395, HR, 21 RBI, 16 SB)
      Obradovitch (C arm; 290, 23 RBI, 30 SB)
      Comment: The Muskrats catcher seems to have the edge over the Bobcats tandem

      First base
      Paul Konerko (317, 28 HR, 117 RBI)
      Erdos (317, 27 HR, 94 RBI, 28 SB)
      Comment: the statistics are virtually identical, although Erdos adds a dimension of speed, while Konerko brings experience and a bit more intimidation to the lineup. Edge – Muskrats

      Second base
      Brian Roberts (ECC defense; 268, 22 HR, 110 runs scored, 40 2SB)
      Bailey (BBC defense; 277, 19 SB, in under 200 ABs)
      Comment: the Bobcats have stronger defense, but their second baseman, pressed into duty when their starter was suspended for PEDs, often looks overmatched at the plate. Edge – Muskrats

      Shortstop
      Orlando Cabrera (CBC defense; 251, 15 HR, 95 RBI, 14 SB)
      Grindell (AAB defense; 311, 10 HR, 61 RBI, 37 SB)
      Comment: the Bobcats shortstop is stronger on defense and more consistent at the place, while the Muskrats shortstop has more power and has performed in more hi-pressure situations at the plate. Edge – Bobcats

      Third-base
      Aubrey Huff (DCC defense; 236, 12 HR, 60 RBI)
      Suárez (CCC defense; 339, 49 HR, 151 RBI, 46 SB)
      Comment: the Bobcats third baseman is the best player on their team, and right now may be the best young player in all of baseball. Edge – Bobcats

      Leftfield
      Adam Lind (DFD defense; 211, 11 HR, 65 RBI)
      Eric Byrnes (CBC defense; 304, 30 HR, 97 RBIs and run scored, 35 SB)
      Comment: the Muskrats leftfielder is a liability at the plate and in the field, while the Bobcats boast a reliable veteran. Edge – Bobcats

      Centerfield
      Carlos Beltran (BBB defense; 320, 45 HR, 156 RBI, 116 run scored, 28SB)
      Ruggiano (BBC defense; 329, 2 HR, 50 3SB)
      Swanson (CCD defense: 315, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 36 SB)
      Comment: the Bobcats alternate between two young, promising CFs, neither of whom will likely ever be the complete player that the Muskrats all-star is. Edge - Muskrats

      Right field
      Chris Denorfia (DED defense; 239 BA, 12 HR, 68 RBI)
      Condrey (BCC defense; 290, 17 HR, 15 SB)
      Comment: similar offense of numbers, but the Bobcats provide better defense in right. Edge – Bobcats

      DH
      Dan Uggla (348, 34 HR, 116 RBI, 16 SB)
      Dmitri Young (370, 27 HR, 94 RBI)
      Comment: both teams have strong DHs, but the Muskrat DH have slightly more power and a lot more speed. Edge – Muskrats

Comparing team stats:

    Team: team ERA; runs allowed; Team BA; runs scored

    Muskrats 5.36 893 278 908
    Bobcats 2.72 468 323 813

    Comment: the Muskrats offense scores more runs than the Bobcats, who's offense struggled during much of the season, but the Bobcats pitching would seem to more than make up for that difference. Edge – Bobcats


Pitching comparisons:

    The Muskrats have a nice array of starters, with the hard throwing Scott Mathieson (100 FB SL – two, CH – two) getting the nod in game one. James Shields and Ian Kennedy are also solid starters. The Muskrats closer, Huston Street, is one of the best, and Dustin Nippert (98 CE CB – four, CH – three), Fernando Cabrera (96 DE CB – four, SP – four) and Jeff Karstens (90 FE SL – two, CU– two, CB – four, CH –three) are solid relievers.

    The Bobcats have the most consistently strong pitching staff in the majors and the top reliever, though they own their middle relief has been inconsistent

Prediction: Bobcats pitching does a better job holding hitters in check, the Muskrats corner-outfielders allow singles to become doubles and doubles to become triples, and the Bobcats sweep in three games


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Sat Apr 18, 2015 6:16 am 
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Division playoffs: Louisville Muskrats v Mohave Bobcats

Game one: Muskrats Scott Mathieson (100 FB SL – two, CH – two) at Bobcats Jake Peavy (97 BA 2SF – two, SL – five, CB – three, CH – four, HSK – three)

    Brian Roberts let off the game by singling off of an 0–2 curveball, but was immediately erased on a 5 – 4–3 double play before Beltran popped out to short Mathieson retired the first three Bobcats in order on harmless flyballs, and held the Bobcats in check through 2–1/3 innings, when catcher Obradovich singled, stole second, and scored on a Ruggiano base hit. Ruggiano stole second and then scored on a Grindell single over the head of Brian Roberts. The Muskrats threatened in the fourth on back to back to singles, but Dan Uggla hit into an inning ending 4 – 5–3 double play. A Brian Roberts RBI single with the bases-loaded in the top of the fifth, followed one out later by a Carlos Beltran single between the first and second baseman gave the Muskrats a one run lead The Bobcats stranded runners in scoring position in the fifth and sixth inning. Peavy was removed with two outs in the seventh-inning, runners at first and third and Carlos Beltran at the plate The Bobcats reliever, Sears, induced an inning ending ground ball. Paul Konerko led off the 8th with a HR. The Muskrats brought in Fernando Cabrera, who pitched a scoreless eighth and Huston Street closed out the game. Final score: 4–2, Muskrats

Game two: Muskrats Kennedy (90 FB SL – two, CB – two, SP – two, SK – two) at Bobcats Beckett (98 BA 2SF – two, SFB – four, CH – three, FO–5, DCB – four).

    The Muskrats applied pressure in the second inning when Dan Uggla doubled runners to second and third with no outs. Becket escaped the inning by inducing three ground balls, the first one leading to a tag play at home. Condrey led off the 3rd with a single, and scored 3 runs on 2-out RBI singles by Ruggiano, Suárez, and Dmitri Young. The Muskrats Lind singled in a run in the 5th. The Bobcats scored three more in the bottom of this fifth when Ruggiano, Suárez, and Young each got their second RBI singles of the night. A lead-off homerun by Carlos Beltran in the sixth and a Roberts RBI double in the seventh cut the Bobcats lead to three runs, but due to strong relief performances, that would be the closest the Muskrats could get. Final score: 6–3, Bobcats

Game three: Muskrats Duff (90 FC CU – one, CB – two) at Bobcats Borkowski (95 DB 2SF – three, SL – three, CB – three, FO – two).

    The Bobcats got things going in the second inning when two players who struggled offensively in the first two games, Eric Byrnes and Erdos, started the inning with a double followed by a homerun. In the third, Eric Byrnes stepped to the plate with two out and runners on first and second, and he delivered a double that scored both. Byrnes delivered again in the fifth when he doubled in another run with 2 outs. In the meantime, the Bobcats Borkowski took a no-hitter into the sixth, when he surrendered a double to Adam Lind. Borkowski lost his shut-out bid in the bottom of the ninth when he allowed a two run homerun to Carlos Beltran, at which point the Bobcats brought in closer, Kevin Hart. Hart induced groundouts to short from Konerko and Uggla, ending the game. Final score: 5–2, Bobcats

Game four: Bobcats Kendrick (93 CB SFB – three, CH – four, SL – three) at Muskrats Jamie Shields (94 CA CU – two, CB – two, CH – two).

    The Bobcats struck early when Suárez hit his first postseason homerun in the bottom of the first with two outs The Muskrats starter was, otherwise, handling the Bobcat line up easily, until Grindel hit a two out triple into the left-centerfield gap, and scored on and Obradovitch opposite field single. In the top of the third, Suárez doubled the Bobcats lead when he homered with a runner on first. Following the Suárez homerun, Young doubled, moved to third on a Byrnes single, and scored on a Grindell double. When the Bobcats failed to score in the top of the fourth inning, it marked the first inning in which they did not add to their lead and many in the Muskrats crowd gave a sarcastic round of applause. Meanwhile, the Bobcats starter, Kendrick, did not collect his first strike out until the fifth inning (Konerko), but did not allow a hit until the sixth inning, when Johjima singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. Brian Roberts drove Johjima in two batters later, and after an infield single loaded the bases, Beltran brought the Muskrats to within a run with a triple, signaling a Bobcat call to the bullpen. Reliever Sears struck out Komerko and Uggla to preserve the one run lead. Reliever, Rosado, pitched a scoreless eighth and Kevin Hart faced the three most dangerous hitters in the Muskrats lineup for the ninth, retiring them easily, including a dramatic three pitch strike out to end the game. Final score: five –four, Bobcats

Bobcats beat Muskrats for division series – 3-1

    Notes: while many of the Bobcats normally productive hitters struggled, including Erdos and Grindell, rookie of the year candidate Ruggiano led the team with a batting average of over 500 and Obradovitch, who lost his starting catching spot due to Cunane's impressive hitting while Obradovitch struggled, seemed to have regained his stroke, batting around 300 for the series and flashing his impressive arm, throwing out 3 base stealers during the series

Other playoff games:

    White Sox defeated Orioles, 3–2

    Astros defeated the Nationals, 3–1

    Padres defeated the Phillies, 3–1


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Sat Apr 18, 2015 6:40 am 
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League championship series preview

White Sox v. Bobcats - position comparisons


    Catcher Yadier Molina (ADE defense; 260, 15 HR, 91 RBI)
    Cunane (D arm; 395, HR, 21 RBI, 16 SB)
    Obradovitch (C arm; 290, 23 RBI, 30 SB)
    Comment: the Bobcats catchers are slightly better at the plate, although they provide less power than Molina. They are also better defensively, but Molina's stronger arm may be more important against the run-crazy Bobcats than any other factor. Edge – White Sox

    1B Scott Moore (FFE defense; 262, 9 HR)
    Erdos (317, 27 HR, 94 RBI, 28 SB)
    Comment: the Bobcats have a rising star manning first, while the White Sox have a defensive liability who is often overmatched at the plate. Edge – Bobcats

    2B Joe Inglett (EED defense; 239, 14 HR)
    Bailey (BBC defense; 277, 19 SB, in under 200 ABs)
    Comment: edge – Bobcats

    SS Jose Reyes (CCC defense; 287, 11 HR, 124 runs scored, 28 SB)
    Grindell (AAB defense; 311, 10 HR, 61 RBI, 37 SB)
    Comment: in spite of Grindell's comparable numbers, Reyes is the more dynamic offensive player, although Grindell is the stronger defender. Edge – White Sox

    3B Garrett Atkins (CDC defense; 304, 26 HR, 119 RBI)
    Suárez (CCC defense; 339, 49 HR, 151 RBI, 46 SB)
    Comment: both are excellent players, but Suárez has slightly better defensive range and more power at the plate. Edge – Bobcats

    LF Carlos Lee (DEC defense; 272, 29 HR, 116 RBI, 94 runs scored)
    Eric Byrnes (CBC defense; 304, 30 HR, 97 RBIs and run scored, 35 SB)
    Comment: offensively similar, Byrnes adds a speed factor, while Lee may be a defensive liability in spacious Panpaka Park. Edge – Bobcats

    CF David DeJesus (DBC defense; 299, 21 HR, 142 RBI, 109 runs scored, 23 SB)
    Ruggiano (BBC defense; 329, 2 HR, 53 SB)
    Swanson (CCD defense: 315, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 36 SB)
    Comment: DeJesus' power gives him the edge. Edge – White Sox

    RF Bobby Abreu (CBC defense; 269, 27 HR, 101 RBI, 98 runs scored)
    Condrey (BCC defense; 290, 17 HR, 15 SB)
    Comment: Abreu's better defensive range and greater power give the aging right fielder the edge over the Bobcats former rookie of the year. Edge – White Sox

    DH Matt Kemp (312, 18 HR, 95 RBI, 18 SB)
    Dmitri Young (370, 27 HR, 94 RBI)
    Comment: Young has slightly better power, and is a bit more consistent at the plate, but Kemp's speed can make a difference. Edge – push

Pitching assessment: the White Sox have a strong front-end staff, starting with Roy Oswalt and Great Paulino, but then there is a significant drop off to Micah Owings and Matt Morris (93 EC 2SF – two, SL – one, DC B – one, CH – two, SFB – two). Tyler Yates, Chad Quails and Jonathan Sanchez are hard throwing relievers, but they do not have much movement on their pitches. Still, the Bobcats lineup seems to have more trouble handling speed than tracking movement

Comparing team stats:

    Team runs allowed; runs scored

    White Sox 757 924
    Bobcats 468 813

Prediction: The Bobcats score in the middle innings against the White Sox starters, the White Sox store score against the Bobcats middle relievers, but the 'Cats come out on top four times in the first five.


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Sat Apr 18, 2015 7:18 am 
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2011 League Championship Series: Chicago White Sox versus Mojave Bobcats

Game one: White Sox Owings (92 CB SL – one, CH – two) at Bobcats Peavy (97 BA 2SF – two, SL – five, CB – three, CH – four, HSK – three). Shortstop Grindell struggled the last series, but was inserted into leadoff spot for today's game, and he delivered with a double off of the first pitch of the game. Moving to third on a wild pitch, Grindell scored on a Suarez ground out. With two outs in the second, centerfielder Ruggiano drilled a fastball over the centerfielders head for a double, and scored on an Obradovic single. An RBI single in the bottom of the fourth from Bailey, the Bobcat utility player who has been pressed into an every day roll due to the suspension of the Bobcat starting second baseman, gave the Bobcats a 3–0 lead entering the fifth inning. In the top of the seventh, Matt Kemp doubled in a run and put runners at second and third with one out. Scott Moore blooped a hit between the drawn in infield and outfield to bring in one run, and after a strikeout, the White Sox tied the game on an RBI ground out. Matt Kemp came through in the clutch in the top of the eighth, driving in the go ahead Sox with two out. The Bobcats tied the game against White Sox closer Murray (92 CC SL – two, CB – two) when Ruggiano singled with one out, stole second, and scored on an Obradovic single. The score remained tied entering the bottom of the 11th when Ruggiano singled with one out, stole second, and scored on an Obradovic single up the middle. Final score: 5–4 (11), Bobcats

    Notable: Ruggiano and Obradovic accounted for 3 of the 'Cats 5 runs today, including the game-tying and -winning runs against the Sox closer.

Game two: White Sox Morris at Bobcats Beckett. The White Sox drew first blood when Jose Reyes led off with a double into the right center field gap and then move to third and scored on groundouts. Other than that double, both pitchers were throwing very well, with Beckett racking up seven strikeouts in the first four innings and Morris shutting down the Bobcats on three hits during that same term. In the fifth, however, Erdos led off with an eight pitch at-bat, culminating in a base hit, and that seem to take the steam out of the White Sox starter, as he allowed singles to the next two batters, although a close play at the plate followed by a double play kept the White Sox one run lead in tact. In the sixth, Eric Byrnes tied the game against Tyler Yates when he singled with Bobcats catcher Cunane on second, but the White Sox grabbed the lead when Carlos Lee led off the top of the following inning with an opposite field homerun. The Bobcats stranded runners in scoring position in the eighth and ninth innings. Final score: 2–1, White Sox

Game three: Bobcats Borkowski (95 DB 2SF – three, SL – three, CB – three, FO – two) at White Sox Hanrahan (98 FCSL – one, CH – two). The Bobcats scored first inning after Bailey got the first hit for the 'Cats in the top of the third, stole second, and then scored when Ruggiano collected the second team hit. Singles from Cunane and Suárez brought in a second run. A leadoff homerun from Eric Byrnes in the fourth gave the Bobcats a three run lead. The White Sox threatened in the bottom of the fifth, putting runners at second and third with one out, but a shallow fly ball and a strikeout ended the inning. The White Sox threatened again in the bottom of the sixth, putting runners at first and third, and Carlos Lee picked up an RBI with a sacrifice fly. That would be the end of the scoring, as Borkowski threw a complete game. Final score: 3–1, Bobcats

Game four: Bobcats Morales (95 EB SCB – five, CH – three) at White Sox Oswalt (96 BA SL – four, CB – three, SP – three, CH – three). After the Bobcats had a runner thrown out at home, Eric Byrnes came up with the Bobcats fourth hit of the 1st inning to bring in a run. In the top of the fifth, Suárez doubled and came home an out later on a Byrnes single, and in the following inning, singles from Condrey, Bailey, Ruggiano, and Obradovic brought in 2 runs and sent Oswalt to the exits. The White Sox finally scored in the eighth after David DeJesus hit his third double of the day and then scored on an Atkins single against Bobcats reliever, Sears, but would get no closer. Final score: 4–1, Bobcats

    Notable: this game followed a season-long pattern of the 'Cats scoring more runs against opponents front-end starters than their middle-of-the-rotation starters

Game five: Bobcats Kendrick (93 CB SFB – three, CH – four, SL – three) at White Sox Paulino (94 EB 2SF – 3, DCB– Four). The Bobcats scored first when Suárez doubled with two outs and scored on a Byrnes single. In the fourth, the Bobcats loaded the bases with no outs and then brought in a run on a double-play ball. A Swanson single brought in a second run that inning. In the fifth, Kendrick, who seemed to be struggling although he was shutting out the White Sox, got into trouble for the 3rd time today and exited with runners at first and third and two out. The Bobcats reliever, Rosado, closed out the inning with a strikeout of Jose Reyes, and then in the top of the next inning, the Bobcats had a runner thrown out at the plate, but then scored when Swanson singled-in a run and Bailey doubled in a run. In the ninth inning, the Bobcats extended their lead when Ruggiano singled, stole second, moved to third on a fielders choice, and scored on a ground out to second from Eric Byrnes. In the 9th, Sears was brought in to close out the game, but allowed a run to score on back to back doubles before finishing off the Sox. Final score: 6–1, Bobcats

Bobcats win the league championship, 4–1

National League championship series: Astros defeat Phillies, 4–3


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 10:03 am 
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2011 World series preview: Houston Astros v Mojave Bobcats

Lineup Comparison


    Catcher Jason Varitek (EBB defense; 283, 25 HR)
    Cunane (D arm; 395, HR, 21 RBI, 16 SB)
    Obradovitch (C arm; 290, 23 RBI, 30 SB)
    Comments: Varitek is a better backstop and a more forceful offensive presence, but the Bobcats catchers put the ball in play more and are better against base-stealers. Edge – push

    1B Justin Morneau (CDB defense; 299, 25 HR, 113 RBI, 11 SB)
    Erdos (CDC - defense; 317, 27 HR, 94 RBI, 28 SB)
    Comment: Edge – push

    2B Mark Ellis (ECD defense; 333, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 19 SB)
    Bailey (BBC defense; 277, 19 SB, in under 200 ABs)
    Comment: Bailey has better defensive range, and will turn more double plays, but is a liability on offense. Edge – Astros

    SS Clint Barmes (CCD defense; 227, 4 HR, 19 SB)
    Grindell (AAB defense; 311, 10 HR, 61 RBI, 37 SB)
    Comment: Grindell has been struggling offensively this off-season, but he is generally better at the plate and in the field than the Astros shortstop. Edge – Bobcats

    3B Evan Longoria (CFB defense; 234, 9 HR, 9SB)
    Suárez (CCC defense; 339, 49 HR, 151 RBI, 46 SB)
    Comment: edge – Bobcats

    LF Matt Holliday (EDC defense; 318, 29 HR, 116 RBI, 20 SB)
    Eric Byrnes (CBC defense; 304, 30 HR, 97 RBIs and run scored, 35 SB)
    Comment: similar offensive numbers, but Byrnes gets the nod because of his superior defense. Edge – Bobcats

    CF Andruw Jones (BAB defense; 308, 25 HR, 110 RBI, 13 SB)
    Ruggiano (BBC defense; 329, 2 HR, 53 SB)
    Swanson (CCD defense: 315, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 36 SB)
    Comment: the Bobcats have two promising young players, while the Astros have one of the top outfielders in all of baseball. Edge – Astros

    RF Lastings Milledge (EED defense; 266, 5 HR, 16 SB)
    Condrey (BCC defense; 290, 17 HR, 15 SB)
    Comment: Edge – Bobcats

    DH Robinson Cano (311, 3 HR, 23 RBI – in only 83 games)
    Dmitri Young (370, 27 HR, 94 RBI)
    Comment: Cano remains a dangerous hitter, but Young has been a consistent performer all season. Edge – Bobcats

Pitching report: the Astros top three starters, which includes Dan Haren and Carlos Silva, are still not rested enough from their prior starts, so the team will have to begin with one of their middle or back-end starters, most likely Germano (88 CB CB – two, SP – one, CH – two) or Depablos (91 DC FO – three, CB – three, episode - three). Depablos might be the better call, as his movement on his off speed pitches may offset his relatively low miles per hour. The Astros have some decent middle relievers, including Casey Janssen, who has one of the best cut fastballs in the league, Santiago _________, who can hit 96 mph, and Luis Mendoza, who boasts a strong slider and curveball. This combination should be able to set the table for closer BJ Ryan, who has the hard throwing stuff that gives the Bobcats trouble.

Pitching/hitting statistic comparisons

    Team runs allowed/Runs scored

    Astros 747/827

    Bobcats 468/813

Prediction: the Astros make the Bobcats nervous because of their potent offense and better hitting percentage with runners in scoring position, but the Bobcats will have many more scoring opportunities as they finally face a catcher whose arm is a liability, and win the World Series in six games


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 12:09 pm 
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Man, your pitching is good.

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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 2:46 pm 
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Peavy, Becket, Franklin Morales, Kyle Kendrick, a graybar with 3 level 3 pitches who throws 95 mph, and a graybar with 3 level 4 pitches, and a palm ball.

My pitching is great! Gonna let Peavy go after this season to let John Lannan or Phil Hughes start. Hughes should be really good, but I have trouble pitching him well on a consistent basis.


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 9:50 pm 
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World Series 2011: Houston Astros versus Maha be Bobcats

Game one: Astros Depablos (91 DC SL – three, CB – three, FO – three) at Bobcats Peavy (97 BA 2SF – two, SL – five, CB – three, CH – four, HSK – three). Both offenses threatened at times, but no one scored until the top of the sixth when Evan Longoria split the Bobcats right and centerfielders with a RBI double, and then Milledge added an RBI infield single. In the bottom of that inning, Suárez and Dimitri Young tied the game on back to back solo homeruns, and the Bobcats grabbed the lead in the following inning when Erdos singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a soft single by Condrey, who stole second and scored on a single up the middle from Obradovic. At that point, the Astros went to their bullpen and in the following inning, Suárez hit his second solo homerun of the game, using an inside out swing to drive a fastball on the outside part of the plate over the left-field fence. Peavy started off the ninth inning, exiting with two outs and Lastings Milledge on first. Kevin Hart enterred the game and retired Ellis on a strikeout. Final score: 5–2, Bobcats

Game two: Astros Germano (88 CB CB – two, SP – one, CH – two) at Bobcats Beckett (98 BA 2SF – two, DCB – four, FO – five, CH – three, SFB – four). The Bobcats got off to a quick start when Delmon Young homered two outs after Ruggiano led off the game with a single. Byrnes followed that with a walk and then Erdos homered over the right-field wall. Andruw Jones led off the second with a homerun of his own, and the following inning, Clint Barmes doubled home Varitek, moved to third on a hit from Matt Holliday, and scored on an Andruw Jones single. In the bottom of the inning, Suárez singled and then, with two outs, Eric Byrnes drove him in with a double over the head of Andruw Jones. Erdos, who homered earlier, singled home Byrnes. In the bottom of the fourth, Condrey singled, moved to second on a Bailey ground out, and scored on a Ruggiano single. Josh Beckett tired in the sixth inning, striking out seven Astros during that time, but the Bobcats relievers kept the Astros off the scoreboard. Final score: 7–3, Bobcats

Game three: Bobcats Borkowski 95 DB 2SF – three, SL – three, CB – three, FO – two) at Astros Haren (96 CA CU – two, CB – three, SP – three, CH – three). After getting picked off first in the first inning, Grindell led off the third with his second single in as many at bats and stole second, scoring when Cunane singled to left field. Cunane moved to second on the throw home and scored when Suarez blooped a single just beyond the reach of the Astros shortstop. In the fourth, after Condrey and Swanson each took fastballs cutting to the outside corner and pulled them into left field for base hits, Borkowski blooped a single (in his second major league at bat ever) into right field bring in a run. In the 5th, Erdos, who hit the ball sharply, but right at the pitcher twice, again smashed the ball up the middle, this time with Suárez on 3rd. Haren deflected the ball, but it went for an RBI infield single. After Erdos stole second, Condrey drove him in by slicing a double down the right-field line. In the sixth inning, Grindell, who was two for three with a strikeout, hit a solo homerun off of Astros reliever, Mendoza. In the seventh, Erdos connected on a pitch that was finally called a homerun after bounced from the top 1/4 of the outfield wall into the stands in foul territory. After Condrey, the next batter, tripled when centerfielder Jones took a poor route to the ball, Swanson had an opposite field homer to right. The Astros did score a couple of runs in the seventh against reliever Chiasson, and three more in the eighth when the Bobcats inserted their spot starter, Lannan, which made things interesting, but the Bobcats won comfortably. Final score: 9–5, Bobcats

Game four: Bobcats Pineda (96 DB SL – four, CU – three, CH – three, FO – four, PA – one) at Astros Silva (96 BA SL – three, SLV – two, CH – two, HSK – two). After stranding a runner at second base in the second inning, the Bobcats pushed a run across when Bailey singled, stole second, moved to third when the Bobcats pitcher bunted, and then scored on a Ruggiano single. Silva was otherwise quite solid, but Pineda was his match, shutting down the Astros on only two hits through the first six innings while he racked up eight strikeouts. Pineda did not allow another hit until there were two outs in the eighth inning, at which time he had 10 strikeouts, and was removed for reliever Sears (94 FC SL – three, CB – four, SP – four). In the ninth-inning, Erdos singled off of the Astros reliever, stole second, and scored one out later on a softly hit single from Grindell, who moved to second on the throw home. Swanson singled next, but Grindell was thrown out trying to score. Sears started the ninth inning for the Bobcats and recorded the first out, at which point closer Kevin Hart was brought in to face Matt Holliday. Hart allowed a single to Matt Holliday and then gave up the game-tying homerun to Andruw Jones. The 10th inning started with Denham pinch-hitting for the pitcher and singling softly to right. Denham stole second and then scored when Ruggiano singled. Ruggiano moved to second on the throw home and to third when the Astros 3rd baseman bobbled a line drive, and scored two outs later when Condrey single to left. When Grindell followed with an RBI double, the Astros dipped into their bullpen again, and the Astros crowd was visibly upset. The Bobcats used a double switch to insert reliever Rosado (93 EC SL – two, SP – five, CCH – one, SK – three) to face the eighth hitter of the Astros lineup. Rosado induced 2 soft ground balls before striking out Ellis to end the game and clinch the World Series. Final score: 5–2, Bobcats

Bobcats win the World Series in four games!!!


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 6:29 am 
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2011–2012 off-season

Awards

    AL MVP: Suárez

    Hank Aaron award: Suárez

    Relief pitcher of the year: Hart

    AL fielders of the year: Suárez (3B), Grindell (SS)

    Hitter of the year by position: Suárez (3B)

    World Series MVP: Ruggiano

    Comments: clearly, this was a nice ending to an impressive season, especially for Suárez. Most of the excitement among the players was of Grindell's recognition as one of the top shortstops in the league, as the quiet, hard-working player is a team favorite. There was a mild disappointment in Ruggiano not winning the bobcats third consecutive rookie of the year award, although they knew that once he began platooning with Swanson, his chances declined. His being named World Series MVP was well deserved, as he was both a spark plug and an RBI man, and probably solidified his spot as the leadoff batter for 2012.

Notable Bobcat Free agents leaving

    Jake Peavy. Peavy was the ace of the staff, which is a feat considering Josh Beckett's abilities. He will be missed, but with the progress of Borkowski and Pineta, the increased salary demands of Peavy, and the promise shown by John Lannan and Phil Hughes, Jake's departure was a foregone conclusion.

    Kevin Hart. When Hart landed his big contract last year, many suspected it would be his last with the team. The middle relievers, one of whom is expected to succeed Hart as closer next season, struggled this year, leading some to believe the bobcats would find a way to re-sign their all-star closer, but late inning relief will likely be a concern early in 2012.

    Eric Byrnes. With the team being stocked with young outfielders, many were surprised that Byrnes re-signed with the team for 2011, accepting a below-market salary to do so. Once Ruggiano and Swanson each played like starting outfielders, it was no surprise that the team declined to offer Byrnes a contract for the upcoming season. The bobcats will miss his power, although Swanson seems to have similar potential. The bobcats are not likely to notice any difference on defense, and have actually gotten slightly faster on the base paths


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Thu Apr 30, 2015 9:35 pm 
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2011–2012 off-season

Bobcats Contract Negotiations


    With two exceptions, the Bobcats front office seems to have accomplished what they wanted during the re-signing period. In general, the Bobcats front office favors multi-year contracts to avoid the acrimony of negotiations on an annual basis, and give the team some control over salaries they think are likely to escalate.

Pitching

    Front-end starters and graybar players Pineda (96 DB SL – four, CU – four, CB – three, PA – one, FO – five) and Borkowski (95 DB 2SF – three, SL – three, CB – three, FO – three) signed multi-year contracts. Pineda requested a 1 year deal that increased his salary from $1 million to $3.1 million, but agreed to a 3-year contract paying $3.5 million annually, while Borkowski accepted a 2-year deal paying $1.3 million per season after requesting a 1-year contract increasing his salary from $750,000 to $900,000.

    In addition, two minor league graybar pitchers that received invites to spring training (but are unlikely to make the squad) signed 2-year contracts paying $450,000 per season, after each requested 1-year contracts paying $430,000.

    Graybar knuckleballer, Crabtree (87 DC 2SF – three, SL – three, CB – three, KN – five), who will have a chance to earn a major league spot agreed to a 2-year contract paying $1 million each year, in place of his requested $900,000 salary.

Position Players

    The Bobcats were also successful in locking up their young position players who they expect to rely on for the next several years, with potential 30-30 player and expected #3 hitter Erdos (CBCCEC – two) agreeing to a 3-year contract paying $2.5 million per season, after he requested a 1-year raise from $1 million to $1.42 million. Similarly, graybar left fielder, Swanson (DBBCCD – two), who is expected to start with the departure of Eric Byrnes and boasts level B speed and power requested a substantial raise from $450,000 to $1.3 million, and agreed to a 3-year contract paying $1.5 million per season.

    Former rookie of the year, Condrey (CCDBCC), has been solid, but has yet to satisfy the team's expectations for him. His agents requested a 1-year contract paying $430,000, which was his 2011 salary, but agreed to a 3-year contract paying $550,000, which could prove to be the bargain of 2012.

Sticking Points

    The Bobcats might be mildly disappointed with catcher Cunane and second baseman Bailey. Cunane (ECCDED – two) won the starting catching position last year on the strength of his hitting, even though the team prefers Obradovic's (DDCCCD – two) strong arm. Both catchers' contracts were up, and both were offered 3 – year contracts paying $620,000 per year, after each requested salary increases from $420,000 to $430,000. Obradovic, who played more than Cunane during the postseason, since the Bobcats opponents had multiple base-stealing threats, and played well, making this the 2nd consecutive seasons where Obradovic hit portly during the season, but picked up his offense during the playoffs. Obradovic accepted the deal right away, while Cunane insisted on his one year deal for $430,000. This gives the Bobcats a financial incentive to start Obradovic's, since that would reduce Cunane's statistics and likely result in an even lower salary for 2013.

    Bailey (EDBBBC) is the utility infielder who was pressed into action when second baseman Dawley was suspended. The Bobcats have always been high on Bailey and believe the defensive specialist will hit enough to justify a spot in the lineup. The Bobcats wanted to lock Bailey up for a few years, believing that after a year of starting, he may command an even higher salary, but ultimately agreed on Bailey's initial asking price – a $10,000 increase to $430,000 for the 2012 season.


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2015 9:50 pm 
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2011–2012 off-season

MLB Free Agents Changing Teams


    Angels signed Louis Castillo away from the Mariners and Ryan Freel away from the Padres
    Royals signed Joe Blanton away from the Mets
    White Sox signed David Eckstein, Felipe Lopez, and Aaron Cook away from the Red Sox
    Twins signed Shane Victorino away from the Rays
    Indians signed Matt Cain away from the Blue Jays
    Rays signed Jeremy Hermida away from the Rangers and Clay Hensley away from the Reds
    Orioles signed Hanley Ramirez away from the Padres
    Blue Jays signed Gerald Laird away from the Phillies
    The Padres signed Ken Griffey Junior away from the Athletics
    Rockies signed Mike Jacobs away from the Padres
    Reds signed Gary Matthews Junior, Ryan Church, and Juan Pierre from the Cardinals, Twins, and Rangers, respectively
    Nationals signed Aaron Hill away from the Braves
    The Braves signed Placido Pollanco way from the Cardinals
    The Phillies signed Troy Glaus and Roy Oswalt away from the Giants and White Sox
    The Mets signed Rafael Furcal away from the Orioles (who signed Hanley Ramirez)

Free agents signed by the Bobcats: second baseman/outfielder Chris Burke (EDCDCE) signed a three-year contract with the Bobcats. Last year, Burke hit 250 with 9 home runs and 63 RBIs. He is expected to serve as a back up.

The "what were you thinking" award goes to the Rangers and Mariners. The Rangers opened camp with no catcher on the ML roster, and seem to be using Dan Johnson in that role for now, even though they have two catchers in the minors, including Chris Snyder (ECFADB). The Mariners have only 1 player able to play shortstop. That same player is also the only player with 2b experience. With a glut of 3b, all-star Alex Rodriguez is playing 2b.


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 10:36 pm 
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BOBCAT SPRING TRAINING BATTLES


The starting position players are all but certain, with the full Bobcats infield and RF returning, Swanson manning left field, and Ruggiano manning center. The lone exception is at catcher, where it will be an interesting battle between Obradovic and Cunane for the starting catcher spot. Obradovic has the inside track because he is better behind the plate and has similar offensive potential as Cunane, but he did lose his starting job to Cunane last year

There will be a battle for the 6th starter and swingman between Phil Hughes (98 DB SL – two, CB – four, CH – two), John Lannan (91 EB SL – two, CB – four, CH – two) and Chris Young (2SF – two, SL – three, DCB – two, CH – three). The front end is set with Josh Beckett, Borkowski, Pineda, Morales, and Kendrik.

The closer's battle may be the most interesting, as the battle between starting pitchers and starting catchers will be between players who have shown they can consistently produce, but the middle relievers who will be vying for the closer spot, Sears (94 EC SL – four, CB – four, SP – four) and Rosado (93 EC SL – three, SP – five, CCH – one, SK – four), were not consistent in 2011.


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