Power Pros Forum

Just enjoy the log, brah

Did you write that question to the M&M folks? Skittles? Rainbow Brite?

I've been blogging like that here for years. Just a way to make things visually-interesting. In my head, I think "what's the bare minimum someone could read and understand what's happening," and I color and enlarge that font.

Hey, folks, I just spent about an hour finalizing the following post, only to lose all my changes!!! Grrrrr!!! I don't have it in me to redo everything, so following is my unedited post, with misspellings, grammar issues, etc. Sorry.

PS - I kept getting my backup midfielder (Dailey) confused with my starting 2b (Dawley), so I changed Dailey's name to "Bailey."


9/10/09 MOJAVE BOBCATS TEAM REPORT

with less than one month to go in the 2009 season, here is a status report on the worst-to-first fairytale that is the Mojave Bobcats season

RECORD AND SEASON OUTLOOK

With an 87 and 56 record, the team has a commanding 12 game lead over the second-place Mariners for the AL West division lead. They have the best record in the American League by three games over the Yankees, and have the best record in baseball by two games over the Dodgers. Their magic number is eight.

It would take an utter collapse for the cats to fall out of contention for the 2009 postseason. Their record against their remaining opponents (Yankees, Rangers, Mariners, Orioles, and athletics) is 25 and 22, But we should expect them to do better than just over 500 the rest of the way, as the two teams with the best records against the bobcats in that group, the Athletics (three and six) and the Orioles (three and three), played the bobcats in May and April, before the team figured out their true identity and recipe for success, And reconfigured their roster accordingly.

The bobcats went and impressive 18 and nine in August, scoring the fewest runs (101) all season and the fewest runs scored in the majors, but only allowed 79 runs by opponents, which was the best in baseball. Although the bobcats 90 homeruns is the worst in baseball by about 20 runs homeruns over the Texas rangers (Last place in the AL West, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates (Fifth and sixth Place, respectively, Cindy N L. Central), their 207 stolen bases is the best in baseball by at least 60

POSTSEASON ROSTER

When the postseason roster was announced, the only surprises came with the middle inning relief pitchers.

Compared to the start of the season, however, there were significant changes, including Brandon Harris, and Stephen Drew being left off the roster altogether.

In their place, is midfielder Baily (EEB CCD – one), who has performed better than Stephen Drew and Brendan Harris as a defense of replacement at shortstop and second base, And while his 197 average leaves much to be desired, his level V seed makes them more attractive to the bobcats then Brandon Harrises 205 batting average and level G speed. With Belly take the place of both Drew and Harris, the Hickory is also called up 2008 rookie of the year Rio (EEBDDE – three), appreciating the speed he brings to the outfield and I have a pinch runner, and his 274 average is a significant improvement compared to how he was hitting earlier than 2009 season, although he was still far off from his performance of the place last year.

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

Starting second baseman Dolly has been very effective at the plate, hitting 310 with three homeruns and 49 RBIs while being served in the majors with 39 stolen bases, largely out of the to spot in the batting order. Even though the Rangers one here has five more stolen bases then Dolly, Dolly played in 25 fewer games.

First baseman Casey Kotchman (CBEDDC – three) is no longer the bobcats full-time first baseman, being pushed out by rookie player Erdos (ECDCEC – two), the third baseman The bobcats selected in the first round of the 2008 draft who learned to play first in the off-season. The bobcats like aerosis stronger on and movement on the base paths and have largely shifted Kotchman to the DH spot. Kotchman has been the bobcats most consistent. Hopefully, batting 327 with 87 RBIs and leading the team with 20 homeruns. He also recently acquired "power hitter" status, which the team is very excited about because they think it will result in a greater percentage of homeruns correct that this post-season

First round draft pick Ruggliano have impressed at how quickly he has improved his speed from level V to level C, and some front office personnel have commented that if he continues this way, and learns to play the outfield as a team and can't do this off-season, it will relieve the team of some urgency to improve their outfielders. As expected, Luchiano was left off the major-league roster even when expanded in order to preserve his rookie of the year eligibility for 2010.

Starting IIIB, Suárez (DBCCDD – four) was supposed to be the offense of force this team needed, and while it is 317 average with 17 homeruns is respectable, he seems to hit the ball too high and most of his shots diet contract. While most it is clear that the cure for this is to have Suárez focused on his power training, the bobcats insist on having him improve his speed with the rest the team for as long as they have the equipment to focus on that. Until Suárez is able to focus on his power, he will be limited to a doubles player with a decent average – not bad, but not what the team envisioned when they selected him to serve as part of the foundation for the new Franchise.

OFF-SEASON PREDICTIONS

While nothing about this off-season is set in stone, a representative from the team who front office who asked to speak anonymously told us the following:

The team is very high on €19 back up catcher Ober Dorovitch (EE CCC D – two) and believe he will deserve to be on the major-league roster sooner rather than later. The team is considering having Mike Redmond teach Ober Dorovitch the skills needed to be a "good catcher" this off-season. 31-year-old Josh Bard (DCF EDB – two) will likely not be re-signed unless he learns those skills. Yesterday she is that the 2010 major-league roster will have Ober Dorovitch and Redmond on the team with over Dowitch being the primary catcher.

Bailey (EE D CCD – one) continues to struggle at the plate, but has been excellent in the field. The team expects them to learn to play third and first base this off-season.

Brian Barton (DCD DCC – two) has been an adequate centerfielder these past two seasons, and his 278 batting average of five homeruns in certain perspective, but the team expects to replace him this off-season with a free agent, and even if they miss out in free agency, they expect to have internal options that will provide similar defense with enough speed to offset a reduction in power from that position.

Starting right fielder, Condry (DCG CDD – two), should remain the right fielder unless something unusual happens during free agency, in which case Condrey will learn to play left field during the off-season, But the Bobcats is hope Condrey is able to focus on improving his offense during the spring. Condry was named rookie of the month the first two months of the season, but his average is tailed off at season wore on.

The team is undecided as to whether Condry and a few of the other players with level C power and level two trajectory would be better off working on their power stroke, their trajectory, or trying to learn how to be a "power hitter" from Kotchman this off-season.

There should be some significant competition for the fourth and fifth outfielders next season, as Rio (DEB DDE – three) and defensive specialist bridges (EFC BCD) should face competition from Denham (EDC DDD – two), Swanson (ECCDDE – two), and 2009 first-round pick Schiano (EDCDCE-1). Technically first baseman turn right fielder Cunane (FDCDED – two) is in the mix, but the 28-year-old would be a longshot, considering he just does not move back well in the field.

It is a foregone conclusion that Stephen Drew will not be on the roster next spring. He did not take kindly to losing his starting shortstop position to Grendell (ECC BBC – two) and demanded his release when it was sent down to the minors after making numerous errors in spot-duty.

Picture Borkowski (95 EV to SF – one, SL – two, CV – one, Eskota one), lost his role as a long reliever this season because he did not have enough movement on his pictures, has struggled to improve those Off speed pitches. Last spring, Borkowski learn the two seam fastball, and it has been decided that rather then learn another pitch, Borkowski will focus exclusively on improving the movement on his current repertoire

Rosado is another picture who lost his roster spot midseason because he did not have madonnas pictures (93 FC SL – two, SP – two, SKS two). Management still believes that Rosado has the potential to be a late inning reliever, and after learning the split fingered fastball last spring, hope to teach him the drop curveball this spring.

2009 second-round pick Chiasson (93 PC CU – three, CV – two, I would honestly) made the postseason roster as a middle reliever. The team currently plans Alchise and learn a to seem fastball during the spring.

2008 second-round pick Peineta (95 DB SL – two, see you – three, CB – one, PA – one, episode Ashtree) has been excellent in middle relief. He learned the palmball last spring and is expected to focus on improving his current repertoire of pitches next spring as he competes for a starting role, although the number of innings is able to go will be a significant factor. The team and said that if he cannot consistently hit the sixth inning, he will not be a starter.

If I need a window starting spot, the bobcats should have some tough decisions to make, as a team has corroded and then another six pictures that are considered third or fourth starters. The bobcats will look to sign a premier free-agent pitcher, and are hoping that players like Josh Beckett, CC Sabathia, Adam Eaton, Jake Peavy, And Dan Herron are available

2900 and free-agent Sears (94 GC FL – three CD – three) was a surprise selection for the postseason roster. The bobcat like a movement on his bitches and his lack of control has not hurt them. This off-season, the team expects them to learn a split fingered fastball.

Also, Josh Bard just picked up the good catcher ability. He's 26 and Mie Redmond is 38 (I think), so I'll probably keep Bard, have him teach that ability to Obradovitch, and won't resign Redmond.

2009 Division Series

The 2009 post-season kicks off with the following match ups:

Baltimore Orioles (91/71) against the Mojave Bobcats (96/66)


Comparisons


Runs scored/Runs allowed/Differential

Bobcats: 690/608/+82
Orioles: 809/707/+102

Head to head: Orioles won 7 of 12

Louisville Muskrats (88/74) against the New York Yankees (92/70)

Houston Astros (93/69) against Los Angeles Dodgers (93/69)

San Diego Padres (87/75) against Atlanta Braves (93/69)

All three national league division winners finished with a 93/69 record

PLAYOFFS – DIVISION SERIES

After game one in which 14 runs were scored (8 by the Bobcats), game two started off as a pitching duel, with the Bobcats starter John Lannan allowing a solo homerun in the first to Chris Duncan before shutting down the Orioles offense for the next six innings while Orioles Great Shields pitched a 6 hit shutout through eight. Lannan was removed in the eighth when two more runs scored, in part because of an error Dawley made on what should have been a double-play ball. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Kotchman hit a two run home run to pull the Bobcats to within a run. Erdos followed with a single, stole second, and scored on a single from Mike Redmond. On a 3–2 pitch to Brian Barton, Barton singled home pinch runner Rio for the winning run. Final score: 4–3, Bobcats

In game three, the lead changed three times in the first four innings and then the Orioles grabbed the lead for good in the seventh as closer Joe Nathan slammed the door on the Bobcats and gave the Orioles their first win of the series. Final score: 5–3, Orioles

In game four, Orioles picture Francisco Liriano kept the Bobcats off-balance offensively, while Hughes pitched well, but allowed two runs to score in the third inning on hits from Chris Duncan, David Wright and AJ. Pierzynski. The Bobcats scored one run in the sixth on a single and stolen base by Dawley and an RBI single from Suárez, but in the bottom of the inning, David Wright doubled home Chris Duncan. Liriano tired in the seventh inning, but before the Bobcats were able to take advantage, he was replaced by Pat Neshek who shut the Bobcats down. The Orioles blew the game open in the bottom of the seventh when Hughes tired and Pineda allowed three runs to score, two on a homerun from Chris Duncan. The 'Cats had an opportunity to reduce that lead when they put runners at first and third with one out, but Casey Kotchman grounded into a 4–5–3 double play. The Bobcats scored a run in the ninth inning off of Orioles closer Joe Nathan, but were unable to do anymore damage. Final score: 6–2, Orioles

In game five, the Bobcats put runners in scoring position early against Orioles starter Barry Zito, but were unable to score, while the Orioles pushed a run across in the bottom of the third against Franklin Morales. In that inning, Bobcats third baseman Suárez, who is batting 529 for the series, injured himself while diving for a ground ball, but remained in the game. Morales was pulled before finishing up with 3rd after he allowed another run to score. In the fourth inning, it became clear that Suárez needed to come out of the game because he could not make the necessary throws from third-base. He stayed in the game through one more inning, switching to first base and then was replaced by Bailey (EEBCCD – one), who had not played third base at all this season. The score remained 2–0 entering the eighth inning, when Brian Barton singled, stole second, and scored on a Condrey single. Condrey moved to second when the Orioles right fielder overthrew home plate. After a baserunning error, Erik Byrns came up with the key hit to drive in the game tying run. The Bobcats were pitching very well after replacing Morales, but in the bottom of the 9th, Pineda allowed a one out double to Pierzynski, and he was replaced by the Hickories closer, Kevin Hart, who retired the next two batters. Kyle Kendrick took the mound start the 10th and after giving a leadoff double, retired the next three Orioles. In the top of the 12th, Brian Barton, who is hitting 200 for the series up to that point, stepped to the plate and drilled a one – one hanging change up past the centerfield fence, giving the Bobcats a one run lead. Four more singles brought in two more runs, and Kendrick retired the Orioles in order to close out the game and the series. Final score: 5–2,Bobcats

COMMENTS: The Bobcats outfielders were in bad shape for the series, with Barton making a valiant effort and hitting the series winning home run in extra innings, but only hitting 238, overall and Eric Byrnes hit a measly 167 through the division series. Their condition also showed in the field, as the Orioles took advantage of the Bobcats reduced speed in the outfield for extra-base hits.

With the other division series match ups, the Yankees defeated the 2008 World Series Champion Louisville Muskrats in five games, and will now square off against the Bobcats. In the National League, the Dodgers dismissed the Astros in three games while the Braves took four games to dispose of the Padres.

2009 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES - comparisons

Bobcats (96/66) versus Yankees (92/70)

Team: Runs scored/Runs allowed/Differential

Bobcats: 690/608/+82
Yankees: 818/776/+42

Match up history: Bobcats won 6 of 8 games

BOBCATS v YANKEES

Game one was a pitching duel, as the 'Cats scored once in the second inning and that was all the scoring until the ninth inning, when the Yankees manager used some impressive intuition, replacing Jim Thome (EAF) with Walter (EEF). Pinch hitting for the powerful Thome is questionable in and of itself, but using a pinch hitter with the same contact rating and speed, but lower power rating would definitely leave the Yankees manager open to 2nd-guessing, especially with Jay Payton (DDE) and Great Hart (EBG) available to pinch hit. The risky decision paid off, as Walter led off the inning with a triple into the left center field gap and scored the tying run when Jose Reyes hit into a fielders choice. The game went into extra innings, where Adam LaRoche hit a solo homerun off of an 0-2 slider on the inside portion of the plate in the 13th inning. The Bobcats threatened but failed to score in the bottom of the 13th. Final score: two – one, Yankees

Game 2: The Bobcats used their regular-season formula for success - singles and stolen bases - to score a single run in 5 different innings, and the pitching staff held the Yanks to 3. Final score: 5-3, Bobcats

Game 3: Singles, stolen bases, and a rare homerun from SS Grindell allowed the 'Cats to edge past the Yanks. Final score: 6-5 Bobcats

GAME FOUR: BOBCATS MORALES (94 EB CH – THREE, SCB – FIVE) AT YANKEES DUKE (90 CB SL – TWO, CB – FOUR, CH – FOUR). Both pitchers had a two-hit shutout entering the fourth. The Yankees finally broke through in the fifth inning when Blalock doubled in a run, and then they doubled their lead in the bottom of the seventh. In the top of the eighth, two out singles from Dawley, Suárez, Kotchman, and Bard tied the game. Morales tired in the 8th, allowing 2 singles to start the inning before being pulled, but the bobcats were able to close out the inning with a 2–2 tie in place. In the ninth, Condrey hit a 1 out single, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a fielders choice. Kevin Hart closed out the bottom of the 9th, giving the 'Cats a 3-1 series lead. Final score: 3–2, Bobcats

GAME FIVE: BOBCATS LANNAN (90 EB SL – TWO, CB – FOUR, CH – TWO) AT YANKEES BANISTER (91 CA 2SF – ONE, CU – THREE, CB – TWO, CH – THREE). The 'Cats got off to a nice start as leadoff hitter Eric Byrnes, who was batting 111 in the playoffs, led off with a double off the right centerfield fence, and then scored on a dawley single. The Yankees tied the game when Grindell missed what should've been an easy double-play ground ball that would have ended the inning, and pulled ahead by a run 2 batters later. Suárez tied the game in the top of the third with a solo homerun. The Yankees pulled ahead when Luke Scott singled, stole second, and scored on an Adam LaRoche double off the right-field fence. When Lannan allowed two more singles that brought in another run, he was pulled from the game without recording an out in the fourth inning. The 'Cats cut the Yankees lead to a single run with Suárez' second homerun of the day in the sixth inning, and in the eighth, Casey Kotchman's solo shot tied the game. The Yankees pulled ahead in the bottom of that inning when Mookie Blaylock singled in the go ahead run. The Bobcats tied the game again against the Yankees closer when Condrey reached base on a fielders choice, stole second, and then Grendell got his only hit of the game. In the top of the 10th inning, Suárez hit his third homerun of the night, and Hart closed out the bottom of the inning with a strikeout of Jose Reyes to clinch the series. Final score: 6–5 (10), Bobcats

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

The Atlanta Braves defeated the LA Dodgers in five games.

2009 WORLD SERIES

GAME ONE: In the third inning, the Bobcats led off with three singles to load the bases, and then scored a run on a wild pitch. Kotchman drove in a second run with a two-out single. In the bottom of the fifth, the 'Cats scored another run courtesy of a wild pitch. The Braves scored a run in the sixth on three singles. Andruw Jones drove in another run for the Braves with two out in the eighth, triggering a call to Kevin Hart to record a four out save with runners at first and second. Hart closed out the eighth with two pitches, and then the 'Cats added to their lead when Suárez singled, moved to second on a fielder's choice, and scored on a two-out single from Erdos. 3 more singles brought in 2 more runs, and Hart retired the Braves in order to end the first game. Final score: 6–2, Bobcats

GAME TWO: Carlos Quentin doubled in a run for the Braves in the second. The 'Cats tied it in the bottom of the third when Byrns singled, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a Dawley single. Aaron Hill singled Pablo Ozuna in, in the top of the fifth, but the Bobcats tied it up with a Byrns RBI single in the bottom of the inning. In an unusual series of events in the seventh inning, Erdos hit what should have been a single to center, but Andruw Jones took a poor route to the ball and let it get past him. Erdos underestimated Jones's arm and went to third - Jones' throw beat him to the bag. Fortunately, Ozuna could not hold onto the ball and Erdos was safe. Brian Barton was up next and he grounded weakly to the pitcher, who threw home to tag Erdos, but Erdos had retreated back to third base. The Braves catcher's throw to third sailed into left field, allowing Erdos to score and Barton to reach second. Two batters later, Grindell singled home Barton. In the top of the eighth, Carlos Quentin tripled in a run with two outs, and the 'Cats called on their closer to record a second four out save in as many games. Hart closed out the eighth and the bottom half, Barton drove in Erdos with two out, and after Condrey singled, Grindell drove in his second run of the game. Hart struck out the side to close out the game. Final score: 6–3, Bobcats

GAME THREE: Byrns got off to a quick start with a single up the middle followed by a stolen base. Byrns scored on a single from Suárez, who moved to second on the throw home and scored on a two out single from Brian Barton. Andruw Jones drove in a run for the Braves in the bottom of the first. In the bottom of third, the Braves pitcher led off with a single and ultimately scored on a two out base hit by Mark Teahen. Teahen scored from first on an Andrew Jones double over Eric Byrnes' head. The 'Cats tied the game in the top of the fourth when Rijo, playing right field since Condrey was in purple condition, drove in Brian Barton. Two more two out singles resulted in another run. The 'Cats extend their lead to two runs when Erdos hit a pinch hit RBI single with Mike Redmond on third. Braves pinch-hitter Luis Gonzalez doubled in a run in the seventh, but neither team would score again. Final score: 5–4, Bobcats

GAME FOUR: 2-1, Braves

GAME FIVE: 10-3, Bobcats

Season-ending Announcements

2009 AWARDS

As expected from a World Series winner, the Bobcats received several awards.

Relief pitcher of the year – Kevin Hart (led the league in saves and showed his performance last year was no fluke)

Rookie of the year – Condrey (his offense tailed off towards the end of the season, but he played a solid right field throughout and only fellow rookie Erdos' performance really challenged Condrey for this award)

OF of the Year – Byrns (A vital part of the team, considering the vast expanse that is the Panpacka Park outfield, the team generally had Byrns play center in away games and the vast left field during home games)

World Series MVP – Suárez (The third baseman was expected to carry the team offensively when he came out of college, which did not happen in his rookie year or this year, but he has turned into a solid defensive player who gets on base well, moves well on the base paths, and shows occasional power)

NOTABLE RETIREES

Ivan Rodriguez
Troy Persival
Steve Trashel
Mike Redmond (from the Bobcats)

Although Josh Bard was always listed as the number one catcher on the Bobcats depth chart, Redmond started more games this year, and he will certainly be missed.

With these retirees, the oldest player in the league is 47-year-old Nationals pitcher Jamie Moyer (85 FC 2SF – two, CU – one, CB – one, see CH – two). The only other players 45 or over are pitchers Randy Johnson (96 FD 2SF – two, SL – two, SP – one) and Kenny Rogers (90 FD SL – two, CB – two, CH – one, SK – three), ages 46 and 45, respectively. The oldest position player is Reds outfielder Moises Allou (CBFDEC – two), age 43, followed by several 42-year-old fielders. However, as for the older players whose skills seemed to have deteriorated the most, those would be 3 players in their late 30s – Jason Giambi (ECFFFD – two), age 39, Ichiro Suzuki (DCDAAC – two), age 36, and Cliff Floyd (FCECCC – two), age 39.

NOTABLE FREE AGENTS

Pitchers

Josh Beckett
Jake Peavy

Catchers

Benji Molina
Johnny Estrada
Victor Martinez

Infielders

Nick Johnson
Chase Utley
Freddy Sanchez
Brian Roberts
Jack Wilson

Outfielders

Johnny Damon
Adam Dunn
Jason Bay
Matt Holliday

Try to pick up Matt Holliday, he carries my team whenever I sign him

^

Jack Wilson would suit you nicely if you need a shortstop?

Yes, it's a good market! I'm trying to play the roll of a "small market" team, in part because once my team gets so good that I win more than 85% of my games, it gets boring. I plan on picking no players in the first week of free agency and then will try to go with moderately-priced free agents.