Power Pros Forum

Backstory
Exiting the 2007 season a unexpected turn of events happened for the American Past-time known as baseball. Major League Baseball has folded and will no longer exist as the forefront for American baseball. Little is known about the reasons why the league, but many speculate it has to do with interactions between the MLBPA and Bud Selig within the restraints of drug testing for PED's; as well as Selig's allegations of defrauding teams of funding as well alleged rigging of MLB games by Selig and umpires at attempt of making extra money for them selves. As all of these issues have occurred during this off-season many players and enraged and worried about the future of baseball being a lucrative and successful sport in the United States. Many have already moved on to the Nippon Professional Baseball League for means of works while others are coming together to make a league that can replace the MLB as the most Influential and powerful league in baseball. Not much is known from this point as of what this new league will be comprised of, but there is my hype surrounding the possible creation of this new Replacement to the MLB. A Majority of the MLBPA Associates being the forefront in the creation of the new MLB league only have announced the name of the league and nothing else "North American Baseball Assocation", All information is "up and the air and completely at this point", says Donald Fehr "we hope to be ready to go as soon as 2008 but as of now nothing is promised along the lines of the teams,stadiums,funding with in the creation of the league."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Even though you can control only one team with in season mode, I will try to create story lines and and conflict within the whole aspect of the league. I'll play a few games here and there but for the most part my reporting/logging of games will be something I'll take little control in, but the general story lines are what I take part in.

Next thing's i plan on posting are teams and post-draft rosters.

this looks interesting, ill follow.

NABA News
After massive decision making, team bidding,etc. The 30 teams have been decided, all teams are in fairly smaller markets then then the original MLB teams. This was a hope of securing better ticket sales/merchandise sales in smaller markets where professional teams are hard to come by. The following teams bellow are the official 30 teams in their respective divisions

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North American Baseball Assoaction



Metropolitan League (DH's allowed)
East Division
Calgary Maples
Jacksonville Firehawks
Buffalo Bulldogs
Scraton Wildacts
New England Senators

Central Division
Round Rock Renegades
Columbus Falcons
Iowa City Broncos
Tennessee Hornets
Indianapolis Wizards

West Division
Las Vegas Wolfpack
Tuscon Dirt Devils
San Jose Knights
Denver Navigators

Independence League (No DH allowed)

East Division
Durham Dragons
Montreal Reapers
Charlotte Warriors
Norfolk Nationals
Miami Macaws

Central Division
Toledo Lions
Edmenton Raptors
Omaha Cougars
San Antonio Samurais
Oklahoma City Sluggers

West Division
Honolulu Blue Fins
Colorado Springs Panthers
Portland Demons
Phoenix Wings
Salt Lake City Venom
Sacramento Sharks

NABA News
The inaugural NABA draft has finished and all teams have filled with their 25 man rosters including a few minor league players which are listed on the offical 40-man roster, just like the original MLB format. Below shows team rosters,uniforms,etc.
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Metropolitan League East Divison Overview

Calgary Maples


Overview:
The Calgary maples drafted a solid team which consist of a one-two punch with it's starting rotation with Kuroda/Zambrano, and a solid prospect in Nate Eovaldi who has a solid mix off-speed pitches with a blazing fastball that can range in the high 90's. Not to also forget that their are two great relief pitches in Otavio Urbina and Edguardo Ramirez both amazing talent with legendary off-speed pitches that can freeze hitters in the box, aside from this the rest of the bullpen is very average at best and the other starting pitchers in Davis and Laffey could really hurt the maples chances of a solid run for a world series; Moving on to the fielders the maples hold a solid group of power hitters through out the line up, Pure sluggers run through a mass majority of the line up and have the ability to manufacture home runs and extra base hits at will, the one key factor on this roster to look at for would be Randal Mendoza a very laid back demeanor but plays like a champion, a real five tool player positioned to right field can steal bases,make spectacular catches, and get on base with relative ease, his Success though may not be necessary could be the main reason this team can win the division.

Overall: B+
Starters: C+
Bullpen: C+
Hitting: A
Speed: C
Defense: C-

Players to watch: Randal Mendoza & Edguardo Ramirez

Jacksonville Firehawks


Overview:
The Jacksonville firehawks, step into the season with a lack luster pitching staff and loaded middle infield. Shaky pitchers like jose contreras and chuck james with lacking consistency to their game could really put a damper to the teams starting rotation and ability to stay with in games, specially since firehawks defense isn't anything spectacular. Expect alot of the workload pitching wise be carried by Ubaldo Jimenez,Diego De Los Santos and Cliff Harrison. Pitchers with big arms and amazing understanding coming into the game. Then looking towards offenes; you'll observed the deep amount of depth with in the middle infield with Matt Peters/Eli Brooks/James Carter/Mike Fontenot/Brendan Harris. Although Harris will more then likely be the Starting third basemen, this leaves a lot of questions for the other 4 players; Peters is the best defenselessly with his ability to range out in any direction, but is possibly the worst of the four when at the plate. A mixture of logistical nightmares in the infield won't hurt this team, but expect a trade to possibly improve the pitching staff.

Overall: C+
Starters: C
Bullpen: C
Hitting: B+
Speed: C+
Defense: C

Players to watch: Diego De Los Santos & Alfonso Soriano

Buffalo Bulldogs


Overview:
Buffalo boast a starting five equivalent to maples but possibly even better, with the hottest pitcher in the game, Jake Peavy. Peavy whose coming off a miraculous 2007 MLB season where he took the NL triple crown and CY Young. Is paired up with other solid pitchers like Brandon Webb, Jeremy Guthrie,Adam Loewen, and rookie Nathan Russell whose knuckle-ball has had comparisons to Phil Niekro.And not to forgert their closer Johnathan papelbon their pitching staff is deadly and could run the table, and with this stacked pitching staff shows for a some what disappointing group of fielders when they come to the plate. Most of the power comes from the All-Star veteran Ken Griffey Jr., First basemen Terry Barshire, and Left Fielder Talon Bryan. Solid talent sure but it's surrounded by a bunch of fast base runners that aren't the best at getting on base, which could be a massive struggle for every game in this team's schedule.

Overall: B-
Starters: A
Bullpen: B
Hitting: C-
Speed: B
Defense: C

Players to watch: Jake Peavy & Stevie Jackson

Scranton Wildcats


Overview:
Scranton like Buffalo decided to load the pitching staff up, and worry about the offense later. Star studded pitching staff with Johan Santana, Brad Penny, Oliver Perez, and Young arms in Tony Flores and Chris Warner who have the ability to run table for a CY Young in the next couple of years. Two great relievers with Isringhausen and Cabrera help round out the bullpen with a mix a high heat and finesse pitching. Then looking towards the fielders there isn't the same type of power hitting for the wildcats like the bulldogs or in general offense like them (even though it's not that impressive.) their is a much better defense in it's probable starting nine, Defensive stand out at second base;Chang-Jun Zheng is to like a vacuum to dirt when he's fielding balls, everything is his vicinity is likely to be a out, and with a short stop like Bradley Cooper Double play will get flipped like pancakes at IHOP.


Overall: B-
Starters: A
Bullpen: B-
Hitting: D+
Speed: C+
Defense: B

Players to watch: Chris Warner & Tony Flores

New England Senators


Overview:
The Senators starting rotation is solid, but not the best in the league. C.C. Sabathia and Aaron Harang take the 1-2 spots on the team but the old and struggling Livan Hernandez and Inconsistent Jason Marquis sit on the rotation as well, outside of this the Bullpen looks like it could hold/save a bunch of games for the 3-5 starters in the group with relief pitching coming from B.J. Ryan, Steven Napper,Irwin Fullerton, All well poised and level headed pitchers that can give great support to a 7 Inning starter.
On to the fielders we see the same pattern with the senators as the wildcats, their focus on pitching left for a big hole in offense, no outstanding power hitters sit on this team, but that doesn't mean Pual Konerko, Jason Varitek, and Carlos Quentin can't stroke the ball. It just puts alot of weight on tier shoulders, I do think they can produce a solid amount of runs per game, but I don't see a clutch/big-time player when a bat in hand, but they do have it in the field. This is best defensive team collectively comparision to others where a few players stand out. The whole starting nine can range out for balls and make spectacular catches.

Overall: C+
Starters: B-
Bullpen: B-
Hitting: C
Speed: D+
Defense: A

Players to watch: Carlos Quentin & Irwin Fullerton

Metropolitan League Central Division Overview


Round Rock Renegades


Overview:
Round Rock holds a run of the mill pitching staff, the Ace being matt cain, followed by John Maine, Mike Hampton and friends. The bullpen is solid though with Aaron Heilman closing and pitchers like Truby and Conrad who can throw deep into games, and do a damn good job at it. Observing the fielders it's a well balanced team, with the ability to have the traditional line up, 4-7 Power hitters Leadoff and Nine hole hitters are the speed to get back on base. This team should be feared with it's a ability to hit all through out the line up.

Overall: B
Starters: C+
Bullpen: B
Hitting: B+
Speed: B
Defense: C

Players to watch: Anakoni Mikala & David Wright

Columbus Falcons


Overview:
The Falcons pitching staff consist of workhorses from starter to closer Adam Wainwright being the project ace and a electric closer in Xavier Reynolds (Known as EX) who has a blazing 100 Mph Fastball and deadly Repertoire of off-speed pitches. The line-up is solid as well, great hitters in Ryan Chruch, Hanely Ramirez and Encarnacion. Blazing speed with Pablo Bustillo and Roberts all round a lethal team that could run the table for world series.


Overall: B+
Starters: C+
Bullpen: B+
Hitting: A
Speed: B
Defense: C+

Players to watch: Xavier Reynolds & Hanely Ramirez

Iowa City Broncos


Iowa City Broncos have the best pitching staff in the metro league hands down. Tim Hudson as the front man and young talented arms of Tijaunn Walker and Damion Rayban, Relievers like Joe Nathan and Jarvis Blalock round out the bullpen with their extraordinary talent. Along with hitters like Derek Lee and Devin Cooley having a high expectation for Home Run production along with Soriano and Reynolds a real 1-9 line-up of hitters.


Overall: A-
Starters: A
Bullpen: A
Hitting: A
Speed: B
Defense: B

Players to watch: Tijuan Walker & Jarvis Blalock


Tennessee Hornets


Overview:
The Hornets pack a punch with it's pitching staff, a massive amount of High 90's throwing starters and relievers that throw some decent off-speed pitches as well. Clay Marist and Derek Mathis being a prime example of this, both young talent with a high ceiling ahead of them. Followed by a group of solid fielders who are going to been seen as average at best when they hit the plate. Although they are great defensively not much else can be elaborated on with this team.

Overall: B-
Starters: B
Bullpen: B+
Hitting: C
Speed: C+
Defense: A

Players to watch: Tijuan Walker & Jarvis Blalock

Indianapolis Wizards


Overview:
On paper this is probably the worst team in the division on paper, Lacking the amount of stand out players relative to the rest of the division the Wizards are comprised of a fairly older set of pitchers and unnecessary amount all-star caliber second basemen, so much so that Dan Uggla Sits in the AAA. So somewhere down the line things are going to have to change for the wizards to be a competitive team in the future.

Overall: C
Starters: B-
Bullpen: C
Hitting: C
Speed: D-
Defense: B

Players to watch: Altair Throne & Ethan Yamamoto


After this I'm just going to show rosters cause I'm struggling to come up with overviews for each team. (also i just realized two teams where replacements for Cubs which I sadly just realized so i remained repeat cubs players.)

I like the uniqueness and effort you put into this, good job.

Independence League West Division

Honolulu Blue Fins



Colorado Springs Panthers



Portland Demons



Phoenix Wings



Salt Lake City Venom



Sacramento Sharks


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NABA News

NABA Preseason Power Rankings

1. Iowa City Broncos
2. Tuscon Dirt Devils
3. San Antonio Samurais
4. Edmonton Raptors
5. Calgary Maples
6. Columbus Falcons
7. Honolulu Blue Fins
8. Toledo Lions
9. Oklahoma City Slugger
10. Durham Dragons
11. San Jose Knights
12. Tennessee Hornets
13. Miami Macaws
14. Denver Navigators
15. Buffalo Bulldogs
16. Omaha Cougars
17. Scranton Wildcats
18. Portland Demons
19. Charlotte Warriors
20. Colorado Springs Panthers
21. Round Rock Renegades
22. Norfolk Nationals
23. Montreal Reapers
24. Sacramento Sharks
25. Jacksonville Firehawks
26. Las Vegas Wolfpack
27. Phoenix Wings
28. New England Senators
29. Salt Lake City Venom
30. Indianapolis Wizards

NABA News

Opening Day
As the grounds-crew finishes up the final touches to the 15 stadiums that will be played on April 2nd. We purchase season tickets and get settled in our seats for a another eventful season of baseball. This season although being with in the confines of a new league, has nothing by high expectations for excitement and drama coming down to a spot in the September's classic. Gearing up for the new season will also encounters new faces and some former MLB superstars with the hopes of claiming the first NABA world series trophy. Eyes are set on 2007 Triple Crown Winner Jake Peavy who could replicate the same numbers this 2008 inaugural season, and his bulldogs teams with notable rookies Stevie Jackson and Sam Riley, Impressive middle infielders straight out of college playing their first season as professional ball players. Opening Day Series are the Following

NABA Opening Day Games.

Miami Macaws @ Durham Dragons
Charlotte Warriors @ Norfolk Nationals
Colorado Springs Panthers @ Phoenix Wings
Edmonton Raptors @ Montreal Reapers (Canadian Classic)
Scranton Wildcats @ Buffalo Bulldogs
Iowa City Broncos @ Tennessee Hornets
Denver Navigators @ Las Vegas Wolfpack
Omaha Wildcats @ Toledo Lions
Jacksonville Firehawks @ New England Senators
Portland Demons @ Sacramento Sharks
Salt Lake City Venom @ Honolulu Blue Fins
Round Rock Raptors @ Columbus Falcons
San Jose Knights @ Tuscon Dirt Devils
San Antonio Samurais @ Oklahoma City Sluggers (Red River Series)
Calgary Maples @ Indianapolis Wizards

The Series to watch more then likely would be Edmonton Raptors and Montreal Reapers, a Young but possibly intense rivalry which is heated dispute between respective owners Roy Haswich (Edmonton) Jean Garreau (Montreal), Both having a massive bidding war during team selections, and historical disliking towards one another both being Real Estate Tycoons across the Canadian Borders, losing property and some considerable dirty play on both sides hasn't help the feud die out. Expect the owners to relay the hate down to the players because neither owner likes to lose to the other. Expect a bench clearing brawl by the end of the season.

Are the random players created players?

Yes the Random Players are Created (Success mode), and I changed the name of the "Great" Players for obvious reasons.

NABA News

Opening Week Recap (April 2nd-5th)
After a great opening week we can see a glimpse of where some teams stands and where the league stands as a whole. The NABA it's self Averaged 30,000 or higher fans in attendance each stadium which is phenomenal considering the MLB average sits around the same mark it's good sign to see financially. As well as games sitting around a estimated 1 million viewership on TV's across the globe. Aside from that some notable performances at the end of the week are Starting Pitcher Rich Hill(Toledo) pitched a shut-out with 14 k's against the San Antonio Samurais allowing only four hits in his debut, by far the best performance of any pitcher of the week. Then there's Randal Mendoza(Calgary) who went 5 and 14 on the week accumulated 12 RBIs and crushed two balls for homers with in the maples 2-2 record to start of the season. antother great performer was Manny Ramirez who on eleven at-bats got seven hits, two of them being home runs and two doubles only thing that hurt him was his team inability to get on base losing all four games this week.

Canadian Classic
The inter-country rivals had a fairly uneventful series. The Edmonton Raptors easily handle the reapers in both games winning 5-1 the first game and 8-2 the second. Charlie Gordon Pitching the first game throwing a gem with one earned run and eleven strikeouts, only giving up five hits on the day. Jean Garreau, Montreal's Owner was asked on his team's performance and said "I refuse to let Roy's raptors show us up again like that again, My Reapers are going to secure wins against his pathetic team... At Best his team was lucky cause one thing is for sure I refuse to lose to Roy under any circumstances, all that matters for my team is that we beat Edmonton every game, if not changes will be made..." Roy Hawsich, after hearing this comments took to social media and posted the following.

I love the Raptors' uniforms.