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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 6:29 pm 
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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 6:22 pm 
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Re-signings and signings

Re-signings

    As is common with world series winners, re-signing key players was a priority that was very expensive and sometimes contentious.

Pitchers

    The 'Cats relied on starters Kyle Kendrick, Phil Hughes, and Franklin Morales, who were each earning less than $500,000 per season. After his stellar 2010, Kendrick requested a salary increase to $3.6 million per season, while Hughes requested $3.7 million and Morales $1.54 million.

    Pitcher ----- Request ----- Agreement ----- Rounds of negotiations
    Kendrick - $3.6 million ----- $3.5 million for two seasons ----- 4
    Hughes -- $3.71 million ----- $2.5 million for three seasons ----- 2
    Morales -- $1.54 million ----- $2.5 million for three seasons ----- 2

    Closer Kevin Hart, who has been amazing for the past three seasons and led or tied for the league lead in saves the last two seasons, requested a salary increase from $1 million to $5.49 million for the upcoming season. After two rounds of negotiations, he and the 'Cats settled on a one-year contract paying $3 million.

Position Players - veterans

    The 'Cats had a lot of shake up with their veteran players, on whom they relied for a lot of their success. Casey Kotchman, who hit 4 home runs and batted over 300 in the World Series was not offered a contract, but this was not a surprise, considering that the 'Cats and Kotchman argued over his playing time throughout the season, with Kotchman insisting that he should be the every day first baseman and the 'Cats preferring him to DH. But deciding not to re-sign Kotchman did not relieve the 'Cats of a large salary that they could redirect, since Kotchman earned less than $500,000 per season.

    Starting outfielders Jason Bay and Eric Byrnes each requested salary increases from their current salaries of approximately $4 million per season to $6 million per season. The 'Cats believe that some of their younger players are ready to step in, and lowballed Bay and Byrnes, offering each a one-year contract for $3 million. Byrnes accepted the offer, Bay rejected the offer, and the 'Cats let Bay hit the open market.

Position Players - graybars

    The 'Cats 3 biggest young stars were also up for renegotiations. Dawley, the second baseman who led the league in steals by a wide margin and batted around 350 last year was earning $1 million and requested a salary increase to $3.74 million. After two rounds of negotiations, he and the team agreed on a three-year contract paying $3.25 million per season. Suárez, the Bobcats third baseman who hit over 40 homeruns, just missed having 40 steals, and was named MVP of the AL for 2010, requested a salary increase from his $450,000 salary to $3.44 million. After two rounds of negotiations, the 'Cats and Suárez agreed on a three-year contract paying $4.001 million per season. Grindell, the Bobcats shortstop who is already one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, was in the top 10 in steals last year, and batted over 300, requested a salary increase from $440,000 per season to $2.88 million. After two rounds of negotiations, he and the team agreed on a three-year contract paying $3.001 million.

Trouble Brewing

    In addition, although he is under contract and is not eligible for renegotiations, Josh Bard demanded his release and said he intends to refuse to report to training camp. Bard has been the Bobcats starting catcher for most of their three seasons of existence, and is consistently productive in the heart of their order. He, apparently, is furious that when the World Series came back to Pawapaka stadium, the 'Cats switched to using their offensively-challenged backup catcher and benched Bard. The 'Cats defend the move by pointing out that the Rockies stole three bases against Bard in the first two games of the series, which triggered the move to go with their backup catcher, who they consistently used during the season against teams with significant base stealing threats. Bard did not shift over to DH, as he normally did during the season, because he was hitting under 200 while Casey Kotchman was hitting over 330 and showing good power. The 'Cats backup catcher, Obradovitch, threw out 3 of 4 base stealers and batted 270 during the World Series. If Bard and the Bobcats cannot come to an agreement, and Bard is not behind the plate for the Bobcats, they will have lost a significant offensive performer.

Free agency

    The Bobcats focused their funds on re-signing their key players to multiple year contracts and used free agency to try to fill in some gaps in. In particular, they made offers to Felipe Lopez (EDCDCE), who can play both middle infield positions and would generally be viewed as a backup player and even a potential minor league player. The 30-year-old was asking for a two-year contract paying $2.14 million per season, and the Bobcats only offered him a one-year contract paying $550,000.

    The impact players the 'Cats initially targeted for their DH roll were not available, having re-signed with their current teams, so the 'Cats made an offer to 37-year-old Dmitri Young (DBFFFG – 2). The Bobcats met Young's asking price of $440,000 per season, but were only willing to commit to a single season while Young wanted a five-year contract

    The Bobcats made offers to three pitchers. Dontrelle Willis (94 CA SL – four, SFB – four, CH – four) was requesting a two-year contract paying over 8 million per season, and the 'Cats offered $4 million for three seasons. Scott Kazmir was seeking a four-year contract and $1.9 million per season and the 'Cats met his asking price, but only wanted to commit to a two-year contract. Chris Young (91 CB 2SF – two, SL – three, DCB – two, CH – three) was seeking a two-year contract paying $2.55 million per season, but the 'Cats offered him the same deal as Kazmir – two years at $1.9 million per season

    Of the players offered contracts, Dmitri and Chris Young accepted the 'Cats offers


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 8:24 am 
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[THIS SHOULD HAVE RUN NEFORE THE PRIOR POST. SORRY!]

2010 Bobcat Awards

Stolen base leader – Dawley (81)

ERA leader – Peavy (2.42)

Wins – Peavy (21)

Save leader – Hart – tied with Joe Nathan (38)

AL MVP – Suárez

Pitcher of the year – Peavy

Hank Aaron Award – Suárez

Fielders of the year: Byrnes (OF) and Grindel (SS)

Hitter of the year: Suárez (3B)

World series MVP: Suárez


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 7:54 pm 
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2010 free agency grades

    With the initial signing period over, after focusing on the Boncats, we took a look at what teams did this off-season, but since it would be too easy to simply give out grades based on the quality of the free agents signed, we took a look at the teams that had glaring holes in their lineup or pitching rotation, and graded based (partially) on the team's addressing those holes during free agency.

'Cats

    The Bobcats do not have any glaring weaknesses, but are a little thin at 2b, in which they only have one player backing up that position (Bailey). Since it has been well known that Casey Kotchman would not re-sign with the club since he does not want to DH, DH could also be viewed as an area of need. The 'Cats have 2 players to serve as backup 1st basemen.
    Signings: Bobcats signed Dmitri Young (DBFFFG – 2), who will serve as a back-up DH, as 3b/LF/RF Swanson (ECCCCD-2) starts. There was only 1 player available (Felipe Lopez (EDCDCE)) who might have been willing to serve as a backup 2b, and he rejected the 'Cats offer and took a starter's salary instead. P Chris Young (91 CB 2SF – two, SL – three, DCB – two, CH – three) was a good signing, although he might not impact 2011 very much. Word is his signing was made with an eye towards 2012, when the Bobcats expect to lose Peavy.
    Grade: B - a veteran hitter should help more than the lack of a 3rd string 2b will hurt.

The Boston Red Sox have a hole in their outfield, with Buck Coates (FEGEED) currently manning centerfield. While Endy Chavez (DEBDCC) could sure up center, that would leave a hole in right, as none of the Red Sox right fielders has a contact rating higher than F or a fielding rating higher than E. It would seem that Great Floyd (DEDDFD) would be a better option in center, but a centerfielder with F fielding is a scary thought.
Signings: pitchers Pedro Martinez (91 FE CU – one, CB – one, CCH – five, CH – four), Javiar Vasquez (95 CA SL – two, CB – three, SP – one, CH – three), and Dontrelle Willis (94 CA SL – four, SFB – four, CH – four)
Grade: B - The Sox failed to shore up their outfield, but their front-end pitching depth should result in much fewer balls reaching the OF. A homecoming for Martinez earns points for sentimentality


The Rangers have only one shortstop on their roster – Brian Bixler (FEDEDE)
Signings: Pitcher JC Romero (94 EE SL – two, SLV – three, CH – two, SFB – two))
Grade: D - Romero is a positive signing, but a weak SS is bad news


The Anaheim Angels are very weak at second base, manned by Martin Credo (FFCEEE), third-base (Joe Dylan – FEDF??), and right field (Totten – CFEEFE)
Signings: none
Grade: F


The Athletics only true third baseman is utility player Mike Morse (DFDEDD), who can also play short and right field, and have generally gotten by by with Rickie Weeks(ECBFEG), who is normally a second baseman but is best suited as a DH or pinch runner.
Signings: none
Grade: F


The Seattle Mariners are short on starting pitching, with only four pitchers on the roster having stamina of level A or B
Signings: none
Grade: F - Scott Kazmir and Chris Young were a couple of affordable options


The Braves are weak at third, where none of the third basemen on their roster has greater than E contact or power, and only one player has an arm strength as high as level D. The Braves could also use another starting pitcher, as they only have four pitchers with stamina as high as level B and only one of them has a level 4 breaking ball
Signings: none
Grade: F


The Mets need an infield overhaul, with both shortstop options having level E arm strength and D fielding; while their third baseman has a level B arm, his offense of E contact and power is underwhelming; and their second baseman should really still be in the minors (EFFEDE)
Signings: none
Grade: F


The Nationals have a hole in right field, where the only players with experience in right field have contact and power of level E or F, and fielding is no higher than D. The Nationals also have room to improve at catcher, where none of the three catchers on the roster have a contact rating over level F and each seem to alternate their arm strength and fielding between levels E and D
Signings: catcher, 3B, and CF Brandon Inge (ECBADC); Pitcher Todd Wellmeyer (97 DE 2SF – one, SLV – two, CH – two); midfielder Felipe Lopez (EDCDCE)
Grade: B - only addressed 1 need, but did it well


The Marlins have a huge hole at shortstop where both of their shortstops have power level F, and arm strength, fielding and error resistance of E or F
Signings: pitcher Jeff Suppan (91 EB 2SF – one, SLD – one, DCB – two, FOS – four); Chad Cordero (93 CE SL – four, CH – three)
Grade: C - didn't address a glaring need, but the pitching signings are solid


The Marlins do you have a better shortstop situation then the Cubs, however, who have no players officially trained at the shortstop position on their roster
Signings: Vicente Padilla (96 DB HSL – two, CB – one, CH – two, HSK – two)
Grade: D


The Brewers have a strong lineup, but are in need of starting pitching, as there is a significant drop off in stamina and repertoire after number one starter Paul Maholm
Signings: none
Grade: F


The Cardinals have a hole in right field, where none of the players trained to play in right have contact or power higher than E or F
Signings: none
Grade: F


The Pirates have a hole in center field, where the only player with centerfield experience, Clay Timpner, is EEEEDE, and all but one of their leftfielders is even worse
Signings: none
Grade: F


The Diamondbacks outfield is in need of repairs, as only Jacoby Ellsbury and Delmon Young are major league caliber players
Signings: 1B Derrek Lee (CBFBBD)
Grade: C - a solid signing, but does not fill their hole


The Dodgers are in serious need of starting pitching, as after Brad Penny, they have a series of pitchers with the stamina no higher than level C, control no higher level F, and miles per hour no higher than 92
Dodgers signings: 3b/SS/CF Bill Hall (DBBADD); RF Geoff Jenkins EBFDEC)
Grade: D - solid signings, but there were a lot of pitching options that would have been better


Like many teams, the Giants are short on starting pitching, as they only have three pitchers with stamina as high as level B
Signings: none
Grade: F


The Reds are another team in need of shortstop help, as none of their shortstops have arm strength or fielding higher than level D, or error resistance higher than level E. They also have no back up infielder at any position other than shortstop, and their first and second baseman flip-flop arm strength and fielding between levels E and F
Signings: LF Jason Michaels (DDDACC)
Grade: C - a solid signing, but does not help their holes


Miscellaneous key signings:

    White Sox sign José Reyes

    Orioles sign Joe Mauer

    Yankees sign Jimmy Rollins


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Thu Jan 01, 2015 3:42 pm 
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April in review

    The Bobcats got off to a strong start to the season, as evidenced by their record. Their hitting was able to overcome some shaky pitching performances, and the pitching rescued the hitters when they were not swinging the bat well, but through it all, they played stellar defense in the infield and outfield.

Record

    With an amazing league best 23 and 5 record for the month of April, the Bobcats have the best record in baseball – three games ahead of the second-place American League Rays and four games ahead of the National League leading Phillies. They lead their AL West division by eight games over it be second-place Athletics.

    They only have the 18th best run scoring offense (146 runs scored), but the team's 89 runs allowed is the best of any team in the league by at least 14 runs. This means that the 'Cats average 5.2 runs scored and 3.2 runs allowed per game

Awards

    For the week ending April 17, 3B Suárez was named AL player of the week. He batted 533 with 7 homeruns and 17 RBIs during this week

    For the week ending April 24, DH Dmitri Young was named player of the week. During this week, he batted 458 with 4 homeruns and 9 RBIs. He also officially became the Bobcats every day DH

    For the week ending May 1, Denham was named player of the week. The Bobcats outfielder hit 412 with 7 RBIs during that week

    The 'Cats also almost completely swept the AL monthly awards, taking home awards for player of the month (Suárez – 394, 12 HR, 36 RBI), rookie of the month (Ruggiano – 323, 9 RBI), and relief pitcher of the month (Heart – 12 saves, 4.15 ERA, 5K). The Yankees Zach Duke was named pitcher of the month (4W, 2.59 ERA, 25K)

Performances

    Jake Peavy and Kyle Kendrick are third and eighth in league ERA, at 2.25 and 2.56, respectively. Kendrick also leads the league with two complete games so far. Peavy is tied for second place with 4 quality starts, along with 12 other players. Kendrick has three quality starts. Kevin Hart leads the league with 12 saves, although his 4.15 ERA is higher than it has been in his three years with the Bobcats.

    Suárez (394) and Dawley (377) are fourth and eighth and batting average. Suárez leads the American League and is tied with Albert Pujols for the league lead in homeruns with 12, and his AL best 36 RBIs is five behind the NL leading Pujols.

    The Bobcats got off to a relatively slow start in terms of stolen bases, with Denham (11), Ruggiano (10), and Byrns (8) being second, tied for third, and tied for sixth in baseball. This slow start may be the sign of a more conservative approach, overall, or it may be the result of their facing a catcher with a level A arm in 14 of their 28 games, and a level C or A arm in 24 of their 28 games

    The fourth, fifth, and sixth starting positions may have been the most highly contested spots on the Bobcats spring training, with free-agent Chris Young (91 CB 2SF – two, SL – three, CB – two, CH – three), John Lannan (90 EB SL – two, CB – four, CH – two), Franklin Morales (95 EB SCB – five, CH – three), Phil Hughes (97 DB SL – two, CB – four, CH – two), and Graybar players Pineta (95 DB SL – four, CU – three, CB – two, PA – one, FO–4), and Borkowski (95 EB SL – three, 2SF – three, CB – three, FL – two) all having realistic shots. Morales and Hughes were favorites to lock down the fourth and fifth spots based on their 2010 performances, but Pineta and Borkowski had amazing springs and pushed Hughes to the 'pen, started the season. Borkowski, in particular, was a great story as he was considered a slow developer, having been on the original 2008 team and when he finally build up enough stamina to make his debut in 2010, he was quickly sent down to the minors to work on is breaking pitches, which just didn't have enough movement on them. Borkowski had an impressive first start, striking out six in 7–2/3 innings of work, but injuring his elbow and ultimately going on the 15 day disabled list. His second (and last) start of April was solid.

    RF Condrey (DCDBCC) had a relatively disappointing 2010 after winning the 2009 rookie of the year award, but he improved his defense and, with an increase in the number of left-handed bats in the lined-up, the right-handed Condrey was pushed up to second in the batting order, a stark contrast to his normal 6/7 position. He initially made the most of it, showing power and contact at the plate, but after two weeks, seemed to revert back to his 2010 performance and is battling Denham (EDBCCC), who is far less powerful, for RF. Denham is batting 456 in limited action. Following is a comparison of the two:

      Condrey (93 AB): 280 BA, 3–2B, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 15 R, 2 SB

      Denham (57 AB): 456 BA, 1–2B, 1–3B, 12 RBI, 7R, 11 SB

    2009 first round draft pick Ruggiano (EDCCBC), a shortstop who learned to play center and left-field when the 'Cats expressed concerns with his level E error resistance, improved his defense tremendously over the past year and a half (from EDE to CBC), has done well as the Bobcats starting outfielder, showing good defensive range, filling in nicely at shortstop when needed, and showing good contact at the plate.

    About the only part of the team that has been consistently "shaky" has been the relief pitching. Bobcats closer Kevin Hart who lead or tied for the AL lead and save the last two seasons has been shaky, collecting his saves, but with an ERA of over 4.0 for the first time in his three year career with the 'Cats.


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:41 am 
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May 2011 in review

The Bobcats had trouble scoring runs, in general, and hitting with runners in scoring position, in particular. A perfect example of this was their May 11th game against the Detroit Tigers. The 'Cats racked up eight hits in the first two innings, but only brought in one run. Ultimately, they needed 22 hits, including a walkoff homerun in the bottom of the ninth inning (by Eric Byrnes) to win the game 4–3.

Record

The Bobcats went 21 and 6 in May which was a major league best. This puts their season record at 44 and 11, a full 16 games ahead of AL Western division foes Athletics and Angels. The next most successful AL team is the Rays, who are 12 games behind the Bobcats. The Padres have the best record in the National League, with nine fewer wins than the 'Cats

They scored 112 runs this month – more than 30 fewer than last month. Only five teams scored fewer runs. However, their starting and closing pitching was solid and they showed excellent defense at virtually every position, allowing only 70 runs to score while the next best team allowed 103 Thus, for this month, the Bobcats averaged just over four runs per game while allowing just 2.6 runs per game.

Awards

For the week ending May 8, outfielder Ruggiano was named player of the week. He hit 552 with one homerun and three RBIs during that week

Ruggiano was also named rookie of the month of May. During this month he batted 341 with 1 homerun and 7 RBIs. It should be noted that since most teams put their rookie draft picks on their major-league roster right away, Ruggiano is the only player on a major-league roster who is currently eligible for the rookie of the year award.

Kevin Hart was named pitcher of the month. The Bobcats closer saved 14 games without allowing an earned run and while striking out 10 batters

Who's hot

Jake Peavy has the 6th best ERA (3.32) in the American League. Pineda is tied with two other pitchers for fourth most wins (6) in the American League. Kyle Kendrick is tied for seventh with five wins. Kendrick is first in the American League and tied with Felix Hernandez for first in all of baseball with three complete games

Dawley is the only bobcat on the major league leader boards for batting averages – he is eighth with a 357 average.

Eric Byrns and Suárez are tied for second and fifth, respectively, with 18 and 16 doubles Suárez is tied for fifth in the majors with 15 homeruns. He is also tied for fourth with 53 RBIs

The Bobcats lead the league in stolen bases by a wide margin, and Ruggiano (22), Dawley (19), Denham (16), and Swanson (14) are one, three, five, and seven on the major-league leader boards. Denham and Swanson are not in the every day lineup

Starting pitchers, Borkowski (95 EB 2SF – three, SL – three, CB – three, FO – two) and Pineda (95 DB SL – four, CU– two, CB – two, PA –One, FO – four) continue to pitch well, although they rarely make it through the sixth inning. Both look like potential front-end starters if they can continue to improve their stamina.

Closer Kevin Hart is the only Bobcats pitcher on the major-league leader boards, leading all of baseball with 26 saves. This is 13 better than the second-place Eric Gagne

After losing his spot in the lineup to hot-hitting, light-powered Denham, Condrey won it back by focusing on just making solid contact, while Denham slumped

Catcher Obradovitch (DCCCCD – two), who was always expected to be the primary catcher, which view was partially responsible for the fractured relationship with the highly productive Josh Bard, struggled at the start of the season, generally playing in blue condition, which forced the team to platoon him with their second and third string catchers, who got off to solid starts offensively. Obradovitch has rebounded and brought his average up to an impressive 386. In addition, his base stealing ability has been especially useful in the number nine hole, as he allows the Bobcats next batters to drive him in without an extra base hit.

Who's not

For the second year in a row, the Bobcats are struggling with runners in scoring position. This is most highlighted by the fact that their 692 hits thus far into the season leads the majors by bbout 100 hits over the second best teams, but their 258 runs scored is 5th worst in baseball.

Middle relief has been very inconsistent, largely due to the failures of two relievers the 'Cats previously viewed as seventh and eighth inning pitchers – Rosado (93 FC SL – two, SP – five, CCH – one, SK – three) and Sears (94 FC SL – three, CB – four, SP – four). Although both have generally been taking the mound in blue condition, they have generally each allowed one or two singles upon entering the game, which is enough to lose leads. Rosado, in particular, has been frustrating in that since improving his splitter too an impressive level five, he has had trouble keeping it in the strike zone.

Erdos (DCCCEC), who hit over 20 home runs with over 20 stolen bases last year, and won the starting first baseman job last season has struggled at the plate, hitting a respectable five homeruns, but with a 262 average that is hurting the team.

Bobcats primary backup catcher, Cunane (EDCDED), who is batting 340 and regularly catching two of the Bobcats six pitcher rotation, broke his collarbone and was placed on the 15 day disabled list. He is expected to be out for 30 days. Although Cunane is the backup catcher, he also backs up the first base and right field positions, and has seen significant playing time, although the Bobcats are comfortable with their third string catcher (who could also back up at first, which is his natural position), Pineda (EDEEEC), Cunane will be missed


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:52 am 
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Just want to comment on my decision to turn off trades in this go-round with season mode. Frankly, I have mixed feelings. Overall, it is probably a good thing because teams, in general, are maintaining more competitive lineups. In all my other season modes, several ridiculously one-sided trades would be made, leaving some teams stacked and other with very poor lineups. In many cases, the "stacked" teams weren't more competitive because they had multiple strong players at the same position (like a team with Mike Lowell at 3rd adding for David Wright).

That being said, trading is fun and I do miss it, so I'm not sure if I'll turn trades off next time.

One "wild card" that may enter into this is that this was my 1st season mode that began with a league-wide draft and I loved it! It was fun, it created league-wide parity, and I got to draft all the rookies that seemed to have decent potential. I wonder if this has more to do with my 1st point (more teams maintaining competitive lineups) than my "no trades" setting. If any of you can comment on whether your league seemed to have a nice parity for many seasons after doing a season mode that began with a league wide draft, please post.

Thank you.


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:25 am 
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Why do none of the players I release or choose not to offer contract to get picked up by other teams? There are a lot of good, solid players (like Stephen Drew) sitting on the FA list for years. I k ow this will sound strange, but I am feeling bad for these players, and frustrated because some teams would be more competitive if they picked them up.


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:28 am 
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ERISA Dude wrote:
Why do none of the players I release or choose not to offer contract to get picked up by other teams? There are a lot of good, solid players (like Stephen Drew) sitting on the FA list for years. I k ow this will sound strange, but I am feeling bad for these players, and frustrated because some teams would be more competitive if they picked them up.

I've noticed that too. Every time I turn trades off, none of the teams sign any of the F/A's during the regular season. Not certain if it's a glitch or not. If it is, then it's a reallllllllly bad glitch. That's one con for me when you turn off the trades. I'm not certain if this is a glitch too but when you turn off player improvement, no one (35 years or older), will have their skills degenerate. So Randy Johnson will have the same skill set in 2017 as he did in 2008.

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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 1:16 pm 
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2011 Draft

Bobcats sign 3 pitchers at 2011 draft

    Pick 1. 19 -year-old right-handed pitcher, West, 92 EB(120) 2SF – one, SL – three, CB – three, FO –two
    Comment: the young man seems "major league ready," and he has the best stamina of anyone coming out of the draft in years, although his two seam fastball needs work and his forkball is below average

    Pick 2. 20–year-old right-handed pitcher, Kester, 95 FC CU – two, CB – one, FO – one (slow starter)
    Comment: the Bobcats were lured by his 95 mile-per-hour fastball, but his inability to get off to quick starts will probably doom his career since he doesn't have the stamina to justify slow starts

    FA (Pick 3.) 23–-year-old left-handed pitcher, Alfaro, 93 EC SL – three, CB – two, FO – one
    Comment: a decent fastball means that when he adds some bite to his curve and fork balls, he might earn a relievers spot


First five picks

    Detroit: 93 EC CB – three (This is a head-scratcher. The stamina of a reliever plus the repertoire of a minor leaguer does not equal "1st round pick," even with a solid fastball)

    Tampa Bay: SS – FEEDCE – one (one of the top shortstops in the draft)

    Milwaukee: 1B GD119FFFF – three (spending a 1st round pick on a potential pinch hitter is disappointing; when it's the #3 pick in the draft, it's embarrassing)

    New York Mets: RF FFDEEF-2 (not likely to help the Mets climb out of the basement)

    Minnesota Twins: Pitcher – 82 FC SL – one, FO – two (see our comment for Detroit)

Last four 1st Round Picks

    Cleveland: CF – FFFEDE – two (potential defensive replacement)

    Baltimore: P – 91 FC CU – one, CB – two, FO – 2 (decent fastball and nice array of pitches)

    Houston: 2b EFFEEE – one (career minor-leaguer)

    Mohave: 92 EB120 2SF – one, SL – three, CB – three, FO –two ('Cats got a steal in this spot)

Worst first round picks (excluding the 1st 5 and last 4)

    Athletics: 87 FD SL – two, SK – two

    Royals 2b FFEEE – two

    Yankees: CF – FFFFDF – two

    Dodgers: P – 82 GC SL – one (Their second round pick was much better - 88 CC SL – one, CB 1)

    Rockies LF FFFED – two

Top infielders

    Pirates C DEFECE – two

    Cardinals SS EEDDDF – two (clutch four)

    Nationals 3B ECFEED – two

    Braves C EEEEDE – two (good block, good catch, trash talk)

Top outfielders

    Indians FFFEDE – two

    Giants FFEDEF – two

    White Sox EFEDEF – two

    Padres CF FEDEDE – one

    Rangers FFEEDF – two

Top pitchers

    Royals: 92 DC(108) CU– three, CB – two

    Blue Jays: 89 DC 104 SL – two, CU – one, CB – three, FO – two)

    Phillies 91 FC CB – two, FO – three


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2015 10:31 pm 
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June in review

    The Bobcats continue to win in spite of a mediocre office. In terms of personnel, the team seems to be making an effort to play outfielder Swanson (ECCCCD two) more, inserting him as a DH when Dimitri Young needs a rest and towards the end of June, he began replacing rookie of the year candidate Ruggiano (EDCBBC – two) in away games, where the Bobcats seem to prefer Swanson's offense when they are not in the expansive and Panpaka Park outfield

Record

    The 'Cats went 18 and 9 for the month of June, which was good for a tie for the 2nd best June in baseball. They scored 121 runs this month, which puts them 28th in the league. Their 92 runs allowed was the most runs they allowed in a month this season, but it was the best in baseball, again. This month, the 'Cats averaged 4.48 runs scored per game while only allowing an average of allowing 3.4 runs scored per game.

    This puts the 'Cats season record at 62 and 20, 15 games ahead of the second place AL West foe, the Oakland Athletics. The Athletics have the second best record in the American League. The Padres are the strongest team so far in the National League, one game better than the Athletics and 14 games behind the Bobcats

Awards

    The Bobcats received no awards this month

Notable performances

    6/22/11: In a rare display of offensive efficiency, the Bobcats score early and often against Angels starter Ted Lilly (93 CA SL – two, the CB – four, CH – two), scoring six runs on nine hits through five innings, including two homeruns by 3B Suárez. Unfortunately, the Bobcats inconsistent relief pitching doomed the team, as they allowed six runs scored, including Closer Kevin Hart's surrender of a walkoff three run homerun in the bottom of the ninth. Final score: 8–7, Angels

    6/24/11: Pineda pitches a strong game, shutting down the Padres on 6 hits over six innings, while the 'Cats hit Roy Halliday early, putting up three runs in the first two innings, but the middle relief again haunts the Bobcats, as Sears (94 FC SL – three, CB – four, SP – four) enters with runners on first and third, and no out, and allows several softly hit singles, allowing the Padres to take a 1 run lead that lasts to the bottom of the 9th. In the 9th, a 1-out single from Dmitri Young, and 2-out singles from Obradovich, Ruggiano, and Dawley (they're 8-1 hitters) brought in the tying and winning runs. Final score: 5–4, Bobcats

    6/28/11: The 'Cats take a 1–0 lead in the third against the Seattle Mariners, who are starting their long reliever since all the other pitchers or still in gray condition. The Bobcats are also using a spot-starter, who held the Mariners to 0 runs on three hits through five innings, but things fell apart in the sixth, as one infield single and two shallow bloop hits preceded a Ryan Garko grand slam. The 'Cats offense continued to flail aimlessly at slow fastballs and weak breaking pitches, while the Mariners tacked on another two runs with a two run homerun from Alex Rodriguez in the eighth. In the 9th, the Bobcats made some noise as three singles scored one run and then a three run homerun from Suárez pulled the 'Cats to within a run. Swanson was thrown out at the plate, trying to score from second on a shallow single, but another stolen base and an Obradovitch single up the middle brought in the tying run. A third stolen base proceeding another single that brought in the go-ahead run that would stand as the game winner. Final score: 7–6, Bobcats

Who's hot

    Seldom used spot starter John Lannan (91 EB SL – two, CB – four, CH – two) came up big on June 2, 2011. Forced into action when none of the other starters were better than purple condition, and after the 'Cats shaky bullpen blew leads in the prior two games giving the Bobcats their first two game losing streak of 2011, John Lannan came up big, tossing a seven hit complete game shutout against the Chicago White Sox, striking out eight in the process. He followed that up with another solid spot start about 1 1/2 weeks later, tossing 6–1/3 innings, allowing just one run on eight hits while striking out 6. After several more appearances in June, Lannan's ERA stands at 0.96

    Borkowski continues to have solid outings, posting 10 quality starts out of the 11 games in which he took the mound. He has the best ERA of any Bobcat starting pitcher (1.96), and has thrown the second most innings on the team – 7.9 innings fewer than team leader Jake Peavy

Who's not

    Rookie centerfielder Ruggiano (EDCBBC – two) continues to be excellent in the field, but has struggled at the plate, allowing his average to drop from the high 320s to 305

    Shortstop Grindell (DCCAAB) continues to be impressive in the field, but his hitting has fallen off sharply, from the mid-340s to 304

    Suárez has been inconsistent at the plate, allowing his batting average to drop significantly and only putting 3 balls over the fence this month (he now has 20)


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 7:13 am 
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July, 2011 in review

    The 'Cats had an amazing July, offensively and defensively, distancing themselves from the rest of the league while showing that they are a complete team with virtually no weaknesses

Record

    The 'Cats went an amazing 21 and 4 in July, which is two wins better than the second best July record in baseball, held by the Chicago White Sox. In doing so, the 'Cats drove in 121 runs while surrendering only 67. Their 67 runs allowed was the best in baseball by far, as the second fewest runs allowed by a team in July was 90 by the Astros. During this impressive stretch, the 'Cats averaged 4.84 runs per game while only allowing 2.68 runs per game.

    This leaves the 'Cats with an 83 and 24 season record – that's 83 wins with 55 games left to play! They have a seemingly insurmountable stranglehold on the AL West, in which they built up a 25 game lead over the second-place Athletics. They are 24 games ahead of the next best AL team – the Chicago White Sox, and their record is 19 games better than the national league leading Padres

Awards

    For the All-Star game, no Bobcat position player will start. Suárez (322, 24 HR, 80 RBI) received the third most votes for third baseman, behind David Wright (350, 13 HR, 64 RBI) and Alex Rodriguez (301, 22 HR, 68 RBI), and Eric Byrnes (318, 18 HR, 71 RBI) was just beaten out of a starting outfield spot by Vernon Wells (297, 12 HR, 48 RBI), who received less than 200,000 more votes.

    For the week ending July 10, Suárez was named AL MVP. He batted 462 with three homeruns and seven RBIs this week

    For the month of July, the Bobcats swept the monthly awards. Suárez was named player of the month (344, 8 HR, 20 RBI), Franklin Morales was pitcher of the month (3W, 1.45 ERA, 26K), and Ruggiano was rookie of the month (346, 6 RBI)

Highlights

    7/4/11: The 'Cats traveled to Yankee Stadium to visit the only team that has won a series against them. Franklin Morales started the game and pitched a four hit shutout. The 'Cats needed that effort from the mound because they only scored one run in the first inning although they loaded the bases with no out, and then added a second run a few innings later. Grindel and Suárez singled home a third and fourth run in the ninth. Final score: 4–0, Bobcats

    7/10-11/11: The 'Cats overcame a rare shaky performance from Josh Beckett (surrendering three runs in the first inning and a fourth run in the sixth, when he was removed), using good clutch hitting and homeruns from Suárez and Grindel with runners on base, to defeat their division foe, Athletics, 9–5. In the very next game, Franklin Morales out-duels Bronson Arroyo, allowing just one run on six hits, as he throws a complete game and the Bobcats edge out the A's in a pitching duel, 3 – 1

    7/16/11: on the first day of the All-Star break, the Bobcats added some depth at second base, where they currently only have two players with experience – their starting second baseman and their utility infielder who can play every infield spot. Newly-acquired Owen Burke (FEDDDD – two) is a career minor league player who figures to stay in the minors unless called up due to injury. The 27-year-old signed a one-year contract paying $1.5 million. Said the Bobcats "the price tag definitely seemed hefty, but Burke he gives us some depth at the only spot that was not at least 3-players-deep, and he can also play third and left field for us." An official who asked to remain anonymous noted that the team anticipates Burke re-signing with the team this off-season at a lower rate.

All-Star game notes

    In addition to some criticisms due to the two-time defending champions failing to have a player start on the AL team, and only having one representative (3B Suárez), particular criticism over the lack of Bobcats pitchers was issued anonymously by the team. "We will have the fewest runs scored and our pitchers have the lowest ERA's, but having no pitchers at all on the All-Star team? Not last year's Cy Young award winner, Jake Peavy? Not last year's saves leader Kevin Hart?" The Bobcats certainly do have a point, as all star closer Francisco Rodriguez made the team in spite of his 4.15 ERA and only having 16 saves, along with 8 losses, compared to Kevin Hart's league leading 38 saves and only two losses, with a 3.7 ERA

    CC Sabathia took the mound for the AL against Felix Hernandez, representing the NL Although the AL put runners in scoring position in the first two innings, they failed to score, while the NL took a one run lead on a homerun by Andruw Jones. The AL broke through in the third when Vladimir Guerrero singled home Beltran, who doubled. Manny Ramirez followed with a two run homerun. Chipper Jones drove in an NL run in the sixth, but Francisco Liriano shut the NL down, giving way to Francisco Rodriguez in the ninth. Rodriguez gave the crowd a scare when he delivered a pitch to Albert Pujols that Pujols hit just inches foul before striking out. Final score: 3–2, AL

    7/21/11: Despite averaging six runs per game in the six games preceding the All-Star break, the Bobcats offense got off to a horrible start after the All-Star break, allowing Tigers starter Ruggiano (93 EC CB – two) to throw a three-hit shutout through 8–1/3 innings of work. Bobcat starter Jake Peavy was equally effective, finally allowing Beltran to score in the 10th inning The Bobcats tied the game when Grendel hit a two out RBI triple (his second triple of the game) against Tigers closer Duaner Sanchez. The Bobcats reliever gave up a solo homerun to the MLB homerun leader Carlos Pena The Bobcats tied the game, again in similar fashion – Grindell tripled in the tying run This time, however, Obradovitch, brought in as a pinch runner earlier, came through with the game-winning RBI single. Final score: 3–2 (12), Bobcats

Who's hot

    Erdos's (DCCCEC) batting average rose up to almost 300, before tailing off to its current 286, but his 16 homeruns is impressive and he has a knack for coming up with a big hit at the right time.

    In addition, Dawley (CDABBD), who leads the AL in hits, Suárez (CBBCCC), who is forth in the majors with 28 homeruns and tied for sixth in the majors with 92 RBIs, and Eric Byrnes (BBCCBC), who is tied for fifth in the majors with 31 doubles, have been extremely solid at the plate, while SS Grindell (DCCAAB), has been above average at the plate and excellent in the field.

    The Bobcats have six players listed in the top 10 base-stealers this season, With rookie player Ruggiano leading the league with 39 stolen bases, followed by Dawley's 37. Suárez is tied for fourth with 29 stolen bases, while Grindel, Obradovich and Byrns are seventh (28), ninth (26), and tied for 10th (25), respectively.

    The starting pitching staff has been excellent at keeping runs off the board, even though Jake Peavy and Josh Beckett are not as dominant as last season. Franklin Morales seems like a potential future Cy Young candidate if he can rack up enough innings, and Borkowski (95 EB 2SF – three, SL – three, CB – three,FO – two) is pitching like a potential number one starter.

    Borkowski has the second lowest ERA in the majors (2.39), 0.01 percentage points behind the Pirates Felix Hernandez, while Jake Peavy is an impressive fifth (3.19) None of the Bobcats starters are on the leaderboard's for "wins," but Peavy is tied with three other pitchers for fourth place in the number of "quality starts" with 14. Borkowski is tied with two other pitchers for ninth place with 12 quality starts.

    Kevin Hart (96 DE SL – four, CB – four, CH – three) leads the league with 40 saves – 15 more than the second-place Aaron Heilman, although he still does not seem to be quite as dominating as his last few seasons, as his five blown saves will attest

    Kyle Kendrick, who signed a big contract this past off-season, has not pitched as well as his prior two years, but is second in the league with three complete games

    Backup catcher Cunane (EDCDED) does not have the strong arm of the 'Cats starting catcher Onradovitch (DDCCCD), but he has hit his way into the starting lineup with a 407 average Picking up the "good catcher" ability didn't hurt!

Who's not

    The 'Cats continue to struggle with middle relief, although two of their middle relievers, Rosado (93 FC SL – two, SP – five, CCH – one, SK – three) and Chiasson (93 CU – four, CB – three, FO – five) pitched much better the second half of the month, leaving only Sears (94 FC SL – three, CB – four, SP – four) struggling with virtually every outing

    None of the Bobcats hitters are on the leaderboard's for batting average


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 6:29 am 
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August in review

    The Bobcats had a power surge this month, with Suárez, Dimitri Young, Condrey and Erdos regularly clearing the fences and helping post enough W's to all but assuring themselves home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Bobcats scored 162 runs this month – about 15 more runs than their previous high, and giving them the fourth most productive offense in the league this month. Their 86 runs allowed was mediocre for the team, but they were the only team in baseball to allow fewer than 100 runs scored

Record

    The Bobcats had their best month of the season, going 23 and 4, giving them a season-long record of 106 and 28. They are 40 games up on the Oakland Athletics, 31 games up on the next strongest American League team, the Chicago White Sox, and 28 games better than the National League leading Padres

Awards

    For the week ending 8/21, Erdos (565, 5 HR, 8 RBI) and Suárez (423, 4 HR, 10 RBI) were named players of the week

    For the month of August, the 'Cats took home three of the four monthly awards. Suárez (371, 12 HR, 36 RBI) was named player of the month, Jake Peavy (5W, 1.77 ERA, 26K) was pitcher of the month, and OF Ruggiano (371, HR, 10 RBI) was rookie of the month.

Who's hot

    Most of the Bobcats starting lineup had their best offensive performance this month, with Erdos pulling his average up about 30 points to its current 311, and hitting several key homeruns, while Suárez continued to hit well and leads the AL with 40 homeruns so far. Dimitri Young hit so well that he was shifted up in the lineup from his number five spot to the cleanup position, leap-frogging Eric Byrnes, who was the only player on the team that seemed to have hit worse this month than in prior months.

    Relief pitcher Rosado (93 FC SL – two, SP – five, CCH – one, SK – three) regained some consistency and seems to be the most reliable middle reliever of the Bobcats three middle relievers, who have all struggled throughout most of the season

Who's not

    Eric Byrnes' season long statistics are still impressive (304, 22 HR, a two RBI), but he did struggle at the plate this month.

    The 'Cats leadoff hitter and starting second baseman Dawley (CDABBD) tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, and will be suspended for 30 days. Dawley wanted to contest the suspension, but the team convinced him not to do so, fearing that if he lost his appeal, it could affect his eligibility for the playoffs. This is a big blow because Dawley is one of the top young leadoff hitters in the game, boasting a high average and strong stolen base numbers, and he is also a top-notch second baseman. Moreover, second base is the Bobcats weakest area in terms of depth. Utility infielder Bailey (EEBBBC) is expected to start at second base, and newly acquired Owen Burke (FEDDDD) will be the primary backup.


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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:47 am 
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I like how you made that suspension. Did you do that because he got too good?

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 Post subject: Re: The Mohave Bobcats: A New Chapter in MLB
PostPosted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 3:24 pm 
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Yup! He's too good, and my team is winning too much


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