OOTP5: Trimming the Fat/ Back to 24

[JeeberD]

Swept. Ugh...

[General Mike]

Game 5

Texas @ Boston

A Tale of Two Pitchers. Chan Ho Park. Derek Lowe. Both pitchers got through the first 2 innings with no problems, but then things changed. The 3rd inning saw Texas get on the board first thanks to a Carl Everett sac fly, but the Red Sox struck back right away.
John Olerud hit a 2 out double, followed by a Manny Ramirez walk, followed by a Trot Nixon single to tie the game. Nomar followed with another RBI single, and then Todd Walker did what his name says, to load the bases. Jason Varitek followed with a single to score 2 runs, and end the scoring for the day. Derek Lowe proceeded to pitch until the 9th inning, before turning over the game to Jose Jimenez to get the final 2 outs.
Score: 4-1 Boston
WP: Derek Lowe
LP: Chan Ho Park
S: Jose Jimenez
Player of the Game: Derek Lowe

[General Mike]

Originally posted by JeeberD
Swept. Ugh...

They won 1 game, and they probably would have won the series if Bagwell and Oswalt would have been available.

[General Mike]

American League Championship Series Preview
Two long time rivals face off, as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox face off for the rights to go to the World Series. The teams have already played 18 times this season, with the Red Sox taking 11 of those contests, including the last 6.

The Lineups (vR/vL)

New York
1) 2B Alfonso Soriano/ CF Bernie Williams
2) SS Derek Jeter/ 1B Jason Giambi
3) DH Jason Giambi/ SS Derek Jeter
4) LF Hideki Matsui/ 2B Alfonso Soriano
5) CF Bernie Williams/ C Jorge Posada
6) 1B Nick Johnson/ RF Juan Rivera
7) 3B Robin Ventura/ DH Andy Phillips
8) C Jorge Posada/ LF Hideki Matsui
9) RF Juan Rivera/ 3B Robin Ventura

Boston
1) CF Johnny Damon/ CF Johnny Damon
2) DH Brad Fullmer/ 1B John Olerud
3) 1B John Olerud/ LF Manny Ramirez
4) LF Manny Ramirez/ C Doug Mirabelli
5) RF Trot Nixon/ SS Nomar Garciaparra
6) SS Nomar Garciaparra/ 3B Cesar Crespo
7) 2B Todd Walker/ 2B Angel Santos
8) C Jason Varitek/ RF Trot Nixon
9) 3B Cesar Crespo/ DH Brad Fullmer

Pitching Staffs

New York
1) Jeff Weaver
2) Andy Pettite
3) Mike Mussina
4) Scott Elarton
5) Mark Phillips
Closer: Mariano Rivera
Setup: Braden Looper/ Steve Karsay
Middle Relief: Jose Contreras/ Antonio Osuna/ Dave Maurer
Mopup: Dave Maurer

Boston
1) Pedro Martinez
2) Derek Lowe
3) Casey Fossum
4) Tim Wakefield
5) Chris Elmore
Sot: Claudio Vargas
Closer: Jose Jiminez
Setup: Jayson Durocher/ Ramiro Mendoza
Middle Relief: Claudio Vargas/ Chad Fox/ Curt Leskanic
Mopup: Curt Leskanic

Key Injuries
Neither team is missing any key players, but Juan Acevedo is still on the DL for another 3 weeks.

Matchups

Catcher - Jorge Posada vs Varitek/ Mirabelli
Edge: New York

1st Base - Jason Giambi vs John Olerud
Edge: New York

2nd Base - Alfonso Soriano vs Walker/ Santos
Edge: New York

Third Base - Robin Ventura vs Cesar Crespo
Edge: Even

Shortstop - Derek Jeter vs Nomar Garciaparra
Edge: Boston

Leftfield - Hideki Matsui vs Manny Ramirez
Edge: Boston

Centerfield - Bernie Williams vs Johnny Damon
Edge: New York

Rightfield - Juan Rivera vs Trot Nixon
Edge: Boston

DH - Johnson/Phillips vs Brad Fullmer
Edge: Boston

Starting Pitching - Weaver, Pettite, Mussina, Elarton vs Martinez, Lowe, Fossum, Wakefield
Edge: Even

Relief Pitching
Edge: Even

Closer - Mariano Rivera vs Jose Jimenez
Edge: New York

Prediction

Two very evenly matched teams. Both teams have a dominant hitter, both teams have an All Star SS, and both teams have three top Starting pitchers. Their bullpens are pretty balanced, even tho i think the Yankees have better setup guys. I'm not sure how the starting rotations are going to matchup, but if the Red Sox have to pitch Casey Fossum game 1 instead of Lowe or Martinez, it hurts their chances.

Prediction: New York in 7.

[General Mike]

National League Championship Series

What more needs to be said then they NL's best offense, against the best pitching staff (stats wise) in the league. The San Francisco Giants showed they have alot more then just pitching against Houston. The Philadelphia Phillies have 2 of the top starters in the National League, and 2 guys who might be better then anyone San Francisco has.
Season Series: San Francisco won 7 of 10.

Lineups

San Francisco
1) RF Jose Cruz Jr./ RF Jose Cruz Jr.
2) 3B Edgardo Alfonzo/ 3B Edgardo Alfonzo
3) LF Barry Bonds/ LF Barry Bonds
4) 1B Travis Hafner/ CF Preston Wilson
5) 2B Ray Durham/ 1B Travis Hafner
6) CF Preston Wilson/ C Yorvit Torrealba
7) SS Rich Aurilia/ SS Rich Aurilia
8) C Yorvit Torrealba/ 2B Ray Durham
9) Pitcher's Spot

Philadelphia
1) 2B Luis Castillo/ SS Jimmy Rollins
2) 3B Tyler Houston/ CF Marlon Byrd
3) RF Bobby Abreu/ C Mike Leiberthal
4) 1B Jim Thome/ LF Pat Burrell
5) LF Pat Burrell/ 1B Jim Thome
6) CF Marlon Byrd/ RF Bobby Abreu
7) C Mike Leiberthal/ 3B Travis Chapman
8) SS Anderson Machado/ 2B Luis Castillo
9) Pitcher's spot

Pitching Staffs

San Francisco
1) Damian Moss
2) Jason Schmidt
3) C.C. Sabathia
4) Jerome Williams
5) Scott Eyre
Closer: Robb Nen
Setup: Luis Vizcaino/ Felix Rodriguez
Middle Relief: Tim Worrell/ Jay Witasick/ Chad Zerbe
Mopup: Chad Zerbe

Philadelphia
1) Randy Wolf
2) Kevin Millwood
3) Brett Myers
4) Brandon Duckworth
5) Vicente Padilla
Closer: Tim Spooneybarger
Setup: Hector Mercado/ Joey Eischen
Middle Relief: Jose Mesa/ Bobby Howry/ Dave Coggin
Mopup: Dave Coggin

Key Injuries

No injuries from either team, but San Francisco does get Jimmy Rollins and Jose Mesa back for this series.

The Matchups

Catcher - Yorvit Torrealba vs Mike Leiberthal
Edge: Philadelphia

1st Base - Travis Hafner vs Jim Thome
Edge: Philadelphia

2nd Base - Ray Durham vs Luis Castillo
Edge: Philadelphia

3rd Base - Edgardo Alfonso vs Houston/Chapman
Edge: San Francisco

Shortstop - Rich Aurilia vs Machado/ Rollins
Edge: San Francisco

Leftfield - Barry Bonds vs Pat Burrell
Edge: San Francisco

Centerfield - Preston Wilson vs Marlon Byrd
Edge: San Francisco

Rightfield - Jose Cruz Jr. vs Bobby Abreu
Edge: Philadelphia

Starting Pitching - Moss, Schmidt, Sabathia, Williams vs Wolf, Millwood, Myers, Duckworth
Edge: Philadelphia

Relief Pitching
Edge: San Francisco

Closer - Robb Nen vs Tim Spooneybarger
Edge: San Francisco

Prediction

What we have here is 2 pretty evenly matched teams. I have to give the edge to Philadelphia because of Millwood and Wolf at the top of the rotation. Late in the game I like the Giants chances tho because of their great bullpen.Barry Bonds is still the best player in the sport, so if he can have a good series, the Giants have a chance.

Prediction: Philadelphia in 6

[General Mike]

Game 1

New York @ Boston

Boston and New York both decided to go back to their aces, on short rest. Pedro only lasted 5.2 innings, but it was as good an outing as any 5.2 inning outing ever. Pedro allowed 2 hits, 1 run while striking out 10. Weaver lasted 8 innings, but did give up 3 runs. Boston's offense came via 2 HRs. A 2 run HR in the 6th from John Olerud, and a solo HR in the 7th from Nomar. Jorge Posada had the lone Yankee RBI.
Score: 3-1 Boston
WP: Chad Fox
LP: Jeff Weaver
S: Jose Jimenez
Player of the Game: Pedro Martinez

San Francisco @ Philadelphia

San Francisco and Philadephia also both decided to go back to their staff aces, Damian Moss and Kevin Millwood. Neither pitched decidingly well. Moss only lasted 4.2 innings, walking 7, while allowing 6 runners to cross the plate. Millwood lasted 5.2 innings allowing 3 runs, while also walking 6. Philly's bullpen did blow the game tho. "Joe Table" allowed 3 runs in .2 innings, and Bobby Howry allowed the game winner in his 1.1 innings. Pat Burrell and Preston Wilson both hit 2 HRs and drove in 6 runs for their team. Marlon Byrd was injured when diving for a catch. He will miss 3 weeks. Ricky Ledee and Jason Michaels will replace him in CF.
Score: 7-6 San Francisco
WP: Chad Zerbe
LP: Bob Howry
S: Robb Nen
Player of the Game: Preston Wilson

[General Mike]

Game 2

New York @ Boston

Game 2 was another high scoring affair, with the Yankees scoring 8 runs off Casey Fossum in the 1st 5 innings, and by the time Boston finally scored a single run, it was too late for them. Andy Pettite, pitched well in 7.2 innings despite giving up 6 runs. Jorge Posada and Juan Rivera homered for the Yankees, while Doug Mirabelli and Cesar Crespo homered for the Sox.
Score: 10-6 Yankees
WP: Andy Pettite
LP: Casey Fossum
Player of the Game: Juan Rivera

San Francisco @ Philadelphia

San Francisco's bats exploded early, knocking Randy Wolf out of the game after 2 innings, scoring 6 runs, including a solo HR by Jose Cruz Jr., and a 2 run shot by Barry Bonds. The Phillies picked up another run in the 7th inning to give them a 7-1 lead at the time, but then the Phillies attempted their comeback. They scored a run in the 7th, and then 4 more in the 8th, but that was all she wrote:
Score: 7-6 San Francisco
WP: Jason Schmidt
LP: Randy Wolf
S: Robb Nen
Player of the Game: Mike Leiberthal

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by General Mike
They won 1 game, and they probably would have won the series if Bagwell and Oswalt would have been available.

Doh! How did I miss that win? Oh well, next year will be ours (of course, Bagwell and Walker aren't getting any younger, though)...

[General Mike]

JeeberD, Astros should be pretty good next year. They get Oswalt and Bagwell back, but they also get Carlos Hernandez back, who didnt pitch at all in 2003. J.D. Closser had a good year behind the plate too. They also should have a little money to add a free agent at one of their major need positions.

[JeeberD]

Very cool. I'll be expecting great things from them.

Oh, and great work with this dynasty. Very, very entertaining...

[General Mike]

Game 3

Boston @ New York

Our ALCS heads back to the House that Ruth built with the series tied at 1 game apiece, and Derek Lowe set to go head to head with Mike Mussina. This was a seesaw battle all the way with the teams exchanging leads 4 times in the course of the afternoon. Manny Ramirez was the difference maker today tho, as he went 2-4 with 1 2B, 1 HR, and all 4 Boston RBI.
Score: 4-3 Boston
WP: Chad Fox
LP: Mike Mussina
S: Jose Jimenez
Player of the Game: Manny Ramirez

Philadelphia @ San Francisco

In a surprising move, Philadelphia started Relief Pitcher Hector Mercado instead of Brett Myers or Brandon Duckworth. C.C Sabathia was on the mound for the Giants, and was impressive, lasting 8.2 innings, only surrendering 2 runs on 3 hits, but it wasn't enough. Surprising starter Mercado pitched 5 innings of shutout ball before turning the game over to the bullpen, which pitched 4 innings of no-hit ball to seal the shutout victory. Mike Leiberthal and Luis Castillo hit solo HRs to provide the Philly offense. Castillo's HR was the 1st he hit all season.
Score: 2-0 Philadelphia
WP: Hector Mercado
LP: C.C. Sabathia
S: Tim Spooneybarger
Player of the Game: Hector Mercado

[General Mike]

Game 4

Boston @ New York

Both teams decided to go back to their game 1 starters, and while the city they were in changed, the results stayed the same. Pedro pitched 6.2 innings, allowed 1 run, and put his team in a position to win. Jeff Weaver pitched into the 9th, only allowing 2 runs, but it wasn't enough as the Red Sox bullpen was able to stop the Yankee bats. Brad Fullmer and Todd Walker both drove in 2 runs for the BoSox.
Score: 4-1 Boston
WP: Pedro Martinez
LP: Jeff Weaver
S: Jose Jimenez
Player of the Game: Pedro Martinez

Philadelphia @ San Francisco

Damian Moss continued his post season woes, as he lasted only 4 innngs, allowing 7 runs, 4 earned in his 4th postseason start this year. Kevin Millwood picked up his 1st win of the postseason, pitching a 4 hit shutout. 7 players had RBI for the Phillies, but only Mike Leiberthal had a multiple RBI game, picking up 2 in the Phillies win.
Score: 8-0
WP: Kevin Millwood
LP: Damian Moss
Player of the Game: Kevin Millwood

[General Mike]

Game 5

The New York Yankees both face the prospect of being eliminated in their own stadium. Can they survive the pressure?

Boston @ New York

Casey Fossum and Andy Pettite went at it and the Yankee veteran came out on top. Pettite pitched 8.2 innings of 3 hit shutout ball before letting Jose Contreras retire the final batter to send the ALCS back to Fenway Park. Fossum didn't pitch badly, but he did allow 4 runs in 7 innings to send his post season record to 0-3. 6 players drove in runs for the Yankees, led by solo HRs by Bernie Williams and Andy Phillips
Score: 6-0
WP: Andy Pettite
LP: Casey Fossum
Player of the Game: Andy Pettite

Philadelphia @ San Francisco

With San Francisco facing elimination, they went back to Jason Schmidt, while Philadelphia tried to send the Giants packing with Randy Wolf. Schmidt and Wolf both pitched well, but weren't in the game too long. Schmidt allowed 2 runs in 5 innings, Wolf allowed 1 run in 6 innings. The Giants used everybody in their pen to get to extra innings with a tie game, and then Preston Wilson showed up. In the bottom of the 10th inning, after Tim Spooneybarger gave up a double to Edgardo Alfonzo and then intentionall walked Barry Bonds, Wilson followed with the game winning 3 run HR. We're heading back to Philly for Game 6.
Score: 5-2 San Francisco
WP: Tim Worrell
LP: Tim Spooneybarger
Player of the Game: Preston Wilson

[General Mike]

Game 6

New York @ Boston

Boston looked to clinch their first American League pennant since 1986, and sent Derek Lowe to the mound to try to get the job done. The Yankees countered with 16 game winner Mike Mussina. Boston got on the board quickly, when Brad Fullmer hit a 2 out Grand Slam. The Yankees came back with 3 runs in the 3rd, off of a bunch of singles. The Yankees tied the game in the 6th inning by manufacturing a run, took the lead in the 7th with a Matsui solo HR, and then Bernie Williams homered in the 8th for the insurance run. Boston picked up a run in the 8th to close the gap, but there was nothing more they could do, as Mariano Rivera came in to get the final 5 outs for the save, and tie the series up.
Score: 6-5 New York
WP: Mike Mussina
LP: Derek Lowe
S: Mariano Rivera
Player of the Game: Hideki Matsui

San Francisco @ Philadelphia

Vicente Padilla got his 1st start of the post season, as Philadelphia took a 2nd chance at closing out the Giants. C.C Sabathia got the nod for the Giants. Both starting pitchers allowed 3 runs in this outing. Padilla lasted 7 innings, Sabathia only went 5. The bullpen was the difference tho, as the Jay Witasick and Chad Zerbe combined to allow 4 runs in the 7th/8th inning. Philadelphia will be in the World Series. Ricky Ledee went 2-4 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored.
Score: 7-3 Philadelphia
WP: Vicente Padilla
LP: Jay Witasick
Player of the Game: Ricky Ledee.

NLCS MVP: Mike Leiberthal - 10 for 24, 1 HR, 6 RBI

[General Mike]

Game 7

New York @ Boston

For the 3rd time in this series, Pedro Martinez faced off with Jeff Weaver, and the 1st 2 times Boston got the win. This time it's for all the marbles. Can Pedro carry Boston to the World Series or will Jeff Weaver. This decisive game was tied at 3-3 after 6, when Pedro left the game, and thats when the game was decided, as the Red Sox bullpen did an awful job. Chad Fox and Curt Leskanic gave up 8 runs in 2 innings of combined work. Alfonso Soriano nearly hit for the cycle, failing to hit the HR he needed. The Yankees will play the Phillies in the World Series.
Score: 12-4 New York
WP: Jeff Weaver
LP: Chad Fox
Player of the Game: Alfonso Soriano

ALCS MVP: Andy Pettite - 2-0, 3.31 ERA, 16 Ks

[General Mike]

World Series Preview

The 2 teams I hate more then any other facing off in a World Series. This should be very interesting. The Evil Empire has home field advantage for the series, and that could be the difference maker.

Lineups (vR/vL/vRDH/vLDH)

Philadelphia
1) 2B Luis Castillo/ SS Jimmy Rollins/ 2B Luis Castillo/ 2B Luis Castillo
2) 3B Tyler Houston/ 2B Luis Castillo/ 3B Tyler Houston/ DH Placido Polanco
3) RF Bobby Abreu/ C Mike Leiberthal/ RF Bobby Abreu/ C Mike Leiberthal
4) 1B Jim Thome/ LF Pat Burrell/ 1B Jim Thome/ LF Pat Burrell
5) LF Pat Burrell/ 1B Jim Thome/ LF Pat Burrell/ 1B Jim Thome
6) CF Ricky Ledee/ RF Bobby Abreu/ DH Ricky Ledee/ RF Bobby Abreu
7) C Mike Leiberthal/ 3B Travis Chapman/ C Mike Leiberthal/ 3B Travis Chapman
8) SS Anderson Machado/ CF Jason Michaels/ CF Jason Michaels/ CF Jason Michaels
9) Pitcher's spot/ Pitcher's spot/ SS Anderson Machado/ SS Jimmy Rollins

New York
1) 2B Alfonso Soriano/ CF Bernie Williams/ 2B Alfonso Soriano/ CF Bernie Williams
2) SS Derek Jeter/ 1B Jason Giambi/ SS Derek Jeter/ 1B Jason Giambi
3) 1B Jason Giambi/ SS Derek Jeter/ DH Jason Giambi/ SS Derek Jeter
4) LF Hideki Matsui/ 2B Alfonso Soriano/ LF Hideki Matsui/ 2B Alfonso Soriano
5) CF Bernie Williams/ C Jorge Posada/ CF Bernie Williams/ C Jorge Posada
6) C Jorge Posada/ RF Juan Rivera/ 1B Nick Johnson/ RF Juan Rivera
7) 3B Robin Ventura/ LF Hideki Matsui/ 3B Robin Ventura/ DH Andy Phillips
8) RF Juan Rivera/ 3B Robin Ventura/ C Jorge Posada/ LF Hideki Matsui
9) Pitcher's Spot/ Pitcher's Spot/ RF Juan Rivera/ 3B Robin Ventura


Pitching Staffs

Philadelphiapia
1) Kevin Millwood
2) Randy Wolf
3) Vicente Padilla
4) Brett Myers
5) Brandon Duckworth
Sot: Bud Smith
Closer: Tim Spooneybarger
Setup: Hector Mercado/ Joey Eischen
Middle Relief: Bud Smith/ Jose Mesa/ Bobby Howry
Mopup: Bobby Howry

New York
1) Jeff Weaver
2) Andy Pettite
3) Mike Mussina
4) Scott Elarton
5) Mark Phillips
Closer: Mariano Rivera
Setup: Braden Looper/ Steve Karsay
Middle Relief: Jose Contreras/ Antonio Osuna/ Dave Maurer
Mopup: Dave Maurer

The Matchups

Catcher - Mike Leiberthal vs Jorge Posada
Edge: New York

First Base - Jim Thome vs Jason Giambi
Edge: Even

Second Base - Luis Castillo vs Alfonso Soriano
Edge: New York

Third Base - Houston/ Chapman vs Robin Ventura
Edge: Philadelphia

Shortstop - Machado/ Rollins vs Derek Jeter
Edge: New York

Leftfield - Pat Burrell vs Hideki Matsui
Edge: Philadelphia

Centerfield - Ledee/ Michaels vs Bernie Williams
Edge: New York

Rightfield - Bobby Abreu vs Juan Rivera
Edge: Philadelphia

DH - Ledee/ Polanco vs Johnson/ Phillips
Edge: Philadelphia

Starting Pitching - Millwood/ Wolf/ Padilla/ Myers vs Weaver/ Pettite/ Mussina/ Elarton
Edge: Philadelphia

Relief Pitching
Edge: New York

Closer - Tim Spooneybarger vs Mariano Rivera
Edge: New York

The Prediction

This series is so balanced that it's so hard to predict. New York has a much deeper lineup, but adding another bat to Philly's lineup can't hurt their chances. I definitely see this series going the distance, and my prediction is going to come down to a coin flip. Heads is Philly, Tails New York.

Prediction: Heads in 7.

[General Mike]

World Series Game One

Time to get the festivities underway. Philadelphia decided to go with Kevin Millwood on full rest, while the Yankees couldn't go with their ace Jeff Weaver, so Andy Pettite got the call.

Philly was in control the entire game. They got on the board first when Pat Burrell led off the 2nd inning with a solo HR. The Phillies then added 2 runs in the 5th inning and 2 more in the 6th inning. The Yankees did scratch out a run off of Millwood in the bottom of the 6th inning, but that was all they could muster, as Millwood pitched the CG.

Score: 6-1 Philadelphia
WP: Kevin Millwood
LP: Andy Pettite
Player of the Game: Kevin Millwood

[General Mike]

World Series Game 2

Randy Wolf and Mike Mussina were the chosen 2 for game 2, and it got started off with a bang. 2B Luis Castillo led off the game with a 2B, but as he pulled into 2nd base, he appeared to be in pain and had to come out of the game. The diagnosis, inflamed Achilles Tendon and he will be out 1-2 weeks. The loss of their starting 2B for the rest of the series is a huge blow. Tyler Houston drove in pinch runner Jimmy Rollins with a double, but was thrown out when he tried to strectch it into a triple. The Yankees took their 1st lead of the 2003 World Series when Bernie Williams hit a 2 run HR in the bottom of the 3rd. The Yankees picked up 2 more runs in the 5th inning when Derek Jeter hit a 2 out homer. In the top of the 6th the Phillies picked up another run on a Tyler Houston 2B, but they lost their starting 3B as Houston tore his abdominal muscle sliding into 2nd base. He will be out 4-5 weeks. They also picked up a run in the 6th off of a Jim Thome double. The Phillies manufactured a run in the 7th to tie the game, but they also used up their entire bench between pinch hitters and pinch runners. With the game 4-4 heading into the bottom of the 9th, Philadelphia decided to leave Randy Wolf in, and it turned out to be a bad decision. Andy Phillips led off the inning with a single, and then Robin Ventura hit a 1 out triple to win the game.
Score: 5-4 Yankees
WP: Mariano Rivera
LP: Randy Wolf
Player of the Game: Derek Jeter

[General Mike]

World Series Game 3

With our series heading to Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, both teams are without a DH, which has to favor the Phillies. Vicente Padilla gets that start for the Phillies, while the Yankees finally get a chance to have their #1 starter, Jeff Weaver, pitch.

Both pitchers started the game with some early inning jams, but were able to work out of the trouble fairly easily. In the 2nd inning tho, the Phillies struck first for the 3rd straight game, as Mike Leiberthal hit a solo HR. Philadelphia picked up another run in the 3rd inning, when Bobby Abreu hit a solo HR.

The Yankees got on the board in the top of the 5th, via a Juan Rivera solo HR. They then took the lead in the top of the 6th after a 3 run Bernie Williams HR. Jeff Weaver also picked up an RBI single in the 6th to give the Yankees a 5-2 lead. Mike Leiberthal brought the Phillies back with another HR in the bottom of the 6th, this time a 2 run shot.

The Phillies took a 7-5 lead in the 7th inning when Jim Thome hit his 1st HR of the postseason, a HR of the 3 run variety. In the 8th inning the Phillies bullpen nearly self destructed, as Joey Eischen, Hector Mercado and Jose Mesa got thru the inning, but not before allowing 1 run. Tim Spooneybarger will try to pick up the save in the 9th. Derek Jeter led off the 9th with a single, but was stranded there when Spooneybarger retired Giambi, Matsui and Williams to end the game.
Score: 7-6 Philadelphia
WP: Vicente Padilla
LP: Jeff Weaver
S: Tim Spooneybarger
Player of the Game: Mike Leiberthal

[General Mike]

World Series Game 4

What we have here, is a rematch of game 1 of the World Series. Andy Pettite and Kevin Millwood will each try to improve on their game 1 performances, but it will be difficult for Millwood to do.

The Phillies struck 1st, again, this time scoring in the bottom 1st after Pat Burrell single. New York came back in the 3rd with a Soriano RBI single. Jim Thome gave the Phillies the lead again in the bottom of the 4th with a solo HR, his 2nd of the WS.

Bernie Williams was able to tie the game in the top of the 7th inning with a solo HR, but the Phillies came right back in the next inning, with Pat Burrell tripling, then Jim Thome driving him in with a sac fly. Philadelphia went to Tim Spooneybarger for the 9th inning, and pitched a 1-2-3 inning to give the Phillies the 3-1 lead in the series.
Score: 3-2 Philadelphia
WP: Kevin Millwood
LP: Andy Pettite
S: Tim Spooneybarger
Player of the Game: Kevin Millwood

[General Mike]

World Series Game 5

Mike Mussina will try to keep the Yankees alive, and send the series back to New York. He's already come up big for the Yankees, winning game 6 of the ALCS to force a game 7. Randy Wolf gets the chance to do what he couldn't do in the NLCS, and close out a team.

Once again, the Phillies get on the scoreboard first. This time Mike Leiberthal scores after a Jimmy Rollins double in the 2nd inning. The Yankees tied the game in the 5th inning after back to back doubles by Jorge Posada and Juan Rivera. Robin Ventura then drove in Rivera to give the Yankees a 1 run lead in the 5th inning.

The Phillies manufactured a run in the bottom of the 7th to tie the game up at 2-2, and brought in Joey Eischen to pitch the 8th inning. Eischen retired the side in order for the Phillies. Braden Looper is coming in to pitch for the Yankees. With 2 men on in the 8th, Jim Thome hit a hard double down the RF line to give the Phillies the lead, and Tim Spooneybarger will start warming up in the Phillies' pen. Pat Burrell gets the intentional walk to load the bases with no outs, and Ricky Ledee up. Bobby Abreu scores on a sac fly, for the insurance run, and thats all she wrote for Braden Looper. Jose Contreras will come into the game. And he gets the Yankees out of the inning without anymore damage.

Tim Spooneybarger is in the game to try to give Philly their 1st World Series championship since 1980. Jason Giambi grounds out to the SS for the 1st out, Nick Johnson strikes out, and an argument insues, and Joe Torre gets ejected. The Yankees are down to their final out. Alfonso Soriano keeps the Yankee chances alive with a basehit to leftfield. Posada follows up with a single, and Soriano goes to 3rd. Juan Rivera comes up big with an RBI single. Gabe Kapler will make his 1st appearance in the world series and pinch run for Posada. Matsui ties the game with a single to right. DESTINY! Spooney was able to get the final out by striking out Robin Ventura to send the game to extra innings. Neither team has any bench players left.

In the bottom of the 11th, Mike Leiberthal starts it off with a single. Tomas Perez beats out the sacrifice bunt attempt to put 2 on and no one out. Jose Mesa advances the base runners with a perfect sac bunt. But the Yankees are able to get out of the jam.

Fastforward to the bottom of the 13th inning. Ricky Ledee leads off for the Phillies with a triple. The Yankees go to the pen and bring in Steve Karsay. Mike Leiberthal grounds out to the SS. Tomas Perez strikes out. P Hector Mercado comes up with 2 outs and grounds to the 1B. Giambi can't handle it. E3! E3! E3! Oh My god, The Phillies have won the World Series!
Score: 5-4 Philadelphia
WP: Hector Mercado
LP: Antonio Osuna
Player of the Game: Ricky Ledee (4-5, 2 R, 1 RBI)

World Series MVP: Kevin Millwood (2-0, 1.59 ERA, 17 IP, 10K)

[JeeberD]

Hurrah! Down with the Yankees!!!!!

[General Mike]

2003 Award Winners

Here are the 2003 award winners. I don't think any of these are too shocking when compared to the league leaders.

American League Rookie Of The Year:
Jesse Foppert (CLE)!
He had a record of 17-12 with an ERA of 3.61 and 1 shutouts.
In 33 games started, he pitched 226.2 innings, fanning 228 and walking 94 batters.

National League Rookie Of The Year:
Joe Thurston (LAN)!
He batted .325 in 536 AB, with 10 homers and 60 RBI, 34 SB.

American League Sandy Koufax Award:
A.J. Burnett (TEX)!
He had a record of 20-7 with an ERA of 2.13 and 5 shutouts.
In 33 games started, he pitched 249 innings, fanning 204 and walking 84 batters.

American League Ted Williams Award:
Alex Rodriguez (TEX)!
He batted .304 in 552 AB, with 63 homers and 129 RBI.

National League Sandy Koufax Award:
Kevin Millwood (PHI)!
He had a record of 21-8 with an ERA of 2.86 and 2 shutouts.
In 34 games started, he pitched 249 innings, fanning 183 and walking 68 batters.

National League Ted Williams Award:
Jim Thome (PHI)!
He batted .302 in 496 AB, with 52 homers and 133 RBI.

American League Gold Glove Winners:
Pitcher: Jon Garland (CHA)
Catcher: Charles Johnson (ANA)
First Base: Paul Konerko (CHA)
Second Base: Orlando Hudson (TOR)
Third Base: Eric Chavez (OAK)
Shortstop: Alex Rodriguez (TEX)
Leftfield: Brad Wilkerson (SEA)
Centerfield: Gene Kingsale (DET)
Rightfield: Ichiro Suzuki (SEA)

National League Gold Glove Winners:
Pitcher: Tom Glavine (NYN)
Catcher: Mike Lieberthal (PHI)
First Base: Jim Thome (PHI)
Second Base: Fernando Vina (SLN)
Third Base: Scott Rolen (SLN)
Shortstop: Rafael Furcal (ATL)
Leftfield: Rondell White (SDN)
Centerfield: Andruw Jones (ATL)
Rightfield: Jose Cruz Jr. (SFN)

If anyone has any questions about any players before I advance to 2004, please let me know. I'm gonna wait til Thursday afternoon before advancing to the 2004 season.

[General Mike]

Onward to 2004

Retirements

Wednesday 1/29/2004 :

Pedro Borbon retires ...
Dan Miceli retires ...
Hideki Irabu retires ...
Rich Rodriguez retires ...
Paul Abbott retires ...
Yorkis Perez retires ...
Pat Hentgen retires ...
Nerio Rodriguez retires ...
Terry Mulholland retires ...
Dave Burba retires ...
Mike James retires ...
Danny Patterson retires ...
Hipolito Pichardo retires ...
Brian Shouse retires ...
Takahito Nomura retires ...
Bob Wells retires ...
Mike Trombley retires ...
Ed Vosberg retires ...
Orlando Hernandez retires ...
Jeff Tam retires ...
Ricky Bottalico retires ...
Alan Zinter retires ...
Gerald Williams retires ...
Randy Velarde retires ...
Ryan Thompson retires ...
Tony Tarasco retires ...
Mark Sweeney retires ...
B.J. Surhoff retires ...
David Segui retires ...
Henry Rodriguez retires ...
Shane Reynolds retires ...
Hector Ortiz retires ...
Darren Oliver retires ...
Rodney Myers retires ...
T.j. Mathews retires ...
Luis Lopez retires ...
Darren Lewis retires ...
Darrin Fletcher retires ...
Delino Deshields retires ...
Mike Buddie retires ...
Chris Brock retires ...
Clay Bellinger retires ...
Wilson Alvarez retires ...
Brady Anderson retires ...
Shawon Dunston retires ...
J.T. Snow retires ...
Tom Goodwin retires ...
Marvin Benard retires ...
Steve Reed retires ...
Bobby J. Jones retires ...
Tom Lampkin retires ...
Ray Lankford retires ...
Ron Gant retires ...
Jesse Orosco retires ...
Dennis Springer retires ...
Robert Ellis retires ...
Jeff Reboulet retires ...
Chad Kreuter retires ...
Eric Karros retires ...
Marquis Grissom retires ...
Kent Mercker retires ...
Todd Jones retires ...
Terry Shumpert retires ...
Sandy Alomar jr. retires ...
Todd Zeile retires ...
Chris Nichting retires ...
Greg Swindell retires ...
Todd Stottlemyre retires ...
Armando Reynoso retires ...
Mike Morgan retires ...
Mike Fetters retires ...
Rick Helling retires ...
Chris Donnels retires ...
Mark Grace retires ...
Felix Jose retires ...
Erubiel Durazo retires ...
Matt Williams retires ...
Steve Finley retires ...
Mike Timlin retires ...
Chuck Finley retires ...
Andy Benes retires ...
Mike Difelice retires ...
Tino Martinez retires ...
Ivan Cruz retires ...
So Taguchi retires ...
Josias Manzanillo retires ...
Mike Benjamin retires ...
Keith Osik retires ...
Jose Cabrera retires ...
Jorge Fabregas retires ...
Eric Young retires ...
Lenny Harris retires ...
Dave Mlicki retires ...
Craig Biggio retires ...
Orlando Merced retires ...
Jose Vizcaino retires ...
Jose Rijo retires ...
Barry Larkin retires ...
Joey Hamilton retires ...
Pat Mahomes retires ...
Donovan Osborne retires ...
Joe Girardi retires ...
Robert Person retires ...
Dave Hollins retires ...
Rheal Cormier retires ...
Satoru Komiyama retires ...
Mark Johnson retires ...
John Valentin retires ...
Masato Yoshii retires ...
Lee Stevens retires ...
Mike Mordecai retires ...
Andres Galarraga retires ...
Troy O'Leary retires ...
Toby Borland retires ...
Tim Raines retires ...
Andy Fox retires ...
Eric Owens retires ...
Darren Holmes retires ...
Keith Lockhart retires ...
Vinny Castilla retires ...
Julio Franco retires ...
Anthony Telford retires ...
Bill Haselman retires ...
Kenny Rogers retires ...
Shigetoshi Hasegawa retires ...
Jose Offerman retires ...
Ruben Sierra retires ...
Pat Borders retires ...
Mike Magnante retires ...
Greg Myers retires ...
Alan Levine retires ...
Orlando Palmeiro retires ...
Mike Jackson retires ...
Tom Prince retires ...
Cory Bailey retires ...
Chuck Knoblauch retires ...
Luis Alicea retires ...
Brent Mayne retires ...
Steve Sparks retires ...
Craig Paquette retires ...
Matt Walbeck retires ...
Damion Easley retires ...
Charles Nagy retires ...
Travis Fryman retires ...
Eddie Perez retires ...
Royce Clayton retires ...
Steve Parris retires ...
Ken Huckaby retires ...
Tanyon Sturtze retires ...
Greg Vaughn retires ...
John Flaherty retires ...
Alex Arias retires ...
Alberto Castillo retires ...
John Vander wal retires ...
Ron Coomer retires ...
Chris Haney retires ...
John Burkett retires ...
Frank Castillo retires ...
Willie Banks retires ...
Rolando Arrojo retires ...

Rickey Henderson retires ...
He will be in the Hall Of Fame!

Carlos Baerga retires ...
Scott Erickson retires ...
Mike Bordick retires ...
Jeff Conine retires ...
Dave Nilsson retires ...
Cal Eldred retires ...
Jesse Levis retires ...
Eddie Taubensee retires ...
Omar Olivares retires ...
Tony Eusebio retires ...
Tim Bogar retires ...
Willie Blair retires ...
Doug Brocail retires ...
Pete Schourek retires ...
Norm Charlton retires ...
Mark Petkovsek retires ...
Pete Harnisch retires ...
Al Martin retires ...
Doug Linton retires ...
Russ Springer retires ...
John Frascatore retires ...
Roberto Kelly retires ...
Scott Service retires ...

CLE: Bob Wickman retires ...
CLE: Ellis Burks retires ...
DET: Dennis Cook retires ...
NYA: Jon Lieber retires ...
TOR: Dave Berg retires ...

SEA: Mark McLemore retires ...
TEX: David Justice retires ...
TEX: Rusty Greer retires ...

TEX: Rafael Palmeiro retires ...
He will be in the Hall Of Fame!

TEX: Manny Alexander retires ...

CHN: Trenidad Hubbard retires ...
NYN: Jay Bell retires ...
NYN: David Cone retires ...
NYN: John Franco retires ...

NYN: Roger Clemens retires ...
He will be in the Hall Of Fame!

PIT: Pat Meares retires ...

ARI: Ron Villone retires ...
LAN: Fred McGriff retires ...
SDN: Phil Nevin retires ...
SFN: Jason Christiansen retires ...
SFN: Benito Santiago retires ...

Market Changes

BOS: Fan loyalty drops to Very Good...
TOR: Fan loyalty increases to Fair!
ANA: Fan loyalty increases to Average!
CHA: Fan loyalty increases to Fair!
CHN: Fan loyalty drops to Very Good...
SFN: Fan loyalty increases to Good!

New Arbitration Contracts

Here are the new contracts awarded to the arbitration eligible.

BAL:Juan Alvarez gets a new one-year contract worth $463,600 through salary arbitration.
BAL:B.j. Ryan gets a new one-year contract worth $990,714 through salary arbitration.
BAL:Rodrigo Lopez gets a new one-year contract worth $2,904,286 through salary arbitration.
BAL:Jorge Julio gets a new one-year contract worth $3,053,572 through salary arbitration.
BAL:Sean Douglass gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
BAL:Larry Bigbie gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
BAL:Geronimo Gil gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
BAL:Jay Gibbons gets a new one-year contract worth $793,929 through salary arbitration.

BOS:Cesar Crespo gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
BOS:Casey Fossum gets a new one-year contract worth $2,687,143 through salary arbitration.

CLE:Brandon Larson gets a new one-year contract worth $1,207,857 through salary arbitration.
CLE:Jason Phillips gets a new one-year contract worth $396,964 through salary arbitration.
CLE:Luis Pineda gets a new one-year contract worth $467,400 through salary arbitration.
CLE: David Riske gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
CLE:Chad Paronto gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
CLE: Danys Baez gets a new one-year contract worth $2,565,000 through salary arbitration.
CLE:Kip Wells gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
CLE:Milton Bradley gets a new one-year contract worth $384,750 through salary arbitration.
CLE:Greg Larocca gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.

DET:Hiram Bocachica gets a new one-year contract worth $1,274,643 through salary arbitration.
DET:Nate Cornejo gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
DET:Jamie Walker gets a new one-year contract worth $2,685,714 through salary arbitration.
DET:Craig Monroe gets a new one-year contract worth $602,571 through salary arbitration.
DET:Eric Munson gets a new one-year contract worth $872,500 through salary arbitration.
DET:Brandon Inge gets a new one-year contract worth $441,071 through salary arbitration.
DET:Carlos Pena gets a new one-year contract worth $2,537,857 through salary arbitration.
DET:Jason Jennings gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.

NYA:Nick Johnson gets a new one-year contract worth $468,214 through salary arbitration.
NYA:Juan Rivera gets a new one-year contract worth $929,643 through salary arbitration.
NYA:Scott Elarton gets a new one-year contract worth $980,000 through salary arbitration.

TOR:Brian Bowles gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
TOR:Chris Woodward gets a new one-year contract worth $2,822,143 through salary arbitration.
TOR:Josh Towers gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
TOR:Joe Kennedy gets a new one-year contract worth $2,931,429 through salary arbitration.
TOR:Brian Schneider gets a new one-year contract worth $2,086,071 through salary arbitration.

ANA:Mark Lukasiewicz gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
ANA:Mickey Callaway gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
ANA:Ben Weber gets a new one-year contract worth $1,411,071 through salary arbitration.
ANA:Scot Shields gets a new one-year contract worth $1,682,857 through salary arbitration.
ANA:Aubrey Huff gets a new one-year contract worth $522,500 through salary arbitration.
ANA: David Eckstein gets a new one-year contract worth $637,857 through salary arbitration.
ANA:Adam Kennedy gets a new one-year contract worth $1,045,000 through salary arbitration.

CHA:Matt Ginter gets a new one-year contract worth $1,146,786 through salary arbitration.
CHA: Damaso Marte gets a new one-year contract worth $1,479,286 through salary arbitration.
CHA:Gary Glover gets a new one-year contract worth $2,822,143 through salary arbitration.
CHA:Jon Garland gets a new one-year contract worth $2,198,572 through salary arbitration.
CHA:Mark Buehrle gets a new one-year contract worth $4,028,571 through salary arbitration.
CHA:Willie Harris gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
CHA:Aaron Rowand gets a new one-year contract worth $579,500 through salary arbitration.
CHA:Carlos Lee gets a new one-year contract worth $2,415,000 through salary arbitration.
CHA:Joe Crede gets a new one-year contract worth $3,224,286 through salary arbitration.
CHA: D'angelo Jimenez gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
CHA:Mike MacDougal gets a new one-year contract worth $909,964 through salary arbitration.

MIN:J.C. Romero gets a new one-year contract worth $1,547,143 through salary arbitration.
MIN:Tony Fiore gets a new one-year contract worth $1,008,929 through salary arbitration.
MIN:Johan A. Santana gets a new one-year contract worth $6,987,143 through salary arbitration.
MIN:Kyle Lohse gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
MIN:Luis Rivas gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
MIN:Mike Cuddyer gets a new one-year contract worth $1,418,214 through salary arbitration.
MIN:Matt LeCroy gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
MIN: Dustan Mohr gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
MIN:Jacque Jones gets a new one-year contract worth $1,526,786 through salary arbitration.
MIN:Ben Sheets gets a new one-year contract worth $2,049,286 through salary arbitration.
MIN:Toby Hall gets a new one-year contract worth $513,000 through salary arbitration.

OAK:Jeremy Fikac gets a new one-year contract worth $382,714 through salary arbitration.
OAK:Roy Smith gets a new one-year contract worth $841,429 through salary arbitration.
OAK:Micah Bowie gets a new one-year contract worth $411,214 through salary arbitration.
OAK:Ted Lilly gets a new one-year contract worth $2,076,429 through salary arbitration.
OAK:Chris Singleton gets a new one-year contract worth $753,214 through salary arbitration.
OAK:Mitch Meluskey gets a new one-year contract worth $604,607 through salary arbitration.
OAK:Chris Richard gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.

SEA:Ryan Franklin gets a new one-year contract worth $1,008,929 through salary arbitration.
SEA:Ichiro Suzuki gets a new one-year contract worth $2,748,214 through salary arbitration.
SEA:Gil Meche gets a new one-year contract worth $2,375,000 through salary arbitration.
SEA:Brad Wilkerson gets a new one-year contract worth $3,297,857 through salary arbitration.

TEX:Endy Chavez gets a new one-year contract worth $2,666,786 through salary arbitration.
TEX:Francisco Cordero gets a new one-year contract worth $1,676,786 through salary arbitration.
TEX:Michael Young gets a new one-year contract worth $355,000 through salary arbitration.
TEX:Josh Phelps gets a new one-year contract worth $2,598,929 through salary arbitration.
TEX:A.J. Burnett gets a new one-year contract worth $5,571,072 through salary arbitration.
TEX:Mark Redman gets a new one-year contract worth $1,879,643 through salary arbitration.
TEX:Ramon Castro gets a new one-year contract worth $900,000 through salary arbitration.

ATL:Johnny Estrada gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
ATL:Marcus Giles gets a new one-year contract worth $522,500 through salary arbitration.
ATL:Rafael Furcal gets a new one-year contract worth $1,526,786 through salary arbitration.
ATL:Scott Stewart gets a new one-year contract worth $1,262,143 through salary arbitration.
ATL:Ray King gets a new one-year contract worth $732,857 through salary arbitration.

CHN:Carlos Zambrano gets a new one-year contract worth $358,286 through salary arbitration.
CHN:Corey Patterson gets a new one-year contract worth $2,076,429 through salary arbitration.
CHN:Blaine Neal gets a new one-year contract worth $1,146,786 through salary arbitration.
CHN:Angel Berroa gets a new one-year contract worth $688,071 through salary arbitration.

CIN:Scott Williamson gets a new one-year contract worth $3,820,357 through salary arbitration.
CIN:John Riedling gets a new one-year contract worth $867,214 through salary arbitration.
CIN:Chris Reitsma gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
CIN:Adam Dunn gets a new one-year contract worth $1,893,214 through salary arbitration.
CIN:Jason LaRue gets a new one-year contract worth $583,571 through salary arbitration.
CIN:Reggie Taylor gets a new one-year contract worth $384,750 through salary arbitration.
CIN:Ruben Mateo gets a new one-year contract worth $1,974,643 through salary arbitration.
CIN:Felipe Lopez gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
CIN:Tony Armas jr. gets a new one-year contract worth $793,929 through salary arbitration.

NYN:Scott Strickland gets a new one-year contract worth $1,146,786 through salary arbitration.
NYN:Vance Wilson gets a new one-year contract worth $700,000 through salary arbitration.
NYN:Timo Perez gets a new one-year contract worth $1,077,143 through salary arbitration.
NYN:Grant Roberts gets a new one-year contract worth $675,000 through salary arbitration.
NYN:John Bale gets a new one-year contract worth $411,214 through salary arbitration.
NYN:Gary Matthews gets a new one-year contract worth $929,643 through salary arbitration.

PHI:Vicente Padilla gets a new one-year contract worth $3,626,429 through salary arbitration.
PHI: Dave Coggin gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
PHI:Brandon Duckworth gets a new one-year contract worth $806,143 through salary arbitration.
PHI:Joe Roa gets a new one-year contract worth $570,000 through salary arbitration.
PHI:Hector Mercado gets a new one-year contract worth $872,500 through salary arbitration.
PHI:Jimmy Rollins gets a new one-year contract worth $369,143 through salary arbitration.
PHI:Jason Michaels gets a new one-year contract worth $466,857 through salary arbitration.
PHI:Tim Spooneybarger gets a new one-year contract worth $2,293,572 through salary arbitration.

PIT:Scott Sauerbeck gets a new one-year contract worth $1,146,786 through salary arbitration.
PIT:Josh Fogg gets a new one-year contract worth $428,857 through salary arbitration.
PIT:Rob Mackowiak gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
PIT:Craig Wilson gets a new one-year contract worth $637,857 through salary arbitration.
PIT:Jim Mann gets a new one-year contract worth $963,571 through salary arbitration.
PIT:Josh Beckett gets a new one-year contract worth $4,166,429 through salary arbitration.
PIT: Dennis Stark gets a new one-year contract worth $1,900,000 through salary arbitration.

ARI:Bret Prinz gets a new one-year contract worth $714,536 through salary arbitration.
ARI:Mike Koplove gets a new one-year contract worth $1,154,250 through salary arbitration.
ARI:Lyle Overbay gets a new one-year contract worth $396,286 through salary arbitration.
ARI:Alex Cintron gets a new one-year contract worth $495,357 through salary arbitration.
ARI:T.j. Tucker gets a new one-year contract worth $606,643 through salary arbitration.
ARI:Chad Moeller gets a new one-year contract worth $1,881,429 through salary arbitration.
ARI:Junior Spivey gets a new one-year contract worth $2,375,000 through salary arbitration.
ARI:Byung-hyun Kim gets a new one-year contract worth $2,259,643 through salary arbitration.
ARI:Lance Carter gets a new one-year contract worth $1,051,786 through salary arbitration.
ARI:Wayne Franklin gets a new one-year contract worth $2,388,572 through salary arbitration.

HOU:Scott Linebrink gets a new one-year contract worth $418,000 through salary arbitration.
HOU:Octavio Dotel gets a new one-year contract worth $1,757,500 through salary arbitration.
HOU:Tim Redding gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
HOU:Roy Oswalt gets a new one-year contract worth $3,515,000 through salary arbitration.
HOU:Wade Miller gets a new one-year contract worth $2,531,072 through salary arbitration.
HOU:Julio Lugo gets a new one-year contract worth $549,643 through salary arbitration.
HOU:Geoff Blum gets a new one-year contract worth $407,143 through salary arbitration.
HOU:Tomokazu Ohka gets a new one-year contract worth $3,515,000 through salary arbitration.
HOU:Shawn Chacon gets a new one-year contract worth $1,336,786 through salary arbitration.

LAN:Eric Gagne gets a new one-year contract worth $3,664,286 through salary arbitration.
LAN:Odalis Perez gets a new one-year contract worth $2,405,536 through salary arbitration.
LAN:Guillermo Mota gets a new one-year contract worth $1,411,071 through salary arbitration.
LAN: Dave Roberts gets a new one-year contract worth $1,274,643 through salary arbitration.
LAN:Shea Hillenbrand gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
LAN:Ben Petrick gets a new one-year contract worth $455,000 through salary arbitration.

SDN:Mike Rivera gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
SDN:Brian Lawrence gets a new one-year contract worth $2,687,143 through salary arbitration.
SDN:Adam Eaton gets a new one-year contract worth $2,381,786 through salary arbitration.
SDN:Jared Sandberg gets a new one-year contract worth $882,143 through salary arbitration.
SDN:Ramon Vazquez gets a new one-year contract worth $495,357 through salary arbitration.
SDN:Brian Buchanan gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
SDN:Brandon Villafuerte gets a new one-year contract worth $977,143 through salary arbitration.
SDN:Armando Almanza gets a new one-year contract worth $808,857 through salary arbitration.

SFN: Damian Moss gets a new one-year contract worth $3,542,143 through salary arbitration.
SFN:Chad Zerbe gets a new one-year contract worth $990,714 through salary arbitration.
SFN:Kurt Ainsworth gets a new one-year contract worth $685,357 through salary arbitration.
SFN:Yorvit Torrealba gets a new one-year contract worth $522,500 through salary arbitration.
SFN:Luis Vizcaino gets a new one-year contract worth $1,479,286 through salary arbitration.

SLN:Gene Stechschulte gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.
SLN:Albert Pujols gets a new one-year contract worth $7,695,000 through salary arbitration.
SLN:Jack Cust gets a new one-year contract worth $2,277,964 through salary arbitration.
SLN:Brad Penny gets a new one-year contract worth $2,748,214 through salary arbitration.
SLN:Chris George gets a new one-year contract worth $350,000 through salary arbitration.

[General Mike]

A Look at the minor Leagues

Time to take a look at who the top prospects in baseball are, and what teams are doing the best job of developing the prospects.

Top Prospects List

# Name Team Age Pos Hits Homeruns Walks Speed Range Level
1 J.R. House PIT 24 C Good Brilliant Good D C Majors
4 Casey Kotchman ANA 20 1B Fair Average D A AA
5 Laynce Nix TEX 23 LF Good Brilliant Brilliant B C Majors
6 Josh Hamilton NYN 22 RF Good Brilliant Good B B AAA
12 Joe Mauer MIN 20 C Good Good Good E A AAA
14 Justin Huber NYN 21 C Good Good Good D A AAA
15 Dave Krynzel SDN 22 CF Good Average Good A A Majors
16 Jhonny Peralta CLE 21 SS Good Good Good D D Majors
23 Kevin Thompson NYA 24 CF Good Average Good B A AA
29 Jonny Gomes CLE 23 LF Good Brilliant Good C C AA
30 Nate Espy PHI 25 1B Good Good Brilliant D E AAA
31 Justin Morneau MIN 22 1B Good Brilliant Average E D AAA
32 Brendan Harris CHN 23 3B Good Good Average B A AAA
33 B.J. Upton BAL 19 SS Good Good Fair A B A
35 Doug Gredvig BAL 24 1B Good Good Good E C AAA
36 Lastings Milledge TEX 19 CF Average Brilliant Average A A A
39 Jeremy Hermida TOR 19 CF Good Fair Good A A A
40 Garrett Atkins ARI 24 3B Good Average Brilliant C C AAA
44 Delmon Young BAL 19 RF Good Brilliant Average B D A
46 Prince Fielder PHI 19 1B Good Good Good E D A
49 Andy D'Alessio CLE 19 1B Good Good Good D D A
50 Jeff Bailey NYN 25 1B Good Good Brilliant D D AAA
56 Bernabel Castro SDN 24 2B Good Average Average A B AAA
59 Hanley Ramirez BOS 20 SS Good Good Fair B B A
60 Landon Powell ANA 21 C Average Good Good E B AA
66 Anderson Machado PHI 23 SS Average Average Brilliant A C Majors
67 Aaron Hill ANA 21 SS Average Good Good C C AA
70 Matt Murton PHI 21 RF Good Good Average B C A
71 Chris Snelling SEA 22 RF Good Fair Good B B Majors
72 Wilson Betemit ATL 22 SS Good Average Average B C Majors
73 Rickie Weeks DET 21 2B Average Average Good A B A
74 Gookie Dawkins LAN 24 SS Good Average Average C B AAA
75 Miguel Cabrera OAK 20 3B Average Brilliant Average D B A
78 Paul McAnulty CHN 22 1B Good Average Good D C A
79 Tony Miller CHA 23 CF Average Good Good B B AA
83 Ryan Christianson SEA 22 C Average Good Good E A AAA
86 Kelly Johnson ATL 21 SS Average Good Good C C Majors
88 Chris Lubanski TOR 19 RF Good Average Average A B A
92 Jason Dubois TOR 24 CF Average Brilliant Average D C AA
94 Gabe Gross TOR 24 RF Average Good Average A A AAA
96 Jose Bautista PIT 23 2B Average Good Good C C AA
97 Kevin Youkilis BOS 24 3B Good Fair Brilliant C C Majors
100 Angel Santos BOS 24 2B Average Average Good B A Majors

Pitchers

# Name Team Age Role Hits Homers Walks K's Level
2 John Webb CHN 24 SP Good Good Brilliant Brilliant AAA
3 Adam Wainwright ATL 22 SP Brilliant Average Good Brilliant Majors
7 Dan Meyer ATL 22 SP Good Good Brilliant Brilliant AA
8 Richard Fischer ANA 23 SP Good Average Brilliant Brilliant AA
9 Scott Kazmir NYN 20 SP Brilliant Good Good Brilliant A
10 Charles Talanoa TOR 23 SP Good Good Brilliant Brilliant AA
11 David Aardsma MIN 21 SP Brilliant Good Average Brilliant AA
13 Taylor Buchholz PHI 22 SP Good Average Brilliant Good AAA
17 Kyle Sleeth SDN 21 SP Good Brilliant Good Brilliant AA
18 Jared Hughes CLE 19 SP Good Average Brilliant Brilliant AA
19 Chien-Ming Wang NYA 23 SP Good Good Good Brilliant AA
20 Julio DePaula NYA 24 SP Good Good Good Brilliant AA
21 Zach Greinke TOR 20 SP Good Good Good Brilliant AA
22 Juan Perez TOR 22 SP Good Good Good Good AA
24 Chris Waters ATL 23 SP Good Average Brilliant Good AAA
25 Bubba Nelson ATL 22 SP Good Good Good Brilliant Majors
26 Cory Doyne HOU 22 SP Good Good Good Brilliant A
27 Phil Dumatrait BOS 22 SP Good Average Brilliant Brilliant
28 Kenny Baugh DET 24 SP Good Good Good Brilliant AA
34 Brad Sullivan PIT 21 SP Good Good Good Good AAA
37 Enrique Gonzalez ARI 21 SP Good Good Good Brilliant
38 Yoel Hernandez PHI 21 SP Average Brilliant Brilliant Average AA
41 Mike Ziegler OAK 25 SP Good Good Brilliant Brilliant AA
42 Rhett Parrott SLN 24 SP Average Brilliant Brilliant Average AAA
43 Ryan Bicondoa NYA 25 SP Good Good Brilliant Brilliant AA
45 Chad Billingsley SEA 19 SP Good Good Average Brilliant A
47 Jimmy Gobble SEA 22 SP Average Good Brilliant Brilliant AAA
48 Tetsya Yanaguchi ARI 20 SP Good Average Good Brilliant AA
51 Justin Germano SDN 21 SP Average Good Brilliant Brilliant AA
52 Tim Stauffer CHN 21 SP Good Good Good Average AA
53 Josh Karp CIN 24 SP Good Good Good Good AAA
54 Matt Wright ATL 21 SP Good Good Good Good AAA
55 Nick Touchstone ANA 22 SP Good Good Good Good AA
57 Clint Nageotte SEA 23 SP Good Good Average Brilliant AAA
58 Greg Bruso SFN 23 SP Average Good Brilliant Good AA
61 Andrew Miller NYN 19 SP Good Good Average Brilliant AA
62 Danny Borrell NYA 25 SP Average Brilliant Brilliant Average AAA
63 Leo Nunez PIT 20 SP Good Average Good Brilliant A
64 Aaron Heilman NYN 25 SP Good Good Good Good AAA
65 Dan Haren SLN 23 SP Average Good Good Brilliant AAA
68 Ricardo Aramboles CIN 22 SP Good Good Average Brilliant AAA
69 Steve Russell ATL 20 SP Good Average Good Good A
76 Ben Kozlowski TEX 23 SP Average Good Brilliant Good AAA
77 Chin-Hui Tsao MIN 22 SP Good Average Good Good AAA
80 Francisco Rosario TOR 23 SP Good Average Good Good AA
81 Jeff Francis PHI 23 SP Good Average Good Good AA
82 Justin Pope SLN 24 SP Average Good Good Good AA
84 Scott Maine SDN 19 SP Good Good Average Good A
85 Boof Bonser SFN 22 SP Good Good Average Good Majors
87 Craig Whitaker SFN 19 SP Good Average Average Good AA
89 Jeff Allison BOS 19 SP Good Good Average Good AA
90 Steven White TEX 22 SP Good Average Average Brilliant AA
91 Derell McCall OAK 22 SP Average Average Brilliant Brilliant A
93 Dan Mozingo ANA 23 SP Good Average Average Brilliant AA
95 James Houser SLN 19 SP Average Good Good Good A
98 Ryan Sweeney OAK 19 SP Average Good Good Good A
99 Brian Miller CHA 21 SP Good Good Average Good A

Minor League Rankings

Atlanta 153 P Adam Wainwright (3rd), P Dan Meyer (7th), P Chris Waters (24th), P Bubba Nelson (25th), P Matt Wright (54th)
2 New York (N) 135 RF Josh Hamilton (6th), P Scott Kazmir (9th), C Justin Huber (14th), 1B Jeff Bailey (50th), P Andrew Miller (61st)
3 Anaheim 109 1B Casey Kotchman (4th), P Richard Fischer (8th), P Nick Touchstone (55th), C Landon Powell (60th), SS Aaron Hill (67th)
4 Toronto 104 P Charles Talanoa (10th), P Zach Greinke (21st), P Juan Perez (22nd), CF Jeremy Hermida (39th), P Francisco Rosario (80th)
5 Philadelphia 96 P Taylor Buchholz (13th), 1B Nate Espy (30th), P Yoel Hernandez (38th), 1B Prince Fielder (46th), SS Anderson Machado (66th)
6 New York (A) 94 P Chien-Ming Wang (19th), P Julio DePaula (20th), CF Kevin Thompson (23rd), P Ryan Bicondoa (43rd), P Danny Borrell (62nd)
7 Minnesota 87 P David Aardsma (11th), C Joe Mauer (12th), 1B Justin Morneau (31st), P Chin-Hui Tsao (77th),
8 Cleveland 84 SS Jhonny Peralta (16th), P Jared Hughes (18th), LF Jonny Gomes (29th), 1B Andy D'Alessio (49th),
9 San Diego 81 CF Dave Krynzel (15th), P Kyle Sleeth (17th), P Justin Germano (51st), 2B Bernabel Castro (56th), P Scott Maine (84th)
10 Chicago (N) 81 P John Webb (2nd), 3B Brendan Harris (32nd), P Tim Stauffer (52nd), 1B Paul McAnulty (78th),
11 Pittsburgh 74 C J.R. House (1st), P Brad Sullivan (34th), P Leo Nunez (63rd), 2B Jose Bautista (96th),
12 Texas 66 LF Laynce Nix (5th), CF Lastings Milledge (36th), P Ben Kozlowski (76th), P Steven White (90th),
13 Seattle 43 P Chad Billingsley (45th), P Jimmy Gobble (47th), P Clint Nageotte (57th), RF Chris Snelling (71st), C Ryan Christianson (83rd)
14 Baltimore 43 SS B.J. Upton (33rd), 1B Doug Gredvig (35th), RF Delmon Young (44th),
15 Arizona 41 P Enrique Gonzalez (37th), 3B Garrett Atkins (40th), P Tetsya Yanaguchi (48th),
16 Boston 31 P Phil Dumatrait (27th), SS Hanley Ramirez (59th), P Jeff Allison (89th), 3B Kevin Youkilis (97th), 2B Angel Santos (100th)
17 Detroit 26 P Kenny Baugh (28th), 2B Rickie Weeks (73rd),
18 St. Louis 25 P Rhett Parrott (42nd), P Dan Haren (65th), P Justin Pope (82nd), P James Houser (95th),
19 Oakland 21 P Mike Ziegler (41st), 3B Miguel Cabrera (75th), P Derell McCall (91st), P Ryan Sweeney (98th),
20 Houston 20 P Cory Doyne (26th),
21 Cincinnati 17 P Josh Karp (53rd), P Ricardo Aramboles (68th),
22 San Francisco 15 P Greg Bruso (58th), P Boof Bonser (85th), P Craig Whitaker (87th),
23 Los Angeles 5 SS Gookie Dawkins (74th),
24 Chicago (A) 4 CF Tony Miller (79th), P Brian Miller (99th),

[General Mike]

Free Agency Preview

The 2004 free agent market is thin, but their are players to be acquired. The premier position players on the market are:


Name Age Pos AVG 2B 3B HR BB K Spe Sta Def. Range
V. Guerrero 27 RF 8 6 2 10 5 7 A B A
S. Sosa 35 RF 7 4 2 13 7 3 C E B
I. Rodriguez 32 C 6 8 3 7 3 4 C C A
G. Sheffield 35 RF 7 4 0 7 7 7 B C D
E. Renteria 28 SS 6 6 2 3 4 7 A B C
J. Cruz Jr. 29 RF 5 6 2 6 5 3 A B B
R. Alomar 35 2B 5 6 4 4 5 6 B B A
L. Castillo 28 2B 6 3 4 0 5 6 A A C

Vlad will definitely get a big contract, but the 3 other premier FAs are all approaching the downside of their career. Renteria, Cruz and Alomar are all on the 2nd tier of players. Castillo is a guy I'd like to bring in to replace Alomar.

Pitching is just as thin, with 1 premier free agent, a younger ace type, a top closer, and one future Hall of Famer.

Name Age Role ERA AVG HR BB K Dur. SP Dur. RP
P. Martinez 32 SP 10 9 8 7 13 B -
J. Washburn 29 SP 7 7 7 6 6 B -
R. Johnson 40 SP 7 7 6 5 9 B -
R. Nen 34 CL 9 8 7 7 11 - C
S. Ponson 27 SP 6 6 5 6 6 B -
M. Sirotka 29 SP 6 6 6 6 5 C C
C. Lidle 31 SP 5 5 6 7 6 B C
J. Johnson 30 SP 6 6 5 6 6 C -
K. Rueter 33 SP 6 6 7 7 4 D -
S. Estes 30 SP 5 6 6 5 5 C -
V. Nunez 28 MR 9 7 8 8 6 - C
S. Eyre 31 MR 7 7 8 6 7 E C
L. Hawkins 31 MR 7 7 6 7 8 - C
R. Rincon 33 MR 7 7 7 6 8 - E
G. Maddux 37 SP 5 6 4 6 7 E -
J. Eischen 33 MR 7 6 8 6 8 - D
C. Leskanic 35 MR 7 6 8 6 8 -

Mets Needs

On the free agency screen, the game says we have 5 needs. Second Base, Shortstop, Centerfield, Rightfield, and Starting Pitcher. I've already decided to put SS Jose Reyes at SS, Josh Hamilton in CF and Aaron Heilman as the 3rd starter. I've set my eye on Luis Castillo to play 2B, but if I can't sign him, Ty Wiggington will play 2B, and ill sign a guy who can be a defensive replacement at 2B, and backup SS and 3B as well. I'll probably take a run at a professional bat as well.

[General Mike]

My Initial Offers.

2B Luis Castillo is looking for a 4 year deal worth 1.11 Million per year. I'm not big on 4 years deal, because of injury concerns, etc. so I've decided to make an initial offer of 1.3 Million per year x 3 years.

I'll wait til near the end of free agency to try to pick up a cheap util IFer.

Around the League with the bids

Here's how the major players, and who has bid on them shakes down.

RF Vladimir Guerrero
Favorite offer so far from St. Louis.
Other offers from:
Baltimore
Cleveland
Texas
Atlanta

C Ivan Rodriguez
Favorite offer so far from Baltimore.
Other offers from:
Toronto
Minnesota
Texas
Atlanta
Arizona
San Diego

RF Gary Sheffield
Favorite offer so far from Detroit.
Other offers from:
Minnesota

P Pedro Martinez
Favorite offer so far from New York (A).
Other offers from:
Toronto
Minnesota
Seattle
Chicago (N)
Philadelphia
San Francisco
St. Louis

P Jarrod Washburn
Favorite offer so far from Houston.
Other offers from:
Atlanta

P Robb Nen
Favorite offer so far from Toronto.
Other offers from:
Chicago (N)
Pittsburgh

2B Roberto Alomar
Favorite offer so far from Pittsburgh.
Other offers from:
Baltimore
Detroit
Minnesota
Philadelphia
San Diego
St. Louis

2B Luis Castillo
Favorite offer so far from New York (N).
Other offers from:
Chicago (A)

P Randy Johnson
Favorite offer so far from Detroit.
Other offers from:
Cincinnati

SS Edgar Renteria
Favorite offer so far from Seattle.
Other offers from:
Baltimore
Toronto
Anaheim
Minnesota
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
San Francisco

Strange Occurance - No one has bid on Slammin Sammy yet.

[General Mike]

Early Signings

Day 2 :

Cincinnati : C Mike Redmond, 805,600 per year, for 4 years.
Houston : SS Alex Cora, 957,600 per year, for 4 years.
Seattle : CF Ruben Rivera, 960,300 per year, for 3 years.
Seattle : C Doug Mirabelli, 438,900 per year, for 3 years

Interest is picking up for 2 somewhat unknown players

P Vladimir Nunez
Favorite offer so far from Los Angeles.
Other offers from:
Baltimore
Boston
Cleveland
New York (A)
Toronto
Anaheim
Chicago (A)
Minnesota
Oakland
Seattle
Texas
Atlanta
Cincinnati
Pittsburgh
Arizona
Houston
San Diego
St. Louis

3B Frank Catalanotto
Favorite offer so far from Cleveland.
Other offers from:
Baltimore
Boston
New York (A)
Minnesota
Seattle
Atlanta
Chicago (N)
Cincinnati
Philadelphia
Houston
San Diego
San Francisco

Still no bids for Senor Sosa.

[General Mike]

With Sammy Sosa still sitting in the corner with no bids, I decided to try to fill the hole in my lineup and pick up Sosa. I bid 10 Million per for 3 years, and he likes the offer .

Day 3 signings
Boston : RF Jose Cruz Jr., 3,927,000 per year, for 3 years.
San Francisco : RF Reggie Sanders, 2,496,200 per year, for 4 years.
Los Angeles : LF Todd Hollandsworth, 2,783,700 per year, for 3 years.
Pittsburgh : RF Juan Gonzalez, 2,307,400 per year, for 3 years.
St. Louis : SS Jose Hernandez, 1,590,900 per year, for 3 years.
Houston : 1B Scott Spiezio, 775,600 per year, for 4 years.
Cincinnati : SS Jose Valentin, 970,400 per year, for 4 years.
Oakland : C Javy Lopez, 864,200 per year, for 4 years.
Philadelphia : P Rudy Seanez, 2,667,700 per year, for 5 years.
Cincinnati : 2B Quilvio Veras, 333,000 per year, for 2 years.
Arizona : 3B David Bell, 483,100 per year, for 1 year.
Detroit : P Dan Smith, 1,072,200 per year, for 3 years.

Jose Cruz Jr. becomes the 1st "major" free agent to sign a contract.

Day 4 signings
Arizona : C Ivan Rodriguez, 8,572,400 per year, for 3 years.
Seattle : P Scott Eyre, 3,094,500 per year, for 4 years.
Detroit : RF Brandon Berger, 428,500 per year, for 1 year.
Detroit : SS Damian Jackson, 427,200 per year, for 1 year.
Detroit : C Mike Matheny, minor league deal.

Arizona has jumped in on the Sosa bidding and has usurped me. I'm gonna offer a little more money, 11.25 Mil for 4 years.

Day 5 signings
New York (A) : RF Karim Garcia, 2,436,800 per year, for 3 years.
San Francisco : RF Alex Ochoa, 2,104,600 per year, for 4 years.
Oakland : P Jason Johnson, 1,903,400 per year, for 4 years.
San Diego : CF Carl Everett, 1,268,800 per year, for 4 years.
Detroit : 2B Julius Matos, minor league deal.
Seattle : DH Shawn Wooten, 376,600 per year, for 2 years.
Detroit : P Robert Vasbinder, minor league deal.

Sosa still likes Arizona's offer better, so I'm pulling myself out of the running for his services.

Day 6 signings
New York (N) : 2B Luis Castillo, 1,300,000 per year, for 3 years.
San Diego : LF Gabe Kapler, 655,500 per year, for 4 years.
Arizona : 1B Olmedo Saenz, 772,900 per year, for 4 years.
Cleveland : P Jose Paniagua, 1,835,500 per year, for 3 years.
Detroit : P Evan Rust, minor league deal.

We get the guy we're looking for in Castillo. We still have about $15 Million in the coffers for free agents if we want to, but I don't see anyone filling that void.

Day 7 signings
Boston : P Sidney Ponson, 2,545,900 per year, for 3 years.
Baltimore : LF Randy Winn, 991,100 per year, for 4 years.
Detroit : P Cory Lidle, 1,931,400 per year, for 4 years.
San Diego : P Shawn Estes, 1,925,400 per year, for 3 years.
Arizona : P Vladimir Nunez, 3,374,800 per year, for 4 years.
Cleveland : CF Ricky Ledee, 742,900 per year, for 3 years.
Arizona : 3B Fernando Tatis, 563,600 per year, for 2 years.
Boston : CF Tsuyoshi Shinjo, 428,500 per year, for 1 year.
Detroit : 3B Eduardo Perez, minor league deal.
Detroit : 3B Mark Derosa, 427,000 per year, for 2 years.
Toronto : P Mike DeJean, 1,769,900 per year, for 4 years.
St. Louis : C Ben Molina, minor league deal.
Pittsburgh : P Travis Phelps, 666,400 per year, for 2 years.
Detroit : P Clay Condrey, minor league deal.

I've decided to throw my hat into the Frank Catalanotto sweepstakes, even tho he can't be my backup SS

Day 8 signings
Pittsburgh : RF Gary Sheffield, 6,194,800 per year, for 3 years.
Seattle : 1B Mike Kinkade, 841,400 per year, for 4 years.
Arizona : RF Jeromy Burnitz, 997,300 per year, for 4 years.
Chicago (N) : RF Raul Mondesi, 633,600 per year, for 3 years.
Los Angeles : SS Mike Caruso, minor league deal.
Oakland : P Brandon Knight, 411,500 per year, for 1 year.
Detroit : P Alex Herrera, 411,500 per year, for 3 years.
Detroit : P Stockton Davis, minor league deal.

Pittsburgh signs Juan Gone and Gary Sheffield. Very strange, indeed.
Catalanotto says my contract offer isn't enough money, so its time to move on. Carlos Febles is my next target, I'll try to hook him with the same contract offer I gave Catalanotto.

Day 9 signings
Detroit : P Randy Johnson, 5,286,000 per year, for 1 year.
Toronto : P Robb Nen, 8,193,800 per year, for 3 years.
Cleveland : P Doug Davis, 590,000 per year, for 4 years.
Oakland : P Livan Hernandez, 450,500 per year, for 1 year.
San Francisco : P Esteban Yan, 1,949,400 per year, for 4 years.

Febles isn't interested, so I move on to the 1 year deal types. Marlon Anderson is my 1st choice.

Day 10 signings
Cleveland : SS Rich Aurilia, 912,500 per year, for 5 years.
Minnesota : RF Brian Banks, 582,500 per year, for 3 years.
Detroit : SS Carlos Febles, 1,350,000 per year, for 3 years.
Philadelphia : P Jay Witasick, 1,491,300 per year, for 4 years.
Oakland : P Donne Wall, minor league deal.

Day 11 signings
Philadelphia : P Pedro Martinez, 13,663,200 per year, for 7 years.
Arizona : RF Sammy Sosa, 15,058,300 per year, for 4 years.
Atlanta : 2B Roberto Alomar, 5,054,500 per year, for 5 years.
Arizona : CF Rontrez Johnson, 717,100 per year, for 2 years.
Anaheim : 1B Steve Cox, minor league deal.
Anaheim : 2B Bry Nelson, minor league deal.
Pittsburgh : P Mike Venafro, 564,000 per year, for 4 years.
Cleveland : P Lincoln Holdzkom, minor league deal.

3 more of the big free agents have signed. And I've been offered a trade by the Diamondbacks

I receive: RF Danny Bautista, 3B Joey Votto

Arizona receives: 1B Mo Vaughn

I have to do this trade and get rid of the 7 Million difference in their salary. Bautista doesn't have Vaughn's power, but he's a good contact hitter. Votto is a middle of the road prospect, who will probably go to AA for us.

[General Mike]

Day 12 signings
San Diego : C Todd Pratt, 1,061,800 per year, for 4 years.
Detroit : P Aaron Harang, 426,900 per year, for 1 year.
Pittsburgh : P Mike Matthews, 1,489,600 per year, for 3 years.
Chicago (N) : P Julio Santana, 790,000 per year, for 3 years.

Day 13 signings
San Francisco : RF Vladimir Guerrero, 17,721,500 per year, for 5 years.
Chicago (A) : SS Edgar Renteria, 4,892,200 per year, for 4 years.
Seattle : P Mike Sirotka, 2,884,200 per year, for 4 years.
Chicago (A) : 1B Travis Lee, 710,400 per year, for 3 years.
Los Angeles : CF Jay Payton, 553,700 per year, for 3 years.
Cleveland : P Omar Daal, 835,800 per year, for 3 years.
Baltimore : P Darrell May, 546,300 per year, for 2 years.
Arizona : P Joey Eischen, 1,951,200 per year, for 4 years.
Baltimore : 2B Andy Sheets, minor league deal.
St. Louis : SS Wilson Delgado, minor league deal.

Bonds and Guerrero in the same lineup. Justi incredible.

Day 14 signings
Houston : P Jorge Sosa, 704,000 per year, for 3 years.

Day 15 signings
Oakland : LF Rondell White, 3,396,200 per year, for 3 years.
Los Angeles : P LaTroy Hawkins, 3,040,400 per year, for 5 years.
Baltimore : P Ricardo Rincon, 3,548,700 per year, for 3 years.
Minnesota : 2B Jesus Medrano, minor league deal.
San Francisco : C Bobby Estalella, minor league deal.
Pittsburgh : P John Rocker, 1,072,200 per year, for 3 years.

Day 16 signings
Minnesota : 2B Joe Lawrence, minor league deal.

Jarrod Washburn is still looking for a bigger contract. With the money freed up from Mo Vaughn;s trade, I may have enough money to eat Steve Trachsel's contract. I'm gonna take a run at him.

Day 17 signings
San Diego : P Pete Walker, 1,024,200 per year, for 3 years.
Minnesota : P Randy Keisler, 458,900 per year, for 2 years.
San Francisco : SS Rey Ordonez, minor league deal.

My Washburn plan isn't meant to be, as he has better offers on the table then my 10M x 3 year deal.

Day 18 signings
Cleveland : LF Jeremy Giambi, 1,502,700 per year, for 4 years.
Arizona : P Kirk Rueter, 1,669,100 per year, for 4 years.
Cincinnati : LF Daryle Ward, 690,400 per year, for 3 years.
Baltimore : 1B Brian Daubach, 639,200 per year, for 3 years.
Cincinnati : P Victor Zambrano, 522,500 per year, for 3 years.
Pittsburgh : P Curt Leskanic, 1,308,300 per year, for 5 years.
Arizona : P Bobby Howry, 1,175,800 per year, for 4 years.
Baltimore : C Henry Blanco, minor league deal.

Day 19 signings
Chicago (N) : C Gregg Zaun, minor league deal.

Day 20 signings
San Francisco : P Jarrod Washburn, 10,100,000 per year, for 3 years.
Houston : 3B Frank Catalanotto, 1,900,000 per year, for 3 years.
Seattle : P Jim Parque, 413,000 per year, for 1 year.
Chicago (A) : P Jeff Suppan, 464,400 per year, for 3 years.
Detroit : P Jeff D'amico, minor league deal.
Cleveland : P Mike Fyhrie, 2,118,400 per year, for 4 years.
Arizona : SS Jason Smith, minor league deal.
Chicago (A) : P Chad Bradford, 1,299,100 per year, for 4 years.
Chicago (A) : P Antonio Alfonseca, 1,154,800 per year, for 4 years.
Texas : P Giovanni Carrara, 1,245,500 per year, for 3 years.
Boston : P Lou Pote, 782,700 per year, for 3 years.

$100,000. That's all it would have taken to seal the deal .

[General Mike]

Day 21 signings
Anaheim : CF Juan Encarnacion, 1,676,700 per year, for 4 years.
Anaheim : LF Melvin Mora, minor league deal.
Pittsburgh : P Greg Maddux, 517,100 per year, for 3 years.
Cincinnati : P Paul Wilson, minor league deal.
Anaheim : LF Mark Smith, minor league deal.
Arizona : P Todd Ritchie, minor league deal.
Arizona : SS Alejandro Machado, minor league deal.
Pittsburgh : P Jose Mesa, 1,491,300 per year, for 2 years.
Detroit : P Josh Parker, minor league deal.

Day 22 signings
Minnesota : RF Robert Fick, 912,200 per year, for 3 years.
Chicago (N) : LF Jacob Cruz, 502,800 per year, for 2 years.
Detroit : RF Aaron Guiel, 480,700 per year, for 2 years.
Baltimore : RF Kyle Logan, 407,900 per year, for 3 years.
Minnesota : 3B Dean Palmer, minor league deal.
Anaheim : LF Charles Gipson, minor league deal.
New York (N) : 2B Marlon Anderson, 700,000 per year, for 1 year.
Atlanta : P Justin Speier, 1,081,600 per year, for 4 years.
Atlanta : C Gary Bennett, minor league deal.

I pick up my utility infielder, and my major league roster is set.

Day 23 signings
St. Louis : 2B Mark Loretta, minor league deal.
Los Angeles : SS Chris Gomez, 447,500 per year, for 2 years.
Baltimore : P Elmer Dessens, minor league deal.
Minnesota : 3B Greg Norton, minor league deal.
Houston : P Amaury Telemaco, minor league deal.
Atlanta : C Paul Bako, minor league deal.

Day 24 signings
Minnesota : 2B Jose Ortiz, minor league deal.
Atlanta : C Cody McKay, minor league deal.
Atlanta : C Javier Cardona, minor league deal.

Day 25 signings
Baltimore : RF Matt Stairs, 474,100 per year, for 2 years.
Detroit : 1B Wil Cordero, 411,700 per year, for 1 year.
Atlanta : C Robert Machado, minor league deal.
San Francisco : 3B Kevin Orie, minor league deal.
Los Angeles : P Travis Driskill, minor league deal.
Atlanta : C Javier Valentin, minor league deal.
Atlanta : C Wiki Gonzalez, minor league deal.

Day 26 signings
Baltimore : P Trever Miller, minor league deal.
Pittsburgh : P Ken Cloude, minor league deal.
Baltimore : P Ryan Jensen, minor league deal.
Atlanta : RF Chad Allen, minor league deal.

Day 27 signings
Arizona : P Rick Reed, 472,100 per year, for 2 years.
Minnesota : P Nick Neugebauer, minor league deal.

Day 28 signings
Atlanta : RF Israel Alcantara, minor league deal.
San Francisco : 3B Bill Mueller, minor league deal.
Chicago (N) : P Jason Bere, 449,800 per year, for 2 years.
Pittsburgh : P Peter Munro, minor league deal.

Day 29 signings
Atlanta : RF Shane Spencer, minor league deal.

Day 30 signings
Baltimore: Free agent P Jimmy Osting has been signed to a minor league contract.
Arizona: Free agent P Brian Meadows has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P Brian Moehler has been signed to a minor league contract.
Arizona: Free agent P Carl Pavano has been signed to a minor league contract.
Houston: Free agent P Miguel Asencio has been signed to a minor league contract.
Chicago (N): Free agent P Bronson Arroyo has been signed to a minor league contract.

Spring Training Report next, then Pre Season Trade Review.

[General Mike]

Mets Spring Training Results

Luis Castillo improves his defense at Second Base.
Luis Castillo has good batting practice sessions!
Luis Castillo showed good strike zone judgement!
Joey Votto displays more power in batting practice!
Ian Stewart has good batting practice sessions!
Ian Stewart displays more power in batting practice!
Ian Stewart showed good strike zone judgement!
Craig Brazell has good batting practice sessions!
Craig Brazell displays more power in batting practice!
David Wright has good batting practice sessions!
David Wright seems to have lost some power.
Jose Reyes displays more power in batting practice!
Jose Reyes showed good strike zone judgement!
Prentice Redman displays more power in batting practice!
Prentice Redman showed good strike zone judgement!
Jeff Duncan displays more power in batting practice!
Angel Pagan has good batting practice sessions!
Angel Pagan showed good strike zone judgement!
Haj Turay showed good strike zone judgement!
Ross Peeples has improved his control!
Kyle McCulloch has good batting practice sessions!
Kyle McCulloch seems to have lost some power.
Kyle McCulloch showed good strike zone judgement!
Mickey Hall has good batting practice sessions!
Mike Jacobs displays more power in batting practice!
Mike Jacobs showed good strike zone judgement!
Danny Garcia displays more power in batting practice!
Danny Garcia showed good strike zone judgement!
Joe Jianetti displays more power in batting practice!
Chris Basak has good batting practice sessions!
Chris Basak showed good strike zone judgement!
Aaron Baldiris has good batting practice sessions!
Aaron Baldiris showed good strike zone judgement!
Jamar Hill has good batting practice sessions!
Jamar Hill displays more power in batting practice!
Roberto Solano has good batting practice sessions!
Roberto Solano showed good strike zone judgement!
Marvin Seale has good batting practice sessions!
Marvin Seale displays more power in batting practice!
Marvin Seale showed good strike zone judgement!
Justin Hoyman has improved his control!
Ron Acuna displays more power in batting practice!
Ron Acuna showed good strike zone judgement!
Len DiNardo has good pitching sessions!
Len DiNardo has improved his control!
Justin Reimers has good batting practice sessions!
Justin Reimers displayed poor strike zone judgement!
Orlando Roman has increased his throwing velocity!
Orlando Roman has improved his control!
Josh Hamilton has good batting practice sessions!
Josh Hamilton showed good strike zone judgement!

The fact that Castillo worked hard on his defense and is now a B range 2B is great news. None of our other players suffered a setback or anything, so I like our team's outlook.

[DolphinFan1]

Originally posted by General Mike

Day 11 signings
Philadelphia : P Pedro Martinez, 13,663,200 per year, for 7 years.
[/b]

Pedro goes to Philly. My Red Sox let another good pitcher get away.

[General Mike]

Preseason Trade Review

Several teams made trades throughout the free agency period to fill perceived needs.

Trade between Boston and San Francisco :
San Francisco gets :
SS Freddy Sanchez
Boston gets :
3B Tony Torcato
LF Carlos Sosa
[i]Note: This is basically Sanchez for Torcato. Sosa is a never was. Sanchez lacks power but should be fine as a replacement for Rich Aurilia. Boston needs a 3B for the future, and Torcato can develop while platooning with Cesar Crespo.

Trade between Anaheim and Chicago (N) :
Chicago (N) gets :
RF Mike O'Keefe
Anaheim gets :
1B Dave Kelton
Note: Two very similar players. Both are ok contact hitters with a ton of power. O' Keefe fills an immediate need for the Cubs in replacing Sammy Sosa. Kelton will start the year in AAA, as Anaheim will go with a Steve Cox/ Robb Quinlan platoon.

Trade between Arizona and New York (N) :
New York (N) gets :
RF Danny Bautista
3B Joey Votto
Arizona gets :
1B Mo Vaughn
Note: This is strictly a salary dump as far as I'm concerned. Arizona gets a power hitting 1B who will play everyday for them.

Trade between Houston and Baltimore :
Baltimore gets :
LF Lance Berkman
RF Xavier Paul
SS Robert Valido
Houston gets :
CF Carlos Beltran
Note: This one really shocks me. Beltran is good, but I don't know if he can replace Berkman's bat in the lineup. Paul and Valido are both 3 or 4 years away from the majors at best.

Houston gets :
LF Shannon Stewart
Toronto gets :
P Tomokazu Ohka
SS Sean Rodriguez
C D.J. Lewis
Note: The Astros follow up their 1st trade, by making this one. Another puzzling trade. It makes alot of sense for Toronto tho, especially with Jason Werth ready to play everyday, and them needing another SP. Rodriguez and Lewis like Paul and Valido still need quite a bit of seasoning.

Trade between Cleveland and Los Angeles :
Los Angeles gets :
SS Omar Vizquel
Cleveland gets :
P Paul Shuey
1B Cole Barthel
Note: Cleveland didn't need Vizquel anymore after signing Aurilia, and they needed bullpen help. Shuey gives the Indians one quality bullpen arm. Vizquel fills LA's need for a SS.

[General Mike]

Originally posted by DolphinFan1
Pedro goes to Philly. My Red Sox let another good pitcher get away.

Yeah they were dumb. They had a 20 Million $ profit last year, cut payroll by 13.5 Million, but couldn't find any money for Pedro. BS. They also signed Jose Cruz so he could only play against lefties. Dumb, just dumb. I know your pain.

[General Mike]

Right before the season, most teams usually make their post spring training cuts, and this year was no exception. Here are this years "special players".

Seattle: Released DH Edgar Martinez, he refused assignment to minors.
Seattle: Released C Dan Wilson, he refused assignment to minors.
Cincinnati: Released P Jason Grimsley, he refused assignment to minors.
Los Angeles: Released P Kevin Brown, he refused assignment to minors.
Baltimore: Released SS Deivi Cruz.
Baltimore: Released RF Pedro Swann.
Baltimore: Released P Elmer Dessens.
Baltimore: Released P Mike Paradis.
Baltimore: Released P Trever Miller.
Baltimore: Released P Ryan Jensen.
Baltimore: Released P Brian Marshall.
Baltimore: Released P Buddy Groom.
Boston: Released P Alan Embree.
Boston: Released P Matt J. White.
Boston: Released P Jason Shiell.
Cleveland: Released 1B Fernando Pacheco.
Cleveland: Released P Kip Wells.
Cleveland: Released P Jake Dittler.
Cleveland: Released P Carl Sadler.
Cleveland: Released P Hank Thomas.
Cleveland: Released 3B Casey Blake.
Detroit: Released 3B Shane Halter.
Detroit: Released P Jason Jennings.
Detroit: Released P Adam Bernero.
Detroit: Released P Jamie Walker.
Detroit: Released P Nate Robertson.
Detroit: Released P Matt Miller.
Toronto: Released P Dan Reichert.
Toronto: Released P Chris Baker.
Toronto: Released P Bob File.
Toronto: Released LF Mike Colangelo.
Anaheim: Released LF Melvin Mora.
Anaheim: Released P Ben Weber.
Chicago (A): Released 1B Travis Lee.
Chicago (A): Released P Kris Honel.
Chicago (A): Released P Jason Dellaero.
Chicago (A): Released P Kelly Wunsch.
Chicago (A): Released P Lorenzo Barcelo.
Minnesota: Released 2B Joe Lawrence.
Minnesota: Released CF Dustan Mohr.
Minnesota: Released RF Kevin West.
Minnesota: Released P Kyle Lohse.
Minnesota: Released P Randy Keisler.
Minnesota: Released P Josmir Romero.
Minnesota: Released P Tony Fiore.
Minnesota: Released P Ronnie Corona.
Minnesota: Released P Mike Nakamura.
Minnesota: Released P Juan Padilla.
Oakland: Released C Casey Myers.
Oakland: Released P Donne Wall.
Seattle: Released P Jamie Moyer.
Seattle: Released P Jim Parque.
Seattle: Released P J.J. Putz.
Seattle: Released P Cha Seung Baek.
Texas: Released 2B Jeff Pickler.
Atlanta: Released C Paul Bako.
Atlanta: Released C Gary Bennett.
Atlanta: Released C Wiki Gonzalez.
Atlanta: Released C Cody McKay.
Atlanta: Released P Kevin Gryboski.
Chicago (N): Released P Mike Remlinger.
Cincinnati: Released P Paul Wilson.
Cincinnati: Released P Victor Zambrano.
Philadelphia: Released P Turk Wendell.
Philadelphia: Released P Jeremy Wedel.
Pittsburgh: Released P Brian Moehler.
Pittsburgh: Released P Ken Cloude.
Pittsburgh: Released P Peter Munro.
Pittsburgh: Released P Ryan Vogelsong.
Pittsburgh: Released P Sean Burnett.
Pittsburgh: Released P Jose Mesa.
Pittsburgh: Released P Brian Boehringer.
Pittsburgh: Released P Nelson Figueroa.
Pittsburgh: Released P John Wasdin.
Arizona: Released C Chad Moeller.
Arizona: Released 1B Olmedo Saenz.
Arizona: Released SS Matt Kata.
Arizona: Released P Todd Ritchie.
Arizona: Released P Carl Pavano.
Arizona: Released P Brian Meadows.
Arizona: Released P Mike Myers.
Houston: Released 1B Scott Spiezio.
Houston: Released P Mitch Talbot.
Houston: Released P Rodrigo Rosario.
Los Angeles: Released SS Cesar Izturis.
Los Angeles: Released CF Jay Payton.
Los Angeles: Released P Cory Van Allen.
Los Angeles: Released C Todd Hundley, he refused assignment to minors.
San Diego: Released RF Mark Quinn.
San Diego: Released P Pete Walker.
San Diego: Released P Shawn Estes.
San Francisco: Released RF Alex Ochoa.
San Francisco: Released P Chris Young.

[General Mike]

Mets 2004 Roster

Before we get started, we should take a look at the roster. We have 3 rookies on the major league roster, and 2 more newcomers. Everyone else spent some time in the majors for the Mets in 2003.

Position Players
(ratings in order - hits, 2B, 3B, HR, BB, Ks)


Catchers
C Mike Piazza - 6,5,1,8,5,3
C Vance Wilson - 4,5,0,4,2,5
C Jason Phillips - 5,6,1,8,3,7

Infielders
1B Derek Lee - 5,6,4,8,7,3
2B Luis Castillo - 6,4,4,0,5,7
3B Mike Lowell - 6,8,0,6,5,6
SS Jose Reyes - 4,6,12,1,2,5
Util IF Marlon Anderson - 5,6,5,2,4,6
Util IF Ty Wigginton - 6,6,3,4,5,6

Outfielders -
LF Cliff Floyd - 6,8,0,7,7,5
CF Josh Hamilton - 5,6,1,5,4,5
RF Danny Bautista - 6,4,5,5,3,6
OF Gary Matthews Jr. - 5,8,5,3,6,4
OF Timo Perez - 5,5,5,3,2,8

Pitchers
(ratings in order: Runs, Hits, 2Bs, HR, BB, K)

Starting Pitchers
SP Tom Glavine - 7,6,6,7,8,6
SP Al Leiter - 6,6,3,6,6,7
SP Aaron Heilman - 6,6,5,6,6,7
SP Denny Neagle - 5,6,4,5,6,6
SP Steve Trachsel - 4,5,5,6,6,6

Relievers
CL Armando Benitez - 9,9,6,6,5,10
RP Jaime Cerda - 7,6,6,6,8,7
RP Grant Roberts - 5,5,5,7,6,5
RP Mike Stanton - 6,6,6,7,7,7
RP Scott Strickland - 6,7,6,7,5,9
RP David Weathers - 7,7,6,7,6,6

Lineups

I've made one move that some people might disagree with, especially my plan to play Mike Piazza at 1B, at least for the first month of the season, but oh well. That's just how it is.

vs Righties
1) 2B Luis Castillo
2) RF Danny Bautista
3) LF Cliff Floyd
4) 1B Mike Piazza
5) 3B Mike Lowell
6) CF Josh Hamilton
7) C Jason Phillips
8) Pitcher's Spot
9) SS Jose Reyes

vs Righties/DH
1) 2B Luis Castillo
2) RF Danny Bautista
3) LF Cliff Floyd
4) DH Mike Piazza
5) 1B Derek Lee
6) 3B Mike Lowell
7) CF Josh Hamilton
8) C Jason Phillips
9) SS Jose Reyes

vs Lefties
1) 2B Luis Castillo
2) 3B Mike Lowell
3) LF Cliff Floyd
4) 1B Mike Piazza
5) C Jason Phillips
6) CF Josh Hamilton
7) RF Danny Bautista
8) Pitcher's Spot
9) SS Jose Reyes

vs Lefties/DH
1) 2B Luis Castillo
2) 3B Mike Lowell
3) LF Cliff Floyd
4) DH Mike Piazza
5) 1B Derek Lee
6) C Jason Phillips
7) CF Josh Hamilton
8) RF Danny Bautista
9) SS Jose Reyes

Pitching Staff
1) Tom Glavine
2) Al Leiter
3) Aaron Heilman
4) Denny Neagle
5) Steve Trachsel
Closer: Armando Benitez
Setup: Scott Strickland/ Mike Stanton
Middle Relief: David Weathers/ Jaime Cerda/ Grant Roberts
Mopup: Grant Roberts

My Gameplan
Since we have alot of team speed, we're gonna use it to our advantage, big time. Lots of hit and run, and lots of stealing. This is pretty much the beginning of the rebuilding stage, so we'll take some chances, and try to trade Neagle and Trachsel so we can give a guy like Jason Middlebrook or one of the other AAA veterans a chance.

[JeeberD]

Houston Astros = 60 Wins

That has got to be the worst off season I've ever seen. If they pulled that crap in real life I'm not sure what the hell I would do...

[General Mike]

Originally posted by JeeberD
Houston Astros = 60 Wins

That has got to be the worst off season I've ever seen. If they pulled that crap in real life I'm not sure what the hell I would do...

It wasn't that bad of an off season, but they do need a #3 starter. A #4 would be nice too. Their lineup will score a ton of runs tho, and they'll win 85+ games again.

Now I should get to work on typing up the team previews now. Alot of interesting offseason moves.

[General Mike]

American League East Preview

Baltimore Orioles

Record, Last Year: 69-93
Payroll: 34,736,187 (22nd)
Fan Interest: 46 (19th)
Key Losses: RF Alex Ochoa, LF Todd Hollandsworth, CF Carlos Beltran, SP Jason Johnson
Key Additions: LF Lance Berkman, OF Randy Winn, RF Matt Stairs, RP Ricardo Rincon
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Jerry Hairston
2) DH Matt Stairs/ CF Darnell McDonald
3) LF Lance Berkman/ 1B Jay Gibbons
4) 3B Tony Batista/ RF Luis Matos
5) CF Larry Bigbie/ LF Lance Berkman
6) 1B Jay Gibbons/ DH Geoff Jenkins
7) RF Geoff Jenkins/ 3B Tony Batista
8) SS Ed Rogers
9) C Henry Blanco

Pitching Staff
1) Rodrigo Lopez
2) Aaron Rakers
3) John Stephens
4) Russ Ortiz
5) Aaron Cook
Spot: Jimmy Osting
Closer: Jorge Julio
Setup: Ricardo Rincon/ B.J. Ryan
Middle Relief: Kerry Ligtenberg/ Erik Dubose
Mopup: None

Boston Red Sox

Record, Last Year: 97-65
Payroll: 64,856,726 (5th)
Fan Interest: 87 (1st)
Key Losses: SP Pedro Martinez, LF Jeremy Giambi, C Doug Mirabelli, SS Freddy Sanchez, RP Curt Leskanic
Key Additions: RF Jose Cruz Jr., SP Sidney Ponson, 3B Tony Torcato, RP Lou Pote
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Johnny Damon
2) SS Nomar Garciaparra/ RF Jose Cruz Jr.
3) 1B John Olerud/ LF Manny Ramirez
4) LF Manny Ramirez/ SS Nomar Garciaparra
5) RF Trot Nixon/ 1B John Olerud
6) DH Brad Fullmer/ 3B Cesar Crespo
7) 2B Todd Walker/ C Jason Varitek
8) 3B Tony Torcato/ 2B Angel Santos
9) C Jason Varitek/ DH Brad Fullmer

Pitching Staff
1) Derek Lowe
2) Casey Fossum
3) Tim Wakefield
4) Sidney Ponson
5) Chris Elmore
Spot: Claudio Vargas
Closer: Jose Jimenez
Setup: Lou Pote/ Jayson Durocher
Middle Relief: Ramiro Mendoza/ Claudio Vargas/ Chad Fox
Mopup: Chad Fox

Cleveland Indians

Record, Last Year: 68-94
Payroll: 33,600,771 (23rd)
Fan Interest: 42 (t-21st)
Key Losses: RP Bob Wickman, LF Ellis Burks, SS Omar Vizquel, RP Jose Santiago, RP Mark Wohlers
Key Additions: SS Rich Aurilia, SP Omar Daal, LF Jeremy Giambi, CF Ricky Ledee, RP Paul Shuey
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Brandon Phillips/ RF Matt Lawton
2) 3B Brandon Larson/ 2B Brandon Phillips
3) 1B Mike Sweeney
4) DH Jeremy Giambi/ 3B Brandon Larson
5) RF Matt Lawton/ C Victor Martinez
6) CF Ricky Ledee/ LF Jeremy Giambi
7) C Victor Martinez/ DH Jhonny Peralta
8) LF Ben Grieve/ SS Rich Aurilia
9) SS Rich Aurilia/ CF Milton Bradley

Pitching Staff
1) Jesse Foppert
2) Danys Baez
3) Jason C. Phillips
4) Omar Daal
5) Doug Davis
Spot: Brian Anderson
Closer: Paul Shuey
Setup: Mike Fyhrie/ Luis Pineda
Middle Relief: Jose Paniagua/ Dave Riske/ Brian Anderson
Mopup: Brian Anderson

Detroit Tigers

Record, Last Year: 61-101
Payroll: 36,426,342 (20th)
Fan Interest: 13 (24th)
Key Losses: RF Vlad Guerrero, RP Jose Paniagua, CF Jay Payton
Key Additions: SP Randy Johnson, SP Corey Lidle, RP Dan Smith, Util Damian Jackson
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) RF Carl Crawford/ CF Eugene Kingsale
2) DH Craig Monroe/ C Brandon Inge
3) 1B Carlos Pena/ DH Craig Monroe
4) 3B Erik Munson/ 1B Carlos Pena
5) LF Bobby Higginson/ 2B Hiram Bocachica
6) 2B Julius Matos/ RF Bobby Higginson
7) C Brandon Inge/ 3B Erik Munson
8) SS Carlos Febles/ LF Carl Crawford
9) CF Eugene Kingsale/ SS Carlos Febles

Pitching Staff
1) Randy Johnson
2) Mike Maroth
3) Corey Lidle
4) Jeremy Bonderman
5) Adrian Burnside
Spot: Ian Ferguson
Closer: Dan Smith
Setup: None
Middle Relief: Ian Ferguson/ Franklyn German/ Jason Jimenez
Mopup: Jason Jimenez/ Matt Anderson

New York Yankees

Record, Last Year: 88-74
Payroll: 90,329,457 (1st)
Fan Interest: 80 (t-4th)
Key Losses: SP Jon Leiber, RF Gabe Kapler
Key Additions: RF Karim Garcia
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Alfonso Soriano/ CF Bernie Willams
2) SS Derek Jeter/ RF Juan Rivera
3) DH Jason Giambi/ SS Derek Jeter
4) LF Hideki Matsui/ 2B Alfonso Soriano
5) CF Bernie Williams/ C Jorge Posada
6) 1B Nick Johnson/ 1B Jason Giambi
7) C Jorge Posada/ DH Karim Garcia
8) 3B Robin Ventura/ LF Hideki Matsui
9) RF Juan Rivera/ 3B Robin Ventura

Pitching Staff
1) Jeff Weaver
2) Andy Pettite
3) Mike Mussina
4) Brandon Claussen
5) Mark Phillips
Spot: Scott Elarton
Closer: Mariano Rivera
Setup: Braden Looper/ Steve Karsay
Middle Relief: Juan Acevedo/ Scott Elarton/ Dave Maurer
Mopup: Dave Maurer

Toronto Blue Jays

Record, Last Year: 87-75
Payroll: 49,104,143 (17th)
Fan Interest: 64 (10th)
Key Losses: LF Shannon Stewart, SP Corey Lidle, SP Glendon Rusch, SP Pete Walker, 3B Frank Catalanotto
Key Additions: SP Tomo Ohka, CL Robb Nen, MR Mike DeJean
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) DH Gabe Gross/ CF Vernon Wells
2) 2B Orlando Hudson/ C Brian Schneider
3) 3B Erik Hinske/ RF Austin Kearns
4) 1B Carlos Delgado/ DH Jayson Werth
5) RF Austin Kearns/ LF Dave McCarty
6) LF Jayson Werth/ 1B Carlos Delgado
7) CF Vernon Wells/ 2B Orlando Hudson
8) SS Chris Woodard/ 3B Erik Hinske
9) C Brian Schneider/ SS Chris Woodard

Pitching Staff
1) Joe Kennedy
2) Tomo Ohka
3) Ismael Valdes
4) Mark Hendrickson
5) Josh Towers
Spot:
Closer: Robb Nen
Setup: Aquilino Lopez/ Kelvim Escobar
Middle Relief: Corey Thurman/ Mike DeJean/ Cliff Politte
Mopup: Cliff Politte

[DolphinFan1]

Originally posted by General Mike
[b]American League East Preview

Boston Red Sox


Pitching Staff
1) Derek Lowe
2) Casey Fossum
3) Tim Wakefield
4) Sidney Ponson
5) Chris Elmore
Spot: Claudio Vargas
Closer: Jose Jimenez
Setup: Lou Pote/ Jayson Durocher
Middle Relief: Ramiro Mendoza/ Claudio Vargas/ Chad Fox
Mopup: Chad Fox

Boy, without Pedro in the rotation, these guys just don't look too formidable in there. I think the Sox are in trouble.

[General Mike]

DolphinFan1, I agree that they're going to have a rough season on the pitching side of things, but they still do have a great lineup with Olerud, Nomar and Manny. The East is still a 3 team for 2 playoff spot deal, so they should be able to get into the playoffs at some point.

Now on to the

American League West Preview

Anaheim Angels

Record, Last Year: 80-82
Payroll: 54,201,214 (14th)
Fan Interest: 63 (11th)
Key Losses: SP Jarrod Washburn, 1B Scott Spiezio, RP Chris Hammond
Key Additions: OF Juan Encarnacion
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Darin Erstad/ SS David Eckstein
2) 2B Adam Kennedy/ 1B Rob Quinlan
3) DH Aubrey Huff/ 3B Troy Glaus
4) RF Tim Salmon/ LF Garret Anderson
5) LF Garret Anderson/ RF Tim Salmon
6) 3B Troy Glaus/ C Charles Johnson
7) 1B Steve Cox/ DH Aubrey Huff
8) C Charles Johnson/ CF Darin Erstad
9) SS David Eckstein/ 2B Adam Kennedy

Pitching Staff
1) Ramon Ortiz
2) John Lackey
3) Dewon Brazelton
4) Kevin Appier
5) Aaron Sele
Spot:
Closer: Troy Percival
Setup: Brandon Donnelly/ Scot Shields
Middle Relief: Mark Brunet/ Francisco Rodriguez/ Mark Lukasiewicz
Mopup: Mark Lukasiewicz

Chicago White Sox

Record, Last Year: 78-84
Payroll: 54,989,008 (13th)
Fan Interest: 31 (23rd)
Key Losses: C Ivan Rodriguez, SS Jose Valentin, RP Vladimir Nunez
Key Additions: SS Edgar Renteria, RP Antonio Alfonseca, SP Jeff Suppan
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Chone Figgins/ SS Edgar Renteria
2) 1B Paul Konerko/ CF Aaron Rowand
3) RF Magglio Ordonez/ DH Frank Thomas
4) 3B Joe Crede/ RF Magglio Ordonez
5) DH Frank Thomas/ 3B Joe Crede
6) LF Joe Borchard
7) SS Edgar Renteria/ 1B Paul Konerko
8) CF Alexis Gomez/ C Miguel Olivo
9) C Miguel Olivo/ 2B Chone Figgins

Pitching Staff
1) Bartolo Colon
2) Mark Buehrle
3) Jon Garland
4) Esteban Loaiza
5) Jeff Suppan
Spot:
Closer: Billy Koch
Setup: Tom Gordon/ Damaso Marte
Middle Relief: Matt Ginter/ Antonio Alfonseca/ Mike MacDougal
Mopup: Mike MacDougal

Minnesota Twins

Record, Last Year: 83-79
Payroll: 47,108,772 (19th)
Fan Interest: 71 (7th)
Key Losses: Util Denny Hocking, SS Chris Gomez
Key Additions: RF Robert Fick, 2B Jose Ortiz
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Cristian Guzman/ CF Torii Hunter
2) 3B Corey Koskie/ SS Cristian Guzman
3) C A.J. Pierzynski/ 1B Mike Cuddyer
4) CF Torii Hunter/ DH Matt LeCroy
5) 1B Mik Cuddyer/ 2B Ron Wright
6) LF Bobby Kielty
7) RF Robert Fick/ RF Brian Banks
8) 2B Ron Wright/ C Toby Hall
9) DH Matt LeCroy/ 3B Corey Koskie

Pitching Staff
1) Brad Radke
2) Johan Santana
3) Ben Sheets
4) Joe Mays
5) Eric Milton
Spot: Adam Johnson
Closer: Eddie Guardado
Setup: Valerio de los Santos/ J.C. Romero
Middle Relief: Adam Johnson/ Nick Neugebauer/ Chin-Hui Tsao
Mopup: Chin-Hui Tsao

Oakland Athletics

Record, Last Year: 88-74
Payroll: 57,007,650 (10th)
Fan Interest: 42 (21st)
Key Losses: RP Ricardo Rincon, RP Chad Bradford
Key Additions: C Javy Lopez, LF Rondell White, SP Jason Johnson
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Mark Ellis/ RF Jermaine Dye
2) 1B Scott Hatteberg/ C Mitch Meluskey
3) 3B Eric Chavez/ DH Moises Alou
4) RF Jermaine Dye/ SS Miguel Tejada
5) SS Miguel Tejada/ LF Rondell White
6) DH Raul Ibanez/ 3B Eric Chavez
7) LF Moises Alou/ 2B Mark Ellis
8) C Mitch Meluskey/ CF Chris Singleton
9) CF Chris Singleton/ 1B Scott Hatteberg

Pitching Staff
1) Barry Zito
2) Tim Hudson
3) Mark Mulder
4) Ted Lilly
5) Jason Johnson
Spot: Rich Harden
Closer: Keith Foulke
Setup: Joe Valentine/ Jeremy Fikac
Middle Relief: Rich Harden/ Micah Bowie/ Roy Smith
Mopup: Roy Smith

Seattle Mariners

Record, Last Year: 84-79
Payroll: 47,510,350 (18th)
Fan Interest: 84 (t-2nd)
Key Losses: RP LaTroy Hawkins, OF Randy Winn, 3B Fernando Tatis, Util Mark McLemore
Key Additions: RP Scott Eyre, SP Mike Sirotka, C Doug Mirabelli
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) RF Ichiro Suzuki
2) 3B Jeff Cirillo
3) 1B Greg Colbrunn
4) LF Brad Wilkerson
5) DH Chris Snelling/ C Doug Mirabelli
6) C Ben Davis/ DH Mike Kinkade
7) SS Desi Relaford/ 2B Bret Boone
8) CF Mike Cameron
9) 2B Bret Boone/ SS Carlos Guillen

Pitching Staff
1) Joel Piniero
2) Freddy Garcia
3) Ryan Anderson
4) Gil Meche
5) Glenn Bott
Spot: Mike Sirotka
Closer: Kazuhiro Sasaki
Setup: Arthur Rhodes/ Jeff Nelson
Middle Relief: Scott Eyre/ Ryan Ketchner/ Mike Sirotka
Mopup: Mike Sirotka

Texas Rangers

Record, Last Year: 85-78
Payroll: 59,214,416 (8th)
Fan Interest: 61 (13th)
Key Losses: 1B Rafael Palmeiro, OF Rusty Greer, OF Dave Justice, OF Carl Everett, RF Karim Garcia, RP Rudy Seanez, RP Esteban Yan
Key Additions: RP Giovanni Carrara
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Endy Chavez
2) 2B Hank Blalock
3) SS Alex Rodriguez/ DH Josh Phelps
4) DH Josh Phelps/ SS Alex Rodriguez
5) 3B Mark Teixeira
6) RF Kevin Mench
7) LF Lance Nix/ 1B Jason Hart
8) 1B Jason Hart/ LF Ryan Ludwick
9) C Ramon Castro

Pitching Staff
1) A.J. Burnett
2) Mark Redman
3) Colby Lewis
4) Chan Ho Park
5) Runelvys Hernandez
Spot: Ben Kozlowski
Closer: Ugueth Urbina
Setup: Jeff Zimmerman/ Francisco Cordero
Middle Relief: Giovanni Carrara/ Ron Mahay
Mopup: None

[General Mike]

National League East Preview

Atlanta Braves

Record, Last Year: 74-88
Payroll: 57,443,486 (9th)
Fan Interest: 45 (20th)
Key Losses: RF Gary Sheffield, SP Greg Maddux, 2B Mark DeRosa, C Javy Lopez, RF Robert Fick
Key Additions: 2B Roberto Alomar, C Javier Valentin, C Robert Machado
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Rafael Furcal
2) 2B Roberto Alomar/ C Robert Machado
3) LF Chipper Jones
4) CF Andruw Jones
5) 1B Kevin Millar
6) 3B Marcus Giles/ RF Izzy Alcantra
7) RF Darren Bragg/ 3B Marcus Giles
8) C Javier Valentin/ 2B Roberto Alomar
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Paul Byrd
2) Mike Hampton
3) Adam Wainwright
4) Nick Bierbrodt
5) Bubba Nelson
Spot:
Closer: John Smoltz
Setup: Scott Stewart/ Ray King
Middle Relief: Justin Speier/ Ryan Bukvich/ Billy Sylvester
Mopup: Billy Sylvester

Chicago Cubs

Record, Last Year: 79-83
Payroll: 27,073,422 (24th)
Fan Interest: 62 (12th)
Key Losses: RF Sammy Sosa, SS Jose Hernandez, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, SP Mike Sirotka, SP Shawn Estes, RP Mike DeJean
Key Additions: RF Raul Mondesi, SP Jason Bere, RP Julio Santana
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Corey Patterson/ SS Angel Berroa
2) LF Luke Allen
3) 2B Jose Vidro
4) 1B Hee Seop Choi/ 3B Mark Bellhorn
5) RF Mike O'Keefe/ 1B Hee Seop Choi
6) SS Angel Berroa/ C Damian Miller
7) C Damian Miller/ RF Mike O'Keefe
8) 3B Brendan Harris/ CF Jackson Melian
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Mark Prior
2) Kerry Wood
3) Matt Clement
4) Matt Bruback
5) Carlos Zambrano
Spot:
Closer: Joe Borowski
Setup: Blaine Neal/ Mark Guthrie
Middle Relief: Dave Veres/ Julio Santana/ Francis Beltran
Mopup: Francis Beltran

Cincinnati Reds

Record, Last Year: 74-88
Payroll: 56,228,228 (11th)
Fan Interest: 49 (18th)
Key Losses: None
Key Additions: SS Jose Valentin, C Mike Redmond, LF Daryle Ward
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 3B Craig Counsell/ 2B Aaron Boone
2) RF Ruben Mateo/ C Mike Redmond
3) 1B Todd Helton/ RF Ruben Mateo
4) CF Ken Griffey Jr.
5) LF Adam Dunn/ 1B Todd Helton
6) SS Jose Valentin/ LF Adam Dunn
7) 2B Aaron Boone/ SS Felipe Lopez
8) C Jason LaRue/ 3B Craig Counsell
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Roy Halladay
2) Ricardo Rodriguez
3) Ryan Dempster
4) Tony Armas Jr.
5) Danny Graves
Spot:
Closer: Scott Williamson
Setup: John Riedling/ Gabe White
Middle Relief: Scott Sullivan/ Carlos Almanzar/ Luke Hudson
Mopup: Luke Hudson

Philadelphia Phillies

Record, Last Year: 95-67
Payroll: 66,406,511 (4th)
Fan Interest: 65 (9th)
Key Losses: 2B Luis Castillo, CF Ricky Ledee, RP Jose Mesa, RP Joey Eischen, RP Bob Howry
Key Additions: SP Pedro Martinez, RP Rudy Seanez
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Anderson Machado/ 2B Jimmy Rollins
2) CF Marlon Byrd
3) RF Bobby Abreu/ C Mike Lieberthal
4) 1B Jim Thome/ LF Pat Burrell
5) LF Pat Burrell/ 1B Jim Thome
6) 3B Tyler Houston/ RF Bobby Abreu
7) C Mike Leiberthal/ 3B Travis Chapman
8) 2B Jimmy Rollins/ SS Anderson Machado
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Pedro Martinez
2) Kevin Millwood
3) Randy Wolf
4) Brett Myers
5) Vicente Padilla
Spot: Brandon Duckworth
Closer: Tim Spooneybarger
Setup: Hector Mercado/ Rudy Seanez
Middle Relief: Brandon Duckworth/ Bud Smith/ Jay Witasick
Mopup: Jay Witasick

Pittsburgh Pirates

Record, Last Year: 78-84
Payroll: 53,598,600 (10th)
Fan Interest: 51 (16th)
Key Losses: OF Matt Stairs, OF Reggie Sanders
Key Additions: RF Gary Sheffield, SP Greg Maddux, RF Juan Gonzalez, RP Curt Leskanic
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Rocco Baldelli
2) 3B Aramis Ramirez/ C Jason Kendall
3) LF Brian Giles/ RF Gary Sheffield
4) 1B Ben Broussard/ 3B Aramis Ramirez
5) RF Gary Sheffield/ LF Brian Giles
6) C Jason Kendall/ 1B Ben Broussard
7) SS Orlando Cabrera/ 2B Pokey Reese
8) 2B Pokey Reese/ SS Orlando Cabrera
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Josh Beckett
2) Kris Benson
3) Denny Stark
4) Seung Song
5) Greg Maddux
Spot:
Closer: Mike Williams
Setup: Mike Matthews/ Scott Sauerbeck
Middle Relief: Curt Leskanic/ Al Reyes/ Jim Mann
Mopup: Jim Mann

[General Mike]

National League West Preview

Arizona Diamondbacks

Record, Last Year: 80-82
Payroll: 79,827,073 (3rd)
Fan Interest: 53 (15th)
Key Losses: SP Randy Johnson, OF Juan Encarnacion, RF Danny Bautista, SS Tony Womack
Key Additions: RF Sammy Sosa, C Pudge Rodriguez, 1B Mo Vaughn, SP Kirk Reuter, SP Rick Reed, RP Joey Eischen, RP Vladimir Nunez
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Abraham Nunez
2) SS Alex Cintron
3) 1B Mo Vaughn/ RF Sammy Sosa
4) RF Sammy Sosa/ 2B Junior Spivey
5) LF Luis Gonzalez/ 3B Scott Hairston
6) C Pudge Rodriguez
7) 2B Junior Spivey/ 1B Mo Vaughn
8) 3B Scott Hairston/ LF Luis Gonzalez
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Curt Schilling
2) Wayne Franklin
3) Byung-Hyun Kim
4) Kirk Reuter
5) Rick Reed
Spot:
Closer: Matt Mantei
Setup: Vladimir Nunez/ Joey Eischen
Middle Relief: Mike Koplove/ T.J. Tucker/ Lance Carter
Mopup: Lance Carter

Houston

Record, Last Year: 90-72
Payroll: 62,216,944 (7th)
Fan Interest: 80 (4th)
Key Losses: LF Lance Berkman, SP Tomo Ohka
Key Additions: CF Carlos Beltran, LF Shannon Stewart, 3B Frank Catalanotto
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) LF Shannon Stewart
2) 3B Frank Catalanotto/ RF Larry Walker
3) 2B Jeff Kent
4) CF Carlos Beltran/ 1B Jeff Bagwell
5) RF Larry Walker/ CF Carlos Beltran
6) 1B Jeff Bagwell/ C J.D. Closser
7) C J.D. Closser/ 3B Geoff Blum
8) SS Alex Cora/ SS Julio Lugo
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Roy Oswalt
2) Wade Miller
3) Shawn Chacon
4) Jorge Sosa
5) Amaury Telemaco
Spot:
Closer: Billy Wagner
Setup: Brandon Puffer/ Octavio Dotel
Middle Relief: Bruce Chen/ Brad Lidge/ Scott Linebrink
Mopup: Scott Linebrink

Los Angeles Dodgers

Record, Last Year: 83-79
Payroll: 53,986,186 (15th)
Fan Interest: 75 (6th)
Key Losses: RP Paul Shuey, 1B Fred McGriff, LF Daryle Ward, SP Ashby, SS Alex Cora
Key Additions: LF Todd Hollandsworth, SS Omar Vizquel, RP LaTroy Hawkins, SP Travis Driskill
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Dave Roberts
2) 2B Joe Thurston/ C Paul LoDuca
3) LF Todd Hollandsworth/ RF Shawn Green
4) RF Shawn Green/ 1B Richie Sexson
5) 1B Richie Sexson/ LF Jason Stokes
6) 3B Adrian Beltre
7) SS Omar Vizquel/ 2B Jolbert Cabrera
8) C Paul LoDuca/ SS Chris Gomez
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Odalis Perez
2) Hideo Nomo
3) Kazuhisa Ishii
4) Darren Dreifort
5) Travis Driskill
Spot:
Closer: Eric Gagne
Setup: LaTroy Hawkins/ Alfredo Gonzalez
Middle Relief: Jim Mecir/ Paul Quantrill/ Guillermo Mota
Mopup: Guillermo Mota

San Diego Padres

Record, Last Year: 79-83
Payroll: 34,953,529 (21st)
Fan Interest: 50 (17th)
Key Losses: LF Phil Nevin, LF Rondell White, C Gary Bennett
Key Additions: CF Carl Everett, OF Gabe Kapler, C Todd Pratt
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) LF Gabe Kapler/ CF Mark Kotsay
2) RF Xavier Nady
3) 1B Ryan Klesko/ 2B Bobby Hill
4) 3B Jared Sandberg/ 1B Ryan Klesko
5) CF Mark Kotsay/ C Todd Pratt
6) C Mike Barrett/ LF Brian Buchanan
7) SS Ramon Vazquez/ 3B Jared Sandberg
8) 2B Jake Gautreau/ SS Ramon Vazquez
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Jerremy Affeldt
2) Javier Vazquez
3) Adam Eaton
4) Brian Lawrence
5) Kevin Jarvis
Spot: Jake Peavy
Closer: Trevor Hoffman
Setup: Armando Almanza/ Cliff Bartosh
Middle Relief: Jake Peavy/ Brandon Villafuarte/ J.J. Trujillo
Mopup: J.J. Trujillo

San Francisco

Record, Last Year: 87-75
Payroll: 80,949,800 (2nd)
Fan Interest: 84 (2nd)
Key Losses: RP Robb Nen, SS Rich Aurila, RF Jose Cruz Jr., RP Jason Christiansen, RP Scott Eyre, C Benito Santiago
Key Additions: RF Vlad Guerrero, SP Jarrod Washburn, RP Esteban Yan, SS Freddy Sanchez, RF Reggie Sanders
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Ray Durham/ CF Preston Wilson
2) 3B Edgardo Alfonzo
3) LF Barry Bonds/ RF Vlad Guerrero
4) RF Vlad Guerrero/ LF Barry Bonds
5) 1B Travis Hafner
6) CF Preston Wilson/ C Yorvit Torrealba
7) C Yorvit Torrealba/ SS Freddy Sanchez
8) SS Freddy Sanchez/ 2B Ray Durham
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Jarrod Washburn
2) Damian Moss
3) Jason Schmidt
4) C.C. Sabathia
5) Jerome Williams
Spot:
Closer: Felix Rodriguez
Setup: Luis Vizcaino/ Tim Worrell
Middle Relief: Chad Zerbe/ Esteban Yan/ Joe Nathan
Mopup: Joe Nathan

Saint Louis Cardinals

Record, Last Year: 86-76
Payroll: 55,115,678 (12th)
Fan Interest: 67 (8th)
Key Losses: SS Edgar Renteria, C Mike Redmond
Key Additions: SS Jose Hernandez
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) RF J.D. Drew
2) 3B Scott Rolen/ 1B Jack Cust
3) LF Albert Pujols
4) 1B Jack Cust/ SS Jose Hernandez
5) CF Jim Edmonds/ 3B Scott Rolen
6) SS Jose Hernandez/ CF Jim Edmonds
7) C Kevin S. Brown
8) 2B Fernando Vina/ 2B Shaun Boyd
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Staff
1) Matt Morris
2) Brad Penny
3) Jimmy Journell
4) Jason Simontacchi
5) Woody Williams
Spot: Rick Ankiel
Closer: Jason Isringhausen
Setup: Mike Crudale/ D.J. Carrasco
Middle Relief: Steve Kline/ Chris George/ Rick Ankiel
Mopup: Rick Ankiel

[General Mike]

I guess it's time to get the 2004 season underway. Here goes...


For 2004 I've decided to use promotion days, basically because if I don't we're gonna lose a ton of fan interest.

Our season begins with an e-mail from SP Al Leiter. He has decided that 2004 will be his last season, as he wishes to spend time with his family. This saves us a tough decesion on whether to offer a contract extension or not.

Our season gets off to a rocky start as the San Diego Padres come to town for 4 games and sweep us. We do recover nicely tho by sweeping a 3 game set from the Cubs. Denny Neagle will miss ~ 1 week of action due to a Tender Elbow. Neagle will not see any time on the DL. Weekly Record: 3-4

Week 2 sees a trip down to NJ Turnpike to Philadelphia, and then a return to NY to face the Houston Astros. Aaron Heilman gets week 2 off to a good start, picking up his 1st career win against the defending world champs. The week went download from there, as the Mets lose 6 straight. Weekly Record: 1-6

Week 3 was more of the same struggles as the Pittsburgh Pirates swept us, and the losing streak reached to 10 before we finally won the 2nd game of a 4 game series against the SF Giants. Weekly Record: 2-5

The Mets rounded out April with series against Atlanta, San Francisco and St. Louis. We won both series against the Braves and Giants, 2 games to 1, before losing the first 2 to the Cardinals. Weekly Record: 4-4

Overall Record: 10-19

Stats:
C Jason Phillips - .235, 1 HR, 6 RBI
1B Mike Piazza - .243, 7 HR, 20 RBI
2B Luis Castillo - .272, 12 SB
3B Mike Lowell - .255, 3 HR, 12 RBI
SS Jose Reyes - .119, 5 SB,
LF Cliff Floyd - .245, 0 HR, 7 RBI
CF Josh Hamilton - .268, 2 HR, 10 RBI
RF Danny Bautista - .294, 2 HR, 6 RBI

SP Tom Glavine - 1-3, 3.50 ERA
SP Al Leiter - 1-2, 1.75 ERA
SP Aaron Heilman - 3-3, 2.55 ERA
SP Denny Neagle - 1-0, 3.66 ERA
SP Steve Trachsel - 2-5, 3.60 ERA

CL Armando Benitez - 0-2, 3 saves, 5.40 ERA

Well, the pitching has been good, but we lack the offensive firepower. Benitez is struggling in the closer's role as well, so it's time to make a change, and Scott Strickland will get the chance to be our end of game guy.

[General Mike]

April 2004 review

Transactions

Monday 4/7/2004 :
Boston: Released P Hansel Izquierdo.
Cleveland: Released P Jose Vargas.
Detroit: Released P Clay Condrey.
Detroit: Released P Gary Knotts.
New York (A): Released 3B Elvis Corporan.
Chicago (A): Released RF Armando Rios.
Minnesota: Released 1B Doug Mientkiewicz.
Minnesota: Released 3B Dean Palmer.
Oakland: Released C Mark L. Johnson.
Texas: Released P Giovanni Carrara.
St. Louis: Released P Gene Stechschulte.
Baltimore: Free agent P Yorman Bazardo has been signed to a minor league contract.

Monday 4/14/2004 :
Baltimore: Released P Juan Alvarez.
Minnesota: Released P Matt Yeatman.
Oakland: Released 2B Jose Flores.
Cincinnati: Released 2B Juan Castro.
Arizona: Released 2B David Bell.
San Diego: Released P Chris Rojas.
San Diego: Released 2B Lou Merloni.
San Francisco: Released P Jim Brower.
Philadelphia: Free agent C Chad Moeller has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 year.
Baltimore: Free agent 2B Kevin Randel has been signed to a minor league contract.
Baltimore: Released RF Matt Stairs, he refused assignment to minors.

Tuesday 4/15/2004 :
Trade between Texas and Houston :
Houston gets :
1B Jason Hart
Texas gets :
C Hector Gimenez
P J.P. Duran
P Brandon Roberson
Note: Jason Hart gives the Astros a replacement 1B for Jeff Bagwell who's out with a fractured hand. The 3 prospects they gave up are nothing to get too excited over, but that could change.

Wednesday 4/16/2004 :
Chicago (N): Released P Jason Bere, he refused assignment to minors.

Monday 4/21/2004 :
Cleveland: Released 3B Joe Randa.
Toronto: Released P Vinny Chulk.
Minnesota: Released P Brent Hoard.
Arizona: Released P Bobby Howry.
San Diego: Released LF Mario Valdez.
Toronto: Free agent P Shawn Estes has been signed to a contract of $475,000 per year, for 1 year.
Baltimore: Free agent RF Alex Ochoa has been signed to a contract of $794,200 per year, for 1 year.

Monday 4/28/2004 :
Toronto: Released P Sandy Nin.
Seattle: Released P Ryan Franklin.
Texas: Released P Reynaldo Garcia.
Boston: Free agent C Dan Wilson has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 year.
Boston: Free agent 1B Brad Hawpe has been signed to a minor league contract.
Texas: Free agent C Angel Molina has been signed to a minor league contract.

Thursday 5/1/2004 :
Trade between Boston and Oakland :
Oakland gets :
1B Earl Snyder
Boston gets :
P Mark Mulder
P Clint Everts
Note: This trade makes a ton of sense for the Red Sox. Mulder gives them a top of the rotation lefty, who could be their #1 starter, or possibly #2 behind Lowe. Everts is an above average prospect who should have Major league success in the future. For the A's, the trade is a little questionable. Snyder has a ton of power, but isn't a great contact hitter, doesn't have a great batting eye, and is an awful defensive player.

Injuries

Wednesday 4/2/2004 :
PIT: Scott Sauerbeck was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Tricep Muscle.
He is definitely out for the season!

Friday 4/4/2004 :
CHN: Kyle Farnsworth was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Bicep Tendon.
He is out for about 3 weeks.

Sunday 4/6/2004 :
OAK: Moises Alou was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Pulled Posterior Cruciate Ligament.
He will be OK in about 2 weeks.

Tuesday 4/8/2004 :
SDN: Kevin Walker was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Tricep Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.

Wednesday 4/9/2004 :
HOU: Jeff Bagwell was injured being hit by a pitch.
Diagnosis: Fractured Hand.
He is out for about 7 weeks.

Monday 4/14/2004 :
SFN: Vladimir Guerrero was injured while making a catch.
Diagnosis: Herniated Disc Back.
He will be OK in about 9 weeks.

Tuesday 4/15/2004 :
PIT: Greg Maddux was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Bicep Muscle.
He will be OK in about 4-5 weeks.

Wednesday 4/16/2004 :
SEA: Jeff Cirillo was injured being hit by a pitch.
Diagnosis: Broken Jaw.
He is out for about 3-4 weeks.

Thursday 4/17/2004 :
SLN: Brad Penny was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Bicep Muscle.
He is definitely out for the season!

Sunday 4/20/2004 :
DET: Randy Johnson was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Hyper Extended Elbow.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.

Tuesday 4/22/2004 :
HOU: Roy Oswalt was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Tricep Muscle.
He is definitely out for the season!

Thursday 4/24/2004 :
OAK: Mark Mulder was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Elbow Ligament.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.

Tuesday 4/29/2004 :
MIN: Ben Sheets was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Bicep Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 6 weeks.


Notable Achievments and Awards

Monday 3/31/2004 :
TOR: Austin Kearns hits for the cycle against Boston!
TOR: Austin Kearns has 7 hits against Boston.

Saturday 4/5/2004 :
NYN: Mike Lowell sets a new single game NL-Record for Doubles with 4!

Sunday 4/6/2004 :
CIN: Ken Griffey Jr. hits his 500th career homer!!

Monday 4/7/2004 :
American League-Player of the Week:
LF Manny Ramirez (BOS)!
He batted .480 in 25 AB, with 3 HR and 7 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
RF Vladimir Guerrero (SFN)!
He batted .462 in 26 AB, with 2 HR and 9 RBI.

Friday 4/11/2004 :
MIN: Brad Radke pitches a NO-HITTER against New York (A)!!

Monday 4/14/2004 :
American League-Player of the Week:
SS Rich Aurilia (CLE)!
He batted .462 in 26 AB, with 4 HR and 6 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
RF Gary Sheffield (PIT)!
He batted .417 in 24 AB, with 5 HR and 8 RBI.

Tuesday 4/15/2004 :
PIT: Gary Sheffield gets his 2000th career hit!!

Thursday 4/17/2004 :
NYA: Bernie Williams gets his 2000th career hit!!

Monday 4/21/2004 :
American League-Player of the Week:
LF Jeremy Giambi (CLE)!
He batted .391 in 23 AB, with 4 HR and 10 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
C Damian Miller (CHN)!
He batted .478 in 23 AB, with 1 HR and 6 RBI.

Wednesday 4/23/2004 :
OAK: Scott Hatteberg sets a new single game AL-Record for Doubles with 4!

Monday 4/28/2004 :
American League-Player of the Week:
LF Moises Alou (OAK)!
He batted .481 in 27 AB, with 3 HR and 8 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
P Jimmy Journell (SLN)!
He won 2 games, with one shutout, pitched 15 innings
with an ERA of 1.80, fanning 17.

Wednesday 5/1/2004 :
American League-Pitcher of the Month:
Barry Zito (OAK)!
He had a record of 5-0 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 2.17.
American League-Batter of the Month:
Josh Phelps (TEX)!
He batted .352 in 105 AB, with 8 homers and 21 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month:
Odalis Perez (LAN)!
He had a record of 5-0 in 7 games started, with an ERA of 2.21 and 1 shutouts.
National League-Batter of the Month:
Richie Sexson (LAN)!
He batted .361 in 97 AB, with 13 homers and 25 RBI.

[General Mike]

April 2003 continued

Standings

American League Standings 
 
Eastern Division  
Team W L PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Cleveland 15 14 .517 - 16-13 -1   7-8 8-6 1-2 5-4 134 L1 5-5 
Toronto 14 14 .500 .5 14-14 0   9-7 5-7 2-2 5-6 - W2 5-5 
Boston 13 15 .464 1.5 13-15 0   5-8 8-7 3-3 3-4 - L2 4-6 
Baltimore 12 15 .444 2.0 14-13 -2   6-7 6-8 1-1 4-5 - W2 6-4 
Detroit 12 16 .429 2.5 12-16 0   8-7 4-9 0-1 4-4 - W2 6-4 
New York (A) 9 18 .333 5.0 10-17 -1   3-11 6-7 3-1 4-5 - L5 3-7 
 
Western Division  
Team W L PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Oakland 22 6 .786 - 19-9 3   11-3 11-3 2-1 5-2 129 W1 7-3 
Chicago (A) 15 12 .556 6.5 13-14 2   8-7 7-5 1-0 7-5 - W2 6-4 
Anaheim 14 12 .538 7.0 12-14 2   7-7 7-5 0-1 7-4 - W5 9-1 
Minnesota 14 15 .483 8.5 14-15 0   4-8 10-7 1-1 3-4 - L2 4-6 
Seattle 13 14 .481 8.5 14-13 -1   6-6 7-8 2-2 5-7 - L3 2-8 
Texas 13 15 .464 9.0 14-14 -1   8-5 5-10 1-2 2-4 - L3 3-7 
 
National League Standings 
 
Eastern Division  
Team W L PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Pittsburgh 16 10 .615 - 16-10 0   7-5 9-5 1-1 3-4 135 W2 7-3 
Philadelphia 17 12 .586 .5 17-12 0   10-7 7-5 1-1 6-5 - L1 7-3 
Chicago (N) 13 14 .481 3.5 14-13 -1   5-10 8-4 1-2 4-6 - W1 4-6 
Atlanta 11 16 .407 5.5 12-15 -1   5-7 6-9 1-2 2-8 - L1 3-7 
New York (N) 10 19 .345 7.5 15-14 -5   2-12 8-7 0-1 3-7 - L2 5-5 
Cincinnati 9 19 .321 8.0 8-20 1   4-10 5-9 2-4 4-3 - L5 2-8 
 
Western Division  
Team W L PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
St. Louis 18 9 .667 - 15-12 3   8-7 10-2 3-0 7-3 135 W5 9-1 
Los Angeles 19 10 .655 - 19-10 0   10-7 9-3 1-2 6-3 134 L1 7-3 
Houston 15 12 .556 3.0 12-15 3   5-9 10-3 1-0 7-3 - W2 5-5 
San Diego 16 14 .533 3.5 15-15 1   5-7 11-7 4-0 7-3 - W1 4-6 
San Francisco 12 16 .429 6.5 11-17 1   4-9 8-7 0-0 4-4 - W1 4-6 
Arizona 11 16 .407 7.0 14-13 -3   3-9 8-7 0-2 1-5 - L3 4-6 
 

Power Rankings

1st  (1st) Oakland 145 o 22-6 .786 .285 3.78 19-9 3   
2nd  (2nd) St. Louis 130 o 18-9 .667 .245 3.51 15-12 3   
3rd  (3rd) Los Angeles 122 o 19-10 .655 .275 3.02 19-10 0   
4th  (4th) Pittsburgh 116 o 16-10 .615 .274 4.04 16-10 0   
5th  (5th) Philadelphia 110 o 17-12 .586 .246 3.34 17-12 0   
6th  (8th) Anaheim 107 + 14-12 .538 .247 3.99 12-14 2   
7th  (7th) Chicago (A) 103 o 15-12 .556 .258 4.05 13-14 2   
8th  (10th) Houston 101 + 15-12 .556 .228 3.58 12-15 3   
9th  (6th) San Diego 94 -- 16-14 .533 .239 3.35 15-15 1   
10th  (9th) Cleveland 93 - 15-14 .517 .280 4.61 16-13 -1   
11th  (15th) Toronto 91 ++ 14-14 .500 .248 4.19 14-14 0   
12th  (16th) Chicago (N) 85 ++ 13-14 .481 .241 4.28 14-13 -1   
13th  (14th) Minnesota 84 + 14-15 .483 .232 4.21 14-15 0   
14th  (21st) Baltimore 83 ++ 12-15 .444 .232 3.73 14-13 -2   
15th  (13th) Boston 81 - 13-15 .464 .264 4.63 13-15 0   
16th  (19th) Detroit 80 ++ 12-16 .429 .267 5.33 12-16 0   
17th  (12th) Seattle 80 -- 13-14 .481 .252 3.90 14-13 -1   
18th  (11th) Texas 79 -- 13-15 .464 .268 4.92 14-14 -1   
19th  (17th) San Francisco 75 - 12-16 .429 .222 3.97 11-17 1   
20th  (18th) Arizona 70 - 11-16 .407 .261 3.96 14-13 -3   
21st  (22nd) Atlanta 69 + 11-16 .407 .243 4.06 12-15 -1   
22nd  (20th) New York (N) 61 - 10-19 .345 .225 3.16 15-14 -5   
23rd  (23rd) New York (A) 54 o 9-18 .333 .229 5.51 10-17 -1   
24th  (24th) Cincinnati 50 o 9-19 .321 .254 5.62 8-20 1 

American League Leaders

Batting Average
1 J. Phelps (TEX) .352
2 T. Torcato (BOS) .349
3 J. Borchard (CHA) .346

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 J. Borchard (CHA) 1.208
2 Je. Giambi (CLE) 1.115
3 J. Phelps (TEX) 1.072

Home Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 9
2 J. Borchard (CHA) 8
2 J. Phelps (TEX) 8

Doubles
1 M. Tejada (OAK) 15
2 C. Woodward (TOR) 13
3 A. Soriano (NYA) 12
3 M. Sweeney (CLE) 12

Triples
1 D. Jeter (NYA) 3
1 J. Werth (TOR) 3
1 G. Gross (TOR) 3
1 A. Santos (BOS) 3
1 V. Wells (TOR) 3
1 E. Chavez (TEX) 3

Runs Batted In
1 J. Olerud (BOS) 25
1 B. Larson (CLE) 25
3 M. Tejada (OAK) 23
3 J. Giambi (CLE) 23

Runs
1 M. Sweeney (CLE) 26
2 B. Fullmer (BOS) 24
3 C. Delgado (TOR) 23

Stolen Bases
1 J. Damon (BOS) 9
2 T. Hunter (MIN) 8
2 C. Crawford (DET) 8

Wins
1 M. Buehrle (CHA) 6
2 B. Zito (OAK) 5
3 J. Foppert (CLE) 4
3 A. Rakers (BAL) 4

Earned Run Average
1 J. Santana (MIN) 1.83
2 C. Fossum (BOS) 2.09
3 C. Lewis (TEX) 2.13

Strikeouts
1 R. Anderson (SEA) 46
2 B. Colon (CHA) 39
3 J. Santana (MIN) 38

Saves
1 K. Foulke (OAK) 12
2 T. Percival (ANA) 9
3 B. Koch (CHA) 8

National League Leaders

Batting Average
1 B. Giles (PIT) .369
2 R. Sexson (LAN) .361
3 J. Edmonds (SLN) .356

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 B. Giles (PIT) 1.372
2 R. Sexson (LAN) 1.242
3 G. Sheffield (PIT) 1.129

Home Runs
1 R. Sexson (LAN) 13
2 B. Giles (PIT) 10
3 G. Sheffield (PIT) 9

Doubles
1 K. Millar (ATL) 14
2 T. Helton (CIN) 12
2 J. Sandberg (SDN) 12

Triples
1 R. Furcal (ATL) 6
2 J. Reyes (NYN) 4
3 D. Roberts (LAN) 3
3 M. Kotsay (SDN) 3
3 T. Chapman (PHI) 3

Runs Batted In
1 A. Jones (ATL) 28
2 R. Sexson (LAN) 25
3 J. Sandberg (SDN) 21

Runs
1 B. Giles (PIT) 24
2 G. Sheffield (PIT) 22
3 T. Helton (CIN) 20
3 B. Broussard (PIT) 20
3 R. Sexson (LAN) 20

Stolen Bases
1 L. Castillo (NYN) 12
2 R. Baldelli (PIT) 8
2 R. Furcal (ATL) 8

Wins
1 O. Perez (LAN) 5
1 H. Nomo (LAN) 5
1 C. Sabathia (SFN) 5

Earned Run Average
1 A. Leiter (NYN) 1.75
2 J. Affeldt (SDN) 1.99
3 W. Miller (HOU) 2.01

Strikeouts
1 P. Martinez (PHI) 57
2 C. Schilling (ARI) 53
3 J. Affeldt (SDN) 47

Saves
1 J. Isringhausen (SLN) 8
1 B. Wagner (HOU) 8
3 T. Spooneybarger (PHI) 7
3 E. Gagne (LAN) 7

[JeeberD]

Crap. Losing Oswalt for the season is gonna hurt. And this game knows what it's talking about. That's gotta be the third or fourth time in his career that Bagwell has been hit by a pitch and fractured his hand...

[General Mike]

JeeberD, not only is Oswalt's injury a big loss for this season, but he took a serious talent drop, and is never going to be the same pitcher again. Maybe Timmy Redding can step up, and replace him to some extent.

Now on to the Mets May review.

May got off to a rough start, with St. Louis finishing off the sweep against us, and then Cincinnati and Houston taking series from us. We were able to win series at home against the Cubs and Atlanta, but then lost series on the road to Cincinnati and Atlanta We then won our 1st 2 interleague series against Cleveland and the Yankees, before closing the month out with 2 wins against the defending champion Phillies. And my plan to move Scott Strickland to closer, didn't happen. And Piazza finally learned how to play 1B, D Range with a .930 fielding percentage. Back to Catcher for you Senor Piazza.

Monthly Record: 12-13
Overall Record: 22-32
Team Batting Average: .229 (23rd)
Team Runs scored: 205 (23rd)
Team ERA: 3.50 (4th)
Team Runs Allowed: 210 (2nd)

Individual Stats
C Jason Phillips - .224, 3 HR, 14 RBI
1B Mike Piazza - .237, 12 HR, 36 RBI
2B Luis Castillo - .283, 0 HR, 22 SB, 28 R
3B Mike Lowell - .246, 4 HR, 17 RBI
SS Jose Reyes - .147, 11 RBI, 13 SB
LF Cliff Floyd - .239, 5 HR, 19 RBI
CF Josh Hamilton - .265, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 13 SB
RF Danny Bautista - .309, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 9 SB

I've gotta get Derrek Lee in the lineup, so Jason Phillips will be sitting down for awhile.

SP Tom Glavine - 3-6, 3.05 ERA
SP Al Leiter - 3-5, 3.45 ERA
SP Aaron Heilman - 5-5, 3.68 ERA
SP Denny Neagle - 3-0, 2.91 ERA
SP Steve Trachsel - 4-6, 3.82 ERA
CL Armando Benitez - 3-2, 2.29 ERA, 10 saves

We're on the eve of the amateur draft, so some player cuts are definitely on the horizon, but I'm not sure who will get cut to make room for our draftees.

[General Mike]

Transactions
Thursday 5/1/2004 :
Arizona: Released RF Jeromy Burnitz, he refused assignment to minors.

Saturday 5/3/2004 :
Arizona: Released P Rick Reed, he refused assignment to minors.

Monday 5/5/2004 :
Cleveland: Released P Brian Anderson.
Detroit: Released P Dan Smith.
Anaheim: Released P Chris Bootcheck.
Oakland: Released 2B Freddie Bynum.
Texas: Released C Fernando Lunar.
Cincinnati: Released 3B Andy Beattie.
Philadelphia: Released P Jay Witasick.
San Diego: Released LF Gabe Kapler.
San Diego: Released 2B Josh Barfield.
St. Louis: Released P Kiko Calero.
Anaheim: Free agent 1B Travis Lee has been signed to a minor league contract.
Toronto: Free agent P Franklyn Gracesqui has been signed to a minor league contract.

Tuesday 5/6/2004 :
Trade between New York (A) and Pittsburgh :
Pittsburgh gets :
2B Andy Phillips
New York (A) gets :
LF Manuel Ravelo
3B Kody Kirkland
Note: Pittsburgh improves themselves at he starting 2B position, while the Yankees pick up 1 middle of the road prospect in Ravelo, and a never-will-be in Kirkland.

Monday 5/12/2004 :
Chicago (N): Released P Mark Guthrie, he refused assignment to minors.
Cleveland: Released P Jeremy Guthrie.
Detroit: Released LF Brandon Berger.
New York (A): Released RF Marcus Thames.
Toronto: Released P Gary Majewski.
Anaheim: Released 1B Chris Walston.
Cincinnati: Released P Chris Reitsma.
Pittsburgh: Released 1B Ray Navarette.
Pittsburgh: Released 1B Randall Simon.
Houston: Released P Ricky Stone.
St. Louis: Free agent P Brad Voyles has been signed to a minor league contract.
San Diego: Free agent CF Colin Curtis has been signed to a minor league contract.

Saturday 5/17/2004 :
Los Angeles: Released SS Chris Gomez, he refused assignment to minors.

Monday 5/19/2004 :
Oakland: Released LF Jason Grabowski.
Texas: Released C Todd Greene.
Cincinnati: Released P Chris Booker.
Pittsburgh: Released P Greg Maddux.
Houston: Released 3B Geoff Blum.
San Francisco: Released 1B Sean McGowan.
Cleveland: Free agent CF Jay Payton has been signed to a minor league contract.
Chicago (A): Free agent P Ben Weber has been signed to a contract of $383,800 per year, for 1 year.
Atlanta: Free agent P Doug Waechter has been signed to a minor league contract.

Thursday 5/22/2004 :
Trade between Houston and Los Angeles :
Los Angeles gets :
SS Alex Cora
Houston gets :
P Marcos Carvajal
SS Joel Guzman
Note: Carvajal is a future closer for Houston, while Joel Guzman's upside is iffy. He could turn out ok, but it'll take awhile. This trade basically allows LA to cut SS Omar Vizquel, which screams
Pittsburgh: Released RF Juan Gonzalez, he refused assignment to minors.

Monday 5/26/2004 :
Texas: Released 3B Herbert Perry.
Texas: Released LF Ryan Christenson.
Philadelphia: Released 3B Tyler Houston.
Arizona: Released C Rob Hammock.
Houston: Released P James Lira.
Los Angeles: Released SS Omar Vizquel.
Philadelphia: Free agent P Danny Kolb has been signed to a minor league contract.
San Diego: Free agent P David Thorne has been signed to a minor league contract.

Saturday 5/31/2004 :
Trade between Los Angeles and San Diego :
San Diego gets :
LF Todd Hollandsworth
Los Angeles gets :
2B Brian Burgamy
Note: Hollandsworth gives San Diego a guy to play in LF vs. righty pitching, as he kills it. Burgamy's a decent prospect but is 3 or 4 years away from being a solid everyday player.

Injuries

Thursday 5/1/2004 :
BAL: Russ Ortiz was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Herniated Disc Back.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.
TOR: Orlando Hudson was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Sore Knee.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.

Friday 5/2/2004 :
MIN: Bobby Kielty was injured while making a catch.
Diagnosis: Broken Finger.
He will be OK in about 5-6 weeks.

Saturday 5/3/2004 :
PHI: Marlon Byrd was injured while making a catch.
Diagnosis: Strained Rib Cage Muscle.
He will be OK in about one week.

Sunday 5/4/2004 :
SDN: Jake Peavy was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Ruptured Elbow Ligament.
He will be OK in about 7 weeks.

Wednesday 5/7/2004 :
TOR: Carlos Delgado was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Pulled Abdominal Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 1-2 weeks.

Tuesday 5/13/2004 :
CHA: Felix Diaz was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Back Muscle.
He is out for about 5 weeks.
CHA: Chad Bradford was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Pulled Rotator Cuff Muscle.
He is out for about 5 weeks.

Wednesday 5/14/2004 :
TEX: Ryan Ludwick was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Strained Back Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.

Thursday 5/15/2004 :
DET: Adrian Burnside was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Sore Back.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.

Friday 5/16/2004 :
ARI: Vladimir Nunez was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Tricep Muscle.
He will be OK in about 3 weeks.

Sunday 5/18/2004 :
HOU: Brandon Puffer was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Bone Chips Shoulder.
He is definitely out for the season!

Friday 5/23/2004 :
HOU: Shannon Stewart was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Hamstring Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 2-3 weeks.

Saturday 5/24/2004 :
CLE: Mike Sweeney was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Pulled Back Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.

Friday 5/30/2004 :
BOS: Mark Mulder was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Ruptured Tricep Tendon.
He will be OK in about 5 weeks.

Notable Achievments and Awards

Saturday 5/3/2004 :
LAN: Shawn Green slams 3 homers against Arizona.
LAN: Shawn Green drives in 8 runs against Arizona.

Monday 5/5/2004 :
American League-Player of the Week:
1B Jay Gibbons (BAL)!
He batted .524 in 21 AB, with 4 HR and 11 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
RF Shawn Green (LAN)!
He batted .545 in 22 AB, with 5 HR and 11 RBI.

Monday 5/12/2004 :
American League-Player of the Week:
SS Nomar Garciaparra (BOS)!
He batted .500 in 26 AB, with 2 HR and 6 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
P C.C. Sabathia (SFN)!
He won 2 games, with one shutout, pitched 15.2 innings
with an ERA of 1.72, fanning 15.

Thursday 5/15/2004 :
SEA: Mike Cameron hits for the cycle against Oakland!

Sunday 5/18/2004 :
SLN: Jim Edmonds drives in 9 runs against Philadelphia.

Monday 5/19/2004 :
American League-Player of the Week:
RF Chris Snelling (SEA)!
He batted .548 in 31 AB, with 5 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
CF Jim Edmonds (SLN)!
He batted .400 in 20 AB, with 3 HR and 13 RBI.

PIT: Kris Benson pitches a NO-HITTER against Los Angeles!!

Wednesday 5/21/2004 :
ARI: Luis Gonzalez gets his 2000th career hit!!

Monday 5/26/2004 :
American League-Player of the Week:
LF Joe Borchard (CHA)!
He batted .500 in 24 AB, with 2 HR and 11 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
1B Todd Helton (CIN)!
He batted .391 in 23 AB, with 3 HR and 7 RBI.

NYA: Alfonso Soriano hits for the cycle against New York (N)!

Saturday 6/1/2004 :
American League-Pitcher of the Month:
Danys Baez (CLE)!
He had a record of 4-0 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 1.86.
American League-Batter of the Month:
Nomar Garciaparra (BOS)!
He batted .374 in 107 AB, with 5 homers and 21 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month:
Tony Armas jr. (CIN)!
He had a record of 4-0 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 1.50.
National League-Batter of the Month:
Ivan Rodriguez (ARI)!
He batted .347 in 98 AB, with 7 homers and 27 RBI.