OOTP5: Trimming the Fat/ Back to 24

[General Mike]

This is an idea I've had for quite some time. Probably goes back to November of 2001 when contraction was actually on the table. I think not only should we get rid of 2 teams, but get rid of 6 teams while we're at it. So that is what I did, and then assigned the talent to the remaining 24 teams using 2 drafts. 3 rounds of veteran picks, and 2 round of "prospects".

I am using a version of GForce's Total Minors that I made some small changes to. Increased talents on some prospects and some players who are off to fast stars. I also changed some defensive ranges/ fielding %s around.

Here are the results of the reassignment drafts:

Veterans Draft

1st Round

Detroit picks: RF Vladimir Guerrero
Pittsburgh picks: SP Josh Beckett
Baltimore picks: CF Carlos Beltran
San Diego picks: SP Javier Vazquez
Texas picks: SP A.J. Burnett
Chicago (N) picks: 2B Jose Vidro
Toronto picks: SP Joe Kennedy
Cincinnati picks: 1B Todd Helton
Cleveland picks: 1B Mike Sweeney
Philadelphia picks: 2B Luis Castillo
Chicago (A) picks: C Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez
New York (N) picks: 3B Mike Lowell
Minnesota picks: SP Ben Sheets
Houston picks: RF Larry Walker
Anaheim picks: 1B/3B/OF Aubrey Huff
Los Angeles picks: 1B Richie Sexson
Boston picks: RP Jose Jiminez
San Francisco picks: OF Preston Wilson
Seattle picks: OF Brad Wilkerson
Arizona picks: OF Juan Encarnacion
Oakland picks: OF Raul Ibanez
St. Louis picks: SP Brad Penny
New York (A) picks: RP Braden Looper
Atlanta picks: RP Scott Stewart

2nd Round

Detroit picks: SP Jason Jennings
Pittsburgh picks: SS Orlando Cabrera
Baltimore picks: OF Geoff Jenkins
San Diego picks: C Mike Barrett
Texas picks: SP Mark Redman
Chicago (N) picks: SS Jose Hernandez
Toronto picks: SP Glendon Rusch
Cincinnati picks: SP Tony Armas Jr.
Cleveland picks: OF Ben Grieve
Philadelphia picks: RP Tim Spooneybarger
Chicago (A) picks: RP Mike MacDougal
New York (N) picks: 1B Derrek Lee
Minnesota picks: C Toby Hall
Houston picks: SP Tomokazu Ohka
Anaheim picks: C Charles Johnson
Los Angeles picks: OF/C Ben Petrick
Boston picks: RP Jayson Durocher
San Francisco picks: OF Jeffrey Hammonds
Seattle picks: 3B Fernando Tatis
Arizona picks: RP Lance Carter
Oakland picks: 1B/OF Jeff Liefer
St. Louis picks: C Mike Redmond
New York (A) picks: OF Gabe Kapler
Atlanta picks: 2B Eric Young

3rd Round

Detroit picks: OF Jay Payton
Pittsburgh picks: SP Denny Stark
Baltimore picks: SS Alex "Sea Bass" Gonzalez
San Diego picks: RP Armando Almanza
Texas picks: C Ramon Castro
Chicago (N) picks: RP Mike DeJean
Toronto picks: C Brian Schneider
Cincinnati picks: RP Jason Grimsley
Cleveland picks: 3B Joe Randa
Philadelphia picks: RP Joey Eischen
Chicago (A) picks: 2B Pablo Ozuna
New York (N) picks: SP Denny Neagle
Minnesota picks: RP Valerio de los Santos
Houston picks: OF Juan Pierre
Anaheim picks: 2B Carlos Febles
Los Angeles picks: SS Juan Uribe
Boston picks: RP Curt Leskanic
San Francisco picks: RP Luis Vizcaino
Seattle picks: Util Desi Relaford
Arizona picks: SP Wayne Franklin
Oakland picks: 1B/OF Chris Richard
St. Louis picks: OF Todd Hollandsworth
New York (A) picks: SP Scott Elarton
Atlanta picks: OF Alex Sanchez

Prospects Draft

1st Round

Pittsburgh picks: OF Rocco Baldelli
Detroit picks:OF Carl Crawford
San Diego picks: SP Jeremy Affeldt
Baltimore picks: SS B.J. Upton
Chicago (N) picks: SS Angel Berroa
Texas picks: SP Runelvys Hernandez
Cincinnati picks: SP Josh Karp
Toronto picks: SP Zack Grienke
Philadelphia picks: 1B Prince Fielder
Cleveland picks: 1B Ken Harvey
New York (N) picks: OF Josh Hamilton
Chicago (A) picks: OF Alexis Gomez
Houston picks: C J.D. Closser
Minnesota picks: SP Chin-Hui Tsao
Los Angeles picks: 1B Jason Stokes
Anaheim picks: SP Dewon Brazelton
San Francisco picks: 1B Adrian Gonzalez
Boston picks: SP Miguel Asencio
Arizona picks: 3B Garret Atkins
Seattle picks: SP Jimmy Gobble
St. Louis picks: SP Chris George
Oakland picks: SP Clint Everts
Atlanta picks: SP Nick Bierbrodt
New York (A) picks: SP Ryan Snare

2nd Round

Pittsburgh picks: SP Seung Song
Detroit picks: SP Ian Ferguson
San Diego picks: OF Dave Krynzel
Baltimore picks: SP Aaron Cook
Chicago (N) picks: OF Luke Allen
Texas picks: SP Dontrelle Willis
Cincinnati picks: SP Jon Switzer
Toronto picks: OF Jeremy Hermida
Philadelphia picks: SP Jeff Francis
Cleveland picks: OF Jonny Gomes
New York (N) picks: 1B Jeff Bailey
Chicago (A) picks: OF Tony Miller
Houston picks: SP Shawn Chacon
Minnesota picks: SP Luke Lockwood
Los Angeles picks: OF Matt Holliday
Anaheim picks: SP Kyle Snyder
San Francisco picks: SP Chris Young
Boston picks: SP Claudio Vargas
Arizona picks: C Pete LaForest
Seattle picks: OF Valentino Pascucci
St. Louis picks: OF Will Smith
Oakland picks: 1B Josh Willingham
Atlanta picks: RP Ryan Bukvich
New York (A) picks: OF Roscoe Crosby

I have also decided to use a 2 division setup with an unbalanced schedule, but have decided to keep the 3 tier playoff system.

Here are the new division setups:

American League East
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Cleveland Indians
Detroit Tigers
New York Yankees
Toronto Blue Jays

American League West
Anaheim Angels
Chicago White Sox
Minnesota Twins
Oakland Athletics
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers

National League East
Atlanta Braves
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies
Pittsburgh Pirates

National League West
Arizona Diamondbacks
Houston Astros
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
St. Louis Cardinals

I will be the GM of the Mets for this dynasty and I am playing with coaches and scouts off. I will start posting team previews in a few minutes.

Mike

[General Mike]

AL East Preview

We'll start our preview with the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore had the 3rd overall pick in the veterans section of the reassignment draft, and grabbed the CF they have craved for so long, Carlos Beltran. They also were able to add corner OFer Geoff Jenkins and SS Alex "Sea Bass" Gonzalez. In the prospect portion they picked up Middle Infielder B.J. Upton, who will start the year in Single A, and SP Aaron Cook, a major league ready pitcher.

Lineup( vR/vL)
1) 2B Jerry Hairston/ CF Gary Matthews Jr.
2) LF B.J. Surhoff/ 2B Jerry Hairston
3) CF Gary Matthews Jr./ 1B Jeff Conine
4) 3B Tony Batista/ RF Jay Gibbons
5) RF Jay Gibbons/ DH Marty Cordova
6) DH Deivi Cruz/ LF Melvin Mora
7) SS Alex Gonzalez/ 3B Tony Batista
8) 1B Jeff Cobine/ C Geronimo Gil
9) C Geronimo Gil/ SS Alex Gonzalez.

Outlook: The Lineup is lacking of any bats that really scare anyone, but that should change when Beltran and Jenkins come off the DL. The AI will have tough decisions to make when they come back, as most of the players on this team are out of options. Future DH Jack Cust is also waiting in the wings for his chance to shine.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Rodrigo Lopez
2) Sidney Ponson
3) Aaron Cook
4) Omar Daal
5) John Stephens
spot: Pat Hentgen

Closer: Buddy Groom
Setup: Jorge Julio/ B.J. Ryan
Middle Relief: Kerry Ligtenberg/ Willis Roberts/ Pat Hentgen
Mopup: Pat Hentgen

Outlook: Baltimore has a solid rotation with one all star qualty starter already, a top young prospect in Stephens, and the other 3 starters know how to get the job done. Groom, Julio and Ligtenberg are a solid trio for late in games, and Ryan can shut lefties down.

Prediction: They are still in a tough division, and I cant see them finishing higher then 4th, but they should be better then the Indians, and no one could be worse then Los Tigres.

Now on to our cursed friend in Boston, The Red Sox. Boston didn't have too many holes going into the reassignment draft, and were able to pick up the closer they needed in Jose Jiminez and 2 quality relievers in Jayson Durocher and Curt Leskanic. Only one problem for the Sox, Durocher will start the year on the DL, but those problems arent nearly as bad as the Yankees'.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Johnny Damon/ CF Johnny Damon
2) SS Nomar Garciaparra/ 2B Todd Walker
3) LF Manny Ramirez/ LF Manny Ramirez
4) RF Trot Nixon/ 1B Kevin Millar
5) 1B David Ortiz/ SS Nomar Garciaparra
6) DH Jeremy Giambi/ DH Jeremy Giambi
7) 2B Todd Walker/ C Doug Mirabelli
8) 3B Shea Hillenbrand/ 3B Shea Hillenbrand
9) C Jason Varitek/ RF Trot Nixon

Outlook: The Red Sox feature 2 guys who could lead the league in batting every year in Nomar and Manny. Damon is one of the premier lead off hitters in the majors today, and everyone else knows how to swing the lumber. The Sox could definitely score 1000 runs this year.

Pitching Rotation
1) Pedro Martinez
2) Derek Lowe
3) Tim Wakefield
4) Casey Fossum
5) John Burkett

Closer: Jose Jiminez
Setup: Mike Timlin, Bob Howry
Middle Relief: Ramiro Mendoza, Chad Fox, Curtis Leskanic
Mop up: Leskanic

Outlook: The Red Sox have alot of pitching questions, but none are nearly as important as Pedro's health. If he can stay healthy, Pedro is the best pitchers in the majors, easily, but the Red Sox pennant chase relies heavily on Pedro's health.

Prediction: The Red Sox should definitely be able to hold off the Blue Jays for the 2nd playoff spot in the AL East, and may even be able to challenge the Yankees for the division crown. They definitely should make the playoffs tho.

The Cleveland Indians were definitely one of the top teams of the 90s, but as contracts quickly increased, they have had to say goodbye to several top offensive times including Manny Ramirez, Roberto Alomar, Juan Gonzalez and Jim Thome. The Indians not only drafted for the present but also the future. Mike Sweeney is one of the best pure hitters in the majors, Ben Grieve was a player who showed flashes of greatness when in Oakland, and Cleveland hopes he can return to his pre-Tampa form. Joe Randa was the best 3B available in the 3rd round, and fills the Indians biggest hole.

Lineup(vR/vL)
1) SS Omar Vizquel/ 2B Brandon Phillips
2) 2B Brandon Phillips/ 3B Joe Randa
3) 1B Mike Sweeney/ 1B Mike Sweeney
4) LF Ellis Burks/ LF Ellis Burks
5) RF Matt Lawton/ DH Karim Garcia
6) DH Ben Grieve/ C Victor Martinez
7) 3B Joe Randa/ RF Ben Grieve
8) CF Milton Bradley/ CF Milton Bradley
9) C Victor Martinez/ SS Omar Vizquel

Outlook: This could be a very fun lineup to watch. Brandon Phillips and Victor Martinez are both the premier Major League ready prospects at their respective positions, Bradley is only 24 years old, and Grieve is still under 27. With Vizquel and Burks for leadership, and Sweeney to replace the departed Thome, the lineup should be as good as it was in 2002.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Danys Baez
2) C.C Sabathia
3) Ricardo Rodriguez
4) Jason Phillips
5) Brian Anderson
spot: Jason Bere

Closer: Chad Paronto
Setup: Dave Riske/ Mike Fyhrie
Middle Relief: Jason Bere, Carl Sadler, Jason Beverlin
Mopup: Beverlin

Outlook: The starting rotation has 3 young pitchers who all could be all stars at some point. Once Cliff Lee comes off the DL, he could take one of the spots in the rotation back. The Bullpen has to be a major concern for the Indians. Incumbent closer Bob Wickman is out for 7 months, and may only be available if the Indians make the playoffs, which does not look likely. Power arm Mark Wohlers is also out til the beginning of June.

Prediction: The bullpen is going to cost them quite a few games. If they are in the pennant race at midseason, they'll need to add a few power arms to the pen, but I don't see that happening.

Before the reassignment draft started, the Detroit Tigers had no identity, but now they are Vlad's team. Now their future isn't so bleak. With the additions of Guerrero, Jason Jennings, Jay Payton and Carl Crawford, the Tigers now have legitimate players at LF, RF, CF, DH and 1B, and Jennings is a #1 starter, proven by winning 17 games on the Rockies in 2002.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Carl Crawford/ CF Jay Payton
2) 2B Warren Morris/ 3B Dean Palmer
3) RF Vlad Guerrero/ RF Vlad Guerreo
4) DH Dmitri Young/ LF Bobby Higginson
5) LF Bobby Higginson/ DH Hiram Bocachica
6) 1B Carlos Pena/ 2B Shane Halter
7) 3B Dean Palmer/ C Brandon Inge
8) C A.J. Hinch/ SS Ramon Santiago
9) SS Ramon Santiago/ 1B Carlos Pena

Outlook: For a team building for the future, they sure do have alot of old guys in their lineup. Playing Dean Palmer everyday is questionable, and Shane Halter, Warren Morris and A.J Hinch are all very questionable choices. Omar Infante and Brandon Inge should both be getting the lion's share of the playing time at 2B and C.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Jason Jennings
2) Mike Maroth
3) Jeremy Bonderman
4) Adrian Burnside
5) Ian Ferguson

Closer: Jose Paniagua
Setup: Jaime Walker
Middle Relief: Matt Anderson, Fernando Rodney, Jason Jiminez
Mopup: Jason Jiminez, Pedro Feliciano

Outlook: Some very questionable decisions here. Ferguson is no where near major league ready, and several other guys in the AAA could do the same thing at the same price, without ruining their development. The AIs bullpen assignments are also very strange.

Prediction: 100 plus losses again, the team has some good talent but makes some very questionable decisions. Resigning Vlad is their key decision to make.

The Dreaded NY Yankees. The Evil Empire. Where do I start? Where does it all end? If The Boss has his way, it will end with another World Series win, and a ticker tape parade thru Manhattan. When I talked about Boston before, I mentioned the Yankee problems, well they come mostly in having to play the 1st month of the season without their top 2 relievers, Mariano Rivera and Steve Karsay. They were able to pickup a fill-in closer candidate in Braden Looper tho.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Alfonso Soriano/ RF Raul Mondesi
2) SS Derek Jeter/ CF Bernie Williams
3) DH Jason Giambi/ SS Derek Jeter
4) LF Hideki Matsui/ 1B Jason Giambi
5) CF Bernie Williams/ 2B Alfonso Soriano
6) 1B Nick Johnson/ C Jorge Posada
7) C Jorge Posada/ LF Hideki Matsui
8) 3B Robin Ventura/ DH Todd Ziele
9) RF Raul Mondesi/ 3B Andy Phillips

Outlook: All-Stars, All Stars, All Stars, All Stars everywhere. Who on this team hasn't been an All Star at some point in their career? Mondesi batting leadoff against lefties, is a little strange, but at this point, whatever the AI does is fine. The Yankees, like the Red Sox have no holes, and should easily score 1000 runs this year.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Roger Clemens
2) Mike Mussina
3) Jeff Weaver
4) Andy Pettite
5) David Wells
spot) Brandon Claussen

Closer: Chris Hammond
Setup: Braden Looper/Juan Acevedo
Middle Relief: Antonio Osuna, Brandon Claussen, Jose Contreras
Mopup: Contreras

Outlooks: Clemens is a Hall of Famer, Mussina is a perennial Cy Young candidate, Pettite is always good for 15 wins a season, and Wells is Wells. Bullpen is a little shaky right now, but once Rivera and Karsay come back, they should be all set again.

Prediction: Unless the team plane goes down in a plane crash, the Yankees will be in the playoffs in October. 100 wins should not be a problem for this team.

The Toronto BlueJays once were a great baseball team, but then a strike happened and all the fans left. Now they are on the verge of making the playoffs again. They've locked up key young players to affordable multi year deals, and have brought over player development ideas that have worked in Oakland for quite some time.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) LF Shannon Stewart/ LF Shannon Stewart
2) RF Frank Catalanotto/ C Brian Schneider
3) 3B Eric Hinske/ CF Vernon Wells
4) 1B Carlos Delgado/ DH Josh Phelps
5) DH Josh Phelps/ 1B Carlos Delgado
6) CF Vernon Wells/ 2B Orlando Hudson
7) SS Chris Woodard/ RF Frank Catalanotto
8) C Brian Schneider/ 3B Eric Hinske
9) 2B Orlando Hudson/ SS Chris Woodard

Outlook: Alot of talent here with Delgado, Phelps, Wells, Hinske and Stewart. Schneider can get the job done, Hudson has good upside, and Catalanotto could contend for a batting title. Jayson Werth could be in the lineup as soon as he comes off the DL, but depth is an issue.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Roy Halladay
2) Joe Kennedy
3) Glendon Rusch
4) Corey Lidle
5) Pete Walker
spot) Mark Hendrickson

Closer: Kelvin Escobar
Setup: Cliff Politte, Doug Creek
Middle Relief: Mark Hendrickson, Corey Thurman, Brian Bowles
Mopup: Brian Bowles

I'll try to get the other divisions done tomorrow morning/afternoon.

[General Mike]

AL West Preview

We'll start with the defending World Champion Anaheim Angels. The Angels don't have too many holes to fill, and the players they picked up should help with some of the problems. Aubrey Huff can play 1B,3B and the corner OF spots, but he can't play them well. More of a DH type, he still helps with overall depth. Charles Johnson gives them a quality starting catcher who can not only field, but hit the ball. Febles has the most range of any 2B in baseball, and if something should happen to one of the Angels middle IFers, he should get a chance to contribute.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Darin Erstad/ SS David Eckstein
2) 2B Adam Kennedy/ 2B Benji Gil
3) DH Brad Fullmer/ 1B Scott Spiezio
4) LF Garret Anderson/ 3B Troy Glaus
5) RF Tim Salmon/ LF Garret Anderson
6) 3B Troy Glaus/ RF Tim Salmon
7) 1B Scott Spiezio/ C Charles Johnson
8) C Charles Johnson/ DH Aubrey Huff
9) SS David Eckstein/ CF Darin Erstad

Outlook: I love the way this team plays baseball. Hustle, Hustle, and more Hustle. I don't agree with their decision to send Wooten to AAA, but I'm not running the team. OF Depth is a bit of a concern, with Jeff DaVanon being the only legitimate backup CF on the major league roster. Garret Anderson is still the most underrated player in MLB.

Pitching Rotation
1) Jarrod Washburn
2) Ramon Ortiz
3) John Lackey
4) Kevin Appier
5) Mickey Callaway

Closer: Troy Percival
Setup: Brendan Donnelly/ Scot Shields
Middle Relief: Ben Weber/ Francisco Rodriguez/ Mark Lukasiewicz
Mopup: Lukasiewicz

Outlook: Washburn can be a perennial all star, Percival is as good as any closer in baseball, but between everyone else, I'm not sure how good this team really is. They really could use another top tier pitcher, so they can get Callaway out of the rotation. The Bullpen should be comparable to their 2002 year, with some small changes in performance.

Prediction: I'm not sure if they have the pitching to make the playoffs again, especially when they have to play ~18 games per year against the Twins, the A's and the Mariners. I'm gonna go with 84 wins for them.

The Chicago White Sox added SP Bartolo Colon before the reassignment draft, and then were able to add Pudge Rodriguez and young reliever Mike MacDougal to complement the ML lineup.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Willie Harris/ 2B D'Angelo Jiminez
2) 1B Paul Konerko/ 1B Paul Konerko
3) C Ivan Rodriguez/ DH Frank Thomas
4) DH Frank Thomas/ RF Magglio Ordonez
5) RF Maggilo Ordonez/ C Ivan Rodrigez
6) SS Jose Valentin/ 3B Joe Crede
7) LF Carlos Lee/ LF Carlos Lee
8) 3B Joe Crede/ CF Aaron Rowand
9) CF Alexis Gomez/ SS Jose Valentin

Outlook: Besides the leadoff spot, the White Sox lineup is as good as any. Ordonez is still underrated and Konerko, Thomas, and Pudge Rodriguez can all hit .300+ with 30 HRs. Lee, Valentin and Crede can all get the job done.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Mark Buehrle
2) Bartolo Colon
3) Jon Garland
4) Esteban Loaiza
5) Gary Glover

Closer: Billy Koch
Setup: Flash Gordon/ Kelly Wunsch
Middle Relief: Damaso Marte/ Rick White/ Mike MacDougal
Mopup: Mike MacDougal

Outlook: With Buehrle and Colon at the top of the rotation, the White Sox won't have too many long losing streaks. Koch can be shaky as closer, but his stuff is as good as anyone. The White Sox could probably use another 3rd starter to slot in between Colon and Garland.

Prediction: I believe that if the White Sox do not make the playoffs, this year is an extreme dissapointment. I'll go with 90 wins and a shootout for the wildcard spot.

The Minnesota Twins filled a small hole by adding a young future ace in Ben Sheets, a good backup catcher in Toby Hall, who can platoon with Pierzynski, and Valerio de los Santos gives them another hard throwing reliever in the pen for late in games.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Cristian Guzman/ SS Cristian Guzman
2) RF Dustan Mohr/ 2B Denny Hocking
3) C A.J. Pierzynski/ LF Bobby Kielty
4) CF Torii Hunter/ DH Mike Cuddyer
5) LF Jacque Jones/ CF Torii Hunter
6) DH Bobby Kielty/ 3B Corey Koskie
7) 3B Corey Koskie/ 1B Doug Mientkiewicz
8) 1B Mike Cuddyer/ C Toby Hall
9) 2B Luis Rivas/ RF Dustan Mohr

Outlook: The Twins are a very young team, with Hocking being the only starter over 32, and he is only in a lefty platoon. Hunter, Jones, Mientkiewicz, Guzman and Koskie are all Gold Glove candidates. They Twins also have a ton of batting talent in the minors in AAA with Justin Morneau, Michael Restovich and Joe Mauer.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Joe Mays
2) Rick Reed
3) Brad Radke
4) Kenny Rogers
5) Ben Sheets

Closer: Eddie Guardado
Setup: Valerio de los Santos/ J.C. Romero
Middle Relief: LaTroy Hawkins/ Mike Fetters/ Tony Fiore
Mopup: Tony Fiore

Outlook: The Twins don't have a Pedro or a Maddux or a Schilling, but they have a bunch of guys who just know how to pitch. Radke has pinpoint accuracy, Reed provides veteran leadership, and Sheets has the upside potential to be a 20 game winner in the majors. The Twins pen is very strong with alot of guys who just get hitters out

Prediction: Should contend for the 2nd playoff spot with Seattle and the White Sox. Definitely has the chance to win 90 games this year.

The Oakland Athletics have been able to develop not only pitching talent, but also offensive talent, and make great trades to bring in the missing pieces. With their Pitching Troika and their 2 MVP candidates in Tejada and Chavez, they are the favorites in the AL West.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Mark Ellis/ 2B Mark Ellis
2) SS Miguel Tejada/ LF Raul Ibanez
3) 3B Eric Chavez/ SS Miguel Tejada
4) DH Erubiel Durazo/ 3B Eric Chavez
5) LF Raul Ibanez/ RF Jermaine Dye
6) RF Jermaine Dye/ 1B Erubiel Durazo
7) 1B Scott Hatteberg/ CF Terrence Long
8) CF Chris Singleton/ C Ramon Hernandez
9) C Mitch Meluskey/ DH Jose Flores

Outlook: The Athletics lineup is very good 1-6, but gets a little hairy after that. Durazo finally gives the As the big bat they needed to replace Jason Giambi. CF is a bit of a hole, but Long and Singleton can probably do the job.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Barry Zito
2) Tim Hudson
3) Mark Mulder
4) Ted Lilly
5) Mike Neu

Closer: Keith Foulke
Setup: Corey Bradford/ Ricardo Rincon
Middle Relief: Jeremy Fikac/ Joe Valentine/ Micah Bowie
Mopup: Micah Bowie

Outlook: Zito, Hudson and Mulder combined for 57 wins in 2002 and 56 wins in 2001. Look for more of the same from those 3 in 2003. Ted Lilly definitley has the ability to win 15 games, and Mike Neu is keeping the 5th spot in the rotation warm for Rich Harden. Foulke continues the A's revolving door at closer, but he may be even better then the guys he replaces. Foulke doesn't walk anybody and knows how to keep the ball in the ballpark. The rest of the bullpen is a little shaky, but they should be ok. Joe Valentine has the talent to be the next closer of the As.

Prediction: 1st Place in the AL West. If anyone can win 100 games, its Oakland.

The Seattle Mariners had a bit of a dissapointing year in 2002 despite winning 93 games. A manager change was also made, as the Mariners acquired OF Randy Winn from the Devil Rays for manager Lou Piniella. That worked out real well for the DRays

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Mike Cameron/ RF Ichiro
2) RF Ichiro/ 3B Jeff Cirillo
3) 1B John Olerud/ 2B Bret Boone
4) DH Edgar Martinez/ CF Mike Cameron
5) LF Brad Wilkerson/ DH Edgar Martinez
6) 2B Bret Boone/ 1B John Olerud
7) 3B Jeff Cirillo/ LF Brad Wilkerson
8) SS Desi Relaford/ C Ben Davis
9) C Ben Davis/ SS Carlos Guillen

Outlook: Edgar is already 40 years old, super sub Mark McLemore is 38, and Gold Glove Catcher Dan Wilson will begin the year on the DL. The Mariners, like the Twins have a bunch of Gold Glove candidates at key positions.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Jamie Moyer
2) Freddy Garcia
3) Joel Piniero
4) Glenn Bott
5) Rafael Soriano

Closer: Kazuhiro Sasaki
Setup: Arthur Rhodes/ Jeff Nelson
Middle Relief: Giovanni Carrara/ Shigetoshi Hasegawa/ Ryan Franklin
Mopup: Ryan Franklin

Outlook: Moyer like Edgar is 40 years old. Garcia and Piniero give them 2 young pitchers who could be #1 starters on quite a few pitching staffs. Sasaki, Rhodes and Nelson can lock a game down in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings, and the other guys in the pen can all get the job done. Ryan Franklin can also fill in in the starting rotation if necessary.

Prediction: Right around 90-95 wins, definitely contending for a playoff spot, possibly even winning the divsion if everything goes right.

The team with the best offense in baseball, could be the Texas Rangers. Too bad they haven't been able to find the pitching they need oh so badly. They were able to add 3 quality SPs in Mark Redman, A.J. Burnett and Runelvys Hernandez, and even tho Burnett will start the year on the DL, he is definitely the Rangers new ace.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 3B Hank Blalock/ 2B Mike Young
2) DH Mike Lamb/ C Todd Greene
3) SS Alex Rodriguez/ RF Juan Gonzalez
4) 1B Rafael Palmeiro/ SS Alex Rodriguez
5) CF Carl Everett/ 1B Rafael Palmeiro
6) RF Juan Gonzalez/ LF Ruben Sierra
7) LF Ruben Sierra/ CF Ryan Ludwick
8) C Ramon Castro/ 3B Hank Blalock
9) 2B Mike Young/ DH Marshall McDougall

Outlook: The offense is in fine shape. One thing that does bother me, is the decision to bring Mark Teixeira up, but not put him in the starting lineup. LF Kevin Mench will start the year on the DL but once he comes off could challenge Ruben Sierra for the starting LF job.

Pitching Rotation:
1) Mark Redman
2) Ismael Valdes
3) Chan Ho Park
4) Runelvys Hernandez
5) John Thomson
spot: Joaquin Benoit

Closer: Ugueth Urbina
Setup: Francisco Cordero, Rudy Seanez
Middle Relief: Esteban Yan, Joaquin Benoit, Ron Mahay
Mopup: Ron Mahay

Outlook: The starting rotation is definitely upgraded, but the bullpen still needs some more work. Jeff Zimmerman should be recovered from arm surgery in the middle of June, and his addition will surely help.

Prediction: I still think the Rangers will finish in last place, but the AL West should be ultra competitive, and the Rangers definitley could finish over .500

NL East preview coming up soon.

[General Mike]

NL East Preview

The Atlanta Braves should continue their string of 12 straight playoff appearances, but they will need some pitching help. The decisions to let Tom Glavine go to New York, and trading Kevin Millwood to Philadelphia could come back to bite them, big time. New pitching acquisitions Paul Byrd and Mike Hampton will start the year on the DL, so some kids will have to start the year in the rotation.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Rafael Furcal/ SS Rafael Furcal
2) 2B Marcus Giles/ 2B Mark DeRosa
3) LF Chipper Jones/ 1B Julio Franco
4) CF Andruw Jones/ LF Chipper Jones
5) RF Gary Sheffield/ RF Gary Sheffield
6) 1B Robert Fick/ CF Andruw Jones
7) C Javier Lopez/ 3B Mike Hessman
8) 3B Mike Hessman/ C Johnny Estrada
9) Pitcher’s spot

Outlook: The Braves still have the best OF in baseball, with Chipper and Sheffeld both being perennial MVP candidates. 1B offense could be a bit of a concern, especially with Julio Franco being 45 years old.

Pitching Rotation
1) Greg Maddux
2) Russ Ortiz
3) Jung Bong
4) Nick Bierbrodt
5) Jason Marquis

Closer: John Smoltz
Setup: Scott Stewart/ Ray King
Middle Relief: Roberto Hernandez/ Darren Holmes/ Billy Sylvester
Mopup: Billy Sylvester

Outlook: Once Byrd and Hampton come back from the DL, the starting rotation should be fine, but until then Maddux and Ortiz will have to hold down the fort. Smoltz and Stewart provide a very good lefty-righty combo for late in games out of the pen. The middle relief corps is questionable, but it should be ok.

Prediction: My favorites to win the NL East. They have the talent to win the division, but they have issues. I’ll put them down for 92 wins.

Fans of the Chicago Cubs hope that 2003 will be the year the curse ends for them. Besides Sammy Sosa, they have Moises Alou in LF, Mark Bellhorn and off-season acquisitions Damian Miller and Jose Vidro who should help improve the offense. The Cubs also feature 2 young aces with Mark Prior and Kerry Wood, plus Matt Clement and Carlos Zambrano have a ton of ability.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1CF Corey Patterson/ 2B Jose Vidro
2) 1B Hee Seop Choi/ 1B Eric Karros
3) LF Moises Alou/ RF Sammy Sosa
4) RF Sammy Sosa/ 3B Mark Bellhorn
5) 2B Jose Vidro/ LF Moises Alou
6) SS Jose Hernandez/ SS Jose Hernandez
7) C Damian Miller/ C Damian Miller
8) 3B Mark Bellhorn/ CF Jackson Melian
9) Pitcher’s spot

Outlook: I don’t know what to say here. Sosa and Alou are both great hitters, Vidro is one of the top 2Bs in the majors, and Hernandez strikes out a lot, but he sure can hit.

Pitching Rotation
1) Mark Prior
2) Kerry Wood
3) Matt Clement
4) Carlos Zambrano
5) Shawn Estes
Spot: Mike Sirotka

Closer: Mike Remlinger
Setup: Mike DeJean/ Mark Guthrie
Middle Relief: Joe Borowski/ Dave Veres/ Mike Sirotka
Mopup: Mike Sirotka

Outlook: Remlinger has no true closer experience, with only 16 saves in 11 seasons, but he is the top pitcher in the Cubs pen. DeJean and Veres do have experience, but the bullpen could give them problems. No problems with the starting rotation.

Prediction: With 2 aces to anchor the starting staff, plus Sosa, Vidro and Alou to lead the offense, the Cubs should be able to contend for a playoff spot.


The Cincinnati Reds begin 2003 by moving into a new stadium, the Great American Ballpark. Besides having a healthy Ken Griffey Jr, and 2 great young OFers in Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns. Starting pitching could be a problem tho.

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Barry Larkin/ 2B Aaron Boone
2) 2B Aaron Boone/ SS Felipe Lopez
3) 1B Todd Helton/ RF Austin Kearns
4) CF Ken Griffey Jr./ CF Ken Griffey Jr.
5) RF Austin Kearns/ 1B Todd Helton
6) LF Adam Dunn/ LF Adam Dunn
7) 3B Brandon Larson/ 3B Brandon Larson
8) C Jason LaRue/ C Corky Miller
9)

Pitching Rotation
1) Ryan Dempster
2) Tony Armas Jr.
3) Danny Graves
4) Paul Wilson
5) Chris Reitsma

Closer: Scott Williamson
Setup: John Riedling/ Gabe White
Middle Relief: Scott Sullvan/ Jason Grimsley/ Josias Manzanillo
Mopup: Josias Manzanillo

Prediction: 5th place - 77 wins

New York Mets
Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Roberto Alomar/ 2B Roberto Alomar
2) CF Timo Perez/ 3B Mike Lowell
3) LF Cliff Floyd/ LF Cliff Floyd
4) C Mike Piazza/ C Mike Piazza
5) 1B Derrek Lee/ 1B Derrek Lee
6) 3B Mike Lowell/ RF Jeromy Burnitz
7) RF Jeromy Burnitz/ CF Tsuyoshi Shinjo
8) SS Rey Sanchez/ SS Rey Sanchez
9) Pitcher's spot

Pitching Rotation
1) Tom Glavine
2) Al Leiter
3) Steve Trachsel
4) David Cone
5) Jae weong Seo

Closer: Armando Benitez
Setup: Scott Strickland/ Mike Stanton
Middle Relief: David Weathers, Jaime Cerda, Graeme Lloyd
Mopup: Graeme Lloyd

Prediction: 4th place - 84 wins

Philadelphia Phillies

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) 2B Luis Castillo/ 2B Luis Castillo
2) 3B Tyler Houston/ RF Bobby Abreu
3) 1B Jim Thome/ C Mike Leiberthal
4) RF Bobby Abreu/ LF Pat Burrell
5) LF Pat Burrell/ 1B Jim Thome
6) CF Ricky Ledee/ 3B David Bell
7) C Mike Leiberthal/ SS Jimmy Rollins
8) SS Jimmy Rollins/ CF Marlon Byrd
9) Pitcher's spot

Pitching Rotation:
1) Kevin Millwood
2) Randy Wolf
3) Vicente Padilla
4) Joe Roa
5) Brett Myers

Closer: Dan Plesac
Setup: Jose Mesa/ Joey Eischen
Middle Relief: Tim Spooneybarger/ Hector Mercado/ Terry Adams
Mopup: Terry Adams

Prediction: 3rd Place - 87 wins

Pittsburgh Pirates

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Orlando Cabrera/ SS Orlando Cabrera
2) C Jason Kendall/ 2B Pokey Reese
3) LF Brian Giles/ C Jason Kendall
4) RF Reggie Sanders/ RF Reggie Sanders
5) 1B Randall Simon/ LF Brian Giles
6) 3B Rob Mackowiack/ 3B Rob Mackowiack
7) CF Rocco Baldelli/ 1B Kevin Young
8) 2B Pokey Reese/ CF Rocco Baldelli
9) Pitcher's spot

Pitching Rotation:
1) Josh Beckett
2) Kris Benson
3) Josh Fogg
4) Kip Wells
5) Jeff D'Amico

Closer: Mike Williams
Setup: Brian Boehringer/ Scott Sauerbeck
Middle Relief: Al Reyes/ Jim Mann/ Mark Corey
Mopup: Mark Corey

Prediction: 6th place - 72 wins

NL West coming up soon

[General Mike]

NL West Preview

Arizona Diamondbacks

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Tony Womack/ CF Steve Finley
2) 1B Lyle Overbay/ SS Alex Cintron
3) RF Danny Bautista/ 2B Junior Spivey
4) LF Luis Gonzalez/ 3B Matt Williams
5) CF Steve Finley/ LF Luis Gonzalez
6) C Pete LaForest/RF Juan Encarnacion
7) 2B Junior Spivey/ C Chad Moeller
8) 3B Matt Williams/ 1B Lyle Overbay
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Rotation:
1) Randy Johnson
2) Curt Schilling
3) Byung-Hyun Kim
4) Wayne Franklin
5) Elmer Dessens
Spot: Miguel Batista

Closer: Matt Mantei
Setup: Mike Koplove/ Mike Myers
Middle Relief:Miguel Batista/ Lance Carter/ Bret Prinz
Mopup: Bret Prinz

Prediction: 2nd place - 88 wins

Houston Astros

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Julio Lugo/ SS Julio Lugo
2) CF Craig Biggio/ C Brad Ausmus
3) LF Lance Berkman/ 2B Jeff Kent
4) 2B Jeff Kent/ 1B Jeff Bagwell
5) RF Larry Walker/ RF Larry Walker
6) 1B Jeff Bagwell/ LF Lance Berkman
7) 3B Geoff Blum/ 3B Geoff Blum
8) C J.D. Closser/ CF Brian Hunter
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Rotation:
1) Roy Oswalt
2) Wade Miller
3) Tomokazu Ohka
4) Jeriome Robertson
5) Pete Munro
Spot: Brian Moehler

Closer: Billy Wagner
Setup: Brandon Puffer/ Octavio Dotel
Middle Relief: Bruce Chen/ Brian Moehler/ Brad Lidge
Mopup: Brad Lidge

Prediction: 5th place - 79 wins

Los Angeles Dodgers

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) CF Dave Roberts/ 3B Adrian Beltre
2) 2B Joe Thurston/ C Paul LoDuca
3) RF Shawn Green/ LF Brian Jordan
4) 1B Richie Sexson/ RF Shawn Green
5) SS Alex Cora/ 1B Richie Sexson
6) LF Brian Jordan/ 2B Jolbert Cabrera
7) 3B Adrian Beltre/ SS Alex Cora
8) C Paul LoDuca/ CF Dave Roberts
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Rotation:
1) Kevin Brown
2) Odalis Perez
3) Hideo Nomo
4) Kazuhisa Ishii
5) Darren Dreifort
Spot: Andy Ashby

Closer: Eric Gagne
Setup: Paul Shuey/ Paul Quantrill
Middle Relief: Guillermo Mota/ Andy Ashby/ Wilson Alvarez
Mopup: Wilson Alvarez

Prediction: 4th place - 81 wins


San Diego Padres

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) LF Rondell White/ SS Ramon Vazquez
2) SS Ramon Vazquez/ 2B Mark Loretta
3) 1B Ryan Klesko/ CF Mark Kotsay
4) C Mike Barrett/ 1B Ryan Klesko
5) CF Mark Kotsay/ LF Rondell White
6) RF Xavier Nady/ RF Xavier Nady
7) 3B Sean Burroughs/ C Mike Barrett
8) 2B Mark Loretta/ 3B Sean Burroughs
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Rotation:
1) Javier Vazquez
2) Adam Eaton
3) Brian Lawrence
4) Oliver Perez
5) Jeremy Affeldt
Spot: Jake Peavy

Closer: Armando Almanza
Setup: Mike Matthews/ Jesse Orosco
Middle Relief: Randy Kiesler/ Jake Peay/ Brandon Villafuerte
Mopup: Brandon Villafuerte

Prediction: 6th place - 66 wins

San Francisco Giants

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) RF Jose Cruz Jr./ 2B Ray Durham
2) CF Preston Wilson/ 1B Andres Galaragga
3) LF Barry Bonds/ LF Barry Bonds
4) 3B Edgardo Alfonzo/ CF Preston Wilson
5) 2B Ray Durham / 3B Edgardo Alfonzo
6) SS Rich Aurilia/ SS Rich Aurilia
7) C Benito Santiago/ RF Jose Cruz Jr.
8) 1B J.T. Snow/ C Benito Santago
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Rotation:
1) Jason Schmidt
2) Damian Moss
3) Kirk Reuter
4) Jesse Foppert
5) Kurt Ainsworth
Spot: Ryan Jensen

Closer: Felix Rodriguez
Setup: Scott Eyre/ Tim Worrell
Middle Relief: Luis Vizcaino/ Chad Zerbe/ Ryan Jensen
Mopup: Ryan Jensen

Prediction: 1st Place - 91 wins

St. Louis Cardinals

Lineup (vR/vL)
1) SS Edgar Renteria/ SS Edgar Renteria
2) 2B Fernando Vina/ C Mike Redmond
3) LF Albert Pujols/ LF Albert Pujols
4) CF Jim Edmonds/ 3B Scott Rolen
5) 3B Scott Rolen/ CF Jim Edmonds
6) 1B Tino Martinez/ RF Alex Ochoa
7) RF Alex Ochoa/ 1B Tino Martinez
8) C Mike Redmond/ 2B Fernando Vina
9) Pitcher's Spot

Pitching Rotation:
1) Matt Morris
2) Woody Williams
3) Brad Penny
4) Jason Simontacchi
5) Brett Tomko
Spot: Jimmy Journell

Closer: Steve Kline
Setup: Jeff Fassero/ Mike Crudale
Middle Relief: Jimmy Journell/ Gabe Molina/ Lance Painter
Mopup: Lance Painter

Prediction: 3rd Place - 85 wins

[General Mike]

TOP Minor League Systems

# Team Points Top 5 Prospects
1 New York (N) 158 RF Josh Hamilton (3rd), C Justin Huber (11th), P Scott Kazmir (16th), P Aaron Heilman (22nd), SS Jose Reyes (28th)
2 Toronto 139 RF Jayson Werth (4th), P Zach Greinke (12th), CF Jeremy Hermida (20th), RF Gabe Gross (37th), CF Jason Dubois (47th)
3 Cleveland 105 1B Travis Hafner (10th), C Victor Martinez (33rd), 2B Brandon Phillips (36th), P Cliff Lee (40th), LF Jonny Gomes (51st)
4 Minnesota 90 C Joe Mauer (7th), 1B Justin Morneau (17th), P Chin-Hui Tsao (57th), P Adam Johnson (62nd), LF Michael Restovich (65th)
5 Philadelphia 90 1B Prince Fielder (5th), CF Marlon Byrd (41st), P Gavin Floyd (43rd), P Jeff Francis (48th), SS Anderson Machado (66th)
6 Atlanta 78 P Adam Wainwright (13th), SS Wilson Betemit (30th), 1B Adam LaRoche (46th), SS Kelly Johnson (59th), P Matt Wright (84th)
7 Pittsburgh 71 CF Rocco Baldelli (14th), P John VanBenSchoten (53rd), C J.R. House (60th), P Brian Bullington (72nd), P Sean Burnett (75th)
8 San Francisco 68 P Jesse Foppert (6th), 1B Adrian Gonzalez (42nd), P Boof Bonser (58th), P Jerome Williams (68th),
9 Chicago (A) 66 C Miguel Olivo (25th), CF Alexis Gomez (29th), LF Joe Borchard (31st), CF Tony Miller (50th),
10 Baltimore 66 LF Jack Cust (8th), SS B.J. Upton (18th),
11 Seattle 62 LF Chris Snelling (19th), P Clint Nageotte (39th), P Glenn Bott (70th), CF Shin-Soo Choo (78th), P Jimmy Gobble (81st)
12 Chicago (N) 62 1B Hee seop Choi (24th), P Bobby Brownlie (34th), SS Angel Berroa (35th), P Carmen Pignatiello (80th), 3B Brendan Harris (82nd)
13 Anaheim 58 1B Casey Kotchman (2nd), P Dewon Brazelton (61st),
14 Texas 56 3B Mark Teixeira (1st), LF Jason Hart (69th),
15 New York (A) 39 P Brandon Claussen (44th), RF Juan Rivera (63rd), P Ryan Bicondoa (67th), P Charlie Manning (71st), P Mark Phillips (73rd)
16 Los Angeles 38 1B Jason Stokes (9th),
17 St. Louis 37 P Jimmy Journell (23rd), P Justin Pope (49th), P Dan Haren (74th),
18 Detroit 36 P Jeremy Bonderman (15th), P Ian Ferguson (79th),
19 Cincinnati 28 P Josh Karp (27th), P Bobby Basham (76th), LF Wily mo Pena (93rd), P Jon Switzer (96th),
20 Arizona 24 3B Garrett Atkins (38th), P Edgar Gonzalez (55th),
21 San Diego 22 RF Xavier Nady (45th), CF Dave Krynzel (52nd),
22 Oakland 21 P Rich Harden (21st),
23 Houston 21 C J.D. Closser (26th), C John Buck (95th),
24 Boston 20 SS Hanley Ramirez (32nd), 2B Angel Santos (83rd), P David Pahucki (99th),

[General Mike]

April 2003 Report

As soon as I start simming, I get an e-mail from 3 players announcing that 2003 will be their last season. Util IF Jay Bell, SP David Cone and Reliever John Franco.

To give the minor leaguers some breathing room, 8 players were released: 2B Marco Scutaro (AAA); 1B Jorge Toca (AAA); P Jason Saenz (AA); CF Esix Snead (AA); SS Jorge Velandia (AA); RF Rob Malek (AA); SS Corey Ragsdale (A); 3B Shawn Bowman (A)

Disabled List: The following players started the year on the DL:
SP Pedro Astacio
SP Denny Neagle
MR John Franco
MR Grant Roberts
MR Tyler Yates


The Bench: I posted the starting lineup in a previous part of this thread, but here are the bench players:

C Vance Wilson - good fielding catcher who can fill in when necessary
1B Mo Vaughn - will DH in interleague games
Util IF Jay Bell - the only player besides Rey Sanchez who can play SS on the major league roster
Util IF/ Corner OF - Ty Wiggington - A Professional Hitter, this rookie needs to work on his Defense if he ever wants to be a fulltime player.
OF Roger Cedeno - One of the worst defensive OFers in baseball, but a decent hitter. The Fastest player on the Mets ML roster

Midway thru the month, Denny Neagle and Grant Roberts recovered from their injuries and replaced Jae Seo and Graeme Lloyd on the ML roster, and Tyler Yates was sent down to AAA to work on his stuff. Pedro Astacio also was activated from the DL, and replaced David Cone on the ML roster. Cone accepted his designation to AAA.

Strange Transactions

The following players were released before the start of the season:

Boston: Released P Mike Timlin, he refused assignment to minors.
Baltimore: Released LF Melvin Mora.
Baltimore: Released P Rick Helling.
Baltimore: Released P Travis Driskill.
Baltimore: Released P Richard Bartlett.
Baltimore: Released P Matt Bolander.
Baltimore: Released P Matt Riley.
Boston: Released 1B Dave Nilsson.
Boston: Released 1B Juan Diaz.
Boston: Released P Bronson Arroyo.
Boston: Released P Ryan Rupe.
Boston: Released P John Lester.
Boston: Released P Matt Thompson.
Boston: Released P Juan Cedeno.
Boston: Released P Tyler Pelland.
Boston: Released P Jorge De La Rosa.
Boston: Released P Chris Smith.
Boston: Released P Anastacio Martinez.
Boston: Released P Jerome Gamble.
Boston: Released P Luis Mendoza.
Boston: Released P Hector Almonte.
Boston: Released P Wayne Gomes.
Cleveland: Released P Dave Burba.
Cleveland: Released P Matthew Haynes.
Cleveland: Released P Jason Beverlin.
Cleveland: Released P Shane Wallace.
Cleveland: Released P Dan Denham.
Cleveland: Released P Lance Carraciolli.
Cleveland: Released P Keith Ramsey.
Cleveland: Released P Kyle Denney.
Detroit: Released RF Corey Richardson.
Detroit: Released P Steve Sparks.
Detroit: Released P Seth Greisinger.
Detroit: Released P Tommy Marx.
Detroit: Released P Shane Loux.
Detroit: Released P Robert Novoa.
Detroit: Released P Jeremy Johnson.
Detroit: Released P Terry Pearson.
New York (A): Released LF Mitch Jones.
New York (A): Released LF Bubba Trammell.
New York (A): Released P Jose Valdez.
New York (A): Released P Adrian Hernandez.
New York (A): Released P Alex Graman.
New York (A): Released P David Martinez.
Toronto: Released P Tanyon Sturtze.
Toronto: Released P Trever Miller.
Toronto: Released P Vince Perkins.
Toronto: Released P Justin Miller.
Toronto: Released P Gustavo Chacin.
Toronto: Released P Brandon League.
Toronto: Released P Tracy Thorpe.
Toronto: Released P Doug Linton.
Toronto: Released P Jeff Tam.
Toronto: Released P Brian Bowles.
Anaheim: Released 2B H.J. Kendrick.
Anaheim: Released CF Eric Owens.
Anaheim: Released CF Julio Ramirez.
Anaheim: Released P Kevin Jepsen.
Anaheim: Released P Rafael Rodriguez.
Anaheim: Released P Phil Wilson.
Anaheim: Released P Scott Hindman.
Anaheim: Released P Joe Torres.
Anaheim: Released P Dave Wolensky.
Anaheim: Released P Rich Rodriguez.
Chicago (A): Released P Brian Cooper.
Chicago (A): Released P Mitch Wylie.
Chicago (A): Released P Daniel Haigwood.
Chicago (A): Released P Corwin Malone.
Chicago (A): Released P Dennis Ulacia.
Chicago (A): Released P Brian West.
Chicago (A): Released P Ryan Wing.
Chicago (A): Released P Mike Porzio.
Chicago (A): Released P Tom Jacquez.
Minnesota: Released P Everett Stull.
Minnesota: Released P Tim Henkenjohann.
Minnesota: Released P Joe Foote.
Minnesota: Released P Brad Thomas.
Minnesota: Released 3B Shane Andrews.
Oakland: Released 1B Brant Colamarino.
Oakland: Released LF Brian Sellier.
Oakland: Released P Erik Hiljus.
Oakland: Released P Mike Wood.
Oakland: Released P Ed Yarnall.
Seattle: Released P Sam Hays.
Seattle: Released P Kendall Bergdall.
Seattle: Released P Bobby Madritsch.
Seattle: Released P Rett Johnson.
Seattle: Released P Ken Cloude.
Seattle: Released P Russ Morgan.
Seattle: Released P Matt Thornton.
Texas: Released C Chad Kreuter.
Texas: Released P Doug Davis.
Texas: Released P Ryan Drese.
Texas: Released P Mario Ramos.
Texas: Released P Sam Narron.
Texas: Released P Brian Shouse.
Texas: Released P Robert Ellis.
Atlanta: Released LF Jesse Garcia.
Atlanta: Released P Bryan Digby.
Atlanta: Released P Horacio Ramirez.
Atlanta: Released P John Ennis.
Atlanta: Released P Brett Evert.
Atlanta: Released P Joey Dawley.
Chicago (N): Released LF Lenny Harris.
Chicago (N): Released LF Troy O'Leary.
Chicago (N): Released P Phil Norton.
Chicago (N): Released P Alan Benes.
Chicago (N): Released P John Leicester.
Chicago (N): Released P Felix Sanchez.
Chicago (N): Released P Renyel Pinto.
Chicago (N): Released P Billy Petrick.
Chicago (N): Released P Sergio Mitre.
Chicago (N): Released P Steve Smyth.
Chicago (N): Released P Aaron Small.
Chicago (N): Released C Mike Mahoney.
Cincinnati: Released P Pete Harnisch.
Cincinnati: Released P Seth Etherton.
Cincinnati: Released P Jimmy Anderson.
Cincinnati: Released P Jimmy Haynes.
Cincinnati: Released P Ryan Mottl.
Cincinnati: Released P Brian Reith.
Cincinnati: Released P Casey DeHart.
Cincinnati: Released P O.J. King.
Cincinnati: Released P Scott Dunn.
Cincinnati: Released P Jose Acevedo.
Cincinnati: Released P Jose Rijo.
Cincinnati: Released P Josias Manzanillo.
Cincinnati: Released P Kent Mercker.
Cincinnati: Released P Mark Watson.
Cincinnati: Released P Sean Depaula.
Cincinnati: Released P Jeff Austin.
Philadelphia: Released P Keith Bucktrot.
Philadelphia: Released P Martire Franco.
Philadelphia: Released P Amaury Telemaco.
Philadelphia: Released P Rob Tejada.
Philadelphia: Released P Seung Lee.
Philadelphia: Released P Ezequiel Astacio.
Philadelphia: Released P Brad Baisley.
Philadelphia: Released P Erick Arteaga.
Pittsburgh: Released LF Bobby Kingsbury.
Pittsburgh: Released P Jeff Suppan.
Pittsburgh: Released P Patrick O'Brien.
Pittsburgh: Released P Mike Gonzalez.
Pittsburgh: Released P Jason Sharber.
Pittsburgh: Released P Brian Meadows.
Pittsburgh: Released P Bobby Bradley.
Pittsburgh: Released P Josh Shortslef.
Pittsburgh: Released P Jonathan Albakdejo.
Pittsburgh: Released P Salomon Torres.
Pittsburgh: Released P Matt Herges.
Pittsburgh: Released P Pat Mahomes.
Pittsburgh: Released P Mike Holtz.
Arizona: Released 3B Chris Donnels.
Arizona: Released LF Mark Little.
Arizona: Released P Bill White.
Arizona: Released P Stephen Randolph.
Arizona: Released P Ryan Holsten.
Arizona: Released P John Patterson.
Arizona: Released P Dustin Nippert.
Arizona: Released P Mike Schultz.
Arizona: Released P Phil Stockman.
Arizona: Released P Gregori Aquino.
Arizona: Released P Armando Reynoso.
Arizona: Released P Scott Service.
Arizona: Released 2B Carlos Baerga, he refused assignment to minors.
Houston: Released RF Kyle Logan.
Houston: Released P Brian Moehler.
Houston: Released P Jared Fernandez.
Houston: Released P Anthony Pluta.
Houston: Released P Chance Douglass.
Houston: Released P Mike Burns.
Houston: Released P Anthony Telford.
Los Angeles: Released 3B Ron Coomer.
Los Angeles: Released 3B Chris Clapinski.
Los Angeles: Released 3B Marty Malloy.
Los Angeles: Released P Wilson Alvarez.
Los Angeles: Released P Calvin Maduro.
Los Angeles: Released P Greg Miller.
Los Angeles: Released P Scott Proctor.
Los Angeles: Released P Rodney Myers.
Los Angeles: Released P Tom Martin.
Los Angeles: Released P Troy Brohawn.
Los Angeles: Released P Bryan Corey.
Los Angeles: Released P Agustin Montero.
Los Angeles: Released CF Calvin Murray.
San Diego: Released 2B Keith Lockhart.
San Diego: Released 2B Homer Bush.
San Diego: Released P Carlton Loewer.
San Diego: Released P Brian Tollberg.
San Diego: Released P Charles Nagy.
San Diego: Released P Luther Hackman.
San Francisco: Released P Brian Powell.
San Francisco: Released P Matt Cain.
San Francisco: Released P John Thomas.
San Francisco: Released SS Cody Ransom.
San Francisco: Released LF Marvin Benard.
St. Louis: Released 3B Miguel Cairo.
St. Louis: Released LF Orlando Palmeiro.
St. Louis: Released LF Todd Dunwoody.
St. Louis: Released P Garrett Stephenson.
St. Louis: Released P Nick Stocks.
St. Louis: Released P Josh Pearce.
St. Louis: Released P Cheyenne Janke.
St. Louis: Released P Les Walrond.
St. Louis: Released P Shane Reedy.
St. Louis: Released P Cal Eldred.

And here are some more of the illogical releases throughtout the season:
Texas: Released LF Ruben Sierra, he refused assignment to minors.
San Francisco: Released 1B Andres Galarraga, he refused assignment to minors.
Anaheim: Released DH Shawn Wooten.
Anaheim: Released DH Brad Fullmer, he refused assignment to minors.
Arizona: Released 1B Mark Grace, he refused assignment to minors
Baltimore: Released 1B Jeff Conine, he refused assignment to minors.
San Diego: Released P Jesse Orosco, he refused assignment to minors.
Atlanta: Released P Jason Marquis.
Seattle: Released 1B John Olerud, he refused assignment to minors.
Baltimore: Released P Omar Daal.
Seattle: Released 1B John Olerud, he refused assignment to minors.

Alot of headshakers after the opening day fat trimming. Daal and Olerud weren't playing well, but they made good money and have good ratings, especially Olerud. Anaheim releasing not only Wooten, but Fullmer as well is just insanity.

Free Agent Signings

Texas: Free agent LF David Justice has been signed to a contract of $1,379,000 per year, for 1 year.
Chicago (A): Free agent P Vladimir Nunez has been signed to a contract of $642,200 per year, for 1 year.
Texas: Free agent CF Endy Chavez has been signed to a contract of $874,000 per year, for 1 year.
New York (A): Free agent P Dave Maurer has been signed to a contract of $437,000 per year, for 1 year.
Boston: Free agent DH Brad Fullmer has been signed to a contract of $836,000 per year, for 1 year.
Arizona: Free agent 1B Olmedo Saenz has been signed to a contract of $334,400 per year, for 1 year.

Trades

3 Significant Trades in the early season action:

Trade between Chicago (N) and Oakland :
Oakland gets :
LF Moises Alou
2B Jermel Spearman
1B Micah Hoffpauir
Chicago (N) gets :
1B Erubiel Durazo

Trade between Toronto and Cincinnati :
Cincinnati gets :
P Roy Halladay
C John Schneider
RF Justin Owens
Toronto gets :
RF Austin Kearns

Trade between Cleveland and San Francisco :
San Francisco gets :
1B Travis Hafner
Cleveland gets :
P Jesse Foppert
LF Dan Ortmeier

League wide Achievments and Major Injuries

4/1/2003 - Barry Bonds hits 3 HRs against Arizona; Johnson starts for Arizona
4/5/2003 - Andy Pettite pitches no-hitter against Baltimore. Jeter goes 3 for 4, 1 2B.
4/5/2003 - Sammy Sosa hits his 500th HR against Cincinnati in 1st inning. HR comes off Paul Wilson.
4/6/2003 - Kerry Wood out for 5 weeks with Pulled Rotator Cuff Muscle.
4/7/2003 - NY Yankees' Jason Giambi named AL player of the week. Giambi hits .476 with 2 HRs and 11 RBI.
4/7/2003 - San Francisco's Barry Bonds named NL player of the Week. Bonds hits .579 with 11 RBI and slugged 1.789 in 19 ABs
4/7/2003 - Minnesota LF Bobby Kielty out for season. Broken Foot is the diagnosis.
4/14/2003. Boston's David Ortiz and Chicago's Sammy Sosa named player of the week. Ortiz hit .563 with 3 HRs and 8 RBI. Sosa hits .360 with 5 HRs and 9 RBI
4/20/2003 - Philly's Pat Burrell out for 4-5 weeks with Pulled Calf Muscle.
4/21/2003 - Yankees' Jorge Posada and Houston's Lance Berkman win player of the Week awards. Posada hit .579 with 6 RBI. Berkman goes 9 for 21 (.429) with 5 HRs and 8 RBI.
4/28/2003 - Detroit's Ian Ferguson and Los Angeles' Odalis Perez win Player of the Week awards. Ferguson was 2-0 with 2 shutouts in the past week. Perez was 2-0 with a 0.52 ERA, 15 strikeouts in 17.1 innings.
4/29/2003 - Chicago (A)'s Esteban Loaiza tears tricep muscle, will miss 5-6 weeks.
4/30/2003 - Seattle's Edgar Martinez ropes 2000th hit against Toronto. Aquilino Lopez allowed the historical hit.
5/1/2003 - Boston's Nomar Garciaparra was named the AL Batter of the Month. Nomar went 36 for 108 (.333) with 10 HRs and 31 RBI. The NL named Philadelphia's Jim Thome its Batter of the Month for April. In 82 ABs, Thome hit .390 with 11 HRs and 32 RBI.
5/1/2003 - Chicago (A)'s Mark Buehrle is the American League's Pitcher of the Month. Mark's stats: 5-1, 2.08 ERA, 31 Ks in 31 innings. The NL's Pitcher of the Month is the NY Mets' Tom Glavine. In 50 innings this Month, Tom was 6-1 with a 0.90 ERA and 1 shutout.

[General Mike]

Team Power Ranking and Standings

Team Power Rankings (as of 4/28/2003)

RANK (Last Week) Team Points Tendency Record PCT AVG ERA Pyt.Rec Diff
1st (1st) New York (A) 131 o 18-7 .720 .270 3.96 15-10 3
2nd (6th) Los Angeles 127 ++ 18-9 .667 .268 3.33 17-10 1
3rd (11th) Minnesota 113 ++ 15-10 .600 .258 4.38 13-12 2
4th (13th) Philadelphia 113 ++ 15-10 .600 .277 3.55 16-9 -1
5th (3rd) Chicago (N) 112 - 16-10 .615 .253 3.65 15-11 1
6th (5th) Anaheim 108 - 15-11 .577 .267 4.13 15-11 0
7th (7th) Pittsburgh 107 o 16-11 .593 .246 3.63 15-12 1
8th (4th) Chicago (A) 105 -- 14-10 .583 .261 4.14 14-10 0
9th (2nd) New York (N) 104 -- 15-11 .577 .270 4.19 15-11 0
10th (9th) Toronto 102 - 15-12 .556 .240 4.20 13-14 2
11th (16th) Houston 98 ++ 13-12 .520 .248 4.31 13-12 0
12th (12th) Seattle 94 o 13-13 .500 .241 3.54 12-14 1
13th (10th) Cleveland 94 -- 13-12 .520 .260 3.72 13-12 0
14th (8th) Arizona 92 -- 13-12 .520 .302 4.47 14-11 -1
15th (21st) Boston 90 ++ 12-13 .480 .250 4.53 13-12 -1
16th (14th) Atlanta 84 - 12-13 .480 .247 4.35 11-14 1
17th (15th) Oakland 68 - 10-15 .400 .239 4.00 12-13 -2
18th (20th) Cincinnati 65 + 9-15 .375 .249 5.14 10-14 -1
19th (19th) Texas 63 o 10-16 .385 .255 5.02 12-14 -2
20th (22nd) Baltimore 63 + 9-16 .360 .262 5.85 10-15 -1
21st (18th) San Francisco 61 -- 9-16 .360 .239 4.07 12-13 -3
22nd (17th) San Diego 58 -- 9-17 .346 .234 4.56 9-17 0
23rd (24th) St. Louis 55 + 8-17 .320 .250 6.14 6-19 2
24th (23rd) Detroit 52 - 8-17 .320 .223 3.56 10-15 -2

Standings

[General Mike]

Mets April Review

The Mets had a good April, going 16-11, but they have some starting pitching questions. Besides Pitcher of the Month recipient Tom Glavine, the rest of the Starting pitchers have been hit hard. David Cone, Jae Seo, Steve Trachsel and Denny Neagle have allowed a combined 56 runs in 82.2 innings, for a 5.81 ERA. The bullpen has been much better, with Dave Weathers, Graeme Lloyd, Scott Strickland and Armando Benitez all under the 3.00 mark.

The Mets offense has been very good, 4th in the majors in batting average, 3rd in runs scored. Mets are 16th in team HRs with 28, but 2nd in team SBs with 25.

[General Mike]

May 2003 Report

I'll start off with the miscellaneous transactions that happened in May.

Thursday 5/1/2003 :

Atlanta: Released P Darren Holmes, he refused assignment to minors.

Monday 5/5/2003 :

San Francisco: Released CF Marquis Grissom, he refused assignment to minors.
Baltimore: Released C Izzy Molina.
Cleveland: Released LF Nate Grindell.
Detroit: Released P Steve Avery.
Cincinnati: Released P John Koronka.
Philadelphia: Released 3B David Bell.
San Francisco: Released 1B Damon Minor.
St. Louis: Released P Dustin Hermanson.
Toronto: Free agent LF David McCarty has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Released 1B Kevin Young, he refused assignment to minors.

Tuesday 5/6/2003 :

Oakland: Released LF Ron Gant, he refused assignment to minors.

Monday 5/12/2003 :

Houston: Released CF Craig Biggio, he refused assignment to minors.
Cleveland: Released C Tim Laker.
Detroit: Released P Tim Kalita.
Toronto: Released SS Mike Bordick.
Minnesota: Released C Tom Prince.
Atlanta: Released C Mike Hubbard.
Chicago (N): Released P Rod Beck.
Arizona: Released P Ricky Bottalico.
Detroit: Free agent P Dennis Cook has been signed to a contract of $574,600 per year, for 1 year.
San Diego: Free agent 3B Jared Sandberg has been signed to a contract of $307,800 per year, for 1 year.

Wednesday 5/14/2003 :

Arizona: Released 3B Matt Williams, he refused assignment to minors.

Friday 5/16/2003 :

New York (A): Released 3B Todd Zeile, he refused assignment to minors.
Chicago (N): Released 1B Eric Karros, he refused assignment to minors.

Monday 5/19/2003 :

Detroit: Released P Jeff Farnsworth.
Detroit: Released LF Craig Paquette.
Oakland: Released 1B Graham Koonce.
Houston: Released 3B Tripp Cromer.
Seattle: Free agent P Ruben Quevedo has been signed to a minor league contract.
Seattle: Free agent C Garret Gentry has been signed to a minor league contract.

Monday 5/26/2003 :

Cincinnati: Released 1B Russ Branyan.
Philadelphia: Released P Terry Adams.
Philadelphia: Released C Jesse Levis.
Arizona: Released RF Felix Jose.
Arizona: Released P Eddie Oropesa.
Philadelphia: Free agent SS John Valentin has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 year.
Baltimore: Free agent P Juan Alvarez has been signed to a contract of $463,600 per year, for 1 year.
Baltimore: Released P Pat Hentgen, he refused assignment to minors.
Boston: Free agent 1B John Olerud has been signed to a contract of $2,859,100 per year, for 1 year.

Injuries

Sunday 5/4/2003 :

CLE: Chad Paronto was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Broken Elbow.
He will be OK in about 9 weeks.

Tuesday 5/6/2003 :

CHA: Alexis Gomez was injured while making a catch.
Diagnosis: Bruised Neck.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 4 days.
PHI: Todd Pratt was injured being hit by a pitch.
Diagnosis: Bruised Jaw.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 6 days.


Wednesday 5/7/2003 :

ANA: Garret Anderson was injured while making a catch.
Diagnosis: Stiff Neck.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 days.
SEA: Kazuhiro Sasaki was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Sore Shoulder.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 4 days.
CHA: Jose Valentin was injured being hit by a pitch.
Diagnosis: Bruised Jaw.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 6 days.

Friday 5/9/2003 :

ANA: Ramon Ortiz was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Herniated Disc Back.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.


Saturday 5/17/2003 :

LAN: Richie Sexson was injured being hit by a pitch.
Diagnosis: Broken Skull.
He will be OK in about 9 weeks.

Monday 5/20/2003 :
HOU: Shawn Chacon was injured when he was hit by a line drive.
Diagnosis: Broken Jaw.
He is out for about 4 weeks.


Thursday 5/22/2003 :

CHN: Erubiel Durazo was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Torn Abdominal Muscle.
This is a career ending injury for him!
PHI: Vicente Padilla was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Pulled Rotator Cuff Muscle.
He is out for about 10 weeks.


Friday 5/23/2003 :

TOR: Cliff Politte was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Tricep Muscle.
He will be OK in about 7 weeks.
LAN: Odalis Perez was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Bone Chips Shoulder.
He is definitely out for the season!
NYA: Alfonso Soriano was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Pulled Hip Muscle.
He will be OK in about one week.

Monday 5/26/2003 :

BAL: Jason Johnson was injured when he was hit by a line drive.
Diagnosis: Broken Cheekbone.
He is out for about 6 weeks.

Tuesday 5/27/2003 :

SLN: Mike Matheny was injured in a collision at home plate.
Diagnosis: Broken Hand.
He is out for about 5 weeks.

League Achievments

Monday 5/5/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
CF Bernie Williams (NYA)!
He batted .421 in 19 AB, with 3 HR and 8 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
1B Ryan Klesko (SDN)!
He batted .480 in 25 AB, with 5 HR and 11 RBI.

Friday 5/9/2003 :

HOU: Jeff Bagwell gets his 2000th career hit!!

Monday 5/12/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
RF Matt Lawton (CLE)!
He batted .480 in 25 AB, with 2 HR and 5 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
P Greg Maddux (ATL)!
He won 2 games, with one shutout, pitched 15.1 innings
with an ERA of 0.59, fanning 8.

Saturday 5/17/2003 :

TEX: Rafael Palmeiro hits his 500th career homer!!

Monday 5/19/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
1B Carlos Delgado (TOR)!
He batted .450 in 20 AB, with 3 HR and 7 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
3B Aramis Ramirez (PIT)!
He batted .500 in 22 AB, with 2 HR and 4 RBI.

Saturday 5/24/2003 :

HOU: Brian Hunter hits for the cycle against Baltimore!

Monday 5/26/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
P Mike Mussina (NYA)!
He won 2 games, with one shutout, pitched 16 innings
with an ERA of 1.69, fanning 13.
National League-Player of the Week:
1B Todd Helton (CIN)!
He batted .400 in 25 AB, with 4 HR and 9 RBI.
SFN: Barry Bonds gets his 2500th career hit!!

Saturday 6/1/2003 :

American League-Pitcher of the Month:
Jeff Weaver (NYA)!
He had a record of 5-0 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 1.30 and 1 shutouts.
American League-Batter of the Month:
Jay Gibbons (BAL)!
He batted .298 in 94 AB, with 10 homers and 26 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month:
Denny Neagle (NYN)!
He had a record of 5-1 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 1.67.
National League-Batter of the Month:
Jim Thome (PHI)!
He batted .299 in 87 AB, with 13 homers and 29 RBI.

[General Mike]

Team Standings and Power Rankings

Standings

 American League Standings 
 
Eastern Division 
 
Team W L PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
New York (A) 39 17 .696 - 33-23 6   20-9 19-8 3-1 10-5 98 L1 5-5 
Toronto 31 26 .544 8.5 31-26 0   16-13 15-13 3-5 9-10 - W1 7-3 
Boston 26 28 .481 12.0 28-26 -2   15-13 11-15 4-4 7-9 - W1 2-8 
Baltimore 26 30 .464 13.0 24-32 2   15-13 11-17 6-4 12-6 - L1 4-6 
Cleveland 23 33 .411 16.0 24-32 -1   10-19 13-14 4-5 8-13 - L1 5-5 
Detroit 19 36 .345 19.5 20-35 -1   12-16 7-20 1-6 7-12 - W1 3-7 
 
Western Division 
 
Team W L PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Minnesota 31 24 .564 - 30-25 1   18-9 13-15 3-5 16-9 106 W2 6-4 
Chicago (A) 29 26 .527 2.0 28-27 1   17-10 12-16 6-3 9-8 - L1 5-5 
Anaheim 29 28 .509 3.0 31-26 -2   13-13 16-15 4-3 8-11 - L3 6-4 
Texas 27 29 .482 4.5 28-28 -1   14-14 13-15 0-2 6-8 - W1 6-4 
Seattle 27 30 .474 5.0 26-31 1   13-14 14-16 4-2 10-8 - L1 2-8 
Oakland 24 32 .429 7.5 27-29 -3   12-17 12-15 1-2 7-9 - W1 4-6 
 
National League Standings 
 
Eastern Division 
 
Team W L PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Philadelphia 36 21 .632 - 38-19 -2   16-12 20-9 4-2 11-8 102 L1 6-4 
New York (N) 32 25 .561 4.0 31-26 1   15-13 17-12 2-5 11-7 - L1 6-4 
Pittsburgh 31 25 .554 4.5 32-24 -1   18-10 13-15 5-2 10-7 - L2 5-5 
Atlanta 30 25 .545 5.0 27-28 3   15-12 15-13 2-4 12-8 - L1 6-4 
Chicago (N) 27 29 .482 8.5 26-30 1   15-15 12-14 2-5 9-12 - W3 5-5 
Cincinnati 22 33 .400 13.0 25-30 -3   9-18 13-15 1-3 4-10 - L3 3-7 
 
Western Division 
 
Team W L PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Los Angeles 34 22 .607 - 33-23 1   16-10 18-12 5-1 13-6 101 W1 6-4 
Houston 29 28 .509 5.5 30-27 -1   17-12 12-16 1-4 8-10 - W1 4-6 
San Francisco 27 28 .491 6.5 29-26 -2   12-15 15-13 6-1 7-14 - W1 7-3 
San Diego 25 32 .439 9.5 24-33 1   14-16 11-16 3-3 12-12 - L1 6-4 
Arizona 24 32 .429 10.0 27-29 -3   12-17 12-15 4-3 7-12 - W1 4-6 
St. Louis 23 32 .418 10.5 19-36 4   15-12 8-20 4-3 6-5 - W6 7-3 
 

Team Power Rankings

RANK (Last Week) Team Points Tendency Record PCT AVG ERA Pyt.Rec Diff
1st (1st) New York (A) 125 o 39-17 .696 .255 3.66 33-23 6
2nd (2nd) Philadelphia 116 o 36-21 .632 .270 3.64 38-19 -2
3rd (3rd) Los Angeles 111 o 34-22 .607 .257 3.54 33-23 1
4th (10th) Minnesota 104 ++ 31-24 .564 .243 3.65 30-25 1
5th (4th) New York (N) 103 - 32-25 .561 .264 3.85 31-26 1
6th (5th) Toronto 102 - 31-26 .544 .257 4.11 31-26 0
7th (7th) Atlanta 100 o 30-25 .545 .255 3.88 27-28 3
8th (6th) Pittsburgh 99 - 31-25 .554 .246 3.57 32-24 -1
9th (11th) Chicago (A) 95 + 29-26 .527 .258 4.35 28-27 1
10th (8th) Anaheim 93 - 29-28 .509 .262 3.88 31-26 -2
11th (16th) San Francisco 92 ++ 27-28 .491 .233 3.82 29-26 -2
12th (12th) Houston 90 o 29-28 .509 .261 4.14 30-27 -1
13th (13th) Texas 89 o 27-29 .482 .253 4.63 28-28 -1
14th (17th) Chicago (N) 88 ++ 27-29 .482 .242 4.06 26-30 1
15th (23rd) St. Louis 82 ++ 23-32 .418 .251 5.29 19-36 4
16th (9th) Baltimore 82 -- 26-30 .464 .250 4.57 24-32 2
17th (22nd) San Diego 81 ++ 25-32 .439 .243 4.13 24-33 1
18th (14th) Boston 81 -- 26-28 .481 .247 4.07 28-26 -2
19th (15th) Seattle 79 -- 27-30 .474 .236 3.84 26-31 1
20th (18th) Arizona 75 - 24-32 .429 .275 4.56 27-29 -3
21st (21st) Oakland 75 o 24-32 .429 .239 4.21 27-29 -3
22nd (19th) Cleveland 74 -- 23-33 .411 .242 3.95 24-32 -1
23rd (20th) Cincinnati 67 -- 22-33 .400 .249 4.49 25-30 -3
24th (24th) Detroit 58 o 19-36 .345 .218 4.03 20-35 -1

American League Leaders

Batting Average
1 P. Konerko (CHA) .338
2 G. Anderson (ANA) .316
3 A. Gonzalez (BAL) .315

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 E. Hinske (TOR) 1.049
2 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 1.040
3 R. Palmeiro (TEX) 1.007

Home Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 20
2 J. Gibbons (BAL) 15
2 R. Palmeiro (TEX) 15
2 M. Ordonez (CHA) 15
2 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 15

Doubles
1 G. Anderson (ANA) 23
2 I. Rodriguez (CHA) 22
3 P. Konerko (CHA) 21

Triples
1 G. Kingsale (DET) 7
2 L. Rivas (MIN) 6
2 C. Crawford (DET) 6

Runs Batted In
1 J. Gibbons (BAL) 47
2 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 45
2 R. Palmeiro (TEX) 45

Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 44
2 E. Hinske (TOR) 40
2 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 40

Stolen Bases
1 A. Soriano (NYA) 18
1 D. Erstad (ANA) 18
3 J. Damon (BOS) 13
3 C. Beltran (BAL) 13

Wins
1 J. Weaver (NYA) 9
2 M. Buehrle (CHA) 8
3 M. Redman (TEX) 7

Earned Run Average
1 D. Baez (CLE) 1.95
2 J. Weaver (NYA) 2.02
3 A. Burnett (TEX) 2.29

Strikeouts
1 P. Martinez (BOS) 117
2 B. Zito (OAK) 84
3 J. Foppert (CLE) 78

Saves
1 M. Rivera (NYA) 14
1 E. Guardado (MIN) 14
3 K. Sasaki (SEA) 13

National League Leaders

Batting Average
1 J. Thome (PHI) .343
2 L. Castillo (PHI) .340
3 E. Renteria (SLN) .336

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 J. Thome (PHI) 1.317
2 B. Bonds (SFN) 1.270
3 L. Berkman (HOU) 1.024

Home Runs
1 J. Thome (PHI) 24
2 S. Sosa (CHN) 21
3 B. Bonds (SFN) 18

Doubles
1 R. Alomar (NYN) 21
2 S. Rolen (SLN) 20
3 M. Lowell (NYN) 19

Triples
1 E. Renteria (SLN) 7
2 R. Durham (SFN) 6
3 J. Edmonds (SLN) 5
3 B. Hunter (HOU) 5
3 O. Cabrera (PIT) 5
3 F. Vina (SLN) 5

Runs Batted In
1 J. Thome (PHI) 61
2 S. Sosa (CHN) 52
2 A. Ramirez (PIT) 52

Runs
1 J. Thome (PHI) 53
2 B. Abreu (PHI) 44
3 R. Klesko (SDN) 42

Stolen Bases
1 L. Castillo (PHI) 23
2 B. Abreu (PHI) 16
2 D. Roberts (LAN) 16

Wins
1 T. Glavine (NYN) 10
2 K. Millwood (PHI) 9
3 R. Oswalt (HOU) 8

Earned Run Average
1 O. Perez (LAN) 1.91
2 T. Glavine (NYN) 2.21
3 J. Beckett (PIT) 2.26

Strikeouts
1 R. Johnson (ARI) 106
1 C. Schilling (ARI) 106
3 R. Oswalt (HOU) 89

Saves
1 A. Benitez (NYN) 15
1 E. Gagne (LAN) 15
1 M. Remlinger (CHN) 15

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by General Mike

Houston: Released CF Craig Biggio, he refused assignment to minors.

NOOOO!!!!!!

Friday 5/9/2003 :

HOU: Jeff Bagwell gets his 2000th career hit!!

Alright, and on my birthday too!

[General Mike]

Originally posted by JeeberD
NOOOO!!!!!!




Alright, and on my birthday too!

Glad to see someone is reading my dynasty. Makes me feel like I'm doing something good. I do hate the fact where OOTP releases veteran players who are nearing the end of their careers.

Just a general question to throw out to everyon reading this dynasty; Is there any kind of info you would like to see more of?

[General Mike]

May 2003 Mets Review

The Mets offense continued its high level performance again in May, but different players led the offense this time. In April, the offense was paced by 3B Mike Lowell and his .390 average, in May Mike Piazza was on fire, hitting .323 with 9 HRs and 20 RBI. Roberto Alomar also had a good month, hitting .320 with 12 2B, 2 HR and 15 RBI from the leadoff spot. One small hole needs to be filled, CF vs Lefties, and with management wanting to wait til the beginning of 2004 to bring up top prospects Jose Reyes, Aaron Heilman and Josh Hamilton, the Mets may look to a veteran free agent such as Marquis Grissom.

The starting pitching was much better in May, but team management is still concerned about #2 starter Al Leiter. Denny Neagle was able to pick up the slack in May tho, becoming the 2nd straight Mets pitcher to win Pitcher of the Month honors. Tom Glavine continued his strong start to the year, picking up his 10th win of the season on May 30th. Pedro Astacio had a good month after coming off the DL, going 3-2 with a 3.65 ERA, and the bullpen had another good move, with slight exception. Long relievers Grant Roberts and Jaime Cerda continued their rough starts to the season, and are in danger of being sent down to AAA. Jason Middlebrook and Graeme Lloyd are the top candidates to replace them at the major league level, with John Franco set to come off the DL soon, another potential option.

Coming up next, the Amateur Draft...

[General Mike]

Amateur Draft Results

Round 1:

Detroit pick: 2B Rickie Weeks
Pittsburgh pick: P Brad Sullivan
Baltimore pick: RF Delmon Young
San Diego pick: P Kyle Sleeth
Texas pick: CF Lastings Milledge
Chicago (N) pick: P Tim Stauffer
Toronto pick: CF Chris Lubanski
Cincinnati pick: LF Michael Aubrey
Cleveland pick: P Jared Hughes
Philadelphia pick: RF Matt Murton
Chicago (A) pick: C Landon Powell
New York (N) pick: P Andrew Miller
Minnesota pick: P David Aardsma
Houston pick: P Kyle Bakker
Anaheim pick: 3B Aaron Hill
Los Angeles pick: CF Anthony Gwynn
Boston pick: P Jeff Allison
San Francisco pick: P Craig Whitaker
Seattle pick: P Chad Billingsley
Arizona pick: P Jeff Manship
Oakland pick: P Ryan Sweeney
St. Louis pick: P James Houser
New York (A) pick: RF Ryan Harvey
Atlanta pick: P Paul Maholm


Round 2 :

Detroit pick: RF Carlos Quentin
Pittsburgh pick: 3B Conor Jackson
Baltimore pick: 1B Vince Sinisi
San Diego pick: 2B Tim Moss
Texas pick: 3B Lee Mitchell
Chicago (N) pick: 3B Jamie D'Antona
Toronto pick: C Tony Richie
Cincinnati pick: RF Ben Harrison
Cleveland pick: 1B Andy D'Alessio
Philadelphia pick: 1B Brennan Boesch
Chicago (A) pick: CF Michael Bourn
New York (N) pick: 1B Ian Stewart
Minnesota pick: CF Drew Stubbs
Houston pick: SS Sean Rodriguez
Anaheim pick: 1B Michael Johnson
Los Angeles pick: 3B Chad Corona
Boston pick: RF Shane Costa
San Francisco pick: 3B Robert Lane
Seattle pick: C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Arizona pick: C Javi Herrera
Oakland pick: CF Tim Battle
St. Louis pick: C Justin Brashear
New York (A) pick: C Daric Barton
Atlanta pick: 2B Brian Snyder


Round 3 :

Detroit pick: CF Emeel Salem
Pittsburgh pick: 3B Miguel Vega
Baltimore pick: RF Rod Allen
San Diego pick: SS Matt Macri
Texas pick: 2B Chris Snavely
Chicago (N) pick: LF Javon Moran
Toronto pick: SS Philip Stringer
Cincinnati pick: SS Brandon Wood
Cleveland pick: SS Jonathan Fulton
Philadelphia pick: 2B Matt Moses
Chicago (A) pick: 3B Michael Moon
New York (N) pick: P Wes Littleton
Minnesota pick: SS Michael Hollimon
Houston pick: RF Xavier Paul
Anaheim pick: CF Luis Aguiar
Los Angeles pick: LF Michael Rogers
Boston pick: P Jay Sborz
San Francisco pick: RF Dennis Dixon
Seattle pick: SS Adam Jones
Arizona pick: 2B Jorge Quiroz
Oakland pick: RF David Murphy
St. Louis pick: SS Peter Stonard
New York (A) pick: C C.J. Bressoud
Atlanta pick: 3B Eric Duncan


Round 4 :

Detroit pick: C Colt Morton
Pittsburgh pick: C Mitch Maier
Baltimore pick: C Frank White
San Diego pick: P David Purcey
Texas pick: C Robert Coello
Chicago (N) pick: C Scott Leffler
Toronto pick: C Pruden Baeza
Cincinnati pick: C Bart Pletcher
Cleveland pick: C Dale Chamber
Philadelphia pick: P Bob Zimmerman
Chicago (A) pick: C Royce Montemayor
New York (N) pick: 2B Kyle McCulloch
Minnesota pick: C Dominic Howze
Houston pick: C D.J. Lewis
Anaheim pick: C Christopher Hooser
Los Angeles pick: C David Winfree
Boston pick: C Eddy Rodriguez
San Francisco pick: C Harry Campbell
Seattle pick: C Harold Kells
Arizona pick: P Asher Demme
Oakland pick: C Josh Pope
St. Louis pick: C Victor Jordan
New York (A) pick: C Bryan Opdyke
Atlanta pick: P Ryan Smith


Round 5 :

Detroit pick: P Chad Cordero
Pittsburgh pick: P Daniel Moore
Baltimore pick: P Adam Hale
San Diego pick: P Scott Maine
Texas pick: P Matt Brown
Chicago (N) pick: P John Danks
Toronto pick: P Jimmy Barthmaier
Cincinnati pick: P Ian Kennedy
Cleveland pick: P Chuck Tiffany
Philadelphia pick: P Cain Byrd
Chicago (A) pick: P Brian Wilson
New York (N) pick: LF Mickey Hall
Minnesota pick: P Scott Baker
Houston pick: P Anthony Reyes
Anaheim pick: P Chris Ray
Los Angeles pick: P Brad Depoy
Boston pick: P Ryan Feierabend
San Francisco pick: P Mateo Miramontes
Seattle pick: P Todd Nicholas
Arizona pick: P Jacob Stevens
Oakland pick: P Daniel Bard
St. Louis pick: P Matt Nachreiner
New York (A) pick: P Darric Merrell
Atlanta pick: P Josh Smith


Round 6 :

Detroit pick: P Chris Perez
Pittsburgh pick: P Donald Veal
Baltimore pick: P Brant Rustich
San Diego pick: P Quentin Andes
Texas pick: P Steven White
Chicago (N) pick: P Jim Brauer
Toronto pick: P Greg Reynolds
Cincinnati pick: P Jordan Mayer
Cleveland pick: P Ryan Schroyer
Philadelphia pick: P Richie Lentz
Chicago (A) pick: P Doug Frame
New York (N) pick: P Aaron Nathan
Minnesota pick: P Matthew Pike
Houston pick: P Marc Kaiser
Anaheim pick: 3B Myron Leslie
Los Angeles pick: P Cory Van Allen
Boston pick: P Frazer Dizard
San Francisco pick: P Abe Alvarez
Seattle pick: SS Lance Zawadzki
Arizona pick: CF Sam Fuld
Oakland pick: P Matt Farnum
St. Louis pick: P Steve Herce
New York (A) pick: P Blair Erickson
Atlanta pick: P Clark Girardeau


Round 7 :

Detroit pick: P Charles Benoit
Pittsburgh pick: P Tim Gustafson
Baltimore pick: P Adam Miller
San Diego pick: P Jo Jo Reyes
Texas pick: P Darin Downs
Chicago (N) pick: P Bobbie Van
Toronto pick: P Josh Banks
Cincinnati pick: P Derik Olvey
Cleveland pick: P Marcelino Corpuz
Philadelphia pick: RF Daniel Perales
Chicago (A) pick: 2B Trey Webb
New York (N) pick: P Justin Hoyman
Minnesota pick: P David Shinskie
Houston pick: SS Robert Valido
Anaheim pick: P Jon Papelbon
Los Angeles pick: SS Jason Donald
Boston pick: P Logan Kensing
San Francisco pick: P Matt Foster
Seattle pick: P Steven Jackson
Arizona pick: SS Christian Colonel
Oakland pick: P Matt Lynch
St. Louis pick: LF Brad Snyder
New York (A) pick: LF Jeff Leise
Atlanta pick: CF Jeremy Laster


Round 8 :

Detroit pick: P Mikel Thomson
Pittsburgh pick: P Patrick Bresnehan
Baltimore pick: P Brian Marshall
San Diego pick: P Mark Krampitz
Texas pick: SS Sean Henry
Chicago (N) pick: CF Brian Barton
Toronto pick: P Chris Worster
Cincinnati pick: 1B Charles Persinger
Cleveland pick: P Tim Cunningham
Philadelphia pick: P Dennis Dove
Chicago (A) pick: P Thomas Pauly
New York (N) pick: RF Justin Reimers
Minnesota pick: P Dallas Buck
Houston pick: 1B Cirilo Pino
Anaheim pick: P Aaron Marsden
Los Angeles pick: P Fredrick Clark
Boston pick: 2B Mark Palmore
San Francisco pick: P Jason Smith
Seattle pick: CF Adrian Alaniz
Arizona pick: P Rob McCrory
Oakland pick: 2B Dexter Styer
St. Louis pick: 2B Thomas Golson
New York (A) pick: RF William Merz
Atlanta pick: SS David Cash

Mets Draft Analysis

The Mets as an organization needed SP prospects, becuz even tho they have 2 very good prospects in Aaron Heilman and Scott Kazmir, they only had one other pitcher in their top 10 prospects pre draft. And while Jake Joseph fell out of the Mets top 10, 1st and 3rd round picks Andrew Miller and Wes Littleton joined the top 10. 2nd round pick Ian Stewart can also play 3B well, and offensively has an upside potential comparable to Scott Rolen. 2B Kyle McCulloch was the best position player still available in the 4th round, and is a guy who can play SS as well. Probably a future Util player. LF Mickey Hall was another best player still on the board selection, and is probably a future 4th OFer. 6th round selection Aaron Nathan is a pick that was chosen to be trained as a future closer. While not overpowering, he has good control, and knows how to work the zone, very similar to Keith Foulke. SP Justin Hoyman and RF Justin Reimers were picks to add organizational depth where needed.

[DolphinFan1]

I'm reading. Go Red Sox.

[General Mike]

June 2003 Review

June 2003 saw the return of the trade, and most teams releasing 4 to 5 players to make room for their new draft picks.

Transactions

Monday 6/2/2003 :

Baltimore: Released P Dave Crouthers.
Baltimore: Released P Daniel Cabrera.
Baltimore: Released P Richal Acosta.
Boston: Released 1B Larry Sutton.
Boston: Released P Logan Kensing.
Boston: Released P Frazer Dizard.
Boston: Released P Junior Frias.
Boston: Released P Miguel Asencio.
Boston: Released P Manny Delcarmen.
Cleveland: Released P Tim Cunningham.
Cleveland: Released P Fernando Cabrera.
Cleveland: Released P Nick Moran.
Cleveland: Released P Marcelino Corpuz.
Detroit: Released 2B Warren Morris.
Detroit: Released P Mikel Thomson.
Detroit: Released P Humberto Sanchez.
Detroit: Released P Charles Benoit.
New York (A): Released LF Erold Andrus.
New York (A): Released RF Raul Mondesi.
Toronto: Released P Josh Banks.
Toronto: Released P Chris Worster.
Toronto: Released P Neomar Flores.
Anaheim: Released C Ryan Budde.
Anaheim: Released P Aaron Marsden.
Anaheim: Released P Jon Papelbon.
Anaheim: Released P Kyle Pawelczyk.
Chicago (A): Released 2B Leonardo Luna.
Chicago (A): Released 2B Aaron Miles.
Chicago (A): Released P Thomas Pauly.
Chicago (A): Released P Jon Adkins.
Minnesota: Released RF Trent Oeltjen.
Minnesota: Released P Kenny Rogers.
Minnesota: Released P Dallas Buck.
Minnesota: Released P Alexander Smit.
Minnesota: Released P David Shinskie.
Minnesota: Released P Ricky Barrett.
Oakland: Released 2B Jermel Spearman.
Oakland: Released CF Eric Byrnes.
Oakland: Released P Bill Murphy.
Oakland: Released P Matt Lynch.
Oakland: Released P Shane Komine.
Oakland: Released P Eduardo Sierra.
Seattle: Released SS Ramon Castillo.
Seattle: Released CF Chris Colton.
Seattle: Released P Bobby Livingston.
Texas: Released CF Masjid Khairy.
Texas: Released P Nick Regilio.
Texas: Released P Jose Dominguez.
Atlanta: Released CF Miguel Mota.
Atlanta: Released P Kyle Davies.
Atlanta: Released P Clark Girardeau.
Atlanta: Released P Dan Curtis.
Atlanta: Released P Andy Pratt.
Chicago (N): Released LF Midre Cummings.
Chicago (N): Released P Carmen Pignatiello.
Chicago (N): Released P Justin Jones.
Chicago (N): Released P Chadd Blasko.
Chicago (N): Released P Mike Nannini.
Cincinnati: Released CF Emil Brown.
Cincinnati: Released P Daylan Childress.
Cincinnati: Released P Luke Prokopec.
Philadelphia: Released 1B Ryan Barthelemy.
Philadelphia: Released SS Kevin Sefcik.
Philadelphia: Released P Dennis Dove.
Philadelphia: Released P Vinny DeChristofaro.
Philadelphia: Released P Bob Zimmerman.
Pittsburgh: Released P Donald Veal.
Pittsburgh: Released P Tim Gustafson.
Pittsburgh: Released P Patrick Bresnehan.
Pittsburgh: Released P Jeremy Harts.
Arizona: Released P John Allender.
Arizona: Released P Rob McCrory.
Arizona: Released P Matt Henrie.
Arizona: Released P Beltran Perez.
Houston: Released SS Oswaldo Fernando.
Houston: Released P Derick Grigsby.
Houston: Released P Nick Roberts.
Houston: Released P Joey DeLeon.
Los Angeles: Released 3B Willy Aybar.
Los Angeles: Released 3B Victor Diaz.
Los Angeles: Released P Brian Pilkington.
Los Angeles: Released P Zach Hammes.
Los Angeles: Released P Fredrick Clark.
San Diego: Released 2B Mark Loretta.
San Diego: Released P Brad Baker.
San Diego: Released P Randy Keisler.
San Diego: Released P Sean Thompson.
San Diego: Released P David Pauley.
San Diego: Released P Josh Reynolds.
San Diego: Released P Mark Krampitz.
San Francisco: Released P Jason Smith.
San Francisco: Released P Ryan Jensen.
San Francisco: Released P Matt Foster.
San Francisco: Released P Carlos Portorreal.
St. Louis: Released LF Jon Nunnally.
St. Louis: Released LF Skip Schumaker.
Seattle: Free agent 1B Travis Lee has been signed to a minor league contract.

Sunday 6/8/2003 :

Trade between Seattle and Minnesota :
Minnesota gets :
2B Ron Wright
Seattle gets :
P LaTroy Hawkins
CF Drew Stubbs
3B Omar Burgos

Minnesota gives up some of their bullpen depth, and a good single A prospect, plus a non prospect in Burgos, for a starting 2B with good power.

Monday 6/9/2003 :

Toronto: Released C Greg Myers, he refused assignment to minors.
Cleveland: Released P Cliff Lee.
Chicago (A): Released P Dario Ortiz.
Seattle: Released CF Josh Womack.
Seattle: Released P Shigetoshi Hasegawa.
Texas: Released P Aaron Fultz.
Cincinnati: Released P Felix Heredia.
Philadelphia: Released P Eric Junge.
Pittsburgh: Released P Mike Lincoln.
Houston: Released C Raul Chavez.
St. Louis: Released P Josh Axelson.
St. Louis: Released C Joe Girardi.
St. Louis: Released CF So Taguchi.
Chicago (N): Free agent P Blaine Neal has been signed to a contract of $642,200 per year, for 1 year.
Arizona: Free agent P T.j. Tucker has been signed to a minor league contract.


Wednesday 6/11/2003 :

Pittsburgh: Released CF Kenny Lofton, he refused assignment to minors.


Monday 6/16/2003 :

New York (A): Released P Chris Hammond.
New York (A): Released P Sterling Hitchcock.
Minnesota: Released P Matthew Pike.
Chicago (N): Released P Antonio Alfonseca.
Chicago (N): Released P Heath Murray.
Cincinnati: Released SS Hector Tiburcio.
Pittsburgh: Released P Ben Shaffar.
Pittsburgh: Released LF Vic Butler.
Texas: Free agent P Steve Reed has been signed to a contract of $518,700 per year, for 1 year.
Atlanta: Released P Roberto Hernandez, he refused assignment to minors.


Tuesday 6/17/2003 :

Texas: Released P Steve Reed, he refused assignment to minors.


Monday 6/23/2003 :

Detroit: Released P Danny Patterson.
Detroit: Released C Matt Walbeck.
Atlanta: Released 2B Stubby Clapp.
Chicago (N): Released SS Augie Ojeda.
Pittsburgh: Released P Mike Connolly.
Pittsburgh: Released P Julian Tavarez.
Houston: Released RF Mike Hill.
San Diego: Free agent LF Vic Butler has been signed to a minor league contract.
Trade between Baltimore and St. Louis :
St. Louis gets :
1B David Segui
RF Tim Gilhooly
Baltimore gets :
RF Alex Ochoa
St. Louis: Released 1B Tino Martinez, he refused assignment to minors.

Note: A totally nonsensical trade. Segui isn't even playing everyday for the Cardinals, as Marrero is starting at 1B vs righties. Baltimore benches Jay Gibbons for Ochoa, which also makes no sense, and while Tino Martinez was only hitting .185, he is still as good a player as Segui.

Trade between Arizona and Cincinnati :
Cincinnati gets :
3B Craig Counsell
Arizona gets :
P Kyle Edens
3B Joey Votto
C John Schneider

Note: Cincinnati makes a move to replace the injured Brandon Larson the next day. They didn't really give up anything, as Edens and Votto are in A ball, and Schneider was released 1 week later
Friday 6/27/2003 :

Trade between San Francisco and Cleveland :
Cleveland gets :
CF Ruben Rivera
San Francisco gets :
P C.C. Sabathia
Oakland: Released P Jim Mecir, he refused assignment to minors.

Note: I didn't like the trade between these two teams, earlier in the season, and I don't like this one either, but put them together, and you've got a pretty even trade.

Saturday 6/28/2003 :

New York (N): Released LF Wayne Lydon.


Monday 6/30/2003 :

Boston: Released P John Burkett, he refused assignment to minors.
Cleveland: Released CF Willy Taveras.
New York (A): Released RF Bobby Smith.
Texas: Released P C.J. Wilson.
Arizona: Released C John Schneider.
Los Angeles: Released 3B Brennan King.
San Francisco: Released P Kirk Rueter.
Atlanta: Free agent 2B Ruben Gotay has been signed to a minor league contract.
Los Angeles: Free agent P Jim Mecir has been signed to a contract of $570,000 per year, for 1 year.

Injuries

Here are the major injuries that occurred in June.

Tuesday 6/3/2003 :

SDN: Brian Lawrence was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Spasms Back.
He will be OK in about 7 weeks.

Friday 6/6/2003 :

TEX: Ron Mahay was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Tricep Muscle.
He will be OK in about 6 weeks.

Sunday 6/8/2003 :

HOU: Wade Miller was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Elbow Ligament.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5-6 weeks.

Wednesday 6/11/2003 :

CLE: Brian Anderson was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Pulled Rotator Cuff Muscle.
He is out for about 6 weeks.
PIT: Josh Beckett was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Tight Elbow.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.

Friday 6/13/2003 :

TOR: Eric Hinske was injured while throwing a ball.
Diagnosis: Torn Bicep Muscle.
He is definitely out for the season!

Note: A very tough break for the Blue Jays, Hinske was hitting .310 with 22 2Bs, 5 3B, 18 HR and 41 RBI. His 1.103 OPS is still 2nd in the AL at the end of June.

Monday 6/16/2003 :

CLE: Ben Grieve was injured while making a catch.
Diagnosis: Torn Rib Cage Muscle.
He will be OK in about 6 weeks.

Tuesday 6/17/2003 :

CHN: Mark Prior was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Rotator Cuff Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.

Friday 6/20/2003 :

PHI: Joe Roa was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Rotator Cuff Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.


Sunday 6/22/2003 :

CIN: Adam Dunn was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Strained Achilles Tendon.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.
CIN: Brandon Larson was injured while throwing a ball.
Diagnosis: Broken Elbow.
He will be OK in about 7-8 weeks.

Monday 6/23/2003 :

OAK: Raul Ibanez was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Medial Collateral Ligament.
He will be OK in about 2-3 weeks.

Tuesday 6/24/2003 :

DET: Jason Jennings was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Ruptured Elbow Ligament.
He will be OK in about 5 weeks.
CHN: Kerry Wood was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Pulled Bicep Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.

Wednesday 6/25/2003 :

BOS: Shea Hillenbrand was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Thigh Muscle.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.
NYN: Tom Glavine was injured when he was hit by a line drive.
Diagnosis: Dislocated Finger.
He is out for about one week.

Friday 6/27/2003 :

SFN: Edgardo Alfonzo was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Torn Hip Muscle.
He is out for about 3 weeks.

Saturday 6/28/2003 :

ANA: Francisco Rodriguez was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Ruptured Elbow Ligament.
He will be OK in about 5 weeks.

Sunday 6/29/2003 :

ARI: Quinton McCracken was injured while making a catch.
Diagnosis: Broken Finger.
He is out for about 4 weeks.

League Wide Achievments

June's major highlight was Rick Reed's PERFECT GAME against Anaheim, and only one other career highlight occurred, Omar Vizquel's 2000th hit.

Monday 6/2/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
RF Dustan Mohr (MIN)!
He batted .545 in 22 AB, with 2 HR and 9 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
LF Barry Bonds (SFN)!
He batted .565 in 23 AB, with 5 HR and 9 RBI.

Friday 6/6/2003 :

MIN: Rick Reed pitches a PERFECT GAME against Anaheim!!

Monday 6/9/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
1B Mike Lamb (TEX)!
He batted .526 in 19 AB, with 2 HR and 8 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
CF Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN)!
He batted .600 in 20 AB, with 4 HR and 7 RBI.

Monday 6/16/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
DH Brad Fullmer (BOS)!
He batted .522 in 23 AB, with 2 HR and 9 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
1B Jim Thome (PHI)!
He batted .471 in 17 AB, with 4 HR and 9 RBI.

Monday 6/23/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
SS Alex Rodriguez (TEX)!
He batted .524 in 21 AB, with 5 HR and 9 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
CF Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN)!
He batted .458 in 24 AB, with 1 HR and 7 RBI.

Saturday 6/28/2003 :

CLE: Omar Vizquel gets his 2000th career hit!!

Monday 6/30/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
RF Trot Nixon (BOS)!
He batted .476 in 21 AB, with 1 HR and 6 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
2B Jeff Kent (HOU)!
He batted .458 in 24 AB, with 3 HR and 9 RBI.

Monday 7/1/2003 :

American League-Pitcher of the Month:
A.J. Burnett (TEX)!
He had a record of 5-0 in 5 games started, with an ERA of 0.83 and 2 shutouts.
American League-Batter of the Month:
Alex Rodriguez (TEX)!
He batted .402 in 87 AB, with 13 homers and 29 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month:
Kevin Millwood (PHI)!
He had a record of 4-0 in 5 games started, with an ERA of 1.15 and 1 shutouts.
National League-Batter of the Month:
Aaron Boone (CIN)!
He batted .370 in 92 AB, with 13 homers and 36 RBI

Texas had a really good month, going 20-7 including a 10 game win streak. Aaron Boone's switch to Second Base has also had tremendous effects, as Boone is hitting .287 with 27 HRs and 18 SB. The 27 HRs are a new career high for Aaron.

[General Mike]

Team Power Ranking and Standings

Standings

American League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
New York (A) 51 33 .607 - 44-40 7 26-16 25-17 4-3 13-9 74 L2 4-6
Toronto 46 38 .548 5.0 45-39 1 25-18 21-20 4-5 13-14 - W2 3-7
Boston 41 40 .506 8.5 45-36 -4 23-19 18-21 4-7 10-13 - W1 6-4
Cleveland 37 47 .440 14.0 37-47 0 17-25 20-22 5-8 12-19 - L3 5-5
Baltimore 35 48 .422 15.5 32-51 3 19-22 16-26 8-6 20-11 - L1 5-5
Detroit 32 48 .400 17.0 32-48 0 19-22 13-26 4-7 13-16 - L1 4-6

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Texas 47 36 .566 - 50-33 -3 25-17 22-19 1-3 10-11 76 L1 8-2
Seattle 44 40 .524 3.5 42-42 2 21-19 23-21 6-2 14-8 - W1 5-5
Minnesota 41 41 .500 5.5 40-42 1 23-17 18-24 3-5 20-12 - L1 3-7
Anaheim 41 42 .494 6.0 43-40 -2 19-21 22-21 6-5 11-17 - L2 2-8
Chicago (A) 40 42 .488 6.5 41-41 -1 22-19 18-23 7-4 13-15 - W3 7-3
Oakland 38 46 .452 9.5 42-42 -4 19-24 19-22 3-3 11-14 - W3 8-2

National League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Philadelphia 49 36 .576 - 54-31 -5 24-17 25-19 4-5 14-13 75 L2 4-6
Pittsburgh 43 39 .524 4.5 42-40 1 25-17 18-22 6-6 15-10 - W6 7-3
New York (N) 43 41 .512 5.5 42-42 1 20-22 23-19 3-5 16-10 - L7 1-9
Cincinnati 39 44 .470 9.0 40-43 -1 17-25 22-19 2-3 10-14 - W2 7-3
Chicago (N) 38 45 .458 10.0 39-44 -1 20-22 18-23 2-7 12-19 - W2 4-6
Atlanta 37 44 .457 10.0 34-47 3 20-20 17-24 3-4 15-14 - L13 0-10

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Houston 45 38 .542 - 44-39 1 26-16 19-22 3-5 11-11 78 L1 7-3
St. Louis 43 40 .518 2.0 35-48 8 25-17 18-23 8-3 11-8 - W5 7-3
San Diego 44 41 .518 2.0 43-42 1 22-21 22-20 3-3 16-15 - W1 8-2
Los Angeles 42 41 .506 3.0 44-39 -2 21-19 21-22 8-2 15-7 - L3 3-7
San Francisco 41 41 .500 3.5 44-38 -3 17-23 24-18 6-3 10-19 - W2 6-4
Arizona 38 44 .463 6.5 43-39 -5 18-24 20-20 4-3 9-15 - L1 6-4

Power Rankings

RANK (Last Week) Team Points Tendency Record PCT AVG ERA Pyt.Rec Diff
1st (2nd) Texas 108 + 47-36 .566 .265 4.02 50-33 -3
2nd (1st) New York (A) 106 - 51-33 .607 .248 3.98 44-40 7
3rd (4th) Houston 102 + 45-38 .542 .263 4.23 44-39 1
4th (6th) Pittsburgh 101 + 43-39 .524 .245 3.74 42-40 1
5th (3rd) Philadelphia 101 - 49-36 .576 .259 3.66 54-31 -5
6th (5th) St. Louis 99 - 43-40 .518 .247 4.43 35-48 8
7th (7th) San Diego 99 o 44-41 .518 .245 4.03 43-42 1
8th (8th) Toronto 96 o 46-38 .548 .253 4.11 45-39 1
9th (11th) Seattle 94 + 44-40 .524 .245 3.59 42-42 2
10th (9th) Boston 93 - 41-40 .506 .255 3.85 45-36 -4
11th (10th) San Francisco 93 - 41-41 .500 .228 3.68 44-38 -3
12th (12th) Chicago (A) 93 o 40-42 .488 .248 4.04 41-41 -1
13th (13th) Cincinnati 90 o 39-44 .470 .256 4.63 40-43 -1
14th (14th) Oakland 88 o 38-46 .452 .240 4.00 42-42 -4
15th (15th) Los Angeles 86 o 42-41 .506 .252 3.75 44-39 -2
16th (16th) Minnesota 86 o 41-41 .500 .238 3.79 40-42 1
17th (17th) Arizona 85 o 38-44 .463 .275 4.26 43-39 -5
18th (19th) Anaheim 82 + 41-42 .494 .254 4.02 43-40 -2
19th (22nd) Chicago (N) 81 ++ 38-45 .458 .247 4.04 39-44 -1
20th (18th) New York (N) 81 - 43-41 .512 .258 3.95 42-42 1
21st (20th) Cleveland 78 - 37-47 .440 .244 4.28 37-47 0
22nd (21st) Baltimore 76 - 35-48 .422 .242 4.75 32-51 3
23rd (23rd) Detroit 70 o 32-48 .400 .230 4.21 32-48 0
24th (24th) Atlanta 66 o 37-44 .457 .245 4.20 34-47 3

American League Leaders

Batting Average
1 B. Fullmer (BOS) .321
2 D. Erstad (ANA) .318
3 E. Hinske (TOR) .310

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 1.171
2 E. Hinske (TOR) 1.103
3 R. Palmeiro (TEX) 1.009

Home Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 33
2 R. Palmeiro (TEX) 25
3 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 20

Doubles
1 P. Konerko (CHA) 28
2 I. Rodriguez (CHA) 27
3 5 Tied with 26

Triples
1 G. Kingsale (DET) 8
2 C. Crawford (DET) 7
2 M. Ellis (OAK) 7

Runs Batted In
1 R. Palmeiro (TEX) 69
2 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 68
3 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 62

Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 67
2 M. Ramirez (BOS) 58
3 D. Jeter (NYA) 54
3 J. Dye (OAK) 54

Stolen Bases
1 D. Erstad (ANA) 30
2 C. Beltran (BAL) 25
3 A. Soriano (NYA) 22

Wins
1 M. Buehrle (CHA) 11
1 A. Burnett (TEX) 11
1 M. Redman (TEX) 11
4 J. Weaver (NYA) 10
4 J. Foppert (CLE) 10

Earned Run Average
1 A. Burnett (TEX) 1.75
2 J. Washburn (ANA) 2.44
3 P. Martinez (BOS) 2.54

Strikeouts
1 P. Martinez (BOS) 180
2 B. Zito (OAK) 126
3 J. Foppert (CLE) 119

Saves
1 M. Rivera (NYA) 22
2 U. Urbina (TEX) 20
3 E. Guardado (MIN) 19

National League Leaders

Batting Average
1 F. Vina (SLN) .340
2 K. Griffey Jr. (CIN) .324
3 J. Thurston (LAN) .323

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 B. Bonds (SFN) 1.192
2 J. Thome (PHI) 1.187
3 R. Klesko (SDN) 1.043

Home Runs
1 S. Sosa (CHN) 31
2 J. Thome (PHI) 29
3 A. Boone (CIN) 27

Doubles
1 R. Klesko (SDN) 29
2 S. Rolen (SLN) 28
3 R. Alomar (NYN) 27

Triples
1 E. Renteria (SLN) 9
2 J. Rollins (PHI) 8
3 3 Tied with 7

Runs Batted In
1 J. Thome (PHI) 77
2 A. Ramirez (PIT) 72
3 S. Sosa (CHN) 68

Runs
1 J. Thome (PHI) 73
2 L. Berkman (HOU) 63
3 B. Abreu (PHI) 61

Stolen Bases
1 L. Castillo (PHI) 36
2 D. Roberts (LAN) 22
3 3 tied with 21

Wins
1 K. Millwood (PHI) 13
2 T. Glavine (NYN) 12
3 R. Oswalt (HOU) 11

Earned Run Average
1 O. Perez (LAN) 1.91
2 J. Beckett (PIT) 2.08
3 T. Glavine (NYN) 2.35

Strikeouts
1 R. Johnson (ARI) 152
2 C. Schilling (ARI) 151
3 R. Oswalt (HOU) 130

Saves
1 S. Williamson (CIN) 21
1 A. Almanza (SDN) 21
3 M. Mantei (ARI) 20
3 B. Wagner (HOU) 20

[JeeberD]

Alright, go 'Stros! Good to see them in first place.

It looks like you're including all the important stuff, so keep up the good work!

[General Mike]

Mets June 2003 Review

June was a rough month both for the offense and the pitching. Mike Piazza was in a month long slump, hitting only .222 with 5 HRs. Roberto Alomar was the top regular, hitting .299 while scoring 13 runs.

On the pitching side of the ball, Al Leiter continued his season long slump, posting a 2-3 record with a 5.79 ERA in June. Leiter's record for the season is 6-7 with a 4.94 ERA. After an awesome May, Denny Neagle had an awful June, going 1-4 with a 8.36 ERA. Pedro Astacio, Tom Glavine and Steve Trachsel all had good months, combining to go 5-6 with a 3.09 ERA in 99 innings.

Armando Benitez continued his great season, picking up 2 wins and 3 saves in 8 games, allowing only 1 run. Scott Strickland and David Weathers also had ERAs under 3 in June.

John Bale and Graeme Lloyd were called up at the beginning of June to replace Grant Roberts and Jaime Cerda, and the produced mixed results. In 18.2 innings Bale struck out 22 batters, allowing 6 runs for a 2.89 ERA. Lloyd pitched 13.2 innings with a 4.61 ERA.

One other transaction was announced after the Mets game on June 30th. The Mets signed up SF Giants castoff Marquis Grissom to play CF against lefties. Tsuyoshi Shinjo accepted the optioning to AAA Norfolk.

Up Next... The All Star Game.

[DeToxRox]

Mikey my boy, you know I'm reading.

GO TIGAHS!

[General Mike]

Here are the All Star Game Rosters, with a look at their stats so far this season:

These players were selected for the AL OOTP-Allstar Team :
P A.J. Burnett from Texas - 12-3, 1.75 ERA, 102 K in 133.2 IP, 4 CG, 3 shutouts
P Mark Redman from Texas - 12-5, 3.65 ERA, 90 K in 130.2 IP, 4 CG, 2 shutouts
P Mark Buehrle from Chicago (A) - 11-4, 2.92 ERA, 82 K in 157 IP, 8 CG, 2 shutouts
P Jeff Weaver from New York (A) - 11-3. 3.02 ERA, 67 K in 149 IP, 4 CG, 1 shutout
P Jarrod Washburn from Anaheim - 10-5, 2.47 ERA, 101 K in 156.2 IP, 6 CG, 2 shutouts
P Joel Pineiro from Seattle - 10-6, 3.38 ERA, 93 K in 133.1 IP, 2 CG
P Jesse Foppert from Cleveland - 10-7, 3.38 ERA, 131 K in 133.1 IP
P LaTroy Hawkins from Seattle - 2-0, 1.56 ERA
P Mariano Rivera from New York (A) - 1-2, 23 saves, 2.10 ERA, 31K in 30 IP
P Ugueth Urbina from Texas - 2-1, 22 saves, 1.87 ERA, 40 K in 43.1 IP
C Ivan Rodriguez from Chicago (A) - .261, 14 HR 43 RBI
C Jorge Posada from New York (A) - .291, 11 HR 45 RBI
1B Rafael Palmeiro from Texas - .292, 27 HR 76 RBI
2B Alfonso Soriano from New York (A) - .281, 6 HR 25 SB, 35 RBI
3B Jeff Cirillo from Seattle - .287, 3 HR 36 RBI 6 SB
SS Alex Rodriguez from Texas - .306, 35 HR, 72 RBI
LF Manny Ramirez from Boston - .312 17 HR, 48 RBI
CF Vernon Wells from Toronto - .287, 10 HR, 53 RBI, 12 SB
RF Trot Nixon from Boston - .292, 12 HR, 47 RBI
1B Jason Giambi from New York (A) - .278, 17 HR, 58 RBI
LF Garret Anderson from Anaheim - .299, 17 HR, 60 RBI
RF Vladimir Guerrero from Detroit - .286, 17 HR, 50 RBI, 17 SB
LF Shannon Stewart from Toronto - .312, 5 HR, 35 RBI, 6 SB
SS Nomar Garciaparra from Boston - .276, 21 HR, 67 RBI
SS Derek Jeter from New York (A) - .286, 2 HR, 21 SB, 36 RBI

These players were selected for the NL OOTP-Allstar Team :
P Kevin Millwood from Philadelphia - 13-4, 2.75 ERA, 110 K in 132.1 IP, 4 CG, 1 shutout
P Tom Glavine from New York (N) - 12-5, 2.34 ERA, 73 K in 134.2 IP, 2 CG, 1 shutout
P Roy Oswalt from Houston - 11-4, 3.50 ERA, 135 K in 126 IP
P Randy Johnson from Arizona - 10-4. 3.37 ERA, 173 K in 139 IP,
P Tomokazu Ohka from Houston - 9-6, 3.63 ERA, 83 K in 114 IP
P Shawn Chacon from Houston - 8-2, 3.80 ERA, 47 K in 92.1 IP, 2 CG
P Byung-hyun Kim from Arizona - 9-7 3.59 ERA, 114K in 107.2 IP,
P Scott Sauerbeck from Pittsburgh - 2-1, 1.08 ERA, 2 saves, 35 K in 33.1 IP
P Armando Almanza from San Diego - 1-3, 23 saves, 3.11 ERA, 31 K in 37.2 IP
P Scott Williamson from Cincinnati - 1-2, 21 saves, 1.95 ERA, 31 K in 32.1 IP
C Mike Piazza from New York (N) - .276, 18 HR, 55 RBI
C Michael Barrett from San Diego - .258, 7 HR, 41 RBI
1B Jim Thome from Philadelphia - .312, 30 HR, 78 RBI
2B Jeff Kent from Houston - .304, 24 HR, 65 RBI
3B Aramis Ramirez from Pittsburgh - .266, 22 HR, 73 RBI
SS Edgar Renteria from St. Louis - .296, 4 HR, 33 RBI, 23 SB
LF Barry Bonds from San Francisco - .311, 23 HR, 57 RBI, 11 SB
CF Ken Griffey Jr. from Cincinnati - .322, 17 HR, 43 RBI
RF Bobby Abreu from Philadelphia - .298, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 22 SB
1B Ryan Klesko from San Diego - .320, 21 HR, 66 RBI
LF Luis Gonzalez from Arizona - .312, 15 HR, 68 RBI, 9 SB
LF Lance Berkman from Houston - .271, 21 HR , 60 RBI
RF Sammy Sosa from Chicago (N) - .236, 33 HR, 73 RBI
2B Aaron Boone from Cincinnati - .277, 27 HR, 63 RBI, 13 SB
3B Scott Rolen from St. Louis - .269, 13 HR, 53 RBI, 6 SB

The 2003 All Star Game is being played in Baltimore this year.

The Starting Lineups

We'll start with the National League:

1) SS Edgar Renteria
2) 2B Jeff Kent
3) LF Barry Bonds
4) RF Ryan Klesko
5) C Mike Piazza
6) 3B Aramis Ramirez
7) 1B Jim Thome
8) CF Ken Griffey Jr.
9) DH Bobby Abreu

and the starting pitcher, Randy Johnson.

Now on to the American League:

1) 2B Alfonso Soriano
2) DH Derek Jeter
3) LF Manny Ramirez
4) SS Alex Rodriguez
5) RF Vladimir Guerrero
6) 1B Jason Giambi
7) C Ivan Rodriguez
8) CF Vernon Wells
9) 3B Jeff Cirillo

and the starting pitcher, Mark Buehrle.

The Game

Mark Buehrle starts off the top of the 1st inning, going 1-2-3, including striking out Kent. Johnson retires Soriano on a flyball to LF, but then Jeter hits a singles to right. We'll he try to steal off the spaghetti armed Piazza? M. Ramirez with a hard grounder to 3B A. Ramirez( no relation), but the NL can only get the lead runner on the attempted double play. ARod strikes out to end the inning.

Klesko leads off the 2nd, by hitting a line drive back to the pitcher which bounces off Buehrle to Soriano, Soriano throws out Klesko ona very close play. Piazza strikes out. Ramirez grounds out to the 3B Cirillo. Vlad leads off the AL 2nd by flying out to CF. Giambi strikes out looking. Pudge Rodriguez hits a 375 foot solo HR to give the AL a 1-0 lead. Vernon Wells strikes out swinging to end the inning.

Jim Thome begins the 2nd inning by hitting a foul popup, caught by Giambi. Griffey Jr hits a high chopper to 2B, but can't beat Soriano's throw. ARod robs Bobby Abreu of a hit on a hard grounder back up the middle. Jeff Cirillo leads off the AL half of the 3rd, by taking a 5 pitch walk. Jeff Cirllo goes to 3rd on a single to CF by Soriano. Soriano steals 2B, taking away the double play oportunity. Jeter strikes out swinging on a 99 mph fastball. Manny gives the AL a 4 run lead by hitting a 451 foot moonshot off of Johnson. ARod strikes out. Vlad singles to CF. Johnson strikes out on a 97 mph fastball.

The AL has made a pitching change to start the 4th inning. Mark Redman will now try to hold the league. Renteria grounds out on a slow bouncer to 3B. Jeff Kent breaks up the no hitter by hitting a double down the LF line. Bonds grounds out to SS. Redman strikes out Klesko to end the inning. Byung-hyun Kim is the NL's new pitcher. Pudge Rodrigez strikes out on a check swing. Vernon Wells reaches 1st base on a throwing error by Jeff Kent. Wells steals 2B, Piazza's throw was high. Cirillo goes to 1st on the ol' Hit by Pitch. Soriano strikes out. Jeter picks up an RBI single. Ramirez picks up another RBI on a single to LF. ARod strikes out for the 3rd time today to end the inning. 6-0 after 4.

Piazza grounds out to Third Base to begin the 5th inning. Aramis Ramirez gets the NL on the board with a 350 foot HR down the RF line. The NL goes back to back, when Jim Thome hits a mammoth 514 foot jack to deep Left Center. Griffey Jr. reaches 1B on an infield single. Abreu with a deep flyball out to CF. Renteria continues the rally with a bloop single over the SS. Jeff Kent cant hold up on a 2-2 pitch to end the inning. Vlad grounds out to start the 5th inning, it'll go down 4-3 in the scorecard. Giambi gives the AL a little breathing room by smashing a 2-0 splitter 447 feet over the wall in CF. Kim gets Pudge to strike out swinging with a splitter. Barry Bonds takes a hit away from Vernon Wells, catching the ball at the warning track. 7-2 after 5.

The AL makes a pitching change to start the 6th inning, bringing in the Mariners' Joel Piniero. Barry Bonds takes a leadoff walk. Klesko takes a back to back wall. Piazza grounds into a double play, Bonds advances to 3rd. Aramis Ramirez flys out to CF to end the inning. Shawn Chacon is the NL's new pitcher. Cirillo starts off the inning with a flyball to LF, but Bonds can't handle it. That will be an error. A Passed Ball by Piazza, the ball rolls to the backstop, and Cirillo goes to 2nd. Soriano grounds out to the SS Renteria, and Cirillo has to stay at 2B. Ken Griffey Jr makes a running catch to take a hit away from Derek Jeter. Nomar Garciaparra pinch hits for his Red Sox teammate Manny Ramirez, and does a good job, hitting an RBI double. ARod grounds out to Renteria to end the inning. 8-2 after 6

Garret Anderson has come in to play LF. Joel Piniero's control problems continue as Jim Thome gets a leadoff walk this inning. Vlad robs Griffey Jr. of a basehit. Abreu hits a grounder back to the pitcher, and the AL turns the 1-6-3 double play. Time to stretch. Vlad with a deep flyout to LF to start the bottom of the 7th. Giambi flys out to CF. And the AL has made another substitution, Rafael Palmeiro will pinch hit for Pudge Rodriguz. Palmeiro grounds out to Renteria to end the inning.

The AL has a new battery to start the 8th inning, Ugueth Urbina is on the mound, and Jorge Posada is behind the plate. PH Luis Gonzalez is robbed of a base hit by a sliding Vlad Guerrero. Jeff Kent is out of the game, as Mike Barrett will pinch hit for him. Barret with a flyball out to LF. Aaron Boone is coming to the plate to replace Barry Bonds. Boone hits a line drive right back to Giambi at 1B to end the inning. 4 new players come into the game for the NL. Armando Almanza will be the new pitcher, Aaron Boone will take over at 2B, Scott Rolen will play 3B and Lance Berkman comes into LF. RF Trot Nixon will pinch hit for Vernon Wells. Nixon strikes out looking. Cirillo hits the ball to Thome who tosses the ball to Almanza for the out. Soriano strikes out to end the inning.

Trot Nixon will take over in CF. Urbina stays on the mound. Klesko with the hard line drive to 2B for the 1st out. Piazza with a single over the 3B bag. A. Ramirez hits the ball into the hole between SS and 3B for a single. Thome hits a lineshot down the 1B line, but Giambi knocks it down and flips the ball to Urbina for the 2nd out. Griffey walks to load the bases. Abreu strikes out to end the inning and the game.

Player of the Game: Manny Ramirez - 2 for 3, 1 HR, 4 RBI

[General Mike]

As the trade deadline approaches, 4 offers have come in to the Mets front office, and now comes the time to consider them.

Cincinnati offers: CF Reggie Taylor and 1B Travis Wong for 3B Ty Wiggington

Texas offers: CF Carl Everett for 1B Craig Brazell and RF Justin Reimers

Detroit offers: CF Gene Kingsale for 2B Joe Jianetti and LF Jamar Hill

Baltimore offers: CF Gary Matthews for RP Aaron Nathan and CF John Slack

Right off the bat, I've ruled out trading for Reggie Taylor and Gene Kingsale, because I don't want to give up the players they want and neither player is a significant upgrade over the Timo Perez/ Marquis Grissom platoon.

Everett is ok, but I'm not in a position where I want to be trading for a 2 month rental player. Brazell doesnt have a great batting eye, but has power in spades. I'll pass on this offer.

Gary Matthews is the best fit of these OFers, and while I hate to give up a future closer in Nathan, Matthews could play every day for us. He also adds only around 100K to our player expenses for the rest of the season. Baltimore, we have a deal.

Marquis Grissom has accepted the designation to AAA. He should be able to rejoin the team in September.

[General Mike]

July 2003 Review

Transactions

Tuesday 7/1/2003 :

Trade between Toronto and Texas :
Texas gets :
1B Josh Phelps
Toronto gets :
P Ismael Valdes
P Justin Echols
Note: Texas picks up another 1B. The Rangers now have Phelps, Palmeiro, Mark Teixeira and Mike Lamb to play 1B between the majors and AAA. I fear Palmeiro will be released before the season ends, as he is slipping away.

New York (N) : Free agent Marquis Grissom has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 years.
St. Louis: Released P Jeff Fassero, he refused assignment to minors.


Sunday 7/6/2003 :

Trade between Cleveland and Pittsburgh :
Pittsburgh gets :
1B Ben Broussard
Cleveland gets :
P Kip Wells
3B Conor Jackson
Note: Wells gives Cleveland another quality SP, but he is underachieving a bit. Broussard hasn't played alot in 2003, but he gives the Pirates a legit power threat at 1B, something Randall Simon and the previously cut Kevin Young didn't.

Monday 7/7/2003 :

Minnesota: Released P Rick Reed, he refused assignment to minors.
Just one month after the greatest single achievment of Reed's career, the Twins release him. Very sad commentary on life. Reed was 8-5 with 3.60 ERA when he was released.
Cincinnati: Released SS Barry Larkin, he refused assignment to minors.
Like Craig Biggio before him, another great player who spent his entire career with one team is released. Very sad IMO. Larkin was only hitting .222 with 1 HR when released.
Baltimore: Released LF Marty Cordova.
Baltimore: Released LF Luis Jimenez.
Baltimore: Released 2B Jeff Reboulet.
Cleveland: Released P Jason Bere.
Cleveland: Released P Jason Davis.
Toronto: Released P Eric Stephenson.
Seattle: Released 3B Omar Burgos.
Cincinnati: Put 3B Brandon Larson on the trading block.
Cincinnati: Put LF Jacob Cruz on the trading block.
Houston: Released SS Eric Bruntlett.
Los Angeles: Released P Pedro Borbon.
St. Louis: Free agent 1B Larry Sutton has been signed to a minor league contract.


Monday 7/14/2003 :

Baltimore: Put 1B Jack Cust on the trading block.
Baltimore: Put P Sidney Ponson on the trading block.
Detroit: Put LF Dmitri Young on the trading block.
Chicago (A): Released 1B Brian Daubach.
Oakland: Released P Aaron Harang.
Seattle: Released P Giovanni Carrara.
Cincinnati: Released P Travis Miller.
San Francisco: Released C Alberto Castillo.
St. Louis: Released 3B Eduardo Perez.
Oakland: Free agent 3B Miguel Cabrera has been signed to a minor league contract.


Wednesday 7/16/2003 :

Arizona: Released CF Steve Finley, he refused assignment to minors.


Monday 7/21/2003 :

Chicago (A): Put LF Joe Borchard on the trading block.
Chicago (A): Put LF Carlos Lee on the trading block.
Seattle: Released P Steven Jackson.
Texas: Released P C.J. Nitkowski.
Houston: Released P Matt Albers.
San Diego: Released P Clay Condrey.
Minnesota: Free agent P Denny Bautista has been signed to a minor league contract.


Monday 7/28/2003 :

St. Louis: Released 1B David Segui, he refused assignment to minors.
Anaheim: Released CF Jeff Davanon.
Cincinnati: Released P Derik Olvey.
Cincinnati: Released CF Alajandro Diaz.
San Diego: Released LF Brady Anderson.
San Diego: Released P Jay Witasick.
San Diego: Released P Mike Matthews.
Anaheim: Free agent P Chris Hammond has been signed to a contract of $498,800 per year, for 1 year.
Cleveland: Free agent P Chris Flinn has been signed to a minor league contract.
Trade between Atlanta and Baltimore :
Baltimore gets :
P Russ Ortiz
2B Brian Snyder
Atlanta gets :
P Sidney Ponson
Note: Ponson has more ability then Ortiz, but Ortiz is definitely having the better season. Snyder is a good contact hitter who lacks HR power and doesn't have a great batting eye.


Tuesday 7/29/2003 :

Texas: Released RF Juan Gonzalez, he refused assignment to minors.


Wednesday 7/30/2003 :

Trade between Cleveland and Cincinnati :
Cincinnati gets :
P Ricardo Rodriguez
Cleveland gets :
3B Brandon Larson
Note: Brandon Larson gives the Indians the future 3B they need. He should be in the majors very soon. Ricardo Rodriguez gives the Reds another starter to address their biggest need.

Trade between Los Angeles and Atlanta :
Atlanta gets :
1B Mike Kinkade
Los Angeles gets :
LF Cory Aldridge
3B Cole Barthel
2B Jon Scheurholz
Note: Kinkade is an ok bench player, but I dont see him doing much with Atlanta. Of the players LA gets Aldridge is the only one who appears to have a ML career ahead of him, but he is 2 to 3 years away.

Trade between St. Louis and Baltimore :
Baltimore gets :
LF Todd Hollandsworth
RF Tim Gilhooly
St. Louis gets :
1B Jack Cust
Note: Gilhooly goes back to Baltimore, as the Cards get another 1B from the Orioles. Unlike Segui, Cust looks to have a huge career ahead of him. Hollandsworth gives the Os a guy who kills righty pitching.

Trade between Anaheim and Chicago (A) :
Chicago (A) gets :
2B Chone Figgins
Anaheim gets :
C Landon Powell
Note: Figgins gives the White Sox a guy they think can be a good leadoff hitter, and who was never going to crack the Angels starting lineup. Landon Powell looks like the catcher of the future for the Angels, but he is several years away from the majors.

Trade between Cleveland and Texas :
Texas gets :
RF Karim Garcia
Cleveland gets :
C Scott Heard
LF Larry Grayson
Note: Garcia is putting up better numbers then JuanGone, and they didn't give up alot for him. Cleveland has other guys who can play RF for them.

Trade between Chicago (N) and San Diego :
San Diego gets :
2B Bobby Hill
Chicago (N) gets :
1B Paul McAnulty
Note: San Diego trades a better single A prospect for a more ML ready prospect at a position of need. Nothing wrong with that

Trade between Baltimore and New York (N) :
New York (N) gets :
CF Gary Matthews
Baltimore gets :
P Aaron Nathan
CF Jon Slack
Note: You know what I was thinking already

Philadelphia: Released P Dan Plesac, he refused assignment to minors.


Thursday 7/31/2003 :

Trade between Boston and Atlanta :
Atlanta gets :
1B Kevin Millar
Boston gets :
C Kyle Roat
3B T.J. Pena
P Efigenio Peralta
Note: The Braves give up 3 middle of the road prospects for 1 guy who can fill their biggest need, corner IF. Millar was expendable to the Red Sox with their additions of John Olerud and Brad Fullmer.

Major Injuries

Tuesday 7/1/2003 :

BAL: Rodrigo Lopez was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Pulled Rotator Cuff Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 4 weeks.

Friday 7/4/2003 :

LAN: Kevin Brown was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Back.
He will be OK in about one week.

Tuesday 7/15/2003 :

PIT: Josh Fogg was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Ruptured Elbow Ligament.
He is out for about 7 weeks.

Sunday 7/20/2003 :

ARI: Danny Bautista was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Back Muscle.
He will be OK in about 1-2 weeks.

Tuesday 7/22/2003 :

HOU: Jeff Bagwell was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Hamstring Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.


Wednesday 7/23/2003 :

PIT: Randall Simon was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Strained Anterior Cruciate Ligament.
He is out for about 4-5 weeks.


Friday 7/25/2003 :

NYA: Mike Mussina was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Sore Shoulder.
He will be OK in about one week.
SLN: Woody Williams was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Sore Shoulder.
He will be OK in about 1-2 weeks.

Tuesday 7/29/2003 :

DET: Jose Paniagua was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Stiff Elbow.
He is out for about one week.

Wednesday 7/30/2003 :

MIN: Dustan Mohr was injured while making a catch.
Diagnosis: Fractured Hip.
He is out for about 3 weeks.

Notable Achievments and Awards

Monday 7/7/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
CF Vernon Wells (TOR)!
He batted .435 in 23 AB, with 4 HR and 9 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
3B Scott Hairston (ARI)!
He batted .565 in 23 AB, with 2 HR and 7 RBI.

Thursday 7/17/2003 :

BOS: John Olerud gets his 2000th career hit!!

Monday 7/21/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
3B Joe Crede (CHA)!
He batted .367 in 30 AB, with 5 HR and 10 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
CF Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN)!
He batted .481 in 27 AB, with 2 HR and 9 RBI.

Monday 7/28/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
LF Manny Ramirez (BOS)!
He batted .522 in 23 AB, with 2 HR and 6 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
2B Aaron Boone (CIN)!
He batted .455 in 22 AB, with 4 HR and 10 RBI.

Thursday 8/1/2003 :

American League-Pitcher of the Month:
Pedro Martinez (BOS)!
He had a record of 4-0 in 5 games started, with an ERA of 1.40 and 1 shutouts.
American League-Batter of the Month:
Manny Ramirez (BOS)!
He batted .372 in 94 AB, with 5 homers and 19 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month:
Brad Penny (SLN)!
He had a record of 4-0 in 5 games started, with an ERA of 1.87.
National League-Batter of the Month:
Luis Gonzalez (ARI)!
He batted .381 in 97 AB, with 7 homers and 28 RBI.

[General Mike]

Standings

American League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
New York (A) 62 45 .579 - 54-53 8 32-21 30-24 5-5 16-13 53 W3 6-4
Toronto 60 48 .556 2.5 59-49 1 32-24 28-24 6-7 18-17 - W1 6-4
Boston 59 48 .551 3.0 66-41 -7 33-22 26-26 6-9 13-17 - W1 7-3
Cleveland 46 64 .418 17.5 48-62 -2 23-30 23-34 6-8 15-24 - L4 6-4
Baltimore 44 63 .411 18.0 40-67 4 23-30 21-33 9-7 22-15 - L1 3-7
Detroit 43 64 .402 19.0 42-65 1 27-28 16-36 7-8 19-22 - L2 3-7

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Seattle 59 48 .551 - 56-51 3 31-21 28-27 9-3 21-12 53 W1 4-6
Texas 57 51 .528 2.5 60-48 -3 31-24 26-27 1-5 13-14 - W1 3-7
Minnesota 55 51 .519 3.5 52-54 3 31-24 24-27 4-6 26-14 - W1 7-3
Anaheim 56 52 .519 3.5 57-51 -1 28-25 28-27 8-7 18-21 - L1 5-5
Oakland 50 57 .467 9.0 54-53 -4 24-27 26-30 3-5 13-21 - W3 6-4
Chicago (A) 49 59 .454 10.5 52-56 -3 29-25 20-34 10-4 18-19 - W1 5-5

National League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Philadelphia 64 45 .587 - 68-41 -4 31-22 33-23 5-5 17-14 49 W2 7-3
Pittsburgh 57 50 .533 6.0 53-54 4 32-22 25-28 6-7 24-14 - W5 8-2
New York (N) 52 56 .481 11.5 52-56 0 23-31 29-25 4-5 19-16 - L6 3-7
Chicago (N) 51 57 .472 12.5 51-57 0 26-30 25-27 5-9 17-20 - L1 5-5
Atlanta 50 56 .472 12.5 48-58 2 28-28 22-28 6-5 18-18 - L2 4-6
Cincinnati 48 59 .449 15.0 51-56 -3 19-34 29-25 3-6 11-22 - L4 4-6

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
St. Louis 59 49 .546 - 50-58 9 31-24 28-25 10-6 15-14 52 W4 6-4
San Diego 58 52 .527 2.0 55-55 3 31-25 27-27 7-7 24-20 - W2 6-4
Houston 56 53 .514 3.5 54-55 2 32-24 24-29 5-7 17-17 - L2 5-5
San Francisco 54 54 .500 5.0 60-48 -6 24-26 30-28 6-5 13-24 - W3 5-5
Los Angeles 53 54 .495 5.5 58-49 -5 26-25 27-29 11-4 20-14 - W1 4-6
Arizona 50 57 .467 8.5 54-53 -4 24-29 26-28 6-8 15-20 - L3 4-6

Power Rankings

RANK (Last Week) Team Points Tendency Record PCT AVG ERA Pyt.Rec Diff
1st (1st) Philadelphia 111 o 64-45 .587 .258 3.63 68-41 -4
2nd (4th) New York (A) 107 + 62-45 .579 .245 4.20 54-53 8
3rd (10th) Pittsburgh 104 ++ 57-50 .533 .241 3.84 53-54 4
4th (2nd) Boston 103 - 59-48 .551 .266 3.79 66-41 -7
5th (11th) St. Louis 102 ++ 59-49 .546 .244 4.03 50-58 9
6th (5th) Toronto 102 - 60-48 .556 .257 4.02 59-49 1
7th (7th) San Diego 98 o 58-52 .527 .250 4.04 55-55 3
8th (3rd) Minnesota 97 -- 55-51 .519 .237 3.68 52-54 3
9th (9th) Seattle 97 o 59-48 .551 .240 3.45 56-51 3
10th (6th) Anaheim 93 -- 56-52 .519 .255 3.86 57-51 -1
11th (8th) Houston 91 -- 56-53 .514 .256 4.38 54-55 2
12th (12th) Texas 91 o 57-51 .528 .259 4.28 60-48 -3
13th (16th) San Francisco 91 ++ 54-54 .500 .234 3.56 60-48 -6
14th (14th) Los Angeles 87 o 53-54 .495 .251 3.65 58-49 -5
15th (22nd) Oakland 87 ++ 50-57 .467 .239 3.83 54-53 -4
16th (21st) Chicago (N) 85 ++ 51-57 .472 .248 4.08 51-57 0
17th (20th) Atlanta 82 ++ 50-56 .472 .250 4.33 48-58 2
18th (17th) Chicago (A) 82 - 49-59 .454 .243 4.03 52-56 -3
19th (15th) Arizona 81 -- 50-57 .467 .272 4.46 54-53 -4
20th (13th) New York (N) 80 -- 52-56 .481 .260 3.93 52-56 0
21st (19th) Cincinnati 77 - 48-59 .449 .254 4.50 51-56 -3
22nd (18th) Cleveland 75 -- 46-64 .418 .248 4.55 48-62 -2
23rd (23rd) Baltimore 70 o 44-63 .411 .243 4.72 40-67 4
24th (24th) Detroit 67 o 43-64 .402 .234 4.43 42-65 1

American League Leaders

Batting Average
1 M. Ramirez (BOS) .319
2 B. Fullmer (BOS) .307
3 A. Rodriguez (TEX) .306

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 1.114
2 R. Palmeiro (TEX) .996
3 M. Ramirez (BOS) .973

Home Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 39
2 R. Palmeiro (TEX) 28
3 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 24

Doubles
1 G. Anderson (ANA) 36
2 P. Konerko (CHA) 33
2 M. Ramirez (BOS) 33

Triples
1 G. Kingsale (DET) 9
2 C. Crawford (DET) 8
2 M. Ellis (OAK) 8

Runs Batted In
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 82
2 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 81
3 R. Palmeiro (TEX) 79

Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 85
2 M. Ramirez (BOS) 82
3 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 70

Stolen Bases
1 D. Erstad (ANA) 35
2 A. Soriano (NYA) 29
3 D. Jeter (NYA) 26
3 J. Damon (BOS) 26

Wins
1 A. Burnett (TEX) 14
2 J. Foppert (CLE) 13
2 J. Pineiro (SEA) 13
2 J. Weaver (NYA) 13

Earned Run Average
1 A. Burnett (TEX) 2.01
2 P. Martinez (BOS) 2.27
3 B. Zito (OAK) 2.55

Strikeouts
1 P. Martinez (BOS) 247
2 B. Zito (OAK) 165
3 J. Foppert (CLE) 159

Saves
1 E. Guardado (MIN) 29
2 K. Foulke (OAK) 27
3 M. Rivera (NYA) 26

National League Leaders

Batting Average
1 J. Thurston (LAN) .335
2 K. Griffey Jr. (CIN) .325
3 L. Gonzalez (ARI) .322

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 B. Bonds (SFN) 1.162
2 J. Thome (PHI) 1.126
3 R. Klesko (SDN) 1.055

Home Runs
1 S. Sosa (CHN) 40
2 J. Thome (PHI) 36
3 A. Boone (CIN) 32

Doubles
1 R. Klesko (SDN) 38
2 S. Rolen (SLN) 35
3 R. Alomar (NYN) 34

Triples
1 L. Castillo (PHI) 11
2 E. Renteria (SLN) 9
3 B. Abreu (PHI) 8
3 R. Durham (SFN) 8
3 J. Rollins (PHI) 8

Runs Batted In
1 J. Thome (PHI) 89
2 S. Sosa (CHN) 87
3 A. Ramirez (PIT) 86

Runs
1 J. Thome (PHI) 87
2 B. Abreu (PHI) 84
3 B. Bonds (SFN) 82

Stolen Bases
1 L. Castillo (PHI) 45
2 R. Durham (SFN) 28
3 B. Abreu (PHI) 27

Wins
1 K. Millwood (PHI) 15
2 T. Glavine (NYN) 13
2 T. Ohka (HOU) 13
2 R. Oswalt (HOU) 13

Earned Run Average
1 T. Glavine (NYN) 2.41
2 J. Beckett (PIT) 2.65
3 R. Wolf (PHI) 2.84

Strikeouts
1 R. Johnson (ARI) 211
2 C. Schilling (ARI) 190
3 R. Oswalt (HOU) 167

Saves
1 M. Williams (PIT) 25
1 B. Wagner (HOU) 25
1 J. Isringhausen (SLN) 25

Rookie of the Year candidates

Here are the top rookies so far this season:

American League

LF Hideki Matsui (NYA)- .275, 24 2B, 17 HR, 49 RBI
C Victor Martinez (CLE) - .254, 19 2B, 12 HR, 61 RBI
SP Jesse Foppert (CLE) - 13-8, 3.40 ERA, 159 K in 159 IP
SP Ian Ferguson (DET) - 6-8, 3.71 ERA, 62 K in 119 IP, 2 CG, 2 shutouts
RP Aquilino Lopez (TOR) - 4-2, 15 saves, 1.70 ERA, 32 K in 37 IP
RP Francisco Rodriguez (ANA) - 3-1, 1.80 ERA, 45 K in 45 IP
National League

2B Luke Thurston (LAN) - .335, 25 2B, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 25 SB
LF Luke Allen (CHN) - .275, 17 2B, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 14 SB
RF Xavier Nady (SD) - .268, 24 2B, 6 HR, 51 RBI,
CF Rocco Baldelli (PIT) - .260, 22 2B, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 19 SB

[General Mike]

Contract Negotiations

Since we've passed the time of the year where the AI signs contract extensions, its time to take a look at who the computer chose to resigned, and key players who are still without contracts for 2004.

The Extensions

Baltimore : Tony Batista has been signed to a contract extension, $1,672,000 per year, for 3 years.
Baltimore : Jerry Hairston has been signed to a contract extension, $655,500 per year, for 3 years.
Baltimore : Alex Gonzalez has been signed to a contract extension, $513,000 per year, for 3 years.
Baltimore : Deivi Cruz has been signed to a contract extension, $460,800 per year, for 2 years.
Baltimore : Kerry Ligtenberg has been signed to a contract extension, $1,054,500 per year, for 3 years.
Baltimore : Brook Fordyce has been signed to a contract extension, $300,000 per year, for 2 years.
Boston : John Olerud has been signed to a contract extension, $6,566,400 per year, for 4 years.
Boston : Todd Walker has been signed to a contract extension, $2,128,000 per year, for 3 years.
Boston : Brad Fullmer has been signed to a contract extension, $1,520,000 per year, for 3 years.
Boston : David Ortiz has been signed to a contract extension, $874,000 per year, for 3 years.
Boston : Chad Fox has been signed to a contract extension, $1,472,500 per year, for 3 years.
Cleveland : Ben Grieve has been signed to a contract extension, $812,300 per year, for 3 years.
Cleveland : Brian Anderson has been signed to a contract extension, $518,700 per year, for 3 years.
Cleveland : Joe Randa has been signed to a contract extension, $475,000 per year, for 1 years.
Detroit : A.j. Hinch has been signed to a contract extension, $304,000 per year, for 2 years.
Detroit : Shane Halter has been signed to a contract extension, $300,000 per year, for 2 years.
New York (A) : Andy Pettitte has been signed to a contract extension, $5,950,000 per year, for 4 years.
New York (A) : Robin Ventura has been signed to a contract extension, $644,400 per year, for 3 years.
New York (A) : Roger Clemens has been signed to a contract extension, $638,400 per year, for 1 years.
New York (A) : Antonio Osuna has been signed to a contract extension, $988,000 per year, for 3 years.
New York (A) : Juan Acevedo has been signed to a contract extension, $1,995,000 per year, for 3 years.
Toronto : Ismael Valdes has been signed to a contract extension, $3,277,500 per year, for 3 years.
Toronto : Shannon Stewart has been signed to a contract extension, $3,230,000 per year, for 3 years.
Toronto : David McCarty has been signed to a contract extension, $926,300 per year, for 3 years.
Toronto : Cliff Politte has been signed to a contract extension, $1,605,500 per year, for 3 years.
Toronto : Bruce Aven has been signed to a contract extension, $313,500 per year, for 1 years.
Toronto : Kelvim Escobar has been signed to a contract extension, $1,425,000 per year, for 3 years.
Anaheim : Michael Tucker has been signed to a contract extension, $902,500 per year, for 3 years.
Chicago (A) : Bartolo Colon has been signed to a contract extension, $6,483,800 per year, for 4 years.
Chicago (A) : Esteban Loaiza has been signed to a contract extension, $2,584,000 per year, for 3 years.
Chicago (A) : Tom Gordon has been signed to a contract extension, $1,881,000 per year, for 3 years.
Minnesota : Eddie Guardado has been signed to a contract extension, $5,225,000 per year, for 4 years.
Minnesota : A.j. Pierzynski has been signed to a contract extension, $1,168,500 per year, for 3 years.
Minnesota : Valerio De los santos has been signed to a contract extension, $1,415,500 per year, for 3 years.
Minnesota : Doug Mientkiewicz has been signed to a contract extension, $646,000 per year, for 3 years.
Oakland : Miguel Tejada has been signed to a contract extension, $5,814,000 per year, for 5 years.
Oakland : Keith Foulke has been signed to a contract extension, $5,700,000 per year, for 3 years.
Oakland : Raul Ibanez has been signed to a contract extension, $857,400 per year, for 3 years.
Oakland : Scott Hatteberg has been signed to a contract extension, $902,500 per year, for 3 years.
Seattle : Mike Cameron has been signed to a contract extension, $3,937,500 per year, for 3 years.
Seattle : Ben Davis has been signed to a contract extension, $731,500 per year, for 3 years.
Seattle : Arthur Rhodes has been signed to a contract extension, $3,277,500 per year, for 3 years.
Seattle : Carlos Guillen has been signed to a contract extension, $475,000 per year, for 1 years.
Seattle : Jeff Nelson has been signed to a contract extension, $1,316,700 per year, for 3 years.
Seattle : Edgar Martinez has been signed to a contract extension, $460,800 per year, for 1 years.
Seattle : Mark McLemore has been signed to a contract extension, $356,200 per year, for 1 years.
Texas : Ugueth Urbina has been signed to a contract extension, $5,225,000 per year, for 3 years.
Texas : John Thomson has been signed to a contract extension, $760,000 per year, for 3 years.
Texas : Todd Greene has been signed to a contract extension, $414,700 per year, for 1 years.
Texas : David Justice has been signed to a contract extension, $748,100 per year, for 1 years.
Texas : Ron Mahay has been signed to a contract extension, $1,543,800 per year, for 3 years.
Atlanta : Paul Byrd has been signed to a contract extension, $3,562,500 per year, for 3 years.
Atlanta : Darren Bragg has been signed to a contract extension, $605,600 per year, for 4 years.
Chicago (N) : Mark Bellhorn has been signed to a contract extension, $855,000 per year, for 3 years.
Chicago (N) : Ramon Martinez has been signed to a contract extension, $551,000 per year, for 3 years.
Chicago (N) : Dave Veres has been signed to a contract extension, $1,147,100 per year, for 4 years.
Chicago (N) : Mark Guthrie has been signed to a contract extension, $1,436,400 per year, for 1 years.
Cincinnati : Roy Halladay has been signed to a contract extension, $5,358,000 per year, for 3 years.
Cincinnati : Carlos Almanzar has been signed to a contract extension, $1,496,300 per year, for 3 years.
Cincinnati : Kelly Stinnett has been signed to a contract extension, $605,600 per year, for 3 years.
Cincinnati : Gabe White has been signed to a contract extension, $1,881,250 per year, for 3 years.
Cincinnati : Scott Sullivan has been signed to a contract extension, $1,358,500 per year, for 3 years.
Cincinnati : Jason Grimsley has been signed to a contract extension, $1,259,700 per year, for 3 years.
Philadelphia : Kevin Millwood has been signed to a contract extension, $7,001,500 per year, for 5 years.
Philadelphia : Placido Polanco has been signed to a contract extension, $684,000 per year, for 3 years.
Philadelphia : Tyler Houston has been signed to a contract extension, $598,500 per year, for 3 years.
Philadelphia : Wendell Magee has been signed to a contract extension, $446,500 per year, for 2 years.
Philadelphia : Turk Wendell has been signed to a contract extension, $648,400 per year, for 4 years.
Pittsburgh : Randall Simon has been signed to a contract extension, $731,500 per year, for 3 years.
Pittsburgh : Pokey Reese has been signed to a contract extension, $665,000 per year, for 3 years.
Pittsburgh : Mike Williams has been signed to a contract extension, $3,277,500 per year, for 3 years.
Pittsburgh : Al Reyes has been signed to a contract extension, $1,211,300 per year, for 3 years.
Pittsburgh : Abraham O. Nunez has been signed to a contract extension, $370,000 per year, for 1 years.
Pittsburgh : Dennys Reyes has been signed to a contract extension, $950,000 per year, for 3 years.
Arizona : David Dellucci has been signed to a contract extension, $460,800 per year, for 1 years.
Arizona : Mike Myers has been signed to a contract extension, $1,420,300 per year, for 3 years.
Houston : Brian Hunter has been signed to a contract extension, $1,235,000 per year, for 4 years.
Houston : Brad Ausmus has been signed to a contract extension, $710,100 per year, for 3 years.
Houston : Bruce Chen has been signed to a contract extension, $769,500 per year, for 3 years.
Los Angeles : Hideo Nomo has been signed to a contract extension, $2,612,500 per year, for 3 years.
Los Angeles : Brian Jordan has been signed to a contract extension, $974,700 per year, for 4 years.
Los Angeles : Jolbert Cabrera has been signed to a contract extension, $427,500 per year, for 2 years.
Los Angeles : Jim Mecir has been signed to a contract extension, $1,068,800 per year, for 4 years.
Los Angeles : Fred McGriff has been signed to a contract extension, $438,900 per year, for 2 years.
San Diego : Michael Barrett has been signed to a contract extension, $1,928,500 per year, for 3 years.
San Diego : Trevor Hoffman has been signed to a contract extension, $5,250,000 per year, for 3 years.
San Diego : Lou Merloni has been signed to a contract extension, $399,000 per year, for 1 years.
San Francisco : Tim Worrell has been signed to a contract extension, $1,326,700 per year, for 3 years.
St. Louis : Brett Tomko has been signed to a contract extension, $552,900 per year, for 3 years.
St. Louis : Kevin S. Brown has been signed to a contract extension, $427,500 per year, for 2 years.
St. Louis : Larry Sutton has been signed to a contract extension, $498,800 per year, for 1 years.
St. Louis : Fernando Vina has been signed to a contract extension, $819,400 per year, for 3 years.

The Contractually Challenged

Baltimore: LF Todd Hollandsworth, RF Alex Ochoa, SP Jason Johnson
Boston: LF Jeremy Giambi, C Doug Mirabelli, SS Damian Jackson, CF Lou Collier, RF Adrian Brown, SP Pedro Martinez, RP Curt Leskanic
Cleveland: LF Ellis Burks, CF Ruben Rivera, RP Mike Fyhrie, RP Mark Wohlers, RP Jose Santiago
Detroit: RF Vladimir Guerrero, CF Jay Payton, RP Jose Paniagua, RP Dennis Cook
New York (A): LF Gabe Kapler, C John Flaherty, SP David Wells
Toronto: 3B Frank Catalanotto, SP Corey Lidle, SP Pete Walker, SP Glendon Rusch, MR Doug Creek

Anaheim: 1B Scott Spiezio, SS Carlos Febles, 2B Benji Gil, SP Jarrod Washburn, RP Chris Hammond
Chicago (A): C Ivan Rodriguez, SS Jose Valentin, 3B Tony Graffanino, RP Vladimir Nunez, RP Rick White
Minnesota: SS Chris Gomez, 2B Denny Hocking
Oakland: RP Ricardo Rincon, RP Corey Bradford, RP Jose Silva
Seattle: LF Randy Winn, 3B Fernando Tatis, RP LaTroy Hawkins
Texas: RF Karim Garcia, 1B Rafael Palmeiro, CF Carl Everett, RP Rudy Seanez, RP Esteban Yan

Atlanta: RF Gary Sheffield, 1B Mike Kinkade, 1B Robert Fick, C Javy Lopez, 3B Mark DeRosa, 2B Eric Young, SP Sidney Ponson, SP Greg Maddux
Chicago (N): RF Sammy Sosa, SS Jose Hernandez, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, C Paul Bako
Cincinnati: LF Jacob Cruz, CF Jose Guillen, 2B Wilton Guerrero
New York (N): See Below
Philadelphia: C Todd Pratt, 2B Luis Castillo, CF Ricky Ledee, SS John Valentin, RP Joey Eischen, RP Jose Mesa
Pittsburgh: RF Reggie Sanders, RF Matt Stairs

Arizona: CF Juan Encarnacion, 1B Olmedo Saenz, RF Tony Womack, SP Randy Johnson, SP Miguel Batista, RP Manny Aybar, RP Ron Villone
Houston: SS Jose Vizcaino
Los Angeles: SS Alex Cora, LF Daryle Ward, SP Andy Ashby
San Diego: LF Rondell White, C Gary Bennett
San Francisco: RF Jose Cruz Jr., SS Rich Aurilia, LF Jeff Hammonds, C Benito Santiago, RP Robb Nen, RP Scott Eyre
St. Louis: SS Edgar Renteria, C Mike Redmond, SS Wilson Delgado, SP Chris Carpenter

The Mets contract situation
I've Never been one to sign contract extensions early in the season, especially with older players, so I will probably hold off all my decisions until the playoffs start. Not withstanding that, the Mets have several players who decisions have to be made on.

2B Roberto Alomar - Wants 7.1 Million for 4 years. I'll think about it for the 2 more months I have.
RF Jeromy Burnitz - Im letting him go. I possibly have a chance at sgning 1 out of Vlad, Sosa or Sheffield, and I need the space in the lineup. Josh Hamilton could be in RF in 2004 as well.
CF Marquis Grissom - Not needed in 2004
SS Rey Sanchez - Possibly resigned as a Util IFer, wants 738K for 2 years. He's losing range quickly, and I'm leaning toward cutting bait on him.
2B Joe McEwing - a hard worker, but doesn't fit.
3B Russ Johnson - same as Joe Mac, no room at the inn for him.
3B Jay Bell - Announced Retirement
1B Tony Clark - Derrek Lee, Mo Vaughn and Ty Wiggington are all ahead of him on the depth chart. Goodbye Tony.
RP Armando Benitez - Having a great year. Wants 5.75 M for 3 years, I should be able to negotiate a contract for next year with him
SP Pedro Astacio - Having a good year so far (7-7, 3.39 ERA), but I need to create a roster spot for Aaron Heilman in 2004, and Pedro is the only free agent pitcher on the roster. Hate to let him go, but its necessary right now.
RP Graeme Lloyd - Very similar situation to Astacio. He's having a good year but there's several guys in AAA who need to get a shot next season.
SP David Cone - Announced Retirement
RP John Franco - Announced Retirement

Here are our arbitration eligible players:

CF Timo Perez - Estimate 430K
CF Tsuyoshi Shinjo - Estimate 380K
C Vance Wilson - Estimate 300K
RP Grant Roberts - Estimate 610K
RP Scott Strickland - Estimate 1.15 M
RP John Bale - Estimate 670K
CF Gary Matthews - Estimate 1.16 M

The Plan right now is to keep all of these guys, but Vance Wilson could be non tendered, especially with Justin Huber just about ready to be the backup C next season, and Jason Phillips also available in AAA.

[General Mike]

Mets July 2003 Review

Another rough month for the Mets, as we went 9-15. We're now 11.5 games out of 1st place, and 5.5 behind the 2nd place Pirates.

Bright Spots: Cliff Floyd hit .387 in July with 5 HRs and 18 RBI. Cliff is now hitting .302 for the season. Mike Piazza hits .301 with 6 HR and 18 RBI. Timo Perez and Marquis Grissom combine to hit .381 with 3 HRs, 10 RBI and 14 runs scored. Tom Glavine only goes 1-2, but provides a 2.61 ERA in 38 Innings. Mike Stanton and Graeme Lloyd combine for 14 shutout innings in July.

Low Lights: Al Leiter goes 1-4 with a 5.80 ERA. Is He done? Armando Benitez has his worst month of the season going 1-2 with only 4 saves and a 6.48 ERA. Before the month his ERA was 1.60. John Bale "earns" himself a trip back to AAA Norfolk by allowing 15 runs in 15.2 innings. Grant Roberts will take his spot in the bullpen. Roberto Alomar, Derrek Lee and Jeromy Burnitz all have horrendous Julys. Alomar hits .231, Lee goes 13 for 61 (.213) and Jeromy Burnitz hits .200 for the month.

Transactions
We acquired CF Gary Matthews from the Orioles. His addition will send down Marquis Grissom to AAA until an injury in the OF or September.

John Bale and Grant Roberts switch places, with Bale going down to Norfolk.

[General Mike]

August 2003 Review

Transactions

Since the trade deadline has passed, the ammount of transactions is drastically reduced. Some free agents were signed, and some players were released including one big name, on the verge of a milestone or 2.

Monday 8/4/2003 :

Boston: Released C Eddy Rodriguez.
Boston: Released 3B Bill Mueller.
Cleveland: Released 2B Ricky Gutierrez.
New York (A): Released RF Rudy Guillen.
Anaheim: Released P Scott Schoeneweis.
Chicago (A): Released 2B Pablo Ozuna.
Seattle: Released RF Gary Harris.
Chicago (N): Released P Scott Chiasson.
Chicago (N): Released CF Tom Goodwin.
Chicago (N): Released LF Charles Gipson.
Texas: Free agent CF Choo Freeman has been signed to a minor league contract.


Wednesday 8/6/2003 :

New York (A): Released C John Flaherty, he refused assignment to minors.


Monday 8/11/2003 :

Boston: Released P Tom Davey.
Detroit: Released P Rob Henkel.
New York (A): Released SS Enrique Wilson.
Toronto: Released P Doug Creek.
Seattle: Released P Juan Done.
Atlanta: Released LF Donzell McDonald.
Atlanta: Released 2B Eric Young, he refused assignment to minors.
Los Angeles: Released 1B Larry Barnes.
Los Angeles: Released P Scott Winchester.
Chicago (A): Free agent P Shawn Hill has been signed to a minor league contract.
Cleveland: Free agent P Luis Pineda has been signed to a contract of $467,400 per year, for 1 year.


Monday 8/18/2003 :

Boston: Released 3B Shea Hillenbrand.
Note: Hillenbrand was hitting .222 with 5 HRs at the time of release.
Chicago (A): Released P Dan Wright.
Chicago (N): Released P Russ Rohlicek.
Cincinnati: Released P Paul Darnell.
San Francisco: Free agent P Jay Witasick has been signed to a contract of $617,500 per year, for 1 year.
Anaheim: Free agent RF Brian Banks has been signed to a minor league contract.


Saturday 8/23/2003 :

New York (A): Released P Roger Clemens, he refused assignment to minors.
Note: Roger is stuck at 299 wins and 3998 Ks. Since the Mets are out of it, I am going to pick him up so he can at least have a chance to win 300 games and get his 4000 strikeout.

Monday 8/25/2003 :

Baltimore: Released LF Ray Cabrera.
Anaheim: Released C Ben Molina.
Cincinnati: Released SS Jason Maxwell.
Houston: Released P Peter Munro.
Philadelphia: Free agent 1B Brad Nelson has been signed to a minor league contract.
San Francisco: Free agent P Chris Buglovsky has been signed to a minor league contract.
Detroit: Free agent P Zach Day has been signed to a minor league contract.


Friday 8/29/2003 :

San Diego: Released 1B Dave Hansen, he refused assignment to minors.


Monday 9/1/2003 :

New York (A): Released P David Wells, he refused assignment to minors.
Wells was 9-8 with a 3.68 ERA. 4 CGs, 2 shutouts as well
New York (A): Released CF Chris Latham.
Philadelphia: Released 1B Brennan Boesch.
Houston: Released 1B Cirilo Pino.
St. Louis: Released P Matt Duff.
Cleveland: Free agent P Chris Tierney has been signed to a minor league contract.
Houston: Free agent P Donne Wall has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 year.

Injuries

Friday 8/1/2003 :

NYA: Nick Johnson was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Posterior Cruciate Ligament.
He will be OK in about 4-5 weeks.
ARI: Randy Johnson was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Pulled Bicep Tendon.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 4 weeks.

Saturday 8/2/2003 :

CIN: Ryan Dempster was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Tender Shoulder.
He is out for about one week.

Monday 8/4/2003 :

MIN: Beau Kemp was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Bicep Muscle.
He is definitely out for the season!

Thursday 8/7/2003 :

SEA: Jamie Moyer was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Tricep Muscle.
He is out for about 8-9 weeks.

Friday 8/8/2003 :

ANA: Ramon Ortiz was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Herniated Disc Back.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 4-5 weeks.
CIN: Scott Sullivan was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Pulled Elbow Ligament.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 3 weeks.

Saturday 8/9/2003 :

TOR: Mark Hendrickson was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Tender Elbow.
He is out for about one week.
SEA: Mark McLemore was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Pulled Anterior Cruciate Ligament.
He will be OK in about 2-3 weeks.
SFN: C.C. Sabathia was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Tender Shoulder.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 1-2 weeks.

Thursday 8/14/2003 :

ARI: Lyle Overbay was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Hyper Extended Knee.
He will be OK in about one week.

Saturday 8/16/2003 :

CLE: Mike Sweeney was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Abdominal Muscle.
He will be OK in about one week.

Tuesday 8/19/2003 :

NYA: Steve Karsay was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Pulled Tricep Muscle.
He is out for about 3 weeks.

Wednesday 8/20/2003 :

BOS: Johnny Damon was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Torn Abdominal Muscle.
He is out for about 2-3 weeks.
TOR: Mike Moriarty was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Strained Groin Muscle.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.

Thursday 8/21/2003 :

SDN: Michael Barrett was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Strained Groin Muscle.
He is out for about one week.

Friday 8/22/2003 :

SLN: Mike Redmond was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Groin Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 3-4 weeks.

Sunday 8/24/2003 :

CHA: Mark Buehrle was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Bone Chips Elbow.
He will be OK in about 6 weeks.

Monday 8/25/2003 :

MIN: Brad Radke was injured when he was hit by a line drive.
Diagnosis: Broken Finger.
He will be OK in about 5-6 weeks.

Tuesday 8/26/2003 :

CLE: Alex Escobar was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Torn Calf Muscle.
He is definitely out for the season!
CLE: Jesse Foppert was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Back Muscle.
He will be OK in about one week.

Wednesday 8/27/2003 :

ARI: Wayne Franklin was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Bone Chips Shoulder.
He is out for about 8 weeks.

Thursday 8/28/2003 :

BOS: Brad Fullmer was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Strained Hamstring Muscle.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.
BAL: Jason Johnson was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Herniated Disc Back.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5-6 weeks.

Friday 8/29/2003 :

DET: Brandon Inge Inge was injured in a collision at home plate.
Diagnosis: Bruised Wrist.
He will be OK in about one week.

Sunday 8/31/2003 :

MIN: Ben Sheets was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Back.
He is out for about 2 weeks.

Notable Achievments

Saturday 8/2/2003 :

CHA: Frank Thomas gets his 2000th career hit!!

Monday 8/4/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
P Casey Fossum (BOS)!
He won 2 games, with one shutout, pitched 15.2 innings
with an ERA of 0.57, fanning 19.
National League-Player of the Week:
LF Cliff Floyd (NYN)!
He batted .522 in 23 AB, with 3 HR and 7 RBI.

Wednesday 8/6/2003 :

SDN: Javier Vazquez pitches a NO-HITTER against Pittsburgh!!

Monday 8/11/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
3B Frank Catalanotto (TOR)!
He batted .500 in 20 AB, with 1 HR and 8 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
RF Sammy Sosa (CHN)!
He batted .440 in 25 AB, with 2 HR and 10 RBI.
CLE: Jesse Foppert pitches a NO-HITTER against Detroit!!
Note: Foppert is the odds on favorite for AL Rookie of the Year now.

Monday 8/18/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
3B Troy Glaus (ANA)!
He batted .440 in 25 AB, with 5 HR and 7 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
RF Shawn Green (LAN)!
He batted .407 in 27 AB, with 4 HR and 8 RBI.

Monday 8/25/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
LF Garret Anderson (ANA)!
He batted .406 in 32 AB, with 2 HR and 15 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
LF Cliff Floyd (NYN)!
He batted .381 in 21 AB, with 3 HR and 12 RBI.

Friday 8/29/2003 :

NYN: Roberto Alomar sets a new season New York (N)-Record for Doubles with 44!
Note: That probably locks up a contract extension for Alomar.
Sunday 9/1/2003 :

American League-Pitcher of the Month:
Jarrod Washburn (ANA)!
He had a record of 4-1 in 7 games started, with an ERA of 1.81 and 2 shutouts.
American League-Batter of the Month:
Frank Thomas (CHA)!
He batted .330 in 97 AB, with 10 homers and 20 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month:
Wayne Franklin (ARI)!
He had a record of 4-1 in 5 games started, with an ERA of 0.84.
National League-Batter of the Month:
Aramis Ramirez (PIT)!
He batted .309 in 110 AB, with 11 homers and 31 RBI.
American League-Player of the Week:
SS Alex Rodriguez (TEX)!
He batted .519 in 27 AB, with 4 HR and 12 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
CF Jim Edmonds (SLN)!
He batted .444 in 27 AB, with 4 HR and 13 RBI.

[General Mike]

[b]Team Power Rankings and Standings

Standings

American League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Boston 81 55 .596 - 87-49 -6 46-25 35-30 9-9 19-18 24 L1 7-3
New York (A) 77 58 .570 3.5 69-66 8 40-28 37-30 7-6 17-18 - W1 5-5
Toronto 76 60 .559 5.0 74-62 2 39-30 37-30 6-9 21-19 - W1 6-4
Cleveland 57 80 .416 24.5 58-79 -1 28-40 29-40 7-10 17-29 - L3 3-7
Detroit 55 81 .404 26.0 54-82 1 34-34 21-47 9-12 25-27 - L1 2-8
Baltimore 54 82 .397 27.0 48-88 6 26-42 28-40 11-7 25-17 - W1 4-6

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Seattle 72 63 .533 - 69-66 3 39-29 33-34 13-4 27-17 26 W5 7-3
Texas 71 65 .522 1.5 76-60 -5 40-31 31-34 1-8 18-19 - W1 6-4
Anaheim 71 66 .518 2.0 74-63 -3 34-32 37-34 9-11 22-28 - W1 5-5
Minnesota 67 68 .496 5.0 63-72 4 37-27 30-41 4-8 28-17 - L1 4-6
Oakland 67 68 .496 5.0 69-66 -2 34-33 33-35 8-7 22-26 - L1 7-3
Chicago (A) 62 74 .456 10.5 66-70 -4 36-31 26-43 13-6 24-27 - L1 4-6

National League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Philadelphia 80 56 .588 - 83-53 -3 42-26 38-30 8-6 22-19 17 W1 7-3
Pittsburgh 70 66 .515 10.0 64-72 6 37-34 33-32 7-8 28-17 - W1 5-5
Atlanta 64 71 .474 15.5 61-74 3 34-31 30-40 6-7 22-21 - L2 6-4
Cincinnati 64 72 .471 16.0 67-69 -3 27-41 37-31 4-7 17-26 - W2 6-4
Chicago (N) 63 72 .467 16.5 66-69 -3 30-38 33-34 6-11 20-25 - L1 3-7
New York (N) 62 74 .456 18.0 64-72 -2 29-38 33-36 5-7 21-22 - L1 4-6

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Houston 73 63 .537 - 73-63 0 41-30 32-33 6-9 21-23 27 W1 6-4
St. Louis 73 63 .537 - 63-73 10 37-31 36-32 14-6 24-19 27 W4 6-4
San Francisco 70 65 .519 2.5 77-58 -7 33-32 37-33 7-7 18-31 - W2 6-4
San Diego 68 69 .496 5.5 66-71 2 37-34 31-35 8-10 28-26 - L4 3-7
Los Angeles 67 68 .496 5.5 69-66 -2 36-31 31-37 14-6 29-18 - L2 4-6
Arizona 65 70 .481 7.5 70-65 -5 30-35 35-35 8-9 19-25 - L1 4-6


Power Rankings

Power Rankings

RANK (Last Week) Team Points Tendency Record PCT AVG ERA Pyt.Rec Diff
1st (1st) Boston 111 o 81-55 .596 .269 3.68 87-49 -6
2nd (2nd) Philadelphia 110 o 80-56 .588 .260 3.76 83-53 -3
3rd (3rd) New York (A) 103 o 77-58 .570 .252 4.29 69-66 8
4th (4th) Toronto 103 o 76-60 .559 .258 4.09 74-62 2
5th (5th) Seattle 102 o 72-63 .533 .243 3.63 69-66 3
6th (6th) St. Louis 101 o 73-63 .537 .244 4.05 63-73 10
7th (7th) Houston 99 o 73-63 .537 .255 4.14 73-63 0
8th (8th) San Francisco 96 o 70-65 .519 .232 3.42 77-58 -7
9th (9th) Texas 96 o 71-65 .522 .258 4.16 76-60 -5
10th (10th) Oakland 93 o 67-68 .496 .240 3.77 69-66 -2
11th (11th) Anaheim 93 o 71-66 .518 .258 3.93 74-63 -3
12th (12th) Pittsburgh 93 o 70-66 .515 .243 3.99 64-72 6
13th (13th) Cincinnati 88 o 64-72 .471 .252 4.48 67-69 -3
14th (14th) Minnesota 87 o 67-68 .496 .235 3.83 63-72 4
15th (15th) Atlanta 86 o 64-71 .474 .249 4.36 61-74 3
16th (16th) Los Angeles 86 o 67-68 .496 .250 3.83 69-66 -2
17th (17th) Arizona 85 o 65-70 .481 .269 4.28 70-65 -5
18th (18th) San Diego 83 o 68-69 .496 .248 4.16 66-71 2
19th (19th) Chicago (A) 80 o 62-74 .456 .245 3.99 66-70 -4
20th (20th) New York (N) 80 o 62-74 .456 .256 4.07 64-72 -2
21st (21st) Chicago (N) 80 o 63-72 .467 .256 4.15 66-69 -3
22nd (22nd) Cleveland 70 o 57-80 .416 .250 4.67 58-79 -1
23rd (23rd) Baltimore 69 o 54-82 .397 .236 4.71 48-88 6
24th (24th) Detroit 67 o 55-81 .404 .232 4.26 54-82 1

American League Leaders

Batting Average
1 M. Ramirez (BOS) .314
2 A. Rodriguez (TEX) .306
3 B. Fullmer (BOS) .305

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 1.095
2 M. Ramirez (BOS) .990
3 T. Nixon (BOS) .955

Home Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 49
2 M. Ordonez (CHA) 33
3 F. Thomas (CHA) 32

Doubles
1 G. Anderson (ANA) 45
2 B. Fullmer (BOS) 41
3 I. Rodriguez (CHA) 40

Triples
1 Endy Chavez (TEX) 11
2 G. Kingsale (DET) 10
2 C. Beltran (BAL) 10

Runs Batted In
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 105
2 G. Anderson (ANA) 101
3 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 90

Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 107
2 M. Ramirez (BOS) 103
3 T. Glaus (ANA) 92

Stolen Bases
1 D. Erstad (ANA) 39
2 A. Soriano (NYA) 36
3 D. Jeter (NYA) 33

Wins
1 A. Burnett (TEX) 17
2 J. Weaver (NYA) 16
2 J. Foppert (CLE) 16

Earned Run Average
1 A. Burnett (TEX) 2.24
2 B. Zito (OAK) 2.44
3 J. Washburn (ANA) 2.65

Strikeouts
1 P. Martinez (BOS) 300
2 B. Zito (OAK) 207
3 J. Foppert (CLE) 197

Saves
1 K. Foulke (OAK) 37
2 E. Guardado (MIN) 35
3 M. Rivera (NYA) 33

National League Leaders

Batting Average
1 J. Thurston (LAN) .328
2 L. Gonzalez (ARI) .320
3 K. Griffey Jr. (CIN) .312

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 B. Bonds (SFN) 1.154
2 J. Thome (PHI) 1.150
3 R. Klesko (SDN) 1.003

Home Runs
1 S. Sosa (CHN) 50
2 J. Thome (PHI) 44
3 A. Ramirez (PIT) 37
3 A. Boone (CIN) 37

Doubles
1 R. Alomar (NYN) 44
2 R. Klesko (SDN) 42
3 S. Rolen (SLN) 41

Triples
1 L. Castillo (PHI) 12
2 R. Durham (SFN) 10
2 R. White (SDN) 10

Runs Batted In
1 S. Sosa (CHN) 117
1 A. Ramirez (PIT) 117
3 J. Thome (PHI) 111

Runs
1 J. Thome (PHI) 111
2 B. Abreu (PHI) 108
3 B. Bonds (SFN) 101

Stolen Bases
1 L. Castillo (PHI) 53
2 D. Roberts (LAN) 36
2 B. Abreu (PHI) 36

Wins
1 K. Millwood (PHI) 19
2 R. Oswalt (HOU) 17
3 T. Ohka (HOU) 16

Earned Run Average
1 J. Beckett (PIT) 2.72
2 T. Glavine (NYN) 2.85
3 K. Millwood (PHI) 2.87

Strikeouts
1 C. Schilling (ARI) 240
2 R. Johnson (ARI) 225
3 R. Oswalt (HOU) 216

Saves
1 M. Williams (PIT) 34
2 B. Wagner (HOU) 32
3 J. Isringhausen (SLN) 30

[DolphinFan1]

It's interesting that Clemens was released in your league. Just because in Chief Rum's Dynasty, he was also released shy of 300 wins and 4000 K's. Just a coincidence? Hmm.

[General Mike]

August 2003 Mets Review

The Mets slipped even farther back in the division in this lost 2003. With the Mets now 18 games back in the division, the season is effectively over after a 10-18 August. Steve Trachsel was 2-2 with a 2.21 ERA, but the rest of the pitching staff was average at best.

Highlights: Roberto Alomar sets a new Mets single season record for doubles with 44. Cliff Floyd and Mo Vaughn both hit over .300 for the month , combining for 11 HRs and 35 RBI. Armando Benitez had his second consecutive bad month, only able to save 3 games, and posting a 6.00 ERA.

Lowlights: Mike Piazza had possibly the worst single month of his major league career, hitting .198 with only 2 HRs.

Transactions: With the major league rosters expanding to 40 man for the rest of the season, all players in AAA with major league contracts were called up, plus a few minor league veterans.

P David Cone
P Jae Seo
P John Bale
P Jaime Cerda
P Franklin Nunez
1B Tony Clark
CF Marquis Grissom
CF Tsuyoshi Shinjo
3B Russ Johnson
2B Joe McEwing

SP Roger Clemens was also signed to a 300K, 1 year deal, so that he can attempt to win his 300th game and strikeout his 4000th batter.

[General Mike]

September 2003 Review

The regular season is over, and it's almost playoff time, but before that can begin, we have to take a look at what happened in September.

Transactions

Monday 9/1/2003 :

New York (N) : Free agent Roger Clemens has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 years.

Sunday 9/7/2003 :

Houston: Released SS Jose Vizcaino, he refused assignment to minors.

Monday 9/8/2003 :

Cleveland: Released CF Covelli Crisp.
Los Angeles: Free agent 3B Shea Hillenbrand has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 year.
Anaheim: Free agent P Geoff Goetz has been signed to a minor league contract.

Monday 9/15/2003 :

New York (A): Released P Ben Rivera.
New York (A): Released 1B Ryan Mcguire.
Philadelphia: Released CF Mckay Christensen.
Arizona: Free agent RF Juan Gonzalez has been signed to a contract of $1,021,400 per year, for 1 year.
Detroit: Free agent 1B Brian Daubach has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 year.

Monday 9/22/2003 :

St. Louis: Free agent C Shawn Riggans has been signed to a minor league contract.
New York (N) : Armando Benitez has been signed to a contract extension, $5,000,000 per year, for 3 years.

Monday 9/29/2003 :

Baltimore: Released P Scott Erickson.
Chicago (A): Released 3B Tony Graffanino.
St. Louis: Released C Mike Matheny.
Philadelphia: Free agent P Bobby Howry has been signed to a contract of $490,200 per year, for 1 year.

Injuries

Thursday 9/4/2003 :

ANA: John Lackey was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Bone Chips Elbow.
He is out for about 5 weeks.
PHI: Jose Mesa was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Ruptured Elbow Ligament.
He is out for about 5 weeks.

Friday 9/5/2003 :

TEX: Joaquin Benoit was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Bicep Muscle.
He is definitely out for the season!
ARI: Pete LaForest was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Thigh Muscle.
He will be OK in about one week.

Monday 9/8/2003 :

CLE: Kip Wells was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Bone Chips Shoulder.
He is definitely out for the season!
NYA: Gabe Kapler was injured while making a catch.
Diagnosis: Strained Rib Cage Muscle.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.

Tuesday 9/9/2003 :

HOU: Roy Oswalt was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Herniated Disc Back.
He will be OK in about 4-5 weeks.
PIT: Dennis Stark was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Pulled Bicep Tendon.
He is out for about 3 weeks.

Wednesday 9/10/2003 :

TEX: Hank Blalock was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Torn Abdominal Muscle.
He will be OK in about 4 weeks.

Thursday 9/11/2003 :

TEX: Runelvys Hernandez was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Spasms Back.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 7 weeks.

Friday 9/12/2003 :

DET: Gene Kingsale was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Ruptured Achilles Tendon.
He is definitely out for the season!
MIN: Juan Rincon was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Bicep Muscle.
He is definitely out for the season!
SDN: Javier Vazquez was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Inflamed Rotator Cuff Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.

Saturday 9/13/2003 :

NYA: Juan Acevedo was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Tricep Muscle.
He will be OK in about 7 weeks.

Wednesday 9/17/2003 :

CLE: Matt Lawton was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Pulled Groin Muscle.
He is out for about one week.
CLE: Ryan Church was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Broken Ankle.
He is definitely out for the season!

Thursday 9/18/2003 :

HOU: Ricky Stone was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Ruptured Elbow Ligament.
He is out for about 5 weeks.
PIT: Rocco Baldelli was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Strained Back Muscle.
He will be OK in about 5 weeks.

Friday 9/19/2003 :

PHI: Jimmy Rollins was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Torn Groin Muscle.
He will be OK in about 3 weeks.

Saturday 9/20/2003 :

ANA: Jarrod Washburn was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Strained Back Muscle.
He is day-to-day, but full recovery will take 5 weeks.
SDN: Brian Lawrence was injured when he was hit by a line drive.
Diagnosis: Fractured Hand.
He is out for about 7 weeks.

Monday 9/22/2003 :

SFN: Ray Durham was injured while throwing a ball.
Diagnosis: Strained Back.
He is out for about one week.

Thursday 9/25/2003 :

ARI: Miguel Batista was injured when he was hit by a line drive.
Diagnosis: Dislocated Finger.
He is out for about one week.

Saturday 9/27/2003 :

HOU: Jeff Bagwell was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Hyper Extended Knee.
He is out for about 1-2 weeks.


Notable Achievments

Thursday 9/4/2003 :

PHI: Jim Thome sets a new season Philadelphia-Record for Homeruns with 48!

Sunday 9/7/2003 :

BOS: Pedro Martinez sets a new season Boston-Record for Strikeouts with 313!

Monday 9/8/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
SS Alex Rodriguez (TEX)!
He batted .429 in 21 AB, with 4 HR and 6 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
LF Albert Pujols (SLN)!
He batted .417 in 24 AB, with 5 HR and 7 RBI.

Monday 9/15/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
P Freddy Garcia (SEA)!
He won 2 games, with 2 shutouts, pitched 18 innings
with an ERA of 0.00, fanning 11.
National League-Player of the Week:
1B Jim Thome (PHI)!
He batted .435 in 23 AB, with 3 HR and 10 RBI.

Tuesday 9/16/2003 :

TEX: Alex Rodriguez sets a new season Texas-Record for Homeruns with 57!

Thursday 9/18/2003 :

HOU: Billy Wagner sets a new season Houston-Record for Saves with 39!

Saturday 9/20/2003 :

PIT: Aramis Ramirez sets a new season Pittsburgh-Record for RBI with 131!

Monday 9/22/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
1B Chris Richard (OAK)!
He batted .529 in 17 AB, with 2 HR and 8 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
2B Aaron Boone (CIN)!
He batted .385 in 26 AB, with 5 HR and 13 RBI.

TEX: A.J. Burnett pitches a NO-HITTER against Boston!!

Tuesday 9/23/2003 :

PIT: Brian Giles sets a new season Pittsburgh-Record for Bases on Balls with 137!

Thursday 9/25/2003 :

TEX: Alex Rodriguez sets a new season AL-Record for Homeruns with 61!

Friday 9/26/2003 :

BOS: Johnny Damon hits for the cycle against Chicago (A)!

Monday 9/29/2003 :

American League-Player of the Week:
1B Jason Giambi (NYA)!
He batted .550 in 20 AB, with 3 HR and 13 RBI.
National League-Player of the Week:
3B Tyler Houston (PHI)!
He batted .563 in 16 AB, with 2 HR and 5 RBI.


Tuesday 10/1/2003 :

American League-Pitcher of the Month:
Barry Zito (OAK)!
He had a record of 5-0 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 1.37 and 1 shutouts.
American League-Batter of the Month:
Alex Rodriguez (TEX)!
He batted .295 in 88 AB, with 14 homers and 24 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month:
Javier Vazquez (SDN)!
He had a record of 1-1 in 3 games started, with an ERA of 0.53.
National League-Batter of the Month:
Lance Berkman (HOU)!
He batted .444 in 81 AB, with 8 homers and 27 RBI.

[General Mike]

Standings

American League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Boston 97 65 .599 - 102-60 -5 52-29 45-36 10-10 24-19 * L1 5-5
New York (A) 88 74 .543 9.0 81-81 7 45-36 43-38 9-6 21-20 - W1 5-5
Toronto 87 75 .537 10.0 82-80 5 44-37 43-38 7-9 24-23 - L2 3-7
Baltimore 69 93 .426 28.0 62-100 7 33-48 36-45 11-8 31-18 - L1 8-2
Cleveland 68 94 .420 29.0 69-93 -1 32-49 36-45 9-12 19-35 - L1 4-6
Detroit 61 101 .377 36.0 62-100 -1 35-46 26-55 9-13 26-33 - L6 1-9

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Oakland 88 74 .543 - 92-70 -4 44-37 44-37 9-7 27-28 * W2 8-2
Texas 85 78 .521 3.5 92-71 -7 46-36 39-42 1-9 22-22 - W4 9-1
Seattle 84 79 .515 4.5 80-83 4 46-35 38-44 14-6 31-24 - L2 4-6
Minnesota 83 79 .512 5.0 78-84 5 48-33 35-46 5-8 29-20 - W1 4-6
Anaheim 80 82 .494 8.0 83-79 -3 39-42 41-40 10-12 26-33 - W1 3-7
Chicago (A) 78 84 .481 10.0 81-81 -3 46-35 32-49 13-7 29-31 - W1 5-5

National League Standings

Eastern Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Philadelphia 95 67 .586 - 101-61 -6 48-33 47-34 9-8 25-23 * L1 4-6
Chicago (N) 79 83 .488 16.0 80-82 -1 37-44 42-39 9-13 26-29 - L1 6-4
Pittsburgh 78 84 .481 17.0 75-87 3 41-40 37-44 8-13 31-24 - L2 3-7
Atlanta 74 88 .457 21.0 69-93 5 39-42 35-46 6-8 25-21 - W1 4-6
Cincinnati 74 88 .457 21.0 75-87 -1 33-48 41-40 5-9 22-30 - W1 6-4
New York (N) 72 90 .444 23.0 76-86 -4 32-49 40-41 7-8 27-30 - L3 2-8

Western Division

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Houston 90 72 .556 - 88-74 2 47-34 43-38 9-10 27-28 * W1 5-5
San Francisco 87 75 .537 3.0 94-68 -7 43-38 44-37 9-7 26-35 - L1 6-4
St. Louis 86 76 .531 4.0 75-87 11 44-37 42-39 14-6 30-22 - W4 6-4
Los Angeles 83 79 .512 7.0 82-80 1 44-37 39-42 16-7 33-23 - L1 8-2
Arizona 80 82 .494 10.0 85-77 -5 38-43 42-39 9-11 20-31 - W2 5-5
San Diego 79 83 .488 11.0 79-83 0 41-40 38-43 9-10 31-30 - W1 5-5

Power Rankings

1st (1st) Boston 108 o 97-65 .599 .267 3.78 102-60 -5
2nd (2nd) Oakland 105 o 88-74 .543 .248 3.75 92-70 -4
3rd (3rd) Texas 104 o 85-78 .521 .259 4.10 92-71 -7
4th (4th) Philadelphia 104 o 95-67 .586 .261 3.76 101-61 -6
5th (5th) Houston 100 o 90-72 .556 .254 4.04 88-74 2
6th (6th) St. Louis 100 o 86-76 .531 .246 4.10 75-87 11
7th (7th) San Francisco 99 o 87-75 .537 .232 3.28 94-68 -7
8th (8th) Los Angeles 98 o 83-79 .512 .249 3.75 82-80 1
9th (9th) New York (A) 98 o 88-74 .543 .249 4.33 81-81 7
10th (10th) Toronto 92 o 87-75 .537 .257 4.37 82-80 5
11th (11th) Minnesota 90 o 83-79 .512 .241 3.83 78-84 5
12th (12th) Arizona 90 o 80-82 .494 .270 4.28 85-77 -5
13th (13th) Chicago (N) 90 o 79-83 .488 .256 4.05 80-82 -1
14th (14th) Seattle 90 o 84-79 .515 .239 3.65 80-83 4
15th (15th) San Diego 88 o 79-83 .488 .251 4.25 79-83 0
16th (16th) Chicago (A) 87 o 78-84 .481 .249 4.06 81-81 -3
17th (17th) Anaheim 85 o 80-82 .494 .254 3.99 83-79 -3
18th (18th) Cincinnati 84 o 74-88 .457 .249 4.59 75-87 -1
19th (19th) Baltimore 83 o 69-93 .426 .237 4.57 62-100 7
20th (20th) Pittsburgh 82 o 78-84 .481 .238 4.00 75-87 3
21st (21st) Atlanta 80 o 74-88 .457 .250 4.63 69-93 5
22nd (22nd) Cleveland 74 o 68-94 .420 .251 4.73 69-93 -1
23rd (23rd) New York (N) 73 o 72-90 .444 .251 3.98 76-86 -4
24th (24th) Detroit 57 o 61-101 .377 .233 4.34 62-100 -1

American League Leaders

[i]I'm going to expand the league leaders to the top 10 since it's the end of the season.

Batting Average
1 M. Ramirez (BOS) .312
2 J. Giambi (NYA) .308
3 A. Rodriguez (TEX) .304
4 B. Fullmer (BOS) .297
5 G. Anderson (ANA) .296
6 F. Thomas (CHA) .296
7 M. Lawton (CLE) .295
8 V. Guerrero (DET) .290
9 N. Garciaparra (BOS) .285
10 V. Wells (TOR) .283

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 1.109
2 J. Giambi (NYA) .968
3 M. Ramirez (BOS) .959
4 C. Delgado (TOR) .936
5 T. Nixon (BOS) .935
6 F. Thomas (CHA) .925
7 G. Anderson (ANA) .885
8 M. Lawton (CLE) .882
9 V. Guerrero (DET) .875
10 B. Fullmer (BOS) .866

Home Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 63
2 M. Ordonez (CHA) 40
3 F. Thomas (CHA) 38
4 R. Palmeiro (TEX) 33
4 C. Delgado (TOR) 33
6 M. Ramirez (BOS) 32
7 J. Giambi (NYA) 31
8 J. Phelps (TEX) 29
8 T. Nixon (BOS) 29
10 G. Anderson (ANA) 28

Doubles
1 G. Anderson (ANA) 50
2 B. Fullmer (BOS) 45
2 P. Konerko (CHA) 45
2 I. Rodriguez (CHA) 45
5 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 42
5 A. Kearns (TOR) 42
5 G. Colbrunn (SEA) 42
5 B. Phillips (CLE) 42
5 M. Ramirez (BOS) 42
5 S. Stewart (TOR) 42
5 J. Giambi (NYA) 42

Triples
1 E. Chavez (TEX) 13
2 I. Suzuki (SEA) 11
2 C. Beltran (BAL) 11
4 C. Crawford (DET) 10
4 G. Kingsale (DET) 10
4 V. Guerrero (DET) 10
7 M. Lawton (CLE) 9
7 J. Hairston (BAL) 9
7 M. Ellis (OAK) 9
10 G. Anderson (ANA) 8

Runs Batted In
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 129
2 G. Anderson (ANA) 114
3 J. Giambi (NYA) 109
4 M. Ordonez (CHA) 105
5 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 101
6 C. Delgado (TOR) 100
7 M. Ramirez (BOS) 98
8 T. Nixon (BOS) 97
9 B. Fullmer (BOS) 95
9 J. Gibbons (BAL) 95

Runs
1 A. Rodriguez (TEX) 129
2 M. Ramirez (BOS) 117
3 N. Garciaparra (BOS) 103
4 D. Jeter (NYA) 101
5 C. Delgado (TOR) 99
5 T. Nixon (BOS) 99
7 T. Glaus (ANA) 98
8 F. Thomas (CHA) 94
9 M. Ordonez (CHA) 93
10 S. Stewart (TOR) 92

Stolen Bases
1 D. Erstad (ANA) 46
2 A. Soriano (NYA) 41
3 D. Jeter (NYA) 39
4 C. Beltran (BAL) 38
5 V. Guerrero (DET) 36
6 J. Damon (BOS) 33
7 C. Crawford (DET) 30
8 I. Suzuki (SEA) 28
8 M. Cameron (SEA) 28
10 E. Chavez (TEX) 27

Wins
1 A. Burnett (TEX) 20
2 B. Zito (OAK) 19
3 J. Weaver (NYA) 18
3 J. Washburn (ANA) 18
5 J. Foppert (CLE) 17
5 M. Redman (TEX) 17
7 J. Pineiro (SEA) 16
7 M. Mussina (NYA) 16
9 P. Martinez (BOS) 15
9 C. Fossum (BOS) 15
9 T. Hudson (OAK) 15

Earned Run Average
1 A. Burnett (TEX) 2.13
2 B. Zito (OAK) 2.26
3 J. Washburn (ANA) 2.77
4 P. Martinez (BOS) 2.83
5 J. Mays (MIN) 2.86
6 B. Colon (CHA) 2.93
7 J. Moyer (SEA) 3.29
8 F. Garcia (SEA) 3.31
9 J. Pineiro (SEA) 3.38
10 P. Walker (TOR) 3.43

Strikeouts
1 P. Martinez (BOS) 334
2 B. Zito (OAK) 239
3 J. Foppert (CLE) 228
4 A. Burnett (TEX) 204
5 F. Garcia (SEA) 185
6 B. Colon (CHA) 181
7 C. Fossum (BOS) 175
8 M. Mussina (NYA) 174
9 D. Baez (CLE) 173
10 J. Washburn (ANA) 172

Saves
1 K. Foulke (OAK) 45
2 E. Guardado (MIN) 42
3 M. Rivera (NYA) 38
4 U. Urbina (TEX) 35
5 J. Jimenez (BOS) 33
6 B. Koch (CHA) 31
7 T. Percival (ANA) 30
8 A. Lopez (TOR) 29
8 J. Julio (BAL) 29
10 J. Paniagua (DET) 28
10 K. Sasaki (SEA) 28

National League Leaders

Batting Average
1 J. Thurston (LAN) .325
2 L. Gonzalez (ARI) .321
3 A. Pujols (SLN) .315
4 D. Bautista (ARI) .308
5 B. Bonds (SFN) .307
6 K. Griffey Jr. (CIN) .303
7 J. Thome (PHI) .302
8 L. Castillo (PHI) .302
9 B. Abreu (PHI) .301
10 R. Klesko (SDN) .301

On Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
1 B. Bonds (SFN) 1.151
2 J. Thome (PHI) 1.141
3 L. Berkman (HOU) 1.018
4 R. Klesko (SDN) .986
5 L. Gonzalez (ARI) .984
6 B. Abreu (PHI) .980
7 A. Pujols (SLN) .944
8 S. Green (LAN) .937
9 T. Helton (CIN) .936
10 J. Edmonds (SLN) .935

Home Runs
1 S. Sosa (CHN) 56
2 J. Thome (PHI) 52
3 A. Boone (CIN) 45
4 A. Ramirez (PIT) 42
5 L. Berkman (HOU) 40
6 B. Bonds (SFN) 36
6 S. Green (LAN) 36
6 R. Klesko (SDN) 36
9 A. Pujols (SLN) 34
10 A. Jones (ATL) 33

Doubles
1 R. Mateo (CIN) 50
2 R. Alomar (NYN) 49
3 R. Klesko (SDN) 47
3 S. Rolen (SLN) 47
3 L. Berkman (HOU) 47
6 J. Kent (HOU) 46
7 A. Pujols (SLN) 43
8 M. Lowell (NYN) 42
8 A. Ramirez (PIT) 42
8 J. Vidro (CHN) 42

Triples
1 L. Castillo (PHI) 13
2 B. Abreu (PHI) 12
2 R. White (SDN) 12
2 C. Patterson (CHN) 12
5 F. Vina (SLN) 11
5 R. Durham (SFN) 11
7 J. Cruz Jr. (SFN) 10
8 R. Baldelli (PIT) 9
8 E. Renteria (SLN) 9
10 6 tied with 8

Runs Batted In
1 A. Ramirez (PIT) 134
2 S. Sosa (CHN) 133
2 J. Thome (PHI) 133
4 L. Berkman (HOU) 125
5 A. Boone (CIN) 119
6 L. Gonzalez (ARI) 117
7 R. Klesko (SDN) 114
8 A. Jones (ATL) 113
9 B. Abreu (PHI) 107
10 J. Kent (HOU) 106

Runs
1 B. Abreu (PHI) 128
1 J. Thome (PHI) 128
3 L. Berkman (HOU) 118
4 B. Bonds (SFN) 111
5 L. Gonzalez (ARI) 106
5 R. Klesko (SDN) 106
7 S. Sosa (CHN) 105
8 L. Castillo (PHI) 103
9 S. Green (LAN) 101
10 J. Edmonds (SLN) 100

Stolen Bases
1 L. Castillo (PHI) 60
2 D. Roberts (LAN) 43
3 B. Abreu (PHI) 39
4 R. Durham (SFN) 38
4 R. Furcal (ATL) 38
6 J. Cruz Jr. (SFN) 36
7 C. Patterson (CHN) 34
7 J. Thurston (LAN) 34
9 E. Renteria (SLN) 33
9 R. Baldelli (PIT) 33

Wins
1 K. Millwood (PHI) 21
2 T. Ohka (HOU) 18
3 D. Moss (SFN) 17
3 R. Oswalt (HOU) 17
5 T. Glavine (NYN) 16
6 R. Johnson (ARI) 15
7 H. Nomo (LAN) 14
7 S. Chacon (HOU) 14
7 R. Halladay (CIN) 14
7 M. Morris (SLN) 14

Earned Run Average
1 J. Beckett (PIT) 2.76
2 K. Millwood (PHI) 2.86
3 T. Ohka (HOU) 2.88
4 W. Williams (SLN) 2.95
5 M. Prior (CHN) 3.06
6 T. Glavine (NYN) 3.20
7 R. Johnson (ARI) 3.20
8 R. Oswalt (HOU) 3.22
9 J. Vazquez (SDN) 3.24
10 R. Halladay (CIN) 3.27

Strikeouts
1 C. Schilling (ARI) 281
2 R. Johnson (ARI) 265
3 R. Oswalt (HOU) 221
4 R. Halladay (CIN) 213
5 R. Wolf (PHI) 206
6 B. Kim (ARI) 202
7 M. Morris (SLN) 196
8 J. Vazquez (SDN) 194
9 H. Nomo (LAN) 189
9 C. Sabathia (SFN) 189

Saves
1 B. Wagner (HOU) 40
2 J. Isringhausen (SLN) 38
3 M. Williams (PIT) 37
4 R. Nen (SFN) 36
5 S. Williamson (CIN) 35
6 E. Gagne (LAN) 34
6 M. Mantei (ARI) 34
6 J. Smoltz (ATL) 34
9 A. Benitez (NYN) 30
10 T. Spooneybarger (PHI) 27

[JeeberD]

Way to go Astros! It's time that we win a playoff series. Make me proud...

[General Mike]

Mets September 2003

September was another 10-16 month, and also a time for experimentation. Before September started, I was hesitant to call up C Jason Phillips, but mid way throught the month, I decided to make a little move for the future. Mike Piazza was switched to 1B and Jason Phillips and Vance Wilson were allowed to split the playing time behind the plate. Piazza wasn't very good at 1B, but it is something to consider for the future.

Highlights: Mike Piazza bounced back from the worst month of his career to post a respectable .289 batting average with 5 HR and 14 RBI. Mike Lowell added 6 HRs and 19 RBI. Pitching wise, Al Leiter finally pitched like he belonged in the majors, going 2-2 with a 3.42 ERA. Roger Clemens picked up 2 wins and 29 Ks, allowing him to pass the 300 win and 4000 K mark. Jaime Cerda and Grant Roberts provided 33.2 combined innings of great relief. They posted a 1.07 combined ERA. Scott Strickland provided 11.2 scoreless innings.

Lowlights: Cliff Floyd hit .145 with 1 HR. Derrek Lee was only able to hit .146 with only 1 extra base hit, a HR. Timo Perez was 10 for 56 (.179) with no extra base hits in September. Tom Glavine continued his post all star game slump, going 1-3 with a 5.11 ERA.

Transactions:
Resigned Armando Benitez to a $5.0 Million for 3 year contract extensions. He was asking for $5.33 Million for 3 years.
Roberto Alomar has decided to test the FA market. He was see king 7.1 Million for 4 year, we were only willing to pay $6 Million for 3 years.

[General Mike]

Originally posted by JeeberD
Way to go Astros! It's time that we win a playoff series. Make me proud...

JeeberD your Astros had a very good year, but they may have some trouble with the Giants in the Division Series. They will be without 17 game winner Roy Oswalt, 1B Jeff Bagwell and RP Ricky Stone. I'll have a full season review, and hopefully a playoff preview up tomorrow.

Mike

[JeeberD]

Yeah, when I saw all those injuries I thought our postseason dreams were dashed. But they still managed to win the division with those injuries, so I think they can pull it off in the playoffs as well. It's all up to you, Lance....

[General Mike]

AL East Review

Baltimore
Record: 69-93
Pyth. Record: 62-100
Batting Average: .237 (22nd)
Home Runs: 161 (14th)
Runs Scored: 655 (21st)

Top Hitters:
1B Jay Gibbons - .254, 28 HR, 95 RBI, .817 OPS
CF Carlos Beltran - .256, 20 HR, 69 RBI, 38 SB, .802 OPS
LF Geoff Jenkins - .241, 17 HR, 62 RBI, .736 OPS
SS Alex Gonzalez - .260, 9 HR, 47 RBI, .717 OPS

Team ERA: 4.57 (21st)
Home Runs Allowed: 217 (24th)
Runs Allowed: 832 (22nd)

Top Pitchers:
SP Russ Ortiz - 13-12, 3.86 ERA, 145 K, 3 CG
SP Rodrigo Lopez - 10-15, 4.37, 140 K, 5 CG
SP Aaron Cook - 9-12, 4.65 ERA, 75 K, 1 CG
SP John Stephens - 5-13, 4.93 ERA, 136 K, 2 CG, 1 shutout
CL Jorge Julio - 5-7, 2.70 ERA 29 saves.

Review: When a .256 hitter leads your team in batting average, you have serious problems. Gibbons provided good power numbers, especially considering batting stats were down throughout baseball. Ortiz is a good start on the mound, and John Stephens looks like he could be the guy they've been looking for to replace Mike Mussina. Jorge Julio is one of the premier young relievers in the sport, but the rest of their bullpen needs work. They also won 7 more games then they should have, which says alot about their heart and soul

Boston
Record: 97-65
Pyth. Record: 102-60
Batting Average: .267 (2nd)
Home Runs: 195 (5th)
Runs Scored: 893 (1st)

Top Hitters:
LF Manny Ramirez: .312, 32 HR, 98 RBI, .959 OPS
RF Trot Nixon: .282, 29 HR, 97 RBI, .935 OPS
SS Nomar Garciaparra: .285, 27 HR, 101 RBI, .805 OPS
DH Brad Fullmer: .297, 19 HR, 95 RBI, .866 OPS

Team ERA: 3.78 (6th)
Home Runs Allowed: 126 (2nd)
Runs Allowed: 688 (7th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Pedro Martinez - 15-10, 2.83 ERA, 334 K, 5 CG, 1 shutout
SP Derek Lowe - 13-10, 3.55 ERA, 168 K, 6 CG
SP Casey Fossum - 15-8, 3.58 ERA, 175 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Tim Wakefield - 12-9, 4.46 ERA, 155 K, 3 CG
CL Jose Jiminez - 6-1, 2.66 ERA, 33 saves

Review: One of the most balanced teams in baseball, they have the best offense in the sport, and are 4 deep in the starting rotation. I'll go more in depth with them when I do my playoff preview, but they have enough depth to beat anyone.

Cleveland
Record: 68-94
Pyth. Record: 69-93
Batting Average: .251 (9th)
Home Runs: 162 (t-12th)
Runs Scored: 734 (12th)

Top Hitters:
RF Matt Lawton - .295, 19 HR, 78 RBI, .882 OPS
2B Brandon Phillips - .265, 18 HR, 78 RBI, .726 OPS
LF/DH Ben Grieve - .259, 15 HR, 49 RBI, .827 OPS
C Victor Martinez - .246, 17 HR, 88 RBI, .719 OPS


Team ERA: 4.73 (24th)
Home Runs Allowed: 194 (21st)
Runs Allowed: 849 (24th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Jesse Foppert - 17-12, 3.61 ERA, 228 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Danyz Baez - 11-11, 3.83 ERA, 173 K
SP Brian Anderson - 7-5, 3.84 ERA, 73 K, 3 CG, 1 shutout
SP Kip Wells - 7-9, 5.42 ERA, 97 K
CL Mike Fyhrie - 4-10, 5.34 ERA, 20 saves

Review: Their offense was middle of the pack, and I see how that happened, especially with 1B Mike Sweeney having an off year and Ellis Burks nearing the end, but I can't believe the pitching was so bad, especially when Foppert and Baez were so good. The bullpen was awful tho, as you can see with who was closing games for them.

Detroit
Record: 61-101
Pyth. Record: 62-100
Batting Average: .233 (23rd)
Home Runs: 118 (24th)
Runs Scored: 597 (24th)

Top Hitters:
RF Vladimir Guerrero - .290, 26 HR, 82 RBI, 36 SB .875 OPS
CF Carl Crawford - .248, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 30 SB, .689 OPS
LF Bobby Higginson - .225, 15 HR, 66 RBI, .686 OPS
1B Carlos Pena - .225, 15 HR, 63 RBI, .667 OPS

Team ERA: 4.34 (19th)
Home Runs Allowed: 171 (13th)
Runs Allowed: 762 (17th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Mike Maroth - 6-13, 4.15 ERA, 82 K, 3 CG, 1 shutout
SP Jeremy Bonderman - 9-12, 4.63 ERA, 146 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Ian Ferguson - 11-12, 4.15 ERA, 91 K, 2 CG, 2 shutout.
SP Jason Jennings - 6-13, 3.99 ERA, 95 K, 4 CG, 1 shutout.
CL Jose Paniagua - 3-10, 4.14 ERA, 28 saves.

Review: Well at least they got their young kids some playing time. 6 of their starting players were under 26 at the end of the season end. The bad news, they failed to sign Vlad to a contract extension. All 5 of their starters were under 26, including the 20 year old Bonderman. Using Paniagua as a closer was a strange move, especially with Franklyn German and Matt Anderson in the pen.

New York (A)
Record: 88-74
Pyth. Record: 81-81
Batting Average: .249 (14th)
Home Runs: 186 (6th)
Runs Scored: 772 (8th)

Top Hitters:
1B Jason Giambi - .308, 31 HR, 109 RBI, .968 OPS
LF Hideki Matsui - .262, 28 HR, 86 RBI, .857 OPS
CF Bernie Williams - .274, 19 HR, 94 RBI, .802 OPS
C Jorge Posada - .258, 17 HR, 76 RBI, .772 OPS

Team ERA: 4.33 (18th)
Home Runs Allowed: 166 (9th)
Runs Allowed: 768 (19th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Jeff Weaver - 18-9, 3.78 ERA, 141 K, 8 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Mike Mussina - 16-8, 3.90 ERA, 174 K, 4 CGm 1 shutout
SP Andy Pettite - 11-14, 4.19 ERA, 158 K, 2 CG, 2 shutout
SP Scott Elarton - 4-7, 7.48 ERA, 62 K
CL Mariano Rivera - 3-3, 1.11 ERA 38 saves

Review: I'll go more indepth during the playoff preview, but they need a 4th starter in the worst way if they want to get past Texas. They'll score runs, but they need more pitching. After releasing Roger Clemens and David Wells, I'm surprised they didn't put Jose Contreras in the starting rotation.

Toronto
Record: 87-75
Pyth. Record: 82-80
Batting Average: .257 (5th)
Home Runs: 176 (9th)
Runs Scored: 782 (5th)

Top Hitters:
RF Austin Kearns - .263, 19 HR, 88 RBI, .805 OPS
1B Carlos Delgado - .262, 33 HR, 100 RBI, .936 OPS
CF Vernon Wells - .283 16 HR, 82 RBI, 22 SB,.769 OPS
LF Shannon Stewart - .283, 6 HR, 57 RBI, 12 SB, .754 OPS

Team ERA: 4.37 (20th)
Home Runs Allowed: 193 (20th)
Runs Allowed: 768 (t-19th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Joe Kennedy - 12-10, 3.86 ERA, 162 K, 8 CG, 3 shutouts
SP Pete Walker - 8-11, 3.43 ERA, 69 K, 3 CG, 1 shutout
SP Ismael Valdes - 13-13, 5.91 ERA, 89 K, 5 CG
SP Corey Lidle - 13-13, 4.86 ERA, 126 K, 10 CG, 2 shutouts
CL Aquilino Lopez - 6-3, 2.04 ERA, 29 saves

Review: I didn't really like the 2 trades they made, especially giving up Halladay. Trading Josh Phelps for Valdes was more of a fill a need trade which I didn't like either. If Erik Hinske had not gotten hurt, Toronto would have made the playoffs. Frank Catalanotto is a good Util player to have, he's not going to do what Hinske did. Mark Hendrickson also had a good year for th Blue Jays winning 14 games, and Cliff Politte was a top setup reliever, posting a 2.21 ERA and picking up 9 saves.

I'll post the AL West later. If anyone has any questions about a specific player, let me know, and I'll see what I can do for you.

[General Mike]

AL West Review

Anaheim
Record: 80-82
Pyth. Record: 83-79
Batting Average:.254 (7th)
Home Runs: 156 (16th)
Runs Scored: 741 (10th)

Top Hitters:
LF Garret Anderson - .296, 28 HR, 114 RBI, .885 OPS
3B Troy Glaus - .257, 27 HR, 75 RBI, .838 OPS
CF Darin Erstad - .277, 11 HR, 62 RBI, 46 SB, .710 OPS
DH Aubrey Huff - .256, 17 HR 67 RBI, .748 OPS

Team ERA: 3.99 (9th)
Home Runs Allowed: 197 (22nd)
Runs Allowed: 723 (9th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Jarrod Washburn - 18-8, 2.77 ERA, 172 K, 10 CG, 4 shutouts
SP Russ Ortiz - 10-8, 3.38 ERA, 84 K, 4 CG, 1 shutout
SP John Lackey - 11-7, 4.18 ERA, 121 K, 3 CG, 1 shutout
SP Aaron Sele - 7-7, 3.67 ERA, 70 K, 4 CG, 1 shutout
CL Troy Percival - 9-4, 2.21 ERA 30 saves

Review: Releasing Brad Fullmer and Shawn Wooten were bad moves to make, especially for a team which lacks offense. Dewon Brazelton was dissapointing in his late season call up, going 1-8 with a ERA of 8.06 in 15 starts. If they want to make the playoffs next year, they'll have to increase their offense, and find away to give up less HRs.

Chicago (A)
Record: 78-84
Pyth. Record: 81-81
Batting Average: .249 (13th)
Home Runs: 225 (2nd)
Runs Scored: 744 (9th)

Top Hitters:
RF Magglio Ordonez - .256, 40 HR, 105 RBI, .849 OPS
C Ivan Rodriguez - .257, 27 HR, 87 RBI, .801 OPS
1B Paul Konerko - .279, 26 HR, 79 RBI, .809 OPS
DH Frank Thomas - .296, 38 HR, 94 RBI, .925 OPS

Team ERA: 4.06 (13th)
Home Runs Allowed: 182 (19th)
Runs Allowed: 741 (15th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Mark Buehrle - 13-9, 3.58 ERA, 113 K, 9 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Bartolo Colon - 14-14, 2.93 181 K, 10 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Esteban Loaiza - 10-8, 4.66 ERA, 97 K, 1 CG
SP Jon Garland - 8-12, 4.95 ERA, 97 K, 2 CG
CL Billy Koch - 8-5, 2.01 ERA, 31 saves

Review: The White Sox definitely need more pitching. Buehrle and Colon are a good 1-2 punch, but they still need a #3 starter. There hitters also need to make more contact if the White Sox want to be successful.

Minnesota
Record: 83-79
Pyth. Record: 78-74
Batting Average: .241 (19th)
Home Runs: 130 (23rd)
Runs Scored: 654 (22nd)

Top Hitters:
CF Torii Hunter - .241, 23 HR, 80 RBI, 22 SB, .712 OPS
C A.J. Pierzynski - .343, 13 HR, 68 RBI, .920 OPS
LF Jacque Jones - .270, 9 HR, 61 RBI, .757 OPS
RF Dustan Mohr - .258, 10 HR, 51 RBI, .702 OPS

Team ERA: 3.83 (7th)
Home Runs Allowed: 152 (4th)
Runs Allowed: 678 (6th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Joe Mays - 12-12, 2.86 ERA, 107 K, 7 CG, 3 shutouts
SP Brad Radke - 14-10, 3.46 ERA, 122 K, 4 CG
SP Adam Johnson - 7-4, 3.80 ERA, 86 K
SP Johan Santana - 7-8, 2.84 ERA, 136 K
CL Eddie Guardado - 4-5, 2.93 ERA, 42 saves

Review: The Twins had plenty of pitching in 2003, but there offense just vanished. They have good young talent, but they just didn't perform this year.

Oakland
Record: 88-74
Pyth. Record: 92-70
Batting Average: .248 (17th)
Home Runs: 181 (7th)
Runs Scored: 741 (t-10th)

Top Hitters:
3B Eric Chavez - .257, 27 HR, 92 RBI, 10 SB, .817 OPS
SS Miguel Tejada - .277, 25 HR, 92 RBI, .819 OPS
LF Moises Alou - .248, 24 HR, 87 RBI, .751 OPS
DH Raul Ibanez - .257, 20 HR, 60 RBI, .811 OPS

Team ERA: 3.75 (4th)
Home Runs Allowed: 159 (6th)
Runs Allowed: 649 (2nd)

Top Pitchers:
SP Barry Zito - 19-7, 2.26 ERA, 239 K, 5 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Tim Hudson - 15-11, 4.05 ERA, 157 K 9 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Mark Mulder - 13-16, 3.57 ERA, 163 K, 9 CG, 4 shutouts
SP Ted Lilly - 8-13, 4.97 ERA, 163 K,
CL Keith Foulke - 6-4, 1.69 ERA, 45 saves

Review: They lack the great contact hitter that they've always featured, but they do have alot of good power hitters, and their trio of aces is fully healthy. More info will be in the post season preview.

Seattle
Record: 84-79
Pyth. Record: 80-83
Batting Average: .239 (20th)
Home Runs: 143 (21st)
Runs Scored: 648 (23rd)

Top Hitters:
3B Jeff Cirillo - .278, 6 HR, 53 RBI, .729 OPS
LF Brad Wilkerson - .267, 15 HR, 69 RBI, .822 OPS
RF Ichiro Suzuki - .262, 15 HR, 69 RBI, 28 SB,.708 OPS
DH Edgar Martinez - .251, 25 HR, 97 RBI, .797 OPS

Team ERA: 3.65 (2nd)
Home Runs Allowed: 179 (t-16th)
Runs Allowed: 662 (3rd)

Top Pitchers:
SP Joel Piniero - 16-11, 3.38 ERA, 166 K, 5 CG
SP Freddy Garica - 14-16, 3.31 ERA, 185 K, 11 CG, 5 shutouts
SP Jamie Moyer - 9-8. 3.29 ERA, 3 CG
SP Rafael Soriano - 7-13, 4.98 ERA, 113 K, 1 CG
CL Kazuhiro Sasaki - 8-4, 2.57 ERA, 28 saves

Review: Great pitching, no hitting basically says it all. They made a bad move releasing John Olerud, especially since Greg Colbrunn only hit .216 with 10 HRs, compared to Olerud's .280 average with 17 HRs. Mike Cameron also had an awful season, failing to crack the Mendoza line. Besides the pitchers above Gil Meche was impressive in that starting rotation, and Arthur Rhodes and Jeff Nelson were as good as anyone in setup duty.

Texas
Record: 85-78
Pyth. Record: 92-71
Batting Average: .259 (4th)
Home Runs: 261 (1st)
Runs Scored: 827 (3rd)

Top Hitters:
SS Alex Rodriguez - .313, 63 HR, 129 RBI, 1.109 OPS
1B Rafael Palmeiro - .292, 33 HR, 89 RBI, 1.016 OPS
CF Carl Everett - .281, 26 HR, 82 RBI, .859 OPS
DH Josh Phelps - .253, 29 HR, 81 RBI, .773 OPS

Team ERA: 4.10 (14th)
Home Runs Allowed: 169 (12th)
Runs Allowed: 726 (12th)

Top Pitchers:
SP A.J. Burnett - 20-7, 2.13 ERA, 204 K, 9 CG, 5 shutouts
SP Cha Ho Park - 6-8, 5.72 ERA, 100 K, 1 CG
SP Mark Redman - 17-13, 3.95 ERA, 155 K, 5 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Runelvys Hernandez - 10-8, 4.57 ERA, 1 CG
CL Ugueth Urbina - 3-4, 3.00 ERA, 35 saves

Review: I'm so dumb. I didn't even realize that Texas and Seattle played a 1 game playoff to see who would win the second wild card spot in the American League. Texas should have a good chance in the playoffs with a legit MVP in ARod, and the Cy Young front runner Burnett both healthy. Boston will be a tough matchup tho.

NL East is due up next...

[General Mike]

NL East Preview

Atlanta
Record: 74-88
Pyth. Record: 69-93
Batting Average: .250 (12th)
Home Runs: 159 (15th)
Runs Scored: 712 (15th)

Top Hitters:
LF Chipper Jones - .269, 25 HR, 80 RBI, .834 OPS
CF Andruw Jones - .262, 33 HR, 113 RBI, .829 OPS
RF Gary Sheffield - .292, 23 HR, 82 RBI, 18 SB, .851 OPS
SS Rafael Furcal - .264, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 38 SB, .733 OPS

Team ERA: 4.63 (23rd).
Home Runs Allowed: 203 (23rd)
Runs Allowed: 831 (21st)

Top Pitchers:
SP Greg Maddux - 12-11, 4.90 ERA, 140 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Mike Hampton - 10-12, 4.29 ERA, 133 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Sidney Ponson - 10-14 5.56 ERA, 123 K, 6 CG, 1 shutout
SP Paul Byrd - 6-17, 4.86 ERA, 129 K, 3 CG, 1 shutout
CL John Smoltz - 7-5, 2.63 ERA, 34 saves

Review: The Braves string of 11 straight playoff appearances is over. While their offense was not awful, their pitching was just off the map bad. I guess they really miss Kevin Millwood after his Sandy Koufax Award type season. With their decision to let Maddux and Ponson test the free agent market, you have to believe they're looking at signing one of the 2 big free agent SPs, Anaheim's Jarrod Washburn or Boston's Pedro Martinez.

Chicago (N)
Record: 79-83
Pyth. Record: 80-82
Batting Average: .256 (6th)
Home Runs: 198 (4th)
Runs Scored: 731 (13th)

Top Hitters:
RF Sammy Sosa - .255, 56, HR, 133 RBI, .902 OPS
2B Jose Vidro - .287, 27 HR, 81 RBI, .840 OPS
3B Mark Bellhorn - .249, 25 HR, 69 RBI, .789 OPS
CF Corey Patterson - .286, 13 HR, 57 RBI, 34 SB, .798 OPS

Team ERA: 4.05 (12th)
Home Runs Allowed: 163 (8th)
Runs Allowed: 736 (14th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Mark Prior - 11-5, 3.06 ERA, 148 K
SP Kerry Wood - 9-10, 4.15 ERA, 149 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Matt Clement - 11-15, 4.23 ERA, 155 K, 1 CG
SP Mike Sirotka - 10-8, 3.54 ERA, 98 K, 2 CG
CL Mike Remlinger - 3-6, 2.87 ERA, 18 saves
CL Joe Borowski - 4-3, 4.05 ERA, 14 saves

Review: The offense hit well, but just couldn't take advantage of their scoring opportunities. Trading LF Moises Alou for DH/1B Erubiel Durazo was a questionable move at the time of the trade, and one month later when Durazo's career was over it was a critical mistake for the Cubs to make. Bullpen depth is a problem, and the lack of a dominant closer hurts. Robb Nen and LaTroy Hawkins could be guys they bring in for depth.

Cincinnati
Record: 74-88
Pyth. Record: 75-87
Batting Average: .249 (15th)
Home Runs: 203 (3rd)
Runs Scored: 777 (6th)

Top Hitters:
2B Aaron Boone - .277, 45 HR, 119 RBI, 20 SB, .916 OPS
CF Ken Griffey Jr. - .303, 29 HR, 85 RBI, .922 OPS
1B Todd Helton - .300, 23 HR, 77 RBI, .936 OPS
LF Adam Dunn - .255, 20 HR, 76 RBI, .924 OPS

Team ERA: 4.59 (22nd)
Home Runs Allowed: 179 (16th)
Runs Allowed: 835 (23rd)

Top Pitchers:
SP Roy Halladay - 14-14, 3.27 ERA, 213 K, 6 CG
SP Ricardo Rodriguez - 9-12, 3.91 ERA, 137 K, 1 CG
SP Tony Armas Jr. - 12-12, 4.82 ERA, 131 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Danny Graves - 12-10, 4.56 ERA, 118 K, 1 CG
CL Scott Williamson - 2-2, 2.08 ERA, 35 saves

Review: It all comes down to pitching, and its something, even with Roy Halladay, that the Reds don't have. The offense is fine as it is. The Reds do have 2 big pitching prospects in AAA in Josh Karp and Ricardo Aramboles, so they should help out the cause in the near future.

Philadelphia
Record: 95-67
Pyth. Record: 101-61
Batting Average: .261 (3rd)
Home Runs173 (10th)
Runs Scored: 859 (2nd)

Top Hitters:
1B Jim Thome - .302, 52 HR, 133 RBI, 1.141 OPS
RF Bobby Abreu - .301, 31 HR, 107 RBI, 39 SB, .980 OPS
LF Pat Burrell - .242, 27 HR, 99 RBI, .806 OPS
2B Luis Castillo - .302, 0 HR, 40 RBI, 60 SB, .749 OPS

Team ERA: 3.76 (5th)
Home Runs Allowed: 154 (5th)
Runs Allowed: 665 (4th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Kevin Millwood - 21-8, 2.86 ERA, 83 K, 6 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Randy Wolf - 13-9, 3.40 ERA, 206 K, 4 CG, 1 shutout
SP Vicente Padilla - 10-6, 3.54 ERA, 75 K
SP Bret Myers - 12-6, 3.97 ERA, 110 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
CL Tim Spooneybarger - 9-8, 4.33 ERA, 27 saves

Review: The Phillies put together great hitting and good pitching, in winning their division for the 1st time since 1993. They will have to go into the playoffs without starting SS Jimmy Rollins but he should be available for the Championship Series if they get past the Cubs.

Pittsburgh
Record: 78-84
Pyth. Record: 75-87
Batting Average: .238 (21st)
Home Runs: 154 (t-18th)
Runs Scored: 671 (20th)

Top Hitters:
CF Rocco Baldelli - .266, 15 HR, 53 RBI, 33 SB, .738 OPS
3B Aramis Ramirez - .266, 42 HR, 133 RBI, .837 OPS
LF Brian Giles - .256, 24 HR, 81 RBI, 15 SB, .920 OPS
C Jason Kendall - .250, 9 HR, 50 RBI, 24 SB, .681 OPS

Team ERA: 4.00 (10th)
Home Runs Allowed: 173 (14th)
Runs Allowed: 725 (11th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Josh Beckett - 9-6, 2.76 ERA, 171 K
SP Kris Benson - 10-11, 3.78 ERA, 168 K
SP Josh Fogg - 6-10, 3.93 ERA, 73 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Denny Stark - 8-8, 3.98 ERA, 89 K, 2 CG
CL Mike Williams - 4-11, 4.19 ERA, 37 saves

Review: The NL may have another set of Killer Bs on their hands soon. Baldelli was one of the better rookies in the NL this year, Giles is as good as anybody not named Barry in LF, and Ramirez had the best season of any 3B in baseball. Sauerbeck had a good year in relief, but they could use another reliever or 2 for 2004.

NL West Preview on the horizon...

[General Mike]

NL West Review

Arizona
Record: 80-82
Pyth. Record: 85-77
Batting Average: .270 (1st)
Home Runs: 157 (17th)
Runs Scored: 800 (4th)

Top Hitters:
LF Luis Gonzalez - .321, 31 HR, 117 RBI, 13 SB, .984 OPS
RF Danny Bautista - .308, 20 HR, 92 RBI, 16 SB, .865 OPS
C Pete LaForest - .274, 12 HR, 60 RBI, .806 OPS
2B Junior Spivey - .306, 10 HR, 52 RBI, 22 SB, .862 OPS

Team ERA: 4.28 (17th)
Home Runs Allowed: 168 (10th)
Runs Allowed: 763 (18th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Randy Johnson - 15-5, 3.20 ERA, 265 K
SP Curt Schilling - 8-15, 4.15 ERA, 281 K, 2 CG
SP Byung-Hyun Kim - 11-12, 4.10 ERA, 202 K
SP Wayne Franklin - 11-4, 3.52 ERA, 112 K
CL Matt Mantei - 6-8, 4.08 ERA, 34 saves

Review: They underachieved a little bit, and they lacked some of the big pitching that they expected from Schilling. They probably need to get another BIG starting pitcher for next year, with Johnson nearing the end of his great career.

Houston
Record: 90-72
Pyth. Record: 88-74
Batting Average: .254 (8th)
Home Runs: 178 (8th)
Runs Scored: 773 (7th)

Top Hitters:
LF Lance Berkman - .297, 40 HR, 125 RBI, 1.018 OPS
2B Jeff Kent - .282, 32 HR, 106 RBI, .858 OPS
1B Jeff Bagwell - .253, 23 HR, 71 RBI, .801 OPS
RF Larry Walker - .252, 17 HR, 67 RBI, .789 OPS

Team ERA: 4.04 (11th)
Home Runs Allowed: 176 (15th)
Runs Allowed: 710 (8th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Roy Oswalt - 17-6, 3.22 ERA, 221 K, 1 CG
SP Tomkazu Ohka - 18-7, 2.88 ERA, 153 K, 2 CG
SP Shawn Chacon - 14-5, 3.76 ERA, 113 K, 2 CG
SP Wade Miller - 10-11, 4.48 ERA, 131 K, 1 CG
CL Billy Wagner - 3-5, 3.71 ERA, 40 saves

Review: They didn't have great pitching or great hitting, but they knew how to get the job done. They definitely did a good job surviving various injuries to Bagwell, Wade Miller and Shawn Chacon, but they will definitely miss Oswalt and Bagwell in the division series.

Los Angeles
Record: 83-79
Pyth. Record: 82-80
Batting Average: .249 (16th)
Home Runs: 162 (12th)
Runs Scored: 683 (18th)

Top Hitters:
2B Joe Thurston - .325, 10 HR, 60 RBI, 34 SB, .790 OPS
3B Adrian Beltre - .272, 23 HR, 79 RBI, 15 SB, .791 OPS
RF Shawn Green - .259, 36 HR, 97 RBI, 16 SB, .937 OPS
1B Richie Sexson - .258, 24 HR, 71 RBI, .826 OPS

Team ERA: 3.75 (3rd)
Home Runs Allowed: 149 (3rd)
Runs Allowed: 671 (5th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Odalis Perez - 7-2, 1.91 ERA, 75 K, 3 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Hideo Nomo - 14-13, 3.81 ERA, 189 K, 3 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Kazuhisa Ishii - 10-11, 3.64 ERA, 186 K
SP Darren Dreifort - 7-14, 4.04 ERA, 128 K, 1 CG
CL Eric Gagne - 9-2, 1.86 ERA, 34 saves

Review: The Dodgers offense probably isn't as bad as the numbers make it look, but their pitching probably isn't as good as it looks either. Losing Odalis Perez early in the season was probably the biggest blow they could suffer, as he was pitching lights out before the injury.

San Diego
Record: 79-83
Pyth. Record: 79-83
Batting Average: .251 (10th)
Home Runs: 133 (22nd)
Runs Scored: 716 (14th)

Top Hitters:
1B Ryan Klesko - .301, 36 HR, 114 RBI, 12 SB, .986 OPS
CF Mark Kotsay - .284, 13 HR, 65 RBI, 16 SB, .763 OPS
LF Rondell White - .265, 13 HR, 65 RBI, 13 SB, .762 OPS
C Mike Barrett - .249, 14 HR, 67 RBI, .705 OPS

Team ERA: 4.25 (16th)
Home Runs Allowed: 168 (t-10th)
Runs Allowed: 730 (13th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Javier Vazquez - 12-11, 3.24 ERA, 194 K, 3 CG, 1 shutout
SP Jeremy Affeldt - 13-9, 3.66 ERA, 163 K, 3 CG, 1 shutout
SP Brian Lawrence - 12-6, 3.82 ERA, 95 K, 3 CG
SP Adam Eaton - 5-14, 5.58 ERA, 123 K
CL Armando Almanza - 2-9, 5.75 ERA, 24 saves
CL Trevor Hoffman - 4-1, 2.12 ERA, 8 saves

Review: San Diego was hurt badly by injury problems. They were without LF Phil Nevin for the entire season, CL Trevor Hoffman didnt come back until July 19th, and SP Brian Lawrence missed 7 weeks in June/July. With Nevin and Hoffman healthy for 2003, and some good young pitching ready to step up, they should be able to make a run for the playoffs next year.

San Francisco
Record: 87-75
Pyth. Record: 94-68
Batting Average: .232 (24th)
Home Runs: 171 (11th)
Runs Scored: 692 (17th)

Top Hitters:
LF Barry Bonds - .307, 36 HR, 91 RBI, 28 SB, 1.151 OPS
2B Ray Durham - .295, 17 HR, 74 RBI, 38 SB, .864 OPS
RF Jose Cruz Jr. - .223, 22 HR, 56 RBI, 36 SB, .742 OPS
CF Preston Wilson - .215, 25 HR, 92 RBI, 26 SB, .693 OPS

Team ERA: 3.28 (1st)
Home Runs Allowed: 109 (1st)
Runs Allowed: 590 (1st)

Top Pitchers:
SP Damian Moss - 17-10, 3.74 ERA, 109 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Jason Schmidt - 13-13, 3.66 ERA, 187 K, 1 CG
SP C.C Sabathia - 10-12, 3.83 ERA, 189 K, 1 CG
SP Kurt Ainsworth - 11-12, 3.56 ERA, 132 K, 2 CG, 1 shutout
CL Robb Nen - 6-3, 1.68 ERA, 36 saves

Review: Like the Dodgers, the Giants play in a top pitchers park, so their stats are misleading. Their offensive numbers were suppressed big time, and their pitching is not as good as it looks. They lack the legit ace the other 3 playoff teams have, but they do have the best closer of the bunch.

St. Louis
Record: 86-76
Pyth. Record: 75-87
Batting Average: .246 (18th)
Home Runs: 154 (18th)
Runs Scored: 699 (16th)

Top Hitters:
LF Albert Pujols - .315, 34 HR, 90 RBI, .944 OPS
CF Jim Edmonds - .284, 28 HR, 91 RBI, .935 OPS
3B Scott Rolen - .239, 24 HR, 79 RBI, .748 OPS
SS Edgar Renteria - .272, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 33 SB, .709 OPS

Team ERA: 4.10 (15th)
Home Runs Allowed: 179 (t-16th)
Runs Allowed: 752 (16th)

Top Pitchers:
SP Matt Morris - 14-15, 3.56 ERA, 196 K, 3 CG, 1 shutout
SP Woody Williams - 13-8, 2.95 ERA, 118 K, 1 CG
SP Brad Penny - 12-11, 4.26 ERA, 143 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Jason Simontacchi - 10-10, 3.90 ERA, 78 K, 2 CG
CL Jason Isringhausen - 4-4, 2.13 ERA, 38 saves

Review: The Cardinals didn't have great pitching, or great hitting, they didn't even have great fielding, but they had one thing. A bus load of heart. They overachieved their way to 85 wins, and that just has to be applauded.

Mets Season Review is next

[General Mike]

Mets 2003 Preview

The Mets season was very up and down. They started off hot, but gradually slipped farther and farther out of the playoff picture as the season went along.

Here are the month by month results:

April: 17-11
May: 15-14
June: 11-16
July: 9-15
August: 10-18
September: 10-16

The Lineup
C Mike Piazza - .268, 29 HR, 95 RBI, .801 OPS
1B Derrek Lee - .254, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 10 SB, .791 OPS
2B Roberto Alomar - .271, 12 HR, 61 RBI, 31 SB, .758 OPS
3B Mike Lowell - .272, 18 HR, 76 RBI, .780 OPS
SS Rey Sanchez - .250, 1 HR, 32 SB, .606 OPS
LF Cliff Floyd - .280, 18 HR, 81 RBI, 19 SB, .844 OPS
CF Timo Perez - .293, 11 HR, 53 RBI, 20 SB, .754 OPS
RF Jeremy Burnitz - .227, 17 HR, 47 RBI, .704 OPS

The Bench
C Vance Wilson - .222, 5 HR, 15 RBI, .663 OPS
1B Mo Vaughn - .282, 11 HR, 41 RBI, .801 OPS
3B Ty Wiggington - .241, 3 HR, 28 RBI, .679 OPS
3B Jay Bell - .232, 2 HR, 17 RBI, .602 OPS
CF Roger Cedeno - .217, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 23 SB, .604 OPS
CF Gary Matthews - .257, 11 HR, 33 RBI, 19 SB, .854 OPS

Pitching Rotation
SP Tom Glavine - 16-13, 3.20 ERA, 139 K, 3 CG, 2 shutouts
SP Al Leiter - 10-15, 5.27 ERA, 164 K, 1 CG
SP Pedro Astacio - 9-11, 3.91 ERA, 122 K,
SP Steve Trachsel - 4-12, 3.99 ERA, 89 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout
SP Denny Neagle - 10-8, 4.66 ERA, 89 K, 1 CG

Bullpen
CL Armando Benitez - 7-8, 3.16 ERA, 30 saves
RP Scott Strickland - 2-3, 2.41 ERA, 1 save
RP Mike Stanton - 0-2, 3.27 ERA, 2 saves
RP Dave Weathers - 2-5, 2.81 ERA, 3 saves
RP Graeme Lloyd - 4-1, 4.70 ERA, 0 saves
RP Grant Roberts - 2-2, 3.38 ERA, 2 saves

Financial Breakdown

Category This Year Last Year
Fan Interest 55 / 100
Attendance 2,893,379 2,804,838
Attendance / Game 35,721 34,628
Attendance Revenue $28,933,790 $28,048,380
Revenue / Game $357,207 $346,276

Broadcating Revenue $50,000,000 $26,500,000
Merchandising Revenue $7,983,074 $7,954,939
Play-Offs Revenue $0 $0

Payroll $87,853,460
Total Revenue $86,916,864 $62,503,319
Total Player Expenses $88,492,066 $49,072,950
Total $-1,575,202 $13,430,369

Cash $5,000,000
Ticket Price $10

$$ left for Extensions $29,064,152
$$ left for Free Agents $3,149,859

Offseason Decisions

I've already made most of my roster decisions for the beginning of the 2004 season. The following players are definitely coming back:
C Mike Piazza
C Vance Wilson
1B Mo Vaughn
1B Derrek Lee
3B Mike Lowell
3B Ty Wiggington
LF Cliff Floyd
CF Timo Perez
CF Roger Cedeno
CF Gary Matthews

That means 10 of 14 active roster position player spots are filled.
I have 3 spots in the starting lineup that are available to be filled, Second Base, Shortstop and one of the OF spots, probably RF, but maybe CF. I plan to bring up SS Jose Reyes and OF Josh Hamilton and let them play everyday. Here are their stats from AAA.

Jose Reyes - .321, 60 2B, 14 3B, 5 HR, 63 RBI, 41 SB, .856 OPS
Josh Hamilton - .305, 43 2B, 21 HR, 99 RBI, 32 SB, .899 OPS

I still need a 2B and 2 more utility IFers. I can move Wiggington to 2nd, and then fill the 2 backup spots with 2 free agents.

In the pitching rotation, I'm going to have one starting spot open for Aaron Heilman, and he'll get the spot, possibly being named the 3rd starter after spring training. Here are his AAA stats.

Aaron Heilman - 15-4, 2.07 ERA, 180 K, 3 CG

One bullpen spot is also open, and thats probably going to go to Jaime Cerda.

And now, the players who won't be on the team next year:

1B Tony Clark
2B Roberto Alomar
SS Rey Sanchez
3B Jay Bell
CF Tsuyoshi Shinjo
CF Marquis Grissom
RF Jeromy Burnitz
2B Joe McEwing
3B Russ Johnson
SP David Cone
SP Roger Clemens
RP Graeme Lloyd

[General Mike]

American League Division Series Preview

We're gonna start the festivities off by taking a look at the battle between the two top offensive teams in The American League, the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers

I should probably start by going over the results of their inseason match ups. The 2 teams played 10 games this season, and split the season series between them.

The Lineups (vR/vL)

Texas
1) CF Endy Chavez/ CF Endy Chavez
2) DH Carl Everett/ 3B Mark Teixeira
3) SS Alex Rodriguez/ 1B Josh Phelps
4) 1B Josh Phelps/ SS Alex Rodriguez
5) 3B Mark Teixeira/ RF Kevin Mench
6) RF Kevin Mench/ LF Jason Hart
7) LF Jason Hart/ DH Karim Garcia
8) 2B Jermaine Clark/ C Todd Greene
9) C Ramon Castro/ 2B Mike Young

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

Texas
1) A.J. Burnett
2) Chan Ho Park
3) Mark Redman
4) Colby Lewis
5) John Thomson
Closer: Ugueth Urbina
Setup: Jeff Zimmerman/ Rudy Seanez
Middle Relief: Francisco Cordero/ Esteban Yan/ Ron Mahay
Mopup: Ron Mahay

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

Key Injuries
Texas suffered some serious injuries throughout the season, but the Red Sox completely healthy for the playoffs.

Texas
SP Runelvys Hernandez - 4 weeks, Back Spasms, DTD. On the disabled list, but eligible to return.
3B Hank Blalock - 6 days, Torn Abdominal Muscle. On the DL but eligible to return.

The Matchups

I've decided to break down the series in a very straight forward position comparison manner.

Catcher - Castro/ Greene vs Varitek/Mirabelli
Edge: Boston

First Base - Josh Phelps vs John Olerud
Edge: Boston

Second Base - Clark/ Young vs Walker/ Santos
Edge: Boston

Third Base - Mark Teixeira vs Cesar Crespo
Edge: Texas

Shortstop - Alex Rodriguez vs Nomar Garciaparra
Edge: Texas

Leftfield - Jason Hart vs Manny Ramirez
Edge: Boston

Centerfield: Endy Chavez vs Johnny Damon
Edge: Even

Rightfield: Kevin Mench vs Trot Nixon
Edge: Boston

DH: Everett/ Garcia vs Brad Fullmer
Edge: Texas

Starting Pitching: Burnett, Park, Redman, Lewis vs Martinez, Lowe, Fossum and Wakefield
Edge: Boston

Relief Pitching: Everybody but the closers
Edge: Boston

Closer: Ugueth Urbina vs Jose Jiminez
Edge: Texas

Prediction

I think Texas has a chance in a short series, because they can win anytime A.J. Burnett is on the mound. The only problem is he has to go up against Pedro. Boston's lineup is too deep to lose this best of 5 series.

Boston in 4.

[General Mike]

American League Division Series Preview

The 2nd ALDS, between the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees is on paper a much more balanced series. The Yankees have better hitting, where Oakland has more pitching depth. They played 10 times and the Yankees won the season series 6-4.

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

Oakland
1) 2B Mark Ellis/ DH Esteban German
2) 1B Scott Hatteberg/ C Mitch Meluskey
3) 3B Eric Chavez/ LF Moises Alou
4) RF Jermaine Dye/ SS Miguel Tejada
5) SS Miguel Tejada/ RF Jermaine Dye
6) DH Raul Ibanez/ 3B Eric Chavez
7) LF Moises Alou/ 2B Mark Ellis
8) C Mitch Meluskey/ 1B Chris Richard
9) CF Chris Singleton/ CF Chris Singleton

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

Oakland
1) Barry Zito
2) Tim Hudson
3) Mark Mulder
4) Ted Lilly
5) Rich Harden
Closer: Keith Foulke
Setup: Joe Valentine/ Ricardo Rincon
Middle Relief: Chad Bradford/ Micah Bowie/ Roy Smith
Mopup: Roy Smith

Key Injuries

New York
RP Juan Acevedo - 4 weeks, Torn Tricep Muscle

The Matchups

Catcher: Jorge Posada vs Mitch Meluskey
Edge: New York

First Base: Johnson/ Giambi vs Hatteberg/ Richard
Edge: New York

Second Base: Alfonso Soriano vs Mark Ellis
Edge: New York

Third Base: Robin Ventura vs Eric Chavez
Edge: Oakland

Shortstop: Derek Jeter vs Miguel Tejada
Edge: Even

Leftfield: Hideki Matsui vs Moises Alou
Edge: Even

Centerfield: Bernie Williams vs Chris Singleton
Edge: New York

Rightfield: Juan Rivera vs Jermaine Dye
Edge: Oakland

DH: Giambi/Phillips vs Ibanez/ German
Edge: New York

Starting Pitching: Weaver/ Pettite/ Mussina/ Elarton vs Zito/ Hudson/ Mulder/ Lilly
Edge: Oakland

Relief Pitching:
Edge: Oakland

Closer: Mariano Rivera vs Keith Foulke
Edge: New York

Prediction

I really think this matchup is going to be determined by how each manager decides to manage their starting rotations. If they use 3 starters, the starting pitching is so much closer then if Elarton has to go up against Ted Lilly in game 4. The bullpens are pretty evenly matched as the top 2 closers in the AL face off. The Yankees lineup gives them a slight advantage, but Oakland knows how to manufacture runs.

Prediction: Oakland in 5

[General Mike]

National League Division Series Preview

This is the 1st, and only division series that is a real mismatch. The Philadelphia Phillies were the most dominant team in the National League. The Chicago Cubs were a team who was below .500 that was in the right place at the right time and snuck in the playoffs. In the regular season, Philadelphia won 15 of their 18 matchups.

The Lineups (vR/vL)

Chicago
1) CF Corey Patterson/ CF Jackson Melian
2) LF Luke Allen/ 2B Jose Vidro
3) 2B Jose Vidro/ RF Sammy Sosa
4) RF Sammy Sosa/ 3B Mark Bellhorn
5) 1B Hee seop Choi/ SS Jose Hernandez
6) SS Angel Berroa/ 1B Hee seop Choi
7) 3B Mark Bellhorn/ C Damian Miller
8) C Damian Miller/ LF Luke Allen
9) Pitcher's spot

Philadelphia
1) 2B Luis Castillo/ 2B Luis Castillo
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/ SS Anderson Machado
9) Pitcher's spot

Pitching Staffs

Chicago
1) Mark Prior
2) Kerry Wood
3) Matt Clement
4) Mike Sirotka
5) Matt Bruback
Spot: Shawn Estes
Closer: Joe Borowski
Setup: Mike DeJean/ Mark Guthrie
Middle Relief: Blaine Neal/ Shawn Estes/ Mike Remlinger
Mopup: Mike Remlinger

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: Bobby Howry/ Dave Coggin/ Turk Wendell
Mopup: Turk Wendell

Key Injuries

Philadelphia
RP Jose Mesa - 6 days - Ruptured Elbow Ligament
SS Jimmy Rollins - 1 week - Torn Groin Muscle

Matchups

Catcher - Damian Miller vs Mike Leiberthal
Edge: Philadelphia

First Base - Hee seop Choi vs Jim Thome
Edge: Philadelphia

Second Base - Jose Vidro vs Luis Castillo
Edge: Chicago

Third Base: Mark Bellhorn vs Houston/ Chapman
Edge: Chicago

Shortstop - Berroa/ Hernandez vs Anderson Machado
Edge: Chicago

Leftfield - Luke Allen vs Pat Burrell
Edge: Philadelphia

Centerfield - Patterson/ Melian vs Marlon Byrd
Edge: Philadelphia

Rightfield - Sammy Sosa vs Bobby Abreu
Edge: Chicago

Starting Pitching - Prior, Wood, Clement, Sirotka vs Wolf, Millwood, Myers, Duckworth
Edge: Even

Relief Pitching
Edge: Even

Closer - Joe Borowski vs Tim Spooneybarger
Edge: Philadelphia

Prediction

The teams are surprisingly even, in spite of their drastic differences in total victories. I have to lean toward Philadelphia, but I think this series is going to be really close. Neither team has a good bullpen, but they both have the ability to score runs. It's all going to come down to which teams bullpen can hold their leads late.

Prediction: Philadelphia in 4.

[General Mike]

National League Division Series Preview

Our final division series matches the Barry Bonds led San Francisco Giants against their division rivals the Houston Astros. Houston won the season series, winning 10 out of 18 games.

The Lineups (vR/vL)

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) Pitchers spot

Houston
1) CF Brian Hunter/ CF Juan Pierre
2) 3B Geoff Blum/ 1B Royce Huffman
3) LF Lance Berkman/ 2B Jeff Kent
4) 2B Jeff Kent/ RF Larry Walker
5) RF Larry Walker/ C Brad Ausmus
6) C J.D. Closser/ LF Lance Berkman
7) SS Julio Lugo/ 3B Morgan Ensberg
8) 1B Royce Huffman/ SS Tommy Whiteman
9) Pitchers 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: Chd Zerbe

Houston
1) Tomokazu Ohka
2) Wade Miller
3) Shawn Chacon
4) Tim Redding
5) Jeriome Robertson
Closer: Billy Wagner
Setup: Brandon Puffer/ Octavio Dotel
Middle Relief: Bruce Chen/ Scott Linebrink/ Brad Lidge
Mopup: Brad Lidge

Key Injuries

Houston
SP Carlos Hernandez - Season ending injury
SP Roy Oswalt - Herniated Disc Back - one week
RP Ricky Stone - Ruptured Elbow Ligament - 3 weeks
1B Jeff Bagwell - Hyperextended Knee - 6 days

The Matchups

Catcher - Yorvit Torrealba vs Closser/ Ausmus
Edge: Houston

First Base - Travis Hafner vs Royce Huffman
Edge: San Francisco

Second Base - Ray Durham vs Jeff Kent
Edge: Houston

Third Base - Edgardo Alfonso vs Blum/Ensberg
Edge: San Francisco

Shortstop - Rich Aurilia vs Lugo/ Whiteman
Edge: San Francisco

Leftfield - Barry Bonds vs Lance Berkman
Edge: San Francisco

Centerfield - Preston Wilson vs Hunter/ Pierre
Edge: San Francisco

Rightfield - Jose Cruz Jr. vs Larry Walker
Edge: Houston

Starting Pitching - Moss, Schmidt, Sabathia, Williams vs Ohka, Miller, Chacon, Redding
Edge: San Francisco

Relief Pitching
Edge: San Francisco

Closer - Robb Nen vs Billy Wagner
Edge: San Francisco

The Prediction

Houston has too many injuries to overcome. If they had Oswalt and Bagwell playing, they'd have as good a chance as anyone at beating the Giants, but without them, their pitching loses that dominant ace that all playoff teams need, and they lose one of their 3 best hitters. Someone will have to stepup if Houston wants to win.

Prediction: San Francisco in 3

[General Mike]

Division Series' Game 1s

Texas @ Boston
Our first playoff series takes us to historic Fenway Park, where both teams went to their #1 starters, A.J. Burnett and Pedro Martinez, respectively. Burnett had one of his worst starts of the season, going 4.2 innings and allowing 6 ER. The big blow of the game came in the bottom of the 5th inning with 2 outs and the bases loaded, when Nomar cleared the bases with a double. Texas was able to scratch out 3 runs in the top of the 8th off Pedro, but then Curtis Leskanic came in to get 1 out, and Jose Jiminez retired the final 4 batters for the save.
Score: 6-3 Boston
WP: Pedro Martinez
LP: A.J. Burnett
S: Jose Jiminez
Player of the Game: Pedro Martinez

Oakland @ NY Yankees
For the 3rd time in 4 years the Yankees and Athletics face off in the ALDS. The starting pitchers for game 1 were Jeff Weaver and Barry Zito. Zito only pitched 5.2 innings for the A's but it was enough to pick up a win, as he allowed 3 runs on 3 hits in his time on the mind. Jeff Weaver wasn't so lucky as he allowed 7 runs, 5 earned, in 6.2 innings of work. Moises Alou was the offensive star of the game, going 3 for 4 with 1 2B, 1 HR and 4 RBI. Zito's win was his 17th consecutive victory this season.
Score: 8-4 Oakland
WP: Barry Zito
LP: Jeff Weaver
Player of the Game: Moises Alou

Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia
Pitching was the name of the game for the Chicago Cubs, as Mark Prior pitched 6 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and striking out 8. Randy Wolf pitched well, but not well enough, for the Phillies today. His line, 7.2 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 3 ER, 10 K. Blaine Neal and Mark Guthrie pitched 3 scoreless innings in relief the seal the game, and Jose Vidro provided all the offense the Cubs needed, driving in 2 runs with a 1st inning HR.
Score: 4-0 Chicago
WP: Mark Prior
LP: Randy Wolf
Player of the Game: Mark Prior

San Francisco @ Houston
Damian Moss and Tomo Ohka were the starters for this game, but it came came down to the bullpens when all was said and done. Houston held a 4-3 lead going into the top of the 9th, so they decided to go to Billy Wagner to close the game out for them. Barry Bonds had different ideas tho, as he led off the 9th inning with a game tying HR. Brandon Puffer took the loss for the Astros, giving up a bases clearing double to Rich Aurilia in the top of the 11th, to give the Giants a 7-4 lead. Houston almost rallied in the bottom of the 11th, loading the bases with 2 outs, but they couldn't get any more runs on the board, as Felix Rodriguez picked up the win
Score: 7-4
WP: Felix Rodriguez
LP: Brandon Puffer
Player of the Game: Rich Aurilia

[General Mike]

Division Series Game 2s

Texas @ Boston
33949 Red Sox Fans jam packed Fenway Park to see Derek Lowe take on Chan Ho Park. Neither pitcher had their best stuff today, but neither was shelled out of the building either. Park pitched 6 innings, allowing 4 runs, only 2 earned. Lowe pitched 7.2 innings, giving up 10 hits and 4 runs, all earned. Texas put itself in a position to win the game, leading 4-2 after 3, and being tied 4-4 after 6, but it all fell apart in the bottom of the 7th. Boston scored 4 runs off of Ron Mahay and Francisco Cordero, highlighted by a Manny Ramirez 2 run HR, which gave the Sox a 6-4 lead. Justin Kaye pitched 1.1 innings for the save.
Score: 8-4 Boston
WP: Derek Lowe
LP: Ron Mahay
S: Justin Kaye
Player of the Game: DH Brad Fullmer (2 for 4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 runs)

Oakland @ NY Yankees
Game 2 of this series saw two of the best #2 starters in baseball face off, as Andy Pettite battled Tim Hudson in a pitcher's duel. Hudson pitched 9 innings, giving up 2 runs off of 7 hits and 3 walks, while Pettite was just as impressive, pitching 8.2 innings, giving up 2 runs off of 5 hits and 2 walks. Oakland struck first, scoring in the 1st with a Moises Alou solo HR. The Yankees struck back in the 4th inning when Jorge Posada drove in Nick Johnson with a groundout. Eric Chavez and Hideki Matsui traded HRs in the 7th/8th innings and that was the end of scoring until the 11th inning. With Keith Foulke on the mound, and 1 out, 3B Andy Phillips hit a solo HR to give the Yankees the victory and tie up this series at 1-1 as we get ready to head back to Oakland.
Score: 3-2 New York
WP: Mariano Rivera
LP: Keith Foulke
Player of the Game: Andy Pettite

Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia
This was another pitcher's duel, between Kerry Wood and Kevin Millwood. Wood pitched 6.2 innings, allowing 1 run. Kevin Millwood's pitched 8 innings, allowing only 1 unearned run. Jim Thome and Marlon Byrd drove in Phillies 2 runs. Tim Spooneybarger picked up the win, Mike DeJean took the loss.
Score: 2-1 Philadelphia
WP: Tim Spooneybarger
LP: Mike DeJean
Player of the Game: Kevin Millwood

San Francisco @ Houston
A back and forth high scoring contest was what the fans go to see in game 2 of this series. Wade Miller faced off with Jason Schmidt in this contest, and neither pitcher was great. Miller only lasted 3.1 innings, allowing 6 runs, 5 earned. Schmidt was better gong 7 innings, allowing 5 runs, all earned. Brad Lidge was good in relief for the Astros, pitching 2.2 innings of scoreless baseball, and then turned it over to Brandon Puffer, who gave up 2 runs in his 1.1 innings of work. The Giants bullpen fell apart in the 8th inning, blowing a 8-5 lead. Tim Worrell and Felix Rodriguez combined to give up 4 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks in .2 innings. Geoff Blum provided a 3 run double in the bottom of the 8th to give the Astros the lead. Bruce Chen picked up the win, and Billy Wagner pitched a perfect 9th for the save.
Score: 9-8 Houston
WP: Bruce Chen
LP: Tim Worrell
S: Billy Wagner
Player of the Game: Geoff Blum

[General Mike]

Division Series Game 3s

Boston @ Texas
In our first game at the Ballpark at Arlington, both team went with lefty starters, Casey Fossum for the Red Sox, and the Rangers' Mark Redman. Boston looked to be close to finishing off the Red Sox, leading 2-0 after 6, and 3-2 after 7 and a half, but then the tde turned. Rookie Mark Teixeira got the rally started with a 1 out, solo HR that tied the game. Josh Phelps followed with a double, ARod was intentionally walked, and then RF Kevin Mench homered to give the Rangers the 6-3 win. Uggy Urbina came in to pitch a perfect 9th for the save. Manny Ramirez provided all of the Red Sox offense, driving in 3 runs, with 2 2Bs and a HR.
Score: 6-3 Texas
WP: Mark Redman
LP: Casey Fossum
S: Ugueth Urbina
Player of the Game: Manny Ramirez

New York @ Oakland
Game 3 of this series was never in question. Oakland's Mark Mulder was ineffective, only lasting 4 innings, but not before giving up 7 runs, 5 earned. Mike Mussina didn't have his best stuff today either but the Yankees had a 10-2 lead, before he gave up 4 runs in the top of the 5th inning. Jose Contreras pitched 3.2 innings of no hit baseball but wasn't given a save. Very strange. Juan Rivera contributed 2 RBI, Andy Phillips hit a 3 run HR, and Jorge Posada was 4-5 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Eric Chavez and Miguel Tejada both hit HRs for the As.
Score: 10-6 New York
WP: Mike Mussina
LP: Mark Mulder
Player of the Game: Jorge Posada

Philadelphia @ Chicago
Game 3 of this series was another low scoring game as Brett Myers pitched a complete game, 4-hit shutout. Matt Clement pitched well for the Cubs, only giving up 1 earned run in 7.1 innings, but errors by Luke Allen and Mark Bellhorn in the 8th inning allowed 2 runs to score. Jim Thome had the lone Phillies RBI, driving in Luis Castillo with a 6th inning 2B.
Score: 3-0 Philly
WP: Brett Myers
LP: Matt Clement
Player of the Game: Brett Myers

Houston @ San Francisco
With the final division series moving back to San Francisco, both teams knew runs would be at a premium, and they were. Shawn Chacon pitched well for the Astros, giving up only 3 ER, but it wasn't good enough. C.C. Sabathia pitched 7.1 innings of 1 run ball, before turning over the game to Luis Vizcaino and Robb Nen. Rich Aurilia, Barry Bonds and Ray Durham all picked up RBI for the Giants.
Score: 3-1 San Francisco
WP: C.C. Sabathia
LP: Shawn Chacon
S: Robb Nen
Player of the Game: C.C. Sabathia

[General Mike]

Game 4

Boston @ Texas
Both teams decided to go back to their #1 starters, and it worked out well for the Texas Rangers. Staff ace A.J Burnett pitched 8 innings, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned while striking out 7. Pedro Martinez just never got on track, falling behind 2-0 after 2. Boston did pick up runs in th 3rd and 6th innings, but it wasn't enough as Texas forced a 5th game.
Score: 4-2 Texas
WP: A.J. Burnett
LP: Pedro Martinez
S: Ugueth Urbina
Player of the Game: A.J. Burnett

New York @ Oakland
For the 2nd straight game, one of Oakland's big 3, didn't have their best stuff and it showed. Barry Zito only lasted 3.2 innings, allowing 7 runs in that time. Juan Rivera provided all the offense the Yankees needed, scoring 2 runs and driving in 3 with a 1st inning Homer. Jeff Weaver pitched 7.2 quality innings, allowing 3 runs in his outing. The Yankees will move on to the ALCS.
Score: 12-3 Yankees
WP: Jeff Weaver
LP: Barry Zito
Player of the Game: Juan Rivera

Philadelphia @ Chicago
Game 4 was a tale of two pitchers. In a rematch of game 1 starters, this time Randy Wolf was the dominant pitcher, pitching the CG, allowing 1 run, while striking out 11. Mark Prior only allowed 2 hits in 5 innings, but he also allowed 5 runs, thanks to the 4 free passes he gave out. Marlon Bryd, Mike Leiberthal and Pat Burrell all provided HRs for the Phillies. The Cubs have to go home and think about 2004 now.
Score: 6-1
WP: Randy Wolf
LP: Mark Prior
Player of the Game: Randy Wolf

Houston @ San Francisco
San Francisco will advance to the NLCS after a fine pitching performance from Damian Moss. Moss pitched 7 innings, allowing only 4 hits and 1 unearned run. His Astro counterpart, Tomo Ohka was not as succesful, pitching 6.2 innings, allowing 4 runs during that time. Any chance of the Astros coming back was stopped by Brad Lidge allowing 3 more Giant runs in the bottom of the 8th inning. Edgardo Alfonso, Travis Hafner and Yorvit Torrealba all had 2 RBI for SF. San Francisco advances to the NLCS to play the Phillies.
Score: 7-2
WP: Damian Moss
LP: Tomo Ohka
Player of the Game: Damian Moss