What's in store for the Cozy's future?

Ponce, Puerto Rico - Cozy Ponson had no problems with his right shoulder in a 6 inning, 90 pitch outing, to pick up the win against the Carolina Giants in winter league action. Many scouts have been watching the El Paso Fighting Tacos' highly touted pitching prospect. Sporting long hair and a beaded necklace, Ponson could easily be confused for an amateur surfer in town for the winter, rather than one of the Major League's most promising prospects.

Ponson is pitching in the Puerto Rico Winter League as part of a strengthening assignment, following a frustrating season 11 that saw Cozy injure his shoulder three times. Scouts from several teams have been watching the former 1st round pick very closely, amidst rumors that El Paso may trade their future ace due to health concerns. If Ponson can stay healthy and get back on track with his development, they should have no problems in finding takers... but if he regains his form, they may have no desire to trade him. Fighting Taco officials have declined to comment, but the pitching coach for the Ponce Lions, Tony Ortiz, mentioned that he is getting plenty of questions about Ponson's workouts and command of his pitches from people within and outside the organization.

Ponson, originally from Cambridge, Masachusetts, was a first round pick and second overall pick of the amateur draft two seasons ago. Ponson moved quickly through the Minor League ranks: he never pitched in rookie or Low A ball, and only pitched 7 innings in High A ball before being promoted to AA. He started 12 times for Kansas City's AA team and was promptly promoted to AAA, where he pitched 45 innings over two seasons. Kansas City traded Ponson to El Paso, and was originally reassigned to AA by his new franchise. He quickly overmatched AA hitters and El Paso promoted him again to AAA. In his 2nd season in professional baseball, Ponson logged 187 innings between two franchises, 3 teams and 2 levels. His combined record was 15-9 in 29 starts. Season 11 brought great promise - Ponson started 5 Spring training games and limited opponents to a .212 AVG, 1.05 WHIP and a 2.51 ERA. Things progressed quickly after that : 3 trips to the disabled list due to shoulder injuries and a season in which he only pitched 60 2/3 innings and gave up a 7.42 ERA, .303 OAV and a 4-5 record for El Paso's AAA team.

El Paso is hoping that a vigorous strengthening and conditioning program and off-season rehab while pitching to live batters in Puerto Rico will return Ponson to top prospect form. Many critics believe that Ponson's 187 innings in Season 10 took a toll on his arm, but his recent appearances as a starter have shown no indication that Ponson has slowed down. Ponson has struggled against left handed batters, and his coaches' efforts have focused on developing his delivery mechanics to give lefthanded hitters a more difficult read on his 4-pitch arsennal. Ponson has the potential to be one of the top pitches in the Major Leagues, and El Paso is investing heavily on his development. If the past is any consolation, and judging from his rapid progression through the minors, Ponson should someday challenge for the Cy Young award.

Ponson's AAA teammate and fellow New Englander Joe McCormick is also pitching for Ponce in the Puerto Rico Winter League.

Buffalo Blizzard Crowned World Series Champions

By the time the ball landed on Sun Wanatabe's glove in deep right center field, it became official that Buffalo had its world series revenge. Leading 8-2 in the bottom of the 9th, it was no surprise that the Buffalo Blizzard were this season's World Series champs. This revenge was sweet for the Blizzard, after losing the Season 10 World Series to the Trenton Fire. In this rematch of last year's World Series, Buffalo won the series 4-2 and outscored the Fire 30-18 in the 6 games played. Buffalo followed on their reputation of a high scoring, offensive powerhouse led by Parker McIntyre and Rey Shigetoshi. Trenton suffered from a late season injury to Cy Young winner Andrew Baxter, whose stellar pitching performance last season made the difference in shutting down the Blizzard's offense.

Here is a game by game summary and highlights of the World Series:
Game 1: Buffalo 4, Trenton 2
Jorge Lee (13-3, 3.95 ERA) vs Norberto Gonzalez (4-0, 4.28 ERA no starts in regular season).

Jorge Lee pitched 6 innings, allowing 1 run before turning it over to the bullpen. Career closer and world saves leader Don Gonzales logged the save. Norberto Gonzalez pitched reasonably well (4 IP, 2 ER), and reliever Max Nunez allowed 2 ER over the next 4 innings, but 4 runs was all that Buffalo needed to win this one. Buffalo led the series 1-0.

Game 2: Buffalo 1, Trenton 2
Kenny White (13-9, 3.57 ERA vs Stewart Pose (19-5, 3.05 ERA)

Pitching on short rest, 19-game winner Stewart Pose shut off the Buffalo offense for 4 innings before relievers Jorel Roth and Kirk Heiserman picked it up and picked up the win for the Fire. Buffalo pitchers performed well enough to win, but it would go Trenton's way in this low scoring game. Kenny White pitching 6 innings, allowing 1 ER, and Carlos Gil got the loss by allowing 1 ER in 2 innings pitched. Series tied 1-1.

Game 3: Trenton 1, Buffalo 7
Aaron Ashley (14-5, 4.45 ERA) vs Benito Manzanillo (13-4, 4.73 ERA)

The series shifted to Buffalo for Game 3, where historic lows in October temperatures chilled the Fire's chances early on, but it was actually Benito Manzanillo's strong pitching and the combined power of Rey Shigetoshi and Parker McIntyre that finished them off. The Blizzard jumped to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning on back to back homers by the dynamic duo. Ashley allowed 12 hits and 6 ER in 6IP, and the offensive onslaught demoralized the Fire early on. Buffalo led series 2-1.

Game 4: Trenton 1, Buffalo 9
Norberto Gonzalez (4-0, 4.28 ERA) vs Elston Brunson (12-7, 4.84 ERA)

In a series turning point, Trenton's veteran Norberto Gonzalez started for the second time in the World Series, limiting the Blizzard to 1 run in 5 innings, but reliever Max Nunez was crushed by the Blizzard and by untimely erros, giving up 8 runs (6ER). The Blizzard asserted themselves in the 8th inning, with back to back homeruns by Shigetoshi and McIntyre followed three batters later by a 2Run HR by Horacio Guardado. Bill "The Caveman" Torres picked up the win in relief. Buffalo led series 3-1

Game 5 : Trenton 10, Buffalo 1
(Stewart Pose (19-5, 3.05 ERA) vs. Jorge Lee (13-3, 3.95 ERA)

Trenton re-established themselves in Game 5, denying the Blizzard's attempt at clenching at home and showing that Trenton's offense is also capable of fireworks. Once again pitching on short rest, Pose established himself as a gutsy pitcher, throwing a few innings before Jorel Roth picked up the win in 5+ innings of one-hit shutout ball. Jorge Lee pitched 5 innings, giving up 6R, 3 ER. Trenton's Russell Leonard provided the fire power, going 4 for 5 with 5 RBIs, including 2 homeruns. Buffalo led the series 3-2.

Game 6: Trenton 2, Buffalo 8

Aaron Ashley (14-5, 4.45 ERA) vs Kenny White (13-9, 3.57 ERA)

Kenny White finally got his series win, by throwing 7 innings of shutout ball in the World Series clincher. Buffalo jumped to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on a 2-Run HR by Rey Shigetoshi and never looked back, scoring 4 more in the 3rd and 2 more later on. Parker McIntyre went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, including a solo shot in the 9th for his 11th homerun of the postseason. Buffalo wins the World Series for the second time in franchise history.

Fire and Ice Face off in World Series

In a rematch of last season's World Series contenders, the Buffalo Blizzard will face the Trenton Fire in this year's edition. The Fire made it to their second consecutive world series after defeating San Antonio in the League Championship series in 6 games. The well-rested Buffalo team enters the World Series undefeated in post-season play after sweeping the Iowa City Bison and the El Paso Fighting Tacos. The series should be an evenly matched affair. Although Buffalo seems to have a slight edge in offense, Trenton's 105 regular season wins came riding on great pitching and superb defense. Leading Cy-Young award candidate Andrew Baxter, who went 23-3 in the regular season after an incredible World Series performance last year, will be missing from the defending champions due to a shoulder aneurysm. Game action starts tomorrow in Trenton.

SEASON 11 LEADERS : NATIONAL LEAGUE

Batting Average
R. Alomar - NO - .383
B. Green - COL - .371
E. Silva - COL - .349
P. Zheng - BUF - .347
M. Burrell - IA - .343

Home Runs
McIntyre - BUF ..76
Shigetoshi - BUF ..70
Horton - ELP ..49
Devereaux - CLB.. 47
Silva - COL ..45
Grey - POR ..45

Runs Batted In
McIntyre - BUF ..158
Shigetoshi - BUF ..146
Post - CIN ..137
Horton - ELP ..133
Silva - COL ..131

Runs Scored
Green - COL ..161
McIntyre - BUF ..143
Shigetoshi - BUF ..142
Mieske - CIN ..134
Gonzalez - POR ..123

Stolen Bases
A. Gutierrez - RIC 68
H. Maas - COL 63
A. Bailey - IA 60
K. Mieske - CIN 60
D. Cook - LAA 53

Wins
Y. Cooper - CIN 19
P. Harang - LV 19
W. Meadows - LV 18
T. Arnold - LV 17

Saves
J. Jimenez - LV 46
D. Gutierrez - STL 40
S. Welch - POR 36
D. Gonzales - BUF 35
M. Boyer - CLB 31

League ERA
C. Leach - ELP 2.73
P. Harang - LV 2.80
B. Bartee - POR 2.85
J. Amaro - IA 2.88
R. Jimenez - CLB 3.08

Strikeouts
C. Ramirez - IA 227
T. Murphy - LA 197
M. Song - HEL 184
J. Little - CLB 177
A. Robinson - LA 174

and there were 4...

The League Championship Series got under way with the last four playoff contenders fighting to make a World Series appearance.

National League Championship Series: Buffalo Blizzard vs El Paso Fighting Tacos

The Blizzard are the heavy favorites in this series, after compiling a 101-61 record, earning a first round bye and cruising through a sweep of the Iowa City Bison. El Paso has surprised many who thought this team was not a legit playoff contender, but El Paso proved them all wrong by squashing the teams with the best records in the regular season Despite and 81-81 regular season record, the Fighting Tacos quickly swept the mighty Las Vegas Rollers (104-58) by outscoring them 28-12 in the Division Play-in series. El Paso then faced the dangerous offense of the Colorado Colorado Crush (105-57), and sent them packing after 4 games. The Tacos come to face the Blizzard with their bats swinging - and the offense is led by Endy Horton, Humberto Paz and Charlie Brunson. This series promises to be an offensive battle full of excitement, but in the end, the El Paso team may be no match for the Blizzard's offense, which is paced by slugger extraordinaires Parker McIntyre and Rey Shigetoshi. Then again, similar predictions have been made before against these scrappy Fighting Tacos.

American League Championship Series: Trenton Fire vs San Antonio Stallions

Although the Trenton Fire are favored in this series, nobody is overlooking the Stallions. Dispatching the rival Charlotte Wolfpack and the New Britain Bombers, the Stallions hope to carry the momentum into Trenton. As these two offenses match up, it will be San Antonio's power vs Trenton's contact and ability to get on base. Trenton's pitching was best in the AL, followed closely by San Antonio's, and anything can happen in a short series. Hampering Trenton's hopes is the loss of Andrew Baxter to a significant injury.

Stallions Run Down Wolves!! (story by canadadry)

After another division leading season, the Charlotte Wolfpack have fallen in the first round to division rival San Antonio Stallions. Shortly before this season’s All-Star break San Antonio GM, Ken Adadry, issued a playful challenge to the longtime division champs. Encouraged by his team's success he spoke out publicly and saying, “I’m coming for you Wolfman!”. Charlotte owner, Wolfman19 responded by outrightly dismissing the Stallions chances of catching the Wolfpack and even suggesting they wouldn’t be able to hold onto 2nd place. Later on in the season, Wolfman19 gloated after the Wolfpack swept the Stallions chiming, “Looks like the Stallions got sent to the glue station".

But in the end, the two teams faced off in the first round of the playoffs to settle things where it counted. And by the time the dust and the banter settled at the end of the first round of the playoffs, it would be the Wolves from Charlotte who were humbled by the San Antonio Stallions. After losing the first two games at home by large margins (7-1, 9-2), the Wolfpack managed one win in San Antonio before being sent packing in an 8-3 fourth game loss. Alexander Green, already an established start despite only being 23 yrs old, led the Stallion offense, hitting .412 and hitting 3 homers in the 4 game series. Surprise Rule 5 pickup and fan favorite Billy Hunter played stellar defense at 2B and was the sparkplug of the offense, hitting .400 with a .429 OBP and swiping 3 bases.

With their best season ever and their playoffs still going, perhaps the San Antonio Stallions have shown that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Portland closing in on 4th consecutive post season appearance

The Portland Rain are showing signs of the same October magic that they have shown in the last 3 seasons. In the series opener in El Paso, the Portland Rain, hungry for the title, showed why they hold a 2 game lead in the NL North over season-long rivals St. Louis and Columbus. The Rain thundered to a decisive 11-3 rout behind future Hall of Famer Sean Donovan. Donovan, in his first season away from Louisville, has been re-energized after what started off in the Louisville bullpen, going 12-3 with a 3.18 ERA for Portland. Donovan, a 4 time Cy Young winner and 7 time all star, has been the veteran leader that Portland needed amongst many new (and mostly younger) faces in the everyday starting lineup.

Donovan is not the exception to a new cast of players that has been thrown into the same recipe of success in Portland. Several youngsters have taken the place of the solid veterans who carried Portland to a World Series title a mere 2 seasons ago. Rookie of the Year candidate Art Sweeney has brought his gold-glove worthy defensive skills in replacing Julian Henley in LF, and Harry Encarnacion took the spot vacated when 3B Victor Rodriguez was packaged in the deal that brought Donovan to Portland. The team struggled early on as the newcomers slowly learned to play as a team, and the Rain have been building significant momentum since the all star break to take over first place in the NL north.

The rhythm of this season's offense has been paced by #2 hitter and MVP candidate Robb Gant and power hitting Catcher Herm Grey. Leadoff man Alex Gonzalez is having a down year but is still nagging opponents and scoring runs with his combination of power and speed. Pitching has been very anchored by Sean Donovan and young workhorse and Cy Young candidate Bip Bartee (15-7) both maintaining a sub-3 ERA throughout the season. Starting pitcher Vasco Picasso has shown maturity and resilience far beyond what his age suggests (23) and has been outstanding in the #3 slot, while southpaw Jose Piedra (12-8) has been reliable all season long. Closer Stephen Welch is a leading candidate for NL Fireman of the Year, with 35 saves in 42 opportunities, but he has been inconsistent at times, with a career high 10 losses.

Continued success and the ability to secure a spot in the postseason hinge largely on the durability of key position players who are showing some wear and tear the season rolls on. Inconsistent play from the two rookies and by the bullpen, has seen some leads dissipate in a hurry and an inability to come from behind to win. The team can compensate, based on the unique combination of speed and power at its offensive core. Eight players have hit double figures in HRs and 8 players have stolen 10 or more bases. Three players (Gant, Gonzalez and Encarnacion) have already reached the 20HR-20SB landmark. Even castoff Willie "$18.8 million dollar" Vazquez, whose acquisition (and most importantly, that of his salary) was mocked by other team owners, has produced consistently throughout the season while playing gold-glove caliber defense as a 1B.

Coming up is a key 3 game series against the St. Louis Kamikazes, who they have battled all season to reign supreme in the NL North. St. Louis will also be facing off against the third horse in this race, the Columbus Flatlanders. Portland fans, who still cherish the fresh memories of the magical Season 9 World Series title, are extremely confident that their team is for real. If Portland enters the post-season, watch out: this team is relentless and hungry to have their Word series trophy back!

Thanks to hiloboy21 for contributing this story

New Chicago Franchise has city dreaming Goats in October

Management challenges and ownership jockeying in the offseason resulted in the switching of franchises, with last year's St. Louis AL franchise landing in Chicago and the Chicago NL franchise landing in Saint Louis. And while nobody expected much from either franchise, both teams have outperformed expectations and many are thinking post-season for both teams.

Coming off of a disappointing 68-94 season in their last year in St. Louis, low expectations surrounded the newcomers' debut to the windy city. As of Sunday's play, the Billy Goats are already carrying a franchise high of 85 wins and are in a tie for one of two wild card spots. The Chicago faithful are dreaming of a world series.

While the current series between San Antonio and Trenton may ultimately determine the playoff picture for the Billy Goats, it is by no lack of hustle or competitive play on their part.

All Star Ricky Gibbs (48 HR, 117 RBIs) leads a powerful offensive lineup rounded by Ted Harper (.303 AVG, .407 OBP, 1.002 OPS, 36 HR, 90 RBIs) and Brooks Bonilla (.322 AVG, 1.024 OPS, 38 HR, 98 RBIs), while workhorses Banana Hawkins (12-10, 4.98 ERA) and Lariel Sanchez (12-6, 4.00 ERA) lead a starting rotation without a defacto pitching ace. At 5-9 and 211 lbs, 22yr old sophomore starter Brooks Reames (11-7, 3.93 ERA) has pitched well, surprising the skeptics who were discouraged by a disappointing rookie season (4-11, 5.45 ERA in 29 starts) and attributed his lack of success to poor offseason training habits. The relief corps (Jerome Conway, Sam Kerr, Deivi Velazquez and Don Bunch) have been average but consistent, while sophomore closer and Japanese import John Shin, has excelled, nailing down 30 of 37 save opportunities.

A defense that ranks among the worse in the AL has been the team's biggest weakness, but it is clear that the offense provided in return has made up for their fielding woes. Offseason free agent acquisition Jimmie Henley has been the exception. Despite struggling offensively to a .257 AVG, Henley has provided stellar defense in split time between CF and 2B, and leads the majors in CF range factor. In addition, the apparently shaky defense seen in statistics alone does not accurately represent the team's current starters. Henley's partner in the Iowa City to Chicago offseason migration, lefthanded throwing outfielder Joe Eyre, started 90 games at 3B earlier in the season, a position the veteran had never played in his entire career. Eyre's willingness to play 3B allowed Chicago's manager to insert his .317 AVG and 13 triples into the lineup to make up by the poor fielding that came with the learning curve. (Eyre's leading nomination as the AL 3B Silver Slugger has been controversial).

This team has brought much excitement to the city of Chicago, and as a real wild card contender, management may be looking at the franchise's best historical team and second post-season appearance. The combination of young talent and key veteran acquisitions presents a solid team for a fan base that wants to see them face their former team (now the St. Louis Kamikazes) in a World Series matchup. As the Goats raise the bar to enhanced expectations in a serious race to the playoffs, Chicago is excited about its team, but the young core gives them much to be hopeful for years to come.

Thanks to jpelot for contributing to this story.

Memphis Blues Boys look to keep on playing to the rhythm of postseason music

Memphis, TN- Tim Richardson pumped his fist high in the air even before the soft fly landed in the shortstop's glove to record the final out and 39th save of the year for the 25 yr old rookie closer. In many ways, Richardson stands for everything that the Blues Boys have endured through this season. The young pitcher and former first round pick by Seattle trails only teammate Pasqual Martin for AL rookie of the year consideration, and the two rookies are living proof of the succesful changing of the guard in Memphis: an age renewal while competing, learning and growing as a team, in the AL's most competitive division... and yet, the Blues Boys are still a dark horse candidate to clinch an AL wild card playoff berth.

It won't be easy, considering that, as of Sunday's play, the Blues Boys are one of four teams battling it out for the two AL wild card spots, but to do so, they must jump ahead of division rival San Antonio, whom they trail by 3 games. The team is hard-pressed to keep a 10-year playoff streak intact with just 13 games remaining, including series against Trenton and Charlotte.

The Blues Boys carry many positives on which they will rely down the stretch. The team has done much better at home (45-26) than on the road (38-40), and a 10 game stretch at home should play in their favor before wrapping up the season with a 3 game series in Charlotte. Leading ROY candidate CF All-Star Pasqual Martin (31 HR, 67 RBI, 29SB) leads the offense along with Albert Vazquez (34 HR, 96 RBI), but six other players have 20-30 HRs. The team is 4th in the AL in OPS and 3rd in SLG. Starting pitchers Dorian Kinkade and Dustan Stoops are a combined 25-6. Closer Richardson has nailed down 39 saves in 44 opportunities and has been unhittable, holding opponents to a .208 AVG. The bullpen combo of setup men Reggie Powell, Adam Locke and newcomer (and former closer) Mike Peterson have been a great complement to Richardson.

But, there are a few negatives that the team will have to face down the stretch. Starting pitching is thin after the Kinkade/Stoops punch, although Tony Mercado has pitched much better than his 5-8, 4.33 ERA would suggest. No everyday position player is hitting for a higher average than part time 1B Britt George's .293. An early season stretch of 3-18 under a new coaching staff may be too much to overcome in the second half of the season in baseball's strongest division, but the Blues Boys will keep on playing to their own rhythm.

(Thanks to sac_lambs for contributing to this team analysis)

ML Drama threatens Iowa City's chances to join the post-season party

This was supposed to be the season where the Iowa City Bison's aging stars compromised the team's chances to a third consecutive postseason appearance. This was supposed to be the season where early season injuries to Vinny Funaki and prospect Tyler Merrick spelled Bison burgers. It was also supposed to be the season where a pitching staff rounded out by dubious pitching veterans Jose Amaro, Darrin Lloyd and Pedro Saenz failed to withstand the powerful Blizzard's assault.

Instead, young slugger Norberto Fernandez started out on the verge of a breakthrough season, Funaki and Merrick bounced back from their injuries with strong performances, 36 yr old veteran Mike Burrell and 34yr old team captain Bo Wells slugged their way out of the gate, and Amaro and Saenz made their first all-star appearances. And then... mayhem ensued on the Iowa prairies, leaving the Bison trailing by 12 games behind the Blizzard and struggling in a 3-team race for a wild card berth that is more likely to be nailed down by the cousins from the North, the Columbus Flatlanders or the Portland Rain.

The reason for the Bison's collapse has been hard to pinpoint, but an overtly fatigued bullpen, and lack of clutch hitting has left them with a 22-29 record in one run games, and 9-10 in extra-inning games. An inside pitch by Brett Clark fractured Norberto Fernandez' hand, landing him on the DL for the rest of the season. Lacking in offensive power, notably against right-handed hitters, the Bison have struggled mightily. Trying to boost their offense after the trade deadline, the GM tried to trade for slugging infielder Paul Hunt, who has struggled with the LA Diamond Kings (.230 AVG, .306 OBP with 25 HRs). But Bison management reportedly balked at a package that would've included British import pitching Glenn Hall , while citing concerns with Hunt's health, durability and next year's contract ($7.6 million). The Bison then worked out a deal sending veteran slugger Howie Buckley (and his large $6.2 million a year contract for the next 3 years) for a trio of minor leaguers (AAA C Rey Hubbell, speedy AAA CF William Tanaka and HiA wild pitching "prospect" Josias Johnson). But Josias Johnson suffered an injury to his groin while (prematurely) moving boxes out of his apartment, failing a physical exam and nulling the trade. (Although speculation has arised that Johnson had actually suffered the undisclosed injury during the offseason while riding horses in his native Panama, which explains his atrocious 0-12 record and 6.28 ERA in High A).

Seeing the Bison continued struggles, a few veteran minor leaguers were promoted when the rosters expanded to bring some relief to the fatigued team, but this has done little to change course. Veteran and all-time career stolen base leader Carlos Rincon, who was released earlier this year after a short stint between AAA and ML for the Detroit Shuffle, was plucked from the Mexican Independent league as a left-handed bat off the bench. CF RickyTerrell, in his 5th tour of duty with the organization, was promoted from AAA as a backup to Aaron Bailey and occasional pinch runner. But these minor additions have done little to change course, and the Bison's fate relies on a final home stretch against Cincinnati, Louisville, Columbus and Buffalo (against all of whom they have struggled).

The Bison have shown several strengths, most notably a starting pitching rotation (Cookie Ramirez: 12-8, 3.33 ERA, Ismael Alvarado: 12-3, 2.64 ERA, Jose Amaro: 13-4 2.79 ERA, Rick Cobb: 12-8, 3.33 ERA and Brandon Freeman 8-12, 3.63 ERA) and a stable bullpen despite a closer by committee approach. Mike Burrell has provided the bulk of the offense while rookie Tyler Merrick has shown his skills despite an early season injury. The team lacks a legit power threat at the plate, and the bullpen has shown signs of fatigue. These Bison have a few tricks left in the tank, and, as team captain Bo Wells said "we will go down swinging. We will play through aches and pains but we will not lay down and give up. People wrote us off as too old or too fragile or vulnerable to injury or what not, but we are going to the end".

Don Gonzales picks up career save #400

Los Angeles, CA - Career saves leader Don Gonzales reached another landmark by logging career save #400 in a Buffalo Blizzard 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Diamond Kings. The 37 yr old right-handed native of Yokosuka, Japan pitched a perfect 9th for the 25th save of the season, and retains the all time saves lead with a new high record. After 9 seasons in the American League with the Memphis Blues Boys, Gonzales signed as a free agent with the Blizzard last year as a 36 yr old veteran. The future Hall of Famer is a 10 time All-Star, a 4-time AL Fireman of the Year and became the oldest all star when selected to the NL squad earlier this season.

NL wins Extra-Inning All-Star Game Affair

The National League took the Season 11 All-Star game with a 6-run 11th inning at Knights Castle Stadium. With the game tied at 4, the Nationals scored 6 runs off of the combined relief efforts of Oakland Elephant's Felipe Colon (1/3 IP, 2H, 2 ER) and the New Britain Bombers' Bump Ponson (0 IP, 2H, 3ER, 2R). Sandy Wilson took the loss after facing giving a leadoff walk to El Paso's Omar Pena. Perennial All-Star Parker McIntyre hit 2 HR's to be named the game's MVP in his 7th All-Star game appearance. A day earlier, McIntyre came up short by 7 HRs to Blizzard teammate Tommy Ransom in the home run derby.

With teams full of first timers and established stars, here are the Season 11 All-Stars Starting Lineups and Team Rosters:

National League

LF Brad Green, Colorado Crush
DH Endy Horton, Fighting Tacos
1B Parker McIntyre, Blizzard
CF Robb Gant, Rain
C Eduardo Silva, Colorado Crush
SS Rey Shigetoshi, Blizzard
3B Leo Billingsley, Colorado Crush
RF John Hutch, Colorado Crush
2B Albert DeSoto, Colorado Crush
SP Rodrigo Jimenez, Flatlanders

C Ricardo Alomar, Fifth Ward Reds
1B Carlos Franco, Colorado Crush
3B Omar Pena, Fighting Tacos
SS Julio Lima, Handbaskets
LF Ross Carter, high rollers
CF Butch Connelly, high rollers
RF Tommy Ransom, Blizzard

P Julian Jimenez, high rollers
P Pepper Harang, high rollers
P Don Gonzales, Blizzard
P Jose Amaro, Bison
P Marty Boyer, Flatlanders
P Robert Howry, Colorado Crush
P Will Meadows, high rollers
P Cliff Smart, KAMIKAZES
P Miguel Duran, KAMIKAZES
P Yogi Cooper, Redlegs Revenge
P Bip Bartee, Rain
P Pedro Saenz, Bison
P Davy Miles, Wild Turkeys

American League

CF Pasqual Martin, Blues Boys
SS Eddie Ingram, Beer Swillers
1B Russell Leonard, Fire
DH Emmett Halter, Fire
C Horacio Vallarta, Wolfpack
2B James Banks, Shuffle
RF Alexander Green, Stallions
3B Tanyon Owen, Blues Boys
LF Javier Valdez, Wolfpack
SP Andrew Baxter, Fire

C Ricky Gibbs, Billy Goats
1B Kareem Nunnally ,Bombers
2B Angel Valdes, Minute Men
3B Miguel Mairena, Minute Men
SS Felipe Vega, Wolfpack
LF Trevor Bellhorn, Fire
CF Billy Hunter, Stallions
RF Larry Dupler, Fire

P Jacob Johnson , Wolfpack
P Ken Atkins , Wolfpack
P Felipe Colon, Elephants
P Brutus Nixon, Bombers
P Kirk Heiserman, Fire
P Stewart Pose, Fire
P Wolf Miller, Stallions
P Alfredo Swann, Bombers
P Oscar Martin, Beer Swillers
P Bump Ponson, Bombers
P Sandy Wilson, Coconuts
P Juan Borges, Blues Boys

Saint Louis Signs Closer of the Future: Tomas Santos

Saint Louis, MO -  Cliff Cazey, spokesperson for the Saint Louis Kamikazes, announced today the signing of 18yr old Cuban defector Tomas Santos to a 5 year major league  contract  with a $7.9 million signing bonus. Santos was assigned  to St. Louis' AAA affiliate. 

While pitching for the Cuban national team, Santos mixed two pitches, including a wicked slider.  AAA Pitching  coach Miguel Cabrera said in a statement: "This is a very exciting time for our team. I look forward to helping Tom develop his control and refine his pitching mechanics to mold him into a succesful Major league closer". The signing was met with mixed reactions amongst the Cuban community in Florida.  

New Orleans inks International Pitching Prospect Rosado

El Seibo, Dominican Republic - The New Orleans Fifth Ward Reds announced the signing of 18yr  old pitching prospect Ricardo Rosado after offering him a $13.2 million signing bonus. Rosado, who has been working out in a training complex outside of Santo Domingo, said "I am looking forward to being a part of a team that will have a lot  to offer, compete and get that  ring someday". Rosado is a 3-pitch pitcher with lots of upswing, although critics have cited his temper, lack of stamina and poor control as  hurdles that he will have to overcome during his minor league development. 

The  head of Dominican scouting  for another organization claimed that Rosado is significantly older than his birth certificate shows, although he asked to remain anonymous. "Look at this guy's frame - not  many 18 yr olds look like an NFL running back". Rosado's father has stated that Rosado has a strict workout routine -  " What  can I  say -  he matured early, he takes care of his body, and he has excellent genes".

Saint Louis Kamikazes off to a great start

This is a team that lost 97 games last year and 93 the year before. Check.
This is a team that moved cities after ownership threw in the white flag. Check.
This is a team that cutback payroll and shifted money into scouting and prospect payroll. Check.
This is the team leading the NL North. uhh... Check.

The Saint Louis Kamikazes have turned a few heads in what was written off as a "rebuilding" season by league rivals. After being picked by only 4% of reporters to win the division, and most likely to finish 3rd (behind Portland and Columbus), the Kamikazes are tied for first place in the division. Gone are veterans Britt George, Jerome Milliard and Glenn Parker, but Miguel Duran has finally stepped up as staff pitching ace in a rotation that has started 8 diferent pitchers, and Rookie of the Year Miguel Nunez has been impressive in his sophomore season while shifting from SS to CF. Offseason acquisition Cliff Smart has anchored the bullpen (15 saves), and the Kamikazes are capitalizing on early season struggles by the Portland Rain. Catcher Benito Elcano, a career .253 hitter signed as a free agent in the offseason, has hit .336 since starting regularly for St. Louis while providing excellent defense behind the plate.

How the Kamikazes are leading without major all-star names is a mystery to most, but not to the Saint Louis faithful who show up every night to watch their blue-collar, gritty team compete against the best. "Our manager has shown an uncanny ability to get the most out of our team, and motivates us to give 110% day in and day out." said 37 yr old pitching veteran Brett Bailey."We are just a bunch of guys wanting to show that we are better than we were given credit for and that we have what it takes to win". While many critics think this the team is overperforming, this team plays to win, has nothing to lose and is here to give it all and win or die trying.

WITH THE FIRST PICK IN THE DRAFT........... (by pita323)

What will the Anaheim Mighty Ducks do with the first pick in the annual amateur draft?

There have been reports that Anaheim's scouts have been spotted at Kent State, where power hitting, good fielding Jose Chantres anchors the hot corner. Eastern Oklahoma State College's slick fielding, great hitting SS Ivan Andujar has also gotten a few looks, as well as Prince Georges CC's  SP Sal Cashman, who has shown that he has great control along with 97 MPH fastball. Sal has yet to hire an agent and has his mother advising him.

Scouts are not overlooking Eunice High School, where young pitcher Douglas Slaughter, who ranked #1 in many scouting magazines, is expecting to graduate in the professional ranks with a large signing bonus. Anaheim High School scouting director Jacob Ramirez, who was scouting Slaughter, has also been seen at Longmont Christian High School, where SP Omar Gilbert and his pinpoint control pitches reign supreme. Who they will pick? Owner/GM pita323 has remained silent, not even hinting a clue whether he is leaning towards pitching or hitting. Recent history suggests they'll go with pitching, as season 10 was a strong draft for Anaheim hitting, with infielders Del Henley and Chad Schneider looking as strong Major League prospects. The prior four season seasons yielded some weak prospects: the franchise's first pick in Season 9 was not until #60., and Season 8 's first pick did not come until #50. In both seasons 6 & 7, the franchise was unable to sign their first round picks. New ownership has committed to building this organization unlike previous regimes, aggresively pursuing top signable prospects.

International Free Agents Make a Splash in a Few Budgets

A total of 24 International Players have been signed by Major League franchises this season. The Iowa City Bison, a historically minor player in the International market, and the Milwaukee Beer Swillers lead the pack in numbers of signings with three. In terms of talent, the Baltimore Blast and the Portland Rain have claimed the biggest prizes so far, by landing highly touted pitching  prospects RJ Nunez and Frank Shigetoshi.  Here is a look at the top signing bonuses and the prospects that got them:

Frank Shigetoshi, SP- Portland Rain - $22.8 million signing bonus with spring  training invite. The 19 yr old native  of  Fukuoka, Japan has been touted as the best pitching prospect  to come out of Japan. With four pitches anchored by  a wicked curveball, the young pitcher has the tools to succeed at  the ML level. The Rain invested heavily based on international scout accounts, and although  the US-based scouts are skeptical that Shigetoshi will develop into the lights-out potential superstar that was advertised, there is  no  doubt that he will be  a serviceable, reliable ML starter.

RJ Nunez, RP- Baltimore Blast - $12 million signing bonus. The 18 yr old Dominican projects to be a strong major league closer. At 18 yrs of age, he has quite a bit to learn in terms of maturity and patience, but he alredy possesses a fastball and a slider that could compete at the Major League level. Despite struggling through his first 13 appearances at the Low A level, (blowing 5 of 9 save opportunities and holding a 10.66 ERA through 12 2/3 innings), Nunez has shown steady improvement and has built some confidence.

Esteban Camacho, 1B- Iowa City Bison - $5.4 million signing bonus. The 18 yr old Cuban defector is an aggresive, impatient hitter with minimal defensive skills. He projects to have average major league hitting capabilities, with a superb ability to make contact and get on base. In 185 at bats at the Low A level, Camacho has hit .345 with an OBP of .425 and a .901 OPS.

Jim Gran, RF- Saint Louis Kamikazes - $4.5 million signing bonus, plus a 5 yr major league contract. The Kamikazes invested heavily on the 18 yr old British import from Bedford, in the United Kingdom. Gran has grand power, hitting mammooth shots from both sides of the plate during tryouts in front of the international scouts. Critics have said that Gran will excel as a power hitter, although by the time he develops at the end of his current ML contract, he may be demanding major Euros before playing  at  the ML level. 

Alfredo Cairo, SS - Charlotte Wolfpack - $4.2 million signing bonus, plus a 5 yr major league contract. Signed as a shortstop, early accounts suggest that Cairo will likely be a 2B or 3B at the ML level. Cairo has shown impressive skills and advanced development for his age and experience set, and only time will tell how far Cairo is from reaching his true potential. 

Octavio Guerrero, CF- Saint Louis Kamikazes - $4.0 million signing bonus, plus a 5 yr major league contract. Originally scouted as a 2B, Guerrero has played several positions, and mostly CF since signing with the Kamikazes. Guerrero is a balanced hitter with  great speed and good defensive skills that enable him to play almost anywhere on  the field. The 21 yr old Cuban defector from Bauta made his professional debut at the AAA level, where he has hit .407, a.509 OBp and 1.172 OPS through 31 games. There is no doubt that Guerrero is a bona fide prospect and will not be long before he makes an impact at the ML level.

Detroit: movers and shakers in the league (by soulblazer)

The Detroit Shuffle are making a serious effort one month into the new season to improve their team. They clearly are trying to get good enough to make a push for the playoffs -- either that, or get young talent for a rebuilding effort. Management is not yet decided on how good the team is, but their recent trades are designed to bring in a mix of young and old talent.

Three trades have just been aproved by the MLB's head office and the team owners. The first involved the Anaheim Mighty Ducks when vet setup pitcher Chris Cormier was aquired by Detroit in return for starting/setup pitcher Carter Martin. Another trade was with the Los Angeles Diamond Kings for young 1B/LF hitter Marty Washington and prime of his career starting pitcher Ernest Wulf and Detroit sent to LA vet 1B Robinson Dixon and young prospect LF Tony James. Detroit also helped with $3.5 mil of thier two players salery.

Perhaps the biggest of the three trades, though, was that vetern closer Julian DeRojas was shipped to Seattle in return for young SP Kyle Hocking along with $4.0 mil in cash. The 22 year old left hander was drafted in the first round in Season 7 by Detroit but was lost to Seattle in the Rule 5 draft this year, a move that angered the head coach of the team as he had big plans for Hocking. Seattle was going with young pitching in their roation this season, with three out of five of their pitchers rookies, including Hocking, who started five games for them but failed to get any wins and took one loss. After that he was moved to the bullpen for long relief. The other two rookie pitchers for Seattle were also moved out of their SP roatations and the team went looking for both SP and bullpen help, as they had blown several close games.

Detroit, by comparison, had young closers they could bring up to replace DeRojas and wanted to be free of his contract. The 33 year old right throwing vet was in the first year of a three year contracting costing $5.4 mil a year and there was concern over how good he'd be at the end of his deal. Originaly pitching for the Portland Rain, he was traded to Detroit in Season 7. During his career he had won a Cy Young, two Firemen of the Year awards, and been named to the All-Star Team six times. DeRojas has a 30-64 record with 350 out of 408 saves, a ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.37 and has never been on the DL.

Seattle announced they would make DeRojas their primary closer while Detroit planned to have Hocking as either a SP or a long relief pitcher in the bigs.

What all of this trading will do for Detroit reamains debatable, but ownership has indicated they are not done yet.

Various notes and items from Season 11 (by soulblazer)

Various notes and items from several matters around the league:

The biggest international free agent signing so far this year was setup/closer pitcher R.J. Nunez by the Baltimore Blast. The 18 year old out of the Dominican Republic is projected to have one of the best fastballs in the game and a very good slider. He was signed for a $12 mil bonus and has been playing in Low A. In a few years when he is ready for the bigs he should anchor the bullpen of the young and rebuilding Blast for years to come.

There have been a flurry of trades this season so far, only about a month in, with more being projected. Teams are unloading older and expensive vets to teams with good farm systems, trying to get younger. Other teams are seeking pitching help and looking for older players who can still help a playoff hope. A major trade between Detroit and Seattle is in the works now, according to reports, and we may see more in the weeks to come.

Records of the teams so far this year have been surprising. 32 games in, in three out fo four of the AL divisions there are two very good teams fighting for the best record. Milwaukee and New Britain are leading the AL North with a 22-9 and 20-11 record respectfully. Trenton leads the AL East with a 24-8 record, the best in the MLB, and Chicago is right behind them with a 23-8 record. Memphis leads the AL South with a 21-10 record and Charlotte is two games back. The surprise has been the AL West, where Oakland currently leads with a disapointing 15-16 record and Kansas City two games behind them.

Things are even worse in the NL. Three out four divions here have teams with winning records leading here, like in the AL, but the numbers are not as good. Portland leads the NL North with a 17-14 record, St. Louis right behind them by one game, and the other two teams just one game behind that. Iowa is the best team in the NL East with a 20-12 record and Buffalo two games behind. In the NL South there is no team with a winning record, as Louisville and El Paso are tied with a 14-17 record. The best team in the NL is in the NL West, where Las Vegas leads with a 20-11 record.

Experts are surprised at how 'average' and muddled the teams seem to be this year in most of the divisions and are not sure the reasons for it. Hopefully things will improve as the season is hardly a month old, however, bets are allready being made that there will be no 100 win teams this year.

Parker McIntyre hits HR #500 (by soulblazer)

BUFFALO, NY -- Buffalo Blizzard 1B Parker McIntyre has become the 4th player in Baseball to reach the milestone of hitting 500 HR's during a career today, as he hit numbers 500 and 501 in a game aganist the Columbus Flatlanders. He is the second player this season to reach that milestone, the first being Kareem Nunally of New Britain. Drafted in the first round of the first season by Buffalo, he made his major league debut in Season 3 and has played a major role in the Blizzard;s history ever since. An all-around dangerous hitter, McIntyre also has 1324 RBI's and a average of .322 during his ML career, but most notably, he has never been on the DL. He is under contract for four more years making $7.2 mil this year and $8.0 mil for each of the next four.

Number 500 for Parker came during the third inning of a scoreless game, hitting a 2 run homer off of Columbus starter Yannick Brooks to give Buffalo a 2-0 lead. That lead soon dissipated, and it McIntire struck again in the 8th inning of a game that his team now trailed 10-3. Parker led off the inning with a solo blast for number 501 of his career. Despite Buffalo losing that game 10-4, it was an important day for the 28 year old hitter from Wichita, Kansas. At only 28, Parker is likely to hit many more during his careeer, and may become the all-time HR leader before he retires. Parker has been a 6-time All-Star, a 6 time silver slugger 1B and a 4 time Most Valuable Player. He also earned his first gold glove award during his Season 10 MVP season.