[LocalRock]

To begin my career as a General Manager, I am taking my talents over to San Antonio with the Sentinels organization. San Antonio has been a team mired in mediocrity in their existence. Since entering the USBL in 1956 as the Seattle Rainiers, the Sentinels have made the postseason just 5 times, with zero championships to show for it. They relocated from Seattle prior to the 2009 season, after being sold to current owner Chance Green. Since the move, the team has not finished above .500, with their best season being 2009 at 77-77. Their most recent postseason appearance was in 2005 as a wildcard team, finishing 84-70, and were eliminated in the NBLCS by the Dallas Stars 4 games to 1.

Now, before I get any further into the team, I'd like to catch everybody up on the 2012 season for the USBL. I'll be giving a rundown of each of the other 27 teams according to the Power Rankings at the end of the year:

28. Detroit Motors (58-96, 5th in ABL Central, 30 GB)- The Detroit Motors finished the year with the worst record in the USBL, at just 58-96. This was actually the first time in the team's 65 year history that they have finished with 90 or more losses. Detroit has historically been one of the best organization's, with 18 playoff appearances and 6 World Series titles, good enough for 5th and 2nd respectively. The last few years, however, have been anything but for Detroit, as they have not finished above .500 since the 2006 season when they went 80-74, good for third in the Central. Fear not, Motors fans, as they enter the offseason with the 7th ranked farm system in baseball, headlined by number one overall prospect Mike Diaz, a 21 year old right handed pitcher. Diaz has struggled in his 3 minor league seasons, never posting an ERA below 4.4, but he has four 75 potential rated pitches, as well as 80 potential Stuff. Last season offensively they were led by 30 year old 1B Oscar Reyes, who won the ABL batting title with a .360 average, along with a .390 on base and .553 slugging. He also led the league in doubles with 52, hit 18 homers and drove in 92 runs. Reyes was rewarded for his play with the 2012 ABL MVP Award, the first of his career. On the pitching side, Detroit was led by 31 year old righty Randy Clark, who was actually a part of our organization during the 2011 season, before we dealt him to Philadelphia at the deadline (more on that trade later). In the offseason, Clark signed a 5 year, $44.8 million contract with the Motors. This season, he went 9-11 and put up a 3.83 ERA in 178.2 innings (31 starts), striking out 162 batters.

27. Milwaukee Hops (62-92 4th in ABL Central, 26 GB) - The Milwaukee Hops were one of four teams that were part of the league's 1963 expansion, and are arguably the worst team of what is already a weak expansion class. With just 4 playoff appearances in 49 seasons (their last coming in 1997), and no rings to show for it, the Hops have been a very bad organization. This is a team lacking much star power, or power in general for that matter, as they finished 12th in the ABL with just 129 home runs. Their best player, Jeff Dale, had a down year last year for sure, hitting just .257/.349/.442 with 19 homers and 66 RBIs. The previous two seasons, however, he had put up an .898 OPS and .964 OPS respectively, and walked a league leading 113 times in 2011. The Hops enter the offseason with the 16th ranked farm system, led by 21 year old AAA starter Dan St. Pierre.

26. San Antonio Sentinels

25. Kansas City Cougars (65-89 4th in NBL Central, 43 GB) - It was a disappointing season for Kansas City, a team that had not finished below second in their division since 2004. It's definitely hard being in a division with the Dallas Stars, who you'll read about in a bit, but Kansas City has been good over the last few years as well. Three straight playoff appearances from 2007 to 2009, along with back-to-back World Series championships in '07 and '08. KC was led by 23 year old second baseman Alex Zepeda, who put up a .339/.363/.540 slash line in 110 games, as well as 15 home runs and 71 RBIs. Zepeda also stole 17 bases and was caught 10 times. Pitching wise, they were led by 31 year old lefty Scott Hall, who put up a 3.58 ERA in 30 starts (193.1 innings), striking out 151 and walking just 28. He led the league in BB/9 in 5 of the last 7 seasons.

24. New York Titans (65-89 5th in NBL East, 25 GB) - The Titans entered the league in 1972, and for the first 28 years of existence, did not sniff the postseason. Once they tasted it in 2000, however, they never looked back. New York has made the playoffs 8 times in the last 13 seasons, and finished below .500 just three times in that span. Unfortunately, in those 8 playoff trips, they are yet to bring home a trophy. Last year, New York was one of the worst offensive teams in baseball, finishing bottom 4 in all the major offensive categories except home runs (11th). The Titans enter the offseason with the 5th highest budget ($112 million), and about $50 in budget space, so I highly expect them to spend big in free agency, especially seeing as they have the lowest ranked farm system in baseball. Their top player was 27 year old right hander Kevin Carter, who was 8-13 with a 3.85 ERA in 31 starts (193.1 innings), with a league leading 229 strikeouts.

23. St. Louis Archers (66-88 4th in ABL West, 28 GB) - Another team with great offensive struggles, the Archers did not have a batter hit above .270, with 26 year old RF Leonardo Gutierrez leading the team at .263. They placed 14th in every major offensive category except home runs (6th). The only bright spot for St. Louis, is they had four 20 home runs players, along with three very solid starters, led by 26 year old Jason Kelly, who is going to be a superstar soon. He went 7-8 with a 2.93 ERA in 18 starts (122.2 innings) in an injury shortened season, along with 136 strikeouts and a WHIP of just 1.05. 3 star overall with 5 star potential, we will certainly see this kid win at least one Pitcher of the Year award by the time his career is over.

22. Indianapolis Racers (69-85 3rd in NBL Central, 39 GB) - Another year, another bad season for a fairly young Racers' organization. Since entering the league in 1989, they have more 100 loss seasons (2) than playoff appearances (1). This year marked their 10th consecutive season under .500, and their 14th season since their last (and only) playoff appearance. This is not a team without hope, however, as they enter the offseason with the number 8 ranked farm system in baseball, headlined by the number 4 overall prospect in the game, SP Josh Reisdorf. They also have the 2009 NBL MVP in 31 year old right fielder D.J. Cavanaugh, who has hit at least 30 home runs in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It also doesn't help having the Dallas Stars' dynasty running their division for the greater part of the last 1.5 decades.

21. Washington Senators (72-82 4th in ABL East, 15 GB) - Coming off a season where they made their first postseason appearance since 1985 and won 91 games, the Senators had high hopes for their 2012 season. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned, as their offense struggled to break out of the bottom 5 in the league. Another member of that 1963 expansion, the Senators took 19 years to finally reach the postseason, doing so for the first time in '82, and after 4 consecutive appearances that resulted in their only World Series title in '85, they entered the dark ages again until 2011. This is a team lacking in budget space and lacking in star power, with the loss of their key contributor, two-way stay Nick Milden, to free agency (Portland). They do have the 9th ranked minor league system, so in a few years expect to see Washington making another run at things.

20. Pittsburgh 57's (70-84 5th in ABL East, 17 GB) - Yes, before you ask, they are named after Heinz 57 sauce. The saucy team was part of the league's first expansion in 1955, and for their first 3 years were the laughing stock, losing 100 games in 2 of those 3 years, and not finishing above .500 until 1964. The organization reached its peak in the late '70's and early '80's, reaching the playoffs in '77, '78, '80, and '81, winning titles in both '78 and '80. They went on another run of 5 postseason appearances from 2003-2008, but no rings to show for it, and have not finished above 4th in the East since. Last season they had a top 7 offense in all of baseball, but an absolutely terrible pitching staff (bottom 5 in the ABL in all major categories) led to their downfall. On the bright side, their lone top-100 prospect is 23 year old pitcher Alex Hernandez, who projects as a middle of the rotation starter next year, and they have 23 year old starter Lance Perelli, who is shaping up to be one of the top players in baseball next season, as he's put up a 2.98 ERA in 193 innings across 2 seasons. If they get some help from their system next year, don't be shocked if the 57's make a run at a wildcard spot.

19. San Diego Surf (74-80 3rd in NBL West, 9 GB) - The Surf were another member of the 1963 expansion class, and boy do they live up to that class's name. Just 6 playoff appearances with no titles to show for it, and no 90 win seasons since 1985, the Surf have been a disappointment to many. They have more 100 loss seasons (3) than 90 win seasons (1), and all three 100 loss seasons were in a row ('96-'98). They haven't finished above third in the division since 1991, when they had their last playoff appearance, winning the West at 87-67. They've been on the uptick over the last 5 years, however, steadily improving their record to where they sit now. This is a team without too many big names, but a bunch of really solid ballplayers, and couple that with the number 2 ranked farm system in baseball, they should continue that progress over the next few years. Will it be enough to dethrone the San Francisco Seals from the top of the division, who knows, but having 5 top 100 prospects can't hurt.

18. Cleveland Chargers (73-81 3rd in ABL Central, 15 GB) - The fourth and final team from the 1963 expansion class, and arguably the most successful, Cleveland enters the offseason with the 2nd smallest budget, and smallest payroll in the USBL. Historically a low budget team, Cleveland has not let that stop them in the past, most recently in 2006, when they won 89 games and brought home a World Series trophy with a bottom-10 payroll. To get back to winning, however, they'll need to fix up a pitching staff that was bottom-3 in the USBL last year, and lacks any talent whatsoever. Their offense is loaded, filled with star names such as RF Jeremy Hagg, SS Ted Graves, and rookie LF Bill Pasch. LF Steve Danis, who hit .318/.349/.461 with 9 HRs and 54 RBIs, along with 21 stolen bags, enters free agency, so we'll see if they can bring him back to keep that offense alive. Their farm system ranks 6th, but has very little pitching depth. Let's see if GM Nate Hamilton has any tricks up his sleeve to get them back to the promised land.

17. Boston Rebels (77-77 3rd in NBL East, 13 GB) - This is another team with a very impressive offense, held back by lackluster pitching. The number one ranked bullpen ERA was limited due to having the 10th ranked starter ERA in the NBL, and being last in pitching WAR. This team had three .320 or better hitters, with 24 year old 1B Mitch Silverman leading the league in average, slugging %, and OPS. Not to mention he hit 38 home runs and drove in 117 runs along with 41 doubles in just his second year of big league ball en route to the NBL MVP award. This team has a young core, with 24 year old 1B/DH Jim Yoder and 27 year old CF Robbie Flores also leading the way for this team offensively. The pitching side was lead by wins leader and ERA runner up Vinny Escamilla, who went 17-4 with a 2.16 ERA in 181.1 innings (31 starts). The 32 year old was actually a member of our organization for the first 10 years of his big league career, before signing a 4 year $32 million contract with Boston after the 2011 season.

16. Phoenix Rattlers (73-81 4th in NBL West, 10 GB) - Phoenix entered the USBL as part of the 1988 expansion along with Indianapolis. Since then, they have appeared in the postseason 6 times, but are still looking for their first ring. The Rattlers were a very average team across the board, ranking middle of the road both offensively and pitching wise. Their star player is easily 2B Gabe Vasquez, who won the NBL MVP in 2010 with the New York Titans, while hitting .358/.415/591 with 32 HRs, 111 RBIs, and 36 SBs to just 5 caught stealing. This year was more of the same for Vasquez, as he hit .310/.366/.525 with 27 homers and 100 runs driven in and 37 stolen bags to just 5 caught stealing, good enough for his 5th consecutive all star appearance, 8th overall. Phoenix enters the offseason with the 5th ranked farm system, headlined by the number 3 overall prospect, 23 year old righty Chad Duyck, who debuted this year and put up a 3.89 ERA in 118 innings of work. He features three 70-grade pitches and a weaker changeup, with fastball velo averaging between 97-99 MPH.

15. California Bears (75-79 2nd in NBL West, 8 GB) - California began their history as the team to beat. One of the original 12 member franchises, the Bears made the postseason 10 times in the first 17 years, winning 5 World Series titles, and continued to make the postseason at an impressive rate after that (8 in the next 13 years for 18 in 30 overall). Since that 1977 playoff berth, however, they have been stuck in mediocrity, reaching the postseason just 3 more times since then, with no titles. They entered this year with the number one payroll off of a 103 win season that ended in a first round exit at the hands of San Francisco. Something just didn't click from the jump offensively, and they hovered around .500 all year long despite a top-5 in the USBL pitching staff. Led on offense by big names such as 24 year old LF Margo Boyer, 30 year old SS Jake Bickmeyer, and 2006 NBL MVP 1B Antonio Fuentes, if California can piece things together like they did in 2011, they should make life hell for us in this division.

14. Florida Makos (72-82 4th in NBL East, 18 GB) - Historically one of the not so good teams in the league, Florida really does not give me much to comment on. Middle of the road team with no real stars and the 18th ranked farm system, the Makos are a team stuck in organization purgatory. I don't think they're bad enough where a rebuild is needed, and yet, they don't seem close to competing for a playoff spot. The Makos have made the postseason 8 times in their 65 year history, with 3 titles to their name, including back-to-back titles in 1988 and 1989, and World Series appearances in 1990 and 1992. Unfortunately, they have not had that same luck, with no playoff appearances since 1997, and just 3 winning seasons since then as well. They just brought in rookie GM Scott Staton, so maybe things will turn around for this team.

13. Minnesota Wolves (82-72 2nd in ABL Central, 6 GB) - Ah, yes, finally a team with a winning record. One of the best teams historically, Minnesota is tied with California for the most playoff appearances with 21. They also have the third highest winning percentage, at .531, behind just California and Portland (began in 2005). The Wolves have finished either 1st or 2nd in their division 9 of the last 11 seasons, and have made the playoffs in 4 of those, their latest coming in 2010. Minnesota was held back by a bottom-10 offense, that had zero .300 hitters this year. The only thing they did right was hit dingers, blasting 179 of them, with 5 20+ HR players. Entering the offseason with the 27th ranked farm system in baseball, the Wolves have work to do if they want to compete for a playoff spot next year.

12. Oakland Pirates (81-73 2nd in ABL West, 13 GB) - Oakland entered the league in 1980 as part of the 1979 expansion class, along with the Montreal Maples. They were immediately outshined by Montreal, and lost 107 games in just their second season. In fact, they did not make their first playoff appearance until just last year, when they went 82-72 and won the division. That year was magical for Oakland, as they swept their way past the 2009 champion Chicago Wind Sox in the Division Series, then swept Montreal as well in the LCS. Unfortunately, the storybook season ended like those previous two series, as they were swept by Dallas in the World Series. Pitching wise, Oakland was led by 3 former top-20 prospects who are all under 25 and under contract for the foreseeable future, the top of whom being 23 year old lefty Alex "Future" Orazco. Orazco's nickname appears to be true, as he grades out with a 70 overall cutter, 80 overall curveball, and 75 overall changeup. His debut season was certainly disappointing, and that's even an understatement, as he put up a 5.64 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP in 111.2 innings split between starting and relief. Don't count him out yet, however, as I believe he's just getting started. Offensively, they were led by the number 5 overall pick in the 2006 draft, RF Marc DeLorme, who hit .321/.418/.509 in his age 27 season, along with 18 HRs, 87 RBIs, and 83 walks. DeLorme also won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award this season.

11. Colorado Gold Sox (77-77 3rd in ABL West, 17 GB) - I was a little surprised by Colorado finishing ranked this high, as they strike me a lot like Florida. Middling team with not much really to comment on, so I'll tell you guys a little about their 4th ranked farm system. This is one of the teams I think will make a run at the World Series in the next 5 years, as they enter with 4 top-50 guys, and the number 51 ranked prospect as well. Headlined by the 14th overall prospect, 17 year old catcher Roberto Sanchez, who signed $2.8 million contract out of the Dominican Republic last summer, and also the third overall pick in the 2012 USBL Draft, right hander Elijah Edwards. Edwards struggled in his time in Double-A last year, but should reach the big leagues within a year or two, and will provide immediate help to their rotation. Sanchez is yet to play an inning of professional baseball yet, as he is working at their International Complex.

10. San Francisco Seals (83-71 1st in NBL West, 8 GA) - Our first division winner, the Seals made it 5 consecutive playoff berths for them, and 4 division titles in 5 years. Clearly the team to beat in our division at the moment. They have met Dallas in the LCS each of the last 3 seasons, winning in 2010 to advance to the World Series, but losing the previous 2, all three ended 4 games to 2. 13 playoff appearances, 5 titles since their 1956 debut, and back-to-back World Series appearances in 2009 and 2010, they've been the best out west lately. Their pitching staff was top-5 in the league last year, and that was while missing one of the best in the game, 30 year old Victor Vela. Vela won at least 15 games each year from 2009-2011, setting his high at 18 in 2011, and also struck out 200+ in both 2009 and 2010. Shoulder inflammation shut him down for 4 months in May, and he missed all but the final month of the season. With him back at full strength next year, I expect them to be the top team in the West once again.

9. Philadelphia Liberty (87-67 1st in ABL East, 2.5 GA) - The Liberty won the tough ABL East for the fourth time in 5 years last year, but their season fizzled out in the LCS as they got swept by division rival New York Empire. Offensively, they were led by 35 year old RF Nick Ross and 36 year old 3B Harrison Harper. Team ace Jacob Cole, who put up a 2.84 ERA, is 37 years old, so it's safe to say this is an aging team. May need to bust out the wheelchairs soon for these guys. Pair that with the 25th ranked farm system in baseball, and you have a recipe for disaster. Still would much rather be them than us though. Even if the future looks bleak for them, it's always sunny in Philadelphia (I'm sorry, I had to).

8. Nashville Blues (85-69 2nd in NBL West, 23 GB) - If I was Nashville I'd be pissed. They joined the league in 2005, and were immediately thrown to the tigers in a division with Dallas, Kansas City, and Indianapolis. Since then, Dallas and KC have combined for 5 World Series titles and 6 World Series appearances. Yikes. Now, Nashville finally achieves a winning record, only for Dallas to win 108 games and sweep them in the Division Series. This season was a huge success for Nashville, however, as it established them as a competitor in the NBL, and superstars such as LF Jonathan Harper 23 year old catcher Christian Hudson. Nashville enters the offseason with the top ranked farm system in baseball, so they are by far in one of the best positions among teams in the USBL for the future as well as the present. Oh, forgot to mention, they have one the greatest names of all time on their team: Shannon "Liquidator" Butterfield, who also happens to be an absolute beast. He hit .304/.358/.528 with 37 homers and 108 RBIs along with 22 stolen bags.

7. Baltimore Barons (83-71 2nd in NBL East, 7 GB) - Not too sure why these guys are ranked above teams like Philadelphia and Nashville when they couldn't even secure a playoff spot, but hey, I guess that's why I'm a GM and not a ranker, huh. They were led by 2B Tim Mason, who made his first All Star game and finished fourth in the NBL in average (.325). Really not much else to comment on their season. Historically, they were a lot like California, winning 3 out of the first 7 World Series titles, including a 3 of 4 stretch. They also made the postseason in 16 of the first 22 seasons. Lately, however, they've been all over the map in a very random NBL East, finishing in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th in at least one year each in the last decade.

6. Montreal Maples (84-71 3rd in ABL East, 3.5 GB) - Another disappointing year for the boys up north, as they fell just a play-in game short of a postseason berth for just the second time since their 102 win 1984 season. One of the best expansion starts in history, they won 99, 91, and 102 games in their 3rd, 4th, and 5th years in the league before falling off the face of the Earth until 2011. 2011 they finished a game out of the division, last year a game out of the wildcard. Maybe 2013 will be their year. Offensively they were led by 1B/DH Greg Welliver, who led the ABL with 43 home runs. Next year, expect 25 year old starter Manny Arana to lead the way for their pitching staff, as he had his season cut short this year due to a partially torn labrum, but should be fully recovered by Spring Training.

5. New York Empire (85-70 2nd in ABL East, 2.5 GB) - The Empire have been one of the teams to beat in the highly competitive ABL East, finishing top-2 in 8 of the last 13 years, including a title in 2000. This year, they came up just two wins short of another ring, losing out to Dallas 4 games to 2. A top-5 pitching staff in the league, they were lead by ABL wins, ERA, and WHIP leader Bobby Cruz, who put up a 2.61 in 196.1 innings (30 starts) along with 17 wins and a 1.03 WHIP. He also struck out 164 batters. Offensively they were led by 1B Mike Gilstrap, who hit .325/.372/.465 with 8 HRs and 51 RBIs, along with 21 stolen bags.

4. Chicago Wind Sox (88-66 1st in ABL Central, 6 GA) - The 2009 World Series Champions had their season cut short after a disappointing loss to Philadelphia in the Division Series. The Wind Sox boasted a top-3 pitching staff, headlined by 6'8 25 year old starter Josh Denman, who put up a 2.97 ERA in 176 innings (30 starts). Denman was assisted by a bullpen that was 2nd in baseball with a 2.93 ERA, and had one of the best closers in the game, Ron Vogler, who finished third in saves with 36. They did not have an amazing offense, with nobody hitting above .290, and just one 20 home run batter, but elite pitching was what brought them back to the postseason for the 4th time in the last 6 seasons.

3. Atlanta Attack (90-64 1st in NBL East, 7 GA) - The best offense in baseball hit a league leading 194 home runs en route to an NBL East title this year. The Attack have long been one of the more mediocre teams in the league. It took 21 years before they made the postseason, and they have made the postseason just twice since 1997. Things have turned around for this franchise, however, as after back-to-back berths, they appear to be the team to beat next season in the East. The big question, however, is if they can bring back the USBL leader in home runs, Armando Gracia. Gracia hit 45 home runs and drove in a league leading 121 runs this year, but his contract expired, and he is free to sign wherever he pleases. The Attack may decide to spend money on pitching, however, as they had a bottom-10 staff this year, and while they can recover from losing Gracia, continuing to have poor pitching will certainly do them in.

2. Portland Loggers (94-60 1st in ABL West, 13 GA) - Yes, they were part of the 2004 expansion. No, they have not finished below third in the division. Yes, they have made the playoffs 6 times in 8 seasons. What a start to a franchise Portland has had. While it certainly doesn't hurt being in a division with Oakland, Colorado, and St. Louis, they've been very well run and have proven to be amongst the league's very best. They lead the league in runs scored and allowed this year, and have one of the best pitchers in the game in John Barker. The 25 year old lefty posted a 2.66 ERA with 133 strikeouts in an injury shortened season where he pitched just 128.1 innings. While not overpowering (his fastball tops out in the low 90s), his movement and control are elite, allowing him to get a lot of swings and misses. They also had the league leader in stolen bases, Nick Tilden, who swiped 42 bags at 30 years old.

1. Dallas Stars (108-46 1st in NBL Central, 23 GA) - Finally, the 2012 USBL Champions, the best of the best, the Dallas Stars. Dallas won a league record 108 games en route to their 5th World Series title of the century (2001, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2012). With the best rotation in baseball, topped by Danny Acevedo, Joe McHale, and Gordie Koenig, Dallas is showing no signs of slowing down in the near future. Their offense is actually not very impressive, but with the 2nd highest budget and the highest payroll, I see no reason why they can't spend a little and improve it at least a little. Dallas is everybody's team to beat this upcoming season. They're on a streak of 11 playoff appearances in 12 years, and have won the Central in all but two of those years.