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Archelirion · 01-10-2018, 03:17 PM

ALBANY DRAGONS

Predicted finish: 5th in the State Division (65-79, 596/609 runs for/against)

Representing the state capital, pundits are expecting that the Albany Dragons are going to have their work cut out if they are to avoid an unwelcome first season – bottom of the State Division and even last overall on win percentage is being talked about. It’s likely that if the Dragons can make a splash, it will be on the grounds of their defensive prowess, not their batting – Dutch Antillean starter Miguel Hernandez is expected to have an excellent season, and Dominican Daniel Rijo should make a reliable second-in-order on the batting line-ups. While their batters haven’t been talked about with much vigour, it’s worth keeping an eye on 33-year-old heavy-hitter Matt Baratta, and the 24-year-old speed king Todd Morse. Albany also have reportedly the least exciting youth setup waiting in the wings, but 3rd-rotation Matt Cormier and 5th-rotation Francisco Burruel nevertheless find themselves in the pitching roster going into the season.

BRONX PHOENIX

Predicted finish: 2nd in the City Division (77-67, 627/647 runs for/against)

In line for wildcard spots in the City Division, the Phoenix are expected to give Manhattan a real run for their money for the division title. Noises are being made about 31-year-old Montreal native Quincy Kennedy, who is expected to be around the top of the clip percentages at the end of the season, alongside 30+ home runs and 100+ RBIs. Keep an eye on fellow slogger Luis Ventura as well. Pitching may be a slight sticking point for the Bronx, but 24-year-old Pedro Alvarado should be a more-than-handy first choice starter, with secretive 25-year-old Bret Melgoza also being worth a watch. The Phoenix also have a very exciting prospects list, with no less than 5 outfielders (Oscar Carrera, Phil Carter, Jordan Ramirez, Zack Watkins and Adam Buckley – remember those names!) and a pitcher making the OSA Top 20; shortstop Carrera, centre-fielder Carter and 5th-in-rotation starter Steve Allen should all make their debuts this year.

BROOKLYN KNIGHTS

Predicted finish: 5th in the City Division (66-78, 587/616 runs for/against)

Despite having a respectable pitching contingent, the Knights look set to have a miserable inaugural season with arguably the weakest offensive roster of the competition. Australian third-baseman Harry ‘Tadpole’ Jolly (the club have requested not to ask about the name) should notch up a few home runs and find the gaps, but he really is all the Knights have to write home about. They do have a not-so-secret weapon in Jose Martinez, however, a sinker/curveball/changeup specialist who is reputed to be the best starter in the league, as well as handy backup in 41-year-old veteran Matt Boylston and impetuous cutter fan Arturo Lopez. Manager Jon Aguirre (with only a year to his name) must get the best out of his pitching staff this season; GM Scott Pempek (with only two) needs to find some batting talent. Brooklyn do have 16-year-old prospect Jon Silva (currently on the international roster) in their ranks, and will hope that Single-A pitcher Mike Henke continues to grow.

BUFFALO BRUISERS

Predicted finish: 1st in the State Division (79-65, 634/596 runs for/against)

With respectable talent both in their offensive and defensive ranks, the Buffalo Bruisers are expected to AT LEAST make playoffs this season, and are currently being pipped to take the State Division ahead of close rivals Rochester. Both #1 prospect Andrew Wheeler and 1B Willy Morales are expected to have great seasons with the stick – Wheeler should be round-about 0.300/0.400/0.500 and be knocking on 30 HRs, while Morales should be nudging the top of the RBI charts. Additionally, 3 of their pitching lineup are drawing interest in these early days – CL Matt Kaehr, arguably the finest closer in the league; Enrique Diaz, who should manage a sub-3.00 ERA; and Marcus Lunsford, the only knuckleballer in the competition. Outside of Wheeler, the Bruisers’ prospect list is looking a little weak right now… but what a prospect.

MANHATTAN VICTORY

Predicted finish: 1st in the City Division (78-66, 731/702 runs for/against)

TENTATIVELY being pipped for the City Division title at the end of the season, Manhattan undoubtedly have the most impressive offensive deal in the competition. Both Roger Colon and Ryan Sauer are being talked about regarding slugger of the year awards, and with contact hitter Matt Campbell and all-rounder Marty Ruvalcaba also in their ranks, the last thing Victory will be worrying about is likely runs. What will be interesting, though, is if they can keep the runs out – 36-year-old Jim Trent is perplexingly being talked about in the Pitchers To Watch list, when arguably the circle-changeup-wielding Miguel Martinez should be there instead. With a lot of middling young talent and nothing exceptional, GM Nate Payan will have to make securing Manhattan’s future a priority.

QUEENS DIAMONDS

Predicted finish: 4th in the City Division (70-74, 642/649 runs for/against)

The big financial players in the NYBL, the Diamonds nevertheless have some work to do with actual baseball if they’re going to pose a serious challenge in the City Division this year. Queens play host to TWO sumptuous power hitters, in the forms of Justin Stenke and Jeff Michaux – additionally, Costa Rican 1B Edward Sanchez is an adept gap hitter as well as with a bit of power up his sleeve. Similar to Manhattan, the choice for Pitchers To Watch this year is odd – despite having the fantastic British Columbian starter Audrey Beals, focus is instead being placed on the okay, but ageing (at 38) and definitely inferior Mike Moore, currently third in the running. Queens do have potential worldie starter Luis Suarez in their talent pool, but playing in the rookie leagues it is clear he has a long way to go before his potential is realised.

ROCHESTER UNION

Predicted finish: 2nd in the State Division (77-67, 615/552 runs for/against)

Alongside Buffalo, Rochester are the State Division’s best hopes for All New York glory this season. Despite having Keith Schmeling (predicted to dominate the RBI charts this year) and Israel Mejia (predicted to dominate everything that’s not HRs) in their ranks, the Union’s real anticipated saving grace should be their defensive prowess – as long as circumstances go their way. Assuming 40-year-old cutter specialist Victor Garcia doesn’t degrade heavily, and Cuban missile-launcher Mario Cisneros’ arm doesn’t give out (a BIG if, mind), the opposition should find the boys in blue-and-yellow caps a frustrating adversary for at least two games in five. They have modest potential in the prospect field, too: contact-hitter Andy Nichols should make his debut this year, and Justin Carter looks like a ferocious talent should he develop well, too. A little thin on the ground regarding pitchers, mind…

STATEN ISLAND BULLS

Predicted finish: 3rd in the City Division (74-70, 614/604 runs for/against)

Staten Island are expected to be the league’s safe boys this season – unlikely to push for title glory, but unlikely to embarrass themselves either. Bulls fans will likely look towards the impressive slogging skills of Gary Kindle, who should likely lead the home runs tally by the season’s closer; the controversial Mike Alton, assuming he doesn’t run his mouth off, should earn them a fair few too. Brad Bromer’s curveball is likely the best chance they have of pitching success this year, although 100mph+ closing pitcher Manny Escamilla has drawn a few eyes in preseason. Keep an eye out for rangy rookie Chris Meche this season, and #5 OSA prospect Brian Heatherly should make himself very comfortable in Staten Island’s line-up too.

SYRACUSE MAPLES

Predicted finish: 4th in the State Division (68-76, 614/691 runs for/against)

Anticipated to be let down by defensives woes this season, questions are being asked of the Maples’ offensive abilities to keep them afloat. It should be noted that Syracuse do have the brilliant, talismanic hitter Bryan DeMond on their rosters this season, but with little else to get too excited about, if DeMond doesn’t deliver it’s tricky to see where wins are going to come from. They do have the amicable Evan Everett in the pitching roster, but again, very little in the way of rotational options. Solid LF Oscar Hernandez should make his major-league debut this year, as might SS Kyle Davis should injury problems come through.

YONKERS SIXERS

Predicted finish: 3rd in the State Division (70-74, 591/586 runs for/against)

Yonkers are expected to keep their heads above water this season and sit safely in the State Division’s mid-table; this is perhaps fitting, as the Sixers have a team of solid players, with few remarkable individuals. Former 200m runner Edgar Herrera should make light work of the baserunning statistics this season, and it will be interesting to see whether 23-year-old starter Mike Lewis is able to replicate the 100mph pitches seen in the preseason. With a prospects list about a solid and unexceptional as their first team, Yonkers look to be the true underdogs this year.

01-10-2018, 03:17 PM	#2
Archelirion Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Ashford, UK Posts: 204	ALBANY DRAGONS Predicted finish: 5th in the State Division (65-79, 596/609 runs for/against) Representing the state capital, pundits are expecting that the Albany Dragons are going to have their work cut out if they are to avoid an unwelcome first season – bottom of the State Division and even last overall on win percentage is being talked about. It’s likely that if the Dragons can make a splash, it will be on the grounds of their defensive prowess, not their batting – Dutch Antillean starter Miguel Hernandez is expected to have an excellent season, and Dominican Daniel Rijo should make a reliable second-in-order on the batting line-ups. While their batters haven’t been talked about with much vigour, it’s worth keeping an eye on 33-year-old heavy-hitter Matt Baratta, and the 24-year-old speed king Todd Morse. Albany also have reportedly the least exciting youth setup waiting in the wings, but 3rd-rotation Matt Cormier and 5th-rotation Francisco Burruel nevertheless find themselves in the pitching roster going into the season. BRONX PHOENIX Predicted finish: 2nd in the City Division (77-67, 627/647 runs for/against) In line for wildcard spots in the City Division, the Phoenix are expected to give Manhattan a real run for their money for the division title. Noises are being made about 31-year-old Montreal native Quincy Kennedy, who is expected to be around the top of the clip percentages at the end of the season, alongside 30+ home runs and 100+ RBIs. Keep an eye on fellow slogger Luis Ventura as well. Pitching may be a slight sticking point for the Bronx, but 24-year-old Pedro Alvarado should be a more-than-handy first choice starter, with secretive 25-year-old Bret Melgoza also being worth a watch. The Phoenix also have a very exciting prospects list, with no less than 5 outfielders (Oscar Carrera, Phil Carter, Jordan Ramirez, Zack Watkins and Adam Buckley – remember those names!) and a pitcher making the OSA Top 20; shortstop Carrera, centre-fielder Carter and 5th-in-rotation starter Steve Allen should all make their debuts this year. BROOKLYN KNIGHTS Predicted finish: 5th in the City Division (66-78, 587/616 runs for/against) Despite having a respectable pitching contingent, the Knights look set to have a miserable inaugural season with arguably the weakest offensive roster of the competition. Australian third-baseman Harry ‘Tadpole’ Jolly (the club have requested not to ask about the name) should notch up a few home runs and find the gaps, but he really is all the Knights have to write home about. They do have a not-so-secret weapon in Jose Martinez, however, a sinker/curveball/changeup specialist who is reputed to be the best starter in the league, as well as handy backup in 41-year-old veteran Matt Boylston and impetuous cutter fan Arturo Lopez. Manager Jon Aguirre (with only a year to his name) must get the best out of his pitching staff this season; GM Scott Pempek (with only two) needs to find some batting talent. Brooklyn do have 16-year-old prospect Jon Silva (currently on the international roster) in their ranks, and will hope that Single-A pitcher Mike Henke continues to grow. BUFFALO BRUISERS Predicted finish: 1st in the State Division (79-65, 634/596 runs for/against) With respectable talent both in their offensive and defensive ranks, the Buffalo Bruisers are expected to AT LEAST make playoffs this season, and are currently being pipped to take the State Division ahead of close rivals Rochester. Both #1 prospect Andrew Wheeler and 1B Willy Morales are expected to have great seasons with the stick – Wheeler should be round-about 0.300/0.400/0.500 and be knocking on 30 HRs, while Morales should be nudging the top of the RBI charts. Additionally, 3 of their pitching lineup are drawing interest in these early days – CL Matt Kaehr, arguably the finest closer in the league; Enrique Diaz, who should manage a sub-3.00 ERA; and Marcus Lunsford, the only knuckleballer in the competition. Outside of Wheeler, the Bruisers’ prospect list is looking a little weak right now… but what a prospect. MANHATTAN VICTORY Predicted finish: 1st in the City Division (78-66, 731/702 runs for/against) TENTATIVELY being pipped for the City Division title at the end of the season, Manhattan undoubtedly have the most impressive offensive deal in the competition. Both Roger Colon and Ryan Sauer are being talked about regarding slugger of the year awards, and with contact hitter Matt Campbell and all-rounder Marty Ruvalcaba also in their ranks, the last thing Victory will be worrying about is likely runs. What will be interesting, though, is if they can keep the runs out – 36-year-old Jim Trent is perplexingly being talked about in the Pitchers To Watch list, when arguably the circle-changeup-wielding Miguel Martinez should be there instead. With a lot of middling young talent and nothing exceptional, GM Nate Payan will have to make securing Manhattan’s future a priority. QUEENS DIAMONDS Predicted finish: 4th in the City Division (70-74, 642/649 runs for/against) The big financial players in the NYBL, the Diamonds nevertheless have some work to do with actual baseball if they’re going to pose a serious challenge in the City Division this year. Queens play host to TWO sumptuous power hitters, in the forms of Justin Stenke and Jeff Michaux – additionally, Costa Rican 1B Edward Sanchez is an adept gap hitter as well as with a bit of power up his sleeve. Similar to Manhattan, the choice for Pitchers To Watch this year is odd – despite having the fantastic British Columbian starter Audrey Beals, focus is instead being placed on the okay, but ageing (at 38) and definitely inferior Mike Moore, currently third in the running. Queens do have potential worldie starter Luis Suarez in their talent pool, but playing in the rookie leagues it is clear he has a long way to go before his potential is realised. ROCHESTER UNION Predicted finish: 2nd in the State Division (77-67, 615/552 runs for/against) Alongside Buffalo, Rochester are the State Division’s best hopes for All New York glory this season. Despite having Keith Schmeling (predicted to dominate the RBI charts this year) and Israel Mejia (predicted to dominate everything that’s not HRs) in their ranks, the Union’s real anticipated saving grace should be their defensive prowess – as long as circumstances go their way. Assuming 40-year-old cutter specialist Victor Garcia doesn’t degrade heavily, and Cuban missile-launcher Mario Cisneros’ arm doesn’t give out (a BIG if, mind), the opposition should find the boys in blue-and-yellow caps a frustrating adversary for at least two games in five. They have modest potential in the prospect field, too: contact-hitter Andy Nichols should make his debut this year, and Justin Carter looks like a ferocious talent should he develop well, too. A little thin on the ground regarding pitchers, mind… STATEN ISLAND BULLS Predicted finish: 3rd in the City Division (74-70, 614/604 runs for/against) Staten Island are expected to be the league’s safe boys this season – unlikely to push for title glory, but unlikely to embarrass themselves either. Bulls fans will likely look towards the impressive slogging skills of Gary Kindle, who should likely lead the home runs tally by the season’s closer; the controversial Mike Alton, assuming he doesn’t run his mouth off, should earn them a fair few too. Brad Bromer’s curveball is likely the best chance they have of pitching success this year, although 100mph+ closing pitcher Manny Escamilla has drawn a few eyes in preseason. Keep an eye out for rangy rookie Chris Meche this season, and #5 OSA prospect Brian Heatherly should make himself very comfortable in Staten Island’s line-up too. SYRACUSE MAPLES Predicted finish: 4th in the State Division (68-76, 614/691 runs for/against) Anticipated to be let down by defensives woes this season, questions are being asked of the Maples’ offensive abilities to keep them afloat. It should be noted that Syracuse do have the brilliant, talismanic hitter Bryan DeMond on their rosters this season, but with little else to get too excited about, if DeMond doesn’t deliver it’s tricky to see where wins are going to come from. They do have the amicable Evan Everett in the pitching roster, but again, very little in the way of rotational options. Solid LF Oscar Hernandez should make his major-league debut this year, as might SS Kyle Davis should injury problems come through. YONKERS SIXERS Predicted finish: 3rd in the State Division (70-74, 591/586 runs for/against) Yonkers are expected to keep their heads above water this season and sit safely in the State Division’s mid-table; this is perhaps fitting, as the Sixers have a team of solid players, with few remarkable individuals. Former 200m runner Edgar Herrera should make light work of the baserunning statistics this season, and it will be interesting to see whether 23-year-old starter Mike Lewis is able to replicate the 100mph pitches seen in the preseason. With a prospects list about a solid and unexceptional as their first team, Yonkers look to be the true underdogs this year.