The Mallards

[Muskies]

Record: 22-14, .611
Position: 1st Place (1 game ahead of Tampa)
OBP: .345 (6th in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.34 (5th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.03 (9th in NL)
Defense: .705 (3rd in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: (92 / Delighted)
Power Ranking: (117.0, 2nd in ABL)

Week: (5-2) - 1-0 vs. Dallas, 1-2 vs. Memphis, 3-0 vs. New York

5/2: MAD 15, DAL 5
WP: MacFadden (2-2, 3.89), LP: Romero (1-3, 8.71), SV: Davila (2)
HR: Vallejo (1), Benson (1)
POG: Benson 4-6, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR

5/3: MAD 9, MEM 5
WP: Campbell (3-2, 3.64), LP: Gutierrez (1-3, 7.42)
HR: Menenders (1), Thomas (4), Hansen (4), Snyder (4), Gardner (8), Matsumoto (11)
POG: Hansen 3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR

5/4: MEM 3, MAD 1
WP: Owen (3-4, 5.59), LP: Juarez (1-3, 3.23), SV: Mizuno(3)
HR: Hubbard (6), Bruno (8)
POG: Owen 7.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 2 K

5/5: MEM 3, MAD 0
WP: Stephenson (3-1, 4.42), LP: Gilbert (2-2, 4.38)
HR: Ortiz (3)
POG: Stephenson 9 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K

5/6: MAD 8, NY 5
WP: Polledo (4-0, 5.40), LP: Potter (2-3, 5.09)
HR; Pena (9), Laureno (4), Hubbard (7)
POG: Hubbard 2-4, R, 3 RBI, HR

5/7: MAD 15, NY 9
WP: Davila (2-0, 8.79), LP: Myers (1-3)
HR: Stevenson (6), Pena (10), Nishikawa 2 (15), Hubbard (8)
POG: Nishikawa 2-3, 3 R, 6 RBI, GRAND SLAM

5/8: MAD 8, NY 5
WP: Bowden (1-1, 3.00), LP: Hinojosa (4-2, 5.86), SV: Tavares (2)
HR: Stevenson (7), Chamings (4)
POG: Stevenson (NY) 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR


Around the league
5/3: Brooks Torres (SAC) hit three home runs going 4-5, 8 RBI, 3 R


Players of the Week
NL - Carl Malone (BAL) 18-35, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R
AL – Jorge Lucero (CLE) 16-28, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R

Who leads the ABL in at bats?
Brooks Brown, CLE, 155
Mark Wright, COL, 153
Ken Fletcher, CHI, 152
Lawrence Davis, LB, 151
John MacDonald, OC, 151

[Muskies]

“Morning folks, it should be a brief meeting this morning as I know we are eager to catch the plane to Kansas City, but Mr. Stuart wanted to stop by the meeting this morning. Mr. Stuart.”

“Thanks Kage, I just wanted to opportunity to thank you for all the hard work you have been doing and congratulate you on getting the Mallards to First place in the division, for the first time since the plane crash that took my father and his staff. I know it hasn’t been easy, but you have done a great job. Thanks for letting me stop in and I will let you get back to work”.

“Thanks Mr. Stuart, we appreciate that and I just want echo what Mr. Stuart said. We still have a long road ahead, but it feels like we are heading in the right direction. Tina, can you tell was what we have coming up.”

“This week we have 3 games @ Kansas City (19-17) followed by 3 games at home vs. Jacksonville (16-20). As you all know we have tomorrow off. Kage also asked me to put together a list of how previous Mallards are faring this year, you will find that it in you email.”

o Aquino (MES) -0-1, 2 SV, 2.66 in the role of set up man
o Higgins (BAL) - 4-0, 4.56 making $8.5 million will be a free agent
o Wilder (IND) - 4-2, 3.26 making $4.4 million per year will be a free agent
o Wing Liu (IND) .241, 5 HR, 19 RBI
o Orlando Vallejo (DAL) - .206, HR, 11 RBI

“That’s all that I have today.” Tina finished. “Do you have anything for us Dwight?”

“We have some shuffling that could be done in the minors, mostly players that could be demoted, but not many are ready to move up. After their hot start AAA Louisville has dropped to 11-11, the pitching there is really struggling, I don’t believe that it is due to the coaching; the players just aren’t performing. I will certainly be keeping an eye on it.”

“Lastly the 2011 draft class will be announced later this week, as you know we have the 16th selection in the draft. I will come next week with a list of the top players in the draft as well as the how the past top draft choices are performing.”

“We did have another player of the week in the minor leagues, 24 year old Maurilio Fiadeiro, first basement from AA North Berwick was named the AA top performer by going 12-27, 3 HR, 7 RBI and 6 runs for the week.”

“That’s all I have for today.” Said Dwight.

“Alright, we have not injuries, knock on wood, so we don’t need to hear from Fernando, let’s keep it up and see where we can take this.”

[Muskies]

Record: 27-15, .643
Position: 1st (3 game lead on Tampa)
OBP: .348 (5th in NL)
Starter ERA: (4.32, 4th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 3.98 (8th in NL)
Defense: .705 (3rd in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 92/ Ecstatic
Power Ranking: (120.7/ 2nd in ABL)

Week: (5-1) 3-0 vs. Kansas City, 2-1 vs. Jacksonville

5/10: MAD 6, KC 5
WP: Juarez (2-3, 3.3), LP: Hernandez (4-3, 3.51), SV: Tavares (5)
HR: Nishikawa 2 (17)
POG: Nishikawa 4-4, 2 R, 5 RBI, 2B, 2 HR
Bottom of the ninth Tavares loaded the bases and walked in two runs before getting the last out.

5/11: MAD 4, KC 4 (10)
WP: Tavares (4-1, 2.65), LP: Woods (0-1, 4.41)
HR: Hubbard (9), Kouno 2 (10), Menenders (2)
POG: Kouno 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR
Alan Gilbert was injured while pitching.

5/12: MAD 10, KC 9 (11)
WP: Rios (1-0, 3.38), LP: Bennett (2-1, 2.19)
HR: Nishikawa 2 (19), Hansen (5), Ruiz (2), Green (3), X. Liu (3)
POG: Nishikawa 2-3, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 HR

5/13: MAD 17, JAC 3
WP: MacFadden (3-2, 4.31), LP: Brown (2-5, 4.20)
HR: Velez (4), Kouno (11), Nishikawa (20)
POG: Martinez 5-6, 4 R, 3 RBI, 2 2B
Martinez ties the MIL record for hits in a game with 5

5/14: MAD 8, JAC 2
WP: Campbell (4-2, 4.11), LP: Jackson (0-2, 5.21), SV: Farias (7)
HR: Hubbard (10), Kouno (12)
POG: Kouno 3-4, 2 R, RBI

5/15: JAC 6, MAD 5 (12)
WP: Taylor (1-0), LP: Farias (2-3, 6.23)
HR: Arreola (3), Oliver (2), Nishikawa (21), Hansen (6)
POG: Pedro Arreola 3-4, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR

Around the league
5/10: Ben Nelson (CLE) went 5 – 6 for the game.

Players of the Week
NL: Nishikawa - .440, 5, HR, 12 RBI
AL: Juan Gomez (LA) - .588, HR, 6 RBI

Who are the ABL leaders in career complete games?
Donald Patrick, LA, 68
Dane Binzer, LA, 55
Elton West, MEM, 53
Hitosho Nemoto, 52
Tom Cooley, SF, 50

[Muskies]

“Congratulations on another great week folks, I know that Dwight has a full slate for us today so we will have him go last. What have you got for us Tina?”

“Next week we have 3 games vs. Columbus and 3 games @ Baltimore and our recent winning streak has our year to date attendance 1.1% higher than last year, averaging $45,220 per game.” Replied Tina.

“That’s great news Tina, Fernando (Trainer) what can you tell us about Gilbert? He left the game early this week?”

“Well Kage” answered Fernando, “he simply has a tired arm, transition from the bullpen to the rotation has been tiring. I expect him to be ready for his next start, but any additional rest that you can give him, would be helpful.”

“Roman, what do you think about giving Jennings some starts to keep Gilbert from running down, he started 13 games for us last year.”

“We will certainly consider it, I would like to see how he responds from this before I start shuffling the rotation; right now the team is firing on all cylinders and I hat to upset the apple cart.” Roman responded.

“That makes sense, but let’s keep a close eye on him. Alright Dwight, what have you got for us.”

“Thank’s Kage, answered Dwight, “first of all AAA Catcher Gonzalo Lucero, lit it up this week hitting three home runs in a game. He his having a heck of a year, hitting .340 with 20 home runs and 36 RBI in 28 games; he may be one to watch come the trade deadline, we are set at the ABL level with Hubbard and Menenders; Lucero will likely never be more than a back up for us.”

“I also have identified a potential catcher in South Korea, 16 year old Byung-soo Kim; he has been added to our international complex.”

“Finally, the draft pool was announced this week and the following are players of interest (in no particular order):

- Juan Guerrea, 19-year-old starting pitcher out of high-school
- Mike Carter, 17 year-old starting pitcher out of high-school
- Bob McQueen, 22 year-old centerfielder out of college
- Ramiro Martinez, 23 year-old centerfielder out of college
- Raul Silva, 23 year-old right fielder out of college
- Nick O’Neill, 19 year-old third basemen out of college
- Clint Campbell, 20 year-old shortstop out of college
- Ryan Bell, 19 year-old third baseman out of high-school
- Frank Adams, 23 year-old first baseman out of college
- Cory Norton, 18 year-old shortstop out of college

As I mentioned last week we have the 16th pick in the draft, so I don’t if these would be the definitive top 10, but I have sent my staff out to start scoping picks who I think will be available and will be a good fit for our organization. I will bring those to the meetings as needed.”

“Also as promised I have asked Tina to put together a list of our top 5 draft picks for the last 4 years and where are they are in the organization. The list is included in the handouts I provided for the meeting.”

2007
1st – Elias Murphy (1B) – recently traded to Fresno for CL Farias and a minor leaguer – 2* potential
2nd – Gonzalo Lucero (C) – currently in AAA – 2* Potential
3rd – Ted Kennedy (SP) – traded in 2008 to Boston, currently remains in AAA – 2.5* Potential
4th – Thomas Lee (3B) – current in AAA – 1* Potential
5th – Gregory Tidwell (1B) – Currently in AA North Berwick – 1* Potential

2008
1st – Vincent Houston (SP) – currently in AAA – 3.5* Potential
2nd Maurilio Fiadiero (1B) – currently in AA – 1* Potential
3rd – Cipriano Santos (C) – currently in AA – 1.5* Potential
4th – Jose Gomez (C) – currently in A – 1* Potential
5th – Manuel Sanchez (CF) – currently in A 1* Potential

2009
1st - Nolan Schaefer (CF) – currently in AAA – 2.5* Potential
2nd – Joe Jackson (SP) – Currently in AA – 2* Potential
3rd – Marcus Wallace (2B) – Currently in R – 1* Potential
4th – Don Kane (SP) – Currently in R – 0.5* Potential
5th – Scott Roberts (MR) – Currently in R – 0.5* Potential

2010
1st – Allan Stephans (1B) – Currently in R – 1.5* Potential (OSA has ranked at 4.5* Potential) - interesting
2nd – Jim Bell (C) – Currently in R – 1.5* Potential
3rd – Will Ray (SS) – Currently in R – 1* Potential
4th – Joseph Gibson (CF) – Currently in R – 1* Potential
5th – William Burns (LF) – Currently in R – 1.5* Potential

Our Number one picks who have made it to the ABL as Mallards

2005 – Pancho Juarez
2003 – Dave Hansen
2001 – David Chamings
1999 – Scotty Hubbard

Players of interest Of Interest
- Katai Nishikawa was discovered in Japan in 2003
- Kenny Campbell was drafted by Philadelphia in 2002 and released in 2003
- Matsuo Kouno was discovered in Japan in 1997

[Muskies]

Record: 31-17, .646
Position: 1st (4 game lead over Tampa)
OBP: .350 (3rd in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.39 (7th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.59 (13th in NL)
Defense: .702 (4th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: (92 / Ecstatic)
Power Ranking: (121.2, 2nd in ABL)

Week: (4-2) – 3-0 vs. Columbus, (1-2 vs. Baltimore)

5/16: MAD 5, COL 4
WP: Bowden (2-1, 4.50), LP: Lewis (0-2, 2.70), SV: Tavares (4)
HR: Ruiz (3), Hubbard (11)
POG: Kouno 2-4, 3 RBI

5/17: MAD 6, COL 4
WP: Polledo (5-0, 5.72), LP: Castro (3-4, 6.39), SV: Farias (8)
HR: Elledge (1), McKee (2)
POG: Elledge 4-4, R, RBI, HR

5/18: MAD 10, COL 4
WP: MacFadden (4-2, 4.36), LP: Smith (5-3, 4.93), SV: Davila (3)
HR: Thomas 2 (6), Ruiz (4), Nishikawa (22)
POG: John Thomas 2-4, 2 R, 5 RBI, 2 HR

5/19: BAL 7, MAD 4
WP: Yamasaki (3-2, 2.58), LP: Barnwell (0-1, 2.00), SV: Williams (12)
HR: Murray (3)
POG: Murray 3-4, R, RBI, 2B, HR
G. Martinez was injured on a defensive play with a strained hamstring; he will be out for two weeks. We will put him on the 15 day disabled list and bring up Nolan Schaefer

5/20: BAL 10, MAD 7
WP: Higgins (6-0, 3.61), LP: Juarez (2-4, 3.82), SV: Williams (13)
HR: Chamings (5)
POG: Chamings 3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR

5/21: MAD 11, BAL 8
WP: Gilbert (3-2, 4.02), LP: Olson (4-3, 6.10), SV: Tavares (5)
HR: Nishikawa (23), Ruiz 2 (6), Murray (4), Davis (7)
POG: Ruiz 3-4, 2 R, 5 RBI, 2 HR

Mallard News
AAA: 5/16: Jorge Osorio hit 3 home runs in a game for Louisville

Players of the Week
NL – Manuel Rivera - .500, 3 HR, 5 RBI
AL – Jorge Lucero - .440, 4 HR, 7 RBI

Who leads the ABL in triples at Catcher
Anthony Olson, BAL, 3
Jon Abrams, JAC, 1
Javier Camacho, PHI, 1
Tien-kai Chin, QUE, 1
Jon Davis, AUS, 1

[Muskies]

“Good Morning team, another good week, we were able to increase our lead over Tampa by a game, however we did have a couple set backs, losing Martinez to injury and dropping two of three games to Baltimore to end the week. What do you have four us Tina?”

“We have a full week this week.” Replied Tina, “we have 3 games at home against Detroit (24-24); they are currently 3rd in the NL Central seven games behind us. That is followed by 3 games at Mesa (24-25) and 1 game at San Francisco (21-27).”

“Thanks Tina, Fernando what can you tell us about Martinez?”

“As you know he strained his hamstring in the first game against Baltimore. He is young and This is his first stint on the disabled list since we drafted him, so I don’t see any problems in him coming back from this, he has 11 days left on the DL and should be ready right about that time.” answered Fernando.

“I know we are in first place but the bullpen is continuing to struggle, only Tavares and Barnwell have ERA’s under 4.00 and Farias, Davila and Bowden have ERA’s over 5.00. I hope that we can get this under control soon; if our offense slows down, we will be in trouble. Hamm do have anything for us this week?”

“Thanks Kage, I am continuing to receive scouting reports on the current draft pool, but don’t really have a lot to report on that front, I will wait until the draft. I am really looking for diamonds in the rough. In AAA Jorge Osorio was named the player of the week hitting .478 with 5 home runs and 7 RBI. Other than that no movement to report in the minor leagues.”

“Thanks folks, let’s keep it up. Tina could you put together a team and league summary for Mr. Stuart.”

[Muskies]

[Muskies]

[Muskies]

Record: 37-18, .673
Position: 1st (4 game lead over Tampa)
OBP: .359 (2nd in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.16 (3rd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.58 (13th in NL)
Defense: .700 (5th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 93 (+1) / Ecstatic
Power Ranking: 130.1 – 2nd in the ABL, behind Baltimore

Week: (6-1) 2-1 vs. Detroit, 3-0 vs. Mesa, 1-0 vs. San Francisco

5/23: MAD 5, DET 2
WP: Polledo (6-0, 5.55), LP: Stonehouse (2-5, 5.01), SV: Tavares (6)
HR: Nishikawa 2 (25)
POG: Nishikawa 3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR

5/24: DET 7, MAD 4
WP: Murphy (5-4, 6.97), LP: MacFadden (4-3, 5.07), SV: Santoya (3)
HR: Kouno (13)
POG: Murphy 7.1 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 4 K

5/25: MAD 17, DET 4
WP: Campbell (5-2, 3.80), LP: Flint (4-3, 8.39)
HR: Donovan (5), Lane (8), Nishikawa (26)
POG: Shaffer 4-5, R, 5 RBI, 2B

5/26: MAD 6, MES 5
WP: Varela (3-1, 3.99), LP: Rivera (0-2, 2.74), SV: Tavares (7)
HR: Chamings (7), Cannon (7)
POG: Chamings 2-3, R, 3 RBI, HR

5/27: MAD 5, MES 4 (12)
WP: Davila (3-0, 6.75), LP: Salazar (2-1, 1.38)
HR: Hansen (7), Patterson (7), David (10)
POG: Hansen 2-6, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR – 2 run home run in the top of the 12th inning

5/28: MAD 10, MES 5
WP: Polledo (7-0, 5.17), LP: Johnston (2-3, 6.19)
HR: Nishikawa (27), Kouno 2 (15), Ruiz (7),
POG: Kouno 4-4, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR
Mesa scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th, Farias allowed 3 runs in 1/3 innings pitched

5/29: MAD 8, SF 2
WP: MacFadden (5-3, 4.50), LP: Cooley (2-7, 7.05)
HR: Porter (2)
POG: MacFadden – 7.0 IP, H, 4 BB, 7 K
MacFadden pitched 7 innings of no hit ball, SF got its first hit in the top of the 8th.

Around the league
5/25: Goitom Chatuluka (AUS) collected his 2500 hit
5/26: Juan Esperaza (Ft.W) hurled a no hitter against Indianapolis
5/27: Jorege Ortiz (MEM) injured with a Torn Labrum out for 4 months.
5/30: Tampa has lost 2B Larry Wagner (.330/.440/.456) 4 HR, 20 RBI for 4 weeks with a fractured thumb.
5/30: Don David 32 year old RF (MES) signed a 4 year extension for $36 million. This year he is hitting .306, 10 HR, 37 RBI

Players of the Week
NL: Monzeamon Matsumoto (MEM) .462, 6HR, 14 RBI
AL: Mitchell Scott (PHI) - .522, 4 HR, 10 RBI

Who leads the ABL in at bats:
John MacDonald, OC, 233
Brooks Brown, CLE, 232
Ken Fletcher, CHI, 228
Xu-gang Liu, KC, 228
Nishikawa, MIL, 227

[Muskies]

“Another great week folks, for the month of May we are 20-6, absolutely fantastic. With a record of 37-18 we are tied with Baltimore for the best record in baseball. Tina what do you have for us this morning.”

“This week we have 2 games vs. San Francisco (24-31), 3 games at Charlotte (24-31) and 1 game vs. Washington (31-24); attendance remains ahead of last year, up 1.5%” Replied Tina.

“In addition, All-Star voting has begun and we currently have Nishikawa, Kouno and Chamings who are in the top’s at their respective positions.” Tina finished.

“That’s fantastic, let’s keep that up, we have about three more weeks until the selection. Last season Nishikawa was leading the vote getting, until he went into a prolonged slump, this year so far, he is a home run machine. What do you have for us Fernando, is Martinez close to returning?”

“Yes Sir, Kage,” Fernando responded, “he should be in the line up on Friday as soon as he is eligible to come of the Disabled list. No other injuries to report at this time.”

“Dwight is unable to join us as he is out of the town scouting the players for the draft which is in 2 ½ weeks. He indicated that he did not have any moves to make in the minor league system and there is no one of interest on waivers. So let’s wrap this up and we will get together next week."

[Muskies]

Record: 41-20, .672
Position: 1st (3 games ahead of Tampa)
OBP: .355 (2nd in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.17 (3rd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 5.03 (14th in NL)
Defense: .700 (5th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: (93 / Ecstatic)
Power Ranking: 128.0 (2nd in ABL behind Baltimore)

Week (4-2) 1-1 vs. San Francisco, 2-1 vs. Charlotte, 1-0 vs. Washington

5/30: MAD 3, SF 1
WP: Campbell (6-2, 3.66 ERA), LP: Floyd (3.54)
HR: Hansen (8), Kouno (16)
POG: Hansen 1-4, R, 2 RBI, HR
Bullpen finally pitched 3 2/3 of shut out ball.

5/31: SF 21, MAD 9
WP: Marque (2-0, 3.86), LP: Bowden (2-2, 5.91), SV: Alverado (1)
HR: Alverez (7), Blandenship (5), Miele (4), Hayes (14), Benson (2), Hubbard (12)
POG: Alverez (SF) 2-6, 2 R, 6 RBI, HR
David Chamings was injured on a defensive play
What a pitching disaster, this will be a subject this week at the meeting. We cannot continue with this unstable bullpen.

Pitching Line
Juarez (2.2 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, BB, K)
Bowden (0.1 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 3 BB)
Davila (2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, K)
Rios (2.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 K, HR)
Barnwell (0.0 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, BB, 2 HR)
Farias (2.0 IP, H, ER, K, HR)

6/1: MAD 3, CHA 1
WP: Varela (4-1, 4.09), LP: Cruz (0-4, 4.43), SV: Tavares (9)
HR: Hansen (9)
POG: Jackson (CHA) 8 IP, 3 H, 6K
Gilbert had a terrific start 7 IP, 6 H, BB, 8 K, games was the exact opposite of the previous day.

6/2: MAD 4, CHA 3 (10)
WP: Tavares (5-1, 1.52), LP: Cruz (0-5, 4.84)
HR: Nishikawa (28), Song (10)
POG: Nishikawa 3-5, 3 R, RBI, 2 2B, HR – Home run tied the game in the top of the 9th inning

6/3: CHA 7, MAD 6
WP: Gonzalez (1-0, 4.24), LP: Varela (4-2, 4.59), SV Gutierrez (3)
HR: Maddox (8), Song (11)
POG: Maddox (CHA) 1-4, R, 4 RBI, HR – Yep, GRAND SLAM off Varela

6/5: WAS 6, MAD 4
WP: Campbell (7-2, 3.78), LP: Smith (5-4, 4.43), SV: Tavares (10)
HR: Soberano (11), Thompson (3), Shaffer (2)
POG: Shaffer 1-3, R, 3 RBI, HR – Home run in the seventh pulled the Mallards ahead 6-4.

Around the league
5/30: Detroit center fielder Bryan Lane (.364, 9 HR, 29 RBI) is out for 4 weeks with a hamstring sprain. Lane is in the middle of a 7 year $130 million contract.

Players of the Week
NL – Isreal Colon (COL) - .542, 2 HR, 10 RBI (5x)
AL – Ben Hanson (SAC) - .480, 2 HR, 11 RBI (1x)

Who leads the ABL in VORP at first base
Nishikawa (MIL) - 46.6
Robbie Rice (QUE) – 40.4
Stanley Davis (WAS) – 34.4
Alberto Garza (OC) – 21.8
Mitchell Scott (PHI), 21.5

[Muskies]

“Well folks it has been quite the week. I am not exactly sure where to begin. First off, we finished May with a 22-7 record, phenomenal; I haven’t seen anything like it. Secondly, we lost a game 21-9, which sounds more like a football score than a baseball score, the bullpen continues to keep me up at night, and I am not sure were to go with it. Tina, what do you have for us?”

“Next week we finish up the series with 2 games vs. Washington (33-28), followed by 3 games vs. Tampa (38-23), currently second in the NL Central and wrap up the week with 2 games @ Phoenix (27-34).” Replied Tina.

“Nishikawa, Kouno and Chamings continue to lead in the all-star balloting,” Tina continued. “The May award winners have been included in your hand outs and attendance is up 2.1%. That is all have this week.”

“Thanks Tina, let’s move onto Fernando, what is the update on Chamings?”

“We’ll….” Started Fernando “unfortunately he has a fractured hand and will be out at least five weeks. As you all know the hand is a vital part of the game and with Chamings injury history, there is no telling how long until he returns or in what form. Last year he fractured his Thumb, fortunately it was on the other hand, but his body is clearly breaking down. This is second injury that has caused him to miss time in a year.”

“This a precarious situation, he has three more years on his contract at $17 million per year with the third year a team option.” When he is available he is an all-star, but last year he missed 10 weeks and this year he is already gone at least 7 weeks. He is also a fan favorite, his jersey sales are second behind Kouno. Keep us posted on his progress, thanks Fernando.”

“All right folks, the Bullpen. What can we do? The real bright spot has been Tavares (5-1, 10 SV, 1.47 ERA), how he isn’t a contender for all star game I don’t know. The three biggest problems as I see it are:

Albert Davila (3-0, 3 SV, 6.75 ERA, .290 BA)
Juan Rios (1-0, 6.75 ERA, .333 BA)
Jason Bowden (2-2, 5.91 ERA, .341 BA)

All three are out of option years, fortunately I only have $2 million tied up in these players.”

“The only option in the minors at this point is Marc Huporkorny, he is ready to come up, but you will have to waive one of the players,” replied Dwight. “I also think Abraham Johnson (SP) is almost ready, but he will probably get knocked around some and won’t be much of an upgrade.”

“There are some possibilities in Free Agency”, Dwight continued, “but I don’t see them as a significant upgrade. By all indications these players grade out pretty high and if you waive they will be snapped up pretty quick.”

“You know Mr. Marvin,” started Roman, “these guys are great in the clubhouse, well respected and leaders, losing them could have in impact on the rest of the team in ways that you haven’t considered. Give us a little more time before you start making changes. After all we are in first place and tied with Baltimore for the best record in the ABL.”

“Very well, I will follow your lead on this, it doesn’t mean I will start sleeping. This week will be very telling week. With two more games against a strong Washington team and 3 games against Tampa, I certainly hope to see us still in first place a week from now. Dwight any work on the upcoming draft.”

“I will have a report on prospects next week.” Answered Dwight.

“All right, thanks team and let’s have a great week and extend our lead.”

***
Editors's Note: I have this sinking feeling that this run is going to end….

[Muskies]

Batter of the Month
NL – Nishikawa - .358, 15 HR, 42 RBI, 31 R (4)
AL – Robbie Rice (QUE) - .385, 15 HR, 36 RBI, 34 R (1)

Pitcher of the Month
NL – Stu Meyers (NY) – 5-1, 1.67 (3)
AL – Cory Smiley (NAS) – 5-0, 2.22 (1)

Rookie of the month
NL – Andres Ayala (AUS) - .348, 3 2B, 7 HR
AL – Ken Fletcher (CHI) - .277, 7 HR, 24 RBI

Yes that is the same Andres Ayala, didn’t see that coming although John Thomas has comparable numbers, which is who I acquired in the trade, and he is a better influence in the club house.

[Muskies]

Record: 43-25, .632
Position: 1st (3 game lead on Tampa)
OBP: .354 (2nd in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.41 (6th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.72 (13th in NL)
Defense: .697 (7th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: (94 +1 / Ecstatic)
Power Ranking: (109.8 6th in ABL)

Week (2-5), 0-2 vs. Washington, 2-1 vs. Tampa, 0-2 vs. Phoenix

6/6: WAS 11, MAD 4
WP: Gonzalez (2-6, 6.46), LP: Juarez (2-5, 4.35)
HR: Kelly (9), Davis (30)
POG: Darren Kelly 2-5, R, 3 RBI, HR

6/7: WAS 6, MAD 3
WP: Kossan (5-4, 7.12), LP: Gilbert (3-3, 4.06), SV: Mason(2)
HR: Thompson (4), Nishikawa (29)
POG: Pickleheimer 3-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B
Two bad outings in a row by the starter; a little discomforting.

6/8: MAD 8, TAM 1
WP: Barnwell (1-1, 3.70), LP: Bell (5-2, 3.71)
HR: Kouno (17), Nishikawa (30), Martinez (2)
POG: Nishikawa 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR
Polledo was injured on a defensive play, sprained ankle day to day for 2 days.

6/9: TAM 4, MAD 2
WP: Bonnett (5-6, 2.96), LP: MacFadden (5-4, 4.38), SV: Caldwell (16)
HR: David (4), Lagden (3)
POG: Bonnett 8 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 4 K

6/10: MAD 8, TAM 6
WP: Varela (5-2, 4.66), LP: Wright (7-2, 3.82), SV: Tavares (11)
HR: Qiao (6), Kouno (18), Hubbard (13)
POG: Ron David (TAM) 3-4, R, 2 RBI, 2 2B

6/11: PHO 5, MAD 2
WP: Romo (6-3, 2.84), LP: Juarez (2-6, 4.55), SV: Carlson (17)
HR: Ryan (3), Etheridge (6), Browning (7), Haas (7)
POG: Romo 7.1 IP, 2 ER, BB, 9 K

6/12: PHO 6, MAD 5
WP: Wilkerson (3-2, 5.88), LP: Tavares (5-2, 1.62)
HR: Hubbard (14), Montgomery (5), Haas (7)
POG: Montgomery 3-4, 2 R, RBI, 2B, HR
We put the ball into Tavares hands with one run lead and he blew his first save.

Around the league
6/10: Ryan Ward (SF) – hit 3 home runs against Detroit
6/10: Tampa resigned Heath “Dirt Dog” Picket (28/R/3*) who is 6-3, 3.17 to a 5 year $55 million extension.

Players of the Week
NL: Trevor Merrill (MEM).684, 3 HR, 8 RBI (1x)
AL: Juan Gomez (LA) - .571, 4 HR, 10 RBI (4x)

Who are the top 5 relievers in the ABL with saves while on the road
Alfonso Limon, COL, 11
Carlos Moran, NAS, 11
Bill Brewer, HOU, 10
Rafael Martinez, AUS, 10
Jim Estes, JAC, 9

[Muskies]

Weekly Meeting

“What the #&*@ happened!!!. I can’t believe that we did not loose any ground in the division. I knew we were playing above and beyond but to finish the week dropping two to Phoenix, that is not a sign of a team on the rise. Let’s keep this brief, I have to try and figure out where this train is headed. Tina?”

“This week we have 1 more @ Phoenix (32-36), followed by 3 vs. Austin (35 – 33) and 2 games at Dallas (31-37). After that we have the All-Star game next week. This is the last week of All-Star voting and it looks like we should have Nishikawa and Kouno as representatives this year. Chamings has fallen off due to his injury.” Replied Tina.

“Thanks Tina, Fernando, what is the status of Chamings.”

“He is still on pace in his recovery and if all goes well he should be back in 3 weeks. Polledo’s injury was simply a tweaked ankle, he won’t miss any starts.” Answered Fernando.

“Dwight”

“The draft is in 3 days,” said Dwight, “I compiled a list of the gentlemen that I have been scouting over the last month, given our selection at 16 in the draft, there are a couple of starting pitcher I have my eye on that should be available. All in all however, it is not an exceptionally deep draft and the rock star talent won’t likely be available by the time it get’s to us.”

“Thanks Dwight, now let’s get back on track going into the All-Star break.”

[Muskies]

• Chris Clifton – SP (19 / R / 2.5* / 3*) Back of the rotation starter who would be difficult for Madison to sign, he is a good influence in the clubhouse, other guys look up to him.
• Mike Carter – SP (17 / R / 4* - 2*) Should have solid career as a number 2 or 3 starter with the possibility of front of the rotation. Rated as hard to sign for Madison.
• Ramiro Martinez – CF (23 / R / 3.5* - 4.5*) Projects to be a regular big league player with the potential to go further. Rated as extremely hard to sign.
• Warner Brown – SS (23 / R / 4* - 4.5*) Projected as future starter with star potential; constantly working to improve his game. Rated as hard for Madison to sign.
• Williams Mason – SP (18 / R / 2.5* - 2*) - Could be a future big leaguer, difficult to predict but at most a back of the rotation player. Rated as very easy for Madison to sign.
• John Williams - SP (20/ R / 2.5* - 3*) Very smart but don’t expect too much out of him. Rated as extremely hard for Madison to sign.
• Bob McQueen – CF (22 / R / 3.5* - 1*) May become a star, but more likely a respectable starter in the ABL. Rated as very easy to sign.
• Tim Jackson – SP (20/R/ .5* of 1.5*) – Projects to be a spot starter and rated as extremely difficult to sign
• Alonso Gonzales – SP - (19/R/4* / 3.5*) – Should be a top of the rotation starter, has an attitude problem; extremely difficult to sign.
• Luis Suarez – SP – (18 / L / 1.5* / 4*) – interesting either Hamm is off or OSA is off, will have to follow, Hamm says he doesn’t have much of a career.
• Tom Robinson C – (18 / R / 1.5* - 1*) – Not much of a future in the ABL.
• Ed Reilly – SS – (18/R/ 1* of 3*) – Solid but not spectacular career, should be easy for Madison to sign.
• Ryan Bell – 3B, (19/R/ 3* / 1*) – Future big league regular with the potential to exceed that projection. Rated as extremely hard for Madison to sign.
• Clint Campbell – SS (20/R/ 2.5* / 4*) – He projects to be average hitter with a good reputation as a defender. Rated as Normal for Madison to sign.
• Marvin Fleming – SP (19/L/4* / 4*) a lot of upside a big league reliever, could become a solid closer in big games. He is rated as extremely difficult for Madison to sign.
• Billy Postlethwaite – SP (18/R/2.5*/3.5*) – Looks like a future big leaguer bug stardom is difficult to predict. Should survive as the back of rotation starter. Rated as difficult for Madison to sign.
• John Hodges C (18/R/1.5*/1*) – Little potential, rated as extremely hard for Madison to sign.
• Rick Avery SP (18/R/1.5*/3*) – Flashes of brilliance, but not much of a future, projected as extremely difficult to sign.
• Curt Jones – SP (21/R/2*/3*) - Flashes of brilliance, but not much of a future, projected as easy to sign
• Martin Micheal – CL (20/R/4.5*/5*) – Potential Hall of Fame Closer, rated as extremely hard to sign.

[Muskies]

Record: 46-28, .622
Position: 1st (2 games ahead of Tampa)
OBP: .349 (3rd in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.44 (5th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.63 (13th in NL)
Defense: .702 (6th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 94 / Ecstatic
Power Ranking: 106.0 / 4th in the ABL

Week (3-4), 1-0 vs. Phoenix, 2-1 vs. Austin, 0-3 vs. Dallas

6/13: MAD 5, PHO 2
WP: Polledo (8-0, 4.83), LP: McGinnity (5-7, 3.05), SV: Tavares (12)
HR: Hansen (10), Dillon 2 (9)
POG: Hansen 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR

6/14: MAD 6, AUS 4
WP: MacFadden (6-4, 4.48), LP: Barnes (4-5, 4.20), SV: Tavares (13)
HR: Boucard (22)
POG: Kouno 3-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B

6/15: MAD 7, AUS 6
WP: Varela (6-2, 4.20), LP: Moore (6-2, 4.52), SV: Barnwell (2)
HR: Ayala (14), Hickman (8), Hubbard (15)
POG: Hickman (AUS) 3-5, 3 R, RBI, 2 2B, HR

6/16: AUS 6, MAD 5
WP: Juarez (4-6, 5.45), LP: Varela (6-3, 4.35), SV: Martinez (16)
HR: Ayala (15), Hubbard (16)
POG: Ayala 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR

6/18: DAL 2, MAD 1
WP: Romero (3-4, 5.23), LP: Juarez (2-7, 4.40), SV: McCoy (12)
POG: Juarez 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

6/19: DAL 5, MAD 3
WP: Castillo (7-6, 4.10), LP: Polledo (8-1, 4.05), McCoy (13)
HR: Hansen (11), Vallejo (5)
POG: Vallejo 1-4, R, 3 RBI, HR

6/20: DAL 4, MAD 3
WP: Romero (4-4, 5.07), LP: MacFadden (6-5, 4.55), SV: Moran (2)
HR: Nishikawa (31), LecJair (4)
POG: LecJair (DAL) 2-4, 2 R, RBI, HR

Around the league
6/15: Antonio Lara (PHI) collected his 2000th hit

Players of the Week
NL – Lowell Thompson (CHA) .550, 2 HR, 10 RBI (1x)
AL – Tim Gardner (SA) .500, 2 HR, 10 RBI (4x)

Who career pitching leaders in the ABL in FIP:
Steve Alexander, CLE, 2.65
Mitsuzuka Hirata, SF, 2.77
Tim Brown, SJ, 2.86
Dillon Lummis,- , 2.91
Maximo Hernandez, KC, 2.97

[Muskies]

First Year Player Draft

Here we sit in the war room ready to start for the draft. As mentioned in earlier meetings we have the 16th selection in a draft class that looks weak up front.

With the first pick in the draft, Sacramento selected, Mike “Mr. Magnificent” Carter 17 year old right handed starting pitcher. A little disappointed I really thought he might drop as OSA had him rated at a 2*.

“Well Dwight what do you think? I was really hoping that Mike Carter would fall, but it looks like he wasn’t the secret I was hoping.”

“We’ll Marvin Fleming is still available, but with his signing bonus will eat most of your budget for draftees. My recommendation is for you to sign CF Jason Hester (21/R/2*).” Indicated Dwight.

“Really, I didn’t even see him on your radar?

“Well he is an all-star defender up the middle of the field, his hitting can use some work, but his signing demand in only at $2 million which will give us room to sign our other draft picks.” Replied Dwight.

“Very well, but this doesn’t seem to bode well for the rest of the draft class. I am going to let you handle the rest of the draft. Let me know if you have any questions. I will go start working on the contracts.”

2nd Selection – SP John Byers (20/R/1.5*)
3rd Selection – 3B Steve Morrison (18/L/2*)
4th Selection – SP Paul Sweeny (20/R/1*)
5th Selection – C Hubert Kennedy (21/R/1*)

[Muskies]

National League

SP – Maximo Hernandez (KC) – 7-4, 3.24 ERA (5x)
SP – Albert Higgins (BAL) 9-0, 3.31 ERA (1x)
SP – Millard Hodges (DAL) – 6-4, 2.37 (1x)
SP – Vernon Holcomb (COL) – 9-2, 2.47 (1x)
SP – Javier Romo (PHO) – 6-4, 2.88 (1x)
SP – Elton West (MEM) – 7-2, 2.76 ERA (6x)
MR – Christian Flores (TAM) 6-1, 2 SV, 1.80 ERA (1x)
CL – Kevin Caldwell (TAM) – 2-2, 17 SV, 2.20 ERA (3x)
CL – James Kaufman (WAS) – 4-0, 8 SV, 1.62 ERA (5x)
CL – Ignacio Salazar (MES) – 2-1, 18 SV, 1.41 ERA (4x)
CL – Sam Williams (BAL) – 1-2, 18 SV, 1.83 ERA (3x)
C – Logan Turner (COL) - .260/.409/.409, 10 HR, 32 RBI (6x)
C – Anthony Olson (BAL) - .342/.377/.484, 3 HR, 42 RBI (1x)
1B – Ryan Ward (DET) - .292/.382/.592, 24 HR, 61 RBI (2x)
1B – Stanley Davis (WAS) - .317/.390/.749, 36 HR, 89 RBI (3x)
1B – Katai Nishikawa (MIL) - .331/.402/.717, 30 HR, 88 RBI (2x)
1B – Logan Threlfall (PHO) - .306/.381/.469, 10 HR, 46 RBI (1x)
2B – Matsuo Kouno (MIL) - .322/.395/.608, 18 HR, 53 RBI (1x)
2B – Brian Murray (BAL) - .312/.373/.548, 7 HR, 30 RBI (1x)
3B – Joe Homan (NY) - .299/.332/.480, 2 HR, 20 RBI (1x)
SS – Mark Wright (COL) - .299/.368/.434, 0 HR, 19 RBI (1x)
LF – Jud Wilson (PHO) - .326/.383/.493, 10 HR, 41 RBI (3x)
LF – Shuichi Takeuchi (BAL) - .333/.451/.560, 8 HR, 34 RBI (3x)
LF – Don David (MES) - .303/.375/.493, 13 HR, 49 RBI (1x)
CF – Lowell Thompson (CHA) - .269/.383/.527, 18 HR, 57 RBI (1x)
RF – Randall Cochran (DAL) - .311/.351/.556, 19 HR, 55 RBI (2x)
RF – Alex Bruno (MEM) - .317/.441/.540, 14 HR, 47 RBI (3x)

Baltimore led the way with five selections.

American League
SP – Jose Alfonso (IND) – 9-2, 3.46 ERA (4x)
SP – Eric Baker (CHI) – 8-5, 3.18 ERA (2x)
SP – Glenn Cooper (LA) – 11-1, 3.55 ERA (2x)
SP – Leland Lee (CLE) – 5-5, 3.12 ERA (4x)
SP – Jorge Lopez (HOU) – 8-2, 2.73 ERA (1x)
SP – Albert Robinson (OC) – 7-4, 3.77 ERA (2x)
SP – Antonio Romero (FW) – 9-2, 2.94 ERA (1x)
SP – Mike Ryan (CLE) – 10-4, 3.79 ERA (1x)
SP – Cory Smiley (NAS) – 9-4, 3.45 ERA (2x)
CL – Lorenzo Garcia (CHI) – 2-1, 13 SV, 2.51 ERA (2x)
CL – Carlos Moran (NAS) – 3-2, 24 SV, 0.78 ERA (3x)
CL – Tom Rivard (QUE) – 2-2, 15 SV, 3.41 ERA (1x)
C – Stephan Anderson (NAS) - .304/.391/.487, 10 HR, 32 RBI (5x)
C – Jon Bray (LA) - .295/.371.448, 9 HR, 45 RBI (1x)
1B – Steve Bender (IND) - .340/.431/.543, 14 HR, 45 RBI (2x)
1B – Robbie Rice (QUE) - .333/.458/.682, 23 HR, 63 RBI (1x)
1B – Juan Gomez (LA) - .383/.452/.648, 18 HR, 68 RBI (4x)
2B – Dave Cline (LA) - .367/.435/.533, 6 HR, 46 RBI (3x)
3B – Michael Hunter (SJ) - .305/.424/.489, 9 HR, 43 RBI (1x)
3B – Steve O’Esmond (QUE) - .340/.434/.605, 14 HR, 39 RBI (1x)
3B – Bob Johnson (FRE) - .322/.411/.644, 21 HR, 59 RBI (1x)
SS – Paul Polk (LB) - .279/.350/.428, 5 HR, 25 RBI (1x)
LF – Brooks Brown (CLE), .350/.394/.462, 5 HR, 38 RBI (2x)
LF – Connor Green (FW) - .357/.448/.508, 5 HR, 41 RBI (3x)
LF – Hwi-gon Kim (HOU) - .326/.404/.513, 12 HR, 52 RBI (4x)
CF – Andres Sanchez (HOU) - .291/.395/.414, 6 HR, 43 RBI (2x)
RF – Jorge Lucero (CLE) - .377/.445/.637, 16 HR, 68 RBI (5x)
RF – Jack Bennett (PHI) - .338/.414/.470, 8 HR, 32 RBI (2x)

[Muskies]

“I am looking forward to a few days to recuperate after the last couple of weeks. The job was a lot easier in May when we were winning virtually every day. I knew we couldn’t keep it up, but for the slide to occur the same time as the draft was a lot to handle. Anyway enough of my complaining; I gave Tina the week off because of the all-star game. So I will proceed with her report. As mentioned we have the next three days off for the All-Star game, the rosters are in your notes, but Nishikawa and Kouno will be our representatives. Chamings fell out of the running due to his injury. After the break we have a 3 game series vs. Memphis (38-37), currently in 4th place in the NL central eight games back. Fernando do you have an update on Chamings?”

“He is still on pace to return in two weeks; so far no setbacks.” Replied Fernando.

“Ok, Dwight, what do you have for us?”

“I have supplied a listing of our draft picks and their contract demands. So far only our third pick catcher Hubert Kennedy has agreed to terms. The selections in the 11th, 12th and 13th rounds have signing bonus demands that are ridiculous, I would recommend not signing and allowing them to go back in the draft. Overall it was a combination of weak draft class and a low draft pick; we didn’t really identify any rock solid superstars.” Answered Dwight.

“That combined with the limited availability of resources to sign the high price draft picks really limited our choices. But I believe we have a solid group who with the right environment could shine.” Dwight finished.

“Thanks Dwight, I will see what I can do about increasing the money available for signing draft picks and I will continue to see what I can do about increasing the player development budget. Why don’t you take some time off and than hit the road looking for international talent, since our two All-Stars did not come into the league via the draft.”

“Until next week, let’s hope some time off will help get us back on track.”