The Mallards

[Muskies]

Spring Training Results

Mallards went through spring training 15 - 9 (1st in the NL Central)

• Pancho Juarez (3-0, 1.80 ERA)
• Roberto Aquino (2-1, 2.25)
• Albert Higgins (0-3, 6.75)
• Katai Nishikawa (.343, 7 HR, 16 RBI)
• Gerardo Martinez (.343, 2 HR, 12 RBI)
• Scotty Hubbard has a torn meniscus(knee) and will miss the first 2 to 3 weeks of the season, he will be replaced by Greg Baker.
• SS Christian Ryan had a nice spring training (.308/.400/.577 in 26 at bats)
• We had to make some tough calls when it came time to trim the roster to 25 men, inlcuding 1B Al Hill and Orlando Vallejo, both were demoted to AAA to start the season.
• We are going to give MR Zhao a shot (Rule 5 draft) to see how he does

[Muskies]

Kurt,

I have now decided on the goal for the coming season. After evaluating several factors, I have come to the conclusion that you should be able to achieve a winning season, playing better than .500 ball.

Good Luck!
Chad Stuart Jr.

I have the same expectation....

Preseason Predictions


The Mallards are projected to finish the season 85-77, one game behind the Columbus River Dragons. The National League winner is projected to be the Austin Mystics facing the American League Champion Philadelphia Towers.

Madison does not have any players in the Top 10 of pitchers or hitters.

[Muskies]

Before we throw out the first pitch a quick look at where last season draft picks are starting the 2010 season:

LF - Nolan Schaefer (AA) - .277/.460/.357, HR, 27 RBI
SP - Joe Jackson (A) - 3-3, 3.00
2B - Marcus Wallace (R )- .176/.335/.261, 3 HR, 22 RBI
SP - Don Kane (R ) - 2-5, 6.32
SP - Scott Roberts (R ) - 1-3, 5.40

Top 100 Prospects Published:

LF Manuel Rivera, 23, Charlotte Cyclones
SP Luis Lopez, 22, Austin Mystics
SP Donnie Martin, 21, Detroit Mountain Hawks
SP Gonzalo Silva, 17, Houston Copperheads
SP Jim Carlisle, 18, Charlotte Cyclones

Mallards Top Prospects

CF - Nolan Schaefer
3B - Juan Cruz

[Muskies]

We open the season at home against the Charlotte Cyclones

Opening Day Lineup

LF Gerardo Martinez
CF David Chamings
RF Dave Hansen
1B Katai Nishikawa
2B Miguel Ruiz
3B Juan Cruz
DH Mike Funk
SS John Benson
C Allen Coleman

SP Roberto Aquino

[Muskies]

Record: 2-2, .500, 1 GB
Position: t 2nd (with Memphis, behind Tampa)
Avg.: .299 (4th in NL)
Runs Scored: 23 (4th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 19 (t - 6th in NL)
Defense: .719 (4th in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 91.0, 13th in ABL

Week: (2-2) 1-2 vs Charlotte, 1-0 vs. Columbus
4/1: CHA 4, MAD 2: Aquino - 7 IP, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K (0-1, 5.14)
Hansen 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR
4/2: MAD 9, CHA 5: Juarez 7.2IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 2 K,
Mallards scored 5 in the bottom of the 8th inning for the win, Barrios pitched 1 1/3 scoreless for the win
4/3: CHA 5, MAD 4(11): Higgins 5.1IP, 4 H, R, ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Nishikawa 3-4, 2 R, 5 RBI, 2 HR
4/4: MAD 8, COL 5: Wilder 7IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 2 K (1-0, 1.29)
Ruiz 3-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR
The Mallards combined for 17 hits, all starters got at least one hit
Next Week: 2 @ Columbus (1-3), 3 @ Phoenix (0-4), 2 @ Mesa (3-1)

[Muskies]

Record: 4-7, .364, 4 GB
Position: 4th (behind Columbus, Tampa and Memphis)
Avg.: .272 (4th in NL)
Runs Scored: 57 (8th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 52 ( 10th in NL)
Defense: .689 (7th in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 61.5 (25th in ML)

Week: (2-5) 0-2 vs. Columbus, 2-1 vs. Phoenix, 0-2 vs. Mesa
4/5: COL 3, MAD 2: Campbell - 7IP, 3 H, ER, 4 BB, 6 K (0-1, 1.29)
Barrios 1 IP, H, 3 ER, 2 BB
4/6: COL 9, MAD 4: Aquino 6.1 IP, 6 H, 5 RT, 5 Bb, 2 K (0-2, 6.08)
Chamings was injured on a defensive play, diagnosis pending
4/7: PHO 3, MAD 2: Juarez 6.1IP, 9 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 K (0-1, 4.50)
Chamings has been diagnosed with a fractured thumb and will be out for 5 to 6 weeks. Steve Shaffer moved up from AAA.
Waived Zhao, pitched 1/3 inning allowed 2 ER and 3 BB, not worth keeping on the roster all season long.
4/8: MAD 7, PHO 3: Higgins 6.2IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 10K (1-0, 3.00)
4/9: MAD 13, PHO 5: Wilder 6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 8 K (2-0, 3.46)
Hanen 4-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, HR
Mallards combined for 5 home runs
4/10: MES 3, MAD 1: Campbell 5 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 K (0-2, 3.00)
Tyson Walker (FRE) got hit number 2000
4/11: MES 6, MAD 5: Aquino 5 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 4 K (0-3, 6.87)
Coleman (Mallards Catcher) was injured running the bases, day to day for two days
Next Week: 1 @ Mesa (8-3), 3 vs. New York (6-5), 2 @ Baltimore (3-8)

Another year and a another slow start for your Mallards. This year the the bats have come alive, but the pitching is holding us back. Last years Pitcher of the year Aquino is of to a slow start (0-3, 6.87) and the bullpen hasn't shown any signs of improvement.

We are a week and a half into the season and out of our $108 million payroll, $33 million (Hubbard & Chammings) are on the DH and $16 million (Aquino) is struggling. That comes to 44% of our current payroll is currently either not playing or ineffective.

Mr. Stuart is still is a good mood and Hubbard is due to return next week.

Players of the Week
NL - Otto Melton (WAS) - .500, 13 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI
AL - Dan Rogers (SJ) - .500, 4 HR, 12 RBI

[Muskies]

Record: 6-11, .353, 4 GB
Position: 5th (behind Memphis, Columbus, Tampa, Kansas City)
Avg.: .258 (10th in NL)
Runs Scored: 77 (10th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 69 (4th in NL)
Defense: .694 (4th in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 59.5 (27th)

Week: (2-4) 0-1 vs. Mesa, 2-1 vs. New York, 0-2 vs. Baltimore
4/12: MES 2, MAD 1: Juarez 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K (0-2, 3.68)
4/14: MAD 4, NY 3: Higgins 6.1 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 K
Snow (1-1, 1.93) got the win for the Mallards
4/15: NY 5, MAD 3: Wilder 6.2 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, BB, 3 K, L (2-1, 4.12)
4/16: MAD 7, NY 0: Campbell 9 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 10 K (1-2, 1.71)
4/17: BAL 5, MAD 4: Aquino 6 IP, 11 H, 3 ER, 3 K (0-3, 6.29)
Booker took the loss allowing 2 ER in 2 IP, including a walk off home run in the bottom of the ninth.
4/18: BAL 2, MAD 1(15): Juarez 7 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 2 K
Zhao pitched 4 innings of relief allowing 2 H and no ER
Closer Mike Howell was injured while pitching, day to day for 5 days with a mild calf strain.

Next Week: 1 @ Baltimore (7-10), 3 @ KC (7-10), 3 vs. Austin (11-6)

Players of the Week
NL - Xu-gang Liu (KC) - 14-29, 3 RBI, 6 R
AL - Buddy Brown (NAS) - 12-24, 2 HR, 7 RBI

We just can't seem to put the whole thing together, three of our losses this week were by one run and one went 15 innings. At this point I am at a loss and will see where things go. I don't get the feeling that I have put together a winner, but I hope to win enough to keep fan interest and develop a pool of talent.

[Muskies]

Record: 11-13, .458, 4 GB
Position: 4th (behind Memphis, Columbus and Tampa)
Avg.: .263 (9th in NL)
Runs Scored: 106 (t-8th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 96 (2nd in NL)
Defense: .698 (6th in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 85.5 (18th)

Week: 5-2, 1-0 vs. Baltimore, 2-1 vs. Kansas City, 2-1 vs. Austin
4/19: MAD 6, BAL 2: Higgins 7 IP, 10 H, 2 ER, 6 K, (2-0, 3.20)
Benson at SS went 4-4, R, RBI
MR Dave Booker was injured while pitching, day to day for 4 days with back tightness
Zhao earned the save taking over for Howell is is out for 4 more days.
4/20: KC 9, MAD 2: Wilder 4 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, BB, 2 K (2-2, 5.70)
4/21: MAD 4, KC 2: Campbell 8 IP, 6 H, BB, 9K (2-2, 1.24)
4/22: MAD 4, KC 1: Aquino 8.1 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 6 K (1-3, 4.96)
Aquino finally gets a win, Davies has him done as a starter for his career is 1/2 star graded as a plus reliever. This could be a problem with 4 years and $16 million per year left on his contract.
4/23: MAD 7, AUS 2: Juarez 7.1 IP, 4 H, BB, 5 K, (1-2, 2.48)
Steven Anderson (NAS) hit the 300th home run of his career
4/24: AUS 8, MAD 2: Higgins 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4K (2-1, 3.66)
Greg Wilson was injured throwing the ball in the first inning, diagnosed with a sprained ankle out for 6 days.
4/25: MAD 4, AUS 3: Wilder 7.1 IP, 7 H, ER, BB, 5 K
Hubbard 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR

Next Week: 3 @ San Francisco (16-8), 3 vs. Dallas (10-14)

Players of Week:
NL - Curt Cannon (Mesa) - 16-29, 4 HR, 10 RBI
AL - Miguel Silva (IND) - 14-26, HR, 4 RBI, 8 R

Big Series against 11-6 Austin, we showed some life beating a winning team.

[Muskies]

Finally had an off day only after 12 days of games of which we went 7-5, certainly an improvement after the first 12 games during which we went 4-8. It finally gave me some time back in the office to try and take a step back. My observations led me to realize that my offseason tinkering left me with the essentially the exact same team as last year, a top starting pitching staff (3rd in NL), middle of the pack offense (8th in NL) and below average pen (15th in NL). I clearly have some things to learn. As I assess the roster I have the following challenges:

Payroll - I have three players taking up over 50% of my payroll for the next three years.

• SP Aquino (30 year old) who is a three time pitcher of the year but at the end of life as a starter and will probably be moving to the bullpen within the next year

• CF Chamings (32 years old) who is out for another three weeks with a fractured thumb and has not played up to his potential since he signed his 6 year $102 million contract, he has three more years (after this year) at $17 million. He is also Extremely Popular with the fans. In Chamings absence Shaffer has filled in well Hi is hitting .319/.351 in the lead off spot.

• C Hubbard (32 yrs old) is off to a good start this year and really is my only option at catcher within the organization, he is fragile so when he get's injured it is a big hole to fill.

I have an over abundance of 3rd base talent. All Star 3B Ruiz is playing 2nd Base to make room for Rookie 3B Juan Cruz, both are comparable on the defensive side, but Ruiz is the better hitter. The problem with this is that Ruiz isn't very proficient at 2B and I have Liu and Wilson who are very strong up the middle, defensively. I have Davies out scouting prospects
Pitching staff is pretty heavy on Right Handed pitching, my starting five are all right handed and I have three Left Handed arms in the pen (Baca, Zhao and Howell).

Bull pen is struggling, currently has a 5.00 ERA. I brought back Barrios (2-0, 8.64, 2.04 WHIP, 8.1 IP) and picked up Bowden (6.1 IP, 11.37, 2.23 WHIP). It is early but I need to keep an eye on these two. I have couple relievers in the minors who, according to Davies, are ready to move up to the Majors.
Trades will be difficult in that I don't have room to take on payroll and there isn't a big market for highly paid players that are in their early thirties. That may change as we progress into the season.

[Muskies]

Record: 15-15, .500, 2 GB
Position: 4th (behind Memphis, Tampa and Columbus)
Avg.: .263 (7th in NL)
Runs Scored: 144 (6th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 118 (t - 1st in NL)
Defense: .713 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: (100)
Power Ranking: (93.0, 17th)

Week: (4-2) - 2-1 vs. San Francisco, 2-1 vs. Dallas
4/27: MAD 19, SF 8: Campbell 7 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 5 K, W (3-2, 2.00)
We had a big lead so I let Bowden go two innings to see if we can power through this slump, he allowed 4 runs with 52 pitches, however, none of the runs were earned as Benson had a throwing error that would have ended an inning, but ended up allowing the 4 runs.
We scored 19 runs on 22 hits, hopefully we didn't use all of our offense in one game.
Hansen and Nishikawa back to back home runs in the 9th inning
Hubbard 2 home runs in the game
4/28: MAD 6, SF 3: Aquino 7.2 IP, 7 H, ER, 2 K, W (2-3, 4.24)
4/29: SF 5, MAD 1: Juarez 7 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K , L (1-3, 2.70)
Juarez was the victim of a shut down performance by SF pitcher Tom Cloud
4/30: MAD 8: DAL 3: Higgins 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 K, W (3-1, 3.46)
Hansen 2-3, 3 R, 2 RBI, HR
Cesar Legrand (Tampa) picked up his 200th victory at the age of 36
5/1: MAD 2, DAL 0(10): Wilder 9 IP, 3 H, B, 3 K ND
Howell picked up the win in the 10th inning, in 7 appearances he still has not allowed an earned run
Ruiz was injured after being hit by a pitch, a bruised thumb out for 4 days.
5/2: DAL 3, MAD 2(12): Campbell 9 IP, 2 H, 6 K, ND
All five runs were scored in the 12th inning off Barrios in 1/3 of an inning. His ERA now sits at 12.10. Telling myself to remain calm and not react.
Howell pitched 2 more scoreless innings.

Next Week: 3 @ Memphis (17-13), 3 vs. Jacksonville (14-16)

Moved Cruz into the DH role and will platoon Liu, Wilson and Benson at 2B and SS, they are the three best defenders up the middle where they are needed. I really need Ruiz's glove and bat at the corner. C. Ryan is still biding his time at AAA Louisville, his clock has already started and he only has 1 option year left, so when he comes up it will be for good. In AAA he is batting .277/.377, and has committed 4 errors in 17 games.

April Awards:

Top Hitter
NL - 1B Curt Cannon(Mesa) .355/.445, 10 HR, 25 RBI, 24 R
AL - RF - Dennis Hanna (San Antonio) - .333, 11 HR, 33 RBI, 23 R

Top Pitcher
NL - John Conway (Mesa) - 5-0, 1.21, 36 K
AL - Victor Riley (Ft. Worth) - 5-1, 1.38, 38 K

Top Rookie
NL - 3B - Neil Borden (SF) - .301, HR, 11 RBI, 17 R
AL - 1B - Mitchell Scott (PHI) - .231, 3 2B, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 15 R

No awards for any in the Mallard organization...

[Muskies]

Record: 19-17, .528, 2 GB
Position: t-3rd (behind Tampa, Columbus, tied with Memphis for 3rd)
Avg.: .266 (7th in NL)
Runs Scored: 175 (7th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 145 (4th in NL)
Defense: .711 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 98 (13th in ABL)

Week: (4-2) 2-1 vs. Memphis, 2-1 vs. Jacksonville

5/3: MAD 8, MEM 2(11): Aquino 8 IP, 7 H, ER, BB, K, ND
Howell allowed his first run in the bottom of the ninth with two outs to blow the save and tie the game.
Mallards scored 6 runs in the top of the 11th for the win over 1st place Memphis
5/4: MAD 6, MEM 4 (12): Juarez 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K
Zhao 3.1 IP, BB, 3 K, W (1-0, 2.53)
5/5: MEM 4, MAD 0: Higgins 8 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 8 K, L (3-2, 3.64)
5/6: MAD 10, JAC 9: Wilder 4.1IP, 9 H, 4 ER, BB, 6 K
Nishikawa 4-4, 3 R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR
Walk off triple by Ruiz in the bottom of the 9th.
Curt Cannon (Mesa) - April player of the month is out for 3 months with a torn hamstring
5/7: JAC 5, MAD 1: Campbell 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, L (3-3, 2.36)
Ryans first game 0-3
5/8: MAD 6, JAC 3: Aquino 7.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 K (3-3, 3.23)
Ryan 1-4, R, 3 RBI, HR

Next Week: 3 @ Tampa (21-15), 3 vs. Washington (21-15), 1 vs. Detroit (13-23)

Players of the Week:

NL - Ray Murray (Mesa) 15-29, HR, 7 RBI
AL - Jorge Lucero(CLE) - 13-26, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R

[Muskies]

Madison Swaps Cruz to Chicago for Salazar

It's all done except for the paperwork. The Madison Mallards and the Chicago White Sox have agreed to a trade that will send 30 year old reliever Carlos Barrios and 23 year old Juan Cruz to Chicago while 25 year old reliever Juan Rios and 21 year old minor league starting pitcher Bartolo Salazar will be shipped to Madison. A top front office executive with the Mallards described the talks as "quick and easy". "Were glad this deal is done. We think it's something that helps our ball club and it didn't take too long to sort this one out." he said.

Salazar is currently the #31 prospect in the ABL, and has the potential to be a #2 or #3. This will allow me to get Ryan in the line up sooner than later, get the Barrios off my hands and clears $1.2 million payroll. Rios will be missed but with Ruiz at third this will clear room when Chamings is off injury and allow me to bring up Ryan. Hopefully it will help strengthen the bullpen.

[Muskies]

Record: 21-22, .488, 3 GM
Position: 4th (behind Tampa, Columbus, Memphis)
Avg.: .262 (8th in NL)
Runs Scored: 194 (10th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 170 (4th in NL)
Defense: .713 (2nd in NL)
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 84.9 (9th)

Week: (2-5) 1-3 vs. Tampa, 1-2 vs. Washington, 1-0 vs. Detroit
5/10: TAM 3, MAD 0: Juarez 7 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 K, L (1-4, 2.83)
5/11: TAM 4, MAD 2: Higgins 6.1 IP, 9 H, ER, 6 K, L (3-3, 3.38)
Chamings suffered a set back on his fractured thumb and will be out for another 6 days
5/12: MAD 5, TAM 1: Wilder 8.2 IP, 5, ER, BB, 7 K, W (3-2, 3.57)
5/13: WAS 4, MAD 3: Campbell 8.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 6 K, L (3-4, 2.48)
5/14: WAS 5, MAD 1: Aquino 8.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, BB, 4 K, L (3-4, 3.38)
5/15: MAD 5, WAS 4: Juarez 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, 7 K
Benson 2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR
Barrios allowed a Grand Slam pitching for Chicago today
5/16: DET 4, MAD 3: Higgins 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, BB, 3 K

Next Week: 2 vs. Detroit (18-25), 3 @ Charlotte (29-15), 1 vs. Columbus (24-20)

Tough week against the some quality teams. We played well, but just couldn't score enough runs. Three of the losses were by two runs or less. On a positive note, Chamings finally made it back from his injury. We decided to put Jason Bowden on waivers and designate for assignment; we are going try running with 12 pitcher and 13 offensive players.

[Muskies]

Draft Pool Announced

As the middle of May rolls around the 2010 draft pool has been announced. Top Players available (in no particular order) include:

Joseph McKay, 18 year-old starting pitcher out of college
Ramon Crus, 20 year-old second baseman out of college
Curt Scott, 17 year-old starting pitcher out of high school
Russell Holland, 22 year-old left fielder out of college
Jonathon Smith, 18 year-old center fielder out of high school
Jeff Young, 17 year-old second basemen out of high school
Steve Adams, 17 year-old right fielder out of high school
John Ellis, 17 year-old left fielder out of high school
Brami Bislimi, 19 year-old second baseman out of high school
Will Ayers, 22 year old center fielder out of college

The Mallards have the 21st pick of draft.

[Muskies]

Couple things tonote:

• After a dismal start Aquino has pitched lights out the last three games, perhaps I should stop underestimating him.
• I am pleased with the improvement in the minor league clubs last year they were bottom of the barrel
• If we could pick up our on base percentage and the bullpen I think we will be in good shape, getting Chamings back should improve our hitting, I will slide Shaffer into the DH and Chamings back in the starting line up.

• Shaffer has spent most of the first part of the season in the lead off spot, but I think I will give Martinez a shot and move Hubbard into the number two slot, they are at this point hitting and getting on base at a better clip

[Muskies]

[Muskies]

Record: 23-26, .469, 5 GB
Position: 4th (behind Tampa, Memphis, Columbus
Avg.: .261 (6th in NL)
Runs Scored: 219 (9th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 200 (5th in NL)
Defense: .712 (2nd in NL0
Fan Interest: 100
Power Ranking: 81.5 (23rd in ABL)

Week: (2-4) 1-1 vs. Detroit, 0-3 vs. Charlotte, 1-0 vs. Columbus
5/17: DET 10, MAD 7: Wilder 4.1 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 5 K,
Rios and Booker in the bullpen combined to allow 5 ER in 1.1 innings...
5/18: MAD 4, DET 3: Campbell 6.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Chamings first game back he went 0-2 with one strike out
5/19: CHA 5, MAD 3: Aquino 6 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, L (3-5, 3.60)
Hanson went 3-3 on the night
5/20: CHA 2, MAD 1: Juarez 7.1 IP, 4 H, ER, K, ND
5/21: CHA 8, MAD 2: Higgins 6.2 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, L (3-4, 3.95)
5/23: MAD 8, COL 2: Wilder 6 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 7 K, W (4-2, 3.84)
Chamings 3-4, 3 R, RBI, 2B, HR

Next Week: 2 vs. Columbus (24-24), 3 @ Phoenix (15-34), 2 vs. Mesa (30-19)

Players of the Week:
NL - Andrew Crouch (Mesa) - 11-20, 2 HR, 9 RBI
AL - Lawrence Davis (Long Beach) - 12-25, HR, 3 RBI

[Muskies]

I did a little shopping on our off day this week and had an interesting conversation with Scott Lawrence, the GM from Detroit. We discussed the following tade:

Detroit Sends:
SS Mario Aria
C John Parks #18 Prospect

Madison Sends:
C Scotty Hubbard
SP Bartolo Salazar #31 Prospect

This would alleviate some the payroll problems in the future as Aria has 2 more years and $20.8 million and Hubbard has 3 years and $48 million. Aria is a strong infielder, but average at the plate. We would be picking up a top prospect at catcher, but he is more than a year away to playing every day in the Major League. We would also be giving our top prospect who projects to be a borderline starter at best a #4 or #5.

Based upon the start of the season it appears we are falling short of what we need to take that next step, our current payroll situation isn't going to give us much flexibility over the next couple year. Our biggest problem seems to be getting batters on base and closing out the game from the pen. This trade won't address either of those situations, but will free up some room on the payroll.

In looking to make the trade with Detroit work we placed a call to [COLOR="rgb(46, 139, 87)"]Curt Everhart[/COLOR] with Charlotte to move 2B Wing Liu for AAA MR Robby Hunt, this would clear up a little payroll, but would also add some strength to the future bullpen. Robby Hunt is projected to be a top notch reliever.

[Muskies]

Record: 28-28, .500, 4 GB
Position: 3rd (behind Memphis and Tampa)
Avg.: .263 (8th in NL)
Runs Scored: 248 (9th in NL)
Runs Allowed: 228 (4th in NL)
Defense: .707 (2nd in NL)
Owner Mood/Fan Interest: Good/100
Power Ranking: (93.0), 17th

Week: (5-2), 2-0 vs. Columbus, 2-1 vs. Phoenix, 1-1 vs. Mesa
5/24: MAD 10, COL 6: Campbell 3.2 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, BB, 3 K
A strong 5.1 inning from the bullpen, only allowing 3 hits and 1 run. A combination of (Jennings, Rios and Snow)
Nishikawa 5-5, 3 R, RBI, HR - tied the record fir 5 hits in a game.
5/25: MAD 4, COL 2: Aquino 8 IP, 12 H, 2 ER, 5 K, W, (4-5, 3.46)
Martinez (3-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B, 3B)
5/26: MAD 2, PHO 1: Juarez 7.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 BB, 6 K, W (2-4, 2.51)
Ruiz hit his 5th triple of the year...
5/27: MAD 7, PHO 6(10): Higgins 4.2 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, BB, 5 K
Nishikawa 2-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR
Chris Campbell (LA) hit his 300th home run
5/28: PHO 3, MAD 1: Wilder 8 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K (4-3, 3.79)
5/29: MES 9, MAD 3(11): Campbell 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, B, 7 K
Chamings a home run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at 3
11th inning bullpen meltdown - Rios came in in the 11th and allowed 4 runs on one out and Howell then allowed 2 more
John Lee (TAM) hit his 400th career home run
5/30: MAD 2, MES 1: Aquino 8 IP, ER, 2 BB, 3 K, W (5-5, 3.24)
Aquino continues to defy expectations, his rating is down to 1/2 star, but he continues to perform and eat up innings.

Next Week: 1 vs. Mesa (36-20), 3 @ New York (28-28), 2 vs. Baltimore (32-24)


Players of the Week:
NL - Carlos Pena(NY) 13-27, 4 HR, 12 RBI
AL - Chris Scott (HOU) 14-28, 2 HR, 8 RBI

League Leaders in the ABL at First Base

Claude Boucard, AUS 48
Jim Hayes, SF 44
Chris Scott, HOU 43
Katai Nishikawa, MAD 37
Chet Rivers, CLE 36

[Muskies]

Signed... Sealed... Delivered...

Madison has worked out terms of a deal to send 30 year old starting pitcher, Albert Higgins, to Baltimore for 23 year old pitcher, Jose Palledo. Both teams expect to introduce their new players at a press conference later this week.

For the season Higgins has compiled 3-4 record with a 4.33 ERA and Palledo has compiled 5-4 mark with a 3.89 ERA.

I didn't think the fans would care, but they were disappointed and interest dropped to 99, first time we have been off 100. This trade will help us out in the finances, it relieves us of Higgins salary and two years of arbitration of at least $8 million per year, Palledo isn't arbitration eligible until 2014, after the Hubbard and Aquino contracts come off the books.

At the end of the day I couldn't pull the trigger on the trade to get rid of Hubbard and Salazar our strongest pitching prospect.