The Mallards

[Muskies]

The family of Dallas Harpies owner Sandy Davis announced that he had died after a prolonged illness. His replacement is expected to be his son, Sandy Davis Jr., who has served in many capacities with the club. Some sources said the younger Davis Jr. was a “chip off the old block,” wile others commented that he differed in many respects from his father. Speaking off the record, a Dallas Harpies official comment, “Sandy could be described as charitable in financial matters and tolerant in personality traits.”

[Muskies]

“Come on in Hamm, you don’t mind that I call you Hamm do you?”

“Not at all Mr. Marvin”

“I have been reviewing the financials and the budget for the upcoming season and I have managed to squeeze out some extra money to increase the scouting and player development budgets for the 2011.”

“That’s good news, Sir”

“Please, call me Kage, I don’t want this to be too formal of a relationship, I need you to be able to tell me what I need to hear, not what you think I want to hear.”

“Very Good Kage, so where do we stand with the numbers?”

“I am going to boost the scouting budget to $10 million up fro $9 million and the player development budget to $8 million, up from $7 million. This will keep us well above league average so let’s make the best of it. I expect to see continued improvement in the minor league system, so we can continue to improve from within.”

“I won’t disappoint you Kage, by the time I leave, I expect to have your minor league roster in the top 5 consistently.”

Existing Free Agents

“Excuse me Kage” said Ms Gruber, as she entered my office. “You asked me to keep you up to date to free agents that we did not offer arbitration. Well they are still all on the market looking for jobs.”

Mike Howell, looking for $950k per year
Joe Snow, looking for $2.8M per year
Greg Wilson, looking for $924k per year

“Thanks Ms. Gruber, I will not make the same mistake as last year and resign the same players.”

[Muskies]

Ahhh…. Spring is in the air it is time for your Mallards to head south in an effort to put together a club that can get the team back to the play off’s. It has been a busy offseason for the Mallards, however, much of the core from last year remains the same. The biggest changes have been in an effort to strengthen the bullpen and beef up the minor league system.

The starting pitching and the offensive lineup that finished last year on a hot streak remain intact. There have been changes to the bullpen, most notably was the early trade of crowd favorite closer Roberto Aquino.

Your Mallards ranked 3rd in offseason moves with an increase in WAR of 4.2 Fort Worth led the way with an increase in WAR of 11.5.

Notable additions for the 2011 season

MR Jose Varela
CL Manuel Farias
MR Alan Gilbert

Notable departure

MR Roberto Aquino

We are heading into spring training with 38 players, mostly it will be to determine the make up of the bullpen and to identify who can step in for injuries, which there are likely to be some if last year is any indication.

[Muskies]

Starting Rotation
Kenny Campbell (26/R/4*) - 15-9, 3.11
Pancho Juarez (26/R/3*) - 8-10, 3.14
Jose Polledo (23/R/3.5*) - 10-6, 3.41
Arthur MacFadden (27/R/2.5*) - 4-3, 5.21
John Barnwell (27/R/2*) - 2-0, 4.89

Also competing for a spot:

MR - Arthur Jennings (27/R/2.5*) - 8-7, 5.00
MR - Alan Gilbert (27/R/4*) – 7-3, 3.11 in 75.1 innings of relief.

Jennings started 13 games for us last year and new pitching coach Robles, feels that Gilbert has the stable of pitches to start, so we will give him a shot.

Others Invited to Spring Training

Leon Gomez (AA) (23/R/1* of 1.5*) - 10-6, 3.35 in Single A
George Davis (AAA) (26/R/1.5*) – 8-12, 4.88 in AAA
Abraham Johnson (AAA) (24/L/2.5* of 3.5*) – 3-6, 6.04 in AAA
Bartolo Salazar (AAA) (22/R/1* of 3*) – 4-12, 5.24 in AAA

Salazar was once the darling of the minor leagues, but his stock is dropping. He can’t seem to take it to the next level.

Bullpen

Closer
We have three competing for the closer role

Albert Davila (26/R/4.5*) – 2-4, 2.12, 24 SV in AAA and 2-0, 3.50 in September last year
Manual Farias (21/R/4.5* of 5*) – 4-0, 2.67 in 70.2 innings
Javier Tavares (21/R/4.5* of 5*) – 4-3, 1.90 26 SV in AAA

The three of these will be able to cover innings 7, 8, 9. Not sure what the order will be, but I would expect Davila or Farias to start as the closer with the other being the set up man and Tavaras taking the 7th inning, but it could also shuffle during the season.

Projected Middle Relievers

Matt Hinton (25/L/3*) 2-1, 2.45 in AAA
Jose Varela (33/R/4.5*) 5-3, 5.38
Arthur Jennings
Alan Gilbert
Juan Rios (26/R/4*) 0-4, 8.50

Others at Spring Training

Marc Huporkorny (23/R/3* of 4*) (AAA) 4-5, 4.52 in AAA
Qi-Zhen Zhao (24/L/3*) 5-5, 4.52 in 79.2 IP
Jason Bowden (29/R/4*) 0-0, 7.59 in 10.2 IP, fared better in AAA going 3-0, 4.21
Jim Bright (29/L/1*) 1-0, 0.00 in 6 IP, 6-8, 7.07 in AAA

As I go through my roster I now realize that I have an overabundance of Right Handing Pitching. That could cause a problem down the stretch. Will probably look to make some moves during Spring Training.

Next: Offense Summary

[Muskies]

Catcher – Scotty Hubbard (33/R/4.5*) - .273/.348/465, 20 HR, 72 RBI. Remains the current number one catcher. He has three more years on his deal at $16 million per year, however, is body is starting wear down and he is becoming more prone to injury.

Back up will be Roberto Menenders (22/L/2.5* of 4*), whom we picked up from Indianapolis last year. Roberto caught 48 games for us last year and is a better defensive catcher. He is strong back up to give Hubbard plenty of rest.

First Base
Katai Nishikawa (25/L/5*) - .288/.341/.565, 45 HR, 146 RBI. Not much to say here. He has two more years of arbitration. Great in the clean up role

Orlando Vallejo (30/L/2.5*) – a better defensive option at first base, but doesn’t have the bat that Nishikawa has. He ended up playing 60 games for us last year and hit .318 with 11 home runs. He can slide into first when Nishikawa needs to fill in at DH or get hurt, but first is the only position he can play.

Second Base
Matsuo Kouno (30/S/4.5*) - .288/.388/.508, 16 HR, 43 RBI. Kouno was picked up last year in the same trade in which we got Menenders. He has quickly become a Madison favorite.

Shortstop
Christian Ryan (22/L/4* of 4.5) - .238/.291/.389, 7 HR, 41 RBI. Last year was Ryan’s first year in the Majors, he has a decent bat, but is prone to strikeouts. He is a natural defender, who doesn’t make many mistakes, this is where is value lies.

Third Base
Miguel Ruiz (29/R/4*) - .279/.333/.444 – No competition for third base. We have a team option on Ruiz after this season, we don’t really have anyone coming up through the minors to slide into third base.

Utility
John Benson (26/R/2*) - .281/.338/.368, 5 HR, 38 RBI – Benson ended up playing 101 games last year as a result of the number of injuries; a solid role player who can cover all of the infield positions defensively.

Other invites to spring training
Catcher – Gonzalo Lucero, played last year at AAA, could probably be a back up in the majors if we didn’t have Menenders.
3B – Andres Ayala – at one time appeared to be the heir to third base, but Hamm sees him differently, has dropped to a one star rating. Ayala has questionable work ethic and is already unhappy. Has clubhouse cancer written all over it.
2B/SS – Jose Nieto – spent last season in AA, will give him some time, but he isn’t ready.

I will be looking to immediately trade Ayala, he isn’t worth the headache, I will probably be looking to bring back Greg Wilson. His defensive on the infield is too good to pass on, the perfect role player.

[Muskies]

Left Field
Gerardo Martinez (22/L/4.5* of 5*) - .314/.354/.454, 9 HR, 72 RBI. Last years NL Gold Glove winner in Left Field, no competition here. He is under club control for two more years until becoming arbitration eligible. If he continues on his current trend he will certainly be due for a big payday.

Right Field
Dave Hansen (27/L/3.5* of 4.5*) - .303/.359/.459, 17 HR, 88 RBI – Hansen is in the last year of his contract. He isn’t the best teammate in the clubhouse, but continue to put up good numbers and 2010 was his best year finishing with a WAR of 2.9

Center Field
David Chamings (33/R/4*) - .285/.363/.463, 14 HR, 41 RBI – Chamings is great when he is available, but last year he only played in 97 games for the Mallards and is becoming more injury prone. He has four more years at $17 million per year with the last year being a team option. He is going to become a head scratcher for me.

Others
Steve Shaffer (24/L/3*) - .301/.354/429, HR, 34 RBI – Currently slotted as the DH for the upcoming season. Last year he saw time in 111 games. I would expect with the fragile Chamings he will see a lot of time, Shaffer could also slide into right field in the future, his rookie contract goes through 2012.

Nolan Schaefer (22/R/1.5* of 3*) Schaefer was brought up last year due to injury, but it was probably too early, may have a shot at a backup infielder.

Sergio Morales (24/L/1*) – Morales was activated last year due to injuries to the core outfield players.

Summary

We could use another utility infielder and outfielder, but the rest of the club looks to be set. I will see what I can get for Ayala, that may fill one of the slots.

[Muskies]

Madison and Austin announced some roster changes today as the Mallards acquired 28-year-old left fielder John Thomas and 25 year old minor league second baseman Carlos Garcia from the mystics in exchange for 26 year old first baseman Andres Ayala. Representatives from both teams say they are pleased with the deal.

Thomas has a career .265 batting average and .309 on base percentage. He has recorded 243 hits with 38 doubles, 6 triples, 20 homers, 107 RBIS and scored 93 runs since coming into the league.

********

The fan’s certainly did not care for this deal, fan interest went in the tank, dropping from 96 to 91. I certainly didn’t see that coming. Thomas gives me that utility outfielder who can cover any position respectably is decent with the bat. He is also a better influence in the clubhouse. The addition of Garcia was a filler, at best will get a cup of coffee in the majors.

[Muskies]

• Mallards went 15-9 during spring training
• Most importantly we are injury free starting the season, “knock on wood”
• Alan Gilbert started 4 games and finished with a record of 1-1, 2.81 ERA, BB, and 12 K, good enough to earn the third spot in the rotation, this will bump John Barnwell back to the pen.
• Juarez had a tough spring going 1-2, 6.75 ERA in four starts
• Qi-Zhen Zhao didn’t make the squad will start the season in AAA
• Campbell went 2-0, 1.12 ERA in 4 starts with 4 BB and 16 K
• Manuel Farias earned the closer role with a .79 ERA in 11.1 IP
• Nishikawa hit 7 home runs and 5 doubles

To get the roster down to 25 I was forced to waive and DFA Orlando Vallejo, pretty sure he will be snapped up, but I need the extra pitching in the bullpen to start the season. I will be carrying 13 pitchers and 12 position players.

[Muskies]

The sportswriters have spoken and the Mallards are predicted to go 97-65 and tie Kanasas City for first in the NL Central

Other division winners are predicted as follows:

NL East – Charlotte 94-68
NL West – Mesa 85-77

AL East – Philadelphia Towers 89-73
AL Central – Chicago 92-70
AL West – San Jose 87-75

Mallard Top Players include:

2nd in NL – Katai Nishikawa - .285 and 48 Home Runs
6th in NL Pitching – Kenny Campbell -17-8, 3.70
10th in NL Pitching – Pancho Juarez -16-11, 3.68

Top Minor League Systems

Mallards have moved up to the 11th spot from 15 in the 2010

Top Prospects include

31 – Bartolo Salazer – SP – AAA
36 – Javier Tavares – CL – ML
48 – Vincent Houston – SP – AAA
49 – Allen Stephans – 1B – R

[Muskies]

“Good Morning, Kage” Mr. Stuart said as I entered his office. “You have certainly been active these last few months, and have certainly made some made some controversial decisions”.

“Yes, Mr. Stuart, I believe the decisions and moves were necessary to put the club in the best possible position. I believe there is a window here over the next couple of years to really perform.”

“Trading Aquino is a risk, he won three pitcher of the year awards and was very popular with the fans.”

“I know, I had been wresting with that decision since we moved him to the pen. The budget just didn’t support a $16 million closer and with Tavares and Farias I think we have the personnel to fill that role nicely. I must admit I was surprised at the backlash for trading Ayala, but with Ruiz and Nishikawa, he was never going to be more than a role player. I believe that the results on the field will overcome the fans skepticism.”

“Hmmm… I hope so, we have seen fan interest this low in years, I certainly hope it turns quickly or it could impact future budgets. Anyway after watching the offseason and spring training, I expect this team to have a winning season and exceed .500.”

“With all due respect Sir, if this team doesn’t qualify for the playoff’s it will be a disappointing season.”

“I like that enthusiasm Kage, keep up the good work and Good Luck! We will talk before the draft.”

This place is full of surprises, after the newspapers predicted the Mallards to tie for the best record in the ABL and flirt with a 100 win season, I would have though the expectation would be higher. Well the two things I can’t control are the two most important; play on the field and injuries….

[Muskies]

We start the season at home with three games against Baltimore.

The opening day line up will be as follows:

LF – Gerardo Martinez
DH – Steve Shaffer
1B – Katai Nishikawa
RF – Dave Hansen
2B - Matsuo Kouno
CF – David Chamings
SS – Christian Ryan
3B – Miguel Ruiz
C – Scotty Hubbard

SP – Kenny Campbell

[Muskies]

Record: 1-2, .333, 1 GB
Position: t-2nd
OBP: .255 (15th in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.60 (10th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.76 (15th in NL)
Defense: .610 (16th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 91 / Good
Power Ranking

Week (1-2 vs. Baltimore)

4/1 – MAD 8, BAL 4
WP: Varela (1-0, 0.00), LP: Leon (0-1, 7.71)
HR: Hubbard (1), Kuono (1)
POG: Kuono 2-4, R, 3 RBI – go ahead home run in the 8th inning
Campbell 7.2 IP, 5 H, BB, 4 K, no earned runs, all four runs came after a two out error on Ruiz
Ruiz thrown out of the game arguing called strikes and made contact with the ump.

4/2 – BAL 8, MAD 1
WP: Higgins (1-0, 1.00), LP: Juarez (0-1, 7.72)
HR: Malone (1), Campbell (1), Chamings (1)
POG: Higgins(BAL) – 9 IP, 5 H, ER, 8 K
Yes that is the same Albert Higgins we traded last season

4/3 – BAL 14, MAD 3
WP: Woods (1-0, 3.38), LP: Gilbert (0-1, 10.80)
HR: Campbell (2), Nishikawa, (1)
POG: Campbell(BAL) – 5-5, 4 R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR

Mallard News
- Orlando Vallejo was claimed off waivers by Dallas
Around the League

Which batters lead the ABL in WAR:

Jud Wilson, PHO, 0.6
Chris Campbell, BAL, 0.5
Doug Lawson, SF, 0.5
Fernando Sanchez, SAC, 0.5
Stanley Dais, WAS, 0.5

Next Week: 3 @ Detroit (1-2), 3 @ Mesa (1-2) , 1 vs. San Francisco (1-2) - 9 game road trip.

[Muskies]

Record: 2-8, .200, 6 GB
Position: 6th place
OBP: .357 (11th in NL)
Starter ERA: 5.62 (13th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.67 (12th in NL)
Defense: .688 (11th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 91 / Good
Power Ranking: 29 (31st in ABL)

Week (1-6) 0-3 @ Detroit, 1-2 @ Mesa, 0-1 @ San Francisco

0-3 @ Detroit

4/4: DET 8, MAD 7
WP: Jones (1-0, 0.00), LP: Tavares (0-1, 6.75)
HR: Ryan (1), Shaffer (1), Ward (2)
POG: Ryan 2-4, R, 3 RBI, HR
Mallards blew a 7 run lead in the fourth inning.

4/5: DET 1, MAD 0
WP: Wolf (1-0, 0.00), LP: MacFadden (0-1, 1.23), SV: Rivera (1)
POG: MacFadden – 7.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 BB, 5 K

4/6: DET 7, MAD 4
WP: Wolf (2-0, 0.00), LP: Campbell (0-1, 3.75), SV Rivera (2)
HR: Nishikawa (2), Ortiz (1), Lane (3)
POG: Lane 4-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR

1-2 vs. Mesa

4/7: MES 5, MAD 1
WP: Cross (2-0, 0.69), LP: Juarez (0-2, 4.76), SV: Aquino (1)
HR: Berry (1)
POG: Cross 7 IP, 7 H, BB, 2 K

4/8: MES 5, MAD 3
WP: Wade (1-0, 0.00), LP: Varela (1-1, 9.00), SV: Salazar (4)
HR: Nishidawa (3), Montoya (2), David (1)
POG: David 2-4, 4, 3 RBI, 2B, HR

4/9: MAD 5, MES 4
WP: Polledo (1-0, 7.62), LP: Steward (0-2, 7.11), SV: Farias (1)
HR: Nishikawa (4), Kouno 2 (3)
POG: Kouno 3-3, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR

4/10: SF 6, MAD 5
WP: Chaney (2-0, 3.38), LP: MacFadden (0-2, 5.11), SV: Hirata (2)
HR: Thomas (1), Kouno (4), Nishikawa (5),
POG: Borden (SF) 2-3, R, 3 RBI, 2B
Mallards were down 6-0 after 4 innings and almost came back
Martinez was injured early with a mild hamstring strain and will be day to day for 1 day

Mallard News
Ruiz did not get his first hit until the 6th game of the season


Around the league
4/4: Jacob Brantley (WAS) hit for the cycle
4/4: Joe Snow signed a one year deal with Oklahoma City for $1.9 million.
4/8: Steve Vaughn (AUS) pitched a no hitter with 5 strikes and 4 walks

Players of the Week
NL: Chris Campbell (BAL) - .714, 3 HR, 6, RBI, 7 R
AL: Jorge Lucero (CLE) - .538, 4 HR, 12 RBI

Who leads the ABL in caught stealing:
Will Webb, CHI, 3
Rafael Calderon, LA, 2
Vance Davenport, NAS, 2
Jeff Ellis, AUS, 2
Roberto Gonzales, NAS, 2

Next Week – 2 @ San Francisco (3-7), 3 vs. Charlotte (4-7), 1 @ Washington (8-3)

[Muskies]

“What the…” I exclaimed to Ms. Gruber as I shut off the TV. “Get Mr. Stuart on the phone and I need the plane to get to San Francisco. NOW!!!”

In my wildest dreams I could not have planned out a worse start to the season. I know in my heart that it is too early to panic, but this is off to a horrible start.

“Yes, Mr. Stuart, I am going to head out San Francisco tonight and meet with team and personnel.”

“I know it is early in the season, but I am not happy, we look like we have no idea what were doing.

“Thank you, and thank you for your understanding.”

[Muskies]

Record: 8-8, .500, 4 GB
Position: 4th
OBP: .329 (7th in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.76 (10th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 3.92 (9th in NL)
Defense: .701 (5th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 91/Happy
Power Ranking: (100, 10th in ABL)

Week (6-0), 2-0 @ San Francisco, 3-0 vs. Charlotte, 1-0 @ Washington

2-0 vs. San Francisco

4/11: MAD 9, SF 2
WP: Campbell (1-1, 2.84), LP: Cooley (0-2, 7.79)
HR: Thomas (2)
POG: Chamings 5-5, R, 3 RBI

4/12: MAD 4, SF 3 (10)
WP: Farias (1-0, 2.25), LP: Hirata (0-2, 8.53)
HR: Hayes (3)
POG: Doug Magnusson (SF) – 9 IP, 8 H, ER, K

3-0 vs. Charlotte

4/14: MAD 4, CHA 2
WP: Gilbert (1-1, 5.06), LP: Jackson (0-2, 3.38), SV: Farias (2)
HR: Ferguson (3), Hansen (1)
POG: Ferguson 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR

4/15: MAD 7, CHA 5
WP: Polledo (2-0, 6.98), LP: Higgins (1-2, 6.60), SV: Farias (3)
HR: Ferguson (4), Ryan (2), Nishikawa (6), Kouno (5)
POG: Nishikawa 2-4, R, 4 RBI, HR

4/16: MAD 7, CHA 6
WP: Varela (2-1, 6.00), LP: Peterson (0-1, 3.60), SV: Jennings (1)
HR: Song (3), Martinez (1)
POG: Martinez 2-5, R, 3 RBI, HR

1-0 @ Washington

4/17: MAD 9, WAS 7
WP: Tavares (1-1, 4.05), LP: Mason (0-1, 3.68), SV: Farias (4)
HR: Hubbard (2), Kouno (6), Nishikawa (7), Davis (6), Thompson (1)
POG: Nishikawa 3-4, R, 3 RBI, HR
Mallards took at 4-0 lead after two innings, only fall 7-4 by the end of the 7th inning, only to knock out 5 runs in the top of the 8th inning.

Around the league
4/14: Kansas City right fielder Robbie Ricks will miss 4 – 5 months with a broken kneecap
4/15: Tampa starting pitcher Roberto Charraria will miss 4 months with a torn labrum (Shoulder)
4/16: Dave Cline (LA) hit for the cycle
4/18: 29 year old catcher Albert Arnold was forced to retire with Post-concussion syndrome. Albert was drafted in the 2003 with the 40th overall pick by Detroit, after 8 years in the minor leagues 2011 was his first year in the big leagues, only to see his career cut short after 11 games. For the season he was hitting .268 with 2 home runs and 5 RBI.

Players of the Week
NL: Claude Boucard (AUS) - .385/.448, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 4 R
AL: Hwi-gon Kim (HOU) - .571, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R

This weeks about the league was a repeat of last week, so I will not report.

[Muskies]

“You sure lit a fire under the guys last week, Kage” said Ms. Gruber as she said down for our weekly meeting.

“A little pep talk can go a long way. I am a little nervous about the starting rotation; the offense really bailed us out in a couple of those wins. What do we have on tap for this week?”

“This week have the remaining two games with Washington (11-5) followed by 3 games at Tampa (9-7) and then we return home for 2 games vs. Phoenix. The only division match up is Tampa, who currently sits at second in our division.” replied Ms. Gruber.

“What do you have for me Hamm?”

“Well Kage, Louisville is off to a hot start this year going 6-0 in the first week. MR. Matt Hinton AAA, MR Bob Williamson A, and CL Jose Martinez A appear to be ready for promotion.”

“Already, after one week? We don’t have room on the roster for Hinton right now, but its good to know we have options. Let’s give Williamson and Martinez some more time before we start shaking things up down on the farm.”

“Good work folks let’s see if we can keep this up.”
________________

Editors note: Have a happy and safe 4th of July everyone.

[Muskies]

Record: 12-11, .522, 4 GB
Position: 4th Place
OBP: .339 (7th in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.40 (8th in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.18 (10th in NL)
Defense: .698 (6th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: (92+1) / Happy
Power Ranking: 99.0 (11th in ABL)

Week: (4-3) - 1-1 vs. Washington, 1-2 @ Tampa, 2-0 vs. Phoenix

4/18: WAS 5, MAD 3
WP: Braun (2-0, 3.09), LP: Farias (1-1, 4.91)
HR: Nishikawa (8), Soberano (4), Davis (7), Pennington (5)
POG: Juarez 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 K
Mallards had a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth and Farias allowed 3 H, 3 ER and 2 HR in 1/3 innings pitched.

4/19: MAD 8, WAS 2
WP: Gilbert (2-1, 4.30), LP: Kossan (2-2, 6.30)
HR: Chamings (2)
POG: Kouno 2-4, R, 4 RBI, 2 2B

4/20: MAD 6, TAM 4
WP: Davila (1-0, 7.50), LP: Johnston (0-1, 6.23), SV: Tavares (1)
HR: Chamings (3), Hubbard (3), Nishikawa (9), Qiao (2)
POG: Chamings 2-5, R, 2 RBI, HR (8th inning for the lead)
Again spotted let a 4 run lead slip away

4/21: TAM 7, MAD 3 (10)
WP: Myers (1-1, 1.59), LP: Farias (1-2, 8.31)
HR: Nishikawa (10), Jackson (1)
POG: Nishikawa 4-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR
Second loss in as many appearances for Farias; he allowed 4 runs in the bottom of the 10th (GRAND SLAM)

4/22: TAM 6, MAD 4
WP: Flores (3-0, 1.50), LP: Campbell (1-2, 3.86), SV: Caldwell (5)
HR: Ruiz (1), Kouno (7), Wagner (1)
POG: Kouno 2-3, R, 3 RBI, HR

4/23: MAD 13, PHO 3
WP: Juarez (1-2, 3.55), LP: Lopes (1-3, 3.99)
HR: Nishikawa (11)
POG: John Thomas 2-5, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 2B
We loaded the based twice in the seventh inning, only getting 4 runs in

4/24: MAD 4, PHO 3
WP: Tavares (2-1, 2.89), LP: Booker (1-3, 4.24), SV: Farias (5)
HR: Montgomery (2)
POG: William Montgomery (PHO) 1-3, R, RBI, HR
Farias earned the save despite allowing a home run in the 9th, his ERA has ballooned to 8.38.

Around the league
4/19: Jorge Sanchez (BOS) hit for the cycle, third cycle this season already
4/23: Stanley Davis (WAS) hit 3 home runs against Baltimore 3-4, 3 R, 7 RBI

Players of the Week
NL: Nihsikawa 13-29, 5 HR, 11 RBI
AL: Hank Miller (SJ) 8-14, 3 HR, 10 RBI

Who are the active career pitching leaders in FIP?
Steve Alexander, CLE, 2.61
Mitszuka Hirata, SF, 2.70
Tim Brown, SJ, 2.85
Dillon Lummis, -, 2.91
Maximo Hernandez, KC, 2.95

[Muskies]

“Good Morning Tina(Ms. Gruber) and Dwight, I invited Roman Ortiz (Mgr) and Francisco Robles (PC) to join us this morning to discuss some pitching staff items.”

“Tina why don’t you go ahead and start us off.”

“Very Good Kage,” said Tina, “next week we have our remaining game at home against Phoenix, looking for the sweep, followed by a day off an then 3 games at Austin (12-11), with whom we are tied with at fourth in the NL Central, then we fly home to play 3 games at Dallas. Who ever set up this schedule to fly to Austin for three games and then fly back to play Dallas at home should have their head examined.” Replied Tina.

“The Austin series start of 12 days in a row of games” Tina continued. “Also attendance for the year is pretty much on pace with last year, so far, we are .2% behind 2010 attendance.”

“The last thing that I have is that we received a call this week from Dave Hansen (RF) agent, indicating that he is ready to start talking a contract extension. He is looking for a 6 year extension for $74 million. To date Hansen is off to the best start of his career, hitting .322, it should be noted however that is OBP is an identical .322 he has only one walk this season.”

“Thank You Tina, as far as Hansen goes, it is too early to have these discussions and with Steve Shaffer playing well, he will be a natural fit to take over right field, plus he will still be on the rookie wage next year with two more arbitration years. With the current contracts to Hubbard and Chamings on the books for a couple more years, I am not prepared to add that many dollars at this point. I gave Ruiz a contract extension of that magnitude after 2009 and he has steadily declined since then.”

“Do you have anything this week Dwight?”

“Thank You, Sir, I mean Kage.” Answered Dwight. “As you know I was in Cuba for the last week and I identified a young shortstop who is worth watching. He is 16-year-old Jorge Franco, from Havana. He is a been placed in our international complex.”

“Also Hinton remains ready to step in at the major league level, and Huporkorny CL is also ready to step up. Finally Bob Williamson the closer at Single A Moreno Valley is ready to try is hand at AA ball in 11.2 innings he has an ERA 1.54 with 11 K’s. To make room I would recommend releasing Jose Vargas from AA is a 28 year old with 18 ERA and no future in the ABL.”

“Ok, Dwight let’s get it done. Thanks and keep it up.”

“I brought in Ortiz and Robles today to talk about the Closer Farias, to get their thoughts. He started out of the gate hot, but over the last couple weeks has really struggled and cost two games this last week.”

“Well,” replied Ortiz. “You have to remember that the kid is only 21 years old, and he is already in his second year the ABL. Admittedly he is a tough kid to read and determine what makes him tick. I can tell you that he is one of the best and I would stick with him. We are only 23 games into the season.”

“Ok, I will trust you. We have rebounded from the start, but I didn’t expect to be second-guessing myself so soon in the season. Alright folks back to work and thank you for your time.”

[Muskies]

Record: 17-12, .586, 1GB
Position: 3rd in NL Central (behind Columbus and Tampa)
OBP: .333 (10th in NL)
Starter ERA: 4.00 (2nd in NL)
Bullpen ERA: 4.07 (9th in NL)
Defense: .703 (4th in NL)
Fan Interest / Owner Mood: 92 / Happy
Power Ranking: (110.5 – 4th in the ABL_

Week: (5-1) - 1-0 vs. Phoenix, 3-0 @ Austin, 1-1 vs. Dallas

4/25: MAD 4, PHO 2
WP: Polledo (3-0, 5.35), Amestoy (2-3, 5.14), SV: Farias (6)
HR: Kouno (8)
POG: Polledo 8 IP, 3 H, ER, 7 K
Farias earned the save but again allowed a run in the 9th inning to raise his ERA to 8.44

4/27: MAD 5, AUS 2
WP: MacFadden (1-2, 3.69), LP: Barnes (1-2, 4.22), SV: Davila (1)
HR: Nishikawa (12), Johnston (2)
POG: Steve Shaffer 3-4, 3 RBI, 2 2B
Chamings was injured on a defensive play during the game

4/28: MAD 5, AUS 0
WP: Campbell (2-2, 3.07), LP: Cole (2-2, 4.54)
HR: Thomas (3),
POG: Campbell 8.1 IP, 7 H, BB, 5 K

4/29: MAD 3, AUS 2 (11)
WP: Farias (2-2, 7.11), Duke (1-1, 2.45), SV: Barnwell (1)
HR: Hansen (2), Hubbard (4)
POG: Moor (AUS) – 7.1 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 8 K

4/30: DAL 6, MAD 3
WP: Hodges (3-1, 2.78), LP: Bowden (0-1, 8.10), SV: McCoy (5)
HR: Cruz (1), Hansen (3)
POG: Juan Ruiz (DAL) 2-5, R, 2 RBI

5/1: MAD 8, DAL 7
WP: Tavares (3-1, 2.19), LP McCoy (0-1, 1.69)
HR: Cochran (6), Leclair (2), Hubbard (5), Nishikawa (13)
POG: Emmitt Leclair 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR
We came back down 7-1 headed into the bottom of the 8th, nice comeback victory
MR Jason Bowden was injured while pitching.

Around the league
None

Players of the Week
NL – Anthony Olson (BAL) - .567, 7 RBI, 6 R
AL – Connor Green (Ft.W) - .471, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 5 R

Who has the single season record in the ABL for OBP:
Shuichi Takeuchi, BAL, .4778, 2010
Dan Ried, -, .4753, 1991
Jarrod Caine, DET, .4664
James McWhirr, - , .4655, 1990
Dave Dunham, - , .4606, 1999

[Muskies]

“First of all let me congratulate you and the team on another great week. We have really rebounded from a rough start to the week. Unfortunately we have to include Fernando (Fernando Sanchez – Team Trainer). Tina if you would be so kind as to start off the meeting.”

“Thank you, Kage. We have a full slate of games this week wrapping up the 12 day stretch. We start the week with 1 game against Dallas (13-16), followed by 3 games at Memhpis (12-17), and wrap it up with three games at home against New York (13-16).”

“Per your request, I told Hansen that we will not be looking at any contract extensions until after the all star break, but we appreciate the job that he has been doing for us. Finally, we received a trade proposal from Houston in which we would receiving 30 year old SP Brian Brooks in return for 33 year old Scotty Hubbard.”

“That is interesting.” replied Ramon (Mgr).

“Before you go too far with that thought Ramon, it isn’t going to happen. Houston signed this Brooks to 6 year $88 million contract that goes through 2015, and is about a year away from going to the bullpen. Sounds like the Aquino contract, doesn’t it. Hubbard only has two years left on his deal after this year, and while is stats, are in decline, he is still serviceable and Extremely Popular with the fan’s. At this point the team is clicking and I am not going to mess with it.”

“It sounded tempting” answered Ramon, “but when you spell it out like that I understand your logic. That’s why you are on that side of the desk.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere Ramon”, I said, “at least while we are winning.”

“What do you have for us Dwight?”

“We’ll Kage, I spent some time in Argentina and identified a 16 year old catching prospect Raul Herrera. He has been included in International complex with the others.”

“You certainly are seeing the World Dwight, making the most of the budget. That’s good. Anything else?”

“Yes, A 22 year old SP Micheal Bass, looks ready to move up to AA, he started the season 4-0, 2.68 ERA. I think we can send down Dough Huber 26 year old in AA who is 1-3, 8.84 ERA.” Replied Dwight.

“Also on another note 2B Julio Villanueva (AA) received the Batter of the Month for Moreno by going .382, 5 HR, 18 RBI and 18 R in April.

“That’s Fantastic, let’s keep it up, and go ahead and make the roster moves in the farm system. Alright Fernando, that leaves you, what can you tell us about Chamings and Bowden.”

“Thanks Mr. Marvin. David Chamings received a knee bruise on Wednesday night against Austin, while not severe enough to warrant a DL stint it will likely keep him out of the lineup until the Friday. As you know he becoming injury prone and is slow to heal.”

“Oh, I certainly am aware of that… What about Bowden?” I asked, sadly hoping for a long DL stint to bring up a Lefty to the pen.

“Bowden has a mild shoulder inflammation and should be available by Saturday, so long as he responds to treatment.”

“All right, we can’t afford much down time among our position players, one more injury, no matter how minor may require DL time just to fill the spot.”

“Thanks team and let me know if anyone needs anything.”

“Excuse me Kage” interrupted Tina, “I forgot to mention that the April Award winners have been published. No Mallards won any awards, although I though Nishikawa had a shot.”

“Post the winners, Tina.”

April Award Winners
Best Hitter
NL - Stanely Davis (WAS) .363, 13 HR, 33, RBI, 30 R
AL – Bob Johnson (FRE) .303, 10 HR, 28 RBI, 21 R

Best Pitcher
NL – Jeff Campbell (KC) – 6-0, 1.38 ERA
AL – Bill Brewer (HOU) – 10 SV, 14K, 12.1 IP

Best Rookies
NL – Anthony Olson (BAL) - .411, HR, 19 RBI
AL – Angel Ramirea (FRE) - .327, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 16 R