Season 36 Pre Season Power Rankings

Los Angeles Colemans

Current: 1  Last: 4

The champs return relatively intact to make their run at back-to-back titles.  Their biggest off season moves were  ponying up to resign Cecil Clark and Wellington Diaz.

Honolulu Jackwagons

Current: 2 Last: 1

The magical 115 win season was historic, but not quite magical enough to unseat the reigning NL champs.  No need to monkey with the formula, as the 'Wagons resign Melvin Rose,  Orval Moss, and most of their other free agents.  Even if they suffer a set back or two, they still should be a powerhouse.

Wichita Rocks

Current: 3  Last: 2

The Rocks repeated as NL champs, but couldn't quite grab the trophy either try.  They buy out arbitration years to keep both ace Alex Harris and slugger  Ricardo Piedra in the fold long term, as they hope third time is a charm.

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Iowa City Johnsons
Current: 4  Last: 3

The team that led the NL in runs scored and was second in runs allowed, comes back mostly intact.   Some money needed to be spent  in arbitration on the likes of William Tolberg, Hector Vizquel, and several others.  The team is built to make another run at it all.

Syracuse Barking Spiders

Current: 5  Last: 5

The Alex Dong era ends in Syracuse, but something tells me the AL East champs will be alright (although Dong is on pace for a career high 27 walks with his new team.)  The team that was fourth in the AL in pitching strengthens the staff by signing Albert Polonia,  Cesar Mesa, and  a couple other solid arms with the hopes of vaulting them to the top of the pack to make another run.

Tacoma Tornadoes

Current: 6  Last: 6

Getting Benny Molina to resign was priority number one. but coming to terms with 15 game winner Max Ugueto and 17 game winner Louie Frias were important as well.   They lost top hitting catcher Phil Rice to free agency, but were able to replace him with Silver Slugger winner Vic Shipley.   Taking care of the important business should keep them in playoff contention.

Burlington Bookworms

Current: 7  Last: 14

For the second season in a row, the 'Worms made a big splash in the free agent market, this time nabbing SS Wilt Burks.  They let pitchers Tony Jorgenson and Calvin Curtis walk, but still have plenty of solid arms.  The addition of Burks will help their run production and keep them near the top of the contenders list.

Pittsburgh Appalachians

Current: 8  Last: 8

Just a few minor moves to strengthen the bench was all that was needed this off season, as slugger Mike Christians , co Cy Young award winner Karim Izquierdo, and the rest of the NL east champs return to make another run.

Jacksonville Minutemen

Current 9   Last 7

The always active Minutemen acquired slugger  A.J. Sheffield as a free agent, and traded for starter Ryan Green  to add depth.   No doubt that the team that has made 10 consecutive playoff appearances will be in the  hunt for a championship once again.

St. Louis Sabotage

Current: 10  Last: 11

Getting Yadier Padilla to resign was the number one order of business.  A team that was in the hunt for a playoff spot for most of last season adds a couple of needed starting pitchers in Heinie Tobin and Sandy DaVanon, and a reliever in Angel Guerrero.  They should be primed for playoff contention once again.

Fargo Marlboro Men

Current: 11  Last: 22

Got to the playoff with a  sub .500 record, won a series, and went up 

2-0  in the next series before bowing out.  My bet is that the playoff team is the one that shows up this season.  They resign Benji Cortes and add a top hitting catcher in Phil Rice to try to make that happen.

Richmond Confederates

Current: 12  Last: 9

You would think the defection of a top of the rotation hurler (Perry Gonzalez is this year's victim) each season would set them back, but they just keep winning.  Solid replacements keep coming through the pipeline, keeping them serious contenders.

Santa Fe Brooks

Current: 13  Last: 13

Losing Skip Walton to free agency would devastate most teams, but the Brooks are loaded with offensive talent.   The pitching is solid as well, and they added Jeremy Sauveur to bring depth to the 'pen.   

Philadelphia Phoenix

Current: 14  Last: 15

After a couple of near misses each of last two season. the Phoenix are looking to get over the hump and into the playoffs.  They resign a couple of their own free agents, and add some big guns in Alex Crespo,  Woody Bryant and Gerald Strong.

New York Bombers

Current 15  Last 12

They lose Ossie Davis and Eric Strickland, but lock up Jacob Lemke long term. and resign Darren Bell.   We'll see what kind of an impact the loss of the two starters will have, but the core group is still very strong. 

Colorado Surf Riders III

Current: 16  Last: 10

Faded at the tail end of last season to just miss out on a playoff spot.   Even though last season was a forgettable one for Ingacio Flores, his departure could still sting a little.   They add another slugger in Norm Reynolds, and an arm in Macbeth Sosa to give the 'pen some depth.

Trenton Thunder

Current: 17  Last: 17

The Thunder is not used to not making the playoffs, now two years running.  They upgrade CF with Guillermo Baez, and add a very nice bullpen arm in Matty Simmons to try to get them back to the tournament. 

Hartford Hippopotamus Dance Party

Current: 18  Last: 16

They missed out on the playoffs last season, but look to get back by signing Calvin Curtis and trading for Joe Danks, improving their pitching and their chances.

Anaheim Arte Morenos

Current: 19  Last: 25

Needed to try to close the gap on Honolulu, and did it in a big way by signing Ossie Diaz.  and Steve Snow, and trading for Cord Hennessey.   The gap was pretty wide, but these moves will certainly make an impact.

Tampa Bay Don Cesars

Current: 20  Last: 20

Desperately needed to upgrade the offense, and traded for Kris Roenicke, Bob Westmoreland and  David Reynolds to get some punch.  Still may be not quite enough to earn a post season berth.

Durham Bulls

Current: 21   Last: 26

Made a couple of big free agent splashes with Perry Gonzalez and Fernando  Romero.  With their solid core group, these moves should put them in the mix for a playoff spot.

Scranton Rail Riders

Current: 22  Last: 19

Another team that is on the cusp of contention makes a big move.  Ignacio Flores joins a squad that has been in the hunt, but has fallen a little short.  This may be the answer. 

Charlotte Charlatans

Current: 23  Last: 21

The time is now, with Arismendy Marquez coming on board to become the difference maker.  The team has improved steadily over the past two seasons, so playoff contention looks like the next step. 

Montreal Stars

Current: 24  Last: 23

Time will tell if the losses of Romero and Burks will have an impact.  Lots of young talent coming up through the pipeline, could take them to the next level,

Texas Wildcats

Current: 25  Last: 29

Looking to shed their losing ways from the past couple seasons. the 'Cats load up on quality free agents.  John Suzuki, Skip Walton, Eric Strickland, Bonk Lincoln, and a few others come on board to try to right the ship.

Washington D.C. Senators

Current: 26  Last: 18

A team built on home grown talent had a strong second half last season.  It'll be interesting to see if the youth in the pipeline moves the team into serious contention.

Chicago Blagos

Current: 27  Last: 28

Looks like the restructuring will continue for at least another season.  Paul Barry was a nice value signing, and will play well in that park.

San Francisco Lockdown

Current: 28  Last: 24

A few value signings, like Torey Chambers and the infamous Alex Dong could be the pieces that get them over the hump.

Cincinnati Dawgs

Current: 29  Last: 31

The most likely plan is a rebuild, as they ship out Ryan Green and make only a minor acquisition in Enos Phillips.

Buffalo Blues

Current: 30  Last: 27

They improve their pitching by signing Hipolito Cordero, Frank Yosida,  Tony Jorgenson and add a great game caller is Oswaldo Roque.   This could be a turning point.

Detroit Chippewas

Current: 31  Last: 30

They sign some pitching depth in Rocky Bundy and Larry Dean to supplement the influx of rookies.   If these kids can play, we could see a quick turnaround. 

Las Vegas  Bookies

Current: 32  Last: 32

Were busy this off season reshaping most of the big league roster.  A couple wily vets (Neil Moreno, Harry Guerrero) come on board with short term deals to add depth, and they make a big move in signing Pedro Profar.  With the first two picks in this season's draft, it looks like it will all be coming together soon.

Top King Felix Hall of Fame Pitchers

King Felix has elected 30 players to the Hall of Fame in 35 seasons, and to celebrate I've ranked the best pitchers and position players in the HOF. Please feel free to argue and comment in the world chat; the more banter the merrier. The 11 pitchers are on deck, but first here are five pitchers who deserve strong consideration for the HOF next year:  Alex Torres, Sam Wilson, Pat Combs, Bruce Mullens, Stump Matheson. Consider there numbers while we look at our 11 HOF pitchers in reverse order, counting down to our No. 1 pitcher all time.

No. 11: Derrek Coleridge - Wichita Rocks -  Coleridge, arguably the greatest closer in league history, made the Hall of Fame for one main reason; saves. His 550 are the most all time and he is one of five pitchers to cross the 450 threshold. He is also one of just three southpaws in the Hall. Seven all star appearances, five Fireman of the Year and World Series ring in season 13 add to his cause. On the flip side Coleridge only played 15 seasons (second least of HOF pitchers) and threw just 744 innings in his career. After his election in season 34, it may be a while before another reliever cracks the HOF.

No. 10 Gio Hernandez - Iowa City Rounders -   A member of the greatest rotation in King Felix history (Iowa City 15-21), Hernandez benefited playing with Elrod Coke, Mullens and No. 6 on our list. The southpaw left for Colorado and watched his ERA rise and old teammates win back-to-back titles. Gio has the fewest all star appearances of our HOF pitchers, and is the only one without a ring. He still had a great career, finishing third all time in strikeouts while topping 200 in a season seven times, and threw at least 220 innings in nine of his 18 seasons. Along with Coleridge, Hernandez will be the measuring stick for future pitching HOF candidates.

No. 9 Sal MacDougal - Fargo Flockers -   MacDougal was the leader on the mound for one of the earliest King Felix dynasties, the Fargo Flockers. For 13 of 15 seasons he pitched least 200 innings, struck out 200 batters six times, and hit the 20 win mark on three occasions. Though he finally won a ring in the second half of his career (season 16) it came at the cost of a skyrocketing ERA. Only once between seasons 12 and 19 was it under 4.00, and has the highest career ERA among all Hall of Fame pitchers (4.19). However his first nine seasons was one of the greatest stretches ever and he retired as the all time wins leader, and is now second on the list (286).

No. 8 Dan Shaw - Wichita Rocks - Along with his longtime Rocks teammate Coleridge, Shaw was key in the only original remaining franchise's sole title in season 13. For a decade (seasons 10-19), he finished with no less than 200 innings, 14 wins and 3.69 ERA in all but one injury-plagued season. His eight all star teams are fourth most among pitchers, and in his title season he was named Cy Young (21-5, 229 SO, 2.79 ERA). Shaw can't go much higher in these rankings; six of the seven pitchers ahead of him have at least three Cy Youngs to his one, and all six have at least one ring. Instead he'll have to settle for the eighth best pitcher of all time, as well as the face of one of King Felix's most iconic franchises.

No. 7 Karl Hurst - Trenton Thunder -  This may be to low of a ranking for the man with the lowest career ERA among King Felix HOF pitchers (2.97). Hurst's season 23 stat line, (23-3, 1.89, 205 IP) is one of the best in league history, and one of his three Cy Young years. During the Thunder's 12-year playoff streak, Hurst had a 206-80 record, made six all star teams, and led the team to back-to-back titles in seasons 25 and 26. Unfortunately for 50below, Hurst didn't have an especially long career, and is the only HOF pitcher with less than 500 games pitched, 2,800 innings, and 2,000 Ks. Despite that, Hurst still is in the argument for best career of any pitcher after the steroid era (season 1-12).

No. 6 Clinton Puffer - Iowa City Rounders -  Another member of the GOAT rotation, Puffer is King Felix's equivalent to Nolan Ryan in terms of longevity and dominance, with back-to-back titles in 22 and 23 thrown in. He is the King Felix career leader in starts (721), innings (4,574), pitches (70,487), quality starts (453), strikeouts (3,780) and wins (314) by a wide margin. In all but his rookie and final seasons he had an ERA under 4.00, played on 14 playoff teams, and made all star teams in seasons 16 and 33, the largest gap in league history. Though Puffer was consistently great, he never won a Cy Young and never had dominate stretches like the pitchers ranked ahead of him on this list. Over 22 seasons Puffer put up numbers that may never be matched in a career, but all of the top five had stronger peaks than Puff.

No. 5 Albie Villano - Colorado Ballvalanche -  Now our list gets difficult, as Villano, one of seven 10-time all stars among all players in league history, sits at fifth. Despite playing four seasons in Colorado, Villano never had a ERA higher than 4.00, hit 20 wins twice, and led the Ballvalance to a title in season 7. Eight times in his career he topped 200 strikeouts and his 27-2 and 22-4 records in season 7 and 10 are among the best individual years for a pitcher in league history. In the twilight of his career he reinvented himself as a lights-out closer, picking up 123 saves in three seasons for Chicago along with the Fireman of the Year in seasons 15 and 16. However Villano only topped 220 innings once in a season, and had a sub 3.00 ERA three times, both least among our top five.

No. 4 Dan Stuart - Monterrey Cerveceros -  Stuart's 281 career wins are third all time, and he was a major part of the Monterrey Cerveceros titles in seasons 8 and 10. After hitting the free agent market, he won his second and third Cy Youngs with the Scottsdale Raiders, returning to the World Series in season 13. He won 20 games four times, threw at least 220 innings in 10 seasons, and is the only HOF pitcher with multiple gold gloves. Along with Hurst and our top three pitchers, Stuart is one of five HOFers with six sub 3.00 ERA season, and went 21-7 with a 2.36 in season 13. Stuart is one of just four steroid era pitchers in the HOF, one of five with multiple rings, but his 3.53 career ERA is third highest and never had a 200-strikeout season.

No. 3 Reese Hemphill - Jackson Colonels -  The Mustache cemented his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in league history, taking home three Cy Young awards and making all star teams 11 seasons apart. Ml4ku traded Hemphill from Jackson to Burlington, where he picked up his first ring in season 18. The next season Jackson signed Hemphill in free agency, riding him to a season 20 title. Mr. Stache has more 200 K seasons (9) and 220-inning seasons (12) than any other HOF pitcher, and ranks in the top five all time in compete games, innings, quality starts and strikeouts. Over an eight-year stretch The Mustache never had less than a 3.38 ERA, and went 24-3 with a 2.60 while winning the Cy Young in season 19. While is numbers are impressive, he doesn't quite crack the top two, where our most accomplished and decorated pitchers in league history sit.

No. 2 Jack Redmond - Syracuse Pyschos -  Only six players have three career Cy Young awards in King Felix history. Redmond is the only with four and made 10 all star teams, tied for most by a pitcher with Villano. Redmond topped 20 wins five times, and in eight different seasons had an ERA under 3.00, posting 2.22, 2.26, and 2.13 in three of the four last seasons of the steroid era, all for Cy Youngs. In his 14 years as Syracuse's ace the Pyschos qualified for the postseason 11 times, playing in three World Series and winning two. Only four pitchers have more career victories than Redmond (253), and he is also one of four HOF pitchers with a career winning percentage over .700 along with Hurst, Villano and our No. 1. So why No. 2 on this list? He didn't have the rings. Two are impressive, but they don't begin to come close the top HOF pitcher in King Felix history.

No. 1 Marvin Punto - New York Mets  -  It's hard to win a handful of rings. Punto was the ace on the first King Felix dynasty that won the World Series in seasons 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, and never had an ERA under 3.32 in his first nine years. Punto was the first ever NL Cy Young winner and picked up two more in seasons 6 and 8, topping 20 wins six times, most among HOF pitchers. Ironically he might not have been the best pitcher on the Mets.  Along with seasons 2-6 Cy Young winner Johnny Vernon, the duo have the two highest winning percentages among retired players in league history. When Punto left in free agency in season 7 his ERA continued to stay under 3.00 while Vernon's rose above 4.00, and Punto finished with more career wins (202 to 163) despite retiring two years sooner. Vernon for some reason is not eligible for a HOF nomination, and Punto only played 12 seasons, but that shouldn't make their accomplishments any less meaningful. Punto deserves the top spot.

Season 36 Top 25 Free Agent Signings

1. Benny Molina - Tacoma Tornadoes - asking $25./M/3, signed for $80M/4, 2B, age 33, 10 ML seasons.   Seven time all-star, 5 time Silver Slugger at 2B. Has averaged 29 HR, 93 RBI, 125 runs scored, and 57 SB's over his 10 seasons. In his season 30 MVP season, he had career highs with 45 HR 146 RBI 238 hits, 196 runs and 89 SB. Will go down as one of the World's all-time greats.

2. Ossie Diaz - Anaheim Arte Morenos  - asking $24M/3, signed for $81M/4, SP, age 35, 12 ML seasons.   Season 33's Cy Young Award winner (21-8, 2.40 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 215 K's), came on the heels of season 32, when he went 19-2 with a 2.34 ERA. Workhorse averages 222 innings per season and owns a career 3.27 ERA. Solid work ethic should keep him pitching at a high caliber throughout the life of the contract.

3. Perry Gonzalez - Durham Bulls - asking $40M/5, signed for $101.5M/5, SP, age 31, 9 ML seasons. Two time All Star averaged 14 wins and 220 innings per season. At 31, should continue his pace and has a shot to reach 200 career wins before the end of the contract. Career 3.53 ERA and 1.27 Whip

4.  A.J. Sheffield - Jacksonville Minutemen - asking $10.4M/2, signed for $26.3M/4, COF/1B age 34, 13 ML seasons. 420 HR and 1257 RBI in his career, the veteran is still going strong, blasting 29 HR and hitting .298 last season. Savy baserunner added a career high 14 steals to his arsenal last season.  

5. John Suzuki - Texas Wildcats - asking $9.6M/2, signed for $10.5M/2, COF, age 36, 13 ML seasons.  The  10 time all-star, 12 time Silver Slugger, 2 time WS champ is a sure-bet Hall of Famer. Has lost some of his HR power, but still smacked 43 doubles last season while posting a .818 OPS. 450 HR's, 1525 RBI and 368 SB's for his career..

6. Ignacio Flores -  Scranton Rail Riders- asking $13M/2, signed for $57.4M/3, SP, age 36, 12 ML seasons.   Coming off a rough season 35, but all bets are that he will be back on track for another typical season this year. The veteran has a career 3.42 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, and averages just under 200 innings.

7. Yadier Padilla - St. Louis Sabotage - asking $29M/5, signed for $40.4M/5, RF, age 28, 6 ML seasons. Hitting FA in his prime, the 28 year old professional hitter has a career .290/.363/.447 slash line while playing a solid RF.     

8. Skip Walton - Texas Wildcats - asking $16.8/3, signed for $22.8M/3, 1B, age 34, 12 ML seasons.   You can pretty much pencil him in for 20 HR, 100 RBI, and 25 SB's every season with an OPS in the neighborhood of .850. The 3 time All-Star is pure offensive production.

9. Arismendy Marquez - Charlotte Charlatans - asking $27M/4, signed for $44M/5, CF, age 28, 5 ML seasons. Isn't going to get on base much, but  has some pop in his bat. Averages 22 HR and 18 SB's per season, but his real value is in center, where he averages 8.5 plus plays per 162 games..

10. Bonk Lincoln - Texas Wildcats  - asking $4M/1, signed for $4.1M/1, 1B age 36, 16 ML seasons.  Still raking at 35, as witnessed by his .847 OPS last season.  Had 21 HR and 24 SB as well. The old man still knows how to produce..

11.Hipolito Cordero  -Buffalo Blues  - asking $25m/4, signed for $45.1M/5, RP, age 27, 5 ML seasons.   Rubber-armed sinker baller is prone to inconsistency, but averaged over 100 innings per season. Is capable of repeating 32's all-star campaign, when he posted a 1.14 WHIP and 2.59 ERA..

12. Calvin Curtis -Hartford Hippopotamus Dance Party  - asking $7.6M/2, signed for $2.4M/1, SP/RP, age 36, 13 ML seasons.   Throw out season 33's absurdity, and he's been a solid contributor over the past six seasons. Was an All-Star in 31 when he posted a 2.06 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 140 innings.

13.Wilt Burks  - Burlington Bookworms - asking $23.6M/4, signed for $39.5/5, CF, age 30, 7 ML seasons. Three time Gold Glove winner in center; has enough offensive skill to justify playing every day in the OF, but would bring above average production at SS.

14. Jeremy Sauveur - Santa Fe Brooks - asking $15M/3, signed for $5.8M/2, RP, age 31, 5 ML seasons.   Season 34 brought him an all-star berth and the Fireman of the Year award. Has averaged 35 saves over the past four seasons, but perhaps his best season was 31 as a set up man, throwing 122 innings out of the pen with a 1.27 WHIP and a 2.80 ERA. 

15. Gerald Strong -Philadelphia Phoenix  - asking $6M/2, signed for $6M/2,  RP, age 36, 12 ML seasons. Eight years with 25+ saves, including 40 out of 42 in his incredible season 33 when his WHIP was 0.90..

16. Reagan Anderson - Jacksonville Minutemen - asking $3.6M/1, signed for $2.8M/1, RP, age 34, 12 ML seasons. Has established himself as one of the league's top set up men over the past 4 seasons.   Has a WHIP under 1.20 while averaging 76 innings over that span.

17. Casey Adams- Pittsburgh Appalachians - asking $9.6M/2, signed for $3.2M/2 COF age 34, 12 ML seasons. 4 time All-Star and 5 time Gold Glove winner in CF.  His days of playing an effective center are probably over, but his ability to get on base and his outstanding defense at a corner still makes him a productive player.

18. Esmailyn Pizzaro - Tampa Bay Don Cesars - asking $4M/1, signed for $3.3M/2, SP/RP, age 30, 3 ML seasons. Back to back solid seasons out of the SF pen (1.23 WHIP). Valuable trend of keeping the ball in the yard, only 9 HR allowed in about 150 combined innings past two seasons.   

19. Alex Crespo - Philadelphia Phoenix - asking $15.6M/3, signed for $15.6M/3, COF age 33, 13 ML seasons.  Solid offensive player, Career .283/.363/.461 slash line, 2 all-star appearances, including season 30 when he hit .334 with 35 HR and 128 RBI

20. Woody Bryant - Philadelphia Phoenix - asking $29.5M/4 , signed for $29.6M/4, INF, age 31, 9 ML seasons. Two time Silver Slugger at short; averages 20 HR and 78 RBI, but is a defensive liability. A move to the hot corner is probably the best bet, and his productivity is still above average for the position. 

21. Steve Snow  - Anaheim Arte Morenos - asking $32.3M/5, signed for $30.7M/5, COF, age 30, 10 ML seasons.   His all or nothing approach makes him wildly inconsistent, but he is capable of a 30+ HR/100 RBI season, as he does have a couple on his resume, including season 33's career year.   Rare combination of raw power and blazing speed.

22. Benji Cortes - Fargo Marlboro Men  - asking $11.6M/2, signed for $19.5/3, SS, age 32, 10 ML seasons.   The gloveman has played all over the diamond in his career, winning a Gold Glove as a CF in 31. Can probably still play SS and give you good production for the position, but would be in the running for another fielding award elsewhere.

23.Ray Griffith  - Tacoma Tornadoes - asking $8.4M/2, signed for $2.8M/2, 1B age 29, 8 ML seasons. Coming off a sub par season, but you pretty much know the steady production you will get; career .283/.362/.452 slash line with little variation year to year,

24. Vic Shipley - Tacoma Tornadoes  - asking $4.6M/1, signed for $1.5M/1, C, age 30, 4 ML seasons. Last season's NL Silver Slugger, with a  .290/.346/.406 slash line. Knocked in 85 runs. Throws out 37% of base stealers for his career.

25. Eric Strickland - Texas Wildcats - asking $11.2M/2, signed for $13.2/2, SP, age 32, 7 ML seasons. Career journeyman coming off back to back productive seasons. 14-10 with a 3.34 ERA and 1.23 WHIP last season. .