Season 38 Pre Season Power Rankings

Honolulu Jackwagons

 Current: 1  Last: 2

Biggest Acquisition:  William Berger and Ben Perez sign big contract extensions to keep the winning formula together.

Biggest Loss: Eswalin Osuna's role had been reduced, but he scored more than 100 runs two seasons ago.

 

Wichita Rocks

 Current: 2  Last: 1

Biggest Acquisition: Ace Brent Davis took a hometown discount to resign with the Rocks for a chance to win a ring.
Biggest Loss: Brace Acquilino is not a big name, but had a valuable role in the pen.

Burlington Bookworms

Current: 3  Last: 3

Biggest Acquisition: Andrea Sheffield arrives to nail down the close ones.

Biggest Loss: Wasn't in the team's plans, but Chico Jiminez's talent is undeniable.

Los Angeles Colemans
Current: 4  Last: 5

Biggest Acquisition: Youngster Erv George brought in to fill the shoes of Andrea Sheffield.

Biggest Loss:  Goose King disappointed after his arrival last season; gets jettisoned to Texas.

Iowa City Johnsons
  Current: 5  Last: 6

Biggest Acquisition: Hoping Henderson Carter can stay on the field enough to close games regularly.

Biggest Loss: Decent bench bat Pepe Ordaz was the odd man out.

Charlotte Charlatans

Current: 6  Last: 13

Biggest Acquisition:  The trade with DC brings Sal Newman to the rotation

Biggest Loss:  Swingman Damaso Calvo ate innings and won 25 games over the past two seasons.

Montreal Stars

Current: 7  Last: 11

Biggest Acquisition: Vet catcher Miguel Gutierrez  expected to add to an already formidable offense.

Biggest Loss: Andres Rivera won 50 games over the past four seasons.

Santa Fe Brooks

Current: 8  Last: 8

Biggest Acquisition: Jose Leon signs a big FA contract to join the Brooks.

Biggest Loss: Shortstop Archie Tomlinson gets a free agent deal with Pittsburgh.

Richmond Confederates

Current: 9  Last: 9

Biggest Acquisition: Kiko Cust, who had a nice season last year in Jacksonville, comes on board.

Biggest Loss: Good hitting 2B Caleb Cowgil leaves to sign a deal with NY.

Detroit Chippewas

 Current: 10  Last: 4

Biggest Acquisition: Three time Silver Slugger Kevin Hetteberg acquired to man the middle of the line up.

Biggest Loss: Solid role player Darrell Connor gets signed away by Jacksonville.

Tacoma Tornadoes

Current: 11  Last: 10

Biggest Acquisition: After testing the market, former All-star CF Harry Flores comes back.

Biggest Loss: On the strength of his 9-1 season out of the pen, Harry Galvez get a big contract with Toledo.

Cincinnati Dawgs

Current: 12  Last: 12

Biggest Acquisition: Frank Burke brings the speed dimension to the Cincy line up.

Biggest Loss: Couldn't come to terms with slugging 3B Alvin Hundley.

Washington D.C. Senators

Current: 13  Last: 14

Biggest Acquisition: Daniel Keppinger is brought in to add depth.

Biggest Loss: Bullpen arm Ken Drese was the odd man out in a crowded pen.

Pittsburgh Appalachians

Current: 14  Last: 17

Biggest Acquisition: Youth movement begins with the signing of John Koh.

Biggest Loss: Two time Gold Glove winning 3B Brad Fielder get signed away.

Scranton Rail Riders

Current: 15  Last: 7

Biggest Acquisition: Young hurler Enrique Paredes is signed to add depth to the rotation. 

Biggest Loss: Pablo Figureoa gets a big contract with Tampa.

Fargo Marlboro Men

Current: 16  Last: 19

Biggest Acquisition: Armando Blanco brings speed and defense to the Fargo line up.

Biggest Loss: Veteran Otis Sparks gets a new deal with Toledo.

Colorado Surf Riders III

Current: 17  Last: 21

Biggest Acquisition: Chico Jiminez gets signed to add speed and defense to the Riders' attack.

Biggest Loss: They lose closer Ivan Guzman to a big free agent deal to Santa Fe.

Philadelphia Phoenix

Current: 18  Last: 15

Biggest Acquisition: Oleg May comes on board as a more cost efficient option to Rico Guerrero.

Biggest Loss: Swingman Rico Guerrero had a nice run in Philly before bolting as a free agent.

Texas Wildcats

Current: 19  Last: 20

Biggest Acquisition:  Goose King should get back to scoring 100-plus runs hitting on top  of the Texas line up.

Biggest Loss: Starter Johnny Wilk gets signed away by Colorado.

Tampa Bay Don Cesars

Current: 20  Last: 25

Biggest Acquisition: Pablo Figureoa signs a big contract to become their ace.

Biggest Loss: Cesar Iglesias becomes victim of a youth movement.

Durham Bulls

Current: 21  Last: 26

Biggest Acquisition: Power hitting catcher Nigel Bryant gets signed.

Biggest Loss: Gorkys Pineda saw his role diminish and became expendable.

New York Blues

Current: 22  Last: 23

Biggest Acquisition: Sandy Perez tests the market, but decides he like New York just fine.

Biggest Loss: Reliever Frank Yosida saved 35 games two seasons ago.

Anaheim Arte Morenos

Current: 23  Last: 22

Biggest Acquisition: Trade brings Heinie Tobin, who won 24 games over the last two seasons.

Biggest Loss: Edward Jeffries has been declining, but had a few nice seasons for Anaheim.

Syracuse Barking Spiders

Current: 24  Last: 18

Biggest Acquisition: Shelley Dorsey is a nice value signing to compliment the youth movement.

Biggest Loss: Arthur Walton becomes too rich for the Syracuse blood.

Toledo Mud Hens

Current: 25  Last: 28

Biggest Acquisition: Lots of nice signings, but Alvin Hundley should have the biggest impact.

Biggest Loss: Middle of the order thumper Kevin Hatteberg gets traded to Detroit.

Jacksonville Minutemen

Current: 26  Last: 24

Biggest Acquisition:  Jonny Yerkes comes over from Chicago via trade.

Biggest Loss: Catcher Miguel Gutierrez not in their long term plans.

Chicago Blagos

Current: 27   Last: 31

Biggest Acquisition: Jerry Winchester should thrive in the Windy City after coming over in a trade.

Biggest Loss: Jonny Yerkes was the bait to land Winchester, a deal should work well for both clubs.

San Jose Sea Slugs

Current: 28  Last: 16

Biggest Acquisition: Some very good value signings with Horacio Deleon helping shore up the line up.
Biggest Loss: Lots of movement, but the biggest piece traded is probably Sam Henry.

New York Bombers

Current: 29  Last:  30

Biggest Acquisition: Ace Ismael Martin decides to stick around and see the rebuild through.

Biggest Loss: Slugger Hector Marmol get signed away.

Las Vegas  Bookies

Current: 30  Last:  29

Biggest Acquisition:  They acquire young hurler Ken Drese from DC.

Biggest Loss: Pedro Profar needed a change of scenery.

Trenton Thunder

Current: 31  Last: 32

Biggest Acquisition: Cesar Iglesias comes on board to play 2B.

Biggest Loss: Horacio DeLeon wasn't a good fit for the rebuild.

San Francisco Lockdown

Current: 32  Last: 27

Biggest Acquisition: Brace Acquilino signed to lock down games for the Lockdown.

Biggest Loss: Harold Durham leaves spacious San Fran for Colorado.

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Where Are They Now-Season 33 IFA's

We'll be looking at the Top 10 International Free Agents from Season 33 based on dollars spent.  Where are they now and what have they done so far?  Were the big bucks worth it?  We'll also be highlighting a player who was a value pick.


10. Francicso Estrada  DH/C, Fresno Falcons, 7.5 M.  Traded to Burlington in Season 34.  Did well in the minors with 2 All Star appearances, a Silver Slugger, and the HiA MVP in Season 35.   Was part of Burlington's World Series team last season, but had a shaky start in the majors, hitting .222 in 72 AB.  Was recently demoted to AAA.

9.  Geovany Machi  2B, Scranton Rail Riders, 7.5 M.  He's moved around  a bit in a short time.  He's won two SS and made an All Star appearance in the minors.  Was a Rule 5 selection by Detroit in season 37.  Only hit .233 in 49 games last season, but was a perfect 10-0 in stolen base attempts. Recently traded to Toledo and is now in AAA.  Still has the long term potential to be a solid role player and quality base stealer.

8.  Fernando Cruz  3B, Cincinnati Big Red Machine, 10.3 M.  In Season 35 was a AA All Star, All Star MVP and Silver Slugger.  Only hitting .215 in two ML seasons, but has produced 47 homers.  At age 23, his best seasons are still ahead.

7.  Paul Ishikawa  P, Boise Shock, 10.5 M.  Ishikawa wins the Deja Vu Award.  Was traded by LA to Santa Fe in Season 34, then was traded back to LA in Season 37 as part of the deal that sent Cecil Clark and Rich Wright to Santa Fe.  He had a great rookie season, going 16-7 with a 1.19 WHIP and 3.74 ERA.

6.  Vinny Wanatabe  P, Cleveland Clumsy Pelicans, 12.8 M.   Quietly developing into a very good pitcher for Charlotte.  In 2 seasons, he's gone 15-10 with a 1.29 WHIP and 3.82 ERA.

5.  Kosuke Sakamato  P, Cleveland Clumsy Pelicans, 17.8 M.  Another nice pitcher for Charlotte.  Was a AA All Star in Season 35.  Had a very good sophomore season in 37, finishing 12-4. 

4.  Jorge Macias  RP, Wichita Rocks, 18.1 M.   It's closing time.  Outstanding signing by barjaz.  After hanging around the minors for about ten minutes, Macias has been an All Star for four consecutive seasons and has won Fireman of the Year for three consecutive seasons.   Has saved 179 of 192 attempts with a 1.29 WHIP and 2.84 ERA.

3.  Francicso Melian  RP, Hartford Whalers, 19.5 M.  Another great closer.   Melian was an All Star in Season 37, converting 41 of 49 attempts with a WHIP of 1.16.

2.  Vicente Vasquez  1B, Santa Fe Brooks, 24.6 M.  Worth every penny so far.   In three ML seasons, he's averaged 47 HR, 134 RBI, .308 avg, .990 OPS.  Won ROY in Season 35 and was an All Star in Season 37.   Likely has an MVP or two in his future.

1.  Takuya Wang  P, Philadelphia Phoenix, 27 M.  Went straight to the Bigs at age 20.  No awards yet, but has great stuff.  Has put together a record of 35-27 with a 1.20 WHIP and 3.63 ERA.



Finally, the Kmart Blue Light Special Award goes to RP Julio Sosa.  He was signed by the Boise Shock for a mere 670 K.  Was a AAA All Star in Season 36, and had a very solid rookie season with LA as a setup man, finishing with a 1.20 WHIP and a 3.21 ERA.

Season 38 Top Free Agent Signings

1. Andrea Sheffield – Burlington Bookworms - RP – age 30, 9 ML seasons. Asking $19.5M/3, signed for $60M/5. Four time All-star, three time Fireman of the year. No doubt the top arm on the market. 99 saves over the past two seasons, 324 for his career. A ridiculous 0.91 WHIP the last two years combined.

2. Yorvit Rodriguez - Texas Wildcats – 3B/OF – age 34, 13 ML seasons. Asking $10M/2, signed $17.5M/3.  Tremendous all-around player during his prime. Six time All-star, three time Silver Slugger. Won a GG at 3B. .913 career OPS. 420 career HR and 324 career SB's.

3. Jose Leon – Santa Fe Brooks - SP – age 33, 12 ML seasons. Asking $13.5M/2, signed for $98.5M/5. Two time All-star went 43-22 over the past three seasons with an ERA under 3.00 and a WHIP under 1.20. He's a workhorse to boot, with ten seasons with 200-plus innings.

4. Pablo Figureoa – Tampa Bay Don Cesars - SP – age 33, 9 ML seasons. Asking $13M/2, signed for $100M/5. Back to back 17 win seasons in 35 and 36, with 14 complete games. Career 1.21 WHIP and 3.77 ERA. Averaged 232 innings in his eight full seasons as a starter.

5. Miguel Gutierrez – Montreal Stars - C – age 35, 13 ML seasons. Asking $4.4/1, signed for $3.8M/1. Three time All-star, and four time Gold Glove winner. After a rough season 36, he bounced back nicely to the tune of an .838 OPS with 28 HR and 85 RBI, earning another contract. Has thrown out 37% of would be base stealers in his career.

6. Alvin Hundley – Toledo Mud Hens - 3B – age 28, 6 ML seasons. Asking $18M/3, signed for $19M/3. Found the right landing spot last season in Cincinnati, where he put up a .302/.344/.577 slash line in Great American. Belted a combined 38 HR between Cincy and Burlington, with 102 RBI.

7. Chico Jimenez – Colorado Surf Riders III - INF/OF – age 28, 6 ML seasons. Asking $31M/4, signed for $41M/5. – Can play pretty much anywhere on the diamond and with his .740 career OPS, his value will be determined by the position he gets assigned. Coming off consecutive sub par seasons in the graveyard in Burlington, the bet is that we see a boost in offensive production, especially if he's allowed to run more.

8. Taijuan Hughes – Tampa Bay Don Cesars – OF – age 31. 6 ML seasons. Asking $19M/3, signed for $19M/3. Top of the order run producer has won two Silver Slugger Awards in CF. Has averaged 72 SB's per season in his career, with an incredible 88% success rate. Averages just under 100 runs scored per season.

9. Cesar Iglesias – Trenton Thunder- 2B/OF – age 31, 9 ML seasons. Asking $20.4M/4, signed for $8.8M/2. Owns a disappointing .709 career OPS, but may be a late bloomer at the plate. He did have his best season in 36, with an .817 OPS with career highs in HR (19) and RBI (73.) He needs to replicate his best seasons and stay in the infield to add proper value.

10. Albert Walsh -Texas Wildcats - SP- age 34, 10 ML seasons. Asking $18M/3, signed for $15.3M/3. The guy who knows how to help himself comes back home to Texas. The five time Gold Glove winner has a 3.95 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP for his career, playing mostly in hitter friendly Arlington.

11. Harold Durham – Colorado Surf Riders III - SP – age 30, 7 ML seasons. Asking $24M/4, signed for $30.3M/5. Doesn't have the won-loss record to support it, but has been very steady throughout his career, with a 3.81 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. Has five seasons with 200 or more innings.

12. Placido Sierra – Toledo Mud Hens- OF/1B – age 33, 9 ML seasons. Asking $10M/3, signed for $9.9M/3. He should still produce at an .800+ OPS pace in the right situation. Has made an All-star team, and has five seasons in which he had an OBP of .380 or better.

13. Sandy Perez – New York Blues- OF - age 28, 7 ML seasons. Asking $23.5/4, signed for $26.2M/4. Had his breakout year last season, and at 28, is just coming into his prime; had a .319/.372/.486 slash line.  He may not be an elite defensive CF'er, but can probably hold down the job for the life of the contract.

14. John Koh – Pittsburgh Appalachians - INF/OF – age 25, 1 ML season. Asking $30.5M/5, signed for $30.5M/5. Defensive whiz can play anywhere and is just coming into his prime. In limited big league action, he owns a .854 OPS, and belted 20 HR in only 388 AB's in season 36. High risk, but intriguing nonetheless.

15. Ivan Guzman – Santa Fe Brooks - RP – age 31, 8 ML seasons. Asking $8M/2, signed for $35M/5. Saved his career year for his walk season; 1.03 WHIP and 3.21 ERA , 17 for 17 in save opportunities...all while pitching in Coors Field. Won't be able to give you a lot of innings, so closer may indeed be the role that's most suitable.

16. Farmer Torres –Tampa Bay Don Cesars -  RP - age 38, 14 ML seasons. Asking $2.6M/1, signed for $1.5M/1  The old man is just two seasons removed from a season in which he saved 31 out of 34. Has 234 career saves, but his best seasons were perhaps the ones in San Diego as a set up man. Two All-star berths in his career.

17. Arthur Walton – Santa Fe Brooks - RP – age 28, 5 ML seasons. Asking $27M/5, signed for $27M/5.  Has mostly underachieved to this point, but has two seasons with 35+ saves.   He is a two time All-star, and had a stellar season 36 in which he posted a 2.79 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in 126 innings

18. Caleb Cowgill – New York Bombers - 2B/OF- age 31, 8 ML seasons.  Asking $20M/4, signed for $19.6M/4.  Above average production for a middle infielder; averaged 23 HR, 32 doubles and 75 RBI per season. But he will most likely have to move to a corner outfield spot, where his numbers become more ordinary.

19.  Hector Marmol – Tampa Bay Don Cesars -  OF – age 33, 13 ML seasons. Asking $9.6/2, signed for $2.5M/2   He's been an All-star twice, but has not been able to recapture his most productive seasons in Chicago. His sporadic nature makes him a good candidate to bounce back from the last two sub-par seasons. Has 354 career homers and 190 career steals.

20. Otis Sparks - Toledo Mud Hens - OF – age 35, 11 ML seasons. Asking $4M/1, signed for $4M/1. His two skills have always been his ability to get on base (.371 career OBP) and his outfield defense (3 Gold Gloves.) But his lack of power and speed, and now his diminishing range, make him a role player at best, albeit a pretty good one.