2017 Regular Season SIM 19 Complete - Next SIM Mon 7/25

[Carlos]

Oklahoma City pitcher Jamie Medley just finished the season at 1-13. Incredibly unlucky. Not an ace or great pitcher by any means, but 1-13 is amazing for a guy that didn't pitch that poorly.

It was a strange season for the 89'ers. First time missing the post-season since 2005. We stripped the roster of a lot of talent with promotions to AAA over the past two seasons and the A ball guys struggled when promoted to the next level.

[Pat]

Oklahoma City pitcher Jamie Medley just finished the season at 1-13. Incredibly unlucky. Not an ace or great pitcher by any means, but 1-13 is amazing for a guy that didn't pitch that poorly.

It was a strange season for the 89'ers. First time missing the post-season since 2005. We stripped the roster of a lot of talent with promotions to AAA over the past two seasons and the A ball guys struggled when promoted to the next level.

Minor league talk!

Seattle had a winning record at all minor league levels. The Triple-A roster is loaded with fringe BLB talent acquired in the expansion draft, so that's no surprise. The Double-A roster is filled with former BLB failure's who have no business being in that low of a minor league level. However, the Single-A team I'm shocked was able to pull out a .500 season considering the roster was made up almost entirely of UDFA types, until the 2017 draft class was entered.

Probably just goes to show I spend too much time tinkering in my minors while most GMs don't give two shits.

Anyone ever write minor league player of the years anymore? Now is your chance: http://www.simgamingnetwork.com/foru...d.php?p=265661

[Cory]

Our A and AA clubs both won their divisions and our AAA club sealed the wild card slot. That's what we're excited about in Windy City.

[Carlos]

Minor league talk!

Seattle had a winning record at all minor league levels. The Triple-A roster is loaded with fringe BLB talent acquired in the expansion draft, so that's no surprise. The Double-A roster is filled with former BLB failure's who have no business being in that low of a minor league level. However, the Single-A team I'm shocked was able to pull out a .500 season considering the roster was made up almost entirely of UDFA types, until the 2017 draft class was entered.

Probably just goes to show I spend too much time tinkering in my minors while most GMs don't give two shits.

Anyone ever write minor league player of the years anymore? Now is your chance: http://www.simgamingnetwork.com/foru...d.php?p=265661

Love minor league talk. Funclown hates that I love the minor leagues.

Tucson (AAA) and Little Rock (A) made the playoffs again. I'm most proud of those two because being successful at AAA means you're doing a good job scouring the waiver wire / free agency for depth guys that can help with injuries. We haven't done a whole lot of that with offense the past two seasons because we had to have room for the influx of rookies we finally promoted to the majors, but it's been a factor in the rotation for years.

Little Rock might show that you're drafting well, or ignoring high school players which come into the league with 3s and need years to mature. The Travelers have been to the post season every year since 2006, though to be fair, I'll only look at 2012 and on since the under-23 age limit was put into place.

This year, the guys finished 73-47. Third straight 70-win season (since 2012 we've won at least 69 games).

But the team was struggling at first until the draft and suddenly took off with guys like McGraw and a few new arms in the pen.

Colin Curtis is turning himself into a nice bullpen arm. Doesn't have all of the factors I look for in a bullpen arm, but he could end up being like Troy Loew with some luck.

But the minor league playoffs are the greatest crap shoot ever so there's always broken hearts when it comes to the post-season.

[mike]

(since 2012 we've won at least 69 games).

Nice

[Pat]

But the team was struggling at first until the draft and suddenly took off with guys like McGraw and a few new arms in the pen.

Ironically, my Single-A team did the opposite. After three straight sub .500 months, in the two months post draft they went 30-17. I think that was because a lot of teams put emphasis on playing their new prospects, some HS players, while I continued to rotate players around. I even switched to a 5-man rotation down the stretch and benched struggling players to try and sneak into the playoffs.

I gave #2 overall pick SP Tom "Domino" King just four games before shutting him down. He won't turn 18 until May and is 11 innings over his career high. However, he was the starter for the HS champions in the final game... If this group can make the Single-A championships, I might give King one more start.

My best "rookie" was SP Ron "Mailman" Lenini, drafted 3.2, 54th overall. He went 3-0 in eight starts, with a 2.72 ERA. Love that nickname.

[Carlos]

Nice

It's impossible to write the number 69 without knowing someone is giggling.

Ironically, my Single-A team did the opposite. After three straight sub .500 months, in the two months post draft they went 30-17. I think that was because a lot of teams put emphasis on playing their new prospects, some HS players, while I continued to rotate players around. I even switched to a 5-man rotation down the stretch and benched struggling players to try and sneak into the playoffs.

I gave #2 overall pick SP Tom "Domino" King just four games before shutting him down. He won't turn 18 until May and is 11 innings over his career high. However, he was the starter for the HS champions in the final game... If this group can make the Single-A championships, I might give King one more start.

My best "rookie" was SP Ron "Mailman" Lenini, drafted 3.2, 54th overall. He went 3-0 in eight starts, with a 2.72 ERA. Love that nickname.

Playing prospects immediately is my suspicion though I honestly haven't looked. I try to avoid that myself.

With McGraw, for example, I had him playing every 3 or 4 games so he could ease into new life in a tougher league. And I upped it as he showed improvement. Now he starts because he very clearly has shown me he can produce.

Things like this is what I enjoy most with managing minors.

[Z]

Minor league tips from Maine...

1. I try to avoid letting guys struggle. In my experience poor performance seems to negatively affect a player's long-term development.

2. Similarly, playing for bad teams seems to hurt development, too. Guys are happier when they play for a good team, and they appear to maybe develop better when they're happier. Perhaps good performance leads to better practice somehow. I don't know.

3. If I have a hole to fill on a team, I lean toward signing a borderline prospect who is already pretty developed. For example, if my single-A club doesn't have someone I clearly want to play at first base, I'll look for a 20 or 21 year old prospect who already has 4 contact and 4 power. Maybe he'll develop into something more, but even if he doesn't, he should produce exceptionally well at that level and that helps the rest of my team get to where they need to be.

4. If I can help it, I don't play a guy at a position he isn't already competent at unless (1) he's already proven he can hit well at this level of competition, and (2) learning this position would improve his chances of being a useful BLB player. Sticking a guy at a position he doesn't fit is just going to hurt his long-term future and your team's short-term results, both of which are counterproductive.

5. Don't bother with guys who obviously can't play. Take a few seconds to think about each guy. If he has 3 contact and 3 power, he can't play. If he hit .190 in college, he can't play. If he gave up 17 home runs in 30 innings as a college relief pitcher, he can't play. If he's an outfielder with 3 outfield range, he can't play, at least not in the outfield. If he's a college shortstop with 4 infield range, he's not a shortstop. Think about it. Sign (or draft) someone who at least might be able to play. Fill your minor leagues with guys who are at least maybes instead of obvious nos.

[umd]

None of our minor league affiliates made the playoffs and we don't have many OSA darlings. I do think our system is pretty stocked at all levels. In Reno (AAA) there are 8-10 players who could make the BLB roster by Opening Day 2018 based on my scout, stats, and my experience.

Starting pitchers Jimmy Maggio and Dave Stephens are both projected as top half rotation starters. Both will get September call-ups and spot starts in key games down the stretch.

As for position players, Willie Rosales may (or may not) retire a Scorpion. When he is no longer a staple in the Vegas lineup, 1B Zach Lawrence's contact, eye and speed should be a nice complement to the power bat of Jamie August. Jamie Talbot has flashed some ability to hit for average and power, though I don't project him to debut until 2019.

C Ed Lehnhoff wasn't quite ready for primetime, but he'll return in September to platoon with veteran Stephen Pierce. I expect the two to be on the Opening Day roster as Lehnhoff gradually takes over.

The future is bright at 3B where JD Harper will eventually assume Travis Kemp's role in the organization. Harper looks similar to Kemp in a lot of ways. He's demonstrated an aptitude to hit for power and play defense. He could be a DWI candidate at the BLB level and his speed on the base paths makes him more versatile than a straight up cleanup hitter.

2B Tom Ragosta will compete for a backup 2B role next season behind incumbent Travis McCrory. He's won a Glove Wizard at 2B and has hit .275 in consecutive seasons at Reno. He also will bring speed to the lineup as this version of the Scorpions should be faster and more aggressive.

Outfielders Dave Malden, JJ Stampone and Robby McGowan have all contributed with varying degrees of success this season at the BLB level. I expect all three to play significant innings in September and push for expanded roles in 2018.

A guy on the radar is SP Ed Hoffman. I don't really see him as a starter, but three plus pitches and the velocity are there to be productive in a BLB bullpen. SS JP Lanthier has the potential to be a low end utility IF at this point.

The next version of the Scorpions won't be an immediate title contender, but with some time could evolve into something special.

[Carlos]

5. Don't bother with guys who obviously can't play. Take a few seconds to think about each guy. If he has 3 contact and 3 power, he can't play. If he hit .190 in college, he can't play. If he gave up 17 home runs in 30 innings as a college relief pitcher, he can't play. If he's an outfielder with 3 outfield range, he can't play, at least not in the outfield. If he's a college shortstop with 4 infield range, he's not a shortstop. Think about it. Sign (or draft) someone who at least might be able to play. Fill your minor leagues with guys who are at least maybes instead of obvious nos.

I like this tip a lot.

Years ago before I started to really focus on the minor leagues (I guess most would say before I focused on anything in this league! ), I signed to sign. Needed a body, here you go!

But that hasn't been the case in over a decade in the system and I think the results speak for themselves.

I will say, however, that there were very unique circumstances where I'd sign a guy with those low ratings because they had great college numbers. But, so far, I haven't seen any of those guys ever develop into anything worthwhile in this league. I'm sure maybe eventually someone strikes gold (I can think of such a batter in another league I'm in who I drafted in the 8th round with poor hitting skills and has developed into a surprise Top 20 hitter) but the chances are so small you might as well not take them unless you can give away the roster spot.

With 30 spots in the minors, and smarter GMs in this league, is not as easy to find those hidden talents, so I'll still consider gambles just because you never know. River Kemp is one of those guys. He's starting now but I only did that because I eventually promoted or moved first basemen to other places/positions. He hasn't done too well, though so far Erik Averett and Joey Lussier have done decent enough jobs in their starting roles.

[Pat]

(2) learning this position would improve his chances of being a useful BLB player.

I don't think this is done enough by GMs.

Position versatility is highly valuable. I routinely see players in the BLB that are "6" or better at one defensive position but nothing higher than a "3" at any other position despite having fielding ratings to play multiple positions. GMs often draft the 3B out of college who enters the minors already a "6" at his position but don't play him anywhere else throughout his minor league career.

Examples using nameless Top Ranked Prospects:

OF John Doe #1 - He has fielding ratings of 3-3-5-2 infield and 5-5-6 OF, according to OSA. Since entering the minor leagues he has only started at LF for two years (Single-A/Double-A), same position he played all off college, where he currently rates as "5." At this point, there is almost no reason to continue playing him in LF in the minors. He is probably fully developed at "5," maybe he can get to a "6" sometime down the road. I would play him at RF and 1B going forward. Some GMs might argue, "I'm never going to play him in RF at the BLB level" or "I already have a 1B of the future" but no one knows for sure what the future will hold and all you are doing is increasing the prospects value, for your team or as a potential trade piece. Doe has the ratings to be at least a "4" at 1B and RF by the time he reaches the BLB level, probably a "5" at both. Having the ability to play three positions allows you to play different players in certain situations.

IF John Doe #2 - He has fielding ratings of 6-5-4-5 infield and 3-4-3 OF, according to OSA, and rates as a "6" at 2B, the only position he has played in two minor league seasons and in college. It looks like he is fully developed at 2B. Why not give him some reps at 1B or SS? With those infield ratings, with enough reps, he could be a "6" at 1B, easy. Or, at SS, I'm sure he could at least get to a "4". Of course, his future is at 2B and that's where he will probably start 99% of his games going forward, but having the ability to slide over to 1B or SS in case of injury or the ability to acquire another 2B, just makes sense.

I just routinely see the OF who has 6-6-5 OF ratings but at 28 years old, is a "6" in RF while he's a "3" in LF and "2" in CF, because he was played almost entirely at RF in the minors. Or the IF with 7-6-6-6 ratings and is "7" at SS, but a "3" at 2B and a "2" at 3B because "he's my SS of the future." Remember also that changing a player's position can really increase their value. If you find the 1B who is middle of the road potential at hitting compared to others at his position but he can actually play 2B or 3B even at a subpar level, he increases value.

5. Don't bother with guys who obviously can't play. Take a few seconds to think about each guy. If he has 3 contact and 3 power, he can't play. If he hit .190 in college, he can't play. If he gave up 17 home runs in 30 innings as a college relief pitcher, he can't play. If he's an outfielder with 3 outfield range, he can't play, at least not in the outfield. If he's a college shortstop with 4 infield range, he's not a shortstop. Think about it. Sign (or draft) someone who at least might be able to play. Fill your minor leagues with guys who are at least maybes instead of obvious nos.

See, I'm not sure on this one. I saw a LOT of prospects in this years draft that were only had a "3" range in the OF. What if OSA and my scout are wrong and that's actually a "4"?

Same goes for the "3" contact guy. What if OSA and your scout are just wrong? Take a look at OF C.J. Johnson on my Single-A team. My scout and OSA have him a 3 contact and 3 power (potential). However, he hit .272/.845 in college and .286/.748 so far in Single-A. He projects to a plus defender at all OF positions and has tremendous speed/base running. Do I think he's going to be a stud? No. But I do think he's worth keeping as a fringe prospect.

[umd]

Roberto Goto.

http://www.simgamingnetwork.com/blb/...ayer_7460.html

[Pat]

2B Tom Ragosta will compete for a backup 2B role next season behind incumbent Travis McCrory. He's won a Glove Wizard at 2B and has hit .275 in consecutive seasons at Reno. He also will bring speed to the lineup as this version of the Scorpions should be faster and more aggressive.

I tried to draft Ragosta in the expansion draft but didn't know that there was a limit on players drafted in the final round of one per team. Switch-hitting infielder with speed who has hit at every level. Nice player.

[Pat]

Roberto Goto.

http://www.simgamingnetwork.com/blb/...ayer_7460.html

Looking back, no matter what my scout and OSA thought of the kid, I can't believe I let him slip through my fingers. Undrafted, sat as a FA for a season, signed, cut after one game.

Look at those HS stats. Now, I know this was before feeder leagues but: .435 AVG, 32 RBI, 46 R, 14 2B in just 27 games?! Unreal.

[Z]

See, I'm not sure on this one. I saw a LOT of prospects in this years draft that were only had a "3" range in the OF. What if OSA and my scout are wrong and that's actually a "4"?

Same goes for the "3" contact guy. What if OSA and your scout are just wrong? Take a look at OF C.J. Johnson on my Single-A team. My scout and OSA have him a 3 contact and 3 power (potential). However, he hit .272/.845 in college and .286/.748 so far in Single-A. He projects to a plus defender at all OF positions and has tremendous speed/base running. Do I think he's going to be a stud? No. But I do think he's worth keeping as a fringe prospect.

There are 389 BLB hitters.

16 of them have 3 contact according to OSA.

Five of them are better than replacement level.

Only one of them has been worth >= 1 WAR.

1 out of 389.

You can play those odds, but I'll stick with the guys who have 4 contact because their chances of reaching the BLB and contributing are massively higher.