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I did this last season, but started it too late. I plan to update the article as we move through the offseason. If we got one for every new division that would be pretty cool.
Porter Primer
Davenport Brawlers 93-69 (2nd Bock, 1st WC)
2012 Lost 4-3 to Carolina
Porter Primer
Davenport Brawlers 93-69 (2nd Bock, 1st WC)
2012 Lost 4-3 to Carolina
The Brawlers made their 2nd consecutive playoff appearance and continue their upward trend of 87, 91 and 93 wins the past three seasons. They eliminated their new rivals, Death Valley, with a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 9th in the Wildcard game. They followed up that dramatic win with a collapse. Leading 3-1 on defending champion and Bock rival Carolina, the Brawlers lost three straight to get bounced from the playoffs.
Who is back?
All 5 starters from one of the best rotations in baseball return. Tom Schuh, Dave Johnson, Erik Pearsall and Danny Huerta will continue to dominate IL line-ups and 5th starter Alec Bragg has one year left on his deal at 35.
The line-up faces no significant decisions and will return a core group that hits for both power and average and was anchored by SS Dave Nelson and 3B Jimmy Nash. 1B Dave Slack has blossomed into a pure hitter and should anchor a consistently productive line-up.
Who is on the fence?
One of the better bullpens in the IL, the Brawlers face some tough decisions in the bullpen. 30 somethings Antonio Romo, Jaime Lingenfelter, and Daniel De Leon were all brought in on discount deals and produced well over their cost. Will they stay or will the Brawlers look internally or to free agency to continue their bullpen success?
Who is getting paid?
Pitchers Pearsall, Ian Byrge, Travis Gerlach and hitters Nash, Slack and C Marco Herrera all are arbitration eligible. If Davenport brings them all back on arbitration deals or extends them on long term deals, they'll be limited in what they can do on the trade market and free agency. Expect these six to return. Look for longer term deals for most of them.
Who is gone?
With no large expiring contracts, team or player options, and obvious arbitration denials, the Brawlers are set to return most of their team outside of the roleplayers in their bullpen.
2013 Shopping List:
1st - Bullpen Roleplayers
Key Losses:
TBD
Key Gains:
TBD
Death Valley Scorpions 91-71 (2nd Stout, 2nd WC)
2012 Lost to Davenport WC Game
Los Alamos Amigos 54-108 (4th Bock)
Mired in a funk, the Amigos make the transition to the Porter. A 1993 BLB Championship by the furry pigs is a distant memory from another lifetime as the Amigos will pick second in the draft in 2013. With a meager 67 wins over the last 8 seasons, the fans in Los Alamos will continue to take a beating, just in a new division.
Who is back?
The rotation returns longtime starter Leo Flores and a quietly improving Chong-sik Kym. However, the rest of the rotation is a giant question mark as unknown youngsters and aging veterans will battle for the remaining spots. Tom Trottier continues to star in bullpen obscurity as young lefty set-up man Gordie Gundy emerges as a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy pen.
Tommy Van Leer continues to be a talented island in a barren ocean of hitters. Expect former superstar Zach Henne to flip-flop between 1B and 3B, as his batting average has fallen out the bottom with no protection behind him in the line-up.
Who is on the fence?
Nobody.
Who is getting paid?
Tommy Van Leer hits arbitration and the Amigos are poised to lock up their best non-pitcher with a team friendly long term deal.
Who is gone?
Overpaid veterans Tony Wences and Trent Mangus should be shown the clubhouse door.
2013 Shopping List:
1st - Trade for picks and prospects
2nd - Sign FA starters to flip at the deadline
3rd - Find a bat to protect Van Leer and Henne in the #5 spot
Key Losses:
TBD
Key Gains:
TBD
Who is back?
All 5 starters from one of the best rotations in baseball return. Tom Schuh, Dave Johnson, Erik Pearsall and Danny Huerta will continue to dominate IL line-ups and 5th starter Alec Bragg has one year left on his deal at 35.
The line-up faces no significant decisions and will return a core group that hits for both power and average and was anchored by SS Dave Nelson and 3B Jimmy Nash. 1B Dave Slack has blossomed into a pure hitter and should anchor a consistently productive line-up.
Who is on the fence?
One of the better bullpens in the IL, the Brawlers face some tough decisions in the bullpen. 30 somethings Antonio Romo, Jaime Lingenfelter, and Daniel De Leon were all brought in on discount deals and produced well over their cost. Will they stay or will the Brawlers look internally or to free agency to continue their bullpen success?
Who is getting paid?
Pitchers Pearsall, Ian Byrge, Travis Gerlach and hitters Nash, Slack and C Marco Herrera all are arbitration eligible. If Davenport brings them all back on arbitration deals or extends them on long term deals, they'll be limited in what they can do on the trade market and free agency. Expect these six to return. Look for longer term deals for most of them.
Who is gone?
With no large expiring contracts, team or player options, and obvious arbitration denials, the Brawlers are set to return most of their team outside of the roleplayers in their bullpen.
2013 Shopping List:
1st - Bullpen Roleplayers
Key Losses:
TBD
Key Gains:
TBD
Death Valley Scorpions 91-71 (2nd Stout, 2nd WC)
2012 Lost to Davenport WC Game
The Scorpions made their 6th straight playoff appearance and 7th out of 8 seasons, falling one game short in the Stout and losing to Davenport on the road in the IL Wildcard Game. The Scorpions have averaged 96.5 wins over the last 8 seasons, but have been unable to break through in the playoffs.
Who is back?
Gil Brummett returns from his late season injury and will continue to anchor a young rotation that features break out stars Dave Honea and Willie Fajardo. Longtime Robin to Brummett's Batman, Adrian Pulido will be back to hold down the back half of a rotation that includes Tyler Clarke and late season sensation Johnathon Arnholt. The bullpen remains intact, with all seven contributors - Jaimie Gruell, Fred Evers, Edgar Salazar, Jon Marrujo, Tom Bell, Pat Bryant and Jamie Nourse - all under contract.
A deep and versatile outfield unit returns for Vegas. Hector Gutierrez will continue to be counted on to anchor a veteran line-up that features established hitters Travis Anthony, Tony Garza, Dave Bryan, Masao Nara and late season acquisition Rogelio Guadamuz. Tom Cole will return and will find himself in the mix at 1B and in the corner OF spots to provide further depth.
Who is on the fence?
At this point, there don't expect to be any surprises outside the possibility of an outfielder or bullpen arm being moved because of depth and salary.
Who is getting paid?
If history is a guide, expect Travis Anthony, C Dave Richardson and Tyler Clarke to sign long term extensions. Several arbitration players such as Marrujo and Nara will most likely have to wait a season for extensions.
Who is gone?
The Scorpions will say goodbye to franchise cornerstone Danny Salcedo. As Salcedo's 5 year $85.5 million contract expires, Death Valley is expected to let the Vegas legend walk. Late season acquisitions CF Willie Garcia, 1B Rich Pena, SP Joey Bertin, C Pat Raleigh, and C Victor Alvarez are expected to be allowed to test free agency.
2013 Shopping List:
1st - SS
2nd - CF
Key Losses:
SP Sid Bourne (traded to WIL)
Key Gains:
1B Willie Rosales(acquired from WIL)
C Tyler Cohen (acquired from WIL)
California Kodiaks 75-87 (3rd Porter)
Who is back?
Gil Brummett returns from his late season injury and will continue to anchor a young rotation that features break out stars Dave Honea and Willie Fajardo. Longtime Robin to Brummett's Batman, Adrian Pulido will be back to hold down the back half of a rotation that includes Tyler Clarke and late season sensation Johnathon Arnholt. The bullpen remains intact, with all seven contributors - Jaimie Gruell, Fred Evers, Edgar Salazar, Jon Marrujo, Tom Bell, Pat Bryant and Jamie Nourse - all under contract.
A deep and versatile outfield unit returns for Vegas. Hector Gutierrez will continue to be counted on to anchor a veteran line-up that features established hitters Travis Anthony, Tony Garza, Dave Bryan, Masao Nara and late season acquisition Rogelio Guadamuz. Tom Cole will return and will find himself in the mix at 1B and in the corner OF spots to provide further depth.
Who is on the fence?
At this point, there don't expect to be any surprises outside the possibility of an outfielder or bullpen arm being moved because of depth and salary.
Who is getting paid?
If history is a guide, expect Travis Anthony, C Dave Richardson and Tyler Clarke to sign long term extensions. Several arbitration players such as Marrujo and Nara will most likely have to wait a season for extensions.
Who is gone?
The Scorpions will say goodbye to franchise cornerstone Danny Salcedo. As Salcedo's 5 year $85.5 million contract expires, Death Valley is expected to let the Vegas legend walk. Late season acquisitions CF Willie Garcia, 1B Rich Pena, SP Joey Bertin, C Pat Raleigh, and C Victor Alvarez are expected to be allowed to test free agency.
2013 Shopping List:
1st - SS
2nd - CF
Key Losses:
SP Sid Bourne (traded to WIL)
Key Gains:
1B Willie Rosales(acquired from WIL)
C Tyler Cohen (acquired from WIL)
California Kodiaks 75-87 (3rd Porter)
The only remaining member of the Porter, California plays host to three new division rivals. The Kodiaks continue their rebuild, increasing their win totals from 52 to 75 in 3 seasons. Expect the Kodiaks to build on their young talent by being active in free agency. With plenty of budget room, the Kodiaks are poised to add significantly to a talented young roster.
Who is back?
Veteran hurler Alex Mejia will once again lead a staff that includes disappointing veteran Heriberto Rocha and surprise starter Dave Porter. Mix in coming of age starters Jimmy August and Wilfredo Hernandez and the Kodiaks have the potential for a solid rotation if Rocha comes around. Star closer Jamie Crook and excellent set-up man Robby Scriber are back, anchoring the back end of a decidedly mediocre bullpen.
The Kodiaks boast one of the most exciting young line-ups in baseball. Burgeoning superstar Tom Churchill headlines a line-up of youngsters that includes SS Roberto Jaime, C Vinny Flores, and RF Ernie Arbini. All four of these youngsters are poised to take the next step in 2013.
Who is on the fence?
The biggest question for the Kodiaks is OF Geoff Dorsey. Now 29, Dorsey has been a solid performer throughout California's struggles. An unrestricted free agent, it'll be interesting to see if the Kodiaks extend the slugger or use that money elsewhere.
Who is getting paid?
Tom Churchill should get a monster first contract if the Kodiaks will pay what will surely be a gigantic asking price. Heir apparent at closer, expect Robby Scriber to be extended through arbitration and C Vinny Flores should sign a mid-level arbitration extension if the Kodiaks decide to lock him in this offseason.
Who is gone?
Kodiak legend Kokoro Fujii could see his return to the franchise he carried be at an end. With a crowded outfield full of youngsters, the Kodiaks are unlikely to bring back Fujii for anything more than a veteran minimum type of deal. Journeyman P Zack Amaral will also probably be allowed to walk.
2013 Shopping List:
1st - Top of the rotation starter
2nd - Middle relievers
3rd - 1B
Key Losses:
TBD
Key Gains:
TBD
Who is back?
Veteran hurler Alex Mejia will once again lead a staff that includes disappointing veteran Heriberto Rocha and surprise starter Dave Porter. Mix in coming of age starters Jimmy August and Wilfredo Hernandez and the Kodiaks have the potential for a solid rotation if Rocha comes around. Star closer Jamie Crook and excellent set-up man Robby Scriber are back, anchoring the back end of a decidedly mediocre bullpen.
The Kodiaks boast one of the most exciting young line-ups in baseball. Burgeoning superstar Tom Churchill headlines a line-up of youngsters that includes SS Roberto Jaime, C Vinny Flores, and RF Ernie Arbini. All four of these youngsters are poised to take the next step in 2013.
Who is on the fence?
The biggest question for the Kodiaks is OF Geoff Dorsey. Now 29, Dorsey has been a solid performer throughout California's struggles. An unrestricted free agent, it'll be interesting to see if the Kodiaks extend the slugger or use that money elsewhere.
Who is getting paid?
Tom Churchill should get a monster first contract if the Kodiaks will pay what will surely be a gigantic asking price. Heir apparent at closer, expect Robby Scriber to be extended through arbitration and C Vinny Flores should sign a mid-level arbitration extension if the Kodiaks decide to lock him in this offseason.
Who is gone?
Kodiak legend Kokoro Fujii could see his return to the franchise he carried be at an end. With a crowded outfield full of youngsters, the Kodiaks are unlikely to bring back Fujii for anything more than a veteran minimum type of deal. Journeyman P Zack Amaral will also probably be allowed to walk.
2013 Shopping List:
1st - Top of the rotation starter
2nd - Middle relievers
3rd - 1B
Key Losses:
TBD
Key Gains:
TBD
Los Alamos Amigos 54-108 (4th Bock)
Mired in a funk, the Amigos make the transition to the Porter. A 1993 BLB Championship by the furry pigs is a distant memory from another lifetime as the Amigos will pick second in the draft in 2013. With a meager 67 wins over the last 8 seasons, the fans in Los Alamos will continue to take a beating, just in a new division.
Who is back?
The rotation returns longtime starter Leo Flores and a quietly improving Chong-sik Kym. However, the rest of the rotation is a giant question mark as unknown youngsters and aging veterans will battle for the remaining spots. Tom Trottier continues to star in bullpen obscurity as young lefty set-up man Gordie Gundy emerges as a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy pen.
Tommy Van Leer continues to be a talented island in a barren ocean of hitters. Expect former superstar Zach Henne to flip-flop between 1B and 3B, as his batting average has fallen out the bottom with no protection behind him in the line-up.
Who is on the fence?
Nobody.
Who is getting paid?
Tommy Van Leer hits arbitration and the Amigos are poised to lock up their best non-pitcher with a team friendly long term deal.
Who is gone?
Overpaid veterans Tony Wences and Trent Mangus should be shown the clubhouse door.
2013 Shopping List:
1st - Trade for picks and prospects
2nd - Sign FA starters to flip at the deadline
3rd - Find a bat to protect Van Leer and Henne in the #5 spot
Key Losses:
TBD
Key Gains:
TBD
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