Tweet
thedailykeg_360.png
(AP)
The race for the 2032 Brewmaster's Cup is on. Here are the preseason predictions brought to you by the Daily Keg. Last season we saw Maine take a wildcard birth and make it three straight seasons the underdog (if you can call a GM with four titles that) went all the way and captured the elusive Brewmaster's Cup. This season with the new 5-7-7-7 playoff format the road to the title might be a little harder for those wildcard teams as GM's might fight even harder for that first round bye and home field advantage in the Divisional series.
Season Standings
Ale
x Maine
z Hartford
z Wilmington
Pittsburgh
Syracuse
Pawtucket
Maine once again trots out the best starting pitching staff in the Domestic as they win over 100 games thank to Kevin Alston and Dave Short who each win 18 games a piece. On offense Turell 'Two Ton' Morris only hits 50 home runs this season but they still finish 2nd in the DL in that category as Dave Tibbs, Akiyuki Kimura, and newly acquired Ian Harris all hit over 25 each. Hartford takes the wildcard after getting swept by Maine in the final series of the year. Bash brothers Ron Hutchison and Pat Walton combine to hit 90 home runs, drive in 225 runs, and account for an amazing +15 WAR. Wilmington takes the final wildcard spot as Kaleb Purvis becomes the star they thought he could be and wins 17 games with a 3.40 ERA while J.J. Plumley tallies 50 saves with a 2.25 ERA. On offense Micah Gordan provides the power with a 30 HR, 125 RBI season while Jaime Rush hits .360 and steals 69 bases. Pittsburgh realizes that even after an expensive stadium remodel in the off-season that it had nothing to do with the ballpark and their pitching was just bad all along, and they collapse down the stretch and blow a late wildcard lead. Syracuse wins 81 games as Pat Moore wins 19 games and Tommy Davis hits 45 home runs but it just isn't enough. Pawtucket continues to rebuild but Xavier Landress hits over .300, cranks out 31 home runs, and drives in 100.
Lager
x Miami
z Indianapolis
z Montreal
New Orleans
Santo Domingo
Toronto
Miami finally got rid of one Xavier at first base and brings in another, Xavier Mitchell who leads the team by hitting .305 with 35 HR's and 95 RBI's. Pitching wise they are 2nd in the DL in starters ERA as Louie Ruetter, CJ Bruno, and Nigel Wilson win a combined 45 games and anchor the staff. Indianapolis sandwiches newly acquired Ron Snider between youngsters Pat Branum and Fred Fallon and sprinkles in a little Jimmy Edge and boom...you have an offense that scores the 2nd most runs in the DL. Add in Pale Ale winning starter Donny Brunke who goes 18-4 with a 2.40 ERA and Indy is back in the postseason for the 1st time since 2026. Santo Domingo, Montreal, and New Orleans finished 1-2-3 last season in the Lager. This year in a battle of attrition only the Exports reach the postseason even though Santo Domingo unveils one of the more impressive rosters on paper with Stout Slugger Ian James and New Orleans signed two huge FA pitchers in Enrique Bernardi and Fredrick Wilson. Unfortunately for the Rum Runners and Dukes it appears that old man Dave Teel shows his age and Wilson realizes he isn't playing in Mexico anymore...and they both fall just short. Toronto, like Pawtucket, continues to bide their time and build through the draft. The Dylan Owens slide continues as he hits .240 with 15 HR's and 24 year old GIl Higgins takes over as the star by hitting .310 with 30 HR's.
Stout
x Washington
z New York
z Baltimore
Philadelphia
Batavia
Carolina
The Bats unveiled a new logo and new uniforms but they are still the same ol' Bats, which is great news for their fan base as this is the year they win their first Brewmaster's Cup since 2012. With Pale Ale winner Pat Arballo leading the charge and winning 20 games they also feature Dave Theisen and newly acquired Jacob Stokes while getting back Pieter van Westen from injury. Add in closer Fenton Soto who records 52 saves and the Bats lead the Import in runs allowed. On offense Justin 'Ant' Babbage plays his first full season in the BLB and hits .305 while stealing 55 bases and plays both center field and second base. With Jamie Nickerson and Rory Smith pounding home runs they finish 2nd in the IL in runs scored and easily win over 100 games. New York features the most explosive offense in the IL as every single player in their lineup reaches double digits in home runs while the middle of the lineup featuring Alpha McCormick, Josh Wright, and Chris Pineda smash a combined 110 dingers while driving in over 250 runs. They also have Pale Ale runner up Pat Schick who wins 17 games with a 2.70 ERA. Baltimore rebounds from last seasons disaster to win 86 games as Josh Sanders becomes the face of the franchise when he hits .275 with 35 HR's and 100 RBI's. Free agent signee Erik Ward from Miami also thrives in Baltimore's park and hits 30 HR's while driving in 75 runs. Pitching wise they struggle but they do just enough to get back to the playoffs. Philly added Manabu Hamada, Jarrod Peacock and Ivan Sepulveda this off-season and recently signed catcher Landon McClelland who split time between Seattle and Baltimore last season. The question is can they all meld together soon enough to keep up with Washington and New York. We think it might take a bit and that will hurt them in the end. Batavia continues the Hoon 'Yard Man' Park tour after signing him last season, watching him earn his 5th All-Star appearance, then trading him to Philly for prospect Jimmy Brabec. Sadly he broke his elbow and missed the postseason but the Red Jackets still have faith as they signed him again and will pay $37 million over two years. Fans can't grumble too much though about the recycling as Batavia's minor league system is stacked and this team is on the rise. Carolina, like Toronto, is rebuilding through the draft. They do have two time All-Star Robby Brainard though who should earn his 3rd appearance and hit .315 with 32 HR's on the year.
Bock
x Seattle
z Phoenix
z California
Los Angeles
Denver
Windy City
The Pilots are back on top as a late surge in FA got them Bill Roman and Jaime Stone who combine to win 25 games and post 3.25 and 2.90 ERA's respectively. Meanwhile Johnny Swope continues to be the best third basemen in the game as he hits .310 with 40 HR's and 110 RBI's and posts another 7.0 WAR season. Throw in Nehemiah Daniel and Jimmy Jeff's who each hit over .320 and Seattle leads the IL in average and on base percentage and walks away with the division. Upstart Phoenix starts to make a move after years of suffering. With a new active GM and a farm system that is ready to produce they secure the wildcard after Manny Quezada hits .275 with 50 HR's and Dusty Schmidl wins the Stout Slugger after hitting .350 with 35 HR's while locking down short stop. California is the surprise of the season as they made enough quiet late season and then off-season moves to sneak into the last wildcard spot. Dusty Figueroa hits .300 and steals 50 bases, Alex Santiago hits .285 with 25 HR's, Sayid bin Sariyah hits .275 with 20 HR's and Mike Morla rebounds with his new teammates and bats .300 while cranking 30 HR's and driving in 100 runs. Los Angeles has the hitters as Robby Caddell, Robby Brooksher, and Ted Christopher all hit over .285 and combine for 75 HR's, but their pitching hurts them as they barely miss the wildcard. Denver's vaulted staff has been gutted but Pang Shuai and Sheng Jong will form the "Taiwan Tandem" that will win 35 games and keep them in the hunt until the end. On offense Dusty Janson explodes to lead the IL in home runs and the offense does its part but the rest of the staff after the 'TT' just can't get it done. Windy City wins 75 games as Ricky Pizarro comes into his own by hitting .305 with 35 HR's and 110 RBI's but no one else helps him out. The pitching is anchored by Dusty Dills who wins 13 games with a 3.10 ERA but he is the only reliable one.
__________________________________________________ _________________________
Wildcard
Wilmington over Montreal
Hartford over Indy
Phoenix over Baltimore
New York over California
Division
Wilmington over Maine
Miami over Hartford
Seattle over New York
Washington over Phoenix
LCS
Miami over Wilmington
Washington over Seattle
Brewmasters
Washington over Miami in 7
__________________________________________________ _________________________
Awards
Stout Slugger
Ian James, SDR
Dusty Schmidl, PHO
Pale Ale
Donny Brunke, IND
Pat Arballo, WAS
__________________________________________________ _________________________
Stars to Watch
Rory Smith, WAS - He hits .275 with 45 HR's while playing the hot corner
Mark DeGennaro, PHO - He stays healthy all season and wins 15 games with a 2.95 ERA
R.J. Kapper, PIT - With the new park dimensions this lefty still thrives by hitting .350 with 20 HR's and 75 RBI's
Pat Moore, SYR - After winning 5, 8 and 11 games the last three season he wins 16 this year with a 3.30 ERA
Tom Stark, WC - The best center fielder in the game continues to shine by hitting .275 with 30 HR's, 30 SB's and a +10 ZR in CF
Up and Comers
Dave Perry, PIT - Drafted by old management the kid hits .275 with 30 HR's in his 1st BLB season
Dusty Kocurek, NO - In his second full season he explodes on scene by hitting .325 and having a +8 ZR at short stop
Dave Cohen, PHO - The 1st overall pick in the 2029 draft hits .295 with 15 HR's and locks down second base
Gordie Harris, TOR - Not the best on defense he makes up for it by hitting .300 with 25 HR's
Pat DiBona, BAL - Acquired last season via trade he plays in 140 games for Baltimore and hits .295 with 25 HR's
Zack Morton, CAL - He's fast and can field and hits .270 with 15 HR's for the Kodiaks
Top Faces in New Places
Ivan Sepulveda, PHI - He outperforms Peacock and Hamada and goes 15-10 with a 3.50 ERA
Konner Najar, IND - The IFA from Puerto Rico that can almost play any position hits .290 with playing 2nd, SS, and all three OF spots when needed
Tomio Ono, BAL - He wins 15 games for the Bulldogs while posting a 3.50 ERA
Pat Welch, PHO - The FA from Batavia stays healthy and only hits .240 but his +12 ZR in center makes him worth the cash spent on him
Joy-Sahn Guo, BAT - His $184 million contract this off-season was the BLB's richest and he hits .310 with 40 HR's with his pockets full of cash
Ron Snider, IND - He's not in the Miller's little league park anymore but still hits .300 with 40 HR's
__________________________________________________ _________________________
__________________________________________________ _________________________
Thanks for reading, good luck to all and thanks for making the BLB the best league in baseball.
(AP)
The race for the 2032 Brewmaster's Cup is on. Here are the preseason predictions brought to you by the Daily Keg. Last season we saw Maine take a wildcard birth and make it three straight seasons the underdog (if you can call a GM with four titles that) went all the way and captured the elusive Brewmaster's Cup. This season with the new 5-7-7-7 playoff format the road to the title might be a little harder for those wildcard teams as GM's might fight even harder for that first round bye and home field advantage in the Divisional series.
Season Standings
Ale
x Maine
z Hartford
z Wilmington
Pittsburgh
Syracuse
Pawtucket
Maine once again trots out the best starting pitching staff in the Domestic as they win over 100 games thank to Kevin Alston and Dave Short who each win 18 games a piece. On offense Turell 'Two Ton' Morris only hits 50 home runs this season but they still finish 2nd in the DL in that category as Dave Tibbs, Akiyuki Kimura, and newly acquired Ian Harris all hit over 25 each. Hartford takes the wildcard after getting swept by Maine in the final series of the year. Bash brothers Ron Hutchison and Pat Walton combine to hit 90 home runs, drive in 225 runs, and account for an amazing +15 WAR. Wilmington takes the final wildcard spot as Kaleb Purvis becomes the star they thought he could be and wins 17 games with a 3.40 ERA while J.J. Plumley tallies 50 saves with a 2.25 ERA. On offense Micah Gordan provides the power with a 30 HR, 125 RBI season while Jaime Rush hits .360 and steals 69 bases. Pittsburgh realizes that even after an expensive stadium remodel in the off-season that it had nothing to do with the ballpark and their pitching was just bad all along, and they collapse down the stretch and blow a late wildcard lead. Syracuse wins 81 games as Pat Moore wins 19 games and Tommy Davis hits 45 home runs but it just isn't enough. Pawtucket continues to rebuild but Xavier Landress hits over .300, cranks out 31 home runs, and drives in 100.
Lager
x Miami
z Indianapolis
z Montreal
New Orleans
Santo Domingo
Toronto
Miami finally got rid of one Xavier at first base and brings in another, Xavier Mitchell who leads the team by hitting .305 with 35 HR's and 95 RBI's. Pitching wise they are 2nd in the DL in starters ERA as Louie Ruetter, CJ Bruno, and Nigel Wilson win a combined 45 games and anchor the staff. Indianapolis sandwiches newly acquired Ron Snider between youngsters Pat Branum and Fred Fallon and sprinkles in a little Jimmy Edge and boom...you have an offense that scores the 2nd most runs in the DL. Add in Pale Ale winning starter Donny Brunke who goes 18-4 with a 2.40 ERA and Indy is back in the postseason for the 1st time since 2026. Santo Domingo, Montreal, and New Orleans finished 1-2-3 last season in the Lager. This year in a battle of attrition only the Exports reach the postseason even though Santo Domingo unveils one of the more impressive rosters on paper with Stout Slugger Ian James and New Orleans signed two huge FA pitchers in Enrique Bernardi and Fredrick Wilson. Unfortunately for the Rum Runners and Dukes it appears that old man Dave Teel shows his age and Wilson realizes he isn't playing in Mexico anymore...and they both fall just short. Toronto, like Pawtucket, continues to bide their time and build through the draft. The Dylan Owens slide continues as he hits .240 with 15 HR's and 24 year old GIl Higgins takes over as the star by hitting .310 with 30 HR's.
Stout
x Washington
z New York
z Baltimore
Philadelphia
Batavia
Carolina
The Bats unveiled a new logo and new uniforms but they are still the same ol' Bats, which is great news for their fan base as this is the year they win their first Brewmaster's Cup since 2012. With Pale Ale winner Pat Arballo leading the charge and winning 20 games they also feature Dave Theisen and newly acquired Jacob Stokes while getting back Pieter van Westen from injury. Add in closer Fenton Soto who records 52 saves and the Bats lead the Import in runs allowed. On offense Justin 'Ant' Babbage plays his first full season in the BLB and hits .305 while stealing 55 bases and plays both center field and second base. With Jamie Nickerson and Rory Smith pounding home runs they finish 2nd in the IL in runs scored and easily win over 100 games. New York features the most explosive offense in the IL as every single player in their lineup reaches double digits in home runs while the middle of the lineup featuring Alpha McCormick, Josh Wright, and Chris Pineda smash a combined 110 dingers while driving in over 250 runs. They also have Pale Ale runner up Pat Schick who wins 17 games with a 2.70 ERA. Baltimore rebounds from last seasons disaster to win 86 games as Josh Sanders becomes the face of the franchise when he hits .275 with 35 HR's and 100 RBI's. Free agent signee Erik Ward from Miami also thrives in Baltimore's park and hits 30 HR's while driving in 75 runs. Pitching wise they struggle but they do just enough to get back to the playoffs. Philly added Manabu Hamada, Jarrod Peacock and Ivan Sepulveda this off-season and recently signed catcher Landon McClelland who split time between Seattle and Baltimore last season. The question is can they all meld together soon enough to keep up with Washington and New York. We think it might take a bit and that will hurt them in the end. Batavia continues the Hoon 'Yard Man' Park tour after signing him last season, watching him earn his 5th All-Star appearance, then trading him to Philly for prospect Jimmy Brabec. Sadly he broke his elbow and missed the postseason but the Red Jackets still have faith as they signed him again and will pay $37 million over two years. Fans can't grumble too much though about the recycling as Batavia's minor league system is stacked and this team is on the rise. Carolina, like Toronto, is rebuilding through the draft. They do have two time All-Star Robby Brainard though who should earn his 3rd appearance and hit .315 with 32 HR's on the year.
Bock
x Seattle
z Phoenix
z California
Los Angeles
Denver
Windy City
The Pilots are back on top as a late surge in FA got them Bill Roman and Jaime Stone who combine to win 25 games and post 3.25 and 2.90 ERA's respectively. Meanwhile Johnny Swope continues to be the best third basemen in the game as he hits .310 with 40 HR's and 110 RBI's and posts another 7.0 WAR season. Throw in Nehemiah Daniel and Jimmy Jeff's who each hit over .320 and Seattle leads the IL in average and on base percentage and walks away with the division. Upstart Phoenix starts to make a move after years of suffering. With a new active GM and a farm system that is ready to produce they secure the wildcard after Manny Quezada hits .275 with 50 HR's and Dusty Schmidl wins the Stout Slugger after hitting .350 with 35 HR's while locking down short stop. California is the surprise of the season as they made enough quiet late season and then off-season moves to sneak into the last wildcard spot. Dusty Figueroa hits .300 and steals 50 bases, Alex Santiago hits .285 with 25 HR's, Sayid bin Sariyah hits .275 with 20 HR's and Mike Morla rebounds with his new teammates and bats .300 while cranking 30 HR's and driving in 100 runs. Los Angeles has the hitters as Robby Caddell, Robby Brooksher, and Ted Christopher all hit over .285 and combine for 75 HR's, but their pitching hurts them as they barely miss the wildcard. Denver's vaulted staff has been gutted but Pang Shuai and Sheng Jong will form the "Taiwan Tandem" that will win 35 games and keep them in the hunt until the end. On offense Dusty Janson explodes to lead the IL in home runs and the offense does its part but the rest of the staff after the 'TT' just can't get it done. Windy City wins 75 games as Ricky Pizarro comes into his own by hitting .305 with 35 HR's and 110 RBI's but no one else helps him out. The pitching is anchored by Dusty Dills who wins 13 games with a 3.10 ERA but he is the only reliable one.
__________________________________________________ _________________________
Wildcard
Wilmington over Montreal
Hartford over Indy
Phoenix over Baltimore
New York over California
Division
Wilmington over Maine
Miami over Hartford
Seattle over New York
Washington over Phoenix
LCS
Miami over Wilmington
Washington over Seattle
Brewmasters
Washington over Miami in 7
__________________________________________________ _________________________
Awards
Stout Slugger
Ian James, SDR
Dusty Schmidl, PHO
Pale Ale
Donny Brunke, IND
Pat Arballo, WAS
__________________________________________________ _________________________
Stars to Watch
Rory Smith, WAS - He hits .275 with 45 HR's while playing the hot corner
Mark DeGennaro, PHO - He stays healthy all season and wins 15 games with a 2.95 ERA
R.J. Kapper, PIT - With the new park dimensions this lefty still thrives by hitting .350 with 20 HR's and 75 RBI's
Pat Moore, SYR - After winning 5, 8 and 11 games the last three season he wins 16 this year with a 3.30 ERA
Tom Stark, WC - The best center fielder in the game continues to shine by hitting .275 with 30 HR's, 30 SB's and a +10 ZR in CF
Up and Comers
Dave Perry, PIT - Drafted by old management the kid hits .275 with 30 HR's in his 1st BLB season
Dusty Kocurek, NO - In his second full season he explodes on scene by hitting .325 and having a +8 ZR at short stop
Dave Cohen, PHO - The 1st overall pick in the 2029 draft hits .295 with 15 HR's and locks down second base
Gordie Harris, TOR - Not the best on defense he makes up for it by hitting .300 with 25 HR's
Pat DiBona, BAL - Acquired last season via trade he plays in 140 games for Baltimore and hits .295 with 25 HR's
Zack Morton, CAL - He's fast and can field and hits .270 with 15 HR's for the Kodiaks
Top Faces in New Places
Ivan Sepulveda, PHI - He outperforms Peacock and Hamada and goes 15-10 with a 3.50 ERA
Konner Najar, IND - The IFA from Puerto Rico that can almost play any position hits .290 with playing 2nd, SS, and all three OF spots when needed
Tomio Ono, BAL - He wins 15 games for the Bulldogs while posting a 3.50 ERA
Pat Welch, PHO - The FA from Batavia stays healthy and only hits .240 but his +12 ZR in center makes him worth the cash spent on him
Joy-Sahn Guo, BAT - His $184 million contract this off-season was the BLB's richest and he hits .310 with 40 HR's with his pockets full of cash
Ron Snider, IND - He's not in the Miller's little league park anymore but still hits .300 with 40 HR's
__________________________________________________ _________________________
__________________________________________________ _________________________
Thanks for reading, good luck to all and thanks for making the BLB the best league in baseball.
Comment