Free agent info

Money left:

http://home.comcast.net/~briankaat/money2007.csv

Hitters:

http://home.comcast.net/~briankaat/freehit2007.csv

Pitchers:

http://home.comcast.net/~briankaat/freepitch2007.csv

Draft order worksheet

http://home.comcast.net/~briankaat/draft_order2007.xls

Where will your favorite prospect end up? Keep track here.

Draft

Picking 1st, Phoenix selects 3B Alex Williams.

Green Day moves up to the #2 pick, trading their own pick (#6), a second rounder, and OF Sergio Perez for the rights. They select 18 year old Jek Lewis, a jawa with crazy talent.

Toledo takes 2B Steve Werden at #3.

Hawaii picks next, followed by Las Vegas.

Game Seven

New York sends Roger Chillingworth, the greatest pitcher in league history, to the mound. Miami sends their Cy Young award winner David Lefevre. Obviously, the only possible outcome would be a slugfest on this cold October day.

Miami struck first, scoring 3 in the first and leading 7-0 after batting in the 4th. Brian Kaat started the game beating out an infield single. Damon Nkik drove him in for the first run before Ryan Kashiwada brought in 2 with a double. In the third, Jimenez doubled in one and later scored on a Brett Solo error. Bubba Lewis singled in two the next inning. Dave Lefevre looked sharp for the first 3 and was on his way to his biggest postseason win ever, but with New York, things would not be that easy.

Cobra got 2 in the bottom 4th as Bob Zygyk had a 2 run pinch single. Lefevre lost it completely in the 5th. After Mueller and Lee reached base Solo doubled in one. Chad White then lined a single just out of the reach of Brian Kaat to bring in 2 more. Miami brought Sunsurf in from the bullpen. After White stole 2nd, Jerrod Smith singled to bring Cobra within 1 run.

Bobby Hoffman extended the lead to 9-6 with a bases loaded single in the 6th. Sunsurf shut New York down in the bottom 6th, but ran into trouble in the7th. Brett Solo singled, then Sunsurf threw inside to Chad White, hitting him in the ribs and knocking him out of the game. Peter Cooney, the only player left on the bench with any outfield experience, came in to run for White. Thompson relieved Sunsurf. Smith singled to load the bases. Fernandez popped out, then Bob Zygyk forced in a run by drawing a walk. With the pitcher’s spot up, Tommy Keatley pinch hit, and cleared the bases with a double. New York led 10-9. RJ Duke brought Mike Brady in from the bullpen, and he stranded Keatley on third, striking out Joe Thomas, Joe’s 4th strikeout in what will likely be his last game. With White injured, Cooney played left, Zygyk moved to right and Lee played center.

The Stars still had one thing going in their favor: New York’s bullpen. The shaky Fernando Benitez started the 8th. Nkik singled. Kashiwada walked. Bubba Lewis singled to tie the game, with runners advancing to second and third on the throw. Jimenez flew out to left, with Pete Cooney playing an ordinary flyball into an adventure. He made the catch, but Kashiwada scored the go ahead run.

Brady was able to pitch a scoreless 8th, helped by a 6-4-3 double play. Miami added another in the top 9th off Troy Everett. Fanning doubled, Kaat bunted to first, and reached first as Mueller tried unsuccessfully for the out at third. Favre was hit by a pitch. While it would be insane to suggest it was intentional in a situation like this, the umpires issued a warning nonetheless. Any more hit batters, and somebody will be ejected. Tim Carey drove in one with a sac fly. An intentional walk to Nkik loaded the bases again for Ryan Kashiwada. Miami had a 2 run lead and a chance to bust the game open, but Joe Thomas was there to show the spectacular defense he’s been known for his entire career. Kashiwada grounded to second with the infield in. Thomas threw home, and Fernandez threw to first in time for a 4-2-4 double play.

New York had one more chance, but if anyone reached base would have to let Troy Everett bat for himself, as they were out of pinch hitters. Everett was 0 for 14 batting on the season. Miami went to Bob Belardi to try and close out a championship.

Smith lined to left, one out.

Fernandez singled.

Zygyk crowded the plate and took one in the elbow. Belardi was ejected. RJ Duke was furious, but there was nothing he could do. He had to bring Joel Shapiro to try and finish the game.

Troy Everett was up. The New York fans sort of hoped for a strikeout, at least that way he wouldn’t hit or bunt into a double play. Shapiro got the ground ball, but it was perfectly placed and made it through the infield. The bases were loaded with only one out.

Manfred Mueller struck out.

Last chance for New York was Joe Thomas, coming to the plate for the very final time in his distinguished career. Thomas was 0 for 5 with 4 strikeouts in the game.

The play:

The runners take their lead ... the pitch ... Thomas swings hard ... and lifts a fly ball to right
the runners on the move ... Favre backpedals ... still drifting back ... he might run out of room
he times his leap ... gone! ... it's all over! ... it sailed over the wall for a grand slammer!
whoa, baby, that ball just kept on carrying ... Favre hangs his head
he just missed making a spectacular catch ... Thomas will circle the bases
and he's sure taking his time ... Shapiro is giving himself a lecture
and Shapiro is a lonely man out there
Stars 12, Cobra 14
FINAL SCORE : Stars 12, Cobra 14

Joe, as you might expect, was named series MVP.

Asked what he was thinking as he stepped into the batters box, Joe responded simply: "I thought I should try and get a base hit" Joe was mobbed by his teammates, then tipped his cap to the fans, and walked up to Owner/GM Brad Boomer. Joe said: "Thank you, sir, for the opportunity to play baseball for the New York Cobra. My work here is done. Goodbye." Then he went home.

Game Six

New York returns home one game away from elimination. Jaret Benser makes his first start of the series, and Jim Farmer returns for Miami on short rest.

Early on it was all New York. They led 5-0 after 5 innings. Jackie Garrison led off the first with a homerun. Brett Solo doubled in two in the 5th to extend the lead to 5 runs. Benser was mowing down the Stars, striking out 8 through the first 4 innings.

In the 6th, he finally yielded some runs. With 2 out, Benser walked Favre and Brian Kelly before surrendering a 3 run homer to Damon Nkik. Favre singled in another in the 7th to make it a 1 run game. Rudiger Rocker retired two in the 8th, allowing one baserunner, when New York again went to Troy Everett. Everett got Jimenez to line out to end the inning.

For Miami, Ed LeRoy and Bill Nolan held New York scoreless for the 6th through 8th innings. Miami had one more chance to take the lead against Everett in the 9th. Everett got the first two outs but again was unable to hold the lead. Brian Kaat blooped a single to left, then Favre hit a 2 run homer to put Miami in the lead.

Now it was Miami’s chance to show how shaky closers can be. After Tim Griffin singled to lead off, pinch hitter Pete Cooney hit into a double play. Miami was now one out away from the championship. Todd Allen drew a pinch hit walk, and then Pudge Fernandez made the first pinch running appearance of his career. Jackie Garrison walked, then Manfred Mueller singled to tie the game. Belardi avoided further damage as Joe Thomas grounded to first, and the game went to extra innings.

New York brought game 4 starter Pedro Lewis out of the pen, and he shut down Miami into the 14th inning. In the bottom 14th, with Don Thompson on the mound, Garrison singled. Mueller doubled to left. Garrison never stopped, and was thrown out at the plate by Nkik. Mueller went to third on the play, and with the infield drawn in, Joe Thomas finally ended the game with a single. There would be a game 7.

World Series Games 3,4,5

Game 3

The series gets a lot warmer as the teams move down to Miami. Roger Chillingworth takes the mound for New York, with Jim Farmer for Miami. The greatest player in Star history, Lewis Solo Jr., is sitting in the first row. He’s torn. His team is in the World Series, but his son is playing shortstop for New York. He refuses to answer who he’s rooting for, saying he’ll get in trouble no matter what he answers.

Miami strikes first. Nkik’s two out double scored Favre in the first. In the 4th, New York gets a rally going. 2 out hits by Joe Thomas, Ricky Buckley, and Jerrod Smith gave them a 3-1 lead, which is all that Chillingworth would need, pitching a complete game, 11 strikeout 3 hitter.
In the 8th inning, New York added a pair of runs as Brett Solo blasted a homer as his proud papa watched. His grandfather, however, missed the ballgame while trying to get to Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Game 4

Dave Lefevre made his return to the mound after missing over a month. Pedro Lewis came back on short rest to make the start for New York. Lefevre started strong, allowing only a Brett Solo homerun through 5 innings. Miami led 3-1 with RBI hits by Kashiwada, Hoffman, and Brian Kelly.

Lefevre did not have the stamina, though. In the sixth with one out, Everett Jimenez booted a grounder to load the bases. Lefevre then hit Bob Zygyk to force in a run. Don Thompson relieved Lefevre and walked pinch hitter Garrison, tying the game at 3. That brought up the rookie Ricky Buckley, who played most of the 2006 season in the minors. In the regular season he has a total of 56 at bats and only 1 RBI. His next swing quadrupled that total.

The game was over right there, but New York added a few in the 9th with homers by Brett Solo and Bob Zygyk. They won 11 to 4 to tie the series. This time Brett's grandfather Lewis was in the stands. When he saw the 9th inning homer, he shouted "He hit that one to Las Cruces! I need a new diaper"

Game 5

Stuart Coppolla took the mound again, and Sunsurf, the 44 year old 309 game winner, made what will likely be the last start of his career. While Coppolla in the past gained a reputation as a big game pitcher, he has done his best to ruin it this postseason. He lost 2 games against Hollywood, including the 19-0 game, and gave up 5 in this one.

Favre doubled in Brian Kaat in the first, and Damon Nkik belted a 2 run homer to give Miami a 3-0 lead. Miami added another in the 3rd on a wild pitch and one in the 7th on a Matt McCoy single.

Meanwhile, Sunsurf pitched well enough to win, allowing 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings. Paul Hagan and Jackie Garrison had RBI singles in the 5th and 7th innings.

In the 8th inning, Miami held a 5-2 lead and went to Joel Shapiro, who had been outstanding in his 8th inning role. This time, he didn’t do so well. After a Buckley leadoff hit, Shapiro threw 2 wild pitches to move him to 3rd. Behind in the count, he challenged Manfred, who singled. 5-3. Miami then went to the closer, Belardi. K-Bob retired White and Lee to get two outs, but Brett Solo tripled off the wall to make it a one run game. Belardi got Joe Thomas to ground weakly to short, but Joe surprised everyone to beat the throw and tie the game. Belardi finally got Tim Griffin to pop up and end the inning.

In the bottom 8th Kashiwada doubled. Speedy Brian Kelly pinch ran, and lefty Chuck Rader came on to face Bubba Lewis. Lewis walked. Everett relieved Rader. Jimenez failed to get the sacrifice down, with Everett making a diving catch. Pinch hitter Tim Carey then singled in the go ahead run.

Belardi stayed in the game and pitched a scoreless 9th. Miami had salvaged one win for the home fans, and still leads the series 3-2.

Promising Young Pitcher

Not to interrupt the World Series summary, but I saw the most amazing pitcher this past season who is not yet eligible for the draft. He's a strong armed lefthander, by the name of Joel Camels. This guy has the best changeup I have ever seen, and has a mid 90s fastball. In the game I saw, he pitched a 2-hitter, walking one, and striking out 14 in 7 innings of work. The only thing that was unusual about this pitcher is that he was chain smoking on the mound during the game! I hope that his love for tobacco products will not affect his almost certain promising career.

World Series, games 1 and 2

Game 1

The series starts in New York after hard fought 7 game series for both participants. Miami sends their old ace, Sunsurf, the last active member of the 1987 Shockers, to the mound. For New York its Pedro Lewis, considered by many the best pitcher in the game today.
Through the first 6 innings, it’s a scoreless pitcher’s duel. New York had a leadoff double by Jackie Garrison in the first, but broke too soon on a line drive by Manfred Mueller, which was caught and turned into a double play. In the 3rd, Pedro singled, followed by another Garrison double. Pedro Lewis, not used to baserunning, held at second. Mueller lifted a fly to right, but Lewis held at 3rd, as Favre has got the gun in right. Miami got out of the inning when Brett Solo lined to first, with Bubba Lewis making a spectacular diving catch and firing to second for a double play.

Pedro Lewis gave Miami few chances to score until the 7th, when Geoff Favre led off with a homerun. After a Damon Nkik triple and a walk by Ryan Kashiwada, Bubba Lewis hit one over Chad White’s head for a 2 run double. Sunsurf pitched 7 shutout innings for the win. Pedro struck out 9 in 7 1/3 innings. Miami added 3 more in the 9th and won the game 6-0 to take the first game of the series.

Game 2

For the second straight game, RJ Duke made an unconventional response to not having the DH rule: he started Matt McCoy, one of his best hitters (and slowest runners) at second base so that he could get his bat into the first inning. Unlike game one, McCoy came through this time with a 2 out double. He was immediately pinch run for by the real second baseman, Jim Fanning, who scored the first run off Stuart Coppolla on a Damon Nkik single.

Joe Thomas tied the game in the second with a homerun off Ed LeRoy. Ryan Kashiwada homered for Miami in the 4th. Manfred Mueller and Keith Lee gave New York the lead with RBI hits in the 5th. Kashiwada tied the game at 3 with a 6th inning RBI triple, but in the bottom of the inning Brett Solo scored on an error by Bubba Lewis. New York failed to add an insurance run in the 7th when Favre gunned down Keith Lee at the plate to end the inning.

New York took a 4-3 lead into the 8th. Rudiger Rocker came in to pitch to Brian Kaat. Kaat doubled. Favre flew out, but then Rocker got wild and walked Jim Fanning. Rudiger struck out Nkik for the second out, then New York manager Eddie Bird went to his bullpen for ace Troy Everett. At that point, Bird wanted to avoid having Everett bat in the bottom of the inning, so he made a double switch.

The only problem was that the best candidate to leave the game for the double switch was second baseman Joe Thomas. This had never happened before. Joe is accustomed to playing the whole game. In fact, he had played in 1,986 consecutive games, a league record and more than anyone outside of Lou Gehrig and Cal Ripken. At first Joe looked confused. The game wasn’t over. Reporters would find out later that Joe had never watched a game from off the field in his life. After a few confused moments, Joe approached a tearful Eddie Bird, and said two words: "I understand". Joe left the field to a standing ovation. Even the jawas in the Miami dugout participated.

Everett, however, was unable to find the strike zone against Kashiwada, loading the bases for the dangerous Bubba Lewis. For the second straight game, Lewis cleared the bases with a double. Miami led 6-4. Joel Shapiro pitched a scoreless 9th before Bob Belardi set the Cobras down 1-2-3 in the 9th.

Miami had gone into the Lion’s den, and left with a 2-0 lead. And it dawned on the New York fans that they might have cheered for Joe Thomas for the last time.

MLCS, games 5 to 7

In a rematch of game 1 starters, New York gets off to a quick 2-0 lead on a homerun from the red hot Manfred Mueller in the first inning. Hollywood ties the game in the bottom of the 1st inning with an RBI single from Tejawa, and an RBI double from Freddie Justis. In the 3rd inning, New York’s Jackie Garrison connects for a solo homerun to give New York a 3-2 lead. In the 8th inning, New York takes Pedro Lewis out of the game for a pinch hitter and fails to score an insurance run. In the bottom of the 8th, New York calls on closer Troy Everett, for the 2 inning power save. Everett gets 2 quick out before surrendering a game tying homerun to Miguel Tejawa. Freddie Justis follows with a double, and then scores the go-ahead run on a Roy Brown single. In the 9th, Nuke McDougal closes out the Cobra with a 1-2-3 inning. Final score: Hollywood 4 New York 3. New York leads the series 3-2.

Going back to New York for Game 6, Jack Johnson was trying to extend the series to a 7th game. In the first inning, Hollywood jumped all over Stuart Coppolla, scoring 6 runs, highlighted by homeruns from Miguel Tejawa, Roy Brown, and Ernie Escobar. Coppolla was pulled after getting through the 2nd inning. His line was 2-7-6-6-0-1. Then, the nightmare continued….New York went to Matt Gomez, a starting pitcher who qualified for the post-season roster due to Tim Roger’s injury. Gomez would pitch 6 innings in this game, surrendering a grand slam homer to Roy Brown, amongst other things. His box score was 6-13-9-9-4-5. Meanwhile, Jack Johnson continued to dominate the Cobra. When all was said and done, the final score was Hollywood 19, New York 0. It is believed to be the most lopsided score in playoff history. Johnson finished with the complete game shutout, 9-4-0-0-3-2. The series is now tied at 3 games apiece.

For the 2nd straight season, New York is playing in game 7 of the Major League Championship Series. Lets reflect on the positives of New York’s season, and why this year could be different than years past:
They ended two years of frustration by finally defeating the Portland Decepticons in a playoff series.
Their game 7 starter will be Roger Chillingworth who they reacquired last off-season. They brought him in specifically to win this game.
Unlike last year, New York has the home-field advantage
In the bottom of the 1st, Brett Solo walks and scores when Keith Vasbinder misplays Keith Lee’s single. After Roger sets down the B’s for a few frames, New York strikes again in the 3rd inning. Roger leads off with a single. Garrison follows with a double. After a Manfred Mueller pop out, Brett Solo hits a 2 run double. Keith Lee then bangs one off the wall to score Solo, and give New York a 4-0 lead.
In the 7th inning, Hollywood cuts the score in half with a Keith Vasbinder 2 run homer. In the bottom of the inning, Hollywood gets the first 2 outs of the inning before walking Garrison and hitting Mueller with a pitch. With 2 on and 2 out, Brett Solo smashes one in the gap, and both runners score. Needing to go to the bullpen, Eddie refuses to go to his core relievers of Benitez, Rocker, and Everett, and instead, goes to game 4 starter Jaret Benser. Benser is absolutely filthy, retiring 4 out of the 6 batters he faced via the strikeout. The other 2 batters didn’t fare much better, and New York closes out the series with a 6-2 victory.
The Major League playoff MVP is Manfred Mueller, who hit .286 with 5 homers, 10 runs, 10 RBI’s, and 10.4 RC/G. The top pitcher was Pedro Lewis who went 2-0, 0.77, 23 IP, 17 H, 7 BB, and 28 K’s.

New York vs. Hollywood Game 4

Playing a "hunch" again, Eddie calls on rookie Ricky Buckley to lead off and play left field. In the 2nd inning with a 1-0 lead, New York has 2 runners on a 2 out for Ricky Buckley. Eddie pleads for Buckley (a light-hitting rookie) to keep the inning alive for Manfred by taking a walk. Buckley does him 3 better by connecting for a monstrous home run to left field, to give New York a 4-0 lead. In the top of the 6th, New York loads the bases with one out. Pinch hitter Jackie Garrison then knocks in 1 run with a single, Buckley forces in a run with a walk, and Chad White drives in 2 more with a single. With an 8-2 lead going into the bottom of the 6th, New York's bullpen shut down the B's to preserve the victory. Final score, 8-2 New York. They lead the best of 7 series 3 games to 1.

New York vs. Hollywood Game 3

This game featured Roger Chillingworth taking on Willis Brustar. In the 1st inning, New York takes a 2-0 lead on a Keith Lee double down the first base line. Miguel Tejawa cut the lead in half in the bottom of the first with a double of his own. In the 2nd inning, New York's Jerrod Smith, a 3B who made the team with strong play down the stretch, and played in this game on a "hunch" by Eddie, connected for a solo homerun to make it 3-1. In the 5th inning, New York runs the bases loaded offense to perfection with Keith Lee and Brett Solo drawing bases loaded walks, and Jerrod Smith hitting a sacrifice fly to make the score 5-2. In the 6th inning, New York gets 3 big runs on a Manfred Mueller 3 run homer. In the 9th inning with the score at 9-3, Manfred connects for another 3 run homer to make the final score 12-3.

New York nows lead the series 2-1.

Hollywood vs. New York Game 2

Game 2 featured a matchup of 2 all-time greats, Stuart Coppolla vs. Jack Johnson. Facing the left-handed Coppolla, Hollywood went with their right-handed bats, Ruben Rogers and Ernie Escobar in the outfield. Escobar and Rogers both connected for homers, and Jack Johnson was too dominant for New York to mount a rally. Hollywood wins game 2 6-2, with Johnson going 7-2-1-1-3-4.

Hollywood vs New York Game 1

This game was a matchup of Pedro Lewis and Denis Leary. It was a great pitchers duel and stayed a dual shutout until the 7th inning. In the 4th inning, Brett Solo was so upset after striking out for the 2nd time, he said the wrong thing to the home plate ump, and was promptly ejected. In the 7th, Keith Lee led off with a single and moved to third base on Tommy Keatley's (Brett Solo's replacement) hit and run single. Joe Thomas then followed with an rbi single, and after a Tim Griffin sacrifice bunt, pinch hitter Peter Cooney delivered a run scoring groundout. With a 2 run lead, New York opted to leave Pedro Lewis in to bat with a runner on third base and 2 out. Lewis grounded out to short to end the inning. Lewis then had 2 runners on base and 2 out, when the left-handed hitting Freddie Justis strode to the plate. New York opted to bring in their best lefty, Rudiger Rocker. After Rocker walked Justis on 4 pitches, Eddie went to the pen again, summoning closer Troy Everett. Luckily for the Cobra, Everett was able to get Roy Brown to fly out to centefield to end the threat. Everett then recorded a 1-2-3 9th inning to earn the save and preserve the 2-0 victory.
Lewis W 7.2-5-0-0-3-9, Leary L 8-4-2-2--4

Kenny Jr.

Kenny is happy to report that Kenny will be spending most of the offseason with Kenny Jr. Kenny will be working on Kenny Jr's hitting by tying Kenny Jr's arms behind his back and forcing him to take pitches. By the time the season starts Kenny Jr will have taken roughly 35,000 pitches. For the first offseason in Kenny's life, Kenny will not spend it preparing Kenny for the next season, instead preparing Kenny for the next season.

Kenny duties continue to expand. Kenny is proud to announce, that now in addtion to Kenny's jobs as analyst on "APBA's Game of the Week!", special advisor to Dan Patrick, occasional motivational speaker, co-host of the annual variety show: "Kenny and Joe" (co-starring Joe Morgan check your local NBC affiliates this December), Blog editor (Kenny has also updated Kenny's profile!), and special occassional contributor to "The Herman", Kenny has now been signed as an agent for 3 current APBA players: Kenny Jr, Gerald White, Jr, and Omar Santana. Look for 2 new up and coming players in this year's draft to be added to Kenny's stable.

Kenny's new job...

Exciting news for all of Kenny's fans. In addtion to Kenny's jobs as analyst on "APBA's Game of the Week!", special advisor to Dan Patrick, occasional motivational speaker, co-host of the annual variety show: "Kenny and Joe" (co-starring Joe Morgan), and Blog editor, Kenny will now join "The Herman" as special occassional contributor.

Game Seven

Jim Farmer for Miami, Andre Castillo for the Sluggers. Miami sruck first in the 4th inning as Ryan Kashiwada and Geoff Favre singled with 2 outs and Everett Jimenez doubled in both.

The Sluggers got one back in the 5th on a Fred Gannon homerun. Jimenez added another RBI double in the 6th. Farmer gave Miami a strong effort with 6 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, and 6 strikeouts. After a 1 out single in the 7th he left for Don Thompson, and the poet pitched out of trouble.

The 8th inning in Miami belongs to Joel Shapiro, who walked Juan Biras to start things, but got Quilvio Gato to bounce into a double play. He then struck out Hal Glover to end the inning. Miami would score no more, so they turned a 3-1 lead over to Bob Belardi in the 9th.

Josh Block led off. He grounded out to second. Rob Block struck out. Jamal Harrison came on to bat for Willie Gomez and doubled to keep things alive. Julius Alfonzo then lifted a pop foul down the 1B line. Brian Kelly raced over to make the catch, and the Stars celebrate their first ever Superior League pennant.

Stars vs Sluggers game 6

Miami came into the game needing one more win to reach their first world series since 1993. Bill Nolan and Bono Vox started the game strong, matching scoreless innings for the first 2. In the top of the third, Nolan ran into trouble. After 1 out singles by Quilvio Gato and Hal Glover, Josh Block lined an RBI single to right to score a run. Geoff Favre booted the ball, allowing the runners to move to second and third, but that didn't matter as they would have scored anyway as Rob Block crushed his 7th homerun of the postseason (and the first of this series).

Brian Kaat put Miami on the board with an RBI triple. Julius Alfonzo hit a solo homer for the Sluggers, and Bubba Lewis hit one for the Stars. Mike Brady gave Miami 4 2/3 innings in relief, allowing one run to keep the game within reach. In the top of the 9th Rob Block added an RBI double to make the score 7-2.

Bono Vox pitched a strong game, 8 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 0 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Tom Comstock came out of the bullpen to start the bottom 9th and gave up a single to Brian Kaat. Jake Taylor went back to the bullpen for Rick Cooper. Cooper allowed a single to Geoff Favre and a 3 run homer to Matt McCoy. Suddenly, there was reason to worry. Closer Chad Anderson entered the game. He got Bubba Lewis to ground out and Damon Nkik to fly out.

Then, the Sluggers faced a nightmare at the end of the order. Kashiwada singled. Jimenez walked. Rich Metha singled to load the bases. Brian Kelly walked in a run. It was 7-6, bases still loaded, and the Stars had batted around. Brian Kaat came to the plate, and a single would put the Stars in the world series. The cat flew out to center. There would be a game 7.

Draft Lottery

In a surprising roll of the dice, the Phoenix Autobots win the draft lottery and the right to select the #1 pick. Hawaii and Las Vegas had better chances due to their records, but Phoenix had the luck. Jumping up all the way from #12 on the list of worst records to take the #2 spot was the Charlotte Hawks, who finished 78-84. And most shocking of all, the #3 pick goes to Toledo, who actually had a winning record.

Hawaii will pick 4th, followed by Las Vegas, Green Day, and Florida.

What is harder to tell is who will be the #1 pick. 3rd basemen Alex Williams Jr, the best hitter in the draft, and Ryan Fitzpatrick, the top defender, will be picked very high. Catcher George H. Frog offers power behinf the plate, SS/OF Jek Lewis offers the most long term potential, lefthander Joseph Smith Langford is already a proven winner at age 18, and closer Troy Lewis has already shown he can get major league hitters out with his performance in the Intergalactic Baseball Classic last spring.

The one rumor we heard is that Green Day, picking #6, will not pass on one of the jawas if they are available.

New York at Portland Game 4

With the series 3-0 New York, Portland is just playing for pride and trying to extend the series.

In the top of the first, New York gets 1 run in and loads the bases for Joe Thomas. Joltin' Joe promptly empties the bases with a grand slam to give New York a 5-0 lead. In the 4th inning, New York rallies again to score 4 runs and take an insurmountable 9-1 lead. After a few meaningless Sam Robinson Homers, New York added some meaningless Manfred Mueller and Brett Solo homers. The final score of 11-6 was indicative of the disparity in talent between these 2 teams.

New York wins the series 4 games to 0, and will host the West Champion Hollywood B's.

New York at Portland Game 3

This game featured the return of Roger Chillingworth to New York's playoff rotation, and the return from injury for Portland's Lee Harvey Oswalt. In the 2nd inning back to back doubles by Portland's Willie Rivera and Sonic Russell give Portland the early 1-0 lead. Oswalt did not have his best stuff as he was itchy from his time off due to injury. Portland elected to pull Oswalt for a pinch hitter after he pitched 5 scoreless innings (5-4-0-0-1-4). In the top of the 6th, Portland's Jay Dessau allows a walk, double, and double to Manfred, Chad, and Keith Lee, to give New York a 2-1 lead. In the 7th inning, Portland's Jose Herrera hits a solo HR to tie the game at 2. This score held up until Brett Solo hit a solo HR in the top of the 9th to give New York a 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the 9th, Troy Everett came on for the save. Heres the inning:

Clyde Frogg: Infield single
George Kird: Walk
Sam Robinson: Sacrifice bunt, runners to 2nd & 3rd

New York plays the infield in

Jose Herrera: Strike Out (Looking)

Portland pinch runs Dave Crane for Kird at 2nd, and pinch hits backup catcher Ed Klutts

Ed Klutts: * E. Klutts facing T. Everett, B 9th, 2 Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Behind 2-3
Frogg steps off third ... here's the pitch ... Klutts wallops this one to center field
it might be out of here ... White is to the wall ... he has no more room ... he's looking up
leaps ... and grabs it! ... that one was over the wall
but White brought it back in for the out
FINAL SCORE : Cobra 3, Decepticons 2
New York leads the series 3 games to none.

Portland vs New York Game 2

In a matchup of Belcher vs. Coppolla, Portland gets off to a 2-1 lead on a George Kird 2 run Homer. In the 4th inning, New York takes the 3-2 lead on RBI singles by Tim Griffin and Paul Hagan. The 3-2 lead holds up as both bullpens shut down the opposition. Troy Everett gets the final 5 outs for the power save, and 2-0 series lead.

MVP awards

In a close vote, Joe Young wins his second straight MVP award with 40 points, 3 ahead of Utah's Ryan Ballard. Texas CF Mark Crawford finshed third, followed by Utah's Frank Lewis and Lou Zamuda.

Young joins Galvatron, Jose Rubiera, Conan, Mahatma Russell, Lou Zamuda, and Jake Cisco as back to back winners. Young not only had a better season than in his 2005 MVP campaign, but he improved in every statistical category, hitting .340 with 47 homers, 133 RBI, and a career high .650 slugging percentage.

In the Major League, Hank Crowell wins the award hitting .329 with 43 homers, 130 RBI, and above average defense at third base. He edges New York's Keith Lee, who won the batting title at .362. Detroit's Ray Hamilton finished third, followed by New York's Chad White. Crowell started the season with the Alaska Snow Sox, and was traded mid season to St Louis since as a potential free agent, Alaska cannot afford him. He is the first MVP to win while playing for two teams.

Portland vs. New York

Game 1: New York wins 6-1 behind a dominant pitching performance from Pedro Lewis 8.2-6-1-0-2-9, defeating his older brother Roger Lewis. Offense came from an unlikely source in Paul Hagan, the defensive specialist who went 3-3 with a Homer and 4 RBIs.

Major League Playoffs

Just in case people are wondering, in the Major League 1st round New York got the monkey (of the Kird variety, perhaps) off their back by sweeping Portland. Portland had eliminated the best team money can buy the previous two seasons.

New York and Hollywood split the first two games, then New York won the next two. They will attempt to finish the series in game 5 with Pedro Lewis on the mound.

I apologize for not having any more details. Jeffrey Lamar Lewis should at some point write up those games, but has been distracted for the last week by the 1987 Shocker baseball card and memorabilia convention that is going on in Los Angeles. Its a big deal this year - Ratchet is their promoting his acting career after making an appearance as an ambulance on CSI: Las Vegas, and Jeffrey, as always, is autographing copies of his autobiography, I Was a 1987 Shocker.

Miami vs Louisville, games 3,4, and 5

The series moves to Louisville tied at 1-1.

For Game 3, the Stars get 4 runs off Andre Castillo in the first 4 innings, with 2 RBI each for Bubba Lewis and Everett Jimenez. Jim Farmer pitches 6 innings, allowing 3 runs, all scoring in the second and third innings.

In the 7th, RJ Duke pulls farmer to go to Don Thompson with a 4-3 lead. Thompson pitches a 1-2-3 inning. In the 8th, its Joel Shapiro, who strikes out the side while allowing only one walk. Meanwhile, Demond Johnson pitches 2 2/3 innings to keep the score close for the Sluggers.

In the 9th, RJ Duke tries to complete the formulaic win, going to closer Bob Belardi. Nicholas Dark pops up. Fred Gannon strikes out. Julius Alfonzo grounds to short, and the Stars are up 2-1 in the series.

Game 4 was a matchup between the two surprise aces, Steve Jacobson and Ed Leroy. The Sluggers struck first in the 4th, as Juan Biras doubled with a pair of Block on base. Josh scored, but Rob was thrown out at the plate by Geoff Favre.

Jacobson pitched 6 scoreless innings, and Rick Cooper got out of the 7th still up 1-0. In the 8th, Miami mounted their rally. With one out, Brian Kaat lined a pitch off the pitching rubber. It rolled towards 3rd and Brian beat it out. After a steal of second pinch hitter Tim Carey beat out an infield single. Lousville went ot the bullpen for lefthander Chris Scott, who walked Geoff Favre. Back to the bullpen, the Sluggers went to closer Anderson to get out of the bases loaded, 1 out jam. Matt McCoy grounded to short, and with the infield in, Juan Biras cut down the run at the plate. Damon Nkik followed with a 2 runs single to make it 2-1 Miami.

In the bottom of the 8th the Sluggers mounted their own rally against Shapiro. With one out and Alfonzo on 1st Quilvio Gato doubled to right. Alfonzo was held at 3rd. RJ Duke ordered an intentional walk to Hal Glover, bringing up Josh Block with the bases loaded. Don Thompson came on in relief, and Block grounded to short. The throw went home for 1 out and over to first for a double play.

In the bottom 9th Rob Block led off with a walk against Belardi. Mike Harrison pinch ran, and stole 2nd with one out. Belardi then struck out Nicholas Dark and Fred Gannon to end the game.

Game 5 was the game one starters again. This time Jojo Lewis looked like a Hall of Famer gain. He struck out 14 Stars in 7 2/3 innings. In the 7th, Quilvio Gato broke a 1-1 tie with a 2 out, bases loaded double. He brought in 3 runs before being tagged out between 2nd and 3rd.

In the 8th Ryan Kashiwada's double brought the Stars to within 4-3 with a double. Demond Johnson ended the inning by getting Bubba Lewis to pop up.

With Chad Anderson unavailable, Rick Cooper was called on to close out the 9th. Everett Jimenez grounded out to 3rd. Bobby Hoffman walked, and speedy Mike Dumas came in to run. Brian Kaat executed the hit and run single to put runners on 1st and third, but Brian Kelly lined out to first. With 2 down, Brian Kaat stole second as Louisville elected to hold the ball with Dumas threatedning at third. Geoff Favre then lifted a fly down the right field line, and Nicholas Dark made a fine running catch to end the game, possibly the last one the retiring 37 year old will ever play in Slugger field.

The series moves back to Miami with the Stars leading 3-2.

Stars vs Sluggers, games 1 & 2

Game one was a pitcher's duel as expected, with future Hall of Famers Sunsurf and Jojo Lewis on the mound. There was no score until the 5th, when Jason Foster doubled in Hal Glover to make it 1-0 and Bubba Lewis driving in Brian Kelly to tie it. Louisville lost their cleanup hitter Jason Foster in the 6th when he ran into the wall making a catch. He won't play for the rest of the series. Rob Block put Louisville up 2-1 with a 7th inning bases loaded walk off Don Thompson.

Bubba Lewis again tied the game in the bottom 7th by singling in Brian Kaat. The Sluggers threatened to take the lead in the top 9th against Joel Shapiro. After Gato reached base to lead off, Hal Glover sacrificed him to second. Bob Belardi relieved Shapiro and pitched out of trouble. In the bottom of the 9th, Everett Jimenez singled and Jack Owens sacrificed him to second. After an intentional walk to Brian Kaat, Jake Taylor brought in his closer Chad Anderson to face pinch hitter Tim Carey. Carey walked to load the bases, bringing up Bubba Lewis.

Bubba Lewis lifted a flyball to right, and Josh Block had no chance to throw out Jimenea at home. Stars win 3-2 as Bubba drives in all the runs.

Game 2

The Sluggers get 6 runs off starter Bill Nolan in the fourth and fifth innings, and cruise to a 12-4 win. Julius Alfonzo and Juan Biras combine for 7 hits and 8 RBI out of the 8 and 9 spots in the order. Bono Vox gets the win, allowing 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings.

Denver vs Hollywood Ending

Game 4: This was a wild game, much like the famed Phillies BlueJays game 13 years ago...
Hollywood jumps out to the 5-0 lead by the 4th inning, chasing Denver starter Bill Greene. In the 5th, Cartman cuts the lead to 5-1 with an RBI single. In the 6th, Denver adds 3 more runs on the strength of doubles by Joey Renseller and Gary Parkman. In the 7th, Denver adds 4 runs to take an 8-5, behind bases loaded singles from Lou Jones and Stan Marsh.

In the 8th inning, the B's come back against Denver closer Luther Trautwein. After getting one run across, Keith Vasbinder had 2 on and 2 out and then crushed a mammoth homer to right field to make it 9-6, and crush Denver's hopes of tying the series. After a Yoda Moreno single, Ruben Rogers crushes a double to deep left-center to make the score 10-6. After Nuke McDougal finished off the Rabbits in the 9th, this was the final score with Hollywood taking a commanding 3 games to 1 lead.

Game 5: In a rematch of game 1 starters Bryan Hastings and Bill Higgins, the B's help out Higgins with 2 runs in the top of the first, on base hits by Miguel Tejawa and Roy Brown. This support was all Bill Higgins would need, as he shut down Denver at all points througout this game. In the 8th inning, Miguel Tejawa added some insurance with a 2 run homer. Higgins finished with a complete game shutout, going 9-5-0-0-1-6, in the 4-0 victory. Hollywood wins the series 4 games to 1.

Denver vs. Hollywood

Game 2: Hollywood gets off to an early 6-0 lead and cruises to an 8-1 victory behind a complete game effort from everyone's favorite asshole, Denis Leary. Leary faced 38 batters, and allowed just 7 hits, walks, while striking out 5. Keith Vasbinder (a former Denver OF) sealed the game with a bases clearing double in the 3rd inning. David Burke never had anything for Denver.

Game 3: The B's jump out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, thanks to a Roy Brown triple. Denver gets 2 back in the bottom of the inning, and then the game settles into a pitching duel. Jack Johnson pitched 7 strong innings for the B's, allowing 6 hits, 1 walk, and 3 earned runs. Neuman goes 7.1-7-3-3-3-4 before yielding to the Denver bullpen. Trautwein redeems himself for game 1 by getting a 1-2-3 save to preserve the 4-3 victory. Hollywood still leads 2 games to 1.

Cy Young winners

Miami's Dave Lefevre wins the Superior league Cy Young, finishing ahead of Baltimore's Rufus Anderson and Toledo's Elvis Rodriguez. Lefevre (19-8, 3.40) wins the award for the 4th time in his career. Anderson (17-8, 4.44) led the league in strikeouts with 260, and Rodriguez won 16 games with a 3.14 ERA. Lefevre was unable to pitch in Miami's first round win over Springfield, and is still not healthy, as he was not added to the playoff roster to face the Sluggers.

Derek Howe of the Snow Sox won the Major league award with an 18-8 record and 2.67 ERA in 235 innings. Roger Lewis finished second with an 18-8 record, 2.81 ERA, and 236 strikeouts. Tied for third was Pedro Lewis, the ERA leader at 2.37, and Toronto's Julio Rodriguez (6-1, 1.04 ERA, 45 saves in 47 chances). Philadelphia's Dario Elia finished 5th, receiving one first place vote but not being named on any other ballots. In 92 innings of middle relief, Elia had a perfect 11-0 record, and also recorded 18 holds.

Rookies of the Year

Baltimore's Wellington Gehrig Bear won the Superior League's rookie of the year award. Bear finished with 22 points, 2 ahead of Phoenix closer Hank Jenks. Mike Kashiwada of Las Vegas finished 3rd. Bear was the second overall pick in the 2006 draft. Splitting time between 1st base and the outfield, he hit .275 with 10 homers, 66 RBI, and 34 doubles.

Hawaii's Jered DeMario, picked number one overall ahead of Bear, wins the Major League award with 25 points. Florida infielders Andy Hill and Justin Springer finished tied for second.

DeMario only won 5 games for the last place Hounddogs, but had a solid 3.91 ERA in 165 innings and an excellent 120-49 strikeout to walk ratio.

Stars, Brian Kaat advance

Game 7 featured Springfield's ace Steven Hyde, and Miami's surprise hero Ed LeRoy, who threw a 1 hitter in game 3.

In the first Brian Kaat singled, stole second, and scored on a 2 out Matt McCoy double. In the second Mike Solar singled and moved to 3rd on an error by 3b Ryan Kashiwada. Keith Johnson singled to tie the game before LeRoy got out of the inning on a double play grounder. The took the lead in the top of the 3rd when Tigatron single, stole 2 bases, and scored on a groundout.

Miami took the lead back with a 2 run Damon Nkik homer and tacked on 2 more on a 2 run double by Bobby Hoffman. Mike Solar cut the lead to 5-4 in the 4th with a homer. Miami got the run back next half inning as Brian Kaat singled for his 3rd hit, stole second, and scored on a Damon Nkik single.

Miami ran into trouble in the 6th. After a leadoff single by Bobby Barrios, RJ Duke went to his bullpen, bringing in lefthander Matt Burke to face Adama Dunn. For the second time in the series, Dunn homered off Burke to make it 6-5. Two outs and two baserunners later, Miami brought in righthander Don "the Poet" Thompson to face Lonnie Webb. After falling behind in the count, Webb crushed a ball over the head of CF Brian Kaat. If it didn't leave the ballpark, it would have been at least a double and given Springfield the lead. No human could have made the catch.

Luckily for the Stars, Brian is no human. Opting for extra speed, he transferred his glove to his mouth and broke into four paw drive. The cat raced back to the wall, lept, putting the glove back on his right paw mid-air, and brought the baseball back from beyond the fence, ending the inning.

Thompson struck out the first 2 in the 7th before allowing a single and hitting Dunn with a pitch. RJ Duke again went to his bullpen, for righthander Joel "the Scott Shields of Miami" Shapiro. Joel got Mike Solar to ground harmlessly to Bubba Lewis. In the 8th, Shapiro got Glen Porter to fly out and then struck out DJ Werden and Keith Johnson on a pair of wicked in-shoots.

The Stars failed to add any insurance. The pressure was building in south Florida like yet another hurricane. RJ Duke called to the bullpen one more time for K-Bob, Bob Belardi, who set a franchise record with 51 saves. Springfield brought in pinch hitter Eric Hollins to get the left-right matchup. K-Bob struck him out looking.

The catcher position was up, and Springfield has weak hitting catchers. They went to the bench once again, for rookie Larry Mo Pena. Pena has trouble making contact but tremendous power and the ability to tie the game with one swing. He took three - and missed them all.

The last batter for Springfield was leadoff hitter Tigatron. K-Bob got ahead of the count 1-2 on fastballs clocked at 100 MPH. Then he broke off a sharp slider in the dirt. Tigatron tried to check his swing, but couldn't. Strike 3.

And the Stars will face the Sluggers in the postseason for the first time ever.

Sluggers Advance

This was not the first time the Utes and Sluggers have matched up in the playoffs. The mighty Ute dynasty of the late 1990's often had to go through Louisville to get to the world series. This series, though, may have been the closest between the two greatest hitting franchises in Superior League history.

Steve Jacobson took the mound for Louisville. In the game 3 loss, Jacobson came out of the bullpen in mopup work after Rusty Miller was knocked out, and pitched 6 scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 7. In game 7 he got the nod to start over Miller. For Utah it was Armando Morales, who threw 6 innings of 1 hit ball in his game 4 win.

Hal Glover started things with a first inning homer. Louisville scored 4 more times in the second, knocking Morales out of the game. In the 3rd, Josh Block and Juan Biras hit back to back homers to put the Sluggers up 7 to 0. They added another run later that inning.

In the bottom 3rd Utah finally got on the board, scoring 2 runs. Frank Lewis homered in the 5th to make it 8-3. The Sluggers scored a pair of Blocks in the 6th on a Juan Biras double. Despite repeated calls for "The Greatest Inning in Ute History" Utah kept coming up short.

Jacobson lasted 7 innings, allowing 3 runs before turning it over to the bullpen. In the 8th, Rob Block homered for the 6th time in this series. He had the worst season of his career in 2006, but is playing like an MVP in the playoffs.

In the bottom 9th Utah put two runners on with one out before Lou Zamuda doubled. Both runners scored, but Zamuda was caught between 2nd and 3rd and tagged out, a horrible mistake when you need 6 runs and have only 2 outs left. After Ryan Ballard walked, Louisville manager Jake Taylor would take no more chances. He summoned closer Chad Anderson from the pen to face Carlos Merejo. Carlos flew out to center, and the Sluggers celebrated in the Popcorn Dome.

Rob Block hit .400 for the series, with 6 homeruns and 12 RBI.

Stars stay alive

Miami and Springfield matched up for another pitchers duel, with John Barton taking on Jim Farmer. It was 1-0 Springfield through 5, on a Glen Porter solo HR. In the bottom 6th, Miami tied the game on Brian Kaat's clutch homerun, and scored 3 more times in the inning off the Springfield bullpen. Miami added 2 more in the 7th on a Damon Nkik double, and Farmer went the distance with a 4 hitter, one run allowed, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts.

For game seven it will be Steven Hyde and Ed Leroy.

Game 6: Utah vs Louisville

Utah returned to their home field with a chance to finish the series, but they have one thing working against them: In this series so far, the road team has won every game. This one would be no different.

Andre Castillo took the mound and pitched another fine game. He fell behind early, giving up a 2 run double to Frank Lewis, but allowed no more runs in 7 innings. Louisville took the lead in the 6th when Jason Foster drove in 2 on a double and scored on Rob Block's single. Rick Cooper and Demond Johnson combined on a scoreless 8th before Chad Anderson pitched a 1-2-3 9th for the save.

Now its 3-3 and game 7 will feature Steve Jacobson for the Sluggers and Armando Morales for the Utes.

Game 5: Miami vs Springfield

Springfield took an early 3-0 lead off starter Bill Nolan. Geoff Favre was injured by a HBP in his first time up, and will miss the rest of the series. The Stars used their only backup OF, Mike Dumas, to pinch run and play RF.

The Stars mounted a comeback in the 6th. Tim Carey had a pinch hit RBI single in the inning, batting for Dumas. This forced Miami to put Carey in at 1st base, and Bubba Lewis in the outfield.

In the bottom 8th, still tied at 3, Springfield loaded the bases with 1 out, but Bob Belardi was able to get the pitcher to home to first double play.

Miami took a 6-3 lead in the 9th, the key play being a 2 run, 2 out double by Bobby Hoffman.

In the bottom 9th, after a leadoff single, Tigatron lifted a flyball to left, where Bubba Lewis dropped it. After 2 runs scored, Belardi got Mike Solar to ground into a double play. Stars still clung to a 6-5 lead, but an RBI double by Glen Porter tied it and DJ Werden ended the game with a walk off single.

The series goes back to Miami, where the Stars face elimination in game 6.

Utah vs Louisville, Game 5

It was the game 1 starters again, future Hall of Famers Jojo Lewis and Mike Langford. And once again, they both looked like has beens.

Lewis started out strong, but completely fell apart in the 3rd. He allowed the first 7 Utes to reach base, and didn't make it out of the inning. Utah took a 7-1 lead. Mike Langford lasted into the 6th inning. He allowed 6 runs on 10 hits and 5 walks, but was able to get the win. Rob Block homered for the 5th time in the series, and Utah held on for an 11-8 win as Frank Runge picked up his 3rd save.

Playoffs: Denver vs. Hollywood

Game 1 Denver at Hollywood.

Bryan Hastings faced Bill Higgins in this series opener. Both pitchers were on their games early, with the score 1-1 in the bottom of the 8th inning. With the B’s in a first and third, one out situation, it looked bleak for Denver. Hastings was able to induce a shallow ground ball fielded by Eric Cartman, who fired to second base to start an inning ending double play. Walking back to the dugout, this reporter couldn’t help but hear Cartman’s proclamation to “respect my authority”.

With 2 outs in the top of the 9th inning, Denver’s Lou Jones hit the go-ahead homerun off Bill Higgins. Despite the HR, the B’s left Higgins in to face Eric Cartman, who promptly doubled. The B’s refused to pull Higgins who walked Alberto Montero. Now the B’s pull Higgins, but with 2 on and 2 out, Miguel Rosario comes through with a 2 run double to extend the lead to 4-1 going into the bottom of the 9th.

Luther Trautwein looked good to start the 9th inning, getting 2 quick outs. Then he allowed an off the wall double to Eli Moreno. Hollywood pinch hit with Ruben Rogers who excited the crowd with a mammoth 2 run homerun. Stephon Jameson then connected for a solo homrun to tie the game at 4.

In the top of the 10th inning, Denver failed to score. In the bottom of the 10th, Trautwein remained in the game for Denver. Heres the inning:

Elvis Dixon: Strikeout
M. Tejawa: Walk
F. Justis: Single, Tejawa to 3rd base
(Trautwien relieved for S. Weiland)
R. Brown: Fly out to right field foul line, Tejawa scores the winning run on the sacrifice fly.

Final Score: Hollywood 5, Denver 4

Playoffs: Isotopes vs Stars

Game 1:

Miami jumps all over starter David Deuso for 4 runs in the first and win 9-2. Bill Nolan pitched 6 innings, allowing 2 runs, and Brian Kaat had 3 hits including a homer.

Game 2:

John Barton throws a complete game, 4 hit shutout and Mike Solar hits a 2 run homer as Springfield wins 3-0 to tie the series.

Game 3.

Ed Leroy pitches one of the greatest games in Star playoff history, a complete game 1 hitter, striking out 13. Stars win 5-0, and Bubba Lewis had 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Game 4.

Sunsurf, who hadn't pitched in a month due to injury, gave the Stars 6 innings, allowing 2 runs, no walks, and 8 strikeouts. In the 8th inning, Adama Dunn led off with a homer off lefty reliever Matt Burke. Springfield went on to win 4-2.

Playoffs: Sluggers vs Utes

Game 1.

Starters Jojo Lewis and Mike Langford were both hit hard. Rob Block homered twice. Utah took a 6-5 lead into the 9th with closer Frank Runge on the mound. Runge struck out the first two Sluggers before walking the next two. Hal Glover followed with a game tieing single. Nicholas Dark followed with a walk and Jason Foster cleared the bases with a double. Sluggers win 9-6.

Game 2.

Sluggers win 3-2 as Josh Block homers and Andre Castillo pitches 7 strong innings.

Game 3.

Utah takes a 7-0 lead in the second inning off Rusty Miller. Miller had trouble throwing strikes, walking 6 Utes. Louisville's bullpen held Utah scoreless for the rest of the game. Cory Schaeffer left the game in the 5th inning with an injury, but Utah's bullpen was able to hold the Sluggers for a 7-4 win. Bill Wright struck out 5 in 2 1/3 innings and Frank Runge pitched a scoreless 9th for the save.

Game 4.

Utah piles up a 7-1 lead through 7 innings behind Frank Lewis's 3 run homer and 2 RBI doubles by Ryan Ballard. Louisville tries a comeback, getting 5 in the bottom 8th, including Rob Block's 3 run homer, his 4th of the series. With the tieing run on first, Battletrap brings Frank Runge in to get the last out of the 8th, and he gets Juan Biras to ground out to Lou Zamuda. Runge pitches a scoreless 9th for the save.

Series tied 2-2.

Major League East Roundup

Some folks wonder where I have been the last few months. Contrary to popular belief, this Shocker is still around and has been following the baseball season in the Major & Superior Leagues this year. Its a long story why I haven't been able to post this season. Basically, I was at my neighborhood sports bar where I was engaged in a much heated debate concerning the best teams of all time. As it turns out, my worthy adversary believed that the best team ever was - get this - the 1995 Utes, who won 117 games and repeated as World Series Champs. I correctly debated him that the 1987 Shockers were far and away the best team ever. After a few months of "Ute" screams vs. "Shocker" chants, I finally won the debate when my opponent keeled over from one too many blood curdling "Ute" screams.

But I digress...

The Major League season was quite interesting this year. Some familiar faces and some new blood as well. In the end, the New York Cobra easily won the East division. The final margin of 4 games does not represent how lopsided this race was. The biggest shocker (other than me) was that the Florida Penguins, the long time #2 to New York's #1, experienced a complete collapse finishing 71-91.

Florida's poor performance can be attributed to their salary cap purgatory. To contend with the Cobras the past few seasons, Florida had to mortgage the farm system. Matt McCoy was having a great season in Florida before they shipped him away to Miami for Justin Springer +. The most disappointing players in Florida this year were Jake Cisco and Danny Almonte. Cisco, a two-time MVP and one-time triple crown champion managed to hit only .253 with 30 Homeruns and 65 RBI's. He also managed to hit only 18 doubles. How is this possible? My bet is that Cisco struggled with being hopelessly out of contention for the first time in his career, with no real hope on the horizon. Florida needs to get better soon, or they may risk alienating their MVP and contribute to his early demise. That being said, watch out for a big season next year from Cisco, who will be motivated to prove this year was an aberration. Almonte, the one time future ace of the franchise, struggled with the Penguins, posting a 4.62 ERA. With his impending free agency, the Penguins shipped him off to Toronto for a token prospect.

Florida's drop in the standings was welcomed by both Toronto and Philadelphia, who moved up. Toronto stayed in the race for the wild card until the final day of the season when wins by Portland and Hollywood sealed their fate. Fueling Toronto's drive was outstanding pitching from both their starters and their bullpen. Longtime ace Rene St. Claire went 15-9 with a 3.27 ERA, Scott Karchner went 15-10 with a 3.43 ERA, and David Mulder went 13-8 with a 2.72 ERA. In the bullpen, Julio "J-ROD" Rodriguez established himself as the best closer in the game with 6-1 record, 1.04 ERA, and 45 saves. On offense, youngster John Hafner established himself as an up and coming 1st baseman with a .316 average and gold glove caliber defense. 2Bman Andy Stewart established himself as the best in the league at his position with his 34 homers, 91 RBI's, and 81 walks.

Philadelphia had their first ever winning season, going 87-75. Youngster Rocky Balboni had a nice season, racking up 201 hits with 44 doubles and 8 triples. He also flashes a nice glove and has great speed. Paul "Big Show" White added the power with 33 homers (albeit a down season for his standards). The pitching staff was solid, led by Charlie Zito with 13 wins and a 3.56 ERA. Philadelphia is really excited about another young pitcher, Jong-Soo Ts0. "General" Tso had a 9-10 record and 3.68 ERA. The Grays love his 179-49 K-BB ratio, a great indicator for future development. The bullpen was once again solidifed by the old man, Steve King. King finished with a 3.64 ERA and matched his age with 38 saves. The team will look for King to return to this role next year.

Last but not least, we have the New York Cobra. Although they won only 95 games, it was good enough for home field advantage throughout the Major League Playoffs. Lets talk about this team position by position:

C: It started out as a platoon with Pudge Fernandez, Jorgensen, and Todd Allen. Pudge usually played for Roger and Pedro, taking the rest of the time off to rest his weary knees. When it was apparant that Pudge was not the hitter or defender he has been in the past, Brad pulled the trigger and brought in defensive specialist Paul Hagan from Detroit. Although he can't hit, he is right there with Ray Brooks as the best defenders in the game. He will get most of the playing time in the post-season, especially in the first round vs the speedsters in Portland.

1B: Manfred Mueller had a solid season, hitting 24 homers and 40 doubles, to go with his 97 walks. His gold glove defense is also a big plus for this team. All in all, New York was hoping for a better season from Manfred. He is a threat to explode at any time in the playoffs as he is known for getting homer happy from time to time.

2B: This might finally be the last year for Joe Thomas. Joe played in every game finishing with triple crown numbers of .259-22-97. Although he can still look graceful on the occasional double play, he finished with 24 errors and below average range. You can bet a lot of fans are rooting for Joe to go out on top with another World Series title.

3B: Tim Griffin had an amazing first half to the season, staying among the top 5 hitters for batting average. At the end of the year, he migrated towards his career averages at .292 with limited power and walks. He is in the lineup mainly for defense and contact hitting against Portland's dominant right handed power pitchers.

SS: Brett Solo had a down season at only .266-32-100. On the plus side, he will probably win a gold glove with his .989 fielding percentage and 8 errors. Even though New York expects more from a player who makes over $20 million per season, he still provides a huge advantage over any other team's shortstop in the post-season.

LF: New York started the year anticipating that Jackie Garrison and Ricky Buckley would form a nice platoon combo. After a poor spring, New York sent Buckley to the minors for almost the entire season. They wanted him to work on his defense for his eventual shift to his more natural position at 2nd base. Playing the majority of the time, Garrison had a nice season at .269-15-51 and 5.7 runs created per game. The veteran Bob Zygyk did a nice job filling in for Ricky Buckley, hitting .269 with a .341 OBA, and .513 SLG for 6.1 runs created per game.

CF: Chad White had an outstanding season as usual. Chad really controlled the strike zone this season, finishing with a .322 average and striking out only 61 times. Chad also hit 28 homers, 40 doubles, had 31 stolen bases, and played gold glove defense.

RF: Lee led the league in hitting at .362, and had 24 homers and 108 RBI's. Considering that New York only signed him for his gold glove defense and rocket arm, he was everything they could have hoped for after signing him to a $20 milion dollar per year free agent contract. With his 10.3 runs created per game, he has surpassed Jake Cisco as the best right fielder in the league. The future MVP award on his mantle will make this official.

Starting Pitching:

Pedro Lewis was everything New York could have hoped for after signing him to a record $21 million dollar contract. Pedro went 14-6 with a league leading 2.37 ERA. He also struck out 218 batters against only 48 walks in 212 innings. Stuart Coppolla was outstanding again with a 14-7 record and 3.59 ERA in 218 innings. Jaret Benser had a great year at 15-7, 3.19 ERA, and 175 strikeouts. Roger Chillingworth was dominant at times, hittable at others. He finished at 12-10, 3.68 ERA, and a dominant 170 strikouts and 43 walks in 173 innings pitched. With his 12 victories, Roger raised his career total to 396 wins. He will pitch again next year, we just don't know when and for who. There is talk that he may pull a Roger Clemens 2006 mid year debut....

Bullpen:
The bullpen was the weakest link for New York all year. Benitez started out as the closer, than sucked and Rudiger Rocker was given some opportunities. Rocker flourished at the start of the year, then started to have bouts with wildness at the wrong times. Rader and Pike also filled in for awhile in a true closer by committee. Prior to the last trade deadline, New York acquired dominant closer Troy Everett for the stretch drive and playoffs. Everett is a "rent a closer" as he is a free agent at the end of the season. On paper, New York's bullpen should be a major asset. Pitching in the harsh environment in New York has prohibited this from becoming a reality.

More on the other divisions and playoff previews later...seriously!