tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82421417180318906782023-11-15T12:11:23.948-06:00Hardball CentralWhere Traditional Baseball MattersEJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242141718031890678.post-38517293092788966732011-08-17T13:08:00.000-05:002011-08-17T13:08:29.320-05:00Ozarks Unable To Come To Terms With #2 Overall Pick<span style="color: #cc0000;">Breaking news --</span><br />
<br />
This just in to the HBC insider studios. The #2 overall pick in this years draft Jorge Villalona will return to school for his senior season at Maryland.<br />
Sources say a deal was very close before Villalona reportedly doubled his demands to sign.<br />
Little Rock owner Ifoskey was said to be livid and refused to up his offer.<br />
The two sides have not spoken since and a return to school appears imminent as no new negotiations are expected to take place.<br />
The Ozarks will receive the #3 draft selection is next seasons draft as compensation for not signing Villalona.<br />
<br />
Little Rock fans are likely to be understandably upset over the developments as they felt they had a surefire franchise player in the making.<br />
<br />
EJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242141718031890678.post-17460469753158661162011-08-16T18:13:00.000-05:002011-08-16T18:13:24.286-05:00Early Season HighlightsThe early season has brought on some interesting results.<br />
Some surprising, some not so much. Here now we'll take a look at the top dogs of the early season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Teams</strong><br />
Louisville Sluggers 55-12 - They're dominating everybody and their mama, and their mama's mama too.<br />
Arizona Cards 43-23 - The Cards are trying to out pace the divisional competition.<br />
Chicago Harpies 43-24 - Chicago is in it's familiar perch at the top of the division, but a it's a 3 way dance for the top of the NL.<br />
St. Louis Fighting Eagles 43-23 - St. Louis is giving Arizona all they can handle and then some.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hitters</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2971274">Juan Morlan</a> might be the only player upstaging his teammate Belliard this season. He's currently rocking a .356 BA while dominating the competition with 32 HR's and 79 RBI's. Even better than that though? He has a 1.165 OPS.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2280258">Daryle Koplove </a>is helping his team do some serious damage early on this season.<br />
He's got a .371 BA, 23 HR's, 71 RBI's, a 1.184 OPS and 9 stolen bases. <br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1966903">Sammy Belliard</a> is looking to put his name into the MVP race this season with the numbers he's putting up for Colorado. The sweet swinger is mowing down pitchers at a .394 clip while smashing 20 chick diggers and 51 RBI's.<br />
<br />
<strong>Pitchers</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2800097">Slim Rivers</a> has been a absolute monster this season for the Sluggers.<br />
29 appearances, 4 starts, a microscopic 1.66 ERA. Oh and he's 16-0 on the season.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1966201">Jerrod Wall</a> the hottest name in free agency this season continues to be red hot on the field as he was off it.<br />
8-3 record with a 2.80 ERA so far. He's worked 90 innings and has 85 K's.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3011047">Robb Stottlemyre</a> has been the hard luck loser of this early season. His ERA is 2.34, he has 85 K's, 2 complete games and logged 96.1 innings. The problem you ask? he's just 7-6 despite the gaudy numbers.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2467618">Kevin Steele</a> has been the anchor of the Baltimore rotation so far this season. He's managed to snare a 8-1 record in 14 starts while compiling a 2.87 ERA.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2651933">Felix Wood</a> is waging a absolute assault on opposing hitters this season. He has converted all 23 save opportunities he's been given this season. Compiling a 2.36 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, a .191 OAV & 24 K's.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1968286">Sarma Wilson</a> before going down with a shoulder injury Wilson was producing some dominant results to the tune of a 8-1 record in 12 starts with a 2.21 ERA.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1968594">Rafael Perez</a> is the man right now for the Sluggers. He has amassed 29 appearances this season,25 of them starts. He has a 2.11 ERA while logging 102.1 innings amd snagging 13 wins to go along with 99 K's and a .192 OAV.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1967994">Jack Ginter</a> has converted all 22 save opportunities this season for Fighting Eagles.<br />
He has a 2.90 ERA with 24 K's.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1965963">Ben Rogers</a> is another Sluggers player that has represented them well to start the season.<br />
21 appearances, 5 starts, a solid 3.97 ERA and a shiny 13-3 record to boot.<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1984721">Felipe Estrada</a> has converted all 11 save opportunities presented to him this season for the Sluggers.<br />
He has a 3.25 ERA to go along with 23 K's.EJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242141718031890678.post-24128193119932936662011-07-17T01:25:00.000-05:002011-07-18T18:48:19.316-05:00Big Deal Brings Romero To The DesertNew Mexico City ownership has made the call to ship out super slugger Miguel Romero.<br />
In a blockbuster deal the team has dealt it's franchise star along with Jade Green to Tucson in exchange for prospects Richie Bowie, Rodrigo Castillo and ML OF Sammy Cortez.<br />
<br />
The deal saves the Red Hots almost 28 million over the next 3 seasons including approximately 4 million this season. The team picks up 2 pitching prospects with top 3 starter potential and a everyday corner OF.<br />
<br />
For the Sugar Bears it gives them a legitimate superstar slugger to anchor the lineup and potentially guide them to their third consecutive potential division title.EJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242141718031890678.post-33906119495238611422011-07-14T17:11:00.000-05:002011-07-14T17:11:20.531-05:00Top Free Agent Prize Re-ups With Pawtucket<span style="color: #cc0000;">Breaking news ----</span><br />
The free agency bonanza has ended for ace pitcher <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1966201">Jerrod Wall</a>.<br />
After making stops in Memphis,Colorado & Tucson among other places.<br />
He has made the decision to stay in Pawtucket.<br />
He and the Lidos have agreed to terms on a new 5 year $110,000,000 deal.<br />
<br />
He was the last domino to fall in what was a tremendously busy FA period in HC this season.EJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242141718031890678.post-74881778011576637492011-06-27T12:57:00.000-05:002011-06-27T13:19:36.544-05:00Season 12 Open Franchise ProfilesAmerican League<br />
East<br />
<b>Former Huntington Drunkin' Hilljacks</b> 79-83 #15 Draft Pick<br />
This team is knocking on the door of becoming a playoff contender.<br />
It has a solid array of pieces at the major league level and is in need of a dedicated owner to push them over the top.<br />
Minors - C+<br />
Headliners <br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3899572">Brant Maier</a> (68/86),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3157038">Ugueth Fernandez</a> (61/68),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3648240">Lynn Walker</a> (64/73),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4134046">Malcolm Simmons</a> (50/71) & <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3010273">Max Patrick</a> (73/78)<br />
<br />
South<br />
<b>Former Houston Colt .45's</b> 96-66 #29 Draft Pick<br />
This franchise is the best of the available clubs. It has one of the top minor league systems in the world and will be ready to contend for more than a playoff berth for the owner who chooses it.<br />
The only downside is that it plays in arguably the toughest division in HC.<br />
Minors - B+<br />
Headliners <br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3430688">Jeff Mercedes</a>(76/82),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3011078">Jose Estrada</a>(72/76),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2971312">Julian Feliz</a>(71/76),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3599761">Pedro Berroa</a>(73/82),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3899689">Sammy Frias</a>(59/75),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3648247">Richie Truman</a>(63/72),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3429881">Jason Shields</a>(71/80),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3011063">Jade Greene</a>(68/74),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3376959">Jacque Woo</a>(74/82)<br />
<br />
West<br />
<b>Former Oakland Gangsters</b> 80-82 #16 Draft Pick<br />
This is a solid team, it's not bad but it's not great either.<br />
With the right owner it can shift into a playoff contender or one can choose to strip it down and rebuild.<br />
Very nice talent at the top of the minors, overall depth isn't the greatest but it's solid.<br />
Minors - B-<br />
Headliners <br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4133432">Dennis Forster</a>(57/88),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3429953">Juan Feliz</a>(75/84)<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3648028">Benji Tabaka</a>(74/78),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3648079">Davey Snyder</a>(63/73),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3900282">Bing Carr</a>(58/71),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3198762">Billy Adams</a>(72/76)<br />
<br />
National League<br />
North<br />
<b>Former Fargo Disaster</b> 71-91 #8 Draft Pick<br />
This is more of a rebuild than most of the teams available.<br />
The minors need building up as does the major league team.<br />
Minors - C-<br />
Headliners <br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4093013">Mac Nakano</a>(71/79),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3430667">Matthew Ventura</a>(67/72),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4133587">Andre Cochrane</a>(48/72),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4134016">Justin Merrick</a>(54/72)<br />
<br />
East<br />
<b>Former Charleston RiverDogs</b> 79-83 #12 Draft Pick<br />
A lot of good work was put into this team last season.<br />
It's a middle of the pack team with a chance to get into playoff contention and beyond.<br />
The minors are pretty good overall and has a few stars in the making.<br />
Minors - B+<br />
Headliners <br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4133436">Blake Thurston</a>(63/93),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3900265">Dustin Sellers</a>(62/79),(/),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3899490">Russ MacDougal</a>(64/72),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4134039">Darryl Matthews</a>(50/73),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4134006">Vinny Livingstone</a>(47/68),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3011049">Charley Sanders</a>(69/76)<br />
<br />
<b>Former Boston Red Sawx</b> 70-92 #7 Draft Pick<br />
This is another team that's more rebuild than contend in it's current state.<br />
The minors are beginning to shape up nicely but it needs a fully dedicated owner to bring it up to a level where it should be.<br />
Minors - B-<br />
Headliners <br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4133368">Matt Paronto</a>(60/83),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3900300">Manny Young</a>(68/83),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3899571">Brad Garko</a>(59/84),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4092896">Felipe Cervantes</a>(62/74)<br />
<br />
South<br />
<b>Former Charlotte Wolves</b> 85-77 #21 Draft Pick<br />
A solid team at the major league level. Could contend for the playoffs now.<br />
The minors are in definite need of work and it will require a owner open to the challenge.<br />
Minors - D-<br />
Headliners <br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3647908">Thomas Alexander</a>(68/75),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2971275">Joaquin Caballero</a>(68/74)<br />
<br />
<b>Former Texas Red Necks</b> 56-106 #2 Draft Pick<br />
This team is much like a lump of clay before it's turned into beautiful art.<br />
It's rough around the edges but there is a lot of potential star power in the lower levels.<br />
It's likely to take awhile to turn it around fully, but the foundation is there.<br />
Minors - B<br />
Headliners <br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3899621">Derrick Patrick</a>(72/91),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3648031">Turk Walter</a>(82/94),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3648604">Tom Coleman</a>(/75),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4133309">David Bonilla(</a>49/72),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3648130">Mike Blank</a>(66/76),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3648570">Jack Hermida</a>(69/76)<br />
<br />
West<br />
<b>Former Boise spudwackers</b> 78-84 #11 Draft Pick<br />
A middle of the pack type of franchise that isn't really either or.<br />
It's both and yet neither at the same time.<br />
Minors need a lot of work, there are a few potential stars but not enough star wise nor depth wise.<br />
Minors - D<br />
Headliners<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3899495">Dusty Cooney</a>(68/80),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=3011039">Matt Merloni</a>(69/76),<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=4133314">Ismael Javier</a>(48/79)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Projected numbers based upon previous season scouting</span>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Grades for minors based upon overall quality as a whole. </span>EJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242141718031890678.post-57889659993647954912011-04-23T21:47:00.000-05:002011-04-23T21:47:20.026-05:00Hardball Central Power Rankings1.New York Metropolitans<br />
2.Minnesota Mosquitoes<br />
3.Iowa City Cornjerks<br />
4.Chicago Harpies<br />
5.Charlotte Wolves<br />
6.Houston Colt .45's<br />
7.Tampa Bay Devils<br />
8.Louisville Sluggers<br />
9. Helena Agents <br />
10.Portland Pilots <br />
11.Pawtucket Lidos <br />
12.Durham Bulls<br />
13.Arizona Cards<br />
14.Sacramento Tropics<br />
15.Philadelphia Phukheads<br />
16.Huntington Drunkin' Hilljacks<br />
17.Tucson Sugar Bears<br />
18.Montreal Stranger Brews<br />
19.Cleveland Primetimers<br />
20.Fargo Disaster<br />
21.Oakland Gangsters<br />
22.Memphis Caveliers<br />
23.Charleston RiverDogs<br />
24.Dover Patriots<br />
25.Boise Spudwackers<br />
26.Chicago Bleacher Bums<br />
27.Salt Lake City Silly Nannies<br />
28.Kansas City Wizard of Oz<br />
29.San Jose Athletics<br />
30.Texas Red Necks<br />
31.Boston Red Sawx<br />
32.Montgomery BellsEJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242141718031890678.post-74875498777091998972011-03-24T17:14:00.000-05:002011-03-24T17:14:18.816-05:00Hall Of Fame CandidatesSeason 11 rolls around for our world. Amazingly there is one glaring hole in the legacy of it, though it is still relatively young.<br />
There is not a single player in the hall of fame.<br />
Now, some would say that it is too soon for the world to have HOF players.<br />
However if you consider the first 6-7 seasons of the world, there were several impact players who were elite but simply were too old to keep it up over the long haul.<br />
<br />
Clarence Carr for example. Was the most dominant pitcher in the world's history. The problem is however, his career on dominance was cut short by injury and age.<br />
If you map out his career over 10-15 seasons of healthy ball. He would be the most untouchable player in HC history.<br />
<br />
Now we have 6 players who will get heavy consideration for the hall this season. <br />
The problem is, do you consider being elite for a short but faltering due to age or injury as a hall of famer. <br />
<br />
Or do you subscribe to the theory that you have to be elite over a long period of time to even be considered a hall of famer.<br />
It's your choice. But for your consideration. Here is the case for the top HOF prospects for this season.<br />
<br />
<a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1968520" target="_blank">Guy Coleridge</a><br />
.288 career batting average. 362 career home runs. 912 career RBI's. .994 career fielding % at C.<br />
A 6 time all star. 6 time silver slugger at C. 1 time AL MVP. 1 WS ring.<br />
<br />
<a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1969652" target="_blank">Clint McIntyre</a><br />
.294 career batting average. 321 career home runs. 904 career RBI's. 159 career stolen bases.<br />
A 4 time all star. 4 time silver slugger at RF.<br />
<br />
<a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1969352" target="_blank">Juan Torres</a><br />
.281 career batting average. 292 career home runs. 902 career RBI's. 144 career stolen bases.<br />
A 3 time all star. 2 time silver slugger(1 RF, 1 LF). 1 time NL MVP.<br />
<br />
<a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1969495" target="_blank">Earl Wight</a><br />
.279 career batting average. 292 career home runs. 819 career RBI's.<br />
A 4 time all star. 1 time sliver slugger at C. <br />
<br />
<a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1969254" target="_blank">Lonnie Cameron</a><br />
.319 career batting average. 68 career home runs. 474 career RBI's. 450 career stolen bases.<br />
A 2 time all star. 1 time silver slugger at CF.<br />
<br />
<a style="color:black;" href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1969254" target="_blank">Lonnie Cameron</a><br />
241 career saves. 2.85 career ERA. 367 career K's. 29-32 W-L record. 407 career innings pitched.<br />
A 2 time all star. 1 time fireman of the year.EJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242141718031890678.post-20864449403595996882011-03-24T14:52:00.000-05:002011-03-24T17:41:00.579-05:00Season 11 Franchise ChangesThe off-season brings about change as we head into season 11 of Hardball Central.<br />
Some franchises were sold off to new owners, others were simply moved to a new town.<br />
With every new season and new change to a franchise brings about a new hope for it's fans.<br />
For some this will mean seeing a team broken down and rebuilt. For others this will see some Pat Riley magic worked to bring in the premier talent to contend.<br />
<br />
The one thing that remains true of all franchises under a new season... Expectations of improvement from the season before.<br />
Let's take a look at the new franchises for season 11 of HC.<br />
<br />
American League<br />
<b>Philadelphia phukheads</b>(formerly San Juan Clementes)<br />
Baseball is back in Philly. The Clementes packed up their bags and moved from San Juan to the friendly confines of Philadelphia Pennsylvania.<br />
The former fanatics are now type of heads not to be confused with cheese.<br />
New owner dblaine has come in with a enthusiasm that is infectious for the entire city. Armed with a low payroll and the #6 pick in the draft, the fans of Philly expect a home run in the off-season and the draft. <br />
As Donovan McNabb and Santa Claus can tell you. You don't want to disappoint Philadelphia fans.<br />
<br />
<b>Kansas City wizard of oz</b>(formerly Atlanta Huskers)<br />
Yes Dorothy, you're in Kansas. But it's the city and not the state.<br />
The wonderful wizard is bring his home to KC. The franchise will try to reclaim it's former glory(3 time WS champion) under new owner smartazz1120.<br />
The fans are starved more success and demand a return to their past WS winning ways.<br />
Excitement abounds as the new regime seeks to put it's stamp on the franchise for the better.<br />
<br />
<b>Salt Lake City Silly Nannies</b>(former Salt Lake City Peppers)<br />
Under new ownership but not moved. A rare owner who takes owner and decides to leave the franchise in place. The only change, the nickname of the team.<br />
The mormon coalition of Utah is excited to continue to have the team in place.<br />
The city is re-energized with the franchise still in SLC.<br />
Ownership was said to have specifically targeted SLC and their fan base when they began talks to buy the team. New owner jetsetoo7 has preached a quiet confidence that the team will see glory days in the near future.<br />
<br />
<b>Oakland Gangsters</b>(formerly Colorado Rockies)<br />
Hey, hey, the gangs all here. The newly minted Oakland franchise has departed from Colorado faster than a fly ball leaves Coors field.<br />
The new 510 Crew hopes to ignite the memory of the bash bothers as the fans begin to identify with their new team.<br />
One can only assume that the potential future of the franchise and new owner commiepig's approval rating with the fans will rest on the shoulders of their #9 draft pick this upcoming season.<br />
"If we don't win soon, i'll show dem boys how the 510 does thangs 'round here." One fan was quoted as saying.<br />
<br />
National League<br />
<strong>Chicago Harpies</strong>(formerly Detroit Tigers)<br />
Detroit fans were stunned when the Tigers were sold off and shipped out of town to Chicago.<br />
Chicago fans were stunned that they acquired a franchise with the talent to win a world series title.<br />
The expectations will be huge for this team and the fans will demand that they live up to their name and provide some magic moments for the windy city.<br />
<br />
<b>Fargo Disaster</b>(formerly Boise Broncos)<br />
On the move from Idaho to their new home in the center of the Fargo-Moorhead Metro area.<br />
The newly dubbed Disaster will look to raze all that come before them.<br />
Incoming owner andyr104 looks to cultivate an atmosphere of winning and hopes to bring a championship flair to the team over the long run.<br />
<br />
<b>Boston Red Sawx</b>(formerly Boston Bravehearts)<br />
They're William Wallace no more. The Bravehearts have a new nickname and a new attitude to go along with it. The same ole city but not the same franchise.<br />
The fans hope that the future holds more Theo Epstein than curse of the bambino moments.<br />
New owner Tomhighway is looking to clean house while ensuring that the guys who truly want to win will be in Boston.<br />
With a top 5 pick in their back pocket and ownership who is known for shaping the downtrodden into the elite. It should be a fun journey for this team.<br />
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<b>Charleston RiverDogs</b>(formerly Philadelphia Marquette Butchers)<br />
Chased out of town after the worst season in franchise history by the fanatics in Philly.<br />
The franchise has resurfaced in Charleston as the RiverDogs.<br />
There is great hope that the new town, new name and new owner can turn this franchise around.<br />
rootgargle has promised the fans that they will never again see 100+ in the right side of the column ever again.<br />
"We don't want to be the lovable losers or the Pirates. We want to win big games, division titles and world championships." said root at the introductory press conference for the team.<br />
Of course, having the #1 pick in the draft to select a top player doesn't hurt either.<br />
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<b>Charlotte Wolves</b>(formerly New Orleans Sharks)<br />
WWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! No it's not the nature boy.<br />
No more voodoo nor bourbon street for this franchise.<br />
But the fans are indeed excited about their new franchise in largest city in North Cackalacky .<br />
New Orleans loss is Charlotte's gain.<br />
New owner tiskingmoon comes in as a proven commodity that has the fans, the city and the franchise feeling as if success is only a few seasons away.<br />
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<b>Montgomery Bells</b>(formerly Kansas City Royals)<br />
How the might have fallen. Once the premier franchise in hardball central(failed to capture a world title though). Now coming off the worst season in franchise history and holding the #3 pick in the draft.<br />
Moving to Montgomery from the show me state. This new beginning brings new hope for the franchise and it's fans.<br />
With new ownership in place and the plan laid out to build into a contender.<br />
vhoward415 looks to transfer his success from the gridiron over the the diamond.<br />
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<b>Arizona Cards</b>(formerly St. Louis Cards)<br />
Not much to really say about this move. Same owner, same team, same nick, just a different city .<br />
Instead of the king of beers now they will be faced with scorpions and desert.<br />
Should be the same type of team as before, ever improving.<br />
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<b>Boise spudwackers</b>(formerly Los Angeles Beachcombers)<br />
From the land of McCourt, the spudwackers rise from the ashes of Los Angeles.<br />
This is a franchise looking to take the next step. To go from solid to being a contender.<br />
Which is what makes this franchise perfect for the folks of Idaho.<br />
Meat and potatoes franchise for a meat and potatoes city. Appropriate nickname to boot.EJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242141718031890678.post-83905845469448691762010-11-15T20:22:00.000-06:002010-11-15T20:43:59.899-06:00Hardball Central Season 10 Openings<b>American League</b><br />
North<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5122">Former Boise Minions Of Azathoth</a> 96-66 #29 Draft Selection<br />
West<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5135">Former Colorado Devil Dogs</a> 72-90 #6 Draft Selection<br />
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<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5136">Former Kansas City T-Bone Steaks</a> 73-89 #10 Draft Selection <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5134">Former Helena Highjackers</a> 84-78 #21 Draft Selection<br />
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<b>National League</b><br />
<i>North</i><br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5138">Former Fargo Fanatics</a> 93-69 #28 Draft Selection <br />
<i>East</i><br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5147">Former Florida Hurricanes</a> 72-90 #8 Draft Selection <br />
<i>South</i><br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5144">Former New Orleans Voodoo</a> 31-131 #1 Draft Selection <br />
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<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5145">Former Texas Coconuts</a> 72-90 #7 Draft Selection <br />
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<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5143">Former Little Rock Anchormen</a> 83-79 #20 Draft Selection<br />
<i>West</i><br />
<a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=5153">Former Vancouver Suspension Bridges</a> 88-74 #24 Draft SelectionEJGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16696874852598111492noreply@blogger.com0