The Ale-X-Files: Predictions

Now that we're through more than half the season, let's take a look at just how accurate those preseason predictions were.

Much of this article uses statistics from that I calculated in this spreadsheet. The stats are from prior to Friday's sim. You'll see the highlights here, but all the details are there and too numerous to post here.  There are some other fancy stats included, like Pythagorean Run Expectation, but that information got to be too much for this article, so I'll just stick with the preseason predictions for now.

Montreal Bandits: An Interview with Christian Latulippe

In our continuing interview series with the ABL ownership, we look closer at the best hitting team in the league. How did draft circumstances help to mold the Montreal Bandits into the ABL's best home team? Do the Bandits have enough pitching to go the distance this year? And what is the one decision that ownership regrets. These answers and much more as we explore the Montreal Bandits...

Around the ABL: July 27-August 12

A game that stays scoreless for 20 innings, a hitting streak that surpasses 30 games, and a grand slam in the 17th inning—all this and much, much more await you in this edition of Around the ABL!

Tom Becker

July 27: San Diego 5, Montreal 6. The Tomcats get off to a fast start against Bandit ace Raúl Pérez: they score four in the first, including three on a Wilson Anaya home run. Montreal roars back, led by Tom Becker and his two home runs. "Horseface" has 38 homers and leads all of baseball with 127 RBIs.

Dan Smith: A Hitting Machine

Dan Smith

His name is common enough ... Dan Smith. He plays first base for the Cabo San Luis Toreros. His statistics for 2012 are anything but common:

AB:  398
AVG:  .339
OBP:  .396
SLG: .540
HR: 19
HITTING STREAK:  31

Around the ABL: July 12-26

Dramatic three-run home runs, a walk-off grand slam, teammates going five for five, and a record hitting streak—all this and more awaits you in this edition of Around the ABL!

Derek Beimer

July 12: San Francisco 9, Maple 11. The newest member of the Marauders, Derek Beimer, wasted little time endearing himself to the Toronto fans. With the Marauders trailing by two in the eighth, Beimer hit a three-run homer to center to win it. Frank Powers has four hits, including a home run, and drives in four.

Rumblings: Thompson to Ann Arbor

Jim Thompson

Jacksonville starter Jim Thompson and left-fielder Héctor Ramírez look to be on the move. Management leaked this news on Twitter yesterday but did not specify the other team involved. The Dugout has learned that the pair will be headed to Ann Arbor. The return package is unknown, but we will update you as we learn more details.

Jim Thompson, 31, is 5-8 with a 3.91 ERA. He has struck out 96 while walking 38 and has been vocally unhappy with the poor performance of the Jacks. Ramírez, 29, is batting an even .300 with 13 home runs.

Rumblings: Clay Morris to Vegas

Clay Morris

The Dugout has received an anonymous tip that Mile High has agreed to trade starting pitcher Clay Morris to Las Vegas for a trio of prospects. Morris, age 35, is 7-8 on the year with 3.08 ERA over 140 1/3 innings. He has struck out 102 while walking 39.

In return, Mile High is to receive three prospects currently playing at their Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Raiders. Starter Paul Durden is the prize: despite being only a teenager, he is holding his own in Triple-A. He has an 11-4 record and a 3.73 ERA. Second baseman Bill Whitehead, 24, is a worthy gloveman with a .347 batting average.  Júlio Rodríguez, 20, plays right field and is batting .275 in limited action.

Munson Wins First All-Star Game in Extras

Frank Powers

With the bases loaded, Frank Powers lines a ball to left field. Tom Becker, ranging far to his right, catches it, spins, and throws home. Ed White races home and slides under catcher Ashton Finley's tag—SAFE!

It took 11 innings, but the Munson League had won the the Adult Baseball League's first All-Star Game by the score of 4-3.

The Ale-X-Files: wOBA by Position and League

This week, we'll take a look at evaluating your players in relation to the league based on their wOBA. For those of you looking to make trades prior to the deadling, this could very much impact you.

Today is pretty much a straight numbers dump. I've calculated and sorted the wOBA numbers based on league and position. Numbers are from the All-Star break and a minimum of 200 PA were required to be included in the calculations.

Rumblings: Jacksonville, Nottinghamshire, Boston

It's the last chance to pick up a player for the stretch run and the playoffs! While some of the names being floated around are no surprise—veterans in contract years—there are some interesting possibilities involving younger talent. What am I talking about? Well, just read for yourself.

Rumblings: Mile High, Cabo, and San Francisco

Mile High is buying! The Mustangs recently traded with Greenville for starter Joe Russell, and rumor has it that they made an offer to Kansas City for catcher Jayson O'Neill (who was traded to South Carolina instead)—and they aren't done yet. The team would like to upgrade at the corner infield positions: their first baseman, Fernando Garza, has been plagued by injury, and they would like a better hitter at third base.

Rumor Update!

Jayson O'Neill

The Dugout has received an anonymous tip. As reported earlier this evening, Kansas City is involved in trade negotiations for one of the Tornadoes' young catchers. The Dugout has learned that this second team is South Carolina and that the player involved is Jayson O'Neill. The Bombers are offering AAA first base prospect Jesús Cruz. Remember folks, you heard it here first!

Rumblings: Jersey, Kansas City, and More

Another set of trade and contract extension rumors. (Previous rumblings may be found here, here, here, and here.) Which teams are trading? Jersey, Jacksonville, and Kansas City. Which teams look to be standing pat? Ann Arbor, Montgomery, and New York. Read on for the details!

Around the ABL: July 2-8

We have reached the All-Star break! In the Clemente League, Ann Arbor overtook Dallas for the lead in the Lasorda, with red-hot New York lurking; Montgomery overtook Seattle for a half-game lead in the Cox; and Minnesota sits comfortably atop the La Russa. Boston now has the Munson League's best record, but Cabo is on their heals in the Weaver; Maple closed the gap with San Francisco in the Martin; and Mile High is closing on Las Vegas in the Anderson.

Blog Roundup #2: July 9

There have been quite a few more posts since the last blog roundup. If you've been busy but want to catch up on what everyone's been doing, then here you go!

• Larry Diamond lists the pretenders and the contenders.
• The Barn Owls have a new ball cap, and Lauren Shehadi has an interview with Z-Rod.
• Nottinghamshire updated us on Danny Burris and his league-record hitting streak and gives the skinny on backup second baseman Steve Schneider.

The Ballad of Bill Cahill

Bill Cahill

At heart, he's just a mild-mannered Georgia boy, happy to man the hot corner and bat in the eight-hole. "I'm just as happy as grits on Tuesday to be playin' ball for a livin'," says Bill Cahill.

When you play in the bright lights of New York, where fans expect championships, playing for the love of the game is not enough. The fans want wins. And when that New York team starts the season rough, then you best not be enjoying yourself much—especially when all you are is a journeyman third-sacker with a light bat. Suffice to say, this mild-mannered Georgia Peach hadn't endeared himself to folk in the Big Apple.

But sometimes the summer skies are clear and the stars align and a miracle happens.

Rumblings: More Trade Rumors

The calendar has turned to July, and the trade market is heating up. Three deals have gone down since the last Dugout edition of trade rumors, and there are plenty more to be made. Let's get to it!

The Year of the No-Hitter...

Malcom McKinney

Last time we checked into this no-hitter stuff, it was on May the 24th, 2012. It was the Rock River Rats playing host to the New York Ninjas, and the 3,565 fans were treated to a No-Hitter.

The Jersey Jesters 70th Rd Pick, Malcom McKinney did so on just 107 pitches, 73 of which were strikes.

Let's go ahead and take another look, oh wait, what is that we have TWO more no hitters. That's great, since this is 'The Year of the No-Hitter' and everything....

The Ale-X-Files: Why Z-Rod Has the Same Chances of Winning a Triple Crown as I'll Have Another

With both the ABL nearing the All-Star break and the Belmont Stakes taking place this weekend, I thought it would be a good opportunity to look at The ABL Triple Crown race in the Roberto Clemente League.

As many of you probably know, I'll Have Another was a heavy favorite to make racing history this weekend with his own Triple Crown—until he was scratched due to injury.

Looking deeper into some statistics, I'll argue that Lorenzo Rodríguez may as well be scratched from the ABL Triple Crown RCL race as well. It's not his fault.

Victoria Capitals Win the CBL Championship!

217,364 fans went through the

gates this year in Victoria!

Victoria fans entered the Kelowna stadium with corn brooms used at their local curling facility to watch their Capitals sweep away the Heat in 4 games.  Many of the faithful drove the 8-10 hours and some took AC flight #4123 from Vancouver.  The Lester B. Cup was presented to the winning team.

AA Means Double 00 - No Runs No Hits - No No Time!

I was hitting my spots!

Jonathan Black pitching for AA Anniston (Montgomery farmhand) also joined in the no-hitter fun in Double-A this week. Jonathan was painting the corners all night despite five walks in which there were several questionable balls and strikes calls from rookie umpire Tim Ervin. As is the case at this development level, his next start this past week was not as fortunate for him. Black said after his game, "I had my fastball going tonight and the wind blowing in helped hold up some balls that would be typically out in this ball park!"

Date	Vs.	Result	Start	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	Dec
07/01/2012	SIL	Win, 8-6	X	4.2	6	3	3	1	8
06/27/2012	@ FRI	Win, 2-0	X	9.0	0	0	0	5	2	Win

AA Means Double 00 - No Runs No Hits - No No Time!

I had great command
tonight!

Bruce Jefferson in AA playing for Jacksonville (SD farm hand) pitched a no-hitter this past week versus Silicon Valley. Unfortunately, his next start this past week was not so successful. Bruce has never pitched a no-hitter in his entire baseball career so he was pumped up after this one. "I was so happy that my mom and dad were here to see it!" replied Bruce.
 

Date	Vs.	Result	Start	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	Dec
06/29/2012	@ FRI	Win, 9-5	X	3.1	7	2	2	1	6
06/25/2012	@ SIL	Win, 1-0	X	9.0	0	0	0	3	8	Win

Count Them - 6 Hits for This Future MIN Backstopper!

Pay me and play me!

Glenn Johnson, AA farmhand of Minnesota, had a monster day for Lake of the Isles versus Asheville in AA ball this past week. His June 30th game log is below in addition to the other games he played versus Asheville. Glenn attributed his success to jumping out early on 1st pitches and driving the ball.
 

Date	Vs.	Result	AB	R	H	BI	HR	BB	K	SB
07/01/2012	@ ASH	Win, 4-3	3	0	1	1	0	1	0	0
06/30/2012	@ ASH	Win, 16-7	7	2	6	6	0	0	1	0
06/29/2012	@ ASH	Win, 7-3	4	0	0	1	0	1	1	0
06/28/2012	@ ASH	Win, 3-1	3	1	2	1	0	1	0	0

Hit Streak Comes to an End for Coronado Catcher

I want to play
for San Diego!

Joe Kessler, catcher of Coronado in Triple-A, saw his hit streak come to an end at 20 games when he went 0-4 on June 28th vs. Acapulco. Asked if it was the Tequila, Joe laughed and sighed "no". His YTD stats are below:

G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	SB
74	282	84	12	0	13	49	43	41	.298	.397	.479	0

Around the ABL: June 25-July 1

Peter Kelly

June 26: So Cal 0, Nottinghamshire 16. The two worst teams in the league faced off, and the underdog Outlaws rout the Republic. Teenage Peter Kelly begins the scoring in the first inning with a three-run home run. Danny Burris hits two doubles and a single and drives in three: he wins RCL Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive month (.439, 50 H, 21 RBI, 11 BB, .492 OBP).

All-Star Preview: RCL Outfield & DH

This week, we're taking a look at the ABL's many potential All-Stars. Today I'm taking on the outfielders and DH in the Roberto Clemente League. We will see a pair of very tough choices and the most loaded position in the game.


First up, we take a look at the left-fielders:

FANtastic Accomplishments Around the ABL

SINGLE-A

• 06/02/2012 - Clark Ladner hits 3 Home Runs: 4 for 4, 4 RBI versus Palm Beach while playing for Dearborn.
• 06/22/2012 - Luther Reynolds hits for the cycle: 4 Hits in 4 AB, 1 HR and 1 RBI versus Chippewa while playing for Las Vegas.
• 04/02/2012 - Joe Haley pitches a no-hitter: 4 K, 5 BB and 9 IP versus Nichols while playing for Victoria.
• 06/10/2012 - Justin Robinson pitches a no-hitter: 6 K, 1 BB and 9 IP versus Columbia while playing for Coney Island.
• 06/10/2012 - Ted Mills pitches a no-hitter: 7 K, 2 BB and 9 IP versus Chippewa while playing for Bethesda.
• 06/15/2012 - Sal Condulmaro pitches a no-hitter: 6 K, 1 BB and 9 IP versus New Orleans while playing for Barrow.
• 06/18/2012 - Melvin Mays pitches a no-hitter: 9 K, 4 BB and 9 IP versus Whitewater while playing for Bel Air.

Around the ABL: June 18-24

This week of divisional play was a week that several divisional leaders (and San Diego) would prefer to forget. It also led us to wonder if anyone swings the bat harder than Patrick Goff.

All-Star Preview: Third Base

This week, we're taking a look at the ABL's many potential All-Stars. We're checking out the hot corner today. As always, argue your picks in the comments!

Which third basemen should make the All-Star team from the Roberto Clemente League? Two men rise above the rest:

San Francisco Earthquakes: An Interview with Lawrence Green

In our continuing interview series with the ABL ownership, we shift from the outhouse to the penthouse.   We take a closer look at the first team to 50 wins to find an owner who may be less confident that you would think.  What has made the 51-19 Earthquakes so successful?  Did they realize on draft day they had put together such a strong contender?  And do the 'Quakes feel their 11.5 game lead is safe?  The answers follow....

All-Star Preview: Shortstop

This week, we're taking a look at the ABL's many potential All-Stars. We're continuing on in the middle infield, looking at the shortstops. Their have been a lot of injuries here, with several of the best in the game hitting the DL for a few weeks: Ron Hamm, Jim Crawford, Jeremy Gleave. But let's see whose seasons have gone well and try to decide who should make the All-Star squad.

All-Star Preview: Second Base

This week, we're taking a look at the ABL's many potential All-Stars. After writing way too much on the first basemen, it's time for the easier choices we face at second base. Make your voice heard in the comments.

The Ale-X-Files: wOBA, A Primer

The Ale-X-Files are a regular article that will focus on statistical aspects and patterns in the ABL.

This week, I wanted to take a look at a relatively new statistic (relative to other baseball stats) that has become one of my favorite tools for evaluating hitters: wOBA, or Weighted-On-Base-Average.

wOBA attempts to calculate a player's overall value as a hitter in a single number (that is then scaled to look like OBP).

This statistic was developed by Tom Tango and popularized in his book, The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball, so much of what you read here is paraphrased from that source.  For anyone interested in statistics, I'd highly recommend The Book.

This week is a a primer for what wOBA is.   As mentioned, I'll be regularly including it in other articles in the series.

Around the ABL: May 28-June 17

It's another jumbo-sized Around the ABL as we have three weeks of baseball to cover. And there is a lot to talk about! Who became the first ABL player ever to hit three home runs in one game? Who pitched three games and over 26 innings of shutout baseball? How awesome was Danny Burris over his 26-game hitting streak? Which league was better in the second round of interleague matchups?

All-Star Preview: First Base

This week, we're taking a look at the ABL's many potential All-Stars. Let's take a look at the many sluggers who man first base. I ended up writing a lot more on these guys than I planned. Why? With the exception of one player, I have no idea who should make the All-Squad. I tried to figure it out while going over the various players, but ... well, you'll see. Please help me figure this out by registering your opinion in the comments.

The Roberto Clemente League is the hitter's league, and first base is one of the positions where, on paper at least, the RCL holds a distinct advantage over their brothers in the Thurmon Munson League. Let's take a look at these mighty RCL first-sackers, keeping in mind that there is probably only room for two on the All-Star team.

All-Star Preview: Catchers

Artie Sanders

This week, we're taking a look at the ABL's many potential All-Stars. We start with the catchers. Who do you think should make the squad? Make your voice heard in the comments.

In the Thurmon Munson League, one backstop has clearly separated himself from the pack. San Francisco's Artie Sanders is one of the most valuable players on the best team in baseball. He leads all ABL catchers in slugging (.541), OPS (.949), home runs (13), runs (48), and WAR (3.1). He also leads TML catchers in OBP (.407) and is second in RBI (39). Earthquake management obviously understands his value: they recently signed Sanders to a four-year contract extension worth $30 million.

Rumblings: Minnesota's Expensive Future

Minnesota has the best record in the Roberto Clemente League, and much of the credit goes to their formidable lineup. But that lineup is one of the oldest in the league, and with several key hitters in the last year of their contract, keeping it together won't be cheap.

Single-A Report #2

The Single-A Report

It was noted in the first Single-A report that the offense was lagging behind the pitching in terms of development and performance. But who are the Single-A batters that are bucking the tide?

No Hits for You!

Malcom McKinney

On May the 24th, 2012 it was the Rock River Rats playing host to the New York Ninjas, and the 3,565 fans were treated to a No-Hitter.

The Jersey Jesters 70th Rd Pick, Malcom McKinney did so on just 107 pitches, 73 of which were strikes.

On the season in 11 games, McKinney has started 9 and currently has a 1.43 era, in 69 innings allowing 42 hits, a homer—and walking 17 while striking out 55. His WHIP is 0.86.

Rumblings: Thornton, Crawford, and Harris

Teams that are out of contention might be looking ahead to this year's class of free agents, but if you trust the rumors, this year's class will be especially thin. Teams are attempting to retain control of top-shelf talent, and most of the biggest free agent names are in the process of negotiating extensions.

Trade Rumors: June 11, 2012

Here is the first article on the ABL's many trade rumors. I hope that it proves useful and gets the old creative trade juices flowing! If I missed anything or made a mistake, please let me hear all about it in the comments.

Blog Roundup: June 11, 2012

We are not even to the All-Star break in our first year, and our 15 team blogs have, by my count, produced a total of 97 posts! Now add to that four posts written by Larry Diamond and 21 written here at the Dugout. Now that you are sufficiently amazed, enjoy this collection of links to blog posts from the far corners of the ABL blogosphere.

Upset in the NCAA College World Series!

Congratulations to the Virginia Cavaliers for winning the NCAA College World Series 4-1 in games over the heavy favorites from Oregon State.

The series MVP for Scotty Frank 2B.  His game logs: 

Date	Vs.	Result	AB	R	H	BI	HR	BB	K	SB
06/02/2012	ORS	Win, 5-4	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	0
06/01/2012	ORS	Loss, 12-13	6	3	5	1	0	0	1	1
05/31/2012	ORS	Win, 4-1	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	0
05/29/2012	@ ORS	Win, 4-0	3	1	2	2	0	0	1	0
05/28/2012	@ ORS	Win, 10-5	3	1	3	3	0	1	0	1

We are the CHAMPS!

Scotty went 12 for 20, 6 runs scored, 6 rbi, 2 walks and 2 SB and in the only loss vs. Oregon State he managed to have his biggest day with a 5 for 6 effort and 3 runs scored, 1 rbi and 1 stolen base.

Nippon League Batting Star Struggling ...

I'm not normally nervous!

Kazuyoshi Suitani, RF for the Chunichi Dragons of the NBL, is one of the top hitters so far; however, he is struggling in one key category that is of concern to ABL scouts. Suitani is 0-4, 2 K with the bases loaded! Kazuyoshi admits for whatever reason he starts to get nervous when the pressure is on. Some experts argue that regardless of this important stat this great ball player will be a top draft pick in the ABL draft one day! His YTD stats are:

G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	SB
29	126	42	1	0	12	32	10	33	.333	.386	.627	7

The Dark Side - May Report

In a Galaxy Far, Far Away (AP) - "Well piss!"  That was the Evil Empire's GM Travis Hays' quote as he walked into the press room after losing 2 of 3 to division rival Cabo San Lucas Toreros.  After a 18-9 April and a 2.0 lead in the division LA has tanked in May going 9-16 and dropping 6.0 gms back of arch rival Boston Cardinals.

The key to the drop in the division is soley based on poor play vs the division.  LA lost 3 of 4 in a big series vs Boston then 2 of 3 to both Cabo and even the cellar dwellers Jacksonville Jacks.

Son of a Millionaire Family Knows How to "Catch"

I'm in the ZONE!

We all remember the Royal Lepage real estate signs all over Toronto. So does Dominique, catcher for the Niagara Stars in the CBL. He was responsible for hammering them in people's lawns. He remembers cutting the wood for the signs and explains this is the reason he feels he has a gun for an arm behind the plate. "My arm strength has always been amazing," he said. "My dad was a hard working father and didn't enjoy any free time. This is why most scouts say my work ethic is very low, but I prefer to enjoy life outside of baseball when I am not on the field." This CBL All-Star looks to be a very high draft pick in the ABL regardless of work ethic. His YTD stats are:

G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	SB
45	174	62	5	1	13	40	36	31	.356	.462	.621	0

Something NASTY going on in College Station ...

I like throwing JUNK!

Ramon Vazquez, starting pitcher for the Texas A&M Aggies, has always thrown junk even when playing with his childhood friends. He remembers the days of "Wall Ball" where they would chalk up a school wall and play a little baseball with a tennis ball. "Back then we had a batter, a pitcher and an OF and we would rotate turns at each," said Vazquez. "I used to throw off-speed pitches and breaking balls all day and they just couldn't pick up on the ball and break. " He does admit that throwing a tennis ball is a bit different than using a hard ball. The NCAA year is over and his stats are simply amazing:
 

G	GS	Rec	SV	ERA	IP	HA	HR	BB	K	WHIP
10	10	5-3	0	2.19	70.0	38	4	14	106	0.74

This Bulldog is No James Bond But ...

I'd like to stay in the West!

Center Fielder Roosevelt "Sharky" Bond, #14 for the Fresno State Bulldogs, admits to being a big James Bond fan. His favorite movie is in fact For Your Eyes Only. Who can forget that song by Sheena Easton! Sharky was a nickname he was given in high school for his passion and love for poker. This card shark is talented off and on the field. He might be the most complete NCAA College player we'll ever see in the ABL. Roosevelt is very close to his grandparents and for that reason he would love to stay and play out west in the ABL. "My grandparents like to get out and see the games so playing out west would make it easier for them to see me play live," said Sharky. His final stats this year in the NCAA were extremely impressive:

G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	SB
45	187	64	12	0	21	50	26	51	.342	.419	.743	15

Around the ABL: May 21-27

• Nottinghamshire may have only had one win this past week, but that win was a doozy. On Monday, the Outlaws entered the bottom of the ninth, trailing Montgomery by two runs and facing closer Johnny Tiller. Sweetness has been lights out this season, sporting a 1.88 ERA and having struck out 32 batters in 28 2/3 innings, but he hits Emmett McSorley with a pitch and serves up a double to Marlon Bentley. After a ground ball drives in McSorley, a passed ball allows Bentley to scamper home to tie the game at four runs apiece. It would remain that score until the bottom of the 16th. Young Peter Kelly reaches on second baseman Andy Reynolds's error (the only error by either club in the game), and, with two outs, Allen Greene smashes one down the right field line. Kelly raced around the bases for the score and the Nottinghamshire win.