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2008 American
Division Power Rankings
- Vol.
3
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Angels |
| Manager: |
Bobby Lopez Jr |
| Division: |
South |
| Year
Formed: |
2007 |
|
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1
|
| Bandits |
| Manager: |
Mike
Schweda |
| Division: |
West |
| Year
Formed: |
1999 |
|
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2
|
| Dragons |
| Manager: |
Jon
Zurek |
| Division: |
West |
| Year
Formed: |
2003 |
|
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3
|
|
Wildcats |
| Manager: |
Dan
Husslein |
| Division: |
North |
| Year
Formed: |
2001 |
|
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4
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Cubs |
| Manager: |
C.J.
Bergdahl |
| Division: |
North |
| Year
Formed: |
2001 |
|
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5
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|
Stallions |
| Manager: |
Jac
Halverson |
| Division: |
North |
| Year
Formed: |
2006 |
|
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6
|
| Punishers |
| Manager: |
Edwin
Colon |
| Division: |
East |
| Year
Formed: |
1999 |
|
|
7
|
| Tigers |
| Manager: |
Brian
Kovar |
| Division: |
East |
| Year
Formed: |
2003 |
|
|
8
|
| Red
Sox |
| Manager: |
Jody
Justin |
| Division: |
West |
| Year
Formed: |
2005 |
|
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9
|
| Brewers |
| Manager: |
David Binz |
| Division: |
South |
| Year
Formed: |
1999 |
|
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10
|
|
Sound |
| Manager: |
Brad Bruntyn |
| Division: |
North |
| Year
Formed: |
2005 |
|
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11
|
|
Weasels |
| Manager: |
Michael Garchie |
| Division: |
South |
| Year
Formed: |
1993 |
|
|
12
|
| Braves |
| Manager: |
Joe
Chiesa |
| Division: |
West |
| Year
Formed: |
2005 |
|
|
13
|
|
Devils |
| Manager: |
Eric
Page |
| Division: |
East |
| Year
Formed: |
1990 |
|
|
14
|
|
Blue
Jays |
| Manager: |
Greg Dvorak |
| Division: |
South |
| Year
Formed: |
2003 |
|
|
15
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| Vikings |
| Manager: |
Mike
Fertonardo |
| Division: |
West |
| Year
Formed: |
2006 |
|
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16
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| Dodgers |
| Manager: |
Nick Huard |
| Division: |
East |
| Year
Formed: |
2004 |
|
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17
|
| Blue
Ribbon |
| Manager: |
Dan
Ward |
| Division: |
East |
| Year
Formed: |
2006 |
|
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18
|
|
Nationals |
| Manager: |
Andre Harvey |
| Division: |
North |
| Year
Formed: |
2007 |
|
|
19
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|
Knights |
| Manager: |
Mike Krask |
| Division: |
South |
| Year
Formed: |
2007 |
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20
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Upcoming Events
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May 01, 2008 - by
Mr. Baseball
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Out of respect for the originator of these columns, Mr. Gammonz, I
was going to take a week of silence… Peter decided to step down
because of time issues. From my understanding he simply didn’t have
the time available that it takes to put together a well thought out
article that would live up to his high standard of reporting. There
was a mix between his straight forward messages to his comedy we all
grew to love over the years. He was one of the few that could make
you upset at what he was saying and admire him for it at the same
time. We were peasants in his empire of thought. For the anger, joy
and intellect brought to us, we thank you! See you on the field.
I will take over the North/South as well to fully incorporate the
American League this and next week. It is a possibility that someone
may step up after that, I really don’t know. If people just would
like me to continue to do the league as a whole then I will try my
best…
#1 Angels 2-0 (Last ranking #2 NORTH/SOUTH)
This team has to be considered to have one of the best starts this
season in the American League. Two things you will not see are: Them
flying the American Flag (which is a travashameocary, since they ARE
AMERICANS AND ARE PLAYING AMERICA’S PAST TIME.) and giving up runs.
They have given up only one run to both the Sound and Nationals.
Both were playoff teams of last season. Mixed together with last
year’s ruff start the halo is shining bright for this year,
maybe that is the tool their pitchers (Soto’s) are using to put up
those strike out numbers (26). If All-Stars C Josh and 3B Reynaldo
Pagan put up the same kind of numbers from last season with their
other talent this team will be saying “una campo de beisbol para
dos, por favor!”
Up next: #5 Cubs
#2 Bandits 2-0 (Last Week #1 EAST/WEST)
They have played two playoff teams from last year as well and have
put up the most runs in the league. Outscoring their opponents
47-20, these guys admit their pitching is a little suspect, but with
that kind of run production the majority of the regular season will
be a breeze in Lake Zurich. Returning All-Stars P Mike McCotter and
SS Eric Solis will have to put up another strong season. All-Star C
Marty Glowick is gone and C Billy Gonzalez will have to stay healthy
all year. To help replace his production it looks like Scott Deboor
will be crossing down between AAA and AA, even though he hasn’t been
added to the cross over list as well as Mickey Martin between AA and
A. Is the organization too elitist to follow all the rules or is
this just a simple mistake?
Up next: #8 Tigers
#3 Dragons 2-0 (Last Week #2 EAST/WEST)
The team with the third highest run differential (5.5) falls into
third place. All-Stars CF Jon “Sampson” Zurek and P Eric Carlson
must be performing up to par. Combine that with the pick-up of AAA
All-Star Bill Allen the Dragons look to be on cruise control after
speeding by a top ranked Tigers team last week. I’ve heard different
news reports about this team on the grape vine but, none of which
I’m allowed to share. Either way they have a possible tough match up
against one of the League’s best pitchers. If Prampin pitches and
the swerve past the Punishers, this could be another regular season
like last years.
Up next: #7 Punishers
#4 Wildcats 2-0 (Last Ranking #3 NORTH/SOUTH)
Could you consider this team a surprise being ranked this high? I
don’t know. This team gets nothing, but compliments from everyone
they play. In the past their only real weakness was the lack of the
long ball. Currently that doesn’t seem to be slowing them down with
two home runs in two games. This could be the best “TEAM” in all the
American League when considering their overall mix of pitching,
defense, speed and attitude. All-Stars 2B Ryan Rickert, 1B Dave
Foust and P Terry Rajcan all look to be playing their role. Also,
look for Bryan “Fista Cuffs” Prignano to contribute. SHHH… can you
hear it now, they are all watching Super Troopers and trying to get
out as many MEOW’s as they can. But, I’d have to say I’m a bigger
fan of Beerfest, the meows just get me annoyed after a while. Either
way just don’t follow them into a porta-potty, allegedly.
Up next: #15 Blue Jays
#5 Cubs 2-0 (Last Ranking #7 NORTH/SOUTH)
“In case you haven’t noticed, and judging by the attendance you
haven’t, the Cubs have managed to win a few ball games, and are
threatening to climb out of the cellar.” Mostly due to CJ recruiting
some excellent talent. But, in order to stay near the top these guys
will have to prove they are a solid team. Just because they have the
talent this year doesn’t mean they are going to the playoffs. They
will need to go at least 1-2 in the next three games; if they do the
Cubs could be 5-2 at the end of May. Followed by what could be a
strong June. Things are looking up this year with new comers; P Eric
Shanks (2 W, 21 K’s) and 2B Jim Udsen.
Up next: #1 Angels
#6 Stallions 1-1 (Last Ranking #5 NORTH/SOUTH)
A 5-4 loss to an improved and potential playoff team, Brewers, isn’t
the end of the world for these guys. But, if these guys drop to the
Knights this weekend they could be putting themselves out of the
play-offs. While you can’t win a championship in April and May you
can lose one… Returning All-Stars SS Keith Halverson, 2B Joey “the
mouth” Stelmack and P Kevin Liepe need to keep these guys on track.
With the loss of All-Star C Russ Keman and the addition of what
looks like a bunch of new talent the Stallions are looking to
guarantee a full season this year.
Up next: #20 Knights
#7 Punishers 1-0 (Last Week #4 EAST/WEST)
With Kevin “aka Frank Castle” Prampin’s (19 K’s) domination of the
Bears two weeks ago it is hard to drop these guys down any farther.
They have a championship under their belt and enough age and
chemistry to put forward a good run this year. Returning All-Stars
1B Tom Frankino and DH Wilfredo Gil will have to lead the charge.
May could make or break this team with a couple of double headers,
we will see.
Up next: #3 Dragons
#8 Tigers 1-1 (Last Week #3 EAST/WEST)
While I do think these guys could win the division. Their next three
games are all going to be real tuff. And I don’t think that
this high of a ranking is an insult to a team that had a miserable
season last year. It looks like they have only gotten eleven players
on the field so far. When Kris “Hacksaw” Gross gets with the
program, this team will be incredibly hard to beat. If they can keep
the runs against down and pull off one or two wins in the next two
weeks they will prove that they belong near the top.
Up next: #2 Bandits
#9 Red Sox 1-0 (Last Week #5 EAST/WEST)
With the pick-up of some Bandits (That isn’t really hurting them at
all.) and Steve Myros throwing a gem in the first week these guys
fall at the number nine spot. These guys do have improvements to
make, but after their run through the play-off last season do they
still need to prove that they can do it? Yes. And they can start
this weekend. I’m sure John “The Convincer” Bertulis can’t wait to
be back on the field after a rain out.
Up next: #14 Devils
#10 Brewers 1-1 (Last Ranking #8 NORTH/SOUTH)
Just like Gammonz I have a feeling I’m sandbagging this team. But,
right now they need to just win some ball games. P Mike Clarke is
starting on a solid case of strike outs at nineteen. It’s funny
because these days the “Brew Crew” could be called the “Wing Crew”
this year. And Binz is liking the new ride with a team leading six
r.b.i.
Up next: #11 Sound
#11 Sound 1-1 (Last Ranking #1 NORTH/SOUTH)
The North Division is no joke. It will be difficult for them to
actually hang this far down all year and hard for me to imagine.
But, anything is possible. These guys seem to be undergoing a turn
over. Which also encompasses other players moving up and down in the
League but, how many? SS Matt Mitchel is moving down (and listed)
from the Scorpions, 3b Brad Bruntyn (listed) is moving down to play
with the Rocky’s and another player also OF Mike Brandon could be…
70’s haired P Ryan McCarthy and LF Frank Sirkorski will have to keep
these guys moving forward.
Up next: #10 Brewers
# 12 Weasels 0-2 (Last Ranking #6 NORTH/SOUTH)
Maybe one of the biggest disappointments so far this summer. For
generations people have been waiting for these guys to move up.
While they are no longer the “Boys of Summer” these “Grumpier old
men” will have to show they can get it done. And they seem to play
better when people think they can’t. But, either way they will do so
in comedic fashion with big grunts and showings from P Brad “the
kid” Joneic. Play-offs are not out of the question in that division.
But, they need to start helping themselves. Returning All-Stars: P
Mike Sopocy, SS Vince Trejo and CF Chris Chance will have to be the
ones to set the pace.
Up next: #19 Nationals
#13 Braves 1-1 (Last Week #7 EAST/WEST)
Pounding the PBR is a start to a good binge streak. But, how much
can they handle is the question. Will they show up ready to party or
will they show up hung over? A combined 49 points in two games is
way too much. All-Star: P Jason Laatz will have to keep this team on
the top shelf rather than the rail. But, where the defense lead last
year, the offense is taking over.
Up next: #17 Dodgers
#14 Devils 0-1 (Last Week #6 EAST/WEST)
This team has a lot to say about whether some of the teams
underneath them will move up. They will need to prove they can put
some of these guys down. But, giving up 25 runs in one game is
horrible. They expect better of themselves and I don’t think they
will give up that much again all year. The Stepniewski brothers are
returning All-Stars. Can they put these teams away and make their
play-off picture in focus?
Up next #9 Red Sox
#15 Blue Jays 1-1 (Last Ranking #10 NORTH/SOUTH)
For a team that was down in A and then back up in AA 1-1 is not bad
at all. However in their division they are not expected to
accomplish much. A move down to A ball is expected next year, maybe
they will not be bumped up again within a couple weeks. This team
will win some games, are you going to take them lightly? All-Star:
Brett Dvorak looks to lead the team into this weekend’s match. Who
will win out in the Cat/Bird match?
Up next: #4 Wildcats
#16 Bears 0-1 (Last Week #8 EAST/WEST)
Oh yeah that’s right. These guys didn’t send anyone to the All-Star
game. With the Bandits and Dragons in their division every loss will
seem like two. They need to turn things around with the “quickness”
and get some of their college players in the line-up. We will see
how they stack up against a veteran squad in the Devils.
Up next #18 Blue Ribbons
#17 Dodgers 0-2 (Last Week #9 EAST/WEST)
Losing in ten and running into the #2 Bandits have been the story so
far. Again you can’t win championships in April and May but, you can
lose them. If these guys can’t put anyone away it will be a long
year. It looks like only two of their All-Stars: RF Jon Meck and P
Brian Antonou have found themselves in the game. With the Braves and
then a double header with division foes the Devils on deck two wins
are crucial to their play-off hopes.
Up next: #13 Braves
#18 Blue Ribbons 0-2 (Last Week #10 EAST/WEST)
Almost putting a team away isn’t going to help. Giving up the most
amount of runs so far (35) doesn’t help either. That is a far cry
from what they did last season. Returning All-Stars: 3b Manny
Miranda and P Danny Lopez need to stay on track and produce. These
guys also have a stud at SS and C in Andrew Gschwind and Sean
O’Connell respectively. If those guys and the Ward bro’s all get hot
then these guys could move up. Either way I’m sure they are not
going to act inappropriately.
Up next: #16 Bears
#19 Nationals 0-2 (Last Ranking #4 NORTH/SOUTH)
This team does have talent. But, are they really a “Team”? To quote
Mr. Gammonz: “But, as team insiders have told me, the dugouts may
have to be expanded in order to fit the collective ego's of the
squad.” So from now on I’ll call them a squad. This squad does have
talent. After “raping the Royals two years in a row” (to quote the
president) the Nats have Royal All-Stars: C Corey Nichols (another
player not on the cross over list), P Pete Nogaj, SS Benji
Rodriguez, 3B Mike Rose, P Jordan Castaldo and of course the manager
of the squad CF Andre Harvey. OR, is it really just that the Royals
can’t hold on to players. Because, C Will Davies has also left the
team playing for the AAA Yankees. If Benji can’t carry these guys it
could be a surprisingly long season.
Up next: #12 Weasels
#20 Knights 0-2 (Last Ranking #9 NORTH/SOUTH)
Honestly only losing the first two games by seven total runs when
their opponents are currently ranked numbers 6 and 5 is pretty good.
Not many have these guys going to the play-offs with the Angels,
Brewers and Weasels in their division. A manager of a years
experience and a couple key players this team could have a
turn-around year NEXT season. Or even moving down to A ball. But,
hey guess what. These guys will upset some teams. The new team
taking in the well priced “Eueker Seats”.
Up next: #6 Stallions
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