Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Trade to Report
UD Bleacher Bums send Jimmy Rollins, PHI to Pine Tar Incident for Brian Fuentes, COL and pick 48.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Let's play Who Would You Rather Have
Here's the 2006 stats from five players. You tell me which you'd want most:
R RBI SB BA SLG BB K
61 68 1 .292 .477 55 69
82 92 5 .310 .497 55 96
93 62 52 .267 .393 65 100
73 34 19 .279 .404 30 92
101 85 8 .270 .553 63 162
Top to bottom, Player No. 3 would seem to be the best of the bunch, followed by No. 2. It's a toss up for third place between No. 5 and No. 1 -- if you can afford the strikeouts, you would probably take No. 5.
But if you're Tom, you take Player No. 1 over any of them. Why? Because his name is Jeff Kent, and he is one of Tom's pet players. Anyone who doesn't share Tom's love of his pet players, such as Jason Smith and myself, gets his scorn.
As you'll notice, the other players in the comparison are, in respective order, Lyle Overbay, Chone Figgins, Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall. Those are the players that Jason kept instead of Kent, which Tom criticized, but only Weeks had clearly inferior numbers last year -- and besides being 14 years younger than Kent, Weeks missed about half the year with injury. Indeed, the best player of the bunch last year was Figgins, whom Tom has previously dubbed one of the most overrated players in baseball.
Keep that in mind next time Tom criticizes your personnel decisions.
R RBI SB BA SLG BB K
61 68 1 .292 .477 55 69
82 92 5 .310 .497 55 96
93 62 52 .267 .393 65 100
73 34 19 .279 .404 30 92
101 85 8 .270 .553 63 162
Top to bottom, Player No. 3 would seem to be the best of the bunch, followed by No. 2. It's a toss up for third place between No. 5 and No. 1 -- if you can afford the strikeouts, you would probably take No. 5.
But if you're Tom, you take Player No. 1 over any of them. Why? Because his name is Jeff Kent, and he is one of Tom's pet players. Anyone who doesn't share Tom's love of his pet players, such as Jason Smith and myself, gets his scorn.
As you'll notice, the other players in the comparison are, in respective order, Lyle Overbay, Chone Figgins, Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall. Those are the players that Jason kept instead of Kent, which Tom criticized, but only Weeks had clearly inferior numbers last year -- and besides being 14 years younger than Kent, Weeks missed about half the year with injury. Indeed, the best player of the bunch last year was Figgins, whom Tom has previously dubbed one of the most overrated players in baseball.
Keep that in mind next time Tom criticizes your personnel decisions.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Mock Draft #2
With the first pick in the 2007 ICA Draft the Upper Deck Bleacher Bums select Jason Bay (LF-Pitt). cue huge uproar from the Alex Rodriguez camp.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Trade to Report
Outlaw Stars send:
Picks 43, 49
to Walden, for:
Pick 36
If someone wants to turn that into article form, that'd be great.
Picks 43, 49
to Walden, for:
Pick 36
If someone wants to turn that into article form, that'd be great.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Rating the draft board (updated)
At first glance, with the top two picks, Figgs would seem to be in the best position to improve his team heading into the March draft. But after crunching some numbers, that might not be so obvious.
I calculated the average draft position for each team below. For teams with less than nine picks, I ascribed #91 to each of their missing picks; for teams with more than nine picks, I disregarded their extras. Here are the average draft positions:
Weiland: 24
Jason: 28
Colby: 38
Mike: 39
Figgs: 41
Meer: 51
Tom: 53
Adam: 56
Curt: 59
Newman: 74 (!)
Now, certainly those numbers can be misleading. In reality, we all know there's not a huge difference between pick #65 and pick #90. Indeed, for some managers, the only thing that really matters is having a strong top of the draft. With that in mind, here are the positional averages for each team's top five picks:
Jason: 13
Figgs: 15
Weiland: 17
Mike: 20
Colby: 24
Tom: 33
Meer: 34
Curt: 38
Adam: 43
Newman: 67 (!)
I calculated the average draft position for each team below. For teams with less than nine picks, I ascribed #91 to each of their missing picks; for teams with more than nine picks, I disregarded their extras. Here are the average draft positions:
Weiland: 24
Jason: 28
Colby: 38
Mike: 39
Figgs: 41
Meer: 51
Tom: 53
Adam: 56
Curt: 59
Newman: 74 (!)
Now, certainly those numbers can be misleading. In reality, we all know there's not a huge difference between pick #65 and pick #90. Indeed, for some managers, the only thing that really matters is having a strong top of the draft. With that in mind, here are the positional averages for each team's top five picks:
Jason: 13
Figgs: 15
Weiland: 17
Mike: 20
Colby: 24
Tom: 33
Meer: 34
Curt: 38
Adam: 43
Newman: 67 (!)
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Effects of old trade
Which option would you rather have right now?
Rich Hill (MR)
Pick 10
or
John Smoltz
Pick 31
Rich Hill (MR)
Pick 10
or
John Smoltz
Pick 31
Monday, December 11, 2006
Minor League Draft
Now that we have a formalized tiebreaker, here is your minor league draft picks:
Giants: 1, 18, 19
Oedipus: 2, 17, 20
Walden: 3, 16, 21
UDBB: 4, 15, 22
PTI: 5, 14
Renegades: 6, 13
Outlaw: 8, 11
DaFaze: 9
VPGS: 10
Giants: 1, 18, 19
Oedipus: 2, 17, 20
Walden: 3, 16, 21
UDBB: 4, 15, 22
PTI: 5, 14
Renegades: 6, 13
Outlaw: 8, 11
DaFaze: 9
VPGS: 10
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Minutes of Owners' Meeting
I. Meeting of the Illinois Chooch Association was called to order by Commisioner Kirby at 7:17 PM, Saturday December 9, 2006. Present: Kirby, Newman, Feigh, Smith, Weiland, Hanik, Meer. Tardy: Lyons
II. State of the Association by Kirby
III. Election of new Statistician. Kirby nominates Meer. Lyons seconds. Passes unanimously.
IV. Election of new chief marketing officer. Weiland nominates Lyons. Seconded by Meer. Passes unanimously.
V. Expansion: Lyons will handle expansion meeting detail for fall outfield. Online application pending.
VI. Motions for formal trade away, trade down, and arbitration all fail.
VII. Motion for a no trade clause addition to draft day by Lyons. Language passes as follows unanimously:
“During the ICA’s major draft, the owner of a draft pick directly behind another pick that was just selected (owner two), may offer a no trade clause to the player just selected – the player selected with the draft pick directly preceding the pick currently on the clock.
If so done, the player’s original selector (owner 1) will either match the offer of no trade, or the player will be given to owner two with a no-trade binding. If owner 1 denies a no trade offering, his team will be on the clock for the next pick, and will also receive a compensatory sandwich pick after the 7th round.
If either owner ends up with the player in question with a no trade binding, they may not cut or trade said player, unless he dies, fails to make a 40-man roster out of spring training, or is cut via mandatory release.”
VIII. Present teams each named a backup gm for the upcoming draft.
a. Renegades – Kirby
b. Walden – Hanik
c. DaFaze – Meer
d. Giants – Feigh
e. Outlaw – Lyons
f. Oedipus – Lyons
g. Pine Tar – Lyons
h. Golden Sox – Newman
IX. Lyons made a motion to formalize a tiebreaker to determine minor league draft order. Suggested winning percentage over the previouis two years. Passes unanimously.
X. The following language regarding offseason free agency was passed unanimously:
“Free agent transactions will henceforth be allowed between the period of two days following the draft – at the conclusion of the initial waiver period – until the end of the Fuggin Cup Final.”
XI. Discussion of playoff transactions. “Henceforth, a team in the playoffs shall be limited to 5 transactions per week, where a roster move is defined as a waiver or free agent for player swap. A week is defined as the day a player enters one’s roster.” Passes unanimously.
XII. Discussion of appeals proceedings. “A team appealing a ruling of the commissioner’s office shall pay $5 to challenge the ruling. If successful in arbitration, the money will be returned. If unsuccessful, it will be used to limit the cost of the league outing.”
XIII. Discussion of dues. An increase in dues to $50 per year was passed unanimously.
XIV. Commissioner’s office is appointing the Commissioner’s Special Subcommittee on Yahoo Exit Strategy. Kirby, Smith, Feigh, Newman will report their findings to the league on or before draft day.
XV. Draft day is set for Saturday, March 24, 2007 at Dirty Champs in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.
XVI. Rulebook was perused as amended and passes unanimously. Being revised by Lyons before final submission to owners.
XVII. MR teams for 2007 were drawn: Washington, NY Mets, Kansas City, LA Angels, Chicago Cubs.
XVIII. Lottery was done. The following is the draft order each round of the draft: Upper Deck Bleacher Bums, Walden Warriors, Outlaw Stars, American Giants, Oedipus & the Mama’s Boys, Wyoming Pigs.
II. State of the Association by Kirby
III. Election of new Statistician. Kirby nominates Meer. Lyons seconds. Passes unanimously.
IV. Election of new chief marketing officer. Weiland nominates Lyons. Seconded by Meer. Passes unanimously.
V. Expansion: Lyons will handle expansion meeting detail for fall outfield. Online application pending.
VI. Motions for formal trade away, trade down, and arbitration all fail.
VII. Motion for a no trade clause addition to draft day by Lyons. Language passes as follows unanimously:
“During the ICA’s major draft, the owner of a draft pick directly behind another pick that was just selected (owner two), may offer a no trade clause to the player just selected – the player selected with the draft pick directly preceding the pick currently on the clock.
If so done, the player’s original selector (owner 1) will either match the offer of no trade, or the player will be given to owner two with a no-trade binding. If owner 1 denies a no trade offering, his team will be on the clock for the next pick, and will also receive a compensatory sandwich pick after the 7th round.
If either owner ends up with the player in question with a no trade binding, they may not cut or trade said player, unless he dies, fails to make a 40-man roster out of spring training, or is cut via mandatory release.”
VIII. Present teams each named a backup gm for the upcoming draft.
a. Renegades – Kirby
b. Walden – Hanik
c. DaFaze – Meer
d. Giants – Feigh
e. Outlaw – Lyons
f. Oedipus – Lyons
g. Pine Tar – Lyons
h. Golden Sox – Newman
IX. Lyons made a motion to formalize a tiebreaker to determine minor league draft order. Suggested winning percentage over the previouis two years. Passes unanimously.
X. The following language regarding offseason free agency was passed unanimously:
“Free agent transactions will henceforth be allowed between the period of two days following the draft – at the conclusion of the initial waiver period – until the end of the Fuggin Cup Final.”
XI. Discussion of playoff transactions. “Henceforth, a team in the playoffs shall be limited to 5 transactions per week, where a roster move is defined as a waiver or free agent for player swap. A week is defined as the day a player enters one’s roster.” Passes unanimously.
XII. Discussion of appeals proceedings. “A team appealing a ruling of the commissioner’s office shall pay $5 to challenge the ruling. If successful in arbitration, the money will be returned. If unsuccessful, it will be used to limit the cost of the league outing.”
XIII. Discussion of dues. An increase in dues to $50 per year was passed unanimously.
XIV. Commissioner’s office is appointing the Commissioner’s Special Subcommittee on Yahoo Exit Strategy. Kirby, Smith, Feigh, Newman will report their findings to the league on or before draft day.
XV. Draft day is set for Saturday, March 24, 2007 at Dirty Champs in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.
XVI. Rulebook was perused as amended and passes unanimously. Being revised by Lyons before final submission to owners.
XVII. MR teams for 2007 were drawn: Washington, NY Mets, Kansas City, LA Angels, Chicago Cubs.
XVIII. Lottery was done. The following is the draft order each round of the draft: Upper Deck Bleacher Bums, Walden Warriors, Outlaw Stars, American Giants, Oedipus & the Mama’s Boys, Wyoming Pigs.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Helton joins Fuggin Cup champs
Just days before the ICA Winter Meetings convene in Villa Park, a major deal has gone down between the Fuggin Cup champion Golden Sox and the cellar-dwelling American Giants.
During the viewing of tonight's Bulls-76ers game, Giants owner Jason Smith and Sox owner Adam Kirby agreed on a trade that sends perennial All Star Todd Helton to the champs in exchange for Chone "Don't Call Me Chone" Figgins. Helton is expected to serve as the Sox' second utility hitter, backing up first baseman Albert Pujols and fellow utility man Prince Fielder. Who knows what the hell Smith will do with Figgins.
The Sox are likely not done dealing. Sources indicate the champs are also shopping All Star pitchers Barry Zito and John Smoltz.
During the viewing of tonight's Bulls-76ers game, Giants owner Jason Smith and Sox owner Adam Kirby agreed on a trade that sends perennial All Star Todd Helton to the champs in exchange for Chone "Don't Call Me Chone" Figgins. Helton is expected to serve as the Sox' second utility hitter, backing up first baseman Albert Pujols and fellow utility man Prince Fielder. Who knows what the hell Smith will do with Figgins.
The Sox are likely not done dealing. Sources indicate the champs are also shopping All Star pitchers Barry Zito and John Smoltz.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Atkins Fails Physical; Trade to Walden Nixed
Madison, WI – Citing the failure of a physical, Walden Warriors’ General Manager Tom Lyons declined a tentative trade that would have had his team reacquire Outlaw third basemen Garrett Atkins.
The deal would have sent Walden Starting Pitcher Jake Peavy to Outlaw in return.
“That’s why we set up tentative arrangements to some trades,” said Lyons. “We want to make sure we know what we have before it’s finalized.”
Atkins was a member of the controversial ‘Moneyball’ draft Walden had in 2005. Due to strict 13-man rules, along with the lack of a minor league system at the time, Walden was forced to cut him after 2005.
The 27-year old Atkins is coming off of a career year in 2006. After hitting .329 with 29 Home Runs and 120 RBIs, he was coveted by Walden.
Peavy struggled in 2006, going 11-15 with a 4.09 ERA, though he was third in the ICA in strikeouts. He is 57-45 in his career.
Outlaw owner Steve Weiland did not immediately return phone calls requesting comment.
The deal would have sent Walden Starting Pitcher Jake Peavy to Outlaw in return.
“That’s why we set up tentative arrangements to some trades,” said Lyons. “We want to make sure we know what we have before it’s finalized.”
Atkins was a member of the controversial ‘Moneyball’ draft Walden had in 2005. Due to strict 13-man rules, along with the lack of a minor league system at the time, Walden was forced to cut him after 2005.
The 27-year old Atkins is coming off of a career year in 2006. After hitting .329 with 29 Home Runs and 120 RBIs, he was coveted by Walden.
Peavy struggled in 2006, going 11-15 with a 4.09 ERA, though he was third in the ICA in strikeouts. He is 57-45 in his career.
Outlaw owner Steve Weiland did not immediately return phone calls requesting comment.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Weiland reverses decision to leave ICA
Outlaw Stars Official Press Release
After a show of support from several owners around the league, Outlaw Stars owner Stephen Weiland will remain President of Player Personnel for the Outlaw Stars franchise, leaving the managerial duties during the season to the team's new General Manager Trent Felver.
When asked what brought about the change of heart for his decision to leave the front office owner Weiland responded, "The commoraderie between fellow ICA owners and myself would not allow me to walk away entirely. Although I don't have the time necessary to put in over the course of the season I still feel I can contribute to the Outlaw Star orginazation and to the ICA in my new role. My fellow owners show of support was the deciding factor to keep me involved and showed me what a great league and what quality owners we have."
Monday, October 30, 2006
Winter Meetings
Saturday, December 9th
Kirby Kasa: 618 s. Wisconsin, Villa Park, IL
RSVP at: The Evite invitation you should have received.
We'll be talking about...
The disabled list, appeals, new officers, minor leagues, playoff rosters, no trade clauses, arbitration, rulebooks, expansion, and much, much more. Reply with suggestions for the agenda!
Kirby Kasa: 618 s. Wisconsin, Villa Park, IL
RSVP at: The Evite invitation you should have received.
We'll be talking about...
The disabled list, appeals, new officers, minor leagues, playoff rosters, no trade clauses, arbitration, rulebooks, expansion, and much, much more. Reply with suggestions for the agenda!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Back to just one Steve
Outlaw Stars owner Steve Weiland announced today he is leaving the league to participate in a mission trip to Uganda.
Weiland, a charter member of the ICA and a former owner of pre-ICA teams like MyAsian's and the infamous Bubba and Friends, has handed over the reigns to his franchise to some guy he works with, whose identity has not yet been disclosed. The new dude will be introduced at the winter meetings. Supposedly he knows his shit.
A two-time regular season champion who nevertheless failed to win a Fuggin Cup, Weiland's departure appears to be permanent, though he will be welcomed back to the league in the future if he changes his mind.
Weiland's departure means that only half of the members of the 5-year-old ICA were around for its founding: Adam Kirby, Tom Lyons, Mike Feigh, Jason Smith and Newman. Curt Creighton took over the Miracle Mets from Jason's choochy college roommate in year 2, the same year Figgs adopted the woeful Potato-sukin mickeys. Steve Meer and Colby Hanik joined the leage in year 4 as expansion owners.
Weiland, a charter member of the ICA and a former owner of pre-ICA teams like MyAsian's and the infamous Bubba and Friends, has handed over the reigns to his franchise to some guy he works with, whose identity has not yet been disclosed. The new dude will be introduced at the winter meetings. Supposedly he knows his shit.
A two-time regular season champion who nevertheless failed to win a Fuggin Cup, Weiland's departure appears to be permanent, though he will be welcomed back to the league in the future if he changes his mind.
Weiland's departure means that only half of the members of the 5-year-old ICA were around for its founding: Adam Kirby, Tom Lyons, Mike Feigh, Jason Smith and Newman. Curt Creighton took over the Miracle Mets from Jason's choochy college roommate in year 2, the same year Figgs adopted the woeful Potato-sukin mickeys. Steve Meer and Colby Hanik joined the leage in year 4 as expansion owners.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Congrats to my Golden Sox
Your 2006 Fuggin Cup Champion Golden Sox:
Matt Belisle
Lance Berkman
Joe Blanton
David Cabrera
Mike Cameron
Roger Clemens
Doug Davis
Jermaine Dye
Prince Fielder
Chone Figgins
Jeff Francis
Ryan Garko
Geoff Geary
Aaron Heilman
Ramon Hernandez
Tim Hudson
Bobby Jenks
Kenny Lofton
Pedro Martinez
Wade Miller
Dustin Moseley
Akinori Otsuka
Hayden Penn
Albert Pujols
Mike Rivera
Scott Rolen
John Smoltz
Jeff Suppan
Miguel Tejada
Jim Thome
Carlos Villanueva
Billy Wagner
Jeff Weaver
Brandon Webb
David Wells
Bob Wickman
Ty Wigginton
Dontrelle Willis
Jake Woods
Barry Zito
Joel Zumaya
Matt Belisle
Lance Berkman
Joe Blanton
David Cabrera
Mike Cameron
Roger Clemens
Doug Davis
Jermaine Dye
Prince Fielder
Chone Figgins
Jeff Francis
Ryan Garko
Geoff Geary
Aaron Heilman
Ramon Hernandez
Tim Hudson
Bobby Jenks
Kenny Lofton
Pedro Martinez
Wade Miller
Dustin Moseley
Akinori Otsuka
Hayden Penn
Albert Pujols
Mike Rivera
Scott Rolen
John Smoltz
Jeff Suppan
Miguel Tejada
Jim Thome
Carlos Villanueva
Billy Wagner
Jeff Weaver
Brandon Webb
David Wells
Bob Wickman
Ty Wigginton
Dontrelle Willis
Jake Woods
Barry Zito
Joel Zumaya
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