The Mistake on the Lake??

I'm not gonna hit the implosion button yet, but this Cuyahoga team is making my ulcer flare up regularly. So far, it has been a failure on all aspects on the ML squad. Pitching has been awful both in the rotation and in the pen. the offense has been offensive, with the exception of Brian Tomko and Geraldo Chavez. Turner Blake and Dave Perry who were performing exceptionally at AAA have been called up and veteran Bobby Penny will see an increase in playing time to use his wily veteran skills to maybe give this squad a little pick me up. There was no delusion of competing for a playoff spot this season, but sub .500 ball was not expected.

International signings, week 4.

A flurry of international signings ahead of the draft, most of the good MILB, marginal ML player type.



Boston signed RP Miguel Perez for 1.4 million and LF Ariel Mota for 1.3 million. Perez has questional health but great make-up, so we'll see, Mota is part of a trend of 90+ power potential signings.



Los Angeles signed LF Al Feliz for 460K. Another 90+ power guy, not merely cheap, but ultra cheap. An A+ on smart use of the money.



Jacksonville signed SP Damaso Amaro for 2 million. Good stuff, bad control. Will he make the ML some day? Who knows, but even as a career high inning MILB starter, he is a bargain.



Philadelphia signed 3B (RF?) Jesus Gonzalez for 2.3 million, I'm pretty sure to see if he can hit a curve ball. He is another 90+ power guy. Anybody noticing a trend this week?



Three very minor signings: Durham signed RP Jolbert Alcantaro for 190k, Huntington signed RP Domingo Reynoso for 80k, and Helena signed C Alex Fernanadez for 60K. All seem like reasonable MILB signings. I know in my case the Catcher is strictly to catch rookie ball.

Addendum: some time next week, my DSL will be up and running. Huzzah!

1st Quarter NL North Review

So the first quarter of Season 5 has come and gone in No Quitters II. The biggest surprise so far, to me at least, has been that Milwaukee has been keeping pace with Scranton. Both Scranton and Milwaukee are leading the league in wins with 28 and 26 respectively. Cleveland has crawled its way back near .500, while Buffalo is already 15 games back from the leaders. Lets take a team by team look at what's happening.

Scranton SweetSwing'n AbbyMo's (NL) coonja76 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Scranton has been dominate in every area of the game during the first 40 games. Going 14-5 at home and 14-7 away, they haven't been phased on the road. Leading the AbbyMo's have been preseason All NL North picks in Matt West and Chuck Parker. Chuck is absolutely tearing it up on the field, and is on pace to hit 68HRs and steal 73 bases. Possibly the first ever 60/60 guy? We'll see. As a team Scranton leads the NL in on base percentage by 15 points.

Their rotation has been just as dominate as their offense has been, as their top 4 pitchers have an ERA below 3.50. Carson Redmond has been having a season for the ages so far. Going 6-0 in 8 starts, he has struck out 53 while only walking 6. Douglas Dawkins has been consistent in the closers role so far, as he has converted 9 saves in 9 chances.

Despite having 3 players listed on the preseason All NL Defensive team, Scranton is dead last in last in errors allowed and fielding percentage, and consequentially are 2nd to last in unearned runs allowed. Although their defense has been trying their best to allow more runs to score, they are 3rd in the NL in runs allowed.

Milwaukee Timber Rattlers (NL) lccooler View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Milwaukee started the year with a 4 game sweep of Buffalo, and then promptly got swept by Scranton. So far this year we have been lead by minor league signing Preston Burkhart who is having an MVP type year so far. He leads all NL North hitters in RC/27 by almost an amazing 3 runs. Quinn Morgan is also having another fine season, posting a line of .365/.571/.936. Cody Relaford is in the middle of a sophomore slump, and has been relegated to the bottom of the batting order. Thankfully he hasn't forgotten how to play defense as well.

The Timber Rattlers have also been lead by the Big 3 as they have been the past 4 seasons. Ismael Torres has seen a return to his Cy Young season in season 2, while both Hugh Luebbers and Orber Gutierrez are holding their own in the rotation. Look for Milwaukee to replace a starter in the rotation by the all start break if the number 4 and 5 guys don't turn it around. Ted Alexander is following up his NL Fireman of the Year award from last year with another remarkable season so far. He started the season converting his first 14 saves without allowing a run, but gave up back to back solo home runs in his 15th save opportunity. He bounced back quickly saving the next game.

Milwaukee is also having a superb defensive season having only committed a total of 9 errors. This is second only to Las Vegas in the NL.

Cleveland Cuyahogas (NL) mytitan View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Cleveland has been having an up and down season thus far. They started out the season going 3-7, but have come back to a respectable 20-23. This is not that easy of a feat in the NL North with both Milwaukee and Scranton owning both the top two records in the NL. The Cuyahogas are having a great defensive and offensive season, and if their pitching would come around they could possibly compete for a wild card spot.

The Cuyahogas have been lead on offense by both Gary Crosby and Geraldo Chavez. Both are near the top of the NL North in offensive production, and each does it differently. Chavez is getting on base like no other, and is currently 3rd in the North, while Crosby is slugging the ball all over the place.

Pitching is a different story. While they aren't horrible, they is only one person on the team who is having an All Star season. So let's start with the good in Dennis Mercker. He's 5-1 in 8 starts and has 6 quality starts so far. Top prospect Jeff Gload, has been having a decent rookie season so far. While his ERA says otherwise, his WHIP has said otherwise. He's been respectable at home, but has gotten pounded on the road.

Buffalo Wings (NL) mdonegan View Hardball Dynasty Profile

What has gone right for Buffalo this year you may ask? Well besides Brutus Fleming there hasn't been much good news coming out of Buffalo. The wings are dead last in WHIP and ERA and 2nd to last in 1.8*OPS. The Wings have used a total of 14 different lineups on offense, and while they have used the same rotation since opening day, none of them is performing better than what a number 3 or 4 starter on any other staff would perform. Even the Wing's closer, Juan Perez, has a WHIP above 2.00.

It looks like mdonegan is going to need to hunker down for a long season, but as we've seen from the Top 100 prospect list, help is not that far away.

NL North 1st Qtr All Stars
C: Matt West - Scranton
1B: Quinn Morgan - Milwaukee
2B: Geraldo Chavez - Cleveland
3B: Brian Tomko - Cleveland
SS: Delino Martinez - Cleveland
LF: Chuck Parker - Scranton (Normally RF)
CF: Gary Crosby - Cleveland
RF: Preston Burkhart - Milwaukee

Starting Pitchers
Carson Redmond - Scranton
Ismael Sanchez - Milwaukee
Orber Guiterrez - Milwaukee
Dennis Merker - Cleveland
Dante Adkinsson - Scranton

Closer
Ted Alexander - Milwaukee


1st Qtr All NL North Defensive Team
C: Luis Oropesa - Milwaukee
1B: O.T. Wagner - Cleveland
2B: Geraldo Chavez - Cleveland
3B: Ramon Yang - Scranton
SS: Eduardo Rosado - Milwaukee
LF: Aubrey Goldman - Cleveland
CF: Gary Crosby - Cleveland
RF: Placido Ordonez - Cleveland

International Signings Week 3

Helena signed 3B\RF Fernando Manzanillo for 9.5 mil. Yes, the big news in the 3rd week of the season is the signing of Manzanillo, by, uh, well, me. Kind of hard to be objective here, but I believe he projects quality late 1st round pick level talent, and by definition, you can't do better than that. Helena has blown the entire prospect budget on the signing, and by drafting very conservative, can just sign the amateur draft. That's why they invented calulators people, so you can run budgets to within 100k of their maximum "tolerance".

Charlotte signed 2 people, C Rolando Flores at 556k, and reliever James Yamakazi at 2.0 Mil.
I think these are quality signings, especially the C, with some serious catcher skills, will be a serious MILB asset to any team he is on. Just make sure that when the pitchers he handles progress, you don't hand them over to some big bat\can't catch a game catcher without carefully thinking through the consequences.

Buffalo signed RP Omar Beltre for 2.3 million. Which just looking at the guy seems an unbelievable bargain for an RP projecting that talent.

New York Leathernecks signed OF Delino Sanchez for 3.6 Mil. This looks to be another good bargain in the INT signing season, as Sanchez projects to at least, what, okish ML OF?

Durham signed RP Jesus Valdez for 1.5 mil. Financially sound signing, but what to make of a guy with such a mix of really good and really bad ratings? "we'd better teach this guy some control before he kills somebody".

Since I'm a day late on posting (I have relatives visiting), I can't look at a "last week" search and be sure I've gotten everybody. So I apologise for anybody I missed. And I have the perceptable felling I've missed people.

NL South Weekly Review - Week 2

NL South Weekly Review

Welcome to the weekly review of the NL South. It’s been an interesting second week for the NL South as the Huntington Blazers (20-16) as been in a free fall allowing the surging Charlotte Knights (19-17) to come within 1 game. The Charleston Chiefs (18-18) are struggling as well but are still within 2 games. The Jacksonville Hurricanes (15-21) are hanging in there at 5 games back.

Huntington Blazers (20-16) AAA (24-12)/ AA (26-10)/ HIA (14-22)/ LOA (16-20)

The great start by the Blazers as turned into a nightmare the second week of the season. The Blazers have gone 5-11 during the last week, only winning one game each series that they’ve played. They are now 12-11 at home, 8-5 on the road and 11-15 playing against teams outside there division. The citizens of Huntington have gone out on search parties, looking for the missing offensive of the Blazers but as of today it has not been found. Last week they only scored 60 runs, good for 3.75 runs per game. The offensive as fell to 5h in runs scored (192) even as they still lead the league in Hits (375), AVE (.289) and second in OBP (.356), it is clear that the problem the team is struggle with men in scoring position. The strikeouts continue to cause problems as they still led the league with 273.
Mac Hyun (1B) – (.294, 12, 28) leads the team in Runs (27), HR (12), and RBI (28)
Allen Sutton (2B/RF) – (.281, 4, 13)
Carlos Trinidad (3B) – (.327, 8, 27) leads the team in Hits (48)
Benito Polanco (LF) – (.289, 7, 24) tied for the led SB (10) and leads the team in SO (37)
Trenidad Rincon (SS) – (.320, 8, 27) leads the team in Walks (18) and tied in 2B’s (6)

The pitching staff it seems as ran away with the offensive the last week. They have allowed 94 runs, 5.88 runs per game during the week. They have fallen to 9th in the National League with a 4.51 ERA. The starters are only averaging 5.5 innings per start and out of the teams 36 games only 17 have been quality starts. The team is hoping with their new acquisition of Pedro Martinez will provide enough innings to give the tired bullpen a breather. The bullpen as already pitched over 130 innings so far with Javier Hernandez already pitching in 23 games. The team as not found a closer yet, as Eric Baker as been hit hard his recently, losing the closer job to Haywood Brewer who as saved to 2 games.
Johnny Linden – (3-3, 4.98) leads the team in IP (43.1), GS (8), and tied in wins (3)
Rafael Torres – (3-2, 3.35) leads the team in SO (35) and tied in wins (3)
Haywood Brewer – (3.04, 2SV)

Can the Blazers stop the sinking ship or will they continue to sink to the bottom?

DL
Edgar Ordonez (shoulder surgery) – Out for the season
Roster Moves
Pedro Martinez (P) – Traded from New Britain
Jared Fischbach (RF) – Sent back to AAA
Alfonso Romero (P) – Sent to AAA

Charleston Chiefs (18-18) AAA (27-9)/ AA (19-17)/ HIA (17-19)/ LOA (22-14)

The Chiefs are cold once again, as there season seems to be going up and down already. They have only one 6 times in there last 16 games. With the Blazers struggling as well the Chiefs are still right behind the leaders. They are 9-10 at home, 9-8 on the road and 14-12 playing against teams outside there division. The offensive has gone ice cold the last week, unable to provide any kind of support to the pitching staff. The new GM as express that a team with a high payroll and high priced vets that this team is expected to win. Last week the offensive scored only 62 runs, scoring 3.88 runs per game during the week. The team has dropped to the middle of the pack in most offensive categories; expect they are second in the league in steals with 57.
Edgar Cornejo (2B) – (.315, 7, 21) leads the team in Runs (31), Hits (46), 2B (12), Walks (20), SO (29), and SB (25)
Miguel Nunez (RF) – (.308, 7, 20)
Orlando Molina (3B) – (.296, 10, 35) leads the team in HR (10), RBI (35)
Magglio Elcano (CF) – (.262, 1, 12)
Edgardo Ortiz (SS) – (.214, 4, 14)

As the offensive has struggled the pitching staff has been great. They have allowed 69 runs, 4.31 runs per game during the week. They are 3rd in the National League in ERA at 4.06. The starter’s average 6.8 innings per start, 5 complete games and they have 20 quality starts out of the 36 games played. Don Morgan as thrown the only shutout for the team so far. The bullpen has only pitched 71 innings so far, but it’s still closer by committee so far, with five different pitchers recording at least one save, Stevie Brumfield leading the team with 3, but they have also blown 5 saves as well.
Don Morgan – (3-3, 3.03) leads the team in IP (62.1), SHO (1) and SO (50)
Brett Hoover – (6-1, 2.72) leads the team in Wins (6), and CG (3)
Stevie Brumfield – (4.50, 3SV)

Can the veterans pull themselves out of there slump or will the pitchers need to step up even more.

DL
None
Roster Moves
Stevie Brumfield (P) - Promoted to ML
Miguel James (P) – Sent to AAA

Charlotte Knights (19-17) AAA (16-20)/ AA (13-23)/ HIA (21-15)/ LOA (9-27)

The Knights are hot, winning 10 out of there last 17 games. They have surged to within 1 game of the Huntington Blazers for the lead in the division. They are now 11-8 at home, 8-9 on the road, 14-12 playing against teams outside there division. The problems that plagued the offensive during the first week of the season, has been forgotten by the team, but more importantly by the fans themselves. The blazing hot offensive has gotten 165 hits, hit 32 homeruns, and scored 111 runs, 6.53 runs per game during the week. They are 2cd in runs scored with 205 and RBI with 201, they also led the league with 63 long balls. The team has gotten its AVE (.255), OBP (.328) up from the previous week, which as helped the offensive to explode.
Vladimir Valentin (2B) – (.257, 11, 35) tied with team led in RBI (35)
Timothy Stokes (RF) – (.298, 3, 17) leads the teams in Hits (39), 2B’s (10), and BB (18)
Lorenzo Park (3B) – (.248, 8, 25) leads the team in SO (29)
Dario Newfield (CF) – (.278, 14, 35) leads the team in Runs (27), HR (14), and RBI (35)
Phil File (1B) – (.197, 6, 14)

The pitching staff hasn’t had to be perfect the last week, but they where still pretty good. They have allowed only 74 runs, 4.63 runs per game during the week. They are 8th in the league in ERA at 4.45. The starter’s average 5.6 innings per start, 1 complete game and they have 19 quality starts out of the teams 37 games. Out of the 17 games played during the week, the starters won 8 times, as the bullpen was able to hold more leads this week. The bullpen has just pitch over 100 innings so far, with closer Einar Olivares leading the team with 18 games. The blown saves are still a real concern for the team as they have already blown 7 games this season.

Can the Knights hold onto leads late in the games or will that cost them more and more as the season goes forward.

Seth White – (3-2, 3.64) tied with the team led of 3 wins
Henry Nathan – (2-1, 2.45)
Einar Olivares – (4.91, 8SV)
DL
None
Roster Moves
None


Jacksonville Hurricanes (15-21) AAA (11-25)/ AA (23-13)/ HIA (19-17)/ LOA (16-20)

The Hurricanes just can’t get over the hump of being a .500 team. When ever they get close they seem to lose a couple in a row, forcing them to play catch up once again. The week started at well, winning there 5 out of the first 7 games, but have lost 8 out of the last 10 games. They are now 8-12 at home, 7-9 on the road, 13-12 playing against teams outside there division. The offensive has improved scoring 99 runs, 5.82 runs per game during the last week. The Hurricanes are having no problems getting men into scoring position as they led the league in doubles with 68, getting 360 hits and hitting .283 as a team, but they still are having a tough time getting them to score with only 182 runs scored so far this season.
Warren Richardson (RF) – (.275, 13, 35) leads the team in HR (13), and RBI (35)
Gus Martin (2B) – (.350, 6, 30) leads the team in Hits (49), and SO (31)
Marino Aramboles (SS) – (.274, 1, 6)
David Yamakazi (1B/LF) – (.270, 7, 22) leads the team in Runs (26)
Kent Miles (C) – (.321, 4, 16) leads the team in 2B’s (12)
The pitching staff has improved slightly during the last week. They have allowed 83 runs, 4.88 runs per game during the week. The moved up one stop with a 5.42 ERA. The starters are averaging 6.1 innings per game, 1 complete game and they have 15 quality starts out of the 36 games played. The team has found Geronimo Valdes is truly the staff ace leading the team in wins and ERA. The bullpen has pitched under 100 innings so far, giving them lots of rest to perform to there best abilities. Elroy Cogan has been solid when ever he gets a chance to be, but it’s been kind of an adventure in the bullpen to get to there great closer.
Clay Adams – (1-2, 4.47)
Geronimo Valdes – (5-2, 4.25) leads the team in W (5)
Elroy Cogan – (2.84, 5SV)

If the Hurricanes offensive starts to get hot will they still need to win games 8-7, 9-6 so they can approach .500 again?

DL
Artie Spencer (broken wrist) – 15 Day DL
Roster Moves
Teddy Black (1B) – Promoted to ML


NL SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
3/5/2008 - 3/12/2008
Dario Newfield
(Charlotte Knights)

Dario Newfield is the Player of the Week. He went 17/51 for a batting average of .333 and hit 7 homeruns in 14 games. Molina also drove in 22 runs, scored 16 runs and .804 Slugging Percentage.


NL SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
3/5/2008 - 3/12/2008
Henry Nathan
(Charlotte Knights)

Henry Nathan is the Pitcher of the Week. He gave up 4 earned run(s) in 21.0 innings for an ERA of 1.71. He went 2-0 over a span of 3 games. Nathan struck out 13 while only walking 3.

Anticipation mounts for Amateur Draft

With the Amateur draft coming next week, the Cuyahogas, who have 3 first round picks, are cautiously optimistic about landing some quality SP prospects. Financial concerns due to the signing of IFA Frank Li have the bean counters in Cleveland concerned about signability. Look for Cleveland to transfer some funds to the draft warchest and play it safe this season and not chase the riskier to sign prospects.

Bees Recover from Awful Start to Get Back to .500

Expectations were high in New Britain, CT after the Bees' 107 win season and ALCS appearance in Season 4. After signing Vasco Bennett in the offseason to a deep pitching staff and trading for Carlos Carrasco, it looked like the Bees were primed for a run at the AL pennant.

Then the season started and the Bees train wrecked to a 2-10 start. Tension in the clubhouse caused some tempers to flair, but the club refocused and kept it together. The Bees have rallied, going 12-4 in their last 16 games to even up their record at 14-14. They've managed to stay within shouting distance of division rival Portland, currently sitting 5.5 games out of first. The Bees have been led by their stellar starting staff, notably

Hardball Dynasty's

Cecil Stern

and

Hardball Dynasty's

Douglas Handworth

.

Cleveland's slow climb back to respectability

Even after an abysmal 4-12 start to the season, the Cuyahoga faithful held out hope that the team would find a way to hit on all cylinders and regain some respect within NQ2. Strong pitching and timely hitting(finally) the past 10 games has put Cleveland only 2 games under .500 and keeps them in the thick of the playoff run this season. Lead by Lonnie Garcia and Dennis Mercker on the hill, and Gary Crosby and Brian Tomko on offense, hope has returned to the shores of Lake Erie.

Hector Unamuno returns to the Jake

Hardball Dynasty's

Hector Unamuno

Throughout the short history of Cuyahogas baseball, no athlete was more beloved than Hector Unamuno. The holder of nearly all season and career pitching records returned to Cleveland to face his former teammates as a much heralded FA signing by the DC Revolution. Appearing to a standing ovation, Unamuno brought his "A" stuff, but fell short on a Bob Penny 2-run blast giving the Cuyahogas a much needed 3-2 win. GM Mark Shapiro commented that "while it was always the plan to have Hector in a Cleveland uniform, financially it didn't fit with our goals. We wish him all the luck in DC".

NL South Weekly Review

Welcome to the weekly review of the NL South. It’s been an interesting week for the NL South as the Huntington Blazers (15-5) have jumped out to a 3 game lead over the Charleston Chiefs (12-8). The Charlotte Knights (9-10) are 5.5 games off the pace and the Jacksonville Hurricanes (8-11) are 6.5 games out.

Huntington Blazers (15-5) AAA (14-5)/ AA (13-6)/ HIA (9-10)/ LOA (6-13)

The Blazers have started out blazing by winning every series so far, while sweeping the Knights and Hurricanes also. They are 9-5 at home, 6-0 on the road and 9-1 within the division. The Blazers have the number 1 offensive in the National League with 132 runs scored, 6.60 runs per game. They also led the National League in Hits (231), RBI (131), AVE (.322), OBP (.389) and OPS (.873) but they are also leading the league with 148 strikeouts. (3B) Carlos Trinidad (.367, 3, 17) and (SS) Trenidad Rincon (.366, 6, 22) have been giving opposing pitchers problem so far in the beginning of the season. (1B) Mac Huyen (.314, 4, 15), (RF) Allen Sutton (.315, 2, 11), (C) Pat Montgomery (.308, 2, 11) have been making it a tough battle for any pitcher so far this year to get through the order. Can the offensive continue this kind of fire power through out the year or will it eventually slow down?
The pitching staff hasn’t been left out with this great start, only allowing 86 runs scored, 4.52 runs per game. They are second in the National League with a 4.08 ERA. The ace of the staff Johnny Liden (3-0, 2.52) and fifth starter Casey Timlin (3-1, 3.18) have been doing a great job anchoring the rotation. Alfonso Romero (1-1, 3.28) as had some rough luck so far this season with bullpen losing two games for him. The bullpen as struggled at times with a 4.62 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP but have only blown one save so far. Brian Sakamoto was given the closer job but as blown the only save and a 12.15 ERA, so he lost it to Eric Baker. Baker as taken the job and ran with it by saving all 4 chances and allowing only one run.
DL
Edgar Ordonez (shoulder surgery) – Out for the season
Ariel Quevedo (stiff neck) – 15 day DL
Roster Moves
Ramiro Montanez (CF) - FA pickup
Jared Fischbach (RF) – Promoted to ML


Charleston Chiefs (12-8) AAA (15-4)/ AA (9-10)/ HIA (9-10)/ LOA (11-8)

The Chiefs started the season off cold, losing 7 of there first 9 games. Then they pulled off 9 straight victories before Scranton final stopped the streak. They are 3-3 at home, 9-5 on the road and 4-6 within the division. They have scored 120 runs which is the second best in the league, averaging 6.00 runs per game. They are also second in the league in Hits (224), RBI (117), AVE (.306), OBP (.369), SLG (.487) and OPS (.856), while also tied for first with 45 SB. (3B) Orlando Molina (.373, 6, 25) is providing the power, while (2B) Edgar Cornejo (.357, 4, 15) have provided the speed with 20 steals. (RF) Miguel Nunez (.341, 3, 12) as 5 stolen bases, (CF) Magglio Elcano (.329, 0, 7) as 9 steals as well, given catchers fits when playing this team. They face the same questions as the Blazers do about the offensive being able to stay hot or will it begin to cool down.
The pitching staff had struggled in the beginning of the season but has improved since the 9 game winning streak began. They are 5th in the league in ERA with 4.27, allowing 93 runs, 4.65 runs per game. Brett Hoover (4-0, 2.97) and Don Morgan (2-0, 1.95) as been an unbeatable one to two punch, combining for half the teams wins. The bullpen as really struggled so far with a 4.99 ERA and blowing 2 saves. Four different pitches as saved a game for the Chiefs, Enrique Vincente being the last.
DL
Ryan Cox (strained hamstring) – 15 day DL
Roster Moves
Edwin Messmer (LF) - Promoted to ML


Charlotte Knights (9-10) AAA (10-9)/ AA (9-10)/ HIA (8-11)/ LOA (5-14)

The Knights started off great, winning 7 out of there first 10 games, but has hit a nose dive, winning only twice in there last 9 games. They are 2-4 at home, 7-6 on the road, and 3-5 within the division. They have scored 94 runs, 4.95 runs per game. The offensive has been able to blast the ball over the fence, hitting 31 homeruns, good for third in the league, but that’s the only thing the offensive has been able to do. They are last in Hits (149), AVE (.230), and OBP (.302). (2B) Vladimir Valentin (.247, 7, 21) and (CF) Dario Newfield (.240, 7, 13) has provided the power. (RF) Timothy Stokes (.320, 1, 11) leads the team with 13 runs scored. Can the Knights offensive find the ability to get men on base, so that the big power guys in the middle of the order can bring them around, or will the offensive rely on the pitching staff to keep them in the games?
The pitching staff as been good so far this season at shutting down the opposite teams offensive for the most part. They have allowed 85 runs so far, 4.47 runs per game. They are 7th in the league with a 4.56 ERA. Starting pitchers Henry Nathan (0-1, 3.26), Bernard Wilson (1-0, 3.46), Jimmy Butler (1-1, 3.76) as pitched well, but the bullpen hasn’t been able to hold on to the games for them. The starting pitching as only accounted for 4 wins, despite posting a 4.52 ERA. The bullpen is 5-6 with 7 saves in 11 chances, but also has a 4.88 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP. Einar Olivares is leading the bullpen with 4 saves, but as also blown 3 more. Julio Bocachica as been a good backup option getting 2 saves and not allowing a single run so far this season.
DL
None
Roster Moves
None


Jacksonville Hurricanes (8-11) AAA (7-12)/ AA (10-9)/ HIA (10-9)/ LOA (11-8)

The Hurricanes started out awful, winning for four times during there first 14 games. They have won 4 out of there last 5 to get close to .500. They are 6-7 at home, 2-4 on the road, and 2-8 within the division. They have scored 83 runs, 4.37 runs per game. The offensive has been able to get the hits with 177 but have been unable to get them across home plate (if there was a stat for runners in scoring position average, they could possible be last). (2B) Gus Martin (.384, 4, 16) and (3B) Artie Spence (.356, 5, 13) have been providing the offensive they were expected to provide this season. (RF) Warren Richardson (.263, 6, 17) leads the team in homeruns and RBI’s, while (LF) David Yamakazi (.234, 4, 10) leads the team with 14 runs scored. Who have to wonder if the hitters for the Hurricanes are trying to hard with runners in scoring position to get them across and tightening up at the plate or are they trying to make up for the pitching staff that is getting killed on most nights. Can the Hurricanes begin to relax at the plate and start bringing the runners around before it becomes a year long problem?
The pitching staff has struggled so far this year. They have allowed 109 runs, 5.74 runs allowed per game. They are second to last in ERA at 5.80, and OAV at .285. The only bright so far for the pitching staff is they lead the league in strikeouts with 145. Geronimo Valdes (3-1, 3.24) has been the only ace in the staff so far, as the rest of the starting pitchers are 3-7 with an ERA of 6.04. The bullpen has been to get 5 saves, and have only blown 2 saves. Elroy Cogan as been his normal closer self getting 4 saves and only blown one. The bullpen’s 7.01 ERA is a real concern for the team, as it needs to improve for the team to contend within the division.
DL
None
Roster Moves
None


NL SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
3/5/2008 - 3/12/2008
Orlando Molina

Orlando Molina is the Player of the Week. He went 31/83 for a batting average of .373 and hit 6 homeruns in 20 games. Molina also drove in 25 runs and .639 Slugging Percentage.


NL SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK
3/5/2008 - 3/12/2008
Brett Hoover
Brett Hoover is the Pitcher of the Week. He gave up 11 earned run(s) in 33.1 innings for an ERA of 2.97. He went 4-0 over a span of 4 games. This included 2 complete games. Hoover struck out 26 while only walking 10.

International signings, week 2.

Frankly, NQ II is off to a slow start on the International signings. Good news for people waiting to see the draft board before going after anybody, bad news for the guy who will be doing a lot of writing when the big flurry of International signings comes in.

One huge signing was made: Cleveland signed SS (3B, 2B?) Frank Li, Bruce's brother I believe. signed for 17 million, he projects, by my Advance scouting budget, which could be off, as a solid 1st round draft pick equivalent. Mytitan pretty much blew the prospect budget on him, but by definition it would be pretty hard to get better than a 1st round pick type player.

Atlanta inked reliever Sherman Bukvich. For 1.6 million, he looks like a pretty good deal for the $$$.

Toledo continued to sign Major League Marginal, Minor League good, players with strong upside.
Hector James, relief pitcher, for 3.0 million, Andres Lopez, starting pitcher, for 4.3 million, and Magglio Padilla, relief pitcher, for 3.7 million. given ++ coaching and training, any of these guys could really do well in long-term improvement. I especially like the James signing- any pitcher projecting 100 health, 3 good pitches, and Control and Velocity both projecting better than 85 (possibly much better than 85, budgets and projections differ) is a pitcher with great upside potential, as long as his VL\VR splits are anything at all. I rate this one as really good signing for the money.

NL North Season Preview

So Season 5 marks the fourth season that the NL North has featured the same owners. Featuring a former World Series winner in Milwaukee, and defending division champion Scranton, it features to have some fierce competition.

Season 4 saw Scranton win the division for the first time with 95 wins, and Milwaukee finishing second with 92. Cleveland was in the hunt for a wild card berth up until about the 2^nd to last week, and finished with 86 wins, 3 less than what they won the division with in season 3. Buffalo brought up the rear of the division for the second straight year, finishing with 76 wins.

Milwaukee ended up getting swept in 3 games by Huntington, now the Charleston Chiefs. Scranton faired better sweeping the aforementioned Chiefs in 3 games, but lost in seven games to the world series runner up Washington Revolution.

The North has alwas been a close division, having the division championship always being decided by 6 games or less, and always going down to the last week. The north also features 4 of the 8 lowest NL payrolls. Both Milwaukee and Scranton have maxed out draft budgets, but Milwaukee as decided to forgo the International Market for the 2nd straight season. Cleveland and Buffalo have decided to spread their scouting budget evenly across all 3 areas. All four teams also have maxed out, or have nearly maxed out advanced scouting. It sure appears that they are continually building for the future and trying to win now at the same time.

Scranton SweetSwing’n AbbyMo’s

Scranton probably has the most unique team name of No Quitters II. Their success seems to rely on stellar defense, not walking a batter, and slugging the ball all over the place. The second youngest team in the North, with an average age of 26.7, they are ready to move on to the world series this year, returning all 25 players from their roster last year. Scranton’s roster features former number one pick Chuck Parker hitting third. In his second full year in the ML last year Parker hit .289, with 26HR, and 103RBI. They also feature Matt West behind the plate and hitting fourth. Matt is able to absolutely obliterate right handed pitching.

The AbbyMo's rotation is the best in the division, featuring the ace, Carson Redmond. Carson was a former 19 game winner in Tacoma, and arrived in Scranton last year as a free agent, signing a 3yr - $54 million contract. Dante Adkinsson, Antonio Wallace, and Matt Carver are all solid in the rotation, and would be welcomed on any team, with the exception of possibly Tacoma. Don Martin leaves a little to be desired in the 5th spot, ratings wise, but has performed very successfully the last two years, combining for a total of 27 wins.

Opening Day Lineup
C: Matt West
1B: Trevor Duvall
2B: Tim Gonzales
3B: Ramon Yang
SS: Charlie Lorraine
LF: Luis Silva
CF: Rod Freeman

RF: Chuck Parker

Rotation
Carson Redmond
Dante Atkinson
Antonio Wallace
Matt Carver
Don Martin

Closer
Douglas Dawkins

Notable Signings: None
Notable Departures: None

Prediction: Division Championship - Possibly 1st Round Bye

Milwaukee Timber Rattlers

The Timber Rattlers are making the transition of perennial division champs to rebuilding for the future. Having been "obliterated" by free agency this year, they are sticking to a budget and not going to go over. The team still has former MVP Quinn Morgan batting cleanup, and former CY Young winner Ismael Torres leading its rotation. Ted Alexander made a successful debut as the Timber Rattler's closer, winning the NL Fireman of the Year award and seeting the club record with 43 saves.

Milwaukee also features the fastest NL starting lineup according to the franchise rankings. Opposing catchers are going to be challenged keeping them from stealing bases as every position, with the exception of C and RF, features a guy with a speed rating over 75. The bench also features two guys who can come in and go from first to third faster than you can say "Rickey Henderson."

Opening Day Lineup
C: Luis Oropesa
1B: Quinn Morgan
2B: Cody Relaford
3B: Rob Beirne
SS: Eduardo Rosado
LF: Raymond Lombardi
CF: Ismael Reyes
RF: Preston Burkhart

Rotation
Ismael Torres
Hugh Luebbers
Orber Gutierrez
Bill King
Victor Encarnacion

Closer
Ted Alexander

Notable Departures: Ramiro Montanez, Darrin Burns, Olmedo Colon, Thomas Berra, Stephen Weaver, and Rafael Castillo

Notable Arrivals: Cody Relaford, and Preston Burkhart

Prediction: 2nd Place in the North. Possible Wild Card contender.

Cleveland Cuyahogas

Cleveland is another interesting franchise in that they won the division in Season 3, and have always finished above .500, but appear to also be making a transition to rebuilding. Hector Unamuno was the big free agent signing of this past off-season. Leaving Cleveland and signing with the Washington D.C. Revolution for a reported 5y - $59 million deal. It goes without saying that Hector holds every club pitching record. For Cleveland to try and compete in the division following Hector's departure they are going to need Jeff Gload to try and live up to his billing as a "Baseball America" top 100 prospect. They will also have to rely on quality starts from James Shave and Pablo Sanchez.

The Cuyahogas also feature 4 time all-star and 4 time silver slugger Delino Martinez. Sporting a career 179 HR and 544 RBI's, Delino is one of today's premier shortstops. Look for him to try and continue his streak of consecutive all star appearances this season as well. Cleveland's starting lineup also features a number of speedsters, featuring five guys with a rating in the 80's. It sure appears that NL North catchers are going to have their hands full trying to stop runners this season.

Opening Day Lineup
C: Anthony Swann
1B: O.T. Wagner
2B: Geraldo Chavez
3B: Brian Tomko
SS: Delino Martinez
LF: Aubrey Goldman
CF: Gary Crosby
RF: Placido Ordonez

Rotation
Jeff Gload
James Shave
Pablo Sanchez
Dennis Mercker
Lonnie Garcia

Closer
Ted Crede

Notable Departures: Hector Unamuno, Chili Wang, and John Dong
Noteable Arrivals: None

Prediction: Third place in the division. Hovering around .500 with a possible top 16 draft pick next season.

Buffalo Wings

Last but not least we come to the Buffalo Wings. After placing second in the division in Season 2, and having their pitching get decimated at the beginning of Season 3, they have been struggling to get back in contention ever since. Bufallo is also in a transition of sorts, having used to be one of the oldest, they are no one of the 4th youngest in the NL. They are not far off however, having placed 5 players on "Baseball America's" Top 100 list this year, with three of those coming in the top 20.

The Wings' rotation leaves a little something to be desired as they don't have an "ace," as they feature 3 starters with a control rating below 55, and only one above 80. The closer's role has been held firmly by Juan Perez since he was 21 year old rookie, but saves have been becoming scarce the past two seasons.

Look for Buffalo to try and rely on their hitting to overcome their deficiencies in pitching this season, but even this is going to have its own troubles. It appears that Brendan Green, Jon Peterson, and Brutus Fleming are going to have their hands full this season. For Buffalo to have any chance of competing those 3 are going to have to play at an all star level.

Opening Day Lineup
C: Hamish Lemke
1B: Brutus Fleming
2B: Jon Peterson
3B: Quilvio Encarnacion
SS: Brenden Green
LF: Darren Sele
CF: Mitch Redmond
RF: Homer Knoblauch

Rotation
Nash Blank
Jacob Yoshii
Justin Diaz
Sherm Robinson
Elroy Aven

Closer
Juan Perez

Notable Departures: William Takahashi, Bill Kozlowski, Lawrence Fetters, Michael Lee, B.C. Saenz, Bobby Dunham, and William Tanner
Notable Arrivals: Hamish Lemke, Homer Knoblauch, Brutus Fleming, Benji Fernandez, and Nash Blank.

Prediction: Last in the division. Top 16 draft pick next season, possibly top 10.

All NL North
C: Matt West - Scranton
1B: Trevor Duvall - Scranton
2B: Jon Peterson - Buffalo
3B: Brian Tomko - Cleveland
SS: Delino Martinez - Cleveland
LF: Luis Silva - Scranton
CF: Gary Crosby - Cleveland
RF: Chuck Parker - Scranton

Rotation
Carson Redmond - Scranton
Ismael Torres - Milwaukee
Matt Carver - Scranton
Antonio Wallace - Scranton
Dante Atkinson - Scranton

Closer
Ted Alexander - Milwaukee

All Defensive NL North
C: Anthony Swan - Cleveland
1B: Trevor Duvall - Scranton
2B: Jon Peterson - Buffalo
3B: Ramon Yang - Scranton
SS: Eduardo Rosado - Milwaukee
LF: Luis Silva - Scranton
CF: Mitch Redmond - Buffalo
RF: Preston Burkhart - Milwaukee

International sightings, day 1 regular season.

The international signing season is off and running with 2 major signings: Tony Urbina and Hector Colome.

Urbina, signed by New Orleans, projects as an ace reliever by every definition of the word; stamina, health, control, splits, velocity, and 3 + pitches, Urbina is the whole package as a closer.
Signed for a miniscule (by the standards) 7.1 million dollar bonus, and a rather whopping 5 year Major League contract, he rates as one of the best signings I've seen in our World. My only question is how New Orleans got him to accept 5 years on an ML contact, because I've tried it and been rejected every time.

Colome, signed by Boston, projects as an, excuse the term, absolutely average ML 2B. Defense, hitting, speed, all rate good, not spectacular. The tipping point in this players development may be his outstanding make-up, or his weak health rating. signed for a, what, relative bargain?, absolutely average?, 8.8 million he looks to be a signing with good upside potential.

In addition, Toledo has signed 2 players, Delino Morales and Pasqual Lunar, which currently project career minor leaguers, very cheaply, and I like the signings. If you look closely at their ratings, if either caught a DITR in the future, the would definitely move up to (at least marginal) ML potential. In the meantime, improving your minor League teams with relatively cheap signings is a good long term strategy. It fosters a culture of winning at the MILB level, which has long term benefits to your franchise, for instance, getting in the play-offs and getting a little more experience at each level\year. Something to think about.

The Revolution Press Conference

Billy LeBrock (Revolution Spokesman): "Ladies and Gentleman if you will please take your seats, we will get this press conference underway, I know you have a lot of questions. GM Danny X is ready to take your questions".

Trent McElroy (Sporting News): "Mr. X, everyone wants to know about your contract with Mr. Umanuno. Isn't giving a 5 year contract to a 35 year old a bit risky?".

MrDanielX: "Oh its risky. But no one wins championships by sitting on their butt and doing nothing. I talked to Hector and his doctors and we believe that he will be able to give us the quality innings for all 4 guaranteed years on his contract. We have a state of the art training facility and Hector has been in good condition."

Milhouse Landan (espn): "Has the organization moved on from the devastating World Series lost to Tacoma?"

MrDanielX: "Of course we have. Last year was a pivotal year for us. Our relocation to DC from Columbus, our improvement from 60 wins to over 100. We consider ourselves contenders for now on, and I think we have proved that we plan on being contenders with out signing of Hector Umanuno, and acquisitions of Sandy McEnerney and Mac Lee. We had the best pitching in the league and we think we go better, additionally we have improved on our sagging hitting and bench."

Stacy Sueng Lee (CNNSI): "Who will be your opening day starter?"

MrDanielX: "Angel... and Hector told me himself that he would have it no other way. Angel's performance last year was incredible and he says he is in great shape and ready to repeat this year."

Billy Leff (Washington Post): "How does it feel to start the season against division rival Augusta?"

MrDanielX: "We don't think too much of it. We bring the same intensity to every game. Of course the fans really get into the games against Augusta so we look forward to them pumping us up, and getting the season off on the right foot."


Billy LeBrock: "Thank you everyone! We will see you later on in the year!"

Opening Day Thoughts

Here we are on Opening Day for the 5th season of No Quitters II. This column is more of a beat writer's comical look at the league and if you don't laugh during it you are probably dead...or Bill Belichick.

We begin by congratulating Tacoma and it's owner Threester on his season 4 World Series win, and second since the creation of the league. A really amazing accomplishment. His off-season was a pretty good success by adding Bill Sanford and his Paul Bunyan power. And that should develop more with his new trainer Brian Mcnamee. But enough about Tacoma I'll leave the rest to the season preview.

The most interesting signing (read "Paul Depodesta signing Juan Pierre's contract" interesting) was from our boy in the Capital MrDanielX. He signed Hector Unamuno to a 5 year deal for $59 million. He must have been tainted by being in DC. Oh well, Unamuno will help out this year but you have to wonder about last season when his is 39 and getting paid $12. I wonder if he knew that Unamuno recently started a relationship with Alyssa Milano, MrDanielX better have done his homework.

Though at least MrDanielX knew what he was doing. The idiot owner KingDime1332 was talking to some of his minor league staff to move players around different levels. Well instead of saying promote he said release and checked the wrong box and put Trot Locko on the wavier wire. I guess it pays to be literate.

Spring training served as a wake-up call to LCCooler hit .198 with a .260 OBP. But wait folks thats not it he also had a 2.22 WHIP and 10.66 ERA. And you think it couldn't get any worse right? Wrong, the man also had a .977 fielding percentage (worse in the Majors). That's right Lccooler decided to bring in only junior high girls softball players to spring training. Intriguing move, lets see if it pays off during the season.

And finally there are some new owners that deserve a welcome. Rawdk27, Tjeman, Will9899, Playboy33, Orabbi, Acroth, Fosco, and Pirateswin2 ( but definitely not in a row) welcome to No Quitters II.

NL South Preview

Charleston Chiefs

New owner tjeman takes control over what was the Huntington Double Wides and moves them to Charleston. Season 4 saw the franchise make it to the playoffs for the third time, second time winning the division. They feel in the Division Championship game to the Scranton SweetSwing'nSeason. They only signed three free agents to the major league club but signed 24 players to bolster the minor league system. (3B) Orlando Molina with his 25 HR and (SP) Justin Jensen with his 13-9 record last year, resigned once they filed for free agency. The other signing was relieve pitcher Don Swift to a one year, 3.4m contract, as he can pitch anywhere in the bullpen. The only significant lose for the Chiefs was (CF) Edgar Ordonez who signed with the Huntington Blazers.

The Chiefs pitching staff hope to improve there numbers inside there new ballpark in Charleston. The staff allowed 832 runs which was 10th in the National League. Don Morgan will probably continue to be the workhorse for this team as he led the team with 283.1 innings pitch but needs to improve 13-18 record and 4.22 ERA from last year to be worth the 15.5m salary this year. Vance McDonald was the staff ace coming off his best year going 22-3, 2.34ERA, with 217 SO in only 227 IP. Last year the Chiefs played musical closers with just about everyone in the bullpen and hopefully this year they can find the consistent closer this year.

The Chiefs offense was outstanding last season, scoring 917 runs. The offense was led by All-stars 2B Edgar Cornejo, whose 1.017 OPS and 37 HRs balanced his double play partner SS Edgardo Ortiz with his .403 OBP. Catcher Larry Charleston will be behind the plate for his second season and hoping to reproduce his .310 batting average and 38 homeruns. The outfield has a good mixture of speed and power with Ryan Cox providing the speed, Miguel Nunez for the power and Magglio Elcano a good combination of both. Barring any major injuries this year, the offensive is expected to dominate the NL once again.


Charlotte Knights

The Charlotte Knights came within 4 games last year of winning the division. They are the youngest team in the division with an average age of 26.7 with only to players on the major league roster over thirty but they are in a great position to finally take the division title for the first time in team history. The Knights didn’t pick up anyone from the free-agent market and really didn’t lose anyone either. The Knights pick up the third overall draft pick from last season Lorenzo Feliz in trading pitchers Turner Venafro, Junior Yamamoto, Juan Estrada.

The Knights pitching staff was the best in the division. The staff allowed 760 runs which was 5th in the National League. Closer Einar Olivares had a career high 39 saves but also blew 15 saves as well. Henry Nathan it going to be looked at to lead the young rotation, as he had a great year with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.07, but could only get 9 wins. The rest of the rotation is going to be young but it will also be good.

The Knights offense was in par with the pitching staff, producing 832 runs, that was good for 5 in the NL as well. All-star (RF) Timothy Stokes was having a great year until an ankle injury slowed him down towards the end of the season. Up until that point he was hitting .357 with a .997 OPS. Stokes wasn’t the only star on the offensive with (2B) Vladimir Valentin, (CF) Dario Newfield, (LF) Phil File and (3B) Lorenzo Park becoming a killer knight’s row. They combined for 145 HR, 454 RBI and 378 Runs. (C) Chad Patterson was the favorite target of the pitching staff, as he didn’t make an error all season, with only 6 pass balls, while nailing 30% of all base stealers. His average was barely above the Mendoza line at .203 but he did 26 homeruns, with 54 RBI’s.


Jacksonville Hurricanes

The Hurricanes came in last place for the second straight year, so new owner playboy33 move the team away from Durham to find better luck in Jacksonville. The Hurricanes where tired of losing, so they reach out into the free-agent market and address there biggest concerns of offensive and starting pitching by picking up seven players, also getting three players in the rule 5 draft and picking another in a trade. (OF) Gus Martin was acquired in a trade with Philadelphia Phightins for two prospects Dan Douglass and Ivan Mercado. They also acquired (OF) Warren Richardson, (OF) Roger McCarty, (OF) David Yamakazi, (P) Cory Kraemer, (P) Clay Adams, (P) Geronimo Valdes and (P) Winston Williams, spending almost 85m on them. (P) Andrew Cooper, (P) Carl Kirk and (P) Malcolm McKay where picked up from the rule 5 draft. The GM was quoted as saying “it was time to reestablish the talent of the Hurricanes and to get back to our winning ways and through free agency, we have done that.”

The Hurricanes pitching staff always seemed out of place last year, finishing 14th in runs allowed with 879 runs. Closer Elroy Cogan became an all-star, but he was the only bright for the pitching staff, but his 8 blown saves and 5.24 ERA are a real concern for the team. The free-agent signings for Kraemer, Adams and Valdes each had solid years but are expected to improve and provide that much needed constancy in the rotation. Ben Roosevelt will anchor the rotation with his 9 wins and 1.26 WHIP, but will need to improve his 4.6 innings average per start last year. If bullpen can remain steady all year round the pitching should improve for the Hurricanes and lead them to a .500 season.

The Hurricanes offensive struggle all year, finishing 13th with 766 runs scored. The additions of utility man Martin (38 homeruns, 126 RBI), Richardson (55 homeruns, .984 OPS and .303 Ave), McCarty (.301 AVE, .367 OBP) and pinch-hitter Yamakazi (.321 AVE, 22 SB) will give the offensive much needed production. All-Star (3B) Artie Spence is looking to have big year with the newly added talent around him and improve upon his .391 OBP and 99 runs scored. The middle infield of (SS) Marino Aramboles and (2B) Miguel Reynoso won’t scare anyone with there numbers but they will once again be solid and with another year playing next to each other they should make a solid double-play combination.


Huntington Blazers

The Blazers fell from division champions to third place last year. New owner Will9899 moved the team from St. Louis to Huntington to fill the void left by the Double Wides. The Blazers was almost silent during the off season, only adding two players. The Blazers seem to be rely on the in house talent this year to get them back to being champions once again. One of the new players added was (OF) Edgar Ordonez who’s career .376 OBP should help. The other player is (P) Haywood Brewer who is hoping that a change from Las Vegas will help his 6.53 ERA from last year.

The Blazers pitching staff was average last year, finishing 7th in the league with 765 runs allowed. This year the Blazers seem to be rely on young talent to fill there staff, as Rafael Torres and Johnny Linden saw any significant time starting games last year. Veteran Ken Beltre, rookie Casey Timlin and young pitchers Alfonso Romero and Milt Greene are looking to fill the rest of the starting spots. The bullpen is young with only two players over 30 years old and real no closer as the beginning of the year. The biggest affect on the pitching staff is if they can keep teams from killing the score board the hitter friendly ballpark in Huntington.

The Blazers offensive struggle in St. Louis and there hoping the move Huntington will bring some life into it, as they finish with only 773 runs scored, which was good for only 12th. (1B) Mac Hyun provided the power 38 homeruns and 105 RBI’s as he was the only player to do so for the team. No one else hit more then 28 homeruns, 87 RBI’s and 87 runs scored. With the lineup filled with players in there early 30’s, (3B) Carlos Trinidad and (OF) Benito Polanco are looking to bring young hope the lineup and improve from last year. (C) Pat Montgomery is hoping that his 35 year old knees will hold up and he’s expected to bring along the young pitching staff and give young (C) Richard Matthews one more year to develop under his wing.


Predictions

Charleston Chiefs, 92-70 Wins.
Charlotte Knights, 84-78 Wins.
Huntington Blazers, 84-78 Wins.
Jacksonville Hurricanes, 81-81 Wins