With only 2 available teams Cobb continues to roll with few openings to fill. This world has a wealth of good owners and alogman1 is one of the premier commissioners on the site. You’ll need to be quick with your selection, but we have an opening in each league. Here’s a review of each of the available teams:
American League West
Former Seattle Franchise (74-88, 3rd pl)
After 7 seasons this team will be changing ownership. There was some success under previous management but finding a consistent winning formula was elusive. The offense struggled with a .249 batting avg and only 673 runs scored which for an AL team will put a lot of pressure on a pitching staff. Khiry Baker (24, 83, .289) , Russell Nielsen (20, 86, .265) , & Brett Lewis (23, 53, .274) provided the most consistent bat. However, a big bat or two would push these three down in the lineup where they can be more successful. A few players that hit for avg and could get on base to provide more RBI opportunities for the big boppers.
Heathcliff Brooks (16-12, 2.59) & Dennis Iwazaki (13-8, 2.76) set the tone for a staff that posted a very good 4.01 ERA. An additional starter would make the hurlers on this team better and two more would make it downright frightening. While only converting 38 of 53 save opportunities make a frontline closer and a couple of setup men would have this team competing with the top pitching staffs in the world.
There isn’t a ton of talent in the farm system, yet Eury Rosa SP & Miguel Floriman C appear to be on the FastTrack to the ML roster. In my opinion, this team can be a quick fix to become a playoff contender. With some solid pitching already in place, adding a couple of upgrades shouldn’t be too difficult. The offense will prove to be a bit of a challenge since it may take 3 or 4 new players to make enough of a change in their anemic attack. This would be an excellent challenge for a veteran owner, while it may be a bit tough for a newbie so it would take some patience in accepting some early lumps before making any changes so that mistakes aren’t made that a new owner would regret.
National League
Former Huntington Franchise (83-79, 1st pl)
In a surprise move this franchise is available. The previous owner had a good run with two winning seasons and two playoff appearances. Sawyer O’Brien (42, 96, .276), Fautino Sanchez (32, 88, .273) & Ted Swan (27, 96, .246) wield solid bats for this offense. Overall, it was pretty middle of the pack with 701 runs and a .253 batting average. Therefore, additions and/or upgrades will be welcomed.
The pitching staff put up a stellar 3.87 ERA which is the main reason this team finished above .500 and took the division. Yet it will need to add at least one starter or continue with the opener formula used by the previous owner. Harold Snavely (2.70) & Kouhei Cheung (3.19) are excellent pieces to build a staff around, yet I would use them differently than was done last season.
Gerald Gattis SS, Bing Harris DH/C & Nathan Brach SS appear to be on track to aid the big league squad. However, that is still a couple of seasons away so the FA & trade market will need to be used until the farm can help. This is an interesting team. NL teams need strong pitching to compete and with this team having a good core to start with making this a good team for either a vet or newbie. A vet will enjoy the ability to compete quickly, and a newbie will like being competitive right out of the gate.
As mentioned, only 2 openings so be quick to select a team to join one of the premier HBD worlds. Contact alogman1 with your interest.
4/26/2024 8:36 PM (edited)