Big Leaguers: Team roster
PITCHERS HITTERS
John Smoltz (Atlanta ) Mike Piazza - C -Dodgers/Mets
Tom Glavine (Atlanta ) Ed Taubensee - C - Reds
Kerry Wood (Cubs) Brook Fordyce - C - Reds
John Thomson (Rockies) Will Clark - 1B - Texas
Jose Rosado (Royals) Eric Young - 2B -Dodgers
Billy Wagner (Astros) Rich Amaral - 1B/2B/OF - Mariners
Arthur Rhodes (Orioles) Royce Clayton - SS -cards/Rangers
Mike Timlin (Mariners) Dave Hollins - 3B - Angels
Bill Risley (Blue Jays) Fernando Tatis - 3B Rangers/Cards
Bill Pulsipher (Mets/Brewers) Paul Konerko - 1B/3B Dodgers/Reds
Moises Alou - OF - Astros
Devon White -of-Diamondbacks
Glenallen Hill - of-Mariners/Cubs
Cliff Floyd - OF - Marlins
Gerald Williams- of -Braves
CALLUPS (Teener Leaguers)
Marc Newfield -OF -Brewers
Bobby Ayala -P - Mariners
Abraham Nunez - SS - Pirates
JD Drew - OF - Cardinals (HOME GAMES ONLY)
Trot Nixon - OF - RedSox
Troy Glaus - 3B - Angels
Little Leaguers NON CALLUPS
PITCHERS OTHERS
Wade Miller - Astros Eric Munson - C -USC
Bill Koch - Blue Jays Marcus Giles - 2B - Braves
Gilbert Meche - Mariners Michael Cuddyer - SS/3B - Twins
Kevin McGlinchy - Braves Alphonso Soriano - SS - Yankees
Luis Rivera - Braves Jaime Jones - OF - Marlins
Jason Marquis - Braves Bubba Crosby - OF - Dodgers
Arnold Gooch - Mets Benny Agbayani - OF - Mets
vs. LHP Lineups: vs. RHP
1) ROYCE CLAYTON - SS 1) ERIC YOUNG - 2B
2) GERALD WILLIAMS - CF 2) DEVON WHITE - CF
3) MIKE PIAZZA - C 3) MOISES ALOU - RF
4) MOISES ALOU - RF 4) MIKE PIAZZA - C
5) WILL CLARK - 1B 5) WILL CLARK - 1B
6) CLIFF FLOYD/GLENALLEN HILL - LF * 6) GLENALLEN HILL -LF
7) PAUL KONERKO - 3B 7) FERNANDO TATIS -3B
8) ERIC YOUNG - 2B 8) ROYCE CLAYTON -SS
*play Hill/Floyd vs. lefties based on lefthand pitchers weakness/neutral instances use Cliff*
Bullpen instructions: Closer - 1) Wagner, 2)Timlin, 3) Rhodes (against tough lefthanders only !)
Setup - 1) Rhodes or 2)Timlin - in tight games -pitch 7th & 8th
Middle - Timlin, Rhodes, or Risley (more sparingly)- pitch 6th & 7th
Long- Rosado (when not starting), Risley, or Pulsipher -pitch 4th-6th
Mopup- Pulsipher - for games in which Rosado & Thomson can't get past the 5th...or late innings of blowouts Glavine, Smoltz, and Wood should always try to go at least 5 innings.....
Pitching Rotation:
PA (Apr.1-3) Smoltz, Glavine, Wood
@PA (apr.4-6) Thomson, Rosado, Smoltz
@Chi(Apr.8-10) Glavine, Wood, Thomson
Chi (apr11-13) Rosado, Smoltz, Glavine
Mol(apr.15-17) Wood, Thomson, Smoltz
@Mol(apr.18-20) Glavine, Rosado, Wood
BIH(Apr.22-24) Thomson, Smoltz, Rosado
@BIH(25-27) Glavine, Wood, Thomson
@NewYork(Apr.29-May1) Smoltz, Glavine, Wood
NewYork(May2-4) Thomson, Rosado, Smoltz
ST.L(May6-9) Glavine, Wood, Thomson, Smoltz
@ST.L(10-13) Rosado, Glavine, Wood, Thomson
@KC(May15-18) Smoltz, Glavine, Wood, Thomson
KC(May19-22) Rosado, Smoltz, Glavine, Wood
Fla(May24-27) Thomson, Smoltz, Glavine, Wood
@Fla(May28-31) Rosado, Thomson, Smoltz, Glavine
@Caracas(June2-5) Wood, Thomson, Smoltz, Glavine
Caracas(June6-9) Rosado, Wood, Thomson, Smoltz
SAV (June11-14) Glavine, Wood, Thomson, Smoltz
@SAV(June15-18) Rosado, Glavine, Wood, Thomson
@Miami(June20-23) Smoltz, Glavine, Wood, Thomson
Miami(June24-27) Rosado, Smoltz, Glavine, Wood
PA(June29-July1) Thomson, Smoltz, Glavine
@PA(July2-4) Wood, Rosado, Thomson
@Chi(July6-8) Glavine, Smoltz, Wood
Chi(July9-11) Thomson, Rosado, Glavine
Mol(July13-15) Smoltz, Wood, Glavine
@Mol(July16-18) Thomson, Rosado, Smoltz
BIH(July20-22) Glavine, Wood, Rosado
@BIH(July23-25) Smoltz, Glavine, Thomson
@NewYork(July27-29) Wood, Glavine, Smoltz
NewYork(July30-Aug1) Thomson, Wood, Glavine
Total Starts:
Glavine 25
Smoltz 23
Wood 23
Thomson 22
Rosado 15
Smoltz can go 7-8 (if doing well, may try to complete it)
Glavine can go 7-8 (if doing well, let him complete it)
Wood can go 7-8 (if doing well, let him complete, but watch his control)
Rosado can go 6-7 (longer if doing well)
Thomson can go 6-7 (longer if doing well)
Emergency Starter: Pulsipher can go 6-7 (quick hook when he gets rocked)
I tend to stay with starters if doing well, but the bullpen is deep so don't hesitate to use it at late inning, early signs of trouble...
Offensive Strategies:
STEALING: Young, Amaral, Clayton, Floyd, & White have the light....Williams, Tatis, Alou, and Hollins have it against weaker pitchers & catchers..obviously with Young, Floyd, Amaral, and Clayton we like to run....only top notch defensive catchers will deter them and even then it depends on the pitcher's ability to hold them close....
HIT & RUN: CLARK likes this, Young's not bad either...
BASERUNNING: aggressive with guys like Hollins, Young, Floyd,White, Clayton, Williams ----guys like Piazza, Clark, Konerko are not aggressive - Dan can outrun them
BUNTING: pitchers should always bunt in bunt situations....Hollins can try bunting for hits on occasion....in key spots weaker hitters can sacrifice (late in game) i.e. Clayton, Young, Amaral
Infield in: in late clutch situations and in obvious bunt situations
Defensive substitutions - get Devo into the outfield for the late innings, whether after a pinch hit appearance, a double switch, or a flat out substitution.....Devo plays center ....Gerald Williams is also a good defensive replacement....
Minor league call-ups... P - Bobby Ayala; OF - Jay Payton, Trot Nixon, Marc Newfield; 3B - Troy Glaus; SS - Abe Nunez; and OF JD Drew will be called up for home games ONLY !! - DO NOT USE HIM IN MY ROAD GAMES !!
Everyday Roster Pinch hitters:
Vs. LHP Vs. RHP
for power for on base for power for onbase
Floyd/Hill Floyd/Hill Floyd Amaral
Fordyce Fordyce Taubensee Taubensee
White White Hollins Floyd
Tatis Tatis Williams Hollins
Hollins Hollins Williams
HISTORY OF PLAYER ACQUISITIONS:
ORIGINAL 1992 DRAFT 1993 DRAFT PICKS 1994 DRAFT PICKS
John Smoltz Mike Piazza Bill Pulsipher
Tom Glavine Arthur Rhodes Trot Nixon
Glenallen Hill Royce Clayton
Devon White Gerald Williams
Eddie Taubensee
1995 DRAFT PICKS 1996 DRAFT PICKS 1997 DRAFT PICKS
Billy Wagner Jose Rosado
DOA Kerry Wood Troy Glaus
J.D. Drew Abraham Nunez
Fernando Tatis Kevin McGlinchy
Billy Koch
Jaime Jones
1998 DRAFT PICKS 1999 DRAFT PICKS Via Trades
Eric Munson Alfonso Soriano Dave Hollins (w/Wis)
Wade Miller Marcus Giles Will Clark (w/Sav)
Gil Meche Luis Rivera Eric Young (w/PA)
Michael Cuddyer Paul Konerko Cliff Floyd (w/PA)
John Thomson Jason Marquis Marc Newfield (w/BIH)
Bubba Crosby Bill Risley (w/BIH)
Rich Amaral (w/Miami)
Bobby Ayala (w/Mil) Arnold Gooch (w/PA)
Moises Alou (w/Sav)
Mike Timlin (w/BIH)
Waiver Claims
Brook Fordyce
Jay Payton
MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER RANKINGS1) J.D. Drew - seems like the real deal, hits for power and average, has good speed and modest stolen base capablity, and plays good defense (some analysts have suggested he could be a starting center fielder). I may never forgive him for not signing with the Phillies, but he seems to work hard and his talent cannot be denied.
2) Troy Glaus - showed outstanding power in his first minor league experience between AA & AAA. Struggled during his first big league exposure, but that is not to be unexpected. Looks like he could hit for a good average. Reportedly has good range and defensive skills at the hot corner. He will push Tatis, and if successful, there is a good chance he could make Fernando expendable.
3) Paul Konerko - an outstanding hitter with both power and average potential. A stud prospect from the Dodgers organization for years. Finally, got some erratic big league playing time last season and flopped badly. But in two minor league stints he still hit a ton and if given an everyday job with time to develop, team management sees no reason why he couldn't become an impressive offensive force.
4) Eric Munson - some may disagree with this ranking, but a willingness to take him with an early second round pick last year, demonstrates the Heroes faith in Eric. He is reputed to be an outstanding offensive talent - with solid above average defensive skills. He is being heralded as the early favorite for the overall number one pick in the upcoming MLB draft. Sounds like he could be a quick mover upon signing, (re: Drew & Glaus).
5) Alphonso Soriano - only 20 years old, will be playing this season at either AA or AAA. Displayed nice pop for a middle infielder in the AFL, reportedly has excellent defensive capabilities at short as well, although he was error prone in the AFL. A full season of advanced minor league ball will help complete the picture.
6) Wade Miller - was outstanding at High A ball in �97, and started well in his first AA experience before being sidelined with an injury. The injury doesn't appear to be career threatening as Wade got a boo-boo on his finger. Wade ended the season in instructional ball on rehab. He should be fully recovered from his paper cut and could see AAA time (or higher) if he continues to perform well. Wade early on, seems to have an innate ability for pitching with control, despite being a hard thrower. His best pitch out of his four pitch repertoire is a 93-94 MPH sinking fastball.
7) Kevin McGlinchy - some considered his �97 season a flop. Kevin had a poor record that season with an Era well over 4. However, his ratios weren't bad. He allowed just over a hit an inning had an excellent strikeout to walk ratio. Add that to the fact that Kevin jumped from Rookie Ball to High A and suddenly �97 doesn't look so bad. It was hardly a surprise then that upon repeating High A, Kevin dominated. He throws low to mid 90's heat and a full year of AA should help determine if he has what it takes to succeed as a starter in the big show.
8) Michael Cuddyer - for a teenager Michael showed impressive strength and plate discipline. For a shortstop his offensive skills look promising. Perhaps too promising as that type of success can often lead to a move (probably to third base). Additionally, Cuddyer made a staggering number of errors, which if aren't improved upon, will result in a position change (factored in with other promising defensive oriented shortstops ahead of him in the organization - re: Luis Rivas). Overall, he looks like he can hit - a season in High A will clarify his future's course.
9) Gil Meche - a teen age prospect - pitching in A ball. Gil throws hard (mid 90's) with an exceptional curve ball. Gil dominated hitters last season, and basically outpitched the overhyped Ryan Anderson. He will likely start this season in High A and the main concern is with the parent club rushing prospects such as him (and Anderson). For someone so young with such promising stuff, his control was quite good although he did suffer some mid season lapses. Barring the dreaded injury bug that bites so many pitchers, Gil looks to have a promising future.
10) Marcus Giles - an undersized hitting machine. The question here is if he's for real. Giles showcased very good plate discipline taking 80+ walks to go along with the 78 extra base hits. He did hit in a hitter's park, but still put up above average offensive numbers in road games. His second base defensive is adequate at best, but if his bat is for real - team management can accept it.
11) Luis Rivera - another hard throwing right-hander, Rivera consistently hits the mid-90's and can get it up to 98. He reportedly has an advanced change-up for his age but needs to work on breaking pitches instead of being overly dependent on the heat. His control is decent but could use a little work.
12) Jason Marquis - yet another hard throwing righty (is that getting redundant yet?). Marquis hits the mid-90's, topping out at 96 and combines that heat with a good breaking ball. Despite a poor record and more hits allowed than innings, he struck out over a batter an inning while displaying excellent control. Like Rivera he is only 20 and as long as these guys don't get overworked (see Pulsipher), their futures look bright. Marquis was the youngest pitcher in the Carolina league.
13) Trot Nixon - Trot finally overcame injury and disappointment at the age of 24, and had a breakthrough AAA season. A year earlier in AAA he hit just .240 something with 20 homers. But that was a deceptive .240. In June of 1997, he was hitting a buck-eighty, to end up where he did showed that he learned and adjusted to the higher level as the season progressed. That progression carried over into a fine �98 season. Trot shows modest to good power and speed along with the ability to hit for average. This is combined with excellent plate discipline. Additionally, Trot is reported to be an outstanding defensive player and hopes are for him to end up in rightfield in Boston in the near future.
14) Abe Nunez - Abe is reportedly an excellent to outstanding defensive shortstop. He has good speed and is capable of 30+ stolen bases. The knock on Abe is that he is weak physically. He's not Rafael Belliard, but apparently isn't much stronger. Team management put him on a strict diet of Creatine, Andro, and weight lifting this past winter.
15) Bubba Crosby - I reiterate "the closest thing to a five tool player in last season's college draft." Bubba started horribly in High A, in his first real exposure to wooden bat leagues. He is not very tall, but reportedly extremely strong, perhaps so muscular that it inhibits his abilities. But he's in a good organization and the Dodgers have a track record for developing talent. The Heroes personally expect to see Bubba have a breakout year - jump starting a fast track to the bigs. Despite his horrible final A ball stats, he did improve steadily, raising both his batting average and improving his plate discipline as the season wore on.
16) Bill Koch - a heralded but cocky flame-thrower coming out of the college ranks. He suffered a season ending elbow injury in 1997. Bill's future was in question starting the �98 season, but as the year progressed he regained his velocity and sharp slider. Bill has impressed with his control but at the age of 24 needs to move fast. A closer's role is not of the question.
17) Jaime Jones - Started out terribly in his first AA exposure, with Bootyesque numbers (little know fact, the term "the boot" arose from when the Harrisburg Heroes kicked Josh's ass off our team - course now we no longer have Booty and the players are getting restless). Jaime is another player that improved dramatically during the season - which is all team management feels it can ask of it's young players - they're supposed to be learning. Jaime did just that finishing up with a solid batting average. He will have to cut down on his strikeouts and that promising power hasn't developed as much as anticipated. But Jones is still young, there is still time,and coming off his AFL success along with the organization he plays for, there are still things to anticipate.
18) Arnold Gooch - the fodder received for giving up fodder at the big league level (Miguel Batista). Gooch just plain sucked a year ago, but as a 20 year old in AA that's not surprising. He's not overpowering, but is young enough and advanced enough to take a chance on. He may learn how to pitch and succeed. Then again, he may not. His second stint in AA was much better (again, he's learning), and his control is improving to a solid level, so there is some hope here.
Player Roles:
Glavine, Smoltz, Wood, Thomson - four primary starters
Rosado - 5th starter, plus main long reliever when not scheduled to start
Wagner - main closer
Timlin - setup man and closer when Wagner can't do it
Rhodes - middle man, setup man, and occasional closer against tough lefties
Risley - limited middle relief work and long relief
Pulsipher - mop up man
Piazza - the man - # 1 catcher and hitting stud - do not remove unless you have to
Taubensee - catching backup and good pinch hitter vs. righties
Fordyce - very good pinch hitter vs. lefties, catching backup with best defensive skills
Clark - everyday first baseman
Young - everyday second baseman
Clayton - everyday shortstop
Tatis - starting third baseman vs. righties and respectable pinch hitter vs. lefties
Konerko - starting third baseman vs. lefties
(DOES NOT BAT AGAINST RIGHTHANDERS!)
Amaral - defense backup to second base, excellent pinch runner/base stealer, and number one pinch hitter to get a man on base vs. righthanders
Hollins - pure backup; and pinch hitter/runner when no one better is available
Alou - everyday right fielder
White - centerfielder vs. righties; could pinch hitter and defensive replacement vs. lefties
Hill - leftfielder vs. righties and good power pinch hitter vs. lefties (if not starting)
Floyd - part time starting leftfielder vs. lefties and good power pinchhitter vs. righties
Williams - centerfielder vs. lefties - DOES NOT PLAY MUCH VS RIGHTIES!
Callup Player Instructions:
Drew - will be used exclusively at home; don't touch him !!!
Nunez - second base/shortstop backup in case of injury; good on base hitter against righties
Glaus - third base backup - likes left handed pitching
Newfield - in case of outfield emergency - better vs. lefthanders
Payton - late season preferred pinch hitter against righties
Nixon - limited pinch hitter vs. righties
Ayala - pitching call up in case of emergency - use as a mopup guy only
Computer Settings:
run and steal more aggressively; otherwise everything else is pretty much normal.
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