Happy Jacks/ Boggs will be starting season 7. We have 5 openings with 3 in the NL and 2 in the AL. The reviews for those teams are below:
AL West:
Former Oklahoma City Wormy Dogs (62 - 100, 3rd Place)
https://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseRatings.aspx?fid=6543
Last years 100 loss season was another struggle for a team still searching for an identity. A team batting average of .258 and 685 runs scored do not support anything other than a team in need of offensive help. Harry Delgado was the main power threat with 31 HRs & 103 RBIs but his .265 batting average displays his lack of superstar talent.
A team that has an ERA of 4.56 is not a strong contender for a playoff spot. A team that allows 96 unearned runs has no hope of post season play as was the case here.
Los Angeles Rubber Neckers (61 -101, 4th Place)
https://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseBlog.aspx?fid=6545
After four 1st place finishes last years fall from grace included a 100 loss season. The offense definitely needs to shoulder some of the blame with barely 600 runs plated and a .242 average.
The pitching staff was also below average with a 4.61 ERA, yet the 52 unearned runs may have been the biggest blow to a team that allowed almost 800 runs to be scored against them.
NL East:
Former Dover Naturals (79 - 83, 3rd Place)
https://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseRatings.aspx?fid=6556
This team has been stuck in the slow lane since season one with 4 consecutive 3rd place finishes. Last season they made a run at .500 but fell short. With two 40 HR bats (Doug Clifton & Ben O'Shea) and four others with 25 or more dingers this team has more than enough power. A .250 BAvg however left these sluggers with only 700 runs plated.
On the hill only Alex Zhang (11-9,4.60) had a record above .500 and no starter had an ERA better than 4.15. Even closer Paulie Daniels had a 4.10 ERA and blew 7 of his 27 save opps. Showing this is an area of concern and should be a high priority to improve.
An experienced hand could add a couple of table setters to help improve the offense and give the thumpers more opportunities to make their long balls count. While that will help this team better arms are probably even more important to make a playoff run. A couple of inning eaters that keep them close until the bats start launching big flies would go a long way towards righting this ship while a power arm to anchor the bullpen and close the door would make sure the offenses efforts were rewarded.
A new owner could cut it's teeth on this team as he/ she learned the ropes. An experienced owner should be able to make a few moves and turn this team around quickly.
Former Washington D.C. Senators (79 - 83, 2nd place)
https://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseRatings.aspx?fid=6554
Last year was this teams first fall below .500 and it wasn't a very steep drop. With a .242 team batting average and less than 600 runs scored, an infusion of offensive talent is needed. Rey Snelling blasted 41 HRs with 104 RBI's and a .288 average to lead a pretty anemic offense. Rafael Mendez (.292) & Josh Bennett (.291) hit .290 but without speed or power did little with that production.
On the mound a 3.86 ERA was somewhat wasted. Closer extraordinaire, Aroldis Romero, converted 43 of his save opps while putting up a 1.52 ERA. Pen mates, Gregg Dodd (1.92) & Dorian Mills (2.66), form one of the worlds strongest bullpen. The starting staff contributed too but another strong arm in the rotation would go a long way.
Strengthening the offense should be the main focus of new ownership, yet if the budget allows it another arm or two could give this team a chance to bring home some trophy case hardware. This team would be an easy fix for a experienced hand while a newb should be able to navigate the games nuances to build a team able to make a deep playoff run.
NL South:
Former Texas Radio (83 -79, 4rd Place)
https://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseRatings.aspx?fid=6550
After three 90+ win seasons the last two years they've been stuck hovering around .500 longing to be among the playoff teams. Juan Padilla ( 39, 109, .302) & Polin Gomez (43, 99, .294) power the offense but there is still room for improvement. As a team they hit a respectable .261 and scored 722 runs however those numbers need to be improved for this team to return to the playoffs.
A stellar bullpen put up 50 saves last season. The starting rotation could use some help though as no pitcher won more than 14 games. Dan Weston (6-1, 1.64) & closer Jerry Douglass (39/42, 2.03) lead the pitching staff but could use help from the starters to eat up more innings.
This team is primed to contend so minor changes to both the pitching staff and offense could get them back into the hunt for a trophy. A veteran owner should have no trouble getting this team straightened out. A newbie would need to be careful to make moves that will move this team forward instead of into a total rebuild.
If interested in taking on one of these teams contact bbqjason
6/22/2016 11:47 PM (edited)