It’s rare when Cobb has 1 teams available, yet this season we are looking for a new owner for 1 AL . This world has a special place in my heart since it was the 1
st world I joined a long time ago. The quality of this league is due in part to the wealth of good owners we have and their long-term commitment. Alogman1 is one of the premier commissioners on the site and does a great job keeping things moving and under control. So be quick with your selection to take advantage of this last opportunity.
American League
AL North
Former Kansas City Franchise (83-79, 3
rd place) -
TAKEN
After 8 long seasons of playing under .500 ball, last year’s team finally rose above. Oddly though, the previous owner decided to turn over the reins after seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Of the things this team needs to improve, the offense doesn’t need much of any work. Posting a .270 batting average shows some solid performances as does 5 players driving in more than 80 runs, 3 of which plated over 90. If you want to nitpick then the addition of some more power could help but not if it sacrifices the run production of last season. This track team accumulated almost 100 runners thrown out stealing while still coming up with just under 300 SBs.
The pitching staff on the other hand struggled to a 4.90 ERA. Yoslan Puello was stellar in the closer role (32/36, 2.72) and leading the team in ERA. The rotation will need to be addressed with no one with an ERA under 4.49 and far too many starts going to players over 5.00.
The new owner will need to bring in some upgrades to the pitching staff, this isn’t necessarily that easy as most owners put a premium on pitching. A vet owner will find this an interesting challenge, especially if he likes speed to burn. A newbie could get a feel for the game before making major moves yet still competing and pushing to stay above .500.
AL South
Former San Juan Franchise (74-88, 3
rd place) -
TAKEN
After struggling for the last 2 seasons, the former owner has left after 67 seasons in a surprise move. The team batting average was a pedestrian .256 yet it found a way to score just under 800 runs. The big 3 of Albert Rijo (40, 102, .263), Javier Ramirez (31, 95, .280) & Wilfredo Peraza (31, 82, .268) lead the assault on opposing pitching staff, however they did have help as 4 others smacked more than 25 HR. This leaves little to do unless adding table setters to enhance the opportunities for the big bats.
This team’s pitching staff was led by Davey Lugo who converted 33 of 35 save opportunities with a 3.27 ERA. However, a 5.13 team ERA shows that help must be brought in to help this once mighty organization return to the playoffs on a yearly basis.
The new owner may consider adding a high OBP player or two, but most of his time and energy should be spent on adding arms to the rotation and setup positions in the pen. This team would be fun for a newbie that likes power. A veteran owner could tinker with this team to reshape it into a different and more complete team fairly quickly.
National League
NL North
Former Toronto Franchise (75-87, 3
rd place) -
TAKEN
This is another team that was run by a long-time owner that after 13 seasons, only 2 below .500 (his first and last season) has decided it’s time for new blood. Jeremy White is an MVP candidate as his .310, 46, 112 attests too, yet there are some that will say that his teammate, Ozzie Webster (53, 108, .263) is the most important cog in this offense. More can be done to improve the team average and allow more runners to cross the plate.
A 4.60 ERA is bad, only converting 41 of 72 saves is much worse. If you add 2 starting pitchers to this staff, it will slide others down further and leave less innings for an overworked bullpen. Yet the bullpen is anything but a finished product and could use the influx of 2-3 arms to shut down opponents when the game is handed to the pens.
Most likely this team is at a crossroads and will need a clear plan to either find the pieces to place it in the playoff hunt or to tear it down for a rebuild. Either a veteran owner or newbie would be able to take on this team. A veteran could rebuild by moving some of the assets or dip into the FA market to acquire the necessary players to fill the holes. A newbie could have fun watching the big boppers and add some arms to build this team up as they figure out this wacky game.
NL East
Former Durham Franchise (79-83, 3
rd place) -
TAKEN
It’s odd that all 4 available teams finished in 3
rd place in their divisions last season, but that’s exactly what’s happened. In the early days of this world this was an elite franchise that was a yearly participant in the playoffs and was able to capture 6 WS trophies. Unfortunately, this has changed recently and this will be the 4
th ownership change in the last 5 seasons. The offense struggled with barely over 700 runs scored, and while 9 players hit more than 10 HRs, only 1 hit more than 20. Sawyer O’Brien had a strong year (13, 58, .331) in a limited role. This was commonplace as only 3 players had more than 440 Abs.
Jamie Burawa (13-12, 3.25), Theodore Ceciliani (14-11, 3.65), & Peter Livermore (10-12, 3.73) all threw over 200 IP. Yet that may have been more out of necessity as there were 24 blown saves causing fear when turning the game over to the pen.
This will be a team in need of a complete rebuild, don’t let its record fool you. The offense has no identity and too many platoon players. The pitching staff is in dire need of a true closer and to find better alternatives to bridge the gap between the starters and the closer. A newbie could take his time learning the game while bringing in new talent or a veteran owner could clean house and build a team better suited to his style.
5/7/2025 3:37 PM (edited)