In a world named after the quickly character from Eastbound & Down comes a very fun & competitive world, run by one of HBD's best commish's. If your looking for tough competition in a drama free world then this is the place for you. Here are reviews of the available teams:
American League
AL North
Former
Pawtucket franchise (54-108, 4th pl)
It’s been 9 seasons since it’s last division title and last year brought a 100 loss season so it's time to get things headed in the right direction . The offense is carried by 5 players. Hiram Freeman (34, 94, .301), Kelson Hamilton (34, 93, .280) & Matt Singleton (30, 79, .270) but with less than 600 runs scored the offense needs a few more table setters or more power to light up the scoreboard more frequently.
Pitching may be an even bigger concern with only two hurlers coming in with sub 4.00 ERA’s. Norberto Johnson may have had the best season on the mound as he converted 21 of his 26 save opportunities however his 5.61 ERA shows that another role in the pen may be more appropriate for his talents.
This could be a nice spot for a newbie to learn the game with little pressure to win immediately. This would also be a great challenge for a vet that likes to completely rebuild a team. Whether a newbie or vet takes over the controls of this team that person will need to have the patience to fill the holes and a plan on how to build this franchise into a consistent winner.
AL East
Former Charlotte franchise (81-81, 3rd pl) -
TAKEN
With a .500 finish last season, this team has been at .500 or better each of the last ten seasons and is just one year removed from a division title. Typically, a team that posts a .256 batting avg needs help with their offense but this group found a way to plate 800 runs. Scooter Devereaux (29, 100, .292), Brad Duran (27, 87, .286) & Salvador Uribe (35, 103, .272) drive this train however a couple of speedsters to drive other teams crazy might make this offense shift into overdrive.
Jamey Spiers (16-8, 3.26), Mendy Barrett (15-6, 4.86) & Wayne Jackson (35 sv, 3.01) were the leaders of the pitching staff. Another starter and a couple of bullpen arms would push this team towards the top of the league.
This team has been dangerous for a while without ever making that final push in the playoffs to allow them to collect a trophy. This team would allow a newbie compete right away if they make a couple of good moves. A veteran owner may be able to make a deep run in the playoffs with a couple of smart moves that wake up this team a push them to their real potential.
Former Scranton franchise (70-92, 4th pl) -
TAKEN
This franchise has been mired in a playoff drought for 12 seasons now. Jeff Pennington (41, 93, .264) & Raul Tejada (28, 77, .288) were the top bats however the team speed (273 SBs with Vince Knott leading the way with 99) is what drives the engine of the offense.
The team used a closer by committee approach with Troy Bowker (7-2, 8/9 sv, 2.66) showing he could be very effective in the role. The rotation was a problem after Heath Borbon (11-8, 3.92), the other five pitchers that toe the rubber to start games had ERA’s over 5.00.
This team has great speed, a couple of decent power bats and some solid relievers to build with. This team needs an overhaul as both the bats and arms need to be upgraded for this team to compete. A team like this is not a bad undertaking for a newbie as they learn the game, however patience will be needed. A vet may like the challenge with there are assets that can be dealt or built around.
AL South
Former
Nashville franchise (79-83, 4th pl)
With at least 92 wins in 6 out of the last 8 seasons, it would be reasonable to assume this team took home at least a couple of division titles but that hasn’t been the case in the AL East. David Molina (22, 92, .290) & Yorrick Stilson (26, 107, .283) wield dynamic bats yet the offense has hovered around the middle of the pack.
Howie Lockwood (42 sv, 2.03) is as good a closer as there is. The rotation has 4 solid starters so a couple of bullpen arms to bridge the gap between the starters and Lockwood should be on the list of acquisitions.
This team could use a couple of good OBP guys and solid arms for the pen. A newbie may not have the knowledge to make the subtle changes this team needs but a vet should to acquire some more talent to challenge for division crown and possibly more.
National League
NL East
Former Chicago franchise (74-88, 3rd pl) -
TAKEN
After three lackluster seasons this team is looking for a new direction. Philip Anderson is a star with 94 runs, 41 SB, .300 avg, Alex Benedict (27, 90, .264) & Oscar Fujiwara (92 Runs, 37 HR, 97 RBI, .242) contributed to the cause however improving their averages would further help the team.
The pitchers put up a respectable 4.10 ERA with starters Myron Zimmer (14-10, 2.86), Jun Matsui (5-4, 2.90) & Floyd Glenn (5-5, 3.04) leading the way. Vladimir Guevara (28/36 sv) did an adequate job but needs to lower his ERA to keep the job.
The new owner will need to address both the bullpen and the offense if he wants to improve the team and get into the playoff hunt. A newbie could handle this team if he puts together a plan to build the team and follows it. A vet may want to tear down and rebuild however heavily shopping the FA market to add the right pieces can also work.
NL South
Former
New Orleans franchise (70-92, 3rd pl)
Five successful seasons have been followed by five unsuccessful seasons as this fans hope the next owner will be committed to turning this team around. A .248 avg, 617 runs scored and team leader Byron Burnett slugging 32 HRs but only hitting .225, shows this team needs more help in the batters box if they want to challenge the top teams.
Will Winkler (29/32, 2.13) is an elite closer and Matt Duncan (12-10, 1.19 WHiP, 2.97 ERA) is a more than capable starter. However, the rest of the rotation was weak and will need significant upgrades.
This team has many holes so it may be necessary to rebuild this team in stages to keep the payroll cost reasonable. A newbie could cut teeth running this team as he learned the nuances of the game. A vet that likes rebuilds will love this challenge as the various holes in the roster are filled and the farm system is built up through the draft and/or trades.