Welcome - Season 4

Welcome to all for this forth season of Gary Carter. Three owners have left us in the offseason, but they have been replaced. So, let me introduce jmaese (Boston Red Sox), santafe (Los Angeles Dodgers) and riverbat33 (Florida Marlins).

The world has the same rules, and you can read them on the blog if you need a little refresh.

Good luck to all of you!

Ben

Playoffs Races Preview

NL North
The Montreal Expos has taken the lead and are looking for their first division title if everything stays like it is right now.Their closest follower are the Cincinnati Reds with 8 games back. It's still possible for the Reds, but they will have to win their matches against Montreal. The Philadelphia Phillies are out of the division title race, but could take the second wild card. They know that it will be hard.

- mohawkman says: Heck, I'm hoping I'm even it for a wild card when it gets down to the very end.

NL East
This division is very tight with only 10 games back between the first and last. Everything can happend here until the end. There is almost no chance for a wild card team here.

NL South
The Atlanta Braves and the Florida Marlins are engaged in a very exciting race for the division title with only 2 games back between them. The St.Louis Cardinals can still work and take a wild card spot, but it will be a surprise.

NL West
Another great race for the division title between the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants with a small one game back. That kind of race is always interesting when we know that San Francisco has won the last two division title and San Diego were second last season.Who wants to take a bet?

AL North
There is also a race here between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago White Sox. Only 3 game back between the two teams. The title were in Toronto's hands last season and Chicigo are looking for their first title since they finishes second in their first two seasons.

AL East
It seems that a three gorse race is happening here between the Baltimore Orioles, the Cleveland Indians and the New York Yankees. There is only 8 games back between them. Cleveland has won the last two titles, and the Yankees are coming for the last position in their first season. It will be a great race.

AL South
The toughest division of the world. Only 6 games back between the first and the third position. The Kansas City Royals are leading followed by the Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays. Therefore, there is a huge chance that the two AL wild card go to the second and third of this division. So, they will meet in the playoffs for sure.

AL West
The Seattle Mariners are leading that division with 9 games, but the Anaheim Angels can still hope for a playoff spot. It will be interesting to see if the Mariners can keep their pace. Remember that Anaheim were in the world series at their first season.

- willsauve says: My feeling right is that I already have the division title in my hand.

Welcome - Season 3

Hi all!

The third season of Gary Carter has just started. We have lost few owners in the offseason, but new one has been invited to join the world. I would like to introduce LIGHTOUT16 (Chicago Cubs), obtuseangle (Chicago White Sox), mongoose_22 (Boston Red Sox) and tacosluss (Oakland Athletics).

The rules are still the same, so if you are not sure, read them again.

Good Luck to all of you!

Ben

Teams Power Ranking - Season 2

I call this Power Ranking, but this is only a simple list of the teams ordered from the team that had the biggest improvement to the team that had the smallest improvement.

National League
1. San Diego Padres (+22)
2. Philadelphia Phillies (+10)
3. Florida Marlins (+9)
4. New York Mets (+7)
4. Houston Astros (+7)
5. St. Louis Cardinals (+5)
6. Milwaukee Brewers (+0)
7. San Francisco Giants (-1)
7. Pittsburgh Pirates (-1)
8. Montreal Expos (-2)
9. Atlanta Braves (-6)
10. Washington D.C. Nationals (-8)
10. Arizona Diamondbacks (-8)
11. Los Angeles Dodgers (-9)
12. Chicago Cubs (-10)
13. Cincinnati Reds (-23)

American League
1. Baltimore Orioles (+31)
2. Seattle Mariners (+21)
3. Cleveland Indians (+18)
3. New York Yankees (+18)
4. Toronto Blue Jays (+14)
5. Boston Redsox (+4)
6. Anaheim Angels (+1)
7. Detroit Tigers (-1)
8. Tampa Bay Rays (-6)
8. Oakland Athletics (-6)
9. Chicago White Sox (-7)
10. Kansas City Royals (-12)
11. Colorado Rockies (-14)
12. San Juan Tiburones (-16)
13. Texas Rangers (-18)
14. Minnesota Twins (-19)

Season 2 Draft Review Countdown: Picks 16-1

Let's pick up where we left off...ready for pick number 16.

Pick 16: Los Angeles Dodgers (NL) - Owner: jamesb007

Carlos Gandarillas Los Angeles Dodgers Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Kenner, LA Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Dodgers spent their first pick in the draft on what could be their future ace. Gandarillas is projected to have great command of his pitches and with his ability to keep the ball out of the air, the defense behind him will have plenty of opportunities to rack up GG votes.

Pick 15: Philadelphia Phillies - Owner: Estrada13

Anthony Moore Philadelphia Phillies Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Laquey, MO Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Phillies picked up Moore out of the JUCO ranks. This is a very good grab in the middle of the round. With four above average pitches, this kid should be able to mix it up enough to keep hitters guessing. Add into the mix that he has great makeup and pinpoint accuracy, Moore could be a very dominant pitcher when he matures a bit more.

Pick 14: Toronto Blue Jays (AL) - Owner: jpveronn
LORENZO GONZALES - Has not signed as of 1/19/2011

Pick 13: Detroit Tigers (AL) - Owner: gnocc

Monte Milner Detroit Tigers Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Corning, CA Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Tigers have grabbed themselves an amazing defensive player in Milner. This kid could be a perennial GG winner. He won't thrill with his bat, but he should be a regular in the lineup due to his tremendous glove.

Pick 12: Florida Marlins (NL) - Owner: kumbiakings

Freddie Schlereth Florida Marlins Age: 20 B/T: S/R Born: Canyon Country, CA Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Kumbiakings went out and got their future starting 2b with this pick here. Schlereth will provide an above average bat with power and play stable defense. He has good speed and sweet mustache to boot.

Pick 11: New York Mets (NL) - Owner: dirtyhill03

Les Diaz New York Mets Age: 18 B/T: S/L Born: Mooresville, IN Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Mets have added a nice SP piece with Diaz. This kids has a full arsenal of pitches, with five above average pitches to choose from. Will he be the staff ace in the future? At only 18 years old, he has plenty of time to develop into that. Mets' fans are thinking positive!

Pick 10: Washington Nationals - Owner: burk

Phillip Durham Washington D.C. Nationals Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Sandusky, MI Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

This is the part of the draft that we will see mostly all pitching come off of the board. The Nationals didn't quite get their Strasburg with this pick, but Durham will be a very reliable pitcher. In the worst case scenario, he would be an end of the rotation innings eater. Best case, he will probably top out as a two or three starter, which isn't much to complain about!

Pick 9: Oakland Athletics - Owner: peltier

Bob Hiatt Oakland Athletics Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Montgomery, NY Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The A's used the 9th pick in the draft to land Hiatt, an 18 year old pitcher coming out of high school. Four plus pitches and great command will help this kid land in the majors in a few seasons, depending on how quick his makeup will let him develop. Will peltier use Hiatt as a building block or a bargaining chip ala Billy Beane?

Pick 8: Seattle Mariners (AL) - Owner: willsauve
ERNIE ROSALES - Has not signed as of 1/19/2011

Pick 7: St. Louis Cardinals (NL) - Owner: habsfan1

Matt Redding St. Louis Cardinals Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Powell, WY Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

WOW! That is all I can say about this kid. He was originally listed as a CF, but has been moved to 2B to start his career. This move could be just to develop his defensive skills or as a permanent home. Either way, I think there could be some GG's in this kids future. My one nit-pick with Redding is that you would like to see his RH split a little higher, but with his batting eye, LH split, and power ratings, he should have no problem becoming a cornerstone player for this franchise.

Pick 6: Arizona Diamondbacks (NL) - Owner: scottermcray

Justin Jacquez Arizona Diamondbacks Age: 19 B/T: S/R Born: Mcalester, OK Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The D-backs went out and snatched up Jacquez from the JUCO circuit. It looks like scootermcray has moved Jacquez to the closer's role for now. Is this a permanent spot for him? If not, it is most likely his spot for now until he lifts up this stamina a bit. If so, he might be one of the most versatile closers this game has seen. Great command and four above average pitches will help this youngster move right up the rankings and into the ML in a couple of seasons.

Pick 5: Houston Astros - Owner: gerald007

Jimmie Rodriguez Houston Astros Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Marblehead, MA Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Are we looking at a future HOF here? Just from project ratings alone, I certainly think so. I know it is the 5th pick of the draft, but the Astros may have the steal of the draft right here. A great defensive catcher with great power and good batting ratings. What is not to like about this kid?

Pick 4: Baltimore Orioles (AL) - Owner: tswayne11

Ricky Duffy Baltimore Orioles Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Warwick, RI Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Baltimore fans can stop hiding bodies in the vacants at least for a while. The team is playing well right now and they were able to add this future ace with the 4th pick in the draft. If groomed properly and he hits his projected ratings, Duffy will be contending for Cy Young awards every season.

Pick 3: San Diego Padres (NL) - Owner: royfranklin

Daryle Duffy San Diego Padres Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Lake Geneva, WI Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Padres are touting this pick as "The Better Duffy" as they had a choice between Daryle and Ricky. They both had sweet facial hair, but I think the Padres went with the sideburns as a tie breaker. It is really splitting hairs trying to decide between the two, but the main differences I see here are that this Duffy has a bit better health and makeup ratings. That could ultimately push "The Better Duffy" to be better. We shall see. Maybe the two will meet when they start in the All-Star game?

Pick 2: Boston Red Sox - Owner: qtip32

Brett Kerr Boston Redsox Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Little Chute, WI Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

I saw someone comment on the World Chat about the fact that the Red Sox and Yankees had the first two picks in the draft. In real life or in HBD, that seems like it shouldn't happen. Kerr is planning on making this a fluke and took an ad out in the local paper with a headline of "These Sox Don't Fade." Here is looking forward to a couple of seasons down the road when this kid makes his ML debut. I'm sure it will probably be against the Yankees and ESPN will have the coverage, like always!

Pick 1: New York Yankees (AL) - Owner: mamidu

Herbert Buckley New York Yankees Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Greensboro, NC Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With the first pick, you have the ability to pick the best player available. The Yankees did just that. Buckley will be able to hit the ML in a few short seasons and really anchor the pitching staff for a long time to come. Let's just hope that he doesn't succumb to the pressures of listening to Mike Francesa bash him on air if he happens to have an off game!

Season 2 Draft Review Countdown: Picks 32-17

The Gary Carter Season 2 Amateur Draft was held last week and now that most of the first round picks have had a chance to sign, let's take a look at who went where. I am going to start at pick 32, the last pick in the first round, and countdown to pick 17. On the next review, I will start at pick 16 and countdown to 1. Here we go:

Pick 32: Anaheim Angels (AL) - Owner: ronaldb03

Jake Williams Anaheim Angels Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: State Center, IA Position(s): 2B/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With the last real pick in the first round, the Angels went out and picked up a very nice, future ML, 2B in Williams. With above average defensive skills and above average batting splits and power, Williams could find himself in the starting lineup in the future. If not a starter, he will definitely be a very good bench/role player.

Pick 31: Colorado Rockies (AL) - Owner: bigdaddysalm

Miller Edwards Colorado Rockies Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Mulvane, KS Position(s): 3B/2B/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Rockies picked up a solid utility player in Edwards. He won't thrill you with any one thing, but can do a lot of things above average. If the Rockies ignore his lack of power, Edwards could find himself carving out a long career as a utility player.

Pick 30: Atlanta Braves (NL) - Owner: RisingStar1

Eddie Reilly Atlanta Braves Age: 19 B/T: S/L Born: Flossmoor, IL Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Atlanta went out and picked up this speedster with the 30th pick in the draft. Reilly will most likely be a candidate for a Gold Glove if he stays in CF. When you combine his batting splits with his speed, Reilly could turn a lot of singles into doubles and doubles into triples.

Pick 29: Cleveland Indians (AL) - Owner: wonderin32

Jamie Ross Cleveland Indians Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Newton, KS Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With the 29th pick, and their 2nd of the draft, the Indians took the last pitcher of the first round (first of the review though!). Ross has solid projected numbers, but what worries me is that he is 21 years old and his makeup won't help him improve as much as he can. Still Ross could see some time at the ML level, even if it is in the role of an innings eater.

Pick 28: Kansas City Royals (AL) - Owner: northerngaul

Daryle Willis Kansas City Royals Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Hays, NC Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Royals went out and picked up Willis, an 18yr old CF, with the 28th pick. Will he stay at this position throughout his career? I'm not 100% sold that he will due to his lack of speed for that position. Either way, this kid could win some Silver Slugger awards with his plus power rating. Nice grab here late.

Pick 27: Oakland Athletics - Owner: peltier

Raymond Duffy Oakland Athletics Age: 19 B/T: L/L Born: Cuyahoga Falls, OH Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

And one pick before Kansas City, the A's go out and pick up their own slugging CF. The main difference between Duffy and Willis is the extra speed Duffy possesses. I'll be interested to see which of these two young, talented CFs has the best career.

Pick 26: Minnesota Twins (AL) - Owner: dh0220

Jair Flores Minnesota Twins Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Bonner Springs, KS Position(s): DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Twins pick up a stud DH with this pick. Flores isn't going to win any sprints in practice, but with his batting splits and power, he probably won't be too worried about trying to leg out an infield single. Move the walls back and add some height to them when the Twins come to town.

Pick 25: Anaheim Angels - Owner: ronaldb03
DIXIE PLESAC - not signed as of 1/17/11

Pick 24: Chicago Cubs - Owner: shesaid

Albie Villafuerte Chicago Cubs Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Braidwood, IL Position(s): 1B/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Villafuerte was listed as a RF in the pre-draft rankings, but shesaid has wisely moved Albie to 1B with his amazing lack of speed. I don't know that I've seen anyone that slow in a long time, myself excluded of course! Villafuerte has some awesome power though, so we might see Villafuerte face off with Flores in the HR Derby in the future.

Pick 23: San Juan Tiburones (AL) - Owner: bignr37

Braden Cash San Juan Tiburones Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Plainwell, MI Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

San Juan picks up a nice speed/defense prospect here with Cash. With his plus RH batting split, this kid could see a lot of time in the lineup. I look for a lot of plus plays on defense as well.

Pick 22: Montreal Expos (NL) - Owner: sirius07

Steve Carver Montreal Expos Age: 19 B/T: S/R Born: Orland Park, IL Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Commish went out and picked up a solid all-around JUCO SS with this pick. Again, he is the type of player that won't do one thing great, but will do a lot of things well. Teams need these kinds of players and Les Expos (my extent of using French) are no exception. Carver could be a pleasant power surprise though.

Pick 21: Chicago White Sox (AL) - Owner: cinmark44

Patrick Xavier Chicago White Sox Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Flora, IL Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

At pick 21, the White Sox were determined to grab a pitching prospect and they certainly grabbed one with a lot of potential. Xavier rates out to have plus control and plus against right handed hitters. With three above average pitches, he could find himself in long relief out of the bullpen or at the end of the starting rotation.

Pick 20: Texas Rangers (AL) - Owner: jeanpaul22

Buzz Hogan Texas Rangers Age: 21 B/T: S/L Born: Galesburg, IL Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

What's all the buzz about? Well, in Arlington, it is about young Hogan. The Rangers were looking to add pitching depth to their organization and that is what they did here in the first round. Hogan will most likely hit the Majors in his career, but I do worry a bit about his splits. Here is to me being wrong (as I usually am)!

Pick 19: Cleveland Indians (AL) - Owner: wonderin32

Rafael Tejera Cleveland Indians Age: 22 B/T: L/R Born: Plymouth, NH Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Indians first pick of the draft comes here at pick 19. Tejera is a kid that may just be a season or two away from making his way onto the ML roster. He is listed as a SS, but probably is best suited for another position. This kid's bat should be something special though.

Pick 18: Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) - Owner: mowbs69

Manny Christenson Pittsburgh Pirates Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Diamond Bar, CA Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Pirates really cashed in here with Christenson. This kid projects to be a middle of the rotation pitcher, at the worst. I'm not super thrilled about his splits, but with his pinpoint control and the ability to keep the ball out of the air, Christenson could quickly become the Man(ny) once he makes it to the ML squad.

Pick 17: Kansas City Royals (AL) - Owner: northerngaul

Floyd Hatcher Kansas City Royals Age: 18 B/T: S/R Born: Storm Lake, IA Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Northerngaul used the first of his two picks in the first round to grab a good looking RF in Hatcher. With plus speed this kid could be trouble on the base paths. You'd like to see his RH split and batting eye a little higher, but he should do well enough to warrant a starting role with the Royals in a few seasons. Plus, he is from around the area, so that should attract a few more fans to Kauffman during the hot Summer days!

Season 2 - Free Agency Review

Chet Lieber (1B) – Milwaukee Brewers
Lieber got 75 millions for 5 years. He is a great power hitter, but he is average in defensive. Since he is playing in the NL league, he has to play at first base. Last season, Lieber hit more than 40 home runs, and this year he is going for more. This is a nice addition for the Brewers.

Keith Roa (LF) – Baltimore Orioles
Roa is a very good left fielder, and was signed by the Orioles. His contract last for two seasons, and worth 15 millions, including a 5 millions bonus for the first year. This guy can hit the ball and also run on the bases. His first season in San Juan was not bad at all, with 24 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He may reach the same numbers this year.

Sidney Capps (P) – Oakland Athletics
Capps signed a 5 years contract, including a team option for a total of 42 millions. Last season was not a good one. He was traded and finish with a losing records. His second season seems to go the same way. Capps has a nice control and one good ball. He is also a left-handed pitcher. This is a good starting point for the Athletics if they want to win in their strong division.

Tony Gomez (P) – Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers made a nice signing in Gomez with a 5 years contract with player option for a total of 44 millions. Gomez has all the abilities for a starting pitcher. He can throw a lot of balls, has a good control and two nice pitches. Therefore, if the Tigers didn’t keep him in shape, Gomez may decrease fast and he may be overpaid for his last two seasons of his contract.

Doc Patterson (P) – Cincinnati Reds
This is a huge signing. A 5 years contract with mutual option for a total of 62 millions. At the age of 30, the Reds will have to keep a high training budget to allow Patterson to keep the pace. This guy may become overpaid in his lasts seasons of his contract.

Johnnie Buckley (P) – Milwaukee Brewers
This is a very interesting contract, only two years for 14 millions. Buckley has all what it needs to start in the ML. His 21 wins last season make me think that the Brewers made the best deal with this signing. Even if his second season didn’t start very well, I’m sure that he will be a great pitcher.

Stu Morgan (P) – San Diego Padres
The Padres got Morgan for about 13 millions with a player option and a no-trade clause. This right-handed pitcher has a great control and he is good against righty. His first season in the ML was not bad, but this year is he doing much better. He is on a pace for a great season.

Collin Walsh (SS) – Cincinnati Reds
Walsh signed a 5 year contract with mutual option for a total of 35 millions. It seems that the Reds still want their division title for season 2. Walsh is a good defensive shortstop and can hit the ball.

Miguel Velazquez (P) – Pittsburgh Pirates
This young pitcher was not supposed to be free agent, but for the good of the Pirates, he was left unprotected at the end of the first season. Velazquez signed a 5 years contract of 36 millions. At 24 years old, he is a promising ML pitcher. His current contract will end, and Velazquez will still be a great pitcher. The Pirates made a great deal here.