CBA Press Archive

Marc Wasserman

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LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2011 C.B.A.

Dawson WON LOST PCT GB The Skinny
2011 Limoilou LWD 67 36 .650 ---- This team is a major surprise with no stats leaders. Could wrap up title quickly
2011 Belfast BBD 57 46 .553 10.0 Very tough, fighting for wildcard spot. Brawlers get on base .343 Huff and Alexei shine.
2011 Longue Pointe LLD 46 57 .447 21.0 A disappointing season for Concepcion. Starters pitch well, team doesn't respond.
2011 Montreal MCD 32 71 .311 35.0 Looking to 2012, the Crows can spoil and become a ravenous nightmare for Staub.

Rogers WON LOST PCT GB The Skinny

2011 Towaco TWR 58 45 .563 ---- Poor July, Swept in Bk16 by Maine, and 2-3 by HB, The Wolfpack have to hold on as Rogers foes move up.
2011 Ohio OOR 56 47 .544 2.0 Rushing fast! The Outlawz were 11 out on June 30th! now 2 back in less than a month.
2011 Maine MER 50 53 .485 8.0 Here's comes the MK Express. .500 the goal, was 14 out June 20, now only 8. A-Gone on a tear.
2011 Kennesaw Mtn KWR 31 72 .301 27.0 Despite some talent, the Braves are struggling and likely done in '11. The crafty vet Blake will ruin conteders chances

Carter WON LOST PCT GB The Skinny

2011 San Diego SSC 79 24 .767 ---- Solid and in good shape usage wise. SD could break 120 win CBA record.
2011 High Bridge HHC 56 47 .544 23.0 Miller must fight off Frosts Jackhammers. Closer could become an issue as Uehara has done a fine job to now. Usage a concern.
2011 Joliet JJC 56 47 .544 23.0 This team is moving up into the elite teams with a great July. Pierre and Bourn best SB tandem in CBA?
2011 New Jersey NBC 30 73 .291 49.0 DeJesus, Stanton, and Lowry star. Niemann has pitched far better than 3-11 indicates.

Schmidt WON LOST PCT GB The Skinny

2011 Philly PPS 64 39 .621 ---- Hite is pulling all the stops and is starting to break away from the pack.
2011 Ottawa OOS 55 48 .534 9.0 The Otters have slowed down after last months torrid pace. Still an elite team with future HOFers Ortiz, Vladdy, and the under rated Rick3 Weeks.
2011 Stirling SRS 52 51 .505 12.0 What has happened to the RedSox? After Choo and Pena, little power has hurt Nellum in Clemente division.
2011 New Hampshire NWS 26 77 .252 38.0 Great block 16 winning 3 of 4 from contending Otters. Tabata and Wheeler playing well. Brandon League is lights out!

Monday WON LOST PCT GB The Skinny

2011 Skokie SWM 63 40 .612 ---- A purely excellent all around team. Great power n pitching. Patterson has been a revelation adding needed speed to the arsenal.
2011 Indiana IRM 60 43 .583 3.0 Fidlers magic is starting to pay dividends. Lewis has settled the staff with 9 decent starts. Now if Kuroda pitches well, Clemente will suffer. ,
2011 Bryan KBM 49 54 .476 14.0 After a promising June, the Bashers have slipped back below .500. Power needs to resurge.
2011 Lake County LLM 44 59 .427 19.0 Jones's Leopard's are playing much better ball. Aside from a Carolina sweep, this team had a great July...but so did SWM, BSP, and IRM...

Parker WON LOST PCT GB The Skinny

2011 Brooklyn BSP 61 42 .592 ---- Brooklyn is a battling team. Huge offense, not so huge pitching despite a good 4 man rotation. Cabrera, Infante, Braun, Howard, and Doumit are puttin em up in Coors.
2011 Carolina CCP 60 43 .583 1.0 Copperheads swept Bryan, but then dropped 3 of 4 vs Sunville. They must find a way to beat Brooklyn and the SunJewels in 2011. Thome amazing numbers!
2011 Sunville SSP 48 55 .466 13.0 Could we see a resurgent SunJewels in the final third? Bautista is scorching, and Cargo is now on fire. Parker is in trouble.
2011 Cooperstown CIP 36 67 .350 25.0 Winning of late, split 4 with Brooklyn, won vs Wildcats and Stirling. Spoiler!

SC Wild Card Standings WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2011 Belfast BBD 57 46 .553 ---- 59
2011 High Bridge HHC 56 47 .544 1.0
2011 Ohio OOR 56 47 .544 1.0
2011 Joliet JJC 56 47 .544 1.0
2011 Maine MER 50 53 .485 7.0
2011 Longue Pointe LLD 46 57 .447 11.0

CC Wild Card Standings WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2011 Indiana IRM 60 43 .583 ---- 60
2011 Carolina CCP 60 43 .583 ----
2011 Ottawa OOS 55 48 .534 5.0
2011 Stirling SRS 52 51 .505 8.0
2011 Bryan KBM 49 54 .476 11.0
2011 Sunville SSP 48 55 .466 12.0

Press releases by JM Blakely Block 16

Aramis Ramirez is CBA .317 with a card that hit .241. I say this is pretty good considering our league. Let’s hope that Aramis keeps this going and the gods of Strato give him a deserving card. Omar Infante leads the league in hitting. Wow. .347. Adrian Beltre leads the CBA with 129 hits. Ricki Weeks has pounded 23 homers in only 379 at bats! Jose Bautista is a beast. Angel Pagan, the devil, leads the CBA with 20 intentional passes! Mike Koepp has programmed his team to straddle the plate enabling both Andruw Jones and Aaron Rowand to receive 13 bruises each while the Prince of Fielder leads the CBA with 18! Prince has some fat to absorb the shock. Not sure what Andruw Jones and Aaron Rowand are doing. Big Albert is half way to 200 RBIs! 92! Man, please. The man drives in runs as long as a team member reaches first base! Jose Bautista has as many as Phat Albert. How does the Joey Votto card produce fewer homers (13) than Ryan Howard (25)? Juan Pierre and Carl Crawford have 58 and 54 swipes! When those guys are walked, they break out in a sprint to 2B! Next closest is Michael Bourn at 39. Am I reading this correctly….Miguel Cabrera produces 10 runs every 27 outs? (RUNS CREATED/27 OUTS) The slugging and on-base percentages are wild and very close to actual totals. Cabrera, Josh Hamilton and J. Bautista must use boat paddles for bats.

Top three ERA leaders are all left-handed pitchers as are seven of the top ten….left handed pitchers can’t be successful in Stratomatic? Who said that, lol! Randy Wolf is first with a 2.02 ERA

CBA pitchers finish what they start, especially Zack Greinke and J. Weaver with 10 and 11 complete games. Matt Capps has 25 saves. As for the younger Weaver, he is at 175 strikeouts. What is the record for strikeouts recorded by a pitcher in the CBA?

Dan Haren is the “Hammer” of CBA pitchers with….1….homerun.

That’s all for now. Making my pitchers take batting practice……….

LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2011 C.B.A.
 
Dawson                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Limoilou LWD            47  30  .610 ----  Beating lefties, despite a .228 avg 
2011 Belfast BBD             42  35  .545  5.0  Making a challenge.  Cahill an ace    
2011 Longue Pointe LLD       37  40  .481 10.0  After reaching .500 fell to rising Joliet in series 2.      
2011 Montreal MCD            25  52  .325 22.0  Yes... A Hard luck roller in 2011     
 
Rogers                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Towaco TWR              47  30  .610 ----  Kevin Gibson's magic leads Towaco.  Rasmus and Quentin star.
2011 Ohio OOR                38  39  .494  9.0  Chris Young red hot. Hanging around .500, need to have strong 2nd half.     
2011 Maine MER               35  42  .455 12.0  Could be on the cusp of CBA oblivion. Adriax hacks 22 HR.     
2011 Kennesaw Mtn KWR        26  51  .338 21.0  Wait till next year. Players could be moving.     
 
Carter                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 San Diego SSC           59  18  .766 ----  Perhaps the best balanced team in CBA history? Is SD really that good?  
2011 High Bridge HHC         44  33  .571 15.0  Wild card contender, Millers patience paying dividends.      
2011 Joliet JJC              40  37  .519 19.0  Jack's team is surging.      
2011 New Jersey NBC          22  55  .286 37.0  Stanton and Lowrie stars...      
 
Schmidt                     WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Stirling SRS            44  33  .571 ----  This team is fighting with all theyve got.  
2011 Philly PPS              44  33  .571 ----  Hite's team is in a dogfight this year.      
2011 Ottawa OOS              43  34  .558  1.0  The Otters are a playoff contender.  Playing strong ball in tough division.     
2011 New Hampshire NWS       19  58  .247 25.0        
 
Monday                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Skokie SWM              49  28  .636 ----  Skokie is red hot.  Wolfman making his move, leaving Indy behind. 
2011 Indiana IRM             44  33  .571  5.0  Will struggle keeping up with Skokie, but trades could make difference in long run.     
2011 Bryan KBM               39  38  .506 10.0  Struggling block 12, needs to rebound to remain in contention.      
2011 Lake County LLM         28  49  .364 21.0  Tough year for Jones, with a team who can beat any team on any given day.     
 
Parker                      WON LOST  PCT   GB  Skinny
2011 Carolina CCP            46  31  .597 ----  Very strong week beating Sunville and C Town to tie. 
2011 Brooklyn BSP            46  31  .597 ----  Struggled a little with pitching, but offense is cookin      
2011 Sunville SSP            36  41  .468 10.0  Dropped off after 2 poor weeks.  Should rebound.     
2011 Cooperstown CIP         24  53  .312 22.0  This team could be a beast in '12     
 
 
SC Wild Card Standings      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2011 High Bridge HHC         44  33  .571 ----    84  
2011 Belfast BBD             42  35  .545  2.0        
2011 Joliet JJC              40  37  .519  4.0        
2011 Ohio OOR                38  39  .494  6.0        
2011 Longue Pointe LLD       37  40  .481  7.0        
2011 Maine MER               35  42  .455  9.0        
 
CC Wild Card Standings      WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC#
2011 Carolina CCP            46  31  .597 ----    86  
2011 Brooklyn BSP            46  31  .597 ----        
2011 Stirling SRS            44  33  .571  2.0        
2011 Philly PPS              44  33  .571  2.0        
2011 Indiana IRM             44  33  .571  2.0        
2011 Ottawa OOS              43  34  .558  3.0

(AP News release Brooklyn NY....May 16th 13:10....Svooge)

Roll what? the Brooklyn cab drivers are snickering. The 2011 season has hardly been a great one to start,
but fight? Yeah they have a real fight on their hands with not just the Parker division, but the
improved ballclubs all over Clemente. Clemente looks like a dominant conference. Brooklyn bats have
responded for the most part with some power and hits in their barely .500 season. Should they think
for the playoffs? Should they move towards the future. Many Brooklyn fans think the time is now, with
some excellent offensive and defensive players in the midst. The problem has been pitching or lack thereof.
Although it has improved somewhat, BSP starters have struggled allowing approximately a half run more than
last year a 97 win season. Brooklyn's team ERA is despite and improved defense in the OF, and middle infiled
with Markakis, Wells, and Brauin improving their ratings, and Uribe and Vizquel as well. Somehow, the staff
isn't shining. Halladay has been disappointing until now +21 Whip, 5-4 4.68 ERA. Edwin Jax a major problem
with numbers off the charts 3-4 8.89 ERA. Whats that? Dickey has been sickey 2-3 5.63, and it could be soon
that he is used as trade bait in a deal.
The fans have started to get agitated. In a game last week, fans took to hurling jars of Tartar sauce
at opposing players in a rediculous effort to stir up some team spirit and good play. Said NY cabbie Shetstayne DelPamper
"It Is important to make other teams feel like fish out of water". Whatever warped reasoning the fans of Brooklyn and
the boroughs have, its clear they won't be having any parades through Prospect Park or down Avenue M if the pitching staff
doesn't settle down.

LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 2011 C.B.A. Block 8 May 15th 2011

Dawson WON LOST PCT GB Skinny
2011 Limoilou LWD 35 16 .686 ---- CBA best pitching. The Little offense that could
2011 Belfast BBD 29 22 .569 6.0 Scrap Iron tough. Huff another MVP type season
2011 Longue Pointe LLD 21 30 .412 14.0 Pitching keepin em barely alive. Travis Ishikawa red hot despite team offense.
2011 Montreal MCD 18 33 .353 17.0 Pitching can beat the best, and lose to the worst. No power.

Rogers WON LOST PCT GB Skinny
2011 Towaco TWR 33 18 .647 ---- CBA's cinderella team of 2011. Power in Staub conf goes a long way.
2011 Ohio OOR 26 25 .510 7.0 Inconsistant week to week. Better at home, Nolasco and Buchholz solid.
2011 Maine MER 21 30 .412 12.0 Uggla,Kemp,Headley culprits for poor start. When they heat up will it be too late?
2011 Kennesaw Mtn KWR 19 32 .373 14.0 Encarnacion with 12 HR highlite dismal start for Blake's building team

Carter WON LOST PCT GB Skinny
2011 San Diego SSC 39 12 .765 ---- Only question is will they set a CBA record 120 wins held by 2002 Philly?
2011 High Bridge HHC 28 23 .549 11.0 Fading a bit after torrid start. Phenomenal pitching, and Mora.
2011 Joliet JJC 24 27 .471 15.0 Joliet starting to play good ball. Moving up a bit after slow start. Pierre and Bourn electric
2011 New Jersey NBC 13 38 .255 26.0 Lowrie and Stanto show power. Built for the decade.

Schmidt
WON LOST PCT GB MAGIC#
2011 Stirling SRS 30 21 .588 ---- 110
2011 Philly PPS 28 23 .549 2.0
2011 Ottawa OOS 28 23 .549 2.0
2011 New Hampshire NWS 11 40 .216 19.0

Monday WON LOST PCT GB Skinny
2011 Skokie SWM 32 19 .627 ---- Never a doubt in Wolfie's mind. Skokie the class of Clemente. Team built to last
2011 Indiana IRM 30 21 .588 2.0 Fidler hounding the Wolf in one of CBA's key rivalries. They met in the Finals and in real life.
2011 Bryan KBM 27 24 .529 5.0 Bryan is the X factor that could change the wildcard race. Playoff caliber, good P with Gregg having all star start.
2011 Lake County LLM 20 31 .392 12.0 Faded against division in block 7,8 could rebound easily. Team looks like it could be a dominant force in years to come.

Parker WON LOST PCT GB Skinny
2011 Carolina CCP 31 20 .608 ---- Struggled with Ottawa, but well balanced. The pitching rules here.
2011 Sunville SSP 26 25 .510 5.0 The SunJewels maybe a longshot, but look at that team again, they could take a wildcard or more.
2011 Brooklyn BSP 26 25 .510 5.0 In Coors, P is key. With a rested starting staff, they should win more games. Usage problems in Mid INF could hurt playoff chances.
2011 Cooperstown CIP 17 34 .333 14.0 McGeehee on fire, Delmon showing big power.

Newcomer Lewis to pitch home opener

Montreal(AP)- Crows right-hander Colby Lewis will be Robert Brunet's starting pitcher for the home opener against Longue Pointe on Sunday at Oscar Peterson Memorial Stadium. He's expected to face Canadian born Ryan Dempster for the crosstown rival Loggers, which could shape up as a righty duel if Lewis' first start is an indication of his capabilities.

It was supposed to be veteran Livan Hernandez taking the ball to open at home. But, with Feldman on the disabled list to start the season, it moved the rotation up a slot meaning Hernandez will start the third and deciding game in the series against Belfast and Brawlers ace Trevor Cahill. Lewis' slot in the rotation falls 'just right' as far as he is concerned.

"I consider it an honor," said Lewis, "I'm looking forward to the challenge."

In his first start in Limoilou, Lewis showed the stuff that prompted general manager Doug Brunet to make the trade that sent fan favorite Rajai Davis to the High Bridge Heaters. He had a nervous beginning allowing a couple of runs on a walk and a hit in the first inning against the Wendigo. After inducing lead-off man Angel Pagan to ground out, he walked Jason Bartlett on four pitches. The always dangerous Prince Fielder then took a 2-0 pitch that headed to the gap in right-center, which might have scored Bartlett if not for a heads up play by Crows right fielder Jeff Francoeur. Lewis uncorked a wild one to Curtis Granderson that catcher Lou Marson had no chance on, scoring Bartlett and moving Fielder to third who would also score on Granderson's sac fly. Ramon Hernandez grounded out to end the inning. He settled down after that, giving up only one hit over his next seven innings before giving way to Fernando Rodney in the ninth. Unfortunately for Lewis, he had to watch from the dugout as Rodney's 3-1 pitch to Ian Stewart left the ballpark for a 3-run walk off homer after the home guys had already tied the score.

"Hey, that's baseball," Lewis mused. "Sure I would have liked a chance to finish up. But, I'm not gonna play that second guessing game. Fernando's our closer and that's that. I had no hard feelings handing over the ball. It's a team game. I'm sure I'll have my times when the guys come in and get me out of a jam."

It's unsure yet just what kind of home opener the Crows can expect with all the Loggers fans who will undoubtedly fill many of the seats. The senior team has no shortage of support in the city.

" Well, there's no way to pick and choose who buys the tickets," says manager Robert Brunet. "Anyway, like we saw last year, we get quite a few of ours at LaMarre Field when they host us. It's great for the city, and great for the guys on both teams. More games at home with the families."

No matter what happens, Oscar Peterson Memeorial Stadium will be a noisy place come Sunday.

Cooperstown undergoes major overhaul.

Cooperstown -- While most GM's were finishing holliday shopping and arranging holiday travel arrangents, Bob Fidler and Jon Stamets were hammering out the details on a blockbuster trade that will reshape the present and future of each of their teams.

It has been a whirlwind of an offseason for the Iron Horses, and now that the dust has settled, Cooperstown fans are struggling to find familiar names in the newly revamped roster. Gone are anchors of the rotation Adam Wainwright, Jon Lester and Kirboki Kuroda. Onto greener pastures are hitters Justin Morneau, Travis Hafner, Raul Ibanez and Magglio Ordonez along with closer Francisco Cordero.

Without the offensive firepower needed to hang in the tough Parker division, the Iron Horses acknowledged a change was neccesary. "Considering the age of the veterans on the team, we needed to go for it now, or step back, retool and come back strong in 2012," Jon said, "We've made the team younger and added players who should be cornerstones of the team for years to come."

The rebuild began with help from the newly relocated Skokie. GM Josh "Wolfman" Shapiro wants to kick of the rebirth of his storied CBA franchise with a championship sesaon. Skoakie added a veteran presense and middle of the order bat to the lineup in Magglio Ordonez. Cooperstown was able to add young speedster Eric Young Jr. as well as a solid young backstop Nick Hundley.

Next came a deal with Joe Wallace and his San Diego team. "We needed a big left handed bat and a lefty in the rotation," Joe explained. They certainly solved that need adding perenial MVP candidate Justin Morneau as well as young ace Jon Lester and catcher Nick Hundley. Cooperstown added established youngsters Delmon Young and Jhoulys Chacin and also filled their closer need with Francisco "KRod" Rodriguez as well as oft-injured, but ace calibur SP Jake Peavy. "We were hoping to focus a deal around Harden and Peavy, but we knew that in order to obtain a pitcher like Lester, either Daniel Hudson or Jhoullys would need to be included," Joe said. In the end it was Chacin heading to Cooperstown.

Cooperstown and Stirling came together in a couple small deals sending utility man Jerry Hairston Jr. and young OF Lasting Milledge to the Iron Horses. Stirling added picks to the deal in exchange for picks a round higher. "When it came time to establish our 24 man roster, we just didn't have the room for those two guys," Stirling GM Malachi Nellum said, "We were just happy to see them go somewhere they could be better used and wish both of them the best."

When the Wolfmen of Skoakie needed to add some offense from the left side prior to the cut deadline, he knew where he could find it. "We contacted Cooperstown since names had been thrown around before and a deal came together quickly," Josh said. Cooperstown sent lefties Raul Ibanez and Travis Hafner for right hander Alfonso Soriano and a late pick.

After dealing Soriano and Hafner, the Cooperstown lineup needed some pop. Corey Light had a different need for his Bashers. "Speed was something the Bashers hadn't had in quite some time, and Brett gives us that plus great OBP and defense in the OF," Corey said. He was referring to Brett Gardner, who Bryan acquired from Cooperstown for 1B/3B Casey McGehee. With the departure of Morneau, the Iron Horses not only filled the void he left at 1B, but added some extra punch to a lineup that's seen many of its best hitters depart the team.

It was clear no player was untouchable on the Cooperstown roster, and rumors were flying as to who could possibly be dealt next. Could KRod or Delmon Young be sent packing before even suiting up in an Iron Horse uniform just like Hundley? Could ace pitcher Jered Weaver be moved? What about the team leader Brian McCann and others? For now at least, these players will still call Cooperstown home, but the same can't be said for Adam Wainright, Hiroki Kuroda, newly acquired Alfonso Soriano and Jerry Hairston Jr. as well as long time closer Francisco Cordero.

These players were traded to Bob Fidler's Indiana Redbirds. At first, it didn't appear a trade was possible. "I knew we didn't have the ammunition to pull off a deal for Wainright," Bob said. Things changed, however, when the Redbirds acquired a pair of young phemoms, Madison Bumgarner and Bud Norris, in seperate deals with Kennesaw and Joilet. "After those deals were made, the Cooperstown front office contacted us and let us know a deal might be possible."

For two weeks, through nearly daily corrospondance, the two sides negotiated, fine tuned and tweaked the deal, at one point erasing and starting over before coming to an agreement. "This is the type of deal that I love. Careful deliberation by both sides, evaluating not only the needs of our own team, but of the other team as well to help create a realistic agreement," Jon said.

It was established that in order to let go of Wainright, Cooperstown was going to have to receive a young trio of starters including Norris and Bumgarner, as well as Tommy Hunter. "We knew we'd need the 3 of them, but also acknowledged that price was too high for Wainright alone," Jon said. With a premium on young pitching these days, the Iron Horses were willing to add aging, but still effective starter Hiroki Kuroda to the deal, along with Alfonso Soriano, Hairston Jr. and Francisco Cordero. Indiana added young shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera as well as their 1st and 3rd round picks in this years draft. "We have always been high on Cabrera, but with Jose Reyes as our starter, we were able to include him without hurting ourselves too much in the short term." Bob continued, "Wagner will be taking the ball in the 9th inning for us, but Cordero will be a reliable guy to go to in setup situations and spell Billy if needed. Soriano's power is a welcome addition to the lineup and Hairston Jr.'s ability to play anywhere on the field gives us a lot of flexibility.

The 2009 CBA champion Redbirds are certainly built to win. Their rotation of Wainright, Oswalt, Kuroda and Garland give them one of the best big 4 in CBA. "Right now Figueroa and Kazmir are penciled in to compete for the 5th starter spot, but we're still looking at options outside the organization." Wainright now becomes a candidate likely to win 20 games or more, pitching for a team who's lineup contains Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton as well as three other players who should hit 20 or more HRs. This deal makes the Redbirds a favorite for a playoff spot with the possibility of yet another CBA championship.

As for the Iron Horses, their eyes are set on 2012. With a young quintet of starting pitchers consisting of Jered Weaver, Madison Bumgarner, Bud Norris, Jhoullys Chacin and Tommy Hunter and led by vets Javier Vazquez and Jake Peavy, 2011 will be used to evaluate their best options for a rotation going forward from 2012. "We'll probably be limiting most guys to 100-150 innings with the exception of Weaver, even Javy and Jake will be given extra time off."

When asked if offseason dealings were over for the Iron Horses, Jon smirked and responded, "Never say never." When asked about his draft plans, he was more specific. "We plan to bring in a player or 2 to compete with Milledge in RF. We will also be looking for a left handed bat to help out at 1B/3B and maybe in the OF as well. There are a couple pen spots that need to be filled and you can never have too much starting pitching. We're willing to fill these spots through trades though... I much prefer a bird in the hand, but now that we have 5 picks in the first 3 rounds, we should be able to find players who suit our needs."

Though most of the Iron Horse veterans have been traded, one thing is clear. The Iron Horse's front office phone lines will always be open for incoming calls from other GM's for a trade, no matter how big or small.

December2010

CBA 2010 Season In Review

Can you believe since Newsletter #1 in 2003 (press archive) we have had 290 of these league memo's?   Lots of writing. Well here's the state of CBA right now. Where we are at. First I'd like to commen each and every one of you for a Phantastic (In respect to Philly) year. It was well run on each end. You guys were a) Efficient b) Reliable c) Prompt d) Careful. It made the league office job so much easier than the year before. In fact this season for this first in 3 years had no major crashes. In an attempt for the truest statistics, or CBA Excutive Consultant Jack Frost managed to eliminate a statistical anomaly. A game was counted 2 times. Jack Painstakingly rebuilt from all our carefully archived files the season eliminating the problem and even managed to trim the 'memory fat' from the main files so file size were smaller. This year the player notebook file which we always record highlites, ate much memory. 1 or 2 megs. This is just 1 reason why Jack Frost is well respected by the commmisioners office. His scheduling work is another. I would like to acjnowledge publically his fine and dedicated efforts. His love for CBA is the motivation.

     This years administration did a fine job working behind the scenes. It was a team effort without question. The proper and efficient running of an organziation like CBA requires effort from several. It starts at the top. Your league Presidents set the tome for CBA, a league whcih has a VERY positive vibe. I must say, that is the coolness factor of our GM's and the tone and manner and friendships that have evolved for which I am most proud. Friends, not just acquaintances have been made. GM's have met, socialized, Netplayed, talked deal, BS with each other, and now become part of each others lives. Wheres the tissue? Tito? Jermaine? And this years Academy award goes to...
Cory Light. A trusted and awesome CBA person. We owe MAJOR thanks to Cory, who at his OWN expense provides us with our CBA website. The domain is his, and server fees are his contribution. Its more than appreciated on my end and judging by the webstats, by many others internationally who do follow our league...especially at draft time since we generally are the first to draft the new cards, and be on MLB schedule with our statistics. There are quite a few who track our stats to project for their own league uses. The draft is a template for many when their drafts begin as well. Its somewhat of an honor when we do get our occasional emails from web visitors. Cory Light sets the tone with his personality and diplomacy. CBA elder statesman on council. Cory's vote carries alot of respect and weight in council. Thanks again Cory, you're the best.

Dennis Concepcion is another integral part of the machine. Dennis also is the true spirit of CBA and section 15. His manner and enthusiasm has transformed CBA directly and indirectly from a league in transition to a positive, fun, and stable league. His voice of reason and innovation is resposible for making CBA not only a basic run of the mill Strat league to a league with a personality. A league which has taken on a life force through his Press releases and finely detailed and comprehensive photo galleries are known throught the Stratworld. Yes, CBA is well known after 13 seasons. Dennis is also active in trade council and rules committee discussions.

JD Adams is our Usage Commisioner and going into his 2nd season on trade committee. The committee consists of JD, Dennis, Cory, Rob Hite and myself. Derek has done an excellent job for 3 seasons now review usage, and saving the office time while creating a custom easy to use weekly reference that is simply unique to CBA. Its is so easy, a caveman can use it. CBA has evolved technically, and is even more user friendly thanks to Derek who has eased the time it takes to set upa weekly CM. Since inception, I have noticed our weekly CM forwarding rate to have increased from about 11 or 12 per week to about 16-17 on and off list. Make no mistake, your GM 'friends' are trying to beat you. They're tailoring CM's to match your teams, and beat you. It about winning, not the draft.   Thanks Derek. These are our council members for 2011 season.

Within the CBA core are our consultants. Executive Technical consultant Jack Frost, and Committee consultants Rob Hite, Jack Jung, and for 2011 Doug Brunet. Rob is a CBA elder statesman, and original member who played in another league with founder Claude LaMarre, and is always well known in Strat circles. He also enters the World Series looking for his 3 crown. Hite lends his expertise again in 2011 as an executive consultant to committee. Rob has his input and league rules and issues of importance. 2001 CBA Champion Jack Jung of Ottawa Otters fame is another 13 year original veteran is on hand to assist with some rule committee and council input on an as needed basis. Doug Brunet Joins us with a wealth (30+ years) of Strat-o-matic experience. He is thorough and sharp. He will assume duties as a council consultant, and Transaction, Roster Management official. He joins our council list. Consultants do no have an official vote on trade council, but their opinions are sometimes asked or presented in the decision making and voting process. Generally trade committee needs majority to pass, however 1 dissention is enough to trigger a committee action to review a trade then a final vote. GM’s input are welcome to Committee if presented to a league President for introduction. This procedure is in effect for trade review and rules committee review. Suggestions are welcome via proper channels to committee, not on CBA_List.

The season started with the opening draft and a flurry of trade activity preceding and during what was a smooth and exciting 2010 draft. There was a trendous amount of trade activity leading up to the February draft. Many trades involved draft picks exchanging hands. Picks high, and not so surprisingly with the increased vale of the late rounds, due to our CBA formula, many late picks were not only relevant but brought in some good talent in late rounds. Big names moved. Long time Basher Michael Young brought back power bat of Nick Swisher. Bryan, now adds in 2011 Paul Konerko as they look to slug way to playoffs. Brett Myers went to Carolina, Carmona went for a 5 to High Bridge. Ian Kinsler also went to the Coppersheads for a 1. C Town got Jav Vasquez for a 1, Bryan also got Jason Bay. Brooklyn answered by picking up Ryan Braun, and Nick Markakis. In a win, win trade a busy BSP also swapped 2010 MVP candidate and Staff ace carlos Zambrano. Joliet acquired Corey Hart for a few late draft picks from C Town. Jon Buck only cost Ohio a #4, and Southwest got Cy candidate Theodore Lilly. Cooperstown countered by snatching up MVP contender Brian McCann. Kurt Suzuki catcher, went to Striling. Malachi Nellum made a lot of off season moves in 2010, including acquiring closer Joe Nathan for the stretch run. The draft saw a lot of talent move in round 1. Strasberg went to Keth Jones Sunville as the 1^st overall pick. He was followed by Rick Porcello, and Brian Matusz. Andy Bailey was the fourth but was just dealt for 2011 to Kennesaw Mt.

Other first rounders included Carlos Gonzalez, Chris Coughlin, Mat Latos, Trevhor Cahil went to Belfast late round 1, Scott Podsednick, and Garrett Jones as well. Some good talent also spread into the round 10 where Josh Thole, and Ike Davis both were drafted.

With the races now over and Philly’s Rob Hite and the Phantastics the CBA 2010 champions, here is a team by team analysis by division. We start this year looking at the Schmidt division home of the world champ Phantastics. Philly dominated the entire season start to finish. It was no accident as Rob Hite custom designs his teams and trades for select players to fit his franchise model. The team was led by MVP candidate Derek Jeter who rebounded to post excellent stats, and more so winning baserunner movement and clutchness. 17Hr 69RBI .311 27sb. Although the team only hit .269, a low for Philly over the past several years, the HR bat was there slugging 282 of them. Homer wise they were among CBA;'s best ever. The ballpark helps them there. Philly has always known the long ball. 13 players had double digit RBI’s. Eight players hit 20+ HR with Berkman in what could be his last huge season hittling 32 and Ut Chasely hitting a big 36 HR. Philly added speed to their mix in ’10 swiping 84 SB, which is a lot for this 3 run HR team. The top of the order averaged around a .370 on base. So natural that runs get plated. The offense numbers .354 OBA overall, .834 total avg, but the .480 slug is down a bit for Philly, but where the offense and defense was balanced, the pitching stepped it up.

Not known for pitching lately, the Phantastics allowed only a .257 BA. The relief corps wasn’t too effective allowing 33% of opposing runners to score once brought in. In fact they blew many saves. Quite a few Clemente teams blew alot of saves as well showing a pattern for the juiced up Clemente offenses providing alot of late heroics and pop. They converted only 55 of 83 saves oppoprtunities. Despite Verlander's CY Young season, he had the least run support from his starting crew 5.17 runs per games while the others got generally a half run more support. The season was a tremendous success for 3 times champion Rob Hite. Executive consultant and long time CBA friend. Rob is the cream of CBA's GM crop for 2010. Will he be again in 2011?

The Stirling RedSox have officially been transitioned to Malachi Nellum. Wayne McGee steps aside, retires and will undoubtedly gain entry into CBA's Hall of Fame when balloting is issued in January 2011. This team has been built almost ground up into a contender by former Alamo City Flames GM Nellum who as VP and director of player personel, had drafted traded, acquired and revamped the once moribund RedSox into a streamlined talent laden organziation. Last year, Stirling was edged out of a wildcard spot by the Carolina Copperheads and Brooklyn Superbas in the final week of the season. Carolina took the final series against both Brooklyn and Stirling. Striling lost out of the playoffs by dropping 3 of 4 to the eventual World Champion Philly Phantastics, while Brooklyn swept away Cooperstown in the final series after losing before to theCarolina Parker champs. It was Clementes closest race in many years and any one of the final teams dancing, Stirling, Superbas, CTown could have won it. Stirling was a player all year. They started out owning Schmidt throughout April. In May Philly took the eventual Schmidt lead. Stirling never let 2nd place out of their hands as they consuitantly stayed in the hunt all year long. Led by Player of the year candidate Bill3 Butler 25 HR 103 RBI .331, and Carlos Pena's 46 HR 98 RBI .233 the Sox powered 195 HR. Michael Young added 24 more at 3B. Pedroia was awesome at 2B 19HR 100 RBI .285 17SB a solid if not spectacular year. The catching was among the best if not the best. Kurt Suzuki hit an excellent .310 with 16 HR, and Taylor Tea...garden was a .322 hitting backup. Now the paradox, The Sox stole 176 bases! Crwaford had 56 despite lower numbers in '10 than is customary. 15 HR 65 RBI .267 10 triples. Ellsbury stole 39 with 16CS, and Elvus Andrus stole 31. The team hit 36 triples Andrus 8, Crawford 10, Ellsbury 7. Just to add some xtra pop. Overall a .345 OBA and .456 slug add up to improved performance. A .748 Total average is good enough to win with. The pitching was capable, but the bullpen was shaky. Bronson Arroyo pitched well allowing a .251 BA, but the team duidnt suport him scoring almost 3/4 run less when he was on the mound. Likely as he was stacked up against the Aces of the Clemente Conference. Guys like Halladay, Oswalt, Verlander, Carpenter, Wainwright, Lilly, Greinke, and a slew of top shelf aces. Jurjenns, Arroyo, Buehrle were solid. Jurjens emerged as top line guy though will be limited in 2011. Until Nathan came on board, the Red Sox pen was shaky at best. A .326 IRSC is crap. Too many comebacks allowed. Very important stat that CBA recognizes. Byrdak despite a .200 Opp BA, allowed 40%, Madson 46%, and O'Day 37% of all runners on base inherited, to score. Cant win games unless you out slug them or out steal them which is what The Sox had to do. 2011 promises to be an a good one as Nellum let go of Milledge and Hairston for picks, acquired ace Phil Hughes. Again there should be tough competition as the powerhouses lineup in the slammmin Clemente where all teams can clubber each other.

The light is on and shinig. Perhaps the envy of the CBA's new decade, Ottawa is living off they're former glory, but not for long. There are hard times for CBA's original franchise in the Canadian National Capital city. The beautiful city of Ottawa has come close making the playoffs recently as 3 years ago, but there has been little joy other than that brief shining moment. They came close in 2009 to making the show, but swooned intheir last month. Not since the days of the Dynamic Duo Papi and Vlad had they brought the fans to their feet. But in 2011 with those two re emergence, bright things could be in store in 2011. In 2010 a perfectly dismal season. However Jack Jung doesnt quit. Patiently building through the draft, This team is one to watch out for in 2011. Super young talents like Justin Heyward, Ricky Weeks, Cameron Maybin, Andrew McCutcheon, Steven Drew, Justin Upton, Y Gallardo. The team is a goldmine. Pitching is the deficiency here. The offense certainly can compete with anyone in the upcoming campaign. Last year, the light was flickering not shining. Like a bad Doors song, the team was out of synch and plugging away laying in wait for better times. The crowd dwindled, but the press was buzzing following their minor leagues. The coming of Heyward. A minor league draft pick. A superstar in 1 year. CF of the future for all of Ottawa to cheer. Despite Rickie Wells 13-7 record in an impressive rookie season, There was little pitching to speak of. Gallardo was 9-16, Volstad 2-13, Lackey 3-15, Era's all ranging from 4.70 - 7.16. Cook was 8-9 4.40 Best of the rest. The defense was shoddy with a below average.716 X rating percentage allowing in even more runs. Next year the starters are all grouped around 4.50 ERA's and there is no clear ace, So Ottawa should struggle to keep opponents from scoring. The staff in 2010 allowed righties to hit .275 against them, .266 overall. Not particularly effective. Allowing 9.3 hits per 9 IP. A high 3.8 BB per game and alot of hits per IP, adds up to runs for the Opponents. When you achieve a low .329 OBA on offense, your opportunities are limited. 2011 promises to be so much better. Theyre IRSC matched Stirlings. Joe Mauer MVP /Player of Year candidate had a sensational year and is undoubtedly the face of the franchise. Next year should be a bonanza for him if they can get the pitching. No reason why Ottawa couldnt be a Clemente Champion. Mauer led CBA with a .366 BA, with 27 HR & 79 RBI. Had an amazing 1.069 Total avg. Vlad hit .292 with 15 HR, while Papi slugged 39 HR with a low .233 BA. Expect those three to dominate in 2011 with McCutcheon and Heyward setting the table.

The Schmidt division. It stands for power. Philly has dominated like Schmidt did. Despite being somewhat of a question mark in social skills, Schmidt his bat stood out. In Clemente especially in Schmidt its the bats which stand out too. New Hampshire's bats were perhaps a CBA record low with a measly horrifyingly unprofessional .216. It skewed the stats weighed in by the conferences other teams. This was solely the fault of former GM Dave Jacobs of the Atlanta Crackers (should have known then) Columbus Wildcats, who was ill prepared, all talk and no action. He came aboard, and proceeded to make a shambles of deadlines, time positions during the draft, and whined about procedures, to the point he was removed into his initial probation and replaced by the league office before he could do much more damage to the team and our league. No way to see it coming with Jacobs, but happily we were able to recruit our first choice a valued veteran whom Id hoped would join us for years Chris Brazeau who turned out to be exactly what this franchise needed, and more. He has fit right in at home with our veteran GM's, and has dedicated time and studied our rules and league. Seems like he is having fun, and we are gald to have him building this franchise ground up. A challenge, but he will make all kinds of CBA friends and surely will compete at a high level within the close future. Chris has several friends here in CBA from other leagues, and all were thrilled to add a familar buddy and true Strat man. All wasnt horrible with the NWS pitching. The great bullpen put up some good numbers and kept the team from getting trashed in some games. Outman, Wheeler, O'Day, Hughes, Coke. Were very capable in a pen by committee. Some of the starters performed reasonably well too. Young Ross Ohlendorff, M Repzcynzki, and R Vandenhurk, kept the ERA in the mid 4's. Some potential there as well. The staff did well enough to wins some. But the bats were a ragtag collection of usage filler RFA's whose sole purpose is to add to some career stats on the Batters Register before there careers in CBA fizzle out. Guys like Ross Gload (Brooklyn's Madison HS) .217 4 HR, 17 RBI, Chipper Larry Jones .239 11 HR 45 RBI, Julio Lugo .271 4 HR 29 HR, Omir Santos .261 7HR 39 RBI, Ronny Cedeno .214, E Renteria .214, M Maier .213 you get the picture. Gerardo Parra hit .266 with a few HR. But they will need eventual offense to compete in CBA. This draft is key for Hampshire who acquired Pitchers, J Masterson, B League, and JA Happ in the Hughes trade, clearly building for the future up in New England.

The Monday Division

Last year 2009 was the year the Bob Fidler and the Indiana Redbirds set CBA on its side when he took his wildcard team across Clemente defeating Brooklyn and eventually Longue Pointe for his 3rd championship in 4 years. Fidler is in the Monday division where he pared up with The Offense mided Bryan Bashers who featured Jason Bay, and Southwest who Featured Matt Holiday. Not to be outdone, Albert Pujols as well as A Rod were in tow. But 2010 was not to be as Holliday led the enigmatic Eric Lindner Lizard Kings to the Monday title by a substantial margin. The dominant team of the the late 2000's had fallen victim to age and poor MLB performances, but still managed a respectful 83-79 season under Fidler's attentive guidance. It could be made a case for that Bob Fidler is no longer a the towel waving GM champion going into the new decade, but rather a grizzled veteran GM whose savvy and determination has carried this franchise into a transition with grace and class. Fidler is already rebuilding and looking to change things necessary to compete. Even in transition, Fidler can beat you. This team did not quit and kept fighting despite obvious deficiencies. Slightly better at home in Redbirds park, they were a playoff team at home less than that on road where they were .481 They had to mix up their game even doing some small ball to win games. Cabrera, and Polanco resorting to the lost Clemente art of bunting successfully 46-56 times. The pinch hitters came thru witha .378 BA, best in CBA. The offense was good enough to win. Comparable but more powerful than Stirling's The power went 1-9 through lineup. A .345 OBA and .478 Slug which was two percent better. .278 overall BA, 242 HR (2nd in CBA), 830 runs (3rd best). Pujols won the Clemente MVP and player of the year award for his .323, 58 HR 127 RBI season. He edged out Brooklyn's Ryan Howard in HR, but Howard had more RBI's to lead CBA. 5 players over 20 HR, Sizemore 31 in CF, Pence with 26 HR for an amazing power OF. A Roids numbers were deflated to .262 24 HR 81 5 SB as he detoxed and dried out in 2010 CBA. Hamilton's numbers were down, but will be way up in 2011. Carlos Ruiz solidified catching hitting better than expected .277 10 HR 46 RBI. Posada added 25 HR's .254. Colby Rasmus was solid with 18 HT 70 RBI .268. Enough offense to win. In the clutch in 600 AB's, they slugged 29 HR and drove in 122. But for only a .231 average. A microcosm of the season. No pitching, huge bats, but something missing other than the long ball. Hit .298 with bases loaded however, strange. But pitching? 4.77 ERA Jeremy Sowers wins 13-5 but 5.21 ? Oswalt only 9-10 ? It was a horror show. 41 more hits than IP. 586 BB's, Oswalt and Kazmir got little run support from a good offense (4.50 or so) Also the pen was shaky with a Stirlingesque .328 IRSC. They saved only 70% of games too 43-61 not good. The Pitching was actually helped by a good defense which posted a .802 X rating. 80% is very good. Otherwise the team ERA would have been likely near 5.00. They even turned a triple play around the horn 3rd to 1st.

Lindners Southwest Lizard Kings 101-61, put it all together in 2010 with another ill fated playoff run. It was Eric Lindners final hurrah in CBA as he moves on to irrelevant in the Strat-o-sphere.. The Lizard Kings (Skokie Wolfmen) season was verifiable and documented with great performances by Holliday 31 HR 104 RBI .310 BA. ,Tulowitzsky 33 HR's, 17 SB zero times caught, Matt Kemp's 27 HR 95 .282 with excellent defense. Adam LaRoche hit .301 23 HR 91 RBI, Andre Ethier hit 31 HR 78 RBI .269. 9 guys over 133 hits. 6 over 150 hits. Thats consistent. A team .341 OBA with a .270 BA. 213 HR 819 runs. Near the top in all catagories. Except this year the pitching was the difference. The top 4 in the rotation did very well keeping opponents at bay. Theodore Lilly acquired in a trade with NJ Beatles for a a draft pick, went 18-2 for the Monday champs. Matt Cain added 14 wins, and 13 more for Clifford Lee. Guthrie had 11 more. Team 3.83 ERA with a great .816 X rating made this a bonified contender and favorite except that Lindner had a meltdown and quit Stratomtic when they wouldnt assist his Netplay and told him he tampered with protection system. We lost, and so did the company.

Bryan Bashers. A team looking for respect and coming real close being competitive the past few seasons after struggling throughout most of its CBA tenure as Kilgore. The team is built on some punch. They acquired what seemed the last piece in Jason Bay, and has been the case with most of Bryans great acquisitions, the players tune dog the next year and Ole Cory Light has to restart again. Each year they add a big piece. This year the huge bat of Paul Konerko. If Bay and Konerko return to form they could be formidable with McGehee, Wigginton, and Swisher also strong bats. In 2010 the Bashers popped 213 HR's Lots of power but very low .249 BA and low OBA .329. The slugging was at .429 which belies their 213 dingers. So if it wasn't a HR, it wasnt anything for Bryan. Jason Bays' injuries in MLB, may not help this year except that he should get on base in 2011, run and play some D. He should rebound easily as he adjusts. Bay hit 36 HR (( RBI .267 for Bryan while Swisher added 33 HR 100 RBI. Overbay, Hairston, McGe hit all around 15 HR's Marlon Byrd added 21 HR. O'B was their most consistent hitter batting .288 with 16 HR 80. He does it year in and out and is a steady bat. This got steady work out of Jason Kendall .254 4 HR 29 RBI, but the defense doesnt enhance things at catcher, and they will need better overall production at catcher. Mark Ellis 10 54 .266. was solid at 2B with great defense. O Cabrera had 11 HR 59 RBI .260 but had 23 big errors to blemish a decent defense. Ben Francisco hit 10 taters off the bench. A typical patter that sums it up up Brad Inge hit 23 HRs at 3B, but drove in 48 and hit .204.

The numbers individually look good, but on the field they could barely reach .500. Speed, defense, and bullpen as well as The ace starter hurt their chances. They were better than most in a tough conference. No reason to think they cant compete again. The pen couldnt hold down what the stares had, and the batters couldnt get on enough to take advantage of the HR's. Despite Hawkins 30 saves, he did lose 7 games which means something went wrong here. A 68.3% sv mark. 33% IRSC. Shoddy work. The defense was improved by a few percent over 2009 at 76% X rating. The staff only allowed 6 more hits than IP. But the starts hits was far higher than the relievers +53, and relievers -45. So relievers choked in tough situations but were good in long relief allowing the offense to come back in games and maybe win. A comeback offense.

Lake County Leopards. David Jones is one of CBA's class gentlemen. He has experienced playoffs, and the cellar and is always a pleasure to correspond with and play in CBA. The Leopards have a leagcy of winning and are rebuilding at this time. The moved along malcontent Adraim Beltre and brought back Scott Rolen who has a great card again in 2011 with defense of legend. Also coming aboard is super prospect Chris Carter, and Jones' intentions are clear. The Leopards are looking ahead. The 2010 team was equally as poor on the road as at home as the fans stayed back some at Leopard stadium. The team struggled at the plate and in the power categories. They achieved good numbers from CBA's Jay Johnstone award winner Garrett Jones .343 26 HR 70 RBI. Dexter Fowler hit .277 and remains a propsect, and Fucudome showed more improvement into elite CF department for 2011. James Ba-Loney was a disappointment and was counted on to do more than .251 10 HR when he was acquired from Indiana. Garrett Atkins fall off wasnt expected, as was Brad Penny or Derek Lowes drop off. With a reverse of fortunes in MLB this would have been a different club. The players aged quickly and the numbers showed it. Jimmy Rollins hit .210, Nady was hurt and tailed off. he should rebound in MLB with Arizona in 2011. Gio Soto dropped off, huge. Too many to drop to sustain wins in 2010. Some plyers will rebound for them in 2011 set so the chances are great we will see improvement in the Lakers for next year. The staff was woefully deficient an old in 2010. They couldnt buy wins. What seemed like a good staff was affected by the lack of offense. The rotation startsr Beckett, Penny, Lowe won 10 while Cueto won 9. The pen had a .77% save pct which wasnt too bad. A .294 IRSC was pretty good allowing a 66 win season. Could have been much worse. Lake Co showed that Pitching can only win so much. The defense had a .771 X rating not bad, but without the offense, cant win in Clemente where offenses are powerful enough to overcome pitching.

The Parker Divison

Carolina Copperheads Scott Kenan was a runner up for GM of the year. He certainly earned that distinction with his breakout performance in 2010. Took awhile to get there. Building and drafting. Trading and planning Kenan represents CBA's future. He has taken control of the Parker divison wresting it from Brooklyn who had won 8 division titles with 10 playoff appearances since 97. They went 98-64 with a team ERA of 3.88 in a tough slugging conference. Pitching stopped their division and Conference opponents down the stretch as well. Sthey stopped Brooklyn cold in their final week match ups when they needed the most. -104 hits than IP, allowing only 170 Hrs to their slugging 3rd best 238 HR's. In a HR laden conference its huge. 86 errors was good, but only 66 SB, meant the team relied on the bat not speed to generate runs. Offense did pound into alot of DP's 146 rally killers. They hit 126 HR on the road, 2nd most in CBA. Typical Clemente contender .346 OBA, .453 slug. The offense didnt have that extra zip, but the pitching gave a good offense the chance to be in all the games. They were retaliated against, by having 68 of their batters plunked. Rick Debrule? 45 Sac flies 2nd best in CBA. Defense was good enough. Catchers couldn't get out stealers throwing out 21% not too good, putting guys into scoring position. Carolina was able to use the hit and run its advantage getting 28 advances in 34 chances an 82% H & R rate. Only 33% in clutch hitting. The Carolina team came through in the clutch during the regular season. A 73% X Rating was not too great but league average was .721.

The team got better performances from several key players. Looking at the lineup Joey Votto 18 HR 76 .317. Miguel Tejada was sensational with his glove only 2 errors! He hit 14 74 .303. Zimmerman at 3B hit .285 22 86. Scutaro was capable at .277 with 46 RBI's and glove. Hermida hit .288 in platoon. Kinsler .251 30 107. Thats great offense in the infield middle. Makes the rest of offense that much more effective. Despite low batting averages, Jayson Werth and Adam Dunn had 34 and 38 HRs respectively. The difference being they both were able to get on base helping teams win rather than the low OBA high HR guys on other teams. Carolina was able to survive Ryan Ludwick's slack from 2009. The pitching was solid. Jason Marquis ate up innings and got 14 wins and a .487 ERA. Johnson was a Cy Young runner up behind Verlander and Greinke with a 21-5 record and an awesome 2.51 ERA to make it into franchise history books. Huston Street was spectacular as closer of the year, and a valuable acquisition. Carpenter added 15 wins against 5 defeats and Johan won 14 more. The bullpen was strong with a 28% IRSC and good middle inn support from Ni, Frasor, and lights out 0.25 ERA from Tyler Walker. Carolina won in a historic 4 game set in the battle of Parker at seasons end defeating the Superbas perhaps setting the stage for their unceremonious first round exit the next week.

Brooklyn Superbas were an enigma. Again a dominant team though not as powerful as in years past. Brookyn is t rebuilding acquiring several young prospects and players over the past year. David Price, Ryan Braun, Hank Conger, Nick Moustakis, .Their team BA was down to .283 after last years .307. HR's went down from 275 to 213, and runs 1069 down to 879. Still quite good, but not the typical Superba power team. The Superbas reputation is that of CBA legend. Perhaps the single most potent offensive force in CBA's history, the Superbas have epitomized the Clemente model year after year. Dominant offenses. Historicallly led by Player HOFers like Todd Helton, Sammy Sosa CBA HR all time leader till 2009. Bagwell, Ventura, Albert Belle. Huge numbers and recently Ryan Howard who was almost an ex Superba this winter, Miguel Cabrera, and now Ryan Braun. Ivan Rodrguez 7 55 .276, will return again as the Brooklyn Longtime catcher sits very high on many CBA career leader categories like Hits Doubles and RBI's let alone his Hall of Fame defense. Brooklyn must cut the WP's and PB's. He will split time again with Ryan Doumit 11 Hr's. In the wings in wunderkind Hank Conger so Brooklyn is also planning ahead. . This season Ryan Howard 55 HR 145 RBI .277 10 sb 1.002 Total avg, made a a serious pitch for MVP finishing second Indiana's Pujols. Braun had a great first year with Brooklyn slugging 34 121 .304 22 SB. Miguelito Cabrera finished strong down the stretch 33 115 .320. Those are big Superbas seasonsbut not enough to dthrone the Philly team in Rd 1. When the bats were stopped cold by Philly pitching. Former MVP Vermon Wells hit 18 more HR's and is another CBA player who is added to career totals. Omar Vizquel will return for another season with Brooklyn and is another CBA HOF candidate. Markakis had a solid 13 HR 76 RBI .307 campaign batting 2nd with 188 hits and 45 doubles to match his defense and arm. Furcal returned as fulltime SS, but was fair .267 8 HR 52 only 4 SB and 26 errors too high, led team with 20 sacs however. Blake hit 14 HR .294 at 3B, but his defense was rough. The teams defense once a bright spot in 2009, was 10% worse finishing .727 X which is average but didnt help a good pitching staff which faltered at times. Brooklyn got 49 assists from their OF. Adding Chone Figgins for defense and speed didn't factor too much in the race, and may be dealt as the spring approaches. Second base thought to be a sore spot with 3 men filling in Vizquel, Bloomquist, and Infante turned out very productive in a 3 way platoon. Infante was a runner up in the Johnstone award voting. Brooklyn just could win in the clutch. Only getting 2 of 20 clutch hits all year. PH Randy Ruiz under achieved only 3 for 22 after being counted on heavily in clutch. They did manage to hit with the infield in 17 times. So the extra speed in '10 did help indirectly at times. Again Brooklyn matched well winning 49 at home. They finished 3 games behind Carolina. They scored about 5.3 runs a game allowing only 4.6 in Clemente. The won in close games 31-15. Superbas 'struggled' vs Lefties only .276 but .285 vs R. The team had a typical contender like .343 OBA and .463 slug. .805 production, They struck out way too much 1113 times, and grounded into 153 double play both numbers came into play in the playoffs, and meant doom for Brooklyn ultimately. Its the well balanced teams that win most frequently. There is a stark contrast between the Staub teams offenses and Clemente. A true comparison could be made between the old MLB NL and AL. Rick Debruhle?

The pitching staff did decently but faltered late. Halladay had a poor year by any standards despite double digit wins. 13-15 4.92 ERA. Zambrano acquired for Staub MVP nominee Brandon Phillips was Brooklyns best with a 4.00 EAR and an 11-6 record in limited Inn. Edwin Jax was 4.18 11-10 219 K's and a high Whip. Lannan was decent solid at 12-10 4.47. The team has a 4.21 ERA which is very respectable in Clemente. Mariano had a decent year by his standards after a poor 2009. He saved 24 games 6-3 2.39. Dice K won 6-0 2.73, and the bullpen was .287 IRSC. By committee Vargas, Miller, Boyer were decent. Could have been worse, but it was enough to limit the opposition in close games and win 95. Jon Rauch was awful in his role 2-4 5.03 3 saves hurtin them in the stretch. Brooklyn continues to build and can be expected to compete again in 2011 with a balanced offense, though in need of some more power, Brooklyn will need a starting pitcher or two to keep get ahead for another parker crown.

Cooperstown came really close in 2010, succumbing in the final weeks to Brooklyn and Carolina who barely edged them out of a wildcard spot. It was a close as can be. Morneau and Reynolds could only carry the decent offense so far.One game does matter. Cooperstown GM Jon Stamets set about resurrecting the franchise with a series of huge trades. They brought in Hirshima Kuroda, Brad Hawpe, Travis Hafner, Brett Gardner, Yunel Escobar, lots of draft picks for building. This became Jon' s team. They wasted no time winning and this season finished with a 91-71 record. The numbers were good all around. The staff tossed 12 shutouts, 49 saves, a .284 IRSC. A team 3.83 ERA was excellent in Clemente. Vasquez 14-10 2.99 could have won more if he didnt get just 4.19 runs per start against this offense, Lester 14-7 3.07, Wainwright 16-14 3.43, Jeff Weaver 17-6 4.02 ERA. Frank Cordero saved 31, 6-7 3.35. The rest of the pitching substitutes and end staff guys struggled or the numbers would have been better. Howry, Burnett, and Angel Guzman did a solid jn mid relief but really the 4.51 relief ERA meant the numbers could lie. The startes low 3.43 ERA probably tells more the pitching story for C Town which was heavily reliant on its starters to win as many as 91. The staff struggled against lefty starters allowing a .267 BA as opposed to a .242 vs R BA. The lack of lefties may have hurt there. The team had a .250 avg allowed to batters. The strikeout to walk ratio was only 2.27 not too good, but acceptable. Hit and run was not a specialty. Only 8 hits and 38 advances in 49 tries. C Town stole 70 bases in 85 tries for a 81% rate. Excellent running so runner movement was acceptable between speed and hit n run. Seven batters slugged double digits in HR with Morneau hitting 38 HR's 98 RBI .283. McCann was perhaps the 2nd best catcher in CBA with .311 21 HR 80 RBI. Yunel was 14 57 .297, only 9 errors. Franklin Gutierrez hit 15 71 .297. Mark Reynolds slugged his way to a .251 36 HR 101 15 SB, but made 22 errors at 3B. B Harris made 13 more errors as a utility reserve which hurt some. Ibanez hit another 29 HR's to add pop. Maglio had 5 HR 37 RBI but did hit .303. Overall a successful campaign for Cooperstown.

Sunville SunJewels is a building team and boy there is talent here. Carlos Gonzalez, Steven Strasburg 9despite the hurts), Austin Jackson, Josh Willingham, Jose Bautista, Rod Barajas, J Gomes, D Freese, Ankiel. This team will be much imprioved in 2011. That is the direction that Keith Jones is going in. Jones feels the time is now to take Sunville from the rebuild phases to the next level of winning. The staff has Gio Gonzalez, N Blackburn, Strasburg, Hochevar, Joba, Correia, Troncoso, and Pavano. This team has picks, and could surprise. Could this be a breakout year for Sunville they way Montreal broke last year? The team batted only .235 with 177 HR. They scored only 618 runs. A lot more than they did in '09, but woeful in the Clem. They will need further development of their players to achieve more. The best hitter was Nick Jiohnson who hit .306 at 1B. Willingham hit 17 HR, Cargo hit 15, Andruw Jones hit 18 HR, Thames 14, Barajas 13. Blackburn won 7 games as staff ace, and few guys posted around 5 or 6. Soriano saved 12, and Troncoso saved 9. The staff ERA was 5.91 terrible.The sedond worst BA, and wrost ERA meany Sunville will draft high again in 2011, and could get richer in talent.

The Staub Conference

The Rogers Division

Rogers division may feature very different situations than any other division. They are the caught between division. Caught between low win pct division winners, and contrasting styles of play. The Dawson gets the headlines, but Rogers races are unpredictable. Reason being that Rogers gets whooped each season by Dawson who boast the wildcard teams in their three way dances. Rogers gets bumped around and while Dawson may fatten up, it leaves a competition for the title. Each year someone emerges as the hero. No one team in Rogers is dominant perhaps fortunately for the teams of this division. Carter has to contend with San Diego, and the division title is always up for grabs between Maine, Ohio, Kennesaw, and Allentown. The title was won with 87 wins by Maine. Ohio had 83, 4 back and clearly out of the wildcard. Teams seem to have to win Rogers outright year after year to make the playoffs. Last year Ohio was the winner only to be taken out in Rd 1 by Staub Champs Longue Pointe. This year Maine basically staked claim getting hot in the second half. The funny thing is Maine was 19-29 vs Dawson this year. Says it all. By May 14th, Maine was 9 games back of first place Ohio. Ohio held first place pretty much opening bell through end of July. They won 9 of their next 10 games vs Joliet, High Bridge and New Jersey, while gaining ground. By June 24th, they were down still by 6 games and again it was a time for the Express to switch tracks and roll. Within aonly 2 weeks they tore it up and by July 4th were in 1st place. This time winning 11 of 12 and for the next month battled Ohio for 1st. At the end of July the Maine Express finally took control of Rogers with another hot streak winning 9 of 10 games including a sweep over Allentown which devastated the Senators season. Maine took it from there.

Mike Koepp is a classy GM. He has been reliable loyal, and above all else a great CBA friend to many of us. Always eager to help out. His teams have been successful in CBA as well. Maine has been to the playoffs 2 of past 3 years. He's had to match wits with division mates like Glen Kenan, Mike Blakeley, Rich Schneider. He finds a way to manage his usage and win. Not sure he thought he would at the season start, but he never quit. The team hit .252 but this year they added some power to the team rare for Staub, but 192 HR's was a good year. 769 runs, 311 doubles, 118 SB. Solid numbers there for Staub. Remember how LP won with around 600 runs last year. MVP Adrian Gonzalez 11.94 RC, 1.131 prod, 1.232 TotAvg, .342 ISOPWR was amazing, 49 HR 119 RBI 120 runs .337, literally carried this team on his back to the playoffs. The numbers were amazing for Staub. Other players contributed like Phil Cantu 20 HR 94 RBI .294, Adam Jones 23 HR 72 RBI .271 season in CF. Uggla added 42 HR despite a .217 average. Ryan Sweeney hit .297 and both Saltalamacchia and Barmes hit 15 HR. Team .327 OBA not too good, and a .420 slug is below average. The PH's hit only .145 and that hurts in big moments. Maine will need to increase their Prod numbers from 748. By comparison, Kennesaw was 757. A good team like LP was in the 780's. On base and some xtra base hits are needed somewhere. The Pitching staff's 4.01 ERA really carried this team with the occasional long ball. Aaron Rowand was expected to contribute more than a .217 BA with 6 HR, and Bupton better than .220, but they will rebound and Maine should benefit.

The only trouble with the pitching staff eminated from the middle inning marginal cards that brought up the pitching stat numbers, the garbage hurt the overall, but its hard not to note the quality starts and performances given by Braden 10-6 3.47, Romero 12-11 3.91, Duke 13-12 4.15 and Saunders 11-10 4.21. The bullpen was outstanding otherwise with a total 3.48 ERA as the Starters were 4.26. Jenks saved 18, but the committee of Fuentes 1-2 6sv 1.78, Coffey 4-1 2.13 5sv 84 IP, Lyon 7-3 2.45 8sv, and others were outstanding as was the team 26% IRSC. Perhaps CBA's best middle relief staff. RFA RA Dickey chipped ina few good games as well. The saves pct left something to be desired, so a proper closer could have helped there for a few more wins. Opponents hit .267, but the run support at 4.75 per game will need to increase. A low .9 HR per 9 was excellent. The .766 X rating defense was better than average in 2011. Catching was a weakness in the field nailing only 28 -126 runners stealing. With average OF arms, many extra bases could have been avoided. Runners did try their luck against the OF, but high OF assists totals kept them somewhat at bay. Relievers accounted for nearly half the teams wins. Mike Koepp hopes to compete in the playoffs again in 2011.

Ohio Outlawz formerly the Thundercats held first place through the seasons first 2/3. They looked like a repeat playoff performer but in the end could not beat opponents in Dawson 22-26, or do better than .500 vs Carter. They cleaned house in their own division 37-29. Obviously, Rogers will need to best Dawson to be able to start looking playoff bound. It will be their litmus test. Ohio split with Maine, but ate up Kennesaw spelling doom for Blakes team inside Rogers. It was Ohio that ended Blakes season more or less going 14-8. Ohio had the offense .273, 177 HR, 813 runs. Definitely approaching Clemente totals but in Staub. So what happened? The power was steady and good but no huge HR threat aside from Kubel MVP nominee's 28 HR 105 RBI season. Texeira tailed off to 25 HR 95RBI .288, and 8 others had 10 or more HR spread around the lineup. 49 triples were very good too. A team .345 OBA is good, and .440 slug was above average. Definitely better than their divisional rivals. A .762 Total avg and .168 ISO were decent. Mike Diaz was a strong Johnstone candidate with 10 HR 46 RBI .384 BA in 320 AB's. The team fielded at a 70.6% X rating which is low and didnt help the pitching staff much. Opponents stole 80% on catchers, but Posey in 2011 should fix that somewhat. Ohio will need better OF production as the highly untalented a nd over rated Melky Cabrera is not any kind of answer in strat baseball. Both Starters and relievers were equally as poor totaling 4.71 ERA. Relievers 4.75 alone despite a good .256 IRSC. . 125 SB were good, but was caught stealing home 4 times, and 3rd 6 times. Some squeeze and bunt plays it seems 70-88 in sac attempts, 39 sac flies, and only got 3 clutch hits from batters. Cant win big games like that. 12-14 in extra innings, and 22-25 in 1 run games. So the culprits were who? The Hit and run didnt work too well for Ohio 9 hits in 53 attempts only 38 advances total. PH's hit well, .299. Ohio scored pitchers about 5.02 runs per game. The staff allowed 4.75. Too narrow a margin to win more than 83 wins. Strong correlation in wins and run margin there. Pitchers tossed 1477 IP, 1177 K's. Likely the both starters and relievers were the leading cause of Ohio's late collapse. They blew so many saves. only saved 48 of 80 games, rancid. Closer Aardsma blew 8 alone. Blowing just isnt good in baseball. Millwood 12-17 6.91 really dragged down the staff . The middle pen and other spot starters didnt do a great job. Perez, Meek, McClung, Volquez, all spit the bit. The end of th rotation suffered, and with it Ohio. It was a down year for the staff anyway with Volquez and Bonderman hurting. To finish above .500 was a testament to Kenan's GM skill.

Allentown Senators. This team cant seem to get a break. Injuries and some poor MLB unexpected seasons hurt them in 2010. The talent is there and this team should be in better shape as the talent returns and blossoms. Kendry Morales hit .295 21 HR 79 RBI, Hanley Ramirez almost took the MVP with a sensational season .336 24 HR 93 RBI 38 SB and improved defense .804 X rating. Schumacher hit 2 45 .290 in his first full time season at 2B. The bench was strong with Robinson Diaz .365, E Patterson hitting .412, Alex Gonzalez .309 in 275 AB's, and Mike Sweeney .293. Allentown has a future with Martin Prado 13 HR 44 RBI .283, and Russell Martin the Yankee. Pedro Feliz added 9 HR 74 RBI and a .282 BA to go with great defense at 3B. The team batted a nice .274 up much from last year with 113 HRs also improved. Bats were evenly amtched both sides of the plate slight advantage vs Righties. A nice .340 OBA, but a low .397 slug meant problems against the tougher pitching teams of Staub. 6-16 vs Maine doomed them. Maine's Pitching stopped ATown. Respectable otherwise in their division. They managed decently vs Dawson, defeating LP 7-5 in the season series. Maine is the Allentown natural nemesis. A Town did well against Carter going 25-23. Fattened up on New Jersey and High Bridge. Good defense .766 X rating helped the Pitching. Terrible throwing from the OF also allowed runners to move along extra bases un necessarily. Allentown stole 3B 17 times caught 8 of times, and was caught stealing home once.

Joel Piniero had a good year 11-10 3.97 ERA 20 quality starts but just 4.84 run support was the ace likely matched up against other aces. Doug Davis went 13-12 4.20 with 14 Quality starts. While Staub Cy Young 2009 winner James Shields was disappointing at 11-12 4.76 ERA. The pen seemed better with Mike Wuertz 6-3 2.73 100 K 79 IP 18 holds a stud set up middle man finishing 3rd in reliever award balloting. Brian Wilson saved 22 with 82 K's in 66 IP and will return as closer. Wade LeBlanc, Howell, and Farnsworth did well in setup too. The rest of the staff was well pitiful and non descript.. Allentown will need to draft well to keep pace in Rogers. They are all bunched together and 1 player could make a diffeence between these teams. Look out because right behind and building is the young and talented Kennesaw Braves.

Kennesaw Braves are an enigmatic team constantly evolving as the top shelf talent comes in and some leaves. The team is being built to specification by JM Blakely himself, and his talent evaluation has GM's drooling and looking to deal. Kennesaw has been grabbing lots of talented young players in an attempt to become a dominant player in the new decade. Players with high upside potential he brings in, along with lots of high draft picks. Blake is a patient man. He wants to win now, but would not hesitate to build for more succes down the road than a quick fix. Recent acquisitions include , Jesus Montero, Carlos Triunfel, Jason Frasor, Yonder Alonso, IRM#2(11) PPS#1(11) JJC#1(11),JJC#2(11), JJC#6(11) and Andrew Bailey.

Chris Coghlan had a great 1st year batting .329 13 HR 57 RBI at the top of the order, but his defense crushed the team with 18 errors. and horrid range a .597 X rating 77 safe in 129 total chances. 57 safeties taken off his 168 hits is not a good turn around. defense is mighty important. Julio Borbon hit .342 in 150+ Ab's, and team MVP Ben Zobrist hit .291 37 HR 96 RBI's in a career year. He was dealt away after the season. Gordie Beckham in a part time role hit 7 28 .294, and Cameron added 20 HRs in CF. Chris Davis hit 17 HR 60 .281, while Thome popped 23 HR, and Luke Scott added 16 more. A .335 team OBA, with 4.97 runs created is not that special, and unless the pitching is like Longue Pointe's, its not enough to compete in Staub. Iso power .170 and total avg nothing to write home about. Giving up 4.97 runs while gaining 4.75 runs added up to losses. Kennesaw couldnt defeat their won divison. They finished 70-92, but were rotten vs Dawson divison too. Unexpectedly they punded the Carter division going 29-19. Cant figure the Jeckyl and Hyde performance we saw there. The pitching was all John Danks. Cy Young candiate and at 16-8 .281, Danks could have won the award with no reply. The rest of the staff was so dismal I cant even talk about it. Lets say the clsoer Kawakami saved 17 games witha 6.51 ERA. Better times are a coming for the Braves.

The Carter Division

The Carter division has been dominated the past several seasons by the San Diego Surf. Joe Wallace has got to be pleased with his teams performance and playoff appearances the past several years. They have created a winning legacy With quite a few winning seasons after building painstakingly. Joe Wallace is now a super senior veteran Member of CBA. The original members with us are as follows: CBA's Senior Committee Executive, Clemente President and website provider, Cory Light owner of the Bryan Bashers, Three time inc.2010 Champion Philly's Phantastics Rob Hite. 3 Time World CBA Champion and one time commisioner (2003) Jeff Boutet, Executive consultant and 2001 CBA Champion, Jack Jung owner of the Ottawa Otters, as well as myself Commisioner, 2004 World Champion, 2003 Clemente Champion, 8 Time division title Brooklyn Superbas. After the original owners we have long time CBA Generals. Amongst them executive consultant and technician Jack Frost. Frost (as well as Brunet) join the executive consultant list for 2011. The hierarchy is as follows.
Commisioner: Marc Wass
Senior Executive: Cory Light
Executive Council: Marc Wass, Cory Light, Dennis Concepcion
Trade Committee: Marc Wass, Dennis Concepcion, JD Adams, Cory Light, Rob Hite.
CBA Executive Consultants: Jack Jung, Jack Frost, JD Adams, Doug Brunet.

The role of Senior Executive is defined as the co-comissioner by some league standards. By constitutional interpretation
The primary function of the League Presidents is to assist the commissioner on resolving issues within the league.
Issues pertaining to procedure. Results, interpretations, Proposals, Protests, should be directed to council.
Cory is more than that, he is at the heart of organziation of CBA. Theres alot more to it behind the scenes.
Every trade is consented and at times discussed, opinions heard when needed. Cory is CBA reason and integrity.
His opinions very well respected and his influence on the overall operation is a major reason why CBA has achieved its stability and consistency. His league communication clear, and he has my trust. Cory embodies section 15.

League Presidents Cory Light and Dennis Concepcion from Staub. Your league presidents are the liason into Council for inquiries or questions about procedures. We generally all will assist with questions, but Cory or Dennis have the CBA ability
to move the league along procedurally if the are needed to. Either alone may freeze a trade and prompt review. CBA prefers a free market. Free market meaning the league supply and demand mainly dictate the trade market. Trade council commences generally upon each trade. If discussion or member contact is needed to resolve trade terms, or even dispute, the trade council is empowered to advise, or even assist in trade completion. Members please know that there are often communications and procedures that do occur time to time. CBA has an effective routine and procedure for trade manufacture via committee.
Our council are Executive council and JD Adams, Rob Hite. However Senior consultant Jack Jung has the ability to vote or express opinion at any time. Jack Jung is our senior consultant. He has the abilty to vote in council when rules votes are called.
He can and has been asked to weigh in on league matters and trades if needed. When there are sensitive league issues,
Sensitive rules issues are sole discretion of Executive council and ultimately the commisioners office.

Our technical advisors are three. They have committee access and may be consulted on CBA operational issues only.
Jack Frost is Executive Technical advisor. He has been gracious in his time and effort to ensure that CBA has a consistant league file and database for the past 3 seasons now. He has been assisting scheduling longer. Jack has perfected working with the game engine and it is to all our advantage that he has applied his talents to us.

JD Adams is our future. JD has brought CBA into reliabilty and efficiency of the new decade with his careful monitoring and use of spreadsheets in applying our usage to our game play. He has saved us all time, and given us techies some more food for thought. His work is your gain in that the usage sheet has made GM's accountable to our rules and giving us the maximum in gameplay and roster efficiency. When each game counts, we must get to a higher technical standard to be enjoyable. With usage a CBA strategy, and roster management dependent on proper usage we are fortunate for the efforts.

Doug Brunet joins us with his work on maintaining the new CBA Spreadsheet. The Roster management guy is tracking and compiling the trades and roster movements as we move into the new decade. He will generally be able to confirm roster and trade moves. He may record and log information and events on a players game file personal page or even on their main page. Doug may note significant performances and present them to the league enhancing the experience. Doug's organization skills even further technically move us ahead as he will further technically evolve the CBA. Could we dare to say, Skype, Twitter, MySpace, and that CBA may soon have a presence??. Right now WikiPedia links to us as the "International Strat-O-Matic League".

We then have our next in line, San Diego Surf and Joe Wallace. Joe Wallace is entering his 10h season in CBA. He is a certifield senior CBA member. A 10 year man. Congratulations on behalf of the league office Joe. He has been at the bottom, and slowly built his way to the top. Wallace is now a perennial playoff contender. It was a long road. Starting in 2001 and toiling in the cellar pretty much until 2006 as one of CBA's lowest winning percentage franchise since 1997. Beginning as the Don Jensen owned Hamilton Harbors a winning franchise, but definitely a quickly aging one, Joe took over with a 75 win season in 2001. It was a long 4 more years gaining draft picks. He was patient. He was confident that he could build a team into not just a 1 season winner, but a force for years to come. He is one of the favorites to win the Championship every year it seems. Built through pitching, and key player acquisitions. Wallace has made many excellent trades over the years, and many great draft picks as well. This year San Diego was doing it again. Led by a strong rotation and good hitting and on base in the lineup. The Surf hit .287 this season. A little righty heavy, they hit .294 vs L. .283 vs R, but higher slug. They slugged 174 HR's in Staub a good number. MVP Candidate Kevin Youkilis .348 21 79, 1.225 Tot Avg had a marvelous year in the field as well. Roobinson Cano .310 18 HR 85 RBI at 2B. David Wright 12 HR 67 RBI .309 41 SB had another good year at 3B. Delmon Young 12HR 42 .335 in 288 AB was a good Johnstone candidate, providing necessary depth down the stretch. Manny being Manny led the team with 22 HR , adding 66 RBI and a .277 in platoon. Catching was a strength at bat as Jesu Montero hit 10HR 61 RBI .313 in fulltime duty. Jack Bruce added 17 HR's in his first fulltime role. Perhaps it was the superior bench strength that did it for SD fending off the Jackhammers? You can bet on it. SD didnt miss a beat when they rested they're regulars in Wallace's platoons. Usage was addressed at a highly eerily reminiscent of their Dawson rival Longue Pointe. Aubrey .360, German .444, David Murphy .324, Flores .317, R Pena .310 gave great bench. Jermaine Dye retired from CBA with a distinguished career of service mostly with SD and will become hall of fame eligible. He hit 19 HR 90 RBI .258. A .359 OBA and .458 Slug is more like Clemente division statistics.

The pitching looked dominant in their rotation. The team ERA 3.80 seemed a little higher than usual, then again the .687 X rating fielding was awful, and likely contributed to keeping SD under 100 win plateau for a 2nd concutive season. They relied on their starters and a bullpen by committee. The high save total was Matt Thornton 53 games 0-4 1.70 11 saves, Jason Bulger 7, F Rosriguez 5, Ho Chi Kuo 4 saves, Feliz debut with 3-1 1.07 and rounded a shaky little bullpen, which was suspect allowed 32% of its runners inherited to score. But its the Surf's starting pitching that is the talk. Peavy part time 10-1 2.01 ERA, Felix 18-11 3.62, Haren 21-9 3.54, Matt Garza 14-9. Good stuff. Hitters hit better lefty against them .244 only, a great .233 vs R! as a staff. With some glove, that ERA coulda been perhaps, closer to 3.30? Who knows could have been first in pitching not second in CBA behind eventual Staub champion Limoilou.

The rise of Joliet was another big story in 2010. The team that won 65 lost 97 in 2009, came back and won 89 in 2010. A 24 game swing. Frost had supporters for the manager of the year in balloting. Has Joliet developed a trademark style? Could it be speed? Well the hit much better last year scoring +46 runs over they're opponent and could have been more with that offense. A team .277 BA is strong, 170 HRs much improved, and a whopping 211 steals fantastic. Hits were doubles and runs aplenty 836 of them Clemente-esque, as many as the DH led Stirling. Joliet was in it all the way and was peaking as late as September 9th in their epic struggle and great pennant chase of San Diego last season. It was a hot race. Joliet closed with a furious August rush, tio draw within a game of the perennial leader SSD. As late as Sept 15th, within 2 games after beating who they should have The Beatles and Heaters. That was far as the reserves could take them. Usage bit them in the.

The defense was a little problematic hurting a decent staff with 111 miscues, .751 X rating. Pablo Sandoval hit .326 20 HR 82 RBI, amongst league leaders in BA and doubles with 46. AJ Pierzcyzszcnszki hit .309 12 HR 64 RBI was excellent behind the plate throwing out a strong 33%. .Aaron Hill was a player of the year candidate hitting 37 HR 114 RBI .291 at 2B with awesome .932X defense. Derek Lee was his rock solid self .35 29 HR 98 RBI. Alfonso Soriano was a major disappointment and was forced to pack his bags twice this off season in search of his potential with a humbling 16 HR 56 RBI .246 11 SBseason. That drop likely hurt the most in the final run for the div title. Luis Valbuena despite 14 HR, and his measely .218 BA, and Flyinmg Fred Lewis were also disappointing off the thin bench for the Jackhammers. Better support may have evened the race and is where the two Carter beasts SD and Joliet were separated from the title. Michael Bourne 4 HR 50 .264, 111 runs, 154 hits, 340OBA, stole a near CBA record 91 bases 3rd best mark of all time. If the OBA were higher. A .781 prod, and a .769 Total avg mark for the team was good, and 5.37 Runs created was in the upper end. Pitching was uncharacteristically better for Joliet in 2010. They allowed a .262 BA, and an average 32% IRSC. The team 4.38 ERA must come down in the Staub Conference. AJ Burnett went 13-12 3.76 177 K's to lead the staff. Looper blew the pennant on his own with a 9-17 record. So Frost went out and acquired Brian Matusz who will front the staff in 2011. It may be that team MVP Andrew Bailey since dealt, his rookie 26 save campaign, kept them in what Looper blew. Again Looper just blew. The rest of the pen was great. Duensing 6-0 as a lefty middle guy. J Gutierrez was excellent saving 6, Spot starters Maine 8-1, and Shairon Martis 5-4 2.63 did well. Shawn Green 5-1 3.31 4 saves also did a good job in set up. The starters threw a 4.69 ERA, while the pen a 3.99 ERA. Joliet gave up too many hits and the +429 WHIP was too high for that good offense to fight against.

High Bridge Heat and Owner John Miller. High Bridge is kind of like the National League New York equivalent of the the expansion New York Mets. Named after the old bridge across the Harlem river in NY City's upper Manhattan stretching to the Bronx. Their logo depicts that area especially close to the old Polo Grounds national league team for over a century. Their other New York Team, the Brooklyn Superbas catch many of the headlines with their gaudy offense and consecutive playoff appearances. Miller's team goes into its 3rd year with most of their draft picks plus a big #1 pick in exchange for the powerful slugger Paul Konerko who has taken his considerable at at 1B to Texas' Bryan Bashers. High Bridge is hoping to develop some core players to work with. Miller showed in year two that he will be a GM to reckon with, as he kept his Heaters in contention in the first half. They were in second place first week of May. 6 out June 22nd, then the rest and bench weren't there. It was his CM management that kept HB competitive at times. Miller custom designs his CM's for each team and was a spoiler for some parties in 2010. They had a good stretch in the third week of July taking 3 of 4 from contending Joliet, 2/3 from LP and sweeping The Jersey Rockers in 4.

They finished an improved 70-92 making big strides from their first year. In fact some guessed 100 losses for the Heaters, oops. This is John Miller were talking here. The man who refused to tank his team for higher draft placement. Two big time #1's coming. The also received the emerging Jason Vargas to move into the future with Fausto Carmona, Rick Porcello, Paul Mahom, Brett Cecil.. Its safe to say that High Bridge has had some poor MLB luck with many of there players not achieving the results John had hoped for but the talent is there on that staff. Anything can happen when you have pitching. But it is clear HB is in a build mode.

Highlites for HB last year included the 2-1 series win with Ohio which ultimately affected Ohios playoff advance. High Bridges extra inning walk off win to take the July 4th series from Ohio. Miller gives Kenan sleepless nights in Rogers. A 17 Inn game vs Joliet June 17th, Coco Crisp's 9 triples in 154 ABs this team hit 41 triples. Konerko's 24 HR 109 RBI .267 BA 17 HBP. Team MVP. Juan Uribe was a strength 17 HR 64 RBI .281. Luis Castillo in his last hurrah, had a great year stealing 39 .318. Denard Span a future star 8 HR 60 RBI .260. Lots of reserves and roster fillers to round out the weak offensive numbers. The pitchers had good seasons from Paul Maholm who was acquired before the season and went a respectable 12-12 4.26, and First round Pork Ricello who went 11-9 3.70. 39 bullpen by committee saves, and good pitching in setup by Sean Marshall 5-1 2.25 85 IP 64 games. Future remains to be seen how the players here develop as next season comes quickly.

The New Jersey Beatles made news this past week trading starting pitcher Tim Hudson for Felipe Paulino, Kevin Slowey, 5 tool Michael Taylor and a #2 draft. Steven Adler made a clear message. He will build from the ground up and construct a team for the future. A team that he will be patient and develop. In the past we saw an influx of GM's back around the dark ages who made future trades to win. high risk players and such. teams which aged fast. Teams like the Green Bay Roches, the Jonquiere Lifesavers, the Texas Desperadoes. See them in the defunct team pages, the archives, or click the link. A sharp Strat-o-matic mind with years of experience and championships in other leagues, Adler knows how to win, but now may not be the time. There is some talent here. Players like Justin Smoak, Jed Lowrie, Mike Stanton, Carlos Quentin 22 HR 52 RBI .275, Player of the year candidate Adam Lind 43 HR 120 RBI .320. David DeJesus 20 HR 68 RBI .267, Daniel Murphy 10HR 48 RBI .260, Miguel Olivo 19 HR 503 RBI .240. This team looks good down the road. It remains to be seen what Adler does after his first successful campaign in which he managed his usage well and had some decent team numbers despite the wretched record. 167 Homers and a .251 BA was pretty decent, good power for Staub. The ragtag pitching staff was led by middle man Aaron Heilman 2-1 3.81 ERA 5 saves. Vincente Padilla led the team with 9 wins 15 losses. Two 20 game losers in Rich Thrill Hill this years Ronson Award runner up, and the rediculous Chris Tillman at 5-21, who in some circles has been compared to a modern day Herm Wehmeier. Timn Hudson sucked as well 7-18 5.31 ERA. This team is developing and will win more next season despite perhaps becoming the team high ERA threat to CBA record books. What if ? The Beatles could be surprising in the draft, and more surprsing in the number of wins they achieve if they get the pitching.

The Dawson Division.

Arguably CBA's toughest division for a few years, again still may be the class of Staub. The Limoilou Wendigo won the Staub Championship. They are the best team in that conference. With the best pitching staff in CBA, the Wendigo lurked just under the radar until Jeff Boutet's boys brought it on home with impressive playoff games. The Wendigo started by holding first place throughout May and June before Brandon Phillips and his LP Loggers caught fire. This year they had Montreal who split the 12 games with them. The cries of "Loo, Loo," weren't the Loonies barking at a full moon or whatever those things do, it was the Limoilou fans, Limoiloooo. They won 93 games in '10 taking the final playoff spot, the wildcard in the final block. The Wendigo made short work of the rivals Longue Pointe, and Maine. Details can be found on the playoff pages. The battle for a playoff spot went to the very end being determined ina strategic Netplay series with Belfast and Montreal. LP took control of the division's first place on June 24th, and never looked back despite Montreal and Limmer hovering around. Another huge series in the 2nd to last week saw LP square against contending Montreal who needed to beat them to gain ground and maybe a wildcard. The series game 1 went to Montreal 6-4 in extras won on a big HR by Juan Rivera. LP took the next two then Montreal won the final. Had LP not split that and their last series vs Limoilou who knows? The battles were tight. Each game made a difference.

They out scored their opposition by more than a full run. while posting the the league lowest ERA 3.60. They destroyed right handed pitching winning 74 and losing only 41 vs Righties. Disaster vs Lefty going 19-28. They struggled in 1 run games 18-28, meaning that somehow they werent getting the big hits enough to make fullest use of that great pitching. PH only hit .239 but Gary Sheffield closed his CBA career with 6 Pinch HR's in 2010.. The teams Iso Power was a low .169, and 5 runs really needs to be more like 5.50+ to be efficient in Staub. The team got on base plenty .352, but a low .431 slg was average not awful, but decent. Both Limoilou and Longue Pointe stayed within 3 games for the entire season until August 30th. At that pointe, LP's depth took over and increased the margin between 5-7 games. Limoilou had a stellar season from Prince Fielder 34 HR 115 RBI .297. Mike Cuddyer .266, about league average, 32 HR 101 RBI's had a breakout year after all his CBA service. Beltran 6 HR 46 RBI .349 had injury problems limiting his play time, but he produced some good offense in consideration of his votes for Johnstone award. Granderson added 21 HR 85 RBI's. Josh Bartlett sparked the contests at leadoff .287 18HR 62 RBI 27SB. Felipe Lopez was excellent 5 HR 64 RBI .313. The team hit .266 overall with a strong 180 Homers. Middle of the pack batting average. The pitching was as stated strong. A .242 Opp avg, best in CBA. Jared Washburn came out of nowhere to post a super 15-4 season 2.60 in 174 IP. The rotation of Hanson 11-4 2.82, Clayton Kershaw 7-2. Scherzer was a great draft pick up going 12-11 3.66. But the pen may have saved the staff for the season. Raffy Betancourt 5-2 2.28, Ryan Franklin 6-5 2.90, Broxton a reliever award contender, 74 IP 47 Hits 30 saves. A .272 IRSC team total. 2-1 strikeout to walks. A .745 X rating was average.

The Longue Pointe Loggers had another excellent season which was based on the 3 LP principals of Pitching with K's, Speed, Depth, and alot of hit and run/bunts. The formula has worked for a long time in LP. But it took bold drafting and surviving a few snickers on draft day. When Dennis drafted Scott Podsednick, no one envisioned the multiple roles and value he had in sparking CBA's 2009 Staub Champs to a Dawson title, no easy feat. He went near the end of round 1. But he sure played like a 1st rounder 13 HR 73 RBI .297 39 SB 7 triples only 2 errors in the field. He rotated all over the field and the lineup even batting cleanup towards season end. Brandon Phillips acquired for Carlos the Zambraino had a great season 20 HR 95 RBI .303 35 SB. Hunter added 19 HR 17 SB .287. Theriot added 25 stolen bases while Nyger Morgan was awesome 3 HR 25 RBI .325 62 SB in 412 AB. The speed was amazing. 213 Stolen bases. Ichiro 5 HR 47 RBI .333 32 SB. Aramis Ramirez 19 HR .315. Ramirez was intentionally passed 18 times. It was Longue Pointe's best offensive output since Claude LeMarre when they were the Hitmen. PH were efficient at .281 65 for 251. Had 9 PH HR's which 4 were hit by Hideki Matsui. They bunted an awful lot successful at a .73% clip, a bit low, 82-112 in advances. The team struggled against lefties hitting .261, but a good .280 vs righties. The pitchers were well balanced however. The team .339 OBA was fair, and the slugging was poor overall despite the increase in teams HR to 152 from under 100 last year. LP was at or near leading the CBA in batting much of the year before succumbing late to slow bat-itis.. The pitchers actually hit .156 which isnt bad, but no HR's this year. The team fielded at a .757 X rating, which is low by LP standards, but was hurt by Ryan Theriot's .636 X rating and 17 errors and Geoff Blum's defense in utility .659. As result the pitching staff had an increase in its ERA. The starters ERA was significantly better 3.71 than the relievers at 4.30. The LP ERA dropped from leaguye best to 5th best in CBA at 3.91. Losing Zambrano may have hurt that, but increased their wins with more defense and offense which they needed this season to compete with the improved offenses in Joliet, Montreal, Allentown. The starters led by CC Sabathia 22-6 2.86 190 K's was brilliant. While Tim Lincecum was dominating 17-3 2.43. He struck out a CBA high 267 K's in 225 IP. Ryan Dempster was 11-7 3.61, and Brain Tallet was a find going 12-6 4.66. The bullpen wasn't as effective as in years past. A .306 IRSC was high ...for LP decent elsewhere based on rep. CJ Wilson did a good job closing 4-2 2.29 16 saves, while Frank Francisco added 21 more. Both blew a number of saves. 1265 team strikeouts was outstanding 3rd best in CBA. With Belfast building, and Montreal building in 2011, this may be a good time for Longue Pointe to challenge for another Dawson title.

Montreal Crows. Efficient. This team went 91-71.

First place throuout April? The Montreal who? The Royals? Wolfmen? no Its the 3rd Montreal franchise, the Crows. Not even the best pick in the draft being an expansion team. In tow years can win? Dont count on it in 2011. The stars aligned for Doug Brunet and his Crows originally named the 'Murder'. How appropriate since they murdered Staub in 2011. Despite the protests, the name changed and the attitude grew nasty as they took no prisoners, the CBA cinderella. Doug Brunet manager of the year in piloting an expansion team to playoff contender within 1 season. The question is how? The numbers and stats dont jump at you. But there are some variables that came into play. Base runner movement. The team did not strikeout, and pout runners in play. They were also efficient in what they did. The sacrifice success rate was high .789, PH well adding 6 PH HRs. Hit and run, was 3rd in CBA with 46 advances, and a team .279 BA. They got on base .334, and a .414 SLG. But thats not why they won. They went 30-15 in 1 run games. A .272 IRSC meant the bullpen was efficient. Brunet used Super Hal running strategies to his advantage and the efficiency paid dividends. The pitching staff was excellent, and efficient as well. Pitchers needed to keep the offense in games though not with the bat hitting .102 despite Scott Feldman's 16 sacs among leaders. The offense struggled past the cleanup position. A .268 BA with 151 HR 768 runs was pretty good. Not up to Joliet standard, but it did help the Crows score slightly more than they allowed. The lineup got on the board and the pen held them. The team was patchwork. The staff a multitude of characters. The story of the first half was the legend of Uerhara. Uehara fever griped Catherine and Piel streets as partiers wore samurai masks and winced about. He went 7-1 2.44 in 12 starts to help get the Crows out to a good lead. Steve Richmond has a great year 9-5 3.23 in 23 starts. Scott Feldman had many quality starts and was effective matching others teams aces went 11-8 3.12. Bannister ate innings and had support of about 5.17 runs per, went 9-7, Villanueva 10-7 3.63, Andres Galarraga went 11-10. The pen could have done a bit better for the starters. Overall a .264 BA. Starters had a 4.05 ERA, relievers 4.22.

The offense was led by all world Rajai Davis who hovered near .400 for a good part of the season before settling to a 1 HR 36 RBI .343 BA with 57 SB setting the table along with the steady Jeff Keppinger who was 9 HR 47 RBI .295 and moved runners along well. Todd Helton returned to Hall of Fame form with a 13 HR 80 RBI .320 season with a .416 OBA. With the leadoff hitters moving things, and Helton on a scoring Juan Team MVP Rivera had an MVP type season. He was so clutch. a .361 OBA .568 Slug, 32 HR 108 RBI .313 season. Seems that Juan Rivera absolutely carried the Crows into the final month of the season where he really caught fire gaining CBA accolades down the stretch in key games. He made it a season to remember. Like Aubrey Huff had done last season in winning the MVP, same could be made case for Rivera, though the voters didn't see it that way. It is good that owner should read the weekly boxes to read the game hilites and comments atop the PRINT files. The HTML's dont have the comments added after each game. A Callaspo was a good add 14 HR 68 RBI, Chris Getz stole 25, Francoeur 14 79 .270, and Ramon Castro was devastating hitting 18 HR in 157 AB, 13 vs lefties. Montreal hit .284 fattening up and feasting on lefties. The Crows hit 4 grand slam HR's. Ironically their weakest hitters, 3 infielders, Hannahan, Desmond (start of good career?), Juff Keppinger, and Endy Chavez since released. Todd Helton despite his excellent season saw his X rating decline to .761, off from his customary .900's, he is a question mark next season, and could be a candidate to return to the DH league. Could Brooklyn be calling again? Not too many players out of position were played. The final .701 X rating was better than the overall .687 which isnt too bad a discrepancy. Montreal definitely worked it out to meet his usage needs, and in the process actually created a working platoon system which was able to put the variables together and win. Miontreal showed how planning and platooning can work, like Dawsons Dennis Concepcion proves again and again, its not the superstarst and stats, but the whole picture. The Crows jumped out to a good start, held it, while the others knocked each other around. Many teams had to throw lefties to meet usage minimums. Could it be that beating lefties is so important? In CBA it just may be. Worst to constender Doug Brunet had a good season in 2010, and is hoping to build for the long term. It was this season that a rookie, out did the veterans in rare instance. Then again, Brunet is no mere rookie. He volunteers his efforst to CBA, and places much time into his Strat CBA.

The Belfast Brawlers are re tooling their team and in a building phase. Could nevber count out the Brawlin Bullies because they still were capable of sneaking up on you and defeating you. Another team that featured on lefties, but they just didn't have something in 2010. A team .265 BA 148 HR 743 runs. Led by Alexei Ramirez 18 HR 72 RBI .296, 20 SB and Aubrey Huff who again had a good season 22 HR 75 RBI .285 BA. Freddie Sanchez .295 13 HR 67 RBI had a super year at 2B. McClouth added 16 HR .294, and led team with .934 Total avg in platoon duty. While Chone Figgins had 62 SB before being dealt off the Brooklyn late season for draft choice. Alex Rios added 19 more HR. Belfast offense improved but the pitching was fair, allowing3/4 of run more than Limoilou. In Dawson that was a huge difference. Perhaps in another division the Brawlers could have done better? 26-40 vs their own, but closer to .500 22-26 vs Rogers. .811 sacrifice and small ball was typical Belfast. PH .241, not good. The .341 OBA was good, but the .400 slug, deficient. 4.76 runs created not nearly enough when Joliet, SD, LP, Montreal score around 5 a game or more. The .712 total team average was not too bad, better than Montreal. The bullpen was excellent .247 IRSC, but little run support for pitchers with 4.59. Belfast couldn't convert the baserunners. Needed the pure hitter to bring 'em around. Belfast stole 170 bases overall. This team had to juggle many players around to meet usage. Quite a few OF roamed the grounds. Carroll, Dickerson, Rios, McClouth, Garko, Moss, Sullivan, Kotsay, Brian Schneider even. Dickerson 5 HR 34 .318 had a good rookie campaign. Contreras and Trevor Cahill both won 9 games for Belfast. Odly going into the final week it was Belfast who spoiled Montreal Crwos pennant chase with a split 2-2 in the final Netplayed series. Belfast should improve as Trevor cahill becomes an ace in 2011, something Belfast has been sorely lacking for years. Corpas and Mazzaro have made strides so there is reason for hope as the '11 draft approaches.

November 9^th, 2010

World Series Tradition the 2010 World Series is traditional CBA in every sense of the word. CBA offers official congratulations to Staub Champion Limoilou who swept Dawson titlist Longue Pointe in 4 games. Limmer then was defeated 7-4 in game 1 of the Staub finals. They then exploded reeling off 4 straight to lead them to this matchup against Clemente.

Clemente champ Philly, also lost their 1st game to explosive Brooklyn. But Philly was able to quiet the Superbas bats with good defense, and power to win 4 to 1. Carolina played tough winning 2 to 1 after 3 netgames. The series stretched all the way to 7. Philly took game 4 and 5. In game 6 Scott's Copperheads, faced with the brink of elimination stormed back to tie it up. The Phantastics then won the final game 7, 9-5.

A few pre season speculated these were the favorites to meet in the fall classic. Philly is hitting .280 over the playoffs. They have pounded 17 HRs in 12 games. With a 4.14 team ERA. Not bad for a DH league staff. They have only gotten on base .351 OBA, and a .455 slg... Slightly off their .355 OBA and .480 slg during the season. Theyve created 6 runs per game and the .791 total average is lower than the seasons .828 total average. My friends that points either to great dice luck, or superior Stratomatic management. Winning key games going 8-4 in playoffs. Brooklyn series was not easy, nor was Carolina. Hite is here.

Jeff B of the Mighty Wendigo. For years been called the mighty Wendigo in press releases and reports, ever wonder why? Well rookies here's why, this F'n guy is good! All he does is win, and beat you. He parallels to the old baseball dynasties. A Staub legend, the Mighty Wendigo led by the classy Jeff Boutet of Quebec. He's been to the Finals before, and before, and before...You get it. Why is it that some guys always get there? Ask Jeff he knows first hand. Aside from the 3 he's won, he's been in 4, now in his 5th. This is Rob Hite's 5th World Series winning two and losing two. Look at the list. These are your best CBA managers of all time. Its all about the wins gentlemen. Wins get the glory and both Jeff and Rob have a date with destiny. The two original GM's. Who is CBA's all time greatest? We know about Bob Fidler's 3 of 4 which may never be equaled. We know about Marc Wass record number of division titles 8 and record 10 playoff appearances. Rob Hite has done that in Schmidt too. We know about the classic Dawson Quebec, LP, Limoilou 3 way dance and later the Belfast, Limoilou, LP 3 way dance, year after year. And Jeff is still there at the end 13 full seasons later. We know about Phillies domination of the Schmidt title. Rob is no stranger to winning and its thrill, and defeat in losing tough games in the late playoffs and early rounds. But he knows how to win just as Jeff. Usually when their backs are against the wall, they rise to the top. Whose CBA's best ever?...

here's a look back at Limoilou vs Quebec in Jeff Boutet's first ever CBA playoff series in 1997 against arch rival Quebec Capitales led by Chris Boutin.

----- ------------ ------------ --- -------------------- -------------------

10/ 0 QCD 6 6 0 LWD 2 4 1 B.Radke (1-0) S.Trachsel (0-1)

10/ 0 QCD 6 10 0 LWD 5 11 1 R.Springer (1-0) T.Mathews (0-1)

10/ 0 LWD 6 11 0 QCD 4 6 1 M.Brandenbur (1-0) D.Burba (0-1)

10/ 0 LWD 10 14 2 QCD 7 9 1 A.Sager (1-0) H.Flener (0-1)

10/ 0 LWD 0 4 1 QCD 9 13 0 B.Radke (2-0) S.Trachsel (0-2)

10/ 0 QCD 7 11 0 LWD 8 12 0 T.Borland (1-0) M.James (0-1)

10/ 0 QCD 1 8 2 LWD 9 11 1 J.Lieber (1-0) D.Burba (0-2)

NAME BAVG GM AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO HB SH DP SB CS E

S.Berry 1.000 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

G.Hill .500 1 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

R.Amaral .462 7 26 5 12 1 0 0 3 6 4 0 0 0 3 2 0

M.Duncan .400 5 5 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

D.Segui .367 7 30 4 11 6 0 0 7 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

B.Higginson .367 7 30 6 11 3 0 1 4 2 4 0 0 0 0 1 2

B.Brown .333 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0

J.Edmonds .308 7 26 7 8 2 0 3 7 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 0

R.Durham .261 7 23 1 6 1 1 0 2 1 4 2 0 0 0 0 1

S.Brosius .207 7 29 6 6 1 0 1 3 2 4 1 0 1 0 0 1

B.Larkin .200 7 25 7 5 0 0 2 6 7 3 0 0 1 1 0 1

M.Macfarlane .130 7 23 2 3 1 0 1 3 4 8 0 0 0 0 0 0

J.Levis .000 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B.Mueller .000 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

C.Shipley ---- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D.Lewis ---- 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D.Sheaffer ---- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ALL PITCHERS .000 7 15 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 1

----------------- ---- --- --- --- --- -- -- -- --- --- --- -- -- -- --- -- --

TEAM TOTALS .278 241 67 1 37 41 2 6 6

7 40 17 9 27 3 3 3

NAME ERA W L PCT G GS CG SH SV IP H R ER HR BB SO

R.Bottalico 0.00 0 0 ---- 2 0 0 0 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 1 4

M.Brandenburg 1.80 1 0 1.000 2 0 0 0 0 5.0 2 1 1 1 0 5

T.Borland 1.80 1 0 1.000 3 0 0 0 0 5.0 3 1 1 0 2 0

J.Lieber 4.00 1 0 1.000 2 2 0 0 0 9.0 9 4 4 3 3 7

A.Sager 4.50 1 0 1.000 4 0 0 0 0 4.0 7 2 2 1 0 2

T.Mathews 5.14 0 1 .000 4 0 0 0 1 7.0 4 4 4 1 2 7

T.Belcher 5.25 0 0 ---- 2 2 0 0 0 12.0 14 8 7 1 6 9

D.Linton 7.20 0 0 ---- 1 1 0 0 0 5.0 6 5 4 1 2 7

S.Trachsel 8.31 0 2 .000 2 2 1 0 0 13.0 17 14 12 7 2 9

J.Schmidt ---- 0 0 ---- 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0

J.Juden ---- 0 0 ---- 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 1 1 1 0 0 0

T.Vanegmond ---- 0 0 ---- 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D.Springer ---- 0 0 ---- 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ALL NON-PITCHERS ---- 0 0 ---- 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Team 0 +0

----------------- ---- -- -- ----- --- -- -- -- -- ----- --- --- --- -- --- ---

TEAM TOTALS 5.23 3 7 1 3 63 36 18

4 .571 7 0 62.0 40 15

In 1999 Jeff and Limmer made it to the Staub Finals losing to eventual Staub champ Longue Pointe managed then by Claude LaMarre (LaMarre trophy is CBA's championship). Rob and Philly lost in rd 1 to eventual WS champ St Foy (Dino Barnabe). In 2000 Hite went to the finals losing to LaMarre, but winning it all in 2002 against who else, Jeff Boutet! A rematch. Hite beat Jeff in 5 games with what some consider CBA's all time best team which won 120 games. In 2003 Brooklyn defeated Philly in the Clemente finals for the right to play Jeff Boutet. Limoilou defeated Brooklyn 4 to 1 in that series only to see Brooklyn defeat Philly once again in 2004 enroute to Brooklyn's World Title. In 2005 Philly went to the finals losing to Longue Pointe in 7 on Miracle Mirabelli's performance. Mirabelli had a great unlikely hero series that year, and hit a game tying HR in extras to lead to victory. Limoilou lost in the Staub finals.... Then of course The Philly championship year of 2007 Hite defeating the Skokie Wolfmen.

Who is perhaps? Look at the Kings of CBA....

CBA World Series Champs

1997 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs. Parma Flamingos (Lou Bloss) in 7

1998 St Foy Frenchies (Dino Barnabe) vs. Longue Pointe (Claude LaMarre) in 7

1999 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs. Beauport Gamblers (Martin Boulet) in 6

2000 Longue Pointe Hitmen (Claude LaMarre) vs. Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) in 7

2001 Ottawa Otters (Jack Jung) vs. Quebec Capitales (Chris Boutin) in 7

2002 Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) vs Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) in 5

2003 Limoilou Wendigo (Jeff Boutet) vs Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass) in 5

2004 Brooklyn Superbas (Marc Wass) vs Kansas City A's (Rich Schneider) in 5

2005 .Longue Pointe (Dennis Concepcion) defeats Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) in 7

2006 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) vs Neah Bay Whalers (league managed) in 7

2007 Philly Phantastics (Rob Hite) vs Skokie Wolfmen ("Wolfman" Shapiro)

2008 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) 4 games to 3 vs Skokie Wolfmen (Wolfman Shapiro)

2009 Indiana Redbirds (Bob Fidler) 4 games to 2 vs Longue Pointe (Dennis Concepcion)