Hello RML Managers!
A few Wednesday afternoon musings on the things that amuse, bemuse and confuse a man in the wonderful world of RML......The Creature would like to begin by reminding you that there is a good discussion about five-year rookie contracts on the league site. If there is enough consensus for this, we may even be able to get it put to a vote.....The clock is ticking on the season and Texas pitcher Hideki White is still undefeated. Bryant Burton's 2002 season for Florida is generally regarded as the best in RMl history, but Hideki may soon seize that throne. He is 20-0 with a 1.68 era. Amazing.......Combined with Greg Maddux, Texas has a great rotation that boasts both youth and experience.......It is a damn shame that one of those AL West teams isn't going to make the playoffs. Regardless, its going to be a great race.......And now the winners and losers from the trade deadline:
WINNERS-
1) BOSTON RED SOX- Picking up last season's NL MVP in Peter Tucci was a huge boost for the BoSox. In just a few months, Brent Ingram has made over a team that I didn't think could contend.
2) SAN FRANCISCO- The Giants acquisition of Tony Batista gives them a solid hitter who has come up some big hits in the past during the playoffs with Toronto
3) TEXAS RANGERS- Another recipient of the Toronto collapse this season are the Rangers who also picked up ex-World Series heroes from the Blue Jays. There is a bit of a gamble here though, as the production from Shannon Stewart and Aaron Boone has declined in recent years
LOSERS-
1) CINNCINATI REDS- This had the makings of a feel good story for the young Reds, and still could be, but the Reds seriously missed a chance to lock up the division with a quality veteran pitcher.
2) NEW YORK YANKEES- New GM Rick Chamberlain made a big splash in the offseason with numerous free-agents, but has merely watched these past few months as the Red Sox have caught up to and surpassed his team.
3) ATLANTA BRAVES- Usually fairly active at the deadline, the Braves were silent this year. It may result in San Francisco finally breaking their three-year playoff string.
.......HEROES: SAN FRANCISCO's ROTATION- After last year, I wrote that the offence would have to carry the Giants into the playoffs in spite of the rotation. Amazingly, it has been the pitching which has stood out......ZEROES: CHIPPER JONES, Houston Astros- Bolted Atlanta five years ago in order to lead Houston to the playoffs. Not only has he failed to do that, but the team is in last and he has 26 rbi's. All for $12 million |
