2018 SIMBL FREE AGENCY SIM 1 (THROUGH 12/15/2017) SIGNINGS

SIMBL Legend Gonzalez Nabbed By Texas To Give Roadrunners Some Spark In Lineup; 'Pigs Sign SP Munguia

LAST SIMBL POLL RESULTS:

What Are Your Plans For 2018 SIMBL Free Agency?
Starting Pitching
5	38.5%
Bullpen
2	15.4%
Cut Payroll/Retool Finances
2	15.4%
Osvaldo Quijada! Osvaldo Quijada!
2	15.4%
Offense/Hitting
1	7.7%
A Specific Position Hole Fill
1	7.7%
Defense
0	0%

ALL-STAR 1B KING SHIPPED TO LOWELL BY VEGAS

Saturday, December 16th, 2017: Big news out of Las Vegas as SIMBL News has learned that the Hustlers will be trading 31-year-old first baseman Tommy King and 21-year-old minor league starting pitcher Seung-hwan P'i to the Timberjacks. While the details have not been officially announced, reports are that Pocatello will be dealing 29-year-old second baseman Rayford Azevedo, 24-year-old left fielder Bill Eder, 26-year-old right fielder William Gonzales and 19-year-old minor league shortstop Lúcio Gallegos to Las Vegas in what may be one of the most notable trades this season.

Lifetime King is hitting .314 with 85 doubles, 2 triples, 82 home runs, 315 RBIs and 273 runs scored. He has appeared in 464 games to date and delivered 543 hits.

Over his career Azevedo has batted .286 and collected 1362 hits, 113 home runs and 746 RBIs. 

CURRENT TEAM-BY-TEAM SIMBL FINANCIALS CLICK HERE

LANCE'S LISTS: PRE-2018 FREE AGENCY SIMBL FINANCIALS

 While ex-Roadrunnners two-time UL MVP Osvaldo "The Predator" Quijada (above) is the biggest name to hit SIMBL free agency in several seasons, several teams may not be able to even bid on his services if they don't watch their team finances in the growing ever-importance the new OOTP X version puts on financials in the new game.  The ramifications are just starting to be felt in the SIMBL as the strategic part of the game is expected to play more of an importance than the league has previously experienced. The 32 year-old superstar is reportedly seeking $21,000,000 a season over four years, which would make him the highest-paid player in the SIMBL if his wishes are granted.

By Lance Stanley
SIMBL Contributor

Hi again youngsters.  Lance Stanley Reporting.

The SIMBL's league finances have been getting plenty of attention around the league recently as the OOTP X game delves deeper into the importance of watching your team's bottom line to succeed in the game even in the financially liberal SIMBL.

An undisciplined financial strategy could get teams into deep do-do after just one season of paying beyond their means and restrict teams from contract extensions, signing free agents, etc...

As the league looks into creating a fairer playing field regarding media contracts, market sizes and a soon-to-be-revealed new participation points program, here's a "Lance's List" look at the current SIMBL financial state of affairs at the 12/1/2017 SIMBL league date:

$37,859,342 LOS ANGELES
$32,416,841 LEHIGH VALLEY
$29,027,984 MEXICO CITY
$25,290,371 SACRAMENTO
$22,832,540 LAS VEGAS
$22,364,653 SAN DIEGO
$21,982,844 CAROLINA
$19,997,846 BEND
$18,159,306 RUSTON
$14,848,748 TEXAS
$14,379,424 OREGON
$12,250,781 BOSTON
$11,391,040 COLCHESTER
$10,867,056 CALGARY
$ 7,905,843 TORONTO
$ 7,477,448 BRISTOL
$ 9,869,857 NEW ORLEANS
$ 9,399,344 NEW YORK
$ 4,466,701 CHICAGO

-$7,566,826 MANHATTAN BEACH
-$17,138,431 ASHEVILLE
-$20,333,444 HARTFORD
-$29,471,822 DALLAS
-$53,346,479 LOWELL

'WOLVES TRADE STAR 1B HUSSEY TO ROOSTERS FOR STAR SP PROSPECT WEBB

2018 SIMBL Offseason Trade Phone Lines Heating Up; Former MROTY Martinez Goes To Ruston In Deal With Lowell As League GMs Feeling Financial Vices

LATEST SIMBL TRADES:

San Diego Gets:

SP Ron Webb (AA)

Ruston Gets:

1B Michael Hussey
$8,000,000

Lowell Gets:
 
C Reinaldo Dorado (AAA)
 
Carolina Gets: 
 
3B William McKeever (AAA)
 
Lowell Gets:
 
3B Ray Gardner
 
Lehigh Valley Gets:

3B Lorenzo Castro
1B Trent White (A)
SP Enrique Cuevas (AA)

Lowell Gets:

1B Salvador Carrion
LF Mark Cantu
 
Ruston Gets:

MR Jairo Martinez
CL Randy Gehl (AAA)

San Diego Gets:

Santiago Hernandez (AAA)
 
Ruston Gets:

MR Manuel Barraza (ML) 

SIMBL MEDIA CONTRACTS TAKE HITS

By Jamey Carter
Ruston Roosters GM
SIMBL Contributor

Almost everyone in the SIMBL who's media contract expired this off-season saw their new contract drop SIGNIFICANTLY.

Here are all the losers:
 
Bend went from $27,000,000 to $19,600,000
Carolina went from $31,000,000 to $23,800,000
Colchester went from $33,000,000 to $23,800,000
Dallas went from $29,000,000 to $23,800,000
Las Vegas went from $43,000,000 to $23,800,000
Ruston went from $33,000,000 to $19,600,000
San Diego went from $47,000,000 to $32,200,000
Toronto went from $27,000,000 to $19,600,000
 
One team saw a dramatic shift up (the only winner):

New York went from $33,000,000 to $44,800,000
 
New York was able to do this despite records of 63-99 and 61-101 in the last two seasons. San Diego, on the other hand, had the best record in the SIMBL in each of the last two seasons but will take a $15,000,000 hit to revenue starting in 2018. 

2018 SIMBL FREE AGENTS CLICK HERE

2018 SIMBL FREE AGENCY BEGINS

Who Will Land The Big Fish: Two-Time UL MVP Osvaldo Quijada?

  

Thursday, November 30th, 2017: Today marks the beginning of SIM Baseball League's free agent filing period. With it comes the uncertainty of an off-season filled with the potential for blockbuster signings, off-the-wall trades and a mad scramble to improve your club before you get left out in the cold.
 
General managers have the entire off-season in which to sign free agents. The biggest names on this year's market include:
 
1. Bill Bonar, 31 year-old center fielder
2. Jaime Gonzalez, 33 year-old left fielder
3. Alejo Ramirez, 34 year-old left fielder
4. Richard Dicks, 36 year-old starting pitcher
5. Osvaldo Quijada, 32 year-old third baseman
6. Lucas Espitia, 37 year-old second baseman
7. Nicholas Lenard, 40 year-old starting pitcher
8. James Baker, 33 year-old center fielder
9. Claude McNeely, 32 year-old starting pitcher
10. Herb Wells, 28 year-old second baseman

2018 SIMBL ARBITRATIONS ANNOUNCED

Young SIMBL Players Earn Their Paydays From SIMBL Arbitrators

Thursday, November 30th, 2017  
 
Boston Patriots: MR S. Mendiola received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Boston Patriots: RF R. Comas received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Boston Patriots: 1B R. Hamilton received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Boston Patriots: C J. Scherer received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Boston Patriots: SS A. Kissel received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Boston Patriots: 3B M. Muñiz received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Boston Patriots: SP T. Labelle received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Boston Patriots: CF R. Kimberly received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Boston Patriots: LF F. Moniz received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Boston Patriots: C W. Bickel received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bristol Owls: RF H. Brune received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bristol Owls: SP S. Soto received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $1,600,000.  
Bristol Owls: MR B. Barnwell becomes a free-agent.  
Bristol Owls: 1B R. Romero becomes a free-agent.  
Bristol Owls: 3B J. Bevill becomes a free-agent.  
Bristol Owls: MR J. Relyea received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bristol Owls: SP J. Coulston received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bristol Owls: 2B J. Zeno received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bristol Owls: C A. Olivarria received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bristol Owls: CF B. Grady received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bristol Owls: MR C. Maldonado received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: SS W. Goo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: SP B. Wendling received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: MR R. Vazquez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: SP G. Gregory received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: 2B C. Tores received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: CL P. Binkley received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: 2B M. Causby received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: MR T. Wieland becomes a free-agent.  
New York Enforcers: 2B J. Echeverria received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: RF R. Tyler received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: MR G. Holmes received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: 2B H. Wells becomes a free-agent.  
New York Enforcers: RF P. Ahedo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: 1B W. Robichaux received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: MR D. Duran received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: 2B M. Roudebush received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: C T. Nelson Jr. received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New York Enforcers: C E. Garcia becomes a free-agent.  
Hartford Whalers: SP J. Acevedo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Hartford Whalers: 1B F. Deluna received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Hartford Whalers: CF C. Cordes received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Hartford Whalers: MR J. Davis becomes a free-agent.  
Hartford Whalers: LF N. Jackson received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Hartford Whalers: 3B P. Ruiz received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Calgary Clippers: 1B T. Haranobu becomes a free-agent.  
Calgary Clippers: MR R. Salcedo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Calgary Clippers: MR J. Urena received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Calgary Clippers: SP J. McClary becomes a free-agent.  
Calgary Clippers: 1B C. Cota received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Calgary Clippers: SP J. Martinez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Calgary Clippers: RF W. McElfresh becomes a free-agent.  
Calgary Clippers: LF D. Howes received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Calgary Clippers: 2B H. Frontera received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dalton Dawgs: MR L. Keller received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dalton Dawgs: SP J. Cooper received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dalton Dawgs: 2B A. Newsom received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dalton Dawgs: C J. Morin received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dalton Dawgs: LF J. Gonzalez becomes a free-agent.  
Dallas Texans: SP G. Kramer received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dallas Texans: 3B J. Bybee received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dallas Texans: LF C. Angulo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dallas Texans: SS A. Grieve received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dallas Texans: C J. Mingo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dallas Texans: LF R. Prange received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dallas Texans: SP J. Gemmill received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Dallas Texans: CL F. Bareche Jr. received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: 1B T. Sharkey received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: MR F. Botkin received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: CF C. Salcedo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: SP F. Dediego received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: RF J. Legrand received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: 2B J. Salters received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: 3B G. Krug received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: CL W. Manning received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: 2B G. Rubino received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Toronto Rush: LF T. Robertson received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bend Bandits: CF S. Cosme received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bend Bandits: 3B K. White received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bend Bandits: SP T. O'Quinn received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bend Bandits: CL L. Puga received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bend Bandits: MR G. Velasco becomes a free-agent.  
Bend Bandits: RF D. Dorado becomes a free-agent.  
Bend Bandits: CL D. Cooper received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bend Bandits: SP J. Peña received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bend Bandits: MR J. Lopez becomes a free-agent.  
Bend Bandits: SS D. Fuentes received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Bend Bandits: CL D. Gonzales becomes a free-agent.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: LF R. Castillo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: SP W. Stearns received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: RF J. Kuebler becomes a free-agent.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: 1B G. Gillham becomes a free-agent.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: MR J. Terry becomes a free-agent.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: C D. McBride received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: MR O. Unknow received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: RF D. Waller received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: CL D. Higgs received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: MR B. Cabrales becomes a free-agent.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: C J. Silver received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: MR G. Williams becomes a free-agent.  
Marin Mountainmen: MR D. George received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: 2B T. Gordon received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: MR J. Jimenez becomes a free-agent.  
Marin Mountainmen: MR D. Agosto received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: LF D. Henline received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: 2B P. Smith received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: SP A. Escudero received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: SP K. Norinaga received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: C A. Chavez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: CF T. White received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: 1B F. Marzano received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: MR A. Delossantos received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: C P. Currie received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: 1B R. Abella received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: 2B M. Caster received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: 2B J. Wicks received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: LF J. Anthony received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: SP M. Clark received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: 3B O. Quijada becomes a free-agent.  
Texas Roadrunners: SP P. Smit received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: SS J. Guillaume received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: 3B A. Touchet received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: CL M. Wysong received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: 3B J. Crespo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: SP S. Arent received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: SP E. Brizendine received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: CF D. Lundquist received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: CL R. Fermos received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: MR S. Jimenez becomes a free-agent.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: LF C. Cortes received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: SP R. Mulhall received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $350,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: SS W. Mattos received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: SP R. Mercado received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: MR F. Olivas received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: C W. Farley received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: LF J. Fusco received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: MR J. Chavarria received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: MR J. Arias received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: SS C. Valera received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: RF J. Almonte received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: SS D. Rasch received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: 2B J. Claypool received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: SP S. Scott received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: LF E. Fikes received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: CL S. Talavera becomes a free-agent.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: MR A. Vandervort received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: MR A. Herrera received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: MR L. Hermosillo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New Orleans Notes: RF M. Mellinger received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New Orleans Notes: SP J. Reich received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New Orleans Notes: LF R. Cox received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New Orleans Notes: RF F. Jimenez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New Orleans Notes: C C. Zamarripa received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New Orleans Notes: MR J. Spiker received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New Orleans Notes: SP U. Coca received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
New Orleans Notes: MR C. Faucher becomes a free-agent.  
New Orleans Notes: SS R. Whetstone received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: MR J. Quevedo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: MR R. Hall becomes a free-agent.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: SP L. Stenger received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: SP A. Moore received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: 1B L. Diez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: LF A. Herlihy becomes a free-agent.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: RF S. Aleshire becomes a free-agent.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: SP D. Ibar received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: 2B L. Espitia becomes a free-agent.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: 2B J. Gutierrez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: SP C. McNeely becomes a free-agent.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: SS J. Yates becomes a free-agent.  
Ruston Roosters: SP R. Stucky received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: MR A. Gutierrez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: SP N. Lajoie received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: 3B J. Blythe received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: MR J. Pitzer received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: SS K. Takahashi received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: SP J. Nelson received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: SP A. Hartman received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: MR N. Brown becomes a free-agent.  
Ruston Roosters: MR R. Scheetz received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: SP J. Cardoza received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: LF M. Cantu received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: 1B R. Kenzan received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Ruston Roosters: C J. Rubio received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: 2B J. Coleman received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: C M. Beier received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $510,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: RF C. Kea received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: MR G. Gouveia received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: SP R. Dicks becomes a free-agent.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: SP P. Govea received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: RF B. Cresswell received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: LF W. Mariscal received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: LF R. Preuss received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: SS A. Esmonal received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: MR I. Temple received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: LF A. Ramirez becomes a free-agent.  
Asheville Smokies: 3B J. Springer received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: SP N. Hale received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: 1B F. Rovira received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: MR E. Llorent received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: MR P. Dawson received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: C C. Galgano received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: MR T. Hardnett received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: SS F. Salazar received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: LF S. Plummer received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: MR A. Aguirre becomes a free-agent.  
Asheville Smokies: MR J. Lopez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Asheville Smokies: MR B. Lopez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: C P. Quintana received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: LF P. Bayerl received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: CF D. Busby received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: SP K. Rickey received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: 3B J. Silvestre received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: 3B A. Robertson received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: SP R. Gratton received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: MR M. Delapaz received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: MR L. Cardoso received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: 3B G. Novak received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: RF B. Dennis received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: C R. Aceves received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: RF K. Peterson received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: SP K. Meyerson received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: SP J. McAtee received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Chicago Hitmen: LF E. Cuadrado received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Chicago Hitmen: SP J. Munguia becomes a free-agent.  
Chicago Hitmen: SS J. Pyron received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Chicago Hitmen: LF H. Cheesman received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Chicago Hitmen: SS K. Fellman received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Chicago Hitmen: C F. Simmons received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Chicago Hitmen: SP C. Mojica received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Chicago Hitmen: MR J. Bostick received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: SP D. Desantis becomes a free-agent.  
Oregon Pioneers: SP J. Buchan received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: CF B. Bonar becomes a free-agent.  
Oregon Pioneers: CF R. Ortiz received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: LF S. Sepulveda received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: MR A. Morales becomes a free-agent.  
Oregon Pioneers: SP M. Dinges becomes a free-agent.  
Oregon Pioneers: RF F. Zorrilla becomes a free-agent.  
Oregon Pioneers: SP E. Waddington becomes a free-agent.  
Oregon Pioneers: SP R. Sharpe received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: 3B C. Chalmers received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: 3B R. Herrera received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: MR J. Thomas received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: MR I. Chouinard received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Pocatello Timberjacks: MR D. Ross received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Pocatello Timberjacks: MR R. Stacy becomes a free-agent.  
Pocatello Timberjacks: CF J. Baker becomes a free-agent.  
Colchester Choppers: SP N. Gilder received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: LF R. Calvo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: SP T. Severs received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: RF G. Saavedra received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: MR A. Drew received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: MR J. Richardson received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: SP G. Nesmith received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: RF C. Powe received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: SP W. Hause received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: C A. Mazza received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: MR S. Waddington received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: MR A. Camino received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
Colchester Choppers: 2B A. Lopez received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: 3B D. Ryles becomes a free-agent.  
San Diego Warewolves: MR R. Chambers received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: SP C. Blanco received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: 1B M. Hussey received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: MR R. Lingo received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: C W. Walker received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: MR B. Arvidson received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: MR E. Gonzales received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: MR J. Berrero becomes a free-agent.  
San Diego Warewolves: CF M. Fulghum received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: MR G. Camacho received a 1-year contract through automatic renewal worth a total of $300,000.  
 
Monday, November 27th, 2017  
 
Boston Patriots: 3B S. Jones received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,900,000.  
Boston Patriots: SP C. Hough received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,060,800.  
Boston Patriots: RF D. Laux received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $2,000,000.  
Boston Patriots: SP J. Bejar received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $10,000,000.  
Boston Patriots: SP J. Poulos received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,003,300.  
Bristol Owls: SP M. Guerro received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,238,200.  
Bristol Owls: LF J. Huey received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $900,000.  
Bristol Owls: 2B B. Sanchez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,880,000.  
Bristol Owls: SP C. Andujar received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,318,400.  
Bristol Owls: CL R. Bell received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,642,000.  
Bristol Owls: 1B D. Klar received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,542,800.  
Bristol Owls: CF T. Unruh received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,533,400.  
New York Enforcers: CL R. Zuñiga received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
New York Enforcers: LF M. Saiz received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $7,202,800.  
New York Enforcers: MR C. Seefeldt received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
New York Enforcers: SP J. Durrant received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $600,000.  
Hartford Whalers: 2B K. Downey received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,400,000.  
Hartford Whalers: SP J. Ocerin received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $4,000,000.  
Hartford Whalers: RF J. Fitts received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,400,000.  
Hartford Whalers: SP I. Cardillo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $2,400,000.  
Hartford Whalers: MR E. Grace becomes a free-agent.  
Hartford Whalers: SP C. McGurk received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $4,000,000.  
Hartford Whalers: RF W. Conyers received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $850,000.  
Hartford Whalers: RF J. Lathem received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $9,000,000.  
Hartford Whalers: 1B J. Osuna received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $900,000.  
Hartford Whalers: SP F. Zubiaga received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $7,500,000.  
Hartford Whalers: 3B A. Hemby received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $800,000.  
Hartford Whalers: MR J. Hockensmith becomes a free-agent.  
Calgary Clippers: CF H. Latta received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $10,000,000.  
Calgary Clippers: C C. Thompson received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,400,000.  
Calgary Clippers: MR F. Cox received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $2,500,000.  
Calgary Clippers: SP Z. Tardif received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $8,500,000.  
Calgary Clippers: CL L. Almaraz received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,500,000.  
Calgary Clippers: 1B J. Honaker received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $6,500,000.  
Calgary Clippers: C G. Vasquez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $900,000.  
Calgary Clippers: CF C. Faura received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,100,000.  
Dalton Dawgs: MR M. Dasilva received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,300,000.  
Dalton Dawgs: 1B T. Toll received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $663,600.  
Dalton Dawgs: LF M. Kreutzer received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $638,400.  
Dalton Dawgs: 3B M. Sholes received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $714,000.  
Dalton Dawgs: RF A. Cordero received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,200,000.  
Dalton Dawgs: MR L. Hutcherson received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $908,500.  
Dalton Dawgs: MR T. Brown received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,848,600.  
Dallas Texans: SP R. Guerrette received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,500,000.  
Dallas Texans: SP K. Pier received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $7,200,000.  
Dallas Texans: MR C. Jonas received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
Dallas Texans: 1B J. Chaidez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $7,529,700.  
Dallas Texans: 3B J. Ramirez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $6,824,400.  
Dallas Texans: RF J. Procter received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $8,500,000.  
Dallas Texans: MR A. Flora received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $4,781,700.  
Dallas Texans: LF D. Silvas received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $892,700.  
Dallas Texans: SS L. Foley received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $11,500,000.  
Dallas Texans: CL G. Aguinaldo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $8,000,000.  
Dallas Texans: 2B L. Oleson received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $4,600,000.  
Dallas Texans: SP X. Castillo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,922,000.  
Toronto Rush: MR C. Peralta received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,400,000.  
Toronto Rush: SP T. Aceves received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,100,000.  
Toronto Rush: MR J. Hunnicutt received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $2,400,000.  
Toronto Rush: CF C. Woolsey received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $9,000,000.  
Toronto Rush: C R. Berg received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,000,000.  
Toronto Rush: 3B M. McGinty received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $850,000.  
Toronto Rush: C D. Harris received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $950,000.  
Toronto Rush: SS J. Lizotte received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $8,000,000.  
Toronto Rush: SP J. Schacher received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $590,400.  
Toronto Rush: 2B D. Fuller received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,000,000.  
Bend Bandits: MR F. Urbina received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $647,800.  
Bend Bandits: MR J. Loaiza received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
Bend Bandits: SP D. Tsuyoshi received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,300,000.  
Bend Bandits: C P. Spurlock received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,800,000.  
Bend Bandits: SP D. Larimer received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $598,600.  
Bend Bandits: CF E. Rivera received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $798,429.  
Bend Bandits: SP A. Miller received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $950,000.  
Bend Bandits: LF B. Rodrigez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $10,500,000.  
Bend Bandits: 2B C. Oliveira received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $908,500.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: SP J. Worthey received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $576,700.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: CF S. Hermosillo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $705,200.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: MR I. Gioia received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: SP H. Osuna received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $582,200.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: 2B S. Allison received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,196,800.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: MR A. Banks received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $8,000,000.  
Los Angeles Meat Puppets: SP J. Styer received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $600,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: 2B I. Hipp received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $900,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: 3B R. Judson received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $697,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: SP E. Pizzo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,100,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: RF G. Pope received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $7,035,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: LF G. Olivares received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,400,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: SP P. Wilton received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $790,000.  
Marin Mountainmen: CL J. Ritenour received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: SP D. Suarez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: CL K. Wurster received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: 2B B. Russo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $910,200.  
Texas Roadrunners: RF D. Dones received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,524,700.  
Texas Roadrunners: C P. Moore received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $853,200.  
Texas Roadrunners: SS W. Vasallo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,350,000.  
Texas Roadrunners: C M. Mijares received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $642,600.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: SP H. Kinyon received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: RF A. Holm received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,600,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: 3B R. Gardner received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $10,000,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: 1B C. Jimenez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $679,400.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: C F. Enriquez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,835,300.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: 1B M. Welcher received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $697,000.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: SP M. Corrado received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,736,200.  
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: CF E. Basabe received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,876,000.  
New Orleans Notes: 2B I. Barras received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $676,400.  
New Orleans Notes: 3B W. Deluna received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $4,400,000.  
New Orleans Notes: C B. Gould received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $653,600.  
New Orleans Notes: CF D. Fiorillo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $805,800.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: SP M. Bosch received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,500,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: LF I. Caudillo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: 1B P. Mielke received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $8,000,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: C M. Jefcoat received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $688,800.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: MR E. Deshotel received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,300,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: CL A. Cardillo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $2,960,200.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: 1B H. Fujio received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $705,200.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: C H. Sawyer received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,300,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: 2B J. Blagg received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $705,200.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: LF A. Lazpita received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $600,000.  
Birmingham Blue Sox: 3B J. Gould received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $688,800.  
Ruston Roosters: RF J. Espinoza received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $11,500,000.  
Ruston Roosters: 1B S. Carrion received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $695,000.  
Ruston Roosters: RF J. Martinez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $650,000.  
Ruston Roosters: C J. Topping received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,800,000.  
Ruston Roosters: 3B I. Stewart received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $600,000.  
Ruston Roosters: 3B D. Mullins received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $675,000.  
Las Vegas Hustlers: MR C. Cuadrado becomes a free-agent.  
Asheville Smokies: 1B J. Villatoro received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,453,500.  
Asheville Smokies: SS J. Favors received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,100,000.  
Asheville Smokies: MR J. Costilla received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,759,200.  
Asheville Smokies: 2B V. Turbeville becomes a free-agent.  
Asheville Smokies: 3B J. Bousquet received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $738,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: MR C. Mier received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,600,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: 2B P. Fuster received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $653,600.  
Carolina Bearcats: SP D. Jarvis received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,500,000.  
Carolina Bearcats: SS T. Gingras received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $706,800.  
Carolina Bearcats: 2B R. Horrell received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,208,700.  
Chicago Hitmen: SP J. Barber received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $6,503,700.  
Chicago Hitmen: SP G. Murphy received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $7,608,600.  
Chicago Hitmen: CF A. Ejea becomes a free-agent.  
Chicago Hitmen: 3B F. Stroupe received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $688,800.  
Chicago Hitmen: CF E. Price received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $6,711,600.  
Chicago Hitmen: 2B E. Munsey received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,611,600.  
Oregon Pioneers: C G. Smith received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $838,980.  
Oregon Pioneers: 1B L. Rich received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,000,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: SS J. Camara received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,200,000.  
Oregon Pioneers: MR E. Prange received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,537,200.  
Oregon Pioneers: MR B. Romo received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $4,200,000.  
Pocatello Timberjacks: 3B R. Gardner becomes a free-agent.  
Pocatello Timberjacks: C R. Munguia received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $850,000.  
Pocatello Timberjacks: SS R. Ketterer received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $638,400.  
Colchester Choppers: MR G. Gutierrez becomes a free-agent.  
Colchester Choppers: 1B T. Flick received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $775,000.  
Colchester Choppers: LF K. Dodrill received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $750,000.  
Colchester Choppers: SP D. Mendoza received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $6,500,000.  
Colchester Choppers: 2B D. Fuller received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $7,500,000.  
Colchester Choppers: CF M. Ferro received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,500,000.  
Colchester Choppers: CF M. Johnson received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $650,000.  
Colchester Choppers: MR C. Torre received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $450,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: SS L. Galusha received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,005,300.  
San Diego Warewolves: C A. Rasch received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $10,000,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: MR M. Barraza received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,000,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: LF G. Lainez received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $5,005,300.  
San Diego Warewolves: 3B W. Williford received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $605,200.  
San Diego Warewolves: CF P. Figueroa received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $11,500,000.  
San Diego Warewolves: SP B. Tucker received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $7,000,200.  
San Diego Warewolves: SP R. Hassel received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $6,820,000. 

SIMBL TEAM HISTORIES CLICK HERE

FOUR FRANCHISE MOVES APPROVED BY SIMBL LEAGUE OFFICE FOR 2018 SEASON

 

The SIMBL League Office has approved four moves of teams in the league for the 2018 SIMBL season.

In accordance to allowing a GM a one-time free move to their liking per the SIMBL Constitution the following moves have been announced and are official.

The Dalton Dawgs of GM Tim Hageman will move to his native Manhattan Beach, California as the Seals.  The charter Pocatello Timberjacks of GM Tim Melican will move to Lowell, Massachusetts as the Lumberjacks.  Marin Mountainmen GM Jason Gregory will move the team to his native Sacramento, California as the Giants.  Birmingham Blue Sox GM Jay Tannehill will relocate south of the border in Mexico City as the Rattlers.

The move leaves the SIMBL with only ten charter original teams from the 2005 Inaugural Season: Bristol, Boston, Calgary, Toronto, Texas, Los Angeles, Bend, Chicago and San Diego and Oregon.

Each team gets the 65-points fan interest modification if they aren't already over it due to excitement in their new city.  The new logos have been added to the SIMBL Front Page, SIMBL Owner's Page and SIMBL Team Histories Page as well.  The logos and new uniforms will also go into the game in the upcoming offseason.

The following moves will occur for next season:

Dalton Dawgs relocated as Manhattan Beach Seals.
Birmingham Blue Sox relocated as Mexico City Rattlers
Pocatello Timberjacks relocated as Lowell Lumberjacks.
Marin Mountainmen relocated as Sacramento Giants

PAST SIMBL TEAM RELOCATIONS:

Hartford Moose relocated as Dalton Dawgs I 2006
Dalton Dawgs I relocated as Asheville Smokies 2007
Edmonton Cracker Cats relocated as Columbus Thundercats 2007
Tacoma Rain I relocated as Carolina Bearcats 2007
Atlantic City Aces relocated as Newark Bears 2008
Cleveland Ironmen relocated as New York Enforcers 2008
Montreal Royales relocated as Charlotte Crusaders 2008
Jacksonville Prophets renamed as Jacksonville Stampede 2008
Belle River Bullfrogs relocated as Tacoma Rain II 2009
Columbus Thundercats relocated as Dalton Dawgs II 2010
Penacola Red Sox relocated as Kitchener Rangers 2010
Asheville Smokies I relocated as Las Vegas Hustlers 2011
Newark Bears relocated as Hartford Whalers 2012
Charlotte Crusaders relocated as Birmingham Blue Sox 2013
Brooklyn Cyclones relocated as Moscow Reds 2014
Kitchener Rangers relocated as Dallas Texans 2015
Tacoma Rain II relocated as Asheville Smokies II 2015
Jacksonville Stampede relocated as Ruston Roosters 2016
Moscow Reds relocated as New Orleans Notes 2017
Augusta Spartans relocated as Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs 2017
Portland Punishers relocated as Colchester Choppers 2017
Pocatello Timberjacks relocated as Lowell Lumberjacks 2018
Dalton Dawgs II relocated as Manhattan Beach Seals 2018
Birmingham Blue Sox relocated as Mexico City Rattlers 2018
Marin Mountainmen relocated as Sacramento Giants 2018

LANCE'S SOURCES: RYLES TO RETIRE?

Sources close to the SIMBL's Old Man Lance Stanley, are indicating that SIMBL legend Daryl Ryles (above) will be announcing his retirement from the San Diego Warewolves as early as tomorrow.  The 38 year-old Ryles has had a storied and controversial 13-year career in the league since being the first overall pick of the SIMBL's 2005 Inaugural Draft winning eight SL Slugger Of The Year awards, being named to eleven All-Star teams and eleven All-SIMBL teams.

By Lance Stanley
SIMBL Contributor

Hi again youngsters.  Lance Stanley Reporting.

My sources in the SIMBL have indicated that eight-time Slugger Of The Year Daryl Ryles may announce his retirement from the SIMBL as soon as the beginning of the 2018 offseason.
 
Ryles, 38, is a eleven-time All-SIMBL and eleven-time All-Star and leads the SIMBL career lists in home runs, RBI, walks and runs scored and has played his entire 13-year career with the San Diego Warewolves winning seven SIMBL Championships.  Ryles was the first overall player ever selected in the SIMBL being the first overall selection in the 2005 SIMBL Inaugural Draft.
 
A press conference with Warewolves GM Paul Ware is scheduled for tomorrow in San Diego.

SIMBL GM AWARDS HISTORY CLICK HERE
SIMBL GOLD GLOVE HISTORY CLICK HERE
2017 GM AWARDS VOTING RESULTS CLICK HERE

2017 SIMBL GM AWARDS ANNOUNCED

SIMBL GM OF The Year: Greg Checovetes BRISTOL
UL Slugger Of The Year: Jose Arenas LOS ANGELES
SL Slugger Of The Year: Aaron Rasch SAN DIEGO
UL Hurler Of The Year: Justin Bushman TEXAS
SL Hurler Of The Year: Bobby Grimes SAN DIEGO
UL Middle Reliever Of The Year: Thomas Akers CALGARY
SL Middle Reliever Of The Year: Jesus Rodriguez CHICAGO
UL Fireman Of The Year: Richard Bell BRISTOL
SL Fireman Of The Year: Jefferey Dempsey ASHEVILLE
UL Rookie Of The Year: Constantino Angulo DALLAS
SL Rookie Of The Year: Henry Cheesman CHICAGO

The 2017 SIMBL GM Awards as voted on by SIMBL GMS have been announced.

Another strong turnout at the ballot box as 21/24 SIMBL GMS posted their votes for the league's annual end of season awards.

Bristol GM Greg Checovetes was voted by his SIMBL peers to his third SIMBL GM Of The Year award.  The Owls GM won his first SIMBL championship after a well-documented and infamous 0-for-5 record previously in the ULCS.  San Diego GM Paul Ware finished second and Chicago GM Mike Lynch third in the voting.

Los Angeles SS Jose Arenas came one RBI shy of tying Daryl Ryles' 2008 record of 172 leading the SIMBL and also hit .336 with 45 home runs to lead the UL earning him the second UL MVP award of his career.  San Diego catcher Aaron Rasch wins his second consecutive SL MVP award after hitting .388 with 43 HR and 140 RBI.  Bristol's Barry Grady and Chicago rookie Henry Cheesman finished second respectively in the MVP voting.  Chicago 3B R.J. Poole, who became the second player in league history to belt 50 HR in  a season and also drove in 169 runs, the third-most in a season in SIMBL history, finished a distant third in the SL balloting.

Texas' Justin Bushman wins his first UL Hurler Of The Year award after a midseason trade from Asheville going 18-8 with a 2.59 ERA overall.  San Diego's perpetual Bobby Grimes wins his astonishing seventh SL Hurler Of The Year at 34 years-old by going 22-2 with a 2.29 ERA this season.  New York former SFA Randy Koufax and Chicago's Glenn Murphy finished second in their leagues in the balloting for the season's best pitchers.

Calgary's Thomas Akers becomes the first player in league history to win back-to-back Middle Reliever Of The Year awards and also becomes the second player to win the award twice, joining Salvador Sanchez, as well by winning the UL MROTY.  Boston's David Stoltzfus was second in the UL.  Chicago's two-time All-SIMBL reliever Jesus Rodriguez wins the SL Middle Reliever Of The Year while his Hitmen teammate John Bostick comes in second-place.

Bristol's Richard Bell wins the UL Fireman Of The Year while Los Angeles rookie Dennis Higgs comes in second.  Asheville's Jeffrey Dempsey was voted SL Fireman Of The Year while San Diego's Bill Hyer was second.  Bell becomes the second player in SIMBL history, joining Oregon's Charles Vue, to win both the Middle Reliever Of The Year and Fireman Of The Year awards in their careers.

Dallas' Constantino Angulo was voted UL Rookie Of The Year while Boston's Miguel Muniz came in second-place.  Marin's rookie first baseman Frank Marzano, who led the UL with a .385 batting average this season, was mysteriously left off the ballot by StatsLab in error.  Chicago's Henry Cheesman, who set a new SIMBL single-season batting average record with a .397 clip last season, was overwhelming named SL Rookie Of The Year with Colchester's Gabriel Saavedra coming in second.

The 2017 SIMBL Gold Gloves have also been announced.  San Diego 2B Michael Larson wins the fifth Gold Glove of his career.  Ruston SS Jeffrey Donmoyer wins his fourth consecutive Gold Glove and fourth of his career.  Las Vegas pitcher Anthony Puffer wins his second straight as does Ruston CF Comet Verae.  All award winners are first-time Gold Glovers.  Ruston and Boston placed a league-high three players on each team.

Monday, November 6th, 2017: Gold Glove Awards are the symbol for defensive excellence, a recognition of the best of the best in defense. The Syndicate League Gold Glove Award trophies for 2017 have been awarded to these outstanding fielders:

Pitcher: Anthony Puffer (Las Vegas Hustlers)
Catcher: Jared Topping (Ruston Roosters)
First Baseman: Tommy King (Las Vegas Hustlers)
Second Baseman: Michael Larson (San Diego Warewolves)
Third Baseman: Larry Galusha (San Diego Warewolves)
Shortstop: Jeffrey Donmoyer (Ruston Roosters)
Left Fielder: Joel Fusco (Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs)
Center Fielder: Comet Verae (Ruston Roosters)
Right Fielder: Kelvin Peterson (Carolina Bearcats)

Monday, November 6th, 2017: Good glovemen take pride in their defensive skills. They know they make a difference in baseball. Even on days when they don't get a hit, they feel they can make a difference in the field -- and they do. The Union League announced its Gold Glove Award honorees for 2017. This year's recipients are:

Pitcher: Jerry Worthey (Los Angeles Meat Puppets)
Catcher: Paul Spurlock (Bend Bandits)
First Baseman: Earnest Burkey (Boston Patriots)
Second Baseman: Stephen Allison (Los Angeles Meat Puppets)
Third Baseman: Gary Krug (Toronto Rush)
Shortstop: Kanesaburou Jiro (Dalton Dawgs)
Left Fielder: Ray Barrot (Calgary Clippers)
Center Fielder: Roberto Comas (Boston Patriots)
Right Fielder: Randall Kimberly (Boston Patriots)

BRISTOL GETTING READY TO CELEBRATE 2017 SIMBL TITLE

Owls GM Checovetes Gives 'A Little Back' To The Rival SL

Bristol's 2017 SIMBL CS MVP Barry Grady's wife, Celine (above), can't wait to start the celebrating and licks the SIMBL Coveted Cup won by her husband's team over Chicago in an electrifying classic seven-game series in the bottom of the tenth inning on Grady's walk-off single.  Owls GM Greg Checovetes has announced a parade for his champion Owls in Bristol and a tour of the trophy throughout Connecticut during the offseason.

By Greg Checovetes
Bristol Owls GM
SIMBL Contributor

"I don't think anyone on either team failed.  When you have a series that goes extra innings in the seventh game of the SIMBL Coveted Cup - no one has failed.  I have to say, that was the most exciting series I have ever been involved in, in all my years of playing OOTP", exclaimed jubilant Owls GM Greg Checovetes on Bristol's finest moment in the league.

He continued, "I want to congratulate Chicago GM Mike Lynch on a very well-played series.  Both teams deserved to win.  It's unfortunate that only one team can win." 

Checovetes went on to praise his speedy team, "It's good to see that all the time I spent in "situational awareness" actually paid off.  It's also nice to see that my plan of creating a team based on speed paid off.  I like to think that having all those speedy guys put me over the top.  As UConn's former point guard, Khalid En-Amin said after defeating Duke for the NCAA National Championship, "We shocked the world!." 

"It seems a lot of teams in the league like to overlook Bristol as well as the UL.  First, Barry Grady is inexplicably left off the UL All-Star squad this season, then everyone seems to think the SL will dominate the Coveted Cup Series annually.  I think this victory goes far in disproving a SL GM's comments about the UL being an AAA league or the 'Underhand League' for the SL."
 
The city of Bristol intends to hold a parade for the team this coming Saturday.  The Mayor wants to get as many people out there to support the team as possible.  "We know it will be cold out there, but we think with all the excitement, the fans won't even feel the cold." 

The team has also announced that star players Barry Grady, who was named the 2017 SIMBL CS MVP, and starting pitcher Joey Coulston will tour the Connecticut area with the SIMBL Coveted Cup in early December.

READ AS CLASSIC GAME SEVEN OF THE 2017 SIMBL CS HAPPENED LIVE HERE

SIMPLY A CLASSIC! 

OWLS & HITMEN GIVE THE SIMBL A COVETED CUP TO REMEMBER

Grady's Single In Bottom Of Tenth In Game Seven Gives Bristol It's First SIMBL Title In Electrifying Fashion

Saturday, November 4th, 2017: "This is why we play the game," commented Bristol's GM Greg Checovetes after his club captured their first SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series crown by beating the Chicago Hitmen 9-8 in ten innings today at The Park at Chippens Hill to win the 2017 SIMBL CS in seven classic games.

"Baseball don't get any better than this."

In a classic series and Game Seven that will be remembered in the SIMBL for seasons to come, The Owls overcame losing their ace starting pitcher Joey Coulston who had to leave the game in the top of the first inning after suffering a hamstring injury. The Owls overcame a 5-3 deficit to take a 8-5 lead in the bottom of the 6th inning.

In a shot that will be long-remembered in SIMBL circles, the Hitmen's third baseman and former 2014 SFA R.J. Poole clubbed a three-run homer in the top of the ninth to tie the game 8-8. The Owls couldn't score after getting the speedy Jeremy Bevil to second base to send the game into extra-innings in Game Seven of the 2017 SIMBL Championship.

Chicago was retired in order by Owls reliever Bobby Barnwell in the top of the 10th.

In the bottom of the inning, the SIMBL's top prospect, catcher Alfonso Olivarria, the second overall pick in last season's 2016 SIMBL Draft, walked. The Owls' speedy Jeffrey Huey was inserted as a pinch-runner and went to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Jose Zeno. 2017 UL MVP candidate Barry Grady, who enjoyed a monster breakout season in the regular season, then singled off in Huey off of one of the best closers in the SIMBL, William Randazzo, to give the Owls the walk-off win and sending Bristol fans in The Park At Chippens Hill into a frenzy.

It is the first SIMBL Championship for Owls GM Greg Checovetes after thirteen seasons at the helm and after going 0 for 5 in five previous ULCS attempts.

The Owls were victorious 4-3 in the series after completing the regular season 104-58 and finishing in first place in the Union League East.

The losing GM Mike Lynch had his say, too, telling reporters, "Despite the loss, this year has been a pretty good story, a doggone good story. I'm proud of my guys. We had great veteran leadership and we had players that never gave up -- no quit in us at all. And it got us here. And I'm proud of that. I think you might see the Hitmen back here soon." 

LAST SIMBL POLL RESULTS:

Who Will Prevail In The 2017 SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series?
Chicago Hitmen- 2017 SL Champions
8	61.5%
Bristol Owls- 2017 UL Champions
5	38.5%

HITMEN COME BACK TO FORCE GAME SEVEN OF 2017 SIMBL CS

Bristol Can't Close Out 3-1 Series Lead In Classic Pitching Duels

 SIMBL legend Pedro Ramirez (above) was masterful for Chicago in Game Six of the 2017 SIMBL CS allowing the Hitmen to tie the series at three games after being down three games to one and facing elimination by the Bristol Owls.  The former Oregon Pioneer is in his second season with the Hitmen after nine seasons in Oregon.  Despite his worst season statistically this year, the future SIMBL Hall Of Famer and former SL HOTY has a 185-90 career record with a 2.81 career ERA and still is one of the SIMBL's top-rated pitchers with 5/9/9 ratings at 35 years-old.

2017 SIMBL CS Game Four:
 
Glenn Murphy CHI 4-0 (2.68 ERA) vs. Joey Coulston BRI (2-1 3.71 ERA)
 
Bristol 2 Chicago 1
Bristol Leads Series 3-1
WP: Joey Coulson (3-1) LP: Glenn Murphy (4-1) SV: Richard Bell (8)
Player Of The Game: SP Glenn Murphy Chicago
8.0 IP 6 H 2 ER 2 BB 7 K
 
Bristol's Joey Coulston, acquired at the 2017 trade deadline from Pocatello earlier this season, needed a performance of a lifetime to outdo Chicago's red-hot Glenn Murphy who has ascended to SIMBL superstar status this postseason.  Both pitchers were brilliant as Coulston goes 6.2 IP allowing five hits, one earned run, one walk and five strikeouts.  Murphy continued his domination by going eight innings allowing six hits, two earned runs, two walks and striking out seven.
 
ULCS MVP and former 2016 SFA Lenny Lamarga continues to shine as he singles in Bernard Sanchez in the top of the sixth to break a 1-1 tie and turned out to be the game-winner.  The Owls bullpen, using six relievers, was superb in protecting Coulston's performance and not allowing a run thereafter.  Bristol closer Richard Bell sets a new SIMBL single postseason saves record with his eighth save of the 2017 playoffs.
 
2017 SIMBL CS Game Five:
 
Joshua Barber CHI (2-2 3.86 ERA) vs. Clemente Andujar BRI (2-2 4.99 ERA)
 
Chicago 4 Bristol 1
Bristol Leads Series 3-2
WP: Joshua Barber (3-2) LP: Clemente Andujar (2-3) SV: William Randazzo (7)
Player Of The Game: SP Joshua Barber Chicago
8.0 IP 6 H 1 ER 0 BB 11 K
 
Another great pitching performance, this time it's Chicago's Joshua Barber going eight innings giving up one run on six hits while not walking any and striking out eleven Owls to close the Hitmen to a game in the series.  Chicago veteran SS Jose Valencia blasts a two-run home run off of the Owls' twenty-game winner Clemente Andujar, who was just as brilliant as Barber was at that point, in the bottom of the seventh to break a 1-1 tie and give the Hitmen a 3-1 lead.  Chicago CF Edgar Price follows with a solo shot off of Andujar in the bottom of the eighth and former 2015 SL Fireman Of The Year William Randazzo comes in and slams the door for his seventh save of the 2017 playoffs.
 
2017 SIMBL CS Game Six:
 
Pedro Ramirez CHI (0-1 7.32 ERA) vs. Paul Dombrowksi BRI (2-0 5.09 ERA)
 
Chicago 1 Bristol 0
Series Tied 3-3
WP: Pedro Ramirez (1-1) LP: Paul Dombrowski (2-1) SV: William Randazzo (8)
Player Of The Game: SP Pedro Ramirez Chicago
7.1 IP 4 H 0 ER 2 BB 3 K
 
Chicago's 35 year-old Pedro Ramirez shows why he is headed to the SIMBL Hall Of Fame by barely outpitching Bristol's Paul Dombrowski in yet another classic pitcher's duel in the series. Ramirez goes 7.1 innings without allowing a run.  The Hitmen's deadly duo of All-SIMBL middle reliever Jesus Rodriguez and former 2015 SL Fireman Of The Year William Randazzo then are just as masterful perserving the win to force a Game Seven at Bristol's Park At Chippen Hills.  Dombrowski goes eight innings allowing just five hits and one run in the tough loss.
 
Chicago SL MVP candidate and former 2014 SFA R.J. Poole drives in George Crispin after Crispin and Henry Cheesman single for the Hitmen in the top of the fourth inning to provide the only scoring in the classic contest.
 
2017 SIMBL Game Seven:
 
Glenn Murphy CHI (4-1 2.60 ERA) vs. Seve Soto (0-1 7.64 ERA) or Joey Coulston BRI (3-1 3.24 ERA)

Game Seven will be held as soon as exports are received from both Greg and Mike and we will run the exciting series conclusion later today.

LANCE'S "HANGING WITH" SERIES: BRISTOL GM GREG CHECOVETES

Name: Greg Checovetes  
Age: 43
Home: Bristol, Connecticut
Married: Yes
Children (boys/girls/names): Kaitlin, Matt
Occupation: Programmer
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Sports, PC's
Favorite sports teams: Red Sox, Cowboys, Revolution
Favorite college teams: UConn
Favorite sports memory: First Red Sox game I went to as a kid.  It also was Carl Yazstremski's last game before he retired.
Other OOTP leagues that you have teams in: None at the moment
Former OOTP championships:  I've never made it to the Big Dance.
What do you enjoy about the SIMBL that makes it one of the premier OOTP leagues online?  We'd like to know what makes it special to you for you to invest the time that you do to the SIMBL?  
 
The SIMBL is by far the most enjoyable league I have ever been in.  The league admins put in an awful lot of time and effort in the league and its web site.  I also like the fact that the forum is a lively place and that a lot of owners participate.  This is the only league that I have been in where the commissioner and league admins actually listen to the owners when making decisions.
     
How much time per day do you spend on the SIMBL including the game, site and board?  When and where do you tend to login to the website?  Do you view the SIMBL Front Page regularly?  
 
I spend a lot of time reading the forum, mostly at nights, but I also peek at it during work.
 
What are the first things you do and check after a SIM notification is received?  Standings, game-by-game boxscores, etc...? 
 
Well, first off, I'd like to say that I think adding StatsLab was a great idea.  I wish all leagues would use it.  The first thing I do after reading the notification is download the latest file, check the standings, then check my team for injuries.  After that, I usually look at my minors and make any adjustments that need to be made.  Then I look at the waiver wire, the free agents, and the trade list.
     
What would you evaluate your knowledge of the SIMBL, it's players and it's thirteen-season history?  What percentage would you say that you know of all it's players and their histories, records, etc...?  
 
To be honest, I  really just concentrate on my team.  I do like reading the stories that are put on the SIMBL Front Page though.  It's a good way for me to learn about the other teams in the league.  
     
What things would you change about the SIMBL if you could?  For example, are you satisfied with the player talent in the league, free agency, the draft, player development, participation points, etc...?   
 
I think that free agency is kind of weak, but I'm not really sure what to do about it.  
     
What SIMBL team or teams besides your own do you like to follow?  
 
Well, I like to keep tabs on the other teams in my division of course.  I also watch San Diego and Calgary.  I look at Los Angeles too since they always beat me in the playoffs.  I also started following Pocatello/Lowell.  I want to see if they succeed in their plan.  
     
Who are the top three or more players and pitchers in the SIMBL?  If you had to pick three players, young and/or veterans, to win a championship with who would they be?  Short-term? Long-term?  
 
I can't really answer this one because as I said, I don't really follow other players.   
     
Who are your favorite players on your team and why? 
 
My favorite players are Barry Grady, Harry Brune, the newly acquired SP Joey Couston and the minor-leaguer Vaughn Hong.  I think next year when Hong is called up, I will have one of the best overall outfields in the SIMBL.      
 
What teams and players do you tend to root against? 
 
I don't really root against anyone.  I wish them all good luck.
     
What SIMBL GM(s) would you say is your rival and why?    
 
I don't think I really have a rival, but if I had to pick it would be Calgary or Los Angeles.   
     
What teams are the up-and-comers and to keep an eye out for in the SIMBL?  
 
I worry about Boston.  They have a good team that is only going to get better because they have a good minor league system.
 
Greg, you've had relative success in the SIMBL by being the franchise with the third-highest winning percentage in SIMBL history behind San Diego and Calgary.  You've won two SIMBL GM Of The Year awards and are a perennial in the postseason having made the playoffs eight times now in thirteen seasons, yet you've been bumped in the ULCS three times to Los Angeles and have failed to reach the SIMBL CS despite having powerhouse teams in the past.  How does that feel? 
 
Well, I'm surprised to see I have the third-best winning percentage.  To me that and the awards are nice, but they don't mean as much if I can't win the championship.
 
Greg, your Owls have always had solid pitching and are known for that.  Is it your ballpark and do you regret ever not going out and acquiring a big bat that may have cost you an appearance in the SIMBL Championship Series or even a SIMBL title? 
 
I don't think not having a big bat has hurt me.  We designed the ball park to be a pitchers park, so we try to draft accordingly.  We have a decent big bat now in Harry Brune.  He has hit 29 home runs this season as well as having over 30 stolen bases.  I think my team tends to get overlooked for some reason.  I think it's because we don't have a player that is dominant in any category.  We aren't the best pitchers, nor the best hitters, but we tend to be just below the leaders in both categories.
 
Greg, who is favorite past Owl that has since come and gone? 
 
CF Matthew Shaner. He was an on-base machine.
  
Greg, you've been an active trader and free agent hawk since entering the league.  What is the best and worst trades that you have made in the SIMBL in your opinion?  
 
I think this year's trade for Joey Coulston from Pocatello was my best trade.  He had a losing record in Pocatello, but for the Owls, he is 12-2 with a 2.60 ERA for us. The worst trade was getting former first round bust Anthony Tabron.  I don't remember who I traded away for him, but it wasn't worth it.
  
What frustrates you or incites you about your team, division, league or the SIMBL?  
 
It's frustrating that we have not made it to the SIMBL Cup.
  
What are your expectations of the Owls this season and beyond?  
 
I'd like to make it to the Coveted Cup this year.
  
When can we plan on your Owls taking the helm in the UL and SIMBL?  When can your dedicated Owls fans realisticly expect to be holding the SIMBL Coveted Cup up high in the Great Northeast?  
 
I think we could use another good pitcher, but I like the team we have now.
     
Who is/are the "Face Of The Owls" and why?  
 
Barry Grady.  He is the type of guy we like, fast, good defense and good average.
     
Who is/are the future of the Owls right now?     
 
Well, Barry Grady, Harry Brune, Vaughn Hong and Alfonso Olivarria are all young guys that we would like to keep for a long time.
     
What is your opinion of the competitiveness that is sometimes shown on the SIMBL Message Board?  
 
I think its all in good fun.  I try to stay out of it though because it usually back fires on me.  I don't want to give myself bad luck   
     
What other things are on your mind about the SIMBL that you'd like to conclude with?

I think it's a great league.

After some great home cooking by Mrs. Checovetes, Greg and I went back to his den where he continued to show me some of his computer programming wizardry.  After talking some SIMBL and watching him intensely prepare to pursue his first SIMBL championship in which he is two wins away from, Greg and the family graciously led me back to my car where I had to leave to begin the long cross-country trek to Ruston, Washingon to meet up with Roosters GM Jamey Carter next in my "Hanging With" series as we continue chronicling all of the SIMBL's twenty-four GMS.  

SIMBL PLAYOFF HISTORY CLICK HERE

BRISTOL SLOWS DOWN CHICAGO RAMPAGE; UP 2-1 IN 2017 SIMBL CS

After A Murphy Shutdown In Game One, Owls' Offense Kicks Into High Gear In Game Two & Three Wins

Bristol CF Barry Grady (above) returned from a three-game absence due to injury to slam a home run in Game Two and a grand-slam in Game Three to give the Owls a 2-1 2017 SIMBL CS lead.  Grady, coming off a spectacular regular season as a UL MVP candidate, broke his own single-season stolen base record of 99 set in 2016 by stealing 103 bases this past season becoming the first player in SIMBL history to steal over 100 bases in a season.  Grady watches his Game Three grand-slam above.

2017 SIMBL CS Game One:
 
Chicago 3 Bristol 0
Chicago Leads Series 1-0
WP: Glenn Murphy (4-0) LP: Joey Coulston (2-1) SV: William Randazzo (6)
Player Of The Game: SP Glenn Murphy Chicago
8.2 IP 4 H 0 ER 1 BB 6 K
 
Chicago ace Glenn Murphy is making his SIMBL legend this postseason.  Owls held to four hits in the loss.

2017 SIMBL CS Game Two:
 
Bristol 6 Chicago 3
Series Tied 1-1
WP: Clemente Andujar (2-2) LP: Joshua Barber (2-2)
Player Of The Game: 1B Leroy Mankin Bristol
2 for 4 2 R 2 HR 2 RBI
 
Owls veteran Leroy Mankin crushes two home runs to give him 6 HR and 12 RBI this offseason.  Owls' young stud duo of Barry Grady and Harry Brune also homer in the win.

2017 SIMBL CS Game Three:
 
Bristol 6 Chicago 4
Bristol Leads Series 2-1
WP: Paul Dombroski (2-0) LP: Pedro Ramirez (0-1) SV: Richard Bell (7)
Player Of The Game: CF Barry Grady Bristol
2 for 4 1 R 1 BB HR 4 RBI GRAND SLAM
 
Bristol CF Barry Grady hits another home run, this time a grand-slam off of Chicago future SIMBL Hall Of Fame SP Pedro Ramirez to lead a five-run top of the seventh inning to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 6-3 lead and Owls win.

CHICAGO STUNS SAN DIEGO; HITMEN & OWLS ADVANCE TO 2017 SIMBL COVETED CUP

Chicago Humbles San Diego In Five Games In 2017 SLCS

Bristol Breaks Their ULCS Slump As Both Teams Advance To SIMBL CS For First Time

 

Chicago Hitmen mob reliever John Botick after the last out to clinch the 2017 SLCS stunning the defending SIMBL champions San Diego Warewolves in a shocking five games to advance GM Mike Lynch's team to the first SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series in team history.

Bristol Owls teammates celebrate their Game Six 6-5 comeback win over division rival Boston to win the 2017 ULCS.  The Owls used several comeback late-inning victories in the hard-fought series overcoming the Patriots' top-ranked bullpen in several rallies to advance GM Greg Checovetes to his first SIMBL CS after losing five consecutive previous ULCS in his thirteen-season tenure as Owls GM.

2017 SIMBL LCS MVPS:

Lenny Lamarga
2B Bristol
Glenn Murphy
SP Chicago

GM Mike Lynch's Chicago Hitmen stunned the seven-time SIMBL champion San Diego Warewolves of GM Paul Ware in rather convincing fashion in only five games as the Hitmen advance to the first SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series in team history.

Bristol GM Greg Checovetes' Owls ended their cursed slump of five consecutive previous ULCS losses by beating the division rival Boston Patriots of GM Dave Burgess in six games to advance also to the first SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series in team history.  The Owls came back from late-inning deficits in three of the wins repeatedly stumping the Union League's top-ranked bullpen in the process.

The 2017 SIMBL CS Games 1-3 SIM will be later tonight and announced via OOTP confirmation email and the SIMBL Message Board as usual.  Look for a LIVE SIM on the boards around 10 PM EDT tonight, March 5, 2010.

2017 SIMBL LCS Games Four:
 
Bristol 5 Boston 4
Bristol Leads Series 3-1
WP: Issac Hobart (2-1) LP: David Kimbell (0-1)
Player Of The Game: 2B Lenny Lamarga Bristol
4 for 5 2 2B 1 R 1 RBI
 
In the best playoff game of the 2017 postseason thus far, Boston closer David Kimbell blows a save of a 2-1 lead in the top of the eighth inning as the Patriots' bullpen falters again as they did earlier in the series.  Kimbell had been stellar all postseason previously until he allowed Bristol to take a 3-2 lead on back-to-back doubles by former 2016 SFA 2B Lenny Lamarga and CF Tyrell Unruh.
 
The Patriots came right back in the bottom of the eighth to take a 4-3 lead on a two-run double by All-Star 1B Earnest Burkey.
 
Unruh strikes again for the Owls in the top of the ninth with a game-winning single that scored the speedy Jeremy Bevil and heralded catching prospect Alfonso Olivarria, the SIMBL's current #1 overall prospect, to give the Owls a 5-4 lead.  
 
Reliever Isaac Hobart, obtained this season by Owls GM Greg Checovetes from Pocatello for situations just like this, shuts down the dangerous Hernan Colombo and rookie sensation Miguel Muniz for the whiteknuckle win.
 
Chicago 7 San Diego 3
Chicago Leads Series 3-1
WP: Glenn Murphy (3-0) LP: Benjamin Arvidson (0-1)
Player Of The Game: LF Elder Cuadrado Chicago
1 for 3 BB HR 1 R 3 RBI
 
San Diego GM Paul Ware mysteriously starts a former reliever, Benjamin Arvidson, indicating that the trade of Alberto Nunez and the loss of reigning SL Hurler Of The Year Richard Hassel may be hurting the favored Warewolves more than it has been shown. Chicago's little-known Elder Cuadrado belts a three-run off of Arvidson in the bottom of the sixth to give the Hitmen a 6-1 lead and they never look back and are one win away from the first SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series appearance in team history.

2017 SIMBL LCS Games Five:
 
Boston 5 Bristol 3
Bristol Leads Series 3-2
WP: Timothy Labelle (1-0) LP: Clemente Andujar (1-2)
Player Of The Game: 2B Hernan Colombo Boston
1 for 3 HR 4 RBI
 
All-Star 2B Hernan Colombo belts a three-run home run off twenty-game winner Clemente Andujar in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Patriots a 5-1 lead that they never would lose to close Boston's deficit to one game in the 2017 ULCS. Boston rookie SP and former first round pick Tim Labelle is masterful going eight innings allowing five hits, three earned runs and striking out ten.
 
Chicago 2 San Diego 1
Chicago Wins Series 4-1
WP: Joshua Barber LP: Bobby Grimes (0-2)
Player Of The Game: SP Joshua Barber Chicago
7.0 IP 9 H 1 ER 0 BB 2 K
 
After years of tormenting some of the league's very best pitchers in the playoffs, including historic matchups with future SIMBL Hall Of Famers James Sousa of Los Angeles and Oregon's Pedro Ramirez and often coming out on top, it is time that SIMBL legend Bobby Grimes had met his own match.
 
In a classic pitcher's duel, Chicago's 27 year-old lefty Joshua Barber, a former first-round draft pick himself, outdoes his idol in a 2-1 win to put GM Mike Lynch's Hitmen in the first SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series in their thirteen-season team history.  All three runs of the game were scored in the first inning.  Grimes goes seven innings allowing seven hits, two earned runs and striking out two.  Grimes finishes an uncharacteristic 0-2 with a 5.31 ERA in the postseason for the dethroned Warewolves.

2017 LCS Games Six:
 
Bristol 6 Boston 5
Bristol Wins Series 4-2
WP: Patrick Lauterbach (1-0) LP: Pedro Cajigas (0-1)
Player Of The Game: 2B Lenny Lamarga Bristol
3 for 3 BB HR 2 RBI
 
After posing the best bullpen ERA in the UL this season at 4.22, Boston's bullpen was it's Achille's Heel in the 2017 ULCS blowing three games and none more important than Game Six.  All-Star reliever  Pedro Cajigas blows a save by giving up a two-run game winning home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to former 2016 SFA Lenny Lamarga, who has come up big for Bristol this postseason, to allow the Owls to overcome a 4-3 deficit.  Holding onto a 6-4 lead, UL Fireman Of The Year favorite Richard Bell, who led the SIMBL with 46 saves this season, allows one run in the ninth then slams the door with a sigh of relief giving the Owls a 6-5 win and earning them a well-fought appearance in their first SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series in GM Greg Checovetes' thirteen-year tenure at the Bristol helm.  Checovetes had gone 0-5 in his previous ULCS attempts at reaching the SIMBL title series and now he has made it.  Due to some tough play and some uncharacteristic blown saves by the UL's best bullpen in the regular season.
 
Congratulations to Mike and Greg on their first SIMBL Coveted Cup berths and to Paul and Dave for great series and seasons.

SIMBL TRADED DRAFT PICKS PAGE CLICK HERE

2018 SIMBL DRAFT ORDER ANNOUNCED

Bearcats GM Hutchinson Eagerly Awaits With SIMBL-Record Four First-Round Draft Picks

For those SIMBL GMS sitting on the sidelines while the 2017 postseason plays out and who are eagerly awaiting the start of the offseason, the SIMBL League Office has announced the 2018 SIMBL Draft's four-round order.

San Diego GM Paul Ware eagerly awaits with the first overall pick of the upcoming draft that he acquired from Pocatello/Lowell in trading away ace Alberto Nunez to the Lumberjacks at the explosive 2017 SIMBL trade deadline.  Carolina GM Andy Hutchinson also looks to have a fun draft day with a SIMBL-record four first round draft picks.

The SIMBL's live draft goes four rounds and trading of draft picks are only allowed for the first four rounds up to only two seasons in advance:

2018 SIMBL Draft First Round:

1. San Diego (Via Lowell) (56-106)
2. New York (61-101)
3. New Orleans (61-101)
4. Lehigh Valley (63-99)
5. Marin (64-98)
6. Colchester (75-87)
7. Oregon (75-87)
8. San Diego (Via Mexico City) (76-86)
9  Hartford (76-86)
10. Los Angeles (76-85)
11. Asheville (Via Texas) (77-85)
12. Toronto (77-85)
13. Manhattan Beach (78-84)
14. Bend (79-83)
15. Carolina (80-82)
16. Las Vegas (84-78)
17. Dallas (90-71)
18. Asheville (93-69)
19. Carolina (Via Calgary) (94-68)
20. Carolina (Via Ruston) (95-67)
21. Carolina (Via Chicago) (96-66)
22. Boston (96-66)
23. Bristol (104-58)
24. Carolina (Via San Diego) (118-44)

2018 SIMBL Draft Second Round:

1. Lowell (56-106)
2. New York (61-101)
3. Las Vegas (Via New Orleans) (61-101)
4. Lehigh Valley (63-99)
5. Sacramento (64-98)
6. Colchester (75-87)
7. Oregon (75-87)
8. San Diego (Via Mexico City) (76-86)
9  Hartford (76-86)
10. Los Angeles (76-85)
11. Texas (77-85)
12. Toronto (77-85)
13. Manhattan Beach (78-84)
14. Bend (79-83)
15. Carolina (80-82)
16. New York (Via Las Vegas) (84-78)
17. Dallas (90-71)
18. Asheville (93-69)
19. San Diego (Via Pocatello Via Calgary) (94-68)
20. Ruston (95-67)
21. Chicago (96-66)
22. Boston (96-66)
23. Bristol (104-58)
24. San Diego (118-44)

2018 SIMBL Draft Third Round:

1. Bristol (Via Lowell) (56-106)
2. New York (61-101)
3. New Orleans (61-101)
4. Lehigh Valley (63-99)
5. Sacramento (64-98)
6. Colchester (75-87)
7. Oregon (75-87)
8. San Diego (Via Mexico City) (76-86)
9  Hartford (76-86)
10. Los Angeles (76-85)
11. Texas (77-85)
12. Toronto (77-85)
13. Manhattan Beach (78-84)
14. Bend (79-83)
15. Carolina (80-82)
16. Las Vegas (84-78)
17. Lehigh Valley (Via Dallas) (90-71)
18. Asheville (93-69)
19. Calgary (94-68)
20. Ruston (95-67)
21. Chicago (96-66)
22. Boston (96-66)
23. Bristol (105-58)
24. San Diego (118-44)

2018 SIMBL Draft Fourth Round:

1. Colchester (Via Lowell) (56-106)
2. New York (61-101)
3. New Orleans (61-101)
4. Lehigh Valley (63-99)
5. Sacramento (64-98)
6. Colchester (75-87)
7. Oregon (75-87)
8. San Diego (Via Mexico City) (76-86)
9  Hartford (76-86)
10. Los Angeles (76-85)
11. Texas (77-85)
12. Toronto (77-85)
13. Manhattan Beach (78-84)
14. Bend (79-83)
15. Carolina (80-82)
16. Las Vegas (84-78)
17. Lehigh Valley (Via Dallas) (90-71)
18. Asheville (93-69)
19. New York (Via Calgary) (94-68)
20. Ruston (95-67)
21. Bristol (Via Lowell Via Chicago) (96-66)
22. Boston (96-66)
23. Bristol (105-58)
24. San Diego (118-44)

LANCE'S "HANGING WITH" SERIES: COLCHESTER GM BRIAN VIOLETTE

By Lance Stanley
SIMBL Contributor

Hi again youngsters.  Lance Stanley Reporting.
 
We continue on with our reborn "Hanging With" series as we travel to the Northeast and meet Colchester GM Brian Violette at his home in Colchester, Connecticut.
 
We were greeted at the door by Brian's five children who led us to him in the living room where he was watching a Boston Celtics and University of Connecticut game (at the same time!) on his television set while having his trusty computer nearby checking his online leagues and the SIMBL.
 
Brian is an avid youth coach of his children whose greatest sports thrill was coaching his nine-year old son Jameson's youth football team to the league championship last November.
 
Violette is an avid OOTP veteran of several past and present leagues including the TMBU where he joins several other SIMBL GMS in competiton over there as well.
 
Brian joined the SIMBL midway through the 2016 season some six months ago and took over the charter Portland Punishers moving them to his native Colchester, Connecticut as the Choppers.  Brian quietly has put his own identity on a team that was former GM Jon Vicic's for the previous eleven seasons since league inception with some trades and development of past draft picks.  He has also become one of the most visable, though not frequently vocal, SIMBL GMS on the SIMBL Message Board as he can be seen logged in on a near-daily basis keeping up to date with the league.
 
Though the Choppers endured their fifth consecutive losing season and haven't had a playoff appearance since 2009, Violette helped them make one of the SIMBL's biggest improvements last season as they improved fourteen games on their win total from 2016 and tied for second-place in the SL West last season.
 
With stud 2B Duane Fuller, a former first-round draft pick, to be a perennial SL MVP candidate for seasons to come and young ace Derek Mendoza in place to lead the Choppers rotation and former first-round draft picks OF Gabriel Saavedra, 1B Thomas Flick and OF Ricardo Calvo all fulfilling their pre-draft expectations, Violette seems to have his Choppers on the right track with one of the SIMBL's best nucleuses of young players for the not-to-distant future in the SIMBL. 
 
Please tell us a little more about yourself:       
      
Name: Brian Violette    
Age: 40 
Home: Colchester, Connecticut    
Married: Yes   
Children (boys/girls/names): 4 boys, 1 girl: Donovan 14, Carter 12, Jameson 9, Noah 7, Anastasia 2    
Occupation: Branch Manager for Construction Supplier 
Hobbies/Interests: Coaching youth sports, Watching sports, Reading about sports, anything to do with sports 
Favorite sports teams: Boston Red Sox, Dallas Cowboys, Boston Celtics, casual Carolina Hurricanes   
Favorite college teams: UConn     
Favorite sports memory: Coaching my nine year old son and twenty-six other kids in the league football championship last November (we won)
Other OOTP leagues that you have teams in: tMBU, AHIBA3, DDB, BJHL 
Former OOTP championships: One: Figment League Baseball 
      
What do you enjoy about the SIMBL that makes it one of the premier OOTP leagues online?  We'd like to know what makes it special to you for you to invest the time that you do to the SIMBL?  
  
Reliable Commissioner, informative site, reading arguments between Jamey, Paul and Christian.
      
How much time per day do you spend on the SIMBL including the game, site and board?  When and where do you tend to login to the website?  Do you view the SIMBL Front Page regularly?
  
30-45 minutes. Quick review of forum at work, after work in-game and on forum and weekends. Yes.
  
What are the first things you do and check after a SIM notification is received?  Standings, game-by-game boxscores, etc...?
  
Standings and injuries. 
      
What would you evaluate your knowledge of the SIMBL, it's players and it's thirteen-season history?  What percentage would you say that you know of all it's players and their histories, records, etc...?  
  
Limited, 10-20%.   
      
What things would you change about the SIMBL if you could?  For example, are you satisfied with the player talent in the league, free agency, the draft, player development, participation points, etc...? 
  
Participation points and ability to increase FI, market size, etc,..

What changes, if any, would you recommend to the SIMBL Front Page and the operation of the league?  
  
Nothing, it looks good. 
      
What SIMBL team or teams besides your own do you like to follow?    
  
San Diego, I'm amazed at how good they are.  
      
Who are the top three or more players and pitchers in the SIMBL?  If you had to pick three players, young and/or veterans, to win a championship with who would they be?  Short-term? Long-term? 
  
San Diego's Aaron Rasch, Chicago's R.J. Poole, San Diego SP's Bobby Grimes and Bruce Tucker, Texas SP Justin Bushman. Same short-term. Long-term too many, although Colchester's Duane Fuller and Chicago's Henry Cheesman come to mind.    
      
Who are your favorite players on your team and why?
  
2B Duane Fuller, OF Gabriel Saavedra, OF Ricardo Calvo, SP Derek Mendoza. They are my best players and are young. Why else? 
      
Who are your favorite players and pitchers in the SIMBL not on your team?  
  
I don't really have any. 
  
What teams and players do you tend to root against?   
  
The team and players that are playing me each day.   
      
What SIMBL GM(s) would you say is your rival and why?   
  
I don't have any.     
      
What SIMBL GM(s) do you have to always keep an eye on and why?   
  
Christian, because he might try to 'Tardif' me...just kidding. 
      
What teams are the up-and-comers and to keep an eye out for in the SIMBL?   
  
Hopefully, mine. 
   
Brian, you've been an active trader and since entering the league. What is the best and worst trades that you have made in the SIMBL in your opinion?  
  
It's still to early to tell, but worst might be my Arthur Kohei trade with Calgary or my James Munguia trade with Chicago. Those were more salary dumps then me trading from a position of strength. 
  
Brian, you have made some selective moves and been patient since taking over the former Portland Punishers franchise.  Your team has improved and finished tied for second-place in the very tough SL West.  What is your plan and how do you intend on overtaking a powerhouse such as San Diego in your division?  
  
I'll just try to keep improving my record a little bit every year. Pray to the OOTP gods to bring the hammer down on 3/4 of their team. 
  
Brian, what are your plans to upgrade this offseason?  The Choppers obviously need pitching but do you intend to go after a big-name free agent like Osvaldo Quijada?  Solid SP Marcus Dinges and All-Star OF Jaime Gonzalez will also be on the market.  Any interest in them? 
  
I'm not sure yet. Unless some financial relief comes my way, I'm not sure I'll be able to make a big splash in this offseason's free agecy. Being interested and being able are two different things. 
  
Brian, Gabriel Saavedra has emerged into one of the very best hitters in the SIMBL.  He is a former first round pick of the team.  It has to feel good that the Choppers hit it big with that pick.  What are you intending to go after in the next draft for the Choppers?
  
Probably pitching, but ultimately the best player available. You can't be too picky when you are rebuilding/building a team. 
  
Brian, what do you feel about the Offense Revolution in the SIMBL after the conversion to OOTP X?  Will the league's pitching catch up and what do feel the league should do about it other than wait and see?
  
I think it's crazy and cheapens the record books. I believe pitching will catch up eventually. The question is will we stay with OOTP 10 long enough to see it happen. 
  
What frustrates you or incites you about your team, division, league or the SIMBL?   
  
I'm frustrated with how quickly my fan interest dropped. I'm excited that the Commish and others have identified that the small market teams need some form of help.   
  
Brian, you a veteran and also active in several leagues currently.  What are your opinions in comarison to the SIMBL to them?  Any suggestions or comments that could be given to SIMBL leadership?

Besides the leagues that I am currently in, I have been in several others that have disbanded or I have left (retired). SIMBL is by far in the top two leagues I have ever been in. 
   
What are your expectations of the Choppers next season and beyond?  
  
Slow and steady improvement. I see a few SL West titles and maybe a SIMBL championship. 
   
When can we plan on your Choppers taking the helm in the SL?  When can your dedicated Choppers fans realisticly expect to be holding the SIMBL Coveted Cup up high in Chopper City?
 
Three to four more years for the SL title.  Four to six more years for the SIMBL title. 
      
Who is/are the "Face Of The Choppers" and why?   
  
Besides myself, I would have to say Duane Fuller. He's my only All-Star and he just keeps getting better. 
      
Who is/are the future of the Choppers right now?    
  
Same answer, same reason.    
      
What is your opinion of the competitiveness that is sometimes shown on the SIMBL Message Board?     
  
I love it.  As long as we all remember that we're in this for entertainment. 
      
What other things are on your mind about the SIMBL that you'd like to conclude with?   
  
Christian, Paul, Jamey, keep up the good work. With you three in charge, I feel good about the present and future of the league.
 
After the interview, and after the conclusion of the Celtics and UConn games, Brian threw in the tape of his son's football championship game.  Ever the proud dad, Brian insisted that I watch the entire game with him including the several replays and slow-motion views that he made continuously with the remote.  Yes, even while we watched the game like it was a past Super Bowl, like a good dad he sent Jameson to bed with the rest of the kids as it was getting late.
 
Since I am now in Connecticut, I will be visiting Bristol GM Greg Checovetes next and then I am scheduled to go home and see my beloved wife Betsy for a day or two.  Then, it's time to serve the SIMBL again as I have to garner a flight out to the Great Northwest and visit the ever-vocal Ruston GM Jamey Carter in Ruston, Washington as Lance's "Hanging With" series of profiles all 24 SIMBL GMS continues.

HITMEN, OWLS UP 2-1 IN 2017 SIMBL LCS

Chicago Uses Dramatic Game Three Walk-Off Win To Take Lead Over San Diego In SLCS; Owls' UL MVP Candidate Grady Injured

Chicago's speedy CF Edgar Price (above) jumps high into the arms of his waiting Hitmen teammates upon crossing home plate on a single by Henry Cheesman in the bottom of the eleventh inning to give Chicago a walk-off win in Game Three of the 2017 SLCS and to put the Hitmen up two games to one over San Diego in the series.

Bristol SP Paul Dombroski (above) tips his hat to the Owls crowd after a masterful display in Bristol's 2-0 win in 2017 ULCS Game Two.  Dombroski, obtained at the 2017 trade deadline from New Orleans and a former first round draft pick of the Notes, outdueled Boston's Jose Bejar by throwing eight innings of three-hit no run ball to even the series at 1-1.

The Chicago Hitmen of GM Mike Lynch, using a dramatic playoff win in the bottom of the eleventh inning in Game Three, have gone up two games to one on GM Paul Ware's defending SIMBL champion San Diego Warewolves in the 2017 SLCS.

After losing Game One, GM Greg Checovetes' Bristol Owls have won two straight and lead the Boston Patriots of GM Dave Burgess two games to one in the 2017 ULCS.  The Owls attempt to break a 0-5 record in their previous ULCS attempts and try to make it to the SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series for the first time in team history.

Bristol UL MVP candidate Barry Grady, who set a new SIMBL record this season with 103 stolen bases, has been injured and will miss three days with a hand injury.

2017 LCS Games 4-7 will be played on Friday, March 5, 2010 or sooner as soon as all exports are received.

2017 SIMBL LCS Games One:
 
Boston 6 Bristol 4
Boston Leads Series 1-0
WP: Chance Hough LP: Clemente Andujar SV: David Kimbell
Player Of The Game: Hernan Colombo Boston
1 for 5 HR 2 RBI
 
Down 4-1, Boston scores five runs in top of the eighth.
 
Chicago 7 San Diego 6
Chicago Leads Series 1-0
WP: Glenn Murphy LP: Bobby Grimes SV: William Randazzo
POG: Israel Moton San Diego
2 for 5 HR 2 RBI
 
Chicago scores one run in top of ninth to go up 7-4 then San Diego rallies for two runs in the bottom of the ninth before former SL FOTY William Randazzo slams the door for the save. 

2017 SIMBL LCS Games Two:
 
Bristol 2 Boston 0
Series Tied 1-1
WP: Paul Dombroski LP: Jose Bejar SV: Richard Bell
POG: Paul Dombroski Bristol
8.0 IP 3 H 0 ER 3 BB 3 K
 
San Diego 5 Chicago 2
Series Tied 1-1
WP: Bruce Tucker LP: Joshua Barber SV: Bill Hyer
POG: Aaron Rasch San Diego
2 for 4 2 HR 3 RBI 

2017 SIMBL LCS Games Three:  
 
Bristol 9 Boston 7
Bristol Leads Series 2-1
WP: Isaac Hobart LP: Joshua Poulos SV: Richard Bell
POG: Bernard Sanchez Bristol
3 for 5 2B 3 RBI
 
Down 7-3, Bristol scores five runs in top of eighth and one in top of the ninth as Boston bullpen falters to give away win.
 
Chicago 9 San Diego 8 (11 Innings)
Chicago Leads Series 2-1
WP: John Bostick LP: Manuel Barraza
POG: Pablo Figueroa San Diego
3 for 6 2B 3B HR 4 RBI
 
In an epic playoff game, Chicago scores two in the bottom of the ninth to put the game into extra innings then SL Rookie Of The Year favorite Henry Cheesman singles in Edgar Price for the walk-off win in the bottom of the 11th to put the Hitmen up 2-1 on the defending SIMBL champions.

OWLS LOSE STAR LF GRADY FOR THREE GAMES IN ULCS

Bristol Catalyst Out For ULCS Games 3,4 & 5 With Hand Contusion 

Saturday, October 21st, 2017: Bristol fans will be disappointed to learn that Barry Grady suffered a hand contusion while running the bases in today's game. After the doctor informed the Bristol Owls manager that Grady was expected to miss 3 days, the manager told the press that the rest of the team would have to step up their play until the center fielder could return. "You can't make excuses in baseball, because there's always a game tomorrow," said the team's skipper.
 
Grady is swinging at a .358 pace on the year with 16 home runs, 107 RBIs and 136 runs scored and setting a new SIMBL record with 103 stolen bases in the regular season. He has played in 162 games. 

LANCE'S "HANGING WITH" SERIES: LAS VEGAS GM CARL HANNAH

By Lance Stanley
SIMBL Contributor

Hi again youngsters.  Lance Stanley Reporting.
 
Next off on the revamped Lance's "Hanging With" series we had to postpone on Bristol GM Greg Checovetes as it made better common sense to travel from Texas to Las Vegas to visit Hustlers GM Carl Hannah in Sin City.
 
After meeting me at a local casino across the street from Hustlers headquarters, we then ventured over to Carl's place for a sitdown interview.  As soon as Hannah opened the door, an avalanche of beer cans cascaded upon us and after tiptoeing through the alcoholic tsunami of cans, we each twisted open a cold one and got to know the trade-slinging Hustlers GM a little better.
 
Hannah joined the SIMBL only five months ago during the middle of the 2016 season but since then has quickly established himself as one of the most visable and participatory GMS in the SIMBL.  He took over a Hustlers team that won two of the previous three SIMBL championships and quickly evaluated the Hustlers and through a series of bold and brazen trades, has put his own stamp of identity onto one of the SIMBL's recent most successful franchises.
 
Whether posting passionately about league issues or bemoaning the disappointments of his beloved Hustlers on the SIMBL Message Board, Hannah has found a home in the SIMBL and looks to be around for a long time to give fellow GMS fits in competition as his talented Hustlers team has several key players in place for the long-term.
 
Name: Carl Hannah   
Age: 27 
Home: West Chester, PA 
Married: Nope 
Children (boys/girls/names): None that I know of. 
Occupation: Philosophy Major at WCU, also in the National Guard 
Hobbies/Interests: Ice Hockey, Beer. 
Favorite sports teams: Flyers/Phillies/SF Giants 
Favorite college teams: NCAA sports are horrid
Favorite sports memory: Keith Primeau's playoff runs with the Flyers, seeing the Phils win it all. 
Other OOTP leagues that you have teams in:  BCHBL 
Former OOTP championships:  None, but I have no problem leeching the former glory of the Hustlers brought by the previous GM Chip Orton. 
     
What do you enjoy about the SIMBL that makes it one of the premier OOTP leagues online?  We'd like to know what makes it special to you for you to invest the time that you do to the SIMBL? 
There are a bunch of really cool, dedicated people.  The website and forum are pretty professional as well.  It's just easy to see the effort that is put into it. Far more effort than, say, my team put into winning this past season. 
       
How much time per day do you spend on the SIMBL including the game, site and board?  When and where do you tend to login to the website?  Do you view the SIMBL front page regularly?
 
I'll generally have the website to either the SIMBL or BCHBL open on my desktop computer while I am doing other things.  So I can check pretty frequently.  But, aside from messing around, I don't spend a lot of time actually doing anything with my team.  Just keeping rosters and such updated. 

What are the first things you do and check after a SIM notification is received?  Standings, game-by-game boxscores, etc...? 
 
I check my record during the SIM and then for injuries.  And then I look at the standings and see what the other teams have did.  And then I wonder if (Calgary SP) Zachariah Tardif is ever going to lose a damn game and then I get enraged for awhile and then I go have a beer and then I come back and then I am fine. 
       
What would you evaluate your knowledge of the SIMBL, it's players and it's thirteen-season history?  What percentage would you say that you know of all it's players and their histories, records, etc...? 
 
I would say 25% right now since I am relatively new but I do know a lot of the first round picks and how they have done.  Plus, I play San Diego a lot and you are bound to discover a lot about the history of the league that way since (San Diego GM) Paul Ware always has a couple of Hall Of Famers on his team at any given time.   
       
What things would you change about the SIMBL if you could?  For example, are you satisfied with the player talent in the league, free agency, the draft, player development, participation points, etc...? 
 
No pick trading, free agent compensation, no SFA, no steroids, and possibly a heavy luxury tax over 90 million rather than a hard cap. Let's keep the game pure and see what happens. 
 
What features of the SIMBL and the SIMBL Front Page do you enjoy the most?  Are there any suggestions that you would like to see made or do you enjoy it as it is?
 
Custom written articles are the best feature.  Everything else is just ornamentation, really.  It's very nice to have but it's the people that run the game, ya know? 
       
What SIMBL team or teams besides your own do you like to follow?     
 
The teams in my divison, of course, and then Ruston and San Diego. 
       
Who are the top three or more players and pitchers in the SIMBL?  If you had to pick three players, young and/or veterans, to win a championship with who would they be?  Short-term? Long-term?
 
Right now, regardless of age, it is San Diego SP Bobby Grimes, San Diego catcher Aaron Rasch, and Ruston SP Napolean Lajoie. Obviously, I'd go with a guy like Texas SP Justin Bushman over Grimes long-term.  But Grimes is a freak of nature.  He may be a better ballplayer than Daryl Ryles and, obviously, that's comparing apples to oranges but Grimes is going to get 300 career SIMBL wins.     
       
Who are your favorite players on your team and why? 
 
SP Anthony Puffer and 3B Troy Baca.  Though Puffer has taken some pretty decent lumps for no reason.  The game engine is killing pitchers.  Puffer might be an over 3.00 pitcher from here on out which is really annoying.  Baca is going to finish his career in the desert. It's a testament to some of the crazy talent in the league right now that he probably won't get close to an MVP award in his career but he's as solid as they come.   
       
Who are your favorite players and pitchers in the SIMBL not on your team?   
 
Half the San Diego players.  It's easier to have favorite pitchers though, since they are rare.  Hitting .300 in this league doesn't mean jack right now unless paired with 20+ homers. 
 
What teams and players do you tend to root against?
 
All of them. 
       
What SIMBL GM(s) would you say is your rival and why?
 
Well, to be the best you need to beat the best and that is San Diego GM Paul Ware.  His team and GM Jamey Carter's Ruston Roosters have put a hurting on my team the past few seasons.  Obviously the teams in my division are the main rivals. 
       
What SIMBL GM(s) do you have to always keep an eye on and why?
 
Paul makes some amazing moves. 
       
What teams are the up-and-comers and to keep an eye out for in the SIMBL?
 
I'll let you know when one of them beats San Diego though Ruston has a very solid team. 
 
Carl, you've been one of the most visable, vocal and active GMS in the SIMBL since entering the league.  How do you describe your passion for your Hustlers, the SIMBL and the OOTP game?
 
Well, the Hustlers are the greatest team in the history of virtual sports.  That much is clear.  But having any sort of success against 23 other human beings who are doing their best to manage their teams is a great feeling.  Also, OOTP really captures the essence of baseball management.  I almost never play solo leagues and stick to 1-3 online leagues.  It's just a great game to play online to see how your choices improve or hurt your franchise. 
 
Carl, your Hustlers were one of the top teams in the SIMBL the past several seasons, winning two SIMBL rings in a three-season span.  This season, Las Vegas may be the biggest disappointment of the season.  How do you explain that and do you view some of your trades (example: CF Hugo Latta to Calgary for SP Joseph Allen, etc...) as a contributing factor to this?
 
Latta is in a contract year.  His history speaks for itself.  He's having a fluke year and would not have had a place in my lineup.  He'll return to earth next season with a fat, longterm deal that will really start to hurt after awhile.  Allen is a solid reliever now after being a two-time twenty-game winner just a couple seasons ago.  He just never was able to recover from a horrific series of injuries.  But starting pitching in this league is extraordinarily hard to come by.  I have several pitchers who pitched nowhere close to their ability levels even though my hitters, for the most part, have stepped up.  This season's hitting with last season's pitching and I have a championship caliber team.  Unfortunately, it just didn't work out well. 
 
Carl, who is your favorite past Hustler that has since come and gone? 
 
I don't really have a favorite.  If they were a favorite they wouldn't have been traded and the Hustlers don't exactly have a lot of players that have retired after having Hall Of Fame-worthy careers.  I will, however, campaign heavily for closer Frank Emery once he retires. He'll have 400 SIMBL saves.  That gets him in the SIMBL Hall. 
 
Carl, will the Hustlers remain in Las Vegas or are you venturing in other options that may include a future move of the team? 
 
Las Vegas is the place to be.  Gambling, fun, excitement, sun.  And I'm not sure the Pacific Northwest can handle another team.
 
Carl, how long do you plan on staying in the SIMBL?
 
For a long time to come.  Hopefully the players want to stay current with the software.  Maybe not update every year but certainly to OOTP 12 when it comes out. 
   
Carl, you've been an active trader and free agent hawk since entering the league.  What is the best and worst trades that you have made in the SIMBL in your opinion?   
 
Most of my trades have ended up being a wash though the Latta trade was bad.  I still think that his stats are driven by his contract year, however. The best was for CF Michael Kerry from Ruston.  Kerry is a solid player. 
   
What frustrates you or incites you about your team, division, league or the SIMBL?
 
I hate to see the major injuries to SP.  I think they happen a bit too frequently for a league that tries to emulate modern baseball.  Also, it's as if OOTP X doesn't think sports medicine exists in 2017.  These players just don't recover. 
   
What are your expectations of the Hustlers this season and beyond? 
 
I'm in the toughest division in the SIMBL with some of the best GMs in the SIMBL.  It will be a dogfight every season.  If my pitching rebounds, I'll be fine.  If not... 
   
When can we plan on your Hustlers taking the helm in the UL and SIMBL?  When can your dedicated Hustlers fans realisticly expect to be holding the SIMBL Coveted Cup up high in Sin City?   
 
Well, they can just remember back a year or two.  But, aside from that, the fans deserve to be in the playoffs every season.  We have the finances to field the best team possible and that's exactly what we will do.  But, the playoffs are an practical exercise in the phenomenon of small sample sizes.  If there were 21 game series, San Diego would win every year.  But, they are seven-game series and that means that luck is a huge, huge factor.  In addition, in seven games, a team with only three good pitchers has a shot against a team with five all-star pitchers. 
       
Who is/are the "Face Of The Hustlers" and why?   
 
Troy Baca, Anthony Puffer, and Frank Emery.  Though Emery keeps to himself, as evidenced by his low popularity. 
       
Who is/are the future of the Hustlers right now?     
 
Troy Baca and SP prospect and 2017 first round draft pick Jorge Palma are the future.  Palma is going to do great things in this league. 
       
What is your opinion of the competitiveness that is sometimes shown on the SIMBL Message Board?   
 
It's very good though it's no surprise that the most active members of the board are often the most successful GMs. 
       
What other things are on your mind about the SIMBL that you'd like to conclude with? 
 
It's a great league.  The switch to OOTP X has been interesting, to say the least.  I would strongly consider having Paul or Jamey do a test run with OOTP 11 after it is patched once or twice to see what converting it the SIMBL to 11 will do to the offense.  If the league becomes more balanced I would strongly consider changing over. 
 
Thanks to Carl for a great and entertaining interview and for being the good sport that he is around the SIMBL.  Next up we get in the car for the long cross-country ride to visit two-time SIMBL GM Of The Year Greg Checovetes in Bristol, Connecticut.
 
I will sending out more SIMBL GM interviews little by little to cover all 24 SIMBL GMS.  If you want interviewed before I reach you, please send me a PM via the SIMBL Message Board.

SIMBL PLAYOFF HISTORY CLICK HERE

AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR: IT'S BRISTOL VS. BOSTON, SAN DIEGO VS. CHICAGO IN 2017 SIMBL LCS

Is This The Season That The Owls Break Their Woeful ULCS Curse? 

Boston Patriots teammates celebrate after putting away the Calgary Clippers and advancing to the 2017 ULCS against their division rivals, the Bristol Owls.  The Patriots advance to the third ULCS in team history while the Owls will try to make it to the SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series after going 0-5 in five previous ULCS attempts.

Ruston 2B Charles Stanhope (above) watches his Roosters go down in 2017 SLDS Game Four against Chicago.  The Hitmen swept the SL East two-time defending champions making it two straight seasons that the Roosters have been given the broom in the postseason giving GM Jamey Carter a 0-8 career record in the playoffs despite solid starting pitching against Chicago.

2017 SIMBL LDS MVPS:

Daniel Klar 1B Bristol
James Scherer C Boston
Bruce Tucker SP San Diego
Glenn Murphy SP Chicago

The Bristol Owls hope that this time is a charm as GM Greg Checovetes makes his sixth trip to the ULCS with hopes of advancing to the SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series for the first time after failing in his first five attempts.  The Owls defeated GM Ted Williams' Bend Bandits 4-2 in the 2017 ULDS.  After leadiing the series three games to none, the Owls lost Games Four and Five to the Bandits before dispersing of them with a hard-earned 13-11 victory in Game Six.

The Owls make their sixth overall appearance in the ULCS and their fifth appearance in th past six seasons.  Bristol will face their division rivals, the Boston Patriots of GM Dave Burgess.  The Pats put away the Clippers of GM Christian DeMarco in five games to advance to the ULCS for the third time in team history and for the first time since 2015 when they advanced to the SIMBL CS where they lost to eventual champion Las Vegas in seven games.  It was the hard-luck Clippers' tenth time that they've been the SIMBL postseason without winning a SIMBL championship.

The San Diego Warewolves of GM Paul Ware and Chicago Hitmen of GM Mike Lynch meet in the SLCS for the third time and a rematch of the 2014 SL title series.

San Diego put away GM Pete McGowan's Asheville Smokies in five games to advance to their tenth overall SLCS appearance in thirteen SIMBL seasons.  Chicago swept GM Jamey Carter's Ruston Roosters in four games in the SLDS giving Ruston two consecutive seasons of being swept in the first round of the playoffs.  The Hitmen have made it to the SLCS twice previously falling to the Warewolves both times, in 2006 and 2014.

The 2017 SIMBL LCS Games 1-3 will be played on Thursday, March 4, 2010 or sooner upon exports or consents to SIM received.

2017 SIMBL LDS Games Four:
 
Boston 13 Calgary 10
Boston Leads Series 3-1
WP: Jose Bejar LP: James McEnitre SV: David Kimbell
Player Of The Game: James Scherer Boston
4 for 5 2 2B HR 5 RBI
 
Bend 9 Bristol 8
Bristol Leads Series 3-1
WP: Leo Puga LP: Isaac Hobart SV: Felix Urbina
POG: Tyrell Unruh Bristol
2 for 5 2 2B 5 RBI
 
Chicago 3 Ruston 1
Chicago Wins Series 4-0
WP: Glenn Murphy LP: Napolean Lajoie SV: William Randazzo
POG: Glenn Murphy Chicago
8.0 IP 6 H 1 ER 1 BB 5 K
 
Asheville 3 San Diego 2 (10 Innings)
San Diego Leads Series 3-1
WP: Thomas Hardnett LP: Evaristo Gonzalez
POG: Deangelo Ceja Asheville
8.1 IP 4 H 0 ER 0 BB 10 K

2017 SIMBL LDS Games Five:
 
Boston 4 Calgary 1
Boston Wins Series 4-1
WP: Clinton Ross LP: Steven Yingling SV: David Kimbell
POG: Hernan Colombo Boston
2 for 4 2B 3 RBI
 
Bend 9 Bristol 3
Bristol Leads Series 3-2
WP: Dustin Larimer LP: Seve Soto
POG: Dan Fuentes Bend
3 for 5 2B 3B 4 
 
San Diego 8 Asheville 6
San Diego Wins Series 4-1
WP: Bruce Tucker LP: Gino Pauling SV: Guillermo Camacho
POG: Michael Larson San Diego
2 for 5 2 HR 5 RBI

2017 SIMBL LDS Games Six:
 
Bristol 13 Bend 11
Bristol Wins Series 4-2
WP: Joey Coulston LP: Jose Pena SV: Richard Bell
POG: Daniel Klar Bristol
2 for 3 HR 4 RBI

LANCE'S "HANGING WITH" SERIES: TEXAS GM PAT FLANAGAN

By Lance Stanley
SIMBL Contributor

Greetings youngsters...Lance Stanley Reporting.
 
A while back I did a "Hanging With" series featuring profiles of the GMs of the SIMBL.  You can find them using the SIMBL archive search found in the Lifeline menu on the website or here in my section on the SIMBL forum HERE.     
 
We will be continuing that series with our GMs in the league and Texas GM Pat Flanagan is up to bat.
 
Flanagan is an original charter SIMBL GM and has been in the league since the league's inception and has seen it all.  He founded the Texas Roadrunners and conducted their 2005 Inaugural Draft.  He is one of five SIMBL League Board members and he is respected around the league for his perceptive and carefully thought-out opinions on league matters.  His Roadrunners have been to the big dance, the SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series, twice in his tenure, during the 2008 and 2013 seasons in which they lost both chances at the SIMBL championship.  Pat has survived one of the most infamous collapses in SIMBL history when his 2008 team led Pocatello three games to one in the 2008 SIMBL Coveted Cup only to watch the Timberjacks complete their worst-to-first finish that season and win three consecutive games to snag the 2008 SIMBL title away from Texas glory.  Flanagan's Roadrunners have won three division titles and two wildcard berths during his thirteen-season history in the SIMBL.
 
Please tell us a little more about yourself:
 
Name: Pat Flanagan
Age: 46 
Home:  Broadlands, VA (D.C. suburb) 
Married: Yes 
Children (boys/girls/names): Daughter - Nicole, 26; Son - Aaron, 18 
Occupation: Border Incursion Specialist 
Hobbies/Interests: Hockey, baseball, hockey, baseball 
Favorite sports teams: Washingtion Capitals, Boston Red Sox and the Washington Nationals, Washington Redskins, NBA sucks
Favorite sports memory: January 22, 1983.  Attending the Redskins/Cowboys championship game at RFK stadium where the Redskins' Dexter Manley sacks Cowboy's Danny White, knocking him out of the game with 32 seconds left in the first half.  I thought the stadium was going to collapse as 56,000 fans (yes, it was the smallest venue in the league for quite some time) jumped and rocked in unison causing the entire stadium to move with them.  The Redskins won the game and was the start of their journey on the Joe Gibbs Hall of Fame ride.  I've never been to a more intense, fan involved game of any type since then. 
Other OOTP leagues that you have teams in:  NOBL, eMLB Former 
OOTP championships:   You had to ask. No big one (in any league), several league championships.  You know, "always the bride's maid..." 
  
 Q. What do you enjoy about the SIMBL that makes it one of the premier OOTP leagues online?  We'd like to know what makes it special to you for you to invest the time that you do to the SIMBL?    
 
A  In my opinion, a successful premier OOTP league all revolves around the leadership.  I am here to participate and field the best team that I can.  As an owner/GM, that's my job.  That takes commitment and I enjoy doing it.  It takes another level of commitment to actually run a league and be successful at it.  Commitment at this level means more than just investing time and energy, it means dealing with all of the ups and downs of a league.  Not the least of which is dealing with 23 types of pesonalities known as owners/GMs.  Some folks may say its the quality of owners/GMs that makes a league.  That is also true, but its the Commish who fields the owner/GM pool and ultimately is responsible for making hard decisions to keep that pool in shape.  I think the leadership shown by Christian DeMarco is reflective of the success we have seen in reaching the premier OOTP level in the SIMBL.     
 
Q. How much time per day do you spend on the SIMBL including the game, site and board?  When and where do you tend to login to the website?  Do you view the SIMBL front page regularly?    
 
A. I try to get on the message board every day, usually before work.  On weekends I'm in and out all day. 
 
Q. What are the first things you do and check after a SIM notification is received?  Standings, game-by-game boxscores, etc...?  
 
A. Mail, Team Homepage, Roster, pitching rotation and batting order then various other activities.   
 
Q. What would you evaluate your knowledge of the SIMBL, it's players and it's thirteen-season history?  What percentage would 
you say that you know of all it's players and their histories, records, etc...?    
 
A. Honestly, outside of my teams, the only players I know details on would be the elite players of the league. 
 
Q. What things would you change about the SIMBL if you could?  For example, are you satisfied with the player talent in the league, free agency, the draft, player development, participation points, etc...?    
 
A. Nothing.  Each league I play in is set up differently and tweaks are always part of OOTP leagues.  Christian does a great job in getting owner/GM feedback and making decisions based on the league's needs. 
 
Q. What features of the SIMBL and the SIMBL Front Page do you enjoy the most?  Are there any suggestions that you would like to see made or do you enjoy it as it is?  
 
A. I enjoy the articles the most.  That may sound funny coming from someone who probably has contributed the least articles for publication.  And of course, you and your work, Lance, are tops on my list!     
 
Q. What SIMBL team or teams besides your own do you like to follow?
 
A. This is a canned answer.  My division, the UL West.  Bend, Los Angeles and Marin.     
 
Q. Who are the top three or more players and pitchers in the SIMBL?  If you had to pick three players, young and/or veterans, to win a championship with who would they be?  Short-term? Long-term?     
 
A. I think we have the premier pitcher in Justin Bushman.  Blaze's impact to our team in the coming years will be tremendous. Then there is Bobby Grimes who has had a tremendous career and continues to dominate on the mound. My third pitcher would be Glenn Murphy of the Hitmen.  Murphy will be a force to reckon with for many years to come.  Batters?  Aaron Rasch of the Warewolves tops my (and I'm sure others') list.  Add Troy Baca from Las Vegas and Joel Fusco from Lehigh Valley and I could work with that talent! 

Q. Who are your favorite players on your team and why?  
 
A. Dennis Hunt and Robert Carson.  Both pitchers came to the SIMBL level at about the same time, 11 to 13 seasons ago.  Though they may not know it or be outward about it, they have been the leaders of this team for most of their tenures here.  They are the faces of this organization. 
 
Q. Who are your favorite players and pitchers in the SIMBL not on your team?     
 
A. I am a true admirer of San Diego ace Bobby Grimes.  As for hitters, although we don't see eye to eye right now, it has to be our two-time UL MVP, 3B Osvaldo Quijada.   
 
Q. What teams and players do you tend to root against?
 
A. Whoever we are playing.
        
Q. What SIMBL GM(s) would you say is your rival and why?    
 
A. Other than each of my division rivals, Bend GM Ted Williams, Marin GM Jason Gregory and Los Angeles GM David Bliley, the team we are up against on any given day.     
 
Q. What SIMBL GM(s) do you have to always keep an eye on and why?  
 
A. Again, the UL West Division.        
 
Q. What teams are the up-and-comers and to keep an eye out for in the SIMBL?    
 
A. I think Lehigh Valley is really putting together a team that will be a force in the near future.  Iron Pigs GM Sebastian Pruiti has a very young and talented team on both sides of the field, hitting and pitching.  Fill a couple of holes with veteran leadership via trade or off-season acquisition and they could be dominant. 
 
Q. Pat, you are an original charter SIMBL GM and have been here since the beginning of the league.  You are a SIMBL League Board member as well. How do you describe your passion for your Roadrunners, the SIMBL and the OOTP game that has kept you around these parts for so long now?  
 
A. The love of baseball. Plain and simple. 
 
Q. Pat, your teams in Texas have always been known for their pitching and you have had success in winning multiple divisions with that theory.  Is it your ballpark and do you regret ever going out and obtaining a big bat and more offense that may have cost your a chance at a SIMBL championship?
 
A. I am without question partial to pitching.  I truly believe that pitching wins and loses games.  A single, dominating pitcher with a complimenting closer will win games for you.  On the hitting side, you would need a full lineup of talented hitters to overcome a single shut-down starter.  Some may disagree with that theory but that is where I choose to invest the greater portion of my salary because its more bang for the buck in my mind.  What that does is take salary away from the hitting part of our game.  That has affected our ability to produce runs as much as maybe we need to.  No regrets, though. 
 
Q. Pat, you made a big splash by outbidding several other SIMBL GMS for former Asheville ace Justin Bushman in a big trade earlier this season.  How do you feel about that trade and what you gave up for him?
 
A. You know, I seem to have been called the winner in that deal but for some reason I didn't see it that way.  I think both teams accomplished their goal with that deal and both sides received tremendous talent.  I gave up two first round draft picks and two very young, talented players. It was a tough decision to pay such a high price for even a player of Blaze's talent.  Asheville GM Pete McGowan took a lot of unfounded grief for the move.  We both will benefit from this transaction.  
 
Q. Pat, your two-time UL MVP Osvaldo Quijada has stated he will enter SIMBL free agency this offseason and leave the Roadrunners organization.  He is one of the biggest names to enter free agency in several seasons.  How do you feel about losing the player you drafted #2 overall in 2007 and is a future SIMBL Hall Of Famer and how will you replace him in the Roadrunner lineup?
 
A. Of course we will miss having Osvaldo in our lineup. He has been with us for 12 seasons and for whatever reason, he feels the need to move on.  We will go forward and deal with the gap he will leave behind somehow.  We have an idea of what we plan on doing but I don't want to elaborate here. 
 
Q. Pat, who is your favorite past Roadrunner that has since come and gone?  
 
A. Albert Dykstra, our longtime catcher and eight-time Gold Glover, was always a favorite of mine. 
 
Q. Pat, how long do you plan on staying in the SIMBL? 
 
A. I don't know.  Probably until Mrs. Flanagan gets tired of me sitting at the computer responding to long interviews <smile>.  Actually, no plans to leave anytime soon. 
 
Q. Pat, you've taken some heat by sometimes not going out and pulling the trigger on a deal that could've helped your team rise up in your division and have made very few, but selective, trades in your 13-season reign as GM of the Roadrunners.  What do you say to your critics on this?
 
A. I see trading as a limited and selective way of filling gaps in a team.  When an opportunity to acquire impact players such as Bushman, I always way the pros and cons and usually find it to be a con to give away talented players and coveted draft picks.  And many times get outbid for them because of this.  I prefer to add talented players to my team, not trade them away.  This means utilizing the draft and free agency market.  
 
Q. What frustrates you or incites you about your team, division, league or the SIMBL? 
 
 A. Not a lot.  I have been described as pretty laid back and it would take a lot to frustrate or incite me.  It hasn't happened yet in this league.  
 
Q. What are your expectations of the Roadrunners this season and beyond?  
 
A. This season has been frustrating for our team and I'm sure our fans.  We expected to be in a better position for the playoffs.  After this season, we may lose Osvaldo Quijada and some of our veteran players will be reaching the twilight of their careers.  I think there may be some changes coming and hopefully they will be for the best.    
 
Q. When can we plan on your Roadrunners taking the helm in the UL and SIMBL?  When can your dedicated Roadrunners fans realistically expect to be holding the SIMBL Coveted Cup up high in the Deep South?  
 
A. Next season.     
 
Q. Who is/are the "Face Of The Roadrunners" and why?  
 
A. As stated previously, the combo of Dennis Hunt and Robert Carson.     
 
Q. Who is/are the future of the Roadrunners right now?
 
A. Justin Bushman without a doubt is one to watch.  Reinaldo Abella and Joseph Wicks are talented young hitters who we look forward to developing into a premier batters.       

Q. What is your opinion of the competitiveness that is sometimes shown on the SIMBL Message Board?  
 
A. I personally like it.  These type of discussions are what helps to develop leagues like the SIMBL in premier leagues.       
 
Q. What other things are on your mind about the SIMBL that you'd like to conclude with? 
 
A. Just keep up the good work, Christian and thanks to all of the owners/GMs in the league for making the SIMBL a truly premier league.
 
Thanks to Pat for being such a stable and integral part of the SIMBL and for taking time from his busy schedule to sit down with us for this version of "Lance's Hanging With" series.  We will be going back on the road to profile what makes the SIMBL the league that it is, each and every GM that is the heartline of this fine league, youngsters.
 
Next, we kiss my beloved wife Betsy goodbye for another roadtrip and head up to the Northeast to visit two-time SIMBL GM Of The Year Greg Checovetes in Bristol, Connecticut and the ever-active Carl Hannah across the country in Las Vegas. 

SIMBL STAT OF THE DAY: MOST RBI OVER FIVE-YEAR SPAN

Future SIMBL Hall Of Famers Dominate Half-Decade RBI List

738 Daryl Ryles 2007-2011
710 Daryl Ryles 2008-2012
702 Daryl Ryles 2005-2009
693 Daryl Ryles 2006-2010
661 Daryl Ryles 2009-2013
661 Daryl Ryles 2010-2014
655 Daryl Ryles 2011-2015
598 Eddie Meas 2005-2009
597 Kenny Blumberg 2007-2011
590 Kenny Blumberg 2008-2012
589 Kenny Blumberg 2006-2010
587 Michael Quiros 2012-2016
584 Luis Franco 2006-2010
582 Jose Arenas 2013-2017
578 Luis Franco 2007-2011
577 Jose Zena 2007-2011
577 Santiago Hernandez 2013-2017
576 Luis Franco 2008-2012
574 Glenn Knapp 2008-2012
572 Kenny Blumberg 2005-2009
571 Maiku Inejiro 2007-2011
571 Michael Quiros 2013-2017
570 Daryl Ryles 2012-2016
569 Luis Franco 2005-2009
568 Mike Chisholm 2005-2009

SIMBL 2017 LDS GAMES 1-3 BOX SCORES CLICK HERE

OWLS, 'WOLVES & HITMEN SMELLING SWEEPS; PATRIOTS UP 2-1 IN 2017 SIMBL LDS

Ruston Loses Two Heartbreakers Plus Star Outfielder Espinosa For Rest Of Playoffs Due To Injury

Chicago Hitmen teammates celebrate a three-run comeback win in the bottom of the ninth inning over Ruston in 2017 SLDS Game One.  The Hitmen also came back in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game Two to hold a 3-0 series lead over the Roosters in what has been the most exciting series thus far in the 2017 SIMBL playoffs.

Bristol, San Diego and Chicago have all gone out to 3-0 leads and look for sweeps in the 2017 SIMBL LDS.  Boston leads Calgary 2-1. 
Chicago and Ruston have had the most exciting series as Chicago scores three runs in the bottom of the ninth in Game One to steal the win and scores two in the bottom of the eighth to steal another win in Game Two.

San Diego scores a walk-off win in 13 innings over Asheville in Game Two.  Warewolves closer Bill Hyer has one win and two saves in the three games.

2017 SIMBL LDS Games 4-7 will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2010 or as soon as all eight playoff teams exports or consents to SIM are received sooner.

2017 SIMBL LDS Games One:
 
Boston 9 Calgary 3
WP: Chance Hough LP: Steven Yingling
Player Of The Game: Randell Kimberly Boston
4 for 5  2B 2 RBI

Bristol 8 Bend 7
WP: Cristian Maldonado LP: Leo Puga
POG: Donny Dorado Bend
2 for 5 HR 3 RBI

San Diego 6 Asheville 3
WP: Bruce Tucker LP: Gino Pauling SV: Bill Hyer
POG: Bruce Tucker San Diego
8.0 IP 4 H 3 ER 2 BB 5 K

Chicago 5 Ruston 4
WP: Jesus Rodriguez LP: Jamal Walker
POG: Ralph Parrish Chicago
3 for 3 2B 3B 3 RBI

2017 SIMBL LDS Games Two:

Boston 3 Calgary 2
Boston Leads Series 2-0
WP: Scott Mendiola LP: Zachariah Tardif SV: David Kimbell
POG: Scott Mendiola Boston
7.2 IP 8 H 1 ER 0 BB 3 K
 
Bristol 7 Bend 3
Bristol Leads Series 2-0
WP: Joey Coulston LP: Jose Pena SV: Isaac Hobart
POG: Harry Brune Bristol
3 for 4 2 RBI

Chicago 5 Ruston 4
Chicago Leads Series 2-0
WP: John Bostick LP: John Pitzer SV: William Randazzo
POG: Frank Simmons Chicago
1 for 4 HR 3 RBI
 
San Diego 8 Asheville 6 (13 innings)
San Diego Leads Series 2-0
WP: Bill Hyer LP: Benny Lopez
POG: Pablo Figueroa San Diego
2 for 4 2B HR 3 RBI

2017 SIMBL LDS Games Three:
 
Calgary 3 Boston 2
Boston Leads Series 2-1
WP: Javier Martinez LP: Joshua Poulos SV: Lester Almaraz
POG: Javier Martinez Calgary
8.0 IP 2 H 1 ER 1 BB 5 K
 
Bristol 9 Bend 3
Bristol Leads Series 3-0
WP: Clemente Andujar LP: Tony O'Quinn
POG: Daniel Klar Bristol
3 for 4 2B HR 4 RBI
 
Chicago 5 Ruston 2
Chicago Leads Series 3-0
WP: Joshua Barber LP: John Nelson SV: William Randazzo
POG: Joshua Barber Chicago
8.0 IP 6 H 2 ER 0 BB 6 K
 
San Diego 7 Asheville 5
San Diego Leads Series 3-0
WP: Rayford Lingo LP: Juan Lopez SV: Bill Hyer
POG: William Oney Asheville
3 for 4 HR 2 RBI

RUSTON STAR ESPINOSA OUT FOR REMAINDER OF POSTSEASON

Tuesday, October 10th, 2017: Ruston fans will be disappointed to learn that Jose Espinoza suffered an intercostal strain while making a defensive play in today's game. After the doctor informed the Ruston Roosters manager that Espinoza was expected to miss 3-4 weeks, the manager told the press that the rest of the team would have to step up their play until the right fielder could return. "You can't make excuses in baseball, because there's always a game tomorrow," said the team's skipper.

In 141 games Espinoza is hitting .336 this season with 182 hits, 25 home runs, 132 RBIs, 96 walks, .432 OBP and has scored 114 runs.

SIMBL PLAYOFF HISTORY CLICK HERE

2017 LDS MATCHUPS SET; BEND & ASHEVILLE END SIMBL'S LONGEST PLAYOFF DROUGHTS

Sunday, October 8th, 2017: The regular season set the stage and pruned down the number of title contenders. Now the clubs that made the cut will go at it on the diamond in the 2017 SIM Baseball League playoffs. It's the first step in the race to win the SIMBL Championship Series trophy. The SIMBL LDS starts today with these clubs set to battle:

Bend Bandits versus Bristol Owls, Calgary Clippers versus Boston Patriots, Asheville Smokies versus San Diego Warewolves and Ruston Roosters versus Chicago Hitmen. 

Congratulations to Bend Bandits GM Ted Williams who ended the SIMBL's longest playoff appearance drought of ten seasons by winning the 2017 UL West title.  The Bandits appear in the playoffs for the first time since 2006 after appearing in the first SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series the season before in the 2005 SIMBL Inaugural Season where they lost to San Diego in the title series.

Calgary GM Christian DeMarco's Clippers return to the playoffs by winning their ninth UL Central division title in thirteen SIMBL seasons and make their tenth playoff appearance overall.  The Clippers bounce back from a 73-89 season last year, the first losing season in franchise history.  Calgary also holds the cumbersome distinction of appearing in the most SIMBL postseasons without a single SIMBL championship.  The Clippers held off GM Robert Don's Dallas Texans in the UL Central by 3.5 games.  Calgary meets Boston in a rematch of the 2015 ULCS when the Patriots knocked the favored Clippers out of the playoffs in six games.  Calgary knocked out Boston in seven games also of the 2011 ULCS, so these two teams have a rivaled history in past playoff history.

The Clippers will face GM Dave Burgess' Boston Patriots who return to the postseason after a one-season absence.  The Pats were the surprise of the SIMBL two seasons ago when they made it to the SIMBL Coveted Cup Championship Series where they lost in seven games to Las Vegas.  Boston makes the third playoff appearance in team history. 

Bristol GM Greg Checovetes, the reigning SIMBL GM Of The Year, wins his seventh division title and second consecutive UL East title and make their eighth playoff appearance overall in the SIMBL's thirteen seasons of play and are the UL's top-seed for the second straight season.  The Owls face Bend in the first round.  The UL's playoff field this season will consist of all original charter SIMBL GMS.

San Diego goes their tenth season with 100 or more wins and GM Paul Ware's Warewolves win their unprecendented thirteenth consecutive SL West division title.  The defending SIMBL champions take on GM Pete McGowan's Asheville Smokies in the first round of the SLDS.  McGowan makes his first SIMBL playoff appearance in his first season in the league.  The former Belle River/Tacoma II franchise make their first playoff appearance in a decade as the SL wildcard.

Ruston GM Jamey Carter's Roosters win their second consecutive SL East crown and take on the SL Central champion Chicago Hitmen of GM Mike Lynch in the other SLDS matchup.  The Hitmen win their sixth division crown and return to the postseason for the first time since the 2014 season where they made it to the SLCS losing to San Diego in five games.

2017 LDS Games 1-3 will be held on Monday, March 1, 2010.

Good luck to all of our 2017 playoff teams and congratulations to ALL SIMBL GMS on another successful and fun regular season together in the SIMBL.

The usual banter that follows a SIMBL regular season, the announcement of the 2017 All-SIMBL Team, voting on the GM Awards, updating of the SIMBL Wall Of Fame and the recognition of records broken will all be forthcoming in the days to come as we head towards the offseason, free agency, the 2017 SIMBL Draft and the upcoming 14th brand new season of SIMBL play.

The ever-revolving SIMBL will feature four franchise relocations for next season.   GM Tim Melican's Pocatello Timberjacks will move to Lowell, Massachusetts as the Lumberjacks.  GM Tim Hageman's Dalton Dawgs will move to Manhattan Beach, California as the Seals.  Marin GM Jason Gregory's Mountainmen will move to Sacramento, California as the Giants and Birmingham GM Jay Tannehill's Blue Sox will move to Mexico City as the Rattlers.  New logos and uniforms are being prepped and readied as we speak in time for the upcoming 2018 SIMBL season.

SIMBL STAT OF THE DAY: 2017 SIM 25

Often overlooked due to the star power of his teammates, San Diego's Santiago "Saint" Hernandez (above left) has driven in 100+ runs in each of the last seven full seasons he has played.  Hernandez has two 30 HR/30 SB seasons under his belt and holds the record for most home runs in his debut season in SIMBL history with 35 HR in his SL Rookie Of The Year campaign back in 2010.

35 Santiago Hernandez SAN DIEGO 2010
35 Duane Fuller COLCHESTER 2014
33 Michael Quiros SAN DIEGO 2012
27 Michael Hussey SAN DIEGO 2016
27 Tommy King LAS VEGAS 2015 27
27 Raphael Herrera OREGON 2016
25 Zeus Baxter ASHEVILLE 2016
25 Pablo Figueroa SAN DIEGO 2014
22 Ray Barrot ASHEVILLE 2011
22 John Salters TORONTO 2016
22 R.J Poole CHICAGO 2014
21 Jose Espinoza LAS VEGAS 2012
20 Bill Souder BEND 2009
20 Scott Plummer ASHEVILLE 2017
20 Ramon Ortiz OREGON 2016
19 Michael Larson TORONTO 2010
18 Richard Cummings OREGON 2006
18 Walter Scott POCATELLO 2007
17 Cane Wilson MARIN 2006
17 Tokukichirou Shigematsu BROOKLYN 2009
17 Lance Foley DALLAS 2015
17 Tony Wasser BEND 2012
17 David Silvas DALLAS 2015
17 Jewel Kerney TACOMA 2006
16 Gary Entwistle MARIN 2013

HITMEN TAKE OVER WILD SL CENTRAL; 2017 PLAYOFF FIELD TAKING SHAPE

Will 'Wolves' Reigning SL HOTY Hassel's Season-Ending Injury Be Significant Enough To Slow Down The Defending SIMBL Champions This Postseason?

SIMBL playoff GMs are hopeful that the powerhouse and six-time SIMBL champion San Diego Warewolves' rampage to the 2017 postseason is slowed down now that GM Paul Ware has lost his reigning SL Hurler Of The Year Richard Hassel (above) for the rest of the season due to a senseless strained ACL suffered while running the bases in 2017 SIM 25 with the 'Wolves' thirteenth consecutive SL West division title long past locked up.

The SIMBL is down to it's last SIM of the season coming up this Saturday and some unfinished business will be taking place.

Chicago GM Mike Lynch's Hitmen took two of three against Asheville GM Pete McGowan's Smokies last SIM to climb above the Smokies and take a three-game lead in the SL Central after being one game back last SIM.  With five games to play, the Hitmen have a magic number of three to clinch the division.  Whatever happens in the wild SL Central, Asheville and Chicago both have clinched a wildcard berth no matter who prevails in the division.

Congratulations to Ruston GM Jamey Carter and his Roosters as they have clinched his second consecutive SL East division crown.  San Diego GM Paul Ware's Warewolves have clinched their unprecedented thirteenth straight SL West title as well.  The SL playoff field is set with the top-seeded Warewolves taking on either the Hitmen or Smokies in the first round.  The Roosters will square off with the SL Central division winner as well.

The SL playoff field has opened up so to speak as the powerhouse Warewolves, who are seeking their seventh SIMBL championship in the past thirteen seasons, lick their wounds by losing one of their "Big Three" starters as last season's SL Hurler Of The Year, Richard Hassel, has been lost for the rest of the year with a strained ACL.

Congratulations to Bristol GM Greg Checovetes whose Owls clinched their second straight UL East title and his seventh division title in thirteen seasons.  Boston GM Dave Burgess needs one more win to lock up the UL wildcard.  Bristol will likely face the winner of the still undecided UL West: GM Ted Williams' Bend Bandits, Texas GM Pat Flanagan's Texas Roadrunners or Los Angeles GM Dave Bliley's Los Angeles Meat Puppets.  The Bandits sport a 1.5 game lead over the Roadrunners and with five games to play and look to end the SIMBL's current longest playoff drought of ten seasons.

Calgary GM Christian DeMarco's struggling Clippers have a magic number of two to lock up their first UL Central Division in three seasons and their ninth overall.  The Clippers will likely face the Patriots in the ULDS with Bristol squaring off with the UL West winner.

All told there will be five new playoff teams this season out of eight as Dallas, Los Angeles, Oregon, Las Vegas and Dalton will all be sitting home this postseason after making the playoff field last year.

SIMBL RECORDS FALLIN':  Los Angeles stud SS Jose Arenas, a favorite for the second UL Slugger Of The Year/MVP of his career, has reached 162 RBI this season and leads the SIMBL.  Arenas' total is the second-highest single season RBI total in SIMBL history next to Daryl Ryles' 172 RBI record set in 2008...Bristol's Barry Grady has broken his record of 99 stolen bases set last season and became the first player in the SIMBL's 13-season history to steal 100 or more bases.  Grady sits at 101 with five games to play in the 2017 season...Chicago slugger R.J. Poole has hit 48 homers this season, and joins four other players: Ryles, Maiku Inejiro, Mike Chisholm and Wilfredo Espana (all retired except Ryles), as the only players to hit 48 or more taters in a SIMBL season.  Poole has five more games to become the second player in SIMBL history, outside the storied Ryles, to hit 50 homers in a single season.

TEXAS' 'PREDATOR' TO WALK

Roadrunners' Two-Time UL MVP To Enter SIMBL Free Agency At Season's End

Texas superstar 3B Osvaldo Quijada (above) caused rumblings around the SIMBL announcing that he will leave the Roadrunners after twelve seasons and enter 2018 offseason free agency.  The two-time UL Slugger Of The Year and seven-time All-Star is enjoying another outstanding season hitting .291 with 21 HR and 93 RBI as he seeks the eighth 100+ RBI season of his career. 

In a press conference held today in Texas, 32 year-old Roadrunners star 3B Osvaldo "The Predator" Quijada announced that he will be entering SIMBL Free Agency this offseason making him the highest-profile player to enter the traditionally weak annual FA classes since future SIMBL Hall Of Fame SS Luis Franco left Toronto to sign with Brooklyn (now New Orleans) after the 2007 season.  Franco, second all-time with 364 career home runs and third all-time with 1189 career RBI, signed a $19,750,000 a season/five-year deal with the former Cyclones.  The contract remains the highest ever in SIMBL free agency history and the second-highest seasonal salary in SIMBL history.

Quijada is a two-time UL Slugger Of The Year/MVP having won the award in 2011 and 2014.  The former second overall draft pick of the 2006 SIMBL Draft is a seven-time All-Star who is nine home runs away from joining the exclusive 300 HR Club.  Quijada, who will turn 33 years-old on January 8, 2018, is 8/6/9/5/7-rated and one of the top players in the SIMBL.  The twelve-year veteran has spent his entire SIMBL career with the Roadrunners. 

He has hit .296 in his career with 291 HR and 1164 RBI while scoring 1019 runs.  He will be the youngest player in SIMBL history to achieve 300 HR and also 1000 RBI.

"It is time for me to explore my options.  It is time for me to leave the Roadrunners after this season," said Quijada, who led Texas to two SIMBL Coveted Cup appearances in 2008 and 2013 losing both of them.

"This is a huge blow for us and we will be exploring our options, just as Osvaldo is, to replace him in our lineup immediately," said a bewildered Texas GM Pat Flanagan when informed of Quijada's decision.

It has also been announced that Dalton's 32 year-old star outfielder Jaime Gonzalez, second all-time in SIMBL history with 678 career stolen bases, ninth all-time with 1190 career RBI and a three-time SIMBL All-Star, will leave the Dawgs and enter the 2018 SIMBL Free Agency class as well as Oregon SP Marcus Dinges as both players are refusing to talk to their respective teams on contract extensions.

It will be interesting to see what SIMBL GM makes financial moves in order to be able to sign 'The Predator' this offseason and in doing so, gaining one of the top players in the SIMBL.

TOP CURRENT SIMBL SALARIES:

1 SP Pedro Ramirez Chicago $18,400,000  
2 1B Glenn Knapp Dalton $18,300,000  
3 3B Daryl Ryles San Diego $17,800,000  
4 C Zeus Baxter Asheville $17,500,000  
5 CF Comet Verae Ruston $16,026,000  
6 SP Cesar Perez Marin $15,010,000  
7 LF Kato Batajungi Toronto $15,000,000  
8 SS Richard Cummings Oregon $14,980,000  
9 SP Randy Koufax New York $14,800,000  
10 1B Michael Giroux New Orleans $14,000,000  
11 RF Terrance Gwynn Boston $13,850,000  
12 LF Jaime Gonzalez Dalton $13,000,000  
13 SP James Sousa Los Angeles $13,000,000  
14 SS James Yates Birmingham $13,000,000  
15 SP Robert Carson Texas $12,620,000  
16 CL Frank Emery Las Vegas $12,500,000  
17 1B Tommy King Las Vegas $12,500,000  
18 SS Lance Foley Dallas $12,450,000  
19 SP James Munguia Chicago $12,000,000  
20 CL Chiohiko Morie Texas $11,880,000  
21 RF Jose Espinoza Ruston $11,500,000  
22 2B Lenny Lamarga Bristol $11,500,000  
23 RF Bruce Lorenzo Bristol $11,000,000  
24 C Ronald Ono Hartford $11,000,000  
25 SP Anthony Puffer Las Vegas $11,000,000

HUGE POSTSEASON BLOW: SAN DIEGO ACE HASSEL OUT FOR SEASON

'Wolves' Reigning SL Hurler Of The Year Finishes 18-5 With 3.47 ERA; Out For Five Weeks With Strained ACL

Saturday, September 30th, 2017: San Diego fans will be disappointed to learn that Richard Hassel suffered a strained anterior cruciate ligament while running the bases in today's game. After the doctor informed the San Diego Warewolves manager that Hassel was expected to miss 5 weeks, the manager told the press that the rest of the team would have to step up their play until the starting pitcher could return. "You can't make excuses in baseball, because there's always a game tomorrow," said the team's skipper.

So far this season, Hassel has logged a 18-5 record with a 3.47 ERA. He has started 33 games, hurled 220.1 innings and registered 164 strikeouts and 54 walks. 

HARTFORD'S JACKSON HAS SEASON-HIGH TWENTY-SIX GAME HIT STREAK ALIVE

Friday, September 29th, 2017: Nathaniel Jackson ran his hitting streak to 25 straight games today at Bear Cave, when he collected 2 hits in 4 at-bats.

"Hey, the streak is great. I hope it never ends. But I'm not happy when we lose the game," was his comment after Hartford was beaten 6-2 by the Toronto Rush.

"The scoreboard tells the whole story."
N. Jackson flied out in the 1st, flied out in the 3rd, doubled in the 6th and doubled in the 8th.

Currently Jackson has 9 home runs and a .330 batting average. 

OWLS' BRUNE & 'WOLVES' HUSSEY WIN 2017 SIM 25 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK AWARDS

Both Players Heating Up For 2017 SIMBL Postseason

Monday, October 2nd, 2017: One of the league's most exciting young players, Harry Brune of the Bristol Owls earned himself Union League Player of the Week honors with a standout performance in last week's games.

For the week the 22-year-old right fielder had a lofty .600 average (12-20), collecting 3 home runs, 9 RBIs and 6 runs scored.

Thus far this year Brune is batting .331 with 29 home runs, 127 RBIs and 111 runs scored. 

Monday, October 2nd, 2017: His hard work and hustle paid off this week. The hard-working and hard-playing Michael Hussey was rewarded with the Syndicate League Player of the Week honors.

The scrappy San Diego Warewolves first baseman hit .444 while collecting 12 hits in 27 at-bats, 5 home runs and 13 RBIs.

Currently Hussey is batting .326 with 43 home runs, 158 RBIs and 126 runs scored. 

TEXANS' FOLEY & 'WOLVES' HUSSEY NAB SEPTEMBER 2017 PLAYERS OF THE MONTH AWARDS

San Diego 1B Approaching Superstardom With Monster Season: .326 BA 43 HR 158 RBI

Sunday, October 1st, 2017: The Union League has made it official -- Lance Foley is the winner of the Batter of the Month trophy.

In September, the Dallas shortstop starred with a .393 batting average, 6 home runs and 27 RBIs. Foley also had 11 walks, posted a .449 on-base percentage and scored 27 times.

Foley is hitting .301 this season with 25 home runs, 102 RBIs and 110 runs scored. He has 182 hits in 605 at-bats. 

Sunday, October 1st, 2017: When Michael Hussey stepped up to the plate in September, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Syndicate League Batter of the Month award.

The young San Diego first baseman posted a .352 batting average with 11 home runs, 32 RBIs and scored 22 runs. Hussey also worked pitchers for 10 walks to post a .400 on-base percentage.

On the year Hussey is hitting .326 with 217 hits, 43 home runs, 158 RBIs, .369 OBP and has scored 126 runs. 

CALGARY'S TARDIFF & CHICAGO'S BARBER NAMED SEPTEMBER 2017 PITCHERS OF THE MONTH

Clippers' SP 10-0 With 2.29 ERA In 14 Starts Since Controversial Trade From T-Jacks

Sunday, October 1st, 2017: Calgary Clippers hurler Zachariah Tardif was rewarded today with the Union League Pitcher of the Month honors. Tardif, 26, realizes that pitching isn't all about how hard you can throw, it's about accuracy and about picking yourself up even when you've had a run of bad luck.

"I'd like to say I don't give them anything to hit," said the Calgary starter, "but that's not true. Every pitcher gives up a long ball now and then. Usually there's at least one mistake in each at-bat, but you've got to battle through your mistakes and build some positive momentum. The rest will fall into place."

Things did fall into place for Tardif. In September he took the ball for 43.2 innings while notching 16 strikeouts, a 2.27 ERA and a 4-0 record.

To date this season Tardif sports a 13-11 mark with a 3.63 ERA in 32 starting assignments. He has held the opposition to a .280 batting average and has 94 strikeouts in 223.1 innings. 

Sunday, October 1st, 2017: When Joshua Barber takes the hill, there's a good chance for a Chicago victory. At least that's the way it was in May.

He excelled with a 4-1 mark and a 2.09 ERA in 6 starts, tossed 38.2 innings, fanned 27, and held enemy hitters to a .258 average.

That's why the Hitmen star was honored today as the Pitcher of the Month by the Syndicate League.

To date this year in 33 starts, Barber has crafted a 14-7 mark with a 4.30 ERA.