Sunday, August 10, 2008
A Season in Review
More of the same in New Orleans but reason for optimism... The Pelicans avoided another NL South last place finish and won 70 games - a one game improvement over last season. Season 6 waiver wire claim Michael Woo was the offensive MVP for the Pelicans posting a .310 Avg with 36 HR and 102 RBI. Offensive ROY honors go to Dan "the Franchise" Franco who played in only 62 games but was very impressive posting a .332 Avg with 10 HR, 48 RBI, 27 SB and a .437 OBP.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
New Orleans Catches a Break
Local fans and talk radio questioned the judgment of Pelicans management not too long ago when they made it known they were willing to trade Cliff York and pick up most of his remaining contract. Management also let it be known they were not looking for much in return but were just looking to get "something" for the star slugger that never produced in New Orleans. It was rumored that New Orleans was close to a deal with St. Louis earlier in the season but the two clubs could never come to an agreement. One team insider called the deal, "nothing more than rearranging chairs on the Titanic" due to the players and contracts involved.
The final straw for York and the Pelicans came in the series against Ottawa when York only produced 1 RBI and allowed 9 SBs while only throwing out 1 runner. York was designated for assignment and Craig Bowen was promoted to AAA. Then the Pelicans finally caught a break when York was claimed off waivers by San Antonio. The move opened up nearly $4 million in contract space that the Pelicans plan to use to sign another international player or two.
The final straw for York and the Pelicans came in the series against Ottawa when York only produced 1 RBI and allowed 9 SBs while only throwing out 1 runner. York was designated for assignment and Craig Bowen was promoted to AAA. Then the Pelicans finally caught a break when York was claimed off waivers by San Antonio. The move opened up nearly $4 million in contract space that the Pelicans plan to use to sign another international player or two.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Winning?
New Orleans has surged into 2nd place in the NL South by winning 7 or their last 8 games. Before you stop the presses it should be noted that the Pelicans are still 17 games out of 1st!
Friday, June 27, 2008
4 for 4 with 4 HRs!
Dan "The Franchise" Franco turns in one for the ages in the 6.26.08 game vs. Oklahoma's AAA team. Franco was 4 for 4 with 4 HRs and 7 RBIs. Asked for his thoughts on the game Franco simple said, "I'm ready for the show"
Draft Recap
It is the happiest time of the year for New Orleans fans... the Draft! Each season New Orleans fans basically only have the draft and minor league playoff runs to look forward to and the draft at least makes the nightly news. The Pelicans went into this draft looking to try and solidify their 3rd base situation. They were looking for a college player who would be ready in a couple of seasons. The Pelicans went into the draft with the 6th overall pick and ended up getting 7 players out of their Top 100 during the first 211 picks. However, doubt and controversy will linger over this draft for seasons to come. New Orleans had Trace Robertson at the top of their draft board based on need but many in the front office felt that Kordell Forbes should have been the top target. While still others wondered what the fuss was given that the Pelicans were drafting 6th. Both players were still on the board when New Orleans drafted at 6 and the advocates of drafting a 3B ended up winning out.
So on to the draft recap!
1. Trace Robertson - Rated as one of the top SS prospects Robertson will play 3B for the Pelicans. Not an overly flashy player but should bat for a nice average with some power. The biggest concern with Robertson is that he won't reach his arm strength and accuracy projections and New Orleans will be stuck with another 2B or light hitting OF.
2. Osvaldo Bennett - Another 3B but will probably end up playing 2nd or OF. Projects out as a solid bat and should be able to contribute at the big league level.
3. Calvin Stahl - Ehh, nothing special here but has an outside shot at making the bigs.
4. Vladimir Campbell - It pretty much goes without saying that this will end up being a wasted pick. Campbell doesn't have the defensive skills to make up for his lack of offense.
5. Robert Romano - Outside shot at making the big league team. Decent offensive skills might just be enough to make him a cheap bench player for a few seasons.
Long Shots
1. Jeff Stankiewicz - 18th rd pick that has a shot at being a setup man. However, already being 22 is a major disadvantage but could make the show if he progresses rapidly.
2. Homer Dunham - 19th rd pick that is in the same boat as Stankiewicz.
Most Rediculous
1. Wolf Ledesma - 24th rd pick that is being represented by his mother and is demanding $5.5 million!
So on to the draft recap!
1. Trace Robertson - Rated as one of the top SS prospects Robertson will play 3B for the Pelicans. Not an overly flashy player but should bat for a nice average with some power. The biggest concern with Robertson is that he won't reach his arm strength and accuracy projections and New Orleans will be stuck with another 2B or light hitting OF.
2. Osvaldo Bennett - Another 3B but will probably end up playing 2nd or OF. Projects out as a solid bat and should be able to contribute at the big league level.
3. Calvin Stahl - Ehh, nothing special here but has an outside shot at making the bigs.
4. Vladimir Campbell - It pretty much goes without saying that this will end up being a wasted pick. Campbell doesn't have the defensive skills to make up for his lack of offense.
5. Robert Romano - Outside shot at making the big league team. Decent offensive skills might just be enough to make him a cheap bench player for a few seasons.
Long Shots
1. Jeff Stankiewicz - 18th rd pick that has a shot at being a setup man. However, already being 22 is a major disadvantage but could make the show if he progresses rapidly.
2. Homer Dunham - 19th rd pick that is in the same boat as Stankiewicz.
Most Rediculous
1. Wolf Ledesma - 24th rd pick that is being represented by his mother and is demanding $5.5 million!
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