Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#361 Post by Reg »

It's not often that you get a second chance, and even less common for it to come so quickly, but Carlton Wilson didn't want a second opportunity to win against the Thoroughbreds pass him by. It was a game that should have been over, a two out two run shot in the top of the ninth forced the Trendsetters to try and mount a win in the bottom of the inning. They loaded the bases and Wilson strode to the plate. He swung at the first pitch he saw, amped to finish the game. He missed, the second pitch he sent straight to the second baseman, and the threat was over, extra innings were on. A scoreless tenth, as well as the top half of the eleventh saw the Trendsetters ready to push across some runs for a win.

It happened again, two outs, bases loaded, Wilson with a chance to redeem himself. If it was a movie then there would probably have been a moonshot, crashing lights, or at least the cover separating from the ball (of course Wilson has yet to even hit one home run in his PEBA career) - but instead Wilson straightened out a pitch to hit a line drive base hit to shallow center field allowing the winning run to score.

"You just kind of felt it," Wilson pondered, "I just knew that I wasn't going to miss on another opportunity, the momentum had swung back our way and I was going to take advantage of it."
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#362 Post by Reg »

Why did they have to have a good week? 2-8 over the last ten games and suddenly they break out of their funk and lace together some great games. If they hadn't it would be easy, trade, sign, beg steal and borrow, whatever you gotta do to get some more pitching. But nope, they go off and hit a good stretch and the knee jerk is to say - yep that's what I expect of them, even though their larger body of work paints another story, one of futility and mediocrity. It's almost like they knew they were running out of chances - and so they collectively got together and said "tighten up"...you win this one starting rotation...this time...you win
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#363 Post by Reg »

The seven million dollar man, SP Matt Allison, who many believe may be the steal of the draft, pitched in his first action up in Anchorage for the Mighty Moose. It was a loss, but he did pitch 6.1 innings fanning 8 and walking 3. He allowed one run on a 2 out walk with the bases loaded. Adam Payne, the other starting pitcher taken by the Trendsetters in the early round, was recently signed and will see his first action at Anchorage shortly.

Will Allison live up to his price tag- that remains to be seen, but it is one of the benefits of having cash just seemingly lay around here in New Orleans as the budget has yet to catch up with the revenue stream of a team that wins 50% of the time. His first outing was certainly a success and continued in the vein of his last season, versus his previous seasons. One area that the Trendsetters must improve on is in the quality of pitching and getting Allison is a step in the right direction. Especially as this recent draft seemed scarce on quality pitching talent.
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#364 Post by Reg »

After posting identical records the Trendsetters made a very small splash in free agency this season. They signed Al Edwards to shore up the hot corner spot. The door at 3b has ever been revolving in New Orleans even though it has been home to two PEBA legends in short spurts (Mark Richardson and Ollie Morris). Jerry Neal's cup of coffee in 2017 that looked so promising ended up being over cooked and grainy. While he is still with the team, there are less and less spots available for him. Edwards is coming off a down year - but if he can return to anywhere close to his previous form he will be a huge upgrade over the trio that combined to hit .201 last year. Ramsey will move to short stop as he is a much more natural player there than Wilson, and Carlton will take up second base. Lambert will most likely move to first and Morimoto will be given the DH duties for now.
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#365 Post by Reg »

The Trendsetters will begin their season away from the friendly confines of New Frontier park against division opponent West Virginia. West Virginia remains somewhat of a question heading into the season, as last year they finished tied for last in the Dixie (although just 3 games behind New Orleans and 10 behind 2nd place) and they lost two of their offensive stars in Suarez and Harmon. They still have a young core of hitters in Mercer, Davis, and Oliveira that will put up decent numbers if healthy. However, finding replacement production for their departed stars should be a main concern. Their rotation, much like the Trendsetters, lends to more questions than answers. At this point it seems they will be trotting out similar guys from last year and hoping for better results.

The Trendsetters will have 2 new members entering the rotation this season, and two familiar faces find themselves pitching out of the bull pen. Gary Edwards a recent free agent acquisition will get the nod in the #3 spot as Joe Wolfe will move from the bullpen to the #4 spot. Glenn Dixon will hold down the ace spot as the Trendsetters believe he can continue to improve and be one of the best pitchers in the IL. Following him will be Carlos Pena who won 14 of his 28 starts and a spot in the rotation. Austin Williams, a rule V draftee last year, will get a second campaign to see if he really can cut it at the PEBA level.

Morimoto is one home run away from breaking the 500 mark- chances are he will do that in West Virginia, but fans would love to see him do it in person when New Jersey comes to town. Either way, the Trendsetters will be breaking out the celebration festivities to honor one of New Orleans favorite players. There has not yet been a PEBA season where Morimoto has hit less than 31 home runs. As consistent as he has been, many fans are talking about other hitters with a buzz of excitement. Dave Nash has quickly risen to the ranks as a top PEBA hitter and if he can stay healthy will improve on his brand this season. The Trendsetters added Al Edwards to have a solid presence at the hot corner. Ramey and Wilson will contribute with hits and team up for twin killings. Although, Wilson will miss the first week of the season due to a spring injury.

Series Prediction: Trendsetters 3, West Virginia 1 as the Trendsetter offense outlasts the West Virginia offense Confidence level: 50%

New Jersey will bring pretty much the same team that won 85 games last year, and would have most likely won more if not for being a notoriously slow starting team and injuries. They have a great combination of pitching and offense, though last year their offense was able to outshine the pitching staff. New Jersey focuses on hitters making contact and successfully launching the ball into the stands on a regular basis to wear opposing pitchers down. Big question on the pitching staff is will a 37 year old arm hold up to the rigors of summer ball?

Series Prediction: Trendsetters 1, New Jersey 2 Confidence level: 30%
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#366 Post by Reg »

Game 1 in West Virginia:

Notes of neat: Game time temperature: a chilly 38 degrees, RuleV draftee Hurley collects his first major league hit, Number 500 is a 407 foot blast to right field...a standing ovation follows the home run trot

Notes of not so neat: 4 at bats 4 strike outs for Cabrera and Serrano, a two error inning (including one from the normally sure handed Cabrera) is killer as it leads to 4 runs being scored

The Trendsetters really shot themselves in the foot on this one. The fact that the 1-2 hitters went 0 for 12 is not a good sign, though it is indeed early. Dixon picks up the loss, but actually pitches a superb game - outside of the ugly fourth...

WV 6 - NO 2

Game 2 in West Virginia


Notes of Neat: heat wave 48 degrees this time around, Nash smashes back to back home runs...too bad no one can get on base that hits in front of him, Hurley collects his first PEBA RBI, Pena's line through 5 1 run 5 hits, seven strike outs, Justin Smith hits one of the longest home runs in Watts Powell field history at 453 feet

Notes of not so neat: Pena hits Davis in the first inning...retaliation for his home run yesterday??? Cabrera continues his terrible start - 8 strike outs in a row before walking in his last at bat.... Pena's first four batters of the sixth 2B, hr, hr, hr

One big inning puts this away for WV - 1,2,3 hitters - 2 for 14 - Hurley collects a 3 hit game in his second PEBA game

WV 8, NO 3

Game 3 in West Virginia


Notes of neat: Justin Smith hits another 450 foot home run, Cabrera does something other than striking out, the offense finally looks like it has life

Notes of not so neat: Gary Edwards first PEBA batters hit a home run off of him, a single, and a double, Davis gets hit again - no hard feelings right?, Rodriguez ends the game with a k, tying run on third...peptobismol is passed out for all players and fans

Edwards pitched well for his first real PEBA action and comes away with career victory number 1

NO 8, WV 7

Game 4 in West Virgina


Notes of neat: Edwards with his first NO homerun, Wolfe pitches 5 solid innings 3 runs on 5 hits...

Notes of not so neat: Wind carries out first Davis home run barely clearing the fence at 327 feet, perhaps we should just back to just throwing at this guy, lots of hard hit trendsetter at bats, no of them finding any room to fall, WV scores on a balk - doesn't happen very often, another home run by Davis...we sure are making this guy look good

Trendsetters manage just 3 hits and push just one run across....so much for a high powered offense

WV 6, NO 1

Game 1 New Jersey at New Orleans


Notes of neat: Parks calls the pitch out and catches the Man of Steal, Cabrera steals 2nd, 3rd, comes home on a throwing error, a sac bunt someone rolled over in their SABRgrave, Collins threw out 2 of 2 would be base stealers...a second sac bunt....somebody buy this team a copy of Moneyball - book or movie...Williams goes 7 and allows 4..not too bad for our number 5....

Notes of not so neat: 3 run second killer for starter Austin Williams, 2 of the three Trendsetter hits come in the 3rd inning,

Just three hits again for the Trendsetters...you better believe some lineup reordering is in order, not to mention Wilson returning within a week....

New Jersey 5, NO 1

Bad stat line of the week - Edwards, Cabrera, and Ramey combined for a 11 for 51 performance (.215) from our top of the lineup....
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#367 Post by John »

Congratulations to Morimoto! It's the moment we have all been waiting for! He has set himself as the standard by which all future PEBA sluggers will be judged, and everyone will remember that he hit #500 in a Trendsetters uniform. :D
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#368 Post by Reg »

2 more games versus NJ:

New Jersey picked up its first win after dropping their first three to London. New Orleans offense seems to be offensive with Rainey who hit above .500 for spring training forgetting how to hit, Cabrera who clamored in the off season to be in the top of the lineup has struck out 10 times in 22 plate appearances, and while Al Edwards has gotten a hit in the last four games, pretty much the top of the lineup failed during the first week. Look to see Hurley get a chance to hit in the number 2 spot. Wilson will get another week of recovery before being activated.

The Trendsetters will face Twinkle Toes in his first start of the year and then staff ace Rodriguez who lost after allowing three runs across against London. Dixon and Pena will take the mound for the Trendsetters. Jones, Ishikawa, and Hough have gotten off to a good start for the Hitmen on the offensive side of things.

Hopeful we can pick up one against old Twinkle Toes in the middle game of the series.

3 games vs. Conneticut

The new look Nutmeggers will follow the Hitmen on the home stand. Conneticut is 1-2 and will finish a series in Charleston before arriving in New Orleans. 9 runs pushed across for the Nutmeggers in their first game for the win, only three total in the following two games. Boyscout will be looking to right the ship after a tough first game versus Arlington.

New Orleans will send out Gary Edwards, Joe Wolfe and Austin Williams to battle on the mound.

Series prediction: 1 NO, 2 Connecticut With New Orleans offense struggles, and similarly the Nutmeggers recent struggles, may come down to pitching, which usually means the short end of the stick for New Orleans

4 games at Charleston:


So far Charleston is 2 - 2, though both of the losses were by one run. Charleston has the arms to compete in any game, so hopefully, the Trendsetter offense will have broken out of the first week slump and ready to put up good numbers. Right now nobody is a world beater on offense for Charleston, though Prentiss is always a dangerous bat.

Series prediction: 2 N0, 2 CST Betting on the bats to come to life by mid April
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#369 Post by Reg »

Heads roll in Trendsetter bullpen fiasco.

4/14/19-

"Sickening," Cobb spat out as he answered another question related to the bull pen this season. Tanner, who was more diplomatic, stated, "Look we knew we weren't trotting out world beaters, but we thought they could at least manage a few games. Instead, they look like people trying to put out fire with gasoline." The free fall began with the bull pen posting a dismal 8.00 earned run average through the first five games. It wasn't good, but it wasn't anything to panic about. Until they posted a 9.78 earned run average over the next 8 games. Including losing a game by allowing 18 to be pushed across in the end. Two of the main culprits have been singled out and will not be with the big league club any more. McAllister is being sent to the AAA club, King refused a demotion and has been placed on irrevocable waivers. Neither pitcher was happy about moving to the bull pen out of the starting rotation - and now they can be unhappy in a new place. Ono, who became director of scouting in the off season, questioned whether either player really had the make up to pitch at the PEBA level. "I feel like King was just one of those guys the organization held out hopes for just too long...his lack of control should have sent him packing. Sentimentality isn't always bad, but when you look at how things are now, well we should shoved that guy out the door two years ago." Monk is being sent to the AAA affiliate, though it is doubtful he will be invited back to the big league club without drastic needs. The biggest bone to pick with the two pitchers is that they have been walk machines, both averting about 4 walks per 9 last year. "We got several all-leather caliber defenders in the field, giving free base runners is just not going to cut it," stated the opinionated former third baseman.

New faces and some roster movement will most likely be in store for the beleaguered bull pen.
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#370 Post by Reg »

After scoring a total of 15 runs in the first five games of the season and posting a team batting average of .228, the New Orleans bats woke up over the past 8 games. Of course, a single game that sees 15 runs and 20 hits is going to help any statistical week. Morimoto has been on quite a tear since posting number 500 in the opening game of the season hitting a home run every 10 plate appearances. Rainey has awoken from his opening season lull and is joined by rule V draftee Dave Hurley in having a fantastic week. Hurley's early play has put the Trendsetters in a bit of a conundrum as Carlton Wilson comes back this week healthy. Wilson has a .302 career average and was expected to be the starting 2B, but Hurley has been hitting well as of late. Preliminary plans are to slowly allow Wilson back into the lineup alternating with Hurley on starting.

While it is still early in April there is some rumbling about the security of manager David Parks. Parks has managed the Trendsetters since 2008, which has included a Rodriguez cup. But the Trendsetters have not had a winning record since 2010. Identical records over the past two seasons has some fans restless. One change that Cobb has forced down through the ranks is the use of pitch counts. Parks has been notoriously hard on pitchers, with some critics voicing the opinion that he has too slow of a hook. Pitchers who can't be efficient with their pitches will see their pitching time reduced. Other voices simply ask if there doesn't need to be a changing of the guard, a new voice in the clubhouse. Parks is 68 and it is believed that the front office would like to see him retire into a special adviser and an ugly firing would ruin any chance of that.

Ono has finished a thorough look at the AAA pitching staff and has found them to be lacking in talent to support the big league team. Several former hot prospects have simply not developed the way that the team felt that they would and should. Kevin Johnson, Ryan Lee, and no McAllister never developed much control in their pitching and with Cobb's new emphasis on pitch counts may not have much of a future with the team. McAllister fall has been particularly steep, of the 15 batters he faced this season , 10 reached base. Maybe there is someone out there who would like to make a reclamation project, but right now he remains in the dog house. Ono has been combing the free agent ranks for some passable talent to bolster the AAA pitching staff, while Tanner has been busy on the phone talking about several current PEBA relievers. Rumor is that Francisco Chavez will soon be a Trendsetter and expected to bolster the reeling bullpen.
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#371 Post by Reg »

The Trendsetters are now one game under .500 after winning 6 of their last ten. While it is still early, keeping close to .500 helps stay that way throughout the year. Changes to the bull pen and pitching management shaw a sharp increase in quality relief work. From 9.00 earned runs to less than three over a 4-2 span. Hopefully that Trend continues and infects the starting pitching as well. Morimoto is using April to remind pitchers to fear him after a somewhat anemic year last year. Wilson is slowly getting back to form after recovering from his injury. Francisco Chavez made an immediate impact.
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#372 Post by Reg »

While finishing April at .500 - the goal for the season - May has not been kind to us. Jarrod Wright, former Trendsetter DH, feasted on Trendsetter pitching while the Calzones were in town. The starters and bull pen were equally poor over the last 8 games, which is disappointing as the bullpen had looked as if it was turning a corner after the solidifying presence of Chavez. Lucio Cisneros has pitched particularly poorly, developing control problems (8.9 walks for 9.0 innings) where none had existed in his previous years. His role will diminish as another newly acquired reliever, "The Undertaker", will look to get increased opportunities.

The offense has continued to roll averaging slightly less runs per game than only Arlington and San Antonio. Mostly behind the strength of Morimoto, Nash and Edwards. Serrano has gone down for three weeks, but he was off to a slow start and it will be a trial period for Alonso Martinez - backed up by Robert Lugo - as it looks like the Trendsetters may not open the pocketbook to keep Serrano around.
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#373 Post by Reg »

June has become a month of role reversal for the offense and the pitching. The pitching has really come on strong and the batting has really stunk up the clubhouse. The dramatic failures have caused some shuffling to occur in the Trendsetter lineup. First, Damon Lambert is being demoted to the bench until further notice. Super prospect Wilson Munoz got the call and in his first ever PEBA game smashed a 2 run shot. The kid oozes power and generally posts a .950 plus ops, whatever he is hitting at. Secondly, Serrano goes down with another month long injury, and so the Trendsetters will be trotting out Rob McGrath into right field. He is naturally a designated hitter, but the need for a bat is at this time out weighing the need for a glove. Ramey looks to be on the outs with the current front office. Ramey wants to extend, but the rumors are that the Trendsetters would let him walk for a song if someone were to be so kind as make an offer. Strong play early on from Rule V draftee Hurley has caused Ramey and his slightly more expensive contract to be expendable. Al Edwards will be healthy in a few days and so the crunch could see Lambert or Ramey on the waiver list.
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#374 Post by Reg »

The quickly approaching all-star break means dream crushing reality is sitting in for many fans of PEBA teams. This is once again...not their year. The Trendsetters are one such team and so Jack Cobb has tried to put a positive spin on things, with little success...here is an excerpt from a blog he writes to inform the fans:

"Where is the silver lining? Well, draft picks are better than lottery tickets and we will have them in overabundance next year. Also, remember how you could come to the games and have no need for a program because you had every boring lineup memorized, well no longer, each week you will likely see a new combination of hitters and pitchers taking the field for the home team!

Not to mention, you used to expect our team to win. Now you expect them to lose. But when they win, can you say paaaarrtttttttayyyyyyyy!"

Always insightful information from Cobb.

The Trendsetters started a mini flurry of trading in mid June, moving top starter Glenn Dixon, middle reliever Edgardo Rodriguez, and top power hitting prospect Wislon Munoz for a collection of draft picks and prospects. Tanner has stated that many of the prospects will get a chance to perform now rather than later. The most likely candidate is slick fielding Bartolo Chavez. Chavez can play any position, but his range, hands and arm make him especially good on the left side of the diamond. In his first action with the Braggarts, he hit under .200, but he collected one home run and 5 runs batted in. The Trendsetters could use a good glove up the middle after the mediocre defense Wilson provides at short stop.

Rumors are that the Trendsetters will be putting together a rotation comprised mainly of old timers. Pitchers who are 30 and above (many past their primes). Headlining this rotation will be recently acquired Hamilton Cole. Sources say that the Trendsetters have changed the words to the dance show opening catch phrase and now every inning that Cole gets through without giving up a run will be celebrated by a play through of "Cooooolllllleeeee train". Hopefully there will be enough innings of this that fans will get tired of it...
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Re: Talking Trends - Team Blog (short thoughts)

#375 Post by Reg »

Bob Swift was selected by the Trendsetters in the 2nd round, 8th pick. "I remember that the scouts didn't necessarily burst with enthusiasm over his upside, but his stats were to hard to pass on," stated Tanner. "Especially since he had the wherewithal and ability to play CF or 3B, both extremely hard spots to fill well in any line up."

Swift signed a modest bonus and landed on the HI-A team for the Trendsetters. He has played in 23 and has taking to HI-A pitching like a fish to water. He is hitting a home run once every 6.4 at bats to the tune of 16 home runs and 30 runs batted in over his recent debut into the minors. Defensively, he has spent the most time at 3B where he as earned a 1.4 zone rating. Swift has also walked 18 times while striking out 17.
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