First trade of 2012

Well after the draft was completed the Knights found themselves with a surplus of closers. 4 potential closers are not needed to start season but getting another solid SP was a top priority. Lucky we found Broskey who wanted to move one. Josh Beckett was an ace last year. While we don't expect that to repeat. Took a chance on breaking his history pattern. If he is able to produce some what close to last year I will have improved my SP by a lot. I am hoping Beckett can throw 200 Innings. If he does look for his line to look somewhat like this. 16-10 3.32 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 190K's. Not bad at the cost of our top closer in Hanarhan and comeback kid in Johnathan Sanchez. We like his K's but his BB is scary and he moved from pitchers park to hitters park and from NL to AL. Continued 4+ ERA and 1.4 WHIP. Knights will most likely put a 2 year on Beckett.

Look for the Knights to make these contract signings

5 year Andrew McCutchen
3 year Miguel Montero
3 year Cole Hamels
2 year Paul Konerko
2 year Josh Beckett
2 year Alexei Ramirez

Montero might be left off. Not 100% sure he will earn a 3 year.

Early Draft Results

The Knights tried very hard to get another 1st rounder but really with the way the draft rolled out we were THRILLED at the players that fell. There seems to be a growing trend about reaching for players.. Youth and upside more important then proven production. This is a contract league and sometimes those young studs don't always perform the way we want them too. So with that we had a feeling McCutchen was ours. I am glad though. He is a 6 tool guy with BA around 280 and had 89BB last year. To go with 20/20. Should only progress as the Knights 5 year player. 2nd round we were in total shock seeing Hamels fall.. Knights haven't had an ACE since Smoltz and Hudson years but now they do. 3rd round proved to be our best round in recent years. Konerko projected to be a 2nd rounder fell to a late 3rd. We were also able to grab what I see has the last of the top tier catchers. At least proven ones. We got Montero a full round AFTER Mauer and Wieters and McCann. Now the Knights don't have a 4th but we do have 2 5ths and 1 6th and 2 7th's. The Knights team should be mostly complete going into round 8.

Revised Round 1 Mock final version

Now the Meetings are over and the last of the 1st rounders traded. Here is my up to date picks. I will see how logical I can make this. Even though we know logic isn't a part of it.

1. Olivet Killer Eagles - 1B Adrian Gonzalez

Larry said he was taking Cano before but I think things changed when he moved Dunn. Opening up 1B spot. Now he gets one of the better 1B in the draft.

2. Hackensack Bulls - OF Justin Upton

Bulls were a lock for Gonzo having 2B and SS already filled. Perfect fit. With Gonzo going I can see them taking the Best OF in the draft.

3. South Texas Heat - SS Troy Tulowitzki

Different team same pick. Berg traded up and moved Jeter to take Tulo.

4. Atlantic Surge - OF Mike Stanton

Ok others thinking Surge will reach for Stanton. I'll go with the flow on this one. I am not sure he passes on better hitters for a shot at a hitter that could be 40+ but we have seen worse.

5. Julian Javelina - 3B/OF Bautista

Hoyle waiting to see if Upton goes just before or not. He can't lose here..
Upton his pick if the Surge change up and take Stanton.

6 Flying Squirrels of Springfield - OF Andrew McCutchen

They say its Upton or McCutchen. Almost no way Upton falls to him. So guess what its McCutchen. Even with Cano there he has Uggla. No way he takes a 2nd 2B

7. Oviedo Knights - 2B Robinson Cano

This is something the Knights never thought could happen but it might now with the current teams and needs.

8. Dallas Redbirds - 1B Mark Teixeria

Well Doyel known for not having a lot of power decides he needs to finally grab a HR hitting guy takes Tex. Even though his BA has been dropping hes been good for 30+ HR's a year.

9. Olivet Killer Eagles - SS Jose Reyes

Larry passed on Tulo knowing he can get Reyes or Ramirez here and I bet he takes the SS with more speed.

10. North Texas - OF Josh Hamilton

Adrian continues to pull homer on us and takes his man crush Hamilton
Look for a 3 year of a guy who has had 1 500+ AB season in the last 3 but hey that doesnt matter.

11. Dallas Redbirds - SS Hanley Ramirez

Doyel gets a solid SS/3B this year. As long as he is 100% healthy. These picks are questionable

12. Michigan Miracles - OF Jay Bruce

Different team but I can see same pick.. Solid 3 year OF in Bruce.

13. Mid Michigan Tigers - OF Hunter Pence

Tigers have 1OF in thier roster and plenty of INF. Look for them to grab the best OF left. They I am sure are hoping Bruce falls but setting for Pence not horrible..

14 Rochester Redsox - SP Cliff Lee

Sox take the best SP in the draft. Kind of like a gift for them.

15.. North Texas Rangers- SS Elvis Andrus

Adrian pulls another homer.

16 Arizona Desert Swarm - OF Cole Hamels

Swarm takes the next best pitcher in draft with all the hitters going. Gives them some value.

Well here is my revised mock..

Winter Meetings Closing Weekend

Well with 2 more first round picks being traded and Ovideo missing out on both. The chances of moving up from round 2 to round 1 look slim. Still feeling like the Knights had the better offers most teams either were to greedy or were afraid to move a few spots back then they were getting. We will still listen to offers and offered 2 lower picks for a decent 1st but given how many have moved in the past week not many available. Yet if there is a team that wants to maximize thier picks send me an IM. Also I am listening to offers for Sizemore and Walden. If anybody is interested in them let me know. No matter how this ends the Knights very happy to go into the draft in this position. We increased out current team and draft picks. Looking for that 5 year at the 7 spot.

Rumors Rumos Rumors

Rumors are swirling around Oviedo that they are looking to move up from their round 2 position to another round 1 pick. From what we hear there are a few teams debating on the move. The rumor is the Knights have offered 2 low picks for the first and a middle round pick. It seems the Knights are paying a bit much for another first given what might be their but they have plenty of contracts and can only assign so many. If any other teams interested in this move please contact me soon. I plan on making a move soon.

Last few days of the meetings

Knights are pretty much set but will entertain offers for Sizemore and Walden. Basically we are talking to a few teams about them and want to guage interest in the rest of the league for them. If interested send me an IM or email.. Will negotiate. Not looking to dump IE like Broskey..

Oh if anybody has a free spot on their roster and is willing to hold Nish I would gladly give a 16th rounder to take him..

Day 2 More Activity

Well the Knights continued to mold their team as Howie Kendrick was traded. He was the topic of discussion for weeks and with the Dingers in constant talk most thought they would win his services. Well GM Mike Wagner continued to stand his ground. So his rival Keith Baker of the Tigers stepped up and stole him from under him. One will think will GM Wagner learn that penny pinching not worth it?? I doubt it. He was poised to have the Angels 2-3 hitters with Pujols behind Kendrick. Now his rival has him and has to face him 3 times. The Knight will still look at all trades and might entertain ones for Walden or any other player but for the most part GM Reynolds said " We achieved what we wanted in the meetings." The knights still looking to move up in round 1. So any team in front willing to move back send me a message and expectations.

Round 2 Mock.

Ok since family is asleep I can try and do this based on my round 1.

Hackensack Bulls - OF Nelson Cruz

Often injured Cruz has a lot of talent and while in the lineup is a stud. Falls out of round 1 because of injuries only.. Bulls scoop him up and slap a 2 year on him. If they move Werth he can put a 3 year.

Olivet Killer Eagles - 1B Paul Konerko

Larry passes on Adrian Gonzalez and jumps on Konerko in round 2. This mock Larry does very well. 2 Power hitters.


Michigan Miracles - SP Yovani Gallardo

Miracles want to compete and they need a front line SP. K SP are rare and locking him up will give them a solid start.

North Texas Rangers - 3B Brett Lawrie

I had Surge here but the pick can still be the same. Figgins isn't a starter and Adrian has the space for 3 years. Still like Lawrie going at this spot.

Julian Javlina - SS Elvis Andrus

Hoyle in full rebuild mode and wants some 3 year contracts. Added Upton in round 1. Look for him to add some more youth and take a chance on Andrus as a 3 year.

Flying Squirrels - 1B Eric Hosmer

Squirrels in full rebuild mode take a young player that should improve on his 2nd half numbers. Could be a Fielder lite very soon. Look for them to put a 3 year on him and roll dice.

North Texas Rangers - C/1B Mike Napoli

Wow another Ranger falls to Adrian. No surprise he scoops him up. Good thing for Adrian this is a decent pick at his spot. Probably a solid 2 year. Going 3 years on a catcher turns 30 is risky.

Charlotte Orios - OF Desmond Jennings

Can never figure out Broskey but he does like young guys. Traded for Alvarez to add another contract player for next year. My thinking is he signs Jennings to add to that future and puts 3 year on him.

Oviedo Knights - 3B Alex Rodriguez

Many will say this is the perfect pick for me. Aging superstar looking for rebound. Will not a 3 year contract. Should be ok for the next year or 2.

Mid Michigan Tigers - C Brian McCann

Keith is going for it all and look for him to add one of the top C in the game. He is young enough that he could get a 3 year. This is a fine pick at this spot.

Gaylord - OF Adam Jones

I don't think Gaylord is going to like how this round plays out. He takes Jones here but I am sure he has other players he was hoping would fall.. Stil Jones gives him another Orio and a solid OF.

San Antonio Fire Ants - SP Matt Cain

In a draft filled with hitters and limited pitchers Look for him to take one of the 2 SP in the 2nd round worthy of drafting. Will most likely give him another 3 year contract player.

Gaylord Dingers - C Joe Mauer

Not a normal pick for the Dingers in their 2nd go around with Doyel trading up to have 2 1st rounders but Mauer is still a solid Catcher. he rebounds at all this is a steal.. Look for Gaylord to slap a 2 year on him..

Rochester Red Sox - 3B Pablo Sandoval

Solid pick here and most likely 3 year player. Not many 3B will hit 25+ HR and have over a 300BA. Only falls due to teams in front having 3B already.

South Texas Heat - 2B Rickie Weeks

Berg gets a fine pick here. Adds to his Brewers and will get solid value here. Fortunately for him lots of people have 2B.. Weeks slips a bit because of that.

Arizona Desert Swarm - 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis

Since I don't see any decent OF in this spot. Look for them to take one time top pick in Youkilis. They can shift Lee to OF.. In that lineup he will give them a good amount of production but probably only 2 year contract type.


Ok I tried my 2nd round mock. It is very hard to do since people are trading and their needs changed. I used ADP as a guide. Not my rankings and based on teams needs and direction they are headed..

Day 2 What is next?

Well the Meetings started off with a blast. The Knights were the most active team. We added 1 contract and that was a given one. What to expect from today. The Knights will probably move Kendrick. Word has it a number of teams are interested. Chances are hes headed to a team in the Great Lakes Division. We will also entertain offers for Nishioka. The new acquired throw in with the Butler trade. Basically anybody can have him if they want. Those with a lot of room in their contract space might want a cheap pick. Like endgame type. Also, I will listen to offer for Walden. Not to crazy about moving him but if the price is right... Also Knights will listen to other teams contracts and make offers to the ones that fit better. Along with kendrick some believe Walker is the better 2B and I will also entertain offers for him..

Day 1A Winter Meetings

In a late night move. The Knights decide to swap Oswalt for Hellickson. In the move Reynolds stated "We think Oswalt has the higher upside for 2012 but we are very afraid of his back". Hellickson is a young solid SP but lacks the K's in his first year in the majors. It is a risk for the Knights but they moved a round up and 1 spot in the first. Now up to 1.7. The Knights moving up 1 spot at a time. Look out Flying Squirrels.. Your pick is next. :)

Day 1 Winter Meetings

Looks like the Knights have been a lot more active then we thought. GM Reynolds said "We are just trying to move into position for the upcoming draft". On said guys rumored to be on the move is 2B Howie Kendrick. Howie was reached at his home saying "I hear about these trade rumors all the time. I am just getting ready for spring training".. The Knights will be exploring other deals. SP Roy Oswalt is being discussed as well.. The Knights moved Pedro Alvarez and their 1.9 pick to the Orios for Billy Butler and Nishioka and their 1.8 pick. We lost a year on a contract with Alvarez but we gained a solid 1B in Butler. One less piece needed. Stay tuned to other deals in the works but the Knights are agressively looking at moving up in draft.

Winter Meetings Agenda

Well now with winter meetings open we can officially open up the trading. While I have already started to discuss trades with teams its time to start narrowing the teams down to offers.

Howie Kendrick 1B/2B/OF The versitile 2B now in a great position. He will be batting 2nd in a Angels lineup that has Pujols 3rd. Anybody hitting in front of Pujols is going to score. I am looking for a season where his HR's might not increase but his SB and runs should jump.

Roy Oswalt - SP I have had a few asking about him. Not big on moving him but given he could be some what cheap I will listen to offers.

The rest can be had but really not pushing any of them off. I am also willing to take on a contract player if the price is right. I have talked to some owners about moving up in the 1st round. If your looking to move back a few spots talk to me. A swap of later rounds to compensate would be discussed. An example was I move up 4 spots in round 1 and move back 1 and half rounds in round 4 to 6. If this is something that interest you hit me up.

2012 1st Round Mock

Using current draft order..

1 Hackensack Bulls - 1B Adrian Gonzalez

Hackensack has 9 returning players and could have one of the best staffs in the league. With that said I see them taking one of the best power hitters available. Solid 5 year keeper

2 Olivet Killer Eagles - 2B Robinson Cano

Would be good if Larry can get the #1 or #2 position. Should Get him the best 2B in the draft. Cano would probably be his 5 year.


3 Michigan Miracles - 3B/OF Jose Bautista

Renner looks to lock up the top power hitter in the draft. Even though he is a questionable 5 year player. Renner feels some sort of commitment for the elderly.

4 Atlantic Surge - SS Troy Tulowitzki

Surge is collecting SP for a rainy day and I don't think they will have all of them come draft time.. With that said they take the top SS in Troy Tulowitzki. Sold 5 year player.. Guess Bartlet will ride pine. Not sure he would complain about that.

5 Julian Javelina - OF Justin Upton

With news coming out Hoyle is dumping his contracts it looks to be a rebuild year. Hoyle Takes a solid young OF in Upton. With his age he is a question mark but should be a solid 5 year.


6 Flying Squirrels of Springfield - SS Hanley Ramirez

Flying Squirrels are pretty much rebuilding and need every solid player they can get. Hanley wile question mark health wise will be a SS/3B this year. When Reyes gets hurt he might get enough games at SS for next year.


7 North Texas Rangers - OF Josh Hamilton

Always a sucker for Rangers. Puts a 5 year on the best offensive player on the Rangers roster.

8 Charlotte Orios - SS Jose Reyes

Another Miami player goes. Reyes would be a solid 5 year if Broskey wasn't dumb enough to trade for Rios. Bet hes dying to move him. Not many will take him even if he offered his 2B rounder. Reyes will still be solid for 3 years.

9 Oviedo Knights - OF Mike Stanton

Young powerful but his age makes his consistance a real question mark. I still like this kids upside though.. Should be a solid 5 year.

10 Mid Michigan Tigers - OF Andrew McCutchen

Tigers grab best hitter left and Andrew is a solid pick at this spot. 3 year. Probably a 5 year if he had the spot open..


11 Gaylord Dingers - 1B Mark Teixeira

Wagner will ggo after the best hitter he can and Mark is. Given Pujols at 1B Mark will be a very solid DH and 3 year.. My bet is he moves Pena before draft. Why I see him taking Mark here.


12 San Antonio Fire Ants - OF Jay Bruce

Well they need a ton and obviously rebuilding. at the age 25 Bruce could be a solid 5 year. At this spot in the draft premium power is gone.


13 Dallas Redbirds - OF Hunter Pence

Doyel frustrated at the lack of solid power hitters settles for Pence. My guess makes him his 5 year given age.


14 Rochester Red Sox - SP Cliff lee

Red Sox get a great value here in Lee. With all the other teams going for 5 year players. Lee slips a bit farther then he should. Nice 3 year here.

15 South Texas Heat - 3B Adrian Beltre

Probably the best hitter left in the draft and at 33 might be able to handle a 3 year contract. heat do well snagging him.

16 Arizona Desert Swarm - SP Cole Hamels

Defending champs have a decent amount of contracts but there are not many solid hitters at this spot left. So they grab an elite SP.


Well Here is my Mock draft. We all know meetings will changes teams directions and needs. Yet I feel these are pretty good picks for each team.. Feel free to talk about it.

2012 Season preview

The Now Oviedo knights had their worst season statistically in their 10 year history in the league. Fought hard until last few weeks missing the championship playoffs. Reasons it didn't happen. Simple. INJURIES!! The 2 years I didn't make the playoffs I was hit with injuries very hard. Not going to replace solid pitchers and bats off WW and drafting near back every year leaves little room for error. Started the season down 4 solid players. It only got worse from there. Made a few moves and when my team was healthy it made huge strides. Then less then a month left in the regular season we lost more and that ended any chance. Now onto 2012. We have 10 keepers giving us a nice core players. OF is set.. Beltran (NT) and Sizemore (3/13) and Stubbs (NT) and Hart (NT). None of them will hit 30+ HR's but all are starter material. Now the question mark.. Padro Alvarez. I see 2011 as a sophmore slump and so does Pittsburgh. They plan on giving him the job again and so do I. Way too much talent to bust. 2B I have a log jam. Having 2 guys in the top 10 at 2B is nice but its probably not going to be there come draft time. Plans are to move one of the 2 guys. So either Walker or Kendrick will be gone before the draft. Most likely Kendrick. Morrow and Oswalt are solid pitchers. Owsalt gives me a good ERA/WHIP and Morrow gives me K's. Walden gives me 1 closer he could go for right price.



So leading into meetings the Knights are looking to make a few moves. Move a 2B and possible move up in the draft. Will also listen to moving back if the price is right but given we need a 5 year I doubt we move back. We don't have a good draft spot for missing playoffs but its not as bad as years past.

Oviedo Knights Starting Lineup

Here is my starting lineup. Stats based on a generic site I used mlb.com

C: Miguel Olivio .252 44 14 48 5 This is the one position that was not decent. It could be possible Arencibia cracks lineup.

1B: Carlos Lee 283 68 24 86 3 No longer the stud he used to be but decent numbers for a 1B.

2B: Neil Walker 284 80 17 84 5 This could also be Kendrick. Right now I'll use Walker but Kendrick could platoon.

SS: Jose Reyes 293 100 12 58 41 Should put up typical numbers.

3B: Pedro Alvarez 263 80 28 89 2 The future stud 3B

OF: Jose Bautista 253 95 34 106 8 Came out of no where. If he hits 35+ HR's well worth keeping.

OF: Juan Pierre 286 83 1 42 50 My eSeries MVP back for another tour..

OF: Corey Hart 271 82 26 89 9 Solid bat traded for last summer. Could be expended if he has another great year.

OF: Grady Sizemore 264 83 23 74 12 Hopefully puts up better numbers this year but always stud like potential.

DH David Ortiz 253 77 26 85 0 Ortiz stays on track this year and builds on it..


Pitching

SP: Roy Oswalt 15-9 3.46 1.26 203IP 171K's Nice to have one dependable SP

SP: Brandon Morrow 12-8 3.86 1.36 177IP 191K's Needed K's and here is a solid one.

SP: Johnny Cueto 11-11 4.03 1.31 190IP 152K's I am hoping he makes a step up. prime age.

SP: James McDonald 10-11 3.53 1.39 171IP 153K's Here is another huge upside K's!!

SP: Jeff Neimann 9-7 4.15 1.34 143IP 122K's Last years ACE going in number 5 now. Thats a huge improvement.

RP: Jonathan Broxton 3-4 3.28 1.25 68IP 80K's 32 Saves. Time to return to stud..

RP: Chris Perez 2-2 68IP 66K's 3.16ERA 1.13WHIP 32 Saves. Future stud hopefully he moves up..

RP: Mike Adams 3-1 68IP 71K's 2.38IP 1.09WHIP 4 Saves 30+ holds Top holds guy

RP: Octavio Dotel 3-4 63IP 73K's 4.00ERA 1.32WHIP 8 Saves 20+ Holds

RP: Kenley Jansen 3-3 76IP 99K's 2.72ERA 1.21WHIP 5 Saves 20+ Holds


Now A lot can change but this team is more solid then last season. All around better stats. Some of the major improvements are the HR's and K's.. SB is also stronger. Some of the questionable stats. BA will be a struggle. Not having a 300 plus hitter.. WHIP might be a bit high.. Overall I have solid depth. I was very surprised drafting last to get the team I got. Now I need my upside guys to perform.