Austin gets another top IFA

Austin, TX

Down in Austin they have had some rough seasons since Doubleday's opening, Owner Kemosabe has been turning it around slowly. Over the last 4 seasons Austin has signed several of the top International Free Agents to surface in the world. Guys like

Alex Shinjo Austin Swing Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Kwangsan-Ku Songjungdong, KR Position(s): RF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Eduardo Gandarillas Austin Swing Age: 19 B/T: S/R Born: Monterrey, MX Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Midre Guerrero Austin Swing Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: San Pedro de Macoris, DO Position(s): RF/CIF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

When these players all reach their potential and hit the Majors, Austin will be the team to beat in the NL. It's only a matter of time before these guys are showing up on the highlight reels!

Philedelphia Emerges as League's Top Threat

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

After 40 games have been played, it's officially time to annoint the Philadelphia Stars as Double Day's best team.

The Stars (29-13) have benefitted from a series of offseason moves, a buy-or-be-damned philosophy to payroll, and an ultra-competitive division to attain the best record in Double Day. With a staggering $117-million payroll--a Double Day record--the Stars have bucked the trend of spendthrift ownership building a winner with prospects and in the process become the Double Day equivalent of the New York Yankees.

No other team is as synonymous with the blank-check approach to winning as the Stars. Even among big-spender division rivals such as Boston and Baltimore, the Stars' gluttonous talent-gobbling demeanor makes all other clubs look tame by comparison.

This season, dollar signs have turned into wins at a particularly prodigious pace. The Stars own baseball's best record at 29-13 and have accumulated a dizzying array of big-name, high-paid stars. Even before acquiring P.T. Mauer from Albuquerque, Philadelphia was already having a hard time spreading the wealth amongst its top-tier talent.

Former Baltimore All-Star Julian Castilla is having a hard time finding at-bats despite a .314 batting average. Justin Dodd, displaced by newcomer and semi-clone Otto Judd, is hitting .625 in a measely 16 at-bats. The two-time All-Star is collecting his $7.1 million from the dugout.

Money can't by happiness, but it can buy victories. And while other teams with volumnous payrolls have fallen by the wayside, the Stars continue to get bang for their buck. Free agent acquisition Otto Judd, ripped by many observers as being a nonessential pickup, is hitting .341 with 44 RBIs. Paul McNamara is belting .387 with 37 RBIs.

And even starting pitcher Bernie Alvarez, who was traded for from Toledo after being long chastized as a pitcher who couldn't win in the hitter-friendly American League, is 8-1 with a 3.16 ERA. Alvarez, along with Judd and McNamara, are already planning their reservations for the All-Star game in a few weeks.

Despite being a flawed defensive unit, Philadelphia is tied for the AL lead in runs scored (276) and leads the AL in Earned Run Average (3.91). They're hitting .052 better than their opponents (.306 to .254), a staggeringly wide statistic. And they also play in what might be the league's toughest division; the four highest-scoring teams in the Majors happen to be the four AL East clubs.

Whether Philadelphia can make amends for their postseason troubles in season four, it's unknown. They still remain just a game up on Baltimore (28-14) and Boston (28-14), and all three clubs have played excellent baseball throughout the season. Though if the early part of the season has taught us anything, it's that the Stars, even with a massive fortune, have made every penny count.

***BREAKING NEWS*** Shea, Wang Swapped

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

As part of a six-player deal, the Texas Steers and Boston Beaneaters have swapped players Bruce Shea and Damian Wang. It has been rumored that reigning AL Cy Young winner Shea, 30, was on the market for some time.

Now, the 30-year-old two-time Cy Young winner will be moved to Boston for another expiring contract - that of 27-year-old Damian Wang.

Through six starts, Shea is 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA, while Wang is batting .352 with 10 RBI.

Boston also deals young starter Eric Smith (2-1, 4.94 ERA) who had been a steady end-of-the-rotation starter for the Beaneaters. Boston also ships to Texas 38-year-old free agent pickup Iago Lyons, who had a 3.38 ERA in 10 appearances for the Beaneaters.

In the offseason, Lyons signed a one-year contract worth 1.05 million with Boston.

Meanwhile, Texas gives up 32-year-old defensive centerfielder Larry Stewart, who still has three years and $15.75 million remaining on a hefty contract. They also part ways with young relief pitcher Wilton Watson, who has a 3.29 ERA with the Steers in 13 appearances.

The deal is contingent on both league approval and Stewart, who can exercise a no-trade clause at his discretion.

Mantalban Hopes for All-Star Selection

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

As the prized catch of the Austin Swing in a trade in season four, Edgardo Mantalban has more than lived up to lofty expectations.

As part of an otherwise anemic offense, Mantalban has been one of the pleasant surprises of season five, with a batting average (.370) that ranks among the best in the league. The 26-year-old, who underwent a difficult transition to the Swing last season, has rebounded from that tough stretch to put himself on pace for career bests in virtually every category.

Scouts tagged Mantalban early on as a do-it-all third baseman, with the bat, speed, and defense to be an impact player in the Majors. Early on, Mantalban suffered through growing pains, but has matured into one of the best third basemen in Double Day.

Mantalban, who collected 48 stolen bases and 27 HRs last season, is set on becoming one of the league's rare 30/30 players, a feat seldom accomplished. Scouts rave about his glove--Mantalban has been forced for much of his career to play shortstop instead of third base--especially considering he's not in his natural position.

The 5'8" infielder packed on the pounds, ballooning up to 185 lbs. for this season. That extra weight has resulted in five home runs on the season, and Mantalban will be in a position to break last season's personal best.

If he remains eligible at shortstop, there is a strong possibility that Mantalban will receive consideration for an All-Star appearance. That would be good news for the Swing, who seem poised for an improved season with the help of a bevy of young talent manning key defensive positions.

Future star Ted Banks even recently made his ML debut, and is 6-for-17 (.353) through four Major League games. Alongside others like Midre Guerrero, perhaps the Swing will finally start living up to their moniker.

Touted ML Prospect Edwin Turner Begins Season 4-0

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

One of the early pitching surprises of season five has come out of Ottawa, in which the Great Lake St.'s rookie Edwin Turner has rocketed out to a 4-0 start.

Considering the 25-year-old's minor league pedigree, the fast start shouldn't come as a total surprise. Through four minor-league seasons, Turner ranked among MiL wins leaders, with a career 59-24 MiL record. A four-year starter in Ottawa's minor league system, Turner has made all-star births in Low A, High A, AA, and AAA.

Now, he appears poised to make an All-Star appearance at the major league level.

Few teams have opened the regular season hotter than Great Lake St., with an 11-5 record and one of the best offenses in the National League. Turner, in long relief, has propped up an otherwise middling pitching effort for Ottawa. Alongside stars like Pedro Beltran and Ralph Bunning, Turner has looked right at home.

If Turner succeeds in the majors, he won't be Ottawa's first MiL-superstar-turned-ML-cornerstone: 1B Jermaine Pierre has been the catalyst for Ottawa's offense with a .343 batting average and 18 RBIs. Pierre, of course, was once famed for being a minor-league prodigy, with a season in which he batted .385 with 66 HR and 197 RBI, splitting duty in Low A and High A.

Ottawa, with three division titles to their name, seem poised to perhaps take the next step and become a legitimate title contender. Players like Edwin Turner will go a long way towards fulfilling such a wish.

Spotlight: Team MVP's

Best players on each team! I've scanned over all the teams in Doubleday and I'm came up with a list of the best players from each team in my opinion.



Albuquerque

Philip Maxwell Albuquerque Dukes Age: 26 B/T: S/L Born: Elfrida, AZ Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Anaheim

Boots Lesher Anaheim Robins Age: 33 B/T: S/R Born: Leesburg, GA Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Baltimore

Joaquin Martinez Baltimore Lords Age: 29 B/T: R/R Born: Santo Domingo, DO Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Boston

Jocko Sexson Boston Beaneaters Age: 28 B/T: L/L Born: Biggsville, IL Position(s): 3B/CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Chicago

Albert Wall Chicago Whales Age: 26 B/T: L/L Born: Union City, CA Position(s): 1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Cleveland

Brandon Stairs Cleveland Cubs Age: 30 B/T: R/R Born: Wayne, MI Position(s): 2B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Colorado

Damon Broome Colorado Grizzlies Age: 24 B/T: R/R Born: Baldwin, WI Position(s): DH/C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Detroit

Denny Chong Detroit Wolverines Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Bethesda, MD Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Durham

Dan Hudler Durham Tobacconists Age: 27 B/T: L/L Born: Springfield, MA Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

El Paso

Walter Rivera El Paso Sun Kings Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Clinton, MI Position(s): C/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Honolulu

Damion Mitchell Honolulu Asahis Age: 26 B/T: S/R Born: Rustburg, VA Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Huntington

Rey Sweeney Huntington Heroes Age: 35 B/T: R/R Born: Vernon, BC Position(s): C/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Kansas City

Harold Hiatt Kansas City Monarchs Age: 23 B/T: R/R Born: Heath, OH Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Louisville

Erick Shannon Louisville Colonels Age: 26 B/T: R/R Born: Oconomowoc, WI Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Monterrey

Karim Bennett Monterrey Gray Ghosts Age: 23 B/T: S/L Born: Edo Lara, DO Position(s): P (T2B) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Montreal

Felipe Guerrero Montreal Shamrocks Age: 25 B/T: S/R Born: Guines, CU Position(s): LF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

New York

Albert O'Brien New York Highlanders Age: 25 B/T: L/L Born: Tulsa, OK Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Oakland

Harold Blair Oakland Oaks Age: 25 B/T: L/L Born: Reno, NV Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Omaha

Gary Mann Omaha Spikes Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Lamar, MO Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Ottawa

Pedro Beltran Ottawa Great Lake St Age: 30 B/T: R/R Born: Valencia, VE Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Philadelphia

Cristobal Velazquez Philadelphia Stars Age: 30 B/T: R/R Born: Tijuana, MX Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Pittsburgh

Nolan Cain Pittsburgh Crawfords Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Louisville, KY Position(s): LF/1B/2B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Richmond

Calvin Petkovsek Richmond Diamonds Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Belton, TX Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Salt Lake City

Tony Santana Salt Lake City Trappers Age: 26 B/T: R/R Born: Maneadoro, MX Position(s): LF/1B/2B/CF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

San Diego

Peter Matheson San Diego Electrics Age: 29 B/T: S/L Born: Burley, ID Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

San Francisco

George Forrest San Francisco Seals Age: 29 B/T: L/R Born: Geronimo, OK Position(s): C/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Seattle

Lee Benjamin Seattle Pilots Age: 20 B/T: L/R Born: Donna, TX Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

St. Louis

Hoss Collins St. Louis Maroons Age: 26 B/T: L/L Born: Stepney, UK Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Tampa Bay

Lefty Moore Tampa Bay Seminoles Age: 22 B/T: L/L Born: Whitehouse, TX Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Texas

Bruce Shea Texas Steers Age: 30 B/T: R/R Born: Sultan, WA Position(s): P (SP2) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Toledo

Corky Grant Toledo Maumees Age: 22 B/T: L/R Born: Carpentersville, IL Position(s): SS/IF/OF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

***BREAKING NEWS*** Galvez, McCormick Given 50+ Million Reasons to Play Baseball

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

Earlier today, Pedro Galvez became the last of the expected big-money free agents to sign with a team.

Joining him was young Todd McCormick, who became one of the unlikely winners of free agency.

Galvez signed a 5-year, $52 million deal with the Cleveland Cubs today, which includes a $2 million signing bonus. The 30-year-old Galvez was one of the most sought-after free agent hitters this season, and he reaped the rewards of the demand for quality centerfielders.

Galvez, a lifetime .303 hitter and a three-time All-Star, saw limited action in Albuquerque this year before being jettisoned off to free agency. Galvez will now join free-agent pickup Brandon Stairs as part of Cleveland's new-look offense. The deal also makes Galvez the most expensive pickup of any offensive player this offseason, ranking just ahead of Barry Broadhurst and his $50 million contract.

There was much buzz about 25-year-old Todd McCormick entering free agency, though the amount of money handed over to a pitcher with a lifetime 20-46 ML record could not be anticipated. There were whispers early on that McCormick's contract would greatly exceed any and all prognostications. In a backloaded contract, McCormick will make $7 million in seasons five and six, followed by a doubled pay-raise to an annual salary of $14 million for seasons seven, eight, and nine.

All told, McCormick's contract could be worth up to $56 million over 5 seasons, which would make him the third-highest paid player in this free agency, behind only Tom Lofton and Rafael Mercado.

The young Honolulu native is consider by scouts to be a good potential starting pitcher. He'll have his chance to earn his keep when he joins the Monterrey Gray Ghosts, the franchise that posted the winning bid.

Tom Lofton Signs Massive 5-Year, $100 Million Contract

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

Tom Lofton became the most expensive pitcher--and, along with Luis Picasso, the most expensive player, period--in Double Day history this morning, when he signed a 5-year contract with the Richmond Diamonds worth an estimated $100 million.

The 32-year-old far outpaced Rafael Mercado, who now looks like a bargain at 3 years and $60 million total. Lofton's signing is far and away the most expensive of this free agency, and the biggest since Luis Picasso's $100 million signing in season one.

The former Jackson pitcher has a 58-30 lifetime record with a 2.52 ERA. While he has his critics, who bemoan the pitcher's stamina, Lofton has also topped 200 IP the past two seasons, which is often considered the barometer for a reliable starting pitcher.

Lofton, a two-time All-Star with Jackson and Montreal, will join Mercado with the Diamonds. Never before have two teammates commanded the combined salary--$40 million--that Lofton and Mercado did. The Diamonds turned out to be the offseason's biggest spender, issuing out $160 million on two players.

Lords Lording Over Broadhurst: $50 Million Deal Finalized

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

In the follow-up to a free agency that saw the Baltimore Lords spend $49 million on Keith Lee and James Deitz, the Lords finalized a five-year, $50 million contract with superstar hitter Barry Broadhurst earlier today.

The deal, which will pay the former Montreal Shamrock $8 million in season one, $10 million in seasons two, three, and four, and $12 million in season five, is the second-most lucrative issued out thus far this off-season. Last night, Rafael Mercado was signed for 3 years at $60 million.

The 30-year-old Broadhurst hit .303 with 53 HR and 145 RBI last season in Montreal, and was expected to be among the highest paid offensive players in this free agency. While his per-year salary is in line with our expectations of $10 million a season, Baltimore's deal will keep Broadhurst locked up until he's 35.

Earlier today, 31-year-old starting pitcher Boots Lesher signed with the Anaheim Robins for an unremarkable three-year, $16.5 million deal. Lesher, who is 46-43 lifetime with a 5.06 ERA, has always been a talented pitcher who has yet to fulfill his potential on the field. Last season, he was a mere 7-10 with a 5.87 ERA. Now, Lesher will try to fulfill longstanding expectations as part of the Robins clubhouse.

***BREAKING NEWS*** Rafael Mercado Signs 3-Year, $60 Million Contract

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

After recently trading franchise ace Mark Post to the Montreal Shamrocks, the Richmond Diamonds used that extra payroll space to fill Post's locker with incoming ace and four-time All-Star Rafael Mercado.

The Diamonds signed Mercado to a three-year deal worth a reported $60 million. Mercado's contract boasts both the highest annual salary and the highest total value of any pitching contract in Double Day's history. The 33-year-old former NL Cy Young award winner will now remain in the National League.

Mercado's $60 million contract is the biggest of this free agency, but it likely won't be the last, with super-free agents Tom Lofton, Barry Broadhurst, and Pedro Galvez still left to sign.

Meanwhile, two of free agency's other big names found a new home in Ottawa. 34-year-old Buddy Walker, a year removed from a season in which he batted a career-high .368 for Albuquerque, was rewarded with a three-year deal worth a reported $17.4 million. That sum isn't quite what the infielder was hoping for, and the All-Star joins another bargain in Andrew May. Another Albuquerque free agent, May signed a two-year deal in Ottawa worth $9.6 million.

Last season, May went 13-5 with a 4.81 ERA for the Dukes. Lifetime, he is 54-36 with a 4.34 ERA. Ottawa, who finished last season with 92 wins and a division title, will hope to take the next step towards contending for a World Series with these two in tow.