IBL 2108-09 Hot Stove Discussion Thread

[Huckleberry]

2108 SEASON RESULTS:



PRE-OFFSEASON IBL PREDICTED 2109 STANDINGS:

AFRO-EUROPEAN DIVISION

Team W L PCT GB Scottish Claymores 87 69 0.558 - Black Forest Foxes 86 70 0.551 1 Paris Fleur-de-Lis 79 77 0.506 8 London Monarchs 77 79 0.494 10 Rome Generals 71 85 0.455 16 ASIAN DIVISION Team W L PCT GB Melbourne Meteors 87 69 0.558 - Karachi Falcons 83 73 0.532 4 Seoul Brothers 80 76 0.513 7 Mumbai Cobras 75 81 0.481 12 Singapore Merlions 55 101 0.353 32

[Huckleberry]

Black Forest Foxes

Black Forest has been to the playoffs more often than not in the WBA's 9-year history, including a World Championship back in 2101 when they played out of Mombasa. Perhaps most impressively the Foxes were able to field winning teams back in 2105-2106 despite very small payrolls as they prepared to execute their long-term plan. After a tough Game 7 loss to the eventual 2108 World Champions last year, they look poised to compete for years to come in the IBL.

Offensively the squad features versatile young shortstop Salim Tuncay, a player who may face a move to the hot corner depending on which teammates emerge as the everyday infielders in Stuttgart. Bao-tian Qian should emerge as Tuncay's biggest help in the lineup, especially if he can avoid the nagging injuries that played his still solid rookie season. Additional young sluggers Decheng Zhang and Sun-ho Kim ensure the future is definitely bright for the Foxes.

Serafino Cunhal returns to lead the rotation and will be joined by Munsif Esam, who hopes to rebound from a slightly disappointing 2108. Recently acquired Masujiro Fukushima should work into the middle of the rotation along with Casimiro de Almeida. With a potential weak spot at closer, Black Forest addressed the situation by trading for Jim McCann during the WBA postseason.

[Huckleberry]

London Monarchs

Success can be a relative term, and with that in mind 2108 was undeniably a successful year for London. The Monarchs posted only their second winning season and finished only one game out of the three-way tie for the final IBL wild card spot. Unfortunately that meant that they are still the only WBA team yet to make the postseason since the Association began play. The good news for the London faithful is that they should be right back in the thick of things in 2109.

Much of the optimism rests on the anticipated continued development of several prospects, including catcher Zhi-jun Thum. Highly touted prospect Erik Schiff also figures to make his debut in 2109 despite being only 21 years of age after tearing through both AA and AAA last season. With the Monarchs' long-term commitment to fiscal frugality and youth in their system, players like 27-year-old third baseman Thurman Jenkins and second baseman Min-zhong Au are the old men in the clubhouse.

If anything will hold London back it will be their pitching, because while there is a bevy of solid arms available, after ace SP Yu-shu Lung there is not much in the way of superstar talent. While others such as Workneh Mtundu provide good production, their best may be yet to come. Both previous closer Byung-sik Lim and potential closer Du-yang Kung continue to battle control issues and behind them the bullpen is best characterized as workmanlike.

[Huckleberry]

Paris Fleur-de-Lis

The 2105 World Champions are at a crossroads. After an incredible six consecutive division titles from 2102-2107, Paris has now missed the playoffs for the past two seasons. Some analysts are wondering if they are stuck in the dreaded "eternal mediocrity" that comes with middle draft positions and having a roster just good enough not to throw in the towel but not quite good enough to win immediately.

Harsendu Dhurvasula was the offensive star last year and has now been locked down with a maximum 5-year contract at a very team friendly salary. If Cisco Argente can stay healthy then the Fleur-de-Lis will have two very capable stars in the lineup. Behind them, though, they will need players like Gaeton Lacroix to step up and produce next year. Taken altogether, their lineup should end up producing in the middle of the IBL pack.

The pitching staff may have some questions, though, particularly after Paris traded away Zuleide Rainha to Santo Domingo. While they got quite a haul in return, immediate help did not head back in their direction. Gaudêncio Brigham is now the unquestioned leader of the staff but behind him the rotation is weak. The good news is that the bullpen is elite and led by stars Sissay Dato, Balya Virendra, and Indris Murtadi. If things break the right way, Paris may be in playoff contention when September rolls around but the likelier scenario is they continue to build toward the future.

[Huckleberry]

Rome Generals

While they've been competitive for the past few years, the Generals are still looking for their first trip to the playoffs since the inaugural WBA season in 2100. According to league sources, they were disappointed to miss on signing Serhat Karpat in free agency to bolster their poor rotation, and because of this they may be at least another year away from contention.

Generally underrated by OSA scouts due to his below average speed on the basepaths, Nikita Agaev will return to lead Rome offensively. He is joined again by young centerfielder Melchor Sarmiento, who the Generals front office is hoping can make the leap to stardom in 2109. If Ahmad Iman can step up to steal the hot corner job away from Italian fan favorite Eligio Sciama it's possible that the Roman attack could surprise even the most optimistic prognosticators.

On the mound, though, the rotation is weak and the recent re-signing of injury-prone veteran Roushdy Kefentse was small consolation for not acquiring Karpat's signature. There figures to be a quick hook in Rome next year, because while the rotation is weak the bullpen features several competent arms. Germán Mejía may find it difficult to hold on to the closer role with Xi-tong Chin being the primary threat if he can harness his nasty repertoire. Ashley Johnson, Shi-ping Lao, Jian-Chieng Mai, and recent signees Bráulio Lagrifa and Pedro Morán round out what is probably the WBA's deepest and strongest overall relief corps.

[Huckleberry]

Scottish Claymores

The current two-time defending Afro-European champions, the Claymores are poised to be in position to make it three in a row next year. Their squad is well balanced between offense and defense, and as we'll discuss in a moment, their pitching staff has a somewhat unique composition for the WBA, which makes them an interesting team to follow.

Offensively they are led by centerfielder Aziz Ahmadzai, another player who consistently outperforms his star rating. Ahmadzai can basically be penciled in for 215+ hits in 2109. Once he's on it's a good bet that the Scottish catcher will drive him in, the only question is which one as both José Águila and Akrura Puli are stars behind the plate. Some in Glasgow have wondered if Águila may be tried at first base this upcoming season to get both bats in the lineup against right-handed pitching. Third baseman Arjun Bhoola and aging outfielder Sergio Guillén round out the main offensive threats.

Now for that pitching staff. While most organizations prioritize strikeout ability on the hill, the Claymores have gone a different route. Their staff relies on not allowing free passes and keeping the ball in the park. One to keep an eye on is Shi-fu Cen, who transitioned from closer to the rotation late last year and may be ready to make that his full time role. There is no truth to the rumor that Shi-fu is voiced by Dustin Hoffman, for the record.  He would be joined by returning starters Michael Shields, Han-wu Wan, and Khamurti Preetish. If Cen stays in the rotation there will be an interesting battle for the closer position between several options, including Kiyomitsu Nakamura and recently signed Albert Padilla.

[Huckleberry]

Karachi Falcons

Following the resignation of their long-time GM, Karachi has found it difficult to find a new captain and are currently ownerless. It would seem be an appealing situation to step into, though, as they are predicted to contend for the playoffs despite having made no moves in the offseason due to the management situation.

Erwin Beza took a big step forward in 2108 and led the Falcon offense. Karachi should have a good thing going with Shah Chishti's batting average and supernatural basestealing ability (48 SB, 7 CS) in front of him. With second baseman Donat Jakubczak and top prospect Zia Sirki both looking ready to make the next step, the Falcons have 4 solid talents all 25 years or younger. Their offense should be productive for at least the next few years.

The rotation is led by star Kipchoge Kemboi and the somewhat overachieving Banesvara Ranjan. The rest of the rotation is solid, but Karachi fans are still counting down the days until former top pick Tariq Ali Khan makes his debut. Myeong-hwan Lee will likely remain the Falcon closer and will once again be joined by the talented Dermott Baldwin.

[Coop]

Got a laugh out of the Kung Fu Panda reference in the writeup on the Claymores.

Any chance I can select Tigress in the upcoming draft?

[Huckleberry]

Melbourne Meteors

The defending WBA World Champions provided quite the homecoming gift to their owner/GM who won the title while on vacation. Great success! They now turn their eyes toward the goal of becoming the second team to repeat as world champions.

Star shortstop Tamirat Sifiye leads the way for the Meteors and is locked up for the next 4 years. He is joined by a glut of outfield talent in Melbourne as the Meteors go 5-deep with players who could be WBA starters with Gong Jiang, Bhuvanacandra Dwijen, Stéphane Salomon, Botol Gamarra, and even yet-to-be re-promoted prospect Percy Oskam. As if that weren't enough, star catcher Itri Jela also returns. It's little surprise that most analysts consider the defending champs to have the best overall set of position players in the IBL.

If there's any weakness in Melbourne it is in the starting rotation once you get past the dependable Nasih bin Kamil. Prospects like the very talented Kvana Datar appear at least a year away from reaching their potential, so 2109 may be a wild ride for the Meteors. Closer Magtanggol Baladad leads the very capable bullpen, while Imazighen Kitur provides a second electric option. Melbourne may need to lean on their relievers this season but still figure to be in the playoff picture when the season ends.

[Huckleberry]

Mumbai Cobras

Perhaps the greatest example of sustained excellence in the WBA, Mumbai has never failed to post a winning season in their history. Last year, though, they were robbed of a chance to reach the playoffs for the 7th time in 9 seasons by being locked out of the tiebreaking game for the final IBL wild card spot. Their 79-77 record marked the first time they failed to win at least 83 games and they are looking at a battle to keep their streak alive in 2109.

The greatest player of the WBA's first half-decade, future Hall of Famer Lyonya Darchiev succumbed to age a couple of seasons ago and now heads into the final season of his contract. Fortunately for Cobra fans, Ahvana Subbarayudu has been able to replace at least some of Darchiev's former production. Reinforcement in the form of Ninfa Sator was recently brought in from Singapore as Mumbai's management looks to give their hero one more shot at a pennant before he rides off into the sunset. Shortstop Yi-mou Fen and second baseman Augustyn Eidenschenk provide a solid middle infield.

The pitching staff, like the offensive group, looks to be somewhere in the middle of the IBL pack for the 2109 season. The seemingly ageless José Ramírez leads the rotation while talented Andy Stone hopes to avoid the injury bug that nagged all year long in 2108. Behind them is the workmanlike Da'ud bin Abbas, while the trade for Sator also brought in talented youngsters Casian Bejan and Abdeljilill Abedi. The closer role may eventually be a battle between the incumbent Galip Orga and Chua chay Chan. Chan has the repertoire to be a starter but last season his stamina caused a move to the bullpen which may be permanent.

[Huckleberry]

Seoul Brothers

Seoul was selected for the wild card tiebreaker last year but fell to Karachi in the one-game playoff scenario, meaning that they have still only reached the playoffs once. Now they head into 2109 with the world's highest payroll, a cash situation that while not dire is below league average, and a tough process ahead.

Position players are without question the weaker of the two phases for Seoul, where the rank a little below average talent-wise for the IBL. Last year's offensive leader Vasantha Saswata returns but most expect prospect Kenkichi Adachi to make his debut and then make some noise this year. Hagos Ojwang can continue to produce and Anantarama Tanuj can develop just a bit then the Brothers may be able to score enough to support their outstanding pitching staff.

That pitching staff may still be the best in the IBL despite having to let Serhat Karpat walk to free agency due to financial constraints. The rotation goes four deep with good to very good starters including Ivo Cantinho, Roberto Morales, Luis Vázquez, and Cirayu Rasiah. The bullpen is just as deep with closer José Hernández as well as Hamzah Walliyullah and newcomer Setia Muljana. The talented staff should help Seoul stay in the race all season long, and if the offensive weapons develop they may surprise. If not, they could be in firesale mode as the trade deadline nears due to the high payroll.

[Huckleberry]

Singapore Merlions

Ah, Singapore, our final summary of the hot stove season. The Merlions were without question the first WBA dynasty, winning 3 of the first 4 IBL pennants. They were also the first WBA Champions in 2000 and reached the playoffs in their first 6 seasons, took a year off, then went again in 2107. Last year, though, they suffered their first losing season and are now fully committed to the rebuilding process under new management.

To casual fans things may seem equally bleak on both offense and defense for Singapore, especially considering that their best two run producers in 2108, Sator and Vassi Masyagin, were traded away. However, serious WBA fans know that there has been a beast in the Singapore farm system who finally got the call-up that many feel has been overdue - Wang-fen Xiang. At 26 years old he will be expected to step in and contribute in a big way immediately. After him most of the production will come from Singapore's outfield, including Pin-zhen Chan and potentially talented prospect Mabarak Mohmand.

Now for the pitching staff. Well, they're professional athletes. This author can't even tell you who will be in the rotation or bullpen, because the future is so much of a focus for the Merlions. Pitchers who belong in the big league rotation right now based on organizational depth, such as recently acquired Dimitre Lezhnev, may stay in the minors so their development isn't stunted. Singapore will give up runs this year. A lot of them. But there is definitely a plan in place, if their fans can trust the process.

With the first pick in the 2109 IBL Draft, the Singapore Merlions select...
With the first pick in the 2110 IBL Draft, the Singapore Merlions select...

Start printing those 2113 playoff t-shirts.

[Huckleberry]

UPDATED PREDICTED STANDINGS:

(new calculations and roster moves through yesterday)

AFRO-EUROPEAN DIVISION

Team W L PCT GB Scottish Claymores 89 67 0.571 - Black Forest Foxes 88 68 0.564 1 London Monarchs 80 76 0.513 9 Paris Fleur-de-Lis 75 81 0.481 14 Rome Generals 74 82 0.474 15 ASIAN DIVISION Team W L PCT GB Melbourne Meteors 88 68 0.564 - Karachi Falcons 85 71 0.545 3 Seoul Brothers 82 74 0.526 6 Mumbai Cobras 78 78 0.500 10 Singapore Merlions 41 115 0.263 47

[Bob_Meteors]

Wow, great write-up. You hit it right on with Melbourne, great hitting no pitching. I will say it again, if anyone wants OF please message me!

[rbeadle3]

Love the Singapore write up, everyone just trust the process...

[Huckleberry]

So, yeah, today happened.

Paris traded away

Sissay Dato
Harsendu Dhurvasula
Balya Virendra
Ah-cy Liang
Gaudêncio Brigham

And got back

2109 London #1
2109 Mumbai #1
2109 London #2
2109 Scottish #2
2110 London #1
2110 Mumbai #1
2110 Mumbai #2
2111 Mumbai #1

[Echo127]

Good grief. Paris 2115, here we come.

[claphamsa]

plenty more!

[claphamsa]

i need to make sure i export in FA, since im not tanking!

[Huckleberry]

Updated projected standings using the Huckleberry Predictor 3000.

AFRO-EUROPEAN DIVISION

Team W L PCT GB Scottish Claymores 94 62 0.603 - Black Forest Foxes 91 65 0.583 3 London Monarchs 85 71 0.545 9 Rome Generals 76 80 0.487 18 Paris Fleur-de-Lis 51 105 0.327 43 ASIAN DIVISION Team W L PCT GB Melbourne Meteors 89 67 0.571 - Mumbai Cobras 87 69 0.558 2 Karachi Falcons 86 70 0.551 3 Seoul Brothers 81 75 0.519 8 Singapore Merlions 41 115 0.263 48

[Txhorns]

Looks like my team still sucks

[Huckleberry]

You've been a team stuck in the about 0.500 loop. At some point you might either have to sell everything and start the rebuild or buy everything and go for broke.

[claphamsa]

Looks like my team still sucks

im selling...if you care

[Huckleberry]

Final 2109 Predicted IBL Standings:

AFRO-EUROPEAN DIVISION

Team W L PCT GB Scottish Claymores 89 67 0.571 - Black Forest Foxes 87 69 0.558 2 London Monarchs 84 72 0.538 5 Rome Generals 77 79 0.494 12 Paris Fleur-de-Lis 62 94 0.397 27 ASIAN DIVISION Team W L PCT GB Mumbai Cobras 89 67 0.571 - Melbourne Meteors 88 68 0.564 1 Karachi Falcons 82 74 0.526 7 Seoul Brothers 79 77 0.506 10 Singapore Merlions 42 114 0.269 47 Mumbai with the surge. Looks like it should be a heck of a race for the 4 IBL playoff spots.

[claphamsa]

man, the estimator doesnt like my rotation of 1 star guys!


FYI, still selling

[Bob_Meteors]

Oh... I am now second. $#%@ it Mumbai!!

[claphamsa]

Oh... I am now second. $#%@ it Mumbai!!

could help you out with some players