2011 Season ending numbers and ranks

8th in Hits at 1,380

8th in Runs at 692

12th in HR's at 153

10th in RBI at 663

9th in BB at 516

3rd in SB's at 148

9th in AVG at .266

12th in OPS at .749

10th in Inn at 1,514

10th in K's at 1,148

13th in W's at 87

15th in Loses at 100

12th in SV's at 38

7th in Holds at 46

8th in ERA at 3.92

13th in Whip at 1.32

The 2011 Season

The 2011 Kelly's Heroes made an improvement this season and that showed with increased winning percentage. The team teams bats got a very slow this year and then the pitching suffered many injuries once the bats warmed up. The team is excited for the 2012 season. Some are talking playoffs?

Updated All-Time Record
League Year Wins Loses Ties Win%
TSA 2006 181 116 11 .606**
CPL 2007 156 167 22 .484
CPL 2008 160 173 19 .480
CPL 2009 200 134 18 .599*
CPL 2010 136 186 30 .429
CPL 2011 135 174 27 .442

**Won the championship
*Made the playoffs

Rizzo is UP!

Anthony Rizzo collected his first home run and double as a major leaguer Saturday against the Nationals.
They were also the Padres' only extra-base hits of the game. Rizzo is off to an excellent start for the Padres, having gone 3-for-7 with four walks in three games. His first hit was a triple, so all three so far have gone for extra bases.

Mike Minor is close

Mike Minor took a perfect game into the seventh inning pitching for Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.
Minor ended up tossing eight shutout innings, striking out nine. He will likely return to the Braves rotation Saturday in Houston. "I said, 'Hey, there are no promises; you're lined up but there are no promises,'" Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "But that is a good step. We haven't made that decision but that's nice to see."

Hall is heating up

Bill Hall went 4-for-4 with a run scored in Houston’s 4-3 win over the Dodgers on Monday evening.
The four-hit night was Hall’s first of the season, and upped his .221 average to .244. Through 135 at-bats, he has just two home runs, making him a shaky start in shallower NL-only leagues. The power should come, however.

Newest Hero

Padres purchased the contract of OF Blake Tekotte from Double-A San Antonio.
Tekotte, a third-round pick back in 2008, was hitting .291/.310/.486 with six homers and 14 steals over his first 39 games with Double-A San Antonio. The 23-year-old is left-handed, which is a nice change of pace to Chris Denorfia, Ryan Ludwick, Cameron Maybin, who all bat from the right side of the plate. It's not clear how much he'll play, but his speed makes him worth a flier in NL-only formats.

Jay Bruce off to a good start

Jay Bruce was a lone bright spot for the Reds in their blowout loss to the Phillies on Monday, going 3-for-4 with a three-run homer.
He tagged Cole Hamels for a three-run shot in the fourth inning, his second bomb in as many days, eighth of the month and 12th of the season. After a very slow start, Bruce is now playing like one of the best right fielders in all of baseball.

2011 Draft Early Returns

1. (6th) OF Josh Sale, has not played yet, grade NA

1. (7th) SP Zach Lee, 6s 3-0 30.2inn 28k's 1.17era .237avga, grade A+

1. (10th) SP Carlos Matinrez, just made 1st start of the season this weekend 4inn 0h 1BB 6k's, Grade B+

2. (19th) SP Anthony Ranaudo, 6s, 2-1, 27.1Inn, 30k's, 2.32era, .176avga, Grade A-

2. (20th) SS Adeiny Hechavarria, .216svg 1HR 8Steals, Grade D-

2. (32nd) SP Stetson Allie, Has not pitched yet Grade NA

3. (38th) OF Jake Skole, .250 1HR 5steals Grade C-

3. (43rd) SP Carlos Perez, 6s, 32inn, 34k's, 5.06era, Grade B- (has pitch better then era would make you think)

4. (51st) OF Guillermo Pimentel, has yet to play in 2011 Grade NA

4. (52nd) SP Alex Wimmers, injured after 0.0 inn and 3 earned runs Grade NA

4. (59th) SS Esteilion Peguero, has yet to play Grade NA

4. (60th) RP Brandon League, at the MLB level 2.08era .85whip 9svs Grade A-

7. (101st) OF Ryan Raburn, at MLB level .237avg 4HR 14RBI Grade C

8. (117st) 3B Renato Nunez, Has not played in 2011 Grade NA

Manny's Done

Manny Ramirez stay on the Heroes was not long, last 1 CPL week infact.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Manny Ramirez failed a drug test during spring training.He was notified about one week ago and decided to retire rather than appeal. Ramirez would have faced a 100-game suspension for a second positive test, so the Rays wouldn't have had him back until much later in the summer. For what it's worth, Ramirez probably just kissed any chance of the Hall of Fame goodbye. It will be interesting to see where the Rays go from here, as they could call up Desmond Jennings and move Johnny Damon to designated hitter. Jennings is certainly someone to watch in mixed leagues. Matt Joyce and Sam Fuld figure to benefit in the short-term.

One Word: Bum

Cahill Signed

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, the Athletics and Trevor Cahill have reached agreement on a multi-year contract, pending a physical.
The terms of the contract aren't yet available, but the deal will likely cover his arbitration seasons. Cahill, 23, went 19-9 with a 2.97 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 30 starts last season and is off to a quick start over his first two starts this year with a 1.42 ERA and 15 strikeouts over 12 2/3 innings.

This is good news for Kelly's Heroes, Cahill much better staying in Oakland long term.

Opening Day Roster

C AJ Pierzynski ChW
1B Daric Barton Oak
1B/OF Michael Cuddyer Min
2B Dustin Pedroia Bos
2B/OF Bill Hall Hou
3B Ryan Zimmerman Was
SS Orlando Cabrera Cle
SS Elvis Andrus Tex
OF Jay Bruce Cin
OF Nick Markakis Bal
OF Travis Snider Tor
OF Manny Ramirez TB
OF Ryan Rayburn Det
SP Clay Buchholz Bos
SP Brett Anderson Oak
SP Trevor Cahill Oak
SP Jordan Zimmerman Was
SP Jorge de la Rosa Col
SP Ervin Santana LaA
SP Aaron Harang SD
RP Clay Hensley Fla
RP Brian Fuentes Oak
RP Evan Meek Pit
RP Peter Moylan Atl
RP Brandon League Sea

RP David Aardsma DL

RP David Aardsma will start the year on the DL

Opening Day Minor League Roster

C Max Stassi Oak
3B Renato Nunez Oak
SS Esteilon Peguero Sea
SS Edward Salcedo Atl
OF Josh Sale TB
OF Jake Skole Tex
OF Guillermo Pimentel Sea
OF Donovan Tate SD
OF Oswaldo Arcia Min
OF AJ Pollock Ari
SP James Paxton Sea
SP Carlos Perez Atl
SP Stetson Allie Pit
SP Carlos Martinez StL
SP Tanner Scheppers Tex
SP Luke Jackson Tex
C Jarrod Saltalamachia Bos
OF Alfonso Soriano ChC
OF Juan Rivera Tor
DH Jack Cust Sea
SP Kevin Slowey Min
SP Mike Minor Atl
SP Chris Volstad Fla
RP Sam Demel Arz

Opening Day Little League

C Derek Norris Was
1B Anthony Rizzo SD
2B Jason Kipnis Cle
SS Adieny Hechevarria Tor
OF Mike Trout LaA
OF Marc Krauss Ari
SP Alex Wimmers Min
SP Anthony Ranaudo Bos
SP Zach Lee LaD
SP Chris Dwyer KC

The Bruce

Jay Bruce went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 13-10 loss to the Diamondbacks.
Bruce did his part in helping the Reds get out to a 10-0 lead in this one before the bullpen imploded. He's now batting .343 this spring with one homer, and the 23-year-old could be poised for a monster season.

Notes from Spring Training

Here is some news on Heroes from minorleagueball.com

Nick Piecoro from the Arizona Republic wrote a blog post on Diamondbacks outfield prospect A.J. Pollock, with these quotes from GM Kevin Towers:
Pollock likely will open the year in Double-A Mobile, though GM Kevin Towers doesn't think he's too far from being big-league ready.
"There's no doubt in my mind he's going to be a good big-league player," Towers said, "and it's probably not too far off."
Pollock missed all of the 2010 season, but was ranked as the third best DBacks prospect by Baseball America; and this season they ranked him as their #6 best DBack prospect. Pollock plays CF, has average power and can steal some bases. Chris Young is signed through the 2013 season, so Pollock more than likely will play LF or backup Young when he finally makes it up to the bigs.

MASN's Ben Goessling on Nationals catching prospect Derek Norris:
"His combination of power and plate discipline is rare to find in a catcher, and once he refines his game behind the plate, he's got the chance to be a star."
Norris has a HR in 3 at bats this spring. I think he could be ready for the big leagues in mid-2012.

Heroes 2011 Draft Recap

1. (6th) OF Josh Sale, ranked 5th on the Heroes board was the long time target of the team. Hopefuly will move to 1B and be the term option for both the Rays and the Heroes for years to come. One of the only true 30+ HR threats in this draft: Grade A-

1. (7th) SP Zach Lee, ranked 7th on the Heroes big board. Has nearly as much upside as picher not named Tailon. Would be top 10 pick in MLB if other teams knew they could sign him: Grade B+

1. (10th) SP Carlos Matinrez, ranked 8th on the Heroes big board. Best fastball in the draft and one of the best fastballs in the minors. He was the reach but had to have player in the Heroes mind. Grade C+ (based on the fact it was a little bit of a reach in a deep SP year)

2. (19th) SP Anthony Ranaudo, ranked 9th on the Heroes big board. Maybe one of the biggest steals of the first two rounds. Ranked every where as a top 100 player and some right around top 50. If pitches the way he did in the cap cod league he'll be top 25 next year. Grade A

2. (20th) SS Adeiny Hechavarria, ranked 18th the Heroes big board. Wasn't the best player left at the time, but a forsure SS that reached AA in his first minor league season and first year in the country not bad. Also recieved 8 figure signing bonus with the Jay's. Grade B

2. (32nd) SP Stetson Allie, ranked 16th on the Heroes board. If Ranaudo was not the biggest steal in the draft Allie might wind up being. Many thought could be a top 16 pick in the draftand to get number 32 was nice. Really raw but has pure stuff the can match Tailon's. Grade A+

3. (38th) OF Jake Skole, ranked 26th on the Heroes big board. With really good tools across the board will he be another Trout or Pollack? Only time will tell, he wasn't the highest player left on the board but was the highest hitter left. Grade C+

3. (43rd) SP Carlos Perez, ranked 23on the Heroes board. With in the last month the Heroes had considered him at pick 20. He was the 2nd player the HEroes had to have behind Martinez. Grade A-

4. (51st) OF Guillermo Pimentel, ranked 30th on the Heroes board. Huge raw power

4. (52nd) SP Alex Wimmers, ranked 28th on the Heroes big board. Safe pick

4. (59th) SS Esteilion Peguero, ranked 39th on the Heroes big board, jewel of the 2010 inter national hitters.

4. (60th) RP Brandon League, handcuff for Ardsma, planned on taking him there for a long time.

7. (101st) OF Ryan Raburn, major league depth should hit 20 HR this season.

8. (117st) 3B Renato Nunez, ranked 50th on the Heroes big board. Team loves his huge tools and big bonus.

Sup 2B/3B Jayson Nix, will open the Heroes 2011 active roster.

Overall grade B+
Could not be happier with the players the team added. Only draw back alot of young guys a few years away from the majors. This grade could change alot over the next few years. But never in a draft have I walked away this happy.

Eric Hurley's Return

Eric Hurley (hamstring) has resumed throwing off a mound and could be ready for game action sometime next week.
Hurley has been a walking MASH unit the last few years, having not appeared in a major league game since 20008 due to a variety of ailments. He was once a promising prospect and is still just 25, but his star has faded dramatically. He's likely to begin the season at Triple-A.

Notes 2/23/11

-Soriano said he plans to continue improving his defense and doesn't have any plans of being forced to the bench in the late innings for defensive reasons, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "When I started working on my defense [last] season, my defense started getting better, so I want to have the same routine," said Soriano, who indicated he continued some of that work into the winter. "I want to work on my defense every day. . . and to play in the ninth inning."

-Andrus added 10 pounds of muscle this offseason and plans to be more aggressive in hitter's counts at the plate, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Andrus, who is expected to hit second in the lineup this season, showed almost no power last season (.301 slugging, 18 extra-base hits, no homers) despite good speed and baserunning instincts so it's nice to see him concentrate on his real weakness at the plate. Even a handful of home runs would place him among the AL elite at shortstop given his speed potential.

-Snider took some grounders Tuesday, but he will not hit for a couple more days so he can rest his sore ribs. Snider should be back at full health well in advance of the regular season

-Aardsma walked unassisted for the first time since December hip surgery at Mariners' practice on Wednesday, reports Larry LaRue of the Tacoma News Tribune.
Spin: As Aardsma goes on to say, "It takes time, and you can't rush it." One has to imagine that the Mariners will take that kind of approach with their closer, which means that he could miss the first month of the season and maybe more. Walking without crutches is a good sign for Aardsma, but at least to begin 2011, Brandon League looks to be the guy getting the save opportunities out of Seattle's bullpen.

-The Indians may continue limiting Hafner's playing time in an effort to keep him healthy this season, the team's official site reports.
Spin: The Indians limited Hafner to just four consecutive games before a day off for much of the second half of the season last year with encouraging results so a similar plan may be in the cards again this season. "We don't want to run him down to the ground way too early. I think throughout camp we're going to get a better feel of how he is physically and then I'll get together with our medical staff and see," manager Manny Acta said.

Closer look at one of the newest Heroes

1B Daric Barton is one of the newest members of the Kelly's Heroes here is look at part of what John Sickels of minor league ball wrote today on him.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/2/11/1988989/career-profile-daric-barton

In 2010 was the first season he played every day with a .273/.393/.405 mark, with 10 homers, 33 doubles, 110 walks, and 102 strikeouts.

He still doesn't show the home run power normally expected of a first baseman, but his exceptional walk rate stands out. So far, he's a career .260/.369/.399 hitter, OPS+109, including last year's OPS+119 mark. His fielding at first base didn't draw great reviews when he first moved there in the minors, but it was decent in '08 and '09 and excellent last year, helping boost his WAR. He was at 4.9 WAR in 2010, giving him a 7.0 mark so far in his career.

The main question for Barton remains home run development. At age 25 he still has time to develop more, but even if he stays where he is now in terms of power, his combination of high OBP and strong defense makes him an above average player.