NEEDS IN VANCOUVER!

Every team in SJW have needs, but none more important than the Vancouver VooDoo. It appears that the VooDoo's main need right now.. is at closer. Here's what they've tried earlier...

FUNAKI: 6 SAVES, 6.00 ERA

PETERS: 12 SAVES, 3.00 ERA

Normally a closer-by-committee isn't a bad idea, as long as you have the right pitchers to do it. At first glance, Carmine Peters would be an ideal closer. His weak rating against righties prevents him from being a dominant closer. A good setup guy, but not the type of shutdown closer every team craves. The same goes for Dicky Funaki. He's converted 6 out of 7 save opportunities this season, but a 6.00 ERA leaves a lot to be desired.

MONTANEZ: NOT HAPPY WITH LR ROLE

There is word around the Vancouver camp that Benito Montanez is not too thrilled with his demotion to Long Relief. In 8 starts this season, he's posted a 0-5 record with an ERA well over 5.00. Vancouver management has stated in the past that they will not put up with malcontents on the roster, and will trade them at any cost. They are hoping to pick up a power bat in return for Montanez, especially at the 1B position.


If anybody is interested in making a deal with Vancouver for any of the above mentioned position, send jstnklly a TC.

WANTED: STUD SP IN SALEM!

Things appear to be looking pretty good so far in Salem. They're currently #2 in the Power Rankings with a 33-17 record, and they sit on the top of the AL West standings. However, they did get a touch of bad news just a couple hours ago.

In their last game against the New York Nippers, John Wang was pulled from the game after 12 pitches with what appears to be a sore shoulder. Although the injury doesn't seem too serious, it does raise doubts on whether the Salem rotation can withstand the entire length of the season injury-free. Salem GM Rootgargle said on the matter...

"We're lucky that John Wang won't be out for long, but I have my concerns. We are going to need to pick up a legit SP if we're going to make some noise in the playoffs."

Now, just how serious is Salem's search for a top-notch SP? If you are an owner with a stud SP available, you could obtain the services of 4-time All-Star Gerry Dixon.

DIXON: AVAILABLE FOR RIGHT SP

Dixon is on pace for another All-Star season, sporting a .314 BA with 13 HR and 49 RBI. He's also a gem on the field defensively, as he rarely makes mistakes with the glove. All interested parties send a TC to Rootgargle to begin the negotiating process.

AUSTIN STRIKES GOLD!!

JOSE VALDEZ: FUTURE STUD BAT

The international scout that work for the Austin franchise didn't waste any time here in S7. While scouts for other organizations have just begun preparations for the upcoming season, the Austin scouts have already found themselves a prize. Folks, meet Jose Valdes, the newest stud in the Austin Bat organization. He's a flat out future All-Star CF. He's got the range and glove to excel in the field, AND he has the bat to match. He's a contact hitter who will hit against both lefties and righties. He may not slam 50+ HR a season, but he'll hit .300 with 100 RBIs for as long as he's playing. Great job, Austin. You got yourselves a good one.

S7 OWNER PREDICTIONS

98 WINS


97 WINS


96 WINS


94 WINS


93 WINS


92 WINS


90 WINS


89 WINS


88 WINS


87 WINS


85 WINS


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77 WINS


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68 WINS


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63 WINS

S7 KEY FREE AGENT ACQUISITIONS

JAKE BRANTLEY, SAN DIEGO

The Padres went into this offseason searching for a big bat to place into their lineup, and they got just that. They inked Jake Brantley to a big time contract, eliminating one of their major needs. Brantley is a lock for 40HR a season, and he'll throw in 100+ RBIs as well. He had a down year last season, but look for him to bounce back as he feasts on NL pitching.

RICK BROWNE, PHILADELPHIA

We did a feature last season on Rick Browne, and apparently the Cheese Steaks were reading. They signed the SP to a hefty deal, and Browne will join one of the league's top rotations. If they stay healthy, Browne will help elevate the Cheese Steaks in the division, and into the playoffs.

CHARLIE WILSON, MONTERREY

As if the World Champs needed any more help.. well, they got it. RP Charlie Wilson will be a key addition to the Monterrey bullpen. Whether it's to save games or to help setup, Wilson will be relied upon in a big time fashion.

BRYAN BOLDEN, SYRACUSE

We here at the SJW Blog feel this was one of the best pickups from the entire offseason. Syracuse needed an arm, and they got one in Bryan Bolden. He kinda fell off the radar last season, as he was used mostly in relief fashion. He'll be an important part of Syracuse's pitching staff, and his success will help determine if the 'Cuse plan on participating in the playoffs.

BARTOLO ACOSTA, VANCOUVER

A nice pickup for the Vancouver franchise. Bartolo Acosta was never figured to be a part of Salem's future, which led to his eventual release. Vancouver jumped all over Acosta, and signed him to a deal. He's an innings eater with great control, and he'll be a key part of the VooDoo rotation. Bet on Acosta eventually facing his old team, looking for some sort of revenge.