APBA Baseball | The Baseball Zealot

NCAA Custom APBA Cards Available!

My buddy CLuke purports to not care so much for college baseball but I’m beginning to think otherwise. Every time I hear from him, he’s talking about something related to the topic.

This time it’s pretty exciting. Not only is it about college baseball but it pertains to another baseball interest of mine… APBA.

Chuck pointed me to Steve Guthrie’s web site. Steve has custom-made APBA baseball cards based on the 2007 NCAA season.

Wow!

Steve pumped in the stats to Brian Davis’ APBA Card Generator for most of the Division I teams in the NCAA. There are nine sets available:

Set 1: SEC, Atlantic 10, Wright State, Hawaii-Hilo
Set 2: ACC, Ohio Valley, Oral Roberts, Bethune-Cookman, Florida A and M, North Carolina A and T, Dallas Baptist, Prairie View A and M
Set 3: Big XII, Sun Belt, Mountain West
Set 4: PAC-10, Missouri Valley, Southern
Set 5: Big East, Ivy League, America East, Texas-Pan American
Set 6: Conference-USA, Colonial, West Coast
Set 7: Big West, WAC, Metro Atlantic, Army, Navy
Set 8: Big 10, Big South, Atlantic Sun
Set 9: Southland, Mid-American, Illinois-Chicago, Lafayette, North Dakota State, South Dakota State

Each set is available for download from Steve’s web site and can be printed with minimal configuration.

Me? I got the Big Ten :)

MLB Injuries a pain

Every year, I bemoan the number of injuries in baseball, thinking they must be more than the year before. Once again, I find myself thinking the same thing. Atlanta alone has 12 players on the DL.

Not to minimize the pain and stress that injuries cause the actual players. They do. But Right now, my APBA team is suffering with DL-itis.

At this moment with a little creativity, I could make a full starting infield of starting players who are on my APBA team and are also on the MLB disabled list.

C: Jason Varitek is out with strep throat. Fortunately, he’s day-to-day.
1B: Albert Pujols. Yeah, Albert. And people laughed at me when I drafted Mike Jacobs two years ago. “You got Pujols. Whaddya need him for?”
SS: Troy Tulowitski. Tulo was my prized first round rookie pick this year. He’ll miss almost 2 months already with busted quadriceps. But no worry, he’s capably backed up by…
SS: Julio Lugo, who is out with the flu. Like Varitek, he’s day-to-day.
3B: Ryan Zimmerman. I got Zim from DonS in a trade for Huston Street. I was pretty happy with the deal till June 3 when he hurt his shoulder. A recent MRI says he’s 4-6 weeks away from returning if he comes back at all. He may just be out for the season.

and finally,

SP: Tom Glavine: Mr Thunderchicken, who’s been on my team since the early 90’s and never been hurt till this year. Glavine has been hurt twice for the Braves and this last elbow injury may put him down till August.

Here’s hoping I have plenty of draft picks next year.

Video APBA: Look at me, I can lose long distance too

The APBA baseball league I’m in, the Illowa APBA League, is a face-to-face league. Considering that we play a 162-game schedule and that we have managers in Iowa, Illinois and Pennsylvania, we do pretty well to get all our games played.

Our schedules do play tricks on us though. When Teddy Ballgame couldn’t make it to the last IAL get-together in May, those of us scheduled to face his Chicago Champions were left to our devices to find ways to get our games played against him.

Teddy had a intriguing idea, though. Why not play using our video webcams?

Now, I’ve played APBA over the phone. And I even remember the old days when we used to send each other instructions over snail mail and play our home games solitaire. But I have to admit playing via video over Skype interested me so I thought I’d give it a try.

So Tuesday night, I fired up my Logitech webcam, connected to Skype and dialed up Teddy who was already online. Once we got the connection established over Skype, it worked pretty well. There were times that the video was a bit jolting but audio was clear as a bell.

This new format however, didn’t help my hapless Thunderchickens. We lost all six games against Teddy and his Chicago Champions. Just look at Teddy and the superior look on his face in the screencap above. I’ll tell you if we we’re playing face-to-face…

The first night I had the cam attached to the monitor. The second night, I had it attached to the stand that came with the cam. That was in hopes I had a awesome dice roll and I could easily give him a good “in your face” view of it. Alas, we didn’t have too many good rolls I could do that with since I think we led for a total of about 2 innings for the whole six game series.

Playing APBA via webcam doesn’t replace the real thing but in a pinch, it was best alternative I’ve come across. We were able to banter back and forth and talk about the latest in baseball news, my trip to the Big Ten Tourney. He could even say hi to the wife and kids.

Great idea, Teddy. But we hope you can make the IAL weekend next time.

Illowa APBA League web site updated

I finally got around to updating the Illowa APBA League web site. Final 2007 standings and stats are reflected.

Don’t miss Teddy Ballgame’s IAL Rookie Draft Report Card and Trade Analysis. They’re always good for a laugh.

The IAL is a 10-team league that uses the APBA basic game and has been around since 1975.

Illowa APBA League: 34 years and still rollin’

I spent last weekend at the Illowa APBA League World Series and Draft Convention. This is the 34th year of the IAL’s existence and we’re lucky to have one or two of the founding managers still around.

IAL Commissioner Mike Bunch presents the championship trophy to Rob Moore

First, a big congratulations goes to Rob Moore and his Chicago Highlanders who captured the IAL Championship by defeating Marcus Bunch’s Moline (IL) Upperdeckers in the World Series. This was Rob’s first World Series win after making the playoffs three times. Congrats, Rob!

Todd V announces Ryan Braun as the first pick in the 2008 IAL draft.

After a brief (but not brief enough in most people’s eyes) league meeting, our rookie draft commenced. Two things need to noted: One, we are a continuous ownership or keeper league and draft rookies to replace players that have retired or did not play. Two, since APBA is a replay game based on last year’s statistics, we are drafting 2007 rookies.

That said, here is our the first 15 picks went in our rookie draft:

Braun, R.
Tulowitzki, T.
Pedroia
Upton, J.
Lincecum, T.
Pence, H.
Young, C.
Gallardo, Y.
Moylan, P.
Hamilton, J.
Gordon, A.
Matsuzaka, D.
Soria, J.
Hughes, P.
Garza M.

The pick of Braun, who went to Baseball Zealot Radio co-host Todd V was no surprise. I had pick #2 and the rumor had gotten out that I was hot on Tulo so despite the fact that I took a good portion of my 5 minutes, everyone knew I was taking him.

In all, 38 rookies were chosen, the oldest, I believe being Okajima from Boston. No doubt, Teddy Ballgame will be coming out with his annual draft review sometime in the future. With my sucky performance (Tulo, McGowan, Kendrick, and Pie), I don’t expect a good review from him.

Rolling dem bones. We start the 2008 IAL season.

With the 2007 postseason, league meeting and rookie draft out of the way, we still had 30 games to begin the 2008 season to play. I won’t bore you with the details though we did have one exciting occurrence. One game after C Luke’s Northside Hitmen’s Brad Penny no-hit me, I came right back with Rich Hill who countered a no-hit game of his own. In the 34 years of the Illowa APBA League, no one can remember back-to-back no-hitters.

My record for the weekend?? A pathetic 11-19 due to a lack of hitting and an inflexible bullpen.

Congrats to Rob Moore and congrats to the IAL for 34 years of fun!

Hot Stove League heating up in my APBA League

I just made my second trade in my APBA League. I traded Huston Street for Ryan Zimmerman to the Molly Putts Marauders owned by Zealot reader DonS. I’ve had Street since I picked him in the first round in the rookie draft a couple years ago.

Points to consider:

I am was desperate for coverage for thirdbase. My only other thirdbaseman was Joe Crede who as you know, was injured for most of last year. With Braun, Kouzmanoff, Gordon, and Iwamura, our rookie draft was ripe with thirdbasemen. But rumors of Braun moving to the outfield and Iwamura not showing the power I want/need, I went for the sure thing.
DonS’ Marauders presumably needed bullpen. And while there’s no such thing as too much bullpen, I could conceivably spare one especially in a situation like this (I still have Akinori Otsuka, Pat Neshek, and Ruddy Lugo (who got a gift from APBA).
Ryan Zimmerman’s errors were way up in 2007. I am aware of that. But I still think he is a quality fielder and even probably should have won the Gold Glove. I’m not the only person to think that. And no, David Wright should NOT have won it.
DonS’ Marauders had three starting thirdbasemen. He could afford to make this trade. That’s not to minimize Huston Street. I picked Street in the first round of the rookie draft after his 2005 rookie season. I rarely ~~never~~ pick relievers in the first round. Not since Tom Martin in 1998. They’re too unreliable. But I made a exception with Street because I thought he had good stuff. And so far, he hasn’t disappointed. Have fun with him, DonS.

Now with two deals I have my positions covered. Earlier this off-season, I traded Juan Uribe to Baseball Zealot Radio co-host Todd V for Ray Durham. A blockbuster, to be sure. More importantly to us APBA managers, he covered our positions. O-dog missed a few games with an injury in 2007.

With 2 picks in the upcoming rookie draft, I have the ultimate luxury. I can pick the best player available.

Hot Stove APBA-Style

We’re not done with our season in our Illowa APBA League but seeing that the MLB campaign is over, that doesn’t prevent our trading from commencing.

After recording Show #35 of Baseball Zealot Radio, Todd and I got talking and we ended up making a trade. A real blockbuster I tell ya. I sent Juan Uribe to him for Ray Durham. Ironically, the subject of Uribe came up during the show and Todd went on a rant about how he would never want him on the Pirates. Guess he fits ok on his Three Rivers Gamblers, eh?

To be fair, Uribe would only be playing 10-15 games for Todd. Same for Durham who is backing up Orlando Hudson for me.

I got thinking about it and I realized that this is the second time that Durham has been involved in a trade with Todd after recording a BZR show. Last winter, we traded Durham for a draft pick.

I emailed Todd back and told him that if you take out the Durham factor, this is kinda like me trading him Uribe for a draft pick.

Maybe he likes Uribe more than he thinks.

JROLL JOINS AROD

Jimmy Rollins – 2007 NL MVP Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was named NL 2007 MVP. Rollins had an incredible year! Jimmy batted .296, 41 steals, 212 basehits, 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 homers, and was named Gold Glove SS. The 5’8″ switch hitter started all 162 games, had 716 at bats, scored 139 times, … Continue reading “JROLL JOINS AROD”

Jimmy Rollins – 2007 NL MVP

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was named NL 2007 MVP. Rollins had an incredible year! Jimmy batted .296, 41 steals, 212 basehits, 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 homers, and was named Gold Glove SS. The 5’8″ switch hitter started all 162 games, had 716 at bats, scored 139 times, and drove in 94 runs (mostly as a leadoff man). He follows fellow Phillie teammate Ryan Howard who was MVP in 2006.

Rollins is also a member of the Chicago Champions of the Illowa APBA League. He joins Champion teammate Alex Rodriguez as winners of the 2007 MVP Award. Other recent MVP Award winners on the Champs include 2006 AL MVP Award recipient Justin Morneau and 2005 AL MVP Award winner ARod. With all this talent it won’t be long before the Champions are back at the top of the IAL where they belong. In the 30+ years of the IAL History the Champions have won ten World Series Titles, but none in over the last ten years.

The highest paid player in the history of the game Alex Rodriguez totally earned his paycheck when he had a career year in Pinstripes. ARod batted .314, with 54 home runs, 156 RBI’s, and scored 143 runs. The slugger also stole 24 bases, had 31 doubles, walked 95 times, his onbase percentage was .422, and he did a pretty good job at the hot corner. I’ve been a big fan of Rodriguez’ since seeing him on Alex Rodriguez poster day when he played SS for the Appleton Foxes of the Midwest League in 1994. I still have that poster on my wall, as well a an A-Ball card he signed for me that night, actually paid the batboy $5.00 to get the signature, felt kind of funny getting an 18 year old kid’s autograph.

Zealots face off in IAL All-Star Game

Teddy Ballgame (left) and I wishing each other good luck before the IAL All-Star Game Last weekend was the Illowa APBA League All-Star weekend. Zealot co-writer Teddy Ballgame and I faced off as managers of our respective divisions… … and the best team won. The West Division, behind the hitting of Game MVP Joe Mauer … Continue reading “Zealots face off in IAL All-Star Game”

Teddy Ballgame (left) and I wishing each other good luck before the IAL All-Star Game

Last weekend was the Illowa APBA League All-Star weekend. Zealot co-writer Teddy Ballgame and I faced off as managers of our respective divisions…

… and the best team won.

The West Division, behind the hitting of Game MVP Joe Mauer beat the East Division 6-3. Mauer hit a 5th inning two-run homerun to put the good guys ahead for good. Honorable mention goes to leadoff man Hanley Ramirez who went 2 for 4 with walk and two runs. For the East Division, Miguel Cabrera managed to clobber a two-run dinger in the ninth to make things interesting.

Along with the actual All-Star weekend, all ten of us managed to get 30 games played for our 2007 season (our 32nd year in existence). As for my Twin City Thunderchickens, well.. we didn’t fare so hot. In the five six-game series, we didn’t any. We managed a split in three of them and went 2-4 in the two others. A major factor was a power outage. Albert Pujols hit only 2 homeruns and 7 rbis in 26 games.

One highlight: For my Thunderchickens, John Lackey pitched a no-hitter through 11 innings. Unfortunately, he gave up a hit in the 12th but he got the win (and shutout) when we FINALLY scored a run in the 13th. Very frustrating game that our offense could not come through earlier.

But the best part of the weekend was the camaraderie with ten guys who love baseball. Discussions on the real value of Pete Rose vs Ty Cobb, whether Manny Ramirez is under-rated as a fielder, and of course, trade talk for the upcoming season.

For those wondering what APBA is or what the IAL is about see What is the Illowa APBA League?

Veterans coming through in the ALCS

I got this email today from Teddy Ballgame: TEK & KENNY, was that all T*CHIX or what!!! Of course, he was referring to Jason Varitek and Kenny Lofton who hit homeruns for their respective teams in Game 3 of the ALCS. The T-Chix reference is for my Twin City Thunderchickens, my Illowa APBA League team. It’s … Continue reading “Veterans coming through in the ALCS”

I got this email today from Teddy Ballgame:

TEK & KENNY, was that all T*CHIX or what!!!

Of course, he was referring to Jason Varitek and Kenny Lofton who hit homeruns for their respective teams in Game 3 of the ALCS. The T-Chix reference is for my Twin City Thunderchickens, my Illowa APBA League team. It’s nice to get some positive reinforcement (even though playoff stats don’t count in APBA).

I drafted Kenny Lofton as a rookie in 1993 along with Moises Alou as part of my “These Chickens have Legs” campaign to increase the speed of my lineup. He was a solid leadoff man and centerfielder for several years but he didn’t stay on my forever. Ironically, Lofton in our league mirrored the real Lofton getting traded from team to team. But it was always my team that he was traded back to.

Regarding Lofton (the REAL Lofton), he’s going on ~~sixty-two~~ forty-two years old but I was talking to a friend of mine a couple weeks ago and I told him I thought he would be a valuable asset in the post season. I mean he does have eleven years and a whopping 91 games of post season experience. I didn’t think he’d do it with the long ball mind you but the kind of player Kenny is, he’ll help the team in many ways in October that just don’t show during the regular season.

Go Kenny!