Tag: Boston Brawlers

2020 Preview: Lake League East

BOSTON BACK IN CHARGE

Boston is predicted to claim the LL East pennant handily in 2020.

(GAME DATE – April 1, 2020) — It’s no April Fool’s joke. Boston is our prediction to lead the Lake League East Division at the conclusion of the 2020 Championship Season. Last year’s division winners New York are predicted to come in 3rd, but realistically could bump Pittsburgh out of their 2nd place spot and secure a wild card spot at the end of the year.

The Brawlers have had a busy off-season making some important roster moves after posting their first sub-.500 season since 2012 last year. Their 80-82 finish was 14 games behind the NY Dragons, and they were 8 games behind the offensively deficient Toronto Nomads.

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Spring Training Begins for 2020 Season

(GAME DATE – Feb. 26, 2020) — The Bull League kicks off Spring Training today, and players and GMs are anxious to play some baseball once again.

The off-season was quiet, with just a handful of big name free agent deals, and not too many trades, as teams worked on developing their talent internally and making adjustments as we move into the second year of full 162-game schedules. Continue reading “Spring Training Begins for 2020 Season” →

Flurry of Trades as Deadline Nears

(GAME DATE: July 29, 2019) — A handful of trades, including a potentially big game-shifter for the Lake League’s West Division, have been executed as the July 31st trade deadline in the Bull League looms.

The Calgary Inferno (39-64) were involved in two this month, sending RHP Brian Johnson and a minor leaguer, Christopher Wicks, to Arizona in exchange for two minor leaguers from the Cowboys.

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2018 Series Preview: Boston Brawlers vs Minneapolis Ravens

(Game date: Sep. 8, 2018) — The Boston Brawlers and the Minneapolis Ravens will face off to open the highlight series of the 2018 LL Elimination Round. #1 seeded Ravens

moved into the Lake League for 2018 and ran roughshod over most of the teams, blanking 2017 Lake League champs 8-0, and dismantling West division competitors like Ohio and Louisville with season series wins. Continue reading “2018 Series Preview: Boston Brawlers vs Minneapolis Ravens” →

Baker’s Hit Streak Sets Record

The Minneapolis Ravens third baseman who has been on a hot-hitting streak this year has finally done it. David Baker has set the new Bull League record for hit-streaks, at 32 games – and it’s still going!

The 28-year-old switch-hitter could not help but break out a wide grin when he singled to leadoff the first inning against the Boston Brawlers tonight.

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End of Year Luxury Tax Bill Looms for Some Teams

The Rimouski Fighting Moose topped the league in payroll spending, at over $191 million this year

At least four teams face the prospect of a luxury tax bill this season after overspending on payroll this year.  The top spender, at over $191 million, were the small-market, small-budget Rimouski Fighting Moose, putting them well above the estimated average payroll of $120 milion, on which the soft cap and luxury tax is based. Three other teams overspent and will face similar hardship this October.

Former GM Bob Weinberg went full “drunken sailor” last off-season, adding Dao-zi Ling, William Febres, Kyle Cahill, Celestino Caparica and Lou Bricknell, adding over $65 million to their payroll. The team was already stocked with high-priced contracts for stars like Alan Isimo, Zenjiro Suga and others. Continue reading “End of Year Luxury Tax Bill Looms for Some Teams” →