A season to forget...

After loosing in final, the Jokers made a big trade with Seattle to obtain Bob Rudyard. The GM wanted to upgrade the team and starting pitching was the biggest problem. So everyone in Vegas wished, at that time, another trip to the final with the goal of winning in mind. That's not the way the season goes. The Jokers finished last...LAST!!!! in their division. It's clear that fans, players and the owner, mister Angelil, are very upset about the way the team played and the GM will have pressure to put the team back on track quickly! Let's look what went wrong.

Pitching

Will Bob Magee improve
in 2014?

Starting pitching was supposed to be better but the team finished 9 in ERA in the Thurman Munson League. If you think that the rotation is lead by Maurice Gould, the best pitcher in the game, that let you figure how bad were the others. Bob Magee and Christian Clark are young, but these two saw their performance going down in their sophomore year. Magee had an ERA over 5.50, a climb of one point and was very inconstant all year long. He still manage to win 11 games and realise one of two gems but he was clearly a deception. Clark didn't showed any improvement and with an ERA over 5.5 too, they put a lot of pressure on offense to win games. Ryan Owens was the only other starter with an ERA under 5.00 with 4.98. He got a .500 record and may grab a spot in the rotation at back-end starter. Tom Wagner was lucky to win 11 wins with a skyrocket ERA of 5.72, the worst of all starter in the team. It's clear that the Jokers will need to improve that aspect with a solid number 2 and hope that Magee and Clark show sign of improvement next year. If not, Maurice Gould could be on the trading block and serve as a trade bait to rebuild completely the team.

Relief

Will Rich Barrett will become
a starter?

The relief wasn't the strenght of the team in 2012 but become a major problem in 2013 when we saw the team finish 11 in the TM league on the ERA. Of course, the fact that Rich Barrett and Nick Fox have been injured didn't help but we clearly saw a group that didn't hold any lead and loose many games. Barrett is still an elite reliever but some say that GM Neveu want to see if he can be a solution in the rotation. The question is not the ability but the durability. Barrett made 2 long stay on injury list and that let all the organisation in jeopardy about his recovery. Nick Fox did a good job and will need help if he want to anchor the bullpen. Ernie Kuhn did a nice job in middle relief and will return in 2014. Ray Brady, a young gun obtain in Bob Rudyard trade, was a big deception. His ERA was over 6 and he allowed runs in most of his presence. Of course, the team will be patient with him but he need to improve... and quickly! After that, a bunch of mopop reliever with Marquez, Garcia and Morris. Morris will not be back and the others will probably return in AAA. So that left one big hole if Barrett return in the bullpen or two if he's not!

Offense

Will Thornton continue
is good work?

The offense still manage to score 809 runs for the third place in TM league. That was not bad but not as good as last year and clearly not enough to overcome the weakness in pitching. But in that area, many players did very well in 2013. First the catcher Phillip Smith hit .299 with 21HR and 88RBI, that a very good improvement. He's now one of the best at his position at only 25. He's an asset that we can build around. At first base, Vic Jenning was traded to obtain a top prospect so right now, we don't have a regular here. Kevin Carey finished the season at this position but he's clearly near the end. All of his stat are down and defensively, he can't played in infield and need to return DH or elsewhere. So that's an indication that Ray Stevens will not be back. He still have power (15HR in a limited role) but the team can't have 2 DH on the lineup. At 2B, Jose Ortiz is correct. We can count on him to hit near .250 and hit a douzen of HR. Clearly, he's a bottom of the lineup hitter and play well his position. Erik Bennett was a pleasant surprise at SS. He improved his batting average from .262 to .313 and manage to produce 72 HBI, even if he hit number 2 or 8 in the lineup. His fielding is decent so the SS is in good hand. The 3B was givin to Lou Gibson after the horrible defensive start of Kevin Carey. Gibson hit 19HR and produce 69HBI but he's not very good in fielding, so he may be the 3B until Veton Zhugli fully develop. But what will happen in 2014? nobody knows it for sure but it seems reasonable to assume that Zhugli will start in AAA.

On the outfield, Troy Tracy had another very good year. Hitting .332 with 20HR and 82RBI (for a leadoff) was excellent. He field well his position so he's one of the bright spot in Vegas lineup. In centerfield, Gordon Thornton was a very good acquisition, even with his monstruous salary. He hit .332 in his Vegas stay with 15HR and finished the year with more then 110 RBI. So if he produce like this in 2014, the manager will smile again and forget more easily Bob Rudyard. Finally, in right field, Colin St.John. The best hitter for Vegas stayed most of the year off the feld with a concussion. Now he's fully recover and hope to make a big impact in 2014 and he may be the spark Vegas need to be back in playoff in 2014. But if everything turn ugly, will he pack his thing to another city? It would be interesting to see... so it seem that the beginning of 2014 will be crucial for the GM to decide if Vegas can be back as a contender quickly or will start a long rebuilding process.

Prospect

Brent Welch, a dominant
SP in Victoria

Finally, some young guns develop their skills in minor system. Of course, the team have high hope for Veton Zhugli and Alfredo Villalobos, two players acquired in trade last year. But we need to keep an eye on Brent Welch who did great in A with 16-6 and a ERA of 2.45

Big trades at deadline for the Jokers

So, the Jokers made two big moves at trade deadline. In his press conference, GM Neveu said that it was time to trade some vets and obtains some good young players to help the Jokers in future years. The GM told the press that he waited as long as he could to see if the team get back on track but with 8 games below .500, it was time for a major shake-up.

First: He send the 34 years old ace Bob Rudyard along with Bob Reece and AAA Chris Mills to obtain the CF Gordon Thornton, MR Ray Brady and C Alfredo Villalobos. This 19 years old backstop could be the key of the trade. Las vegas scout see a great potential in him and the team wish he could become a power hitter in a couple of years. Brady will help to stabilise a bullpen that did not deliever this year. Finally, Gordon Thornton was obtain because Montreal couldn't live with Rudyard contract without giving a big one in return. The high priced centerfield never fullfill the exectations in Montreal, maybe a change of scenery will help him. Las Vegas really think that this trade will help the team to come back stronger next year.

Gordon Thornton
Will he play better in Vegas? The talent is there... that's for sure...

The second trade was made with Maple. The team let go two good players in Jennings (1B) and Coleman (MR) but obtain the young 3B Veton Zhugli and MR Ernie Kuhn. Las Vegas scout saw Zhugli very high and think he could anchor the 3B for many years. He project to be a very solid hitter with a possibly gold glove in defense. Coleman is a very good reliever but he didn't play well this year when Barrett was injuried. Same for Jennings, who start to hit well in june but was very cold in april and may. We'll see what they'll do in Maple. Again, this trade was made in a 2 years perspective...

Veton Zhugli
Will he become an all-star 3B?

So, Las vegas will probably suffer this year, loosing 4 regulars but we believe that the future is brighter now then it was at the start of the year. The Jokers have a good foundation with Maurice Gould, Colin St.John and Phillip Smith, now they need to develop theses youngsters into very good players to be back in division race next year. GM Neveu was a bit surprise to see the reaction of the fans, who seems to accept theses moves even if this put a cross over this season. But, the team must play better next year and young players need to show some improvement...

Inconstancy and availability

Inconstancy, that's the word who describe the most the season of the Jokers. Except Maurice Gould, who shine as the best SP of the league, the others players are just so-so. After going 5-0 in Montreal and Minnesota, the Jokers felt 1-6 to rebound with a 4-3 and 4-2 weeks. The only positive things is that the division leader is still close (only 3 games) and Las Vegas can hope to be at the top at the end of september.  Bob Rudyard came back from injury and pitched very well but the team loose is best hitter, Colin St.John. Even if it's a big blow, the team need to start winning more regularly and let the excuse aside, all team have injury. Just look Maple who still in first place with most of his starting rotation on the clinic.

Las vegas could hope for a comeback and win his division but right now, we can consider them a legitimate contender for the cup. So, that leave GM Neveu in a difficult position. Does he start trading some good vets to rebuild some part of the team or he continue with his current lineup and hope Jennings, Stevens, Smith and his relief start to play better. We really thing that every player over 30 could be deal for the right price... With many teams who can legitimely believe to bring home the cup, maybe a Kevin Carey or a Bob Rudyard could be the missing piece... We really thing that the GM could move if he receive a good 2B, 3B or young SP...

On the market????

Kevin Carey, .314

Bob Rudyard 2.62 era

Lee Stevens

The future, part I

September... The Jokers are struggling in ABL.  Even with 2 good pitchers on disabled list, the bad sequence result more in a slump from the offense. But, it's just the beginning of the season and fans are not so worry right now. But two teams in minor lead their divisions: The Reno Raiders in AAA and the Victoria Vikings in the A. Let's see which youngsters may wear the Vegas uniform in a couple of years.

A

The Victoria Vikings are hot. They play for .720 in the season and 840 at home. But we you look the roster, they're not a superstar on the team... it's really a team matter that produce wins. In our scout eyes, two young pitchers played very weel.

Brent Welch: 2-0, 1,51 The 4th pick in this year draft started very well his career. In his first year as a pro, he's already the number 1 SP in Victoria. We think that some times in minor will help him to become a number 3 or 4 SP in ABL

Kokei Watanabe: 3-0, 8SV 0,79 The Japanese closer was a 20 round pick in 2012 draft. Right now, he's absolutely dominant on the mount. A Southpaw, he may become a middle relievers in a couple of years. Right now, he's one of the reason the Vikings are cruising in first place.

Next text: The Reno Raiders....

Big trades for the Jokers!

Two big trades this winter for the Jokers. The biggest one see the arrival of Bob Rudyard, the southpaw from Seattle. Rudyard had a great year in Seattle with 19 wins and we think that he will assume the number #2 starter role in the orgasnisation. We really need a dominant southpaw and that's what we've got in this deal, says GM Neveu. The price for Rudyard was young SP Roberto Gonzalez and MR Arthuro Sandoval, two promising youngsters. GM said: It's clear that on a long term perspective, Seattle will win this deal. But with the team we have, future is right now for Vegas.

Bob Rudyard

Jeff Olsen

The other trade saw vet backstop Ronnie Wells going to Eureka in a deal that saw young southpaw Jeff Olsen coming to Vegas. In fact, it may be in Reno (AAA), the time he fully develop. This deal made the departure of Gonzalez possible because Olsen is a talented young SP. Ronnie Wells is a very good catcher but the emergence of Phillip Smith made him available. So we think that the addition of two good lefty SP help to strenghten the team. If Rudyard is as dominant as he was in Seattle, Vegas will have the best 1-2 punch of the league with him and Maurice Gould. The team didn't like the way starter were beaten against Montreal in final so they move to be stronger this year.

Las Vegas trade block

Las Vegas is now ready to move after a stunning defeat in 4 against Montreal.  Of course, the team is the Thurman Munson league champion but every players stay with a piece of deception after their championship serie failure.

So, it's time to think about 2013 and the Joker put a really nice players on the trading block, the catcher Ronnie Wells.  He's not a young man but at 32 he still have some good years in front of him.  Our scout see him with a 17 contact and 18 in avoid strikeout, a nice combo for a catcher. He hit well last year (.291) even if he's righty in our friendly lefty stadium. But with the emergence of Phillip Smith, the organisation want to give Wells a chance to be #1 backstopper in another team.  Let's come and talk, we're open at many ideas.
http://www.usfleagues.net/abl/reports/players/player_765.html

If someone want to make a solid run for the title, we can talk about Clay Morris (SP) and Kevin Carey (3B), two very good vets who had very good playoff.

In fact, there's just 2 players who won't move for sure; Maurice Gould and Colin St.John... Now, we're waiting to see who's gone a be Vegas first pick...

World series start in Vegas tonight

It's time... The Jokers will receive the Bandits tonight in the first match of world series. really The Jokers want this first title so they're happy to start at home, with Maurice Gould on the month. All players knows that to beat Montreal, they'll need good pitching.  Montreal offense is terrible and can mark 10 or more points easily. So, all the pressure will be on the shoulders of Gould, Morris and Magee. The trio pitched extremly well against Boston and they'll need to be better against Montreal. If not, the dream can become a nightmare quickly.

On the offense, Kevin Carey is on fire in this year playoff. The vet took offensive leadership with many clutch hits and a consistency that really help his team. Colin St.John played extremely well in the last three games against Boston but struggled before. Troy Tracy and Vic Jennings needs to be better.

So, all is set for a fabulous series against two friendly GM. We all know that Francois Neveu came from Montreal, so it's special to face his hometown team in this serie. So, all the actors are in place, PLAYBALL!

Clay Morris win against former team.

It's an happy Morris who meet the journalist after a good showing against Mile High.  The veterant starter gave only 2 runs in 7 innings.  He admit that some money was put on the table in case of a victory against former team.  "I want this victory so bad, it's always a pleasure to show that your former team may have made a mistake to let you go".  The box score of this game is just below.
http://www.usfleagues.net/abl/reports/box_scores/game_box_1852.html

The Jokers play better since they're back home; going 8-2 in the last 10.  This confirm their first place of the division and let coach Mcghee rest some players before starting the playoff.  The coach confirm that Phillip Smith is now the regular catcher, supplanting Ronnie Wells.  "Smith is the biggest surprise of the year, we didn't expect that he would develop as fast" said coach McGhee.

So, the Jokers are now near the end of season.  Maurice Gould will have only one start to reach the 20 wins.  Coach McGhee confirm that he will pitch against Kansas City and will not be back against Eureka, whatever happen in the K-C game.  But, the way Gould pitched in september and the fact that Las Vegas played very well this season against K-C, we think that he will reach the 20. 

Gould, a Joker for 4 more years

The press conference confirmed the good news, Maurice Gould signed a 4 years extension.  At only 10,500,000$, we can say that it's an excellent deal for the club.  A member of the organisation told us that at first, Gould asked for 16,17,18,18 and 20M, a little bit too pricey for a player who have one more year in arbitration.  So there was a long discussion between the player and the management and finally, they agree to a deal that satisfy both side.  Gould knew that he accepted a bit less but he really want to continue here in Vegas. "The team really want to win and treat their players like a familly member.  I trust mister Angelil (the owner) when he say that he want to build something strong here, and Las Vegas is a really good place to play."  The management really want a long term contract with their ace and now that is done, we need to concentrate at making the playoff.

Because the team performance is a bit irregular theses last weeks.  After loosing their last 4 games in august and play only .500 in september.  They saw their lead melt from 9.5 games to only 6.  So the next week is important to regain a bit of this lead and be able to rest some key players in the last week of the season. 

Phillip Smith: a pleasant surprise

At the end of the month of august, the Jokers have a 8.5 leads over their closest opponent in the Sparky Anderson division.  The team are starting to win more regularly with the return of Colin St.John in the lineup.  But, quietly, there's a youngster who start to shine more quickly then expected: Phillip Smith.  This 24 years old catcher starting to battle with Ronnie Wells for more playing time, and when we look at the numbers, we just can be happy with the production of Smith.  A .330 average with 6 hr and 18 rbi in only 30 games.  All scouts agree, his full potential is not achieve so he'll get better with more experience behind the plate.  Right now, he's playing each 3 games instead of one each six or seven.  He's one of the better Las Vegas hitter in august, so he may push Wells elsewhere at the end of the season.  GM, Francois Neveu told us that Smith was one of the players in demand at trade deadline.  Sometimes, the best deal are the one you refuse!

Others little notes

Clay Morris finally won his first game as a Jokers.  A magnificent gem, no run in 8 innings.  Morris said it was a relief to finally display a good showing.

Troy Tracy is on his way back from injury.  Maybe a week or two and he'll be able to play.

Some rumors says that Maurice Gould and Jokers management are in serious talk to keep the ace 4 years in Vegas.  Both sides seems near an agrement.

Breaking News: Clay Morris come to Las Vegas!

Las Vegas GM, François Neveu, just called a press conference:
 " The Jokers made a transaction with Mile High Mustang to obtain the starting pitcher Clay Morris.  As everyone know, pitching in Las Vegas is an area we tried to improve since a couple of week.  So the acquisition of Morris, a 35 years old vet, add a quality arm to the formation.  This will decrease the pressure on Mcgee and let him time to fully develop his skills before taking the #2 spot in the rotation.  Morris will do that job and we're really excited to see him in our uniform.

To obtain gold, you have to give some gold too.  Mile High are chasing us in the division so they asked a big price.  So young SP Paul Durden, 2B Bill Whitehead and RF Julio Rodriguez, all playing in Reno (AAA) will quit to Mile High.  We wish them good luck in their new organisation.  We know that we give a lot but to obtain a quality pitcher, that was the price.  We really wanted to strenghten this area of our ball club.

- Mister Neveu, is that acquisition is the only one Las vegas will do?  What about Danny Burris?
- Burris is an excellent player and we made some contact with Notthinghamshire about him.  The problem is that we can't agree on the value of Las Vegas players.  Our scouting team and their saw things differently.  So we decided to go with Mile High and get a SP.  And when you look at the number, we're first on attack in our league but didn't do as well in pitching area, so improving that area made sense for me.
- Mister Neveu, is there a possibility that you move with another team for a 2B?
- We're always looking to improve the team.  We had few discussions over very good 2B or SS but when they asked for Bob McGee in the deal, we decide to not discuss further.  McGee is not on the market"

So, we will keep you inform about the reaction of Clay Morris when he'll arrive in Vegas.  With this move, the Jokers clearly show their intention to be a serious contender in ABL Title.

This is Bob Bobino in Vegas!

Jokers did well in All star game victory

The Thurman Munson league won the All Star game.  Many Las Vegas players played in that game and all of them significantly contibute in that victory.  Let's see how they perform.
Maurice Gould: The Goulden boy started the game.  He gave nothing in 2 innings, stroke 2 batters during his short exhibition.  But he was cleary as dominant as usual.

Kevin Carey: Mister Carey hit first in the lineup and played third all game long. He finished the day with 2 hits in 6. Another big game for the vet.






Colin St.John: The best RBI producer of the team bat second.  He made 2 apperances and had 1 hit.  Of course, it was new for him to hit as high in the lineup.





Vic Jennings: Vic played first base and hit at the 4 spot.  He had 1 hit in 2 with 1 RBI.  Another good day at the office for him.





Troy Tracy: He played from 6th inning to 8 and score a run.







So we can be proud of all of them for their good showing.  But they will have to be ready quickly because Las Vegas start an important series against Mile high.

If there's nothing new on Gould contract, it appear that trade talk still continue with Notthinghamshire.  GM Neveu don't want to confirm it but he admit that he's talking with some teams to improve the team.  Is Burris involving in these discussions?  Notthinghamshire said earlier that he's not on the market but let an open door in saying that everyone have a price.  The question is now: Can Vegas pay that price?

Rumors, signatures and contract talk

The Jokers enter the month of july ahead by 6.5 games.  It's not enough to take it easy and the GM is now starting to talk with others GM to see if the team can be strenghten.  The market is very tin in SP but some 2B could be available.  So, there's rumors that Mr Neveu enquiring about Burris, Mclernon or Hamm.  On the three players, the acquisition of Burris would be so huge for the Vegas franchise, giving the team another top hitter.  With St.John and Jennings to clean up the bases, another elite average hitter would put Las Vegas in top team of the league.  But what could be the price?  McLernon and Hamm reprensent good value too if a deal couldn't be reach with Nottinghamshire.

Danny Burris, one of the most promising young 2B








In the world of facts, Troy Tracy signed an extension with the team.  The management, extremely please with his number, giving him a raise that would keep the LF many years with the team.  As a leadoff, Tracy did all what we hope from him.  Is solid defense and leadership make the deal easier to conclude.  The only surprising thing right now is to see Maurice Gould still not sign for many years.  Gould is absolutely on fire since may, can't go to free agent market right now but why waiting?  All the Jokers fans will have a better sleep with Gould lock for the next 5 years.  The management told us that discussion have started with Gould but it's seem that the two sides are not near anything right now.  It will be interesting to see how the situation will develop in the next months...

Bob Bobino,
Journalist

A team built for our Stadium

GM Diary: Montreal play well at home... Las Vegas too.  The team have a 19-7 record in front of his fan.  It's always a good thing to win a lot at home.  First, the fans are pleased after the game when their team won.  Second, it install doubt in the head of the visiting team.  We asked the GM the reason for this succes.

The Jokers are build for the Stadium.  When Mister Angelil bought the franchise, he plan to build a stadium.  He was impress by the Yankee Stadium when he was young so he decided to build a Stadium who look like to the old Yankee Stadium.  So when i drafted the players, i had that in mind so i decide to have a lineup to do well in our stadium.  The plan worked very well for the hitter.  We are in first place for runs scored.  But i struggled a bit for the SP.  I would have love to claim a big lefty to go with Maurice Gould... We have 2 or 3 good prospects but they are all righty.  As long as we stay in first place, we will live with it but if we receive a good offer for a good lefty, we may trade one of our young SP, like Gonzalez.  In fact we decide to put him in AAA because he struggle a bit now.  We don't want him to stop developping his abilities so we decide to bring up Christian Clark, a young SP who pitched very well in our AAA.  If Clark not injuried himself in spring training, he may have start in ML.  We'll see how Gonzalez will do in minor and call him back for sure in september.

Bob "the professor" Magee

GM DIARY: End of may.  It's been now 2 months of baseball in the new ABL league.  The Jokers are first in their division.  The secret of success: making points.  Bats are really hot since the beginning of the season.  Troy Tracy flirt with .400, St.John is in the top 5 RBI's and we got good production from Jennings, Stevens and Wells.  In that department, everything is OK.  For the pitching part, it's another story.  We don't have any concern about Maurice "Gouldenboy" Gould but the others SP are a bit unproven.  If we could have depth, Bob "the professor" Magee and Roberto "Jumbo" Gonzalez would have started in AAA. Since a new team can't be strong everywhere, we rushed these two in major. 

The surprise right now is the professor.  At only 21, he lead the team with 7 wins.  Since the beginning of the season, he only had one bad start, against San Francisco.  He compete hard, even if he lack experience but he learn quickly.  He's definitly going to be an ace in a couple of season.  For now, he gives us more then we could ask.  So, the young number 19 of the Jokers is a prospect to watch closely.  With the tips and the exemple of Gould, he will have a strong mentor to learn.

Bob Magee is unknown now but the professor will soon be a fan favorite here in Vegas.