Zenny

Hey folks, most of you probably know me from NetSports, but I'm here and ready to talk about some wicked intense Sox baseball without interruption from Yankee fans and their idiocy. This is the year folks and we're all going to be here to witness it.

http://www.sports-wired.com is where I go for minor leaguer's stats.

I think the Dodgers got the better end of this deal. DePodesta traded a lesser version of Bradley, who has very weak plate discipline (which isn't an easily fixed problem), and wouldn't be able to contribute to the team this season or next for a player whose OBP was .100 points higher than his not too shabby .321 BA with developing power, a .400+ BA against lefties, great CF defense and will be able to start for the team this season. If Tracy can control his behavior, they've got a real winner here. The PTBNL is supposed to be a good one, no word on who it is yet, but it's not to be a member of the pitching Big 3 (Jackson, Miller, Hanrahan) or Koyie Hill, their future catcher, so it's no problem for the Dodgers. I'm still riding the Dodgers to win this division, but that all depends on how soon Edwin Jackson is recalled, if Jeff Weaver's return home does him good and the additions of Encarnacion and Bradley can bolster the offense just enough to keep them in games. I think all three things will lead the Dodgers to an '04 NL West pennant, but they don't stand a chance in the playoffs.

Favorite player no longer with the Sox has to be John Valentin. He was my boy. He played hard-nosed ball and strung together some solid seasons at SS. Favorite player now has to be Trot. He has more passion for baseball than anyone I've ever witnessed has and can really mash.

Guess who's here, boys! Sarasota looks to have an amazing team, but don't start buying your playoff tickets yet. If these boys play well, they'll be in Hadlock Field by the end of the summer. David Murphy appears to be the most likely choice to get the first promotion from the Sarasota team. Theo loves the MurphDawg, he was Theo's first actual scouted and picked player, and with Jeremy Owens gone, Portland needs a CF. Murphy is my favorite prospect and will see time at Portland before the season is over. In my opinion, he's the least likely prospect to be traded and has a future on this ballclub once Johnny Damon's horrific contract is off the books in 2006, which is when Murphy will be ready as a full-time major-leaguer. If Juan Cedeno gets his curve and changeup under control, he'll be in Portland as well. Murton doesn't have the upside that Murphy has, but he's also a very good player and Portland also isn't out of the question. Hanley's the best hitter in the system and will probably recieve a promotion, but Kenny Perez would have to be moved to 2B or up to Pawtucket. I like the way the Sox's minor league system stacks up. It's the best that it has been in years and is primed to pump out the best talent we've seen since Nomar and Trot.