This is a site dedicated to news and history taking place in the League of Controversy.
"After much deliberation, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization has decided to part ways with the longest tenured manager in league history—Clint Hurdle. With the Pirates staring down the barrel of a rebuild, it was mutually agreed that Hurdle needed a new challenge and the clubhouse was in need of a new voice. He leaves Pittsburgh as a team and city legend having helped bring 3 World Series to the Steel City and 9 playoff appearances in 10 seasons. The Pirates organization sincerely thanks him for his contributions to this team’s place in history. With the gears shifted towards youth moving forward, we wanted a younger manager that could grow and develop right there with this next generation of Pirates. We prioritized finding a strong communicator, a process-oriented thinker, and somebody who could make deep connections with those around them. All that being said, the new manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates will be….. former all-star outfielder, Matt Holliday!"
***UPDATE***
Hurdle has inked a deal with Seattle, who has let go of former Manager of the Year, AJ Burnett. A head scratching move to say the least, as Burnett led the Mariners to the last 3 AL West titles and a league championship in 2027. The 53 year year old manager is now seeking a new home and 72 year old Hurdle, who was favoring retirement, will try to build on this budding Mariners dynasty.
This is a quick look at the Managers that could be on the Hot Seat to unemployment. Split into AL and NL
1. Aaron Boone (Yankees) 10th Season
Last Playoff Appearance (2023)
The Yankees had a good showing this spring but they may need to carry it over into the regular season for Boone to keep his job. 2023 is the last and only playoff appearance the Yankees have made under his leadership.
2. Alex Cora (Red Sox) 10th Season
Last Playoff Appearance (2024)
The Red Sox are projected for a last place finish and that could spell the end for Cora. He has reached the playoffs 3 times in his tenure but this dry spell could be the end.
4. Don Cheadle (Royals) 6th Season
Last Playoff Appearance (None)
The Royals are under new ownership and they may be inclined to bring in their own leadership, coupled with the fact Cheadle has never taken his team to the postseason. This reeks of change unless the Royals have an unexpected season.
5. Bob Melvin (A's) 17th Season
Last Playoff Appearance (2024)
In fairness the A's have been in rebuild mode since reaching the World Series in 2024, so that could save Melvin. But the A's could be looking to bring in some fresh blood to lead the new regime.
1. Mike Shildt (Cardinals) 10th Season
Last Playoff Appearance (2022)
The Cardinals have been in a playoff drought for a few years now and lost a lot of talented players. The Cards mIght have to show some promise and finish in the .500 range to save Shildt's job
2. Andy Green (Padres) 12th Season
Last Playoff Appearance (None)
Andy Green survived the recent ownership change but the lack of playoff appearances are starting to pile up. Green needs a bounceback year and the Padres spent some money this offseason bringing in a lot of talent to help him.
3. Brian Snitker (Braves) 12th Season
Last Playoff Appearance (2026)
The Braves just won the NL East last season but could be looking at a minor rebuild in the future. This could go either way honestly. We think Snitker survives another year at least, barring an epic disappointing season. But if the Braves go full rebuild we could see the ownership bring in someone younger for the long haul.
4. Bud Black (Rockies) 11th Season
Last Playoff Appearance (2026)
Another team who just reached the postseason last year but that was the first time in a long while in Colorado. Now that the Rockies have high expectations surrounding them and if they don't live up to that hype for any reason Black may be the fall guy.
5. Kevin Seitzer (Brewers) 4th Season
Last Playoff Appearance (2020)
Seitzer's tenure with the Brewers has been rocky in his 3 previous seasons so he could use a quick turnaround. If the Brewers finish where they are projected Seitzer could be in trouble to get a 5th season.
1. Washington Nationals
Key Signings: C Carson Kelly, OF Trent Grisham, 3B Rafael Devers, SP Chris Paddack
Underrated Signing: RP Michel Baez
The Nationals had alot of quality additions in free agency. SP Chris Paddack is a bonafide ace and 3B Rafael Devers is coming off a World Series MVP performance for the Dodgers. C Carson Kelly is power threat behind the dish and OF Trent Grisham is a still relatively young outfielder with alot of pop and a good defender as well.
2. Chicago White Sox
Key Signings: SP Zac Gallen, SP Blake Salazar, RP Salvador Ramirez, 3B Tommy Edman
Underrated Signing: RP Keone Kela
The White Sox did not sign as many players on this list but they definitely got quality over quantity. Gallen and Salazar are stud aces. Salvador Ramirez is a young stud lefty out of the pen. Edman is a little older but should still be good throughout the majority of his contract. Kela is not even really underrated but for this group he is.
3. San Diego Padres
Key Signings: Fernando Tatis Jr, OF Yordan Alvarez, SP Asher Davis
Underrated Signing:
RP Colin Ray
The Padres signed alot of free agents that should improve their team as a whole. Josh Bell and Corey Seager did not even make the list of key additions for example. But of the impact players resigning Tatis Jr after a year in KC was huge and adding a huge power threat like Alvarez is equally as big. Asher Davis is another solid top of the rotation starter and RP Colin Ray is young with superstar potential.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
Key Signings: SP Skylar Dennison, OF Cody Bellinger, RP Antonio Osuna
Underrated Signing: RP Buddy Doran
The Phillies opened up the checkbook for Bellinger but he is definitely worth the price tag. A great hitter and a plus defender. Skylar Dennison is solid still young #2 or #3 starter for the Phils. Osuna has a little age on him but he can still bring it with the best of relievers. Doran is not so much underrated but he was the only other Philly signing. He has youth on his side and won't hurt you out of the back of the pen.
5. New York Mets
Key Signings: SP Jacob deGrom, OF Oscar Mercado, SP Sean Manaea
Underrated Signing: C Mitch Garver
Due to age and home ballpark Garver is not going to hit 64 Hrs again this season but bang for your buck he was a nice addition. Apparently age was not a factor in the Mets trying to improve their club as OF Oscar Mercado was their youngest impact signing at 31 years old but these guys can all still get the job done.
6. Atlanta Braves
Key Signings: C Montez Rodalis, SS Nico Hoerner, OF Justis Crenshaw
Underrated Signing: 3B Hal Jennings
The Braves had to replace almost their entire offensive lineup and improved in most areas compared to last years team. Rodalis, Hoerner, and Crenshaw combined for 101 Hrs last season other than Hoerner they won't hit for much average but they can drive the ball with the best of them. Jennings was brought back to Atlanta after a fairly productive season last year with just shy of 40 doubles and adding 13 bombs
7. Pittsburgh Pirates
Key Signings: 1B Michael Chavis, RP Jordan Hicks, DH Shohei Ohtani
Underrated Signing: 3B Randy LaFontaine
Getting Chavis back on his comp tender was a big move for the Pirates. One of the best bats in the league. Adding Jordan Hicks to pair with Josh Hader gives the Pirates a devastating 1-2 punch at the end of games. Ohtani still has some juice left in his bat as well. LaFontaine had a solid season in Baltimore last year in his 1st full season of starts so interested to see if he can improve on those numbers
8. Cincinnati Reds
Key Signings: SS Carlos Correa, 1B Bruno Serratore, RP Yadi Guerrero
Underrated Signing: SP Steve Alvarez
Cincy made a splash signing Carlos Correa and followed it up going international with slugging 1Bman Bruno Serratore. This should add alot to the middle of the lineup. RP Guerrero the hard throwing lefy was a much needed addition to the Reds bullpen. Alvarez is a young starter who has superstar potential even if he does take a few lumps this season.
9. Chicago Cubs
Key Signings: SP Jose Urquidy, RP Trey Wingenter, RP Darwinzon Hernandez
Underrated Signing: OF Anthony Santander
The Cubs added a top of the rotation type starter in Urquidy and bolstered the bullpen with Wingenter and Hernandez. Santander still has a little left in the tank and should provide a quality bat still.
10. St. Louis Cardinals
Key Signings: RP Alex Bartholomew, RP Edgar Garcia
Underrated Signing: None
Bartholomew and Garcia were big additions to pair with the aging Gallegos to form a formidable pen. Almost included 1Bman Callix McNair as an underrated signing as he has some power potential but not sure if he will get ample playing time.
3/13/22
The Nats made several moves that will undoubtedly have their win total trend upwards in 2027. Among those signings, Carson Kelly stands out among the best. Kelly, who has spent his entire 7 year career in Pittsburgh, is a great veteran who helped lead Pittsburgh to 3 consecutive titles, playing both catcher and 3B. Among the premier power hitters in the league, Kelly ranks 20th in home runs since 2022, with an .523 SLG in that span.
That's right, we kick things off with a former and a current Pirates slugger. Both of whom signed contracts for $15 million over the next 3 years. Even better yet, Michael Chavis was nearly signed by Washington, but Pittsburgh elected to match the offer via comp tender. Chavis, who broke out and earned his first all star nod last season, fell just under the radar of teams looking for a new 1B this offseason. This is no unfortunate event for the Pirates, however, as they look to bounce back from a "down" year in 2026.
Here is yet another player that Washington signed and/or nearly signed this offseason. However this one is more of victory by default. Although the 2B market was less than plentiful this year (Juan Manuel Valdes was the top earner at $28M), the Nats got a good deal for a guy who has hit 73 home runs over the past 2 seasons.
Everyone loves a good underdog story. After being an undrafted free agent and bouncing around the league on 1 year deals (and nearly quitting baseball to help run his dad's bait shop), Randy LaFontaine finally appears to have a home. And what better home than that of the 3 time league champs? While he's yet to put together a good full season, there have been heavy flashes of potential for the 26 year old from Shreveport. With a modern day Murderers' Row of a lineup in front of him, 'LaFonz' will get plenty of opportunities to prove himself in 2027.
Carlos Correa stands alone as the top steal in all of free agency. At 31, Correa has already done it all. A World Series winner in 2021, an MVP in 2024, and 5 all star nods in the league's 7 years of existence; it is more than safe to say that Carlos has punched his ticket to Cooperstown already. This stint may be short lived, however, as the Reds have listed Correa on their trade block already. No matter where he winds up, he's still one of the best bargains in all of LoCo.
While the Marlins don't appear to be a threat in the NL in 2027, they still secured one of the best values in all of free agency. Appearing to be on the way out and giving his former team a potential comp pick, Reynolds was disappointed to find that he received just one offer, from the Padres. After being forced to accept said offer, then being matched by his former team, Reynolds really had no say in this entire process. Like Correa, don't expect Reynolds to stay put for too long, as the Marlins have not shied away from including him in trade talks in the past.
Back for his 3rd contract with the Mets is 2021 Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom. Luckily for the 38 year old, money was never an issue. "I've made enough in my career. This was about coming back and rewarding this great franchise and fan base with a ring." said deGrom. In an offseason where 5 different starting pitchers signed for over 10x as much, that is a breath of fresh air for Mets fans. deGrom, an ace or at least high end #2 on most teams, is slotted as the 3rd SP in the 2027 rotation.
They say one man's trash is another's treasure. After Tampa Bay made the decision to cut the star reliever, the offseason champion Nats wasted no time in acquiring the 35 year old Pagan. "It was a real shitshow least year", says Pagan, "guys playing out of position, front office nowhere to be found, it was a complete mess." Well Emilio, consider yourself saved. With a formidable defense backing him up, expect Pagan to return to his former self in Washington.
11/4/21
Wednesday was a busy one in Arlington for new Rangers' GM Matt Frederick. After an announcement of a stadium rebranding, as well as some alterations to the right field wall (much suited for a lineup that projects just 1 lefty this year), Texas made a major splash at manager. After 7 consecutive losing seasons, it appears that Chris Woodward has overstayed his welcome. With that comes a familiar, yet highly unexpected face. For 22 years, former manager Johnny Oates has been cryogenically frozen and stored inside of Globe Life Parks' equipment locker.
"22 years is long enough, it's time to get this guy out of here", says Rangers head equipment manager, Troy Barnes. "He's in a glass case man, can you imagine walking in there everyday and being face to face with a dead guy?"
Oates is expected to meet with the press on Friday afternoon, shortly after he's done thawing.
6/14/2021 -article by bravosmike01
These are the top 30 prospects heading into this offseason. Some of these players could be getting the call to the show while some may still be taking bus rides for another season or two. These are the guys with the brightest of futures.
1. OF Jack Coleman- Detroit Tigers
2. RP Devin Nunez- Seattle Mariners
3. SP Alexander Hamilton- Colorado Rockies
4. RP Carmelo Drake- Colorado Rockies
5. OF Gat Sedlacek- Seattle Mariners
6. OF B.J. Kerr- Los Angelos Dodgers
7. 3B Joe Holt- Philadelphia Phillies
8. RP Sean Amador- Colorado Rockies
9. RP Gary Muncy - Atlanta Braves
10. 1B Max Power- Philadelphia Phillies
11. Jake Randall- Miami Marlins
12. SS Scott West- Kansas City Royals
13. RP Tim Fedorko- Arizona Diamondbacks
14. C Frank Yanus- Colorado Rockies
15. 3B Liam Cretella- Kansas City Royals
16. OF Alonzo Metzler- Milwaukee Brewers
17. SP Monte Odell- Seattle Mariners
18. OF Mike Schick- St. Louis Cardinals
19. OF Ray Smith- Los Angelos Angels
20. SP Dick Pole- Seattle Mariners
21. SP Kyle Douglas- New York Mets
22. RP Bill Kahn- Chicago White Sox
23. OF Mel Herrera- St Louis Cardinals
24. SS Katrina Talzamata-Bell- Detroit Tigers
25. SS Hank Hartman- Washington Nationals
26. SS Damon Pope- Tampa Bay Rays
27. SP Stanley Riesgo- Chicago Cubs
28. SS Keith Sauer- Baltimore Orioles
29. SP Carlos Tepia- Texas Rangers
30. OF Matt Santana- Houston Astros
6/14/2021 -article by bravosmike01
These are the LoCo top farm system rankings for all 30 teams. A lot of teams were very close and depending on who may or may not get the call to the big leagues to start their careers things could drastically change.
1. Colorado Rockies
2. Seattle Mariners
3. Detroit Tigers
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Baltimore Orioles
6. New York Mets
7. Chicago Cubs
8. Arizona Diamondbacks
9. Houston Astros
10. Philadelphia Phillies
11. Miami Marlins
12. Atlanta Braves
13. St. Louis Cardinals
14. Chicago White Sox
15. Los Angeles Angels
16. Cincinnati Reds
17. Cleveland Indians
18. Milwaukee Brewers
19. Los Angeles Dodgers
20. Tampa Bay Rays
21. Texas Rangers
22. Washington Nationals
23. Toronto Blue Jays
24. San Diego Padres
25. San Francisco Giants
26. New York Yankees
27. Minnesota Twins
28. Boston Red Sox
29. Oakland Athletics
30. Pittsburgh Pirates
6/3/21
The Mets have officially fired their Manager Mickey Callaway, who recently just won the LoCo Manager of the Year award in 2022. The reason seems to be what is being called sexual misconduct charges by the Mets front office. All that is being said is that the misconduct is said to have taken place towards the end of the regular season during a 5 game winning steak that included a sweep over their division rivals Miami followed by winning 2 more against the Atlanta Braves.
The Mets have made it official quickly hiring their next manager tabbing Carlos Beltran the long time OF/DH and former postseason hero as their new skipper. Details of his new deal were not reported but it is said that one stipulation of his hiring was that a trash can would always be present near the dugout at all times? Well if nothing else it sounds as though Beltran is wanting to keep his dugout at Citi Field clean.
-article by bravosmike01
4/20/21
With a quarter of the 2024 season wrapped up, we take a look at what we are on pace for this year
AL Playoff Picture-
Houston Astros 130-32
Tampa Bay Rays 107-55
Cleveland Indians 105-57
WC 1. Oakland Athletics 109-53
WC 2. Toronto Blue Jays 102-60
With the Astros shattering the wins record (without a manager), and every playoff team finishing with over 100 wins, we may be looking at the most exciting and dominant league in MLB history.
NL Playoff Picture-
Los Angeles Dodgers 129-33
Pittsburgh Pirates 108-54
Miami Marlins 106-56
WC 1. New York Mets 100-62
WC 2. Atlanta Braves 87-75
Another record shattering win total by the Dodgers, but they finish with only the second highest total in the MLB this year! Who blinks first between Houston and LA?
AL MVP- Yordan Alvarez (HOU) .333/.406/.798, 72 doubles, 4 triples, 76 HR, 227 RBI
NL MVP- Keston Hiura (MIA) .361/.429/.717, 56 doubles, 7 triples, 56 HR, 155 RBI
AL CYA- Jake Odorizzi (OAK) 19-0, 1.86 ERA, .88 WHIP, 6.2 H/9, 8.5 K/9
NL CYA- Zac Gallen (LAD) 22-4, 1.36 ERA, .78 WHIP, 4.3 H/9, 10.8 K/9
AL ROY- (tie) Mikael Litoris (BAL) .368/.401/.550, 43 doubles, 7 triples, 18 HR, 97 RBI
Juan Hector Sandoval (NYY) .340/.415/.538, 37 doubles, 36 HR, 77 RBI
NL ROY- Ward Riley (CHC) .266/.341/.468, 25 doubles, 18 triples, 18 HR, 108 RBI
Seattle Mariners- Under new ownership, with a new manager, the Mariners are on pace for just 32 wins. This would give them the worst record in any 162 game season, and the worst winning percentage by any team since 1899.
New York Yankees- After winning the East last year, the pinheads are now on track for a pathetic 59 wins. Will this spell the end of Aaron Boone?
Mike Freeman- When you cant hit, run, or make any sort of positive impact in a game whatsoever, you better be one helluva clubhouse guy. Enter Mike Freeman of the Reds. Slashing .189/.254/.258, and pacing himself for 223 head-shaking walks back to the dugout, it is time for the Reds (and his agent) to move on.
Zack Greinke- We'll take 'Past His Prime' for 600, Alex. After sporting an impressive 2.91 ERA last year, Zack Attack is officially dead. Sporting a 7.82 ERA and 13.1 H/9, Greinke has Boston fans ecstatic...that he's in the final year of his contract and on his way out of Beantown for good.
MANAGERS ON THE HOT SEAT
2/26/2021
Ron Gardenhire- Tigers, wins/year- 53.3, last season- 57-105 Yet to finish higher than last in the division after 4 years of LoCo ball. It's safe to say he's good as gone in Detroit.
Brandon Hyde- Orioles, WPY- 57, LS- 67-95 Like Gardenhire, Hyde has finished dead last in his division every year, but did post his best record last season. Will that be enough to bring him back for another year?
Scott Servais- Mariners, WPY- 57.5, LS- 61-101 Seattle looks to be dead in the water. Look for GM Al Davidson to make a big splash in the hiring pool this offseason.
Bud Black- Rockies, WPY- 62.3, LS- 64-98 Although the Rockies have improved each year and have some strong youth in the minors, it's hard to imagine Black being the manager by the time those guys make the majors. It's just not a good fit.
Torey Lovullo- Diamondbacks, WPY- 66.3, LS- 71-91 After the recent departure of GM elgoato, it's safe to assume that Lovullo will be replaced once a new GM steps in.
Craig Counsell- Brewers, WPY- 76, LS- 68-94 After a 94 win 2020 campaign, the Brewers have looked bad. It's time to right the ship ASAP.
Joe Maddon- Cubs, WPY- 79.8, LS- 66-96 The Cubs appear to be rebuilding, and it's clear to see the 69 year old Maddon has lost his touch. It's time for a youth movement in Chicago
9/9/2020
Before the ink had dried on his own contract, Giants rookie GM Josh Bonds was on the phone with SP Michael Arroyo's agent, Casey Close. "You've gotta be shitting me. Is this a prank call?", questioned Close. It wasn't. The wet-nosed, unknown GM had just topped Baltimore's record shattering offer of $754 million. $855 million is a hefty chunk of change for a 21 year old with no major league experience. Word traveled fast around the league. Disgruntled GMs who had previously shown interest in the Cuban-born Arroyo waved their white flag. This led them all to the same question- who the fuck is Josh Bonds? LoCo.com gives you the inside scoop, with Bonds' first ever interview.
First, could you tell us a little about yourself?
Josh Bonds: "I’m a lifelong Giants fan that has taken over ownership with the singular goal of returning them to glory."
What drew you to Arroyo, a player who has yet to step on an MLB mound?
JB: "Arroyo is a pitching prospect that comes with little upside: he is what he is. But to be a stud pitcher at 21 is all the upside we need. We are confident he will be among the best starters in the league for the next 10 years. We will pay dearly on the back 5 years when he’s declining and takes up half our budget, but for a decade he will anchor our rotation."
Do you feel as though you've overpaid for the young southpaw?
JB: "It is what the market dictated. Right now the Giants have a full team with only a third of the budget spent and no one good left worth spending on. I believe I can build a core of young stars and fill in with veteran pieces with the leftover budget."
Questions have arisen about your likelihood of staying with this team for the duration of this contract. Given the fact that this team has been a laughing stock and a revolving door over the past few years, how do you intend to change that stigma?
JB: "I am here for the long-run with the Giants. I may look crazy at first, but within 3 years it will all make sense."
Do you see this team as a playoff contender this year? How far away are we from seeing October baseball in the bay?
JB: "While we believe we are 2-3 years from competing, our strategy is to build a young nucleus that is signed long-term allowing us to compete consistently for years."
Only time will tell whether this highly controversial signing pays off for the young GM, but one thing is for certain- this man wont be forgotten in LoCo anytime soon.