Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Top 3 teams that helped and hurt themselves this offseason

Top 3 teams to help themselves

Cincinnati Stingers (71-91)
Key Additions: SP Larry Coombs (FA), SP Clyde Mays (FA), RL Jaime Campbell (FA), 3B Francisco Espinosa (FA), C Ross Waddell (FA), SS Joe Little (rookie callup)
Key Losses: SP Sam Price, 3b David Belliard, Rl Eric Robinson

After a poor showing last season (71-91), Cinci has revamped their starting pitching by signing season 20 Cy Young winners Larry Coombs and Clyde Mays. It’s not too often a team is able to sign 2 guys of that caliber in 1 off-season, but freshfish was able to pull it off. That 1-2 punch, along with an already potent offense, has Cinci smelling division title and a deep run in the playoffs.

Toledo Berserkers (77-85)
Key additions: SP Chuck Fassero (FA), OF Ken Martin (FA), SP Donald Chang (FA), SP Hayes Grey (FA), 1b Hipolito Rosario (FA), 2b Victor Guerrero (FA), 3b Rickey Black (FA), SP Quinton Wayne (FA)
Key Losses: SP Tony Brown, SS William Clark, SP Mendy Basile, SP Bernard Wohlers, LF John Gray, 2b Wilfredo Beltre, C Pete Rhodes

Coming off a disappointing season at 77-85, albeit a division title winning season, Toldeo was seeking to improve its win total and climb out of mediocrity. This off-season saw Toledo dole out mucho dinero to re-tool and keep up with Cincinnati. Notable players they brought in include big bats Hipolito Rosario, Ken Martin, Victor Guerrero and Rickey Black, along with veteran pitchers Chuck Fassero, Donald Chang and Quinton Wayne.

Trenton Hazmats (97-65)
Key additions: Jeremi Cunningham (call-up), Horacio DeLeon (call-up), SP Andres Gomez (trade)
Key Losses: SS Walt Rose, SP Slick Kubenka (prospect)

How does a team coming off a 97 win season improve? They trade for the reigning NL Cy Young, and 19 game winner, Andres Gomez. The young call-ups, Cunningham and DeLeon, will add more youth to an already young and very potent offense. The addition of Gomez gives this team a clear cut ace that makes Trenton a favorite for a world series title.

Top 3 teams to hurt themselves

Las Vegas Hangovers (100-62)
Key additions: Rl Alex Guerrero (FA), 3b George Carter (trade), SP Mendy Basile (FA), OF Artie Robinson (FA), 3b Todd Magnuson (call up) SP Birdie Morehead (trade-prospect), SP Slick Kubenka (trade prospect)
Key Losses: SP Larry Coombs, SP Andres Gomez, 3b Edge James, Rl Roger Penny, OF Omar Batista

Coming off back-to-back 100 win seasons and 4 playoff appearances, the Hangovers had established themselves as a pitching powerhouse with the 1-2 combo of Coombs and Gomez. That combo is no more with Coombs heading to Cinci for greener pastures, and Gomez shipped out for a future staff ace in Kubenka. Gone are a combined 36 wins, 1.76 era and the past 2 NL Cy Young winners. While this team can still be competitive, expect a drop-off in pitching and in the win column unless the offense can pick up the slack.

San Juan Pirata (81-81)
Key additions: SP Tyson Hamelin, SP Matty Mota,
Key Losses: SP Jose Olivares, RF Jamie Sung, 1b Juan Canseco

Signing SP Tyson Hamelin to a big contract when he has been stuck in AAA for the past 6 years might raise a few eyebrows (granted he should have been in the majors a few seasons ago), but San Juan is banking on his potential to make an immediate contribution to the big league club. San Juan hopes the offensive loss of Sung and Canseco can be lightened by a full season from youngster Derin Banks. Still, losing RF Jamie Sung, who was 20-20 last year, will be hard to replace.

Colorado Ball Crushers (91-71)
Key additions: 3b Xavier Lindsey C/DH Bruce Reed, 2b Charles Sutton, Rl Gus Nakajima, Rl Juan Ayala, Rl Joe Hall, C Wilton Alfonseca, LF Jalal Ramirez (call up)
Key Losses: OF Brad Crawford, 1b Clarence Smart, 3b Eddie Duffy, C Sherm Franklin, 2b Eric Woods, SS Grover Haad, 3b Dave Perry, SS Gabby Graves

Not sure if Colorado will be able to recover from losing 132 of the 177 home runs their team hit last year in Cheyenne, while moving into a big offensive field. The franchise also took a serious starting pitching blow as #3 SP, Yonder Ontiveros, and 5th SP, Davey Mota, are gone along with LR Junior Saez. At least the relievers COL signed are suited for the pitching challenged park. It remains to be seen if the additions of Lindsey and Reed, along with Ramirez’s call up will help add the punch needed to succeed at Coors Field.
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Friday, February 17, 2012

Impressionah's Regular Season Awards

NL MVP


Del Romero, picture above, had a monster season for the top team in the NL, Montgomery BoxCars. He was the league leader in HR, OPS, slugging % and NL leader in RBIs. Romero was the most feared hitter throughout the season. 12 + plays at 2b this season while posting a .985 fielding % he was no slouch on defense.

NL MVP BA HR RBI OBP OPS OTHER
Del Romero - 2b - MNT .319 48 144 .388 1.058 .670 slg %
Gil Kwon - OF - LV .3403492.4151.02723 sb
Alan Jones - 1b - MNT.3662778.4411.021219 hits

AL MVP


Everett Francis all around game has placed Seattle in the run for a repeat. His 16 + plays at a premier position and his bat paved the way for a Silver Slugger award. Playing in an offensively challenged park only enhance his performance in the season 21.

AL MVP BA HR RBI OBP OPS OTHER
Everett Francis - CF - SEA.30733107.379.91528 sb
Rickey Rodgers - RF -AUG.27243121.401.939124bb
Shawn Smart - 1b - TRE.27444110.339.90042 sb

NL CY Young


Larry Coombs, the reigning NL CY young winner had a tough battle with his own teammate (Andres Gomez) as well MNT Wladimir Blasco but in the end his numbers are too good to ignore. Leading the league in era at a stunning 1.75 era (.02 better than Gomez) and tied with Gomez for a .97 whip! What separates the two is the 30 innings pitched as well as a lower BB/9 ratio. You can’t go wrong with either Coombs or Gomez but in the end Coombs gets the nod by the slimiest of margins.

NL CY Young W L ERA WHIP IP/G K’s
Larry Coombs - LV1761.75.97226.2/35229
Andres Gomez - LV1921.77.97193.0/34197
Wladimir Blasco2472.891.17224.1/43189

AL CY Young


Tony Martin had a dominate season for the reigning champs, Seattle Pilots. He was second in the AL in era at 2.07 (.05 behind the leader) and was everything you want in your staff ace. 19 wins while holding opponents to a .214 ba and a whip of 1.05. It was a tough field but Martin stood out above the rest in the AL.

AL Cy Young W L ERA WHIP IP/G K’s
Tony Martin - SEA1962.071.05217.1/32180
Clyde Mays - AUG1892.971.21236.2/35165
Miguel Sierra - AUG1832.941.03161.1/28168

NL Rookie of the Year

Alving Franco, continues in the long line of the very talented Montgomery BoxCars (is there any end in sight for this dynasty?). Stealing 53 bases and scoring over 100 runs Franco did not lack in the power department as well, bopping 14 hr’s and 25 doubles. His production this seasons gives him the nod over teammate Miguel Barcelo by a slim margin.
NL ROY
Alving Franco - 2b - MNT .275 ba14 hr57 rbi.766 ops53 sb112 runs
Miguel Barcelo - SP - MNT18 W6 L3.44 era1.32 whip188.1 ip142 k's
Paul Gregg - SP - AUS12 W14 L3.41 era1.27 whip211 ip181 k's

AL Rookie of the Year


Rosado helped shore up the pitching staff for the young and very talented Trenton Hazmats. His 13 wins in 29 starts at the ripe age of 22 were just what Trenton needed in season 21. Solid numbers across the stat line as well make Javier Rosado the favorite for Rookie of the Year.

AL ROY
Javier Rosado - SP - TRE13 W7 L3.66 era1.27 whip186 ip140 k's
Steve Bradford - 1b - SEA.277 ba29 hr85 rbi.844 ops25 sb.508 slg %
Health Castillo - RF - TB.266 ba25 hr95 rbi.790 ops16 sb.459 slg %
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Wheeling and Dealing

Offseason Trades
Kicking the off season off Las Vegas sends veteran SP Jarvis to Trenton for 2 SP prospects.

for

Winner: Trenton (Gonzalez can certainly change that)

Columbus sends 2 prospects to Austin for CF/3B Welington Perez
for
Winner: Columbus

Columbus sends 1b Branson and P Mota to Fargo for 2 SS
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Winner: Columbus

Tampa Bay sends RHrl Hector Lee and $1.8 mil in cash to Austin for prospect
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Winner: Push, TB sheds salary, Austin gets a veteran closer

Montgomery sends CF Cliff Thomas and $2 mil to Augusta for SS prospect Gonzalez and a reliever
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Winner: Augusta, its close but a good CF are hard to come by and Thomas fits the bill.

Cheyenne sends 3b Juan Gonzalez and Weiss to LA Lunatics for 3 prospects
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Winner: Cheyenne, sheds $11.750 in contracts and picks up 3 future ML'ers

Honolulu sends #3 prospect Todd Magnuson and Norm Farr to Las Vegas for SS Jimmie Reyes, 2 other players and $1 mil
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Winner: Las Vegas, still wondering why Honolulu sends its best prospect to a division rival

Cheyenne sends SP John Williams and RF Adam Ransom (ideal name for the trade) to Honolulu for 2 solid prospects
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Winner: Cheyenne. I'm convinced that Honolulu is allergic to good prospects and must get rid of them for average Major Leaguers.

Texas sends SP David Cheng to New Britain for CF prospect Martin
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Winner: Texas, acquiring Martin a nice pick up for the future.

Syracuse Marshals send 3 players to Augusta for stud prospect McDowell
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Winner: Syracuse, a win-win for both teams but I like what Syracuse got for the future.

Florida sends 2b Vin Pujols and $2 mil to New Britain for 2 solid prospects
for
Winner: Push, both teams get pieces that help each other
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Friday, November 18, 2011

Top 20 prospect List

Heading into season 21 here is a look on the top 20 prospects in Ichiro.
*A quick note all prospects listed have not seen any major league at bats so sorry if I missed any september call ups.

1. SS Pedro Puente
Org: Trenton Hazmants Age: 19 Level: AA Height: 6-0 Weight: 180 B/T: R/R Born: Tacubaya, MX
Season 20 Line: .337-34-125 25sb 1.104ops (HighA/AA) ETA: Season 21, midseason call-up
      The prized season 19 international free agent, Puente netted a big league contract and a whopping $29.5 million signing bonus. Despite the cost, he has paid huge dividends with bat! Boasting enormous power, high contact rate, and a solid eye, Puente will be a force to be reckoned with at the plate. If there is anything to write badly about him, it’s that he is trying to double as a SS. Lacking range and the glove needed to man SS, a move to the hot corner will be most beneficial for him and Trenton. Puente will soon add to Trenton’s very promising young team (sorry AL East pitching).

2. SP Jermaine Gonzales
Org: Boston Blue Sox Age: 18 Level: LowA Height: 6-1 Weight: 188 B/T: R/R Born: Brooklyn, NY
Season 20 Line: 9-1-2.95 88.1ip 89k’s (LowA) ETA: Season 23, sept call-up
      An absolutely steal in this year’s draft! Gonzales fell to #10 in what could be considered one of the best drafts in the history of Ichiro (mostly certainly of recent memory). Projecting out as a true #1, Gonzalez has the ability to get out both lefties and righties with a 4-seamer (some nasty velocity), curveball, and change up that he isn’t afraid to throw at any time. Thanks to excellent command to go with his immense repertoire, he will be a horse on the hill!

3. SS Todd Magnuson
Org: Honolulu Tsunami Age: 21 Level: AA Height: 5-10 Weight: 168 B/T: L/R Born: Southsan Francisco, CA
Season 20 Line: .361-14-62 19sb 1.092 ops 277ab (HighA) ETA: Season 21, sept call-up)
      The #2 pick in the season 20 draft, Manuson has franchise player written all over him in black Sharpie.  His do-it-all-approach at the plate, and on the bases, make him a difficult match-up for most pitchers. While some scouts question if his range/glove will allow him to stay at SS, a move to 3b or RF would benefit his team as his bat profiles well at either position. 

4. 1b Doug Crawford
Org: Tampa Bay Black Dogs Age: 18 Level: LowA Height: 6-3 Weight: 192 B/T: L/L Born: Seguin, TX
Season 20 Line: .379-18-75 .489 obp 1.224 ops 264ab (rookie) ETA: Season 22)
      As the #1 overall pick in the season 20 draft, this power-hitting 1b looks to excel in a world oozing with great first base talent.  Crawford projects as a possible batting champion, and home run king, once he reaches the majors. His bat right now could hit in the majors but some more seasoning will do this kid justice and allow him to reach his full potential. 

5. 3b/SS Karim Castillo
Org: Seattle Pilots Age: 20 Level: DoubleA Height: 5-6 Weight: 162 B/T: R/R Born: Distrito Nacional, DO
Season 20 Line: .301-19-90 .404 obp .948 ops (DoubleA) ETA: Season 21, sept call-up)
      The world champs only seem to be getting stronger thanks to their dip in the international market. Castillo signed for $22.5 and looks to be worth every penny. He will help out defensively as well, and be in the mix perennially for the gold glove award at 3b. He displays average power, but makes great contact, a great batting eye, as well as the ability to hit both lefties and righties. This skill set makes him a great fit for the #2 spot in the lineup and it wouldn’t’ surprise anyone to see Castillo hit for average, even in the pitcher-friendly Safeco field.

6. SS Gio Cordero
Org: Montgomery BoxCars Age: 19 Level: DoubleA Height: 5-9 Weight: 166 B/T: R/R Born: Ingenio Quisqueya, DO
Season 20 Line: .326-17-94 35sb 1.022 ops (HighA/DoubleA) ETA: Season 21, sept call-up
      Cordero is but another top shelf name to go through Montgomery’s minor league system. The speedster boasts a high contact rate and good batting eye along with the ability to hit lefties and righties (notice a trend here for top prospects). If his base running fully develops, he will wreak havoc on the base paths and give opposing catchers nightmares (literally). There are questions if he will fully reach his potential to stay at SS, so a move to 2b might be in his future. 

7. SS Dale Hogan
Org: Portland Phillies Age: 18 Level: Rookie Height: 5-11 Weight: 170 B/T: R/R Born: Blaine, MN
Season 20 Line: .344-18-97 1.083ops (rookie) ETA: Season 23, sept call-up
      Seasons 20’s draft continues to show how strong it was with yet another player cracking the top 10.  Hogan shouldn't need to move off the SS position as his glove will fit in nicely there and his bat should set him up for numerous all-star appearances. A strong hitter who can do it all, including having top-notch speed, he will be a problem for all those who face Portland.  Hogan could be the face of the franchise that has long been awaiting a fresh arrival to lead them back to the playoffs.

8. 2b Anthony Jarvis
Org: San Juan Pirata Age: 19 Level: LowA Height: 5-10 Weight: 173 B/T: R/R Born: Medford, MA
Season 20 Line: .296-33-141 22sb .974 ops (LowA) ETA: Season 23, midseason call-up
      Jarvis’ all-around bat is downright scary! He has the full ability to hit for average and power against both lefties and righties, and his eye will have him approaching triple digit walks on the regular. The one main knock on Jarvis is his health.  Many scouts worry that he is destined for a the disabled list every season, but regardless of that, his bat will be penciled into the middle of the order when he is able to suit it up.

9. OF Yusmeiro Lee
Org: Boston Blue Sox Age: 19 Level: HighA Height: 6-4 Weight: 186 B/T: L/L Born: Ogden, UT
Season 20 Line: .354-30-131 .458 obp 1.149 ops (HighA) ETA: Season 22, sept call-up
      When your club loses 118 games, you have got to give your fans some hope for the future;  having Gonzales and Lee in your system helps. Lee will be the middle of the order bat Boston needs, and with his power, along with an improving batting eye, it won’t shock me if he is hitting 40 home runs a year in that ballpark. His defense doesn’t project him to stay in CF but a move to any of the corner OF positions won’t hurt his stock in anyway. Boston needs Lee and Gonzales to develop fully for this team to climb out of the gutter.

10. SS Mauricio Glanville
Org: Fargo Cats Age: 18 Level: Rookie Height: 6-0 Weight: 173 B/T: R/R Born: Saint Cloud, MN
Season 20 Line: .351-5-64 .442 obp .942 ops (rookie) ETA: Season 23, sept call-up
      Take a guess which season he got drafted.  Glanville is very raw at this stage in his career, but scouts droll over his potential for a batting title. He projects to be able to dominate both lefties and righties, and with his contact rate, could be the premier lead off hitter in the game. His range isn’t what you hope for at SS, but his other glove metrics led scouts to believe he could man the SS position for years to come.

11. SP Albert Maranon
Org: Seattle Pilots Age: 19 Level: HighA Height: 6-1 Weight: 195 B/T: R/R Born: Loma de Cabrera, DO
Season 20 Line: 8-4-2.27 115IP 93k’s 1.10whip (HighA) ETA: Season 21, sept call-up)
      The next-in-line top-of-the-rotation starter for the Pilots, Maranon, is a tribute to great scouting. Signing for $30.5 MM, Maranon has the look of great #2 pitcher. Possessing a filthy 4-seamer and a very good curveball, and being able to mix in a changeup and a show-me slider, he has the tools needed to succeed at the majors. He appears to be unflappable on the mound, and with his ability to throw strikes ha should get batters at on both sides of the plate.  Seattle doesn’t appear to be on the verge of a letdown for many seasons to come.

12. 2b Iago Padden
Org: Ottawa Earthsongs Age: 18 Level: LowA Height: 6-0 Weight: 182 B/T: R/R Born: Trail, BC
Season 20 Line: .342-11-81 29sb 1.023 ops (lowA) ETA: Season 23, sept call-up
      Ottawa struck it rich with the 6th pick in the season 20 draft when they landed Padden. A potential middle of the order bat, Padden boasts a very broad skill-set with the bat. With his arm a move to RF might be most beneficial for him and Ottawa, to maximize his production on both sides of the field.

13. RL Ismael Cerveza
Org: New Britain Bombadiers Age: 20 Level: AAA Height: 5-11 Weight: 169 B/T: R/R Born: Valverde, DO
Season 20 Line: 46g 3-3-2.81 18-22svs 51.1Ip 49k’s (AA/AAA) ETA: Season 21, mid season call-up
      Not too often you see relievers regarded this highly, but Cerveza dispels that argument. This future lights-out closer is the complete package.  When molding the ideal reliever, the pitching gods thought of Cerveza (even gave him an awesome name). Great splits, high control, a dominant 4-seam fastball and the durability to pitch almost every day. NB will have it’s closer spot locked down for a very long time.

14. SP Nolan Evans
Org: Mexico City Borrachos Age: 20 Level: AAA Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 B/T: L/L Born: Holyoke, MA
Season 20 Line: 17-5-2.59 198.1IP 169k’s 1.01whip (highA/AA) ETA: Season 21, sept call-up
      Evans is a true commodity being projected as a top of the rotation starter that MC has been looking for the past few seasons. A finesse lefty (think Mark Buehrle), Evans works fast, throws strikes and has no problem facing lefties or righties. If Evans dominates in his first few games at AAA, expect him to be placed into the ML rotation, succeeding there at a very young age.

15. RF/LF2b Damian Hasegawa
Org: Memphis Cobras Age: 20 Level: AAA Height: 5-10 Weight: 210 B/T: R/R Born: Bastrop, TX
Season 20 Line: .295-18-85 25sb .405 obp .893 ops (HighA) ETA: Season 21 call-up
      Hasegawa has been in AAA the past 2 seasons at the very young ages of 19 and 20, and his excellent hand eye coordination will give Memphis another dangerous hitter in their lineup. Hasegawa brings one of the best eyes in the minors, and could very well challenge future teammate, Ueno, in a game of who can get more walks. His glove doesn’t seem like a good fit for 2b, but fits in well at a COF position, and his bat will play at nearly any position. Look for a season 21 appearance from Hasegawa, and a long, successful career.

16. SS Hector Bennett
Org: Milwaukee N/A’s Age: 19 Level: HighA Height: 5-10 Weight: 168 B/T: R/R Born: Prattville, AL
Season 20 Line: .327-28-114 24sb .406 obp 1.092 ops (lowA) ETA: Season 23, midseason call-up
      The #6 pick in the season 19 draft, Bennett has the bat to carry him through any system. His is “playing” SS right now, but scouts do not believe his glove will be effective there in the majors, so a move to 3b or RF will be good to utilize his cannon of an arm. His speed and base-running are already major-league-ready, and once his power fully develops, he will be a weapon of mass destruction at the plate.
od fit for 2b, but fits in well at a COF position, and his bat will play at nearly any position. Look for a season 21 appearance from Hasegawa, and a long, successful career.

17. RF Keith Garcia
Org: Milwaukee N/A’s Age: 21 Level: AAA Height: 6-2 Weight: 211 B/T: L/L Born: Sedan, KS
Season 20 Line: .360-28-131 16sb .438 obp 1.082 ops (AA) ETA: Season 21, sept call-up
      Milwaukee has another bright, young star in Garcia. This RF makes great contact every single at bat (I think this guy can count on 1 hand how many bad swings he has had in his life). He is a very good player all around with great hustle, and a pure baseball player in every sense of the game. Garcia is a career .357 hitter in the minors, and it would come to no scout’s shock if he continues that trend into the majors.
od fit for 2b, but fits in well at a COF position, and his bat will play at nearly any position. Look for a season 21 appearance from Hasegawa, and a long, successful career.

18. 2b Paul Hoffman
Org: Toronto Elitists Age: 19 Level: Rookie Height: 5-11 Weight: 175 B/T: S/R Born: Pontiac, IL
Season 20 Line: .316-24-89 .660 slug% 1.083 ops (rookie) ETA: Season 23, midseason call-up
      How this guy fell to the 22nd pick in the draft still has some scouts scratching their heads, and some teams upset with their scouts. Hoffman projects to stay at 2B, just don’t confuse him for a gold glover.  It is his bat though that has most in the industry excited.  His good contact and great power should translate at any ballpark. He possesses a solid batting eye and has a ceiling of a middle of the order masher who plays a serviceable 2B.

19. 2b Ron Walsh
Org: Tampa Bay Black Dogs Age: 20 Level: HighA Height: 6-1 Weight: 180 B/T: S/R Born: Wetumpka, AL
Season 20 Line: .318-55-171 31sb .412 obp 1.144 ops (highA) ETA: Season 22, sept call-up
      Those numbers are not a typo, Walsh has some serious power! One of the best pure power bats in the minors today, it will come to no one surprise that a home run champion awaits Tampa in the future. He projects to stay at 2b too, which adds to his value, and will fill the seats while restoring Tampa’s presence in the playoffs. Walsh is a part of a good young group coming up through that system.

20. C Enrique Marmol
Org: Kansas City Scouts Age: 21 Level: AAA Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 B/T: L/R Born: Cartagena, CO
Season 20 Line: .226-1-2 .342 obp 62 at bats?!?!?! (AAA) ETA: Season 21, midseason call-up
      It is downright criminal when you look at Marmol’s wasted season 20.  Marmol’s bat is deserving to be penciled into the lineup every day, and his durability and health should never be questioned. His receiving skills will never land him a gold glove, yet they are more than compatible of handling a pitching staff. With great contact, a great eye, and ability to hit both lefties and righties, his bat will carry him into the pros (let’s hope KC owner doesn’t misuse him).



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