2013 ends/14 begins; Rudy Yan, Julio Ortega and more...

The camera flickers on as GM Mike Brouillette steps in front of the podium, removing his tie and staring into the sea of reports.

Last season was a tough and rather confusing season for the Bruins as the team blew the lead in 21 games over the first months, losing a staggering 66% of those games before failing to miss the playoffs and win the division for the first time in team history.

The Bruins lost in the LCS’ again last year this time to the Boston Rebels in 6 Game series that saw the teams star closer Juan Morales blow two games – which eventually led to huge overhaul of the bullpen mid-year.

The pre All-Star break blow-up at a media session by famed manager Brad Anderson did exactly what he thought it was revitalize his team, allowing the Bruins to post a top record after the All-Star break.

However, it was for not.

The Los Angeles Bruins won 93 games and missed the playoffs by a single game on the first day of the season to their divisional foe Maui Tropics, but the Tropics first Post-Season appearance was basically a sweep at the hands of the eventual World Series Champion Hitmen (a team the Bruins beat last year in 5 Games, and in 2010 lost to in 7 during the LCS).

Many (ok, all) believe GM Travis Hays instructed his manager to rest guys, thus ducking the Bruins and allowing Maui to put in work versus the Hitmen’s AAAA squad.

GM Brouilette puts on his trademark smirk and runs his hands through his increasingly awesome bread, and begins in.

“ Well, amidst the rumors that came flowing out of Hendersonville I’m not surprised they ducked us. We were the superior team, playing in a superior division and with superior players. “ a smirk, “ Scott Hill be damned. “

The seas of reports begin to talk and type notes, tweet, send emails to their editors and continue to record the conversation on their seemingly ancient tape recorders as GM Brouillette continues to talk, this time about the fury of moves.

“ While we felt organizationally that our pitching was our strength, we all agreed that finishing 27th of 28 BSA teams offensively given the stand-alone talent we had, was not expected. These things usually average themselves out. As of next year, our entire pitching staff will be back in the fold alongside newly acquired Ghidean Hassan. .”

GM Brouillette pauses for a moment, pulling out a piece of paper and unfolds it.

“ Old school, “ he jabs, “ Our 2B combo of Matt Roberts and Butch Hogan will be back in the fold with Roberts getting the majority of the starts –however, Hogan’s speed and ability to play multiple positions will definitely get him into the game in many other places; fan-favorite and self-proclaimed Asian Sensation, Jong-Ming Kim will be returning to shortstop with David Pena returning to 3B. Tony Warrillow will continue to patrol left-field for us and our A-Lister, Cooper Newell will continue to play RF throwing out base runners with a staggering rate.

Now, McDaniel in AAA had a fantastic season for us, and is absolutely amazing in the outfield defensively, and with his speed we expect him to be playing nearly everyday whether it’s exclusively in center or rotating between all three positions. We felt that even given our offensives struggles last year, Jesus Maestas was something we could sacrifice and have replaced him with OUR PUDGE, Jose Moya coming over from Greenville. This leaves 1B and DH open, and we plan on using DH as a way to keep our bats in games but substitute guys in and out of the everyday lineup to keep everyone fresh. “

GM Brouillette takes a sip of water and presses on.

“ Now. We are pleased to announce we have offered three-year deals to both Tony Warrilow and David Pena, both of which we expect to sign. But now for the man you’ve all been waiting to meet, Julio Ortega. “

Julio Ortega steps out of the back with a smile donning a Bruins jersey with the number 88 on it. He stands and takes a photo with GM Brouillette before he moves closer.

“ Julio was brought over in the huge trade that saw us part ways with recently acquired star outfielder Gregg Burkholder, a player that NO DOUBT we have coveted as well as fan favorite, the swift hitting-defensive minded Woody Garner. Dealing two players for a player who plays first base only isn’t something our organization normally does or values, but in Julio’s case the exception was easily made. Julio Ortega is a former Rookie of the Year, MVP, and absolute monster at the plate. We expect he, David Pena, and Cooper Newell to be an absolute terror to get through. “

Julio stands up and shakes the hand of GM Brouillette who hands him the Bruins cap. As he puts it on, it’s a tad small and the hat oddly rests on the brim of his head, causing the reporters to laugh.

“ Thank you for everyone’s warm welcome. “ says Julio, “ With the Haddonfield franchise relocating, this was an easier transition that I had earlier expected. Leaving an organization that you’ve spent your entire career with isn’t easy, but with GM Steve Trucotte coming and doing a wonderful job reshaping the roster before the move to Indianapolis, I feel confident the team will continue to take the necessary steps moving forward to continue being competitive in what’s turned out to be the most talented division in baseball. I do however, continue to ponder how the city of Indy continues to steal teams in the dead of the night. “

This gets a chuckle from his new adoring audience.

“ Last year I played hurt and through the pain, and put up what I’d like to call a substandered year. I’m aware of the degree of difficulty in putting up homers in the city of Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be contribute in other ways. I’m going to continue to draw walks, get on base, and smack the ball around this beautiful park here at Staples Field. “

“ We will now open the floor to questions, “ says GM Brouillette speaking into the microphone.

“ Yes. I have a question, “ says a man standing up from the back.

The man, dark in tone appears to look familiar. His sideways grin and devilish eyes land burn an imprint and GM Brouillette stares, wondering.

It takes him a moment.

“ Rudy Yan. “ says GM Brouillette, “ What are you doing here? At his LOS ANGELES BRUINS press conference. I thought you were an embassador for the New Orleans Looters. “

Yan smirks. “ Right, right, right. “ continues Rudy, “ I just wanted to see if I can get try-out, finish my career where it all started. The overhaul has been impressive. “

“ Not that impressive, they missed the playoffs last year. “

The room erupts with low-key laughter, sending GM Brouillette into his calm, cool, and collected tone. Ignoring the man, he continues.

“ Rudy, you are aware this is Los Angeles, correct? “

“ Los Angeles? “ he adds confused.

“ Yes Rudy, this is the Los Angeles Bruins presser. “ he pushes on, “ We are introducing Julio Ortega today. “

Julio waves.

“ Who? “

“ JULLLLLLLIO. “ adds Ortega, “ Not Who. “

“ I think he meant, ‘Who is Julio Ortega’ “ adds GM Brouillette.

“ Who am I? “ he asks

“ Yes. “ finishes GM Brouillette.

“ I see. “ says Julio, grabbing his newly formed beard he appears to be growing out.

One team, one mindest.

GM Brouillette motions to his security who grab Rudy Yan by the arm and slowly start to escort him towards the door.

“ RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY “ says Yan pumping his fist as he looks around and is escorted from the building.

“ Julio will hit 4th behind Cooper Newell. “ says GM Brouillette as Julio nods and the presser continues.

“ Whose going to hit before and after those two? “ asks a younger, slim report who hasn’t been seen before. “ Jantz Mathers, “ he pushes on, “ LA Times. I’m the new Bruins beat writer. “

“ Excellent. Welcome. “ he pushes on, “ I have yet to sit-down with Brad and talk about whose going to hit where, but I’d assume David (Pena) is going to get the first shot at protecting Julio. He had a tremendous year for us last season. Tony should be in the mix also.

We’ve made many moves to get ourselves in a good financial situation and looking over the team we have many talented guys ready to compete, many of whom this is the first time they’ve been on a contender. As of now we are expecting to break out of spring with the following.

SPs Ricky Bolden, Earl Harper, Jesus Moran, Declan Parsons, Warren Piniella, Domingo Ruiz, Jose Murillo, Phillip Moran, Zhi-hung Chou, Ghideon Hassan, Joe Cameron, C Leon Moya, 1B Julio Ortega, 2B Matt Roberts, 2B Butch Hogan, SS Jong-Min Kimg, 3B David Pena, LF Tony Warrillow, CF Jim McDaniel, RF Cooper Newell. With other aquirees C Cajani, 1B Perez, SS Doyle, etc etc getting the first shot at making the roster in the spring.

We obviously have some depth to build, but we have put ourselves into a great financial situation to do that via trades and free agency, and will continue to build through-out. “

“ But what about Joe Brooks? “ asks Jantz Mathers again, new Bruins beat writer.

“ Mr. Brooks was inadvertently looked, causing us to lose his Type A status while we were in the process of making a flurry of moves towards the deadline last year. Mr. Brooks agent has been notified of our interest. He’s priority number one as long as he’s willing to resign. “

That seemed to be enough, because Jantz began flipping through pages. Cutting off another reporter, he began in again.

“ What of the rumors you’ve been shopping Earl Harper. “

A smile crept across the face of GM Brouillette.

“ 258k, 59walks. 1whip, 3era, blah blah. Read into it as you may, but I can assure you the Bruins have began to take all steps necessary to extend Mr. Harper when the time comes. In fact, a proposal has been written. However, the Bruins entertain offers for Harper, Bolden, Newell, etc on a weekly basis. The Bruins lines are always open for negotiation. That’s what makes it so great to be apart of this organization. We are constantly trying to improve and we will do whatever it takes to achieve this. “

“ Any questions for me? “ asks Julio leaning into the mic which gets a chuckle from the people in attendance.

“ I’ll bite. “ says Jantz again, “ What’s your thoughts of the Bruins organization as a whole. “

A small chuckle escapes Julio.

“ Well, for one I know not go buy a house or anything, “ which now gets a chuckle from everyone; “ But I do know this, I am team player. I will do whatever is asked for me. 1B, DH, learn a new position it doesn’t matter. “ he pushes, “ But, Mike… “ he says turning to GM Brouillette, “ I am quite disappointed. I thought their was going to be super-soakers, and the attractive woman here today. This is HOLLYWOOD!!! “

That gets a rise out of the crowd.

Just then a song begins to blare and one woman, after another, after another, etc etc begin to make their way out of back in blue and gold bikinis with the words ‘Oh, Julio’ written on the cheeks.

A huge goofy grin spreads from ear to ear and the camera cuts out and the Bruins 2014 quest begins.

20 of 30...

... games coming up are vs playoff contenders (or locks... see REG/HEN).

The Bruins offense is the worst in the entire league this year, and coupled with OF Cooper Newell, INF Woody Garner, OF Sammy Sagar, UTL Augusto Pena, 1B David Pena, and C Maestas (with SS Kim, the split of Roberts/Hogan, the injured Warrillow) and RH-Mashing Lee Brouthers has left Bruins fans baffled.

The fact is the entire team is having down years, including last year's #4 MVP vote getter Enrique Jarmilo.

Changes are a-coming in LA this off-season and rumors have it the Bruins are willing to wheel-and-deal, even sell low to shake things up.

All depends on how the season shakes out.

Deadline Woes.

... the Los Angeles Bruins have lost recent deadline acquiree OF Tony Warrilow for the rest of the season, and through-out the off-season extending through the middle of the spring.


INF Butch Hogan has been slow to start in Los Angeles, and SP Warren Piniella is ready to come off the DL at a momens notice.

The other Bruins deadline acquiree MR Phillip Moran got rocked in his first outing vs HEN but has regain his composure to an extent the last few days.

All in all, this has been an extremely trying season for the Bruins after putting together what most thought was a virtual lock for the post-season the teams' balance hangs against the toughest schedule in the league.

Many within the organization think the commish has it out for the team. It remains to be seen if the Bruins really will make the playoffs, or if star SS Jong-Min Kim's 3yr 27.5M extenstion before the season (Kim's average is around .170 this season, OBP still decent) will come back to haunt the team.

Warrillow was supposed to debut in hopes of helping the Bruins figure out the crowded outfield going forward but only time will tell.

Brad Anderson loses it...

EXPLICIT CONTENT
... Brad Anderson press conference feed ...

The Bruins lately have been playing under .500 ball, granted, the month has been games at 1st place Sacramento, 1st place Denver, 2nd place Pocatello, 2nd place Maui, 2nd place Boston, 1st place Hendersonville, and 2nd place Sacramento with only a day off in-between but the Bruins have stalled, and stalled, and stalled.

The team trails Sacramento by 7.5 games. They are 0-5 versus the Mentalists this season. Coupled with the team losing in the 8th inning or later three times, manager Brad Anderson has been extremely critical of the teams 6th ranked bullpen.

" We can't fucking hold a lead to save our lives. " said Brad Anderson before being asked a question after the first loss in a four-game set versus the division leading Mentalists. " Swept at home. Swept in Sacramento it's looking like. Who are we, the fucking Somerton Spartans? "

He has a point. The team is also 3-4 against the second place Tropics this season blowing two saves late, as All-Star closer Juan Morlaes has seemingly went out and lost his mojo. 

Morlaes has been second to only Martin Griffin of Oklahoma (H'Ville fame) in total save oves and save percentage three years A.D. (After Draft) and had been a complete monster.. finishing on the leader boards at 7, 1, and 3 in games finished and 5, 1, 2 in games saved. 

" Of course I'm concerned about Morales.  "said Anderson, face sunk into hands - getting redder by the minute, " He's been pitching like pussy. All our arms have. "

Team is sixth in bullpen ERA, not last, however this is something the Bruins haven't been used to in years past... in past years, the game would start. The starter would go 7. The bullpen would end the game. 

" You wanna talk about problems, " insisted Brad Anderson, egging himself on... " How about our fucking lineup. Garner is hitting .300 and Sagar .301 since coming over from New York which is FANTASTIC given our park and it's effect on our averages. But fucking aye... Newell's at .238 and the next highest batters are Pena at .238,... JARMILLO at .208 and Jong-Min Kim at .168 below the fucking mendoza line by .31 points. It's utterly ridiculous. Last in runs scored, OBP, Slugging, OPS, Hits, and hitting with RISP. I'm beyond myself. "

Anderson throws a water bottle at the wall before everyone in the press conference begins to mutter amongst themselves.

" Fact: we suck. Fact: our entire lineup is under-performing. "

Bill Plaschke interupts...

" Brad, granted your 7 games out of the division, but only one our of the wild-card. Your schedule has been one of the toughest/if not thee toughest in the league so far. Why the massive over reaction. "

" I agree, " chimes in TJ Symers, " Why? Your teams not awful, just massively under-performing. "

... Brad Anderson just stares at TJ.

" Get the fuck out of my building. " says Anderson, " I hate you. "

TJ stands there, stunned.

" Do I look like someone happy with a wild card birth? Would I take it, yes? Do I want it no. The division title isn't good enough, the wild card isn't good enough. Making the playoffs is not good enough. Win or go home. Just win baby. Whatever you call winning the BSA Championship, that's what we are striving for. "

The camera shows Declan Parsons, Earl Harper, Jesus Moran, and Ricky Bolden who have all walked in and are listening to their manager speak. 

" This is LA... " says Anderson, placing his face in his hands again, " This isn't a place where we have been so starved for a winning franchise we'll take anything at this point. GM/Owner Mike Brouillette has opened his pocket, spent his money and brought in a team good enough to win the whole fucking thing. Our bats need to start producing. How do you sit a two-time gold glove shortstop whose gotten continually better as the years have progressed and is only 25? How do you stop his development when he has provided in years past? I guess if this is still the case in August we address the issue, but I have to hope my stars will be my stars. That my players will do what's needed to be done to win. "

All in all, many fans around the BSA are confused as to why the Bruins are just an average team this year. Some point to the changes, however, Pena Garner Newell Brouthers Kim Jarmillo were all in the teams lineup and the team has only added upgrades with Sagar a top5 hitter in the entire league over Hunter, struggling former #2 overall pick Harle has been replaced by Maestas and UTL man Juan Padilla being replaced by Pena (whose hitting .270 with 15hrs 38rbis on the year, most of which in NY). 

Upgrades have been made. Injuries while they have happened haven't been on the season long variety as of yet (soon, I'm sure. Every year hit with 2 or 3). 

The rotation has more less been as advertised, and while the bullpen has allowed runs - they are sixth. The utter confusion that is the Bruins loses woes will continue to haunt GM Brouillette until he A) figures out what to do, or B) gives up on the season.

The offense is loaded with good players. Average at worst according to rankings positonally. 

Nor the matter, the Bruins were cautiously optomistic before last sim, now, not so much. Hopefully we do what we always find a way to do, win in the end. 

Trade & Hitters Anonymous.

The Bruins are doing what they have the first three years, and are treating the BSA Trade Market as a free agent market, wheeling and dealing –this year, trying to overcome a semi-slow start, the division leading Mentalists and Wild Card leaders (Baffin Island and Orlando) all the while Boston and the Empire seem already impossible to catch.

News came out of Los Angeles that the team had traded for Tyler Law (who posted a career best 3.00 ERA last season, while heading the top of the rotation for the Liberals who finished 3 games behind the Bruins). Law will be slated as the #5 starter in Los Angeles, who is trying to shore up the teams rotation.

While the Bruins dealt for Earl Harper (Jekyl/Hyde) in the off-season, the team has added #4 SP, Jesus Moran who has tons of upside and has pitched decent enough since coming over from Reno a few weeks back.

The real question again, is the Bruins offense. With injuries to the middle infield (star SS Jong-Min Kim out 3 weeks, and 2B Matt Roberts out a month-possibly more) the team has turned to August Pena to step in at short and fill in for the time being.

While Pena was a star last year for the Bruins, finishing with 65 steals the Bruins leadoff man hasn’t been able to get on base at a good clip and has really been one of the major problems with the Bruins offense this season, as Pena posts a .222 average currently.

Rest would be fantastic, some time to try and catch his breath but Augusto knows that’s not an option at the moment ,” We have injuries. But who doesn’t, “ said Augusto while talking to reporters before the game, “ I need to go back to doing what I did last year, and do the best I can to get back on track. Coop Troop has been killing it lately, and Coach has indicated to me that I will be batting ninth versus LHP for the time being. I’m okay with that. “

A team player atleast, as morale is still great.

If the team doesn’t start hitting, and soon –GM Brouillette has indicated changes may need to be made, “ Juan Marroquin knows the reality of the situation, “ he pushed, “ We may not have the most profilic lineup in the league, but we have a superstars at a few positions and the truth of the matter is they just aren’t producing. Augusto, Woody, Coop, Enrique, and now Sammy –coupled with great OBP guys like Jong-min, Matty… they know how to get on base and score runs. No more excuses will be made. “

Rumor has it Marroquin has until the end of the month.

A Triiiip 2 Jersaeh

While my blogs may not be classy enough and well enough written to satisfy the hunger of some, the thought process has always been for me to tell everyone what I was thinking at that time, rather than stats.

That being said, the Bruins trip to Jersey should be interesting.

The D'Bags are the other leagues top team in our opinion, and the D'Bags are 11-1 at home. Uphill battle this sim for sure (Maui next, is no joke and will be a good test).

The Bruins toss out Bolden & Parsons (the teams co-aces) followed by Harper whose off to his usual hot start.

Manager Brad Anderson has released the Bruins lineup for the series.

Cf, Pena 19D
3b, Garner 17D
Rf, Newell 13D, 20Arm
Lf, Sagar 8D
Dh, Jarmillo
C, Maestas 17D
Ss, Kim 15D
1b, Kelly 18D
2b, Roberts 15D

The Bruins playing Sagar in left may be short lived, but the OFs huge bat is why he was acquired and GM Brouillette was willing to give/to get.

All in all, this will be a great test early on for the Bruins as they chase their 4th division title in as many years.

Wheel'n & Deal'n

The Bruins have landed OF Sam(meh) Sagar to slide into the lineup but rumors are circulating that the Bruins acquired Sagar to move him in another deal that would net the Bruins a legit first baseman.

Other reports and saying that isn't the case, and the Bruins are excited to start Sagar for the season in left field.

We'll see.

The Bruins have been the most active team in BSA history (in regards to trades) but also admittingly started to panic when the Squids jumped out to a 5 game lead in the first month. The Bruins haven't been hitting the ball at all, causing Bruins fans to throw their hands up in outrage.

They were 12th last year. 14th now.

The Bruins don't lack for offensive weapons.

Augusto Pena, Cooper Newell, Enrique Jarmillo, Woody Garner, and Jong-Min Kim (as well as former Bruin, and #2 pick Julian Harle) are having career worst years, all of which are 28 or under (save, EJ just at 29) and are all just hitting their prime.

" Must be the home park." suggest fans, and rival GM's alike but that can't be the only case. Up until the last sim the Bruins had played more games on the road, and are heading to Jersey this week which is a hitters paradise.

If the Bruins don't hit, more changes are likely to come.

FU Blogspot Post,... the backdated greatness.

The Los Angeles Bruins currently trail Sacramento by three games, and sit at 11-6. While the Bruins have been playing pretty good baseball, the Mentalists have been crushing people.

CRUSHING.

Manager Brad Anderson knows the game however, after the Bruins jumped out to an early divisional lead last year only to  play a game of cat and mouse with Sacramento through-out the entire season until the Bruins went all Jennifer Lawerence as Mystique (hot fellas, hot) and finished up the final month going 21-6… I think.

“ The new GM in town is shaking things up, “ said Bruins leader Brad Anderson, “ I mean. He’s got all the players you’d like with a strong staff. His bullpen is pitching lights out! “ exclaimed Brad Anderson, a jab at his own teams bullpen.

The Bruins as reported by another GM, had given up 26 runs in the previous sixth games in innings 7-9.  Before the last sim, the Bruins went 2-3 blowing all three games in late innings.

“ That just isn’t us, “ said Brad Anderson to his point, “ Our bullpen was #2 in 2012, #2 in 2011, and #2 in 2010. 12th is not where we intend to be. “

“ Of we will be active, “ said Bruins GM Mike Brouillette with a smile, “ When aren’t we active? Win or go home. “

The Bruins have been active the previous three years, and were rumored to have been working on a deal to acquire a new #4 starting pitcher, but the price of CF Pena, SS Kim, SP Ramos (whose having a great start himself, ERA under 1) and star pitching prospect Michael Hoffmeyer was a godfather like offer that the Bruins could never see themselves making.

GM Brouillete always likes the arms, but his focus really should be on the bats.

The teams two leaders in the spring, the A-Lister Cooper Newell and the man who went balls deep 41x last season and 8 in the Spring (coupled with Newell’s 9 in spring) have really been playing horribly.

Newell found himself listed #2 on OSA’s top player list only to go up and down like a pogo stick this month. It happens with all the fluxuation in the league’s play but he must step it up if the Bruins are to have a legit shot at catching up/holding off Sacramento and making any noise in the postseason this year.

Outfielder Alexander Head came off the disabled list last sim and tore it up to a .365 average finding himself amongst the Bruins top 3 from the lastest sim in regardles to performers.

CF Pena’s off to a slot start, huge acqusition in Carl Crow is off to a slower star, and former #1 and #2 overall picks in the innagural draft C Julian Harle and SS Jong-min Kim are off to even worse starts.

“ That’s the beauty about baseball, “ remarked manager Brad Anderson, “ these guys aren’t going to hit sub-.200 the entire season. Things will even themselves out. “

Brad Anderson has his team focused on their trip to the slums of the BSA this sim anyways, as the team travels to Hendersonville.

Little do the Hitmen know, MLDS star Lee Brouthers has been resigned to a contract by the club, and Brouthers himself (who was acquired for OF Adrien Lewis whose actually leading the league in RBIs at the moment) will be in the starting lineup for all three games versus the Hitmen after not playing a single game since the last out of game six versus the eventual champion Rebels.

Hill, Bamber, and Ellis. The three headed monster will take on Harper, Bolden and Parsons which is sure to be the most highly anticipated games of the early season, pitching-wise atleast.

And what a match-up in game one.

There is no discussion whose the better pitcher. The 3x-KING OF THE HILL/Cy Young award winner, Scott ‘The Franchise’ Hill is already on pace to compete for his fourth straight trophy and in a contract year no less.

Earl ‘Knucklehead’ Harper

G-3, GS-3, REC-1-0, SV-0, ERA-0.82, IP-22, HA17, HR1, BB5, K30, WHIP-1.00

Scott Hill

4G, 4GS, REC-3-0, SV-0, ERA-0.87, IP-31.0, HA-19, HR-1, BB-3, K-31, WHIP-0.83

The match-up should be interesting, and while Scott Hill has only pitched at home against (and away vs) New Orleans twice, Jacksonville, and Orlando,… the Bruins starter Earl Harper has seen Quebec, as as well as offensive powerhours in El Paso and Boston.

So while Mr. Hill will have a start versus the team with the 14th worst offense in the league, Mr. Harper will hopefully do what he’s done for most of the early parts of the season. Come up big versus good teams.

The game if all signs are really indicators of the season thus far, should be a tremendous pitching match-up with Bolden/Bamber and Parsons/Ellis being fantastic as well.

But that of course, is a jinx.

The Bruins finish off a 3-game series with the Frenzy, before taking on the Hitmen (and try to avoid losing their second series) of the season.

Humpf, 11-6 isn’t bad but could be better, or much worse the way the Bruins bullpen has been playing.

The fear of the reverse jinx will keep us right here.

GM Brouillette's son, Cohen Michael ready for the season,...

Bruins. Beast. Mode.

(red, no blue marker).

A meh, 2-1 start...

The Los Angeles Bruins start the season 2-1, while the elite teams within the league the team is sure to be chasing went 4-1 and 5-0. That would be the defending champs and the Hitmen.

The Bruins offense ranks only ahead of Quebec in hitting, and finds itself with the #2 team ERA,... #1 in bullpen and #5 amongst the starters which would have been higher if not for Bolden's shit he layed at home on opening day versus the Diablos.

The Bruins finish off with Quebec and head down south to face the Diablos whom the team took 17 of 19 from last season, and while the Diablos have improved much since last season the feeling GM Mike Brouillette has about the teams ability to beat the Diablos during the 2013 theses bleak at best.

" Just a bad feeling. That's all. " he was quoted in the Times.

Regardless, it's 3 of 162, and I'm doing what super fans do... blow shit way out of proportions. When push comes to shove however, the team expects to find itself in many games.

Harper who got lit up during the spring, went 8.1ip, 2h, 1bb, and 16k's... a new record.

That's all for now.

2013 Season Preview

2013.

A new year, a new hope.

The Los Angeles Bruins start the season at home for the first time in four years hosting the El Paso where the team is sure to face ex-Bruin ace Ethan Pickup and Quebec which will probally see Reginald Krause, an ex-Mentalist who owned the Bruins last season.

Talk about your opening week storylines.

Much like a Hollywood film, the Bruins 2012 season started strong then the team came into injuries/hit a spur, sending the Sacramento Mentalists towards the top of the division from May-August. The Bruins with the help of mid-season acqusition Harvey Phillips (who the Bruins resigned to a 3yr 6m per contract before the season ended) and 3B Woody Garner (who was signed by GM Mike Brouillettes crush Bosma of the 84’s – Garner, also hit .355 for LA in two months), found their stride and ended up winning the division after losing only six games in the month.

The Bruins have some new faces this year as well, with former 2010 champion Hitmen UTL Matt Roberts and the long coveted 1B Carl Crow as well as 2011 champions Auriello Ramos, Arturo Ruiz and Alexander Head (with Ruiz/Head both coming over from Niagra Falls).

“ The Bruins love talent, but we value winners. We value players who know how to win and have been there before. “ commented GM Brouillette, “ So, we got winners. We got guys who know how to win. We got guys who have been there before. “

Matt Roberts had a career year in New Yorks super friendly hitting park, though posted a third straight season with a above average OBP and is a wiz with the glove 3-6. He should will in nicely off the bench.

Crow had a career year at 28 (which is something to be said as the 1B/DH has averaged around 290/27/95 rbis) for his career. Slated to hit clean-up.

Auriello Ramos had a career worst year, however performed very well in the spring starting three games – pitching two shutouts and getting shalacked by Boston (but let’s face it, the Rebels shalack everyone).

Ruiz had an average season out of the pen, but is only going to be asked to be the Bruins 7th option out of the bullpen so no worries here. His high velocity/gbp-fb ratio and the Bruins park should improve his stats some.

Alexander Head is a career .315+hitter, though is only average on defense and is on the DL. OF Hamilton the Bruins signed as the 25th man has performed well in the spring hitting just below .300 with 4 homers.

The Bruins will slide into the seasons are more than likely the favorites to repeat in the Western Division, and we have just gotten the list from Brad Anderson as to the rundown of his squad.

PITCHING STAFF

-------------------------

Starting Rotation

SP1. Ricky Bolden, The Bruins $85M man, paid off last year. 28 years old

SP2. Declan Parsons, Mr. Consistency on the mound, 25 years old

SP3. Earl Harper, Jekyl/Hyde-Can’t get out of the 4th faces 12 and K’s 8, 27 years old

SP4. Harvey Phillips, Fantsatic down the stretch, big plus for the rotation 29 years old

SP5. Auriello Ramos, Was good in spring, Hoffmeyer appears ready if he slips, 30 years old
(It’s also worth noting, SP Michael Hoffmeyer dominanted while not utilizing LA’s spacious park during ST. Maybe all the fallen through deals is a good thing. Looks to be a piece for LA now. 23 years old, 4 ½*P)

Bullpen

MR1. Jose Murillo, Huge arm could close-wants too, 29 years old

MR2. Evan Brown, Huge arm could close-wants too, 27 years old

MR3. Floyd Faulkner The lefty is poised for a huge season, also huge arm, 26 years old

MR4. Arturo Ruiz, Solid/not a closer pitched well for NFF pitchers park should help, 31 years old

SU1. Domingo Ruiz, Huge arm could close-wants too; new heir-apparently to Morales 25 years old

SU2. Joe Brooks, Low 3era first two years in LA as starter-under 1.80as a SU/spot starter last year, 35 years old

CL. Juan ‘Better than that Martin Griffin guy’ Morales, 2nd best closer since league creation behind that dude from HEN-#1/2 in saves first three, 33 years old

EVERYDAY LINEUP when HEALTHY
------------------------
cf, Augusto Pena – 65 steals, the go-go-go in the Bruins offense, A+++ defense at every single position besides catcher, 27 years old

3b, Woody Garner – Hit .355 for LA after the mid-season trade, 24 years old

rf, Cooper Newell – Star in the making, hit 9hrs in Spring. 2011 TL MVP, 25 years old

1b, Carl Crow – Mr. Consistantcy with the bat, 29 years old

dh, Enrique Jarmillo – Balls deep 41hrs last year, 29 years old

c, Julian Harle – Best ‘hitting’ catcher in the league not named Danny Kelly/2009 MVP,… before start , 28 years old(Junchi Choi vs LHP sparringly, high OBP guy. Only 25, improved every single year)

lf, Alexander Head – Avg/OBP super underrated, 27years old

ss, Jong-min Kim - #1 SS in the league according to OSA with great OBP, 25 years old

2b, Matt Roberts (Jose Nunez vs LHP) – suprisingly great OBP wiz with glove, 25years old/A great veteran bat, the best #9 hitter in the league if he plays to form

Who am I kidding though really.

Again, I’m being super optomistic as nobody in my park EVER hits, I’m sure to be bottom 5 again in the leagues offense, but new season = new form of optomisim! Thus, the Bruins are again in World Series or Bust mode.

Reverse Jinx, fear not.

LA acquires Earl Harper from NFF

The Bruins shored up their 2012 rotation last week by trading for high risk, huge reward pitcher Earl Harper.

The man with the wickiest knuckleball in the business, has already been dubbed "Knucklehead" by new teammates, and been told by Enrique Jarmaillo that he's going to be allowed to keep his mustache.

" I was surprised " said Harper upon joining the Bruins, " I left Regina in 2011 for greener pastures and the world champion Frenzy, but being traded to the Los Angeles Bruins was as big of a shock as I've ever had in my lfie, " he added, " To be able to play for Brad Anderson is going to be fun. "

Anderson is famous for his off-day trickery, staging dinner parties with murder mysteries, and playing cards and drinking his team under the table.

Harper will be slotted #2 or #3 for the Bruins this year behind Ricky Bolden/and possibly Declan Parsons.

An Asian Invasion,...

The Los Angeles Bruins and Madison Bombers have agreed to a deal that will send Ernesto Colon, David Canales, Matt Elbert, Phil Ingilby for Takuma Mizutani, Jun Choi, and the number three starting pitching prospect within the VBL6 Richard White.


White will be paired with the number one pitching prospect in the VBL6 now, Michael Hoffmeyer whom the Bruins received in a deal that sent Ethan Pickup (and other(s) to division foe El Paso.


" We had to get younger, " said General Manager Mike Brouillette, " Not that we were old by any means. Our core is between the ages of 24-28(9) and we plan on having a run for the next few years. We know our window is now. I see us six deep in the rotation within the year. Six GOOD deep. "


The Bruins are banking on the pair to bolster the league's best pitching dramatically, as both are as big as prospects as the league has when talking about young arms..


But under the radar goes something else,... 


The three primary pieces the Bruins have acquired this season are Jun Choi, Takuma Mizutani, and Kentaro Aoki. All three, asian.


While it's known that Los Angeles is home for the countrys largest asian market, rumor has it star shortstop Jong-Min Kim was already at the airport to great the duo. Kim, lives in China town - where he has just gotten Kentaro set up over the last few days or so.


" They appear to be best friends already, " said Manager Brad Anderson, " Julian (Harle) and Jong(-min Kim) were drafted back to back,.. and while they didn't speak the same language they had a way of communicating,... I'd say they were best friends. "


Whether or not the 'Asian Invasion' can be productive is another thing. Aoki came over at the end of the 2011' season and made his debut in April, starting for El Paso all year. Mizutani is another utility player (one of Brad Anderson's favorite types) and Jun Choi should be the be of the bunch as he had an average of around .300 while getting on base at around .400. The best free agent catcher will not be a free agent, the Bruins have made sure of that.

The Bruins still have some other things to do after Travis Hays of the Hitmen went ballistic these last few weeks and added All-Star, after near MVP, after future All-Stars,... and only time will tell to see what happens in Boston with the defending champs. Sac has been active, and JTP should be as usual.

The ML is already shaping up for the 2013' season and it's going to be interesting to see how it all plays out,... again...

Ethan's bags are Picked Up,...

The 35 year old Ethan Pickup who saved the LA Bruins season down the stretch has been told by management after being STINGY about signing a contract with the team to pack his bags, and get ready for the heat.

The 16th best SP in the league (according to OSA) and key-cog in the Bruins stellar 2012 rotation has been told he's been dealt to El Paso on the cheap.

Full details soon...

2013, a 4th Backstop + Canales rumors...

Three seasons have come and come for the Los Angeles Bruins, and while All-Star (former 2009 MVP catcher) Julian Harle has been a staple of consistancy for the Bruins the back-up backstop position has not as the team has shuffled through three different backups in as many years.

Alexander. Lawson/Smith combo... And this past year Colon.

Rumors are flying out of Los Angeles that just days after the season has ended, the Bruins have agreed in principal to send 1B David Canales packing. The fact the information has yet to been leaked is a strange one considering the fantastic investigative reporting throughout the entire VBL6, but given Canales 2012 season it's not a surprise.

The Bruins had hoped Canales would transition from an everyday 1B (whose hit 30 or move home runs in his three seasons as a starting player) into a leathal threat off the bench from the Bruins. Brad Anderson was quoted on earlier in the season saying that, " IF Canales can play defense, he's our starter no doubt. But this isn't the TL, and the Bruins REQUIRE everyone to play defense. "

The switch hitting Canales could never get comfortable after gaining twenty pounds in the off-season and not being able to work himself into season-shape while mainly pinch hitting and getting a shot to start every now-and-again.

Canales was signed in 2011 to a 3 year deal, 1.4/1.5/2.1 deal.

The organized was pleased to get someone with that type of power at that price, but his style and defensive liabilities just didn't fit the Bruins model, or park that is.

David Canales, 2012-2012.

Canales is said to be fetching a catcher in return, and one has to wonder with Ernesto Colon on the current roster (and his down year in Los Angeles, though, amazing defense) what will happen with him.

Knowing the Bruins, and given the fact they have two other catchers on their 40-Man, Colon could very well be out the door as well.

Brad Anderson announces batting lineup for Game 1 & 2...

Due to starter Juan Padilla's putrid offensive numbers (.000, 0 for everything vs HEN), Brad Anderson is shaking things up and has inserted Howard Hunter into the everyday lineup.

The following is the order for the LCS Games 1 & 2:
1) RF Pena, A.
2) 2B Garner, W.
3) LF Newell, C.
4) 3B Jaramillo, E.
5) C Harle, J.
6) SS Kim, J.
7) Brouthers, L.
8) Nunez, J.
9) Hunter, H.

LCS Preview

First of all, good luck to Boston.

With Manuel Jiminez getting hurt, and being the Bruins second starting pitcher going down in the last months the Bruins will head into the series against the team with the best offense with only three starting pitchers (including team Co-Ace Declan Parsons).

The Bruins will give the ball to Ethan Pickup and Harvey Phillips in the first pair of games in Boston where the Bruins were 1-2 this season. Not having home-field against a team like the Rebels and being down two of their top four starters in a series will likely catch-up with the Bruins (Boston has the best home record in the league).

Bruins manager Brad Anderson is going to have to regulate his rotation and bullpen (one of whom will more than likely have to spot start, candidates being Joe Brooks or Domingo Ruiz) better than he ever has as Jiminez leaves a huge gap within the teams rotation. 

Can a team really win a postseason series with three pitchers? LA came close in 2010 when they lost two guys and ManRod, Joe Brooks and Jiminez did that dance and got the team within a game of the World Series. In 2011 they tried it with Manuel Jiminez only (all four others were on the DL), and Joe Brooks made his first start back since May in the playoffs and was happy greeted by Pittman and Co.

Boston's bats are the best in the league, and before all the injuries the Bruins arms were the best. It's going to be interesting to see if the arms of Bolden, Pickup, and Phillips can hold up against this very proflic offense that is the Boston Rebels...

We've acknowledged before it's either Boston or San Francisco for GM of the year, and it will test the mind of the Bruins and take everything they have to beat such a fantastic Boston roster whose without their star starter Lara and stud Rosa.

The schedule breaks down:

LA @ BOS - GM1 Ethan Pickup

LA @ BOS - GM2 Harvey Phillips

BOS @ LA - GM3 Ricky Bolden

BOS @ LA

BOS @ LA (IF NECC)

LA @ BOS (IF NECC)

LA @ BOS

A semi-coherent breakdown...

The playoffs are here, and that means the Los Angeles Bruins are taking part of the thing. Honorable mention should go to THE O-R-L, Jacksonville Jackhammers, Baffin Beavers, Niagra Falls Frenzy and San Francisco Liberals all of whom finished well over .500; though, were unable to join the dance.

The playoffs will feature Sacramento facing off with Boston, a team they just swept to make the playoffs and YOUR Los Angeles Bruins facing off against the Hitmen of Hendersonville.

The Bruins have been lucky enough to line-up their rotation and have released the following info for the first two games of the series.

Game 1: Starting Pitcher: Ricky Bolden – There’s really no surprise that 3x division winning manager Brad Anderson tossing out Bolden in game one, but the bigger surprise is that of Game 2 starter…

Game 2: Starting Pitcher: Ethan Pickup (if HEN hosts the first two games) and Manuel Jiminez (if LA hosts the first two gams). – Los Angeles manager doesn’t often believe in ‘splits’ but felt Jiminezs’ overwhelming statistics, and Pickup’s veteran prowless would serve the team better going forward in the series. This would allow Jiminez to pitch on full rest in Game 6 (if it gets to Game 6, and LA is hosting) and would ensure both of Pickups’ starters were on the road, leaving Phillips as the teams Game 7 starter.

IF HEN hosts: GM1-Ricky Bolden, GM2-Ethan Pickup, GM3-Harvey Phillips, GM4 Manuel Jiminez, GM5 Ricky Bolden, GM6-Ethan Pickkup, GM7-Harvey Phillips

IF LA hosts: GM1-Ricky Bolden, GM2-Manuel Jiminez, GM3-Ethan Pickup, GM4-Harvey Phillips, GM5-Ricky Bolden, GM6-Manuel Jiminez, GM7-Ethan Pickup

This of course like everything else could change depending on how the series plays out, and whether or not the Bruins lead/or fall behind.

Statistics for the Bruins starters versus H’Ville:

Ricky Bolden: 2GS

GM1 @ LA: 8IP 4H 2ER 0BB 4K

GM2 @ HEN: 8IP 6H 0ER 0BB 7K

Ethan Pickup: 2GS

GM1 @ LA: 7IP 4H 3ER 2BB 8K

GM2 @ HEN: 7IP 6H 3ER 3BB 1K

Harvey Philip: 1GS

GM1 @ HEN: 3.1EP 7H 5ER 2BB 0K

Declan Parsons made two other starts versus the Hitmen, and MR D. Ruiz/J. Gilbert also got a pair of starts after Brad Andersons mid-season, line-up card malfunction.

The Bruins have the leagues best defense behind their pitchers, that coupled with their speed (if they can get on base) should provide some interesting challenges. With HEN’s studly defensive catcher Lopez, look for Pena to be the only one who really looks to test his limits – in the starting lineup. Ingilby will be sure to cause hell on the base paths’ if he pinch runs in the late innings.

The Bruins come in with the leagues, 10th / 11th or 12th most productive offense depending how you look at it. Brad Anderson has released the starting lineup for the first two games as well.

vs SCOTT HILL (we assume)

RF Pena, Augusto

2B Garner, Woody

LF Newell, Cooper

DH Jaramillo, Enrique

C Harle, Julian

SS Kim, Jong-min

1B Nunez, Jose

3B Padilla, Juan

CF Brouthers, Lee

vs WALTER BAMBER (we assume)

RF Pena, Augusto

2B Garner, Woody

LF Newell, Cooper

3B Jaramillo, Jaramillo

C Harle, Julian

SS Kim, Jong-min

1B Nunez, Jose

CF Brouhers, Lee

3B Padilla, Juan

The next set of information is set to come out late Saturday evening, with an emphasis on the bench of the Bruins.

Another year, another division title...

The Bruins clinched the Zaphod for the 3rd straight year, this time in game 158 versus division foe El Paso Diablos. The Bruins had the toughest schedule through-out the summer months, but lead the division when it counted... at the end. The team also jumped out to a good start and led through-out the earlier month(s) as well.

The Bruins will travel up to H'Ville to take on the 2010 Champion Hitmen, a team that like themselves has won a division title for three years in a row. Last time the two teams met in the post-season, Manuel Rodriguez and Scott Hill did their best 'top-this-if-you-can' going back and forth all series, leading their teams to where they needed to get.

In the end, HEN took out LA in Game 7 - 4-2, with Griffin getting his fourth save of the series (Morales had 3). The storylines are set...

Can Scott Hill and Walter Bamber carry a depleted squad against the very same Bruins they took 6 of 9 from this year. Strangely though, even a depleated HEN offense would carry 3 of the 5 best offensive players in the series. Add Prowse, Padilla, and Burkholder to the mix and HEN would have been hoisiting the title about their heads no doubt.

More information about the HEN/LA series will be posted later.

It's September and the bottom hasn't fallen out yet,...

... and that isn't a huge shock.

The Bruins offs-season trades set the team where they needed to be, and put them on the right course; but just as June tested the two-time division winning franchise they have another test.

13 of 14 on the road vs playoff teams (less Maui, who traditionally crushes the Bruins and legendarily took 18 or 19 vs them last year) a day off then finishing off a small series vs NY then off to SAC ELP and finishing out at home versus SF.

The next two weeks are the basis of the conversation on the eve of the draft tonight, as the Bruins take on SF (4-6 vs them this year), NFF (1-5 vs them this year), MAUI (7-8 vs them this year) and BAF (3-3 vs them this year).

Ricky Bolden, Harvey Phillips, Declan Parsons and Ethan Pickup are set to go for the Bruins vs SF the pivotal set.

Bulletpoints...

This season has been a very confusing one of the Bruins, which has seen them bounce from 5 up, to 5 down in the division.

With August halfway gone, here's some bullpoints from the last sim and change...

* A 4-1 sim for the Bruins means a 4-1 sim for the Frenzy, and 3-1 sim for the Mentalists. Figures.
* Boston took out UTL Jose Nunez, and karma took out SP Jose Lara -- both will miss the rest of the season.
* The roster expands in three sim's. LA looking for help at the plate, but their may not be much.
* Newell makes his return to the lineup next sim.
* Phillips misses his scheduled start date, so the Bruins will push it back and start someone on four days rest.
* The Bruins will sit down and try to figure out a plan of attack, as they play 21 days straight. Their aren't many bats to go around, and some of the better ones will have to sit.

Deadline tidbits...

* With the Trade Deadline looming, the Bruins have brought UTL Woody Garner from Greenville to Los Angeles to pencil into Brad Anderson's every day lineup.

* The Bruins are in talks with one or two more teams about bringing one more utility guy to even out the bench within the infield, pushing Ingilby back to his day-to-day, position-to-position model.

* With the Bruins having locked manager Brad Anderson up for the next five years, it has been confirmed Anderson has convinced the give Phillips the $6M annually he is seeking and tick on some performance bonuses in case Phillips develops further, " Give him something to work towards " noted Anderson.

* The Bruins find themselves in second place after taking just one of three from Sacramento which saw the club blow a lead late in game two.

* As far as contracts go, the Bruins will be at 101M of a 98M budget to start the 12' campaign, which is a number that management is seemingly okay with, though, the team would look to fill the squad with MLC's and hope injuries stay mild.

Another shitty sim for Los Angeles...

The Bruins did what they did best last week,... split series and go 2-3.

The Bruins find themselves just a game ahead of the rest of the "ever-so-tight" pack in the Wild Card race with the All-Star break around the corner.

While seemingly everyone on the Bruins has went into the shitter, SP Ricky Bolden pitched a great game versus Sacramento help the Bruins save face and split the series.

" It was just another game " Bolden was quoted as saying after being the team formerly known as the Squids.

The more interesting note to come from the VBL6 this week is that JTP has taken control over the Orlando franchise again making the Wild Card race, and rest of the ML alot more interesting.

All in all, this season is turning out to be the greatest yet.

It's getting Rowdy in Los Angeles...

Rumors broke late Monday afternoon, that Los Angeles had acquired starting pitcher Harvey Phillips from the Haddonfield, for fan favorite; Manuel Rodriguez, former set-up man Floyd Faulkner, CF Jorge Gutierrez and SP Glenn Christensen who fell from grace during Spring Training.

While ManRod and Phillips have pitched do a duel this season, the lefty will help Los Angeles down the stretch run versus teams who prevent lefty heavy lineups. Los Angeles park should also provide a spark to Phillips whose coming from a different league and will now face real competition.

ManRod pulled up lame in his last start, so Phillips coming over is going to be a real godsend for the Bruins who would have had to slot Joe Brooks into the rotation, but were hesitant to do so after Brooks has dominated in the bullpen this season.

Los Angeles is looking forward, trying to catch Sacramento and having Phillips can't hurt.

The Bruins going balls deep...

News out of Los Angeles late last night, is that the Bruins have secured a deal with Alibaba.com to bring the "porn to the park".

The Bruins are having a fake-mustache day to honor one of their own for his good play at the start of the season...

3B Enrique Jaramillo

Team employees will be giving out fake mustaches to all who come to the park that day, young and old -- and 3B Enrique Jaramillo couldn't be happier about it.


" No podría ser más feliz sobre él " added Jaramillo, which means I couldn't be happier about it in Spanish.


The game will take place on Sunday, July 29th when the Oklahoma Droggies come to town.


Jaramillo, when asked about conflicting mustache drama as Oklahoma first  basemen Jules LaFlamme sports a stache' as well, Jaramillo had commented, " Soy confuso. ¿Usted ve el bigote de hombres que uso, y el que está de un violador serial él usa? ¿No es Julio un nombre de la muchacha? Enrique es un nombre fuerte." which translates too,..." I am confused. Do you see the manly mustache I wear, and the one of a serial rapist he wears? Is Jules not a girl name? Enrique is a strong name. "

No matter what Jaramillo does the rest of the year - he's carried the team this far and the Bruins fans should be thankful, he came to Los Angeles last year at the deadline and played horrible - but after going through the arbitration process and signing a contract ext to stay with Los Angeles through the for-see-able future, Enrique has been good and seems like a solid fit to the lineup.

May Ends, June Begins...

The Bruins will either go 18-10, or 19-9 in the month of May which saw them lose first place to the Sacramento Squids, erm Mentalists...

All in all, the team had seven injuries - three to the disabled list, including fan favorite SS Jong-Min Kim. When asked about what's turned around Kim's season, GM Brouillette had the following to say.

" The Gottee" he pushed on, "People don't understand it's power. Kim changed his facial hair up and it totally changed the entire way he played. He went from wide eyed kid, to sex'd up superstar. He didn't go full gottee, he went with that little douchebag thing down from his lip to his mouth. We like his performance though"

I'm 100% sure this is going to jinx Kim but he's finally playing well.

A few quick tidbits from the month.

• Pickup continues to get hurt, has setback.
• Bolden has been average at best, Parsons a bit better.
• Brouthers was picked up from Madison and while his averaged has raised his OBP has dropped.
• LA only played 6 home games the entire month

Brouthers in town... passes all tests...

The Bruins going 3-1 was good last sim, but the big news was that Lee Brouthers passed all tests needed, and has arrived in Los Angeles.

Brouthers who we noted last post, has had a decent year but will continue to help Los Angeles boast one of the better defenses within the league.

Brothers is likely to slide into the #6 or #7 slot int the lineup and add a spark to an otherwise horrible bottom of the lineup.

Fans in Los Angeles get their first taste without the injured Pickup as well as Joe Brooks will make his first official start this season as part of the starting lineup.

Los Angeles acquires Brouthers from Madison

The Los Angeles Bruins today, finalized a deal to bring Lee Brouthers from the Madison Bombers, along with $6M to Los Angeles.

The deal caught the Los Angeles fans off guard, as the team wasn't agressively looking to acquire another bat but, "When Brouthers became available, it was really a no brainer. We've had our eyes on him for quite some time. " added Mike Brouillette

Brouthers is likely to slide into centerfield, moving Augusto Pena to rightfield, and Cooper Newell back to left field where he's a much better defender. Brouthers has near unlimited range.

Currently, he's hitting at a .268/.354/.491 with 6hrs, and 18rbis. Last season, Brouthers .313/.396/.546 with 29hrs 124rbis, preecded by a .291/.385/.472 20hrs 104rbis season. He's stolen eight bases both years.

Brouthers should make his debut on the 16th of May which is the finale vs the New Orleans Looters, as he's still has to pass his initial round of tests.

Finding themselves in an akward position...

Which is what the Bruins do.

The Bruins dropped two of three to the defending champions which is nothing to be generally negative about as the team currently shares the same record as the Bruins at 15-13... They also split the first two games against San Francisco who currently sits a game behind them in the division.

And while the team's offense overall has been in the bottom half like expected (with multiple players hitting the DL for a sim or two at a time, Newell out longer), the starters have been in the top half of the league which is what many predicted.

The bullpen however is another story.

The Bruins sit 15-13, and have blown 7 saves.

CL Morales, has been given the ball only eight times this season and is 4 for 4 in save chances, though; for some odd reason Los Angeles keeps going to guys deep in the bullpen for save chances which has baffled GM Mike Brouillette.

" Our coaching staff has gotten us to the playoffs two years in a row " he commented, " I'm sure they know what their doing and will figure it out. "

... Still, it's concerning to say the very least, as quality guys within the teams bullpen who have career era's at 3 or under are the ones blowing these leads, guys who were generally thought to be the back-bone of the teams late game situations.

User error.

LA had it's worst sim of the season, as a user error started Bolden twice, and played Newell to injury.

Given my stupid error, NOTHING will be said in regards to this sim as I'm irritated.

LA beats Baffin senseless...

Kind of.

Ricky Bolden pitches masterfully vs Maui, then Los Angeles headed to the isles of Baffin, up in that great white north somewhere, to take on Baffin Island.

Yes, the same team that swept them out of the playoffs last year.

LA couldn't be happier than taking 2 of 3 from the Beavers, and news was going around they were looking to move their closer after he blew another game.

Baffin's made two deals since, and the Bruins must be glad they caught them where they did.

The Bruins next face Baffin on May 20th, when Genest and company head to Los Angeles.

LA enjoyed a 3-1 sim.

Another average day in the neighborhood...

Damn, Maui. The Bruins lost to Maui again, making them the thorn in the Bruins side so early in the season.

LA took a pair from Boston, and went 3-2 again -- continuing to play just slightly above average.

LA finishes with Maui next, then flys Canada to play the red-hot Beavers, who went 4-1,... and have become the teams most heated rival over the first two seasons.

Parsons, Jiminez, Rodriguez and Pickup will go for the Bruins as the teams meet for the first time since the 2011 MLCS.

A split with Baffin would be great, as the Beavers have been playing great at home and have a huge advantage their.

Good luck Bruins, roads tougher ahead.

2012 Spring Training #4

In game one, the Bruins took the field against the defending champion Frenzy, and got revenge by winning 5-3 behind the arm of Manuel Rodriguez who got hurt later in the game)... out a week.  The Bruins continued to "HIT" their strides late with a three run eight for the victory.

In game two, the Bruins beat Sacramento evening the spring series 1 to 1. Their wasn't really anything of note in this game, besides Jaramillo getting out of his slump and going deep.

In game three, the Bruins beat Baffin Island to take the spring series 2 to 0, as they shut them out 1-0 on perfect pitching by Declan Parsons.

In game four, the Bruins took on the Knights who touched up Manuel Jiminez for a run in four innings, and the Bruins blew a lead in the middle of the game to lose the spring series. They'll see them in again in June.

In game five, the Bruins tossed out Joe Brooks who'd yet to give up a run in the spring, got hammered by Hendersonville for 4 runs, (LA did the same to the Hitmen's starting pitcher) and Hendersonville took both games.

The next sim will be the last Spring Games of the year, and the Bruins hope to avoid any further injuries, and come into the season healthy for the first time in three years.

2012 Spring Training Sim #3

In game one, Los Angeles beat Quebec 6-1 behind Joe Brooks perfect spring tossing another 3+ innings of shutout ball. Catcher Ernesto Colon homered and the Bruins went onto improve to 7-4 on the spring.

In game two, Manuel Jiminez continued his return from his devistating season ender from last season and Colon coupled with Newell (#4) both went deep and the Bruins improved to 8-4 on the year, and the team continues to feel good about Jiminez's rehab.

In game three, Parson's went four giving up a couple (spring era of 2.08 now) and the Bruins lost 8-7 against the visiting Carlissian. The Bruins non-assigned bullpen cost them in this one, as the team blew a two-run lead in the ninth. Spring record sits at 8-5.

In game four, the worst happened as Ethan Pickup got hurt with "dead arm" and was taken out after two, which is probally for the best as the teams' projected #2 SP has been roughed up all spring. The Bruins lost 12-9 against division mates San Fransisco bringing the record to 8-6.

The Bruins have given the kids a chance, now will begin to slowly transition them out and start some of their everyday lineups.

SP Manuel "ManRod" Rodriguez will make his first start since injuring his arm last year next sim, as the Bruins have their toughest stretch of the spring when they face the defending champion Frenzy, The Mentalist, The Beavers, The Knights, and the Hitmen.

Spring Training Sim #2

The sim started off against Hendersonville, and why the Bruins lost on this evening the story was all about Ricky Bolden on Los Angeles' side. Bolden went 4 innings, giving up 2 hits and striking out two.

In game two, LA faced off against the Spartans and won 6-3 behind Joe Brooks fantastic performance. 4IP with a strikeout. Brooks kept the balls on the ground, and Kim continued his hot spring with a homer in the 4th.

In game three, Jiminez took the mound (second start since his season ender) and the stunning performance continued. Jiminez threw 51pitches, in 4 innings and struck out a pair. Declan Parsons continued his perfect spring tossing two more shut out innings.

In game four, Maui beat Los Angeles 7-2 and SP Glenn Christensen who was calling up for spring duty has more than likely seen his last start after getting roughed up again. Pickup also got hit against his former squad giving up two runs.

In game five, Los Angeles returned the favor beating El Paso 7-2 behind Ethan Pickup (who has thrown in 6 of 10 spring games, need to cut back on that...). SS Kim went deep AGAIN, and Newell hit his first home run as a member of the Bruins and his second three innings later.

We are 1/3 done with Spring Training and we will now take a look at how the newcomers are doing in Los Angeles.

Pitchers
Declan Parsons 4gms 0.00era 9ip 3h 6ks
Ethan Pickup 6gms 6.75era 10.2ip 12k
Ricky Bolden 1gm 0.00era 4ip 2k

Hitters
INF Julio Rodriguez .300 0hrs 1rbis 7bb
OF Cooper Newell, .324 3hrs 14rbis 7bb
UTL Augusto Pena .207 0hrs 2rbis 2sbs

So far, Los Angeles is 6-4 in Spring Training tied with Sacramento, one game behind El Paso.

Spring Training, Sim #1.

The Bruins got off to a 3-2 start in Spring Training, with wins vs San Fransisco, Baffin Island and New York - while losing a pair of one run games to Sacramento and the defending Champions.

Fair enough.

The Bruins already have an injury, with Salvador Callazo going down and he'll be held out for a few weeks just to be sure. Things seem to be picking up right where they left off on that note.

Ethan Pickup surrendered a run in 4 innings versus Sacramento, and other new comer Declan Parsons threw seven innings within the games and only gave up two hits.

The excitement in Los Angeles comes when talking about Joe Brooks, who was tragically injured during the middle of last season only to come back and start Game 3 of the playoffs, and leave due to tigthness.

Brooks appears to be A-ok. In his first spring start, Brooks went 4IP, with no hits, no runs and struck out four.

Manuel Jiminez who had a season ending injury last year as well gave up two runs in four innings, but played well enough that the front office is feeling better about his current arm problems.

All in all, the Bruins are rather pleased with how their players are responding from injuries (even in small doses) and ticked off in regards to injuries... again. Despite it being a short term one.

Straight out of Los Angeles, the Bruins have changed their uniforms for a second time this off-season.

Under Armor, the team's main sponsor insisted if they were to invest in the team as they have, their logo be shown on the front of the team's jersey.

Mike Brouillette was quoted as saying, " No issues. Shit's tight. " when asked about wearing the logo on the jersey next to the team's name.

One does however, wonder if the sponsorship will lead to other teams taking the same approach, as the Bruins reportedly got free gear for the entire team.

Hendersonville Copied Me!!!

I did it first, I sware I did.

Proof is previous postings, but I love the layout of Hendersonville, *sigh* I suppose I'll try and keep up with this a la Twitter, but not full in depth shit like Hendersonville.

Rather, my quick thoughts on the latest sim, 500 words OR LESS (hopefully, I do get wordy).