S2 Draft Order

Amy Amanda 'Triple A' Allen - contributing reporter

Alright Hardball Stitches fans, we have an updated draft order for Season 2 as it stands today. Current Round 1 and Comp Round as of the recent Type A/B signings. We've noted teams who have more than 2 picks. 

  1. Cincinnati
  2. Colorado Springs
  3. Los Angeles
  4. New York
  5. Louisville
  6. Baltimore - Type D
  7. Mexico City
  8. Nashville
  9. Indianapolis - Type D
  10. Rochester
  11. Vancouver
  12. Helena
  13. Philadelphia
  14. Fargo
  15. Durham
  16. San Antonio
  17. Arizona
  18. Tucson
  19. Montgomery
  20. Baltimore (2nd pick)
  21. Chicago
  22. Fresno
  23. Tacoma
  24. Charlotte
  25. Louisville via Salt Lake City - Santiago Tapies (2nd pick)
  26. Scottsdale
  27. Indianapolis (2nd pick)
  28. Scottsdale via Buffalo - Rajai Johnstone (2nd pick)
  29. Texas
  30. Boston
  31. New Orleans
  32. Syracuse
  33. Nashville via St Louis - Jimmie Querecuto (2nd pick)
  34. Trenton 
  35. Nashville - A (3rd pick)
  36. Louisville - A (3rd pick)
  37. Philadelphia - A (2nd pick)
  38. San Antonio - A (2nd pick)
  39. Baltimore - A (2nd pick)
  40. Charlotte - A (2nd pick)
  41. Scottsdale - A (3rd pick)
  42. Scottsdale - A (4th pick)
  43. Nashville - B (4th pick)
  44. Cincinnati - B (2nd pick)
  45. Louisville - B (4th pick)
  46. Vancouver - B (2nd pick)
  47. Philadelphia - B (3rd pick)
  48. Fargo - B (2nd pick)
  49. Durham - B (2nd pick)
  50. Arizona - B (2nd pick)
  51. Tucson - B (2nd pick)
  52. Scottsdale - B (5th pick)
  53. Syracuse - B (2nd pick)
  54. Nashville - B (5th pick)
  55. Cincinnati - B (3rd pick)
  56. Louisville - B (5th pick)
  57. Tucson - B (3rd pick)
Remaining Type A/B players in Free Agency (I could be missing some)
  • DH Ehire Arruebarrena - A - Chicago
  • LF Lee Benningson - B - Salt Lake City
  • LF Eugenio Flores - B - Salt Lake City
  • CF Bip Sanders - B - St Louis
  • CF Alan Bulger - B - Charlotte
  • RP Danny Beverlin,  - B - Los Angeles
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"Heat Check!" Season 2 Edition

 As we begin Season 2 here in Hardball Stitches, let's take a second to take the temperature of the room...I mean league! A full explanation of the methodology can be found here, but the quick recap is that you add points for a winning season, add even more for winning 95+ games and then get bonuses for playoff victories, pennants and World Series Rings. Teams with losing records don't earn any points and everyone, regardless of success last season, starts off a little cooler than they ended the previous season because the players spent a little while resting, recovering and getting a little rusty in the process. This is where everyone stands heading into our sophomore season: 

Boiling Hot (Above 212*F/100*C or better)

Steamy (Above 100*F/37.8*C)

Warm (Above Room Temperature, aka 72*F/?*C)

  • St. Louis +8 for 110 win season, +25 for WS win ended at 105*F *.9085 = 95.4*F
  • Texas +5 for 94 win season, +15 for Pennant, ended at 92*F *.9085 = 83.6*F
  • Boston +8 for 95 win season,  +8 playoff wins ended at 88*F *.9085 = 79.9*F
  • Trenton +8 for 113 wins, +4 playoff wins ended at 84*F *.9085 = 76.3*F
  • New Orleans +8 for 96 wins, +2 playoff wins ended at 82*F * .9085 = 74.5*F
  • Buffalo +5 for 90 wins, +5 playoff wins ended at 82*F *.9085 = 74.5*F
  • Indianapolis +5 for 89 wins +5 playoffs wins ended at 82*F *.9085 = 74.5*F
  • Syracuse +8 for 103 wins, +1 playoff win ended at 81*F *.9085 = 73.6*F

Cool (Below Room Temperature, aka 72*F/?*C) 

  • Scottsdale +5 for 89 wins +2 playoff wins ended at 79*F *.9085 = 71.8*F
  • Tacoma +5 for 88 wins +1 playoff win ended at 78*F *.9085 = 70.9*F
  • Charlotte +5 for 88 wins +1 playoff win ended at 78*F *.9085 = 70.9*F
  • Salt Lake City +5 for 88 wins +1 playoff win ended at 78*F *.9085 =  70.9*F
  • Fresno +5 for 87 win season but no playoffs = 77*F * .9085 = 70.0*F
  • Baltimore +5 for 87 win season but no playoffs = 77*F * .9085 =  70.0*F
  • Chicago +5 for 85 win season but no playoffs = 77*F * .9085 =  70.0*F
  • Montgomery losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Arizona losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Tucson  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Durham  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Fargo  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F 
  • Philadelphia  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Mexico City  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • New York  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Vancouver  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Colorado Springs  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Helena  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Cleveland  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Scranton  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Cincinnati  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Nashville  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F
  • Los Angeles  losing season earned no points and ended @ 72*F * .9085 = 65.4*F

Freezing Cold (Below 32*F/0*C)

Absolutely Frigid (Below 0*F/?*C)

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Mexico City Luchadors Welcome Johnny Bland, Confuse and Concern Fans

 MEXICO CITY — The Mexico City Luchadors are thrilled to announce the signing of starting pitcher Johnny Bland, a right-hander known for his control, calm demeanor, and a fastball that’s been described as “respectably average.”

However, the announcement caused widespread confusion among fans, many of whom believed “Johnny Bland” was not a new player, but instead a new restaurant opening at the ballpark—one that serves only bland, flavorless food.

“I thought it was, like, one of those American-style concepts,” said longtime Luchadors fan Elena Márquez, shaking her head. “No spice, no flavor, everything beige. I was ready to protest. Turns out he’s a pitcher. I guess that’s better?”

The team’s signage didn’t help. With banners reading “The Future is Bland” and “Taste the Johnny Bland Experience”, many fans feared the club was abandoning its bold culinary and cultural roots in favor of pandering to tourists.

“I was expecting turkey sandwiches with no condiments,” said fan Carlos Jiménez. “I mean, Johnny Bland? That sounds like a guy who thinks black pepper is risky. Then I found out he throws a decent slider, and I was like, okay, that’s slightly spicy.”

The misunderstanding spread quickly online, with several memes featuring imagined “Bland Menu Specials” going viral. Among the top items: unsalted boiled potatoes, toast without butter, and water. Just water.

“This feels like the start of something worrying,” said local taco vendor Martín Rodríguez, grilling outside the park. “First they sign Johnny Bland, next thing you know, they’re putting raisins in the mole. We have to stay vigilant.”

Team officials stepped in late Friday to clarify. “Johnny Bland is, in fact, a person,” said GM Rafa Morales. “He throws strikes, not salads. He has never opened a restaurant. He does not own a food truck. He does enjoy grilled chicken, but that’s not a crime.”

Bland, for his part, seemed mildly amused by the attention. “I’ve been called bland before,” he said at a press conference. “Usually by my ex-girlfriends, not an entire city. But hey—I’m here to pitch, and I’m open to trying hot sauce.”

Mexico City Draft Day Controversy

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
HARD BALL STITCHES BASEBALL LEAGUE – DRAFT DAY CONTROVERSY

"SOMEBODY CALL THE COMMISH—SENOR PERRO JUST STOLE THE SHOW!"

Location: A smoky backroom somewhere beneath the roaring Estadio del Sol, post-draft chaos unfolding…

[CAMERA ZOOMS IN on a barely-hinged folding table surrounded by enraged reporters, dramatic lighting, and a very sweaty announcer with a foam microphone in hand.]

ANNOUNCER “MEAN DANE MENDOZA”:

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, HOLD ON TO YOUR PELOTAS, 'CAUSE WE GOT A SCANDAL HOTTER THAN A SUMMER IN SONORA! THE MEXICO CITY LUCHADORS HAVE LEAPT FROM 10TH TO 6TH IN THE AMATEUR DRAFT—AND THE BASEBALL WORLD IS CALLING FOUL BALL!

AND AT THE CENTER OF THE STORM? THE MASKED MAVERICK HIMSELF… SENOR PERRO!!!"

[CAMERA WHIPS TO SENOR PERRO—clad in a diamond-studded Luchador mask, cape flowing in the AC draft, twirling a gold cane shaped like a baseball bat.]

SENOR PERRO (growling in a thick accent):

"Ay, papacito… You call it cheating? I call it DESTINY! I didn’t steal the 6th pick—I suplexed destiny and pinned it for the three count!"

[Crowd of press gasps—one reporter faints. Another drops his churro.]

MEAN DANE:

"NOW WAIT JUST ONE MINUTE, PERRO! Sources say league executives caught you slipping envelopes under the commissioner’s locker room door, each one smellin’ like hot sauce and corruption! You think you can just powerbomb your way up the draft board?!"

SENOR PERRO:

"You think I bribed the league? HAH! The only thing I’m guilty of is being the BADDEST BULL IN THE BARRIO! While other teams were cryin’ in their cleats, I was out there body slamming mediocrity and dropkicking doubt! Now the Luchadors got that 6th pick, and soon we’ll be dropping dingers like elbow drops from the top rope!"

[A chair flies across the room. Probably metaphorical. Maybe not.]

MEAN DANE:

"Are you saying this was all... legal?!"

SENOR PERRO (grinning beneath the mask):

"Legal? No.

LEGENDARY? Absolutely."

CUE EXPLOSTIONS AND METAL GUITAR SOLO. CUT TO BLACK

S2 Draft Lottery Results

 Amy Amanda 'Triple A' Allen - contributing reporter

Gone are the days when tanking guaranteed you a shot at the top pick. The era of the Draft Lottery has officially begun in Hardball Stitches—and if our first roll of the dice proved anything, it’s that no one’s spot is safe.

In a stunning debut, the lottery brought chaos, drama, and just a hint of poetic justice. Colorado Springs made the biggest leap of the night, vaulting up six spots to snag the No. 2 pick. Meanwhile, Nashville, once eyeing the top of the board, saw their hopes tumble—dropping five spots to land at No. 7.

The message is clear: fortune now favors the lucky, not just the losing. And with that, the draft landscape has officially changed.

Here’s how the rest of the chips fell...



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S1 Recap

Jack Torrance - Contributing Reporter

Winner Winner....Chicken Dinner 

Should be no surprise that the team with the most regular season stolen bases stole the World Series from the Texas Toast after being down 3-0. Congrats to Pimpbotlove for winning the first ever Hardball Stitches World Series title.  

Playoff Hitting Stats: .251 avg, .709 ops, 19 HR, 79 RBI, 81 R, 38 SB
Playoff Pitching Stats: 11-6, 5/7 saves, 156 IP, 1.03 WHIP, 3.52 ERA, 33 bb, 127 k. 
Outstanding Position Player: Jacob Donald (LF) - .283 avg, .930 ops, 15 H, 11 R, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 3 SB
Outstanding Pitcher: Tex Richardson (RP) - 0.00 era, .097 oav, 0.47 whip, 21 k, 3 bb, 0-0, 3/3 sv in 10 relief appearances totaling 19 innings. 

Congrats again and let's get ready for the start of Season 2! 

Major League

All-Star Weekend

The American League took an early lead and didn't look back over the National League, 5-2
All Star Game Player of Game - 1B Matt Roberts (Baltimore) drove in 3 runs
Home Run Derby Champ - Dustan Nevin (Durham) - 9 - 8 - 9
Longest HR - 522' - Rubi Veras (Syracuse)
Futures Game Player of the Game: Tarrik McLemore (Indy)

American League 

Division Titles
AL North: Syracuse Firebirds
AL East: Boston 'Act As If' Afflects
AL South: New Orleans Voodoo
AL West:  Salt Lake City Trappers
Wildcards: Texas Toast & Tacoma Armada

League Leaders
Batting
Hits: AJ Jordan (Montgomery) - 222
Average: Vin Nunez (Syracuse) - .365
Home Runs: Benito Gonzales (Montgomery) - 59
Runs: Rubi Veras (Syracuse) - 139
Runs Batted In: Benito Gonzales (Montgomery) - 152
Stolen Bases: Keith Sowders (Salt Lake City) - 63
Longest Hit Streak: Vin Nunez (Syracuse) & Vern Ashley (Arizona) - 27

Pitching
Wins: Laynce Johnson (Boston) - 22
Quality Starts: Dayan Martin (Montgomery) - 26
Saves: Armando Ceda (Durham) - 42
ERA: Hideki Lim (Tacoma) - 2.56
Strikeout: Hideki Lim (Tacoma) - 208
OAV: Rando Rincon (Salt Lake City) - .209
WHIP: Rando Rincon (Salt Lake City) - 1.07

Fielding
Plus Plays: Omar Rodriguez (Texas) - 30
CS%: Jimmy Long (Fargo) - .36%
C ERA: Dan Key (New Orleans) - 3.89

Awards
MVP: 

  1. Vin Nunez (Syracuse) - 18 votes
  2. Juan Mota (Tacoma) - 6 votes
  3. Matt Roberts (Augusta) - 5 votes (ROOKIE)
  4. Mickey Villegas (Los Angeles) - 3 vote
  5. Jim Smith (Boston) - 0 votes

Cy Young: 

  1. Rando Rincon (Salt Lake City) - 14 votes
  2. Ned Gaillard (Augusta) - 9 votes (ROOKIE)
  3. Laynce Johnson (Boston) - 5 votes
  4. Glenallen Cepicky (Boston) - 3 votes
  5. Earl Bailey (Montgomery) - 1 vote (ROOKIE)
Rookie of the Year: 
  1. Shin-Soo Ishii (Texas) - 18 votes
  2. Ned Gaillard (Augusta) - 6 votes
  3. Matt Roberts (Augusta) - 5 votes
  4. Earl Bailey (Montgomery) - 3 votes
  5. Dixon Perez (Arizona) - 0 votes

Fireman of the Year: Jose Rios (Texas)

National League

Division Titles
NL North: Trenton Thunderbolts
NL East: St Louis Archers
NL South: Charlotte Intimidators
NL West: Scottsdale Sazeracs
Wildcards: Buffalo Bomb Squad & Indianapolis Speedsters

League Leaders
Batting
Hits: Liam Steinbach (Fresno) - 191
Average: Vincente DeSoto (Charlotte) - .346
Home Runs: Liam Steinbach (Fresno) - 50
Runs: Len Priest (St Louis) - 154
Runs Batted In: Liam Steinbach (Fresno) - 142
Stolen Bases: Len Priest (St Louis) - 107
Longest Hit Streak: Phil Wallace (Scottsdale) - 20

Pitching
Wins: Polin Aceves (Trenton) - 26
Quality Starts: Magglio Mieses (Trenton) - 29
Saves: Roger Williams (Buffalo) & Steve Knecht (Chicago) - 46
ERA: Polin Aceves (Trenton) - 1.85
Strikeout: Harry DaSilva (Buffalo) - 239
OAV: George Avery (Colorado Springs) - .192
WHIP: Polin Aceves (Trenton) - 0.95

Fielding
Plus Plays: Richie Beltran (Tucson) - 29
CS%: Dustin Casanova (Fresno) - 39%
C ERA: Sammy Kelly (Trenton) - 2.85

Awards
MVP:

  1. Liam Steinbach (Fresno) - 19 votes (ROOKIE)
  2. Len Priest (St Louis) - 6 votes 
  3. Harry Feliz (San Antonio) - 5 votes
  4. Jason Bako (Trenton) - 2 vote
  5. John Lansing (Chicago) - 0 votes
Cy Young:
  1. Polis Aceves (Trenton) - 21 votes
  2. Franchy Rolison (Trenton) - 9 votes
  3. Magglio Mieses (Trenton) -  3 votes
  4. Derrek Cone (St Louis) - 1 vote
  5. Harry DaSilva (Buffalo) - 0 votes
Rookie of the Year:
  1. Liam Steinbach (Fresno) - 21 votes 
  2. Lyle Merrick (Indianapolis) - 5 votes
  3. Glenallen Adams (St Louis) - 4 votes
  4. Tony Sheehan (Trenton) - 2 votes
  5. Roger Williams (Buffalo) - 0 votes
Fireman of the Year: Roger Williams (Buffalo)

Minor League

AAA: 
NL #6 Buffalo over AL #6 Fargo, 4-3.
Best Record: Los Angeles - 88-56
Worst Record: Philadelphia - 52-92

AA: 
NL #6 Scottsdale over AL #3 Texas, 4-3.
Best Record: Buffalo - 93-51
Worst Record: Helena - 42-102

A+: 
NL #3 Charlotte over AL #6 Boston, 4-2.
Best Record: Tucson - 101-43
Worst Record: Scranton - 44-100

A-: 
AL #5 Montgomery over NL #1 Tucson, 4-1.
Best Record: New Orleans - 101-43
Worst Record: St Louis - 42-102

Rookie: 
AL #2 Tacoma over NL #1 Nashville, 4-2.
Best Record: Boston - 55-21
Worst Record: Cleveland - 16-60
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