Hardball Stitches Reporter: February 2025

S1 Power Rankings Updated

Richard Castle - contributing reporter

Baseball fans, we've officially hit the halfway point of the inaugural Hardball Stitches season! That's right - half the games are in the books, the contenders are separating from the pretenders, and some teams are just praying for a miracle.

First up, the top five records, because winners deserve the spotlight. Then, we'll take a deep dive into the division races, where some teams are dominating like action heroes, while others are crashing and burning like a failed spinoff series.

And of course, no power rankings would be complete without Skynet, our trusted-but-possibly-evil AI overlord. It's back to rank each team, mercilessly grading their hitting and pitching on the 80-scale. Is it cold and calculating? Yes. Could it one day turn against us? Also yes. Bur for now, it's giving us the hard truths we need.

We'll also be keeping receipts on who's surging up the charts, who's free-falling into oblivion, and who's clinging to respectability like a washed-up detective on his last case. Then, we'll dig into expected win percentages, exposing which teams are playing over their heads and which are one bad week away from a full-blown existential crisis.

And finally, the 55-win danger zone - where teams stare into the abyss and the abyss stares back. Will they rewrite their season's narrative, or are they destined for a tragic final chapter?

One thing's for sure: The stakes are rising, the pressure is mounting, and Skynet is still watching.

Best Record

Trenton Thunderbolts (NL-N)

2nd Best

Syracuse Firebirds (AL-N)

3rd Best

St. Louis Archers (NL-E), Buffalo Bomb Squad (NL-N)

4th Best

Texas Toast (AL-S)

5th Best

Salt Lake City Trappers (AL-W), Fresno Romans (NL-W)

If the first 40 games of the season were a bestseller, the American League is delivering a sequal with higher stakes, bigger twists, and no shortage of suspense. In the AL North, the Syracuse Firebirds aren't just leading - they're torchbearers, scorching their way to an 11-game advantage over the Tacoma Armada, who, for now, are keeping their playoff dreams alive in the Wild Card 1 spot. Meanwhile, the AL East is tighter than a detective novel's final twist. The Philadelphia Jawns have the lead - for now - just one game ahead of the Baltimore IronBirds and two games ahead of the Boston Afflects. This race is anything but settled. In the AL South, the Texas Toast have been cooling off in the last 10 games, but thanks to the New Orleans Voodeoo hitting their own rough patch, they're still clinging to the division lead. For how long? That's the million-dollar question. Out West, it's all about the Salt lake City Trappers, who seem to be cruising comfortably toward the division crown - unless, of course, the baseball gods decide to throw in a plot twist; or the Arizona Canyon Kings go on another 10+ game win streak.

Not to be overshadowed by the American League's blockbuster sequel, the National League is delivering a drama-filled saga of its own - full of dominat leads, underdog chases, and a division that refuses to settle down. In the NL North, the Buffalo Bomb Squad boast the second-best record in the national league, yet they still trail the might Trenton Thunderbolts by 7 games. It's like running a marathon at full speed, only to realize your opponent is in a sports car. Over in the NL East, the St Louis Archers have turned the division into their personal playground, holding a commanding 15-game lead over Indy - and an even more absurd advantage over last-place Scranton, whose season has gone from hopeful to horror story in record time. The East belongs to St. Louis. Period. Down in the NL South, the Charlotte Intimidators are playing strong, holding a four-game cushion over the Mexico City Luchadors and San Antonio Yo-Yo Bros Yo (who may need to stop yo-yoing and start climbing if they want a shot at the crown). And then there's the NL West, which is easily the national league's most chaotic division. With Fresno, Scottsdale, and Tucson constantly swapping places, it feels like a high-speed chess match where nobody wants to blink first. As of now, Fresno holds a slim two-game lead over Scottsdale, but if history has taught us anything - it won't stay that way for long. The second half of the season is here, and the National League's script is still being written.

The Los Angeles Labradors take the biggest tumble this week, plummeting from #9 all the way down to #25 - a fall so steep it should come with a parachute. Meanwhile, our Canadian "friends" (looking at you, Vancouver) take their own hit, sliding from #6 to #16 as their grip on the standings loosens. On the flip side, Trenton Thunderbolts claim the top spot, climbing from #5 to #1 and proving they belong among the elite. But the biggest leap belongs to Salt Lake City Trappers, vaulting from #21 all the way to #9 - a meteoric rise that has the rest of the league on notice.

But for now, let's talk about expected wins - or, in other words, how teams SHOULD be playing. Are some squads punching above their weight class? Are others underperforming like a blockbuster flop? Time to separate reality from illusion.

.744 - Trenton Thunderbolts (NL-N Champ)

.693 - Buffalo Bomb Squad (NL Wildcard 1)

.652 - Syracuse Firebirds (AL-N Champ)

.647 - St. Louis Archers (NL-E Champ)

.595 - Texas Toast (AL-S Champ)
.566 - New Orleans Voodoo (AL Wildcard 2)
.561 - Tucson Road Runners

.553 - Salt Lake City Trappers (AL-W Champ)
.550 - Charlotte Intimidators (NL-S Champ)
.549 - Fresno Romans (NL-W Champ)
.532 - Scottsdale Sazeracs (NL Wildcard 2)
.530 - Helena Highlanders
.515 - Chicago Northsiders
.507 - Mexico City Luchadors
.501 - Montgomery Fightins
.491 - San Antonio Yo-Yo Bros Yo
.489 - Vancouver Blue Heron
.487 - Arizona Canyon Kings
.485 - Durham Corgis
.483 - Baltimore IronBirds
.475 - Indianapolis Speedsters
.471 - Boston 'Act As If' Afflects
.467 - Tacoma Armada (AL Wildcard 1)
.466 - Fargo Mud Dogs
.460 - Cleveland Guardians
.453 - Colorado Springs Ranchers
.438 - Los Angeles Labradors

.435 - Philadelphia Jawns (AL-E Champ)

.361 - Cincinnati Redlegs

.356 - New York Pizza Rats

.324 - Nashville Hot
.243 - Scranton Paper Weights

No one wants to be here, yet here we are - teams teetering dangerously close to the unforgiving 55-win threshold set by the Hardball Stitches commissioner. Will there be leniency in this inaugural season? Maybe. But don't count on divine intervention - the baseball gods have seen it all, and they aren't known for their mercy. For those on the edge, the message is simple: win now or risk becoming a cautionary tale. Appears the Cincinnati Redlegs have joined the Hot and Paper Weights on the list. Not a good sign for the Hot or Paperweights as this means they haven't made much progress since the last 40 games. The Hot are close, but still on the list. Scranton has gone backwards; but they are also now under new ownership - which should greatly help their cause, even if there's not much talent out there.

Team On Pace Wins Expect Win %

Cincinnati Redlegs 54 59 W
Nashville Hot 54 W 53 W

Scranton Paper Weights 44 W 40 W

Finally let's stack the divisions against each other and find out which one truly brings the heat. Which division is relentless gauntlet of competition, and which one is letting a team waltz to the top uncontested? Bragging rights are on the light, let's see who's really battling it out and who's just along for the ride. Tie breaker goes to division with team with best record.

The results are in, the NL North stands heads and shoulders above the other division, with more than 20 wins than the rest. Trenton and Buffalo have really turned it on, but don't forget about Chicago - or do, it's windy there. Insider scoop - what everyone thinks is the wind blowing out towards the outfield - driving up their home totals, they actually use big fans. Staying in the NL, the East has a lot to be desired with two teams struggling to get to 55 wins. St. Louis is coasting at this point.

191-133 - NL North
171-153 - AL South

170-154 - AL North
165-159 - NL West

155-169 - AL West

153-171 - NL South

151-173 - AL East
140-184 - NL East

S1 - Possible Rookie of the Years

Amy Amanda 'Triple A' Allen - contributing reporter

Every season, a new class of rookies steps onto the field, eager to prove they belong. Some will struggle, some will surprise, and a select few will shine so brightly that the league can’t help but take notice. That’s where we come in.

As the season rolls on, the Rookie of the Year race is shaping up to be one for the books. Power hitters making pitchers sweat, flame-throwing arms rewriting the record books, and slick defenders turning web gems into a nightly routine—this year’s crop of young talent isn’t just making an impact, they’re changing the game.

But who will rise above the rest? Who will cement their place in history as the best of the best? The road to Rookie of the Year is filled with highlight-reel moments, unexpected twists, and a whole lot of debate. So grab your scorecards and settle in—this race is just getting started.

American League

Position Players

1B Matt Roberts (Baltimore)

277 AB, 64 R, 20 HR, 62 RBI, 15 SB, .318 AVG

1B Danny Tulowitzki (Vancouver) - Rule 5 pick from Tacoma

254 AB, 44 R, 21 HR, 48 RBI, 0 SB, .287 AVG

3B Jeremy Prinz (Cleveland)

308 AB, 43 R, 18 HR, 67 RBI, 0 SB, .302 AVG

1B Dixon Perez (Arizona)

303 AB, 65 R, 19 HR, 54 RBI, 13 SB, .241 AVG

CF Sammy Little (Baltimore) - Rule 5 pick from Cleveland

241 AB, 50 R, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 17 SB, .307 AVG

DH Tony Parnell (Baltimore)

276 AB, 36 R, 21 HR, 65 RBI, 0 SB, .275 AVG

C Shin-Soo Ishii (Texas)

312 AB, 49 R, 17 HR, 59 RBI, 0 SB, .314

RF Bono Betancourt (Airzona)

306 AB, 57 R, 19 HR, 57 RBI, 7 SB, .261 AVG

Pitchers

SP Ned Gaillard (Syracuse)

Through 17 starts, he's 11-1 with a .221 OAV, 1.18 WHIP, and 2.57 ERA to go with 90 K through 119 innings.

SP Dayan Martin (Montgomery)

16 starts, 6-4, .229 OAV, 1.01 WHIP, 2.96 ERA with 74 K in 100 IP.

SP Earl Bailey (Montgomery)

15 starts, 8-4 with 1 shutout, .255 OAV, 1.25 WHIP, 2.43 ERA with 62 K in 100 IP.

SP Rom Smith (Syracuse)

16 starts, 7-4 with 1 shutout, .260 OAV, 1.24 WHIP, 3.86 ERA with 69 K in 100 IP.

National League

Position Players

1B Liam Steinbach (Fresno) (Liam's to lose - will also likely be in the MVP running, if not THE MVP)

281 AB, 62 R, 27 HR, 72 RBI, 5 SB, .338 AVG

C Darryl Sadler (Helena) - Rule 5 pick from Tacoma

298 AB, 42 R, 19 HR, 75 RBI, 0 SB, .309 AVG

RF Juan Carlos Nunez (Fresno) - Rule 5 pick from Tacoma

303 AB, 40 R, 21 HR, 61 BI, 0 SB, .267 AVG

RF Timothy Larkin (Tucson)

330 AB, 49 R, 19 HR, 45 RBI, 5 SB, .282 AVG

RF Radley Frazier (San Antonio)

310 AB, 51 R, 16 HR, 64 RBI, 7 SB, .306 AVG

Ender Vincente (Buffalo)

317 AB, 55 R, 3 HR, 33 RBI, 24 SB, .297 AVG

Arodys Esposito (Buffalo)

336 AB, 47 R, 11 HR, 65 HR, 13 SB, .280 AVG

RA Trahan (Trenton)

270 AB, 52 R, 16 HR, 55 RBI, 10 SB, .311 AVG

Pitchers

SP Allen Maysonet (Tucson)

16 starts, 9-4, 2 shutouts, .242 OAV, 1.11 WHIP, 3.37 ERA, 84 K in 117 IP

RP Josias Tatis (Helena)

51 relief apperances, .248 OAV, 1.15 WHIP, 2.72 ERA, 6/17 IRS

SP Shouta Tamura (Fresno)

15 starts, 7-3, .197 OAV, 1.04 WHIP, 2.18 ERA, 66 K in 91 IP

SP Rolando Candelaria (San Antonio)

16 starts, 2 shutouts, 8-3, .208 OAV, 1.16 WHIP, 2.98 ERA with 103 K in 111 IP.

RP Roger Williams (Buffalo)

25 relief appearances, 22/25 saves, 1.30 whip, 4.01 era.

S1 Power Rankings - Initial

Richard Castle - contributing reporter

Ladies and gentlemen, grab your peanuts and cracker jacks because history is happening! We're officially a quarter of the way through the inaugural Hardball Stitches season, which means it's time for the first-ever power rankings. That's right - milestones are being made, legacies are being written, and some teams...well, some teams are just hoping no one notices them circling the drain.

First, we'll take a quick look at the top five records, because hey, they've earned their moment in the sun. Then, we'll break down the American and National League to see which teams are rising like phoenixes and which are crashing like a bad sequel. But why stop there? No, we're going full sci-fi thriller and handing over ranking duties to Skynet - because if there's one system that definitely won't turn against us, it's the one built to end civilization. Skynet will not only rank the teams but also grade their hitting and pitching on MLB's 80-scale. Will its calculations be fair? A harbinger of baseball's impending doom? Stay tuned. And because drama is the heart of any good story, future updates will track who's rising, who's falling, and who's desperately clinging to relevance. Then, we'll dive into expected win percentages to find out who's playing above their weight class and who's just waiting for reality to dropkick them back down the standings.

Finally, we'll check in on the teams flirting dangerously with the dreaded 55-win minimum- because nothing spices up a season like the looming threat of failure and consequences. So grab your popcorn, folks. The rankings are in, and Skynet is watching.

Best Record

St. Louis Archers (NL-E)

2nd Best

Trenton Thunderbolts (NL-N)

3rd Best

Syracuse Firebirds (AL-N)

4th Best

Vancouver Blue Heron (AL-W), Tucson Road Runners (NL-W)

5th Best

Buffalo Bomb Squad (NL-N), Charlotte Intimidators (NL-S)

The American League is already serving up drama worthy of a bestseller. In the AL West, Syracuse has taken the league by storm, holding a commanding seven-game lead over preseason favorite Tacoma. Could SlickNick be the team to beat this season? The plot thickens. Meanwhile, the AL East is a nail-biter, with Philadelphia barely clinging to a one-game lead over both the Boston "Act As If" Afflecks (because, of course, they’d have a cinematic flair) and the Baltimore IronBirds. Not far behind? The Cleveland Guardians, lurking just a game back. This race is so tight, you’d need a magnifying glass to separate the contenders—and yet, somehow, it's not even the closest battle in the AL. That honor belongs to the AL South, where chaos reigns. The Durham Corgis, Montgomery Fightins, and Texas Toast are deadlocked in a three-way tie for the division lead, while the New Orleans Voodoo lurk just two games behind, waiting for their moment to strike. Expect fireworks. Over in the AL North, the Vancouver Blue Herons are working hard to break free from the LA Labradors, holding a four-game lead—but we all know leads can disappear faster than a good mystery’s twist ending. And as it stands, Wildcard spots 1 and 2? They belong to whichever two teams don’t survive the AL South’s free-for-all. Buckle up, because this race is just getting started.

The National League is crafting a story of its own, with plot twists and power struggles worthy of a bestseller. Leading the charge are the Trenton Thunderbolts, owners of the second-best record in Hardball Stitches. But their grip on the division crown is anything but secure, with the Buffalo Bomb Squad lurking just four games back, ready to detonate their lead at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, in the NL East, we have pure dominance. The St. Louis Masters have been, well, masters of their domain, barely breaking a sweat as they still haven’t hit double-digit losses. That is, until they ran into the Chicago Northsiders, who pulled off a shocking three-game sweep. But even with that stumble, St. Louis still holds a 14-game lead. At this point, the rest of the division might need a miracle, a time machine, or both to catch up. In the NL South, the Charlotte Intimidators are four games up on the Mexico City Luchadors—but if they’re not careful, they could be staring down a classic 1…2…3… and a division title for Charlotte. Lucha libre might be flashy, but winning games is what counts. Out West, things are shaping up for a showdown in the desert. The Tucson Road Runners have a two-game edge over the Scottsdale Sazeracs, but with a race this close, expect plenty of lead changes and late-season drama.

One thing’s for sure: this league is serving up high stakes, big moments, and just the right amount of chaos—exactly the way we like it.

In future updates, we'll keep track of past power rankings, because what's the fun in rankings if we can't obsess over who's rising, who's falling, and who's spiraling into oblivion?

.764 - St. Louis Archers (NL-E Champ)

.723 - Trenton Thunderbolts (NL-N Champ)

.683 - Buffalo Bomb Squad (NL Wildcard 1)

.661 - Syracuse Firebirds (AL-N Champ)

.617 - Los Angeles Labradors

.612 - Tucson Road Runners (NL-W Champ)

.600 - Texas Toast (AL Wildcard 2)

.595 - Vancouver Blue Heron (AL-W Champ)

.579 - Scottsdale Sazeracs (NL Wildcard 2)

.555 - Montgomery Fightins (AL Wildcard 1)

.544 - Charlotte Intimidators (NL-S Champ)

.523 - New Orleans Voodoo

.519 - Boston 'Act As If' Afflects

.508 - Fresno Romans

.497 - San Antonio Yo-Yo Bros Yo

.494 - Durham Corgis (AL-S Champ)

.492 - Chicago Northsiders

.490 - Salt Lake City Trappers

.478 - Helena Highlanders

.471 - Arizona Canyon Kings

.467 - Mexico City Luchadors

.451 - Tacoma Armada

.432 - Cleveland Guardians

.417 - Indianapolis Speedsters

.416 - Baltimore IronBirds

.410 - Fargo Mud Dogs

.407 - Philadelphia Jawns (AL-E Champ)

.403 - Colorado Springs Ranchers

.379 - Cincinnati Redlegs

.344 - New York Pizza Rats

.298 - Scranton Paper Weights

.244 - Nashville Hot

Ah, the dreaded list - where no team wants to find itself, yet here we are. These squads are teetering dangerously close to the Hardball Stitches commissioner's unforgiving 55-win threshold. Will there be mercy in this inaugural season? Perhaps. But make no mistake - the rule still stands, and the baseball gods are watching. Play ball... or perish.

Team On Pace Wins Expect Win %

Nashville Hot 49 W 40 W

Scranton Paper Weights 49 W 48 W

The results are in, the AL South stands alone as the toughest division in Hardball Stitches - not a single team below .500. That's right, every squad is in the fight, making every game a battle and every win hard-earned. If you're looking for a true test of strength, look no further. Survive the AL South and you can survive anything.

90-70 - AL South

87-73 - NL North

84-76 - NL West

80-80 - AL West

78-82 - AL North

75-85 - NL South

74-86 - NL East

72-88 - AL East

Heat Check!

ESPN recently wrote an article checking on the current "franchise temperature" of every MLB team as of January 2025, and that got me thinking: how hot (or not) are my HBD teams? And which MLB teams do their current temperatures compare most similarly to? Here's a quick overview of the formula for those of you who didn't read the full ESPN article:

Everyone starts at "room temperature" (72*F)
Each season they are able to add degrees of "heat" in the following ways

Losing record = +0*
82-94 win season = +5*
95+ win season = +8*
Pennant = +15*
World Series Ring = +25*
Each postseason win (if the team didn't win the pennant or WS) = +1* for each win

The starting temperature for the next season is 90.85% of the final score from the season before (Per ESPN: "That enigmatic-looking standard was calibrated so that the overall average team temperature since 1901 falls at exactly 72 degrees.")

Using this methodology, I'm going to take a look at each of the five teams that I own currently (including my Los Angeles Labradors here in Hardball Stitches. Sadly for me, my guess is that their room temperature score will be towards the top of my personal list 😥😂) For the sake of ease, I am going to start with my shortest tenured teams and work upwards so that I get scores quicker:

Los Angeles Labradores (Hardball Stitches) --> Since S1

Started @ Room Temperature in S1 = 72*F (22.2*C for you international types)

Colorado Springs Cavaliers (Stickball) --> 11 complete seasons

Started @ Room Temperature in S56 = 72*F, losing season earned no points and ended at 72*F
S57: Started @ 65.4*F, losing season earned no points and ended at 65.4*F
S58: Started @ 59.4*F, losing season earned no points and ended at 59.4*F
S59: Started @ 54*F, losing season earned no points and ended at 54*F
S60: Started @ 49*F, losing season earned no points and ended at 49*F
S61: Started @ 44.6*F, +5 for 82 wins but no playoffs ends the season at 49.6*F
S62: Started @ 45.1*F, losing season earned no points and ended at 45.1*F
S63: Started @ 40.9*F, losing season earned no points and ended at 40.9*F
S64: Started @ 37.2*F, +5 for 83 wins but no playoffs ends the season at 42.2*F
S65: Started @ 38.3*F, +5 for 84 wins but no playoffs ends the season at 43.3*F
S66: Started @ 39.3*F, losing season earned no points and ended at 39.3*F
S67 (Current): Started @ 35.7*F (2.1*C)

Tacoma Trailblazers (Plumpy Rules!!) --> 20 complete seasons

Started @ Room Temperature in S47, losing season earned no points, ended at 72*F
S48: Started @ 65.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 65.4*F
S49: Started @ 59.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 59.4*F
S50: Started @ 54*F, +5 for 88 wins but no playoffs ends the season at 59*F
S51: Started @ 53.6*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 53.6*F
S52: Started @ 48.7*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 48.7*F
S53: Started @ 44.2*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 44.2*F
S54: Started @ 40.2*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 40.2*F
S55: Started @ 36.5*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 36.5*F
S56: Started @ 33.2*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 33.2*F
S57: Started @ 30.1*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 30.1*F
S58: Started @ 27.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 27.4*F
S59: Started @ 24.9*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 24.9*F
S60: Started @ 22.6*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 22.6*F
S61: Started @ 20.5*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 20.5*F
S62: Started @ 18.7*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 18.7*F
S63: Started @ 16.9*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 16.9*F
S64: Started @ 15.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 15.4*F
S65: Started @ 14.0*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 14.0*F
S66: Started @ 12.7*F, +5 for 92 wins, 0 playoff wins ends the season at 17.7*F
S67 (Current): Started @ 16.1*F, +5 for 87 wins but no playoffs ends the season at 21.1*F

Seattle Sockeyes (Around The Horn) --> 22 complete seasons

Started @ Room Temperature in S1, losing season earned no points, ended at 72*F
S2: Started @ 65.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 65.4*F
S3: Started @ 59.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 59.4*F
S4: Started @ 54.0*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 54.0*F
S5: Started @ 49.0*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 49.0*F
S6: Started @ 44.6*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 44.6*F
S7: Started @ 40.5*F, +5 for 85 wins but no playoffs ends the season at 45.5*F
S8: Started @ 41.3*F, +5 for 86 wins but no playoffs ends the season at 46.3*F
S9: Started @ 42.1*F, exactly .500 record earns no points, ended at 42.1*F
S10: Started @ 38.2*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 38.2*F
S11: Started @ 34.7*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 34.7*F
S12: Started @ 31.5*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 31.5*F
S13: Started @ 28.7*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 28.7*F
S14: Started @ 26.0*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 26.0*F
S15: Started @ 23.7*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 23.7*F
S16: Started @ 21.5*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 21.5*F
S17: Started @ 19.5*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 19.5*F
S18: Started @ 17.7*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 17.7*F
S19: Started @ 16.1*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 16.1*F
S20: Started @ 14.6*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 14.6*F
S21: Started @ 13.3*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 13.3*F
S22: Started @ 12.1*F, losing record earned no points, ended at 12.1*F
S23 (Current): Started @ 11.0*F (-11.7*C)

San Antonio Seals (FYC) --> 27 complete seasons, 17 in San Antonio

TEXAS

Started @ Room Temperature in S41, +5 for for 93 wins +4 for 4 playoff wins, ended at 81*F
S42: Started @ 73.6*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 73.6*F
S43: Started @ 66.9*F, +5 for 82 win season but no playoffs ended at 71.9*F
S44: Started @ 65.3*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 65.3*F
S45: Started @ 59.3*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 59.3*F
S46: Started @ 53.9*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 53.9*F
S47: Started @ 49.0*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 49.0*F
S48: Started @ 44.5*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 44.5*F
S49: Started @ 40.5*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 40.5*F
S50: Started @ 36.7*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 36.7*F
S51: Started @ 33.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 33.4*F (0.8*C)

FRANCHISE MOVED TO SAN ANTONIO

S52: Started @ Room Temperature, losing season earned no points, ended at 72*F
S53: Started @ 65.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 65.4*F
S54: Started @ 59.4*F, +5 for 83 win season but no playoffs, ended at 64.4*F
S55: Started @ 58.5*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 58.5*F
S56: Started @ 53.2*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 53.2*F
S57: Started @ 48.3*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 48.3*F
S58: Started @ 43.9*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 43.9*F
S59: Started @ 39.9*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 39.9*F
S60: Started @ 36.2*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 36.2*F
S61: Started @ 32.9*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 32.9*F
S62: Started @ 29.9*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 29.9*F
S63: Started @ 27.2*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 27.2*F
S64: Started @ 24.7*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 24.7*F
S65: Started @ 22.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 22.4*F
S66: Started @ 20.4*F, losing season earned no points, ended at 20.4*F
S67: Started @ 18.5*F, +8 for 102 wins, +25 for WS Ring, ended at 51.5*F
S68 (Current): Started @ 46.8*F (8.2*C)

As I suspected, my best team is currently my newest team...but while I was in the waiting room at the doctor's office today (just a routine checkup, all good here!) it occurred to me that a similar method could be applied to Hoops Dynasty. My only HD team has made back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances so my guess is that they would fare the best out of all my WIS teams. Here's what I was thinking about how to adapt the method to basketball:

Everyone starts at "room temperature" (72*F) to stay consistent with the baseball calculation
Each season they are able to add degrees of "heat" in the following ways

Losing record = +0*
.501 to .580 Win% = +5*
.581 Win% or better = +8*
NT First Round = +0.9*
PIT Championship = +1.4*
NT Second Round = +1.9*
Sweet Sixteen = +3.8*
Elite Eight = +7.5*
Final Four = +15*
Championship = +25*

The starting temperature for the next season is 90.85% of the final score from the season before to stay consistent with the baseball calculation

Here's how my HD team grades out using that system:

St. Lawrence (Rupp Div 3) --> 9 complete seasons

S145: Started @ 72*F, 0.500 Win% earned no points, ended at 72*F
S146: Started @ 65.4*F, 0.370 Win% earned no points, ended at 65.4*F
S147: Started @ 59.4*F, 0.882 Win% earned 8 points + 1.4* for PIT Championship ended at 68.8*F
S148: Started @ 62.5*F, 0.933 Win% earned 8 points +0.9* for NT 1st Rd ended at 71.4*F
S149: Started @ 64.9*F, 0.742 Win% earned 8 points, +1.9* for NT 2nd Rd ended at 74.8*F
S150: Started @ 67.9*F, 0.833 Win% earned 8 points, +0.9* for NT 1st Rd ended at 76.8*F
S151: Started @ 69.8*F, 0.906 Win% earned 8 points, +3.8* for Sweet Sixteen ended at 81.6*F
S152: Started @ 74.1*F, 0.844 Win% earned 8 points, +3.8* for Sweet Sixteen ended at 85.9*F
S153: Started @ 78.1*F, 0.853 Win% earned 8 points +15* for Final Four ended at 101.1*F
S154 (Current): Started @ 91.8*F (33.2*C)

S1 Stuck on the Farm

Amy Amanda 'Triple A' Allen - contributing reporter

They’ve got the talent. They’ve put in the work. They’ve dazzled the scouts, outshined the veterans, and turned Triple-A ballparks into their own personal highlight reels. So why are some of the best young players in Hardball Stitches still riding the bus instead of making their grand entrance to the majors?

It’s a question that burns hotter than a fastball under the chin, and fans are getting restless. Some say it’s all about service time manipulation. Others whisper about front-office politics. And then there’s the age-old excuse—"seasoning"—as if these rising stars haven’t already proven they can play with the best.

In this exclusive Hardball Stitches report, we take a deep dive into the top prospects who should be cracking major-league lineups right now but are instead waiting in the wings. From flame-throwing pitchers to power-hitting phenoms, these are the future faces of the league—if only someone would give them the call.

So grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, folks. It’s time to expose the roster moves that don’t make sense and shine a light on the next generation of stars waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Starting with our previous list.

Catchers

Brian Matsuzaka - Charlotte - still in AA

First Base

Bucky Ward - Boston - still in AAA
Charles Tuivailala - Los Angeles - promoted to AAA

Second Base

Victor Ayala - Charlotte - still in AAA
Ivan Gonzalez - Scranton - still in AAA

Shortstop

Chan Wang - Vancouver - still in AA
Jason Wagner - Tacoma - promoted to AAA
Frank Ball - Cincinnati - promoted to AAA

Third Base

None

Left Field

Andy Barker - Syracuse - still in AAA
Randy Uribe - Fargo - still in AAA

Center Field

Jeff Gray - Indianapolis - promoted to AAA

Right Field

None

Designed Hitter

None

Starters

Bernard Moran - Chicago - promoted to AAA
Stubby Lowry - Trenton - still in AAA
Neal Barker - Scranton - still in AA
Francisco Cordero - Nashville - still in AAA
Vinny Jenson - Nashville - still in A+

Relievers

Jimmie Esposito - Scranton - still in AAA
Steve Hannity - Nashville - still in AAA
Bingo Pryce - Boston - still in AAA
Ryota Yamada - Scranton - still in AAA

We are on the cusp of service time call-ups, so we'll see what the list looks like in a couple of days. My guess is Charlotte and Scranton will still have their guys in the minors; but the others stand a good chance to get into the Majors this year.

Meeting of the Million Dollar Men

[Scene opens with a zoomed in shot of the Million Dollar Belt, as it pans out we see the Million Dollar Man, Ted DiBiase, sitting back in a luxurious leather chair, arms crossed, a smug smile on his face. The lights are dim, creating a tense atmosphere. Engel Velazquez, a young shortstop, sits across from him, still in his Cincinnati Redlegs jersey, a nervous excitement about him.]

Ted DiBiase: [Leaning forward, his smile almost too wide, a tone dripping with sarcasm] Well, well, well. Look who we have here, folks. Engel Velazquez—the 21-year-old kid who just signed a $30 million contract with the Cincinnati Redlegs. You must be feeling pretty good about yourself, huh?

Engel Velazquez: [Grins nervously] Uh, yeah... it’s incredible. It’s been a dream come true.

Ted DiBiase: [Interrupts, leaning in, eyes narrowing] A dream come true? [Laughs with mock disbelief] You know, I’m trying to figure this out. A 19-year-old kid who hasn’t earned a thing yet—$30 million just handed to him. [Pauses, scoffing] I’ve worked my entire life for every cent I’ve made. I had to step into that ring, sweat, bleed, and work harder than anyone. And here you are, what? Just tossing money around like it’s nothing?

Engel Velazquez: [Pauses, trying to stay calm] I mean, I’ve worked my whole life for this. Playing baseball wasn’t easy, and I’ve given everything to get here.

Ted DiBiase: [Laughs bitterly] Oh, sure, sure. You’ve worked so hard... yet here you are, a millionaire just like that. Must be nice to skip the struggle. But, I guess that’s how it is today, right? No sweat, no struggle. Just a quick check and you’re set for life. [Shakes his head, a look of disdain on his face]

Engel Velazquez: [Takes a breath, trying to hold his ground] It’s not about just the money, Mr. DiBiase. It’s about proving myself, and the opportunity I’ve been given. I don’t take it lightly.

Ted DiBiase: [Leans back, chuckling darkly] Prove yourself, huh? [Raises an eyebrow] You know, I’ve always believed in earning respect—and I don't mean with a fat paycheck. You’ve got a lot to prove before you can say you’ve earned that kind of money. But let me tell you something, Engel. In my world, the Million Dollar Man doesn’t just get handed anything. I earned every single cent of mine—through grit, sweat, and earning my place at the top. Not playing a kid’s game and throwing around cash like you’re already a legend.

Engel Velazquez: [A bit defensive, but still respectful] I get that. I know I have a lot to prove, but I’ve worked hard to get here. It’s not just about the money for me—this is about representing my family, my country... it’s about legacy.

Ted DiBiase: [Snorts] Legacy? Kid, you’ll understand that soon enough. But here’s the thing—you’ve got $30 million right now, but how long is that going to last if you don’t earn the respect, don’t put in the real work, huh? You’re not going to buy your way into greatness. You’ve got to earn it. Every. Single. Day. I’ve had to fight for everything I’ve got. No one just hands you a title, and no one just hands you respect. You’ve got to make people believe you’re worth every penny, not just flash it around like it’s some kind of gimmick.

Engel Velazquez: [Nods, now a bit more determined] I get it. I know I have to work harder. I’m ready for it.

Ted DiBiase: [Leans back, eyes narrowing with a smile that’s part challenge, part mockery] You better be, kid. Because right now, you’re just a millionaire who hasn’t earned a thing in this game. But here’s the thing: it’s not too late to change that. But that starts with earning everything you’ve got, not just being handed a paycheck.

So, when you’re out there on that field, you better be ready to prove you’re more than just some kid with a fancy contract. You better prove you can carry that money and more. It’s all about what you can do when the lights are brightest, the pressure is on, and that’s when the real million-dollar men shine.

Engel Velazquez: [Looks down, then looks up, now with more confidence] I’ll show you, Mr. DiBiase. I’ll show you and everyone that I’m worth every penny.

Ted DiBiase: [Grins, his voice dripping with condescension] Well, kid, you’ve got a long way to go before you can prove that. But hey, here’s hoping you get there. I wouldn’t hold my breath, though. [Leans back in his chair, almost dismissively]

[The camera zooms out, leaving the Million Dollar Man with his usual smug expression as Engel sits there, more determined than ever. The scene cuts to black as the tension lingers.]