Friday, December 30, 2011

Meet OUDrew

OUDrew is another salty dog having been here all 13 seasons winning his division 3 times, the Wild Card 3 times, and was our very first World Series champion wwwaaayyy back in season 1.

Name: Drew

Age: 45

Marital status: Single (twice divorced) but happily living-in-sin at the moment.

Kids: Zero kids (but five cats)

Occupation: Accountant/controller...currently working for an HVAC (Editor's note: for those who dont know, thats means Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning :-) company in the Kansas City metro.

Do you know any J5B owners: I know Rondo (aka Steve)... we used to work together. He and I share a partial season ticket package to the...wait for it...Royals!

Favorite HBD moment: My favorite HBD AND J5B moment is when I won the first World Series in J5B. I freely admit I'm not the best HBD manager out there, but I sure as hell know more about how baseball operates than I did before playing. As Rondo and I keep telling ourselves, it's PRETEND baseball (some teenage girl in the basement of her mom and dad's house is taking all of our money).

Favorite J5B player: I don't really have a favorite J5B player, but I do enjoy the draft and IFA component of the game which allows you scrutinize the picks and then watch them progress through your system.

Favorite sports teams: The KC Royals (there are a few of us around here (Editor's note: keep the faith)).

Favorite band: Favorite band is AC/DC (or whoever is in concert and plays the loudest obnoxious music).

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Meet Tonicawf-The Editor Of Our Blog, And A Damn Fine American

I have been a part of J5B since season 9 and havent won a damn thing. I was almost voted off the island for not meeting the wins requirement in season 11.

Name: Aaron

Age: 35

Marital status: I'm married to my beautiful wife Gretchen.

Kids: We have 3 yr old daughter named Penelope with special needs.

Occupation: My brother Alex and I own a green building company in Philly we started from scratch with 10,000 dollars and a dream. Still going strong 6 years later (thank you Lord).

Do you know any J5B owners: I do not

Favorite HBD moment: I dont really have one. I made it to the WS in one of my other worlds, and got off to a 3 game lead but lost (still hurts).

Favorite J5B player: I guess my favorite player is Grant Kelly, my 22 yr old stud closer.

Favorite sports teams: Phillies baby! I was born in Florida, so I'm a huge Dolphins fan, I moved to Jersey 8 yrs ago, and was never really a baseball fan before moving, but I was listening to 950 AM ESPN radio in philly (now 97.5 FM the Fanatic), and developed a love for the Phillies when they were the Met's whipping boys, so its fun to see them so good now! (I'm glad Raul Ibanez is gone. and Brad lidge (thanks for 08')!). I HATE the Yankees. I've also developed a love for the Philadelphia Union. I'm a Florida State die-hard. I was in the Navy in the 90's, so I root for Navy in college FB as well as FSU.

Favorite Band: I was born in 76', so I'm a Generation Xer. Kurt Cobain (RIP) changed my life. I loved all the Seattle bands. My favorite band still alive has to be TOOL. I've seen them like 15 times. Other notable favorites: Deftones, Rage ATM, old Korn, old Incubus(the "science" album), Pixies, the White Stripes, I like Ray Charles, I LOVE Buddy Holly (the Kurt Cobain of the 50's). I listen to classical in the car when I feel the road rage coming (I hate the Betsy Ross bridge into Philly) to help me find my "zen" moment LOL.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Meet Mcbain10

Mcbain10 is a founding father here in J5B having been here since the beginning. His Paw Sox have a storied past including 9 division titles, 4 WS appearances and were world champions in season 8.

Name: Keith

Age: 39

Marital status: Married

Kids: 2 young kids ages 1 and 2

Occupation: I am a financial analyst in Boston

Favorite HBD moment: Would have to be winning my first title with the Boston Red Sox in a game 7 blowout!

Favorite J5B player: Favorite player in this world is a toss up between Jarrod Duncan and Weldon Hughes.

Do you know any J5B owners: I do not know any owners in real life but am a big fan of OUDrew, solid owner.

Favorite sports teams: Like all the Boston teams, but love the Sox.

Favorite band: I dont really have a favorite band anymore, just listen to the radio. (I'm only a little ashamed to say I like Katy Perry.) I used to like all the 80's hair bands though, especially Poison. Pretty sad!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Meet Unluckycharm

This is Unluckycharm's first season in J5B.

Name: Colin

Age: 31

Marital status: Married (3 years)

Kids: 1 boy, Brody

Occupation: Formulation Chemist (Editor's note: though I dont know what that is, it sounds like you make a pretty penny at the end of the year!)

Do you know any J5B owners: I do not know any J5B owners.

Favorite HBD moment: My favorite moment in HBD is winning the World Series in seasons 1 and 3 in 23Mattingly23. I still go back from time to time to see how the players I drafted are performing.

Favorite J5B player: This is my first year in the league, so I'm not attached to any players at the moment, but the draft is coming up. I think we all pull for certain players even though we know that they might not be "big league players" or have all the particular attributes we want in a player but we hope our emotional investment in them will make all the difference.

Favorite sports teams: I have to cheer for the home teams, Bengals and Reds. I pull for the Red Sox as well.

Favorite band: All time, probably the Beatles (Editor's note: I'm listening to the White album right now "Happiness is a warm gun"). I can do just about anything old school, Rolling Stones, Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, anything 60's or 70's is great. New stuff I like The Shins, Muse, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Mudvayne, My Morning Jacket (Editors note: A really good friend of my wife manages Jacket, I've met them once.), Kings of Leon. My IPhone is a music cornucopia.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Meet Scotsmet

Scotsmet has been a part of J5B since season 5 and has won the NL South 2 times (Editor's note: Not this year if my Squirrels have anything to do with it!) and has made the post season twice as a Wild Card.

Name: Ross

Age: 46

Marital Status: Unmarried

Kids: No kids (hopefully!)

Occupation: I work in Pensions and Investments

Do you know any J5B owners: I do not know any J5B owners in real life (is this not real life?).

Favorite HBD moment: Taking the Panthers to the playoffs my first season after they finished 5th worst franchise (as Jackson) the year before.

Fsvorite J5B player: My man-Darren Calloway. You gotta love a guy that just hits the cover off the ball every season.

Favorite sports teams: Although I'm Scottish and live over in the UK, I'm a big Mets fan (Editor's note: As a huge Phillies fan, we will not tolerate any Mets fans here in J5B!) since I first saw them at Shea in '96. It's been pretty much downhill all the way since! Football-wise I'm a Seahawks fan.

Favorite band: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band-now up to 15 live shows including MSG and Paris and adding 2 or 3 in 2012. The Man's a genius-end of! I actually manage a Springsteen Tribute Band in my spare time and we got a gig with Joe D'urso, Willie Nile and Israel Nash Gripka coming up in Glasgow before Xmas (Editor's note: Cool!).

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Meet Etillma

Etillma has been a part of J5B since season 9 and made the post season as a Wild Card in season 12.

Name: Erik

Age: 35

Marital status: Married

Kids: No kids, 1 dog

Occupation: Teacher

Do you know any J5B owners: I dont know any J5B owners in real life.

Favorite HBD moment: Winning a 1-run game 7 a few seasos ago to reach the world series in my other world.

Favorite J5B player: I haven't been around that long, so I'll go with Scooter Lee, my #1 pick in my first season and current staff ace.

Favorite sports teams: Alabama Crimson Tide. I'm a bigger college footbal fan than baseball, but HBD is so much better than GD. I grew up a huge Braves fan during the horrible 80's years (Editor's note: I was a huge Dale Murphy fan growing up, still my fav. player all time) and then during the great 90's run. I moved away from the south about 7 years ago just as the title run was coming to an end and guys like Glavine and Smoltz were leaving, and I kind of lost interest after that.

Favorite band: REM (Editor's note: loved Monster)

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Meet Bufflosoldie

Bufflosoldie is a seminal owner in J5B having been here all 13 seasons. He made it to The Show in seasons 4 and 8 battling unsucessfully for the title(s).

Name: Aris

Age: 36

Marital status: Married

Kids: One kid

Occupation: Sales support for a not-for-profit

Do you know any J5B owners: No one in real life

Favorite HBD moment: Favorite in J5B? Two AL titles but no rings, but happy to make the dance at least.

Favorite J5B player: I miss you, Richard O'neill

Favorite sports teams: In real life, from Western Ny, so Bills and Sabres. Include also Manchester United and the U.S national team.

Favorite band: U2

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Meet Hokiesno1

Hokiesno1 has been a part of J5B since season 5 and has won the NL West 4 times.

Name: George

Age: 45

Marital status: Divorced (no doubt because of HBD)

Kids: 2 kids

Occupation: Economic Consultant

Do you know any J5B owners: Don't know any J5B owners

Favorite HBD moment: When I signed Diego Sojo (Editor's note- Jeff had written a good post about Sojo. Also, Sojo was going to be mine, but I had the 1st pick in the draft and couldnt use all my prospect money on him. Bummer.) last season for a mere $28.2 million...and watched him go 24-0 in AA.

Favorite J5B player: Ronald Piazza-he was on my team in season 5 when I signed on and he was a monster for me. I only wish I could have gotten him his WS ring.

Favorite sports teams: Phillies, Flyers, Hokies, Tarheels and Eagles, in that order.

Favorite band: Favorite band is a tie between AC/DC and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Meet Rangerup

This is Rangerup's first season in J5B.

Name: Sean

Age:39

Marital status: Married

Kids: 4 year old daughter

Occupation: I am a writer, retired from my main occupation which was a baseball pitcher. (Editor's note-I asked Sean if he would tell us a little about his baseball career, and he shared the following: I pitched in the Cleveland Indians organization to AA ball. Right handed pitcher. Was a "almost had a shot" guy with good control, fastball, cutter, overhand hammer and changeup. Still play adult league baseball on a nationally ranked mens team. Cant give it up!).

Do you know any J5B owners: I do not know any J5B owners.

Favorite HBD moment: My favorite HBD moment was winning my first WS in NTC recently.

Favorite J5B player: I would say my fav player is Jaun Dominguez because he rakes!

Favorite sports teams: Die hard Raider Nation fan.

Favorite band: In my high school days....Def Leopard. Scored the chicks with it. College....Metallica. Current band? Nickelback if I had to pick.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Meet Diesel3184

Diesel3184 has been a part of J5B since season 12 and is a contributor to our blog (Editor's note: nice work Jeff).

Name: My first name is Jeff.

Age: I'm 25.

Marital status: I'm not officially engaged, but have been with my girlfriend for 2 years and marriage is our future plans.

Kids: No kids, but I have a dog, Randy, whom i treat like a son lol.

Occupation: I am a Physical Therapy Assistant, specializing in traumatic brain injuries. Although i would like to be a Firefighter and am starting my EMT course in January.

Do you now any J5B owners: I know Natedogg55, GM of the Boston Patriots. In real life, he is my brother.

Favorite HBD moment: Finishing last season 85-77 after starting 8-21 and just hoping I would win 50.

Favorite J5B player: My favorite player is Greg Eiland, Coyote's 2nd year RF. He finished 3rd in ROY voting season 12.

Favorite sports teams: My favorite sports team is the New England Patriots. I also love the Boston Bruins, and the Oakland A's. For the record, I liked them before Moneyball (the book) came out and I hated Moneyball (the movie) because it's inaccurate and stupid. Although Andy from Parks and Rec played an awesome Scott Hatteberg. I like the Boston Red Sox, but hate Sweet Caroline. I also love the U of Miami Football.

Favorite band: Even though I love to copy everything Nate does, I won't say 3EB...If i have to go with one, I'll say Angels and Airwaves. I loved Blink 182 and was ****ed when Tom left, so I was real interested in what AVA was all about and I have loved every album they've come out with.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Meet Natedogg55

Natedogg55 has been a part of J5B since season 7.

Name: Nate

Age: 31

Marital status: Single

Kids: Currently none, though my girlfriend is dropping a lot of hints for marriage and kids.

Occupation: Media/communications coordinator.

Do you know any J5B owners: I saw Mark's (soxyport) profile already, but i had planned on mentioning him in mine. It does feel like we know each other outside the game. We were in the same division in DiMaggio for 10 seasons. We finished 1st or 2nd. One of us would win the division and the other the wildcard every year. also my brother Jeff is Diesel3184. I taught him everything he knows.

Favorite HBD moment: Winning my 1st WS title in DiMaggio and then seeing the World Series trophy displayed on my team's homepage for the entire season. That was fun.

Favorite J5B player: Craig Bell. He is in my AA. I think he will have a Hall-Of-Fame career after I move him to RF. He projects to become a combination of Larry Walker and Al Kaline. I think he will challenge Mantle as the greatest switch hitter of all time. Or at least that's what I tell myself when my ML teams are in last place.

Favorite sports teams: New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, University of Southern California, and the Houston Texans (I own the rights to Arian Foster in my fantasy keeper league).

Favorite Band: My all time favorite band is 3rd Eye Blind. Their first album, circa 1997 is legendary (Editor's note: I used to listen to that album while washing my dishes back in the day). I only recently saw Guster. they closed the show by covering Foreigner's "I want to know what love is" and Will Forte from SNL came on stage to sing it with them. Pretty cool.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

New Addition To The Royal Family

Daichi Lee
Albuquerque
American Kings
Age: 18B/T: R/R
Born: Otsuki, JP
Position(s): P (SP4)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


The Albuquerque American Kings have come away with another high profile International prospect for the second year in a row. However, Daichi Lee cost The Kings less than 1/3 of the J5B record $28.2 Million they dished out for last years, Diego Sojo, signing the 18 year old Lee for $8 Million.

Lee has made just a handful of starts (4) so far this year in Low A, but has impressed many already as he has not given up a run, allowed only 10 hits, walked 4 and has struck out 11 through 21.2 innings. Low A pitching coach, Warren Carson is very "encouraged" by what Lee has shown so far. Carson has also stated that he projects Lee to be a very good option out of the bullpen in the mid to late innings for the ML club in a few seasons.

Lee's transition to the U.S. has been eased a little bit as he and country mate Tsubasa Sano, who is also on the Low A squad, have been able to bond over the last few weeks. Through his translator, Lee said "He has been very helpful to me since I arrived. It's nice having him here."

We may not see Lee in the majors for another few seasons, but you can bet he'll make an impact when he gets there.

Meet Soxyport71

Soxyport71 has been a part of J5B since season 7 and has won the AL North 1 time and won the World Series in season 11.

Name: Mark

Age: 31

Marital status: single

Kids: none that i know of.

Occupation: Attorney

Do you know any J5B owners: I dont know any owners in real life, though Natedogg and I have been in leagues together for so long, it feels like I know him.

Favorite HBD moment: winning my first WS title in DiMaggio.

Favorite J5B player: Orber Lira (Editor's note: cool name). with a DL history like his, how could you not love this guy....the little engine that couldnt.

Favorite sports teams: Syracuse football, George Washington basketball, Expos (now the Nats, though they arent as lovable), Redskins.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Atlanta's New Don

Don Suzuki
Atlanta
Ejected Managers
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Uwajima, JP
Position(s): SS
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Only a handful of prospects have been plucked from the International pool thus far in Season 13, but that doesn't mean we haven't seen any big splashes. Don Suzuki was signed to a $16.5 Million deal by the Atlanta Ejected Managers. The 21 year old shortstop was promptly assigned to AAA where in 64 ABs he's hit a mere .219 with 1 home run, 6 RBIs, & an OBP of .275.

Despite his slow start, AAA hitting coach Livan Pimentel isn't worried. "A slow start isn't unusual for a ML veteran, never mind a 21 year old kid [whose] only been in this country a few weeks." said Pimentel. "He's still getting settled in and right now that's the most important thing. We know he's talented and we know he'll contribute. He just needs to trust his skills and keep working and the numbers will take care of themselves."

Keep an eye on Suzuki as he tries to make his adjustments to the U.S. If his numbers turn around, a September call up to the Big Leagues may not be out of the question. Nevertheless, given his apparent timetable, Suzuki looks to be on the fast track to the majors & should make an appearance sometime in Season 14.

Meet The Owner

Meet: The Commish-usfbully

The commish has been a part of J5B since season 4 and has won the AL West 2 times.

Name: Tyler

Age: 23

Marital Status: Recently married. 0 kids, 2 dogs

Occupation: Scheduling and forcasting supervisor for a major themepark.

Do you know any J5B owners in real life: Dont know any owners in real life.

Favorite HBD moment: Favorite "fist pump" moment would be when this team made the playoffs a few seasons ago. We were improved, but I never thought we would make a run like we did.

Favorite J5B Player: My favorite J5B player is Greg Price. When I drafted him, I was given a ton of crap by some of the owners on how he would never be a SP. 2 Cy Young awards in 4 seasons and I will respectfully disagree.

Favorite "real life" sports teams: My favorite sports team is the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Where My "Pitches" At?- Cy Young Award Winners

Johnny5Bench has seen its share of great pitchers. Ronald Piazza with 6 cy young awards leads the cast. Richard O'Neill has won the award 4 times. Other multiple award winners include Burt Saipe, Alton Meulens, and Weldon Hughes. Season 8 saw an unusual co-winners in the AL. Here is a List of all winners:

Season 1
NL-Ronald Piazza, Hicks
AL-Steve Washington, Mechanics

Season 2
NL-Ronald Piazza, Hicks
AL-Burt Saipe, Dudes

Season 3
NL-Ronald Piazza, Hicks
AL-Richard O'Neil, Sabres

Season 4
NL-Ronald Piazza, Hicks
AL-Alton Meulens, Express

Season 5
NL-Burt Saipe, American Kings
AL-Alton Meulens, Express

Season 6
NL-Vern Russell, American Kings
AL-Richard O'Neill, Sabres

Season 7
NL-Ronald Piazza, Hicks
AL-Richard O'Neill, Sabres

Season 8
NL-Weldon Hughes, Paw Sox
AL-Gary Simmons, Sabres
AL-Barney Drese, Bay City Bullies

Season 9
NL-Ronald Piazza, Hicks
AL-Richard O'Neill, Sabres

Season 10
NL-Todd James, Angels
AL-Greg Price, Sundance Kids

Season 11
NL-Weldon Hughes, Paw Sox
AL-Chili Hooper, Bay City Bullies

Friday, September 23, 2011

Prince Of Albuquerque

Diego Sojo
Albuquerque
American Kings
Age: 20B/T: S/L
Born: Fundacion, DO
Position(s): P (SP1)
View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Albuquerque American Kings kicked off Season 12 with the signing of International prospect Diego Sojo. The 20 year old Dominican pitcher was given the largest signing bonus in Johnny5Bench history at $28.2 million dollars. Immediately making him the crowned jewel of the Albuquerque farm system.

Along with that $28.2 million dollar contract comes astronomical expectations. Expectations that sent the young hurler straight to Double-A, where hes been putting up numbers to back up his contract. Sojo has made 18 starts in his pro career, striking out 124 batters in 130.1 innings. He has posted a perfect 16-0 record to go along with a 1.66 ERA & a WHIP of 0.95. He has "Unbelievable stuff" said Albuquerque 1B prospect Andres Torres. Many scouts say he has the stuff to pitch in the ML right now, though it is believed that Albuquerque GM hokiesno1 will be patient with the future King of Kings.

Look for Sojo to make his ML debut no later than season 14.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Season 12 NL South-State of the Division Report

Current rankings:
1.Richmond Flying Squirrels 43-48
2.Houston Panthers 41-50
2.Jackson BigAss Trucks 41-50
4.Huntington Coalminers 36-55

The Squirrels, currently in first, have seen only one winning season since year 2. The franchise was prime for a complete rebuild when taken over by Tonicawf, and are now seeing some fruits of the rebuilding efforts. With some nice pieces coming up over the next couple seasons, look for the Squirrels to challenge in the future.

The Panthers, after a 92 win season and a division crown, are currently tied for second after a slow first half.  Fueled by pitching, led by Manuel Ferrer, and offense, led by future HOF Darren Callaway, and wise leadership under Scotsmets, the panthers are poised for a second half surge.

The BigAss Trucks, currently tied for second, are seeking their first winning season since year 4. Since being taken over by Sjstapleton, the franchise improved to 71 wins last year and finished in second place.  With a healthy farm and skilled leadership, look for the Trucks to make waves in the future.

The coalminers, currently fourth, have seen a proud and storied past, including 8 division crowns, and two World Series wins.  DaddioThree continues the franchises current rebuilding efforts, and hopes to bring the glory back one day to the city of Huntington.