Season 14!!!

AAAAHHHHH, another season here in J5B! Time for stadium goers to dust off their team jerseys and oil up the gloves and  TV watchers to prep their spouses on the lack of attention they will recieve for the next few months. Yes ladies and gentlemen, Spring Training is upon us! The smell of freshly mowed grass is here. The cold spring air anticipates the smell of wet clay and chewing tobacco. The nightmares of seasons past are laid aside. This is our year!!!  Our teams will be victorious!!! On this day, we will not doubt, we will not fear! Come with me my J5B brothers. Our journey to Title Town starts now! Play ball!!

HOF Can Wait

Pepper James Boston Patriots Age: 37 B/T: R/R Born: Polson, MT Position(s): CF/CIF/2B/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Future Hall of Famer, Pepper James, has signed a one year deal with the Boston Patriots worth $1.7 million. The deal ends speculation that James may hang up his cleats after the eight time All-Star struggled last season in Houston. James hit .259 with an OBP of .335 last season, while hitting 15 home runs and driving in 74. These numbers aren't terrible compared to the average major leaguer, but when you're talking about a player like James we've all come to expect the .317/.437 32/108 line he put up just two seasons ago during his MVP campaign in season 11'. One major league scout said, "He's still talented, still driven. He's just 37 years old."

The $1.7 million owed to James is a far cry from the $15 million he was scheduled to make this year, before he and Houston agreed to a buy out. James confirmed today that it wasn't the money he was after. "I love this game, and I still have a passion for it. I wasn't sure what opportunities would be available to me, but I'm still close with Raul [Tatis] and we talked about how cool it would be to play together again. When [Boston GM] Nate called and offered me a job, it really was a no brainer." Tatis and James were teammates on the J5B champion Tractor Pulls of season 6.

The Patriots All-Star Center fielder, had this to say about his friend. "I'm thrilled to have him here. He's a great talent, a great teammate and a great friend. He's just happy to be here and whatever kind of role he's in, he'll embrace and work as hard as he can to help us win a World Series."

James projects to primarily contribute offensively off the bench and have occasional DH duties. Though his invaluable leadership ability and experience will play a much bigger role in helping the defending AL Champion Patriots get back to the World Series.

LA's newest Angels

Victor Candelaria Anaheim Angels Age: 32 B/T: R/R Born: Elias Pina, DO Position(s): 3B/MIF/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Jimmie Wright Anaheim Angels Age: 31 B/T: R/R Born: Andrews, TX Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Victor Candelaria is one of the newest members of the LAA Angels, as the 32 year old former All-Star signed a new 3 year deal worth $7.5 million annually. The type A free agent will cost the Halos their first round pick in this years amateur draft, where the DeathPanel will will now pick at number 32.

Candelaria sports a .265 lifetime AVG and .336 OBP, but it's his glove that has most people talking. The life-long short-stop is projected to move to third base for this upcoming season. A move that new fielding instructor Seth Young says has "Gold Glove potential".

Another new addition is two time World Series champion & All-Star, Jimmie Wright. Wright signed his new deal early Wednesday morning. The deal is being reported as a four year $40.5 million deal, with a mutual option for a fifth year at $8 million.

Over his first six major league seasons Wright has an ERA of 3.58 and a 1.28 WHIP, while also bringing home two World Series rings with the Bay City Bullies organization. An experience he hopes to share again with his new teammates.

Two major signings for an already competitive Angels team make them an early favorite for the NL West.