Atkins Alley Cats

Draft keeps on rolling.....

2007-01-27T11:11:00.000-06:00

The minor league draft keeps rolling on in the URL. Teams are loading up on tomorrows stars. Alley Cats owner Charles Rector likes the minor leaguers that GM Dave Dombrowski and minor league director John Schuerholz is putting together. "We love our young guys", Rector stated. "We have picked up several guys that could be brought up this season and yet some that are a few years away." Rector continued, "Our free agent signing period, we were able to bring in a few young guys that we have since sient down to our minor league facility." Headlining the players that have already been sent down are Alex Gordon(2006 Minor League Player of the Year) and Philip Hughes(former New York Yankees top rated prospect).
Schuerholz couldn't help but smile when talking about the Cats youngsters. "There are too many great ones to single just one out", Schuerholz said. "I am going to sit down with Don (Mattingly, Minor League manager) and we will come up with a breakdown of each Minor League player and it will be distibuted to the media."

....Coming soon, a breakdown of Alex Gordon

CHECK OUT THE SITE......

http://alleycatminors.blogspot.com/

We have WOOD! (couldn't resist.....sorry)

2007-01-16T20:18:00.000-06:00

The Alley Cats made their first selection of the Minor League Draft by selecting perhaps the number one prospect in the game. The Cats pulled in Brandon Wood a shortstop minor leaguer formely of the Los Angelas Angels organization.
Minor league driector John Scherholz had the following to say, "Brandon is a super talent. He is first and foremost a shortstop, but we may look at moving him to either third or possibly the outfield." Minor League manager Don Mattingly was estatic to have Brandon Wood come aboard. "We have by a lot of peoples accounts the number one prospect in baseball", Mattingly said. "What more can we ask for than Wood to build our minor league organization around." "I have a feeling though, he will not be in the minors much longer", Mattingly continued.

Other news of the day were the signings of two super pitchers in Francisco Rodrigues and Philip Hughes. Also landed was a former Alley Cat at a fraction of his previous salary. Grady Sizemore dons the blue of the Cats for the second time this young season. "Grady explored his options, but felt Atkins was the place to be", GM Dave Dombrowski said. "We gave him a HUGE contract the first time, but he asked for his release", Dombrowski said. "When he couldn't find the proper fit we landed him again, for a lot less this time around", Dombrowski continued.

"We signed some great talent and couldn't be happier", owner Charles Rector said. "We worked our warroom staff to death over the last few weeks, needless to say.....we will be popping the bubbly tonight to celebrate our inagural season", Rector said. "We may even pull out a table and play some cards!"

Alley Cats bring in future all-star....

2007-01-11T19:57:00.000-06:00

The Alley Cats acquired a future all star on Thursday night. Once again, in a move with the Peffercorns the Cats acquired Andre Ethier for fire baller Chad Billingsly and financial considerations.

GM Dave Dombrowski had the following to say when reached for comment. "We feel Andre will be an all-star. He is young and has tons of potential. We losta great prospect on the hill in Billingsly, but his salary was just a little too high for us."

Manager Lou Whitaker stated, "Andre is at a great price, and we are thrilled to have him become a Cat."

Busy,Busy,Busy......

2007-01-07T15:41:00.000-06:00

GM Dave Dombrowski has been a busy man lately. First, he sat down with Cubs owner Jason Hoover and made a deal to bring in superstar Dontrelle Willis. "Willis is an aceand that was something our staff lacked", Dombrowski said. Pitching coach Jack Morris commented, "Dontrelle is a player that can help mentor our younger players. He is going to help me, as well as our staff."
Dombrowski was in contact all weekend with several owners trying to move a disgruntled player. That player, Chad Tracy, has been moved a couple of times this season. It has been reported that he has been unhappy with the trade that brought him to the Alley Cats. "Chad came into my office last Friday and we had a great talk", Dombrowski said. "He asked me for a trade and I told him that I would work to try and pull something together", Dombrowski continued.
This morning the Alley Cats owner Charles Rector announced that Dombrowski had finalized a deal that involved Chad Tracy. "We have made a deal with a familiar trading partner", Rector said. "We made yet another deal with Wendy's Peffercorns owner Mike Salony."
Dombrowski announced the details of the deal as follows:
"We have granted Chad Tracy his request of relocating back to the team that originally drafted him", the GM stated. "Chad as well as outfielder Dave Roberts will be going to Wendy's as well as a little cash in exchange for Chone Figgins", Dombrowski continued.
"Chone is an excellent ballplayer. He can play multiple positions which is a huge asset for our organization", Owner Charles Rector said. "We had bids in on him from the get go, but unfortunatly we filled up and had to withdraw our original bid", Rector said. "We feel it is poetic justice that Chone has made his way to Atkins."

"We plan on sitting back and stop the dealing, but you never can tell. We are an aggressive organization, therefore WATCH OUT.........we may just trade our coaches as well", the Alley Cats owner stated.

Face of franchise on the move?

2006-12-31T08:51:00.000-06:00

The cover boy of the Alley Cats could be on the move? Rumors have been swirling about a blockbuster trade that has been in the works since the end of last week, and sources close to the situation say they invole the first signing in franchise history..........Torri Hunter. Hunter became the first player signed by the Alley Cats of the newly formed URL. Owner Charles Recor wouuld not comment on the trade rumors, but did say great things about Hunter and the franchise. "Torri is a phenomonal player and person. He is the poster boy of our franchise. The only way our poster boy would leave our house would be a blockbuster trade, and most of the owners are set with their rosters right now", Rector said.
When reached for comment, GM Dave Dombrowski declined to verify the rumor. "Just sit back, wait and see and enjoy some SAFE New Year's partying."

There are also rumors about a few more of the Alley Cat players. The sports editor of the Atkins Chronicle commented, "the Cats have made a ton of moves already, I wouldn't expect anything less than to see several members of the current roster change locations before spring training arrives."

Fans outraged?

2006-12-28T14:16:00.000-06:00

Fans of the Alley Cats were stunned Thursday when the Cats signed Jeremy Bonderman to a deal instead of the best pitcher in the game, Johan Santana. "We had very good reasons", GM Dave Dombrowski said. I have worked with Bondo before, he was a Tiger which is dear to my heart and I felt it was the best move for us at this time." Owner Charles Rector agreed with Dombrowski. "Yes, it would have been nice to have a pitcher of Santanas caliber on our roster, but we don't want to be financially strapped years down the road. We could have signed him for 400/5 years, but signing Bonderman at 35/5 years made more sense too us, esppecially financially."

Pitching coach Jack Morris had the following to say. "Today is not a sad day here in Atkins.....it is a GREAT day!" "We signed one heck of a pitcher, who we feel will win 20 games for us next year." "He is an all-star player with World Series experience!"

When contacted about the whole ordeal Bonderman said, "I am pumped to be an Alley Cat!" Also adding, "I promise that my signing will be the steal of the URL.......MARK MY WORDS."

Alley Cats continue the shuffle!

2006-12-28T08:24:00.000-06:00

The Alley Cats once again pulled off a last minute trade. They shipped reliever Mike Gonzalez to Wendy's for Raul Ibanez and financial considerstions. The Peffercorns and Cats have been involved in several deals leading several teams to wonder if they are working together. Owner of the Cats Charles Rector had this to say about the aligations. "There is no way we are working together. We both just like to wheel and deal a little. I am a gambling man. I will gamble on about anything, even my franchise."

In a strange move, the Alley Cats released Grady Sizemore to make room for Ibanez. Grady has been unhappy since he came to Atkins. He asked for his release and we granted it. Someone will sign a superstar down the road. Mangaer lou Whitaker said, "We hate to lose Grady, but he was not happy." "There are no ill feelings towards him at all."
Sizemore had this to say, "I don't hate Atkins, I just signed too early. I really want to explore my options at this point."

Tracy acquired via trade

2006-11-19T17:05:00.000-06:00

Chad Tracy was acquired on Sunday along with $26 in cash for Jorge Cantu and Nick Markakis. "We feel Chad is an outstanding young ballplayer." Owner Charles Rector said. "He can play multiple positions, which is always a nice asset." GM Dave Dombrowski continued, "we hate losing Jorge and Nick. Obviously we like them since we signed them, but we couldn't pass up the deal." "We freed up some much needed cap room and also recieved a heck of a player", Dombrowski said.
When asked about his new home Chad tracy had the following to say. "I am ready to help Atkins win a championship! The organization is first class and is full of great people."

Alley Cats continue to shell out the cash

2006-11-14T15:51:00.000-06:00

The Atkins Alley Cats continued their trend of shelling out big bucks this off season. Last week they inked a couple of future stars including Japanese sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka. Owner Charles Rector said, "if he does come aboard, we feel he can contend for a Cy Young, he's that good!" Also brought in were young fireballer Chad Billingsly, young catcher Dioner Navarro, young outfielder Nick Markakis and veterans Brian Giles, Tim Hudson and Kris Benson. "We feel we are putting together a solid pitching staff.", pitching coach Jack Morris said. "We have some youth and some crafty veterans. Hopefully these young guys can step it up and put up veteran type numbers."
The Cats also inked 2006 playoff backstop Yadier Molina and former Phillies closer Flash Gordon. GM Dave Dombrowski said, "We really like Flash. He may be a little older, but he continues to get the job done day in and day out."
This morning it was announced that the Cats signed a few marquee players. That list is topped by former Indians centerfielder Grady Sizemore. "We love the fact that we signed Grady", Rector said. "He was at the top of our list right along with David Wright." "We also landed a good young outfielder in Brad Hawpe who was in the top of the National League most of the year in hitting, as well as Prince Fielder." "We also feel Noah Lowry has the potential to be an ace for our pitching staff." Rector continued.
Dombrowski noted, "obviously we are going to have to slow down a bit and sit back and wait on a few players we really want. We have spent a lot of money the past few weeks, but we feel it was all money well spent. We brought in veteran leadership and some great young talent. Our phone lines are open to all trade talks at this time!"

2 players inked on Thursday

2006-11-02T22:06:00.000-06:00

The Cats announced Thursday morning from the Atkins Middle School gym that former Padres two bagger Josh Barfield and former Philies fire baller Cole Hamels have agreed to terms. "These are two super young players!" owner Charles Rector said. "These two guys were at the top of our list from day one. Dave(Dombrowski)has worked countless hours trying to bring in the right players for our franchise and I feel he is doing a great job.", Rector continued. "We did have a bump in the road this morning. A neighboring organization pulled a fast one and pulled three future signees out from under us. The Cardinals snagged Chris Duffy, Craig Monroe and Andre Eithier just as we were about to finalize the deals with them. We have officially sent word to the front office of the Cardinals that the war is now on!" owner Rector stated. When asked what his thoughts were, Manager Lou Whitaker had the following statements. "I am outraged! We are running a class organization here and we plan on building this franchise from the ground up with honesty, integrity and the utmost class. You will NEVER see us pulling the rug out from underneath ANY franchise. We plan on handling each signing period with class. We want to treat each player we negotiate with, with nothing but respect. We plan on doing that with each franchise as well. Have the Cardinals "ruffled" our feathers you ask........absolutely. They are our number one target. The "CAT" always gets the "BIRD".
Dombrowski stated, "our ticket sales are already improving and get ready for great promotions each and every time the Cards come to town!"

The Cardinals front office was contacted, but refused comment.

Dombrowski delievers!

2006-10-31T09:36:00.000-06:00

GM Dave Dombrowski delievered former Tiger Curtis Granderson on Monday. "Curtis is a special player. He is young and can hit for power and steal a few sacks! He also spends a lot of time during the off-season working on his throws so he doesn't make any critical throwing errors that kill your team in big games."
Owner Charles Rector stated, "CG was part of the youth movement in Detroit that helped them reach the post season this year. In his first full campaign in the Majors he did lack patience at the plate. He was real aggressive leading the AL in stikeouts, BUT the aggressive play is what we like here in the Alley Cats organization. We feel he will settle down and be a super player for our organization. Hopefully he can lead us(Alley Cats) to the promise land."
Granderson was unavailable for comment.

Oh Happy Days.......

2006-10-27T09:24:00.000-05:00

The bubbly was bubbling in Atkins early Thursday morning when David Wright agreed to terms with the Alley Cats. Owner Charles Rector said "We feel David is a great cornerstone for any franchise. He is the total package. He can hit for power, knock in runs, and he will steal you some bags along the way. I believe it is safe to say that David Wright will wear the colors of the Alley Cats until he decides to hang up the spikes, which I hope is a long time from now!" Manager Lou Whitaker echoed the statments of Rector, "Look at the line-up so far! Hunter, Cantu, Wright, Damon, with Buehrle on the hill.......the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place.
When asked about the price he had to pay for a few of his marquee players Rector said, "you have to pay a little to get a lot, and we feel Wright is statistically one of IF NOT the best in the game.......period!"

Torri Hunter tabbed first Alley Cat

2006-10-23T18:02:00.000-05:00

Torri Hunter, formally of the Minnesota Twins(Arkansas native) has been signed as the inaugural player for the Atkins Alley Cats. Owner Charles Rector said of Hunter, "What a steal by signing Torri. You talk about class players in this league and he has to be near the top of the list. His roots are in Arkansas, so getting back to the Natural State was a big selling point of ours. I couldn't be more happy than to have Torri Hunter as the poster child of our franchise." Manager Lou Whitaker sang the same song of Hunter. "We have us a guy that can hit in the top portion of the order, he has speed and power and is a Gold Glove winner year in and year out in the outfield. My job will be a piece of cake if GM Dave Dombrowski and owner Mr. Rector continue to work their magic and keep bringing in top notch talent." When reached via the telephone in Detroit, newly acquired GM Dave Dombrowski said, "we will hopefully be signing up to 5 players this next signing period. We are ready to get this franchise up and running!".

Announcement Coming.........

2006-10-22T15:04:00.000-05:00

Owner Charles Rector commented this morning that the first signings in the early existence of the Alley Cats will be announced Monday sometime. "We are trying to nail down some final touches on some contracts with some big time talent", Rector stated. Manager Lou Whitaker would not let the "cat" out of the bag on who they were in talks with, but he did utter these words; "we are tickled to death with the players we plan on signing!"

Rector announces....

2006-10-15T17:47:00.000-05:00

Owner Charles Rector announced via satellite Sunday some particulars for the Alley Cats franchise.
The official beverage will be Jolt Cola.
The official vehicle will be the Chrysler 300.
The official airline will be Delta Airlines.
The official restaurant will be Feltner's Whatta Burger.
The official mascot will be Al E. Cat.
The motto of the 2007 Alley Cats will be:
100%, 100% of the Time!!!!

Whitaker/Rector name personel

2006-10-08T23:29:00.000-05:00

The Alley Cats waisted no time in naming some key figures to their organizations family. Joining Whitaker on the diamond will be:
Hitting Coach: Rod Carew
First Base Coach: Fred "The Crime Dog" McGriff
Third Base Coach: Alan Trammell
Infield Coach: Rafael Ramirez
Pitching Coach: Jack Morris
Bullpen Coach: Bruce Sutter
Director of Player Development: John Schuerholz
Minor League Manager: Don "Donnie Baseball" Mattingly
Rector stated, "Wow, what an all-star group we have as a foundation. You lead off with Sweet Lou as the skipper of the ship. Next you have one of the best pure hitters to ever play the game teaching your hitters. We have the Crime Dog on one corner, with Alan Trammell maning the other. Rafael Ramirez is perhaps the best infielder the Braves organization ever saw and he was a mainstay with the great teams of the early 80's for Atlanta. Jack Morris is joing fellow Tiger alumns Whitaker and Trammell to lead the pitching staff. New Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter will lead the way in the bullpen. Leading our young players in the minors is Donnie Baseball, Don Mattingly. Finally, the main ingrediant for all success will fall in the hands of Mr. John Schuerholz. What John did with the Braves in the 90's we are certain he can do with the Alley Cats now!"
New GM David Dombrowski said in a phone interview from Oakland (where the Tigers are preparing to face the A's in the ALCS), "Can I go ahead and leave the Tigers organization now? The group that has been put in place in Atkins rivals any in the history of the game......period!!"

Skip to my Lou!

2006-10-08T18:03:00.000-05:00

The Alley Cats tabbed "Sweet" Lou Whitaker as the franchises first manager. Alley Cats owner Charles Rector said in a press release, "Who better to name as the first manager, than a player that overcame several odds on and off the field. Lou was a gritty ballplayer, which is exactly what our franchise will be. We will arrive early, leave late and scrap our way to victory each and ever day on the diamond."
Whitaker spent 19 seasons in the majors, all with the Detroit Tigers. He made his debut on September 9th, 1977 with a 3 for 5 performance. He recorded a hit in his first career at bat versus Reggie Cleveland of the boston Red Sox. Whitaker retired after the 1995 season. He finished with a career batting average of .276, 244 homeruns, 1084 runs batted in, and 143 steals. He was a five time all-star and 3 time gold glove winner. Whitaker walked away with the 1978 Rookie of the Year honors with a landslide victory over Paul Molitor, Carney Landsford and fellow Tiger Alan Trammell.
Whitaker commented, "I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to lead this wonderful new franchise. I am ready to get to work on putting a roster in place. I plan on sitting down with Mr. Rector and Mr. Dombrowski and finalizing the Alley Cat staff."
When asked the foundation the Alley Cats would try to set he commented, "We will be scrappy and gritty. We will put together an organization of players that we as an organization feels will work with a 100%, 100% of the time philosophy. We will not rest until the Alley Cats are World Champions. I was fortunate to win a Championship as a player, now I am ready to lead this franchise to the promise land and bring home the trophy!!"
Rector stated that the rest of the organizations staff would be in place by the first part of next week.

Alley Cats announces General Manager!

2006-10-08T17:47:00.000-05:00

The Alley Cats announced today that Owner Charles Rector has stepped down from his General Managers position and has hired for the 2007 season David Dombrowski. Dombrowski most recently was the GM for the Detroit Tigers organization.
Rector commented, "It is absolutely AWESOME to have David on board. He took a pathetic organization in the Tigers and turned them into a World Series contender." Rector continued, "We are extremely excited to have David and we are ready to get the ball rolling!"
Dombrowski will take over control as soon as the play-offs are over. The Tigers(who Rector has been a fan of since childhood, as well as the Braves) are currently facing the Oakland A's in the ALCS.

The Official Logo of the Atkins Alley Cats

2006-07-28T14:42:00.000-05:00

New Franchise Announced!

2006-07-28T14:39:00.000-05:00

A new franchise has been established in Atkins, Arkansas for the BRAND NEW URL (United Rotisserie League). The Owner and General Manager of the new franchise in a press conference today let the “Cat” out of the bag regarding the new club. “We are VERY excited to bring the River Valley a quality rotisserie baseball franchise”, Owner/GM Charles Rector proclaimed. Rector continued to rave about the new franchise, which will be known as the Alley Cats. “We plan to bring the best talent in and the best fans out to the ballpark. When you purchase a ticket for our games, you will see not only great baseball, but an organization based on class and sportsmanship.” Rector added. Currently the newly formed URL has 5 franchises. League commisioner Daniel Shoptaw expects there to be a few more added in the following days. Shoptaw commented, “ it would likely be three more, and that announcements on those should be coming very soon.”