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June 25, 2013
Prospects Will Break Your Heart
The Mid-Season Top 50 Prospects
Before you dive into the list, a few explanations about the construction that might prove beneficial. Prospects currently playing at the major-league level were not eligible for this list. I also didn't follow standard guidelines for rookie eligibility; rather, if a prospect has logged significant playing time at the highest level—be it the commonly recognized 50 innings for a pitcher, 130 at-bats for a hitter, or just under those magic plateaus—I made a judgment call as to whether or not his inclusion would add to the product. This list is about prospects, not major-league players masquerading as prospects because they fall just short of such recognized classifications. If a player has sipped a form of major-league coffee over the course of two seasons, he won't be included on this list. These are all prospects currently playing in the minors, and only four players on the list have major-league experience of any kind. Because it's a mid-season list and not the more comprehensive offseason production, I wanted the focus to be on the talent in the minors and not on those still wearing the label despite playing under the bright lights in the big parks.
"But hey, enough of my yakkin'. What do you say? Let's boogie." —Marty DiBergi
#1 CF Byron Buxton (Twins)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #8
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: High-A Ft. Myers
Reason for Inclusion in Top 10: Buxton has the most exciting tool collection in the minors, which is why he ranks ahead of Taveras as the premier prospect in the game. The beauty of Buxton is the impact potential he has in all phases of the game, as the 19-year-old can go 1-for-5 at the plate but still patrol big swaths of real estate in center field and use his elite speed as a weapon on the bases. One scout source suggested his floor was Torii Hunter, which should be some indication just how high the ultimate ceiling could be. This is a special talent. You buy tickets to watch this kid play.
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; likely to remain top prospect in the game.
Major League ETA: 2014
#2 OF Oscar Taveras (Cardinals)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #2
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Memphis
Reason for Inclusion in Top 10: Taveras is the most gifted offensive talent on this list, and multiple sources have put an elite grade on his hit tool, suggesting that he has batting titles in his future. The 21-year-old will eventually settle in as a middle-of-the-order hitter at the highest level, where he should develop into a perennial all-star and possible MVP candidate if everything clicks……and it will click.
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; likely to remain a top-tier prospect until promotion.
Major League ETA: 2013
#3 SS Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #12
Current MilB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Pawtucket
Reason for Inclusion in Top 10: The 20-year-old crushed in Double-A and earned a promotion to Pawtucket this June, making him the youngest player on the circuit. Bogaerts is a natural hitter who hasn't even found his power stroke yet, and several sources think he could eventually develop into a .300 hitter with 30 bombs. Given the fact that he can stick at shortstop in the short term, Bogaerts has a chance to be one of the most rare commodities at the major-league level: a middle-of-the-order bat at a premium position, under team control for a very long time.
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; likely to remain number three until major-league promotion.
Major League ETA: 2013
#4 SS Francisco Lindor (Indians)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #10
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: High-A Carolina
Reason for Inclusion in Top Ten: Lindor is a highly instinctual player with Gold Glove caliber defensive skills at shortstop, and enough offensive potential to be more than just a down-the-lineup hitter. His advanced feel for the game and chops with the glove are going to propel him to the major leagues faster than people might realize, and I wouldn't be surprised if more offensive upside reveals itself several years down the line, after his wizardry at shortstop is already firmly established at the highest level.
Prospect Trajectory: Down; Lindor has reached his highest point; will remain in top tier, but likely to drop given crop of offensive talent on the rise in the minors.
Major League ETA: 2014
#5 RHP Archie Bradley (DBacks)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #31
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A Mobile
Reason for Inclusion in Top 10: I can't speak for everybody, but Bradley's command woes in his debut campaign hurt his stock when I was putting together the 101, and after watching him this spring and reading several reports on him in the last few months, I realize now that I was foolish to discount the profile and the raw stuff because of a bad stretch of control. The body, the makeup, the arsenal, the potential all suggested a top of the rotation ceiling when he was drafted, and that hasn't changed much now that the 20-year-old is shoving it in Double-A. Given his overall profile, I'm not sure a healthy Bundy would rank higher. The title of top arm belongs to Bradley without an asterisk.
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; likely to remain in the debate for top arm in the minors until major league promotion.
Major League ETA: 2013
#6 3B Miguel Sano (Twins)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #21
Current MiLB level/Affiliate: Double-A New Britain
Reason for Inclusion in Top 10: Sano has been climbing up prospect lists since he first signed with the Twins as a 16-year-old, and after an offensive explosion in the Florida State League, the 20-year-old is now among the top prospects in the game. The backbone of his game is the enormous raw power, which most scouts feel comfortable throwing an elite grade on. The hit tool is still a question mark, as is his defensive profile, but both the bat and the glove have received positive reviews in 2013, a good sign that Sano might offer more than just prodigious power.
Prospect Trajectory: Down; the Double-A test is upon Sano, and given his age and exploitable weaknesses at the plate, his stock could slip if he struggles to make consistent contact. Given his offensive potential and adjustment potential, he isn't likely to fall too far down the list.
Major League ETA: 2014
#7 OF Christian Yelich (Marlins)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #23
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A Jacksonville
Reason for Inclusion in Top 10: Yelich makes a Sanoian jump up the list despite missing time to injury and not setting the stat sheet on fire in his Double-A debut. He was underrated by us coming into the season, an error I put on myself because I was more concerned with positional value than the quality of the hit tool. Yelich has a beautiful swing, one that is both efficient and powerful, and he absolutely rakes against right-handed pitching. His bat is going to play at the highest level, and the line-drive pop of the present will eventually turn into over-the-fence power as he continues to mature.
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; Yelich won't be long for the minors, and is unlikely to rise or fall much before he finds himself in the major league mix.
Major League ETA: 2013
#8 Kevin Gausman (Orioles)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #13
Current MilB Affiliate/Level: Triple-A Norfolk
Reason for Inclusion in Top 10: Gausman felt the wrath of major-league bats in his brief five-start stay on the scene, but the LSU product has all the characteristics of a successful starter, including a plus-plus fastball and execution of a plus changeup. His control needs to turn into command to find sustainable success at the highest level, but the 22-year-old's return trip to the minors should be brief and his long-term outlook in the majors should be bright.
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; Gausman will most likely finish the season on the major-league roster and lose eligibility for the 2014 BP 101.
Major League ETA: 2013
#9 RHP Taijuan Walker (Mariners)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #9
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Tacoma
Reason for Inclusion in the Top 10: The 20-year-old owns an electric plus-plus fastball, a cutter he can throw in the low 90s (I've seen it up to 93 mph), and a sharp vertical curveball, but the command can come and go, the changeup is a below average offering, and the curveball, despite the depth, is very inconsistent. The statistical results are there, but more minor league seasoning is required of the future frontline starter before he is ready to assume that reality.
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; while it is conceivable that the promotion of his peers above him on this list will allow Walker to move up a few spots next offseason, he is unlikely to leap into the top five and eclipse Bradley as the top arm in the minors.
Major League ETA: 2014
#10 RHP Jameson Taillon (Pirates)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #11
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A Altoona
Reason for Inclusion in Top 10: After finishing the '12 season by absolutely shoving it in three Double-A starts, Taillon has picked up where he left off and continues to flash the top of the rotation upside that made him the top arm in the 2010 draft class. The plus-plus fastball/curveball combo is going to carry the 21-year-old to the highest level, but continued refinement of his changeup and fastball command could make him an impact arm, a player that could form a potent one-two punch with Gerrit Cole atop the Pirates rotation.
Prospect Trajectory: Down; Taillon is one of the best young arms in the minors and maintains a high ceiling, but the developmental struggles of a 21-year-old in the high minors could push him down the list a few spots by next offseason.
Major League ETA: 2014
#11 SS Addison Russell (Athletics)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #22
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: High-A Stockton
Prospect Trajectory: Up; Russell has the skill set to develop into a top tier prospect; good candidate for the top five next season.
Major League ETA: 2015
#12 OF Gregory Polanco (Pirates)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #44
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A Altoona
Prospect Trajectory: Up; has the talent to move up the list, especially with a strong second half at the Double-A level; candidate for offseason top 10.
Major League ETA: 2014
#13 C Austin Hedges (Padres)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #19
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: High-A Lake Elsinore
Prospect Trajectory: Down; in a prospect world where offensive production is king, the brilliant defensive profile of Hedges will get overlooked; simply put, Hedges could emerge as an elite defender with an average bat, which will make him a more valuable major league player than he is a minor league prospect. I have no problem being this high on Hedges.
Major League ETA: 2015
#14: RHP Dylan Bundy (Orioles)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #4
Current MilB Level/Affiliate: Currently injured
Prospect Trajectory: Down; Bundy's status will suffer and slide until he once again proves to be both healthy and effective.
Major League ETA: 2012 (already pitched at ML level)
#15 CF Albert Almora (Cubs)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #18
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A Kane County
Prospect Trajectory: Up; Almora is a legit five-tool talent who comes with an incredible feel for the game; has top tier potential.
Major League ETA: 2015
#16 SS Carlos Correa (Astros)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #26
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A Quad Cities
Prospect Trajectory: Up; only 18 and taking big developmental steps at full-season level; has top tier potential.
Major League ETA: 2015
#17 SS Javier Baez (Cubs)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #20
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: High-A Daytona
Prospect Trajectory: Up; has the offensive upside to become of the top prospects in the game; high risk and chance for regression at Double-A level.
Major League ETA: 2015
#18 RHP Mark Appel (Astros)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: N/A
Prospect Trajectory: Up; should have short journey through minors; likely to offer impressive production until major league promotion; top 10 candidate for offseason 101 with strong debut.
Major League ETA: 2014
#19 OF Nick Castellanos (Tigers)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #37
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Toledo
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; Castellanos should see significant time at the major-league level in 2014, and despite swinging a good stick in Triple-A, is unlikely to climb much higher as a prospect.
Major League ETA: 2013
#20 RHP Robert Stephenson (Reds)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #78
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A Dayton
Prospect Trajectory: Up; has the talent to develop into one of the top arms in the minors; top of the rotation upside.
Major League ETA: 2015
#21 RHP Michael Wacha (Cardinals)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #56
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Memphis
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; could lose eligibility by next offseason; likely to develop into mid-rotation starter at highest level; low risk.
Major League ETA: 2013
#22 RHP Carlos Martinez (Cardinals)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #43
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Memphis
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; has elite potential as a closer; near top of the rotation upside as a starter; higher risk in rotation; unlikely to jump much higher because of questions about future role.
Major League ETA: 2013
#23 RHP Noah Syndergaard (Mets)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #28
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A Binghamton
Prospect Trajectory: Up; has the combination of size and stuff to continue to climb the prospect ranks; a strong second half could propel him into top 10 discussion this offseason.
Major League ETA: 2014
#24 RHP Aaron Sanchez (Blue Jays)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #32
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: High-A Dunedin
Prospect Trajectory: Up; a healthy Sanchez has one of the highest upsides of any arm in the minors; potential to be top pitching prospect if everything clicks.
Major League ETA: 2015
#25 RHP Taylor Guerrieri (Rays)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #48
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A Bowling Green
Prospect Trajectory: Up; frontline upside; on Rays' barbeque development plan, so should have opportunity to slowly move up the prospect ranks and into the top tier.
Major League ETA: 2016
#26 C Gary Sanchez (Yankees)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #47
Current MiLB level/Affiliate: High-A Tampa
Prospect Trajectory: Down; Sanchez was underrated coming into the year at no. 47, and somehow feels overrated at the mid-season point; mixed reviews of Sanchez's 2013 performance; high upside but equally high risk; bat is very good; positional home is still subject of debate.
Major League ETA: 2015
#27 RHP Yordano Ventura (Royals)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #62
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Omaha
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; like Carlos Martinez, questions about ultimate role prevents a higher jump; elite potential out of the 'pen; has the stuff to project as a frontline starter
Major League ETA: 2013
#28 C Travis d'Arnaud (Mets)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #15
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Las Vegas (injured)
Prospect Trajectory: Down; can't stay healthy; has dual threat potential at premium position; hard to project 2014 status because of current injury.
Major League ETA: 2013
#29 CF Jackie Bradley, Jr. (Red Sox)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #27
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Pawtucket
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; brief major league run hurt status; defensive profile at premium position keeps him in top 30 range; will most likely lose eligibility before offseason 101.
Major League ETA: 2013
#30 CF George Springer (Astros)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #55
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Oklahoma City
Prospect Trajectory: Down; good profile at premium spot; lots of swing-and-miss despite the pop; could fall a few spots before offseason 101.
Major League ETA: 2014
#31 OF Jorge Soler (Cubs)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #36
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: High-A Daytona
Prospect Trajectory: Up; Soler's power is legit, and as he matures at the plate, he will continue to tap into the tool in game action; lacks elite upside, but could jump up the list if the power plays. People love power.
Major League ETA: 2015
#32 RHP Kyle Zimmer (Royals)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #41
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: High-A Wilmington
Prospect Trajectory: Up; the stuff is too good not to find success; lacks elite upside, but a strong second half could push Zimmer up the rankings at a healthy clip.
Major League ETA: 2014
#33 RHP Jonathan Gray (Rockies)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Rookie level Grand Junction
Prospect Trajectory: Up; difficult task to rank players without any professional experience; 1:1 candidate with the stuff to take a huge leap in the rankings if the production matches the pre-draft reports; low starting point on list because of questions about future role.
Major League ETA: 2015
#34 2B Kolten Wong (Cardinals)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #90
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Memphis
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; underrated on the offseason list; pure hitter likely to find a permanent home at the major-league level in 2014.
Major League ETA: 2013
#35 IF Corey Seager (Dodgers)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A Great Lakes
Prospect Trajectory: Up; highly skilled offensive threat; likely to climb the prospect ranks despite questions about long-term future at shortstop; should have been ranked higher coming into the year.
Major League ETA: 2015
#36 1B Jonathan Singleton (Astros)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #25
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Triple-A Oklahoma City
Prospect Trajectory: Up; mid-season status effected by lost developmental time; served suspension for using a naturally growing non-drug; has offensive upside to mash his way up the list with a strong second half.
Major League ETA: 2014
#37 OF Billy Hamilton (Reds)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #14
Current MiLB Level/Trajectory: Triple-A Louisville
Prospect Trajectory: Down; overrated coming into the year because of elite speed and defensive potential at premium spot; bat has big question marks and could continue to drop him down the list as the season progresses.
Major League ETA: 2014
#38: SS Raul Adalberto Mondesi (Royals)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #58
Current MiLB Level/Affiliation: Low-A Lexington
Prospect Trajectory: Up; 17-year-old position prospect in a full-season league; developmental ebbs and flows, but first-division potential because of plus defensive skills at a premium position and offensive upside; could develop into top tier prospect.
Major League ETA: 2016
#39 3B Garin Cecchini (Red Sox)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A Portland
Prospect Trajectory: Down; quality bat but questions about power potential and defensive projection; great production in High-A pushed him forward in status.
Major League ETA: 2014
#40 OF Jake Marisnick (Marlins)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #71
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A Jacksonville
Prospect Trajectory: Up; when healthy, is a well rounded talent that can play up the middle and provide offensive value; lacks elite upside but could climb the list with a strong second half.
Major League ETA: 2013
#41 LHP Julio Urias (Dodgers)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A Great Lakes
Prospect Trajectory: Up; Urias is a 16-year-old lefty missing more than a bat an inning at the full-season level; his ultimate upside is still very abstract, but his prospect star is very much on the rise.
Major League ETA: 2016
#42 3B Maikel Franco (Phillies)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A Reading
Prospect Trajectory: Up; the 20-year-old keeps raking at the plate; questions about long-term defensive home could prevent massive leap, but the bat could put him in the discussion for a much higher tier.
Major League ETA: 2014
#43 RHP Roberto Osuna (Blue Jays)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A Lansing
Prospect Trajectory: Holding steady; was underrated on offseason list; Osuna is a mature arm despite being only 18 years old, and the production should keep him in his current prospect range; lack of projection and a high maintenance body could prevent him from jumping into the rarified air of the top tier of arms in the minors.
Major League ETA: 2016
#44 RHP Alex Meyer (Twins)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #88
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A New Britain
Prospect Trajectory: Up; most likely still an underrated prospect; questions about ultimate role add risk to a higher ranking; has no. 2 starter upside and a floor of a late-innings bullpen arm; strong second half and improved command could lead to huge offseason jump up the list.
Major League ETA: 2014
#45 LHP Andrew Heaney (Marlins)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: High-A Jupiter
Prospect Trajectory: Up; lefty with plus (to plus-plus) fastball; above average slider and improving changeup; could take a huge jump on 2014's pre-season list.
Major League ETA: 2014
#46 RHP Tyler Glasnow (Pirates)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A West Virginia
Prospect Trajectory: Up; has the size, stuff, and production to continue rapid climb up prospect lists; strong second half could propel him into serious prospect company.
Major League ETA: 2015
#47 LHP Max Fried (Padres)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: #61
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A Ft. Wayne
Prospect Trajectory: Up; Fried is on his way to becoming one of the top arms in the minors; it might be a slower climb than a prospect like Glasnow, but the resulting status will be the same.
Major League ETA: 2016
#48 RHP Eddie Butler (Rockies)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Prospect Trajectory: Up; Butler's first half pushed him into the Top 50 mix, and a strong second half will push him even further heading into 2014. The stuff is very legit, and the 22-year-old could find himself in Double-A before the end of the season.
Major League ETA: 2014
#49 RHP Mike Foltynewicz (Astros)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Double-A Corpus Christi
Prospect Trajectory: Up; some of the best arm strength in the minors; questions about long term role because of secondary development; no. 2/3 starter ceiling or closer.
Major League ETA: 2014
#50 RHP Lucas Sims (Braves)
Placement on Pre-Season 101: N/A
Current MiLB Level/Affiliate: Low-A Rome
Prospect Trajectory: Up; will continue to climb prospect lists; plus raw stuff and feel for pitching; listed above several other promising prospects because of combination of age/production/projection.
Major League ETA: 2016
*You can make a case for 25-plus prospects on the back third of the list, and I spent the better part of three weeks polling scouts and player development sources to listen to those cases. As a subjective exercise, favoritism and familiarity are heavy players in the opinion, and recent on-the-field production can certainly help tilt a close race in favor of one player over another. I could toy with the list for the rest of the month and not find consensus or comfort in the process or the product, but eventually you have to make a decision and slap it down on the table.
The following prospects were in the mix for the final spots on this list. As much as I tried, I was unable to fit ~75 prospects into a 50-prospect box. In no particular order: Lance McCullers, Jose Berrios, Luis Heredia, Alen Hanson, Matt Barnes, Henry Owens, Joe Ross, Clayton Blackburn, Kyle Crick, Carlos Tocci, Jesse Biddle, Eddie Rosario, Sonny Gray, Miguel Almonte, Danny Hultzen, A prospect from your favorite team, Clint Frazier, Chris Owings, Zach Lee, etc.
Link to Preseason Top 101 Prospects
Jason Parks is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @ProfessorParks
124 comments have been left for this article.
BP Comment Quick Links
Jason, I assume Bryant was left off the list as he hasn't signed yet. Where would he fit in if he had already signed?
Jun 25, 2013 02:35 AM
Top 30, perhaps Top 25. I'd rank him ahead of Soler.
Jun 25, 2013 06:07 AM
Jason, a little surprised Anthony Ranaudo did'nt merit a honourable mention.He has been shoving it in Portland,so far this year.What are your thoughts for him,going forward?Thanks.
Jun 25, 2013 02:53 AM
Webster wasn't considered at all because of MLB experience, or fall of the radar?
Jun 25, 2013 03:18 AM
Given that Zack Wheeler is not on the list, I would assume the former.
Jun 25, 2013 05:04 AM
What more does Wilmer Flores have to do? He's the fourth youngest player in AAA and is raking. Does the park hurt him that much? Or just the fact he has no real position?
Jun 25, 2013 03:53 AM
I like Flores, but it's the positional value. If people were confident that he could handle second, then he'd be a lot higher ranked. Not sure the bat plays at first.
Jun 25, 2013 06:09 AM
Dave from Pittsburgh
Can't argue with any of the Pirates listed here, but holy crap, what a jump for Gregory Polanco.
Jun 25, 2013 05:06 AM
Jun 25, 2013 05:19 AM
He has extra skin over his eye, but I was told that it does not hinder his pitching (at present) or his development.
Jun 25, 2013 06:10 AM
Wow am I glad this comment was already here before I made a quip about his picture.
Jun 25, 2013 12:30 PM
Without the off-season trades, the Blue Jays would have five players on the list. Marisnick is among those who were traded (now with the Marlins organization).
Jun 25, 2013 05:46 AM
"A prospect from your favorite team"...
Jun 25, 2013 06:26 AM
Jason, do you subscribe to the general BP position that health is a skill, or at least a tool? If so, I'm a bit surprised that Oscar Taveras remains as high as #2, as he is showing some disturbing signs of a deficiency in that particular tool. Still a brilliant offensive prospect, but you can't get at-bats while you're on the disabled list...
Jun 25, 2013 06:29 AM
Did Rafael Montero merit consideration?
Jun 25, 2013 06:32 AM
Strange to see no Rangers, especially considering how loaded their farm system is (albiet at low levels). Not shocked he fell, but no consideration for Olt considering it is now looking like his early season struggles were due to vision problems?
Jun 25, 2013 06:35 AM
I think the dry eye was certainly a factor, but Olt isn't going to be a great hitter. I like the bat, but his value is in the power potential and the defensive profile. I think he has 25+ home run potential, but his game will always feature a lot of swing and miss.
Jun 25, 2013 06:38 AM
Also, Martin Perez was on the list before he was called up to the majors. He was in the ~40 range.
Jun 25, 2013 06:39 AM
What does Brad Miller have to do earn even a sniff from you? Would hitting .400 at Triple A do the trick (currently hitting .355)? Respect the hit tool!!
Jun 25, 2013 06:39 AM
If Syndegaard does the same thing more or less in AA, is he a top 10 candidate?
Jun 25, 2013 06:40 AM
Jason, first of all, thank you for putting this together! You, Zach, and the others do terrific work here. BP is my favorite source for prospect-following.
Jun 25, 2013 06:43 AM
Absolutely thrilled that Lucas Sims made the list. How close was JR Graham? I'm guessing his shoulder injury dropped him from consideration.
Jun 25, 2013 06:45 AM
Glad to see Rafael de Paula got an honorable mention. As everyone knows, "etc." is code for "de Paula."
Jun 25, 2013 06:50 AM
Andrew G.
This is great!!!! Thanks for all the hard work. I'm really loving the approach to covering prospects this year! And glad a prospect from my favorite team just missed!
Jun 25, 2013 06:51 AM
12 of the Top 50 are currently in the NL Central (13 once Bryant signs); none from MIL. Exactly how doomed are the Brewers moving forward given their current woes and lack of impact talent coming up?
Jun 25, 2013 06:51 AM
Did Tyler Skaggs fall out or is he considered ML?
David Dahl - could shoot up somewhat quickly with a healthy and productive second half, no?
Jun 25, 2013 06:58 AM
Could Tyler Glasnow be in the top 25 conversation by seasons end, especially if he goes to the FSL and continues to dominate?
Jun 25, 2013 07:00 AM
Jason what questions do you have about Franco's long-term defense at 3rd? From everything I've read he's going to be solid defensively despite his lack of running speed. Also surprised to see Tocci in the top 75, don't we need to see him grow into even a little bit of power before ranking that high?
Jun 25, 2013 07:17 AM
Franco has slow feet; great hands, but slow feet. I'm not sure what that body looks like in 3-5 years, either. I think its a 1B profile in the end, but the bat is real.
Jun 25, 2013 07:30 AM
For Singleton - isn't the issue not what "non-drug" he used, but his inability to follow rules he knew were in place? It wasn't a first strike supsension.
Jun 25, 2013 07:48 AM
David Martin
How is this for a "What about this guy?" query: Cesar Puello ... He has a .338/.406/.616 line in AA. He turned 22 in April and really seems to be having the type of year I thought he might be capable of, combining HR power with speed. Thoughts?
Jun 25, 2013 07:51 AM
Someone asked Jason about it on Twitter, here's what he said:
Jun 25, 2013 07:54 AM
Taylor Lindsey....How close was he to making the list? Age+power has to have him moving up.
Jun 25, 2013 07:54 AM
Out of curiousity, what separates Bradley at #5 from the pack of Syndergaard, Sanchez and Guerreri in the low 20s? ETA to the show? Seems they all have the frontline starter upside and are relatively similar prospects (age, size, stuff etc), but I'm just curious what makes Bradley stand out more and why he's the closest to being called up to the big club.
Jun 25, 2013 08:02 AM
I think he has a better combination of now stuff and arsenal projection, and based on every report I've ever read--and in my own personal experiences watching the player and listening to the player discuss pitching --his work ethic and makeup are elite. All three of the arms you listed could get there, but they aren't on his level yet. Syndregaard gaining quickly, though.
Jun 25, 2013 08:14 AM
Great list, guys. Was there any consideration for CJ Edwards, Danny Salazar or Jesse Hahn for the top 50? Thanks!
Jun 25, 2013 08:13 AM
How much of Hultzen's drop was injury related and how much that his ceiling just isn't that sexy?
Jun 25, 2013 08:16 AM
The Astros lead the list with 5. The Cardinals are the runner ups with 4. The White Sox, Angels, Brewers, Giants, Rangers, and Nationals failed to have a prospect on the Top 50.
Jun 25, 2013 08:22 AM
Do you see any of the Hickory squad(Brinson, Gallo, Edwards, N Williams) as Top 100 material currently? Still too raw? Thanks for putting the list together!
Jun 25, 2013 08:26 AM
I don't have Edwards on the same tier as Gallo, Williams, Alfaro, or Brinson, but all of those names could push for top 101 with a strong second half.
Jun 25, 2013 08:28 AM
Is it the body that concerns you most with Edwards? Secondary stuff? Both?
Jun 25, 2013 08:40 AM
I like him. The stuff is very good; very natural and easy. But there are a lot of good arms in the minors. It's not a knock on Edwards, but I don't see a frontline ceiling.
Jun 25, 2013 08:44 AM
Thanks for the responses. In addition to the Hickory names mentioned, do Mazara or Guzman have the ability to work their way in with a strong 2nd half, or still too far away to be considered?
Jun 25, 2013 09:37 AM
What omission is most likely to have you looking foolish in 12 months time?
Jun 25, 2013 08:30 AM
Jun 25, 2013 08:30 AM
Also, would Profar still be #1 if were eligible?
Jun 25, 2013 08:43 AM
Where would guys like Cole and Cingrani fit in here?
Jun 25, 2013 08:46 AM
What stops Alen Hanson for being higher? He's consistently shown a well rounded game and very nice pop and speed for a middle infielder, even if he's moved to 2B I think he's an All Star.
Jun 25, 2013 08:52 AM
Steve Givarz
Speaking of the loaded Hickory team, have you had any chance to see David Lyon?
Jun 25, 2013 08:56 AM
Thanks for the list!
Jun 25, 2013 08:58 AM
I know he's not a top-50 candidate, but will Brandon Workman finally get any top-100 love this year? He's been quietly excellent for 2 years now and hardly anyone seems to notice.
Jun 25, 2013 09:13 AM
Where would Yasiel Puig rank if still eligible? He'd almost have to be #1, right?
Jun 25, 2013 09:14 AM
Luke in MN
Curious if Kyle Gibson (player from my favorite team) missed the list due to his impending MLB start on Friday or because he just missed. He is getting to be a bit of a senior citizen on these prospect lists.
dREaDS Fan
Tony Cingrani - would he have made the list had he not been called up?
dREaDS Fan
Asked and answered ... never mind. (Put the Reds down for 3 in the Top 50, though!)
Jun 25, 2013 09:16 AM
What does it mean to be the "best" prospect? Would you rather have Buxton or Taveras?
Jun 25, 2013 09:27 AM
It's not. Buxton has more impact potential/louder tools. If forced to pick one over the other, I'd take Buxton.
Jun 25, 2013 09:33 AM
I am glad to see all of the high ceiling prospects at the top of this list. It bodes well for MLB's future. But to say that any 19 year old in A-ball has a ~floor~ of multiple All-Star appearances and a 16+ year career is a bit absurd. I hope he's the next Willie Mays, but there have been way too many next-Willie Mays to suggest that any prospect is a sure thing.
Jun 25, 2013 09:49 AM
I offered up an opinion on Buxton's floor from a very good scout source. It doesn't mean that he is right, but I did feel it had a place in the discussion, regardless if people found it absurd.
Jun 25, 2013 09:54 AM
Great stuff. What's the separator between Russell and Correa?
Jun 25, 2013 09:29 AM
Brady Childs: Can I get breakdowns by age and nationality?
Jun 25, 2013 09:51 AM
Heck, I'll do that. #80Want
Jun 25, 2013 23:50 PM
Does Colin Moran make this list if he's signed?
Jun 25, 2013 10:06 AM
Would Gabriel Guerrero have made the top 75?
Jun 25, 2013 10:32 AM
appreciate your work, jason; as an 80-year-old, i stay away fromn green bananas, but wait anxiously for yelich and walker to make my roto season
Jun 25, 2013 10:37 AM
Micah Johnson absolutely killing it in low A. SB leader in the minors with average and some pop. Any chance he breaks the top 100 by end of year?
Jun 25, 2013 10:54 AM
Curious where Oswaldo Arcia would rank if eligible? His stock must be a lot higher than it was in the offseason?
Jun 25, 2013 11:39 AM
regarding Garin Cecchini:
Jun 25, 2013 11:56 AM
It does if you understand what I mean by trajectory. His previous ranking doesn't influence the trajectory, which is a projection of his future rank as it relates to next off-season's 101. Cecchini didn't enter the year as a top 101 prospect, but thanks to an explosive first half, he finds himself ranked #39. However, I am suggesting that his trajectory will be trending down going forward. The trajectory is the will be and not the was.
Jun 25, 2013 12:09 PM
Should I put Trevor Story's face ona milk carton? What happened there?
Jun 25, 2013 11:59 AM
Would Nick Franklin have made it if eligible? Him or Wong?
Jun 25, 2013 12:24 PM
Does Glasnow have a #1 ceiling? He seems to have the stuff, stats, and height. Is it just a matter of #rig, #want, and command?
Jun 25, 2013 13:16 PM
Bundy's injury seems like it might be serious enough to knock him off this list completely. ("Bundy will be examined by both team orthopaedic surgeon Dr. John H. Wilckens and Dr. James Andrews.") Meyer's shoulder seems like it might become a major concern as well.
Jun 25, 2013 14:35 PM
Dylan Bundy (elbow) is headed to see Dr. James Andrews after being examined by Dr. John Wilckens on Tuesday.
Jun 25, 2013 18:26 PM
Does Roberto Osuna's UCL injury, and high likelihood of requiring TJ Impact on your ranking of him?
Jun 25, 2013 16:01 PM
Do you have new info, or did you miss his return from that injury scare?
Jun 25, 2013 19:47 PM
The injury scare isn't over yet. Frankly the "rest/rehab" program isn't something that fixes your UCL. Most of the time it doesn't work at all, but even when it does it just delays someone needing TJ.
Jun 25, 2013 23:32 PM
If Avasail Garcia weren't currently up with the big team, would he have made the list?
Jun 25, 2013 18:04 PM
Would you consider Arismendy Alcantara a top 101 player with a trajectory that could have him on this list next year?
Jun 25, 2013 19:30 PM
Mike Olt, ranked number 30 on the top 101 list going into the sesaon, is amnog a handful of players from the front half of that list who neither moved onto the majors nor retained their status as a top 50 prospect. Olt, of course, had a disasterously bad start to the season, although it was later explained as being due to vision issues. Since returning in early June he has looked a lot like Mike Olt looks (plenty of power, some swing and miss) yet he apparently wasn't considered for inclusion on this list. Just how much has Olt hurt his prospect status this season with his performance, or is more about his age and lack of obvious path to the majors
Jun 26, 2013 01:57 AM
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text:
ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — Reggie Wayne wants the Colts to live this season in the fast lane.
The perennial Pro Bowl receiver hitched a ride to training camp Wednesday with two-time Indianapolis 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter to deliver one clear message: The team that starts fast and finishes strong the most times is going to win the Super Bowl race.
"I think it's meant to come out fast, to have a sense of urgency," Wayne said after climbing out of the two-seat Indy car that revved its engines at every stop light during the 4 1/2-mile drive across town. "This is one way for us to come out with a motto for the team."
It was a perfect pairing.
Carpenter, a longtime Colts fan, knows all about fast starts. He won the last two Indy poles with four-lap averages of 231 mph and 229 mph.
Wayne is no stranger to splashy entrances. A year ago, he flew to camp in an Indiana University Health Lifeline helicopter with a young man who was recovering from a serious farm accident. Two years ago, Wayne dressed in camouflage fatigues as part of a military convoy. Before that, he came in a dump truck, a bus and another time shared a taxi with close friend and former teammate Edgerrin James. Heck, he even showed up in 2006 wearing James' new jersey after the Colts' career rushing leader signed with Arizona in free agency.
Wayne's choice of transportation also came with a point -- everything from dreaming big to being a work in progress to taking care of one another's backs.
But with Wayne entering the final year of his contract and trying to return from a torn ACL at age 35, this year's symbolism was understandably mixed.
His intention was to demonstrate that Indy had to rid itself of the early-game struggles from 2013 and ease the late-game pressure on Andrew Luck, who already has 11 fourth-quarter wins in just two seasons.
Reporters also wondered whether the race car was intended to prove that he also has regained his wheels after nearly nine months of rehab.
"I guess you can look at it like that," he said with a smile. "I do feel good, and hopefully I'll come out and pick up where I left off."
Wayne said he has been medically cleared to practice, but doctors and coaches have been cautious about pushing him with workouts set to begin Thursday. The Colts will spend most of camp in Anderson until Aug. 13, and Wayne is eager to get back on the field.
"My objective is to be out there the first game," he said before taking a playful jab at coach Chuck Pagano, who said last month he'd need security to keep Wayne off the field. "I do have my boxing gloves for Coach Pagano so we may have to duke it out."
As for his ride, well, it was the talk of camp.
Carpenter, an Indy native and longtime Colts' fan, drove the car in his familiar green-and-white Fuzzy's Vodka driving suit. Wayne was in the backseat in a blue-and-white fire suit and decorated his white racing helmet with a blue horseshoe and the number 87 across the back.
Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen and backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck all lined up at the edge of the players' parking lot to catch a glimpse of what they already knew was coming.
"I've heard what he's doing and this might be his best yet," Christensen said before the arrival.
Wayne called it his favorite entrance.
The only real problem was weather.
Carpenter, who grew up around Indianapolis Motor Speedway and knows all about the trouble rain can cause for Indy cars, worried when it rained twice during the morning. The showers moved out just long enough to allow two of the city's biggest athletes to make the 10-minute drive to Anderson University.
"I'm glad we got to do it," Carpenter said. "He didn't seem nervous at all. I think he felt a little awkward and uncomfortable in the suit, but I told him I'd feel awkward and uncomfortable in his suit, too."
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

subset: commoncrawl


text: 04 Apr 2016 12:30 Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has selected National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the largest UAE lender by assets, as its Middle East Strategic partner for transactional banking services. Under the agreement, NBAD will provide Etihad Airways with a full range of transactional banking services across multiple countries in the region, including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman and UAE. NBAD won the coveted mandate after the Abu Dhabi-based airline undertook an extensive evaluation of banks across the region. Etihad Airways' final choice reaffirms the bank's leading position in corporate banking and cash management, after its recent recognition as the 'Best Bank for Cash Management in the Middle East' by Global Finance magazine.The agreement will enable the airline to leverage both the bank's strong Middle East presence, as well as the comprehensive cash management capabilities it has been investing in over the years.James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Etihad Airways is always looking at ways to enhance operational efficiencies across the entire business. We are pleased to have entered into this agreement with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi to help drive more cost benefits for the business and give us improved leverage regionally. As Etihad Airways continues to grow, this partnership will help bring about greater economies of scale, increased operational efficiency, enhanced financial procedures and immediate solutions to local needs."Alex Thursby, NBAD's Group Chief Executive Officer of NBAD, said: "We are delighted to have won this latest mandate from Etihad Airways along with a previous one recently for their Supply Chain Finance. This is valuable recognition of our commitment to working closely with the airline through our advisory led approach, and designing tailored solutions that best meets their needs and demands. We have the depth and breadth of product to support Etihad Airways across the Middle-East and help the company consolidate and streamline their processes." Contact met Etihad Als wereldwijd opererende luchtvaartmaatschappij hebben wij natuurlijk overal ter wereld vestigingen. Lees hoe u contact kunt opnemen met uw dichtstbijzijnde Etihad-kantoor. Bekijk onze contactgegevens Feedback Als u een opmerking, compliment of klacht wilt doorgeven, of een vraag wilt stellen, klik dan hier Vind ons leuk Bezoek onze Facebookpagina! Bekijk ons Bekijk ons YouTube-kanaal!


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In honor of the Seattle Music Project, a photo exhibit on display in our flagship Seattle store, we'll be highlighting iconic Northwest musicians from the past five decades. Today: punk rock and Farrah hair. (Read our previous post on Seattle music in the '60s here.)
Text below by Charles R. Cross, excerpted from the exhibit.
photo by Andy Norton, courtesy of Anita Lillig
"Rick Smith played in a number of late-'70s, early-'80s Seattle bands, including this band, The Girls. His ripped jeans and shirtlessness would have also squarely placed him ten years later in the world of grunge. It was a style that also owed much to Iggy Pop of the Stooges, who was often cited as a huge influence by many Seattle bands of the day."
photo by Peter Barnes
"The Enemy were one of the first local punk bands in the late '70s. Loud, fast, and deadly serious—the blood is real—they played to tiny audiences at clubs like the Gorilla Room. Following early pioneers like Ze Whiz Kidz, whose cross-dressing pre-dated the New York Dolls, many Seattle bands in the era emphasized an androgynous look that challenged sexual stereotypes in fashion and music."
photos by Tim Orden
"Lips were typical of many bands on the Northwest tavern circuit in the early '80s. They dressed provocatively with a heavy emphasis on cleavage, tight spandex pants, and hairspray. It was a look that owed much to television's Charlie's Angels. Meredith Brooks, later to score a hit in 1997, is the woman with the guitar in the photo above."
photo by Jeff Burger
"Ann and Nancy Wilson were two of the first women to front a hard rock band, and pioneers of music and style. This cover shot from the Bebe Le Strange album captured Ann whispering a secret to Nancy, which gave the photo an intimacy rarely seen in rock."
{A selection of music by Northwest bands in the '70s}:
The Seattle Music Project is an exhibit of photos and ephemera commemorating five decades of Northwest music. Curated by renowned local photographer Lance Mercer, the exhibit resides in the Men's Shop of our Downtown Seattle store, now through the end of October.
[Songs, clockwise from top left, courtesy of K Records, Capitol/Mushroom Records, Restless Records, and King Tut Records. Individuals pictured do not endorse Nordstrom.]


text:
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Clean and shiny industrial look lamps are all the rage and Motrik is the pick of the bunch. The robust cage, which comes in an amazing eight finishes, has a functional yet elegant appeal and the whole look is just perfect for modern interiors.
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Saturday, November 17, 2012
It's easy to understand why they're afraid of it though. It's bigger than them by (heh) googols, and stands in ideological opposition to them in form and function. The internet has allowed governments to topple and revolutions to manifest.
4 comments:
- Silverfox said...
There's more than one way to skin the proverbial cat and more worrisome than any wannabe tyrants and petty dictators in Ottawa are the ones behind closed doors at the UN who've recently announced that they want and need a "kill switch" for the internet as something of a global security measure.
The dicussions surrouding that are heading for a back-room deal with the telecommunications ministers from 193 countries meeting in Dubai next month to hash one out.
What's planned would give not only Harper's but any government that sign's on the ability to completely monitor or shut down the net within their own borders in response to the free exchange of any political, religious, or other ideas they might consider to be "a threat to the state" in whatever way they choose to define that only too convenient term.
They would also be able to impose far more rigid controls that would immediately identify any and every user, their precise location, and every click and keystroke they log in real time the instant they go on-line.
If Russia and China get their way about that no one within their borders will be able to get access without some form of a state imposed identification process and seeking the permission to proceed to whatever sites and activities the state is willing to permit or alow them to engage in.
Any and all of those options would become available to any nation via the UN's own International Telecommunications Union once they have agreed to grant that body the exclusive power and authority to do that on their behalf rather than the more difficult proposition of establishing idividual bodies or agencies of their own inside any of their respective jurisdictions to try and do that.
What you may miss in this backdoor approach is that no nation, imcluding our's, has to actually have the control it is merely handing over or signing away to an international body operating outside of our boundaries to restrict what we can do within them from that vantage point.
- 00:47
- Silverfox said...
Before you dismiss any of that out of hand you might also want to consider that there's also a growing cartel of telecom corporations looking to ammend pricing regulations and structures on a global scale that are also involved and behind this and see it as golden oportunity to significantly increase the cost for day to day internet useage including e-mail and social media for all of the countries right accross the board that become a party to that pending agreement.
So the matter is considerably more ominous than you might percieve and all Harper and his minions have to do is lend the poor old UN a helping hand with improving it's lackluster global security activities in order to get exactly what they themselves want in return for it.
Bear in mind that our would-be masters are merely the most visible puppets of other masters of their own that are considerably higher up and less visible and those in turn must answer to still others, yet again.
In the end that authority is so high and powerfull that it's already made sure that there is no suggestion of it's existence much less any mention of it on the net and it fully intends to keep it that way untill there is absolutely no possibility for anyone to do even the slightest thing about it even if they did know.
Don't ever kid yourself about any light being at the end of the tunnel at this juncture because it's almost a forgone conclusion that it's yet another train coming down those tracks to find out who's "up" to being rail-roaded by this one, this time, with still more to follow.
Wise-up. We are at the mercy of an opposition that transcends national boundaries and we were incapable of stopping it from becoming that way which is why we're in this predicament.
Those that led us straight into that had already been bought-off by it or else been convinced by those that had that it was actually the best thing to do for the nation as a whole at the time or that there was really no other choice they could have possibly made.
That is still the general political consensus of all of the parties in this country and none of them are capable of governing in the best interests of the people on any of the the vital issues that are negatively impacting their lives on an ongoing basis because of it.
Day by day from that time onwards that global and trans-national opposition to the interests and well-being of the common people not just here, but everywhere on this planet, has become progressively richer, stronger, more agressive, and more intrusive in it's private pursuit
of complete and absolute control over their daily lives and the ability to manipulate them in whatever ways it sees fit with absolute inpunity while those people and their governments have inexhoribly grown poorer, weaker, and more helpless in the face of it.
- 01:12
- meadowlark said...
It isn't the citizens of the world that lie. It's the politicians. There are very few politicians, worth the powder to blow them to hell. They all hate their corruption, being exposed on the internet.
Mind you. Harper giving billions of our tax dollars to, corrupt greedy banks, mines, big business and Harper's favorite charity big oil. That those corporations are given huge tax reductions. This was seen on the House of Commons TV channel. Harper steals from us, to give to the wealthiest outfits in the world.
If Harper gets his own way...There will be no Parliament TV channel. He would get rid of Parliament too. Harper is a dictator, there is no need for a Parliament.
Democracy is vanishing. Civil Rights and Liberties are taken away. Freedom of Speech under attack. Our Human Rights, fading away. Canadians are not even entitled to the jobs, in our own damned country.
No province nor Canadian, (except Alberta of course), is safe in Harper's Canada.
Provinces that don't want to be sold out to Harper's China, had better get the hell out.
- 10:34
- Way Way Up said...
Not so sure that Albertans are so safe either. Knowing that our here we are about as far we can get from 308 idiots in Ottawa though does occasionally salve my disdain for politicians.
- 23:46


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Home > News & Events > Wayland Press Release Archives > 2004 News Releases > October 2004 > Kelley recipients of Sudler Award
Kelley recipients of Sudler Award
PLAINVIEW – Wayland Baptist University Assistant Professor of Music Tim Kelley received a little something extra in his mail last week – the culmination of a process that began 10 years earlier while he served as the director of the marching band at Auburn University.
Auburn was awarded the Sudler trophy – the highest award in the nation for college and university marching bands – and each director during the evaluation period received a plaque and poster for his or her effort in maintaining a high level of excellence over a long period of time.
"I was ecstatic to see this in the mail," said Kelley, who served as Auburn's director of the marching band from 1991-94. "It just kind of happened out of the blue. Since this is such a long-term thing you never know about it until it happens."
The Sudler trophy, presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, is awarded annually to a college or university marching band which has demonstrated the highest musical standards and innovative marching routines and ideas, and which has made important contributions to the art over an extended period of time.
"It's based on long-term development of the university band program," said Kelley, who was at Auburn when the band initiated the evaluation process.
"We recorded the first set of CDs ever done by the Auburn band and had one flown aboard the Discovery space shuttle. There are high profile things we did to initiate the process. The actual awarding of it, roughly 10 years later, is kind of the culmination of them reviewing the program over an extended period of time."
Auburn announced the award at the Citadel football game on Sept. 25 which was the 2004 Auburn Alumni Band Reunion. Kelley said each year former band members and directors are invited back to play in the stands with the current band members. He received an invitation this year, but could not make it. A few days later, he received a call informing him of the award.
The Sudler trophy, endowed by Chicago philanthropists Louis and Virginia Sudler, stands 22 ½ inches high, the length of a typical marching band step. It is a bronze cast of a drum major standing on top of a press box, high above a circular stadium, mounted on a marble base. The trophy will stay with Auburn University until it is awarded to another band next year. Each member of the band receives a certificate of award and the directors and former directors receive plaques.
The trophy was designed by the same company that designed the Heisman trophy, awarded each year to collegiate football's best athlete.
"It's called the Heisman of Bands," Kelley said.
Kelley left Auburn after the 1994 marching season to return to Texas where he wanted to continue his teaching career. Kelley, who did his graduate work at the University of North Texas, had worked with many directors in the state and developed an interest in Texas music education.
"When the opportunity arose, Wayland was one of the schools that were open at the time," he explained. "I took a look at it and felt a strong calling that has led to better things."
Kelley has served as director of instrumental studies at Wayland since 1995.


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Pipe smoking and the risk of lung cancer
My husband smokes a pipe, and he is always dismissing the risks of getting cancer. Despite the recent death of a fellow pipe collector, he insists cancer is relegated to cigarette smoking. I am hoping you can connect me with some solid facts/ stats on cancer related to pipe smoking. He is now 50 years old, but he has been smoking for at least 20 years. He smokes about three hours a day on average.
Barbara Campling, MD, Medical Oncologist, responds:
Your husband should not dismiss the risks of pipe smoking. For some reason, pipe smoking is perceived as being less dangerous than cigarette smoking. This is not the case. It is true that the majority of cases of lung cancer are attributable to cigarette smoking. It is also true that cigarette smoking is far more prevalent than pipe smoking. It has been difficult to estimate the risk of lung cancer attributable to pipe smoking alone, since many pipe smokers also smoke cigarettes. The most comprehensive study of which I am aware estimated that pipe smokers have about an 8-fold increased risk of getting lung cancer compared to non smokers (reference 1). This compares to about a 15-fold increased risk of lung cancer in cigarette smokers. However, this risk of pipe smoking may be an underestimate, since the amount of tobacco smoked was not quantitated, and pipe smokers tend to smoke less tobacco than cigarette smokers. My opinion is that pipe smoking is every bit as dangerous as cigarette smoking.
Another study showed that lung cancer accounted for the majority of pipe smoking-related deaths (reference 2). Pipe smoking is also associated with an increased incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, and heart disease.
I hope that you are able to convince your husband that the time to stop smoking is right now. It sounds like he smokes a pipe quite heavily and is likely very dependent on nicotine. Once he makes the decision to quit, this is only the first step. Tobacco smoking is a very powerful addiction, and smoking cessation is a very difficult process. He will need all the help that he can get, including the support of his family. He should see a physician to get advice about medications to facilitate smoking cessation-such as the nicotine patch, and Zyban. His physician will also know what resources are available in your area for smoking cessation, including smoking cessation programs and support groups.
Learn more about pipe smoking and cancer on OncoLink.
- Boffetta P, Pershagen G, Jöckel KH, et al. Cigar and pipe smoking and lung cancer risk: a multicenter study from Europe. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 1999;91:697-701.
- Nelson DE, Davis RM, Chrismon JH, et al. Pipe smoking in the United States, 1965-1991: Prevalence and attributable mortality. Preventive Medicine. 1996;25:91-99.


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LOS ANGELES— Anthony Barr burst through the Bruins' line of scrimmage like a 6-4, 245-pound locomotive on Wednesday morning – a fairly common occurrence for UCLA's potential All-American, Heisman hopeful sack artist.
But this time was different than usual. This time, Barr wasn't chasing down the ballcarrier with his normal aggressive intent. He was the ballcarrier.
The formation, with Barr lined up behind quarterback Brett Hundley, is yet another invention of offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, who has shown early and often this spring that he's ready to dive deep into his bag of tricks in year two of UCLA's offense. And while Barr, who was a running back in high school, turned heads in the backfield on Wednesday, he's also spent time with defensive end Cassius Marsh at outside receiver in the same set, in hopes of helping somewhat replace Joe Fauria's red zone production from last season.
"Anywhere I can help," Barr said. "We could use a bigger body in the backfield and a bigger body outside against smaller corners, take advantage of that. It's something I'm definitely excited about, something I'm comfortable with, something I haven't done in the past. I'm looking forward to it."
The Bruins have practiced that particular red zone formation quite a bit this spring, begging the question of whether we might actually see Barr have an effect on both sides of the ball. According to Barr, the new formation is no smokescreen.
"I don't think I'd be working back there if they were just making this up," Barr said.
And if the early returns on the formation continue to ring true, a few receiving touchdowns might do a great deal for Barr's Heisman campaign. For now though, even after claiming he's aiming to be the No. 1 pick in next year's NFL Draft, Barr is staying focused on the task at hand.
"It's in the back of my mind," Barr said when asked about Coach Jim Mora's comments about him as a Heisman candidate. "But it's not my main focus. My focus with this team is winning games, and with that comes accolades. That'd be awesome, but it's something I'll work towards. … Once we get some wins, we'll talk about that a little later."


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TinEye Safari ExtensionsPosted by: Lily Ballard in Uncategorized, tags: extensions, Programming, safari, tineye
TinEye is a cool reverse image search engine. It lets you take an image and search for it on the web, even finding uncropped, expanded, or unwatermarked versions of the image. Sadly, while TinEye provides plugins for both Firefox and Chrome, they don't provide one for Safari. Because of this, I have written my own extension. Just install it, then right-click on any image and you should see "Search Image on TinEye". You can get it here.
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Hotels & Resorts On Koh Lipe
Travel To Koh Lipe
About Koh Lipe
Contact & Partners & Links
Check out these deals!
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe or Ko Lipe, pronounced as Ko Lee-pae, is the southern most island in Thailand and is one of the many Butang Islands located in the beautiful Tarutao National Marine Park.
Lipe island was first discovered by the Chao Ley (or Sea Gypsies) who would travel from island to island in search of the best fishing in the areas to feed themselves and their tribes. The Chao Ley eventually found a permanent home on Koh Lipe and were given a grant to settle on the island's eastern beach (Koh Lipe Sunrise Beach) and have since remained there.
There are many new Koh Lipe Hotels to choose from for your holiday. It really depends on what you want and need from your accommodation choice.
Use the handy form on the left side of all of our pages to check availability.
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Pattaya Beach is by far the most populated area on the island so it's more of a busy vibe. The east coast or Sunrise Beach, which stretches from the south to the north of the island, and as the name suggests, faces the sunrise and the northern end of Sunrise Beach, Karma Beach, faces Koh Adang, offers a mix of both so if you want to experience everything be sure to find some accommodation on Sunrise Beach. The west or Sunset Beach offers a relaxed, laid-back vibe to get away from the stresses of daily life. There is also a Koh Lipe Walking Street that is in the middle of the island and connects Pattaya and Sunrise Beach. Walking Street is filled with great accommodation and shops!
The island itself is not so difficult to reach, but it's still quite a secret. From the middle of November until late May (high season) you can get to Lipe from several places.
Koh Lipe is an excellent choice for your first or last stop in Thailand as its located in close proximity to Pak Bara, Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Hat Yai, and Langkawi, Malaysia. It's also only a hop away to Samui and Koh Tao. These are all of course in the very south of Thailand.
Lipe also has an immigration office and is only about 1 hour away from Langkawi in Malaysia, so it's a great place to do a visa run, or exit Thailand from an island. If you're visiting anytime not in between November and May then the only place that can transport you to Lipe is from Pak Bara.
We've also provided you with an up-to-date ferry and speedboat schedule for Koh Lipe. If you want any help with your travels be sure to contact us and we can arrange any travel from flights, boats, buses, trains, mini-buses, etc. to and from anywhere in Thailand and Malaysia. Be sure to visit our travel information page to secure the information you need to make sure you get where you're trying to go, and cheaply too!
Translated into the local Chao Ley language, Koh Lipe literally means "Island Paper, or Paper Island."
It is still considered by many an undiscovered secret in Thailand, one of the few remaining as Thailand tourism booms at record levels.
The beaches are pearly white and unscathed, the views will leave you breathless (don't worry, there is a local hospital nearby!) The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is absolutely amazing, the locals will treat you like family, the food will leave your taste buds begging for more, and your body won't need anymore relaxation after a short holiday here.
You might be wondering what exactly there is to do on this island, well... there's something for everybody. In fact, there's so much to do you might seriously consider extending your trip a week or two just to get everything done. Check out our Activities Page for some great things to do. These waters are many visitors number 1 choice for diving, snorkeling, and fishing. It's no wonder why many world class divers visit every year.
You can be sure that with this site you will find the best information about Koh Lipe and the best accommodation available at the cheapest price to guarantee your ultimate happiness.
Be sure to check out our Thailand Immigration page to find out how to ensure the best possible legal holiday in amazing Thailand.
It is important to us that Koh Lipe remains as beautiful as it has been since its creation. Therefore we've created a responsible tourism page to help you understand how you can lessen the harmful impact you have on this wondrous environment. Leave the island more beautiful than when you arrived and we can all enjoy this tropical paradise for generations and generations to come.
It is our hope that you find absolutely everything you need to know on this site. Visit our Links & Partners Page for other informative sites about traveling to Lipe and Thailand. If we've left anything out, or you would like some more information, or wantto book travel and accommodation anywhere in Thailand and Malaysia, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on our contact page.
As a final note:
Enjoy your holidays, Be safe, Be courteous, Relax, Refuel, and Have Fun my friends!


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Nation & World
Russia's battle to hold back EU's expansion brings new pressures on tiny Moldova
On Friday, at a European Union summit in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, Moldova is set to sign on to the European Union's Eastern Partnership, a program established in 2009 to advance political and trade relations between the EU and members of the former Soviet bloc.
It's a chance for countries like Moldova, perhaps the poorest nation in Europe, to advance trade and political links with members of the EU as well as ease visa restrictions. There is just one problem – Russia.
Russia is firmly against Moldova, as well as Ukraine, Armenia and other former members of the Eastern bloc, signing the agreement and moving from its perceived sphere of influence into the EU's. Instead, Russia wants those countries to join its Moscow-dominated customs union, a union that so far includes Kazakhstan and Belarus.
In September, Russia's deputy prime minister, Dmitri O. Rogozin, warned it would be a "grave mistake" for Moldova to seek closer ties with the EU and hinted that Russia could cut Moldova's gas supply this winter – which it relies on, almost exclusively, for heating – if Moldova were to go ahead.
On a visit to the Moldovan capital of Chisinau he left a veiled threat: "We hope you will not freeze."
Armenia, another nation that was expected to sign the agreement in the near future, pulled out in September, following concerted Russian pressure. Ukraine, which had its imports temporarily blocked over the summer, has indicated it won't sign this year, touching off demonstrations there, though Ukraine's president, Viktor Yanukovych, has announced he'll attend the Vilnius summit.
Moldova has indicated it will sign, even though it's been damaged by Russia's blanket ban on Moldovan wine imports, ostensibly for health and safety reasons; Russia was Moldova's primary wine market. There's also fear that Russia could expel tens of thousands of Moldovans.
Perhaps to help combat those reservations, the United States announced Wednesday that Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Chisinau next week.
"Russia is putting all of these countries in a position where they have to choose one or the other," said Amanda Paul, an analyst at the Brussels-based European Policy Center think tank. "They all have key economic relations with Russia, with millions of men and women working in Russia, so they all have a lot to lose."
"The Russian leadership feels like it has imperial rights over the countries once part of the Soviet bloc," she said.
A 2006 ban on the import of Moldovan wine to Russia nearly crippled the industry.
"In 2006 Moldova had 70-80 percent of the market share for wine in Russia," said Alexandru Luchianov, one of the founders of Et Cetra, an award-winning vineyard a few hours' drive south of Chisinau.
"Can you imagine losing that? Many vineyards went out of business, but after that wineries tried to find other markets and now we aren't so dependent on Russia," he said. Still, sales to Russia comprise 30 percent of Moldovan wine exports.
On the streets of Chisinau, the architecture still harks back to the days when this landlocked nation of 3.6 million was part of the Soviet Union. Trams rattle down the streets, passing Soviet-era apartment blocks and monolithic government buildings. The average annual salary is just $3,500, and the capital city is plastered with signs offering waitressing, nursing and construction jobs overseas.
As many as 1 million Moldovans are thought to be living and working abroad, mostly in Russia and Europe, and the country is a major starting point for the trafficking of sex workers.
Sitting on a park bench in downtown Chisinau, 30-year-old Arina Cretu tries to explain the current situation in her country.
"I think the younger generation leans towards Europe, there are more benefits, but for the older generations it is still mixed between wanting to be closer to Russia or Europe," she said.
Cretu works for a child protection nonprofit, studied in the U.S., and is part of a young generation of Moldovans who grew up after the days of communism. For her, the EU seems like the best path toward a brighter future.
"We're realistic, we don't expect that full membership of EU will happen soon, but this shows a backing and support from the European Union for our development as a country," she said.
"The Eastern Partnership program means substantial funds for Moldova's economy, to help develop infrastructure and bring in expertise," said Arcadie Barbarosie, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy, a Chisinau-based think tank.
Drama over the Vilnius summit has intensified in recent weeks.
Russia is working hard to discourage Ukraine from signing. It imposed tougher customs controls on its borders with Ukraine, and Ukraine's Parliament subsequently delayed a vote to allow jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko permission to go to Germany for medical treatment, a key condition set by the EU.
"We will keep telling our friends in Moscow it is unacceptable that our partners are being subject to any kind of pressure," Stefan Fule, the European commissioner for enlargement and neighborhood policy, said at a news conference earlier this month in Moldova.
Those in Moldova are worried that if Ukraine does pull out it will just put more pressure on them, from both sides.
"The EU needs at least one success story in the Eastern Partnership area and they are running out of options," said Barbarosie. "But Russia won't give up, so we are really being pulled in both directions."


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Here's a Press Release from the DeKalb County Newsroom.
DeKalb CEO Ellis Appoints New Police Chief
DECATUR – DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis today announced the appointment of Cedric L. Alexander as Chief of Police for DeKalb County.
Alexander is currently the Federal Security Director for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), United States Department of Homeland Security at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. He has considerable experience in law enforcement and is a clinical psychologist.
Prior to joining TSA, Alexander served as Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services; Chief of Police in the Rochester Police Department, and several leadership roles at the University of Rochester Department of Psychiatry in New York. He began his law enforcement career in 1977 and also served with the Miami-Dade Police Department. He was a law enforcement officer in Florida for 15 years. Dr. Alexander holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, a master's degree in marriage and family therapy and a bachelor's degree in sociology.
"Dr. Alexander's unique blend of leadership in law enforcement and academic training and practice in clinical psychology will be valuable in addressing DeKalb's public safety priorities," said CEO Burrell Ellis. "I am excited to have him in charge of protecting DeKalb's citizens."
The appointment of a new police chief tops off the CEO's public safety priorities. The Police Chief will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. CEO Ellis is in the process of restructuring the Public Safety Office. He will include the input of the Chief Operating Officer and Police Chief to determine the new structure of public safety services.
"Public safety is a top priority for me," said Ellis. "And at the end of the day, citizens look to their government to keep them safe. This arrangement reflects the importance of public safety in my administration."
Additional changes include realignment of police precincts and hiring additional sworn officers.
Dr. Alexander will start work April 1, 2013 and have full command of the police department including 896 sworn officers and additional 50 cadets currently in the police academy and an operating budget of more than $93 million.


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Young Justice coming to Cartoon NetworkIt looks more like the Geoff Johns' "Teen Titans" line-up to me, but I understand calling them "Young Justice" in order to avoid confusion with the most recent Teen Titans cartoon they had.Robin, Superboy, Kid Flash = excellent. Weird to see Miss Martian, 'Aqualad', and Arrowette 'Artemis' mixed in there. I would have much rather they ditched Artemis for Wonder Girl or at least just left her as Arrowette. Eh, I'll still watch it though.
'Wonder Woman' actress revealed
First Pic of Adrianne Palicki as Wonder Woman
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Booger Red
MP3•Episode home•Series home•Public Feed
Manage episode 225035874 series 2371006
ByDiscovered by Player FM and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Player FM, and audio streamed directly from their servers.
68 episodes available. A new episode about every 8 days averaging 49 mins duration .


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Jagwire Road Pad Inserts for SRAM and Shimano style road brakes.
Key Features:
These are an upgrade from basic cables.
The galvanized, stainless steel strands are pre-stretched extruded through a dye to remove any rough edges offering a smoother surface which results less friction along the length of the cable.
These cables are the most popular choice for riders balancing performance, durability and cost.
The stainless steel option offers a greater resistance to corrosion.
Listing is for one inner cable from a multi pack box.
1.1mm in diameter
Sold in 2300mm lengths.
Key features:
View full product details
Sold Out £32.00 GBP
Have a look at our Package Deals that include a high quality wrist compass to really power your navigation speed.
This article in Outside Times by Andy Wilson is a good comprehensive run down of the mapdec features.
The Gear Nuts USA is a blog written by really passionate adventure athletes.
Sold Out £7.99 GBP
If you want to mount our lights on you helmet, you will need one of these (included with 1000 Helmet). It simply wraps around the vents in your helmet, and the double sided velcro makes a fast and secure fitting. Useful if you want to use the 2200 model on your helmet, with the battery pack in your bag, or if you just want a spare to avoid switching between helmets.
View full product details
The first choice of cable for the worlds best bike brands and some awesome colours available!
Jagwires Slick-lube Lined Shift Housings feature in some of the worlds leading bike brands such as Giant, Specialized, Felt, Cannondale, Merida, Norco and many more.
The Slick-Lube lined housing is designed to reduce friction allowing for faster cable movement and slicker gear changes.
Appropriate for use with Teflon coated cables a well as steel or galvanised.
Key features:
Available in Black, Organic Green and Blue
Price per metre, sold in continuous length.


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In Cub Scouting you'll have lots of fun, adventure, and activities with your den and pack. But there's more to it than that. Being a Cub Scout means you are a member of a worldwide youth movement that stands for certain values and beliefs. Cub Scouting is more than something to do. It's all about the boy you are and the person you will become.
What Is Cub Scouting?
What do Cub Scouts do? How old are they? What awards can they earn? Contact us for the answers.
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Baloo will help you learn to recite the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack.
Scouting for All Ages
By joining the Cub Scouts, you've taken your first step on the Scouting trail. Many people stay in Scouting, one way or another, for many years.
Cub Scouting Around the World
You meet and have fun in your neighborhood den and Cub Scout pack. Millions of other boys are also in Cub Scouting across the nation and around the world.


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Art and design book publisher
Assouline specialises in luxurious books on art, design and lifestyle. Our edited selection touches on everything from motoring to travel, each with an emphasis on the well-lived life. This publisher's informative and stylish tomes are sure to take pride of place on your coffee table.
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Headlines archive
Wisconsin Supreme Court accepts four new cases
Madison, Wisconsin - June 8, 2012
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept four new cases. The Court also acted to deny review in a number of cases. The case numbers, issues, and counties of origin are listed below. Court of Appeals opinions available online for the newly accepted cases are hyperlinked.
2011AP813-814 City of Menasha v. Gracia
These consolidated cases involve challenges to two separate drunken driving convictions against Juan G. Gracia. In one case, the Supreme Court examines whether police entry into Gracia's bedroom while investigating a 2010 incident that led to his fourth operating while intoxicated (OWI) conviction was lawful under the community caretaker doctrine. Because of the progressive nature of the penalties for OWI convictions, Gracia also challenges his second OWI conviction, which occurred in 1998, on the ground that he did not validly waive his right to counsel before entering a pro se guilty plea.
Some background: On February 26, 2010, Menasha police observed a yellow traffic light pole that had been struck and was lying near an intersection. Police found a license plate nearby that was ultimately tied to a white 1999 Buick Regal apparently owned by a member of the Gracia family.
After receiving additional information, police went to Gracia's trailer home where they found a white 1999 Buick Regal with considerable damage to its right front that bore some yellow paint similar to the paint used on traffic poles.
Police officers were not able to get Gracia to respond to their visit. As police were about to leave, Gracia's brother, who also lived in the trailer, arrived. Police told him they wanted to check to see if Gracia was OK because they were concerned he may have been injured in an accident.
Gracia's brother went into the home for a short time before returning to lead officers into the home and toward Gracia's locked bedroom. Officers tried to open the door, but could not. Gracia objected to the police presence and asked his brother to make the police go away. Without any explicit suggestion or request from police, the brother rammed his shoulder into the door, causing it to open. The officers then simply walked into the bedroom.
Once inside the bedroom, the police found Gracia lying on his bed and detected the smell of alcohol. Gracia told the police that he had been driving the Buick. The officers then arrested him, and Gracia was charged with OWI-fourth offense. He filed a motion to suppress, arguing that the officers' warrantless entry into his bedroom had been unconstitutional. The circuit court denied the motion, finding that the officers' entry into his bedroom had been justified under the community caretaker doctrine.
While the charge was pending, Gracia also filed a motion collaterally attacking his 1998 conviction for OWI-Second Offense in order to reduce the current charge from an OWI-Fourth Offense to an OWI-Third Offense.
At the time of the 1998 case Gracia was 23 years old and had never been represented by an attorney. He testified at the hearing in the 2010 case that he had believed he did not have any defenses to the OWI-Second Offense charge against him and that a lawyer would not really be able to help him. Gracia consistently indicated in 1998 that he did not want a lawyer. The circuit court at the time ultimately went forward with the plea colloquy and accepted Gracia's plea.
In the 2010 case, the circuit court rejected Gracia's collateral attack on his 1998 conviction, concluding that Gracia had validly waived his right to counsel through a "conscious decision" to not spend the money it would cost to hire an attorney.
The Court of Appeals affirmed on both issues.
Gracia asserts that the Court of Appeals decision is "tantamount to permitting police to make warrantless entries to the homes of Wisconsin citizens after every car accident to see if someone may be hurt." He also argues that he did not make a truly knowing and intelligent waiver of his right to counsel in 1998 case. He points to the fact the trial court never explained that an attorney might be able to find defenses to the charge or might be able to mitigate the charge or the potential sentence.
A decision by the Supreme Court could clarify law surrounding the community caretaker function of police and the standards involved in waiving the right to counsel. From Winnebago County.
2011AP1240 Johnson v. Masters
This certification, arising from a divorce judgment entered into more than 20 years ago, examines Wis. Stat. § 893.40, the statute of repose.
More specifically, the Court of Appeals has asked the Supreme Court: When a wife seeks to obtain a pension award by submitting a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) as required by the divorce judgment, and the submission is approximately one year after the former husband retires, but more than twenty years after the divorce judgment, is this an "action" which is barred by the statute of repose, Wis. Stat. § 893.40?
Some background: Patricia Johnson and Michael Masters initiated divorce proceedings in 1989. They entered into a marital settlement agreement that awarded to Johnson one-half of Masters' pension (valued up to the date of the divorce judgment). The agreement further stated that "[a] QDRO shall be submitted to secure these rights."
At the time the divorce judgment was entered in July 1989, the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), which administered Masters' pension, did not recognize QDROs. No QDRO was submitted at the time of the divorce, or for many years thereafter.
Masters retired in 2009. On March 5, 2010, Johnson submitted a QDRO to the circuit court – 20 years and seven months after the date of the divorce judgment. Masters objected and sought to dismiss Johnson's motion as being barred by the 20-year statute of repose.
The circuit court granted the motion to dismiss. Relying on Hamilton v. Hamilton, 2003 WI 50, 261 Wis. 2d 458, 661 N.W.2d 832, it concluded that the submission of the QDRO was an action to enforce the 1989 divorce judgment that was filed more and 20 years after the entry of the judgment. It construed Johnson's argument as being that the right to a QDRO had not accrued until Masters had retired and rejected that argument based on the statement in Hamilton that statutes of repose apply regardless of when a cause of action has accrued.
In certifying the case, the Court of Appeals identifies five "concerns" or issues regarding whether Hamilton truly should apply to the present case:
- Whether the submission of the QDRO constituted an "action" on the divorce judgment under the language of Wis. Stat. § 893.40 since it did not involve the filing of a summons and complaint.
- Whether Hamilton should apply here because that case involved a third party (the state of Wisconsin) filing an action to collect child support arrearages, while the present matter involves the same two parties and the same divorce proceeding.
- Whether the statement in Hamilton about statutes of repose not depending on the accrual of causes of action applies to the vesting of Johnson's right to a portion of Masters' pension, especially when the WRS did not accept QDROs at the time the divorce judgment was entered.
- Whether Hamilton can be applied to this case consistent with Wis. Stat. § 753.03, which provides that the circuit courts of this state have the power to issue writs or orders necessary to carry their judgments into effect.
- Whether Johnson's attempt to collect on that part of the pension is really an "action" on the divorce judgment and whether Masters has standing to object to Johnson's attempt to collect on the property interest that was legally conferred on her.
From Waukesha County.
2009AP2432 Acuity v. Society Insurance
This case examines whether damages arising from faulty construction work performed by a contractor qualifies as an "occurrence" under the terms of a commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policy.
Some background: Ron Stoikes d/b/a RS Construction, and Terry Luethe d/b/a Flint's Construction, entered into an $8,500 contract with VPP Group LLC to remove and reinstall a concrete wall on the south side of a building containing VPP's engine room, which provided refrigeration and utility services to the company's animal processing plant.
VPP supplied all materials, and RS and Flint provided all labor. Work began in May 2006. RS shored up the engine room and removed the existing wall to grade level. The VPP processing plant continued at full operation during the phase of the work.
On June 12, 2006, during Flint's excavation of a trench adjacent to the south wall site, the soil began to erode from under the concrete slab of the first floor of the engine room. As a result, the engine room's first floor slab cracked and a portion deflected downward, as did a portion of the second floor and roof. The engine room's masonry walls adjacent to the south wall also sustained damage, disrupting utility service and reducing the plant's refrigeration capacity. As a result, VPP incurred costs of approximately $380,000.
VPP repaired the engine room by replacing the portion of the first floor concrete slab that had cracked, jacking up the second floor, and replacing portions of the roof slab. VPP contacted its insurer, Acuity, following the loss. Acuity paid a total of $636,466.39 to VPP in final settlement of the loss claims, including the $380,000 claimed for extra expenses and damages relating to the repair of the building, excluding costs to VPP related to replacing the south wall. Acuity commenced a subrogation action against RS, Flint, and their insurer, Society Insurance, seeking to recover damages arising from the engine room collapse.
The circuit court concluded the CGL policy did not provide coverage because there was no "occurrence." The Court of Appeals concluded the damages suffered by VPP were the result of an "occurrence." The Court of Appeals also concluded the economic loss doctrine did not bar coverage and that no business risk exception in the policy applied.
Society argues the Court of Appeals' decision is in direct conflict with a Court of Appeals decision in another case recently granted review by the Supreme Court, Yeager v. Society Insurance (see 2010AP2733 below).
Society points out that in Yeager, the Court of Appeals held that faulty workmanship was not an "occurrence" and that the damage caused by the faulty workmanship could not itself be the "occurrence" while the Court of Appeals in this case came to the opposite conclusion. Society goes on to argue that the Court of Appeals' interpretation of Exclusions k.(5) and k.(6) was very narrow and in fact is contrary to the plain language of the exclusions.
Society asks the Supreme Court to review:
- If "faulty workmanship" is not an "occurrence" under a general liability insurance policy, then may an occurrence be found solely from the bad result caused by the faulty workmanship?
- If the exclusion, found in all general liability policies, precluding coverage for damage to property on which the insured is performing operations, limited solely to that specific property on which work is being done at the time of the property damage, or does the exclusion apply to all of the property within the insured's control and responsibility?
- When a claim clearly falls within the economic loss doctrine, and therefore may only be brought as a breach of contract, and not a tort claim, is there insurance coverage under a standard general liability policy for the breach of contract claim? From Monroe County.
2010AP2733 Yaeger v. Polyurethane Foam Insulation
This case examines whether property damage caused accidentally by a contractor is covered as an "occurrence," under the terms of a commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policy that defines occurrence as "an accident." A decision by the Supreme Court is expected resolve an apparent conflict between recent Court of Appeals decisions. See also 2009AP2432, Acuity v. Society Insurance, which was recently granted for review by the Supreme Court.
Some background: In October of 2004, Mark Yeager began construction on a new home. In December 2007, he hired Polyurethane Foam Insulation (PFI) to insulate the exterior walls of the home using a spray-in foam product. About one week after PFI finished its work, Yeager became concerned that the insulation had not been properly installed. He subsequently sued both PFI and the product manufacturer, BioBased Insulation, LLC. Yeager's complaint alleged causes of action for breach of contract, negligent breach of contract, and breach of warranty with respect to PFI. He asserted that PFI failed to install the insulation according to the specifications of the contract and that PFI negligently installed the insulation.
At his deposition Yeager claimed that PFI sprayed the insulation unevenly, causing frost pockets to form in places on the surface of the insulation. He contended that PFI allowed liquid resin to leak from a spray hose, staining the floors of the house and leaving behind an oily residue. He also asserted that PFI "oversprayed the insulation, depositing foam on windows, exposed beams, two ladders, a work light, a ceiling fan, and a chimney." He also claimed that PFI spilled fuel oil in the home and failed to remove staging material. He also asserted that, due to PFI's failure to properly install the insulation, condensation built up on the home's windows, causing grey staining and water damage.
Society Insurance, which had issued a CGL policy to PFI, was granted leave to intervene. The circuit court granted Society's motion to bifurcate and stay, ruling that it would determine whether Society's policy provided coverage for Yeager's claims against PFI before reaching the merits of Yeager's claims.
The policy defined "occurrence" as "an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions."
Society had also issued a "Contractors Errors and Omissions" endorsement to PFI, which provided that Society would pay "those sums that [PFI] becomes legally obligated to pay for damages covered by this insurance because of 'contractors errors and omissions" to which this insurance applies." Society's limit under the endorsement was $10,000, and the endorsement said that Society's right and duty to defend ended when it used up that amount in the payment of judgments or settlements for contractors errors and omissions.
Society moved for summary judgment. While it conceded that the contractors errors and omissions endorsement provided coverage for Yeager's claims against PFI, it argued there was no other coverage for claims under the CGL policy because Yeager did not allege any property damage caused by an "occurrence." In the alternative, Society argued that certain exclusions in the CGL policy applied. Society also asked the court to declare that it had no further duty to defend PFI. Society offered to pay the $10,000 limit in the errors and omissions endorsement in fulfillment of Society's obligation.
The circuit court granted Society's motion for summary judgment. It held that the CGL policy did not provide coverage for Yeager's claims because "the exclusions apply here." The court also held that since Society paid $10,000 to the clerk of court, it had no further duty to defend PFI under the Errors and Omissions endorsement. Society was thus dismissed from the case. Yeager appealed, and the Court of Appeals affirmed. The Court of Appeals agreed with the circuit court that a CGL policy that Society issued to PFI did not provide coverage for Yeager's claims against PFI because Yeager's claims against PFI failed to allege property damage caused by an "occurrence" as that term was defined in the CGL policy. Yeager says the Court of Appeals drastically narrowed the coverage available to Wisconsin contractors who purchased general liability insurance. Yeager says prior to this decision, contractors who purchased CGL insurance could expect coverage for claims regarding damage they caused accidentally. Yeager says under the current decision, contractors will no longer have coverage if they accidentally cause property damage at a job site because that damage will be considered "faulty workmanship," which is not an "occurrence." From Oneida County.
Review denied: The Supreme Court denied review in the following cases. As the state's law-developing court, the Supreme Court exercises its discretion to select for review only those cases that fit certain statutory criteria (see Wis. Stat. § 809.62). Except where indicated, these cases came to the Court via petition for review by the party who lost in the lower court:
2011AP174 State v. Hipsher
2010AP2808-CR State v. Geske
2011AP1484-CRNM State v. Nicholas
2011AP2923-W Sturdevant v. Cir. Ct. Brown Co.
2010AP748 Baumeister v. Auto Prods.
2012AP284-W Moore v. Pollard
Eau Claire
2009AP2610 Eau Claire co. v. Softscape
2010AP3085-CR State v. Anderson
Fond du Lac
2009AP2832-CRNM State v. Crain
2010AP2515-CR State v. Randall
2010AP2919-CR State v. Benjamin
2011AP1057-CR State v. Collins
2010AP2855 Geegan v. Wolff
2011AP66/67 State v. Jacobs - Justice Ann Walsh Bradley did not participate.
2009AP2830 State v. Gladney
2010AP2264-W Welch v. Thurmer
2010AP2338 State v. Townsend
2010AP2432 Park Terrace v. Transp. Ins.
2010AP3108-CR State v. Slater
2011AP65 State v. Johnson
2011AP209 Schotz v. Indianapolis Life Ins.
2011AP336-CR State v. Harvey
2011AP963-CR State v. Nelson
2011AP1475-W Orozco-Martinez v. Pugh
2011AP1757-CR State v. Flowers - Justice Patience Drake Roggensack did not participate.
2010AP3002-CR State v. McKay
2011AP608 State v. Briganti
2011AP25 Engel. v. Parker
2011AP658-CR State v. Brantley
2011AP1111-W Kaprelian v. Torhorst
2011AP2411-W McKinney v. Pollard - Justice David T. Prosser, Jr. did not participate.
2010AP2239-CR State v. Clayton-Jones
2010AP2918 Rabine v. Rabine
2012AP368/69-OA Krueger v. COA
2011AP430 Co. of Washington v. Walker
2011AP511-CR State v. Austin
Tom Sheehan
Court Information Officer
(608) 261-6640