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11-15-2024, 12:59 PM
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#51 | ||
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Now the Cardinals are about to get into the act of the post-season after waiting through the first 4 rounds, but this Stags run is why OOTP is so rad, you can really feel the magic of a postseason this unexpected. I have doubted this team -- I'm just simulating the games out -- and save for Willingham's first start, I have tweaked nothing about the lineup or rotation for any of this, they're just getting through on vibes and magic.
I do think the Orioles will end the run, but I just wanted to reflect on this whole season and series, including the very Marlins-esque fire sale that will have to commence after this year, keeping with my storyline. That will be interesting and sad, I'll probably make a new GM that has to deal with that part so it doesn't wreck my current GMs decision history. Against All Odds: How the Wild Card Stags Crashed the ALCS Party In an October already filled with implausible storylines, the Portland Stags might have authored the most remarkable one yet. A wild card team that had to navigate the treacherous waters of the Ladder playoffs has now found itself in the American League Championship Series, leaving a trail of stunned opponents and broken projections in their wake. The numbers tell a story that statistics-minded baseball observers are still trying to process. The Stags entered their Division Series matchup against Sacramento as decisive underdogs – the Solons had won 12 more regular season games and boasted one of the league's most potent offenses. Yet in a series that exemplified Portland's resilient character, the underdogs prevailed in four games, culminating in Rocky Smith's masterpiece that will be remembered in Rose City lore for generations. "Sometimes the baseball gods have other plans," one AL scout texted Friday night. "Sacramento was the better team on paper, but Portland just refused to play according to the script." The turning point came in Game 3, when third baseman Marc McCoy's clutch two-run double broke a tight game open, leading to a 7-4 victory that shifted the series' momentum decisively in Portland's favor. Even a two-homer performance from Solons' center fielder Izan Rodríguez couldn't derail the Stags' destiny that afternoon. But it was Game 4 that crystallized everything special about this Portland run. Career minor leaguer Rocky Smith, thrust into the spotlight by circumstance and necessity, spun a complete game shutout that had even the most hardened baseball observers shaking their heads in disbelief. His four-hit masterpiece in the clincher felt like something out of "The Natural" – except this was real life, playing out in front of a delirious Civic Stadium crowd. The ironies abound. Portland's path to the ALCS has been paved by unlikely heroes like Smith and timely hitting from a lineup that industry experts considered middling at best. Left fielder Erik Monaghan's emergence as a clutch playoff performer (10 RBIs in the Division Series) and designated hitter Peter LaBay's consistent excellence (.375 in the ALDS) have given the Stags' offense an October identity that few saw coming. "What makes this team special is that everyone contributes," McCoy said after being named ALDS MVP. "One night it's Monaghan, the next it's Rocky throwing the game of his life. We just keep finding ways." As Portland awaits their ALCS opponent, the question becomes: how far can this magical run extend? History suggests that wild card teams who survive the Ladder gauntlet often have both momentum and destiny on their side. Whether that proves true for these Stags remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – they've already made believers out of everyone who counted them out. This October story isn't finished yet. And if the first chapters are any indication, the ending could be something special indeed. |
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11-15-2024, 01:58 PM
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#52 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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NLCS Preview: Giants Head to St. Louis as Cardinals Begin Title Chase
After shocking the Rockies in the Division Series, the San Francisco Giants (89-73) now travel to Busch Stadium to face the National League's top seed, the St. Louis Cardinals (100-62), who earned their way straight to the NLCS through the Ladder system's top-seed bye. The series opener in St. Louis features the Giants' Logan Purter (14-11, 3.65 ERA) against Cardinals ace Urban Henry (20-11, 3.03 ERA). For the Giants, this marks their fourth different city in the postseason as they've battled through the Ladder format, while the well-rested Cardinals will be playing their first playoff game. The Cardinals dominated during the regular season, leading MLB in batting average (.273) and on-base percentage (.345). Their offensive attack is spearheaded by centerfielder Leuri Ramirez (.327, 26 HR, 121 RBI) and shortstop José Cordero (.320, 23 HR, 103 RBI). St. Louis's pitching staff, anchored by Henry, finished with the league's best FIP. The Giants counter with a more balanced approach, led by third baseman Tadashi Takagi (.280, 26 HR, 92 RBI) and an aggressive running game that led MLB in stolen bases. They'll need that speed game working against Cardinals catcher Ray Van de Veer to create scoring opportunities. "We've got nothing to lose," said Giants manager Chuck Martinez. "The Cardinals earned that top seed and the rest, but we've been playing elimination games for weeks now. We're battle-tested." Game 1 is scheduled for tomorrow at Busch Stadium, with the Cardinals looking to justify their status as the National League's top seed while the Giants aim to continue their improbable run through the Ladder playoffs. Key Matchups to Watch: - Giants' league-leading stolen base attack vs. Cardinals' battery - Cardinals' MLB-best batting average vs. Giants' 6th-ranked starting rotation - Giants' Alexis Walker (.269, 51 SB) creating havoc on the basepaths - Cardinals' Archer Fernández (.318, 26 HR) vs. Giants' right-handed heavy rotation |
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11-15-2024, 02:00 PM
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#53 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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AP Recap - NLCS Game 1: Cardinals Top Giants 4-1
ST. LOUIS (AP) — In a classic display of veteran prowess, the St. Louis Cardinals' right-hander Urban Henry, 39, delivered a stellar performance to lead his team to a 4-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. Playing at Busch Stadium, Henry pitched seven strong innings, allowing just six hits and one run, while striking out five. His performance set the stage for St. Louis to take an early lead in the best-of-seven series. The game remained a tight contest until the seventh inning, when José Cordero blasted a two-run homer off Giants' starter Jayden Carter, pushing the Cardinals ahead 3-1. Cordero finished the game 2-for-4 with a double and a home run, driving in two runs and solidifying his impact on the game. San Francisco’s only run came in the third inning, courtesy of a sacrifice fly by Haruto Kikuchi. Despite some hits, the Giants couldn't capitalize on their opportunities, leaving seven runners on base. St. Louis tacked on an insurance run in the eighth, with Henry handing the ball to closer Leo Cash, who secured the save with two scoreless innings. Cardinals' manager Wookie Rodgers praised his team's effort, saying, "We played a solid game all around. Urban was exceptional on the mound, and the guys came through with key hits when we needed them." The series continues tomorrow at Busch Stadium, where the Cardinals will look to extend their lead. Player of the Game: Urban Henry Weather: Partly cloudy, 59 degrees, with winds blowing right to left at 11 mph. |
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11-15-2024, 02:01 PM
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#54 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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AP Recap - ALCS Game 1: Orioles Edge Stags 3-2
BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles secured a narrow 3-2 win over the Portland Stags in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, with a standout performance by starting pitcher Jesús Dávilos at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Dávilos, a left-hander, pitched seven impressive innings, allowing just one hit while striking out eleven. His dominance on the mound kept the Stags off balance throughout the game, helping Baltimore take a 1-0 series lead. The game remained scoreless until the fourth inning when the Orioles broke through with a run. They added two more crucial runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Jérémy Bouché, which proved to be the difference. Portland managed to rally in the eighth with a two-run homer by Pedro Correa, but it wasn't enough to overcome Baltimore's lead. Stags' starter Santiago Maldonado took the loss, giving up three runs on six hits over 6.1 innings. Orioles' manager praised his team's resilience, saying, "Jesús did what Jesús does, and the team backed him up when it mattered most." Player of the Game: Jesús Dávilos Weather: Clear skies, 60 degrees, with winds blowing out to left at 9 mph. |
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11-15-2024, 02:03 PM
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#55 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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AP Recap - NLCS Game 2: Cardinals Dominate Giants 7-1
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals took command of their National League Championship Series, defeating the San Francisco Giants 7-1 in Game 2 at Busch Stadium. Right-hander Mark Wleh led the way with a brilliant performance on the mound, delivering seven innings of two-hit ball while striking out nine. Wleh, who threw 90 pitches over his seven innings, stifled the Giants' offense, allowing just one run. "Mark kept his poise and got the job done," praised Cardinals manager Wookie Rodgers. "He was outstanding." St. Louis built their lead with two runs in the third inning and two more in the fifth, highlighted by José Cordero’s two-run homer. Cordero finished the game 2-for-3 with three RBIs, including his second home run of the series. The Cardinals added insurance runs in the seventh and eighth innings to seal the victory. San Francisco managed their lone run in the sixth inning on a double by Anthony Walker, but couldn't muster any further offense against Wleh and the Cardinals' bullpen. Giants' starter Darius Packer took the loss, surrendering five runs on six hits over 6.2 innings. The series now shifts to San Francisco’s Candlestick Park for Game 3, where the Giants will look to avoid falling into a deeper hole. Player of the Game: Mark Wleh Weather: Clear skies, 55 degrees, with winds blowing right to left at 11 mph. Attendance: 47,969 |
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11-15-2024, 02:05 PM
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#56 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Baltimore Tops Portland 3-0 in ALCS Game 2
BALTIMORE, Oct. 2 (Reuters) - The Baltimore Orioles took a 2-0 lead in the American League Championship Series with a 3-0 win over the Portland Stags on Monday. Left-hander Adrián Nuńez dominated on the mound, pitching seven scoreless innings to stifle Portland's offense. Nuńez, who conceded just two hits and struck out three, set the tone for the Orioles. "I just kind of blacked out and executed my pitches," he said post-game. Baltimore broke the deadlock in the fourth inning, and added further runs in the seventh and eighth. Dwayne Whitelaw and Javier Cisneros both contributed RBIs, while Portland's offense was limited to just two hits by Nuńez and relievers. Portland's Liam Willingham, who pitched six innings, was tagged with the loss after allowing three runs (two earned). The series will now shift to Civic Stadium in Portland, with the Stags seeking to avoid a 3-0 deficit. Player of the Game: Adrián Nuńez Weather: Cloudy, 56 degrees, with winds blowing out to left at 10 mph. Attendance: 47,671 |
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11-15-2024, 02:08 PM
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#57 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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LaBay Blasts Orioles, Stags Take Game 3, 19-9
PORTLAND (AP) — The Portland Stags erupted for 19 runs to overpower the Baltimore Orioles 19-9 in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Civic Stadium. Designated hitter Payton LaBay led the offensive explosion with a stellar performance, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles, and a walk. He scored four runs and drove in three, helping the Stags close the gap in the series to 2-1. The Stags set the tone early with a nine-run second inning. The onslaught began with center fielder Liam Bright’s three-run homer off Erik Nemerov, putting the Stags ahead 4-0. LaBay followed with a three-run homer later in the inning, extending the lead to 9-0. "It feels good to get this one," Bright told the Portland Herald. Portland’s offensive juggernaut continued throughout the game, adding another run in the fourth, one in the fifth, seven in the sixth, and one more in the seventh. Third baseman Marcus McCoy added a grand slam in the sixth inning, finishing the game with five RBIs. Stags' starting pitcher Greg Hayes earned the win, despite giving up five runs over 5.2 innings. Relievers Nick White and Nathan Stock combined to finish the game, allowing four runs but holding on to the substantial lead. Baltimore's offensive efforts were led by first baseman Jérémy Bouché, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. However, it wasn't enough to match Portland’s relentless attack. The series continues tomorrow at Civic Stadium, where the Stags will aim to even the series at 2-2. Player of the Game: Payton LaBay Weather: Cloudy, 54 degrees, with winds blowing out to right at 7 mph. Attendance: 31,089 Code:
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11-15-2024, 02:19 PM
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#58 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Takagi Hammers Cardinals, Giants Take Game 3
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants kept their postseason hopes alive with a 7-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Candlestick Park. Third baseman Tadashi Takagi led the charge, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk, and four RBIs. The win reduces the Giants' series deficit to 2-1. The Giants exploded for four runs in the first inning and three in the second. Their offense was sparked by catcher Jedidiah Melton, who delivered a run-scoring single in the first inning to make the score 2-1. Takagi's three-run homer in the second inning off Cardinals' starter Omar Regalado extended the lead to 7-3, and the Giants never looked back. "Every time I go up there, I try and hit a ball hard," Takagi said. Starting pitcher Fernando Gomez earned the win for San Francisco, allowing three runs on five hits over five innings. Relievers Greg Kelly and Raul Maldonado combined for four scoreless innings to secure the win. For St. Louis, first baseman Alejandro Fernández and right fielder Dan Cook provided the only bright spots, each hitting home runs. Regalado took the loss, giving up seven runs over just one inning. Player of the Game: Tadashi Takagi Weather: Clear skies, 55 degrees, with winds blowing in from left at 16 mph. Attendance: 43,372 Code:
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11-15-2024, 04:45 PM
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#59 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Almost There: Orioles on Cusp of LCS Triumph After 6-3 Win
PORTLAND (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles took a commanding 3-1 lead in the American League Championship Series with a 6-3 victory over the Portland Stags in Game 4 at Civic Stadium. Center fielder Daniel Madden delivered a standout performance, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, and three RBIs to propel the Orioles to victory. The Orioles' offense came alive in the fourth inning, scoring six runs to overturn an early 3-0 deficit. Designated hitter Kian Soutillan contributed with a run-scoring groundout, while Madden's three-run homer provided the big blow of the inning. "Trying isn't good enough in this league," said Madden. "You've got to get results." Baltimore starter Tobias Hercules earned the win, pitching seven innings and allowing three runs on six hits while striking out two. Ulysses Escarcega and Trevor Flax combined to shut down the Stags over the final two innings, securing the victory. Portland's early offense was highlighted by shortstop Jack Tiller’s solo home run in the second inning, but they couldn't muster any more runs after the third inning. Reliever Ernesto Ramos took the loss, giving up six runs in 1.1 innings of work. Player of the Game: Daniel Madden Weather: Partly Cloudy, 57 degrees, with winds blowing left to right at 8 mph. Attendance: 31,366 Code:
Last edited by Young Drachma : 11-15-2024 at 06:19 PM. |
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11-15-2024, 06:20 PM
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#60 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Coleman Blasts Cardinals, Giants Take Game 4, 10-7
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants rallied late to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-7 in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series at Candlestick Park. Shortstop Clarence Coleman was the star of the night, going 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, and three RBIs to tie the series at 2-2. The Cardinals jumped to an early lead, scoring two runs in both the first and second innings. However, the Giants responded with three runs in the second, highlighted by Coleman's two-run homer off St. Louis starter Kevin Gibbons. San Francisco took the lead for good in the bottom of the eighth inning when center fielder Alexis Walker delivered a clutch two-run single off Cardinals reliever Logan Cash, making it 9-7. The Giants added another insurance run, sealing the victory. "It's the best feeling when you come through for your teammates," Coleman said. Giants starter Luke Purter pitched 4.2 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out four. Reliever Raul Maldonado earned the win, pitching two scoreless innings with four strikeouts. St. Louis's offensive efforts were led by designated hitter Pedro Brown, who went 2-for-5 with two RBIs, and shortstop José Cordero, who added two hits and an RBI. Player of the Game: Clarence Coleman Weather: Clear skies, 51 degrees, with winds blowing in from left at 10 mph. Attendance: 42,893 Code:
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11-15-2024, 06:57 PM
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#61 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Orioles End Stags' Cinderella Run, Clinch AL Pennant on Madden's 9th Inning Blast
The Baltimore Orioles are heading to the World Series for the first time since their 2039 championship, after centerfielder Dylan Madden's dramatic two-run homer in the ninth inning lifted them to a 2-1 victory over the Portland Stags, clinching the American League Championship Series in five games. In a pitchers' duel that lasted most of the afternoon at Civic Stadium, starter Jesús Dávilos delivered eight masterful innings for Baltimore, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six. The performance lowered his postseason ERA to a microscopic 0.60. "Jesús gave us everything today," said series MVP Jean-Philippe Bouché, who hit a scorching .474 for the series with 5 RBI. "We knew if we could just break through, we had a chance because of how he was dealing." That breakthrough came in the ninth. With the Orioles trailing 1-0, shortstop Brandon Moreno singled with one out, setting the stage for Madden's heroics. The centerfielder, who finished the day 3-for-4, launched his third homer of the series off Stags reliever Sam Maldonado, silencing the crowd of 31,110. For Portland, it was a bitter end to a magical run through the Ladder playoffs. Rightfielder Pablo Correa had given the Stags their only run with an RBI double in the sixth, and they seemed poised to send the series back to Baltimore before Madden's blast. "This team showed incredible heart," said the Stags manager. "From the wild card games through today, they never quit. Baltimore was just better this series." The Orioles, seeking their fifth World Series title in franchise history and first in 23 years, now await the winner of the Cardinals-Giants NLCS. |
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11-15-2024, 06:58 PM
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#62 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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The Little Team That Almost Could: Looking Back at Portland's Improbable Run
There are seasons fans remember because of championships. Then there are seasons fans remember because of the journey. The 2062 Portland Stags gave their faithful the latter – a rollercoaster ride that will be talked about in Pioneer Square bars for decades to come. Let's be honest: nobody saw this coming. The Stags weren't supposed to be here. They weren't supposed to survive the new Ladder playoff format. They definitely weren't supposed to be one out away from forcing Game 6 in the ALCS against a 101-win Orioles juggernaut. But that's why we watch, isn't it? The story of the 2062 Stags isn't about how it ended – with Dylan Madden's cruel ninth-inning homer silencing Civic Stadium. It's about how third baseman Marc McCoy carried the offense through the early rounds. It's about Eric Monaghan launching moonshots when the team needed them most. It's about journeyman Rocky Smith – five career starts to his name – throwing a complete game shutout to clinch the ALDS against Sacramento. This team had no quit. Four elimination rounds in the Ladder playoffs? The Stags treated each one like a new challenge rather than a burden. They became the first wild card team to navigate the gauntlet, taking down higher seeds and breaking hearts along the way. The "Cardiac Kids" nickname started as a joke in local media, but by the time October rolled around, it felt more like a badge of honor. Remember the electricity in the city during that Sacramento series? The way downtown erupted when Luke Bright kept finding gaps in the outfield? The collective holding of breath every time Pablo Correa stepped to the plate in a big moment? That's the stuff that builds baseball tradition in a city. Sure, Baltimore was better. Their 101 wins weren't a fluke, and Bouché's MVP performance in the ALCS showed why they're heading to the World Series. But the 2062 Stags showed Portland – and baseball – something special. They showed that the new playoff format, rather than being a cruel gauntlet, could be a stage for magic. They showed that underdogs can still bark in modern baseball. Twenty years from now, we might not remember the exact score of that final game. But we'll remember Smith's gem against the Solons. We'll remember McCoy's clutch hits. We'll remember Monaghan's power surge. And we'll remember how a team that wasn't supposed to make noise ended up giving us one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history. The 2062 Portland Stags didn't bring home a pennant. But they gave us something almost as valuable: hope. Hope that in baseball, David can still take aim at Goliath. Hope that next year, maybe that ninth-inning homer goes our way. After all, that's what baseball is all about. And man, what a ride it was. |
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11-15-2024, 07:10 PM
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#63 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Death, Taxes, & Urban (Legend) Henry: Cardinals Dominate Game 5
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals took a decisive step toward the World Series with a commanding 7-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series at Candlestick Park. The theme of the game: death, taxes, and the legendary performance of Urban Henry. At 39 years old, Henry delivered a masterclass in pitching, completely shutting down the Giants' offense. Over nine innings, the veteran right-hander allowed no runs on just three hits, striking out five and walking one. His dominance earned him the title of Player of the Game and brought the Cardinals within one win of the World Series. "Urban was in charge the entire game," said Cardinals manager Wookie Rodgers. "He showed why he's a legend." The Cardinals' offense came alive in the fourth inning, starting with a two-run homer from right fielder Dan Cook off Giants' starter Jayden Carter. First baseman Alejandro Fernández followed with a two-run shot in the fifth inning, and the Cardinals never looked back. Fernández finished the game 4-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBIs, and a walk. Shortstop José Cordero contributed with three hits, three runs, and an RBI. The Cardinals continued to add runs in the sixth and eighth innings, solidifying their lead. The Giants struggled to find any offensive momentum against Henry, managing only three hits throughout the game. Third baseman Tadashi Takagi provided a brief spark with a triple in the first inning, but it wasn't enough to ignite the Giants' bats. Weather: Partly Cloudy, 59 degrees, with winds blowing in from center at 12 mph. Attendance: 43,140 Code:
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11-15-2024, 07:40 PM
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#64 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Hot Stove Tonight - What's Next for the Cinderella Stags?
Transcript from MLB Network's Hot Stove Tonight, featuring analysts Trevor Chen and Maria Rodriguez discussing the Portland Stags' future following their ALCS exit CHEN: So Maria, the Stags' improbable run is over. $43 million payroll - lowest in baseball - and they made it to Game 5 of the ALCS. The question now is: what do you do if you're Portland's front office? RODRIGUEZ: That's the fascinating thing, Trevor. They built this team on bargain-bin shopping and 60 OVR players, and somehow it worked. But arbitration's going to push them to around $65 million next year. Even that would only be third-lowest in baseball. Do you try to run it back or do you pull a 2003 Marlins and tear it all down? CHEN: See, that's where this gets interesting. Their offense is legitimately good. McCoy, Monaghan, Correa - these guys can hit. But that pitching staff? Come on. They needed a miracle complete game from Rocky Smith just to get past the Division Series. Lightning doesn't strike twice. RODRIGUEZ: But that's what makes this such a unique situation. Most teams that make deep playoff runs with low payrolls - think 2008 Rays, 2020 Rays - they at least had pitching. The Stags did this with basically smoke and mirrors on the mound. CHEN: Exactly why I'd sell. McCoy's trade value will never be higher. Monaghan just showed he can hit in October. You could restock your farm system overnight. RODRIGUEZ: You're not wrong about the trade value, but I actually lean the other way. Look at the landscape - Baltimore's aging, the Solons lost key pieces to free agency. Why not run it back with this core and just focus exclusively on finding pitching? The fans just watched this team make history as the first wild card to navigate four rounds of the Ladder playoffs. You really want to tear that down? CHEN: You know what fans love more than a fun playoff run? Sustained success. This team as constructed, even with marginally better pitching, isn't winning a World Series. Period. RODRIGUEZ: But that's assuming the goal is winning a World Series. Maybe the goal should be staying competitive while operating under these self-imposed restrictions. They've proven you can build a watchable product on a shoestring budget. CHEN: A watchable product that's going to get more expensive through arbitration, with no pitching, in a division that's only getting tougher. I love a good underdog story, Maria, but I also love reality. And the reality is this team peaked at the perfect time. Sell high. RODRIGUEZ: I'll tell you what - let's revisit this at the winter meetings. If they haven't moved anyone by then, we'll know they're trying to recreate the magic. If McCoy or Monaghan is wearing different colors, we'll know you were right. CHEN: Either way, what they managed to do this year with that payroll... it shouldn't have worked. But for one magical October run, it did. RODRIGUEZ: And that's why we love baseball, isn't it? End Transcript ---------------------------- Breaking Down the Miracle Run: The 2062 Portland Stags The Portland Stags' improbable ALCS run was built on one of baseball's most dramatic offensive-defensive splits in recent memory. The team rode an elite offense and survived with patchwork pitching all the way to Game 5 against Baltimore, proving you can compete even with MLB's lowest payroll - if you're willing to get creative. The Elite Offensive Core At the heart of Portland's success was 19-year-old first baseman Matías Santana, who put up MVP-caliber numbers: .372/.443/.633 with a 191 wRC+ and 7.8 WAR. Around him, shortstop Jaxson Tiller (.325/.384/.556, 153 OPS+) and 22-year-old leftfielder Payton LaBay (.306/.373/.558, 150 OPS+) formed a young core that should only get better. The depth of the offense was remarkable: - E.J. Monaghan and Paul Correa both posted 119 OPS+ - Mel Johnson contributed a 133 OPS+ - Part-timer Liam Bright delivered a 145 OPS+ in limited action The Pitching Puzzle The rotation numbers tell a stark story. Only Norville Stock (152.2 IP, 3.71 ERA) and Ryder Moring (81.1 IP, 1.99 ERA) posted above-average seasons. Glenn Hayes (167 IP, 5.60 ERA) and Stephen Maldonado (176.2 IP, 6.57 ERA) ate innings but got hit hard. Rocky Smith's playoff complete game came despite struggling in limited regular season action. The key issue wasn't just performance - it was stamina. Beyond Hayes and Maldonado, no pitcher threw more than 100 innings. That's simply not sustainable over a full season. The Path Forward With arbitration pushing payroll to $64.5M in 2063, the Stags need a new approach to pitching. The international market presents an intriguing solution. The financial picture suggests room for 3-4 international veterans at $2-3M each, especially with the offensive core still being relatively affordable. Santana's age-19 season shows there's elite young talent to build around. The Blueprint for 2063 The strategy seems clear: 1. Maintain the elite offensive core 2. Target international pitchers with proven durability (150+ IP seasons) 3. Focus on strike-throwers who can provide 5-6 efficient innings 4. Implement aggressive pitch count management 5. Create depth through volume rather than top-end talent The 2062 Stags showed you can win with elite offense and patchwork pitching. For 2063, the goal should be making that pitching more sustainable through international scouting and smart workload management. In a sport where most teams are chasing the same domestic talent, perhaps the next market inefficiency lies overseas. Last edited by Young Drachma : 11-15-2024 at 07:46 PM. |
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11-15-2024, 07:43 PM
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#65 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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I didn't follow any of my house rules for the Stags, I traded for guys with 60 OVR and we maintained the lowest payroll in baseball but it's basically impossible to run a team in this league with only 5% of payroll since that'd only be around $9.4 million.
I still did play a limited moves game and I bolstered the opposition a lot. The task and question left for the Stags next is whether I let them run it back with payroll thanks to arbitration likely to be somewhere in the $65 million range, up for $43 million this year. That'd still be good for 3rd lowest in MLB. I like the idea of seeing if they can run it back, but I'm also intrigued by a Marlins style firesale. I was hoping they could do what the 2003 Marlins did or even just pull a 2008 or 2020 Rays deal where we go on a run to the World Series before breaking things up. We could opt to operate like the 2016 Blue Jays where new management comes in and does basically nothing, lets the existing team play and then see what happens, but there's no way this team with this barely passable pitching could win a World Series or make another deep post-season run though the offense is largely off the chart. Meanwhile, the Cardinals still have to win two more games and i'm just watching helplessly as that takes shape. I want to do a captains log style dynasty update where I reflect foremost on the Stags season and what's next for the club, tearing it down would be interesting if I was just interested in a full tank job and/or looking for prospects to try all of this again. I just don't know if I have the interest in doing that, as I kind of like the team we've got right now and I'd be curious with another year of team control and perhaps going forage for some bargain basement pitchers or making a new set of house rules around acquiring new arms whether we could make another run. That said, has been my most immersive OOTP save for me to play in a long time, documenting is fun but only because it helps me to actually notice what's happening in the game and to account for anything I've done. I think my off-season plan will indeed be to go look for guys in the foreign leagues. No pitcher in my rotation is has an overall of more than 65, our offense was fueled by a lot of Dominican players that I have going through the draft and a few deadline deals I made to keep the storyline interesting for myself, I've always run my teams similarly. I'm going to focus on the Cardinals run and see if they can get back to the World Series now, but I'm looking forward to the offseason to see if I can keep this Stags thing going one more year, before the inevitable breakup has to happen. |
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11-15-2024, 07:48 PM
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#66 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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St. Louis Cardinals Win NLCS, Headed to World Series
ST. LOUIS (AP) The St. Louis Cardinals clinched their spot in the World Series with a 3-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals secured the series win, 4-2, behind a stellar performance from pitcher Mark Wleh. The game remained scoreless until the sixth inning when the Cardinals finally broke through with two runs. Designated hitter Pedro Brown was replaced by pinch hitter Jake Gallegos, who got things started. José Cordero, the series MVP, contributed with an RBI single, and first baseman Alejandro Fernández added a sacrifice fly. In the eighth inning, right fielder Dan Cook sealed the victory with a solo home run, his third of the series. The Cardinals' pitching staff was lights out, with Wleh throwing seven innings of one-hit ball, striking out seven and walking three. Closer Leo Cash shut the door in the final two innings, securing the save without allowing a hit. "Two great teams, only one can go on and we're happy that's us," said José Cordero, who hit .435 with a .500 on-base percentage in the series. He also tallied two home runs, eight RBIs, and seven runs scored. San Francisco struggled to get anything going offensively, managing just one hit in the game. Third baseman Tadashi Takagi struck out three times, and the Giants left three runners on base. Code:
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11-15-2024, 08:02 PM
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#67 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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2062 World Series Preview: A Clash of Historic Powers
For the first time since 1944's all-St. Louis showdown - when the Orioles were still the Browns - these two storied franchises meet in October. The St. Louis Cardinals (100-62) seek their first World Series title since 2011, while the Baltimore Orioles (101-61) chase their first championship since 2039. Legacy on the Line The Cardinals' 24th National League pennant gives them a chance to add to their historic total of 11 World Series championships, though their 51-year title drought is their longest since the franchise's founding. Meanwhile, the Orioles are appearing in their 9th Fall Classic (8th since moving to Baltimore), seeking their 5th title overall. The Matchup St. Louis dominated the National League with baseball's most efficient offense (.327 team average, MLB-best .345 OBP). Centerfielder Leuri Ramirez (.327/.379/.544, 26 HR, 121 RBI) and first baseman Archer Fernández (.318/.429/.524, 26 HR) anchor a lineup that pressures opposing pitchers from top to bottom. Perhaps even more impressive has been their postseason pitching. Veteran ace Urban Henry has been nearly unhittable in October, going 2-0 with a microscopic 0.56 ERA. Not to be outdone, Mark Wleh has matched him with a 2-0 record and 0.64 ERA in his postseason starts. This one-two punch has elevated St. Louis's championship hopes from strong to formidable. Baltimore counters with MLB's best regular season pitching staff (3.62 ERA), led by lefty ace Jesús Dávilos (18-6, 2.44 ERA, 243.2 IP). Shortstop Buster Moreno (.289/.383/.499, 22 HR) spearheads an offense that tied for the AL lead with 231 home runs. Key Storylines - The unstoppable force meets the immovable object: St. Louis's red-hot playoff rotation vs. Baltimore's season-long pitching dominance - Baltimore's elite bullpen (led by closer Uranio Escarcega's 22 saves) against St. Louis's late-inning offensive prowess - The Cardinals' aggressive baserunning vs. Baltimore's stellar defensive efficiency (.708, 2nd in AL) Projected Pitching Matchups Game 1: Henry (STL, 2-0, 0.56 ERA postseason) vs. Dávilos (BAL) Game 2: Wleh (STL, 2-0, 0.64 ERA postseason) vs. Núńez (BAL) Game 3: Regalado (STL) vs. Nemerov (BAL) Game 4: Gibbons (STL) vs. Hercules (BAL) The Bottom Line While Baltimore owned the regular season pitching headlines, St. Louis's rotation has found another gear in October. The Cardinals' combination of baseball's best offense and suddenly unhittable starting pitching makes them a formidable favorite, despite lacking home-field advantage. Baltimore's championship drought and home field edge will provide plenty of motivation, but they'll need to solve the Henry-Wleh puzzle that's stifled everyone else this postseason. Something has to give between these two powerhouses. Prediction: Cardinals in 6 |
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11-15-2024, 08:05 PM
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#68 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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World Series Game 1: St. Louis Draws First Blood With 6-3 Win
In the opening game of the 2062 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals managed to seize victory from the jaws of defeat with a late-game rally, overcoming the Baltimore Orioles 6-3. Despite a stellar performance from Orioles' left-hander Jesús Dávilos, who threw 7 innings of two-run ball, the Cardinals took the upper hand in the best-of-9 series. The Cardinals' hero of the night was shortstop José Cordero, who delivered a crucial two-run single in the top of the ninth inning, putting St. Louis ahead for good. Cordero's hit turned the tide in a tightly contested match that saw both teams struggle to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities. St. Louis got on the board early, scoring in the second and fourth innings, but it wasn't until the ninth that they broke the game open. Baltimore, despite their 13 hits, failed to convert their base runners into a lead, stranding 15 runners on base. Closer Leo Cash sealed the deal for the Cardinals with two scoreless innings, ensuring that the efforts of starter Urban Henry, who gave up 12 hits and three runs over seven innings, did not go to waste. Code:
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11-15-2024, 08:07 PM
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#69 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Game 2: Raucous Crowd Propels Orioles to 7-0 Victory; Series Tied at 1
Behind a stellar performance from starter Adrián Nuńez, the Baltimore Orioles blanked the St. Louis Cardinals 7-0 to even the series at 1-1. In a game that saw Oriole Park at Camden Yards come alive, Nuńez delivered 7.0 innings of shutout ball, allowing only 2 hits and striking out 4. The Orioles' offense came alive, scoring early and often to secure their first win of the World Series. Nuńez was in command from the start, and he got the support he needed. Left fielder Sean Van Doren set the tone with a double in the first inning, and center fielder Daniel Madden continued his power surge with a two-run homer in the fourth. Third baseman Javier Cisneros capped the scoring with a three-run homer in the eighth. Code:
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11-15-2024, 08:12 PM
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#70 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Wasting a Mark Wleh start in the World Series to go down 1-2 is not my favorite, but it's a long series.
GAME 3, 2062 WORLD SERIES Orioles 4, Cardinals 3 (10 innings) Code:
Last edited by Young Drachma : 11-15-2024 at 08:12 PM. |
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11-15-2024, 08:19 PM
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#71 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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BENJAMIN DELIVERS AS THE CARDS TIE THE SERIES
The St. Louis Cardinals delivered a resounding 6-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 4 of the 2062 Fall Classic, evening the series at two games apiece and setting the stage for a pivotal Game 5. With the home crowd roaring, the Cardinals struck early, igniting a three-run rally in the first inning. Archer Fernández got things rolling with a single, and timely hits from Leuri Ramírez and Miguel Del Angel set the table for Ray Van de Veer, whose clutch two-run single provided the spark St. Louis needed. Cardinals starter Chase Benjamin was masterful, delivering five scoreless innings while scattering just a few hits. Benjamin’s precision pitching and the Cardinals' airtight defense stifled the Orioles' lineup, erasing any early threats. Baltimore’s aggression on the basepaths backfired, with two runners caught stealing, further tilting the momentum in St. Louis’s favor. Benjamin was a late addition to this game, he started his first post-season game of 2062 owing to the Cardinals bye into the NLCS. The highlight of the night came in the third inning when Damian Cook crushed a towering three-run homer to left-center, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and putting the game firmly out of Baltimore’s reach. Orioles starter Torque Hercules struggled, surrendering six runs in just three innings, while Powell McGowan provided stability out of the bullpen but couldn’t undo the damage. The Cardinals’ bullpen took over seamlessly from Benjamin, preserving the shutout and showcasing the depth of their pitching staff. Despite a valiant effort by the Orioles to mount a late rally, St. Louis never wavered, locking down a dominant win. With the series now tied 2-2, both teams are bracing for a critical Game 5. Code:
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11-15-2024, 08:23 PM
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#72 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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In a thrilling conclusion to Game 5 of the 2062 World Series, the Baltimore Orioles edged the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth. Archie Narcisse played the hero, delivering a deep fly ball off Cardinals reliever Logan Cash to bring home the game-winning run and send the sold-out crowd at Oriole Park into a frenzy.
Baltimore starter Jesús Dávilos was outstanding, dominating the Cardinals over seven innings while striking out 11 and allowing just one run—a solo homer by Miguel Del Angel in the second inning. Dávilos kept St. Louis hitters off-balance with pinpoint command, earning Player of the Game honors for his stellar effort. The game remained tight throughout, with the Cardinals' starter Ulysses Henry matching Dávilos pitch-for-pitch. Henry went seven strong innings, yielding only a single earned run while striking out seven. Baltimore finally broke through against the St. Louis bullpen in the seventh, as pinch hitter Dave Whitelaw laced an RBI double to tie the game at 2-2. Baltimore’s bullpen held firm, with Ulises Escarcega pitching the final two frames and allowing just one run to secure the win. St. Louis squandered opportunities late, stranding several runners in scoring position, including a pivotal moment in the eighth when Damian Cook flied out with two on. The Orioles took control of the series with the win, now leading 3-2 in the best-of-nine Fall Classic. The two teams will clash again tomorrow night at Camden Yards, with Baltimore one step closer to clinching the championship and St. Louis fighting to keep their title hopes alive. Last edited by Young Drachma : 11-15-2024 at 08:30 PM. |
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11-15-2024, 08:31 PM
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#73 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Cardinals Down But Not Out: "We've Been Here Before"
The weight of a 51-year championship drought just got a little heavier in St. Louis. After the Cardinals' 7-1 loss in Game 6, they now face the daunting task of winning three straight against baseball's best pitching staff. But in the visiting clubhouse at Camden Yards, there was no panic – only resolve. "Baseball's a funny game," Cardinals manager Wookie Rogers said, leaning back in his office chair with the same calm demeanor that's defined his tenure. "Everyone's talking about how we need to win three in a row like it's climbing Mount Everest. You know what? This team won eight straight in May. Seven straight in July. We won five straight to close out September when we needed every one of them." The decision to start Oscar Regalado (now 0-3, 10.54 ERA this postseason) will be debated all winter if the Cardinals can't complete the comeback. But Rogers' focus remained forward, not backward. "You win one game tomorrow. Then you win one game the next day. Then you win one more," Rogers continued, the hint of a smile crossing his face. "That's all baseball is – one game at a time. We've got our backs against the wall? Fine. That wall's at Busch Stadium, and I like our chances in front of our fans. This team's got something special about it. Always has. Now we just need to show it three more times." The Cardinals will turn to their ace Urban Henry in Game 7, hoping to start their own slice of history. No team has overcome a 4-2 deficit in a best-of-nine World Series since 1925. But as Rogers puts it: "Records are made to be broken. Droughts are meant to end. And comebacks? They're meant to be legendary. See you Friday night." Code:
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11-15-2024, 08:42 PM
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#74 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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CARDINALS SURVIVE GAME 7 BEHIND WLEH’S WIZARDRY, SEND SERIES TO DECISIVE GAME 8
By Deadspin Staff Writer Who Definitely Didn’t Have Their Draft Stolen by ChatGPT The St. Louis Cardinals aren't dead yet, folks. Thanks to an absolutely filthy outing by Mark Wleh, the kind of performance you tell your grandkids about even though they’ve never watched a full baseball game, the Cards trounced the Baltimore Orioles 6-1 in Game 7 of the best-of-nine World Series (we'll never get used to saying that). Busch Stadium was a soggy cauldron of energy, with 48,619 fans refusing to let relentless drizzle—and 47-degree temps—dampen their spirits. Wleh was unhittable in that way where you wonder if the Orioles collectively left their bats on the team plane. Eight innings, four hits, one measly run, and ten strikeouts. He wasn’t just pitching; he was conducting a master class in “sit down and shut up.” Not a single Baltimore hitter managed to figure him out. He made Bouché, Narcisse, and Moreno—guys who normally get cheers louder than free beer—look like extras in a Little League movie. Meanwhile, Baltimore starter Evan Nemerov… well. His line—6 innings, 10 hits, 5 earned runs—was the kind of thing that might get your face pixelated in a postgame highlight package. The Cardinals batters were relentless, taking him apart piece by piece like an IKEA coffee table, leaving Baltimore fans to wonder whether they should’ve just gone with the bullpen sooner. Let’s talk offense. St. Louis wasn’t flashy; they were surgical. Jose Cordero and Miguel Del Angel led the charge, combining for four RBIs that felt less like insurance runs and more like the nails in Baltimore’s proverbial coffin. Lars Ramirez added a dagger of a two-run homer in the fifth, and if there’s a more poetic way to end a wet, miserable night for the Orioles, we don’t want to hear it. The Orioles' only glimmer of hope came from Kevin Richardson, who doubled in the ninth off a clearly human Mark Wleh. But don’t get it twisted—this wasn’t a “Baltimore rally.” This was more like watching a broken-down car crawl to the nearest exit while Wleh waved from the rearview mirror. Even the rain couldn’t dampen the vibes in St. Louis. Manager Wookie Rodgers—yes, that’s his real name—gave us this gem of a quote after the game: “A confident pitcher is a dangerous thing. That’s what Mark is right now.” Translation: We have a horse, and you’re all screwed. So, now what? The series is 4-3, and the Cardinals are right back in it, clawing their way out of the hole they dug when Baltimore decided to cosplay as 1970s dynasties for the first six games. Game 8 is tomorrow night, back at Busch Stadium, and if tonight was any indication, the Cards have all the momentum. Or maybe they don’t—this is baseball, and chaos reigns supreme. One thing’s for sure: The Orioles better figure out how to hit a baseball, or Wleh’s going to have a statue outside Busch by Friday. |
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11-15-2024, 08:51 PM
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#75 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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The Morning After: Cards Still Breathing, But Who Gets the Ball?
After Mark Wleh reminded everyone why baseball is the greatest sport on Earth last night (8 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 10 K in a cold drizzle? Are you kidding me?), we've got the biggest pitching decision since... well, probably since the franchise moved to Sportsman's Park. Here's our situation: We're down 4-3 in a best-of-nine. Game 8 tonight. Game 9 tomorrow (if necessary). We've got Oscar Regalado lined up for Game 8 (and after his Game 6 disaster, typing that made me break out in hives), and Urban Henry rested for a potential Game 9. But here's the thing - can we really trust Regalado again? The guy's sporting a 10.54 ERA this postseason and looked about as comfortable in Game 6 as a Cardinals fan at Wrigley Field. And if we lose Game 8, there IS no Game 9 for Henry to pitch. The case for starting Henry on short rest tonight: - He's our ace - He's been lights out all postseason - If we lose, having him fresh for Game 9 doesn't matter - The season literally hangs in the balance The case against: - He's never pitched on short rest in his career - If we win WITH Regalado, we have our ace fully rested for Game 9 - Henry's age (39) makes short rest even riskier Look, I get why Wookie Rogers might want to stick to the plan. The "one game at a time" mentality has gotten us this far. But this isn't May baseball anymore. This is "we haven't won a title since 2011 and we're two wins away" baseball. My totally unsolicited opinion? You go Henry tonight. Kelly Gibbons has been decent enough to give you a fighting chance in Game 9 if we get there. But you HAVE to get there first. Regalado in an elimination game feels like playing Russian Roulette with five chambers loaded. The Orioles are wobbling after Wleh's masterpiece. Their confidence is shaken. You hit them with Henry tonight, maybe squeeze 6 strong innings out of him, and you force a Game 9 where literally anything can happen. But what do I know? I'm just a blogger sitting here in my Cardinals pajamas, trying to figure out how I'm going to explain to my boss why I need to leave early again for tonight's game. One thing's for sure - Busch Stadium is going to be electric again tonight. After what Wleh did in that rain last night, this city believes. Now we just need Rogers to make the right call with who takes the mound. What do you think? Should Henry go on short rest? Let me know in the comments below, and remember - no matter what happens, at least we're not Cubs fans. |
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11-15-2024, 08:56 PM
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#76 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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CARDINALS FORCE GAME 9, URBAN HENRY DIES FOR OUR SINS
You know it’s a wild ride when your ace, running on a cocktail of adrenaline and 48 hours of rest, gets shelled for ten hits and six runs and still saves the season. That’s what Urban Henry gave us in Game 8: a gutsy, gory, gasoline-soaked slog that somehow didn’t leave Busch Stadium in flames. Henry didn’t have his best, or even his “meh,” but he gave the Cardinals enough. Just enough to let the bats take over and punch Baltimore right in the beak. And the bats did their job. Oh boy, did they. Leuri Ramírez said, “Grand slam? Sure, why not?” in the fourth, taking a hanger from Torque Hercules (fake name, terrible result) and parking it somewhere in the Gateway Arch. Ramírez’s five RBIs carried the night, but don’t sleep on Alec Fernández, who had the audacity to follow up Ramírez’s heroics with a two-run moonshot of his own. Not a man alive in Baltimore is sleeping well tonight. For the Orioles, they got plenty from their big boys—Jean Bouché and Derrick Madden were tearing the cover off the ball—but their pitchers might as well have been throwing BP. Hercules gave up 10 hits in three innings. Ten! That’s a stat line that gets you DFA’d, not starting a World Series game. So here we are, tied up at 4-4, headed for a Game 9 bloodbath in Baltimore. Anything could happen. Urban Henry might pitch again. Torque Hercules might try to redeem himself (he won’t). Leuri Ramírez might hit another grand slam just to see if he can break science. All we know is it’s gonna be chaos, and it’s gonna rule. |
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11-15-2024, 11:37 PM
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#77 | ||
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Game 9 Preview: History Awaits in Baltimore
After a series that's featured everything from pitching duels to offensive explosions, from rain-soaked classics to momentum swings, it all comes down to this. Game 9 at Camden Yards. Winner take all. The Orioles seeking their first title since 2039 on their home turf, the Cardinals trying to become the first team to win Games 7, 8, and 9 on the road to end their drought stretching back to 2011. The Pitching Matchup Baltimore is going all-in with their ace, Jesús Dávilos. The 22-year-old Dominican has been everything you could want in a franchise pitcher, posting a 2.44 ERA over 243.2 innings this season. His postseason numbers have been equally impressive, and now he gets the chance to close it out in front of the Camden faithful. The Cardinals' starter remains unannounced, but the whispers around the visitors' clubhouse suggest we might see something unprecedented. With Urban Henry potentially available out of the bullpen for the first time in his career, the Cardinals could piece together a "bullpen game" that ends with their ace closing things out. The Series So Far Quote:
The Cardinals' pitching stats this series tell a fascinating story. Mark Wleh has been otherworldly (1.24 ERA in 29 IP), while Oscar Regalado has struggled mightily (10.54 ERA). Chase Benjamin's perfect 9-inning performance in Game 8 gives the Cardinals hope that they can piece together another masterpiece, even away from Busch Stadium. The Key Decision The Cardinals' pitching decision might be the most crucial of the series. Do they start someone like Kelly Gibbons (despite his 12.60 ERA in his one series appearance) and save Henry for relief, or do they roll the dice with Henry on short rest? The bullpen has been solid, with Logan Cash (4.26 ERA) and others providing reliable innings. The Bottom Line This series has defied conventional wisdom at every turn. Baltimore dominated early, winning the first three games at home, watched St. Louis steal momentum, but now returns to Camden Yards with a chance to celebrate in front of their home crowd. The Cardinals have won two straight, but must now do something no team has done before - win Games 7, 8, and 9 of a World Series with the final three all coming on the road. In the end, it might come down to which manager plays their pitching cards right. Baltimore's strategy is clear with Dávilos. The Cardinals' approach - particularly regarding Henry's potential relief appearance - could be the difference between celebration and heartbreak. History at Stake: Game 9's Place in Baseball Lore As Baltimore and St. Louis prepare for just the sixth decisive Game 9 since the best-of-nine format returned in 2043, it's worth noting the historical weight of tonight's matchup. This isn't just about two teams seeking to end championship droughts - it's about adding their names to a very select list of teams who've gone the distance in baseball's most grueling format. Best-of-Nine Decisive Games (Since 2043) Quote:
The Ladder playoff format, reintroduced in 2059, has added another layer of intrigue to this matchup. The Cardinals, having earned their way to the World Series through the traditional path, face a Baltimore team that dominated the American League all season to secure their spot. What makes tonight particularly special is that no team has ever overcome a 4-2 deficit in a best-of-nine World Series. The Cardinals aren't just trying to end their 51-year championship drought - they're attempting to make history in a format that's seen just three previous Game 9s in the modern era. The last team to win a decisive World Series game on the road? The 2061 Mets at Minnesota. Before that, you have to go back to the best-of-seven era and the 2036 Dodgers winning Game 7 in Seattle. Tonight at Camden Yards, we're not just watching Game 9 of the 2062 World Series. We're watching a potential chapter in baseball's evolving history, as two storied franchises face off in a format that continues to produce unprecedented moments. |
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11-15-2024, 11:54 PM
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#78 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Veterans Chase One More Ring: The Championship Pedigree in Game 9
In a series where history looms large, the handful of players who have felt the weight of a World Series ring could prove decisive in tonight's Game 9. The stories of how these veterans found their way to this moment add another layer of intrigue to an already compelling finale. The Cardinals' Ring Collection - Flynn Rodriguez: The most decorated player in this game, with three championships from Cleveland's mini-dynasty of the 2050s - Urban Henry: Earned his ring with the 2058 Rangers - Mark Wleh: A three-time champion, winning with the Rockies (2054, 2056) and adding another with the '58 Rangers The Orioles' Champions - Adrián Núńez: Part of the Yankees' 2053 championship team - Torque Hercules: Shared that 2058 Rangers title with Henry and Wleh But perhaps the most compelling story belongs to Orioles outfielder Spencer Van Doren. The Cardinals' first-round pick (21st overall) in 2055 spent seven years in St. Louis before being dealt to Texas. Now, after a mid-season trade to Baltimore, he has the chance to deny his original team their first title since 2011. The Rangers Connection That 2058 Rangers team has become an unlikely nexus of this series, with Henry and Wleh now trying to beat their former teammates Hercules and Van Doren. Henry could potentially close out Game 9 against the very players he once celebrated with. Experience When It Matters Combined, these veterans bring eight World Series rings into Game 9. Wleh's masterful Game 7 performance (8 IP, 1 R) showed how that championship experience can manifest in crucial moments. The question now: which of these proven winners will add another ring to their collection? "You never forget what it feels like to win that last game," Wleh said after Game 8. "But you never forget what it feels like to lose it either. That's what makes Game 9 so special - everyone in both clubhouses knows exactly what's at stake." For the dozens of players seeking their first championship tonight, they need look no further than their veteran teammates to understand both the glory and pressure that awaits in the season's final game. |
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11-16-2024, 12:23 AM
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#79 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Cardinals Shuffle Deck for Game 9: Breaking Down the Bold New Lineup
In addition to the surprising Cho announcement, the Cardinals are rolling out a dramatically different lineup for the most important game of the year. Manager Wookie Rogers has clearly decided that if they're going down, they're going down swinging – and with some fresh faces. The New-Look Cardinals Lineup 1. SS José Cordero (.386/.444/.561 this postseason) 2. RF Leuri Ramirez (.214/.290/.321) 3. LF Pinwheel Brown (.289/.360/.333, 11 SB) 4. 1B Archer Fernández (.333/.444/.604, 3 HR) 5. DH Chase Zuniga (First postseason appearance) 6. 3B Sandy Cook (.294/.379/.333) 7. 2B Flynn Rodriguez (First postseason appearance) 8. CF Asher Novak (0-for-1 in series) 9. C Ralph Judd (First postseason appearance) Key Changes - Inserting the veteran three-time champion Rodriguez at second base - Giving Zuniga his first start at DH - Moving Ramirez to the 2-hole - Complete refresh of the bottom third of the lineup The Strategy Rogers appears to be betting on a combination of proven postseason performers (Cordero, Fernández) and fresh legs (Zuniga, Judd) who haven't been worn down by the long series. The inclusion of Rodriguez, with his three rings from Cleveland, adds championship experience to a pressure-packed situation. The Risk Starting three players who haven't appeared in the series (Zuniga, Rodriguez, Judd) in Game 9 of the World Series is practically unprecedented. But facing elimination for the third straight game, perhaps conventional wisdom no longer applies. Combined with the Cho pitching decision, the Cardinals are essentially pushing all their chips to the center of the table with a completely reimagined approach. Sometimes the best adjustment is the one your opponent hasn't prepared for. "Everyone in that lineup was chosen for a specific reason," Rogers said pre-game. "Whether it's experience, matchups, or just having fresh legs - we believe this group gives us the best chance to make history tonight." |
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11-16-2024, 12:54 AM
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#80 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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The Cardinals' Game 9 Strategy Was Like Bringing A Plastic Fork To A Gunfight
Look, I get it. When you're desperate, you do desperate things. Like asking your friend who "knows cars" to fix your transmission. Or trying to cure a hangover with more alcohol. Or, if you're the St. Louis Cardinals, throwing Ji-Won Cho out there in Game 9 of the World Series against a goddamn pitching terminator. Jesús Dávilos didn't just beat the Cardinals last night. He performed baseball's version of a ritual sacrifice, methodically dismembering their offense in front of 47,722 bloodthirsty witnesses. Fifteen strikeouts. FIFTEEN. Ralph Judd went down three times looking so lost he probably needed Google Maps to find the dugout. The entire bottom third of the Cardinals' lineup looked like they were swinging pool noodles up there. The decision to start Cho wasn't just desperate - it was the baseball equivalent of showing up to a sword fight with a butter knife wrapped in tin foil. By the fourth inning, when Spencer Van Doren (because OF COURSE it had to be their old draft pick) launched a three-run homer that probably still hasn't landed, the Cardinals' master plan had all the structural integrity of a wet paper bag. But here's the thing: It didn't matter who they started. Dávilos was going to shove that trophy down St. Louis's throat no matter what. The guy threw 139 pitches like he was playing catch in the backyard. The Cardinals managed three hits. THREE. I've seen better offensive performances in Little League games where everyone gets a participation trophy. The true comedy was watching the Cardinals trot out three guys who hadn't appeared in the series yet for Game 9 of the World Series. Chase Zuniga played third base like he was using Google Translate to understand the position. The error he made in the fourth looked like me trying to do calculus after six beers. And now the drought continues. Fifty-one years since 2011. The Cardinals have now lost more World Series games than some expansion teams have played playoff games. Their "bold" Game 9 strategy will be taught in baseball courses as "What Not To Do When Facing Elimination, Chapter 1." But really, what were they supposed to do? Dávilos was dealing like a blackjack player with cards up his sleeve. The Cardinals could have started Sandy Koufax in his prime and still lost, because Baltimore's ace decided to turn Game 9 into his personal pitching clinic. At least Cardinals fans can drown their sorrows in toasted ravioli and remind themselves that hey, at least they're not the Cubs. Drew Magary is a contributing editor for Some Website That Used To Be Cool and author of "Why Your Team's World Series Hopes Are Dumber Than A Box Of Rocks." |
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11-16-2024, 12:56 AM
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#81 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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2062 WORLD SERIES GAME 9: Orioles 9, Cardinals 2
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11-16-2024, 01:48 AM
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#82 | |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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The Great Migration: How Tax Breaks and Failed Stadiums Reshaped Baseball's Landscape
Because baseball apparently hasn't had enough chaos in 2062, we're now witnessing one of the most significant franchise relocations in recent memory. Let's break down this fever dream of franchise musical chairs, shall we? The Tampa Bay Giants: Because Florida Needed More Baseball Drama In a move that would make Horace Stoneham blush, the Giants are abandoning the Bay Area for... another bay area. After 125 years in San Francisco (and another 75 before that in New York), they're headed to Tampa because their tech bro owner discovered Florida's tax code. The franchise that gave us Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, and Buster Posey will now play in something called "Publix Park," which I assume will feature pub sub stands instead of hot dog vendors. The cruel irony? They're moving to a city that's already lost two MLB teams. The Rays vanished into the ether of baseball history years ago, and the Cannons treated Tampa like a bad Airbnb – stayed for a bit, made a mess, then left. The San Francisco Seals: The Prodigal Franchise Returns Speaking of the Cannons, they're completing baseball's version of a spouse swap by moving into the Giants' old digs. Let's recap their journey: Quote:
They're basically baseball's version of that friend who can't hold down a permanent address. Though reviving the Seals name – a nod to the historic PCL franchise – is a nice touch. Maybe the eighth time's the charm? Baseball's new three-division format means saying goodbye to the four-division experiment. The Ladder playoff system remains, giving 12 teams a shot at October glory through a format that looks like someone threw a March Madness bracket into a blender. The sport that once prided itself on tradition now has teams playing musical chairs across the continent. But hey, at least we still have the Cubs at Wrigley Field. For now. Winners and Losers of the Great Migration Winners:
Losers:
Last edited by Young Drachma : 11-16-2024 at 01:49 AM. |
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11-16-2024, 11:56 PM
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#83 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Lowered the financial modifier, to .500 because $40m salaries were breaking my brain.
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Yesterday, 01:00 AM
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#84 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Cardinals' Early Offseason Moves Signal Calculated Refresh After World Series Loss
The ink has barely dried on Baltimore's World Series victory, but the St. Louis Cardinals are already reshaping their roster through a series of interconnected moves that merit careful analysis. The Dodgers Deal Cardinals receive: - RHP Luke Legler (32, 3.50 ERA, 221.0 IP, 2.9 WAR) - 2B Irv Daniels (24, .285/.358/.446, 16 HR) - LHP Micah Sheehy (25, 3.57 ERA, 58.0 IP) Dodgers receive: - CF Asher Novak (22, #8 prospect) - 2B Miguel Del Angel (34, .292/.341/.458) - RF Damian Cook (24, .257/.323/.422) This is the headliner, and it's fascinating. The Cardinals are clearly prioritizing immediate pitching help with Legler, who provides much-needed rotation stability. Daniels is the sleeper here - a 24-year-old second baseman with a 117 wRC+ and four years of team control. The Cardinals effectively turned an aging Del Angel and two unproven commodities into a mid-rotation starter and their potential second baseman of the future. The Vancouver Pitching Grab Cardinals receive: - RHP Mario Patrascu (23) - RHP Rollie Cassidy (25, 3.46 ERA in AA) - RHP Dario Omundson (23, 6.63 ERA in AAA) Angels receive: - LF Monta Matsui (34, .259/.326/.392) This is a classic volume play for pitching depth. Matsui's declining production (93 wRC+) and $17.6M salary made him expendable, and the Cardinals turned him into three young arms. Cassidy's AA numbers are particularly intriguing, with a strikeout rate that suggests potential major league utility. The Portland Flip Cardinals receive: - RP Danny Beard (24, 2.62 ERA, 58.1 IP) Stags receive: - RHP Dario Omundson (23, acquired minutes earlier) This is where it gets clever. The Cardinals effectively turned Omundson, acquired in the Matsui deal, into a proven reliever in Beard, who posted a 2.62 ERA and showed impressive swing-and-miss stuff in 2062. The Sum of the Parts Looking at these moves collectively, the Cardinals have: - Added a mid-rotation starter (Legler) - Acquired their potential 2B of the future (Daniels) - Obtained bullpen help (Beard) - Shed salary (Matsui's contract) - Accumulated pitching depth (Cassidy, Patrascu) The key here is how each move connects to the others. They turned aging pieces and prospects into immediate help while simultaneously getting younger at key positions. The loss of Novak (their #8 prospect) might sting, but the overall package represents a shrewd retooling rather than a rebuild. ZiPS Projection Impact Early projections suggest these moves could add approximately 4-5 WAR to the 2063 Cardinals, with Legler and Daniels providing the bulk of that value. More importantly, they've maintained their competitive window while adding controllable talent. This is how smart front offices operate - making interconnected moves that address multiple needs while maintaining both present competitiveness and future flexibility. The Cardinals may not be done dealing, but their early offseason moves suggest a clear plan rather than panic after their World Series loss. All statistics from 2062 season unless otherwise noted. |
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Yesterday, 01:48 AM
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#85 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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This will be my last season in Portland no matter what. We'll try to capitalize on this core they've been gifted into and see if we can pull off another run, they'll still be among the bottom teams in payroll and after this year, anyone with a real contract will be dealt.
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Yesterday, 01:56 AM
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#86 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Portland Stags Offseason Analysis: Building on a Cinderella Run
The 2062 Stags defied expectations, riding an elite offense and patchwork pitching to Game 5 of the ALCS. With most of their core returning, let's break down where they need to improve to make another run. The Foundation The offense is legitimately special: - 1B Matías Santana (.372/.443/.633, 7.8 WAR) is a 19-year-old MVP candidate - SS Jaxson Tiller (.325/.384/.556, 4.7 WAR) provides elite shortstop production - LF Payton LaBay (.306/.373/.558, 3.6 WAR) anchors the outfield - The team led baseball in AVG (.281), OBP (.354), and OPS (.822) Critical Needs 1. Starting Pitching - Randy Parrish (4.71 ERA) is their de facto ace - Bill Ballard (4.05 ERA) and Chase Benjamin (4.14 ERA) are serviceable but not difference-makers - Need at least two mid-rotation starters - Jake Cornelius (1.74 ERA in limited action) deserves a longer look 2. Catcher Upgrade - Axel Cloutier (.176/.295/.277) and Bram Brown (.223/.317/.360) provided sub-replacement level production - Position produced -0.7 WAR collectively - Should target veteran game-caller to handle young staff 3. Bullpen Depth - DeJohn Baldwin (5.32 ERA) struggled in high-leverage spots - Need more reliable setup options - Ryder Moring (1.99 ERA) is the only trustworthy high-leverage arm The Strategy 1. Pitching Market - Target international veterans for rotation stability - Look for bounce-back candidates with proven track records - Consider trading from position player depth for arms 2. Catching Solutions - Scan free agent market for veteran defensive specialist - Explore trade market for young catchers blocked in other organizations - Don't overpay - defense should be priority over offense 3. Roster Management - Extend Santana now before price skyrockets - Consider dealing E.J. Monaghan (.289/.335/.486) while value is high - Look to package prospects for immediate pitching help Budget Outlook With most core players still pre-arbitration or early in arbitration, payroll flexibility exists to add veteran pitching and catching help. The key is not overpaying for mediocre arms just because of desperation. The Bottom Line The Stags have the offensive foundation to contend again in 2063. The focus should be on finding 2-3 reliable starting pitchers and a defensive-minded veteran catcher without compromising their long-term flexibility around the Santana/Tiller/LaBay core. Priority Targets: 1. Two mid-rotation starters with track records of 180+ IP 2. Veteran catcher with reputation for handling young staffs 3. Two reliable setup relievers 4. Utility infielder with defensive versatility The window is open. Now it's about supplementing the young core with the right veteran pieces to take the next step. |
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Yesterday, 01:57 AM
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#87 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Path Forward: How the Cardinals Can Build on Their NL Pennant
After falling just short in the World Series, the Cardinals enter the offseason with a clear championship foundation but obvious needs to address. Let's break down their situation. Core Strengths - Elite offense (.327 team average, MLB-best .345 OBP) - Strong up-the-middle defense (Cordero, Daniels) - Top-end rotation pieces (Henry, Wleh, Legler) - Quality bullpen anchors (Cash, Sheehy) The Lineup Core - CF Leuri Ramírez (.327/.378/.544, 6.2 WAR) - 1B Archer Fernández (.318/.429/.524, 5.4 WAR) - RF Pinwheel Brown (.292/.373/.467, 5.2 WAR) - SS José Cordero (.320/.397/.489, 4.4 WAR) Primary Needs 1. Catching Upgrade - Ralph Judd (.176/.285/.216) was a black hole offensively - Need veteran presence to handle strong rotation - Position ranked bottom-3 in MLB in OPS 2. Rotation Depth - Recent trades improved top-end (Luke Legler) - Still need insurance behind aging Urban Henry (39) - Kelly Gibbons (4.90 ERA) isn't a reliable 5th starter 3. Bench Reinforcement - Utility infield depth behind Cordero/Daniels - Better right-handed power off bench - Defensive outfield backup Strategic Approach 1. Catching Market - Prioritize defense and game-calling over offense - Target veterans with playoff experience - Consider package of prospects for young, controllable option 2. Pitching Development - Keep developing Oscar Regalado (3.88 ERA) - Consider 6-man rotation to manage Henry's workload - Look for one more veteran starter 3. Minor Moves - Add veteran utility infielder - Right-handed power bat for bench - Another lefty reliever to complement Sheehy Budget Considerations - Several key players entering arbitration - Still have flexibility after recent trades - Can take on salary for right veteran catcher Timeline Window remains wide open with core in prime years. Primary focus should be: 1. Stabilizing catching situation 2. Adding rotation depth 3. Improving bench versatility 4. Finding right-handed power The Bottom Line The Cardinals don't need an overhaul - they need selective upgrading. Focus should be on catching and complementary pieces rather than dramatic moves. The core that reached Game 9 of the World Series remains championship-caliber. Priority should be finding the right veteran catcher to handle this staff and supplement the offense. Everything else is about depth and maintaining flexibility for in-season moves. |
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Yesterday, 02:13 AM
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#88 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Inside the Trade: Stags Bet Big on Stan Wallace After ALCS Reality Check
When Jesús Dávilos and the Orioles eliminated Portland in Game 5 of the ALCS, the gap between the Stags and baseball's elite became painfully clear: their magical run through the Ladder playoffs had masked a critical lack of frontline pitching. On Monday, they took a massive step toward addressing that deficiency, acquiring veteran starter Stan Wallace in a complex deal with Toronto that could reshape the American League playoff picture. The full trade breaks down like this: Portland receives: RHP Stan Wallace (with Toronto retaining 50% of his $10.8M salary), 1B Josiah Gronewald (50% retained), LHP Ezra Ayotte (10% retained), and OF prospect Abdurahman Al-Dahmani Toronto receives: LF E.J. Monaghan, RHP Stephen Maldonado, RHP Ezequias Ramos, and 1B Nicky Swinson "When you get as close as we did, you have to be honest about what separated you from teams like Baltimore," a Stags executive told The Athletic. "We needed someone who could go toe-to-toe with an ace like Dávilos in October." The numbers suggest Wallace might be that pitcher. He posted a 3.61 ERA across 226.2 innings in 2062, with 198 strikeouts. More importantly, he worked at least six innings in 24 of his 32 starts. For a Stags team that was forced to piece together pitching plans throughout their playoff run - including that memorable complete game from Rocky Smith in the Division Series - that kind of reliability could be transformative. The cost wasn't insignificant. Monaghan (.289/.335/.486 with 25 homers) was a key piece of Portland's offensive core. But with both Liam Bright and Payton LaBay capable of handling left field, and Monaghan's salary set to jump significantly in arbitration, the Stags chose to deal from a position of strength. The salary retention aspects of this deal are fascinating. Toronto eating half of Wallace's salary and significant portions of Gronewald and Ayotte's contracts allows Portland to add multiple pieces while only taking on about $10M in 2063 payroll. For a team that operated on a shoestring budget in 2062, this represents a significant but not crippling increase. "The ALCS showed us exactly where we stood," the same executive noted. "We had the offense to compete with anyone. But in a short series, you need horses at the top of your rotation. Stan gives us that." The real winner here might be Wallace himself. He goes from Toronto's retool to a legitimate contender, and gets to work with baseball's best offense. His career 3.50 ERA at Civic Stadium (albeit in a small sample) suggests the park should play to his strengths as a flyball pitcher. For Portland, this feels like just the beginning. Multiple sources indicate they're still in the market for another starter and catching help. But acquiring an ace without sacrificing any of their core offensive pieces - particularly MVP candidate Matías Santana - is a strong opening move for a team clearly intent on taking the next step in 2063. Extra Innings - Wallace's home/road splits over the last three years suggest he might actually benefit from moving to Civic Stadium's more spacious dimensions - Don't sleep on Gronewald as a potential platoon bat - his .298/.356/.482 line against lefties could play nicely in a timeshare at DH - The Stags' rotation now projects as: Wallace, Randy Parrish, Chase Benjamin, Jake Cornelius, with the fifth spot still to be determined |
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Yesterday, 02:33 AM
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#89 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Cards Deal Gibbons to Reds: A Necessary Evil or Highway Robbery?
Look, trading Kelly Gibbons within the division isn't ideal. It's even less ideal when you remember the Reds finished just three games behind us in the Central. But sometimes a deal is too good to pass up, and Chris Carter might just be that deal. Let's break this down piece by piece: What We Gave Up: - Kelly Gibbons (4.90 ERA, 174.1 IP) - Viktor Tukovic (AA prospect) - Sansan Estevez (A+ prospect) - Oskar Hill (AAA outfielder) What We Got: - Chris Carter (80 OVR catcher, .263/.315/.496 in 2062) - Bevin Gordon (2.90 ERA in 59.1 IP) Here's the thing about Gibbons - we all love the kid, but he got absolutely shelled in the World Series (12.60 ERA). With Luke Legler already acquired and Urban Henry still dealing, moving Gibbons doesn't really hurt our rotation depth. What it does is solve our biggest offensive weakness. Carter is the real prize here. The 25-year-old switch-hitting catcher has legitimate offensive tools (that 92 power rating isn't a typo), and his 70 catcher framing rating suggests he could help our pitching staff in ways Ralph Judd (.176/.285/.216) never could. The fact that he's making league minimum and won't hit arbitration until 2065? That's just gravy. Gordon isn't just a throw-in either. His 2.90 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 59.1 innings give our bullpen another power arm, and at 25, he could be part of the relief corps for years to come. Yes, it stings seeing Gibbons go to Cincinnati. Yes, we might regret this if he figures out his command issues. But after watching our catchers hit like pitchers all through October, it's hard not to love this deal. Carter could be our answer behind the plate for the next half-decade. The prospects we gave up? Tukovic has upside but he's years away. Estevez profiles as a back-end starter at best. Hill is already 22 and still in AAA. None of them were in our top 15 prospects. The Verdict: When you can trade a mid-rotation starter with control issues for a potential franchise catcher AND a high-leverage reliever, you make that deal ten times out of ten. Even if it means strengthening a division rival. Welcome to St. Louis, Chris Carter. Just don't hurt us too badly when the Reds come to town, Kelly. |
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Yesterday, 07:03 PM
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#90 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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THE SPIRIT OF THE DYNASTY...BUT MAKING SOME TWEAKS
I've realized I need a more focused way to tell these stories. Baseball seasons are long, and fictional dynasties can get lost in the details. So here's the new plan: mission-based storytelling. Instead of chronicling every move and moment, we'll focus on specific challenges and their outcomes. Maybe it's "find a catcher for the Cardinals without further depleting the farm system" or "maximize the Stags' one-year window before the mandated teardown." Each update will have a clear goal, the attempts to achieve it, and the results - success or failure. This approach lets me:
For context: The Cardinals are all-in for 2063, having traded their top prospect in a win-now push. The Stags have one year to dream big before financial reality forces a teardown, after which I'll either find a new team or just go down to managing one again. I'll still keep doing the dispatches from fans and other color, because I like that sort of thing and it's fun to explore, but I just need to get back to the roots of this storyline in moving a big quicker in seeing how things play out, as I'm finding myself slowing down again with making a single decision, as the clock idea mostly fizzled out as I don't enjoy playing like that, but the general sentiment of the idea -- make a few moves and see what happens -- is kinda where I'm still at. I think there's a world where I could someday want to play out a dynasty by playing out games one by one, as I like the idea of working with a team throughout the year and seeing the ups and downs, but the baseball season is so damn long, there is something satisfying though about that especially when you get to the post-season with a team, because even when you win, there's something "sad" about knowing that you won't be bringing everyone back and that there's an unknown quantity to the following year and whether you'll ever be able to recapture the magic of the previous year. It's just the coach in me speaking a bit, too. |
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Yesterday, 07:17 PM
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#91 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Cardinals Find Their Depth Through Veteran Acquisitions
The St. Louis Cardinals, still stinging from their World Series Game 9 loss, have addressed their pitching depth in dramatic fashion, acquiring veterans Taner Peterson and Everett Morrow in separate deals while also upgrading their catching situation with Lance Murphy. The New Six-Man Rotation 1. Urban Henry (20-11, 3.03 ERA) 2. Mark Wleh (14-9, 3.99 ERA) 3. Oscar Regalado (16-8, 3.88 ERA) 4. Luke Legler (13-9, 3.50 ERA) 5. Everett Morrow (11-10, 4.21 ERA) 6. Taner Peterson (9-11, 5.14 ERA) The most fascinating addition might be Peterson, whose career arc reads like a baseball odyssey. The 37-year-old has pitched for Cleveland, New York (AL), Boise, and San Antonio, compiling over 3,000 innings with remarkable durability (his "Iron Man" injury proneness rating is rare for a pitcher his age). His 5.14 ERA in 2062 doesn't tell the whole story - he's just two years removed from a 2.84 ERA season with New York. Morrow, acquired separately from Houston, brings a similar veteran presence. His 4.21 ERA across 186 innings in 2062 represents exactly the kind of stability the Cardinals were seeking. More impressively, he's pitched at least 180 innings in seven of the last nine seasons. The catching upgrade came in the form of Murphy, whose defensive ratings (90 blocking, 81 framing) represent a massive improvement over the departed Ralph Judd. While his .238/.274/.356 line won't scare anyone, his ability to handle this veteran staff could prove crucial. The Strategy St. Louis is clearly betting on veteran stability over upside. With a six-man rotation, they can better manage Henry's age-39 season while giving Regalado and Wleh extra rest between starts. It's a luxury made possible by adding two pitchers who've shown they can consistently take the ball every fifth (or sixth) day. "In a 162-game season, depth isn't just important - it's essential," one NL scout noted. "The Cardinals now have six legitimate starters. How many teams can say that?" The cost wasn't insignificant - they dealt away several prospects including Troy Charter - but for a team in clear win-now mode, turning future potential into present stability makes sense. |
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Today, 12:07 AM
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#92 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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As I mentioned, this is my last year running the Stags no matter how their years ago. I'll oversee their fire sale -- or let them exist unabated, I haven't decided yet -- but I'm going to start another 2nd team experience with the Indianapolis Arrows who are going to move after this season.
Nothing new in a league I'd run, where teams move a lot. I tend to like teams in more markets than less, but sometimes teams in small markets that break my immersion make me want to move them. I usually like to think "is this a team I can buy a baseball cap of?" If so, I tend to look for a uniform/logo combo for that club and add them to my MLB game. I feel much less precious about this in purely fictional league saves, but...when I'm doing futurecasting MLB type leagues, I like it to feel like I can imagine it happening. MLB Approves Arrows' Move to New Jersey as Post-Exemption Era Reshapes Baseball Map In a seismic shift that continues baseball's post-antitrust exemption reorganization, MLB owners today unanimously approved the sale and relocation of the Indianapolis Arrows. The team will become the New York Knights, playing their home games at a new state-of-the-art facility in the New Jersey Meadowlands beginning in 2064. The move comes amid a broader reshaping of baseball's landscape in 2063, which has already seen the Giants depart San Francisco for Tampa Bay, the Calgary Cannons become the San Francisco Seals, and the San Antonio Missions transform into the Oklahoma City 89ers. Tech billionaire Marcus Chen's $2.8 billion purchase of the Arrows ends Indianapolis's brief MLB experiment. The Arrows, who averaged just 2.5 million in attendance despite initial hopes of capturing displaced Chicago White Sox fans after their 2025 move to Nashville, found themselves unable to generate sufficient revenue in a market dominated by Reds fandom. "While Chicago seemed like a natural alternative given its single-team status since 2025, the unprecedented opportunity in New Jersey proved irresistible," Chen said. "The repeal of baseball's antitrust exemption finally allows us to serve this market of 15 million people properly." The Knights name carries particular resonance in New Jersey. Despite existing for just four years (2043-2046) in Jersey City, the original Knights captured a World Series title and maintained a dedicated fanbase long after their departure. "That fanbase never died," Chen noted. "They've just been waiting for their team to return." While the Yankees and Mets initially expressed concerns about market dilution, the absence of baseball's antitrust exemption left them without legal recourse to block the move. As a compromise, the Knights will participate in a modified regional television agreement that, while smaller than their New York counterparts' deals, still dwarfs the Arrows' current media revenue. New Jersey state officials, led by Governor Sandra Martinez, welcomed the announcement. "While some might quibble about a 'New York' team playing in New Jersey, the economic impact - projected at $450 million annually - speaks for itself," Martinez said. The Knights will begin play at the 42,000-seat Garden State Ballpark in April 2064, marking the latest chapter in baseball's rapid geographical evolution. With the antitrust exemption gone, more such moves may be on the horizon as the sport adapts to modern market realities. The Arrows will play their final season in Indianapolis in 2063, closing a chapter that began with their arrival from Vancouver in 2058, which followed their single season as the Mounties after relocating from Mexico City's Diablos franchise in 2054. |
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Today, 12:39 AM
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#93 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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2063's Most Intriguing Free Agent Market Yet
The Cardinals may be done after their aggressive moves for Alexis Walker, Korean star Yun-Seong Jeon, and their pitching additions, but several teams coming off strong 2062 campaigns still have work to do. Meanwhile, others desperately need these remaining free agents to avoid another season in the WAR cellar. The Elite Remaining Free Agents Cyrus Edwards (27, RF) tops the market, seeking $18.1M annually. The former Cleveland star's .301/.365/.512 slash line and age make him the most coveted player available. The Red Sox, coming off a 16.9 WAR season (2nd in MLB), have both the need and resources to add an impact outfield bat. The pitching market remains surprisingly loaded: - Jayden Carter (33, SP): 15-10, 3.43 ERA in 2062 - Torque Hercules (34, SP): 2.71 ERA with Baltimore - Minoru Watamura (34, SP): Consistent mid-rotation arm Teams That Have "Won" the Offseason The Seals, despite not yet playing a game in San Francisco, have accumulated 10.2 WAR worth of talent. The Washington Grays (6.6 WAR) and Chicago Cubs (6.0 WAR) have also made significant improvements. Who Still Needs Help? The Dodgers (-9.2 WAR) desperately need pitching help - Carter or Hercules would be perfect fits. The Blue Jays (-11.6 WAR) and Solons (-11.9 WAR) need help everywhere; both should be all over Matias Rodriguez (29, LF) and veteran infielders Benny Jimenez and Rex Collins. The Value Plays Several contenders could benefit from strategic additions: - Boston Red Sox: An Edwards signing could push them past St. Louis - Washington Grays: One more starter could make them legitimate threats - Portland Stags: Coming off a 5.6 WAR season, another bat could solidify their lineup Under-the-Radar Names - Ifan Rodriguez (33, CF): Elite defender with decent bat - Rex Collins (30, 2B): Could be a bargain for teams needing infield help - Alejandro Palomo (40, 1B): Perfect platoon bat for a contender With spring training weeks away and several impact players still available, expect a flurry of moves. The teams that capitalize on this unusually deep February market might just be the ones we're talking about in October. |
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Today, 12:49 AM
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#94 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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The Prodigal Pitcher Spurns Home for a Dead Team's Name
January 31, 2063 In what can only be described as baseball's latest exercise in geographical gymnastics, Jayden Carter just pulled off the most deliciously ironic free agent signing of 2063. The Clearwater native, fresh off watching his Giants franchise bolt to Tampa Bay, has decided to sign with... San Francisco. Sort of. The San Francisco Seals—formerly the Calgary Cannons, wearing the historically borrowed name of a Pacific Coast League team that hasn't existed since the Truman administration—just dropped $21.2 million on a 33-year-old starter who could have gone home to Florida with the team he'd spent the last three years with. Instead, Carter chose to stay in a city that just lost its team, playing for a franchise pretending to be something it isn't. The poetry here is thicker than a fog bank rolling through the Golden Gate. Carter, whose 3.43 ERA last season proved he's still got enough in the tank to justify that salary, is essentially replacing himself. He's the Giants-turned-Seal, the Florida boy who chose the Bay over the Bay Area's freshly expelled team. His career numbers (352 games, 3.72 ERA with Cleveland, 5.26 with Nashville, and 3.29 with San Francisco) suggest he's either found his groove in Northern California or he's particularly fond of sourdough bread. The real kicker? This is a pitcher who's spent a decade making batters look foolish with a 1.30 WHIP and 1,940 strikeouts, and he just chose to sign with a team wearing the skin of a minor league ghost over returning to his sun-soaked hometown. The Seals, in their infinite wisdom, have managed to convince a Florida native to skip the homecoming parade and instead help them cosplay as San Francisco's baseball salvation. This is either the most brilliant piece of franchise theatrics since the Browns became the Ravens and begat the new Browns, or it's proof that baseball in 2063 has finally disappeared completely up its own artificial turf. Either way, Carter will take the mound this spring wearing a Seals jersey, pitching to preserve both his late-career renaissance and San Francisco's tenuous grip on baseball relevance. The Giants may have taken their playoff hopes to Tampa Bay, but at least the city kept a pitcher who remembers what it means to see fog as a home field advantage. Sometimes, it seems, you can go home again—just not necessarily to the home everyone expected. |
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Today, 12:57 AM
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#95 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Oscar Regalado's Impending Role Change Could Unlock Elite Potential
The Cardinals are making an intriguing move with their Dominican fireballer Oscar Regalado, transitioning the 23-year-old from the rotation to the closer role for 2063. While role changes often spark debate, the underlying metrics suggest this could be a masterstroke for both player and team development. Let's start with the obvious: Regalado's pure stuff is elite. With a fastball that sits 96-98 mph and a devastating slider (97 Stuff rating), he possesses the kind of power arsenal that traditionally plays up in short bursts. His 2062 campaign as a starter was solid if unspectacular: 3.88 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and a promising 11.3 K/9 across 195 innings. But diving deeper into his profile reveals why the ninth inning might be his optimal landing spot. The Control Factor Regalado's main limitation as a starter has been his below-average control (42 rating), which led to a concerning 4.8 BB/9 in 2062. However, his extreme flyball tendency combined with an elite 93 fastball rating suggests his stuff could play up significantly in one-inning stints where he can air it out without worrying about pitch economy. Two-Way Versatility What makes Regalado particularly unique is his capability with the bat (.294/.319/.330 slash line across 207 career plate appearances) and defensive flexibility as a left fielder. The role change to closer could actually enhance his two-way value, as the reduced pitching workload could allow for more strategic offensive deployments. Pitch Mix Optimization With a 73 HRA rating and extreme flyball tendencies, Regalado's profile actually projects better in high-leverage situations where the ability to miss bats is paramount. His elite slider (97 rating) paired with upper-90s heat creates the kind of two-pitch combo that often dominates in the ninth inning. The Cardinals' decision to move Regalado to closer appears driven by both necessity and optimization. His 10.8 HR/9 vulnerability as a starter should be mitigated by shorter outings where he can max out his elite stuff without having to pace himself through multiple times through the order. Projection ZiPS comparison factors suggest Regalado's new role could yield elite results. Players with similar stuff/control profiles who transitioned to high-leverage roles have historically seen their K/9 rates spike by 1.5-2.5 points while typically cutting their walk rates by 15-20% in single-inning appearances. If Regalado can harness his elite two-pitch mix in the closer role while maintaining his unique two-way utility, the Cardinals might have just unlocked a truly unique weapon for 2063. The combination of 70-grade raw stuff with defensive flexibility and a serviceable bat makes him one of baseball's most intriguing players to watch this coming season. The risk of transitioning a young arm with starter potential to relief is always present, but Regalado's specific skill set and development path suggest this could be the rare case where a move to the pen actually maximizes overall value. Factor in his ability to contribute with the bat and glove on his non-pitching days, and the Cardinals may have found their most efficient way to deploy one of baseball's most uniquely talented players. |
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Today, 02:17 AM
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#96 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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The 2063 MLB Season Preview: Four Stories to Watch
With spring training around the corner, let's dive into the projected standings and examine the most compelling narratives of 2063. The Cardinals' Path Back After falling in a memorable nine-game World Series, St. Louis (+22.8 WAR) somehow got better. Their projected 103-59 record feels almost conservative given their offseason. Urban Henry and Mark Wleh (projected for a combined 2.88 ERA) front baseball's most formidable rotation, while Archer Fernández (.361/.460/.651 projection) leads an offense expected to score an MLB-best 879 runs. The NL Central race might be over by August. Portland's Last Dance The Stags (+5.6 WAR) face an fascinating scenario: one year to win before a mandated teardown. After pushing Baltimore in the ALCS, they've reloaded through creative trades, notably acquiring Stan Wallace (257.2 IP, 2.83 ERA projection). Their 89-73 projection puts them right in the wild card mix, but the real intrigue lies in their trade deadline approach. Will they go all-in knowing it's their last shot? The Projection Systems Love Boston Perhaps the winter's biggest surprise is Boston's +19.1 WAR improvement, second only to St. Louis. The projection systems see them as a legitimate threat, forecasting an 86-76 record behind MVP candidate Kevin Tavarez (.381/.455/.739 projection). The question: can their pitching staff, led by van Leeuwen (21-11, 3.36 ERA projection), hold up in a brutal AL East? The Forgotten Dynasty? Lost in October's drama was Baltimore's (+3.6 WAR) championship run. Now they're projected for regression (89-73), despite Jesús Dávilos's otherworldly projection (23-7, 1.88 ERA, 13.21 K/9). The computers might be missing something here - their core remains intact, and championship DNA matters. Other Notable Projections The Chicago Cubs (+6.0 WAR) are projected for 95 wins but still finish 8 games behind St. Louis The Indianapolis Arrows (+5.9 WAR) get their final projection before becoming the New York Knights in 2064 The Toronto Blue Jays' projection (-11.6 WAR) represents the largest projected decline The Bottom Line St. Louis looks poised for another deep October run, but baseball's new era brings intrigue beyond just wins and losses. Portland's one-year window, Boston's dramatic improvement, and Baltimore's title defense create compelling subplots in what projects as one of baseball's most fascinating seasons in recent memory. Projection systems cited: ZIPS, Steamer, and MARCEL combined averages Code:
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Today, 03:42 AM
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#97 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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The Most Awkward Family Reunion in Baseball History Is About to Happen
You know that feeling when you show up to Thanksgiving dinner with your new spouse, only to find your ex sitting at the table because they're now dating your cousin? That's basically what's about to happen at Oracle Park on April 20, 2063, and holy **** is it going to be weird. It's been exactly 109 days since the Giants announced they were ditching San Francisco for Tampa Bay's superior tax rates. Usually when a team abandons a city, there's at least a decent mourning period before some other franchise swoops in to be the rebound team. But because 2063 is pure chaos, the San Francisco Seals - wearing the old PCL logo like they're the cool historical successor - are already sleeping in the Giants' old bed. And now? NOW? The goddamn schedule makers, who are either sadists or geniuses, have the Tampa Bay Giants coming back to face the Seals. It's like your ex showing up at your house to get their mail while you're hosting a dinner party with your new partner. The storylines are absolutely bat****: - Jayden Carter (2.91 ERA) starts for the Seals after being the Giants' ace literally four months ago - The Giants still have all their old social media handles because MLB's digital rights agreements are written by drunk toddlers - Some poor bastard at Oracle Park has to figure out which team gets the home clubhouse - The Giants' equipment manager accidentally shipped half their stuff to San Francisco out of habit last week Local sports talk radio is having a collective aneurysm trying to figure out if fans should boo the Giants (who abandoned them) or the Seals (who are basically wearing their ex's clothes). The only thing everyone agrees on is that whoever scheduled this matchup for 4/20 definitely knew what they were doing. YOUR ABSOLUTELY BAT**** SUBPLOT OF THE DAY: Some fans bought Giants season tickets last September, before the move was announced. Those same seats are now Seals season tickets. There are literally people who accidentally bought season tickets for two different teams in the same seats. The future is stupid. The Giants are 16-15 and the Seals are 15-15, because baseball has a sick sense of humor. Carter vs. his old team is appointment viewing, if only to watch the broadcast team try to explain this cluster**** to casual fans who just turned on the game hoping to see some baseball. Drew Magary writes about the future of baseball and other stupid things for [redacted because everything you read in 2023 is owned by a different company in 2063]. |
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Today, 03:42 AM
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#98 |
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Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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When The Numbers Don't Add Up: Breaking Down the Cardinals' April Struggles
Remember March? When trading for Luke Legler and Chris Carter felt like the final pieces of a championship puzzle? When 103 wins seemed conservative? Baseball has a cruel way of humbling expectations, and April 2063 was a master class in exactly that. The Good News First Mark Wleh has been absolutely dealing. His 2.14 ERA across nine starts looks like an ace in his prime, not a guy we thought might be our third starter. The advanced metrics back it up too - 10.9 K/9, microscopic 0.91 WHIP. He's been worth 2.7 WAR already, which would be impressive over a full season, let alone one month. The offense has some bright spots. Leuri Ramírez (.307/.365/.595) continues to be one of baseball's most underrated stars. Pinwheel Brown (.331/.353/.534) has been a revelation, including 21 stolen bases already. Jon Gallegos (.295/.408/.436) has turned second base from a question mark into a strength. The Concerning Parts Urban Henry (5.19 ERA) looks every bit of 39 years old. Our ace has been getting hit hard - a .285 batting average against isn't what you want from your top starter. The projection systems loved our rotation depth; instead, we're watching Everett Morrow put up a 6.75 ERA while trying to hold things together. The biggest disappointment? Chris Carter, acquired to fix our catching woes, is hitting .209/.280/.326. Those 42 strikeouts in 129 at-bats sting even worse when you remember what we gave up to get him. The Numbers That Matter 21-20. Eight games back of both Cincinnati and Chicago. Playing .512 baseball when we were projected for .636. But here's the thing about April baseball - it lies. The same talent that made projection systems swoon still exists on this roster. Legler (3.80 ERA in 4 starts) is just getting settled. The bullpen (Logan Cash, Danny Beard, Mario Patrascu all sub-2.00 ERAs) has been lights out. What Comes Next The Cubs and Reds are playing .700 baseball. History says that won't continue. But history also says you can't wait forever to make your move in a division race. May needs to be better than April, or all those bold offseason moves will look less like going all-in and more like going all-wrong. For now, Cardinals fans are left clutching their coffee mugs and muttering what might be 2063's motto: "It's early. Right?" When One Year to Get It Right Goes Wrong: The Stags at 17-25 The Trust gave Portland one year to dream big. One season to spend like a real baseball team. The results through April? A 17-25 record, nine games back in the AL West, and the growing realization that sometimes dreams are just that - dreams. The Stan Wallace Experiment When the Stags acquired Stan Wallace (and got Toronto to eat half his salary), it looked like the kind of creative move that could define their one-year window. The results have been... mixed. His 4.37 ERA isn't terrible, but it's not the ace-level performance Portland desperately needed. The advanced metrics (3.07 FIP) suggest he's been better than his ERA indicates, but at 9 games back, moral victories don't help much. The Rotation Blues Behind Wallace, it's been a disaster: - Ezra Ayotte: 5.23 ERA, 2.3 HR/9 - Chase Benjamin: 6.50 ERA - Randy Parrish: 7.60 ERA That's not a playoff rotation. That's barely a rotation. The Bright Spots Paul Correa has been a revelation (.310/.353/.608, 8 HR). Matías Santana, at just 19 years old, continues to hit (.302/.378/.453) like a veteran. The offense isn't the problem - they're scoring runs. They just can't prevent them. The Cruel Math What makes this start so devastating isn't just the record - it's the context. The Trust's mandate means there's no "wait 'til next year." This was next year. Every loss in April wasn't just a loss; it was time running out on Portland's one shot at glory. The Bullpen Band-Aid If you're looking for hope, the relievers have shown signs of life: - Ryder Moring: 2.25 ERA - Nash White: 1.88 ERA - DeJohn Baldwin: Holding his own as closer But when you're nine games back in May, good middle relief feels like having premium speakers in a car with no engine. The Harsh Reality The Sacramento Solons, picked to finish last, are running away with the division at 26-16. Meanwhile, the Stags are left facing an impossible question: How long do you chase a dream before admitting it's turned into a nightmare? What Comes Next May becomes crucial not just for wins and losses, but for organizational direction. If they can't make up ground quickly, the front office might have to consider the unthinkable - starting the mandated teardown early to maximize return value. For a fanbase that spent the winter dreaming of October glory, watching the season slip away in April has been brutal. The concrete bleachers at Civic Stadium feel colder than usual these days. |
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