From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty

[Deuce2223]

Quote: Originally Posted by harleyhorse8

Yeah, the Orioles have a couple guys that I'm taking a look at. Other than that, half the Iowa pitchers are hurt so there's really no one there haha. If Wada performs well filling in for Rusin he might stay with the big club but he has too low of a ceiling to be the answer.

Are you using real life rosters. Like does Iowa have Jonathan Sanchez and Kyle Hendricks assuming you do if you had Wada. Sanchez has had past success at the MLB a couple years ago and Henricks is pitching well in real life at Iowa. Neither are long term answers either though.

Not sure what your plans are for the infield (2B/SS) but maybe a deal with Seattle for Franklin and a SP like B. Maurer or Paxton could be a good place to look too but you would probably need to give up either Castro or Samardzija maybe to land all 3. Not sure what pieces would work for just Paxton or Maurer.

Not sure if AC is running a trade thread for 14 like he did for 13, but that would be a good place to get ideas.

[harleyhorse8]

Yankees Win Close Pitching Duel


By Eric Fisher, MLB.com Journalist, April 16, 2014

NEW YORK- The Cubs (6-7) faced the Yankees (6-8) in today's matchup. Both teams came in needing to get to .500. The pitching matchup featured Ivan Nova (0-1) for New York and Jason Hammel (0-2) for the Cubs.

Both pitchers got off to good starts, but a single mistake from Hammel might have cost the Cubs the game. In the second, Mark Texeira got over a 2-0 fastball and drove it into the right-field bleachers. Hammel rebounded after that, but the Cubs could get no runs off Nova despite having a couple good chances. In the sixth, Hammel loaded the bases with two away and Carlos Beltran hit it up the gap. It would end the inning after the second runner was tagged out at home, but the Yanks were now up 2-0.

Things got interesting in the sixth, when Anthony Rizzo hit a home run of his own. But despite that, and despite the Cubs putting two runners on in the eighth and one in the ninth, they were unable to retake the lead. The save went to David Robertson (3).

As Cubs' left fielder Ryan Sweeney was out for today's game with the flu, Ryan Kalish filled in and managed two hits. This performance has to go a long way in increasing his standing with the organization. On the other side, six Yankees managed a hit today.

The Cubs will travel home for their next two series, beginning on the 18th. The Yankees will have two away series separated by a day of rest.

Eric Fisher covers the AL East for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @efish2.

Chicago Cubs at New York Yankees
Apr 16, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago (6-7)	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	4	0
New York (6-8)	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	2	6	3
W: Nova (1-1) L: Hammel (0-2) S: Robertson (4)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			CHC	NYY

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, CF	3	0	0	0	1	3	0	.250
Kalish, LF	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	.333
Castro, SS	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.245
Rizzo, 1B	4	1	1	1	0	1	1	.235
Schierholtz, RF	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	.187
Ruggiano, DH	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.163
Castillo, C	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.175
Barney, 2B	1	0	0	0	3	0	0	.255
Olt, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.159
TEAM TOTALS	30	1	4	1	5	6	1
BATTING: 2B: Castro (2) HR: Rizzo (4) RBI: Rizzo (8) GIDP: Castro, Olt, Ruggiano

New York Yankees
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Gardner, LF	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.226
Jeter, SS	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.180
Ellsbury, CF	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.185
Texeira, 1B	2	1	1	1	1	0	1	.250
Beltran, RF	3	0	1	1	0	0	0	.286
Soriano, DH	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	.345
Cervelli, C	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.133
Suzuki, 3B	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.310
Johnson, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
TEAM TOTALS	27	2	6	2	3	1	1
BATTING: HR: Texeira (2) RBI: Beltran (7), Texeira (7) GIDP: Johnson
BASERUNNING: SB: Gardner (7) CS: Soriano (1)
FIELDING: E: Suzuki 3 (3)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hammel (L, 0-2)	6.0	6	2	2	2	1	1	4.24
Parker	0.1	0	0	0	1	0	0	4.00
Russell	1.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	5.59

New York Yankees
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Nova (W, 1-1)	6.2	3	1	1	3	4	1	3.18
Claiborne (H, 2)	0.1	0	0	0	1	0	0	3.72
Kelley (H, 4)	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	1.54
Robertson (S, 4)	1.0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	4	1	1	5	6	1
PITCHING: WP: Robertson (1)

Yesterday's Transactions

Cubs
Placed SP Chris Rusin and SP Paul Blackburn on 15-day DL.
Promoted SP Duane Underwood from Class-A Daytona to Double-A Tennessee.
Promoted SP Jen-Ho Tseng from Double-A Tennessee to Triple-A Iowa.
Recalled SP Tsuyoshi Wada from Triple-A Iowa.

Dodgers
Placed SP Josh Beckett on 15-day DL.
Promoted RP Juan Ramon Noriega from Class-A Inland Empire to Double-A Chattanooga.
Promoted RP Onelki Garcia from Double-A Chattanooga to Triple-A Albuquerque.
Recalled RP Chris Perez from Triple-A Albuquerque.

Padres
Placed 1B Tommy Medica on 15-day DL.
Promoted OF Lee Orr from Class-A Lake Elsinore to Double-A San Antonio.
Promoted 2B Cory Spangenberg from Double-A San Antonio to Triple-A El Paso.

[harleyhorse8]

Profiling the top 5 prospects in the 2014 Draft

By Arnold Scheffbaum, Tribune Sports Columnist

#5- SP Michael Holmes, Barstow (CA) High School

The third of four great pitching prospects, Holmes brings a balanced approach to the table. He's not the hardest thrower, but can get swings and misses on his breaking stuff.

#4- 1B Mitchell Sheehan, Texas

The Canadian-born Sheehan has a powerful bat and could fit in well as a number 4 hitter. One problem is his speed: he's not the fastest and he's projected to be even slower when he makes it to the major leagues.

#3- RP Justin Forrest, Stanford

It looked like not signing a contract when he was taken four years ago by the Padres proved to be a wise move for Forrest. He chose to develop in college instead, and has honed his breaking balls to be lethal on 0-2.

#2- SP Dan Fraser, Michigan State

Another Canuck, Fraser brings a powerful fastball to the table. At his peak, he is projected to be throwing into the 100+ mph range. His placement isn't there just yet, though: he gave up a lot of base on balls this season.

#1- SS Barack Gilchrist, Georgia Tech

Gilchrist is by far the best position player in this draft class, mainly because of his speed. He slots in at a #1 hitter and could be moved straight to Double-A upon his debut.

[harleyhorse8]

Note: I uploaded the screenshots of the boxscore from the game because I'm a little pressed for time. Tell me if you guys like it this way or would prefer I make the table.
-HH8



Reds Win Extra-Innings Battle in Wrigley


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 18, 2014

CHICAGO- Both the Cubs (6-8) and Reds (7-8) came into today looking for a win, and neither would back down from the other.

The Reds fired the first shot in the second when Todd Frazier hit a home run. But the Cubs answered back after consecutive doubles from Anthony Rizzo and Nate Schierholtz. Again in the third, the Reds took the lead, only for the Cubs to equalize. The teams kept at it all the way through the end of nine.

Although both teams put runners on base, they failed to score until the top of the 11th. With the bases full, Cincinnati 2B Brandon Phillips chopped a ball to second that should have ended the inning with one away. But Phillips was able to just beat the throw out, and Aroldis Chapman locked the door on the Cubs for his 6th save of the young season.

A big performer for the Cubs was Nate Schierholtz, who went 3-for-5 and drove in a run. However, Ryan Kalish's 0-for-4 was disappointing and something he can't afford if he wants more playing time. On the other side of the ball, Brandon Phillips managed the most hits of all the Reds and ultimately drove in the winning run.

Games 2 and 3 are tomorrow and Saturday.

Andrew Kovalchuk covers the NL Central for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.










Yesterday's Transactions

[harleyhorse8]

Reds Escape with Win despite allowing 3 HR, 5 Runs


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 19, 2014

CHICAGO- The Cincinnati Reds (8-8), fresh off a victory yesterday, came into today wanting this game to move up in the NL Central. The Cubs (6-9) wanted to stay competitive in the same division. The result was a great game. The Cubs would start Jeff Samardzija (1-2) against Homer Bailey (1-0).

Samardzija shut down the first three innings and the Cubs got six hits, but none of those runners could manage to come home. Finally, the scoring was opened by 3B Luis Valbuena, who hit a blast to right in the second. However, the Reds would answer as perennial All-Star 1B Joey Votto hit a home run of his own in the third, putting the Reds up by 1. An RBI double by Brandon Phillips would put the Cubs in a 3-1 hole.

Bailey rebounded while Samardzija faded, but neither pitcher gave up any more runs. In the sixth with the relievers in, Ryan Ludwick homered to put the Reds up 4-1. Valbuena would bring one back for the Cubs with an RBI triple. Then Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run shot to tie the game.

Alas, fate was not on the Cubs' side. In the eighth, relief pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada, a recent call-up, allowed two runs. Starlin Castro would get one back in the ninth off his fifth homer, but Aroldis Chapman struck out the next two batters to record his seventh save in 2014.

Game 3 is tomorrow at 1:05.

Andrew Kovalchuk covers the NL Central for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs
Apr 19, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cincinnati (8-8)	0	0	0	3	0	0	1	2	0	6	10	2
Chicago (6-9)	0	1	0	0	0	1	2	0	1	5	9	0
W: Marshall (2-0) L: Wada (0-1) S: Chapman (7)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			CIN	CHC

Cincinnati Reds
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Phillips, 2B	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	.397
Cozart, SS	3	1	1	0	0	1	0	.250
Schumaker, OF	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	.261
s-Santiago, SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.200
Votto, 1B	4	1	2	2	0	0	1	.274
Bruce, RF	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	.286
r-Hamilton, OF	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.208
Frazier, 3B	3	0	1	2	1	1	0	.357
Heisey, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.167
Ludwick, CF	3	1	1	2	0	0	1	.255
Pena, C	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	.267
Bailey, P	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	.167
Mesoraco, C	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
BATTING: 2B: Phillips (4) HR: Votto (3), Ludwick (3) RBI: Votto 2 (7), Ludwick 2 (11), Frazier 2 (15) HBP: Bruce SF: Ludwick SAC: Bailey GIDP: Mesoraco
BASERUNNING: SB: Hamilton (4)
FIELDING: E: Cozart (4), Frazier (3)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, CF	4	1	1	0	1	2	0	.250
Sweeney, LF	5	0	3	0	0	1	0	.325
Castro, SS	5	1	2	1	0	0	1	.254
Rizzo, 1B	5	1	1	2	0	1	1	.230
Schierholtz, RF	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.220
Castillo, C	4	1	0	0	0	2	0	.143
Valbuena, 3B	3	1	2	2	1	0	1	.333
Barney, 2B	3	0	0	0	1	2	0	.241
Samardzija, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.333
Ruggiano, OF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.176
Lake, OF	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.182
TEAM TOTALS	36	5	9	5	3	11	3
BATTING: 2B: Sweeney (2) 3B: Valbuena (1) HR: Castro (3), Rizzo (5), Valbuena (1) RBI: Castro (9), Rizzo 2 (10), Valbuena 2 (3) SAC: Samardzija

Cincinnati Reds
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Bailey	6.0	7	3	2	2	4	1	2.86
Parra (BS, 2)	0.2	1	1	1	0	0	1	2.16
Marshall (W, 2-0)	1.1	0	0	0	1	4	0	1.69
Chapman (S, 7)	1.0	1	1	1	0	3	1	5.87
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	9	5	4	3	11	3

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Samardzija	6.0	3	3	3	1	3	1	5.13
Villanueva	0.1	1	1	1	0	0	0	3.38
Strop	0.2	1	0	0	0	0	0	4.32
Wada (L, 0-1)	0.1	3	2	2	0	0	1	27.00
Parker	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	4.35
Russell	1.0	2	0	0	0	0	0	4.63
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	10	6	6	1	3	2

Yesterday's Transactions

Brewers
Activated SP Johnny Hellweg from DL.
Sent RP Casey Medlin from Double-A Huntsville to Class-A Brevard County.

Dodgers
Placed OF Mike Baxter on 15-day DL.
Promoted OF Alex Santana from Class-A Inland Empire to Double-A Chattanooga.

Giants
Placed SP Matt Cain on 15-day DL.
Promoted RP Rafael Dolis from Class-A San Jose to Double-A Richmond.
Promoted SP Kyle Crick from Double-A Richmond to Triple-A Fresno.
Recalled SP Mike Kickham from Triple-A Fresno.

Orioles
Placed OF Ronald Bermudez on 15-day DL.
Promoted 3B Michael Almanzar from Class-A Frederick to Double-A Bowie.

Phillies
Placed SP Adam Morgan on 15-day DL.
Activated RP Brad Lincoln from DL.
Sent RP Mario Holland from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to Double-A Reading.
Optioned RP B.J. Rosenberg to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Yankees
Placed OF Slade Heathcott on 15-day DL.
Promoted C Peter O'Brien from Class-A Tampa to Double-A Trenton.
Promoted OF Mason Williams from Double-A Trenton to Triple-A Scranton/WB.

[harleyhorse8]

I'm actually leaving to go on a three week vacation in the Dakotas tomorrow. I'll try to get another game in before I go but I may not have time :,(

[harleyhorse8]

All right guys, I am back. I'll try to get in a few games tomorrow.

[harleyhorse8]

Cubs Take Thriller Late off Rizzo HR


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 20, 2014

CHICAGO- The Chicago Cubs (6-10) had already lost two games of the series to the Cincinnati Reds (9-8), and were staring a sweep in the face. But a late-game comeback got them the lead in the eighth, and they never looked back.

Travis Wood (3-0), the only undefeated pitcher in the Cubs' rotation, took the mound and immediately fired darts through the first three, allowing only one hit to Joey Votto. Reds starter Johnny Cueto (1-0), also undefeated, did likewise, although Cubs CF Emilio Bonifacio managed to get up to 2nd on a stolen base.

In the fourth, it got tricky for Wood. After striking out Jay Bruce, he walked Todd Frazier, who got to second after a John Baker passed ball. With two outs, Chris Heisey doubled to center, putting the Reds on the board. Then, catcher Devin Mesoraco, starting for the first time this season, hit a deep fly into the left field corner that would drop for two bases. Even pitcher Cueto got in on the fun, grounding through the second base hole to advance the runner to third. Brandon Phillips grounded out to end the inning, but the damage had been done.

The Cubs would answer back in the bottom of the inning. Anthony Rizzo singled and Junior Lake, who was playing third base today, walked. Nate Schierholtz's hit would score Rizzo, but the throw from right cut down Lake at the plate to end the Cubs' rally.

The breakthrough did not come until the eighth. Emilio Bonifacio would walk and steal second. A ground out from LF Ryan Sweeney and a fly from Starlin Castro scored Bonifacio to tie the game. Rizzo would then turn on Jonathan Broxton's next pitch and whack it into the center field bleachers to give the Cubs the lead, 3-2. Although the nerves came back when closer Jose Veras put two men on base, he struck out two to earn his fourth save of the year, and the Cubs a win.

Although Chris Heisey had a hit, his three strikeouts are sure to displease the Reds staff. Likewise Junior Lake for the Cubs. Having seen enough of Mike Olt, they are now trying out replacements at third base, and Lake's performance was most likely not enough to earn him the starting job at that position.

Following this, the Cubs host the Arizona Diamondbacks in a four-game interleague series on the 21st through the 24th. The Reds continue their road trip as they also have a four-game series, theirs against the division-leading Pittsburgh Pirates. The return series at Cincinnati will be played on the 28th, 29th, and 30th.

Andrew Kovalchuk covers the NL Central for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs
Apr 20, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cincinnati (9-8)	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	7	1
Chicago (6-10)	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	2	x	3	4	0
W: Strop (1-1) L: Broxton (0-1) S: Veras (4)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			CIN	CHC

Cincinnati Reds
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Phillips, 2B	4	0	2	0	1	0	0	.403
Cozart, SS	3	0	0	0	2	0	0	.238
Votto, 1B	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	.269
Bruce, RF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.269
Frazier, 3B	3	1	0	0	1	1	0	.339
Ludwick, LF	3	0	1	0	1	1	0	.259
Heisey, CF	4	1	1	1	0	3	0	.172
Mesoraco, C	3	0	1	1	0	0	0	.050
Schumaker, CF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Cueto, P	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.250
s-Hamilton, CF	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.208
TEAM TOTALS	33	2	7	2	6	6	0
BATTING: 2B: Heisey (3), Mesoraco (1) RBI: Heisey (3), Mesoraco (1)
BASERUNNING: SB: Cozart (1), Phillips (2) CS: Ludwick (1)
FIELDING: E: Frazier (4)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, CF	3	1	2	0	1	0	0	.273
Sweeney, LF	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.295
Castro, SS	3	0	0	1	0	0	0	.242
Rizzo, 1B	4	2	2	1	0	1	1	.246
Lake, 3B	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.160
Schierholtz, RF	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.205
Barney, 2B	2	0	0	1	1	0	0	.232
Baker, C	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.214
Wood, P	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	.143
Ruggiano, CF	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.176
TEAM TOTALS	27	3	4	3	4	5	1
BATTING: HR: Rizzo (6) RBI: Castro (10), Rizzo (11), Barney (5) SF: Castro
BASERUNNING: SB: Bonifacio 2 (8) CS: Ruggiano (1)
FIELDING: PB: Baker 2 (2)

Cincinnati Reds
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Cueto	6.2	2	1	1	4	4	0	1.52
Broxton (L, 0-1)	1.0	2	2	2	0	0	1	4.70
LeCure	0.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	5.00
TEAM TOTALS	8.0	4	3	3	4	5	1

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Wood	5.0	5	2	2	3	3	0	2.35
Villanueva	2.0	1	0	0	1	1	0	2.45
Strop (W, 1-1)	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	3.86
Veras (S, 4)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	7	2	2	6	6	0

Yesterday's Transactions

Blue Jays
Placed SS Dawel Lugo on 15-day DL.
Promoted OF Dwight Smith Jr. from Class-A Dunedin to Double-A New Hampshire.

Marlins
Placed 2B Rafael Furcal on 15-day DL.
Promoted OF Austin Dean from Class-A Jupiter to Double-A Jacksonville.
Promoted 3B Ryan Fisher from Double-A Jacksonville to Triple-A New Orleans.
Recalled C Rob Brantly from Triple-A New Orleans.

Mets
Placed SP Bartolo Colon on 15-day DL.
Promoted RP Chasen Bradford from Class-A Saint Lucie to Double-A Binghamton.
Promoted RP Jack Leathersich from Double-A Binghamton to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Recalled RP Gonzalez Germen from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Padres
Placed 2B Brian Bixler on 15-day DL.
Promoted 3B Dustin Peterson from Class-A Lake Elsinore to Double-A San Antonio.

Phillies
Activated OF Domonic Brown off DL.
Sent 3B Carlos Alonso from Double-A Reading to Class-A Clearwater.
Sent 2B Matt Tolbert from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to Double-A Reading.
Optioned OF Aaron Altherr to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Rangers
Placed 3B Alex Buchholz on 15-day DL.
Promoted 3B Joey Gallo from Class-A Bakersfield to Double-A Frisco.
Promoted OF Kensuke Tanaka from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock.