The King and his Diamond Table-A Seattle M's Franchise (MLB14-PS3)

[Deuce2223]

NATIONAL LEAGUE TAKES MID-SUMMER CLASSIC

Felix Hernandez mowed down the NL with a quick 1-2-3 in the 1st Inning but a rare error by Mike Trout led to Colorado Troy Tulowitzki getting to second. Rockies teammate C. Gonzalez them doubled sending Tulo to 3rd. Hernandez then walked A. Gonzalez to load the bases.

With Ryan Braun at the plate, he singles to Left scoring Tulo, but CarGo trying to score on the play is thrown out at home by LF S. Choo for the frist out of the game. Buster Posey then singles to right to load the bases once again but Hernandez get's Cincy's B. Phillips to hit into a inning ending double play. Leaving it 1-0.

In the 5th the NL extends the lead to 2-0 as Reds Joey Votto singles in Posey, but the AL makes it (2-1), as Alex Gordon comes into the game and doubles to left and later scores on a Jason Kipnis single.

Again the NL scores in the 7th this time on a leadoff HR by Atlanta Braves Jason Heyward. (3-1) but again the AL answers back as Fielder leads off the inning with a single. SS Alexi Ramirez is brought in to pinch run. Alex Gordon already with a double on the day, hits a shot to the gap in Left Center, but Ramirez is thrown out at the plate on a perfect relay from Heyward to Tulo, as Gordon goes into 3rd with a Triple. Gordon would later score as Oaklands J. Donaldson comes up with a Sac Fly to center. (3-2).

In the 9th the NL again extends the lead as Brewers 3B A. Ramirez hits a solo HR off Toronto CP C. Janssen. F. Rodney comes in and closes out the 9th getting the final 2 outs.

In the bottom of the 9th, Alex Gordon singles to center with 2 outs, but Houston's M. Dominguez strikes out to end the game (4-2)

NL Starter Cliff Lee picks up the "W" pitching 2 IP well Atlanta CP C. Kimbrel picks up the same pitching the 9th.

King Felix took the loss as he went 3 IP giving up 3 hits and 1 unearned run well striking out 1.

Mariner Corey Hart struck out in his only AB

[Deuce2223]

DOWN ON THE FARM PART II

We already have taken a look at the M's Top-10 on their Top-20 Board. Now it's time too look at 11-20.


#11 LHP SP Danny Hultzen (76/B)

Taken No. 2 overall in the 2011 Draft, Hultzen was supposed to be an advanced college lefty who would get to the big leagues quickly. He was headed in that direction starting 2013 #2 on the Top-20 Board when shoulder troubles derailed his career.

While Hultzen did have command issues during his first full year in 2012, he did reach Triple-A. But his 2013 season really never got going, as he was shut down twice and eventually had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff, which will keep him out for the 2014 season. When healthy, he has a very good three-pitch mix in his fastball, changeup and slider, and he's shown the ability to command all three in the past.

For now, it's all about Hultzen getting healthy and back on the mound. Then it will be time to reassess just what kind of pitcher he can become.

MLB ETA-All-Star Break of 2015 or start of 2016


#12 SS Ketel Marte (69/B)

Pushed aggressively, Marte reached the Class A Advanced California League in 2013 at age 19, and the Mariners think he can develop into a top-of-the-order catalyst in the future. He is currently hitting .269 with 3 HR's 34 RBI and has 9 SB's in AA Jackson.

The Dominican switch-hitter's best tool is his speed, and he has more than enough to be a threat on the basepaths and to give him range up the middle. His actions and arm are good enough for shortstop, but he's also seen time at second base thus far in his pro career. He has no power to speak of, relying on making contact and using his speed for his offense. Some added strength and improving his on-base skills will certainly help him down the road.

If the bat can come along, Marte has the chance to be an everyday shortstop, though a career as a speedy and dynamic utility type is nothing to sneeze at.

MLB ETA-2016 or Beyond or Trade Chip

#13 OF Julio Morban (68/C)

Injuries have proven to be the main stumbling block for Morban, who originally signed for over $1 million back in 2008. Despite that, he's shown enough to earn a spot on the Mariners' 40-man roster and could be knocking on the door soon.

Morban was having a solid 2013 season, his first above A ball, when he broke his leg in August. Morban has yet to log more than 400 at-bats in one season, but he's shown some ability to hit for average to go along with some extra-base pop. He's played all over the outfield, mostly in right in 2013, but he probably profiles best defensively in left when all is said and done. He does have the hitting profile teams like to see in corner guys.

The biggest thing is for Morban to turn in a healthy season. That could lead to his first trip to Seattle.

He is currently hitting .275 with 7 HR's 28 RBI and has 6 SB's, but what's more important is his 251 AB's.

MLB ETA-Could make the team out of the Spring of 2015


#14 3B Patrick Kivlehan (67/B)

It hasn't been the most direct career path for this Rutgers product, but Kivlehan has an intriguing set of tools he's just learning how to use consistently.

A football player in college, Kivlehan didn't return to baseball until his senior year of college, where he promptly had a huge season and moved up Draft boards in a hurry, where the M's took him in the 2012 Draft in the 4th round. He has the tools to be a run-producing third baseman, with the ability to hit for average and plenty of power. He runs well for a guy his size and brings a football mentality to his game on a daily basis.

Kivlehan had some rough edges due to his time away from the game, but he started to smooth them out in 2013. More reps will help, and the end result could be an everyday corner infielder.

He is currently hitting hitting .247 with 10 HR's and 48 RBI in AA Jackson, where he will likely finish the year and move to AAA Tacoma for the start of the 2015 season. With K. Seager cemented in at 3B in Seattle, and DJ Peterson likely headed to 1B, Kivlehan's path could be blocked.

MLB ETA-2016 or Trade Chip

#15 OF Tyler O'Neill (60/B)

Drafted in the 3rd Round of the 2013 draft as a 18 year old, O'Neill was a catcher during his amateur days in Canada, but O'Neill has made the move to the outfield, with the chance to be a power-hitting corner guy in the future.

O'Neill brings a ton of natural strength to the plate, which should allow him to continue to hit for power. With excellent bat speed, he should be able to hit for average as well. Too big to stay behind the plate, the Mariners moved O'Neill to left field during his summer debut in the rookie-level Arizona League and that's where he'll stay for the time being, though he'll need to work on his defensive play. A move to first isn't out of the question, but in the end, it's his bat that will carry him up the organizational ladder.

He was just promoted to AA Jackson where in 16 AB's he is hitting .563 with 3 HR's and 7 RBI. With the log jam of older OF's in front of him he could spend most of next year in Jackson as well and likely start in AAA in 2016

MLB ETA-2017 or 2018

#16 OF J. Blash (64/C)

There have been a handful of players to make it to the big leagues from the Virgin Islands. If Blash can refine his considerable tools, he could be the next in line.

His best raw tool is his power, and he has plenty of it from the right side of the plate. Tall and athletic, Blash has shown the ability to hit the ball out of the park. The big question is whether he'll hit enough to tap into that power, as there is some swing and miss to his game. Blash has a solid arm and runs well, especially under way.

If it all comes together, Blash has the skillset to be an athletic right fielder at the highest level, but he still has a ways to go.

He started the year in AAA Tacoma hitting .211 with 9 HR's and 24 RBI in 275 AB's but was recently sent to AA Jackson to continue to get AB's as Tacoma now has the likes of S. Romero, J. Jones, L. Morrison and J. Morban in the OF.

MLB ETA-2016 or Beyond or Trade Chip


#17 OF Xavier Avery (67/C)

When Avery was drafted by the Orioles back in 2008, the question was always about whether the one-time Georgia football recruit could translate his raw tools and athleticism into performance. He made it to the big leagues in 2012, but the Orioles sent him to Seattle in the Michael Morse deal in August 2013.

Avery still has intriguing tools, starting with his outstanding speed that allows him to be a base-stealing threat and to cover a lot of ground in the outfield. If his bat can continue to develop, the left-handed hitter could be a top-of-the-order type. He'll need to make more consistent contact and improve his on-base skills to truly profile as a leadoff hitter.

Avery has the ability to play all three outfield positions, something he's done over the past few seasons after mainly playing center early on his career. A future as a fourth outfielder might be in the cards.

He started the year in AAA, hititng .252 with 10 RBI's in 111 AB's but like Blash was recently sent to AA Jackson so he could get everyday AB's and he is hitting .284 with a team leading 10 SB's in 208 AB's proving it's time to make the move back to Tacoma.

MLB ETA-Could make the team out of the Spring of 2015

#18 2B Tim Lopes (59/C)

The Mariners made Lopes a sixth-rounder in 2012, one year after his brother, Christian, went in the seventh round to the Blue Jays. The Mariners quickly made the younger Lopes a second baseman, where his range and arm will likely make him a solid defender. At the plate, Lopes has an advanced approach and consistently barrels up balls. He doesn't have much power and he gets the most out of his average speed. Some scouts believe Timmy has a higher ceiling than his older brother. He began his first full-professional season in the Midwest League.

He is currently hitting .400 in 10 AB's at AA Jackson but is out the next 2 months with a fractured forearm.


MLB ETA-2017 or Beyond

#19 LHP RP Jordan Shippers (64/C)

Drafted in 2010, the M's went over slot to sign this hard throwing lefty. He has made the transition from starter to reliever where he should be able to make the bigs quicker. He is currently in AA Jackson where he has taken over the CP role posting a 1-0 record with 2 saves and a 2.29 ERA in 19 IP. What's even better is he is holding opponents to a .224 BA and lefties to a .179. He will likely finish the year in Jackson and move up to AAA at the start of 2015

MLB ETA-2015 mid season or 2016

#20 RHP SP Lars Huijer (56/B)

The Mariners have long been active in Europe, with Huijer's signing out of the Netherlands in 2011 a recent example.

Huijer has an interesting three-pitch mix to go along with some projectability. He throws a sinking fastball -- mostly in the upper-80s -- that generates a lot of ground balls. He can also throw his mid-70s curve and upper-70s changeup for strikes. Huijer does a good job of keeping the ball down in the zone.

With some added strength and experience, Huijer's stuff could take a step forward, giving him the chance to be a mid-rotation starter if it all clicks.

He was just promoted to AA Jackson and will make his first start this week


MLB ETA-2017 or Beyond

[Deuce2223]

WALKER TO MAKE DEBUT

With King Felix going 3 IP in the All-Star game, the M's have announced that #1 Prospect Taijuan Walker will make his MLB debut in Game 1 vs the Angels after the break vs Jered Weaver (10-4 2.98)

Since coming off the DL, Walker has posted a 4-1 record in Tacoma.

Walker longterm will replace E. Ramirez as the #5 SP in the rotation well Ramirez (3-4) will return to AAA to take Walker's #1 spot in the rotation.


In related news, the Mariners have also announced that veteran catcher Jason Buck (real life) and W. Bloomquist (only in my franchise) have been released.

1B/OF Logan Morrison (7 HR's in Tacoma) and C Jesus Sucre will take their spots on the 25 man roster

[Deuce2223]

2 WEEK COUNTDOWN TO THE DEADLINE

With 2 weeks left until the July 31st Trade Deadline and all but 6 teams still in the hunt for at least a Wild Card, there are plenty of buyers but only a few teams selling.

Here is a look at the sellers and the players who could be wearing a new uniform in the next 2 weeks.

The Diamondbacks already moved SP B. McCarthy, RP J. Thatcher and OF T. Campana, but they still have a few pieces that could be worth something to several teams.

C L/L M. Montero (78/C)
"He made the All-Star team after clubbing 10 HR's in the 1st half well also hitting .275. With power hitting catchers a premium, the D-Backs will likely want a pretty highly rated prospect in return"

3B R/R M. Prado (79/C)
"His ability to play the OF as well as 3B makes him a valuable reserve for pretty much any team. He is hitting .288 in 212 AB's"

2B R/R A. Hill (85/B)
"With 12 HR's and the ability to play anywhere in the infield in a pinch, he too could be a fit on most clubs bench and be a nice upgrade at 2B for several others.

SP RHP B. Arroyo (72/A)
"Arroyo was signed by the D-Backs to be a Innings eater, and so far has 110 posting a 8-6 record with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He could be a good upgrade as a #4 or #5 SP for several teams making a push"

RP/CP RHP JJ Putz (79/A)
"Putz lost his CP role when the D-Backs traded for Addison Reed, but he has done well in a setup role posting 52 K's and a 2.28 ERA in 47 IP, but that's pretty expensive at 7 million this season.

RP RHP D. Hernandez (81/A)
"He is holding lefties to just .200 well posting a 2.48 ERA in 32 IP, but with 4 mil left on his contract he would be a expensive add"

The Cubs have already dealt SP J. Smaradzija and J. Hammel, RP J. Russell, CF E. Bonifiacio off the MLB roster but like Arizona they still have some pieces of value to the right team.

OF R/R J. Ruggiano (73/C)
"Hitting .255, but .308 vs LHP, with 7 HR 30 RBI and has 12 SB's"

OF L/L R. Sweeney (67/D)
"Hitting .244 with 6 HR and 20 RBI"

OF L/R N. Schierholtz (76/C)
"Hitting .266 with 10 HR's and 38 RBI"

2B R/R D. Barney (78/C)
"Hitting .250 with 6 HR and 29 RBI playing gold glove 2B"

3B/1B L/L P. Alvarez (85/B)
"Hitting .245 with 16 HR's and 51 RBI making 4.6 mil"

1B R/R G. Sanchez (72/C)
"Hitting .244 with 13 HR and 48 RBI"

C R/R R. Martin (83/B)
"Hitting .277 with 6 HR and 36 RBI, making 5.3 mil"

IF R/R C. Barmes (68/C)
"Hitting .224 with 5 HR and 12 RBI in 147 AB's but can play SS, 2B and 3B"

SP LHP W. Rodriguez (71/B) "Forgot to release him like IRL"
"Is 7-5 with a 3.57 ERA logging 108 IP in 19 games"

Obviously G. Stanton's name comes up in trade talks all the time but here is a look at some other pieces that might be worth something


IF R/R D. Solano (75/C)
"Hitting .289 with 6 HR and 30 RBI in 294 AB's"

1B/OF L/L G. Jones (75/C)
"Hitting .246 with 15 HR and 46 RBI"

3B/OF L/R G. Dobbs (63/C)
"Hitting .272 with 10 HR and 50 RBI"

SS S/R R. Furcal (77/B)
"Hitting .227 with 10 HR 21 RBI and 6 SB's"

The Twins have already dealt J. Willingham and T. Plouffe to the M's for pitching but they could still move some bats and could still use more help on the mound

OF L/R J. Kubel (73/C)
"Hitting .220 with 16 HR's and 47 RBI"

C R/R K Suzuki (77/C)
"Hitting .237 with 4 HR and 11 RBI in 118 AB's but is considered a very good defensive catcher"

1B/DH K. Morales (78/C)
"Signed late and has only 45 MLB AB's but is hitting .311 with 2 HR and 5 RBI"

RP R/R M. Guerrier (69/C)
"1-1 with a 2.82 ERA in 51 IP, holding LHP to .143"

RP R/R J. Burton (80/B)
"A 1.14 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 23 IP holding batters to a .207 BA"

SP R/R K. Correia (72/C)
"118 IP posting a 6-7 record with a 3.95 ERA"

OF L/L A. De Aza (78/C)
"Hitting .289 with 9 HR 38 RBI and 16 SB's

OF R/R D. Viciedo (77/B)
"Hitting .192 with 10 HR and 26 RBI, can also play 1B and 3B?"

1B/OF L/R A. Dunn (71/C)
"Hitting .172 with 8 HR and 33 RBI"

SS R/R A. Ramirez (84/B)
"Made the All-Star team but is hitting just .244 with 4 HR and 32 RBI"

2B R/R G. Beckham (72/B)
"Hitting .260 with 8 HR and 37 RBI"

IF R/R J. Keppinger (68/C)
"Can play anywhere in the IF, hitting .250 with 3 HR and 22 RBI"
"Hitting .260 with 8 HR and 37 RBI"

RP LHP S. Downs (65/B)
"5-1 with a 3.02 ERA 50 IP"

RP RHP N. Jones (81/B)
"0-1 with a 3.95 ERA in 43 IP holding RHH to .237"

SP LHP J. Danks (78/B)
"129 IP with a 6-9 record and 2.78 ERA"

SP RHP T. Hanson (76/B)
"6-4 with a 2.51 ERA in AAA"

[xboxxerx]

What up Deuce!?!?!? Stopped by to read a few dynasties. Saw this up top. Going to sit down and read it here later to get all caught up. Hope all is well with the family in the Northwest, friend. Looking forward to getting caught up.

[Deuce2223]

Quote: Originally Posted by xboxxerx

What up Deuce!?!?!? Stopped by to read a few dynasties. Saw this up top. Going to sit down and read it here later to get all caught up. Hope all is well with the family in the Northwest, friend. Looking forward to getting caught up.

Life is well. Just enjoying the summer and some baseball, but don't worry come fall I will be back playing college football. I got to roll with the new BSU HC, because I have a feeling we are going to see something special in the next couple of years at Boise State.

As far as this thread goes I am at the point now where I am playing every 3rd game and posting the recaps by series. The previous pages where info about what's happened up to this point and what not. Hope you enjoy the read.

[Deuce2223]

M'S SWEEP HALO'S TO KICKOFF 2ND HALF

Game 1


With T. Walker making his MLB debut against J. Weaver most assumed Game 1 would be a pitchers duel, it was not.

The M's would score 3 in the 1st to spot Walker a lead, but the rookie was shaking in start #1, giving up 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st via a 3-run bomb by D. Freese.

But the Mariner bats came to the rescue putting up 3 more on the board in the 2nd Inning and then 3 more again in the 4th forcing Weaver from the game with a stat line that read 3 1/3 IP 7 hits 9 Runs 6 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO

Now with a 9-5 lead, Walker would settle down and pitch into the 6th but after giving up his 6th run of the game his day was done. (5 1/3 IP 11 H 6 ER 1 BB 5 SO). The Bullpen however would come through as Leone (1 2/3 IP), got the ball to the 8th, Farquhar nailed down the 8th and Rodney game in and closed out the 9th for this 30th save of the season as the "W" goes to Walker.

At the plate, SS B. Miller was 2/5 with 3 runs scored, and J. Willingham led the team with 3 RBI's. All-Star C. Hart finished 2/4 with 2 RBI's.

Game 2

Everyone loves free baseball right. Well that's what Game 2 gave us as the M's win in 12 (1-0)

H. Iwakuma gave up just 5 hits and struck out 7 in 7 IP of work, and then handed it off to S. Pryor who went a career high 4 IP striking out 4 to pick up the "W" well F. Rodney came in and pitched the 12th for his 31st save.

B. McCarthy went 8 IP strong matching Iwkuma's 5 hits well striking out 4. His former D-Back teammate J. Thatcher took the loss as he gives up lone run of the game.

Game 3

King Felix making his first start since the All-Star game, goes 7 IP giving up 3 runs on 7 hits well striking out 7 for his 11th win of the season as the M's score 2 in the 9th to win the game (6-4). F. Rodney pitching 3 days straight picks up his 32nd save of the year.

At the plate T. Plouffe comes up huge hitting a Homerun and driving in 4 runs. J. Smoak went 3/5 and had a key RBI and E. Bonifacio went 2/4 with a run scored and swiped his 14th bag of the season.


NEXT UP SEATTLE RETURNS HOME TO HOST THE NY METS IN A INTERLEAGUE 3 GAME SERIES

[Deuce2223]

M'S EXTEND THEIR DIVISION LEAD

After sweeping the Angels the M's went home to Safeco Field to host the Mets taking 2 of 3 from the National League vistors to improve their record to (57-44) on the season. With 9 wins in their past 10 games the M's now have a 4.0 game lead on the Texas Rangers (53-48) and a 7.0 game lead on the L.A. (50-51) well the A's (46-54) and Astro's (46-55) continue to battle for last in the AL West.

Here is a recap of the 3 game series with the Met's.

Game 1

J. Hefner threw 8 shutout innings before Logan Morrison broke the goose egg with a RBI single to score C. Hart in the 9th as the M's fall (7-1). Hefner finished the complete game improving his record to (8-9 with a 3.52 ERA)

J. Paxton took the loss as he goes just 4 1/3 IP giving up 6 runs on 8 hits striking out 4. He is now (5-8 with a 4.76 ERA).

D. Leone pitched well in relief going 3 IP striking out 3.

Game 2

Behind another solid gem by Chris Young who improves to (12-4) on the season, the M's win the game (1-0).

Young went 6 2/3 IP giving up just 1 hit and 2 BB well striking out 4 to lower his season ERA to 3.04.

F. Rodney pitched the 9th for his 33rd save of the season

At the plate, J. Smoak comes up with the game winning RBI driving in Willingham in the 6th.

Game 3

It was Harvey vs Walker for Game 3 of the series but this time Walker pitched like a top prospect as he goes 8 IP giving up just 1 run on 6 hits and 4 BB's well striking out 6 to improve to (2-0) on the season as the M's win (3-1).

Harvey took the loss going 7 IP giving up 2 runs on 3 hits striking out 5 and is now 8-6 with a 2.85 ERA.

At the plate, Brad Miller comes up big hitting a 2 run homerun off Harvey in the 3rd and Smoak hits a solo shot off K. Farnsworth in the 8th.

NEXT UP SEATTLE WILL HOST BALTIMORE FOR A 4 GAME SERIES