MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

[KBLover]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

2022-2023 Offseason Begins

Notable Marlins Retirements
RP Everett Hessman
CF Eric Young, Jr.


Notable Retirements
BOS: CF Jon Jay
NYY: 1B Billy Butler (362 career HR)
NYY: SP Doug Fister
TB: SP Alex Cobb
TOR: SS Jose Reyes (2600 hits, 656 SB, 200 HR)
LAA: CP Houston Street (442 career saves)
ATL: LF Yeonis Cespedes
WAS: 1B Joey Votto (347 career HR)
MIL: SP David Price
PIT: 3B Matt Carpenter
STL: 1B Paul Goldschmidt
STL: 3B Evan Longoria
(the Cards will be giddy about this and the rest of the league can stop seeing him on the trade block constantly)
ARI: CP Greg Holland (400 saves)
COL: SS Elvis Andrus
COL: CF Desmond Jennings
LAD: 3B Todd Fraizer
SF: SP Matt Cain
SF: LF Carlos Gonzalez
FA: SP Gerritt Cole
FA: SP Clayton Kershaw (2.57 career ERA)


Hall of Fame Inductees
NYY: 1B Billy Butler - 2591 H, 362 HR, 1287 RBI, .288 AVG

TOR: SS Jose Reyes - 2655 H, 206 HR, 656 SB, .281 AVG


Marlins Free Agents

C Tommy Cruz - If the Marlins can't get him signed in the exclusive period, everyone and their brother will likely be lined up wanting his services. The Marlins may well throw the budget, or at least a lot of it, at him. One place they DON'T want a change is behind the plate.

SS Jose Campos - This is an interesting decision for the Marlins. Campos is, or at least was, a favorite among management, but there's options now for sure. The team might try to renegotiate his status with the team and see if there can't be a meeting of the minds. If not, he will test the market and could see interest for his versatility and on-paper good skills.


Key Arbitration Cases

This is where the Marlins might get eaten alive. A lot of key players are hitting the arbitration wire.

CF Bo Winter - one of the best (maybe the best by performance) outfielders in the game. The Marlins want to lock him up sooner than later while there's still some team control left in him.

3B Stan Brito - If the Marlins feel like he's about to break out, they may well try to extend him.

SP Luis Heredia - The Marlins want to continue locking down their top pitchers with proven track records. Chances are, the Marlins will go heavily on extending him like they did with Boeve last season.

SP Clay Huff - the third pitcher in the equation that's done nothing but overachieve despite the doubters and critics. The other shoe never dropped on his performance.


Options Cases

The Marlins have one team option to deal with, but it probably is a no-brainer. 1B Chris Davis needs a decision on his team option for 2023, but it's hard to imagine the Marlins not exercising. Davis might finally be getting old, but that bat probably has at least one more season left inside it.


Coaching Situation

The Marlins need a new hitting coach and they may replace John Farrel as farm director. Mattingly will be entering his last year as Marlins manager under his current contract. The Marlins could release Mattingly from this contract in order to try to "extend" him, but that would also risk him accepting another offer and leaving the Fish without a skipper.

[powerswingking]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Streaming the second game of the season we started earlier today!!

https://youtu.be/U9V0X8cqxGw

[KBLover]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Exclusive Period

• Marlins 3B coach Juan Samuel retires.
• Marlins exercise the option on 1B Chris Davis ($23 M)
• Jose Campos non-tendered.
• Tommy Cruz tendered qualifying offer.
• Ronald Byrne signs a 5-year deal to be the Marlins hitting coach.
• Ramon Jimenez signs a 3-year deal to be the Marlins farm director.
• Javier Baez officially placed on the trading block. He joins Arismendy Alcantara (DET) and Garin Cecchini (NYM) as the biggest names on the block currently.
• Miguel Miranda signs a 4-year deal to be the Marlins 3rd base coach.

Notable League Signings

• PIT: CP Nick Wittgren signs for 4 years/$27 M.
• SF: C Austin Hedges signs for 3 years/$31 M.
• SF: SP Kyle Crick signs for 9 years/$279 M.
• LAA: 3B Eric Hosmer signs for 3 years/$47 M.
• SEA: SP Roenis Elias signs for 4 years/$73 M.
• CHI: LF Logan Neff signs for 8 years/$247 M.

Tommy Cruz Elects to Test Market
Teams Already Line Up

Within a day of announcing that he will be a free agent, several teams have put in offers on Tommy Cruz. Right now, the Mets and Cardinals are the front runners for his services with the Marlins submitting a new offer as well.

"I realize the Marlins love my client and we'd love to stay in Miami, but catchers of his skill are rare, and I want to do best by my client, " Cruz's agent spoke.

So far, the figures have been around $18-20 million per year. The Marlins reportedly offered $17.5 million per year, so seeing them enter the bidding war is not unexpected.

[KBLover]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Angels Land Knebel and
Star 2B Taylor Lindsay

The Angels made the biggest splash in the free agent market so far, picking up two notable free agents. The first was a boost to the bullpen by picking up Corey Knebel. The terms were a 6-year deal worth about $46 million in total. Knebel had a horrible 2020 season, but has bounced back with two very strong campaigns since then.

Then, the Angels picked up one of the better second basemen around in Taylor Lindsay. He was another that teams lined up to try to acquire. The Angels won the battle by parting with $170 million to be paid out over a 6-year span. Lindsay is a very consistent bat, hitting around .280 with 20 HR each of the last four years to go along with solid defense. He posted up 5 WAR last season and looks poised to do the same or better in the coming season.

Cards Snag Cishek

The Cardinals made a play to bolster their bullpen with this signing of Cishek. It's a risk as Cishek is 36 and coming off a not-so-good season. However, the Cardinals felt they needed to address the closer spot with a signing, and Cishek, on paper, is better than some of the other options. The contract is just a one year pact, so if it fails, at least they won't be "all in" on the deal.

Giants Fill Shortstop Hole With Seager

The Giants had a serious need at shortstop, and they aggressively pursued Corey Seager as their man.

Their efforts paid off with a 5-year deal worth about $25 M per year on average. Seager, 28, is turning into a true power threat in a pitching dominant league. He cranked out 31 home runs last season and has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the last five seasons.

Angels Grab Nicolino As Well

Evidently, the Angels aren't done shopping. This time they bring in Justin Nicolino for about $170 million over 7 years.

In terms of his pitches, Nicolino might have the best arsenal around. Scouts rave about all three aspects, movement, command, and raw velocity, with the only knock sometimes being his decision making. Still, he posted a 2.67 ERA last season. He's also a workhorse, though last year was the first time in five seasons he didn't pitch 200 innings.

Tommy Cruz Returns to Miami

The bidding war continued to escalate past the $20 million mark as the Giants and Cardinals continued to make a serious play for the catcher. In the end, Cruz decided to stay in familiar surroundings, convinced by the Marlins offer of $22 million per year for 5 years.

None of Cruz's stats, individually, are all that eye-popping, but his steady play in all phases led to a 5.3 WAR last season. That was something the Marlins didn't want to get away.

A's, Marlins Swap - Baez Heads West

The A's, not wanting to let the Angels make all the plays in the division, went to the Marlins about Baez, who would fill a hole at 2B.

In the end, the Marlins acquired three prospects in return from the A's. Closer Andres Peralta, SP Charley Sharpe, and 1B Boyce Kruse. Of these, Kruse is the most "sure thing" of the trio. Kruse is basically Doyle, but swap some power for better defense. At the least, Kruse is already backup material with the chance to be more.

Peralta and Sharpe are high risk, high reward prospects. Peralta might have the best chances as he's just 19, but a finesse closer is in itself a risk. Last one the Marlins had was Paco Rodriguez who was good...until he wasn't and then couldn't get anyone out.

Marlins and Yankees Trade

Not long after dealing away talent, the Marlins add a strong young bullpen arm in return for three prospects going to the Yankees.

The price seems steep, but the Marlins felt filling the bullpen hole now will be of more benefit. SS Brian Dube, SP Rich Santiago, and LF Chase Marquez go to the Yankees in exchange for RP Miguel Ramirez.

Marquez is the closest to the majors, but is a better fit for the AL as his defense was not likely to improve. Should his power fill out as it's looking like it might, the Yankees could have a future DH candidate.

Meanwhile, Ramirez will probably slide into the set-up role vacated by Hessman's retirement, though he could push Yaeger for the closer role, especially given that Yaeger was decent but not particularly solid with a 4.48 ERA last season despite 44 saves.

[KBLover]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

2023 Dawns
Marlins Enter Spring Training
With Questions

Offseason Overview

The Marlins were largely successful with what they wanted to do this offseason. They were able to extend Winter, Heredia, and Huff, trade Baez, and fill the hole left by losing Everett Hessman from the bullpen.

The Marlins didn't make any acquisitions from the FA pool, focusing on sorting out and solidifying the in-house situation. That left openings for the Mets and Nats to make moves, and they did. The Nats in particular grabbed Noah Syndergaard to bolster their rotation.

In addition, there are some position battles to settle, which will the focus of Spring Training.


Spring Training Preview

The question will be: What did the Marlins' "success" this offseason translate into?

On paper, the Marlins seem weaker offensively, potentially better defensively, with a pitching staff that should again be top tier.

But there are several questions about the new lineup. For one, who will play in the middle infield in the first place? Craft and Ybarra might be the odds-on favorites, but Tim Anderson might push. Kirk Jefferies might want time. Does the acquisition of Boyce Kruse push Chet Doyle? This might have put Doyle in a very tough spot, trapped between a veteran that's not declining fast enough and a 1B prospect that has a real chance to make it.

Jay Craft doesn't have it free and clear with Patrick Brandt looking better than expected. Brandt is probably still a year or so away, but he is coming and thus still looming in the background over the position. A poor spring might jumpstart that timetable, especially with a defense-first type player already making it up in Ybarra. That shows the Marlins won't shy away from a light bat in the middle infield.

Then there's right field. Josh Hart's amazing postseason probably gives him an "extra life" to use, and Arturo Gonzalez is still looking like a late-bloomer...at best...helping Hart but still leaving the position open to interpretation. In addtion, there's Freddy Santiago hanging around threatening to turn the position into a platoon situation.

And then there's the pitching staff. Boeve/Heredia/Huff - that's settled. Everything beyond that is pretty much up in the air. The rotation has four candidates (Mota, Bartlett, Ordonez, Valdez) for two spots. The bullpen has Tyler Kolek having grown into his conversion into a reliever, the acquisition of Miguel Ramirez, Kevin Yaeger under siege from both of those, as well as perhaps Curtis Anders, and Ozzie Luis looking for, and deserving, a spot.

This is on top of Boone Hall, last year's 33-year-old rookie playing well, Omar Diaz anchoring mid relief, and Buddy Meyer likely becoming the #1 lefty specialist now.

Some fans probably think the Marlins only succeeded in creating chaos and half a lineup, offensively.

[KBLover]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

2023 Opening Day Begins

Spring Overview

Roster Invites: (players added to 40-man for a look)
C Greg Beavers
1B Boyce Kruse
3B Henry Tejada
RP Eli Trevino
RF Aaron Ojeda


Best Spring Performers:
1B Chet Doyle, 1.176 OPS, .432 BA
P Ozzie Luis, 1.17 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 23 IP
C Tommy Cruz, 1.095 OPS, .386 BA

Worst Spring Performers:
C Greg Beavers, .580 OPS, .156 BA
CF Freddie Santiago, .616 OPS, .262 BA
P Boone Hall, 6.55 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 11 IP


Spring Notes:

The performance of Chet Doyle in Spring Training turned heads. While being a solid hitter was expected, Doyle flat out dominated spring pitching. Any thoughts of considering Boyce Kruse will be put on hold for the time being. This may also cause more of a split in playing time with Davis as the Marlins hope to keep the veteran fresher.

On the other end of the spectrum, Freddie Santiago's output was disappointing. He was too much of a singles hitter, when it was thought he'd be a gap slasher like Yelich. As a result, Tim Anderson will take Santiago's spot out of Opening Day.

While Martin Ybarra and Jay Craft will still be the probable starters at 2B and SS, respectively, they didn't completely shut the door on Kirk Jeffries.

The same can be said about Josh Hart and Arturo Gonzalez. Hart will start, but the door is still wide open after both put up a very even performance.

Aaron Ojeda has no defensive skills to speak of, so this was more an audition for AL clubs to look at him for potential trade discussions later. Ojeda was decent and probably didn't hurt his stock at least with a .789 OPS and a .296 batting average.

Ozzie Luis' performance also caught attention. He beat out Andres Ordonez for the long relief spot after his amazing performance this spring.

In a duel of knuckleballs, Moses Bartlett held his spot, though he will still be 5th starter...and on watch. Not only Valdez, but Ordonez and other prospects will be aiming for that spot.



Opening Day Lineup: (2022 Stats)

1. LF L Christian Yelich (.306/.392/.395)
2. C S Tommy Cruz (.274/.363/.424)
3. CF S Bo Winter (.317/.389/.622)
4. 1B L Chris Davis (.283/.344/.540) {Chet Doyle vs LHP}
5. 3B R Stan Brito (.254/.310/.474)
6. RF L Josh Hart (.243/.291/.372)
7. SS S Jay Craft (Rookie)
8. 2B R Martin Ybarra (.239/.289/.406)
9. Pitcher's Spot

Bench

1. IF/OF R Kirk Jeffries
2. C R Andrew Susac
3. OF L Arturo Gonzalez
4. 2B/SS R Tim Anderson
5. 1B R Chet Doyle

Pitching Staff (2022 Stats)

Starters: Italics denotes LHP

1. Damian Boeve (17-3, 1.64 ERA, 1.24 FIP)
2. Luis Heredia (18-6, 2.35 ERA, 2.68 FIP)
3. Clay Huff (13-2, 2.09 ERA, 3.02 FIP)
4. Robinson Mota (9-1, 2.29 ERA, 3.63 FIP)
5. Moses Bartlett (8-6, 3.39 ERA, 3.57 FIP)

Bullpen: Italics denotes LHP

LR

1. Ozzie Luis (47 IP, 2.83 ERA, 3.04 FIP)

MR

1. Boone Hall (58 IP, 3.55 ERA, 3.96 FIP)
2. Buddy Meyer (62 IP, 2.47 ERA, 3.35 FIP)
3. Tyler Kolek (14 IP, 1.88 ERA, 3.00 FIP)

SU

1. Kevin Yaeger (60 IP, 4.48 ERA, 3.41 FIP)
2. Curtis Anders (59 IP, 2.73 ERA, 3.10 FIP)

CP

1. Miguel Ramirez (53 IP, 2.04 ERA, 3.49 FIP)

[WaitTilNextYear]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

I am maintaining a dynasty thread for my San Diego Padres franchise (check out the link in my signature if interested).

Currently getting into the meat of September with a 60-76 record after taking 2 of 3 from the Dodgers in LA. This series was notable because the first game was a 6-5 victory in 20 innings. My first 20 inning game in a video game maybe ever?

There's not a whole lot to play for with no chance at the playoffs, but I am feeling out who's who on the roster and where I have usable depth as opposed to where I need to add in the offseason. I refuse to speed it up with simming; the stats thru 136 games are mine, all mine!

[jmcole33]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

National League Champs! The 2016 Mets defeated the Pirates in seven games to advance to the World Series and take on the Toronto Blue Jays. Matt Harvey pitched seven scoreless innings on short rest to propel the Mets to The Series.

Curtis Granderson was named NLCS MVP. He came through off the bench in two HUGE spots - hitting a pinch hit, game tying solo shot in the bottom of the 9th in game 3 to send the game to extras and avoid going down 3-0, and again in game 7 when he hit a pinch hit, two run shot to extend the lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the 7th.

The Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Angels in six games to win the ALCS. They will be featuring Marcus Stroman on the mound to take on Steven Matz in Game 1 of the World Series.

[PhilliesFan13]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

The American League defeated the National League in the 2016 All Star Game by a score of 7-3 to obtain home field advantage in the 2016 World Series.

In Phillies news, the team has made two trades heading into the first series after the All Star break that they hope will put them over the top even more and really solidify the rotation and lineup.

The Phillies have traded pitchers Brett Oberholtzer and Mark Appel and outfielder Roman Quinn to the Tampa Bay Rays for pitchers Alex Cobb and Brandon Koch. Alex Cobb will slide right into the Phillies rotation with Adam Morgan shifting to the bullpen to take over the long man role from Oberholtzer.

Alex Cobb comes to the Phillies with a record of 2-8 and a 3.85 ERA.

The Phillies add a huge piece to their lineup to solidify the outfield in one Carlos Gonzalez. He has been traded from the Colorado Rockies for outfielder/third baseman Cody Asche, first baseman Rhys Hoskins and pitcher Franklyn Kilome. Pitcher Antonio Senzatela goes to the Phillies as well.

Carlos Gonzalez is hitting .314 with 19 home runs and 42 RBI in 322 at-bats on the season.

The only other need I could see the Phillies needing to look into would be a proven lefty reliever for the bullpen. Will keep an eye on the market as the trade deadline draws closer.

Onto the first series and home stand following the All Star break with 3 against the Mets and 4 agains the Marlins.

Well, the Phillies 17 game winning streak was snapped by the Mets in the first game back from the All-Star break. The Phillies took 2 of 3 in the series and so far are 2-1 in the 4 game series with the Marlins. The Phillies suffered two losses in the last game. The game itself by a score of 6-4 and also starting catcher Cameron Rupp fractured his wrist on the bases and is out 1-2 months! Big blow. Rupp will not be back until pretty much the end of the season. The Phillies will call up 22 year old top catching prospect Jorge Alfaro from Double-A Reading and see what he can do. The Phillies can afford to do this in a contending season considering their very big lead in the NL East. However, if Alfaro does struggle leading up to the trade deadline (11 days away), then the Phillies will look into acquiring a catcher from outside the organization. Dioner Navarro and A.J. Ellis are two names to keep an eye on.

After this last game against the Marlins, the Phillies embark on a 10 game road trip to Pittsburgh, Miami and Atlanta. The Phillies expect to activate Maikel Franco from the disabled list before the first game of the Pirates series.

[jmcole33]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

2016 World Series: Toronto Blue Jays (Home Field) v New York Mets

Game 1: Steven Matz v Marcus Stroman. The Mets won 7-3. Matz threw 4 2/3 innings, giving up 2 runs, before being removed from the game with a sore shoulder (it wasn't anything serious, and he should be able to go again in game 5). Cespedes woke up from his postseason slumber and went 3-4 with a double, HR, and 3 RBI.

Game 2: Noah Syndergaard v Marco Estrada. Blue Jays won 14-0. Absolute beat down. Syndergaard's day ended after the fifth when he gave up 5 of his six earned runs. The bullpen wasn't much better, surrendering a total of 6 home runs to the Blue Jays to allow them to even up the series.

Game 3: Jacob deGrom v Aaron Sanchez. The Mets win 8-5. Conforto and Cespedes hit back to back homers in the third inning to go up 3-1 and the Mets never looked back. Neil Walker joined in the fun going 3-4 with a double and David Wright hit a solo shot in the sixth to make it 8-4. Familia closed it out.

Mets are up 2-1 with a chance to take the next two games at home before heading back to Toronto.

[Assassin]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Started a franchise as the Dodgers. Went 100-63 on the season traded Yasiel Puig to the Tigers for Daniel Norris & Anthony Gose before the deadline.

Had to win a one game playoff against the Giants to win the division. Faced the Nationals in the NLDS beating them 3-2 the Cards defeated the Cubs 3-1 to punch there ticket to the NLCS.

Defeated the Cards 4-2 in the NLCS Clayton Kershaw won the deciding game for us pitching 8 innings and giving up two run.

Took on the Jays in the World Series. We fell into a 3-1 hole before we would go on and win the final three games with games six & seven played in Toronto. Rich Hill pitched game seven going 6.1 innings not giving up a run. The bullpen would give up four runs before finally slamming the door in the 9th inning. Marco Estrada pitched for the Jays in game seven giving up five runs in only four innings of work.


Update

The Dodgers lost Kenley Jansen. He signed a seven year deal with the Nationals worth 71.6 million.

Wade Davis signed a six year deal with the Giants worth 61.9 million.

The Cubs struck a deal with the Indians as they traded Wilson Contreras & Albert Almora for Francisco Lindor.

The Dodgers signed Doug Fister to a two year deal worth 15.6 million

Also Edison Volquez signed a two year deal worth 12 million

[jmcole33]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Game 4: Matt Harvey v Marcus Stroman. Harvey went 8 innings, throwing 125 pitches, striking out four, and giving up 3 runs on 5 hits. The Mets had a five run bottom of the third thanks to back to back to back.... to back! Homeruns courtesy of Conforto, Cespedes, Duda, and Wright. Familia shut the door on a 8-5 win to put the Mets up 3-1.

Game 5 in NY before heading back to Toronto for Game 6.

[BigOscar]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Approaching the All Star game with the Tampa Bay Rays a very respectable 2 games over .500, but that isn't looking like being good enough for a play off run unless a lot of teams slump very badly, as we are still second last in the AL East and two teams in the West are double digits ahead of us as well. The pitching has carried the team, with Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi and Drew Smyly all with ERA's under 3.5, with Alex Cobb not far behind. Our only position player to make the All Star team is Evan Longoria, who had an obscene June, hitting 14 homeruns to take his season tally to 25, only one off Big Papi for the lead, while hitting a respectable .265 in the process (might not sound great but that's 3rd best on the team)

So it looks like we'll be sellers, with Desmond Jennings looking the most obvious to go after hitting 10 homers at over .300 and swiping 15 bases while in the last year of his contract. Other possible outgoings include a couple of the starting pitchers who only have one more year of arbitration and threaten to get expensive, while Logan Forsythe has only one more year on his $5m+ deal and could fetch a decent return for his utility defence and decent hitting. We really need to get a catcher in, a first base prospect along with maybe a back end starter if we lose two, while the bullpen could do with some refreshing as well. The next couple of weeks could be the deciding factor as to whether we commit to a rebuild or fight on for a wildcard spot, but we'll have to make up at least a handful of games.

The Red Sox also out of the blue offered me Yoan Moncada in a straight swap for Kevin Kieirmaier, which seemed a bit random. Tempting, but I'd miss Kieirmaier's arm in CF if I ever let him go. He missed two months of the season and our replacements made it pretty clear just how good Kieirmaier's defence is (unlike the rest of the team, who regularly embarrass themselves, particularly Dickerson and Duffy)

[PhilliesFan13]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Just had the absolute worst inning of my entire season. Up 2-1 against the Marlins and proceeded to give up 10 runs in the inning. Just brutal. 10 runs, 8 hits, 1 walk and 1 error.

Ended up losing the game 13-2. Ouch.

Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

[jmcole33]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

New York Mets - 2016 World Series Champs!

The Mets would only need five games to avoid going back to Toronto and defeat the Blue Jays in the World Series. Brandon Nimmo tied the game at 1 in the sixth inning with a solo shot, and a David Wright single plated two in the seventh to put us up 3-1. Steven Matz went 8.1 innings, striking out five, and throwing 110 pitches. Familia was forced to come in after Matz gave up two singles to start the ninth. Familia walked the first batter he faced to load the bases with 1 out, but was able to strike out Bautista and Russell Martin back to back to shut the door.