MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

[HozAndMoose]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

<table><td bgcolor=#004684>End of August - 2017</td></table>

We finished the rest of the July going 10-6. And carried that over into August going 11-7 through the first half. But that all kind of fell apart from there. We finished the month 3-8 to bring us to 69-65 overall. 3rd place in the division. 3 games behind Detroit for 1st. And 1.5 games behind Cleveland for the 2nd Wild Card. A few more wins would have been nice. But we had a couple injuries and we arent out of it by any means. So it could have been worse. We have been in this situation in some form for the last 3 years. 2014 fighting for a playoff spot. 2015 fighting for 1st in the AL. And 2016 fighting for a playoff spot. We know what needs to be down now we just have to go and do it. The Cubs are just dominating everyone. Best record in the majors at 89-44. On pace for 108 wins. And then you have the Reds with the worst record at 46-87. On pace for 56 wins.

Standings

Spoiler

The offense hasnt been all that bad considering Mike Moustakas had to go on the DL on August 12th with some shoulder issues. We did end up trading for Brandon Phillips during the All Star break. And man has it paid off. Since the trade he is hitting .306/.335/.420 with 4 HR and 16 RBI in 157 at bats. He also hit a walk off 3 run HR against the Rangers. Jarrod Dyson has been even better. Since the all star break he is hitting .328/.400/.480 with 13 SB in 125 at bats. He did the same thing last year. Starts the season slow. Ends up splitting time with someone. Then breaks out around the break. Hoz has been very good as well. Currently hitting .293/.365/.491. Has 9 HR and 27 RBI since the break. Unless something bad happens he will break his personal HR record he set last year with 25. And has already set a new personal best in WAR at 4.92. Moose came off the DL yesterday. Went 1 for 4 in his return. Jackson Yates returns today. Wasnt all that good before he got hurt. But his versatility in the field is extremely useful. He will get some play time since the rosters are expanding. Not as much play time as he had before he got hurt since Dyson is playing well and Phillips is the guy at 2nd now. With Moose back hopefully the offense gets a bit better. Gordon has been terrible. Currently hitting .234/.332/.352. So ween need Moose to continue doing what he did before the injury.

As for the pitching it was about the same. 3.9 runs allowed per game. Went through the whole 9 man rotation. Didnt work as well as last year. Minor, Vargas, Gee and Peavy ended up being the 5 guys we went with. Minor has been okay. 3.79 ERA in his last 35.2 innings over 6 starts. Gee has probably been the best. 3.43 ERA in his last 44.2 IP over 7 starts. Vargas started great giving up 5 ER in 21 IP. But has given up 15 ER over his last 18.1 IP. Then theres Ventura. In his first 2 starts after the break he went 15 innings with 2 ER, 1 BB and 18 K's. Then suffered a shoulder injury in his next start. Has missed the last 3 weeks. Should be back in a week or 2. If he had been there we could have had another win or 2. Cause Ian Kennedy was the guy replacing him and he hasnt been very good either with 16 ER in 25 IP. He is gonna be moved out of the rotation again and we will insert Kris Medlen. Starting pitching continues to hold us back. Im not sure what else to do at this point. We have tried everyone. And while a couple guys are doing well. Everyone else probably deserve to be cut.

I'll have a minor league roundup after their season ends. For now we lost Kyle Zimmer for the rest of the year with a Torn Labrum. And Terrance Gore hurt his shoulder. We added him to the roster before putting him on the DL so he could be playoff eligible. Its a 1-2 month recovery so he may not even be available if we decided to go with him.

15 of the last 28 games at home. 7 games against Cleveland. 6 games against Detroit. So we have a chance to beat the teams ahead of us. Its gonna be tough. But we have been here and done it before.

[EWRMETS]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Interesting back to back games in my Yankees franchise. Against the Orioles, CC (who's been awful and on verge of being out of rotation) takes a no hitter through 7 until Machado breaks it up with a double in the 8th. He ends up giving up 4 hits in the Yanks first complete game shut out of the season. The following game, Tanaka gets a no hitter, close to a perfect game only hitting a batter and having a batter reach on an error. The last play of the game was pretty crazy as a broken bat roller was hit to third. Chase Headley, in as a defensive replacement for ARod, barely makes the play to get Tanaka the no hitter. It would have been a brutal way to lose it.

[KBLover]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

He's 31, so he might not make it back next season, but I'm officially addicted to guys like this. He'll never hit above .270, but his ability to pressure the defense with the bunt, with the steal, and his ability to leg out an extra base on routine hits has already won me 2-3 games in the single month I've had him on the team.

I'm with you, I LOVE speed, especially in the outfield. High range + High reaction = spot in the outfield unless you're hitting like .180 over a long timeframe. I'd tolerate .230, especially with some walks and extra bases. The defensive value would make up the difference, imo, especially at CF.

One reason I keep trying to give Buxton chances in my other franchise is because of that speed + reaction combo combined with Fenway's RF.

[RogueHominid]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

I'm with you, I LOVE speed, especially in the outfield. High range + High reaction = spot in the outfield unless you're hitting like .180 over a long timeframe. I'd tolerate .230, especially with some walks and extra bases. The defensive value would make up the difference, imo, especially at CF.

One reason I keep trying to give Buxton chances in my other franchise is because of that speed + reaction combo combined with Fenway's RF.

Yeah, even though I loved Joc in CF and loved his power potential against RHP, I actually like Dyson more, despite much lower OVR ratings.

Dyson wont' throw anyone out, but his reaction and fielding + speed are insane, and even if he only hits .230, he's an instant threat to manufacture a run any time he's on base, and he's a double-play killer with his time to 1st.

I don't see myself calling Joc back up unless he gets red-hot by Sept. 1st, when I have to set my playoff roster.

And I'm definitely going to look to acquire one more player with this kind of speed and bunting ability at the deadline. The value those players provide on strong pitching teams in pitchers' parks far exceeds their OVR rating, at least for me.

I'd rather have a bunch of guys who can leg out IF hits, go 1st to home on a double, 1st to 3rd on a single, and who can field over guys with high HR power.

[KBLover]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Yeah, even though I loved Joc in CF and loved his power potential against RHP, I actually like Dyson more, despite much lower OVR ratings.

Dyson wont' throw anyone out, but his reaction and fielding + speed are insane, and even if he only hits .230, he's an instant threat to manufacture a run any time he's on base, and he's a double-play killer with his time to 1st.

I don't see myself calling Joc back up unless he gets red-hot by Sept. 1st, when I have to set my playoff roster.

And I'm definitely going to look to acquire one more player with this kind of speed and bunting ability at the deadline. The value those players provide on strong pitching teams in pitchers' parks far exceeds their OVR rating, at least for me.

I'd rather have a bunch of guys who can leg out IF hits, go 1st to home on a double, 1st to 3rd on a single, and who can field over guys with high HR power.

Sounds like when I had Ben Revere on my Marlins. Heck, still have EY, Jr. on my roster. Tim Anderson is still around, too.

I don't know what the ratings like look in OSFM3 but I looked in my other franchise (OSFM2 base) and I see a lot of interesting speed+reaction types for CF, and I think some of them would be relatively inexpensive to get. (Search was Speed 85+, Reaction 80+, position: CF)

Travis Jankowski looks really interesting if you don't mind a 24-year-old prospect. 60 con vs R and 86 Reaction, 88 Speed. Keon Broxton perhaps. Of course, Ben Revere, Billy Hamilton but they probably would better as FA targets than trade acquisitions.

[scooterperpetual]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Kansas City Royals @ Houston Astros

Game 1
Home Opening Day! Nothing like it as Collin McHugh will take the start. All Astros pitchers undefeated as the team is 6-0. Everything was nice and quiet through the first 3 innings.

In the top of the 4th Alex Gordon hits a solo shot to right field to give the Royals a 1-0 lead. The Astros in the bottom of the inning explode with 4 runs, one from the bat of Marwin Gonzalez. The rest via small ball.

Top of the 5th Royals start to claw back and get 1 of their own now via Kendrys Morales home run a 4-2 ball game. We answer with 6 runs, 3 from a Marisnick bomb to left center field just to the right of the Crawford Boxes. Then more small ball.

Bottom of the 6th inning Marwin Gonzalez hits his second home run of the game extending the lead to 11-2. Top of the 7th the Royals get back 2 more via the Alex Gordon 2-run home run. Final score 11-4.

KC Top Hitters:
Kendrys Morales: 2-4, 1 HR
Alex Gordon: 2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI

HOU Top Hitters:
Colby Rasmus: 3-4, 1 RBI
Jason Castro: 2-4, 1 RBI
Jake Marisnick: 4-4, HR, 3 RBI
Marwin Gonzalez: 2-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI

WP - Collin McHugh: (2-0) 7.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO
LP - Yordano Ventura: (0-2) 4.0 IP, 7H, 5 ER, 3 BB
Save - Luke Gregerson: (1 Save) 1.0 IP, 1 SO

Game 2
I decided to switch to Armor & Sword Sliders for this game and going forward, I am leaning towards switching back to my own set but with a few major changes for hitting.

Now 7-0 on the season Mike Fiers getting his second start of the season. All was quiet once again through the first 3 innings.

In the top of the 4th the Royals strikes for 2 via the Kendrys Morales (I kinda hate him now) and Alex Gordon home run. We continue to be shut out until finally in the bottom of the 8th we get 1 run via Carlos Correa RBI. Now a 2-1 game.

Well top of the 9th Kendrys Morales (Now I really hate him) decides to hit a no doubt home run to right field to all but ice the game. A 2 run deficit is not huge but the bottom of my order is now up and I have to face their closer and I end up losing.

KC Top Hitters:
Kendrys Morales: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
Alex Gordon: 2-4, HR

HOU Top Hitters:
Georger Springer: 3-4
Marwin Gonzalez: 2-3

WP - Mike Minor: (1-0) 7.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO
LP - Mike Fiers: (0-1) 6.0 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 4 SO

Game 3
Scott Feldman gets the start for this game and I hate his motion so much its just so slow. Well this one is a pitchers duel to the very end. Not really much to go into about this game but this:

Bottom of the 8th we are up to bat with yet another scoring opportunity, Springer on 2nd. Carlos Correa comes in clutch again and hits an RBI single right down the middle and some hustle from Springer gets him home scoring the only run of the game.

Ken Giles came in and closed things down and he has just been great this season.

KC Top Hitters:
Kendrys Morales: 1-2, 1 BB
Mike Moustakas: 1-2
(They only got 2 hits in the ball game)

HOU Top Hitters:
Carlos Correa: 3-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB
Preston Tucker: 2-3
Marwin Gonzalez: 2-3

WP - Scott Feldman: (2-0) 8.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB
LP - Edinson Volquez: (0-1) 7.0 IP, 9 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO
Save - Ken Giles: (3 Saves) 1.0 IP, 1 SO

Game 4
Boy this game got off to an exciting start. Doug Fister got the start after pitching a complete game his last time out.

The Royals came out swinging jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. I was very worried about Fister having a quality start here as he walked the first batter and gave up a few hard hit balls. Also an error advanced runners to 2nd and 3rd on what should have been a double play. Regardless not good pitching in the first inning.

Well we came out and matched their run total +1. Altuve and Marisnick did a great job getting on base with a base hit and a walk and Carlos Correa came up first pitch swinging and hit a no doubt home run into the Crawford Boxes 3-2 lead.

All was quiet until the 4th inning when a Luis Valbuena home run went over the train tracks and would have been out of the park had the roof been open. Then in the bottom of the 5th Correa picked up his 4th RBI of the game to make it a 5-3 game.

Then in the 7th inning Alex Gordon hit a home run into right field (I really dont like him either) to make it a 5-3 game. All was quiet until the 9th when some small ball got them back 1 more run to make it a 5-4 game and Luke Gregerson came in and closed things down. Astros win 5-4.

Carlos Correa was a triple away from the cycle.

KC Top Hitters:
Paulo Orlando: 2-3
Kendrys Morales: 1-4, 1 RBI
Alex Gordon: 1-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI

HOU Top Hitters:
Carlos Correa: 3-4, 1 HR, 4 RBI
Luis Valbuena: 1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI

WP - Doug Fister: (2-0) 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO
LP - Ian Kennedy: (0-2) 5.0 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO

My problem with the A&S sliders is mainly I hit way too many double plays, I have no problem getting hits but my rallies just get killed. I am going to mess with the batting sliders a bit and change my approach at the plate and hopefully it works because I get good stats with these sliders and pitching is difficult but not too difficult.

[TexasRyan]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

I just started a Rangers franchise with the default current updated rosters. I made two trades before the start of the season.

Martin Perez/Josh Hamilton/Shin Soo-Choo
for
Andrew Miller

&

Robinson Chirinos/Mitch Moreland/Prince Fielder
for
Brock Holt/Deven Marrero

To fill in three free roster spots I signed a 2nd baseman to the minors in the mold of Brock Holt, except this guy right handed. Great contact hitter that can play every position besides 1st base. I also signed a 3rd baseman to the minors with low stats but A potential. Could be a future prospect or trade value. I also signed Kyle Lohse who I believe is still on the team in real life pitching in the minors to be my main long reliever.

As far as the trades go the first one probably made the most sense Perez is a solid young pitcher, but with AJ Griffin's resurgence I had a 6th guy and didn't want to demote Colby Lewis to long reliever so I traded the guy out of him/Holland/Perez who had the trade value. Hamilton's possibly done as a Ranger in real life which made trading him easy in the game and I don't feel the need to keep Choo as I'm platooning Hoying/Rua in left field. Andrew Miller allows me to put Dyson in the bullpen as another solid arm and now have a legitimate all star closer.

The second trade probably makes less sense to most, but I wanted to dump those three guys. I'm happy with Bobby Wilson starting and Bryan Holaday. Deven Marrero was just a throw in to get Brock Holt who will be my super utility guy off the bench. He's only 27 and a B potential and already a high 70's rating so at some point in the future I can start him at any position besides catcher if need be. I got rid of Fielder/Moreland so I could move Joey Gallo to 1st base and be my everyday guy at 1st. His ratings went down from like a 76 to a 72 but after getting moved to MLB and an everyday guy they shot up to 79.

Rotation:
1. Yu Darvish
2. Cole Hamels
3. AJ Griffin
4. Derek Holland
5. Colby Lewis

Bullpen:
LR - Kyle Lohse
Sam Dyson
Tom Wilhelmsen
Shawn Tolleson
Matt Bush
LH SU - Jake Diekman
RH SU - Keone Kela
Closer - Andrew Miller

Lineup:
1. Jurickson Profar (DH)
2. Ian Desmond (CF)
3. Nomar Mazara (RF)
4. Adrian Beltre (3rd)
5. Rougned Odor (2nd)
6. Joey Gallo (1st)
7. Elvis Andrus (SS)
8. Jared Hoying/Ryan Rua (LF)
9. Bobby Wilson (C)

Bench:
Jared Hoying/Ryan Rua
Brock Holt
Bryan Holaday

Lineup basically looks the same in real life, but Choo and Chirinos will likely be starting soon in real life. I also called up Gallo a little early as the starting 1st baseman but I think it'll happen this season or next in real life.

[tcsox11]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Just had a crazy game in my Red Sox franchise against the Astros. I was leading 3-1 early on, then the floodgates opened. Eventually it became 12-3 Houston heading into the bottom of the 8th. I get a couple hits, then Giles throws Ortiz a 99 mph fastball off the outside corner and Ortiz plants it into the monster seats (his 3rd of the game!!) 12-6 now. Bottom 9 Holt leads off and pops out. Betts and Pedroia both single for Bogaerts, who crushes his 1st of the year over everything in left field and pulls us within 3. Unfortunately our good luck ran out as Ortiz grounded out and Ramirez followed with a groundout of his own to end the game at a score of 12-9. So close to the come back. Hard to believe we hit 5 homers in a game and crack 16 hits, yet still lose. Sigh

[Scott]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

I just started a Rangers franchise with the default current updated rosters. I made two trades before the start of the season.

Martin Perez/Josh Hamilton/Shin Soo-Choo
for
Andrew Miller

&

Robinson Chirinos/Mitch Moreland/Prince Fielder
for
Brock Holt/Deven Marrero

To fill in three free roster spots I signed a 2nd baseman to the minors in the mold of Brock Holt, except this guy right handed. Great contact hitter that can play every position besides 1st base. I also signed a 3rd baseman to the minors with low stats but A potential. Could be a future prospect or trade value. I also signed Kyle Lohse who I believe is still on the team in real life pitching in the minors to be my main long reliever.

As far as the trades go the first one probably made the most sense Perez is a solid young pitcher, but with AJ Griffin's resurgence I had a 6th guy and didn't want to demote Colby Lewis to long reliever so I traded the guy out of him/Holland/Perez who had the trade value. Hamilton's possibly done as a Ranger in real life which made trading him easy in the game and I don't feel the need to keep Choo as I'm platooning Hoying/Rua in left field. Andrew Miller allows me to put Dyson in the bullpen as another solid arm and now have a legitimate all star closer.

The second trade probably makes less sense to most, but I wanted to dump those three guys. I'm happy with Bobby Wilson starting and Bryan Holaday. Deven Marrero was just a throw in to get Brock Holt who will be my super utility guy off the bench. He's only 27 and a B potential and already a high 70's rating so at some point in the future I can start him at any position besides catcher if need be. I got rid of Fielder/Moreland so I could move Joey Gallo to 1st base and be my everyday guy at 1st. His ratings went down from like a 76 to a 72 but after getting moved to MLB and an everyday guy they shot up to 79.

Rotation:
1. Yu Darvish
2. Cole Hamels
3. AJ Griffin
4. Derek Holland
5. Colby Lewis

Bullpen:
LR - Kyle Lohse
Sam Dyson
Tom Wilhelmsen
Shawn Tolleson
Matt Bush
LH SU - Jake Diekman
RH SU - Keone Kela
Closer - Andrew Miller

Lineup:
1. Jurickson Profar (DH)
2. Ian Desmond (CF)
3. Nomar Mazara (RF)
4. Adrian Beltre (3rd)
5. Rougned Odor (2nd)
6. Joey Gallo (1st)
7. Elvis Andrus (SS)
8. Jared Hoying/Ryan Rua (LF)
9. Bobby Wilson (C)

Bench:
Jared Hoying/Ryan Rua
Brock Holt
Bryan Holaday

Lineup basically looks the same in real life, but Choo and Chirinos will likely be starting soon in real life. I also called up Gallo a little early as the starting 1st baseman but I think it'll happen this season or next in real life.

No offense, but those are awful trades....

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[TexasRyan]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

No offense, but those are awful trades....

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

None taken. What do you not like about them? Second one I feel like Holt/Marrero definitely wasn't enough, but that's decent valuable for what I was being offered which wasn't much. As far as the other one goes I understand not wanting to give up Perez, but in the game it didn't effect me that much.

[Scott]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

None taken. What do you not like about them? Second one I feel like Holt/Marrero definitely wasn't enough, but that's decent valuable for what I was being offered which wasn't much. As far as the other one goes I understand not wanting to give up Perez, but in the game it didn't effect me that much.

Pittsburg has no use for a DH.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[TexasRyan]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Pittsburg has no use for a DH.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Didn't trade to Pittsburgh brotha what do you mean?

Sent to the two 1st base guys to Boston. Figured Moreland could either platoon with Hanley at 1st or play left field. He's probably a better 1st baseman than Hanley defensively and can hit righties better. Prince Fielder can platoon with Hanley, play from the bench, or sit a year and take Papi's role when he retires/quickly declines. In the game Chirinos is an upgrade from Vazquez until Vazquez is more MLB ready. Probably doesn't make the most sense but it's kinda sorta justifiable, but I get that it's not the most realistic trade.

The only thing I don't really love about my lineup is Bobby Wilson is hitting TERRIBLY to start the season. 18 games in he's .070. Bryan Holaday might be a viable replacement in the future if need be. I'm not too worried about it though bc Bobby's a really solid defensive catcher for me. Beltre's the hot bat with 6 home runs 18 games in. Gallo and Hoying also have 5. Gallo had a 2 run walkoff homer the last game I played. I feel like I'm wasting away Profar at DH but I have no use for him at 2nd with Odor and at 3rd with Beltre. There COULD be a future for him at SS if I decide to trade Andrus, but I think the most logical thing to do is put him at 3rd in a year or so. Idk how much Beltre declines in the first year so I may or may not resign him. If I end up moving Profar to 3rd next year that leaves me a free DH position for another power hitter.

[NYR LundqvistSTEPANu]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

So I've been on a tear in my Yankees franchise. Took like a 6 year rebuild lol but its starting to look like the late 90's again. After being awful & stocking up on talent, putting together a filthy dominant 3-man trio at the top of my rotation, things began to turn around in 2021

Went 105-57 & lost in the ALCS

2022 the dynasty begins. We tie the Cubs & Mariners for the Wins record, finish 116-46 en route to our first title in 13 years. Over a stacked Bryce Harper led Nationals team

2023 we repeat as WS Champions over the Nationals again, after a 107-55 campaign.

2024 was a year of regression & roster flux. Some guys wearing out their welcome, other guys not meeting expectations, & it resulted in a 91-71 wild card birth. We win the WCG behind my 98 OVR Pedro Martinez clone, Willy Ramirez, but would fall in the ALDS to the rival Blue Jays. The Jays would go on to win the WS

2025, we return to the Pinnacle. Go 100-62 on our way to our 3rd championship in 4 years. Including a 6 game ALCS victory over a Strong Texas team led by Schwarber, Machado & Profar, + some CPU homegrown talent. A crazy series that saw my yanks win 2 games in extra innings, one of them being a 3-5 deficit that we erased in the Top 9th (so on their home turf). I also played 1 game in that ALCS, that ended up being a serious back & fourth affair, saw me erase TX leads of 2-0, 3-2, 4-3 & 6-4 before I took control & won 8-6. Also in Arlington. Hell of a heartbreak series that could've gone either way. Then, we just stomped all over Milwaukee in the WS, it wasn't even close. Clean sweep

The Run was led by a Maddux-Glavine-Smoltz like trio that I had been nurturing for several years in the minors. Willy Ramirez, Josh Bennett, & Dan Casey, all eclipsing the 97 overall rating at their peak. Ramirez was a former top 5 draft pick. I had Bennett in my system from the start, & Casey was acquired during the Purge of the early years. They exceeded my expectations Overall-wise, each being 97-98 at one point.

Ramirez's best year so far; 20-8, 3.12 ERA, 271Ks

Bennett - a toss up but probably 19-5, 2.73 ERA, 163Ks

Casey - 17-5, 2.32 ERA, 252Ks

I can comfortably say, Casey = Maddux, Bennett = Glavine, & Ramirez = Smoltz. It was a great run

My best position players include Aaron Judge, + a 4th overall selection turned beast, SS Julio Mitre, & a 3rd round pick turned Basher & HR Derby Champion, Jeff Peck. Mitre is a Machado Equivalent, minus the elite defense. Peck is a late bloomer, being drafted at 23 & starting his rookie year at 26, but he's been a Lefty 30 HR threat since exploding onto the scene, having seasons of 30, 32, 42 & 36 bombs since joining the Majors. A known commodity at this point, he currently in 2026 has 28 dingers through 114 games. 60/55 contact, 99/86 power, & almost 50/50 vision/discipline. Great pick, knew he had potential to be legit as he had a 99 Durability right out of the gate. 85 overall

After the 2025 season my roster is in a bit of flux. Betances retires, I let Bennett walk in Free Agency, & he unfortunately signs a $208 Million dollar deal with the Red Sox. My longtime 2nd baseman, Willy Corona, also leaves in FA, he was my 2nd round pick from the 2016 Draft who actually went on to win Rookie of the Year many years back, but never exceeded 79 overall. Had 99 clutch & good contact though. My Catcher also was entering a serious Decline & could no longer be an everyday player. My 1st Basemen as well was a candidate to be replaced, while Aaron Judge was turning 35 & on his way to DH-ing. Luckily I had some talent coming through the pipeline. However, with the Red Sox making a big splash in free agency, signing Bennett & a separate 99 Overall pitcher (to join a 99 already on their staff) I decided not to be complacent.

I trade my 28 year old, 83 overall 1st baseman Murray Clark (87-80-72-60 contact/power left to right), a 71 overall 25 y/o LFer John Aguero who has 99 potential, & a 23 y/o 80 overall SP Bryan Osuna (who has 88 potential (B) but only 3 pitches)....for 27 y/o, 87 overall CF Cecil Dye, of the Oakland Athletics. Coming off a .239, 29 HR 103 RBI season & Entering the Final year of his contract, this was a typical sell high move by Billy Beane & the A's. A 5 tool stud CF, & Lefty who crushes righties (78/88 vs Righties, 81 speed, 68 steal, 76 Fielding, 86/65 Arm), Dye fills a void that I've been craving for years, which is a rangy CF with an arm & a bat. This allows me to put Peck in his natural RF position, moves Judge over to the DH & opens a spot for one of my young OFs to earn during Spring Training. I also have Jeremy Burland, a 22 year old Stud 1st basemen who I drafted at 18 years old. The 2025 year was his rookie season, & he proceeded to hit .266 24 HRs & 66 RBI's, finishing 2nd in the ROTY race. This guy is the reason Murray was Expendable & allowed me to pull the trigger on Dye. Burland was 1 of 3 rookie phenoms from 2025, & so far in 2026 he's leading the Batting Title race hitting .316 17 HRs 64 RBIs (87/81/71/79 left to right, with 72/72/99 vision/disc/clutch. Big future)

Mariano Cabrera - 24 y/o Catcher of the Oakland Athletics was one of the Phenoms, hitting .279 with 29HRs & 82 RBI's, winning ROTY. A switch hitter who projects to be the next coming of Juan Olivo (a CPU generated Pujols clone in my franchise who plays for the Twins). Already 80/80+ vs righties, 60/60+ vs lefties. A potential

Nick Cordova - the 3rd phenom. White Sox 1st baseman with a Votto type of contact-first attribute build, with 80 discipline & 95 clutch. 99 steal rating. Hit .303 with 18 HRs, 55 RBI's & 33 steals. Potential 40/40 threat??


Oh yeah & that Juan Olivo guy??? Coming off a .275, 52 HRs 120RBI season in 2025. currently hitting .292 with 38 HRs & 91 RBIs with over 40 games left in 2026. This guy is a sure fire HOFer, will have 400 bombs before he hits 30. Awesome stuff. I'll keep you updated

[HozAndMoose]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

<table><td bgcolor=#004684>End of Minor League Season - 2017</td></table>

Minor league season has come to an end for us. Neither AAA Omaha or AA NW Arkansas made the playoffs. Here is how our top 10 prospects did.

#1. Raul Mondesi - The 21 year old SS had the best year of his career so far. Hitting .268/.353/.475 with 9 HR and 64 RBI in 451 at bats. He hit 42 doubles and 8 triples. Couldnt have come at a better time for him. Alcides Escobar will be a free agent this winter. If he doesnt return Mondesi will be the guy. If Escobar does end up coming back he could start the season at 2nd depending on what we do with Phillips.

#2. Kyle Zimmer - Not really sure if he is still a prospect at this point. Started the year in AAA. First 2 games he pitched 12.1 innings. Gave up 3 ER, 4BB and 15K's. Was called up the the majors after that start to replace Kennedy who went on the DL. And he proceeded to be absolutely terrible. Gave up 30 ER in 35 IP before being sent back down to AAA. Thats where he finished his year. Made 9 more starts down there before suffering a Torn Labrum. He finished with a 3-6 record in 67 IP, with a 2.96 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and a K/9 of 10.48. He has had is fair share of shoulder injuries. Hopefully he can come back cause we are gonna need him.

#3. Ashe Russel - A 1st round pick in 2015. He had is first full season above A ball. Up and down year. Mostly down. 12-7 with a 4.52 ERA and 1.49 WHIP. Struck out 148 in 153.1 IP. One of the biggest issues for him was walks with 70. Was pretty good his last month or so though. 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA in 40.1 IP. Struck out 41 and gave up 16 walks. Just 4 walks in his last 20 IP. He will probably start 2018 back in AA. Only 20 years old so still plenty of time for him to progress.

#4. Nolan Watson - Taken 12 picks after Russel and went to school less than 5 miles from Russel. Was his first season above A ball as well. His season went a little better in some areas. 7-14 with a 4.24 ERA in 150.2 IP. Had some control issues with 6 wild pitches and hit 7 batters. His last month wasnt so good. 0-3 with a 4.99 ERA in 30.2 IP. 27 K's to 11 walks. Had an ERA around 4 before that. May have gotten a bit tired as the season went on. Projection is the same as Russel. Will start 2018 in AA. Could see some AAA. Same age as Russel so again plenty of time to develop.

#5. Bubba Starling - Pretty good year for the 24 year old home town kid (can you still call him a kid at 24?). Hasnt lived up the potential he had coming out of HS in 2011. But starting to get there possibly. He hit .268/.326/.489 with 16 HR and 51RBI in 370 at bats in AA. Was moved to AAA late in the season. Only got 24 at bats. Had 1 hit in his first 14. But got going the last 2 games going 5 for 10 with a HR and 2 RBI. Will get some play time up in the majors during September. Could be a starter in the Of next year so need to see what he has. How much play time depends how the team does.

#6. Miguel Almonte - Struggled all year. Made 12 starts in AAA before being sent to AA. In those 12 starts he was 1-6 with a 5.21 ERA and 1.77 WHIP. Wasnt much better once he got to AA. In 11 starts he was 4-3 with a 5.03 ERA and 1.57 WHIP. Ended up breaking his forearm ending his season. 24 years old. Has a bit of time to figure things out. But needs to do it pretty fast. We could use some depth with quite a few starters possibly leaving this off season.

#7. Chase Vallot - 20 year old powerful catcher. Had an okay year. Struggled a bit as it came down to the end. Finished with a line of .253/.339/.395. Had 12 HR and 52 RBI in 403 at bats. Would like to see some more homers with his power. But still young. Not sure he will stick at catcher. Could move to right or 1st. Probably 3 years away from helping the team.

#8. Cheslor Cuthbert - Good season for 24 year old Cuthbert down in AAA. Hit .277/.325/.394. 9 HR with 45 RBI. Had struggled a bit the year before. Another guy that could be a starter in the majors next year depending on how free agency goes. Not very confident givign him the every dayt job right now. But it may have to happen. We will be most aggressive trying to sign Moose though.

#9. Jorge Bonifacio - Could have been a better year for him. Hit .242/.325/.387 with 13 HR and 44 RBI in AAA. Really struggled against lefties with a .106 AVG in 66 at bats. 23 years old and we are set at the corner outfields for now. So he can bounce back before we really need him.

#10 Foster Griffin - Another Young pitcher down in AA. Struggled a lot mroe than Russell and Watson who are a year younger. 7-8 with a 5.28 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. Might have to move him to the pen as his stamina just isnt that great. Could be a pretty good reliever and spot starter if needed.

A few other guys that did good or under performed.

• Mark Wilkerson - 22 year old 3B we took in then 2016 draft. Knew he could hit pretty well. Question was how much he could improve. In his first season he hit .276/.367/.370 with 3 HR and 46 RBI. Deceptively fast apparently with 13 SB. Didnt think he would have more than 3 or 4 probably.
  
• Balbino Fuenmayor - 27 year old 1B/DH. Getting up there in age. Has a chance to play in the majors next year. He hit .267/.328/.431 with 24 HR and 73 RBI in 592 AB in AAA. At this point its becoming more and more clear that Hoz will be gone. With how his last month has gone he is now wanting more than 20 million a year. We just cant afford that and still field a good team. So Balbino could be the guy at 1st next year. Wont have as good of an AVG but could get 20+ HR.
  
• Brandon Downes - 24 year old OF. Hit .283/.355/.451 with 12 HR and 50 RBI in AAA. Will be a corner outfield guy whenever he comes up. Not really fast enough to play CF.
  
• Ramon Torres - 24 years old and can play all over the IF. He hit .311/.367/.375 in 312 AB in AAA. Played a bit in the majors before we traded for Phillips. Struggled though with just 2 hits in 30 AB. Another guy that could get some significant play time next year.
  
• Steve Miller - 20 year old reliever we took in the 2016 draft. Played very well his first year. Threw him right into AAA and it paid off. 2.47 ERA in 91 IP. Struck out 72 while walking 41. We knew the walks would be an issue. He did better than expected though. Could be in the majors next year. Wont start there though.
  
• Martin Gasparini - 19 year old SS. After having a surprisingly good 2016 he couldnt reproduce it this year. Hitting just .219/.252/.375 in 128 at bats in AA. Mondesi wont be back in AA next year so it will be his spot form now on. No need to rush him. Will spend 2 or 3 more years down in the minors at least.

[tcsox11]

Re: MLB 16 Franchise Progress Thread

Bounced back from my last game. Still against the Astros, we won 4-0 thanks to solo homers from Ramirez and Shaw (12 on the year now) and 14 hits overall from the offense. Eduardo Rodriguez had his best start of the season, and the best start from any of my pitchers this year by having a line of 9 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 15 K. Absolutely dominant.

In the last game of a 4 gamer against Houston we came out and again the offense came alive. We won 8-3 and it was a total team effort, with everyone getting a hit except for Hanigan (.120 AVG in about 35 AB's this year as a back up). Porcello pitched a solid 6 innings, giving up 2 runs and striking out 8. Over our last 10 we have been heating up and we are at .500 now, 20-20 and about 5.5 games back of the red-hot Blue Jays.