Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

[KBLover]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Red Sox Bounced in ALDS
White Sox Win Next Three to Take Series

And...the Flat Sox came back.

In Game 2, Taijuan Walker struggled, again putting the Red Sox in an early bind. Walker gave up 5 runs in just the first four innings to put his team down 5-0. A 4-run rally got the team back in it. However, the middle relief couldn't keep it a one-run game as Robles let in a run to make it 6-4.

This time, the White Sox bullpen was nearly flawless. Corbin was lifted in the 6th for Medina, who finished the 6th and pitched a scoreless 7th. Boston got two hits against Kela, but couldn't find they critical hit to capitalize. After that, Kimbrel did Kimbrel things and slammed the door.


In Game 3, now back at Fenway, the Red Sox seemed energized by being back home. A trio of home runs in the first four innings gave the Red Sox the 5-0 lead this time. Urias pitched a competitive ball game, leaving with a 5-3 lead through 7 solid innings of work.

So where did it go wrong? This time, it was the set-up men, namely Tazawa, who fell flat. He gave up a 3-run HR to Casilla that put the White Sox up 6-5. Chapman pitched a perfect 9th to keep the deficit at one, but, once again, Kimbrel slammed the door shut in the 9th to push the Sox to the brink.

Game 4 was just the bats going flat. Nothing more than that. Schwarber, who batted .416 in the series, tried to get things going with a home run, and Mateo of all people hit a home run. But there was nothing to go with it. Outside of Piscotty, just 1 walk. Just four hits as a team.

With the score 4-2, Kimbrel again was summoned. He may have been tired, but the Red Sox bats were mush and it didn't matter. Red Sox fell by a 4-2 score and their meager title defense came to a fitting end, losing for a lack of offensive support for the middle of the order.

No offense to Audry Perez, but when he's the second-most productive hitter in the lineup...you're screwed.

There will be no joy in Beantown. The barely-made-it Sox were knocked out.

[KBLover]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Padres Succeed This Time
Once Again Frairs Make it to Fall Classic

Apparently, the only thing that can stop the Padres is the Red Sox. With them out, the Padres had free reign over the Fall Classic.

To get there, they upset the Rockies, the best team in the NL, to reach the ALCS. From there, they pulled out their "win by smoke and mirrors and in the last game" tricks to get by the Nats in 7 games.

Meanwhile, on the AL side, the White Sox curbstomped by the Astros (sure makes the Red Sox look bad...got beat by a team that got CRUSHED in the next round).

The Rays were beaten by those same Astros in the ALDS. Both AL East teams beaten in the Divisional round.

Once the Astros and Padres met in the World Series, the Astros realized they left their bats in Chicago because they did next to nothing against the Padres. While the series lasted six games, the Astros did not play well overall.

The Padres made it to the World Series and lost in six games last season. This time, they made it and won the World Series in six games.


World Series MVP: CF Chris Coghlan (SD), .500, 1 HR, 1 RBI

Playoff MVP: SS Eduardo Escobar (HOU), .340, 3 HR, 14 RBI

[KBLover]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

2017 Offseason Begins

Notable Retirements:
BOS: SP Mark Buehrle (age)
TB: C Yadier Molina (age)
TB: LF David Murphy (age)
TOR: SS J. J. Hardy (age)
CHA: 2B Brandon Philips (age)
CLE: 3B Adrian Beltre (age), 437 HR
CLE: LF Josh Hamilton (age)
LAA: SP Hisashi Iwakuma (age)
WAS: 3B Alex Rodriguez (age), 701 HR
MIL: LF Jayson Werth (age)
SD: SP Cliff Lee (age)



Hall of Fame Inductees:

3B Alex Rodriguez: 3146 H, 701 HR, 327 SB, .294 BA
RF Carlos Beltran: 408 HR, 311 SB, .298 BA
SS Jimmy Rollins: 229 HR, 468 SB, .264 BA
3B Adrian Beltre: 2991 H, 437 HR, .281 BA

Red Sox To Make Choices?

The Red Sox might have another reason to make some moves in sign-and-trade deals or something similar...money. The team has quite a few up for arbitration and perhaps some of them can get signed and then moved along. Some might not get arbitration at all, perhaps.

Oz-Mania Arrives

Let the Ozzie Rodriguez hype begin. The Sox have already promoted him to the majors.

"Him being on the big league club and 40-man roster already pretty much means he's either going to be in the rotation or the vacated long relief spot left when Buehrle announced retirement, " one analyst commented.

That may be the official stance being sent out by the organization, but it's hard to imagine they made such a move just to put him in the bullpen, or at least that can't be the expectation.

[Sumodeads]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Damn KB, that sucks to see such a young superstar like Goldschmidt retire so early from injury. IRL he'd have to break his back or neck to have that happen.

[KBLover]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Damn KB, that sucks to see such a young superstar like Goldschmidt retire so early from injury. IRL he'd have to break his back or neck to have that happen.

I need to check that, actually. I removed injuries from young guys like Billy Hamilton. I might have left it on Goldy because it seemed he was almost recovered so I figured he'd not retire.

I have a back-up, but I don't know if I want to re-run it. I might, since most of these guys probably will quit anyway and I haven't progressed any farther.

[KBLover]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Okay, Goldschmidt had just 1-6days left and he retired. That's probably why I missed it (was looking for "months").

This time, I looked for ACLs, MCLs, etc, and removed them from younger players under 28 and for guys under 34 if they had less than 3 months recovery time.

Nothing changed except Goldschmidt's agent talked his player out of calling it quits.

[KBLover]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Exclusive Period

Boston Signings
C Derrick Chung signed 5yr/$2.7M
LF Kyle Schwarber signed 5yr/$36 M
RF Kike Hernandez signed 6yr/$26 M
LF Miguel Sano signed 1yr/$1.5 M

Boston Non-Tenders
SP Jered Weaver


Trades

Yankees acquire 3B Mikael Franco from Rays for SP Flaherty and C Cervilli.

Rangers acquire C Alex Avila from Twins for 1B Carlos Santana.


Other Notable Signings

CHA: CP Craig Kimbrel signed 7yr/$73.5M
OAK: SP Mike Minor signed 4yr/$30 M
STL: Exercised option SP Gio Gonzalez
COL: 1B Eric Hosmer signed 5yr/$113 M
LAD: C Salvador Perez signed 5yr/$94 M
SF: 2B Jose Altuve signed 6 yr/$169.8 M
MIL: SP Madison Bumgarner signed 7 yr/$210 M

Free Agency Begins

Notable Free Agents (Q) denotes qualifying offer made
SP Jake Arrieta (Q)
CF Andrew McCutchen (Q)
CP Jake McGee
SP Yu Darvish
RF Carlos Gonzalez
2B Ian Kinsler
RF Jose Bautista
CF Lorenzo Cain
1B Mark Teixeira
SS Erick Aybar
2B Chase Utley

Cubs Land McGee

Cubs signed CP Jake McGee to a 5 yr/$43 M contract, making him the first free agent to sign this offseason. McGee will fill a hole in the back end of the bullpen for the Cubs as they look to keep building through free agency.

Bettances Re-Ups

The Yankees and Bettances came to a long-term agreement worth $69 million over 6 years. The Yankees also inked SS Marcus Semien for 4 years/$14 M to avoid arbitration. This was a sign-and-trade as the club then shipped Semien to the Rays for SP Jack Falherty.

Darvish...to Boston?!

Nothing official yet but word from Darvish HQ is that an official offer came in from the Red Sox.

This would be an interesting development, considering a) he won't come cheap, and b) where are they going to put him?

Some say this is in response to the Giants coming calling about Chris Sale. Reportedly, Michael Wacha and Hunter Pence were in the package. Pence would only jack up the "no to Sano" contingent.

Boston Extend Herrera

Kelvin Herrera had an up-and-down year, but it was enough to show faith by avoiding arbitration with a 4 yr deal worth around $13 M.

Yankees Land Cain

Lorenzo Cain chose the Yankees as his new ballclub when he signed the 5-year deal worth over $70 M from the club. This seems to be a big bet on the veteran outfielder. Cain batted just .267 with a handful of HR and 28 SB. Not terrible, given the type of hitter he is, but still seems high for that level of production.

Mets, Padres Up Ante on Sale Rumors

The Mets must have got wind of the Giants interest and have thrown an offer out there. This offer included Luis Severino, a very promising young pitcher.

The Padres aren't about to let the Giants get someone like Sale without doing something. They offered a package involving CF Anthony Alford and versatile veteran Josh Harrison, who is also on a pretty decent contract.

Giants? They put out another offer, this time playing into the seeming design of the Boston outfield...dangling Billy Hamilton along with Hunter Harvey as the key parts of the deal.

Boston Acquires Dominguez from Reds

The Red Sox made their first sign-and-trade deal, sending streaky slugger Juan Francisco along with prospects CF Alex Verdugo and 3B Bryce Denton to the Reds in return for closer Jose Dominguez.

Dominguez probably will not challenge for the closer role just yet. However, he has a decent chance to crack the major league bullpen. He'll probably be given the chance this upcoming spring. Dominguez posted a 3.86 ERA in 11 innings in a cup-of-coffee appearance for the Reds last season.

Francisco will probably challenge for the starting job immediately and is likely the favorite to win the position. His power is definitely there. Perhaps it will get to showcase itself in Great American Ballpark more readily than Fenway. Lefty power can have some issues at Fenway, especially if they don't use the whole field often enough. Gallo figured this out, Francisco did not.

[Sumodeads]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

KB, not sure if you posted it, but how did your team rank in Runs, HR, ERA, etc in 2016? Just curious. I saw that you posted some of your individual player rankings.

[J_smith2190]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Got an 89 potential 3b in the second round of the fyp draft. May-draft date update in the morning.

(Very pleased with the draft- not to spoil things but I didn't scout that 3b , just took a flyer on what showed as 80 potential & lucked out)

[KBLover]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

KB, not sure if you posted it, but how did your team rank in Runs, HR, ERA, etc in 2016? Just curious. I saw that you posted some of your individual player rankings.

Pretty much 4th across the board offensively (R, HR, RBI, AVG)

Pitching was 19th in ERA (2nd in the AL lol) and similar in the other categories.

[J_smith2190]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

JUNE 3rd

Two months have passed and the Tribe is now in first place. It has been a strange season, one in which the pitching just hasn't been able to get it together. All in all, the AL Central is still tight, with everyone within 4 games of 1st, Sans the White Sox - who are already looking like basement dwellers 8 games out of first.

The Sabathia trade has worked wonders (although he hasn't picked up any wins as an Indian). Steven Matz & Michael Fulmer have really stepped up their game. Matz (7-2 4.13) and Fulmer (6-4 3.48) may very well be the 1-2 punch the Tribe was hoping for on draft day.

The three headed monster at the back end of the pen has been just that. Carson Smith (1-2 2.08) has 8 holds over 21.2 innings pitched, to go along with 22k/3b. Andrew Miller (10- 1.74) has 12 holds over 20.2 innings pitched, with 39k/2b. Craig Kimbrel has been nothing short of electric. Kimberly (1-0 0.44) is sitting pretty with 20 sv over 20.1 IP with 29k/4bb.

Kelly Johnson is the team MVP so far. When Brett Wallace the #5 hitter went down, there was some panic around cleveland. Johnson stepped up with a 13 game hitting streak, while playing almost every day in Wallace's place. Johnson now has a .309 avg to go along with 10 hr & 21 rbi on the bench.

Adam Duvall is crushing the ball. Duval is hitting .287 with 18 hr & 38 rbi. Duvall's hr total is good enough for highest in the majors. He currently sits 5 rbi behind the Rangers Miguel Sano for the AL rbi lead.

Draft Results

Round 1: 2B Nick Vogel (R/R) 6'2''/185 18yrs: Vogel has gotten mixed reviews. Scouts are on the fence if he will pan out to be an everyday player - or a super utility guy. With his ability to mash lefties, and solid plate discipline Vogel has the potential to shoot up the tribe's top 15. (66 Ovr / 77 pot)

Round 2: 3B Jarred Hare (S/R) 6'5''/219 21yrs: Hare is a bit of a wild card. The tribe spent no time scouting him, but urged the front office not to let him slip by in the second round. Hare is a bit older than Vogel, but looks to have plenty of time to develop in the minors. (52 Ovr / 89 pot)

Round 3: 1B Robert Nowakowski (S/R) 6'0''/173 18yrs: Nowakowski profiles as a pure DH. His contact is showing well and should hold up in pro ball. Nowakowski seems to have that "play me everyday" mentality which translates into a high durability rating. However, he doesn't belong anywhere near a glove - and needs to focus on his power in the minors. (53 Ovr / 64)

Round 4: RP John Adair (R/L) 6'4'' 182 19yrs: The hard throwing lefty has got the ability to crack into the majors sooner than most of his draft mates. With 4 pitches, Adair should fare well at The Show. Adair's biggest strength is his velocity and ability to keep runners off of the base paths. (69 Ovr / 79 pot)

Round 5: RF Sean Snowden (L/L) 5'9'' 176 22yrs: Snowden profiles as an AAAA player. He doesn't really have any special tools, and seems to be too far behind for his age. (52 Ovr / 64 pot)

Round 6: LF Jorge Diaz (L/L) 6'5'' 230 22yrs: Diaz comes from Cuba with a near MLB ready bat. Drafted as a LF - Diaz will spend most of his time in RF where he has played before. Diaz has a strong Arm to go along with his "professional hitting". Feilding and Footwork must be worked on, but the bat might let him stick. (71 Ovr / 74 pot)

Round 7: RP Richie Hernandez (L/L) 6'3'' 209 19yrs: Hernandez is another 4 pitch leftie for the pen. Plus velocity - and a good "baseball IQ" give hope that Hernandez one day makes it to the show. (59 Ovr / 70 pot)

Top Prospects

SP Aaron Blair: 5-3 73IP 58K 3.58 era / 1.37 whip (AAA)
1B A.J. Reed: .293 8hr 33 rbi (AAA)
CF Austin Meadows: .313 4hr 33 rbi (AAA)
SP Jose De Leon: 3-5 62.1IP 47K 5.49 era / 1.64 whip (AAA)
SP Josh Hader: 7-2 75.2IP 66k 3.21 era / 1.24 whip (AA)
LF Derek Fisher: .228 4hr 18 rbi (AA)
SP Anthony Kay: 5-4 63.2IP 43k 6.22 era / 1.73 whip (AA)
SP Dustin Driver: 3-3 66.2IP 46K 5.00 era / 1.47 whip (AA)
RF Bratxton Davidson: .195 4hr 24 rbi (AA)

Trade News

5/5 - Rays (23-31) acquired SP Brandon Morrow from Reds (28-28) in exchange for SP Nick Martinez & 1B Trey Mancini.
5/24 - Mariners (27-27) acquired 1B Carlos Santana from A's (28-27) in exchange for RP Tony Watson & 1B Lucas Duda.

[J_smith2190]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Rumor Mill

With Bartolo Colon sharply declining after allowing another 9 runs, rumors are beginning to swirl that the Tribe may be looking to move on from the veteran starter. Bud Norris seems the most likely candidate to be called up to take Colons spot in the rotation.

Jim Johnson or Fernando Rodney are also likely to be moved, although the tribe would like to hold onto Rodney due to his performance so far this season.

The Cubs are said to have offered 1B Josh Naylor in exchange for Colon & Johnson. Naylor would certainly be intriguiging, but with A.J. Reed and Brett Wallace in the big leagues, he would seem to be perminately blocked.

Sources have confirmed a trade should be announced prior to the series finale with Kansas City.

*The Tribe has indeed swung a deal*

The Indians sent SP Bartolo Colon & RP Jim Johnson to the Nationals (25-31) in exchange for SP Devin Williams. Colon and Johnson look to go directly into washingtons bullpen.

Devin Williams is a 21 year old Starting pitching prospect with 4 pitches. His fastballs range in the 91-95 mph area, and are complimented by a tight slider and a flat change up. Williams will start his career in the Indians organization as a reliever in AA. When asked about the return GM Joe Smith had this to say "After the way the draft shook out - not taking any starting pitching prospects - we felt like Williams was that pitcher we missed out on in the draft."

RP Chris Withrow promoted to the Indians to take Jim Johnsons vacated role in the pen.

[KBLover]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Shots Fired in NL West
Padres Grab Sale for Title Defense

The Padres had some departures in the rotation, which looked to leave them vulnerable to the (somehow) pitching-oriented Rockies and Dodgers.

But the Padres served notice that they are dealing with the defending champs and went and got Chris Sale from the Red Sox.

The Sox made it cost, grabbing three strong prospects: CF Clint Fraizer, SS Andres Baez, and SP Christopher Villasmil. All of them have upside, but won't be contributing any sooner than next year in all likelihood.

On the Sox side, Sale's salary is freed up and that will likely see them go after Yu Darvish as well as help handle the arbitration eligible talent the team has.

Sox Extend Russell, Release Familia and Zunino

Addison Russell and the Red Sox came to terms on a deal that will pay the second baseman $28 million over 3 years.

The team has also released Jeurys Familia on mutual terms. Familia, understandably, was not pleased with being stuck in Pawtucket (even if it was his own fault) and the team is ready to go forward with Herrera and with the young closer coming in via trade, the Red Sox agreed to let Familia pursue opportunities elsewhere.

As far as Zunino goes, he couldn't find his groove and perhaps it just wasn't a good match. Like with Familia, instead of dragging things out, the team waived Zunino.

O's Making Big Bids

O's have jumped on to the free agency scene with two big offers. The first is on Jake Arrieta as the teams that can afford his services are duking it out. The O's are current thought to be favorites while the Pirates are also thought to be in the inner circle.

The O's are also chasing after Andrew McCutchen. They are not considered the favorites here, but still, a very serious $28 million per year offer is the rumored amount on the table.

Royals, Arrieta Surprise the League
Royals Come From Nowhere to Steal Arrieta

The Royals were not in the rumored conversation for Arrieta. But, no one told the stud pitcher because he jumped on the offer to go play in KC. He will make an average salary of about $22 million per year, perhaps a bit better than the other offers on the table for the ace, but nothing that would have thought to solicit such a fast acceptance.

Arrieta will immediately shore up a Royals rotation that's mostly average, though young. Arrieta is #1 with Homer Bailey likely #2. Then a quintet of youngsters: Aaron Sanchez, Steven Matz, Daniel Norris, Joe Ross and Anthony DeSclafani figure to be the favorites to battle for the three remaining slots.

O's Take Todd Frazier

Burned by Arrieta, the O's will try to take solace in Todd Frazier. The dependable veteran third baseman picked up 32 HR last season and will get almost $10 million per year to try to keep it going and get the O's over the hump. Offense has been the issue for the O's the past couple seasons, so this could make them a threat.

Darvish Decides on Boston

The Red Sox did indeed target Darvish and they were able to make the transaction. The Angels were in the mix for Darvish, but they pulled out of the running. That left the Sox and Darvish to work on things together and a deal was put together that will pay Darvish a total value of $64.7 million over 5 years.

Darvish will jump in the spot vacated by Sale. He posted a 12-5 record with a 3.09 ERA and 203 strikeouts in 177 innings for the Cubs last season.

Angels Settle for Cobb

Rumors are that the Angels tried to talk the Sox into dealing Taijuan Walker, which went nowhere, and they gave up on Darvish. So that left them looking for an arm and they ended up with Alex Cobb. The 30-year-old starter had a solid season, 3.48 ERA on the season.

Terms of the deal are around an even $10 million per year for 4 years.

Sonny Gray Signs Up for More

The Dodgers came to terms on a deal that avoids arbitration by signing Gray to a 4-year deal worth about $41 million total.

Yankees add Everth Cabrera

SS Everth Cabrera will do battle in the Bronx after inking a 3-year/$20 million contract. This will shore up a big hole in the infield after earlier moves, adding a starting shortstop to the mix. Cabrera will look to rebound after a season-ending injury early last year derailed his 2017 campaign.

CarGoing to Cleveland

Carlos Gonzalez will call Cleveland home after signing a 2-year deal worth nearly $25 million in total.

Gonzalez will look to beat back concerns about his age and health with a "prove it" type deal, hoping to get a good extension or new contract for what might be the final time, depending on the length.

He batted .261 with 26 HR last season.

Buxton Forgoes Arbitration

The Red Sox and Buxton agreed to a 4-year extension worth about $6 million in total value. This will carry the young outfield all the way to his free agency eligibility, where he might be due for a big payday if he develops as expected.

The Sox will have to deal with that in due time. For now, they get cost certainty and will have Buxton under control for four more seasons.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Rookie Tyler "Great" White's PH Walk Off Sac Fly In The Bottom Of The 9th Propels Red Birds To A 4-3 Win Over The Royals And A 2-0 World Series lead!

Tyler White was all smiles in the post game interviews

The Cardinals are just 2 wins away from a World Series Title in year 1 of "The Matheny Manifesto". Yordano Ventura pitched 6 innings yielding 3 runs and the Cardinals bullpen yet again held serve long enough to allow a bottom of the 9th rally that led to a thrilling walk off the win. Maikel Franco launched a 2R HR to help lead the Red Birds to another thrilling win in the post season. The Royals will head back home reeling, but they do have David Price and Taijuan Walker waiting for the Cardinals. Mathney will counter with NL Rookie Of The Year Kenta Madea and the fast rising star of Carlos Rodon in games 3 and 4. Thus far both games have been highly competitive and great pitching, web gem defense and timely hitting has been the consistent theme.

Game 3 will be live on Twitch tonight. So join us for some great World Series action!

[alias2191]

Re: Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

Mets come into 2016 as World Series Favorites

Retired GM Sandy Alderson hands over the reigns to young GM Ronald Bryan to build a roster in time for the MLBs first fantasy draft. With a smart draft and strong post draft trades, this team is built to win it all.

Lineup:
SS Xander Bogarts
2B Daniel Murphy
3B Manny Machado
CF Andrew McCutchen
1B Mark Trumbo
DH Kyle Schwarber
RF Gregory Polanco
C JT Realmuto
LF Nori Aoki

Bench
C David Ross
3B Juan Uribe
2B Chase Utley
LF Brock Holt

Rotation
Danny Salazar
Vince Velasquez
Lance McCullers
Jason Vargas
Miguel Almonte

Bullpen
Chris capuano
Koji Uehara
Steven Okert
Joaquin Benoit
Dellin Betances
Carter Capps
Fernando Rodney

Waiting in the Minors

Michael Fulmer
Jurickson Profar
Tyler White
Willson Contreras