Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

**J_smith2190** · 08-12-2016, 07:03 PM

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

Grienke ended a 4 game slide to get the yanks back into their winning ways. The Yankees sit at 17-4 going into Boston 11-12. Just 2 games left in the month. End of month report coming soon

**J_smith2190** · 08-12-2016, 08:39 PM

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

Took the first two games at Fenway - end of month report to follow shortly.

Spoiler

**J_smith2190** · 08-12-2016, 09:49 PM

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

May 1 Report

Major Leagues

The Yankees started the month off on a roll, winning 16 in a row prior to losing their first series of the year to the Rays. This would continue, as the Yankees went on to lose 2 out of 3 in Arlington to the Rangers. Zach Grienke showed himself to be the Ace he was drafted to be, and stopped the bleeding prior to heading into Fenway.

The Yanks arrived in Fenway to face off against their arch enemy. Bryce Harper's Red Sox have struggled up until this point in the season, beginning the series 11-12 on the season. The Yanks took the first two games against the Sox to secure yet another series victory.

The Yankees have set themselves up nicely for the rest of the season after a strong April. The major winning streak to start the season, coupled with the rest of the divisions weak play has helped the Yanks begin to build a big lead on the division. Another run of this nature - coinciding with the rest of the division playing poorly, may very well seal a playoff berth by June 1st.

Here's a look at how the Yanks have been performing:

<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /><link href="http://dynasties.operationsports.com/css/osdyn.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></head><body><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn" width="575"><tr class="masthead_alt"><td bgcolor="#0F4871" colspan="15"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">2016 Yankees - May 1 Report - Stats - Hitting</span></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="23%">NAME</td><td align="right" width="5%">AB</td><td align="right" width="5%">R</td><td align="right" width="5%">H</td><td align="right" width="5%">2B</td><td align="right" width="5%">3B</td><td align="right" width="5%">HR</td><td align="right" width="6%">RBI</td><td align="right" width="5%">BB</td><td align="right" width="5%">SO</td><td align="right" width="5%">SB</td><td align="right" width="5%">CS</td><td align="right" width="7%">BA</td><td align="right" width="7%">OBP</td><td align="right" width="7%">SLG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>LF Brett Gardner (L)</td><td align="right">97</td><td align="right">27</td><td align="right">40</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">12</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">29</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">.412</td><td align="right">.431</td><td align="right">.557</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>SS Trea Turner (R)</td><td align="right">83</td><td align="right">16</td><td align="right">34</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">16</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">14</td><td align="right">25</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">.410</td><td align="right">.402</td><td align="right">.542</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>1B Joey Votto (L)</td><td align="right">94</td><td align="right">16</td><td align="right">28</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">23</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">.298</td><td align="right">.340</td><td align="right">.543</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>3B Todd Frazier (R)</td><td align="right">90</td><td align="right">16</td><td align="right">34</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">.378</td><td align="right">.430</td><td align="right">.600</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>DH Adam Duvall (R)</td><td align="right">91</td><td align="right">15</td><td align="right">33</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">25</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">19</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">.363</td><td align="right">.402</td><td align="right">.714</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>RF Seth Smith (L)</td><td align="right">61</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">16</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">.262</td><td align="right">.303</td><td align="right">.508</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>C Nick Hundley (R)</td><td align="right">54</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">16</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">.296</td><td align="right">.316</td><td align="right">.426</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>CF Boog Powell (L)</td><td align="right">67</td><td align="right">13</td><td align="right">21</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">13</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">.313</td><td align="right">.361</td><td align="right">.418</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>2B Josh Rutledge (R)</td><td align="right">73</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">22</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">18</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">.301</td><td align="right">.307</td><td align="right">.370</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>-----------BENCH-------</td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>C Chris Stewart (R)</td><td align="right">32</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">.187</td><td align="right">.257</td><td align="right">.250</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>LF Brandon Barnes (R)</td><td align="right">37</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">.270</td><td align="right">.289</td><td align="right">.351</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>3B Kelly Johnson (L)</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">.000</td><td align="right">.167</td><td align="right">.000</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>SS Sean O'Malley (S)</td><td align="right">27</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">.259</td><td align="right">.310</td><td align="right">.259</td></tr></table><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn spacer" width="575"><tr class="masthead_alt"><td bgcolor="#0F4871" colspan="16"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">2016 Yankees - May 1 Report - Stats - Pitching</span></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="22%">NAME</td><td align="right" width="4%">GP</td><td align="right" width="4%">GS</td><td align="right" width="4%">W</td><td align="right" width="4%">L</td><td align="right" width="5%">SV</td><td align="right" width="5%">QS</td><td align="right" width="6%">HLD</td><td align="right" width="7%">IP</td><td align="right" width="5%">H</td><td align="right" width="5%">ER</td><td align="right" width="5%">HR</td><td align="right" width="5%">BB</td><td align="right" width="5%">SO</td><td align="right" width="8%">WHIP</td><td align="right" width="6%">ERA</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>SP Zack Greinke (R)</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">37.0</td><td align="right">38</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">30</td><td align="right">1.08</td><td align="right">2.43</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>SP Jake Peavy (R)</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">29.1</td><td align="right">22</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">25</td><td align="right">0.78</td><td align="right">2.15</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>SP Scott Kazmir (L)</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">32.0</td><td align="right">35</td><td align="right">11</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">19</td><td align="right">1.22</td><td align="right">3.09</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>SP Jeremy Hellickson (R)</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">25.0</td><td align="right">31</td><td align="right">14</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">14</td><td align="right">1.32</td><td align="right">5.04</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>SP Bud Norris (R)</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">22.0</td><td align="right">26</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">20</td><td align="right">1.36</td><td align="right">3.68</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>----BULLPEN-----</td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"></td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>LRP Gavin Floyd (R)</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">6.1</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1.26</td><td align="right">4.26</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>MRP Jumbo Diaz (R)</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">9.1</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">11</td><td align="right">0.21</td><td align="right">0.00</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>MRP Rex Brothers (L)</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">2.0</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1.50</td><td align="right">4.50</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>MRP Daniel Hudson (R)</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">10.0</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">11</td><td align="right">1.00</td><td align="right">2.70</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>SU Hector Neris (R)</td><td align="right">11</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">11.2</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">16</td><td align="right">0.77</td><td align="right">1.54</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>SU Andrew Miller (L)</td><td align="right">12</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">11.0</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">17</td><td align="right">0.45</td><td align="right">0.82</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>CP Trevor Rosenthal (R)</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">9</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">9.1</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">14</td><td align="right">0.64</td><td align="right">0.96</td></tr></table></body></html>

OUTLOOK

With a stellar April in the books, the Yanks are looking at rolling right along into May. The Yankees have a 6.5 game lead on the second place Rays going forward. Nothing notable on the prospect front for the Yankees. No trades have been made of note throughout the league.

Injuries

The Yanks have steered clear of the injury bug. Here are the notable injuries throughout the league.
SP Roenis Elias - Blue Jays - Torn Labrum (6+ Months)
3B Trevor Plouffe - Indians - Fractured Arm (1-2 Months)
SP Hisashi Iwakuma - Twins - Shoulder Tear (1-2 Months)
SP C.C. Sabathia - A's - Broken Arm (1-2 Months)
C J.T. Realmuto - Astros - Shoulder Cartilage Damage (1-2 Months) * Injured in game 3 of the season vs Yankees, attempting to throw out a runner
SP Dallas Keuchel - Nationals - Bulging Disc (6+ Months)
SP Anibal Sanchez - Reds - Torn Rotator Cuff (6+ Months)
LF Melvin Upton Jr. - Pirates - Strained Pectoral (1-2 Weeks)
LF Gerardo Parra - Cardinals - Broken Shin (1-2 Months)
CF Jacoby Elsbury - Diamondbacks - Fractured Arm (1-2 Months)
SP Felix Hernandez - Giants - Shoulder Tear (1-2 Months)

Rumors

The media hasn't found much to complain about the Yankees so far this season. That being said, the Yankees do have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball. Here's a look at potential trade targets from the bottom dwellers.

Tigers (7-17) - RP Jake McGee (L) McGee is struggling so far this season, but could be looked at as a stronger option than Rex Brothers going forward.

Mariners (8-15) - CF Lorenzo Cain (R) & CP Kenley Jansen - Cain & Jansen are both players the M's may look to unload as the deadline nears, especially Jansen & the Yanks have the prospects to make a deal

Marlins (9-15) - LF Michael Brantley (L) Brantley is sure to demand a kings ransom, so it is doubtful the Yanks pursue him.

Pirates (9-16) -RF Mookie Betts (R) Betts would be an ideal trade target given his youth and ability to play 2nd base. With Josh Rutledge performing & the Pirates asking price, a deal is unlikely

Giants (9-16) - SP Colin McHugh (R) McHugh is a potential target to re-enforce the rotation.

*None of these players are on the block - just bottom dwellers that have some guys that I felt would be 'Rumor Mill' material in real life.

**Armor and Sword** · 08-13-2016, 08:12 AM

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

Royals Extend Series To A Game 6 With 1-0 Win On A Walk Off Single In The Bottom Of The 10th

The Royals were in desperation mode. Down 3 games to 1 in the Fall Classic, the Royals rolled staff Ace David Price out on just 3 days rest. Taiwan Walker was scratched again due to a quad injury (he will start in game 6 we are told) and this was an elimination game. So what does Price do? He goes out and gives his team 8 shutout innings. It was a gutsy performance by the All-Star pitcher. The Cardinals decided to go with 5th starter Daniel Norris who provided 9 incredible shutout innings as well. After 9 complete we had a 0-0 tie and free baseball. In the bottom of the 10th Ian Kinsler led off with a double and then with one out Chris Colabello ripped a single to score Kindler with a walk off win.

The series now shifts back to St Louis where the Red Birds will have Ace Danny Salazar in game 6 and if necessary Yordano Ventura for a winner take all game 7.

Manager Mike Matheny was not happy with Jason Motte who was saddled with the loss. Motte has struggled since the All-Star break and lost his primary set up role to young future star J.T. Chargois. Motte has blown several games and this was a critical one. Matheny wants to have his full arsenal for game 6 and 7 and thought the veteran Motte could work his way to give the Cards a shot in the 11th after they went down quietly in the top of the 10th. It would not happen.

**KBLover** · 08-13-2016, 10:05 PM

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

Here's the way-too-early look at Ozzie Rodriguez.

Boston's front office might be getting some reality check on Oz-Rod. He's been flustered easily when things don't go his way on the mound, and his stuff not getting many swings and misses can make it even worse.

That's not to say the young starter has done poorly. His ERA is 4.86 as he's about to take his 3rd start.

And considering he faced the Yankees in Fenway and a Rays team that's got a potent lineup on the road, he's probably been a bit better than his ERA shows. FIP, for what it's worth this early, agrees.

Considering he has just 11 hits allowed in 13 innings and no home runs allowed just yet, some bunching up of the hits has taken place. While that's normally "just bad luck", with Oz-Rod, it could be him pitching frustrated or not able to get out of jams efficiently enough, something he'll probably learn as he grows. After all, he's just 19 and thrown straight into the majors.

He'll go against the Blue Jays, again on the road, in his next start.

**Armor and Sword** · 08-16-2016, 07:31 AM

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

The Cardinals Are Champions!!!

Words seriously can't describe what took place last night so here are two video highlights of this thrilling game 6 win. Just simply electric and filled with drama.

The Cardinals were one out away in the top of the 9th with Betantes on the bump and then this.

<object bgcolor='#000000' data='https://www.twitch.tv/swflibs/TwitchPlayer.swf' height='378' id='clip_embed_player_flash' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='620'><param name='movie' value='https://www.twitch.tv/swflibs/TwitchPlayer.swf'><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'><param name='flashvars' value='title=Insane%2B9th%2Binning&channel=tod em23&auto_play=false&start_volume=25&v ideoId=v83924235'></object><br><a href="https://api.twitch.tv/todem23" class="trk" style="padding:2px 0px 4px; display:block; width: 320px; font-weight:normal; font-size:10px; text-decoration:underline;">Watch live video from Todem23 on Twitch</a>

Which then led to this in the bottom of the 17th!:

<object bgcolor='#000000' data='https://www.twitch.tv/swflibs/TwitchPlayer.swf' height='378' id='clip_embed_player_flash' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='620'><param name='movie' value='https://www.twitch.tv/swflibs/TwitchPlayer.swf'><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'><param name='flashvars' value='title=Harper%2BWalks%2BIt%2BOff%2BTO%2BWin% 2BThe%2BWorld%2BSeries%2521%2521%2521&channel= todem23&auto_play=false&start_volume=25&am p;videoId=v83925099'></object><br><a href="https://api.twitch.tv/todem23" class="trk" style="padding:2px 0px 4px; display:block; width: 320px; font-weight:normal; font-size:10px; text-decoration:underline;">Watch live video from Todem23 on Twitch</a>

The Off-Season is now taking place and a report will follow with player contracts and movement.

**KBLover** · 08-16-2016, 06:28 PM

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

Cubs Make Early Trade Splash
Acquire Rosenthal from A's

The deal may make sense from the A's side. They are going with Roberto Osuna as the closer it seems while picking up Scooter Gennett and Matt Kemp. The questionable one might be Kemp. Gennett becomes their probable starter at second base. Kemp might have a hard time cracking an Upton/Yelich/Stanton outfield.

Meanwhile, the Cubs...they already had Jake McGee and he was doing well to start the year. It is interesting to see them pick up Rosenthal and what the usage will be going forward. Early indication from team sources is that Rosenthal will be closer and McGee moves to top setup man.

**KBLover** · 08-17-2016, 12:10 AM

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

April Report

The Red Sox close out April ahead of the division by 2 1/2 games after a strong finish to the month. As has been the case the last two seasons, the Rays are the team that's been battling the Sox tough in this first month.

Top Performers

Joey Gallo, .371/.435/.660, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 1.7 WAR
Addison Russell, .277/.324/.564, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 0.9
Ozzie Rodriguez, 3-0, 2.78 ERA, 32 IP, 20 K, 1.24 WHIP, 0.8 WAR

Cold Performers

Kenta Maeda, 3-1, 6.03 ERA, 31 IP, 28 K, 1.28 WHIP, 0.76 WAR
Aroldis Chapman, 1-0, 1 Sv, 5.27 ERA, 13 IP, 17 K, 1.46 WHIP, 0.46 WAR
Stephen Piscotty, .198/.245/.228, 0 HR, 9 RBI, -0.95 WAR

If you want to know the reason for the concern despite the quick 17-9 start, here it is.

There's so much wrong on these two lists that it's a wonder the Red Sox are doing so well. Gallo/Sano/Schwarber are doing a lot of it, and Oz-Rod has been every thing he's been hyped up to be in the first month, but that cold list is very disturbing. All three of them will need to pick it up going forward.

Not to mention Addison Russell should not be leading the team in HR. That will likely revert - and sharply - so hopefully Russell's offense isn't what's kept the team at these lofty levels in the standings.

Rosters and Lineups

Piscotty has been removed as lead off hitter in all lineups. Hitting .198 will do that. Mallex Smith will be leading off vs RHP with his platoon partner Kike Hernandez doing duties vs southpaws.

Piscotty, of course, has not been pleased with the decision, but hopefully he'll realize it's both for the team's best interest and his to try to get him going in a less stressful location in the order.

"There's no shame in hitting in the bottom third of this [Boston's] order. Sixth is an RBI spot with the way Schwarber often gets pitched around in the #5 spot. Piscotty will realize that and get his stroke back, I believe, " a local sportswriter commented.

With Urias posting a performance that's looking more like his terrible rookie season, Ozzie Rodriguez might be moving up to the #4 spot in the rotation. Sources say that the Sox want to see a few more strong outings before making a move. This also gives Urias a time to get back into form.

Player Development

Concern is mounting over Miguel Sano's grades despite his strong start. He's continuing to slide vs LHP and his defense is not getting any better - if anything, it's getting worse. There were signs of that this spring, but it's carrying over. Some think he may have gotten complacent after his strong 2016 and then winning the Gold Glove (somehow) last season.

Audry Perez is trying to keep himself on the roster it seems. He's getting better vs LHP, and that might indeed keep him around if/when either J.J. Synder or Tyler Stephenson get ready for the majors. For someone who's largely regarded as a "because everyone else is worse" sort of starter, Perez has done a pretty decent job.

Stephen Piscotty's terrible start is already weighing on his grades. He will need to turn things around, sooner the better. Some think the Sox could package Sano and Piscotty together for a big name - either hitter or pitcher. Performances like Piscotty's so far and Sano's development might make this become more than just idle speculation.

Joey Gallo is presenting an interesting quandry for scouts. His home runs aren't terrible but they are on pace to be lower than last season's total. However, part of that is because of a very good thing - he's hitting far more line drives. Gallo has 8 doubles already and a triple, that's what's got his slugging percentage quite high. The line drives have also powered his batting average into the .370's to start the year. Scouts have raised his contact hitting but are mixed on the power. Could Gallo be evolving into a .330+ hitter with something like 40-50 doubles and 20-30 HR instead of a .270-ish hitter with 40-50 HR?

**Armor and Sword** · 08-17-2016, 07:43 AM

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

Cardinals Say Farewell To Ender Inciarte and Kevin Quakenbush

The Champaign odor still fresh from the Red Birds Triumphant World Series Victory, the real decisions of who will be back for year 2 to defend the title is setting in. GM Michael Sword has already announced the club will not be offering contracts to CF Ender Inciarte and RP Kevn Quakenbush. "We really had to make a couple of very difficult decisions already". "Ender has expectations of starting everyday and being in a "star" role. We just are not on the same page with him and our expectations". Rookie Jacob Herzberg will be given the opportunity to win the starting CF or 2B position this upcoming spring, competing against Byron Buxton, Brock Holt and Yoan Moncada. The Cardinals have every intention of having all of these players under contract. Our hunch is the Red Birds will roll out Herzberg in CF and Moncada and Holt in a platoon at 2B. We also see Holt getting time in LF, 3B as well to give guys day's off. Inciarte had a great post season and he was hoping it would be enough to convince the front office to give him a 4-5 year deal paying him 5-6M per season with a "star" role. However GM Michael Sword is not a believer. He loves Herzberg's upside far more than Ender's and he wants the kid to come into spring with a much better path to a starting role, and at the very least consistent playing time. Also Yoan Moncada's development is vital and the club wants him at 2B (where Herzberg played most of his time in the later half of the season). Herzberg is an outstanding middle infielder as well as OF. He has fantastic base running skills and his bat is steadily improving. This off-season he will be focusing on adding some more pop into his bat.

Quakenbush was a huge disappointment for the club. He ended the season in AAA and was never a factor for the Cards. "Kevin struggled all season and we feel a fresh start for him would be the best course for his career, we wish Kevin and his family the best".

Contract talks between superstar closer Dellin Betances are in full swing as well as rising stars 1B Greg Bird and SS Francisco Lindor. The Cardinals have a plethora of young talent that needs to be re-signed. The great thing is 95% of their players are under team control for the next 3-5 years. The future is bright for the World Champion St Louis Cardinals.

**KBLover** · 08-17-2016, 09:25 PM

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

Frustrated Sano Speaks Out

Perhaps the Boston media is exploiting the young outfielder's frustration over how his offseason went, but they were quick to get him talking...perhaps about things he shouldn't.

Sano was quoted as saying "It's Joey's world. The rest of us are just allowed to exist in it" at one point. Perhaps upset that Gallo got "taken care of" in the 2016 offseason while the Sox were at least open to trading Sano last offseason.

"I nearly get the Triple Crown, and he [Gallo] gets the extension and I get nothing. Then this offseason, they give me a token contract because they wanted to deal me, but then supposedly decided not to because it was in the team's interest to keep me. But not extend me? I feel used by the whole situation. They get my bat for cheap and there's nothing I can do about it anyway because they can just slap arbitration on me."

Then there's the white elephant in the room...defense. Neither Gallo nor Sano seem suited to their positions. Sano probably should be DH and he can then just focus on hitting. Gallo should be in LF as his footwork and (lack of) quickness do not seem suited at 3B.

While the team still won't say "officially" if Sano is really available or if they just hope to start a bidding war on the trade market, the fact Gallo to LF is being discussed implies Sano...or Schwarber...being traded. Most likely, Sano as Schwarber seems to be content, even as a platoon mate with Trumbo. Schwarber also got an extension.

The next obvious follow up that would seem to be the kicker to make this possible is picking up a worthy third baseman. That's where it might fall apart. Sano's bat alone is potent, and it's playing potently this year. If the team goes with a primarily defensive third baseman, it would have to be some killer defense. Gallo can replace Sano's bat but someone would need to replace Gallo's at third.

This would also be the best year to trade Sano. He has one more year of team control after this one, so that would be a good selling point instead of trying to trade a potential free agent for a few months of what might be a rental. A team acquiring Sano this year can plan around him for at least one more season.

If it does fall apart, one wonders how much Sano will be a distraction. They say "winning cures everything" but being 18-9 as of this writing has done nothing to soothe Sano.

**J_smith2190** · 08-18-2016, 05:15 PM

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

After taking a short break from The Show - I believe the yanks must get back into action this evening

**J_smith2190** · 08-19-2016, 09:57 AM

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

A sweet 7-5 victory with 2 bombs from Adam Duvall against the Orioles.

**Armor and Sword** · 08-19-2016, 09:01 PM

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

Change Of Heart As Cards Give Inciarte 1 year 2.3MM Deal.

The Cardinals had a change of heart as well as Ender Inciarte. It was well known that GM Michael Sword was letting Ender walk. No arbitration, nada. Well after his press conference CF Ender Inciarte wanted a meeting and pleaded his case for another shot. According to sources inside the team the two met and had a heart to heart talk for over 1 hour over some lunch in downtown St Louis. 1 day later we have news that Ender accepted a 1 year "prove it" deal of 2.3MM and a promise to compete for his starting CF job in the spring. "I was impressed with Ender's sincerity and passion to want to stay a Cardinal and defend our title". "He really had a great post season and I think I lit the fire hot enough and Mike sent a strong message to him during the season that nothing is written in stone". With Ender's signing the team is now set.

The Cardinals resigned everyone from the World Series championship squad with the exception of Kevin Quakenbush.

Year 2 will begin a little later this year as Madden 17 is upon us and I am now focusing on finishing Year 2 of my 1987 Yankees franchise "The Quest For Donny Baseball". I had a blast with Year 1 of The Mathney Manifesto and look forward to reporting back when Year 2 begins (probably around November).

I look forward to following some of your franchises here in the thread. Fantasy Draft Franchise has been a monster success for me. This is probably the most fun I have had with a team other than the classic rosters I love using. Just a total blast!!!

**J_smith2190** · 08-20-2016, 08:41 AM

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

@ armor&adepts - will there be a fantasy franchise thread started up for madden?

**KBLover** · 08-20-2016, 08:44 PM

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

Trade Portends the End for Sano
Boston Finds 3B.

It wasn't the ideal trading partner, but the A's had a young 3B prospect that looks like he's ready enough to be in the majors. The cost was steep, costing the Red Sox top 50 prospect Carson Fulmer, infield prospect Kevin Diaz, and CF Brett Eibner.

In return, the A's parted with 3B Steve Alston, a promising 19-year-old, and 2B Bobby Caballero, a 19-year-old with...question marks.

Alston already has very fluid feet and good quickness for the hot corner. That was the main draw to him. His bat is about on par with Jorge Mateo's or Mallex Smith's, so some up-and-down play is expected at the plate. One possible weakness to Alston is his arm. That will likely be the point of emphasis while in the Red Sox system.

Caballero could go a lot of different ways, but most likely is a PH type player that could be an occasional fill-in on the right side of the infield, likely first base. The bat is a contact hitter's bat and perhaps a notch above average vs LHP. Boston felt it worth taking a flyer on a kid that scouts are not in love with right now.

This trade pretty much means Sano won't be around for much longer. Either he'll be moved soon or no later than the offseason, but the Red Sox likely want to put an end to this sooner than that.

For now, Alston will work at Pawtucket. Caballero will be heading to Portland.

Official MLB The Show 16 Fantasy Draft Franchise Progress Thread

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