MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

[TheWarmWind]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Blue Jays are World Champions!

Once again the Blue Jays show they are the best of the best, winning game 5. The Nats were looking like they were going to push a game 6 as the Blue Jays bullpen was leaking runs left and right, but then a sudden double play ended the dream just a run short of living another inning. Blue Jays win 8-7.

Jays fans celebrations are tempered by off season losses

The celebrations didn't last long after the world series win, as not long into the off season it was announced that Mike Trout had turned down the Jays offer to re-sign to go back to the Angels.

Mike Trout has been the heart and soul of the team for a long time. Seeing him go was a huge blow to the Jays organization.

"We tried our best." Said GM TheWarmWind when asked what happened. "But we literally could not make our offer more appealing. We were running into issues with the salary ceiling. In the end, Mike was more interested in returning to California then staying with us, and we should respect that decision. We should, but we might not. I'm tempted to try and figure something out to trade back for him. We have a few pieces that we could put together to make a very enticing package. We'll see."

Setup man Kelvin Herrera was also snapped up immediately in FA, and rumors say that Julio Teheran is considering a nice offer from Atlanta. It was always suspected that the Blue Jays would lose a lot this off season, but losing Mike Trout was unexpected, as management had made sure to save the money for the offer.

When asked if any big moves were coming, TheWarmWind responded with: "Right now I want to make sure we are in a secure spot. We have a lot of great players, both in the MLB and in the system. While losing Mike Trout is huge, we had disaster plans worked out for if something like this happened long before the playoffs even started. Right now, we stick to the plan. We need to stay calm, we need to not panic, we need to ensure we don't make any rash motions or decisions."

[FluffyTonka]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

ugh ... i think i gotta stop this Reds franchise. 4 of my first 6 games – day games, clear skies. and those shadows across the batters box are just too treacherous to locate pitches in. the shadows don't even out until around the 6th or 7th inning.

yikes.

[DoubleZ_3]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Even though my sox franchise was pretty far along in the 2018 season. I was about 90 games through I restarted simply because the roster now from the beginning of the year is much different and I wanted to roll with a closer real life roster.

The only change made was trading price and his nasty contract for a left handed relief pitcher. I never liked the abundance of Lefty in the rotation vs none in the pen.

Starting rotation is now
Sale
Porcello
Rodriguez
Eovoldi
Pomeranz(may try Velazquez if pomeranz is like real life lol)

12 games in we sit at 10-2. We just had a monstrous game against the rival Yankees coming out on top 12-1 JD smacked 3 HRs. One of them being a 3 run bomb. Betts, Pearce,Benny, and JBJ all added a HR each for the blowout.

Sox win the series taking 2 of 3 at Fenway.



Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

[Jr.]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

I had it at 10 and that got the CPU teams into injury situations and my minors teams.

But nothing much at the major league level for my team. So while the prospects may or may not get injured, it almost didn't matter unless it hit a guy about to come up or I got a dreaded 6+ month injury (one year I did lose Heaney in 2015, back when he was a top prospect, to that) because my majors never lacked for healthy bodies.

Ultimately, I was playing against partial strength teams because they'd get beat up in simming and then come across my team (I play every game) at a full strength 25-man squad.

But I guess this is why OOTP exists and I own both that game and The Show...

Use a different set of sliders for simming CPU games. Put it at 7 for those, the have your User sliders for when you play.

[TheWarmWind]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

So after seeing what the Angels would be asking for in return, I decided to pull the trigger and trade to get Mike Trout back. He was a lot cheaper then I thought he'd be (and probably should have been). Just cost me Billy Hamilton and a mid-risk, high reward OF prospect. I was under the impression that Billy Hamilton qualified for free agency anyways, and I had planned to let him go, so negotiating a 1 year contract and then trading him for Trout back seemed like a no brainer when I found out he was still arbitration eligible. He's been inconsistent at the plate all his career, going through massive droughts and hot streaks. Still, the Angels do get a premier leadoff hitter and defensive 2B/SS/OF. I had always planned to have Jeremy Funk (another leadoff type hitter) take over as the 2B starter this year. Funk had already earned the leadoff spot by the end of the 2019 season.

I just finished my off-season. I'll do a write up on it tomorrow along with a projected 2020 lineup, but all in all, I think I did a pretty good job.

Teheran went to the Orioles in the end FYI.

[TheWarmWind]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Blue Jays Off-Season Report

It was an off-season of ups and downs for the Blue Jays, as the face of the franchise Mike Trout made an emotional exit, only to be brought back during the winter meetings in exchange for Billy Hamilton and Danny Schmoll (LF prospect with great power but limited tools outside it).

A few other minor trades punctuated an off-season where GM TheWarmWind tried to stay mostly pat.

Jays Get:

Spoiler

SS Edward Yabu - 53 OVR A POT 18 YO B:R T:R - Garret Ewing was a good prospect, but trading the rule 5 eligible SS for a fresh drafted one just made too much sense for the Jays in their current state. Yabu brings good speed to the position, and hopefully will develop his other tools around that.

LF Eric Aviles - 64 OVR B POT 19 YO B:R T:R- Aviles was spare change in the Leon Huff trade, but he brings some good tools with him in the form of contact, vision, and basestealing ability. Durability is a concern, but he has the time and the tools to develop it. At the very least, he's still a good asset to have in the system.

SP Marshall Masters - 55 OVR A POT 18 YO B:R T:R- The highlight of the Leon Huff trade, Masters brings good control, a good repertoire and elite stamina into the Jays prospect pool. He's also got a pretty cool name.

SP Javier Castellano - 60 OVR A POT 20 YO B:L T:R- Another good piece brought in for Leon Huff, Castellano brings good velocity and pitch differential to the mound. Stamina is a concern, but moving to the pen is always an option.

Jays Lose:

Spoiler

RF George Springer - 95 OVR A POT 30 YO B:R T:R- I think everyone knew Springer was a rental, and the Astros made out like bandits on this one, signing Springer back in the off-season while keeping 3B Machado for another year. Still a worthwhile trade for the Jays, but they might suffer the consequences for it this season. The Stros have historically played well against the Jays, and they're starting to look like a team that can win it all.

SS/3B Xander Bogaerts - 91 OVR A POT 27 YO B:R T:R- Probably the piece that the Jays most regret letting go, Bogaerts brought a flexible bat and stellar defense to the 3B position for the Jays. I understand he had to go to greener pastures, but why did it have to be the Rangers?

RP/CP Kelvin Herrera - 95 OVR A POT 30 YO B:R T:R- Speaking of the Rangers, they jumped all over Herrera as soon as free agency started, signing him to a massive 8 year contract. The Rangers are obviously tired of being humiliated by the Jays in the post-season each year, and are plopping down the money to force a change.

SP Julio Teheran - 92 OVR A POT 29 YO B:R T:R- Teheran finally gets the Ace role he always deserved, finally free from having to play behind now 3 time Cy Young award winner Masahiro Tanaka. The Blue Jays continue the trend of having a log jam of quality SP prospects ready and eager to take a position in the rotation this year, so letting Teheran go made sense, but having him stay in the division... well that will be interesting.

2B Billy Hamilton - 95 OVR A POT 29 YO B:S T:R- Hamilton has generation defining speed (he's already claimed the single season steal record), and he has the tools to work around that. His defense at 2B was always top notch for the Jays, but his bat was massively inconsistent. On paper, Jeremy Funk isn't much of a downgrade at 2nd for the Jays, and getting Trout back is well worth the cost.

OF Leon Huff - 88 OVR A POT 26 YO B:R T:R- Huff never played up to his potential in Toronto, and even before the return of Trout he was looking at some tough competition to get a spot on the team. Once Trout was back, Huff needed to be moved. He's got too much potential to be wasted on a bench spot, and he's beyond playing in the minors another year. Huff had great contact, vision, and discipline, but never had much oomph in his bat. His fielding is mediocre, and his speed is good enough to be considered a tool, but not good enough to be considered a constant threat on the paths. He'll fit much better in the Indians organization.

LF Danny Schmoll - 73 OVR A POT 24 YO B:R T:R - Schmoll had basically stalled in the Jays organization. He had great power but little in the way of tools to support that. There is no doubt he has potential, but the Jays are a results driven organization, and Schmoll just wasn't showing what he needed to show to stick around, especially when his departure is part of what brought Trout back.

SS Garrett Ewing - 61 OVR A POT 24 YO B:R T:R- Ewing had a good year last season playing in AA New Hampshire, but with Luis Sardinas, Daniel Franco, Steve Roman, and Rob Ahlswede all ahead of him on the depth chart, there was no realistic scenario where Ewing made his way to the team. Yabu fits much better in the Jays timeline/development needs.

2020 Projected Lineups

VS RHP *These are the lineups I'll likely swap to at the beginning of games. These will not be the "set" lineups for morale management reasons.

Spoiler

2B Jeremy Funk - 84 OVR B POT 25 YO B:S T:R- For three years now, Funk has consistently batted well above his rating. He's a consistent batter, getting on base both by swinging and by staying disciplined. His speed, while a downgrade from Hamilton, is still elite. He's consistently reached the 40 bases stolen mark for the past 2 years.

CF Mike Trout - 99 OVR A POT 28 YO B:R T:R- He spent nearly half of last season out with a broken leg and still managed to come in first in the home run race. In the 2018 season he became the only member of the 90/90 club. He's superhuman. He's a man playing against boys. He is and likely will be the undisputed GOAT.

RF Bryce Harper - 98 OVR A POT 27 YO B:L T:R- Harper had a bit of a down year last year. And by a down year, I mean he was just average for a superstar. Still great, and he seems to be settling in well into the #3 spot now that Hosmer has become a real power threat as well. His glove is a concern, so he may end up spending a little more time DHing.

1B Eric Hosmer - 94 OVR A POT 30 YO B:L T:L- Hosmer has always been a great hitter for the Jays, but he kind of shocked everyone in 2019 by continueing to develop into a best of the best home run hero. He still struggles against lefties, and his average took a dive once teams started using the shift against him, but his discipline has grown to match his weaknesses.

LF (OF) Trey Bloom - 88 OVR A POT 26 YO B:R T:R- After three years bouncing back and forth between the majors and minors, 2019 was Bloom's breakout season. He exemplifies the #5 hitter. He strikes out a lot, but has oodles of power. Oh, BTW, he's also a threat on the bases. His fielding is good too, especially his arm. The organization will keep a close eye on him to make sure 2019 wasn't a fluke, but for now the #5 spot is his.

DH (OF) Jerome Mauzoul - 90 OVR A POT 25 YO B:R T:R- Mauzoul had a rough time in his sophomore season. He started out being unable to generate anything at the plate, and eventually had to be sent down. Injury gave him a second chance around the all-star break, and he was putting up numbers similar to 2018 when he won rookie of the year... and then injury. He'll look to bounce back this year. He has the potential to be a 5 tool player, with vision and speed being his best tools.

SS Luis Sardinas - 92 OVR A POT 26 YO B:S T:R- The undisputed best defensive SS in the game, Sardinas also fits the leadoff archetype. He'll be battling Funk for the leadoff spot starting spring training, but it's always been close between those two (they both have excellent OBP). Has worse basestealing potential then Funk (or even Mauzoul) but is definitely good enough to keep a pitchers head on a swivel. Between Funk and Sardinas, one will always leadoff when the other is resting.

C Travis d'Arnaud - 84 OVR A POT 31 YO B:R T:R- d'Arnaud won't smack a lot of homeruns. He won't get a ton of hits. He won't steal any bases. He won't be a star by any means. He brings two things to the table. 1. Top notch work behind the plate. 2. Productive at bats. You need a guy moved over? He's your guy. You need to grind out an at bat to raise a pitch count. He's there for you. Just don't ask him to hit a grand slam. Big ball is not his thing. He will likely platoon with Rodriguez based on the starter.

3B Tommy Riedling - 84 OVR A POT 26 YO B:L T:R- Reildling is a player that the Jays really want to work out. He's a lefty with well balanced batting attributes, he provides excellent defense and 3B, and while his speed is far from elite, his ability to see pitchers movements and get good jumps makes him a threat on the paths. Reidling has struggled in the past to perform at every level, but played well in September when called up. Will be in competition with Willy Almanzar for this spot.

Bench:

3B (INF) Willy Almanzar - 85 OVR B POT 25 YO B:R T:R - Almanzar earned his spot on the bench last year, and had a lot of development in the process. His bat is his best tool, sporting decent contact and power along with excellent vision and discipline. He defense is what I would call "acceptable", but far from great. His speed is a non factor. In competition for the starting 3B spot, but will likely platoon vs lefties otherwise.

C Ray Rodriguez - 74 OVR A POT 24 YO B:L T:R - Honestly, Rodriguez's OVR is deceptive. All he needs to develop is his arm and he'll be an elite catcher. He provides much better offensive potential than d'Arnaud does, combining excellent average, good speed, and so so power. He may not be the best catcher to have behind the plate, but rookie of the year Adam McMullen didn't seem to mind. Will continue to catch for McMullen and Nunez.

Util Derrick Simon - 81 OVR A POT 26 YO B:L T:R - Simon may be a victim of his own success. I have a hard time thinking of him as a starter because he's so darn useful as a utility player. Can play practically any position effectively. His bat is unreliable but his speed is elite.

LF/1B Julian Montano - 77 OVR A POT 25 YO B:L T:L - Montano has been good but never great since entering the Jays organization. Adding 1B to his positions seems to be the right decision for the Jays, as he seems more comfortable there defensively than in LF.

VS LHP

Spoiler

2B Jeremy Funk
CF Mike Trout
RF Bryce Harper
LF Trey Bloom
1B Eric Hosmer
DH Jerome Mauzoul
3B Willy Almanzar
C Travis d'Arnaud
SS Luis Sardinas

Rotation

Spoiler

1. Masahiro Tanaka - 94 OVR A POT 31 YO B:R T:R - Three time Cy Young award winner who throws 5 great pitches. His splitter is particularly nasty. Well balanced overall. Last year on contract, so lets hope for a nice swan song of a season.

2. Adam McMullen - 94 OVR A POT 25 YO B:L T:L - 2019 rookie of the year, Adam throws 4 pitches, all of them well. Why do I always pitch better with southpaws? Fun fact: McMullen was the only prospect I ever traded an MLB star for, 1 for 1, and this was back during the broken trade system of the Shows of old. Who's laughing now KC?

3. Jose Lozano - 96 OVR A POT 25 YO B:R T:R - A movement and control artist, who still has some upside. I know because I drafted him. He was skipped over and ignored in the 2014 draft because he was so low rated and therefore high risk, but I couldn't ignore that 99 potential. Feeling pretty good about that pick now.

4. Boone Nunez - 91 OVR A POT 26 YO B:R T:R - A fireballer who has a particularly nasty 2SFB. Nunez isn't happy about pitching 4rth, as contract negotiations fell apart with him based on role. He won his arbitration, and the Jays were more than happy to pay, but there is an obvious rift between what he wants and where the organization wants to play him.

5. ??? The fifth spot is up for grabs, and there are some really interesting players ready to claim it. Is it bad that I want the knuckleballer to win?

Bullpen

Spoiler

LRP ???

LRP/MRP ???

MRP Darell Drese - 77 OVR B POT 27 YO B:L T:L - A fireballing lefty with a devastating cutter. Had a fantastic rookie season and looks to continue the trend in 2020.

MRP Fernando Elez - 86 OVR A POT 25 YO B:L T:L - Right in the middle of Rodger Abercrombie's fall from grace, up rose Elez, getting the callup just before the All-Star break and developing like mad for the rest of the season. The lefty relies on pinpoint control to miss those bats.

SU (7th) Gary Moore - 84 OVR B POT 26 YO B:L T:L - Another fireballing lefty who also relies on a good late breaking curve to miss bats. Moore's 7th inning SU role isn't assured, especially with Elez looking so good.

SU (8th) Ozzie Reyes - 87 OVR B POT 24 YO B:R T:R - He can hit 101 on his 4SFB, 98 on his 2SFB, and 93 on his slider. Need I say more? Future closer.

Closer Trevor Rosenthal - 95 OVR A POT 29 YO B:R T:R - I'm sorry Trevor, I'm really sorry, but you have a really long term, very team friendly contract. You throw fastballs at 99. You have a nasty CH. Your H/9 is nearly max. Your K/9 isn't much lower. I'm not letting you go until I have to.

Players to watch in spring

SP Ron Gilmore - 82 OVR B POT 24 YO B:L T:L - Yet another fireballing lefty, with some great supporting pitches including a high differential CH. Was great as the LRP last season, but control can be an issue.

SP Miguel Blanco - 86 OVR A POT 23 YO B:R T:R - Had a monster year in AAA, progressing from a 77 to an 86 in a single season. Has a good balance of all the pitching tools, with movement being the best. Has a really solid pitch set as well.

SP Manuel Chavez - 81 OVR B POT 24 YO B:R T:R - Another pitcher who made big strides in their development last year, Chavez relies almost entirely on his knuckleball. If he continues to develop his H/9 and K/9 at the rate he has been, he could be a real monster.

RP Rodger Abercrombie - 83 OVR B POT 24 YO B:L T:L - After a great rookie season, Abercrombie completely fell apart in 2019. He'll be looking to earn his trust back with the club this spring.

C Jonathon Blanco - 80 OVR B POT 24 YO B:S T:R - When it was uncertain if d'Arnaud was coming back or not, the plan was to pencil in Blanco as the "defensive" catcher. Thing is though, he's got some good tools at the plate as well as behind it. He could be a wild card that could really mix up the scene behind the plate.

SS Daniel Franco - 80 OVR B POT 22 YO B:R T:R - Franco had an amazing year in Buffalo in 2019, carrying the majority of the offense. A quick glance shows he might not be ready for the majors yet, but if he is he could be an effective INF with some pop.

[reyes the roof]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

After sweeping the Nationals to finish the first have with a 3-5 game lead, I've stumbled coming out of the All Star break, losing 2 of 3 to the Yankees. Matz was a front runner for the Cy Young but just got tagged for 8 runs in 4 innings

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Cardinals spent their off day making some big roster moves/trades that may shock some in baseball.

First the Cardinals traded:

OF Corey Ray - 75 OVR - 25 Yrs Old - A Potential
OF Jeremy Hazelbaker - 73 OVR - 32 Yrs Old
IF Greg Garcia - 76 OVR - 29 Yrs Old
C - Jeremy Martinez - 63 OVR - 25 Yrs Old - A Potential

To the Yankees for

C - Gary Sanchez - 81 OVR - 27 Yrs Old

(PS this deal was done obviously in 2 separate transactions. Jeremy Martinez was traded for lowest rated player with age and D potential factored in who I released)

Not only that, the Cardinals made another significant move:

Cardinals traded:

C - Carson Kelly - 78 OVR - 25 Yrs Old - A Potential
RP - Corey Littrell - 69 OVR - 26 Yrs Old - B Potential
1B - Matthew Saucedo - 71 OVR - 21 Yrs Old - C Potential

To the Rays for:

1B: Brandon McKay - 75 OVR


Here are the thoughts:

The Yankees are loaded at catcher and carrying 4 catchers. They have Devin Mesoraco, Donny Sands, Wilson Ramos, and had Gary Sanchez. Sanchez only appeared in 12 games as Mesoraco and Ramos are taking up the time. Actually both are in the Top 4 for catchers in the all star voting with Mesoraco leading. Sands is a stud prospect who they are most likely grooming to be the everyday catcher. The needed depth in the outfield which Ray and Hazelbaker provide and they got IF depth for major league level with Garcia. Hazelbaker was due to be released and Garcia optioned by the Cardinals prior to this deal. Sanchez is controllable one more year and brings a different skill set to the Cardinals catching position. With Navarro's age seeming to catch up with him and Kelly not really looking to be the everyday catcher, the Cardinals are taking a shot with Sanchez, especially given how Devin Snow is struggling with the bat in Springfield. Snow, who is expected to some day be the everyday catcher in St.Louis, may take a year or two longer than initially hoped. This way the Cardinals have a bridge to get him there, probably more so and more reliable than Kelly showed.

The Rays needed depth at catcher as they only have Lucroy and a bunch of guys who aren't looking like they will form to be everyday catchers at the major league level. Carson Kelly was almost guaranteed to be traded at some point as he was a man without a home in St.Louis, especially after the Sanchez trade. The Cardinals were close to trading for McKay two seasons ago but backed out. This time, he's gotten better and the pieces in the trade made sense for the Cardinals. McKay will be the heir to the throne when Carpenter hangs them up, which could be after the 2020 season. In fact, if Carpenter's current struggles continue, you could see McKay, or Chris Jacobs called up to take over.

The Cardinals also signed Marwin Gonzalez to take the place of Greg Garcia. This was expected prior to the trades as Garcia was going to be optioned since his bat and glove were both liabilities in the early going.

So we'll see how the new look Cardinals do going forward. It's only May 11th but the Cardinals are making July deadline deals. Plus they have seemingly and hopefully secured their first baseman of the future.

[boxboy99]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Today's game was a perfect example of why I love The Show and carry over saves.

Bottom 7th, down 1 to the Brewers. We're tied for first with the Cardinal and they are down 2-1 to the Bucs. September call up, SS Lonnie Santiago is up to bat and in the line up today for resting Starlin Castro. I personally drafted Lonnie two seasons ago. Tried to force him to the MLB bench last year but he didn't cut it and has been in the minors since early last season. 2 strikes and the kid blast a solo shot over the wall in left to give us a 2-1 lead. A big moment real life years in the making.

Bottom 8th, Rizzo is up to bat, Rendo on second. Everyday they ask if I want to bench Rizzo for rest. No we don't want to bench Mr. Rizzo. He comes through with a 2 strike homer, number 63 on the season. We lead 4-1.

Top 9th, Derek Coronado give up a run and the tying run got to the plate but were were able to hold on 4-2.

The last I knew, Cardinals were down 2-1 in the 8th. Looks like we might lead the division for the first time since April. Nope, they put 2 runs on the board in the 9th to beat the Pirates 3-2. We're still tied for first at 87-57

Other news:

Marlins leads the East by 12 games.

Dodgers are up 7.5 over the Rockies in the West.

Cubs/Cards pretty much have 1 wild card spot locked. The Rockies currently hold the other spot, however the Braves, Pirates, and Giants are all in contention.

In the AL

Red Sox are up 9.5 over the Rays.

The Central is interesting Indians at 79 wins, White Sox at 78, and Tigers at 74.

The West is interesting too. Angels 76, Mariners 74, Astros 71, Rangers 71.

The wild card is up for grabs. White Sox have a 4 game lead and the Rays/Mariners/Tigers are all at 74 wins for the second spot. Astros and Rangers are still in the mix too.

[reyes the roof]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Here are the thoughts:

The Yankees are loaded at catcher and carrying 4 catchers. They have Devin Mesoraco, Donny Sands, Wilmer Flores, and had Gary Sanchez. Sanchez only appeared in 12 games as Mesoraco and Flores are taking up the time. Actually both are in the Top 4 for catchers in the all star voting with Mesoraco leading. Sands is a stud prospect who they are most likely grooming to be the everyday catcher. The needed depth in the outfield which Ray and Hazelbaker provide and they got IF depth for major league level with Garcia. Hazelbaker was due to be released and Garcia optioned by the Cardinals prior to this deal. Sanchez is controllable one more year and brings a different skill set to the Cardinals catching position. With Navarro's age seeming to catch up with him and Kelly not really looking to be the everyday catcher, the Cardinals are taking a shot with Sanchez, especially given how Devin Snow is struggling with the bat in Springfield. Snow, who is expected to some day be the everyday catcher in St.Louis, may take a year or two longer than initially hoped. This way the Cardinals have a bridge to get him there, probably more so and more reliable than Kelly showed.

Is that a typo or is there a second Wilmer Flores in the game?

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Is that a typo or is there a second Wilmer Flores in the game?

It's a typo. That should say Wilson Ramos. I have no idea what I was thinking when typing...

[notsobabybombers]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Cardinals spent their off day making some big roster moves/trades that may shock some in baseball.

First the Cardinals traded:

OF Corey Ray - 75 OVR - 25 Yrs Old - A Potential
OF Jeremy Hazelbaker - 73 OVR - 32 Yrs Old
IF Greg Garcia - 76 OVR - 29 Yrs Old
C - Jeremy Martinez - 63 OVR - 25 Yrs Old - A Potential

To the Yankees for

C - Gary Sanchez - 81 OVR - 27 Yrs Old

(PS this deal was done obviously in 2 separate transactions. Jeremy Martinez was traded for lowest rated player with age and D potential factored in who I released)

Not only that, the Cardinals made another significant move:

Cardinals traded:

C - Carson Kelly - 78 OVR - 25 Yrs Old - A Potential
RP - Corey Littrell - 69 OVR - 26 Yrs Old - B Potential
1B - Matthew Saucedo - 71 OVR - 21 Yrs Old - C Potential

To the Rays for:

1B: Brandon McKay - 75 OVR


Here are the thoughts:

The Yankees are loaded at catcher and carrying 4 catchers. They have Devin Mesoraco, Donny Sands, Wilson Ramos, and had Gary Sanchez. Sanchez only appeared in 12 games as Mesoraco and Ramos are taking up the time. Actually both are in the Top 4 for catchers in the all star voting with Mesoraco leading. Sands is a stud prospect who they are most likely grooming to be the everyday catcher. The needed depth in the outfield which Ray and Hazelbaker provide and they got IF depth for major league level with Garcia. Hazelbaker was due to be released and Garcia optioned by the Cardinals prior to this deal. Sanchez is controllable one more year and brings a different skill set to the Cardinals catching position. With Navarro's age seeming to catch up with him and Kelly not really looking to be the everyday catcher, the Cardinals are taking a shot with Sanchez, especially given how Devin Snow is struggling with the bat in Springfield. Snow, who is expected to some day be the everyday catcher in St.Louis, may take a year or two longer than initially hoped. This way the Cardinals have a bridge to get him there, probably more so and more reliable than Kelly showed.

The Rays needed depth at catcher as they only have Lucroy and a bunch of guys who aren't looking like they will form to be everyday catchers at the major league level. Carson Kelly was almost guaranteed to be traded at some point as he was a man without a home in St.Louis, especially after the Sanchez trade. The Cardinals were close to trading for McKay two seasons ago but backed out. This time, he's gotten better and the pieces in the trade made sense for the Cardinals. McKay will be the heir to the throne when Carpenter hangs them up, which could be after the 2020 season. In fact, if Carpenter's current struggles continue, you could see McKay, or Chris Jacobs called up to take over.

The Cardinals also signed Marwin Gonzalez to take the place of Greg Garcia. This was expected prior to the trades as Garcia was going to be optioned since his bat and glove were both liabilities in the early going.

So we'll see how the new look Cardinals do going forward. It's only May 11th but the Cardinals are making July deadline deals. Plus they have seemingly and hopefully secured their first baseman of the future.

Unleash the Kraken! This Yankees fan hopes Sanchez is a beast for you.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread



One day after trading Kelly to the Rays and getting Sanchez from the Yankees, the Rays have offered me a trade of Kelly for Sanchez...

I guess the Rays wanted Sanchez (he was on Yanks trade block originally) but the Yankees wouldn't deal with a division rival.

Gotta be honest I'm tempted.

[reyes the roof]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

It's a typo. That should say Wilson Ramos. I have no idea what I was thinking when typing...

Ok good, it would probably be time to blow up your franchise and start over if Wilmer Flores is playing catcher

[FluffyTonka]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Jeez so many trades and good games & stories going down. and I'm over here & can't even decide on a team to run with.

In saying that, I'm starting an Orioles franchise. I spent all day yesterday playing exhibition games in a bunch of parks and it was down to the Cards, Seattle or Baltimore... but I love a project, the red sox are my team irl - so playing them at fenway a bunch was a major attraction, and beating the yankees is the other. haha

I'm going to keep some kids and trade some kids and get a competitive rotation with a hot arm or two in the pen, and then maybe an infielder and go from there.

Austin Hays and and Trey Mancini make the cornerstone for a talented outfield. Sisco at C, Beckham at SS with Villar at 2B is a sound IF ... so, the bare bones are there for a competitive team.

Just need an ace and a stud hitter, but I have alotta trade currency to get all that in.