MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

[Councilmann_Jamm]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Is it worth it? I’m seriously considering playing every game so I get so invested in my franchise that I don’t want to start a new one and I can carry it over and I would feel so rewarded knowing every win was hard earned and every loss was in my own hands.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

Let me tell you... I was always the person who would start and restart and would only get a month or two into a franchise and quit. Always wanted up to date and the best.


This year I downloaded OSFM Hybrid roster. I created more prospects for every team and created a new salary cap for my franchise (80% of IRL contracts)

Double-A baseball is basically Top 25 Prospect teams.

My franchise is with my favorite team - Baltimore Orioles. I started before the team did their fire sale, and basically did my own fire sale back in April when I started. When Manny Machado got traded IRL, I decided to do that one, however I stayed away from dealing Jonathan Schoop and he's been my best player. I did a mix of real life moves for real teams and my own moves.

I decided in May of my franchise to start playing with Quick Counts, I was always against this, but after a while I love the feature and can get more games in. And if a game is a complete blow out I would just sim the rest of the game. Stats are 90% created by me (I used to be ALL MY STATS guy).

I just got to September and a prospect I was going to call up in June but waited it out is about to come up and prove himself for the 2019 season. I've been playing the franchise since April and the light is at the end of the tunnel with 21 games left. I've only won 47 games right now and in line for a Top 2 pick with the Marlins. Even in a lost season I've played every game and have no want to sim the rest of the way! I've never been so invested in a sport franchise and can't wait to continue my carry-over.

Once you get outta your head with everything being real life and go into your own franchise world the benefits are amazing.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

With 21 days left in the regular season (19 games for us) we trail the Cubs by 4 games in the Central, but are the top wildcard team, up 3 games on the Padres.

We took 2 of 3 from the Nationals and 2 of 3 from the Tigers, but the Cubs are red hot right now and we just can't gain any ground.

Next up is 3 against the Pirates who are fading in the wildcard race, so they are in need of a series win, or better yet a sweep.

[Liam_93]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Let me tell you... I was always the person who would start and restart and would only get a month or two into a franchise and quit. Always wanted up to date and the best.


This year I downloaded OSFM Hybrid roster. I created more prospects for every team and created a new salary cap for my franchise (80% of IRL contracts)

Double-A baseball is basically Top 25 Prospect teams.

My franchise is with my favorite team - Baltimore Orioles. I started before the team did their fire sale, and basically did my own fire sale back in April when I started. When Manny Machado got traded IRL, I decided to do that one, however I stayed away from dealing Jonathan Schoop and he's been my best player. I did a mix of real life moves for real teams and my own moves.

I decided in May of my franchise to start playing with Quick Counts, I was always against this, but after a while I love the feature and can get more games in. And if a game is a complete blow out I would just sim the rest of the game. Stats are 90% created by me (I used to be ALL MY STATS guy).

I just got to September and a prospect I was going to call up in June but waited it out is about to come up and prove himself for the 2019 season. I've been playing the franchise since April and the light is at the end of the tunnel with 21 games left. I've only won 47 games right now and in line for a Top 2 pick with the Marlins. Even in a lost season I've played every game and have no want to sim the rest of the way! I've never been so invested in a sport franchise and can't wait to continue my carry-over.

Once you get outta your head with everything being real life and go into your own franchise world the benefits are amazing.

That sounds awesome. I’m thinking I’m gonna do that with my Royals franchise but not with quick counts. I might have a cubs one too.

[edeadstroke]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Welcome Back To Arizona Boys And Girls And More Reds Spring Training Baseball.

Today the Reds played a double header (IRL). Their first game the Reds hosted the Colorado Rockies at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, AZ. The Reds sent Anthony DeSclafani to the mount as the Rockies countered with Tyler Anderson.

The Reds Lineup looked like this:

A. Benintendi CF
R. Hanigan C
J. Votto 1B
Z. Cozart SS
S. Schebler RF
R. LaMarre LF
S. Gennett 2B
A. Rosales 3B
A. DeSclafani P

The Reds started out well in the bottom of the first, scoring two runs early. But were held in check through the bottom of the fifth. In the top of the sixth RP Yovani Gallardo gave up two runs to allow the Rockies to tie things up. The Reds added one in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead again, and giving Gallardo the WIN. Personally, I feel is a terrible scoring rule. More on Gallardo later. The Reds added 2 more in the 7th and 2 more in the 8th to secure a 7 to 2 victory. The Reds had 14 totals hit (still raising my Dynamic Difficulty levels). Reds sent 7 pitchers in all to the mount and struck out 14 Rockies.

Remember me saying there were trade rumors with the Texans, well they were true. The Reds sent RP Yovani Gallardo and C Tony Sanchez to the Rangers for LF Michael O'Neill. Michael O'Neill is an Ohio native and in case you did not know, the nephew of once Reds great Paul O'Neill. Oh yeah, Paul may have played for the "Evil Empire" known as the Yankees too.

When ownership was asked if Gallardo's performance had anything to do with him being traded, they responded with, the Reds have been trying for days to get something done with the Rangers, Gallardo's name had been thrown around but nothing was definite. Gallardo was a late acquisition by previous ownership and we had no real plans on keeping him around. He just did not make us any better. When the Rangers had decided on Gallardo, Ken Griffey Jr. was suppose to go down and tell Aaron Boone not to use Gallardo in relief. Ken must have fallen asleep in the clubhouse or something.

Oh no he didn't!

Yes we went there, but in reality Ken was one of my favorites, so just a little poke at the Great Junior.

Next game, the Reds take on the Indians again.

[mlblover15]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Well, my very brief two-game losing streak is over. Thanks to a well placed crooked number in the fifth inning of this one. Still, two games to go in Chitown before a day off. Just nice to see my Ace do his job and get us out of our funk!!


<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"><td align="center" colspan="13">Oakland Athletics at Chicago White Sox</td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="40%">Apr 26, 2019</td><td align="right" width="5%">1</td><td align="right" width="5%">2</td><td align="right" width="5%">3</td><td align="right" width="5%">4</td><td align="right" width="5%">5</td><td align="right" width="5%">6</td><td align="right" width="5%">7</td><td align="right" width="5%">8</td><td align="right" width="5%">9</td><td align="right" width="5%">R</td><td align="right" width="5%">H</td><td align="right" width="5%">E</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Oakland (21-5)</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">8</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">0</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Chicago (11-15)</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</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" class="active">4</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">1</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td align="center" colspan="13"><b>W:</b> Sean Manaea (5-0) <b>L:</b> Carlos Rodon (2-3)</td></tr></table><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn spacer" width="575"><tr class="masthead"><td colspan="5">Scoring Summary</td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3" width="84%">SCORING DETAILS</td><td align="right" width="8%">OAK</td><td align="right" width="8%">CHW</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td align="center" width="7%">CHW</td><td align="center" width="7%">1st </td><td width="70%">Abreu doubled to left. Lopez scores.</td><td align="right" width="8%">0</td><td align="right" width="8%">1</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td align="center" width="7%">OAK</td><td align="center" width="7%">3rd</td><td width="70%">Camargo doubled to left. Realmuto scores</td><td align="right" width="8%">1</td><td align="right" width="8%">1</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td align="center" width="7%">OAK</td><td align="center" width="7%">5th</td><td width="70%">Broxton grounded to center for a single. Hosmer scores. Realmuto scores. Camargo advances to 2nd. </td><td align="right" width="8%">3</td><td align="right" width="8%">1</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td align="center" width="7%">OAK</td><td align="center" width="7%">5th</td><td width="70%">Davis homered to center. (409 ft). Camargo scores. Broxton scores. </td><td align="right" width="8%">6</td><td align="right" width="8%">1</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td align="center" width="7%">CHW</td><td align="center" width="7%">5th</td><td width="70%">Moncada homered to center. Lustig scores. </td><td align="right" width="8%">6</td><td align="right" width="8%">3</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td align="center" width="7%">CHW</td><td align="center" width="7%">5th</td><td width="70%">May lined to right for a single. Lopez scores. </td><td align="right" width="8%">6</td><td align="right" width="8%">4</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td align="center" width="7%">OAK</td><td align="center" width="7%">6th</td><td width="70%">Hosmer homered to center. </td><td align="right" width="8%">7</td><td align="right" width="8%">4</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td align="center" width="7%">OAK</td><td align="center" width="7%">8th</td><td width="70%">Realmuto grounded out to Moncada (4-3). Semien scores. Odor advances to 3rd. Hosmer advances to 2nd.</td><td align="right" width="8%">8</td><td align="right" width="8%">4</td></tr></table><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn spacer" width="575"><tr class="masthead_alt"><td bgcolor="#00483A" colspan="9"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">Oakland Athletics</span></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="41%">HITTERS</td><td align="right" width="7%">AB</td><td align="right" width="7%">R</td><td align="right" width="7%">H</td><td align="right" width="7%">RBI</td><td align="right" width="7%">BB</td><td align="right" width="7%">SO</td><td align="right" width="7%">HR</td><td align="right" width="10%">AVG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Broxton, CF</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.378</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Piscotty, RF</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">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.282</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Davis, LF</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right" class="active">.253</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Suarez, 3B</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">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.211</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Semien, SS</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</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" class="active">.275</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Odor, 2B</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.176</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Hosmer, 1B</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right" class="active">.333</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Realmuto, C</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.143</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Camargo, DH</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.098</td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td>TEAM TOTALS</td><td align="right">34</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right"></td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td colspan="9"><b><u>BATTING:</u></b><br /><b>2B:</b> Camargo (1)<br /><b>HR:</b> Davis (14), Hosmer (10)<br /><b>RBI:</b> Camargo (3), Davis 3 (26), Hosmer (21), Realmuto (5), Broxton 2 (4)<br /><b>HBP:</b> Semien, Realmuto<br /><b>GIDP:</b> Piscotty</td></tr></table><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn spacer" width="575"><tr class="masthead_alt"><td bgcolor="#231F20" colspan="9"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">Chicago White Sox</span></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="41%">HITTERS</td><td align="right" width="7%">AB</td><td align="right" width="7%">R</td><td align="right" width="7%">H</td><td align="right" width="7%">RBI</td><td align="right" width="7%">BB</td><td align="right" width="7%">SO</td><td align="right" width="7%">HR</td><td align="right" width="10%">AVG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Lopez, 3B</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.299</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>May, CF</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.248</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Abreu, 1B</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.312</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Cruz, RF</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</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" class="active">.340</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Anderson, SS</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">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.187</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Castillo, C</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">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.310</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Lustig DH</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.205</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Mahtook, LF</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">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">.247</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Moncada, 2B</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right" class="active">0</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>.237</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" class="active"></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td>TEAM TOTALS</td><td align="right">32</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">12</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right"></td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td colspan="9"><b><u>BATTING:</u></b><br /><b>2B:</b> Abreu 2 (8)<br /><b>HR:</b> Moncada (5)<br /><b>RBI:</b> Moncada 2 (13), Abreu (13), May (10)<br /><b>SAC:</b> May<br /><b>GIDP:</b> Anderson</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td colspan="9"><b><u>BASERUNNING:</u></b><br /><b>SB:</b> Lopez (8)</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td colspan="9"><b><u>FIELDING:</u></b><br /><b>E:</b> Lopez (4)<br /><b>PB:</b> Castillo (1)</td></tr></table><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn spacer" width="575"><tr class="masthead_alt"><td bgcolor="#00483A" colspan="9"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">Oakland Athletics</span></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="41%">PITCHERS</td><td align="right" width="7%">IP</td><td align="right" width="7%">H</td><td align="right" width="7%">R</td><td align="right" width="7%">ER</td><td align="right" width="7%">BB</td><td align="right" width="7%">SO</td><td align="right" width="7%">HR</td><td align="right" width="10%">ERA</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Manaea (W,, 5-0)</td><td align="right">6.0</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right" class="active">2.65</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Pagan (H, 5)</td><td align="right">1.0</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" class="active">0.00</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Treinen </td><td align="right">2.0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">2.84</td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td>TEAM TOTALS</td><td align="right">9.0</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">12</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right"></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn spacer" width="575"><tr class="masthead_alt"><td bgcolor="#231F20" colspan="9"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">Chicago White Sox</span></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="41%">PITCHERS</td><td align="right" width="7%">IP</td><td align="right" width="7%">H</td><td align="right" width="7%">R</td><td align="right" width="7%">ER</td><td align="right" width="7%">BB</td><td align="right" width="7%">SO</td><td align="right" width="7%">HR</td><td align="right" width="10%">ERA</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Rodon (L, 2-3)</td><td align="right">4.0</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right" class="active">5.40</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>Lopez </td><td align="right">2.0</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right" class="active">7.56</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Goldberg </td><td align="right">1.0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">4.91</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>INfante </td><td align="right">1.0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">1.29</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>Minaya </td><td align="right">1.0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right" class="active">0.00</td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td>TEAM TOTALS</td><td align="right">9.0</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right"></td></tr></table></body></html>

[CHIBHAWKSRULE]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

The 2020 White Sox end the month of August on a 11 game win streak and at a 88-50 record with a 10.5 game lead in the division over Cleveland.

Offensively we are 4th in the MLB in average, 6th in runs scored, 10th in Homers

Pitching is 5th in ERA, 8th in runs allowed, 15th in Homers allowed


With the minor league regular season over with a look at how the minor league affiliates and how some of our top prospects performed.

AAA Charlotte won their division by 3 games, going 83-57 and AA Birmingham ran away with their division winning it by 19 games going 92-48


SP Omar Salgado, called up in June to AAA went 8-5 with a 2.25 ERA with 74 K's and a 1.10 WHIP in 96 innings in 16 starts for Charlotte

SP Kevin DiBiase 13-4, 3.29 ERA 117 K's and a 1.13 WHIP in 169.2 IP in 28 starts for AA Birmingham

LF Richie Cortez hit .291 with 6 HR's and 47 RBI's in 426 AB's in AA

C Luther Hightower hit .295 with 6 Homers and 49 RBI's in 407 AB's in AA

[edeadstroke]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Spring Training With A Side Of Japanese Export Shohei Ohtani

So, I feel asleep before reporting about game 2 played yesterday. As the title says, we got a glimpse of the Reds big Japanese free agent signing, Shohei Ohtani. Shohei was set to sign with the Angels this off season, but something made him change his mind. Rumors suggest word or words of "Dishonorable" doings by L.A. may have been the reason. What Dishonorable Doings, you ask? Who knows, again they are rumors, the Reds just know they benefitted from these rumors, Hmmm.

The Reds and Indians met in rematch, in which the Reds won the first game. Japan's Ohtani and Dominican Republic's Danny Salazer got the nod to do the starting pitching in today' game.

Reds got 2 runs in the bottom of the second to get an early lead, one run come off a RBI single by Ohtani in his only at-bat. But relief pitcher Jared Hughes came in in inning 4 and was the unlucky benefactor of an Adam Dunn fielding error at first base. An Adam Dunn fielding error you say?, now there is a rarity. The Indians capitalized on the error scoring 3 runs in total, 2 unearned and took the lead. It wasn't until the bottom of the fifth the Reds scored 3 runs to take the lead and added 3 more before it was all said and done, to win the game by a score of 8-3. Kyle Crockett got the WIN in relief, while the Indian's Merryweather was saddled with the loss.

The Dynamic Difficulty level continues to increase as the Reds only got 10 hits and struck out 12.

Shohei was interviewed after the game and asked how he felt after facing American major league batter, "Just like in Japan, they swing they miss, they find the bench, I keep pitching". Asked about his RBI single..."ahh, should have been 2 RBI homerun".

Other Reds news, Joey Votto is 1 for 10, we know Joey normally gets a slow start but BA of .100, come on Joey we need you early this year if we are going to compete. We all know Shohei is a two way player, but Steve Selsky got to show his skills as he got stuck into pitching by some bad game programming by San Diego Studios. During a pitching change and fielding substitution, Selsky who started out in centerfield then an inning or so at first base as he replaced Votto, Selsky was forced to pitch to pinch-hitter Brandon Guyer. Selsky was like "no big deal" and struck out Guyer before being relieved by Closer Jonathan Broxton who came in just to get some woork in.

Next up, Milwaukee Brewers, and their lying and cheating (heart of the order), Ryan Braun. Test! Test! Test!

[edeadstroke]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Mike Leake Is Back In A Cincinnati Reds Uniform

Former Red and first round draft choice by the Reds, Mike Leake, has returned to Cincinnati. New ownership made it a priority after buying the Reds to go and get former Reds that they felt were let to leave too soon by former ownership. Mike was traded earlier by the Reds former ownership to San Francisco Giants and played for St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Mariners. Reds new ownership traded C Tony Cruz and prospects SP Vladimir Gutierrez and OF Aristides Aquino to Seattle for Mike Leake.

Mike is familiar with the central Arizona area where Spring Training takes place for the Reds as he attended Arizona State University before being drafted by Reds in the 1st round of the 2009 draft (8th overall). He played ball in the Arizona Fall League, winning a Rising Star award, then was jettisoned right to the majors by earning a starting spot in the rotation in 2010. As a Red, Leake went 62 and 47 with a sub 4.0 ERA, since his trade things have been a little up and down, but hopes to rebound back to his previous winning ways now he is back in Cincinnati.

Reds took on Milwaukee and Jhoulys Chacin. Reds jumped out to a 3 - 0 lead in the top of the second and continued to tack on to a 7-3 win. Leake earned the win in 3 innings and striking out Braun, who was 0-2, YES!!! Matt Belisle got roughed up real good in the bottom of the eighth give up 3 runs in an innings worth of work. Belisle made no excuses for inability to get batters out and commended the opposition. What a true sportsman, we have no doubt Matt will bounce back next time out and lower that 27.00 ERA. OUCH!!!

Even as the Dynamic Difficulty level continues to increase, the Reds, had 15 hits and struck out 11 Brew Crew batters. No real standouts at the plate.

Next up against the Reds are the Kansas City Royals. Sonny Gray will get the start.

[JH927]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Delving back into my new 2020 Phillies franchise, after sweeping the Pirates to open the year, we split with the Blue Jays in Philly. Jays hung a 5-spot to beat us 5-2 in the opener, with Eickhoff having a rough go of it. Came back to win in more of a blowout in game two, winning 8-3 after jumping to a 4-0 lead in the 1st, with Nola collecting his second win of the year.

Moving on to our third series of the year, facing the Nationals in Washington, it was a highlight reel performance from James Paxton, despite the offense putting up 9 runs. Paxton sliced and diced the Nats lineup, only giving up 4 hits and picking up an astounding 15 Ks in a complete game shutout. I always hate facing Max Scherzer, but this may have been the smartest I've played against him, scoring a pair in the 1st off him, the driving his pitch count into the 90s to get him yanked after 5 IP. And yes, Harper did hit a solo blast against his former club in the slaughter.

So, 6-1 is where we leave things for now.

[edeadstroke]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

It Is Always Sonny In Cincinnati (Or The Phoenix Area)

Thought that saying was pretty clever when I described our Sonny Gray acquisition from the Yankees, so I had to retread it for this title as Sonny Gray started today against the Kansas City Royals and their starting pitcher Jake Junis.

Today was the Reds fifth Spring Training ballgame so far this season, ownership and management were excited to see what they got in SP Sonny Gray. Skyline Chili must be agreeing with Gray as he allowed just 1 Hit and striking out 6 in 3 innings in his start to get the W, as the Reds won 7-1. Royals lone score came off that bat of Lucas Duda as his solo home run was against Brian Finnegan in relief in the bottom of the 4th inning. The Reds were already up 5-0. The Reds finished with 13 hits and 17 strikeouts.

Both batting and pitching Dynamic Difficulty levels are getting real close to my normal Veteran / Veteran levels, so I am a little surprised that I am still batting and pitching as well as I am...maybe it is because it is Spring Training and I am geting to see more of their bullpen arms.

Other than Joey Votto still struggling at the plate, his BA has dipped below .100, even after giving him a day off. Everyone else seems to be doing well. Both RPs Tony Cingrani and Kevin Quackenbush each struck out the side each in an innings worth of work in the 7th and 8th respectively.

Some roster changes were made this evening to bring some fresh players in, Finnegan and Stephenson were assigned back to AAA Louisville to bring back Jon Moscot and Tyler Mahle. Quackenbush also was sent down to AAA to make room for J.J. Hoover. Phil Gosselin for Alex Blandino and Adam Rosales for Brandon Dixon. Now in no way are these permanent moves, just getting some of the younger guys some action. For those waiting to see if Top Prospect 3B Nick Senzel is going to get an invite to Spring Training this year, manager Aaron Boone had this to say, "we'll see". Wow, thanks Boonie, what insight.

So tomorrows game against the Chicago White Sox the Reds will experiment with Relief Pitcher Matt Belisle starting the game for at least a couple innings and then bringing in SP Louis Castillo. Both RPs Matt Belisle and Michael Lorenzen have been putting in some extra simulated training to boost their stamina. Lorenzen has also been seen in the evenings in the batting cages working either with Casey or Junior. We think this could mean something big this year for Michael. Maybe Ohtani and Lorenzen compete in this year's All Star Home Run Derby?

[mlblover15]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

well, I just happened to ask myself.... how long are some or all of my players signed for? So I looked... most of my main roster is signed for 3-5 years. with a scant few on one-year deals So this franchise is pretty much set up for no less than a 3-5 year run going forward.

I also looked at my Universal profile and realized I didn't play this game nearly as much as I did. My total time into this franchise is ONLY 10 + days...

soon that thought...

look on your universal profile and let us know your total time spent playing franchise.

also since I played solely on the rookie level for this game most of the year I doubt I will break out of the bronze level. currently, at level 81, I think... so there is that too

[edeadstroke]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

While I am most certainly not as far in my franchise as many here (due to a very late start in December), I'm now nearly through May (the deepest I've ever managed to get in a baseball franchise since World Series Baseball....yeah.....). My Reds are somehow holding at 27-26 on the season. It's been sort of a "win 1, lose 1" sort of year thus far...the offense being a major issue (hitting ~.233 as a team) as it has been incredibly inconsistent. Very surprisingly, the pitching has been decent and has kept us in games.

I traded away Jose Peraza since my last post here - despite being a solid B potential guy in his early 20s, I just could not do anything with him. In a move that could backfire on me, I traded him and recently acquired Mikie Mahtook to acquire AJ Pollock (set to be a FA) and Nick Ahmed from the scuffling D-backs. If we can re-sign Pollock (which I believe we can), this is a move that can pay-off. If it is a one-year rental, we may very well regret giving up on Peraza so early. But in the meantime, I get a solid bat in Pollock (who upgrades the OF defense as well) and Ahmed's glove at SS (which is already paying dividends after a few games).

My current lineup looks like this:

RF - Pollock
CF - Hamilton
1B - Votto
2B - Gennett
3B - Suarez
LF - Schebler
C - Barnhart
SS - Ahmed

OF - Winker
Util - Kike Hernandez
Util - Pennington
PH - LaStella
C - Cruz

We got solid power in the lineup (Schebler, Suarez, and Gennett all double figure HRs) but we need to get some runners on base to really take advantage. The bench is not great, but there are some useful pieces there (though I'd like a speed guy off the bench). It's probable that top prospect Nick Senzel is re-called at some point in the second half (likely to replace LaStella).

Pitching staff
SP - DeSclafani
SP - Romano
SP - Hynu-Jin Ryu
SP - Stephenson
SP - Castillo
RP - Bailey
RP - Brice
RP - Avilan
RP - Lorenzen
RP - Stripling
RP - Crockett
CP - Iglesias

Stephenson has been the biggest surprise in a rotation full of surprises, going 6-2 with an ERA right around 2. We're hopeful he can fulfill his former status as a top prospect and blossom into a solid number 2 starter. In spite of not having big names, the rotation has been very good.

The bullpen has been in-flux and I've been mixing-matching a lot. Bailey has been outstanding in long relief all year. Stripling has been a godsend since acquiring him in the Duvall deal. Avilan was just acquired from the White Sox as he was struggling (and disgruntled) - if he can right the ship - he will be the second lefty I covet in the bullpen (as Garrett and Peralta have faltered).

Looking ahead, I don't plan on making a lot of other deals...maybe a couple of minor moves, but nothing that is going to really move the needle. I think we'll ride what we have and see if it all comes together. If the pitching holds together and continues to out-perform and our offense can become a bit more consistent, I think we have a chance to finish the year at .500 - not too bad of a feat. If the pitching regresses to the mean - it could get ugly fast and assets like Gennett and Iglesias could become trade bait.

Don't trade Gennett. Iglesias, I trade everytime.

[edeadstroke]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Reds have been on a tear of lately, winning three in a row since our last update. Manager Aaron Boone has been experimenting with starting his relievers and minor league starters before bringing in his starting rotation pitchers, and it has been working well.

The Reds played a home game versus the Chicago White Sox in which RP Matt Belisle started, Matt only went 2 innings, giving up five hits and allowing 1 ER. Matt made it into the 3rd inning but a home run by CF Tilson and a follow-up single by RF Garcia chased Belisle out of the game. SP Louis Castillo came in and shut things down. In the fifth, the Sox were able to push two unearned runs across the plate due to an error by OF Scott Schebler, making the score 7-3 in favor of the Reds. Chicago tried to rally in the ninth scoring two runs on CP Broxton but came up short in a score of 8-5, the Reds win. The Reds managed 13 hits and 13 strikeouts in total.

Dynamic Difficulty levels reached Veteran and Veteran+, which is my normal playing levels settings.

The next two games were quick ones (Quick Manage), I did manage through each batter as not to let anything get too crazy as it seems to when I try to just sim a whole game.

AAA Louisville Bats SP Jon Moscot got the start against the San Francisco Giants and former Reds SP Johnny Cueto. Ownership tried to trade for Cueto this off-season but just did not have the right players to convince the Giants that Johnny needed to come back home to Cincinnati. Giants took an early lead scoring a run in bottom of the first, the Reds then tied it in the 3rd. Moscot exited in a 1-1 tie and SP DeSclafani came in the 4th, throwing 4 inning of shut down baseball and earning the win in a 7-2 Reds victory.

Lastly the Reds visited the Cubs, BOO! Again a AAA Louisville Bats SP got the start, Sal Ramano. The Cubs sent SP Yu Darvish out to the mound. Had I given this some thought I would have started Shohei instead. But Ramano went 3 inning allowing 1 run and earning the Win. Ohtani did come in and pitch 4 inning allowing 1 run as well. He also went 1 for 2 at the plate, still no home runs as of yet. I am starting to think Shohei might have been overrated. Just kidding, he is just waiting for the regular season when home runs really count. The Reds won 8-2.

I will probably continue to Quick Manage this turn through the rotation. Also SPs are going 4 inning this turn around.

The Reds made a couple of send downs and call ups. Ramano, Shackelford and Turner sent down. RP Josh Smith, SP Daniel Wright were called up, and oh yeah, some guy named Nick Senzel was called up too. Seems to be a lot of HOOPLA surrounding this guy. We'll see if he is as good as they say! Ownership really hopes so.

The Reds also Made a trade and a free agent signing. The Reds traded SP Ariel Hernandez to Houston Astros for SP Mike Hauschild, Mike is a Dayton, Ohio native. Dayton is just northeast of Cincinnati, so another local boy has been added to the Reds. Drafted in the 33rd round of the 2012 Draft by Houston, Hauschild was a Rule 5 draft in 2017 by the Texas Rangers. After pitching a total of 8 innings in 4 appearance, and racking up an ERA over 11. Texas returned Hauschild to the Astros. Wonder what ownership sees in him?

And the BIG news out of Cincinnati is...the Reds sign GRIFFEY! But not that Griffey, the Reds sign George Kenneth Griffey, III (the 3rd, better known as Trey). Junior's eldest son. Intially Trey was drafted in the 2016 Draft by the Seattle Mariners. Trey was never expected to sign, but more in honor to his father. the Mariners drafted Trey in the 24th round, his father wore jersey# 24 during his playing days in Seattle. Since Trey never signed with Seattle he was eligible to be drafted again in the MLB 2017 draft. He went undrafted, making him a free agent, and able to sign with any team.

Trey instead has been following his heart and playing football. Trey played at the University of Arizona, never really putting up big numbers and dealt with injuries during his college career. Trey went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, first signing as a UFA with the Colts but being waived, then being picked up Dolphins and then being waived again, last he was picked up by the Steeler but being waived yet again. The Steelers did sign Trey to their practice squad for 2017. Trey was offered a Futures contract for 2018 with the Steelers, but after his father became part owner in the Reds, Trey decided he would give baseball a go, FINALLY! Trey has not played organized baseball since before high school. Trey knows he has a lot of hard work to do to catch up, but has the heart and hopefully the RIGHT DNA to do so, at least that is what ownership is betting on. Just imagine if he does...

By the way I have started a blog and posted all my post about the

2018 Cincinnati Reds Fantasy Franchise in 2019

there if you want to follow along more easily than scrolling through this thread, which I will still post to too.

Good Night All.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

We are 4 games back of the Cubs with 19 left to play. We still hold the top wildcard spot, 3 1/2 games over the Padres.

We took the first game of a 3 game series with the Pirates 5-3 to maintain with the Cubs. The Pirates have now lost 5 straight and have drifted back to 4 1/2 games out of the wildcard.

Next up is game 2 where Miles Mikolas will start for the injured Michael Wacha. I don't remember who the Pirates are starting.

[edeadstroke]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

More Spring Training From Goodyear, AZ.

After the win against the Cubs, the Reds continued their winning ways at home vs Kansas City.

A Quick Manage game where I simmed each at bat, the Reds won 5-1. LRP Homer Bailey got the start going 3 innings and getting the Win. SP Mike leake came in in relief going four strong inning allowing no runs. The Reds got 9 hits and struck out 7, not too bad for a sim. Even though it is just Spring Training, Top Prospect, Senzel went 1 for 3.

Another Quick Manage game against Angels brought the Reds first loss during Spring Training. RP and possible Spot Starter Michael Lorenzen was chased from the game after only 2 innings and allowing 4 runs to score. SP Sony Gray came in for 4 inning and allowing a run. In total the Angels scored 6 runs and only allowed the Reds to score 4.

Another Quick Manage game and another LOSS! This time against the Indians, the Reds were 2-0 versus Cleveland coming into this game, but the Indains were wanting some revenge. And BOY!, did they get it, by scoring 8 runs in the shutout. SP Louis Castillo gave up 4 runs scattered over the first 4 innings, while relief pitching faired no better by allowing another 4 runs. With the Reds only getting 4 hits, it is safe to say, NOBODY impressed with the bats today. The Reds are now 9 and 2 in Spring Training.

So enough with the Quick Manage and enough with the losing. So we hoped. Went back to playing, Dynamic Difficulty is about where I normally play at Veteran to Veteran+. We have a rematch with the White Sox. Last game Reds won 8-5. Today SP Anothony DeSclafani got the start for the Reds and SP Miguel Gonzalez for the Sox. DeSclafani pitched 4 innings of 2 hit NO RUN baseball as did Gonzalez do the exact same thing. In the top of the 5th the Reds took a 1-0 lead with catcher Tucker Barnhart's solo blast home run. The Sox would tie it up in the bottom of the 6th. In the bottom of the 8th the Sox would add 1 more run against RP J.J. Hoover, to make it 2-1 Sox. This would be all they needed to win and the Reds now see their losing streak stretch to 3. OH THE AGONY (of Defeat).

Asked during the post game conference, what manager Aaron Boone thought about his teams struggles, "not good" he replied. REALLY? YOU THINK!