MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

[alston4659]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

In my Rangers Chise I'm embracing the rebuilding coming up, just curious what people think. I don't want to go after a superstar right away I want to build out of the draft and from what I have now. But do you think you have to at least offer something this off-season for Many and Bryce? If not then it's like we aren't even trying to get on the right track, am I right?

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I'm using the Padres who have some intriguing young players (not necessarily superstars in the making) and some very good prospects coming up through the minors so I'm in the re building mode myself. I'm in my second season and I'm trying to pretty much get solid all around players for all positions (infield, outfield, bullpen, starters) and then if a superstar free agent that fits our needs becomes available then I'll take my shot. So far my bullpen is stacked, my starting pitching is young but good and my position players are actually playing really good right now. No superstard to speak of but it's a fun young team we have here. Oldest player believe it or not is 30. So it does depend on what kind of franchise you want to have but I didn't see myself going after a superstard for 30 mill a year in my first offseason.

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[montgom24]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

I'm using the Padres who have some intriguing young players (not necessarily superstars in the making) and some very good prospects coming up through the minors so I'm in the re building mode myself. I'm in my second season and I'm trying to pretty much get solid all around players for all positions (infield, outfield, bullpen, starters) and then if a superstar free agent that fits our needs becomes available then I'll take my shot. So far my bullpen is stacked, my starting pitching is young but good and my position players are actually playing really good right now. No superstard to speak of but it's a fun young team we have here. Oldest player believe it or not is 30. So it does depend on what kind of franchise you want to have but I didn't see myself going after a superstard for 30 mill a year in my first offseason.

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Nice, thanks for your input!

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[alston4659]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Currently in my second season of my San Diego Padres franchise and things are going really good. I simmed alot last season but so far this year I trying to play more games and I'm having pretty good success so far. Through 13 games we are 11-2 and the bats have been HOT!! Now I've kept the roster for the most part true to the roster they have in real life but of course I made some free agent pickups and made a few trades but nothing that is completely otherworldly.

Guys like Eric Hosmer and Wil Myers are having great years so far. Steve Souza Jr., who I picked up through a trade deadline move last season is RED HOT and he's super clutch with runners on base. The four young prospects I picked up via free agent before last season (one catcher, one first baseman, a shortstop and a third baseman) are all contributing this year and are having good seasons.

As for pitching, I traded for Luis Castillo at the beginning of this year and as an ace he's really come in a solidified things for us. I also nabbed Jacob Faria from the Ray's and German Marquez from the Rockies. We have a great farm system as far as pitchers but those guys aren't gonna be ready for at least two more seasons and I want to kinda get things rounded out now for a playoff run. Via free agency last offseason I picked up Craig Kimbrel to be our closer as I traded away Brad Hand last season. Our bullpen is top notch I think with guys like Carter Capps, Corey Knebel and the like but the one big question I really have is what to do with Hunter Renfroe.

The dude has massive power stats and solid contact against lefties ONLY but against righties I just can't seem to get him to hit on a consistent basis. I like the guy too and he's A potential for a reason I guess but such low contact against righties that it's hard to keep him in the lineup. I haven't completely given up on him yet but I have looked at a couple potential trades for him. Excited to play more games with this team and see if we have a shot at winning it all this season.

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[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

The struggle continues. We just lost 3 out of 4 to the Rockies and are now 7 1/2 games behind the Reds, but are still surprisingly in 2nd place as the rest of the division is just as bad.

I am hopeful that once we get back some key pieces; Stephen Piscotty (10 Day DL - 3 Days left), Carlos Martinez (10 Day DL - 5 Days left), Nick Martini (10 Day DL - Expect back at All-Star break) and Magnerius Sierra (60 Day DL - Expect back around July 4th) that they will put a spark in this ball club and get us going. But our hitting remains abysmal as we are dead last in the majors in batting average (.231 avg)

I really don't know what else to do, outside of firing our hitting coach and bringing on someone new. That may happen if this struggle continues into the break.

We are about to take a trip to LA to face the Dodgers, a team that has been a thorn in our side the past 3 years. And the World Series Champions 3 years in a row.

[CHIBHAWKSRULE]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Through August the Red Sox are 94-42 just a win or so away from clinching the division...

J.D. Martinez had probably his worst month of the season, especially late as he is in a cold streak but still managing to lead AL in all three triple crown categories batting .318 with 48 Homers and 118 RBI. That hit streak he brought into the month ended at 32 games.

Chris Sale still dominating on the mound at a 17-6 record with a 1.75 ERA and 230 strikeouts.

Hoping we can find a left handed reliever in September when the roster expands as Tommy Layne had a dismal month of August raising his ERA from 3.15 to 4.61.

[phenom1990]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

I really don't know what else to do, outside of firing our hitting coach and bringing on someone new. That may happen if this struggle continues into the break.

We are about to take a trip to LA to face the Dodgers, a team that has been a thorn in our side the past 3 years. And the World Series Champions 3 years in a row.

1. I wonder if anyone else has fired their hitting coach mid-season to create a spark. I know it's been done in the real MLB but I'm wondering if anyone has done it in the video game and if it helped.

2. It looks like the Dodgers turned into the Yankees of the late 90s in your franchise.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Our woes continue as we were swept by the Dodgers in LA. We are still 7 1/2 games behind the Reds for the Central which is still best for 2nd. We have a 3 game series with the Reds in Cincinnati in our next series after an off day.

We did make a move in firing our hitting coach and bringing in someone new. Signed the new hitting coach to a one year deal like the rest of the staff. Dead last in hitting with this lineup is intolerable. See what the new guy can do.

If we can somehow sweep the Reds it would get us back into the race as we near the month of July.

Other good news is that Stephen Piscotty and Carlos Martinez have returned from the DL. Carlos Martinez will actually start the series in Cincinnati.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

1. I wonder if anyone else has fired their hitting coach mid-season to create a spark. I know it's been done in the real MLB but I'm wondering if anyone has done it in the video game and if it helped.

2. It looks like the Dodgers turned into the Yankees of the late 90s in your franchise.

I'm about to find out as I just fired my hitting coach and hired someone new.

The Dodgers have been dominant in my franchise. They are currently the best team in baseball.....again.

[pittguy2]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Our woes continue as we were swept by the Dodgers in LA. We are still 7 1/2 games behind the Reds for the Central which is still best for 2nd. We have a 3 game series with the Reds in Cincinnati in our next series after an off day.

We did make a move in firing our hitting coach and bringing in someone new. Signed the new hitting coach to a one year deal like the rest of the staff. Dead last in hitting with this lineup is intolerable. See what the new guy can do.

If we can somehow sweep the Reds it would get us back into the race as we near the month of July.

Other good news is that Stephen Piscotty and Carlos Martinez have returned from the DL. Carlos Martinez will actually start the series in Cincinnati.

Are you still rolling with default Legend hitting and pitching?

Like what you are seeing there?

[HozAndMoose]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

End of Minor League Season - 2021

The Naturals will be heading to the playoffs after winning the TL North in the 2nd half. They are barely over .500 so I doubt they go very far.

Top Prospects

Spoiler

Nick Pratto did not have a good season. Spent a couple months on the DL with a broken shin. Gonna bring him up and get him some AB in the majors.

Freddy Morse will start in AAA next year and could be up in the majors after the AS break.

Tommy Nielsen has had 2 terrible seasons so far. Has the most raw talent among our position players. But it could be awhile before he taps into all that potential.

Khalil Lee was great when healthy. Like last year he spent some time on the DL. Appeared in only 73 games this season. Should start in AAA. Might bring him to ST if we need to protect him from the Rule 5.

Samir Dunez could end up being traded soon. Not really much room for him right now with O'Hearn and Pratto at 1st and Soler at DH. Soler is a FA though so DH could open up. And If he comes back there could also be an opening at RF which Soler would move to. So he will be with us to start next season at least.

Was really looking forward to Enrique Mendoza. Thought he could be the best pure hitter we have in the minors. Season ended 2 weeks into the season.

2021 Draft

Spoiler

I dont think Reggie Sylvester will ever amount to much. At best he might be a below AVG hitter and AVG defender. Could be wrong. Wouldn't be ready for at least 5 years.

Andy Saucedo wont even be signed. 25 and 47 OVR. No point.

Richard Castenada could end up being a great 4th outfielder. Fast with above AVG fielding. Not the best hitter but does have some power in his bat. Could be up in 3-4 years.

Fernando Jiminez is another college pitcher that could be ready for the majors in a year or 2. At that point we might not have any room for him though. Has a 2SFB, Slider, Curve and Splitter.

Horace Borowitz is gonna have to get off to a hot start. Already 74 OVR but POT is only 67. Hopefully that increases though. Easily hits 100 MPH and makes a lot of guys miss. Throws a 4SFB, 2SFB, Slider, Change and Splitter.

Wesley Wright was the star of the draft. No idea how he fell to the 5th. Can go deep into games. And doesn't give out many free bases. Can struggle in big situations and is prone to giving up the long ball. Plenty of time to learn though. Has the potential to be an ace.

Tyler Wright can hit for AVG but thats about it. Might be able to hit 15 HR but not much more. And with his fielding ability DH is probably his only option.

Quick MLB update. 69-68. 9 games back in the Central and 7 games out of a WC spot. We made a couple trades to bring in relievers. We sent OF Donald Dewees and SS Nicky Lopez to the A's for RP Emilio Pagan. Pagan had a 2.25 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 36 IP. We also sent OF Seuly Matias, 3B Ken Whitley and SP Corey Ray to the Padres for RP Jose Torres. He had a 3.94 ERA, and 0.92 WHIP in 32 IP. Both have 1 more year of Arbitration.

The playoff races continue to be pretty tame. Red Sox will probably end up winning the East. They have a 6.5 games lead over the Yankees. The Astros lead the West by 1 game over the Angels and 6.5 games over the Rangers. Angles and Yankees are the WC teams. Rangers are 5.5 games back with the Blue Jays 6 games back. In the NL the Mets lead the East by 6.5 games over the Braves. The Cardinals lead the Central by 6.5 games over the Cubs and the Dodgers lead the West by half a game over the Rockies. Rockies and cubs lead the WC. Closest team is the braves who are 8 games back.

[trackstar121388]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

So, I'm one month into what I'm calling a "rotating player lock" series with the White Sox. What I do is I player lock Giolito, Lopez, and Fulmer (When the pitcher is taken out of the game I sim the rest) and then I rotate a position player each game that Shields and Gonzalez pitch. (So game 1 I played as Moncada then when the Gonzalez game happened I played as A. Garcia, and so on down the lineup.)

Pitching was played on Dynamic but is now on Allstar, Batting is still on Dynamic.

SP Reynaldo Lopez- 3 wins, 1 loss, 42.2 innings pitched, 1 walk, 36 strikeouts, 1.05 ERA, 0.54 WHIP in 6 games.

SP Lucas Giolito- 3 wins, 1 loss, 39 innings pitched, 2 walks, 43 strikeouts, 1.62 ERA, 0.59 WHIP in 6 games

SP James Sheilds- 2 wins, 0 losses, 34.1 innings pitched, 19 walks, 29 strikeouts, 4.46 ERA, 1.69 WHIP in 6 games.

RP Hector Santiago- 1 win, 3 losses, 1 save, 32.2 innings pitched, 18 walks, 29 strikeouts, 5.23 ERA, 1.53 WHIP in 12 games.

SP Carson Fulmer- 2 wins, 1 loss, 29.2 innings pitched, 1 walk, 34 strikeouts, 1.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP in 5 games.

SP Miguel Gonzalez- 2 wins, 2 losses, 28 innings pitched, 12 walks, 15 strikeouts, 8.36 ERA, 2.00 WHIP in 6 games.

RP Aaron Bummer- 2wins, 1 loss, 15.1 innings pitched, 5 walks 10 strikeouts, 4.11 ERA, 1.17 WHIP in 7 games

CP Joakim Soria- 0 wins, 1 loss, 9 saves, 10.2 innings pitched, 6 walks, 3 strikeouts, 4.22 ERA, 1.31 WHIP in 11 games

RP Gregory Infante- 0 wins, 0 losses, 1 save, 8.2 innings pitched, 6 walks, 7 strikeouts, 2.08 ERA, 1.38 WHIP in 8 games

RP Bruce Rondon- 0 wins, 1 loss, 7.1 innings pitched, 6 walks, 11 strikeouts, 7.36 ERA, 1.64 WHIP in 10 games.

RP Luis Avilan- 0 wins, 0 losses, 5 innings pitched, 3 walks, 7 strikeouts, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP in 6 games.

RP Nate Jones- 1 win, 0 losses, 4.1 innings pitched, 3 walks, 8 strikeouts, 6.23 ERA, 1.38 WHIP in 5 games.

RP Danny Farquhar- 0 wins, 1 loss, 3.1 innings pitched, 4 walks, 1 strikeout, 10.80 ERA, 2.40 WHIP in 4 games.

2B- Yoan Moncada- 29 games 120 AB, 21 runs, 28 hits, 6 hr, 14 RBI, 8 SB, .233 AVG, .326 OBP, .417 SLG, .743 OPS, 16 BB, 38 SO, 138 PA.

RF- Avisail Garica- 29 games, 121 AB, 15 runs, 35 hits, 3 hr, 12 RBI, 4 SB, .289 AVG, .351 OBP, .463 SLG, .814, OPS, 10 BB, 20 SO, 134 PA.

1B- Jose Abreu- 29 games, 121 AB, 17 runs, 39 hits, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 1 SB, .322 AVG, .376 OBP, .512, .888, 10 BB, 22 SO, 133PA.

3B/DH- Matt Davidson- 29 games, 113 AB, 15 runs, 31 hits, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 1SB, .274 AVG, .362 OBP, .504 SLG., .866 OPS, 16 BB, 33 SO, 130 PA

LF- Nicky Delmonico- 29 games, 121 AB, 12 runs, 21 hits, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 1 SB, .174 AVG, .211 OBP, .273 SLG, .484 OPS, 6 BB, 35 SO, 128 PA

C- Welington Castillo- 29 games, 109 AB, 14 runs, 31 hits, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 1 SB, .284 AVG, .386 OBP, .541 SLG, .907 OPS, 14 BB, 23 SO, 123 PA

SS- Tim Anderson- 29 games- 110 AB, 15 runs, 32 hits, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 7 SB, .291 AVG, .342 OBP, .464 SLG, .805 OPS, 5 BB, 20 SO, 120 PA.

3B- Yolmer Sanchez- 22 games- 81 AB, 8 runs, 21 hits, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 SB, .259 AVG, .318 OBP, .383 SLG, .701 OPS, 5 BB, 18 SO, 88 PA

CF- Micah Johnson (I traded for him and changed positions in sort of a pseudo Dee Gordon experiment) 18 games, 62 AB, 5 runs, 20 hits, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 1 SB (I'm a bit shocked by this), .323, .373 OBP, .435 SLG, .809 OPS, 5 BB, 15 SO, 68 PA

OF- Leury Garcia- 16 games, 44 AB, 8 runs, 9 hits, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .205 AVG, .239 OBP, .341 SLG, .580 OPS, 2 BB, 10 SO, 46.

They're tied for #1 in the AL Central with the Indians at 17 and 12.

[countryboy]

MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Are you still rolling with default Legend hitting and pitching?



Like what you are seeing there?

Yes to both questions


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[doubledeuceR6]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Just split a 2 game series at Seattle in my Rangers franchise then traveled to the White Sox where we've split the first 2 of a 4 game series.

The White Sox were on a 10 game losing streak, we took the first game 7-4 and the second game we lost 3-2 in extra innings. Even though we lost that was probably the most fun I've had in this edition of the show.

We had Mike Minor on the mound and he pitched 5 2/3 stressful innings but only gave up 2 runs. The White Sox had Gioloto on the mound and threw an absolute gem, I finally got to him with a solo home run in the top of the 7th and scratched across another run to tie it in the top of the 9th. In the bottom of the 9th the Sox loaded the bases with nobody out and Abreu coming up to the plate. I bring in Barnette and he gets Abreu to fly out to shallow left not deep enough for the tag up then gets the next two hitters on strikeouts.

I get a lead off single in the top of the tenth and get first and second after a walk with no one out but they end up getting out of it. Barnette cruises through the bottom half and I go 1 2 3 in the top of the 11th.

I debated on whether or not to keep Barnette in the game as he'd only threw 20 pitches and was cruising but I had Claudio warm so brought him in and he immediately gives up a single, a walk to the first two hitters, then gets a popout and a strikeout and I'm thinking man I'm about to get out of another tough situation. Next batter hits a flair to right and I know I have to get to it as the runners are going on contact but Choo can't quite get there and it drops. Game Over!

Man what a blast that was!

Rangers 20-26 on the season and 4th in the AL West.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

2018 WHITE SOX END OF SEASON UPDATE



OVERALL RECORD
77-85

STANDINGS

Spoiler

AL EAST
New York Yankees 99-63
Boston Redsox 91-71
Toronto Blue Jays 84-78
Baltimore Orioles 82-80
Tampa Bay Rays 68-94

AL CENTRAL
Cleveland Indians 92-70
Minnesota Twins 84-78
Chicago White sox 77-85
Detroit Tigers 72-90
Kansas City Royals 62-100

AL WEST
Houston Astros 98-64
LA Angels 87-75
Oakland Athletics 80-82
Texas Rangers 70-92
Seattle Mariners 68-94

NL EAST
Washington Nationals 108-54
Atlanta Braves 79-83
Miami Marlins 74-88
Philadelphia Phillies 74-88
New York Mets 67-95

NL CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs 98-64
Milwaukee Brewers 89-74
St Louis Cardinals 88-75
Cincinnati Reds 66-96
Pittsburgh Pirates 63-99

NL WEST
LA Dodgers 93-69
Colorado Rockies 89-73
San Diego Padres 78-84
San Francisco Giants 76-86
Arizona Diamondbacks 75-87

OVERVIEW
The 2018 season has ended for the Chicago White sox as the team lost their final game against the Twins 2-1 to bring their final record to a disappointing 77-85. A record that the GM can not be pleased with after simply putting fort the goal of playing .500 baseball. The offense played well all season despite several injuries forcing key players to miss time. The pitching however, was atrocious, ranking dead last in team ERA,hits allowed, and runs allowed. The team also ranked 28th in home runs allowed. The team will almost certainly look to improve the pitching staff during the off season.

TEAM RANKINGS

Spoiler

BATTING
AVERAGE:2ND (.272)
RUNS:10TH (719)
HITS:2ND (1539)
DOUBLE:7TH (282)
TRIPLES:1ST (56)
HOME RUNS:5TH (209)
STOLEN BASES:25TH (89)
STOLEN BASE %:25TH (.582)
WALKS:30TH (392)
STRIKEOUTS:4TH (1084)
SLUGGING %:2ND (.453)
GIDP:15TH (93)

PITCHING
ERA:30TH (4.67)
COMPLETE GAMES:16TH (3)
SHUT OUTS:26TH (6)
SAVES:10TH (52)
BLOWN SAVES:19TH (24)
HITS ALLOWED:30TH (1612)
RUNS ALLOWED:30TH (791)
HR ALLOWED:28TH (203)
WALKS ALLOWED:5TH (485)
STRIKE OUTS:12TH (1263)

INDIVIDUAL OFFENSIVE STATS

Spoiler

Tim Anderson 84 OVR SS
.247 AVG/22 HR/68 RBI/21 SB/145 Games played

Despite the lower average for a lead off hitter, Anderson provided some nice pop at the front of our lineup. He the most HR,RBI, and SB in his young three year career. He will likely remain as our lead off hitter and look to hit for a better average next season.

Avisail Garcia 83 OVR RF
.306 AVG/11 HR/45 RBI/6 SB/97 Games played

Garcia suffered a broken leg early on in the season and missed about two months. He was solid when he did play and will likely look to be the starting RF again for the Sox in 2019 if he and the team can come to an agreement for a contract renewal

Jose Abreu 86 OVR 1B
.278 AVG/28 HR/74 RBI/2 SB/144 GP

Definite off year for Abreu as he hit for under 30 HR's for only the second time in his career. He also missed the 100 RBI mark for the first time. He is signed through the 2019 season and will look to get back to his normal offensive performances next season.

Michael Conforto 83 OVR LF
.278 AVG/33 HR/96 RBI/148 GP

Conforto came over to the Sox via a trade early in the season as the team was in first place at that time and looking for outfield help. He didn't disappoint and was a staple in the lineup as he hit for a career high in HR,RBI and nearly AVG. He is up for arbitration this season and will likely be given in,

Eloy Jimenez 77 OVR RF/DH
.288 AVG/20 HR/72 RBI/7 SB/153 GP

This was his rookie season and he did not disappoint as he took home AL rookie of the year. He actually had a average above .300 for the majority of the year before falling toward the end. I would like to get him more playing time but with Garcia in RF, he might stick what he is better at which is batting.

Wellington Castillo 83 OVR C
.274 AVG/21 HR/52 RBI/5 SB/126 GP

He had a couple of injuries here and there that kept him from several games. When playing, he did play well and ended up being a pretty good middle of the order type of player. He is signed through next year and will return as the White Sox returning catching

Yolmer Sanchez/76 OVR/3B
.300 AVG/10 HR/51 RB/8 SB/124 GP

Sanchez hit for a good average and decent power out of the seven hole most of the season. He was however out hit power wise by his counterpart who primarily played against left handed starters. Still, he is overall better and younger so he will likely remain the starting 3B in 2019.

Yoan Moncada 86 OVR 2B
.257 AVG/14 HR/54 RBI/14 SB/105 GP

One of the hopeful rising stars in the MLB. Moncada is young and talented and will certainly be the second baseman for the White Sox for a very long time. He suffered a broken arm early in the season that kept him out for an extended amount of time and hurt his numbers. Hopefully his average will head further north in 2019 other than that he was great.

Adam Engel 71 OVR CF
.243 AVG/8 HR/46 RBI/14 SB/151 GP

Engel is a star in the field but almost a liability at the plate. His average was in the .230's for the majority of the season before a late surge the last month of the season. For this reason he may not be the starting CF next season if management can find a suitable replacement

Bench Players

Jed Lowrie 76 OVR 2B
.321 AVG/5 HR/30 RBI/1 SB/86 GP

Lowrie was brought over in a trade to fill in during Moncada's injury. He played well during that time and afterward as he came off the bench. He is to be a free agent after this season and is up in the air on if the team will look to resign him

Omar Narvaez 76 OVR C
.269 AVG/3 HR/17 RBI/1 SB/78 GP

I really hated when Narvaez was in the lineup as i couldnt seem to get hits with him he is young and still has time to improve but does have some talent lurking in the minors looking to take his spot on the mlb roster

Matt Davidson 74 OVR 3B
.252 AVG/19 HR/49 RBI/55 GP

Not a great average but his power numbers were great. He may fit perfectly in his role as a reliever at the corners and a primary 3B against left handed starting pitchers.

Leury Garcia 72 OVR RF

.258 AVG/14 HR/50 RBI/4 SB/120 GP

Garcia was the starting RF before the trade for Conforto. He is a pretty solid utility player and can play just about every position on the field. He may take Engle's starting CF spot or may remain on the bench where he will get plenty of opportunity to spell guys who are in need of a day off.

Pitching Stats
Starting Rotation

Spoiler

Carlos Rondon 82 OVR LHP
12-11/4.31 ERA/183 SO/202.2 IP

despite barely being over .500 record wise and a poor ERA, I felt like Rondon was our best pitcher. He will definitely remain on the team as a starting pitcher but hopefully wont be our "ace" if we can sign a big free agent or two.

Reynaldo Lopez 77 OVR RHP
5-10/4.97 ERA/76 SO/125.0 AVG

Lopez had an injury that kept him sidelined for a good bit of the season. When he was able to play, he was terrible. He is young and has time to improve, hopefully he takes a step in the direction next season

Miguel Gonzalez 75 OVR RHP
9-13/4.76 ERA/128 SO/172.0 IP

Older pitcher and didn't show enough to come back next season. He will likely be released this off season

Lucas Giolito 79 OVR RHP
7-4/4.91 ERA/79 SO/110.0 IP

Obviously one of our rising stars on the mound. He didnt have a great season despite having the best record of our starters. He did miss significant time due to injury. He will work on getting that ERA down in 2019 but will return as a starter

Hector Santiago 73 OVR LHP
9-12/4.75 ERA/142 SO/182.0 IP

Good strikeout numbers but otherwise pretty poor. He is a free agent at the end of this season and will likely be allowed to test the market.

Bullpen
Alec Hansen 68 OVR RHP
7-4/4.63 ERA/122 SO/124.1 IP

Hansen is one of our top prospects and was called up during the starters injuries. He stayed on the MLB roster for the rest of the season and pitched well despite his higher ERA. Depending on additions during FA, he may stay on the MLB roster or move back down to AAA to develop more before gaining a permanent spot.

Michael Kopech 70 OVR RHP
6-11/5.94 ERA/123 SO/103.0 IP

In the same boat as Hansen, and has GREAT strike out numbers due to his high velocity on the FB, when he would not hit his spot however, he got knocked around pretty good. He will likely go back down to AAA for the start of next season but is a hopeful future star as well

Gregory Infante 82 OVR RHP
2-3/3.28 ERA/64 SO/74.0 IP

Good bullpen arm, didnt get a whole lot of work innings wise but i guess what you can expect from a middle reliever. He will be brought back and assume a similar role in 2019

Bruce Rondon 77 OVR RHP
7-0/3.54 ERA/98 SO/76.1 IP

Picked up VIA free agency and did not disappoint. He throws an electric fast ball and had solid strike out numbers. He too will be brought back.

Lucas Avilan 81 OVR LHP
2-4/4.95 ERA/34 SO/40.0 IP

Not at all what you want from a 8th inning guy. He is set to be a free agent and likely wont be offered a deal with the team

Joakim Soria 82 OVR RHP
6-2/2.05 ERA/45 SO/44 IP

Much more what is expected from a 8th inning guy. He too is set to be a free agent and if he wishes, will be resigned.

Nate Jones 85 OVR RHP
1-2/2.19 ERA/47 SO 49.1 IP/41 Saves/5 Blown Saves

Used as our closer and pitched well. He has an electric fast ball as well and pretty good strike out stuff he too is slated to be a free agent and will likely be offered to return unless there is better to be had on the market (i dont really like his delivery)

Award Winners

Spoiler

MVP
NL
Max Scherzer SP Nationals:20-3/2.02 ERA/281 SO

AL
Nelson Cruz RF Mariners:.313 AVG/46 HR/116 RBI

CY YOUNG
NL
Max Scherzer SP Nationals:20-3/2.02 ERA/281 SO

AL
Corey Kluber SP Indians:19-2/2.24 ERA/248 SO

BATTING TITLE
NL
Corey Seager SS Dodgers:.343 AVG/28 HR/97 RBI

AL
Jose Altuve 2B Astros:.331/30 HR/106 RBI

Reliever Of the year
NL
Kenley Jansen CP Dodgers:45 SV/1.02 ERA/70 SO

AL
Andrew Miller CP Indians:41 SV/0.66 ERA/46 SO

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
NL
Alex Reyes SP Cardinals:10-9/4.24 ERA/217 SO

AL
Eloy Jimenez RF/DH White Sox:.288 AVG/20 HR/70 RBI

HANK AARON AWARD
NL
Freddie Freeman 1B Braves:.318 AVG/38 HR/116 RBI

AL
Aaron Judge RF Yankees:.303 AVG/47 HR/105 RBI

Post Season Results
Play in game
Milwaukee Brewers-8
St Louis Cardinals-0

Wildcard
AL
LA Angels-7
Boston Redsox-4

NL
Milwaukee Brewers-6
Colorado Rockies-5

Divisional Series
AL
The Houston Astros defeated the Cleveland Indians 3 games to 2
The LA Angels defeated the New York Yankees 3 games to 0

NL
The LA Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs 3 games to 0
The Washington Nationals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 3 games to 1

League Championship Series
AL
The Houston Astros defeated the LA Angels 4 games to 0


NL
The LA Dodgers defeated the Washington Nationals 4 games to 3

World Series
The Houston Astros and Los Angelas Dodgers meet for the second straight year in the world series. Can the Astros repeat? Will the Dodgers get their revenge?

Game 1:
Dodgers:4
Astros:1

The Dodgers won off of a 8 inning strong performance by Kershaw and three RBI's by Puig

Game 2:
Dodgers:9
Astros:0

The Dodgers take a two game lead after the Astros continue to struggle against the Dodgers pitching. Turner and Bellinger knocked in three runs a piece as well

Game 3:
Astros:3
Dodges:2

The series of the away team continues as the Astros take game three in a tightly contested battle. Devinkski came in to close the door in the 9th striking out two of the three batters he faced.

Game 4:
Dodgers:11
Astros:9

The Dodgers are one game away from being crowned World Series champs after a game for the ages in which LA won the game on a two run walk-off homer run by Cody Bellinger

Game 5:
Astros:5
Dodgers:3

The Astros stay alive after getting two runs in the 10th on a two run home run by Brian Mccann.

Game 6:
Dodgers:5
Astros:4

The Dodgers get their revenge and are World Series Champs! The Astros took a 4-3 lead into the ninth but Ken Giles failed to close the game after allowing the bases to be loaded, he would give up two total runs in the top of the 9th forcing the Astros to attempt to walk off or tie in the bottom half.

George Springer would ground out to first, this was followed by a single by Gurriel, however, the next batter would be forced into a game ending double play by Jansen.

[KBLover]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

1. I wonder if anyone else has fired their hitting coach mid-season to create a spark. I know it's been done in the real MLB but I'm wondering if anyone has done it in the video game and if it helped.

I've never changed coaches midseason and I don't know what, if anything, they do beyond tweaking stats (sometimes?).

But sometimes when I change managers...my teams play different the next season.

I've seen it many times with my ancient Marlins franchise I write about in here.

It would be easy to call it placebo - but looking back at the season stats (this was before I started keeping game-by-game like I do now), there's a change in how the offense works or pitching staff effectiveness.

I don't know if it was the manager change or not. Could have just been randomness. But it wouldn't surprise me if the attribute changes alone could be enough to tip things, even a nudge, one way or another, especially depending on your interfaces of choice.