MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

**doubledeuceR6** · 05-29-2018, 05:54 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Rangers update:

After sweeping the Royals in a 4 game series we headed to Seattle where the red hot Mariners proceeded to do the same to us. The middle of the Mariners order was on fire. Cano hit 3 bombs while Nelson Cruz added a couple of his own and Dee Gordon was an absolute menace on the base paths.

So we headed a little south with our tails between our legs to face Mike Trout and the Angels. The offense got a boost with the return of Ronald Guzman and after being benched for a few games Rougned Odor responded with 2 homeruns in a 6-2 victory in game 1 and in game 2 he added another and Guzman opened things up with a grand slam as we took the win 7-4.

The Rangers look to finish off this road trip with a sweep in game 3 and finally get a well deserved day off after playing 17 days in a row.

Sitting 4th at 28-33 on the season and 12.5 games behind the Astros in the AL West.

**Itsma806** · 05-29-2018, 06:16 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

2019 Chicago White Sox End Of August Update

Overall Record
76-59

RECORD SINCE All Star Break
22-18

Series Results
@Seattle 2-1
VS. Milwaukee 1-2
@ Cleveland 1-2
@ Kansas City 1-2
Vs. Houston 2-1
Vs. Kansas City 3-1
@Minnesota 2-1
@Chicago Cubs 2-1
Vs. Toronto 0-3
@ Baltimore 2-2
@Detroit 2-1
Vs. Kansas City 2-1
Vs. New York Yankees 2-0

OVERVIEW

Well this is it, this is the last month of the season. One month to take a final stab the the division lead or at least hopefully hold on to our wildcard spot.

The division its self is very unlikely to be won by our White Sox. The Indians hold a 7.5 game advantage leading into the final month. I suppose it could hapempen though, they could implode while we go on a winning streak. As well as we don't fall apart ourselves, we should have a wildcard spot wrapped up as we have a 6.5 game lead over the Astros.

Jose Abreu (.285 AVG/26 HR/73 RBI) has finally picked up his power numbers he is also hitting for a good average that will hopefully lead us into the playoffs. Avisail Garcia and Michael Conforto both came back from injury, Garcia is doing well, Michael is not. His .201 average is dreadful and he isn't being bailed out by his power numbers. I'm hoping he can pick it up this last month though he was our star last season after we traded for him.

All of our starting pitchers have positive records. Lead by Carlos Rodon (14-6) who is in the hunt for AL CY Young but will likely need a flawless September to beat out the two Cleveland arms (Salazar and Kluber)

Michael Kopech and Tyson Ross have been poor in the pen. Both have ERAS above five and have lost more games then they have won. Kopech is a hopeful future star and Ross was just signed to a five year deal. We will likely try to find some way of getting out of that deal.

Team Rankings

Spoiler

Standings

Spoiler

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**cubbies1744** · 05-29-2018, 10:43 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

2018 was another year to remember for my chicago Cubs as they went 103-59 through the season making the number 1 seed in the playoffs.
The playoffs were wild as they always are as the Dodgers won the one game playoff to advance to take on the Chicago Cubs. It was an intense battle as it went the full five games for the Cubs to advance to take on a red hot nationals team for the NLCS. This marked the Cubs fourth straight NLCS appearance. This series would go 6 games as the national could not get over there hump to advance to the world series. This left the Cubs awaiting the winner of the Indians and Astros. That series went the full 7 games with the Indians advancing to the world series for the second time in three years. The rematch that everyone had hope for had been set the Cubs vs the Indians round 2.
This was a intense battle that saw both teams go back and forth and require all 7 games and on the 7th game of the exact same date just 2 years prior the Cubs winning there first world series in 108 years.....they had done it again only at home this time.
The offseason has come and passed as it saw the Cubs sign Bryce Harper to a 7 year deal worth 31 million a year. Also the Cubs felt the must have a small overhaul and get younger so gonna are the names such as lester, darvish, Heyward, morrow, Chatwood, and along with some high touted prospects. The Cubs were able to sign Dallas Keuchel, and trade for some great young pitchers as well as bullpen help.......here is and over view of our 2019 spring training battles that will also show some of the new names for the Chicago Cubs.
Chicago Cubs 2019 spring training battles:
Battle for Ace in rotation
1. Dallas Keuchel-
2. Luis Severino-
3. Luis Castillo-
4. Jordan Montgomery-
5. Kyle Hendricks-
Starting prospects being looked at
1. Adbert Alzolay-
2. Rob Zastryzny-
3. Duane Underwood-
4. Jen Ho Tseng-
5. Jose Albertos-
Battle for bullpen spots
1. Carl Edwards-
2. Brian Duensing-
3. Mike Montgomery-
4. Oscar De La Cruz-
5. Chad Green-
6. Steve Cishek-
7. Kyle Ryan-
8. Randy Rosario-
9. Cesar Diaz-
10. Eddie Butler-
11. Dillion Maples-
Players battling for a roster spot
1. Addison Russell-
2. Yoan Moncada-
3. Eloy Jimenez-
4. Mark Zagunis-
5. Tommy La Stella-
6. Ian Happ-

All players will be considered for the lead off spot as we continue to find the perfect lead off batter.

I will have updates on the rotation and the 25 man roster as I finish spring training.

Hope everyone will enjoy this franchise and how it plays out. I know I have enjoyed many of your guys.

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**montgom24** · 05-30-2018, 01:11 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

What's your strategy or guide line for guys due for arbitration. How do you know when you offer it or just offer multi year deals.

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**countryboy** · 05-30-2018, 01:49 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Sitting at a crossroads here at the All-Star break. We are currently 44-47 on the year but just 5 1/2 games out of first. On one hand I'm thinking that I just ride out what we have, maybe trade a vet or two and see what happens the final 10 weeks or so of the season. On the other hand, we are only 5 1/2 games out of first, we have a good team (at least on paper) and we look to trade for a bat or arm that is going to propel us into the playoffs for the 4th straight season.

Coming into the season, I really thought we would easily be a .500 team. Maybe as much as 10-15 games over .500 all season, if not more. But as the year has played out, we have played very inconsistent baseball. We can never get a stretch going where we win 7 out of 10 without turning around and losing 7 out of 10. We made one trade in July to get better, acquiring Osuna from the Blue Jays to help solidify a struggling bullpen. We gave up a lot in that deal including Alcantara and Hernandez who were both All-Stars and participants in the Futures Game. The third prospect, C.J. McElroy is an All-Star as well. While I don't regret the trade as Osuna is young and we can use him going forward (providing he re-signs), I can't help but wonder if a fired a bullet for no good reason. Did we sacrifice our future, or a better return investment too early? Should we have taken the stance of riding out the year and working to be contenders in 2020? Because to be honest, even if we somehow win a weak NL Central Division this year (Reds only team above .500) what possibility do we have of reaching the NLCS or more so the World Series? How are we going to beat our playoff nemesis Dodgers this year?

The only trade I regret honestly is dealing Mike Leake earlier this year to San Diego. Leake was struggling early and we worked to move him in the offseason but nothing materialized. Now he's 8-5 in San Diego with a 3.55 ERA. He's eating innings and I wish I would've hung on to him and allowed Reyes to get one more season in Memphis.

While riding out what we have is most likely the best option, I can't help but have that desire to not miss the playoffs. I can't help but think that our team is good enough to advance if we get there, even if it means facing the Dodgers who have won 3 straight World Series titles and are the best team in baseball at this point in the season. So I continue to think about the possible trades we can make, but then what position do I trade for? We already improved seemingly our weakest areas in the bullpen and catcher. So what do we do?

So here we are. About to embark on the second half of the season, sitting at a crossroads of what to do with our roster. What direction to take. Normally being 3 games under .500 at the break would mean you're 8+ games out of first. But here we sit, within reasonable striking distance, with a choice, make a push or hang back and see what happens.

Decisions, decisions.

**cubbies1744** · 05-30-2018, 05:38 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Originally posted by countryboy

Sitting at a crossroads here at the All-Star break. We are currently 44-47 on the year but just 5 1/2 games out of first. On one hand I'm thinking that I just ride out what we have, maybe trade a vet or two and see what happens the final 10 weeks or so of the season. On the other hand, we are only 5 1/2 games out of first, we have a good team (at least on paper) and we look to trade for a bat or arm that is going to propel us into the playoffs for the 4th straight season.

Coming into the season, I really thought we would easily be a .500 team. Maybe as much as 10-15 games over .500 all season, if not more. But as the year has played out, we have played very inconsistent baseball. We can never get a stretch going where we win 7 out of 10 without turning around and losing 7 out of 10. We made one trade in July to get better, acquiring Osuna from the Blue Jays to help solidify a struggling bullpen. We gave up a lot in that deal including Alcantara and Hernandez who were both All-Stars and participants in the Futures Game. The third prospect, C.J. McElroy is an All-Star as well. While I don't regret the trade as Osuna is young and we can use him going forward (providing he re-signs), I can't help but wonder if a fired a bullet for no good reason. Did we sacrifice our future, or a better return investment too early? Should we have taken the stance of riding out the year and working to be contenders in 2020? Because to be honest, even if we somehow win a weak NL Central Division this year (Reds only team above .500) what possibility do we have of reaching the NLCS or more so the World Series? How are we going to beat our playoff nemesis Dodgers this year?

The only trade I regret honestly is dealing Mike Leake earlier this year to San Diego. Leake was struggling early and we worked to move him in the offseason but nothing materialized. Now he's 8-5 in San Diego with a 3.55 ERA. He's eating innings and I wish I would've hung on to him and allowed Reyes to get one more season in Memphis.

While riding out what we have is most likely the best option, I can't help but have that desire to not miss the playoffs. I can't help but think that our team is good enough to advance if we get there, even if it means facing the Dodgers who have won 3 straight World Series titles and are the best team in baseball at this point in the season. So I continue to think about the possible trades we can make, but then what position do I trade for? We already improved seemingly our weakest areas in the bullpen and catcher. So what do we do?

So here we are. About to embark on the second half of the season, sitting at a crossroads of what to do with our roster. What direction to take. Normally being 3 games under .500 at the break would mean you're 8+ games out of first. But here we sit, within reasonable striking distance, with a choice, make a push or hang back and see what happens.

Decisions, decisions.

I say make a choice and push forward but don't push to sell off the rest of your future keep it in reason.......I know about decisions for me at the end of spring training I have to make the decision to sell addison Russell off or sell yoan Moncada off and decide whether to keep Eloy Jimenez in the bigs or start him in triple A but just go with your gut man

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**a bit outside** · 05-30-2018, 07:13 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Originally posted by montgom24

What's your strategy or guide line for guys due for arbitration. How do you know when you offer it or just offer multi year deals.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Operation Sports mobile app

I know very little about how all the back office functions work, but I do know that 172 days = a season for a player. If I remember right, the Cubs waited until June I believe before they called up Bryant to they could have another year of control. As far as me actually having a strategy or guideline.....I don’t, I just fly by the seat of my pants. Maybe one of the guys will help you out with more than what I just did.

**HozAndMoose** · 05-30-2018, 07:28 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Start of Season - 2023

Before we get into the offseason here is how the league has looked over the last 5 years.

Standings

Spoiler

World Series Champions

Spoiler

Award Winners

Spoiler

Another offseason in the books. As usual we didn't make a ton of moves. Zack Greinke did retire as we expected. What we did not expect was Danny Duffy to follow him. Only 34 but with back to back bad seasons he decided to call it quits. We brought in a whole new coaching staff. James Dennison takes over as Manager. He brings with him Hitting Coach Johnny Atcho, Pitching Coach Jared Atkins, 1st Base Coach Alfredo Griffin and 3rd Base Coach Chris McGraw. Jorge Bonifacio and Kelvin Herrera were the only guys eligible for Free Agency. We brought both back. Bonifacio received a 4 year deal worth 40 million. Kelvin Herrera got a 2 year deal worth 8 million. Jake Junis was in his last year of Arbitration. We signed him to a 3 year deal worth 20 million buying out his first 2 years of FA. To replace Duffy we signed Aaron Nola to a 3 year deal worth 25 million. Last season with the Phillies he went 7-6 with a 4.10 ERA and 165 Strikeouts in 186 IP. The only other move we made in FA was to bring Lorenzo Cain back on a 1 year deal. We signed him with the expectation that he would be our 4th OF and a late game defensive replacement.

Retired Players

Spoiler

Offseason Contracts

Spoiler

The offense was pretty much set heading into spring. Myles Evans had a chance to lose the CF spot but it would have taken something amazing for him to lose it. Samir Dunez hit .333 with 4 HR but with him only playing 1B he was blocked by Pratto and O'Hearn so we had to put him on waivers to send him down. Luckily no one claimed him. The only real roster battles was in the rotation.

1 through 4 were locked in with Junis, Nola, Hahn and Watson. The 5th spot and a LR spot ni the pen were up for grabs. Had 6 guys fighting for the spots. Everyone got 3 starts before we made any moves. Eric Skoglund and Trevor Oaks were to first to be sent down. Skoglund had a 7.36 ERA in 11 IP. And Oaks had a 4.91 ERA in 11 IP. The remaining 4 guys all got 1 more start to earn their spots. Scott Blewett won the 5th spot in the rotation. He put up a 0.60 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in 15 IP. Foster Griffin got the BP spot. He had a 1.69 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 16 IP. Zack Lovvorn just missed out with a 2.65 ERA and 1.25 wHIP in 17 IP. Rodney Chastain got lit up in his last start. Finished with a 5.40 ERA and 1.93 WHIP in 15 IP.

2023 Rosters

Spoiler

Top Prospects

Spoiler

Schedule

Spoiler

57 games between now and the end of May. Pretty evenly distributed. 29 at home 28 on the road. We start the season with 9 straight division games. Only 12 games against teams that were under .500. 3 of those games against Boston who were 80-82. Things could go bad quick. I don't know what to expect this year. Was highly disappointed last season and we didn't change much of anything. Hoping some guys just had bad seasons but who knows. Our goal is to get back to .500 again. We were the only team under .500 in the division last year so things could turn into a bloodbath if we are good.

**cubbies1744** · 05-31-2018, 12:12 AM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

So far halfway through spring training we are 15-2 and have a lot of position battles heating up as we have battles for a roster spot as well as bullpen spots and the battle for who will be our ace. So far this is how it is shaping up.
Spring battles halfway through spring 2019:
Battle for Ace in rotation
1. Dallas Keuchel- 2-1 13.0IP 15K's 6.92ERA 1.46 WHIP
2. Luis Severino- 1-0 13.0IP 21K's 3.46ERA 0.77 WHIP
3. Luis Castillo- 1-0 9.0IP 13K's 2.00ERA 1.33 WHIP
4. Jordan Montgomery- 1-0 9.0IP 14K's 5.00ERA 1.44 WHIP
5. Kyle Hendricks- 2-0 9.0IP 8K's 2.00ERA 1.11 WHIP
Starting prospects being looked at
1. Adbert Alzolay- 1-0 5.1IP 8K's 0.00ERA 1.31 WHIP
2. Rob Zastryzny- 1-0 9.0IP 6K's 2.00ERA 0.89 WHIP
3. Duane Underwood- 2-0 9.0IP 7K's 0.00ERA 0.22 WHIP
4. Jen Ho Tseng- 1-0 8.0IP 5K's 2.25ERA 1.13 WHIP
5. Jose Albertos- 0-0 8.0IP 8K's 6.75ERA 1.88 WHIP
Battle for bullpen spots
1. Carl Edwards- 1-0 4.1IP 7K's 6.23ERA 1.38 WHIP
2. Brian Duensing- 1-0 5.0IP 5K's 0.00ERA 0.40 WHIP
3. Mike Montgomery- 0-0 4.2IP 9K's 5.79ERA 2.57 WHIP
4. Oscar De La Cruz- 1-0 5.0IP 8K's 0.00ERA 0.20 WHIP
5. Chad Green- 0-0 5.0IP 10K's 0.00ERA 0.20 WHIP
6. Steve Cishek- 0-0 5.0IP 6K's 3.60ERA 0.80 WHIP
7. Kyle Ryan- 0-0 4.0IP 4K's 0.00ERA 1.00 WHIP
8. Randy Rosario- 0-0 4.0IP 3K's 0.00ERA 0.50 WHIP
9. Cesar Diaz- 0-0 5.0IP 4K's 1.80ERA 1.20 WHIP
10. Eddie Butler-0-0 5.0IP 3K's 0.00ERA 0.60 WHIP
11. Dillion Maples- 0-1 5.0IP 10K's 5.40ERA 1.60 WHIP
12. Roberto Osuna-0-0 8.2IP 9K's 1.04ERA 0.92 WHIP 7SV
Players battling for a roster spot
1. Addison Russell- .391AVG 1HR 8RBI's
2. Yoan Moncada- .319AVG 0HR 4RBI's
3. Eloy Jimenez- .348AVG 3HR 12RBI's
4. Mark Zagunis- .286AVG 0HR 4RBI's
5. Tommy La Stella- .250AVG 0HR 2RBI's
6. Ian Happ- .250AVG 4HR 10RBI's

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**WrigleyFaithful** · 05-31-2018, 02:30 AM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Originally posted by a bit outside

I know very little about how all the back office functions work, but I do know that 172 days = a season for a player. If I remember right, the Cubs waited until June I believe before they called up Bryant to they could have another year of control. As far as me actually having a strategy or guideline.....I don’t, I just fly by the seat of my pants. Maybe one of the guys will help you out with more than what I just did.

Yes, a player has to be on the active roster for 172 days of the big league season to be granted a full season toward their service time. Now, the big league season though is usually ~185 ish days or so. So in the case of Bryant or any other "service time manipulation" it was only a couple weeks they kept him down. I remember Bryant debuted against the Padres in April but don't remember the exact date. So not too long of a time to gain an extra year of control. If that helps clear for anyone.

**countryboy** · 05-31-2018, 08:23 AM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Won our first game after the All-Star Break beating the Marlins 6-5 in 10 innings. Once again our shaky bullpen blew multiple leads late in the game including newly acquired Antonio Osuna, who gave up 3 runs without recording an out.

Thankfully our offense was destined to win this game for us as we continued to fight back and get back ahead, including Dioner Navarro's 10th inning walkoff homerun.

With the Reds losing we are now 4 1/2 games back.

Next up is game 2 of the series with Madison Bumgarner on the hill for the Marlins vs Lance Lynn.

**Number999** · 05-31-2018, 12:52 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Miami Marlins ~ 2018 MLB Playoffs / Offseason

NL Wild Card: Giants (92-70) defeat Phillies (98-65), 2-0
AL Wild Card: Blue Jays (89-73) defeat Mariners (89-73), 3-2

NL Divisional Series: Nationals (98-64) defeat Giants (92-70), 3-0
NL Divisional Series: Cubs (96-66) defeat Dodgers (98-64), 3-2
AL Divisional Series: Blue Jays (89-73) defeat Yankees (105-57), 3-1
AL Divisional Series: Angels (95-67) defeat Indians (83-79), 3-2

NL Championship Series: Cubs (96-66) defeat Nationals (98-64), 4-2
AL Championship Series: Angels (95-67) defeat Blue Jays (89-73), 4-1

2018 MLB World Series: Cubs (96-66) defeat Angels (95-67) in 6 games

NL Postseason MVP: Addison Russell (83 OVR, .308 AVG, 1 HR, 4 RBI, Cubs)
AL Postseason MVP: Mike Trout (99 OVR, .308 AVG, 8 HR, 14 RBI, Angels)
World Series MVP: Ian Happ (86 OVR, .280, 1 HR, 9 RBI, Cubs)

2018 Chicago Cubs World Series Champions Roster

Spoiler

Summary: Let's start off at the very top. In the NL Wildcard Game, Madison Bumgarner threw lights out as the Giants buried the Phillies as Philadelphia despite their 98-win season only got to play 1 more postseason game than the 60-102 Marlins... HAH! On the other hand, the Toronto Blue Jays took out the Mariners who were making their 1st playoff appearance since 2001. They lost 2-3 with each side scoring a run in the 9th inning, Kevin Pillar had a huge day with 3 hits while the Mariners got 2 hits from many hitters, but could never pull everything together. Shoutout to Dee Gordon for collecting 2 hits in the game as well. In the Divisional Series, the Nationals made lightwork of the Giants as they swept them. A rally coming back from down 3-7 was huge in Game 2 with a walk-off in the 9th courtesy of Matt Adams. They also won in 10 innings in Game 3 in large part due to their pitching only allowing 1 run and 4 hits, they'd move on to the NLCS. On the other side, it would be no repeat NL Champs for the Dodgers as they were taken out by the Cubbies. They went up 2-1 in the series, but Clayton Kershaw was out-dueled by Yu Darvish in a pivotal Game 4 that went the Cubbies way in a walk-off in 10 innings via a sacrifice fly by Jason Heyward. In Game 5, the Cubbies won 6-4 to make it back to the NLCS. Over in the AL, you had a shocking upset as the Toronto Blue Jays stunned the 105-win Yankees. How did this happen? Try Aaron Judge hitting .187, Gleyber Torres hitting .167, and Giancarlo Stanton hitting 0 home runs. Unbelievable that they would flame out like that, and you'll know they'll be hearing it every day from the New York media. Finally, the Angels struggled and fell behind 0-2 to the Cleveland Indians before rallying back to win in 5 games. Mike Trout hit 2 homers in Game 4, and Shohei Ohtani pitched 7 masterful innings in Game 5 only allowing 1 run on 5 hits to send his California side to the ALCS!

Now in the Championship League Series, let's take a look at the National League first. The Nationals were looking to finally reward Bryce Harper before he hits Free Agency with some postseason success, and with Max Scherzer having an MVP season it finally seemed it would be time... and they responded by going down 0-3 in it. Strasburg lost Game 1 by a score of 5-7, and allowing 4 runs in 6 innings was by no means great. In Game 2, Max Scherzer allowed 5 runs, 7 hits, and 2 walks in 6.2 innings. 2 runs of those runs were unearned. In Game 3, the Cubs rallied late and stole a 3-2 victory thanks to big hitting by Baez and Rizzo. Through these 3 games, Bryce Harper went 2-for-12. Not ideal from your superstar. The Nationals then won 2 straight games by 1-run, but in Game 6 the Cubs finished them off with big hits from Ian Happ to advance back to the World Series, credit to Chicago. Over in the American League, the series was tied up at 1-1 before the Blue Jays imploded at home. Game 3 had Shohei Ohtani pitch brilliantly with 7.1 innings and only allowing 3 hits and 1 run. Game 4 saw the Angels have Jose Abreu as their savior and have 3 monster hits to go up 3-1. In Game 5, Jose Abreu drove in another 4 runs as Mike Trout also homered, it was clinched, and the Los Angeles Angels would make their 1st World Series appearance since 2002! Respect to them for putting together one hell of a season. Also props to the Blue Jays for going on such a run that they made it to the ALCS as a Wildcard team while knocking off the mighty Yankees.

In the World Series, the Cubs went up 2-0 at home against the Angels. In Game 1 they won 5-0 and Jon Lester pitched a complete game shutout only allowing 3 hits and 2 walks in a 0-run outing. In Game 2 it proved to be another defensive battle as the Cubbies won 2-1 on a walk-off in the 9th inning. Tied 1-1, Addison Russell hit the walk-off bomb to catapult himself into Cubs greatness and admiration. Garrett Richards and Jose Quintana were each magnificent, but Russell provided the magic that Mike Trout couldn't as he went 0-for-4. Game 3 saw the Angels finally spring to life as the Angels smashed the Cubs 12-1 at home. Mike Trout hit a grand slam in 4th inning, and Kyle Hendricks was rocked for 8 runs in 3.2 innings of work. Tyler Skaggs pitched pefectly for the Angels only allowing 2 hits and 1 run in 7 innings. But sadly they wouldn't get brilliant pitching in Game 4 as they lost 6-7. Javier Baez had a huge game with 3 hits, as did Anthony Rizzo. Trout went 1-for-4 but that one hit was a 2-run homer. Andrew Heaney and Shoemaker really costed the Angels with their pitching performance. While LA would take Game 5, it would all be over in 6 games. The Cubs won 11-7 as Mike Trout went hitless. Albert Almora Jr. was huge and Ian Happ had an unprecedented 6 RBIs in Game 6. Garrett Richards and Matt Shoemaker KILLED the Angels with a combined effort of allowing 11 runs in 6 innings allowing 9 hits and 6 walks. Ouch. The Cubbies are in the midsts of potentially becoming a dynasty. That core of Rizzo, Baez, Lester, Russell, Contreas, and so forth is really making themselves known as All-Time Greats in both Chicago and the baseball world in general. It's their 2nd ring in 3 years, and in that span they've also made even more NLCS appearances. We're living in the golden age of Cubs baseball right now.

2019 Miami Marlins Offseason

The Miami Marlins made a relatively few changes to their lineup and rotation all things considered. The goal of this offseason was not to improve, but rather make some slight adjustments here and there while generally bringing back the same squad. In terms of major changes, the Washington Nationals lost Bryce Harper and in his replacement signed two beast starting pitchers in Patrick Corbin and Dallas Keuchel to have the best starting rotation in baseball, with no one else coming quite close. Brian Dozier inked a huge contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, and all of a sudden coming off a 98-win season their core looks pretty elite. The Cubs retained most of their assets, while the Arizona Diamondbacks landed a HUGE signing by picking up Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles in a huge free agent signing. Where did Harper sign? Hah you guessed it if you picked the Baltimore Orioles because of course that somehow makes sense in this diluted timeline. But yeah... those were all of the major national headline moves in the offseason. What about the Marlins? Well here is their projected starting rotation, bullpen, and lineup for next season!

Starting Rotation:
#1. Jarlin Garica (77 OVR, 26)
#2. Dan Straily (75 OVR, 30)
#3. Sandy Alcantara (71 OVR, 23)
#4. Caleb Smith (72 OVR, 27)
#5. Jose Ureña (69 OVR, 27)

Bullpen:
LRP: Adam Conley (73 OVR, 28)
RHP: Art Warren (70 OVR, 25)
RHP: Nick Wittgren (74 OVR, 27)
LHP: Aaron Loup (73 OVR, 31)
RHP: Sam Tuivailala (78 OVR, 26)
RHP: Drew Steckenrider (82 OVR, 28)
CP: Kyle Barraclough (82 OVR, 28)

Lineup:
C: J.T. Realmuto (81 OVR, 28)
1B: Justin Bour (77 OVR, 30)
2B: Brian Anderson (70 OVR, 25)
3B: Hanley Ramirez (74 OVR, 35)
SS: Starlin Castro (80 OVR, 29)
LF: Derek Dietrich (70 OVR, 29)
CF: Lewis Brinson (72 OVR, 24)
RF: Braxton Lee (64 OVR, 25)

Bench:
C: Tomas Telis (65 OVR, 27)
2B: Yadiel Rivera (70 OVR, 26)
3B: Eric Jagielo (65 OVR, 26)
SS: Miguel Rojas (66 OVR, 30)
CF: Daisuke Sasaki (71 OVR, 20)

Explanations: The Miami Marlins made one big free agent signing. After Miguel Rojas did not work as an experiment at shortstop, the front office scoured all of baseball to see who they could have serve as a replacement. Ultimately, they found the result they were looking for. An old face to bring back some fans and some memories. Hanley. Ramirez. Now, due to his 35-years of age and given the fact he hasn't played there since leaving and bouncing around with the Dodgers and Red Sox, the Marlins needed to make some adjustments to fit him into the lineup. Thus, they kind of shifted everybody over a spot and we'll see how he does. We can also move him and Dietrich around if need-be. Hanley is personally thrilled to be back in South Florida by his own accord, he hopes it can be a nice end to his career and on a 1-year/3M deal it isn't too much of a risk by the Marlins. He hit .263 last year with the Red Sox and knocked out 22 homers while collecting 73 RBIs, all in all worth 0.9 WAR. Other than that, more youth development is expected(especially amongst Alcantara and Brinson) and we shall see what happens. Hopefully Braxton Lee can make that second leap with a 2nd big year.

Spring Training 2019: In Spring Training, the Miami Marlins went 12-17 in the Grape Fruit League scoring 97 runs while conceding 114 runs. Hitter-wise, rookie Daisuke Sasaki stole the show and clinched himself a roster spot with his performance. In 28 games(but only 47 at-bats), he hit .362 with .400 OBP. Braxton Lee started slow but caught fire as the month went on also ending up with .400 on base percentage while collecting 7 steals. Brian Anderson and Derek Dietrich also looked adequate, compared to Realmuto, Bour, and Castro who all struggled a fair amount. Hanley Ramirez batted .224 for the month but he did hit a team-leading 5 home runs and hit some moonshots so there is some hope that continues in the regular season. Lewis Brinson batted .225 but he did have 14 RBIs so if he can get in the .250ish range for the regular season that would be stellar. Finally pitching wise, Straily and Alcantara looked good with sub-3.00 ERAs, while Art Warren and Caleb Smith got lit up, but there's some slight optimism they'll turn things around.

Prediction: 67-95, slight improvement but barely over last years 60-102 result. Top 3 pick please!

**cubbies1744** · 05-31-2018, 04:49 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Spring training has come to an end and decisions have been made. Please if any one has any comments they are all welcomed.
2019 Chicago Cubs Opening day Roster:
Starting rotation
1. Jose Berrios
2. Dallas Keuchel
3. Luis Severino
4. Jordan Montgomery
5. Luis Castillo
Bullpen
1. Oscar De La Cruz- MRP
2. Carl Edwards- MRP
3. Brian Duensing- MRP
4. Edubray Ramos- MRP
5. Randy Rosario- SU
6. Chad Green- SU
7. Roberto Osuna- CL
Starting lineup
1. Albert Almora- CF
2. Anthony Rizzo- 1B
3. Kris Bryant- 3B
4. Bryce Harper- RF
5. Willson Contreras- C
6. Eloy Jimenez- LF
7. Javier Baez- SS
8. Pitcher
9. Yoan Moncada- 2B
Bench
1. Marwin Gonzalez- UT(1B, 2B, SS, 3B, LF, RF)
2. Ian Happ- LF,CF,RF
3. Victor Caratini- C,1B,3B
4. Kyle Schwarber- LF,C
5. Tommy La Stella- 3B,2B,1B

Maybe a couple of trades at the end of spring training. We traded away Kyle Hendricks and Addison Russell, as well as some top prospects we drafted last year to be able to acquire the likes of Jose Berrios, Edubray Ramos, and with the Addison Russell trade we were able to acquire a top prospect first baseman for the future. This team is stacked as well as very young and have the potential to dominate for many years as we start our quest to continue this dynasty that we have started, by being the first team since the 90's Yankees to win back to back titles.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Operation Sports mobile app

**glennporter2** · 05-31-2018, 05:41 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Started playing with my Pirates franchise. Coming off a World Series Championship and acquiring Manny Machado we also signed Bryce Harper!

Lineup
CF 17 Austin Meadows
LF 12 Corey Dickerson/6 Starling Marte
SS 13 Manny Machado
RF 34 Bryce Harper
1B 55 Josh Bell
2B 23 Kevin Newman
3B 19 Colin Moran
C 36 Logan Ice(R)

Bench
26 Adam Frazier
14 Kevin Kramer
38 Max Moroff
Can’t remeber my backup catchers name

Starters
59 Joe Musgrove
50 Jameson Taillon
44 Daniel Norris
22 Shane Baz(R)
49 Nick Kingham

Bullpen
30 Kyle Crick
35 Trevor Williams
47 Lindgram
39 Chad Kuhl
45 Michael Feliz
56 Bobby Roberts(R)
73 Felipe Vasquez-CL

Sitting at 94-38. Looking like a repeat World Series year!

**cubbies1744** · 05-31-2018, 05:57 PM

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

The first game of the season was a wild one as it featured a pitchers Duel with Jose Berrios and Wei-Yin Chen matching each other pitch for pitch. Berrios would go 8.0IP giving up just 3 hits while striking out 10 and Chen went 7.0IP giving up 3 hits while striking out 5 and walking one. The game would be a pitchers duel throughout as neither starter got a decision but the game would prove a strong bullpen is a must as De La Cruz pitched the 9th and got us to the bottom of the 9th still tied and set the table for what would be a walk off homerun from Anthony Rizzo on the 2nd pitch of the inning giving us a 1-0 win on opening day.
This team is full of talent and stars of the future. Exciting way to start the season.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Operation Sports mobile app

MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

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