MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

[FSanchez12]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

We're through to September!

At 91-46 we hold 1.5 game advantage over the Dodgers for 1st Place in the NL. I'll be playing Game 3 of our 4 game series tonight against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers tonight. I hope to stretch the count, and force an early exit. We're walking away with the division, although the Cubs will likely have homefield for the Wild Card Game. I hope that is the case, as I have owned Jake Arrieta this year.

Currently, the sim engine in this game has turned Mark Miller into Bob Gibson. I've played 1 game of his, simmed the next 4 starts. He's 5-0 with an ERA well below 0.75. His OVR has jumped from 72 to 80, with a morale boost to take it to 83. I've never seen anything like it, and it's certainly making me feel a heck of a lot better for losing Gerrit Cole in the impending offseason.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

A week before the All-Star break and 2 weeks before trade deadline (late ASG this year) the Cardinals are once again looking at the idea of adding Jackie Bradley Jr to the roster. JBJ is on the trade block for the Red Sox who are essentially out of the playoff hunt this year and are loaded with outfield talent.

JBJ still has a year on his contract after the 2020 season and the is hitting over .300 in limited play time with the Red Sox.

The Cardinals recalled Randal Grichuk from Memphis where he seemed to find his swing, but once again at the major league level, he is struggling...badly. Grichuk just came off a 4 strikeout game and has struck out 9 times in his 4 games back. With Grichuk struggling, Sierra out until at least Labor Day, and Harrison Bader not bouncing back from his broken leg as quickly as the Cards had hoped, the idea of adding a veteran player like JBJ, who is relatively cheap ($5.2M due in 2021), has control if you decide to keep him, and is an outstanding defensive player, seems like a logical move. What the Cardinals would do with Grichuk remains to be determined as he is a free agent at the end of the season. If they add JBJ, the Cardinals' outfield would be:

LF - Bradley Jr
CF - Pham
RF - Piscotty

BN - Oscar Mercado
BN - ?????

The Cardinals do have Juan Fabregas returning from the DL at the end of the month, but how he performs coming back from a broken forearm remains to be seen.

The plan is to play the next 6 games before the break without doing anything and see what happens. The Cardinals maintain a 9 game lead in the division so even if the worst happens, the Cardinals would still be up 3 games heading into the break.

[FluffyTonka]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Reds got back on track last night with a 10-1 victory over the Phillies.

The Reds were actually out hit by 11-8 in the game, in a weird series where the team with the most hits lost every game.

The game was effectively over by the 3rd inning after Nola pitched himself into trouble by walking two and hitting another to load the bases with no one out for pitcher Kevin Gausman. Gausman did the unthinkable and hammered a grand slam.

That is my first homer ever with a pitcher, and the fact it came on a bases loaded situation just thrilled me to bits. That ran the score up to 8-0 and chased Nola from game.

Gausman was good with the ball too. Scattering 7 hits over 7 innings, but only allowing one run while going right after the Phillies with 12SO.

Now we're back home and we're hosting the Cards and then the Brewers for a 7-game home stand. The fact it's been week and a half without a day off, this has been a torrid little stretch of games, where most nights the pitchers aren't even starting the game with full energy.

The Cards are 2nd in the NL Central but trail the Reds by 2.5 games.

[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

ALCS GAME THREE

Houston Astros
VS.
Chicago White Sox

FINAL SCORE
White Sox-4
Astros-3

Sox one game away from World Series
The White Sox are one game away from their first world series appearance since 2005 after their three to two victory over the Astros

Tim Anderson, who has been having a rough post season (under .200 average heading into this game) had a big game with three hits, 1 hr and two rbi's. His home run came in the top of the 8th and gave the White Sox the lead after previously being down 2-1. The Astros were able to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth but the Qhite Sox came through in the 10th by taking the 4-3 lead.

For the Astros, A.J. Reed had a big game knocking in all of the Astros runs.

Game four will see the White Sox go for the sweep when Michael Kopech (88 OVR RHP) goes against Robert Gsellman (81 OVE RHP) L


Other Result:
Milwaukee Brewers-2
Philadelphia Philles-0





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[BlueJays09]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Finished my season in heartbreaking fashion. The Blue Jays were 6 games back of a wild card spot at the start of September so I called up some prospects to showcase. Ended up going on a tear and eventually going 1 game up on the Mariners for the last WC spot with 6 games to go (3 Vs BOS, 3 vs NYY). Took 2/3 from the Red Sox as they were resting players, but was swept by the Yankees to lose the final WC spot to Seattle.

Moving on to the off-season, I didn’t plan on massive changes. I want to bring Vlad Jr up if he starts well in AAA and I don’t want to block my exciting rookies. My goal was to get a solid HR threat, an upgrade at 2B who can play all INF positions, a starting pitcher and some bullpen help.

Started off trading Devon Travis to Washington for Sammy Solis. A need for need swap as Washington was looking for a platoon option at 2B after not getting much from Difo or Kendrick last year. They have so many relievers it was trading from surplus from them so I get my late inning lefty.

Next up, we signed Asdrubal Cabrera to a 1yr deal. He will step in to play 3B until Vlad is ready and will likely move to 2B to share with Gurriel when that happens.

We went ahead and let Smaok go as he signed a 3 year deal with the Angels (who released Pujols). It so happens a power treat was available when Nelson Cruz was let go by Seattle. Cruz put up 47 homers last year and doesn’t appear to be losing his power stroke just yet. He got a 1 year deal with a mutual option with Toronto as he was excited to lead this young and talented team. He will play DH and will take reps at 1B over spring to broaden his lineup versatility. Morales will also draw some playing time against LHP so it will help the team to have Cruz and Morales at 1B/DH against LHP.

Estrada was not brought back after an inconsistent season. One game would be a gem, the next he would get rocked. Grabbed Charlie Morton on a 2 year deal to slot in the middle of my rotation. The final two rotation spots will be between Reid-Foley, Pannone, Paulino and Borucki

Mike Montomery was brought in as a long reliever / swing man and veteran Ryan Madson was brought in on a 1 year deal. Biagini was resigned for 3 years.

Lastly, Christian Walker and Jose Urena were signed to minor league / depth deals to round off free agency.

Lineup vs: RHP
Lourdes Gurriel Jr - 2B
Asdrubal Cabrera - 3B
Randal Grichuck - CF
Nelson Cruz - DH
Teoscar Hernandez - LF
Rowdy Tellez - 1B
Troy Tulowitzki - SS
Russell Martin - C
Yangervis Solarte - RF

Bench: Pillar, Morales, Jansen, Diaz or Drury

Lineup vs. LHP:
Gurriel Jr. 2B
Cabrera 3B
Morales DH/1B
Cruz 1B/Dh
Grichuck RF
Tulowitzki SS
Hernandez LF
Martin C
Pillar CF

Bench: Solarte, Jansen, Tellez, Diaz or Drury

Rotation:
Stroman
Sanchez
Morton
2x spots for competition

Bullpen: Giles, Solis, Madson, Tepera, Barnes, Biagini, Montgomery

Spring training should be interesting. We have a heated battle for two rotation spots, but I predict it will be Borucki and Paulino who win them if September was any indication. The bullpen appears to be set at this point but we will see if there are any surprises this spring.

My only defensive hole is 1B vs LHP as I have to deal with Cruz (if he can play it well in spring) or Morales. I have been in talks with the Twins regarding a Morales for Ervin Santana swap. Morales would provide them with a platoon DH with newly signed Cargo. Santana would give me my 4th starter if the kids struggle early. Not sure on if I will go this route unless a bat not expected to make the MLB team can impress and soften the blow of losing the .280 and 20 HR from Morales last year.

Tellez will start the season in a platoon role while Gurriel Jr will see his first full season as a full time starter. Solarte will shift to a super utility role and Kevin Pillar has been relegated to a platoon role after a brutal season batting last year vs. RHP. Martin/Jansen are expected to split catching duties after Jansen and if Morales is dealt, Martin could start at 1B vs LHP giving Jansen more starts.

Really looking forward to this season and challenging the tough AL east. All teams throughout the league have seemed to have gotten better so it should be a very competitive season.

Looking forward to getting Vlad on the team after the first month of the season. Should be a fun year as I am letting my young guys play, but have solid veterans surrounding them. Should be a good mix for success!


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[FSanchez12]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

We're through to September!

At 91-46 we hold 1.5 game advantage over the Dodgers for 1st Place in the NL. I'll be playing Game 3 of our 4 game series tonight against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers tonight. I hope to stretch the count, and force an early exit. We're walking away with the division, although the Cubs will likely have homefield for the Wild Card Game. I hope that is the case, as I have owned Jake Arrieta this year.

Currently, the sim engine in this game has turned Mark Miller into Bob Gibson. I've played 1 game of his, simmed the next 4 starts. He's 5-0 with an ERA well below 0.75. His OVR has jumped from 72 to 80, with a morale boost to take it to 83. I've never seen anything like it, and it's certainly making me feel a heck of a lot better for losing Gerrit Cole in the impending offseason.

HOLY CRAP

Not only did we force the Dodgers hand, and get Clayton Kershaw to exit after 5 innings, Austin Meadows was his daddy.

2-2 (including a walk) off of him, a 3-Run HR, 2 runs scored (Meadows would later add an RBI double). We added a few more runs, and ended up taking Game 3 of our 4 game set in the Chavez Ravine 7-3. We then took the following game to sweep the Dodgers, and extend our winning streak to 10 games (mostly from simming). We then went home to play the Brewers, taking the first two of the series, and walking off on the third and final game in 11. We have now won 13 in a row, clinched a playoff birth, and are inching closer to clinching the division, as we hold an 11.5(!!!!!!) game advantage on the 2nd place Cubs. We head to Wrigley Field for a 3-game set with the Cubs next, and if we sweep them, we will hit 100 wins, and the magic number will become 1.

Now I get to go on a week 1/2 vacation, I hope I still have my skills when I get back!

[FluffyTonka]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cincinnati 2 def St Louis 0

Luis Castillo continues to be great with 8 innings of shut out ball as the Reds beat Michael Wacha and the Cards. There was a lot of luck in this one. The wind was howling in from LF across to RF.

The Reds runs came from two solo knocks to Gorkys Hernandez and Magnerius Sierra hit his first HR of his career, both over the right field wall. The wind definitely carried what would have been regulation flyballs to deep right.

Meanwhile the Cards were blasting Castillo into the wind at LF, and had Ozuna and Matt Carpenter (twice!) robbed at the LF wall on what would have been certain homeruns on another day.


Season Notes

M. Sierra hit his solo shot in the 9th inning, his only hit for the game, but moves him to a 13-game hitting streak. He walked twice as well, and that lifts his average over .300 for the first time.

Castillo's line of:
8IP 4H 0R 0ER 1BB 12SO

Takes him into the NL lead for strikeouts and places him top 5 for ERA and WHIP.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Had a HUGE trade just ahead of the All-Star break. The Angels have traded Shohei Ohtani to the Twins for 3 prospects, including SS Royce Lewis. I'm actually surprised the Angels made this trade as while they are 7 games out of first of the AL West leading Rangers, they hold the 2nd wildcard spot currently.

The Twins on the other hand get Ohtani and currently lead the AL Central by a game and a half over the White Sox and 3 games over the Tigers.

Surprising trade but a big one for the Twins who seem to be going all in for a chance to play in October.

[Sumodeads]

MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Yankees 2018 Franchise Update

After losing in the World Series with my Fantasy Franchise Mariners I turned my focus into another fresh restart of a Yankees chise (my real life fav team) with more updated rosters and with my new difficulty settings. It’s been a blast so far and although we’re just in June, I’m looking forward to making a deep playoff run with the Boys! This will also hopefully be my first carryover franchise as I’d like to have a shot at making another Yankees Dynasty with the Baby Bombers.

Through June 13th:

We are currently in 1st in the East at 44-23 as we lead the Sox by 3.0 games with the 2nd best record in the AL(Indians). Our overall team offense has been great as expected, 1st in 2B, HR, SLG % and we’re 4th in runs(only 12 behind 1st). Our pitching is more of a surprise as we are currently sitting 2nd in MLB with a team ERA of 3.35. It seems like our lineup is playing out like many of my franchises, some guys are absolutely KILLING it like Judge, Sanchez, Stanton and Didi and then I have guys that have been hitting under .200 or barely over almost the whole season(Hicks, Andujar, Bird). I’ve actually been limiting Bird lately as Neil Walker has been amazing in his limited time hitting .282, 11 HR and 19 RBI in just 149 AB. I’m not going to post everyone’s stats, but let me just show you the follow up season to his ROY campaign that Aaron Judge is having through just 67 team games:

.355/.438/.880, 38 HR, 76 RBI, 73 Runs, 10 SB, 9 outfield Assists. He’s been unbelievable all year so far. He leads the league in nearly every offensive category including hits(92). He’s tied for 4th in walks(38) which is amazing because I don’t walk often and my team is Always dead last in that category. Also amazing is that he’s actually been slumping over the last 8-10 games or so. If not for a ridiculous recent surge in HR from Sanchez who now has 34 and ridiculous run production from the Indians’ Encarnacion(76 RBI T-1st), Judge would be outfront in those categories by a mile. I hope he keeps it up and wins his first MVP.

As far as pitching, all our pitchers have done pretty well. Lowest ERAs for starters are Sevvy and Tanaka, both posting sub- 3.00 so far. Most consistent bullpen arms all year have been Robertson and Green. After great starts, Betances and Chapman have struggled a bit lately.

Around the league, big years so far from Encarnacion, Trout, Springer, Lindor, Sale, Kluber. Brad Hand is 20/20 in saves and hasn’t allowed a run all year!

NL- Braun and Bour lead the early MVP voting! Scherzer and Grienke are the best pitchers so far.


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[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

ALCS GAME FOUR

Houston Astros
VS.
Chicago White Sox

FINAL SCORE
White Sox-4
Astros-2

It's a sweep! Sox advance to world series!

The White Sox have swept the Houston Astros after defeating them in game four 4-2. The White Sox catcher Dom Nunez was the player of the game as he went 2 for 3 with a double and a solo home run.

Michael Kopech gave up plenty of hits (8) but did well to limit the damage as he only conceded two runs.

The White Sox will take on the winner of the NLCS which is currently led by the Philles 3-2.



Other Result:
NLDS
Game 5
Philadelphia Phillies-4
Milwaukee Brewers-2
Philadelphia leads series 3-2

Game 6
Milwaukee Brewers-5
Philadelphia Phillies-1
Series tied 3-3

Game 7
Philadelphia Phillies-6
Milwaukee Brewers-3
Philadelphia wins the series 4-3

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[Itsma806]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

2022 World Series Preview

Chicago White Sox (103-59)

VS.

Philadelphia Phillies (87-75)

Season Series:
NONE

Disabled List
CHW:
NONE

PHI
Rowdy Tellez 82 OVR 1B
Fractured Arm
1-6 Days

PRIMARY LINEUPS (RHP W/DH)
CHW
1.Tim Anderson 97 OVR SS
2.Yoan Moncada 99 OVR 2B
3.Rhys Hoskins 95 OVR LF
4.Michael Conforto 88 OVR DH
5.Vladimir Guerreero JR 85 OVR 3B
6.Eloy Jiminez 89 OVR RF
7.Jose Abreu 84 OVR 1B
8.Johnny Shinjo 84 OVR CF
9.Dom Nunez 81 OVR C

PHI
1.Adam Eaton 82 OVR CF
2.Scott Kingery 88 OVR 2B
3.Mitch Haniger 87 OVR LF
4.Nick Willians 82 OVR RF
5.Adam Hanseley 80 OVR DH
6.Yolmer Sanchez 83 OVR 3B
7.Stephen Piscotty 82 OVR 1B
8.J.P. Crawford 84 OVR SS
9.Jorge Alfaro 83 OVR C

PROBABLE STARTERS

GAME 1:
CHW: Lucas Giolito 93 OVR RHP
PHI:Francis Martes 88 OVR RHP

Game 2:
CHW: Reynaldo Lopez 91 OVR RHP
PHI:Ben Lively 88 OVR RHP

Game 3:
CHW:Stephen Gonsalves 86 OVR LHP
PHI:Sixto Sanchez 84 OVR RHP

Game 4:
CHW:Michael Kopech 88 OVR RHP
PHI:Vince Velasquez 83 OVR RHP

Game 5:
TBD IF NEEDED

Game 6:
TBD IF NEEDED

GAME 7:
TBD IF NEEDED

We will be facing another former player in Yolmer Sanchez. We didnt play the Phillies at all during the regular season so itll be interesting the first couple of games trying to figure out there lineup.


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[newhope1000]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

2022 ALDS GAME ONE

Chicago White Sox
VS.
New York Yankees

Final Score:
Yankees-3
White Sox-2

Masterful Performance By Severino Saved In Extras

Luis Severino pitched a gem of a game in the first game of the ALDS between the Yankees and White Sox (8.1 IP/5 HITS/1 ER/6 SO). His performance was almost all for not as after allowing a one out double to Yoan Moncada in the bottom of the ninth, Aroldis Chapman was brought in to close the game. On his first pitch, Rhys Hoskins knocked a 100 mph heater over the fence in straight away center to tie the game 2-2.

The joy from forcing extras would quickly fade for the White Sox as in the top of the ninth, Greg Bird would shoot a ball into left field, effectively beating the shifted defense for a two out double. The next batter, Gleyber Torres would narrowly miss a homerun as he knocked a ball off the right field wall bringing in Bird for the go ahead run. Afterward, the White Sox would go down in order in the bottom of the tenth and take the heart breaking loss at home.

The White Sox are left with the thought of what if. Lucas Giolito was pitching a gem of his own (5.0 IP/2 HITS/1 WALK/7 SO) when he was forced from the game after feeling tightness in his elbow after throwing a fastball for a strike to the second batter he faced in top of the 6th. Martin Perez came in with just his eight warm up pitches. A couple of batters later and the bases were loaded. Ketel Marte took advantage of this when he hit a ball into the corner in left field driving in two.

The White Sox will look to rebound in game two before travelling to New York where at the very least they will have to win one game.

New York Yankees lead series 1-0

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Good see White Sox back in post season lol

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Cardinals are backing their way into the All-Star break having lost 4 straight and the first 3 against the Pirates. Our lead is down to 7 games which is still a decent cushion but things are looking fairly ugly on the field. Michael Wacha was just knocked out in the 3rd inning giving up 7 runs on 12 hits to the Pirates. We needed him to pitch deep into the game as the game prior, Miles Mikolas was removed in the 1st inning due to a strained oblique muscle. His status is unknown.

Our hitting has gone as cold as ever and right now our lineup feels completely out of balance. With Grichuk struggling and Wisdom still in Memphis, and having to give guys days off, the lineup seems out of tune and needs adjusting. We will play Sunday with the same 25 man roster, but over the break we will be looking to move some pieces around to get back to the strong, dominant, baseball we were playing prior to July.

We continue to look over our roster and consider moves to make, but I just can't pinpoint exactly where we need an upgrade. I've thought about Jackie Bradley Jr, but am not sure I'm ready to close the door on Grichuk or Juan Fabregas who returns from the DL during the break. I've thought about the infield as Aledmys Diaz is weak with the bat, but no great options out there to be had, that would make it worth an upgrade and parting with prospects. I've considered starting pitching since injuries are plaguing our arms, but again not sure who is the right fit for the right price.

You would think with at worst a 6 game lead in the division at the break I'd be a little comfortable but I'm not, considering how poorly we've played and how injuries keep taking this team down.

Time to scout the majors again and our rosters to see what is out there, if anything.

[FSanchez12]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

Woop Woop,

The Pirates have continued their winning ways. Despite dropping 2 of 3 to the Chicago Cubs last week, the lone win coming in Mitch Keller's MLB debut, Keller went 5 2/3, allowing a single run, factoring in as a no decision. The Winning Pitcher? The Pirates Organizational Pitcher of the Year, DeAndre Cohen. The Pirates, on the backs of a 6-run outburst against the Cubs bullpen, walked away as 7-1 winners, further proving that the kids are alright.

The Pirates kept their winning ways going through the Midwest, as they swept the Cardinals over the weekend. Now, with 13 games remaining on the season, the Pirates find themselves on the doorstep of clinching the NL Central, their magic number? 1.

Standing in their way? Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs and Pirates meet later tonight, on MLB Network's Tuesday Night Showcase, where Jake Arrieta and the NL Wild Card leading Cubs take on the MLB Leading Pittsburgh Pirates, and stalwart rookie, Mark Miller. Miller will take his 7-0 record, and 0.97 (!!!!) ERA to the mound at Wrigley Field, looking to continue making bread of the league. We'll see if I can squeeze this one in before I head west for vacation on Friday. Got a busy two days coming up!

[kinsmen7]

Re: MLB The Show 18 Franchise Discussion Thread

We continue to look over our roster and consider moves to make, but I just can't pinpoint exactly where we need an upgrade. I've thought about Jackie Bradley Jr, but am not sure I'm ready to close the door on Grichuk or Juan Fabregas who returns from the DL during the break. I've thought about the infield as Aledmys Diaz is weak with the bat, but no great options out there to be had, that would make it worth an upgrade and parting with prospects. I've considered starting pitching since injuries are plaguing our arms, but again not sure who is the right fit for the right price.

When he's on, he's on, but holy frig Grichuk sees to either be extremely hot, or absolute hot garbage. He was a beast for me from April 1st to June 1st in my Jays franchise. .330/.400/.585 with 16 HRs and a bunch of ribbies. Then the inevitable slump comes and at the allstar break his line has dropped to .255/.320/.403 which isn't horrible given his elite fielding, but that's a pretty massive slump. I had him in another franchise and he started out hitting something like .180, but then jumped to .280 by August. I've been looking for upgrades, but I'm trying to keep a reasonably good farm system so it's nearly impossible.