MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

[MightyMaxxx13]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

PITTSBURGH PIRATES FRANCHISE

March 19, 2020

Moving toward the back end of Spring Training. With the starters taking over the majority of playing time, the team has responded well rattling off 6 wins in a row and sitting at an encouraging 11-10 through 21 exhibition games. When playing at their best, this team can win games with timely hitting and proper bullpen management.

Rookie hurler J.T. Brubaker is emerging as a darkhorse candidate to make the team. In his latest start against the Red Sox, he delivered 5 shutout innings while allowing just a single hit. The 26-year-old entered camp as a depth option, but he’s pitched himself into consideration. Through 15 IP he has a FIP of 2.93, which rates as the second best on the entire staff behind #1 prospect Mitch Keller.

Keller has been absolutely stellar (ha), allowing just a single run over 15 innings and striking out 14. I’m coming around to him being our future ace (although I’ve learned Spring Training stats should be taken with a grain of salt). Either way, he’s drastically outperformed his scouting report and looks like his poor 2019 performance is firmly in the rearview.

I’m going to have to break some hearts sorting out the last of the position battles. Dovydas Neverauskas and Clay Holmes have both been great, but both are out of options and I can’t keep both.

The majority of my bench/utility candidates haven’t hit. Jose Osuna, JT Riddle, Erik Gonzalez, and Kevin Kramer are all hitting near or below the Mendoza line. Jarrod Dyson, who signed on with a $2 million major league contract in the offseason, has mustered just a single hit in 18 at-bats. He’s here for his glove and speed, but keeping him around as an offensive black hole is difficult to justify.

6 games left in the spring, and I’ll have a few transactions to make as I sort this roster out for Opening Day. We’ll open the season in Tampa, against the team that fleeced my predecessor for Chris Archer less than 2 years ago.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals take 2 of 3 from Marlins

The Cardinals (85-59) took 2 out of 3 games in St.Louis against the NL East divisional leading Marlins. The Cardinals are now within 1 1/2 of the Marlins for the 2nd best record in the National League which would allow them to host the NLDS.

This series was dramatic for 2 games and a beat down in the other. The Cardinals won game 1 behind Carlos Martinez's dominant performance, but unfortunately Martinez wouldn't get the win as the bullpen would blow a 4-1 lead in the Top of the 9th as Corey Littrell and Jordan Hicks couldn't get the job done as Roberto Osuna was given the day off. Robby Scott earned the win after coming into a 4-4 game and striking out 2 to end the inning. The bottom of the 9th would only last two batters, as Jo Adell would deliver a walk off double after Juan Fabregas singled to right and scored from first to give the Cardinals a 5-4 win.

Game 2 saw Brady Singer get absolutely lit up as he's in the rotation for the injured Michael Wacha. Singer would last 2 innings giving up 8 runs on 11 hits and 4 homeruns. The Cardinals turned to Ryan Helsley and Johan Oviedo to get them thru the bulk of the game and Adam Cimber pitched the 9th. When the final out was recorded in the bottom of the 9th, the Cardinals found themselves relived as they took a beating from the Marlins to the tune of 17-4. The Marlins hit 7 homeruns in this game with Austin Hays hitting 3 in 3 official at-bats.

Game 3 would see Jack Flaherty once again deliver a masterful performance (8 IP, 2 hits, 11 k's and 3 walks) as he matched Trevor Richards pitch for pitch as the game went into the 9th inning scoreless and saw the teams combine for just 4 hits, 2 apiece. Flaherty would give way to Zack Burdi who struck out the side in the 9th on 10 pitches. The bottom of the 9th again would be a short inning as first batter Devon Snow blasted a solo homerun into the Marlins bullpen on the first pitch to give the Cardinals their 2nd walkoff win of the series and to win the series.

The Cardinals are off Monday as they will travel to Kansas City for a quick 2 game series with the Royals who are in a battle with the Indians for the American League Central Division as well as the Red Sox and Rangers for the wildcard. Dakota Hudson will get the start on Tuesday against Blake Snell. Kyle Funkhouser will pitch Wednesday afternoon against Yordano Ventura.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals lose Juan Fabregas for season

The Cardinals were dealt a huge blow yesterday as Juan Fabregas was lost for the season due to a torn achilles tendon. Fabregas suffered the injury on a steal attempt in the 3rd inning of last nights game against the Royals.

Fabregas who had just recently returned to the lineup, was hitting .266 with 29 homeruns and 73 RBI's this season. He was the number 5 hitter in a lineup that needs his bat to help produce on offense. He is also great fielder and possesses the speed to steal bases.

The Cardinals have not yet made a corresponding move to replace Fabregas as they are waiting on Bader to return from the IL on Friday and they'll decide then what move, if any, they will make.

Huge blow for a team with aspirations of getting back to the Fall Classic this season.

[bwic83]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Finally got time to post for my dynasty. Started the year off 0-2, but have bounced back with six straight.

Woah! Where on earth did you get this gorgeous franchise presentation at? Is this a template you have available someplace? Nice!!

[MightyMaxxx13]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

PITTSBURGH PIRATES FRANCHISE

March 24, 2020

Spring Training is over - the Buccos drop 5 of their last 7 exhibition games but still finish a respectable 13-14. If we can hang around .500 when the games count for real I’d consider it a positive. Time for final roster cuts and some tough decisions had to be made.

The following players were designated for assignment and placed on outright waivers:
RHP CHRIS STRATTON
RHP MICHAEL FELIZ
RHP DOVYDAS NEVERAUSKAS

Stratton was earlier in the Spring, he cleared and has been assigned to AAA Indianapolis. Feliz was pounded in every appearance so that was an easy call. He’s making over $1 million as a first-year arb. guy so he’ll probably clear, can’t see another team splurging on a reclamation project for a middle reliever. I really like Neverauskas but he was outpitched by Clay Holmes and I don’t have a spot for him. I’m hoping he clears but if I was another team I would take a chance on him.

The following were optioned to AAA INDIANAPOLIS:
RHP J.T. BRUBAKER
RHP YACKSEL RIOS
RHP GEOFF HARTLIEB
1B/OF JOSE OSUNA
IF/OF WILL CRAIG
2B/SS KEVIN KRAMER
OF GUILLERMO HEREDIA
OF JASON MARTIN

Brubaker was a tough call. The rookie was lights out but ultimately keeping him meant I’d have to expose someone else to waivers so he gets to ride the bus. He’s probably the first to get the call when injury strikes. Osuna and Heredia were supposed to make the team but neither were able to put it together with the bat.

The following were optioned to AA ALTOONA:
RHP BLAKE CEDERLIND
RHP CODY PONCE
SS ONEIL CRUZ

Man, Cruz is a beast. A 6’7” shortstop who hits tanks. He wasn’t going to make the team but the future is bright in Pittsburgh. He’ll spend the first half of the season in AA with eyes to a bump to Indianapolis once his glove develops a bit. Ponce and Cederlind could get the bump before opening day depending on bullpen depth once I sort out the farm.

Which brings us to the opening day lineup. We start the season with an interleague matchup in Tampa against the Rays.

2B KEVIN NEWMAN
LF ADAM FRAZIER
CF BRYAN REYNOLDS
1B JOSH BELL
RF GREGORY POLANCO
3B KE’BRYAN HAYES
DH COLIN MORAN
SS COLE TUCKER
C JACOB STALLINGS
P CHRIS ARCHER

I’ve already covered Hayes at length. The goal was for him to start the year in AAA but he hit his way into his MLB debut. Even after cooling off dramatically toward the back of Spring Training he led the team in homers and RBI’s and was top-5 in most other categories. I’m not going to play the service time manipulation game with a guy who is clearly ready to play with the big boys. The rest of the lineup shook out as expected.

Here’s the bench:
C LUKE MAILE
IF ERIK GONZALEZ
IF/OF J.T. RIDDLE
OF JARROD DYSON

I’m a big fan of Riddle. He swings lefty, plays every position, has decent speed and is probably the best defensive shortstop on the roster. He fits the mold of the new-age team, which I’m trying to build here. Dyson really did not swing the bat well in the Spring. He makes the roster on the strength of his glove and base stealing ability, both elite.

Here’s the starting rotation:

RHP CHRIS ARCHER
RHP JOE MUSGROVE
RHP TREVOR WILLIAMS
RHP MITCH KELLER
RHP CHAD KUHL

and the bullpen:
RHP KEONE KELA (CLOSER)
RHP RICHARD RODRIGUEZ
RHP KYLE CRICK
RHP EDGAR SANTANA
RHP CLAY HOLMES
LHP SAM HOWARD
LHP ROBBIE ERLIN
RHP NICK BURDI

All of my starters pitched well in the spring, I’m optimistic that they all can turn out a solid season for us. The bullpen was hot and cold and will be an area that needs to be handled with care. Kela doesn’t look as shutdown as I was hoping. Nick Burdi is not ready for the majors but he has a big-time arm and is under Rule 5 restrictions. He’s going to handle mop up duty probably for the entire season. I like Erlin’s versatility. He’ll be a lefty matchup guy, long-man, and occasional opener/ or follower if we face a lefty-heavy team.

Time for games that count!

[eric7064]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

2023 Offseason

The World champion Cubs are celebrating their 2nd World Series win in 3 years, but the front office is ready for the offseason. With that came alot of questions. 3/5 of the rotation was up for contract. Longtime backup Catcher Victor Caratini was due too be a free agent. The leadoff hitter the last two season CF Adam Eaton's contract was up as well. Let's see what the Cubs did!



Notable Losses
SP Dinelson Lamet
SP Kyle Hendricks
C Victor Caratini
CF Adam Eaton
RF Mitch Haniger


Notable Signings
Re-Signed CP Aroldis Chapman 1YR/9M
Re-Signed SP Julio Urias 5YR/142M
Signed OF Justin Upton 1YR/7M
Signed SP Lance Lynn 1YR/7M

Thoughts:

The Cubs headed into the 2023 offseason with the possibility of losing 3 SP’s from the rotation. They winded up losing 2, as Hendricks and Lamet were not resigned, but they did add a veteran in Lance Lynn on a short 1YR deal. Lynn pitched for the rivals Brewers last year to a 13-13, 3.59ERA.

The Cubs made it a priority to lock up Julio Urias, who at 27 years old is entering his prime and be a long-term 1-2 punch with Berrios for a long time in the windy city.

The Cubs lost Adam Eaton to free agency, and wanted to fill that OF spot.
The idea is to move Henry Browning to CF, which allowed the Cubs to look into adding a corner outfielder. They did so in adding the 36 year old Justin Upton to the lineup. Upton has played for the White Sox in 2021-22 and Dodgers in 2023 has remained a productive bat in any MLB lineup.
Upton hit .304/.384/25HR/78RBI last year for the LAD.

Overall, it was a quiet offseason for the Cubs, they knew they did not have the payroll to make a big splash, but did enough to keep the team in contention. It will be interesting to see how the rotation holds up with the losses of 2 big pitchers.

The Cubs will again rely on some young players in 2023. Prized prospect Jose Serrano looks poised to make his debut in 2023 at some point, and another top prospect Francis Easley won the #5 rotation spot out of spring training.
The 4th OF Brennen Davis and backup Catcher/OF Anthony Williams are both rookies as well, and Henry Browning will officially be the lead-off man for the Cubs in 2023. Go Cubs Go!

[eric7064]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Payroll Heading into 2024: 200M (+7M from 2022)

2023 Cubs Rotation:

SP Jose Berrios
SP Julio Urias
SP Lance Lynn
SP Brailyn Marquez
SP Francis Easley (Rookie)

Bullpen:
RHP Bernard Nowak
LHP Brett Martin
LHP Cody Reese
RHP Craig Kimbrel
RHP Rown Wick
RHP Tyler Duffey
RHP Clyde Booker
CP Aroldis Chapman

2023 Lineup:

CF Henry Browning
SS Javier Baez
1B Anthony Rizzo
3B Miguel Sano
C Kyle Schwarber/ Anthony Williams vs LHP (Rookie)
LF Justin Upton/ Gary Scruggs VS LHP
2B Alan Quick/ David Bote VS LHP
RF Derek Tate/ Brennen Davis VS LHP

Bench:
OF/C Anthony Williams (Rookie)
OF Brennen Davis (Rookie)
IF/OF David Bote
1B/OF Gary Scruggs
1B/OF Devin Jackson

Let's see if this Cubs roster is good enough to win back to back championships!

[SouthernWarrior]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

MANIC METS:

A lot to get to.

3 game series @ Philly:
Game 1: Mets win game 1 5-3. Jacob deGrom gets hit 12th win of the season (12-6) as his ERA is at 2.51 and SO's at 210. HR's by Alonso and Pederson.

In a shocking move, the Mets traded away LF Joc Pederson, RP Jonathan Holder and1B Jeremy Vasque to the Twins for 3B Miguel Sano. Mets fans are furious. Pederson in the short 3 games he played for the Mets already had 2 HR's and was swinging a productive bat in the 6 hole.

They also re-sign RP Yusemiro Petit to a 1 year 4.4 million dollar deal and RP Dellin Betances to a 1 year 5.7 million dollar deal

Game 2: Mets lose 7-10 in a disgusting loss. They score 7 runs in the first inning and Edwin Diaz and Seth Lugo blow the game in the 8th, each giving up 3 runs. The Phillies also score 3 runs in the 2nd as Syndergaard gets the no decision. Rosario for the Mets had 3 RBI's while Williams and Pedroia for the Phillies had 3 and 4 RBI's respectively.

Game 3: Mets win 6-1 as Arodys Vizcaino (5-2) gets the win. Rosario and Torres both hit 3 run HR's in the 3rd and 5th innings. Corey Kluber only pitched 4 innings making him ineligible for the win and giving up 1 ER. Aaron Nola (11-6) takes the loss going 5 innings with 5 ER.

---
Yankees @ Mets:
Game 1: Mets lose 7-3 against the Yankees. Another horrible start for Lance Lynn giving up 7 runs in 6 innings. Paxton (12-5) pitches strong going 6 innings with only 1 ER. Despite 12 hits to the Yankees 10, the Mets can only score 3 runs. Alonso hits his 49th Hr of the season. Former Yankee turned Met turned Yankee Andujar hits a 3 run HR as does Aaron Judge.

Game 2: In a heartbreaking loss, the Mets lose 3-2 in 14 innings. The Yankees were helped by some tremendous defense in extras making 3 web gem plays that helped save the game. LeMahieu of the Yankees had a lead-off HR. Petit (2-1) took the loss despite Lugo blowing another game. 15 pitches combined contribute to the game for the Yankees and Mets.

With Miguel Sano miserable in a platoon role and Twins/Mets fans both in an uproar a shocking re-do was made after the game. The Mets traded away 3B Miguel Sano BACK to the Twins in exchange for LF Joc Pederson and CP Taylor Rogers. Twins fans are baffled and befuddled while Mets fans cheer for the curious selections of the GM.

With only 2 days to go before the trade deadline, sources report the Mets are still looking to shop SP Lance Lynn and RP Joakim Soria but not having much luck.

The Mets remain 7 games up on the Braves going into 11 more consecutive games at 73-34. The other leaders in the league include the Dodgers (70-40), Yankees (69-39), Indians (68-41) and Athletics (67-42).

[RJ1992]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cleveland Indians Franchise Post #1

March 28, 2020

Finally, decided to settle in on one single franchise, my Cleveland Indians franchise. Spring Training didn't go exactly as hoped for as the team finished with a 14-16 record. But a lot of the team's youngsters/prospects got in some Spring Training experience. Players such as Triston McKenzie, Emmanuel Clase, Jake Bauers, Christian Arroyo, and Tyler Freeman saw playing time during this year's Spring Training.

Opening Day at home against the Detroit Tigers also didn't go exactly as had hoped for the team as they lost by a score of 0-2. Shane Bieber pitched great but Matthew Boyd was downright nearly perfect. Bieber allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, 1 being a home run, while striking out 12 over 7 strong innings of work. However, this day Boyd was just better, pitching a complete game shutout while giving up 4 hits and striking out 3. Francisco Lindor was held out of the game amid swirling trade rumors, while Mike Freeman got the start at shortstop. The Reds have viewed as the front runners and best possible fit at least on paper in any Lindor trade. However, several other teams at that time were rumored to be involved. Those teams included the Dodgers, Yankees, Braves, Phillies, and Padres.

The Indians eventually opted to once again strike a trade with the Reds. Rumors of potential trade offers included SS Corey Seager and either CF D.J. Peters or SP Dennis Santana from the Dodgers, either SP J.A. Happ or RP Zach Britton and 3B Miguel Andujar, and CF Estevan Florial from the Yankees, RP Mark Melancon, SS Dansby Swanson, and CF Drew Waters from the Braves, SP Jake Arrieta, SS Bryson Stott, and CF Mickey Moniak from the Phillies, and lastly SP MacKenize Gore, RP Andres Munoz, and RF Will Myers from the Padres. However, the Indians ended up going with the Reds offer of SP Wade Miley, SP Nick Lodolo and 3B Jonathan India, who the team has stated plans to convert him to second base.

Mike Clevinger takes the mound today for the Indians facing off again Daniel Norris and the Detroit Tigers in game two of the regular season and game two of a three game series. Mike Freeman expected to start at shortstop until further notice.

[RJ1992]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cleveland Indians Franchise Post #2

March 29, 2020

Cleveland claims first win of regular season in extra innings thriller versus Detroit. The Indians beat the Tigers by a score of 1-0 in 13 innings. Daniel Norris pitched 7.1 innings of shutout baseball but give up double digit, 10, hits. Clevinger pitched a strong 6 innings of shutout baseball giving up only 5 hits while striking out 8. Wade Miley, recently acquired in the Lindor trade, pitched a strong 5 innings in relief out of the bullpen allowing 3 hits while striking out 3. Gregory Soto would get the loss as Oscar Mercado ended up being the hero, hitting a walk-off game winning home run in the bottom of the 13th inning. Nick Wittgren got the win in relief of Clevinger.

Next post will come at the end of March in game.

[dbjets24]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Do player's positions automatically change if they play a certain position for enough games? It seems looking around my league in 2022 that a lot of positions have updated for the computer, unless I just missed it

[MightyMaxxx13]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

PITTSBURGH PIRATES FRANCHISE

March 25, 2020

The Opening Day roster is set but the GM’s office is still hard at work. Today it’s a back-office move.

The Pirates have re-assigned International Scouting Director Ryan Hale and hired veteran international scout Carlos Romero. Romero is a heavy-hitter in Latin American amateur scouting and will spearhead the Pirates international scouting efforts in phase I of our rebuild. This coming shortly after Major League Baseball announced a joint North American / International first-year player draft beginning in 2020.

Pirates ownership is notoriously frugal when it comes to free agent signings, but very generous with amateur scouting. The franchise has historically spent very heavily on signing bonuses for draft picks. With the hiring of Romero, the majority of my $10 million scouting budget is now being utilized. Scouting season is full-steam ahead.

Pittsburgh has the 7th overall pick in this year’s draft.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Do player's positions automatically change if they play a certain position for enough games? It seems looking around my league in 2022 that a lot of positions have updated for the computer, unless I just missed it

Not that I'm aware of, but will pay attention going forward to see if I notice the same thing.

[Bgrd1080]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Colorado Rockies Franchise: 2020

It's been a rough year for Colorado. June 1st we were 24-34 and the rumbles of dissatisfaction within the Arenado camp had come to a breaking point. The least secret trade in the MLB was made.
Braves trade
3B Austin Riley
CF Ender Inciarte
CF Drew Waters
SP Ian Anderson
FOR
Colorado Rockies
3B Nolan Arenado
stats at the trade
.303 17 HR's .611 SLG .367 OBP

After that the bad luck continued....Austin Riley broke his leg a week before the All Star break. We signed Addison Russel and brought him in to play 3rd. Brendan Rodgers keeps bouncing from the Majors to AAA hitting .232 in what was supposed to be his first full season in the bigs
Trevor Story is hitting a lackluster .261 but with 13 HR's . We expect more from him if he's going to be the face of the franchise.
We have an on going battle in LF with David Dahl and Raimel Tapia fighting to be the everyday starter. Everything says Dahl should be running away with the position but Tapia is hitting .295 and typically leads off and excels when in the lineup.
Drew Waters the other gem from the Arenado trade has made his way up to the AAA Isotopes. Ian Anderson can't say the same as he has struggled to get on his feet with the Isotopes which is worrisome as we sold the fan base on Anderson and Waters coming up together next season to lead the team towards success. We are hitting the other side of the All star break tonight and given the fact we are 10 games under .500 looking move Charlie Blackmon for prospects. St Louis has been rumored to have interest in Blackmon for years now and he might be the final piece to push them towards the WS as they have a very strong team this season.

[RJ1992]

Re: MLB The Show 20 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cleveland Indians Franchise Post #3

April 1, 2020

As March comes to an end and the first full month of regular season games begin, the Cleveland Indians sit alone atop the AL Central with a record of 4-1.

The Indians got a scare in the final game of the Tigers series when Carlos Carrasco left the game after pitching only 1.2 innings while giving up 2 hit and 2 runs while also striking out 2. Thankfully the injury wasn't severe and he won't miss any time. Adam Cimber got the win for the Indians as Spencer Turnbull got the loss for the Tigers. Brad Hand earned his first save of the season in a 5-2 Indians win.

Aaron Civale got the win in game one of the White Sox series, a 7-5 Indians victory. Gio Gonzalez was on the losing end of that game. Civil pitched 6 innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits but only 1 being an earned run. Hand earned his second save of the season.

Zach Plesac earned the win in game two of the White Sox series, while Dylan Cease was on the losing end of that game for the Tigers. Plesac pitched a strong 7 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, while striking out 6. Bieber and Giolito to face off in final game of the series with Indians looking for a sweep.

AL East:
Red Sox 6W 0L
Yankees 3W 2L
Rays 2W 3L
Orioles 1W 4L
Blue Jays 0W 6L

AL Central:
Indians 4W 1L
Twins 4W 2L
Tigers 2W 2L
While Sox 2W 3L
Royals 1W 3L

AL West:
Mariners 5W 1L
Astros 4W 2L
Athletics 2W 4L
Angels 1W 4L
Rangers 1W 4L

NL East:
Nationals 4W 1L
Phillies 3W 3L
Mets 2W 3L
Marlins 2W 4L
Braves 2W 4L

NL Central:
Cubs 4W 1L
Pirates 3W 2L
Reds 3W 2L
Brewers 2W 3L
Cardinals 2W 3L

NL West:
Padres 5W 1L
Dodgers 4W 1L
Diamondbacks 3W 3L
Giants 2W 3L
Rockies 1W 5L