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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
2024 Washington Nationals
Game One: Felipe Escalona (4-3, 4.50) vs Andrew Heaney (3-7, 4.66)
These two teams constantly seem to find themselves in tight, low-scoring games, and this one was no exception. Brandon Drury hit a solo home run in the second, but Harrison Bader tied the game with a base hit in the bottom half. New York would then take the lead when Jeff McNeil singled in the fifth, but Washington countered with a solo home run from Mitch Haniger in the sixth and a clutch RBI double from Kike Hernandez in the eighth. That set up a save situation for Trevor Rosenthal, who would earn his 18th save on the season. Felipe Escalona had another solid outing, giving up two runs on eighth hits with a walk and five strikeouts in six innings of work.
Game Two: Zach Davies (1-7, 5.29) vs Tylor Megill (5-8, 4.88)
The Nationals went with a new strategy in this game, letting Davies go the first three innings before turning it over to Josiah Gray. Both pitchers did well, each giving up one run each, both via the solo home run (Tyler Stephenson and Pete Alonso). The Nationals had plenty of opportunities but would enter the ninth inning with zero runs despite having eleven baserunners all game. The Mets would turn to Josh Hader to get the save, and that’s when the wheels came off. Brandon Drury would hit a lead off double and then score when Lane Thomas singled. Then, with one out, Thomas would steal second before CJ Abrams drew a walk. Brandon Nimmo followed with a ground ball to Fransisco Lindor, who airmailed the through to second, allowing Thomas to score, Abrams to go to third and Nimmo to go to second. The Mets would pull Hader in favor of Jose Quintana, who immediately gave up a go ahead sac fly to Luis Garcia followed by an RBI single from Andrew Vaughn. Trevor Rosenthal would get loose in a hurry and earn the save despite giving up two hits.
Game Three: MacKenzie Gore (7-4, 4.99) vs Sean Reid-Foley (2-5, 3.32)
Lucius Fox led off the game for the Nationals, a reward for his outstanding performance over the past few weeks. He took full advantage of the opportunity by hitting a lead off home run, but that would account for all of Washington’s offense as they would manage only three hits in the ballgame. MacKenzie Gore went six innings, giving up two runs on seven hits (the runs scoring on solo home runs from Tyler Stephenson and Fransisco Lindor) whilst only striking out one batter. Both offenses were overly aggressive, with a lot of quick at bats. Perhaps due to some exhaustion from the wild game the previous night.
Game Four: Lucas Giolito (5-6, 5.15) vs Jacob deGrom (6-5, 3.89)
Jacob deGrom would go 6 innings, giving up two runs on four hits, with both runs scoring on solo home runs (Mitch Haniger in the fourth and Luis Garcia in the sixth), while walking one and striking out eight. Lucas Giolito was pitching well, but had to leave in the fifth with an undisclosed injury, which turned out to be a strained bicep. He went 4.1 innings, giving up a run on four hits, walking two and striking out three. The Nationals would get an insurance run when Brandon Drury hit a solo home run in the seventh, but Harrison Bader would make it a one run game with a home run in the eighth. The Nationals bullpen held together, allowing Washington to win yet another close game against their division rivals
Lucas Giolito is not expected to miss any time with his bicep injury.
The Nationals (40-45) continue to stay afloat as we pass the halfway mark of the season. They are still in last place in the NL East, which is once again the toughest division in all of baseball. It will be an interesting month of July for them as they try to figure out if they are buyers or sellers at the deadline.
Washington’s next opponent will be the lowly Rangers, who despite their strong lineup, are sitting at 32-53.
Cleveland Guardians - MLB The Show 25
Washington Nationals - MLB The Show 22
Aston Villa - FC 25Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
2024 Pittsburgh Pirates 05/31-06/02
Overall Record:41-19 (1st NL Central/6.0 over Milwaukee Brewers)
Game Results
Game 1
Pirates-6
Brewers-1
Game 2
Pirates-6
Brewers-5
Game 3
Pirates-4
Brewers-3
Pirates return the favor with series sweep in Milwaukee
The Brewers didn't sweep the Pirates in April but they did win three out of four. The Pirates won the same amount of games against their fiercest divisional rivals to start the month of June and since it was just a three game series, the Pirates got the sweep.
With the sweep, the Pirates have evened the season series. A series that wont be revisited until late August. No one knows where the two teams will be at that point but both hope to be pushing toward the playoffs.
The most recent series was highlighted by the Pirates game two victory. That victory came as Pittsburgh overcame a 5-1 deficit with a five run 8th inning. That come from behind inning was highlighted itself with Anthony Santander's 15th homerun of the season, a three run shot that completed the comeback and gave the Pirates the eventual final lead of 6-5.
The Pirates will look to keep their strong run going as they head to Seattle to face off with the Mariners (26-32/4th AL West).Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
Trying to decide whether or not to make Julio Urias and Wander Franco disappear from my franchise universe. I've debated about bringing this up in the forums given the subject matter, but since I'm playing with late '22 rosters, I'm already missing Tatis Jr for a suspension that looks trivial compared to the other two.
If I do get rid of them, what would be the best way of doing it? Is it possible to just delete them from the rosters or would I have to essentially alter their stats to make no team want to pick them up as free agents?Cleveland Guardians - MLB The Show 25
Washington Nationals - MLB The Show 22
Aston Villa - FC 25Comment
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I can't shave with my eyes closed, meaning each day I have to look at myself in the mirror and respect who I see.
I miss the old days of Operation Sports :(
Louisville Cardinals/St.Louis CardinalsComment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
Suggestions on trade ideas for Trout?
Played a season with The Angels missed the playoffs and letting Ohtanhi walk in offseason. Time to tear it down. Wanna let Rendon go or add his contract as a part of moving Trout but not sure what makes sense. Any suggestions?Sacramento Kings San Diego Padres Dallas Cowboys Liverpool FC
Sactown Born, LA Living. Music in my ears, soccer ball at my feet.
Light The Beam!Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
2024 Washington Nationals
Game One: Jon Gray (3-9, 3.70) vs Stephen Strasburg (6-7, 3.09)
Brandon Nimmo’s lead off home run set the tone for Washington, as they were able to take a 5-1 win over the dreadful Rangers. Luis Garcia and Brandon Drury also had solo home runs, while Andrew Vaughn and Kike Hernandez watched had RBI singles. Stephen Strasburg was dominant, going six innings, giving up a run on five hits while walking one and striking out nine.
Game Two: Dane Dunning (4-6, 4.52) vs Felipe Escalona (4-3, 4.35)
Felipe Escalona bruised his foot during warm-ups, and was scratched as a precaution. Joan Adon got the spot start.
Adon pitched well in his first major league start in two years. He went five innings, giving up two runs on three hits with no walks and four strikeouts. Both runs scored on a Corey Seager two run home runs. The Rangers would get a third run off of Zach Davies via a sac fly from Nathaniel Lowe, which proved to be the decisive run as Washington would get back to back solo home runs from Mitch Haniger and Anthony Rizzo in the seventh inning. Dane Dunning pitched great for Texas, going w seven innings and giving up the two runs on four hits, walking one and striking out eight.
The Nationals (41-46) will now travel to Atlanta to face the Braves (51-36) in a four game series before heading back home for a home stand with the Reds and Marlins before the All-Star break.
Cleveland Guardians - MLB The Show 25
Washington Nationals - MLB The Show 22
Aston Villa - FC 25Comment
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MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
Look at the Soto trade in 2022 for an idea. Nats sent Soto and Bell to the Padres for 5 prospects and Luke Voit. Of those 5 prospects, 4 were first or second round picks from previous drafts that were nearly MLB ready (Drafts ‘17-‘20). Of those 5 players, 2 were top 20 overall prospects in all of baseball (Abrams and Hassell). They also got a former top 10 prospect in McKenzie Gore who only fell because of injury. I’d imagine the Angles would be looking for something similar.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
2023 Orioles
O's take 3 out of 4 in TB, followed by 3 straight wins against the Phils.
Took a few weeks off after those games as I just wasn't having that much fun. Came back a few days ago, put my pitcher consistency at 0 with everything else on default legend and have been having so much more fun. Pitching feels realistic again and way less predictable. Here are the scores from the games since making that change.
7-4 W vs NYY
6-2 W vs NYY
7-6 L vs NYY
4-2 L @ TOR
5-1 W @ TOR
3-1 W @ TOR
9-5 L @ TOR
The CPU offense has been an absolute threat over these last 7 games. After giving only 0.70 HR per game before this change. I've given up 11 HR in just these last 7 games.
Orioles made one big move at the trade deadline and brought in Jack Flaherty to bolster their rotation. Flaherty was not great in his debut, as the Orioles would end up losing 9-5 to the Blue Jays. Flaherty went 5 2/3 giving up 4 runs, on 4 hits and 3 walks, including 2 Home Runs.
Orioles (69-40) now head back to Baltimore for a 6 game home stand against the Mets (57-51) and the Astros (66-43). Rays (65-46) are still 5.0 GB of the Orioles for first place in the AL East.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
2024 Pittsburgh Pirates 06/03-06/05
Overall Record:42-21 (1st NL Central/ 6.0 over Milwaukee Brewers)
Game Results
Game 1
Mariners-2
Pirates-0
Game 2
Mariners-5
Pirates-2
Game 3
Pirates-4
Marines-3
Pirates bats quite in series loss
The Pirates were nearly shut out in two consequtive games. Robbie Ray and Justus Sheffield dominated the Pittsburgh offense as Ray pitched 7.2 scoreless innings and Sheffield one upped his teammate with 8.1. The Pirates did break into the score column in the 9th inning of game two as Anthony Santander and Jack Suwinski got RBI's off an exhausted Sheffield but that was all for not as Seattle took the game 5-2 which gave them the series win.
The Pirates bats were better in game three amasssed 11 hits with 2 of those 11 being homeruns by Anthony Santander (16) and Oneil Cruz (10). David Bednar ended up closing the game and getting his 20th save of the season.
The Pirates will now head back home as they will face the Cubs (29-35/4th NL Central).Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
I love reading all this franchise stuff, but I have to ask how do you decide what team to roll with?
I have had this game since the day of release, and I still can never make it past a month in franchise before restarting. And I do not know how to stop.
I am the type who likes to play every pitch, every AB. I can't seem to play with my favorite team the Mets because I am so pissed at them in real life half the team I just want to scream at even in the game. So, I try other teams and it's like if i play with a good roster I will never lose (even with slider adjustments and such) and I hate playing sports games if I know i will win it all, if I play with bad teams I lose interest in it as well even more so if I win with them when I know I should not be winning.
how does one ever decide ! I admire all of you who stick with itMets Baseball, All Day Every Day
Bringing the trophy back to the Queens in MLB the Show 25.
Baseball is my life
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
As someone who played through 4 seasons (every pitch/game) last year and is already in Season 4 this year (after years of spinning my wheels much like you are right now), I have a few tips. Now, this goes well beyond your question on team selection, but TBH, I don't think THAT is the core of your problem (speaking from my past experiences).
1. Do not use sliders (including pitch speeds). Folks will yell and scream at me for saying this, but I have a rationale here. Sliders skew outcomes so if you're trying to get a connection to players, you're biasing the outcomes instead of relying on ratings. I'm not saying that a person cannot go deep in a franchise while using sliders; but you're clearly having issues, so change things up if you have gone down the slider rabbit hole. (I will note that setting the injury sliders to around 7 though can add a nice shot of variety)
2. Once you get to the regular season, add +10 to the SP stamina rating for the CPU SP for that game (revert it back after the game). This REALLY helps to add variety and unpredictability to the games (CPU pitchers tend to overthrow a bit, which cuts into their stamina a bit much, leading to early pulls and the CPU spamming long relievers at you every game).
3. IF you are a classic pitching/directional hitting "Clean Screen" guy, I HIGHLY recommend playing on All Star+. There's a really nice balance on default settings there for these interfaces. If you use other interfaces, use a higher difficulty and find a difficulty that gives you the appropriate number of wins/losses based on the roster. DO NOT worry about stats, let the wins/losses drive your decisions alone...let the inherent variety on defaults drive the statistical output.
4. If an awful (or good) team does not work for you; try a middle-of-the-road team. And also, play through Spring Training. I know ST is not the most exciting, but it's a fantastic way to discover sleepers. I've found "lesser" players that were gems in ST that I wound-up rostering over better OVR players (I rostered a reliever last year who started as a 58 overall due to a strong ST....he blossomed and grew to a 71 OVR by time I hit year 4...even as a D potential player). Sometimes, having a connection to a "cool" storyline that gives you a guy to "root for" can connect you to your franchise (I have gone through near-100 loss seasons because I was connected to "my guys" and wanted to see their stories unfold).
5. More of a suggestion...but use an early season (or the default) roster. It will subvert expectations a bit and help put you a bit more into a mindset of this being an alternate universe. Late cycle rosters tend to lend to more "odd" AI roster decisions due to ratings inflation. Early season rosters are rooted in 3 year numbers; late season rosters are quite subjective based on much smaller sample sizes.
6. Use single team control. Don't worry about what the CPU is doing, worry about YOUR franchise, YOUR story. The GM goals can add another layer of "pressure" for you as well and those are disabled when using multi-team control.
7. Remember that how games tend to play out in April is VERY different than later in the year. Year 1 of a franchise is also the hardest to get through (and IMO, plays "the worst" of the franchise). Stay the course.Last edited by JoshC1977; 10-05-2023, 11:24 AM.Play the games you love, not the games you want to love.Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
I wanted to do a full scale rebuild as I felt that it would hold my interest more than playing with a team I like. My choices were down to the A's, Nationals, Royals, or Pirates. What made me go with the Nats was actually a trip to DC last August for my dad's cousin's funeral at Arlington. So it's actually less of a baseball reason, as I love the DC/Virginia/Maryland area and there was some sentimentality behind it. Add that to the fact that Washington was a terrible team with some strong prospects and that really set up for what I was hoping would be a fun rebuild.
I play every pitch of every game and while the first year was brutal (56-106), in year two I made it to game 7 of the NLCS only two lose on a walk off home run from Dansby Swanson with two outs in the ninth. Now in year three, I added some pop to my lineup only to see Mitch Haniger be on pace for a home run record yet I remain six games below .500. So, it's been quite a ride that I don't think I would have had if I went with a stronger team. That really keeps me interested (and frustrated at times).
I differ from Josh in that I use 30 team control but only make decisions for the Nationals, but if I see a terrible trade I will reverse it. That allows me to get some really nice storylines without things being too out of control. I also use sliders, but I feel that is such a personal touch that even if two players use the same set, their experiences will be completely different.Cleveland Guardians - MLB The Show 25
Washington Nationals - MLB The Show 22
Aston Villa - FC 25Comment
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Mets Baseball, All Day Every Day
Bringing the trophy back to the Queens in MLB the Show 25.
Baseball is my life
Comment
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Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion
That is pretty cool, I do read all your posts as I find your journey with them super interesting. I am trying to see if I can will myself to start one with Colorado. They seem to be a balance.
I do think I want to get away from 30 team control BUT I can still reverse horrible trades but shutting off auto save I beleive.Mets Baseball, All Day Every Day
Bringing the trophy back to the Queens in MLB the Show 25.
Baseball is my life
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