MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

[bigjdotcom01]

May 23-25: AMARILLO (30-22) @ LAS VEGAS (18-34)
Stadium: Bally's Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

May 23: Silver Kings 6, Honey Hunters 1
May 24: Honey Hunters 6, Silver Kings 1
May 25: Silver Kings 2, Honey Hunters 1 (10)

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas took two of three from first-place Amarillo and now appears to have a bit of momentum.

The Silver Kings returned home and started the home stand off on a positive note with a relatively easy 6-1 victory over the Honey Hunters. Kevin Perez (2-6) went 7.1 innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out nine, to earn Player of the Game honors.

Amarillo jumped on the board first in the top of the third on a solo home run from George Rosenberg. It was his fifth on the season.

Las Vegas responded in the bottom half with a pair of runs to take the lead. Stephen Park, who got the start at second base, tripled home Todd Matsumoto and Eric Machado, on a ball that hit the top of the wall in dead center, and Las Vegas led 2-1.

In the fifth, Junior Maldonado singled home Todd Matsumoto, and Mariano Hidalgo hit a sacrifice fly to right that plated Eric Machado, to make it 4-1. A Gilberto Cardona two-run home run in the eighth, his seventh, made it 6-1.

Kai Ransom got the final two outs in the eighth in relief of Kevin Perez. Eric Herman gave up two hits in the ninth, but did not allow a run.

Manager Alvin Ambrose gave Danny Watt, David Tejeda, and catcher Russell O'Reilly the night off, to start the home stand.

On Saturday evening, the Honey Hunters turned the tables as they won 6-1. Fredrick Tillman won the battle of aces as he outdueled Emery Hutchinson, tossing seven shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out eight as he improved to (6-4).

Amarillo struck first in this one, but not until the top of the sixth. They would score four times and in the process, sent Emery Hutchinson packing. After Cy Goslin struck out to open the inning, Bernardo Lopez walked. Ian Tunick then singled to center. Cristian Palbicki lined a double to left, scoring both runners and Amarillo went up 2-0. John Sato came on in relief of Hutchinson. Sutton Ruiz singled back up the middle to score Palbicki. Alexi Ortega then reached on an infield single. Steve Batista reached on a throwing error by Todd Matsumoto, allowing Ruiz to score to make it 4-0.

The Honey Hunters would get a run in the eighth as Sutton Ruiz homered off of Martin Villegas. It was his ninth on the year. They would add another solo home run in the ninth as Arlen Larson hit a solo home run to left, his ninth, to make it 6-0.

Las Vegas would get a run back in the bottom of the ninth on a Junior Maldonado RBI single, driving in Danny Watt.

Emery Hutchinson (3-5) took the loss, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing three runs on four hits, striking out three and walking one.

In Sunday afternoon's finale, we had a pitcher's duel, but neither starter figured in the decision as Las Vegas won it 2-1 in extra innings. Mariano Hidalgo lined a base hit off the wall in right, allowing David Tejeda to score the wining run as Las Vegas won the rubber match.

Antoine Swanger was almost unhittable in this one, pitching seven innings and allowing one run on two hits, striking out 11 and walking two. The lone run allowed was a first inning solo home run from Steve Batista.

Las Vegas tied it up in the second on a Julio Chacon solo home run, his fourth.

Amarillo's Marty Rosa came into the game (7-0). He went seven innings, allowing one run on two hits, striking out seven. Eduardo Fernandez (0-1) took the loss. He pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, but gave up the leadoff game winning single to Mariano Hidalgo in the tenth.

Eric Herman, Kai Ransom and Jeff McArthur each tossed a scoreless inning in relief. McArthur (3-1) picked up the win.

Amarillo struck out 16 times in the game with Ian Tunick and Arlen Larsen each striking out three times.

Las Vegas (18-34) will host Chandler (29-23) to close out the six game home stand beginning on Monday evening. The Chiefs are (9-4) in their last 13.

Around the League: Mesa's Mike Anderson hit three home runs (9,10,11) and drove in ten runs in the Solar Sox's 15-1 victory over Gilbert on Friday night. He is now fourth in the Desert League in RBIs with 41, and tied for ninth with 11 home runs.

Oakland's star 23-year-old catcher Anderson Jones suffered a torn ACL in Friday evening's loss to Long Beach. He has been placed on the 60-Day Injured List and is out for the remainder of the 2025 season. Anderson was hitting .259 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 135 at bats for the Oaks.

San Antonio has traded 33-year-old right fielder Orlando Madrid (75 OVR. B POT) to St George for 24-year-old starting pitcher Phil Brantley (66 OVR, C POT). Madrid was hitting just .143 with one home run and three RBIs in 35 at bats for the Javelinas.

Vaughn Bellamy homered twice (11,12), driving in five as Chandler took care of Flagstaff 11-1. Estevan Cabrera (7-1) got the win, going eight innings, allowing one run and scattering three hits. He struck out 10 and walked four.

Chandler's Buster Kershaw (6-3) tossed a complete game one-hit shutout of Flagstaff on Sunday afternoon in a 5-0 win. Kershaw struck out ten and did not walk a batter, facing one batter over the minimum.

Tucson swept Salt River in a three game series this weekend and now leads the DL East by a half game over Mesa, who swept Gilbert.

The Silver Kings are starting to feel a bit better about themselves lately.

[Itsma806]

2025 Houston Astros 08/21-08/24

Overall Record: 63-68 (3rd AL West/11.0 behind Texas Rangers/5.0 back of final wildcard spot

Game Results:

Game 1
Orioles-1
Astros-0

Game 2
Orioles-4
Astros-2

Game 3
Astros-1
Orioles-0

Game 4
Orioles-4
Astros-3

Astros drop another series, fall to 7-15 in the month of August

The Orioles are responsible for five of those August losses for the Astros. The Orioles beat Houston in Houston, 2-1 games to one almost a week before they beat them 3-1 in Baltimore. The sad thing is, the pitching really struggled in the first series for Houston but they were great in the four game series. Out of the starters (Ronel Blanco, Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier and Framber Valdez, Framber gave up the most runs (2). That was the last game that he could have been off to a worse outing but he left in the third with a hip issue. The bullpen came in afterwards and did well but Bryan Abreu did give up a walkoff homerun to Gunner Henderson.

For the most part, Houstons offense is still struggling to score runs for example, over the last 10 games, they have only scored more than two runs twice.

We are really getting close to the moment where if wins dont start to pile up, Houston will be out of the playoff race.

We do have a chance to get that going as we return home to face the Rockies (45-86/5th AL West).

Of note, Framber's injury was diagnosed as a flexor strain and currently, it looks like he will be ready to go by the time his next start comes around.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Propelled By The Longball, Mets Take Game 1
October 1, 2029

It didn't take long before the sellout crowd at Citi Field was worked into a lather and then a full blown frenzy on Friday afternoon.

After a 1-2-3 inning by RHP Anderson Espinoza, CF Nick Craven belted a leadoff HR in the bottom of the 1st. It felt like Craven was taking out his recent frustrations of his MVP snub and coming up one SB short of the 40/40 club. The Mets then loaded the bases and LF Michael Conforto laced a double down the right field line to score 2 more. 1B Ray Velazquez took the next pitch deep to right-center for a 3-run HR. Craven would then hit an RBI double in his second AB of the inning.

Before the Braves could even blink, they were down 7-0.

Fortunately for the structural integrity of Citi Field, the Mets' onslaught would stall. Espinoza was masterful until the 6th inning where he gave up 2 runs. A HR off RHP Barney Shipman would cut the Mets lead to 7-3 headed into the bottom of the 7th. IF Barney Nowak would then provide the nail in the coffin with a pinch-hit 3-run HR. He turned around a 98mph fastball and parked it in the 7 Line Army in right center to put the Mets up 10-3, which would be the final.

It was an impressive display of baseball by New York. Especially after they seemed to be sleepwalking through the last week of the regular season. Well, the playoffs are here now, and they wasted no time re-establishing that they are the favorites to win the pennant once again.

Game 2 will feature CY Young winner LHP Sean Machado and LHP Alonso Garcia.

[dragster646]

2025 Cincinnati Reds

Reds' 8 game win streak flips into a 6 game losing streak

The Reds season was completely flipped as the team headed into the second half of June. Hot off of sweeping the Giants and Pirates, the club looked set to take advantage of what looked to be an easier schedule against the Mariners and Orioles. However, the Reds pitching, especially the bullpen, struggled in every game. The Mariners won big in the first two games (8-2. and 7-0) and then took advantage of the Reds' bullpen by scoring 4 unanswered in game three to win 5-3.

The series against Baltimore did not fare much better, but at least the offense was more effective. The Reds drove in six off of Charlie Morton in game one, only to have Baltimore rally and win 8-7. Game 2 was the opposite, with Cincinnati rallying late, but still losing 8-6. The series finale was an interesting one, as it was a rain game. Nick Lodolo, coming off of his outing against Seattle where he allowed 7 runs, would be strong for two innings before rains forced the game to be delayed for an hour. Graham Ashcraft would come in and allow four runs, but he needed to give the club several innigns as the bullpen had been taxed lately. Taylor Rogers and Emilio Pagan also pitched, giving up 2 and three runs respectfully, and Baltimore completed the sweep with a 9-4 drubbing.

The Reds now find themselves at 11-11, but there are some positives. Gavin Lux and Jaimer Candelario have been hot, and Elly de la Cruz has been solid in the cleanup spot and excellent defensively. The pitching has been a major concern lately, but it's too early to make any rash decisions in terms of making any roster moves.

Cincinnati will now head to Miami for three games against the Marlins (7-15), which will hopefully help them get their bearings back.

[countryboy]

Cardinals add pitching at deadline with Bobby Miller and Walker Buehler

The Cardinals added pitching at the deadline as many expected, but they didn't go all in as some may have speculated or wanted. The Cardinals decided to add depth by adding controllable arms that didn't cost much in return.

The Cardinals added RHP Bobby Miller from the Dodgers and RHP Walker Buehler from the Angels. Both are controllable after this season (Miller for 4 years and Buehler next year), so the Cardinals are not "all in" on a rental in hopes of big rewards.

Bobby Miller was the biggest deal as the Cardinals parted with OF Michael Siani, 1B/OF Gavin Sheets, and RHP Gordon Graceffo. The biggest giveaway was Siani as Sheets was claimed off waivers and was demoted to A ball about a week ago, and Graceffo was a highly touted prospect who now is struggling to keep his job at the AA level. While the Cardinals debated moving Siani, having acquired Breton Doyle earlier, and having Victor Scott II along with other producing prospects (Chris Rontundo, Won-Bei Chin) plus the prospects they drafted, they ultimately made the move knowing Siani may be moved this winter anyways.

With Miller the Cardinals acquire a young arm that has had success at the major league level and adds depth to a position hit hard after the Griffin Canning injury. Miller will for now be at Memphis, but should the likes of McGreevy, Liberatore, or May struggle and he could be called upon.


Walker Buehler was a bit of a surprise as he really wasn't on the Cardinals radar prior to the deadline. The Cardinals wanted Shane McClanahan from the Rays or Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins, but both asking prices were far steeper than the Cardinals were willing to pay. So the Cardinals went a different route and made a deal with the Angels for Walker Buehler. Buehler had made 5 starts with the Halos and is 2-1 with a 3.96 ERA over 31.2 innings pitched. He's had postseason experience and he is signed thru the 2027 season. To get Buehler the Cardinals parted ways with OF Dylan Carlson whom they acquired earlier from the Orioles. Carlson was a reserve for the Cards with Nootbaar in left field and then really lost that role to Chase Davis when he was recalled from Memphis.

These mid-level moves allowed the Cardinals to keep pieces that would've been required to swing a deal from the top tier arms such as Nolan Gorman, Quinn Matthews, Kumar Rocker, Max Anderson, Leonardo Bernal, Chase Davis, and others.

It may not be the most exciting of deadlines and fans may be disappointed that the front office didn't go all in, but this path that was taken allows the Cardinals to be playoff contenders this year and hold the pieces this winter to get better via trade if needed, or have the young talent to be playoff contenders, and championship contenders for years to come.

[bigjdotcom01]

May 26-28: CHANDLER (31-24) @ LAS VEGAS (19-36)
Stadium: Bally's Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

May 26: Chiefs 2, Silver Kings 1
May 27: Chiefs 4, Silver Kings 2
May 28: Silver Kings 2, Chiefs 0

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas managed to win the finale, in three close ball games against a very good Chandler squad.

In the opener, it was another pitcher's duel and this time the visitors came out on top as Chandler scored in the top of the ninth to squeeze out a 2-1 victory. Vaughn Bellamy hit a blooper that dropped in, allowing Will Robinson to score from second with two outs in the ninth with the go ahead run.

Rookie Jude Vernon was once again fantastic for Las Vegas. He went 8.1 innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out five and not allowing a walk. Kai Ransom, who many believe will be the new closer, allowed the game winner, but it was a blooper that found grass.

Las Vegas took the lead in the third on a David Tejeda bases loaded sacrifice fly. But the Silver Kings left runners at second and third as Mariano Hidalgo flew out to center to end the inning.

Chandler tied it up in the fifth on a Phill Russ solo home run, his eighth on the season.

Vernon Lorenz tossed seven innings, allowing one run on six hits. Aaron Gomez (4-2) picked up the win, throwing a scoreless eighth. Reese O'Farrell picked up his 20^th save working the ninth.

On Tuesday evening, the Silver Kings wasted a nice pitching performance from Steve Sechrist as they fell to the Chiefs 4-2. A Vaughn Bellamy RBI double in the top of the eighth gave Chandler the lead and they held on to win their fifth straight game.

Las Vegas grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fourth. Eric Machado led off with a triple to right center. He scored on a Danny Watt sacrifice fly to right and it was 1-0 Silver Kings. They extended that lead to 2-0 in the fifth on a two-out RBI single from Russell O'Reilly, driving in Caden Juarez.

Chandler would load the bases with one out in the top of the sixth, when manager Alvin Ambrose went to his bullpen. John Sato came on and on the first pitch gave up a two-run single to Phil Russ to tie the game at 2-2. Sato would get the final two outs without surrendering another run.

In the eighth, the Silver Kings turned to Jeff McArthur. Rosales led off with a base hit to left. He was lifted for a pinch runner, Ochoa. Vaughn Bellamy doubled to center allowing Ochoa to score from first as Chandler took their first lead. Bellamy advanced to third on a groundout. He scored on a strikeout, wild pitch, to make it 4-2. McArthur (3-2) has been a bit of a disaster lately as has the rest of the backend of the Las Vegas bullpen. McArthur saw his ERA jump to 5.11 as he took the loss.

Meanwhile, Chandler's bullpen worked out of a couple of jams in the seventh and eighth to hold onto the victory. Angel Espinoza (2-1) picked up the win in relief of starter Richie Sherr. Reese O'Farrell picked up his 21^st save.

On Wednesday evening, the Silver Kings managed to salvage the finale with a 2-0 victory. Kevin Perez (3-6) tossed seven shutout innings, allowing seven hits, striking out four, and walking one.

Las Vegas would score all of their runs in the third. Julius Roderick struck out, but reached first on a wild pitch. Eric Machado then tripled to right center, scoring Roberick. Danny Watt followed that with a sacrifice fly that score Machado to make it 2-0.

The Las Vegas defense was just as good as it's pitching as they turned four double plays in the game, including a huge 6-4-3 double play to end the first inning with the bases loaded.

Eric Herman pitched a scoreless eighth and Kai Ransom worked a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his first save.

The Silver Kings finished the home stand at (3-3) and are now (19-36) on the year. They have Thursday off before starting a road trip at Surprise (27-29).

Around the League: Peoria's Yusniel Tejera hit a two run home run in the top of the 15^th as the Pit Spitters beat San Antonio 8-6 in the longest game in IBL history. The home run was Tejera's only hit of the ball game. The Javelinas' Branden Hazel hit three home runs (5,6,7) in the game, all solo shots.

Phoenix's George Brandt (9-2) won his league leading ninth game on Tuesday evening as the Firebirds blanked St George 5-0. Brandt pitched 7.2 innings, scattering six hits, striking out five and walking five,

Colorado Springs Robby Lundy (3-3) tossed seven innings, allowing one run on just two hits, striking out 11, and walking six, as the Snow Sox defeated Scottsdale 11-2.

Oakland has lost shortstop Ivan Suacedo for the rest of the season with a torn labrum. He was hitting .257 with two home runs and 19 RBIs in 50 games, along with 13 stolen bases. The Oaks are currently 3.5 games ahead of Las Vegas in the DL West.

Vaughn Bellamy came up big in the two Chandler wins this week.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Bats Fall Flat, Braves Even Series 1-1
October 2, 2029

As much as Citi Field was rocking during Game 1, it was equally as tame during Game 2. The Mets would manage just 4 hits, all singles, and would strike out 11 times in the 5-1 defeat.

New York would break the ice in the bottom of the third when LF Nick Karnitz laced a run scoring single into centerfield. The Braves would try to strike back in the top of the fourth when they had runners on first and second with nobody out. However, LHP Sean Machado would slither his way out of the jam with no damage.

The Braves would take the lead in the top of the sixth when batting champion LF Oliver Soriano crushed a hanging changeup to deep right for a 2-run HR. It was really the only mistake Machado threw all day, but it's the playoffs and teams usually capitalize at this time of the year.

The following inning, Machado would be chased from the game with 2 on and 2 out with RHP Jermaine Butler coming in hoping to get the last out. RF Albert Almora made a spectacular play at the wall to take a HR away from CF Marcus Sanchez. Unfortunately, he could not hang onto the catch and two runs would score with Sanchez ending up at third. Atlanta would tack on one more courtesy of a 2B Marshall Grayson RBI single.

The Mets would not threaten again.

Atlanta managed what they set out to do - take at least one game on the road in NY. Now, the pressure flips to the top seed as they are forced to fly into hostile territory with the Braves in control of homefield advantage for the rest of the series.

Game 3 is scheduled for a 1:05pm first pitch on Monday afternoon after a day off for travel. RHP Lucas Sims will take the bump for the home team. For the Mets, RHP Travis West will make the first postseason start of his career.

[jmcole33]

Cardinals add pitching at deadline with Bobby Miller and Walker Buehler

The Cardinals added pitching at the deadline as many expected, but they didn't go all in as some may have speculated or wanted. The Cardinals decided to add depth by adding controllable arms that didn't cost much in return.

The Cardinals added RHP Bobby Miller from the Dodgers and RHP Walker Buehler from the Angels. Both are controllable after this season (Miller for 4 years and Buehler next year), so the Cardinals are not "all in" on a rental in hopes of big rewards.

Bobby Miller was the biggest deal as the Cardinals parted with OF Michael Siani, 1B/OF Gavin Sheets, and RHP Gordon Graceffo. The biggest giveaway was Siani as Sheets was claimed off waivers and was demoted to A ball about a week ago, and Graceffo was a highly touted prospect who now is struggling to keep his job at the AA level. While the Cardinals debated moving Siani, having acquired Breton Doyle earlier, and having Victor Scott II along with other producing prospects (Chris Rontundo, Won-Bei Chin) plus the prospects they drafted, they ultimately made the move knowing Siani may be moved this winter anyways.

With Miller the Cardinals acquire a young arm that has had success at the major league level and adds depth to a position hit hard after the Griffin Canning injury. Miller will for now be at Memphis, but should the likes of McGreevy, Liberatore, or May struggle and he could be called upon.


Walker Buehler was a bit of a surprise as he really wasn't on the Cardinals radar prior to the deadline. The Cardinals wanted Shane McClanahan from the Rays or Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins, but both asking prices were far steeper than the Cardinals were willing to pay. So the Cardinals went a different route and made a deal with the Angels for Walker Buehler. Buehler had made 5 starts with the Halos and is 2-1 with a 3.96 ERA over 31.2 innings pitched. He's had postseason experience and he is signed thru the 2027 season. To get Buehler the Cardinals parted ways with OF Dylan Carlson whom they acquired earlier from the Orioles. Carlson was a reserve for the Cards with Nootbaar in left field and then really lost that role to Chase Davis when he was recalled from Memphis.

These mid-level moves allowed the Cardinals to keep pieces that would've been required to swing a deal from the top tier arms such as Nolan Gorman, Quinn Matthews, Kumar Rocker, Max Anderson, Leonardo Bernal, Chase Davis, and others.

It may not be the most exciting of deadlines and fans may be disappointed that the front office didn't go all in, but this path that was taken allows the Cardinals to be playoff contenders this year and hold the pieces this winter to get better via trade if needed, or have the young talent to be playoff contenders, and championship contenders for years to come.

Like the moves! Sometimes a couple "quiet" moves are the way to go instead of a big splash. Can provide plenty of production while not bankrupting the organization for a rental that might not work out. Will be interested to see how it plays out..

[jcar0725]

2026 MIAMI MARLINS

7-8 start to the season, not too bad.

Highlights : Juan Yepez, Rodolfo Castro, and Kyle Stowers have been outstanding early on. Alek Thomas has been a nice addition and has had some key hits.

Lowlights: The bullpen has been a train wreck. Max Meyer has been the only reliable starter so far, I expect Eury Perez will clean up his act soon.

[Arkansas Ranger]

Texas Rangers Season 3 MOM Update

The Texas Rangers continue to spiral. They sit at 23-41 and are in last place 9 and half games out of first. Everything has gone wrong. Hitting wise I'm getting nothing. Carter, Langford, and Tucker are all well below average. The only player that is having an average season is Mullins. Clay Dungan, a rookie has shown some signs. The bullpen is terrible. Bednar and Leclerc are 2 terrible fa pickups. I hate to just give up, but this season is all about finding guys to take in to next year. I hate seasons like this, because you feel hopeless game in and game out. It's like the team quit once Seagar was lost for the season

[Itsma806]

2025 Houston Astros 08/26-08/28

Overall Record: 65-69 (3rd AL West/11.5 behind Texas Rangers/6.0 behind 3rd WC spot)

Game Results:

Game 1
Rockies-11
Astros-5

Game 2
Astros-6
Rockies-3

Game 3
Astros-4
Rockies-3

A Sweep would have been nice but Astros will take the series loss after recent struggles.

And they likely should have had that sweep. The Rockies got the ball rolling early in the first game with a Brenton Doyle leadoff first pitch homerun off of Hunter Brown. The Astros answered back just as quickly however as they scored four in the bottom half of the 1st off of homeruns by Yordan Alvarez (51) and Isaac Paredes (19). The lead eventually grew to 5-1 in the second when Jose Altuve and Brendan Rodgers collected a pair of two out hits.

The Rockies werent done however as they chipped away at the lead scoring in both 3rd and 5th innings to bring the score to just a one run lead at 5-4.

Then, Hunter Brown got shelled in the sixth inning as he and Miguel Castro combined to give up 6 runs in the inning as Colorado took the 10-5 lead.

When the game ended, Colorado handed the Astros another embarrassing loss, 11-5.

Game two started off much like the first with the Rockies scoring in the first inning and the Astros answering back and getting to a 6-1 lead. This lead was held onto however but it wasnt without some worries. Colorado also cut into that lead with another Brenton Doyle HR (24) in the 8th inning to bring the score to 6-3. The backend of Houstons bullpen was able to put a stop to that comeback however as Bryan King and Josh Hader (S, #33) closed it out for a perfect 1.2 innings as the Astros took the middle game, 6-3.

The Astros were the ones to get on the board first in game three when in the 3rd inning, Yainer Diaz and Chas Mccormick hit back to back doubles both to the Left Centerfield wall to give Houston the 1-0 lead.

Spencer Arrighetti was great in his start for Houston. Until, he wasnt. He allowed three in 5th as Houston lost the lead with the score at that point at 3-1. Really, both offenses struggled to get much going after that and leading into the bottom of the 8th, the score still stood at 3-1. That was until a Jose Altuve walk and Yordan Alvarez's 52nd homerun tied it up. Neither team scored in the 9th and the game went into extras.

Josh Hader was brought in for the top half of the 10th in the non-save situation and still, performed very well as he got the Rockies hitters out in order to give the Astros the chance to walk it off.

And walk it off they did. It wasnt anything fancy but at this point, any kind of win is great for Houston. Chas Mccormick lead it off against Tyler Kinley. Instead of going for the leadoff walkoff, Houston went for small ball and bunted over Yainer Diaz who started the inning off on second. From there, Jake Meyers came to plate and battled it out with Kinley before he was finally able to lift a ball to deep leftfield that scored Diaz who beat out an offline throw by Colorado's LF, Nolan Jones.

Houston will now look to end a tough month on a positive note as they welcome the Angels (61-72/4th AL West) to town. It will be a four game series that bleeds into September. Thus far in 2025, Houston is 4-3 versus their divisional rivals from LA.

The Angels have the only injury headed into the series. Luis Rengifo is currently on the 60 day IL with a Torn Hamstring.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Outpitch Braves, Take a 2-1 Series Lead
October 4, 2029

It's funny what a reality check can do for a team. Confidence was high after a 10-3 victory in Game 1, but those feelings quickly went out the window when the Braves punched back in Game 2. It was a reminder of just how delicate the season can be at this time of year. Another defeat and the Mets would be one loss away from their season ending in major disappointment. Instead, New York rode their pitching staff to a 3-2 victory.

The day didn't start like that would be the case as the Braves took a 1-0 lead 2 batters into the game. Speedster CF Marcus Sanchez would lead off with a bunt single and then 2B Marshall Grayson would hit a double that would score Sanchez from first. RHP Travis West was quickly behind and it seemed that his struggles from the end of the regular season had not yet left him. After that, he locked in and managed to get through 6 innings without giving up any further damage. It was an impressive start from the rookie in his first postseason action. It was another sign that he is poised to be an important piece of this New York rotation moving forward.

The Mets responded in the top half of the second, when a C Luke Wray double followed by a LF Michael Conforto single tied the game at 1. Wray hit another double in the 5th and scored a couple batters later when 1B Ray Velazquez hit a ball to the warning track in left for a sac fly.

Wray, who was in the middle of all the New York offense today, hit an RBI single off the wall to right in the top of the 8th. He was thrown out at second trying to stretch it into his third double of the game, but he managed to give the Mets a late 3-1 lead.

SS Carlos Correa hit a solo shot in the 9th to cut into the lead, but RHP Steve Roy would buckle down and complete the save, allowing the Mets to retake control of the series.

Looking ahead to Game 4

With their season on the line, Atlanta is turning to ace RHP Brett Oliveros. The Mets, on the other hand, have not announced a Game 4 starter at this time. Sources within the organization say that management is wrestling with the decision between RHP Luis Severino and LHP Julio Fernandez.

Severino had a great regular season, but his age started to show as he threw more innings. Neither camp anticipated that the 37 year old would be required to throw 115 innings this year. And while he did so with great success (2.39 ERA, 0.78 WHIP), now is not the time to put a tired arm on the mound for extended innings.

Fernandez has been solid in his big league career, but he struggles with missing bats. The Mets are concerned that a contact happy team like the Braves may feast on Fernandez, who has to pitch to contact because he doesn't have the raw stuff to strike batters out. Fernandez managed only 25 K in the 87 innings he pitched this year.

New York has also toyed with the idea of utilizing both pitchers tomorrow. Severino could open the game with Fernandez being used as a piggy back after a couple times through the Braves order. This would remove Severino before too much fatigue sets in and it might give Fernandez a chance to record some strikeouts as he comes in after Atlanta has gotten used to a different pitcher.

No matter what is decided, the only certainty is that nothing is certain and no decision guarantees a victory.

[Arkansas Ranger]

Texas Rangers Season 3 MOM update

The Texas Rangers finish the first half of the season at 28-52. They are 11 and a half games out of 1st place. The team is playing a little better but it's still been a really bad season. Offense and late inning bullpen guys are this teams demise. Offensively,Cedric Mullins is carrying the team. Tucker was recalled and has shown improvement. Bednar, Leclerc, and Zac Jackson have all been horrible late. We are entering the final days of June and will be sellers at the deadline as we try and restock young talent in hopes of building a winner next year.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Braves Blank Mets, Series Headed To Game 5
October 5, 2029

For all the fuss about who the Mets should throw out there for Game 4, it ended up being the bats that would be their demise. In the end, RHP Luis Severino started the game and pitched 4 innings, with LHP Julio Fernandez coming in and going for 2 more. They each gave up a run, but pitched well enough to give the Mets an opportunity to win. The Mets offense was anemic, managing just 6 scattered hits and never really threatening.

The Braves wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, and were assisted by poor defense from the visitors. 1st and 3rd with one out, and 3B Rafael Devers fielded a sharp ground ball that should have been an inning ending double play. Instead, he threw home trying to get the speedy CF Marcus Sanchez. The throw was in time and the Mets got the out, but the inning continued on. Of course, Atlanta would score the game's first run on an RBI single by the next batter. They ended up loading the bases before Severino managed to get 1B Tim Madsen to fly out to right and finally end the inning.

Then all was quiet until the 5th inning. Severino exited after 4 solid innings, and the Braves would capitalize immediately off Fernandez. CF Marcus Sanchez led off the inning with a triple and then would score a batter later on a sharp ground ball to third. This time, the throw from Devers was not in time and the Braves went up 2-0. As good as Devers' year was at the plate, he struggled all year long at the hot corner, and it was glaring in this one.

Atlanta would threaten again in the 7th, getting their first two batters on base. RHP Cesar Ferreira did a good job of getting the next three batters though and escaped the inning unscathed.

The Mets best chance all game came in the 9th inning when 2B Jackie Maurer and IF Barney Nowak drew back to back 2-out walks. CF Nick Craven came up in that critical spot, but grounded out to second for the final out of the game. The Braves staff was outstanding, especially RHP Brett Oliveros. The 25 year old star struck out 8 over 6.2 scoreless innings.

The series heads back to NY for Game 5, and it will be a pitching rematch from Game 1. RHP Anderson Espinoza and RHP Scott Compton. The Mets turn to their $20million Ace to keep their season alive.

[jamm113]

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⚾ ESPN | Baseball America | April 1, 2025


"Rays of Doubt: Tampa Opens a Crucial Year With Eyes on a Title... and the Door"
By Jonah Fields, ESPN Senior Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The dome still leaks. The crowds still trickle in. And the Tampa Bay Rays — baseball’s misfit brain trust — are once again trying to outthink their way to a championship with duct tape, data, and defiance.

But this year, the stakes are higher than ever.

The Rays open their 2025 campaign tonight against the Colorado Rockies at Tropicana Field. Drew Rasmussen, healthy after a season of uncertainty, takes the mound against Germán Márquez. But the real drama is playing out far beyond the chalk lines.

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The Montreal Clock Is Ticking


Sources confirm what Rays fans have long feared: ownership has set a revenue benchmark of $150 million by 2027, or the team could be on the move — with Montreal already holding city council meetings behind closed doors. League insiders are calling this “the quiet relocation watch,” but don’t be fooled. The countdown is on.

A front office source says the goal is clear: “Win a World Series. Build stars. Fill the dome. If we can’t, someone else will be watching this team in another country.”

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The Rays Way — Recharged


With a $120 million self-imposed cap, Tampa Bay enters the season with its usual cocktail of emerging talent, surgical acquisitions, and minor-league monsters waiting to pounce. President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander has committed to “aggressive patience,” saying the Rays won’t be held hostage by urgency, but every scout in Florida knows: the fuse is short.

Shane McClanahan, the team’s undisputed ace, starts the year on the IL and won’t be available until after the All-Star break. The organization is being deliberately vague about the nature of his rehab, but whispers of a possible second elbow procedure have surfaced.

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Prospect Heat Check 🔥


Despite the pressure, Tampa has the firepower down on the farm. Keep your eye on:

• Junior Caminero (3B/SS) – A power-hitting machine with swagger and torque. Could force his way up by May.
• Carson Williams (SS) – An athletic dynamo with plus defense and leadership intangibles. The next great Rays middle infielder?
• Curtis Mead (INF) – Already raking in spring training. Quiet bat, loud results.
• Taj Bradley (SP) – With McClanahan out, Bradley becomes critical. Will he rise… or get lit up by the AL East?

One executive from a rival AL team said, “Caminero and Mead would already be starting for 20 other teams. If Tampa calls them up early, the league’s in trouble.”

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The East is a Gauntlet


The Orioles are young, loaded, and ready to run. The Yankees are pissed off and payroll-drunk after another early October collapse. Both teams will be looking to bully the Rays out of the race — especially knowing they may be playing spoiler to Tampa’s future.

GM Peter Bendix says it best: “We’re not just fighting for wins. We’re fighting for our home.”

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Opening Day Notes

• Rasmussen has looked sharp in simulated games, touching 97 MPH with late movement. “This is the best I’ve felt since college,” he said yesterday.
• The lineup has power potential but lacks a true anchor. Expect heavy platooning and bullpen games by mid-May.
• Rumors persist about Tampa’s interest in a deadline bat-for-hire, depending on how quickly Caminero or Mead adjust.

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Bottom Line:
The Rays are brilliant. The Rays are broke. And the Rays might be gone.

They’ve dodged expectations, slashed budgets, and broken models for over a decade. Now, with the city on the edge and their ace shelved until summer, the 2025 season might be their boldest trick yet:

Survive. Win. Stay.

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