MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

[countryboy]

Been quite some time since I've updated. Life happens then I get so far behind that I lose interest in updating because of back tracking and such. But since our sales software is down at work for the moment, figured I would take this opportunity to catch with a summary of what has transpired since last update.

2026-2027 offseason

Our offseason was fairly uneventful. We were cash strapped by contracts that we didn't feel entirely comfortable moving from due to how productive those players were in 2026. We re-signed Luke Weaver and Jojo Romero to one year deals. Signed Alex Versia to improve our bullpen and signed Kyle Wright as a veteran arm to help the big league depth of our rotation. We did re-sign Michael Siani whom we traded over the deadline as the Dodgers let him walk to add depth to outfield. Outside of that, nothing really big happened. We tried getting big time pitchers but nothing worked out. Missed out on Ian Happ who I thought we were getting but he re-signed with the Cubs.

Tarik Skubal went back to the Tigers, Jazz Chisholm signed with the Dodgers because why not, and Garrett Crochet signed the biggest contract I've ever seen in MLB The Show. He signed a 9 year $452 million contract with the Rangers which equates to a $50+ million AAV.

There were other signings, obviously, but at the moment they escape me.

2027 Season

Our 2027 season started off with us losing 8 straight games. We found ourselves in last place after the month of April, but thankfully the division as a whole is terrible so we were only 5 games out. We just finished the month of May and are 28-33 but just 3 games behind the Reds who are 31-30, leading the division. Needless to say, it doesn't look at this point that any team from the NL Central will be in contention for a wildcard spot.

We just recently lost Nolan Arenado until end of August, early September as he was hit by Garrett Williams of the Guardians with a fastball that broke his forearm. We have been dealing with injuries off and on all season that just keep breaking up any momentum we put together. Ivan Herrera has been out, Willson Contreras, Chase Davis, Masyn Winn, Brendan Donovan, and Brenton Doyle have all served time on the IL this season.

While we are still in the hunt for the playoffs despite our poor record, we are starting to explore options that trade away veteran pieces on expiring contracts for younger talent and look towards the 2028 season where we will have a lot of flexibility with our payroll as over $100M come off the books.

That is where we stand now as we are in June currently playing the Cubs as we try to decide which road we want to take going forward. The next 2-3 weeks will really tell us where things stand in regards to being buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

[MizzouRah]

2027 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

What a season, we finished with the best record in the NL 98-64. We would face the LA Dodgers in the NLDS and after losing Game 1, 7-0, we would reel off 3 straight 1 run wins to take the series, 3-1.

Up next was the Diamondbacks in the NLCS and it went 7 games, we were down 3-1 in the series and won 3 games in a row.

We would face the best team in the AL in the World Series, Seattle and what a series it was. Just like the NLCS, we were down 3 games to 1 and had to battle back. Game 7 we were up 7-0 but Seattle would come back to get it to 7-5 and we would hold on for the win and the Pirates first World Series win since 1979.

Now I'm wondering if I continue on and try for another World Series, or do I go back to my hometown Cardinals and start a new franchise.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Top 10 Prospects
February 24, 2030

As the dust begins to settle after a busy winter, it's time to take a look at the future of the Mets organization. For now, prospects are simply that - prospects. None of them have tasted success or failure at the major league level, and everything is speculation. The next Michael Conforto could be in the organization but not on this list, and there's a chance that the player ranked #1 doesn't live up to the hype. But it's fun to rank and predict nonetheless.

Overall, the Mets feel good about their farm system, but that is following a great draft in 2029. 4 of the top 10 were drafted just a few months ago. Also, there are not a lot of highly touted prospects sitting in AAA right now ready to explode onto the scene. Most of their top prospects are at least another year away, if not longer than that.


#1 (#3 MLB) LHP Darius Ullman - 21 years old | AA Binghamton
Acquired via trade in 2028 (KC)

Ullman has shot up the prospect boards since being drafted in 2027 by the Kansas City Royals. The Mets acquired him last summer when his rep was much less formidable. Since then, he’s been on a tear through the lower levels of the minors. The 6’5 lefty has excellent control and features an upper 90s fastball with a variety of off-speed complements. The Mets kept him in AA all season last year to try and develop his stamina. It’s the one thing that might keep him from reaching his true potential. Ullman will begin this season in Binghamton again and hopes to be bumped to Syracuse at some point this summer.

ETA: 2031


#2 (#8 MLB) RHP Nino Encarnacion – 24 years old | AA Binghamton
Acquired via trade in 2026 (TB)

Like Ullman, Encarnacion lit up AA last year and is primed to make a jump to AAA Syracuse some point this season. Where he lacks in velocity, he more than makes up for in break and pitching savvy. His fastball tops out around 92, but his real weapons are his changeup, slider, and curveball. All 3 of which can be thrown for strikes or as K pitches. Expect both Encarnacion and Ullman to be a focal point in the Mets’ rotation in the very near future.

ETA: 2032


#3 (#36 MLB) 1B Pat Lozano – 26 years old | AA Binghamton
International Free Agent 2029

Lozano came to the Mets from Cuba and the International Free Agent Pool. It was a huge get late this winter. Lozano stands at 6’4, 220lbs, and is a terror at the plate. While he’ll most likely never be a 40 HR slugger, he does project as a .275 BA, 25 HR type with solid defense at first. If he was 21, he would be one of the brightset prospects in the sport. His development has been slow and steady, but at this point he looks like a future every day big leaguer. The Mets will start him in Binghamton because it's his first experience with the organization, but they will not hesitate to push him to the higher level if he earns it.

ETA: 2033


#4 C Bernardo Ruiz – 22 years old | AA Binghamton
Drafted in 2027 (1st round)

Ruiz suffered a dislocated ankle early last season in Binghamton and required surgery. Unfortunately, this made 2029 a lost year for the young prospect. He’ll most likely start the year in Binghamton with the hopes of getting to Syracuse by mid-summer. Ruiz hits from both sides of the plate, and he’s got excellent bat to ball skills and plate discipline. He’s also got a rocket arm from behind the dish that makes him tough to run on. He’ll never be a power bat, but if he continues to improve his framing and blocking skills, he’ll be the starting backstop in New York before long. His development is crucial, seeing as Luke Wray is likely to move on from the Mets after 2030.

ETA: 2032


#5 RHP Kyle Petrovits – 18 years old | AA Binghamton
Drafted in 2029 (4th round)

Petrovits is an unpolished flamethrower that lacks control at times, but his arm talent is legit. His high 90s fastball paired with his fall off the table changeup are a deadly combination. He’s got the type of stuff that catapults him to #5 in the system in his first year in the organization. It will be a while before he’s knocking on the door in New York, and the Mets will want to see him progress through Binghamton and Syracuse. While talent isn’t everything, it is a factor, and Petrovits is brimming with it.

ETA 2034


#6 RHP Giancarlo Calderon – 18 years old | AA Binghamton
Drafted in 2029 (6th round)

Calderon has the best “stuff” of the three pitchers taken in the 2029 draft. His fastball touches 96, but his best weapons might be his secondary pitches. He can pull the string with a changeup, he’s got a sharp breaking slider, and his 12-6 curveball can be thrown in and out of the zone. As with Petrovits, Calderon is brimming with the type of talent that can’t be taught. He will need to harness it to reach his potential, but he’s hopeful to fly up the Mets’ system and be in New York in no time.

ETA: 2033


#7 OF/1B William Ito – 18 years old | AA Binghamton
Drafted in 2029 (3rd round)

Ito has 30+ HR potential from both sides of the plate and has the speed to steal 20+ bases. However, he is going to have to progress in terms of his bat to ball skills and strike zone awareness. Also, his lack of arm strength and accuracy makes first base his likely long-term home. Although, with Lozano joining the organization this winter as well, there might be some competition at that spot. The Mets will cross that bridge when it arrives. In an alternate universe, Ito would be a perfect fit at DH. Whether he's in the outfield or at first, Ito's bat is expected to play just fine at the major league level.

ETA: 2034


#8 LHP Morris Spence – 18 years old | AA Bingamton
Drafted in 2029 (1st round)

Spence is a pitcher’s pitcher and really uses his mix to his advantage. He features a low-mid 90s fastball and complements it with a slider and changeup. He has also started to develop a cutter that can provide a little movement at 90mph. The Mets will get Spence in the Pitching Lab to improve his stuff. Spence has the IQ to pitch at the upper levels of the minors right now, but he’ll need to bump up the action on his pitches if he wants to compete at the big-league level. This will take time, but the Mets are in no rush thanks to plenty of organizational pitching depth.

ETA: 2035


#9 OF Robby O’Neill – 19 years old | A Brooklyn
Acquired via trade in 2028 (KC)

At just 19 years old, O’Neill has yet to fill out. He doesn't have any substantial pop in his bat yet, and he is still learning the strike zone. However, his speed and defense look like they’ll absolutely play at the next level. Expect for O’Neill to get ample time in the lower levels of the minors as he tries to develop at the plate, where he is a switch-hitter. At worst, O’Neill will eventually be a 4th outfielder, but if his bat comes along he could find himself setting the table at the top of the order some day.

ETA: 2035


#10 IF Esteban Abreu - 26 years old | AAA Syracuse
Drafted in 2022 (2nd round)

Abreu was just added to the 40-man roster and invited to Spring Training for the first time. He’s turned himself into a competent hitter from both sides of the plate, and he provides high-caliber defense all over the infield. While he doesn’t have the “shine” that some of these other names have, Abreu is the closest to putting on a Mets uniform. It wouldn’t be a total surprise if Abreu suited up for the Mets some time in 2030.

ETA: 2030

[Cyrus09]

I'm pretty sure I just played my best game on this year's version of the game so far.

Opener against the Cubs with the Diamondbacks. Ryne Nelson vs James Taillon.

First two innings started pretty quiet, then Carsen Kelly hit a leadoff solo shot in the 3rd to give the Cubs the lead. Then it was the 4th inning and it happened like I wish it would: Marte gets on base, Eugenio Suarez steps up and hits the home run.
6th inning the Cubs took the lead again after Tucker brought Nico Hoerner home from first with a double, later that inning Corbin Caroll hit his first homer of the season to tie it up.

In the 8th we just couldn't stop the top of the order: Hoerner walked, Berti got on base and then Tucker hit a double to bring both home and his 3rd run total. So we knew we had to get something going in the 9th. And who else would it be then Eugenio Suarez hitting a solo home run with the first pitch of the inning. We actually got on base again but couldn't bring Gurriel home after he pinch hit for Naylor.

So we went into extras, with the ghost runner in play. Carson Kelly was the runner for the Cubs so not the worst thing for us. But sadly we did him a favor after Shelby Miller put a slider behind Moreno to advance the Cubs catcher, who was subbed out for Alcantara next. But that didn't matter at all because Ian Happ stepped to the plate to hit a 2 run home run and crushing our dreams for a bit.

Yeah, for a bit. Corbin Carrol brings Randal Grichuk home to start scoring, then he follows it up with stealing 2nd and 3rd to bring the tieing run closer. Ketel Marte brought him home next to tie the game up.

And then the crushed dreams turned into a nightmare for the Cubs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh2vximOCpo

Eugenio Suarez with his 3rd home run of the game to walk it off.

Both teams combined for 24 hits in a offensive firework.

[countryboy]

2027 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates

What a season, we finished with the best record in the NL 98-64. We would face the LA Dodgers in the NLDS and after losing Game 1, 7-0, we would reel off 3 straight 1 run wins to take the series, 3-1.

Up next was the Diamondbacks in the NLCS and it went 7 games, we were down 3-1 in the series and won 3 games in a row.

We would face the best team in the AL in the World Series, Seattle and what a series it was. Just like the NLCS, we were down 3 games to 1 and had to battle back. Game 7 we were up 7-0 but Seattle would come back to get it to 7-5 and we would hold on for the win and the Pirates first World Series win since 1979.

Now I'm wondering if I continue on and try for another World Series, or do I go back to my hometown Cardinals and start a new franchise.

If you start a new franchise some of the draft picks were added to a roster update today


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[countryboy]

Cardinals take series from Cubs in St.Louis

RECORD: 29-34
DIVISION; 3 GB (4th)
WILDCARD: 3 GB

The Cardinals took 2 games of a 3 game series with the Cubs in St.Louis to begin the month of June. The series win means the Cardinals continue to dance around the line of being buyers or sellers in July.

Things got off to a good start on Monday despite Sonny Gray (0-5 with plus 5 ERA) once again struggled to get thru 5 innings of work. After falling behind 3-0 early, the Cardinals used a 7 run 4th inning to take a 7-3 lead, powered by Willson Contreras 3 run blast and a 2 run double off the bat of Michael Helman. But things would tighten right back up in the 5th as the Cubs scored 4 runs in the 5th to tie the game at 7. In the 8th, Jordan Walker would single home a pair of runs to make it 9-7 which would be the final score as the bullpen was solid with Zach Schowalter, Sam Hentges, Jordan Hicks and Ryan Helsley each pitching a clean inning in relief.

Tuesday was again a battle as Griffin Canning pitched well leaving after 6 innings with 5-2 lead, but this time the bullpen would implode. Jojo Romero and Luke Weaver combined to give up 6 runs on 4 hits and 3 homers as the Cubs would come back to win 8-6. Both Weaver and Romero have been struggling of late, and another blow up has to be concerning for manager AJ Hinch and the front office. Offensively, Brenton Doyle drove in 5 runs on 3 hits including a bases clearing triple in the 3rd.

Wednesday it was rookie Quinn Matthews getting the ball coming off two shaky outings. Well those outings didn't carry over as Matthews went 7 strong innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits with 11 punchouts. Arguably the best start Matthews has had at the big league level. Good thing he was solid as the bats struggled for the Cards, but managed to break things open in the 6th on a grandslam by Masyn Winn put the Cards up 5-2 which would be the final score. Ryan Helsley closed things out with a immaculate inning in the 9th.

The Cardinals are off on Thursday as they welcome the Padres to town for a 3 game weekend series.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Opening Day Roster
March 23, 2030

Spring Training is complete, and the Mets have broken camp down in St. Lucie. They are headed north for the start of the regular season. Below is the Opening Day roster for your 2030 Mets:

Lineup
CF Nick Craven
SS Corey Seager
2B Steven Logan
RF Elvis Valido
C Luke Wray
3B Jackie Maurer
1B Ray Velazquez
LF Alexis Quevedo

Bench
OF Michael Conforto
OF Henry Armas
IF Barney Nowak
IF Oliver Paniagua
C Roosevelt Fox

*OF Nick Karnitz sprained his ankle in the last game of Spring Training, and he will start the season on the IL. His roster spot will go to Henry Armas. Fortunately, that was the only injury of the spring.

Rotation
RHP Anderson Espinoza
RHP Michael Whitehead
LHP Julio Fernandez
RHP Travis West
LHP Jeremy Pacheco

Bullpen
LHP Howard Sanchez
RHP Lincoln James
RHP Jermaine Butler
RHP Barney Shipman
LHP Ramon Chavez
RHP Otis Morgan
LHP Donald Beals
RHP Cesar Ferreira

*Lincoln James was the last arm to make the team. He struggled during the spring, but the Mets want to keep the likes of Giolito and Blair in AAA as reinforcements. At least that's the plan for now.


Mets In Philadelphia For Opening Day

The Mets will be on the road to kick off the season. They have a singular game against the Phillies and then a day off before finishing the 3 game set in Philly.

Fellow NL East teams will be the opponents for the first 12 games of the year. 3 in Philly, 3 in Washington, and then Philly and Washington again - this time in New York.

RHP Anderson Espinoza will get the ball for the third consecutive Opening Day. He'll be facing off against RHP Orlando Gill, who had a 3.33 ERA in 32 starts for the Phillies last year.

Play Ball!

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Start Season With A W
March 24, 2030

Opening Day is here in all its glory. The pageantry and the excitement is palpable across the sport of baseball. The slate is clean, and everyone is hopeful that they can put together a magical season and be the last team standing. The Mets took the first step in making that a reality as they beat the Phillies in Philadelphia 6-3.

The Mets exploded for 5 runs in the first inning, the capper being a 3-run HR by 1B Ray Velazquez. Velazquez would also add an RBI single in the 5th. RHP Orlando Gill didn't last long in his season debut as he was unable to record an out in the second inning before being pulled from the game. He had issues with control, but he was not alone. The Philllies walked 9 Mets batters throughout the course of the game.

RHP Anderson Espinoza, on the other hand, was stellar. He gave up 4 hits and struck out 6 through 6 relatively low stress innings. It wasn't until the 7th that the Phillies broke through with a 2-run HR by 3B Willy Chacin off RHP Jermaine Butler. RHP Cesar Ferreira would get taken deep in the next inning as well before LHP Donald Beals sealed the deal in the 9th.

RF Elvis Valido was 0 for 3 with 2 walks in his Mets debut.

The Mets will get a day off before resuming their series in Philly. 2030 is officially underway!

[bigjdotcom01]

July 4-6: LAS VEGAS (35-54) @ SALT RIVER (37-54)
Stadium: Salt River Fields (Capacity: 9,080)

July 4: Silver Kings 12, Rafters 7
July 5: Rafters 5, Silver Kings 4
July 6: Rafters 7, Silver Kings 6

Scottsdale, AZ (AP) - Welp, Las Vegas once again looked like they could sweep an opponent and they end up losing two of three in walk off fashion to lose the series against the Salt River Rafters.

On Friday night, the Silver Kings ran their winning streak to a season high four games as they pounded out 18 hits in a 12-7 victory over the Rafters. Danny Watt went 5 for 5, hitting for the cycle and driving in three runs, to help pace the offense.

Las Vegas got to work quickly, scoring three times in the top of the first inning. Eric Machado led off the game with a solo home run to right. Vladimir Escalera would add a two-out, two-run single, scoring Danny Watt and David Tejeda.

A Danny Watt solo home run in the top of the third put Las Vegas up 4-0. Salt River would answer back in the bottom half of the third, scoring on a Rickey Cornell ground out, allowing Garrett Lindsay to score.

An Eric Machado RBI double in the fourth, scored Todd Matsumoto. Danny Watt lined a single to center that scored Machado as Las Vegas went up 6-1. But Salt River answered back with three in the bottom half. A Garrett Lindsay two-run triple capped off the inning as the Rafters pulled to within 6-4.

Eric Machado hit his second home run of the game in the sixth. The two-run shot was his 12^th of the season.

Las Vegas went to their bullpen in the seventh with Martin Villegas coming on in relief of Antoine Swanger. Villegas surrendered a solo home run to Rickey Cornell, that cut the Vegas lead to 8-5.

Eric Machado hit his second double of the game in the eighth, and scored on a Danny Watt RBI single. Las Vegas then added three more runs in the top of the ninth with Caden Juarez hitting a two-run home run (15) and Todd Matsumoto doubling home Vladimir Escalera. Salt River scored twice in the bottom of the ninth off of Jeff McArthur, but they could not overcome the huge deficit.

Eric Machado went 4 for 5 in the game with two doubles, two home runs, four RBIs and four runs scored. Caden Juarez went 3 for 5 with a double, home run, and two RBIs. Antoine Swanger (6-5) picked up the win, going six innings and allowing four runs (two earned) on seven hits, striking out four.

On Saturday afternoon, the Silver Kings rallied from a four run deficit to tie the game late, but lost it in walk off fashion as the Rafters pulled out a 5-4 victory to even the series. Archie Cutliff went 2 for 4 with a big three-run home run for the Rafters.

Salt River went up 4-0 in the third inning as they knocked around Jude Vernon. Tino Hidalgo opened the inning with a single to right. Rickey Cornell beat out a double play ball with Hidalgo being erased at second. Kevin Hayashi then doubled home Cornell to put the Rafters up 1-0. Abdul Ewing then grounded one to Danny Watt at second that he booted. Archie Cutliff followed that with a no doubt home run to center to make it 4-0.

But the Silver Kings clawed their way all the way back. Gilberto Cardona tripled and scored on a Stefan Hernandez sacrifice fly in the fifth. Caden Juarez hit an absolute bomb in the seventh. The solo shot was hit 484 feet and was his 16^th on the season. In the eighth, Eric Machado tripled and scored on a Stephen Park sac fly. Junior Maldonado doubled to left and scored on a Caden Juarez double to right. Juarez was thrown out at third to end the inning, but it was tied up at 4-4.

In the bottom of the ninth, Tino Hidalgo reached on a Stephen Park throwing error. Rickey Cornell singled Hidalgo to third. Kevin Hayashi then hit one to Park at second, but instead of going to the inning ending double play, Park went home and threw it wide, allowing Hidalgo to score the winning run.

Danny Watt had to leave the game in the sixth as he turned an ankle trying to reach for a ground ball. X-rays taken after he was removed from the game showed that Watt broke his right foot and will miss 4-8 weeks. The club placed him on the 10-Day Injured List, recalling shortstop Kevin Harris from Triple-A Salt Lake.

Jude Vernon had one lousy inning, but pitched well. He went 7.2 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits, striking out six. Henry Coronado (0-1) took the loss. He finished the eighth and came back out for the ninth. He allowed one run (unearned) on two hits, striking out one.

Sunday afternoon perfectly summed up the Silver Kings season. They get a great pitching performance from their starter, timely hitting, yet lose 7-6 as the Rafters walked it off with two in the bottom of the ninth.

Eric Machado opened the game with a solo home run to right, after a ten pitch at bat, to put the Silver Kings up 1-0. Abdul Ewing did the same thing for Salt River as he led off the bottom of the first with a home run off of Jeremi Dillon.

The Rafters went ahead in the fifth on a Rickey Cornell two-out, RBI double that scored Cameron Napier.

In the seventh, Las Vegas would score three times to take the lead. Russell O'Reilly doubled home Gilberto Cardona. Eric Machado followed up with a two-out RBI single that scored O'Reilly. Stephen Park singled home Machado to make it 4-2. Salt River answered right back as Eloy Leon hit a two-run home run off of Jeremi Dillon to tie the game up at 4-4.

Las Vegas retook the lead in the top of the eighth as Mariano Hidalgo hit a two-run home run, his 12^th on the season as the Silver Kings went back up 6-4. Rob Porter came on to pitch the bottom of the eighth and gave up a solo home run to Kevin Hayashi, his second on the year, to cut the lead to 6-5.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Silver Kings brought in closer Kai Ransom. He got Baum to pop out to second. Eloy Leon then grinded out an eight pitch at bat, singling back up the middle. Cameron Napier then lined a double to left, scoring Eloy to tie the game. Tino Hidalgo then blooped one to right in front of Gilberto Cardona, allowing Napier to score the game winning run. It was Ransom's fourth blown save in 14 opportunities as he dropped to (0-3).

The loss leaves Las Vegas at (35-54) in last place in the Desert League and definitely looking like a seller at the deadline. But this is a young team already, so it may be interesting to see what they do. The Silver Kings now return home for a seven game home stand as we head into the All-Star break, facing San Diego (55-35) for four games and then Boise (47-43) for three games.

Around the League: Red-hot Surprise has won four straight and sent Phoenix to their eighth straight loss on Saturday afternoon with a 5-3 victory. The win moved the Saguaros to just 2.5 games back in the DL Central. Edmund Isaac went 2 for 4 with a triple, home run, RBI and two runs scored to help pace the offense.

Trades: West Texas has traded 29-year-old left fielder Chris Christensen (88 OVR, A POT) to San Diego for 23-year-old starting pitcher Tom Kern (70 OVR, A POT) and 24-year-old third baseman Thomas Chow (65 OVR, C POT). Christensen in the final year of his contract was hitting .257 with 14 home runs and 38 RBIs for the Seals. Kern was (3-2, 3.04) with 36 strikeouts in eight starts for the Seals.

Salt River keeps the fire sale going as they ship 33-year-old first baseman Tommie Turnwall (89 OVR, A POT) to San Antonio for 23-year-old right fielder Jason Planteny (68 OVR, B POT) and 22-year-old catcher Steve Jordan (62 OVR, A POT). Turnwall was hitting .232 with 18 home runs and 47 RBIs in 332 at-bats for the Rafters. The Rafters have unloaded first baseman Tommie Turnwall (89 OVR), right fielder Micah Lange (87 OVR), and third baseman Bo Mitchell (87 OVR) this week for a big return of prospects. Salt River now has five prospects in the top 50.

Scottsdale has traded 25-year-old second baseman Sergio Gomez (86 OVR, B POT) to Chandler for 18-year-old starting pitcher Darrell Bain (68 OVR, B POT) and 19-year-old second baseman Bill Nava (58 OVR, C POT). Gomez was hitting .279 with 16 home runs and 37 RBIs for the Scorpions, who sit in last place in the DL Central.

Denver is sending 27-year-old centerfielder Tommy Coley (84 OVR, B POT) to Albuquerque for 21-year-old shortstop Lonnie Quinones (58 OVR, B POT), 22-year-old centerfielder Felipe Geronimo (61 OVR, C POT), and 23-year-old left fielder Joe Miller (69 OVR, C POT). Coley was hitting .225 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs for the Black Bears.

Denver is also sending 28-year-old second baseman Trevor Castillo (80 OVR, B POT) to Boise for a trio of prospects in 23-year-old left fielder Mike Berry (68 OVR, C POT), 23-year-old right fielder Danny Knapek (63 OVR, C POT) and 24-year-old first baseman Mike Cortez (68 OVR, C POT). Castillo was hitting .237 with two home runs, 19 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. These two trades by Denver clear over $52M from their books over the next three seasons.

Last place Salt River yucking it up after taking two of three from last place Las Vegas.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Open Season With A Sweep Of The Phillies
March 27, 2030

After a 6-3 win on opening day, the Mets completed a 3-game sweep over the Phillies to open up the 2030 season. Citizens Bank Park looked like the site of the Home Run Derby, as the Mets managed 10 HR over the course of the three games.

The Mets plated 11 runs in Game 2, 4 of which came courtesy of a RHP Michael Whitehead grand slam. It was the first of his career and was a clear statement in opposition of the universal DH. RF Elvis Valido also hit his first HR as a Met in a 7 run 5th inning. On top of his grand slam, Whitehead was lights out on the mound. He pitched 7 innings, giving up 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 2.

Game 3 was a 6-0 Mets win, with RHP Travis West starring in his season debut. He threw 8 shutout innings, striking out 5 and giving up 4 hits. CF Nick Craven, SS Corey Seager, and 2B Steven Logan all went deep in the win.

All in all, the Mets outscored the Phillies 23-6 in the opening series of the year. The Phillies finished 20 games under .500 in 2029, and it looks like they got worse. I wouldn't expect them to be in the hunt for the NL East or wildcard this season.

The Mets now travel to Washington for three against the Nationals (2-2).

[Itsma806]

2026 Houston Astros 04/03-04/05

Overall Record: 7-2 (1st AL West/1.5 over Texas Rangers)

Game Results:

Game 1
Astros-12
White Sox-7

Game 2
Astros-8
White Sox-4

Game 3
Astros-4
White Sox-1

Astros sweep pesky White Sox to continue strong start to 2026.

The Astros got their first sweep of the young 2026 season but it wasnt exactly easy.

The sweep also came in Houston's first home series of 2026 after they started the year on the road in Minnesota and Pittsburgh. The Astros swept the Sox with scores of 12-7, 8-4 and 4-1 but even with the +12 run differential, it wasnt easy.

Game one saw Spencer Arrighetti face off with Bryce Wilson and initially, it looked like Spencer would have the big upper hand. The Astros got to Wilson early with four runs in the bottom of the second to take the 4-0 lead. Andrew Benintendi did get Chicago on the board in the top half of the third with his first homerun of the season, a 401 ft shot over the RF wall.

Then, Houston will knock Wilson from the game as Mauricio Dubon matched Benintendi with his first homerun of the season, a 386 ft drive into the Crawford Boxes in left field. Jairo Iriarte replaced Wilson and was much better as over the next three innings, he held the Astros to just 2 hits and 1 run as he struck out 4.

Arrighetti ended up getting though 7 but it wasnt great as he allowed 7 runs of his own in the outing. Still, he would get the win as the Astros ended up winning game one, 12-7.

Then, in game two, Chicago got out to a 3-0 lead against Hunter Brown who was looking to build off of his solid first start of the season to get back in the rhythm after a rocky 2025 season. He did settle down after that and only gave up one more run in his total of six innings pitched. The Astros went on to tie it in the bottom of the third before they took the lead on back to back homeruns by Yordan Alvarez (#3) and Kyle Tucker (#2) in the fifth inning. From there. Houston grew the lead to a final score of 8-4.

And finally, Houston completed the sweep in game three with a 4-1 victory. That wasnt easy however as the teams took a 1-1 tie into the bottom half of the ninth. But then, with two outs, Jeremy Pena hit his 1st homerun of the season in walkoff fashion for the 4-1 victory and to secure Houston's first sweep of 2026.

The Astros after just three games at home will now hit the road again for nine straight. First up are the Yankees (5-4/4th AL East/ranked as #14 team in MLB).

[countryboy]

Cardinals take series from Padres in St.Louis

RECORD: 31-35
DIVISION: 3 GB (T-3RD)
WILDCARD: 3.5 GB

The Cardinals continue to skate the line of being a legitimate playoff contender and a deadline seller. The Cardinals took 2 games of a 3 game series from the Padres in St.Louis over the weekend. The Cardinals continue to stay 3 games back of the division lead, and within 3-4 games of the 3rd wildcard spot.

Things didn't start out the best on Friday night with Michael McGreevy getting tagged for 4 runs in the Top of the 1st and knocked out after 4 innings having given up 7 runs on 10 hits and 4 walks. McGreevy did manage 6 strikeouts. Offensively the bats couldn't produce enough as the Cards scored 3 in the 5th and 2 in the 6th, but that would be all they could push across as they fell 8-6.

Saturday it was Kumar Rocker who has been the focal point of trade conversations. Rocker shut down the Padres thru 6 innings allowing a single run on 5 hits with a season/career best 12 strikeouts. He had 7 strikeouts thru 3 innings. And Rocker got help from the bats early as Alec Burleson launched a grand slam in the first inning and then Masyn Winn would drive in 2 with a double in the 2nd as the Cardinals lead 6-0 after two innings. They would go on to win 9-3 as the bullpen pitched well aside from JoJo Romero who is drawing criticism from the fanbase and concern from management as he has a plus 12 ERA in his last 10 appearances.

Sunday Sonny Gray took the ball and got his first win of the season as he got thru 5 innings and pitched himself out of a few jams as the Cards would earn the 6-5 win over the Padres. Gray surrendered 4 runs on 9 hits with just 2 strikeouts but he continually got the key out, or double play when needed to escape further damage. Jordan Walker had arguably his best game of his career going 4 for 4 with a homerun and 6 RBIs. Victor Scott II had a great day as well reaching base 3 times and stealing 4 bases in the game.

The Cardinals will now travel to Minnesota to face the defending World Series Champion Twins to begin the week.

[countryboy]

Cardinals acquire Jackson Holliday from Orioles

The Cardinals have made their first significant move of the 2027 season as they are acquiring Jackson Holliday from the Orioles.

Cardinals get:

IF Jackson Holliday

Orioles get:

OF Lars Nootbaar
SP Richie Dyer (#2 STL Prospect - #4 overall pitching prospect)
IF Max Anderson


This is a very intriguing first trade by the Cardinals as they still decipher whether they are going to go in for the playoffs or if they are going to sell off veteran pieces to get younger and re-tool for the 2028 season.

In acquiring Holliday, the Cardinals not only get better for the current season, but they also get younger for the next 2 seasons, the amount of control they have on Holliday. They also now address what they will do for 2nd base after this year with Brendan Donovan being on an expiring contract. They could still keep Donovan this winter and move him, or Holliday to 3rd base with the likelihood of them re-signing Nolan Arenado extremely slim. The biggest question for the Cards going forward will be what they do with JJ Wetherholt and Nolan Gorman. But to be fair, Wetherholt can't stay healthy and Gorman was in the minors for a majority of this year, but is currently lost for the season with a torn ACL, so there is no guarantee on how he will bounce back next year.

The plan at this point is for Donovan to move to 3rd base and have Holliday play 2nd. All of this could be adjusted as/if the Cardinals make additional moves which is all but guaraneed to happen.

The trading of Nootbaar isn't shocking as he has struggled the past 2 years and is again this year. He's been replaced by Chase Davis in left and with the fast rising outfield talent the Cards have in the minors, Nootbaar wasn't going to be retained this winter. Max Anderson was claimed off waivers two years ago with the idea that he could become the everyday 2nd baseman, but he just isn't progressing as well as the Cards had hoped.

Richie Dyer is the biggest asset the O's are receiving. Dyer is the 4th best pitching prospect in baseball and was a first round pick in 2025. He is currently in AA ball and had a record of 6-1 with a 1.99 ERA and a Whip just under one. The Cardinals debated at length whether to move Dyer, but with the depth of the 2027 SP draft and the depth the Cards have and will likely acquire this year, they felt the best thing for the organization was to include Dyer to get Holliday.

The O's on the other end address a few needs. One they will now slide Nootbaar into the DH role and add much needed MLB depth for the outfield. They get a young pitching prospect that will be MLB ready likely next year, if not this year. And they add IF depth with Max Anderson who may progress better in a different environment.

I know many will question moving Holliday but the O's acquired Brice Turang from the Brewers this past winter who is the everyday 2nd baseman and the leading All star vote getter for the AL at that position. They have Gunner Henderson at SS and Coby Mayo and a highly touted prospect for 3rd base. Holliday was a reserve player, so while moving the 23 year old is significant, its not a complete shock.

[IndianSummer]

I finally got through spring ball with the Tigers. I started my first regular season game at Chavez Ravine against the Dodgers. My goal was just not to get swept. First game I had just finished the 6th inning and Skubal had a no hitter going, Glasnow had a perfect game going. Then one of our pop up thunderstorms we have came in and flickered the power and I lost the game. I’m really disappointed as I have been playing the show since 06 and have had only 1 no hitter thrown but I have never had dueling no hitters starting the 7th with one being perfect. Oh well, I’m going start game 1 again tonight, same pitchers we will see how the two games differ from each other.

[countryboy]

Damn that sucks man. Yeah I missed out on playing some last night because of storms popping up.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Suffer First Loss, But Win Series
March 30, 2030

New York traveled to Washington and took the first 2 games of the series before losing the finale for their first defeat of the season.

The home run bashing continued in Game 1, as SS Corey Seager, RF Elvis Valido, and C Luke Wray all mashed solo shots in the third inning of a 6-4 win. LHP Julio Fernandez was good until the 5th, where he would surrender 4 runs to the Nationals. The bullpen wouldn't give up any damage as LHP Donald Beals collected his second save of the season.

Game 2 featured a pitcher's duel between LHP Jeremy Pacheco and RHP Paul Rhiency, with Pacheco getting the better side of the matchup thanks to 2 runs in the 5th. Pacheco was brilliant in his season debut. He got through 6.2 innings, giving up 5 hits and just 1 run while striking out 7 in the 2-1 win. It was exactly the type of outing the Mets were hoping for from the youngster to kick off his first full season in New York.

The Nationals got the better of the Metsies in the series finale as the home bats were held in check in a 4-1 loss. New York loaded the bases in the top of the 8th with one out, but CF Nick Craven and 2B Barney Nowak both struck out to end the inning.

The Mets (5-1) return to New York to face the Phillies (0-6) in the opener at Citi Field. Expect the crowd to be rowdy as it's the first game at Citi Field since the season ended in that devastating Game 7 against Colorado. RHP Michael Whitehead will take the bump for the home team as the Phillies are still looking for their first win of the season.