MLB The Show 25 Franchise Discussion

[countryboy]

Cardinals take series from Detroit to keep pace in Divisional race

RECORD: 36-39
DIVISION: 4 GB (4TH)
WILDCARD: 5 GB

The Cardinals took 2 games of a 3 game series with the Tigers in St.Louis to begin the week. The Cardinals now maintain just 4 games behind the Pirates in the NL Central and within 5 games of the final wildcard spot.

Things got off to a good start as Quinn Matthews matched Tarik Skubal pitch for pitch on Monday night as the two had a terrific pitcher's duel. Matthews would last 6.2 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits with 6 strikeouts. Skubal would go 7 innings giving up 2 runs on 4 hits with 10 strikeouts. At the end of the day, neither got a decision as the Cards scored in the 8th on a Alec Burleson RBI single to break the 2-2 tie and put the Cards up 3-2 which would be the final score.

The Cards got another good start on Tuesday night as Michael McGreevy would go 7 innings with 8 strikeouts having yielded a single run on 7 scattered hits. The bats would take care of the heavy lifting exploding for 8 runs thru 5 innings in route to a 12-2 blowout. Jordan Walker had a game high 5 RBIs with 2 homeruns and Masyn Winn added 3 RBIs of his own.

Wednesday the Cardinals were shut down by Matt Manning who pitched a complete game shutout. The Cards managed 3 hits, two from Brenton Doyle. Kumar Rocker got lit up as he gave up 8 runs thru 2.1 innings before being lifted. The Tigers would go on to a 9-0 win, thus halting the Cardinals 5 game winning streak.

The Cardinals will now travel to Milwaukee for a 3 game weekend series with the team that sits one game above them in the NL Central standings.

[countryboy]

Cardinals drop series to Brewers take step back in standings

RECORD: 37-41
DIVISION: 5 GB (5TH)
WILDCARD: 6 GB

The Cardinals took a step back in the standings over the weekend as they dropped a series to the Brewers in Milwaukee. The Cardinals are now 5 games behind the Pirates and 6 games out of the final wildcard spot.

This series was dramatic for the fans and a tough pill to swallow for the players as all 3 games featured a walk off win or late inning win. The Brewers won Friday night on a Sal Frelick 3 run bomb off of Ryan Helsley for the 6-4 walk off win. On Saturday it was Chase Davis delivering the heroics with a bases loaded double that cleared the bases in the 9th that put the Cards ahead 7-5 which would be the final score. On Sunday the Brewers got a 2 run homer from Rhys Hoskins in the 8th inning to put the Brewers up 4-2 that ended up being the final score.

The series loss was a setback, but the Cardinals aren't out of reach of the divisional lead and can hopefully bounce back.

Next up is a 3 game series with the Orioles starting on Monday. Lars Nootbaar will make his return to Busch Stadium in a different uniform.

[countryboy]

Cardinals swept by the Orioles in St.Louis

RECORD: 37-44
DIVISION: 6 GB (5TH)
WILDCARD: 7.5 GB

The Cardinals were swept by the Orioles in St.Louis to begin the week. The loss now drops the Cardinals to last place in the division and furthermore defines the role that the Cards will have at the trade deadline.

The Cardinals will now all but certain take on the seller role for the trade deadline. Sonny Gray, Luke Weaver, and Willson Contreras just became more expendable as its all but written in stone that the Cards are not capable of turning things around. While they aren't mathematically that far out of contention, their play over the first half of the season should be a clear indication that this team just doesn't have the make up for whatever reason to be competitive. Frustrating given that it looked as though they turned the corner last year.

Expect younger players in the lineup and pitching staff going forward, as the Cards will use the latter part of the season as an extended Spring Training to see how guys fare as they turn their focus to putting together a playoff contending roster for next year.

Next up is a 3 game series with the Rockies.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Padres Hand Mets First Series Loss Of The Year
April 10, 2030

Leaving the friendly confines of the NL East for the first time this year proved to be a challenge as the Mets dropped their series in San Diego this weekend.

The ball was flying out of Petco Park in Game 1 as the two teams combined for 6 homeruns. Unfortunately, New York was on the short end of the total as the Padres prevailed 6-2. RF Evlis Valido and SS Corey Seager opened up the scoring with two solo HR. Then the Padres would hit 4 unanswered homers. RHP Travis West would take the loss, giving up 4 runs in 6 innings while walking 4 and striking out 3.

The Mets offense exploded for 12 runs on 20 hits in the second game. CF Nick Craven, SS Corey Seager, and LF Nick Karnitz combined for 9 of the 12 RBI. Reliever LHP Ramon Chavez would exit in the 9th inning and was replaced by RHP Otis Morgan. Morgan gave up 3 hits including back to back homeruns. It would have been three consecutive homers, but Craven made a catch at the wall to end the game. 12-5 Mets. It was Morgan's first hiccup in his 4 appearances this year.

LHP Jeremy Pacheco pitched into the 8th inning of the rubber match. He gave up 10 hits and 2 runs on the day, but his pitch count was low so manager Mark Langford sent him back out there in a 2-2 ballgame. RHP Jermaine Butler entered after Pacheco gave up a single, and he failed to get through the inning unscathed, giving up 2 runs. IF Barney Nowak would come up with a pinch-hit HR, but the Mets would score no more. 4-3 Padres.

New York (12-3) is now headed to Texas for a quick two game series with the Rangers (8-9).

Cardinals Suffer First Loss Of The Year

Welp, a good old fashioned jinx. The Cardinals winning streak to start the season was halted at 12. They were unable to complete the four game sweep over the Reds as they lost the finale 5-3.

[countryboy]

Cardinals lose 3rd straight series, this time to the Rockies at home

RECORD: 38-46
DIVISION: 7 GB
WILDCARD: 8 GB

The Cardinals lost yet another series over the weekend, this time to the Rockies. The Cardinals avoided the sweep by winning Sunday thanks to a miscue by the Rockies. This series only further confirms what I believe most knew was inevitable this year that the Cardinals will not reach the playoffs, thus returning where they've been 3 out of the past 4 years.

Not going to write about individual games or performances, as the grind is starting to wear on me. The biggest draw is knowing next year could be fun with a full season of Jackson Holliday, Nolan Gorman returning, and a host of young prospects who we drafted in 2026 getting a chance to be contributors to the big league squad.

Until then, its on to the next. And next is a 3 game series in Toronto.

[LowerWolf]

Braves retake NL East lead, send message

The Braves entered their three-game series in Philadelphia 1.5 games behind the Phillies in the NL East. They left town with a 1.5 game lead over their division rivals. And in sweeping the series, Atlanta also sent a strong message.

Spectacular starting pitching and power bats led the way for the Braves. Grant Holmes pitched six shutout innings in the opener and Matt Olson and Marcell Ozuna each hit three-run homers as the Brave won easily, 12-2. In the series finale, Olson and Ronald Acuna Jr. each homered twice as part of a six-homer barrage; and Spencer Strider allowed just one run over seven innings as Atlanta completed the sweep with an 8-4 win that was made more respectable by 3 Phillies runs in the ninth. In between those games, the Braves pulled out a 2-1 win in 11 innings. Ozzie Albies homered, but it was Orlando Arcia's sacrifice fly that proved to be the game winner.

-----
Baseball man. I've pretty much dominated the Phillies, Dodgers and Padres so far this season. But the Rockies and Pirates each took two of three from me and the Marlins and Nationals give me absolute fits. Baseball.

[bigjdotcom01]

July 7-10: SAN DIEGO (57-37) @ LAS VEGAS (37-56)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

July 7: Seals 7, Silver Kings 1
July 8: Seals 10, Silver Kings 6 (11)
July 9: Silver Kings 2, Seals 1
July 10: Silver Kings 9, Seals 5

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas managed to split a four game series with first place San Diego after dropping the first two games at Ballys Ballpark.

San Diego opened the four game series in Las Vegas with an easy 7-1 victory over the Silver Kings. Clayton Lopez (10-1) tossed seven innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out three.

Las Vegas scored first in this one with Eric Machado leading off the bottom of the first with a triple. He scored on a Stephen Park RBI ground out, to make it 1-0.

The Seals would score five times in the fourth inning without recording an out. Four consecutive singles from Henry Aguilar, Alvin Metoyer, Chris Christensen and Eugene Griffin, made it 2-0. Nicholas Lawson then lined a two-run double to center. Dave Foxx singled home Lawson to make it 5-0.

Dave Foxx would add a two-run home run in the ninth, his third on the season, to make it 7-1.

Kevin Perez (7-7) took the loss, allowing five runs on ten hits in eight innings of work. All five runs and six of the hits came in that bad fourth inning.

On Tuesday evening, the Seals scored four times in the top of the eleventh inning to pull away for a 10-6 victory, their fourth win in a row. Earl Shirley went 5 for 6 with a double, scoring twice, to lead San Diego to the win.

The Seals got off to a quick start in this one as newcomer Reggie Adamson lined a two-out, two-run double in the top of the second to put the Seals up 2-0.

Las Vegas answered with three in the bottom half. Gilberto Cardona lined a two-run double to center, but was thrown out trying to stretch the play into a triple. Russell O'Reilly followed that with a solo home run to left, his sixth on the year, to put Las Vegas up 3-2.

San Diego would get an unearned run in the third on a Stephen Park throwing error that allowed Earl Shirley to score to tie the game at 3-3.

Julio Chacon led off the fifth with a double, advanced to third on a ground out, and scored on a Junior Maldonado ground out as Las Vegas retook the look 4-3. But San Diego responded right back with a Wiley Blanton RBI single off the glove of second baseman Stephen Park, allowing Henry Aguilar to score to tie the game at 4-4.

San Diego would go in front in the top of the seventh when Henry Aguilar hit a ball back up the middle that hit off of pitcher Henry Coronado, with the bases loaded. Everyone was safe and the Seals went up 5-4. Alvin Metoyer then hit a sacrifice fly to left to make it 6-4.

David Tejeda responded with a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh, his 15^th on the season, as Las Vegas tied the game back up at 6-6.

San Diego had a chance to take the lead in the ninth after back-to-back singles to open the inning, but Jeff McArthur struck out the next three batters to get out of the jam.

Neither team would score in the tenth. San Diego then got a Griffin single to left with one out in the eleventh to take the lead. Shirley and Tejeda singled to load the bases. Henry Aguilar lined a single back up the middle to score two runs. Alvin Metoyer singled to score Tejeda to make it 10-6.

Evan Chick stayed in the game to pitch the eleventh and sent down Las Vegas in order to earn the win, improving to (3-0) on the year. Kai Ransom (0-4) took the loss for the Silver Kings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits.

On Wednesday evening, the Silver Kings got another great pitching performance from Antoine Swanger as they pulled out a 2-1 victory over the Seals. Swanger (7-5) went eight innings, allowing one run on seven hits, striking out nine without a walk.

San Diego took a 1-0 lead in the second on a solo home run from Rich Edney, his 18^th on the season. Las Vegas tied it up in the sixth on a solo home run from Mariano Hidalgo, his 13^th on the year.

It would stay that way until the eighth. The Seals went to Maynard on the mound and he got the first two batters of the inning out, but gave up a two-out double to Eric Machado. Caden Juarez was intentionally walked. David Tejeda came on to pinch hit for Julio Chacon and lined an RBI single to center with Juarez thrown out at third on the play.

Martin Villegas came on in relief of Antoine Swanger and was able to secure the win to earn his first career save.

Cristian Johnson did not get a decision but pitched well for San Diego, allowing one run on five hits with six strikeouts in six innings of work.

In Thursday evening's finale, the Silver Kings built an 8-0 lead, then held on for a relatively easy 9-5 victory to earn a split of the four game series. Eric Machado went 3 for 5 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs.

Vegas jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the third inning. David Tejeda hit a three-run home run, his 16^th to put Vegas on the board. Julio Chacon added an RBI double, scoring Gilberto Cardona to make it 4-0.

In the fourth, Eric Machado hit a two-run home run, his 13^th. Mariano Hidalgo added an RBI single and another run came home as Caden Juarez grounded into a double play.

San Diego got one back in the fifth on a solo home run from Alvin Metoyer, his 20^th on the season. Reggie Adamson hit a three-run home run in the seventh to cut the Vegas lead to 8-4. It was his second of the series and 10^th on the year.

Eric Machado added an RBI double in the eighth to make it 9-4. Reggie Adamson added an RBI double in the ninth for San Diego's fifth run.

Jude Vernon (4-2) picked up the win, tossing 6.1 innings, allowing three runs on two hits, striking out four and walking three. J.J. Willis (7-8) took the loss for the Seals. He went three plus innings, allowing six runs (four earned) on nine hits, striking out four.

The Silver Kings (37-56) will now host Boise (50-44) to close out the first half of the season as we head into the All-Star break.

Around the League: Gilbert's Jimmy Gutierrez (10-5) tossed a complete game one-hitter, striking out three and walking two in a 12-0 blanking of Flagstaff on Tuesday evening.

Trades: Peoria has sent 29-year-old right handed reliever George Guevara (88 OVR, B POT) to Tucson for 18-year-old starting pitcher Dwight O'Leary (69 OVR, C POT) and 25-year-old right fielder Darrin Parks (69 OVR, C POT). Guevara had 19 saves and five holds with an ERA of 2.95 with 49 strikeouts in 39.2 innings of work.

Long Beach is sending 25-year-old catcher Lance Deardorff (85 OVR, B POT) to Phoenix for 21-year-old starting pitcher Rich Novoa (69 OVR, C POT) and 24-year-old shortstop Peter Carver (72 OBVRm C POT). Deardorff was hitting .272 with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs in 82 games for the Surf Dawgs.

Scottsdale has sent 31-year-old catcher Reggie Adamson (86 OVR, B POT) to San Diego for 23-year-old second baseman William Ko (67 OVR, B POT) and 23-year-old centerfielder Beckett Ramey (68 OVR, B POT). Adamson was hitting .250 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs for the Scorpions in 79 games.

Billings sends 29-year-old catcher Glen Webber (87 OVR, B POT) to Tahoe for 29-year-old second baseman Alex Prado (83 OVR, B POT) and 25-year-old starting pitcher Ray Hunter (72 OVR, C POT). Webber was hitting .261 with 11 home runs and 28 RBIs for the Mustangs. Prado was hitting .271 with nine homers and 49 RBIs with six stolen bases for Tahoe. Ray Hunter started 19 games for Billings, going (6-9, 4.08 ERA) with 72 strikeouts in 19 starts. Tahoe also sent 32-year-old catcher Guillermo Esquivel (78 OVR, C POT) to Billings for 21-year-old starting pitcher Toby Spencer (68 OVR, C POT) and 24-year-old second baseman Joel Ramirez (64 OVR, C POT). Esquivel replaces recently traded Glen Webber in the Mustangs lineup. He was hitting .231 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs for the Lake Monsters.

Phoenix has traded catcher 23-year-old Demarcus Bako (77 OVR, B POT) to Long Beach for 34-year-old third baseman Richard Cobain (78 OVR, C POT), 31-year-old starting pitcher Antonio Salazar (72 OVR, C POT) and 25-year-old reliever Salvatore Rayna (71 OVR, C POT). The move comes after Phoenix acquired catcher Lance Deardorff from Long Beach, making Bako expendable.

Tahoe has sent 24-year-old centerfielder Bret Early (76 OVR, C POT) to Santa Fe for 18-year-old second baseman Eli Del Villar (64 OVR, C POT) and 24-year-old starting pitcher Giancarlo Estrella (67 OVR, C POT).

Long Beach continues to wheel and deal as they send 30-year-old reliever Anthony Pennington (79 OVR, B POT) to Salt River for 26-year-old starting pitcher Theodore Song (70 OVR, C POT).

David Tejeda is looking like a star and the cornerstone of this franchise.

[bigjdotcom01]

July 11-13: BOISE (52-45) @ LAS VEGAS (38-58)
Stadium: Ballys Ballpark (Capacity: 26,976)

July 11: Hawks 5, Silver Kings 4
July 12: Silver Kings 4, Hawks 3
July 13: Hawks 2, Silver Kings 0

Las Vegas, NV (AP) - Las Vegas dropped two of three to Boise to close out the first half of the 2025 season at a dismal (38-58).

The Hawks opened the three game series on Friday night with a 5-4 victory over the Silver Kings to extend their winning streak to four games. Andy Wise led the way, going 2 for 4 with a double, home run and three RBIs to pace the Hawks to the series opening victory.

This one was scoreless into the fifth inning until Las Vegas broke through. Caden Juarez singled to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a ground out. Russell O'Reilly came through with a two-out RBI single to right to score Juarez as Las Vegas went up 1-0.

Boise got on the board in the top of the sixth. With two runners on, Andres Cabrera hit a laser right at second baseman Stephen Park. He whiffed on it and the ball went all the way to the wall, scoring both runners with Cabrera pulling into third with a triple. Andy Wise then hit a two-run home run to left that made it 4-1.

The Silver Kings answered back in the bottom half on an RBI single from Caden Juarez.

Andy Wise added a huge insurance run in the eighth on a two-out RBI double. That ended up being big because the Silver Kings got two back in the bottom of the ninth on a Gilberto Cardona two-run home run, his tenth on the season.

Joseph Morrow (2-1) earned the win for Boise, going six innings and allowing two runs on six hits, striking out four and walking one. Steve Ojeda picked up his 28^th save, but allowed two runs in the ninth.

Jeremi Dillon (2-6) took the loss, but pitched well, allowing four runs on five hits in 5.2 innings of work. He struck out six and walked two. If Stephen Park makes that play on the ground ball in the sixth, he probably gets the win.

On Saturday evening, the Silver Kings rallied to slip past the Hawks 4-3. Junior Maldonado went 2 for 3 with two doubles and two RBIs to help pace the Kings to the victory.

Boise wasted no time grabbing the lead in the first inning. Trevor Castillo led off the game with a single, then stole second. He advanced to third on a ground out and scored on another ground out to give the Hawks an early 1-0 lead. Steve Batista hit a long home run in the second. The solo shot was his 10^th on the season and put Boise up 2-0.

Back-to-back doubles from Junior Maldonado and Todd Matsumoto in the third got Las Vegas on the board.

Boise went back up by two in the fifth on an RBI single from Trevor Castillo. Junior Maldonado answered right back in the bottom half with a two-run double, scoring Stephen Park and Gilberto Cardona, to tie the game at 3-3.

Las Vegas would take their first lead of the game in the sixth, as Stephen Park lined a two-out, RBI double to left, scoring Junior Chacon.

The Silver Kings bullpen then went to work. Rob Porter, Henry Coronado and Kai Ransom each threw a scoreless inning with Ransom picking up his 11^th save. Kevin Perez (8-7) picked up the win, tossing six innings and allowing three runs on seven hits, striking out five. Sean Christensen (5-5) took the loss for Boise. He allowed four runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings of work, striking out seven.

On Sunday afternoon, Boise took the rubber match of the weekend series with a 2-0 victory. Angel Colon went 2 for 4 and drove in both of the Hawks runs in the victory.

Boise went in front in the fourth on an Angel Colon two-out, RBI single that scored Andres Cabrera. He would add a big insurance run in the ninth with a single that scored Chad Riley.

Steve Jefferson (10-5) picked up the win, tossing seven shutout innings, striking out three. Steve Ojeda picked up his 29^th save as he sent down the Silver Kings in order in the ninth.

Emery Hutchinson (8-7) was the hard luck loser in this one. He went seven innings, allowing one run on five hits, striking out seven and walking two.

Eric Machado left the game in the sixth inning, injuring his leg sliding into second on a failed steal attempt. Machado will likely miss the All-Star Game on Tuesday in Austin. He was the leading vote getter in the IBL.

Around the League: Phoenix's George Brandt wins his Desert League leading 13^th game as he improved to (13-5) in a 7-1 victory over Long Beach. Brandt went eight innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out four. Rob Gray homered twice (12,13) for the Firebirds.

Flagstaff goes into the All-Star break red-hot having won four straight and nine of ten to take over the Mountain League Wild Card lead. On Sunday afternoon, the Hops beat Colorado Springs 6-3 with Joe Delaney going 2 for 5 with his club leading 19^th home run and three RBIs to lead the way.

Trades: Amarillo sends 31-year-old catcher Steve Batista (86 OVR, B POT) to Boise for 22-year-old starting pitcher John Marte (70 OVR, C POT) and 23-year-old first baseman Glen Presley (70 OVR, C POT). Batista was hitting .256 with nine homers and 36 RBIs in 77 games for the Honey Hunters.

Flagstaff ships 25-year-old left fielder Robert Leahy (70 OVR, C POT) to San Diego for 22-year-old starting pitcher Alfonso Soriano (68 OVR, C POT).

Salt River sends 29-year-old left fielder Archie Cutliff (80 OVR, C POT) to division rival Chandler for 24-yer-old third baseman Ken Ka (66 OVR, C POT) and 19-year-old starting pitcher Wesley Huseby (66 OVR, C POT).

The Rafters have also traded 26-year-old catcher Juan Lopes (67 OVR, C POT) to Surprise for 24-year-old right fielder Thurman Frey (70 OVR, C POT).

Phoenix sends 24-year-old first baseman Rob Gray (85 OVR, B POT) to Austin for 29-year-old catcher Andres Pena (85 OBR, B POT) and 32-year-old reliever Jeffrey Thomas (81 OVR, B POT). Gray was hitting .242 with 13 home runs and 39 RBIs in 92 games for the Firebirds, They get back another catcher after acquiring Lance Deardorff last week from Long Beach. Pena was hitting .217 with 12 home runs and 33 RBIs in 82 games for Austin. Jeffrey Thomas had an ERA of 0.91 with 63 strikeouts in 49.1 innings of work. He will likely slide into the setup role in Phoenix for the Firebirds, who sit just three games back of Glendale in the DL Central.

Angel Colon drove in both of Boise's runs on Sunday afternoon.

[countryboy]

Cardinals take series from Blue Jays in Toronto

RECORD: 40-47
DIVISION: 5 GB
WILDCARD: 7 GB

The Cardinals took two games of a 3 game series from the Blue Jays in Toronto to begin the week and close out the month of June. The Cardinals are now back to within 5 games of the Brewers now, for the top spot in the division.

The Cardinals started things off well on Monday night as Kumar Rocker went 6 strong innings allowing no runs on 5 scattered hits with 6 punchouts. The offense was a Willson Contreras 2 run homer in the first inning and then later Ivan Herrera added a 2 run double in the 4th.

Tuesday it was Sonny Gray and Gray got rocked and knocked out after 3 innings. Gray surrendered 6 runs on 9 hits over his 3 innings of work. The bullpen was then depleted as the Blue Jays would win 8-1.

Wednesday was Griffin Canning and he pitched arguably his best game of 2027. Canning got thru 7 innings allowing no runs on just 2 hits and struck out 11. At one point Canning struck out 5 straight hitters and didn't allow a hit after a second inning blooper by Andres Gimenez. Luke Weaver would pitch a perfect 8th and Helsley would get the save with a perfect 9th in a 3-0 Cardinals win. Chase Davis had 2 RBIs while Masyn Winn added one of his own.

The Cardinals are off on Thursday as they will travel to Miami for a 3 game weekend series with the Marlins to begin the month of July.

Cardinals trade Sonny Gray to the Nationals in exchange for Elijah Green.

The Cardinals have made yet another move and again its not surprising and they again got a good return. The Cardinals are sending RHP Sonny Gray to the Nationals in exchange for OF Elijah Green.

The Cardinals are likely to miss out on the playoffs this fall as they continue to play average baseball at best, with spurts of good mixed in, and are 7 games below .500 heading into the All-Star break. The only saving grace is that the National League as a whole is fairly weak this year with .500 ball putting you right in the thick of things.

The Nationals however, are 3 games above .500 and trail the Braves by 3 games in the East and are currently tied with the Giants for the 2nd wildcard spot. The Nationals are eager to get back to the postseason and therefore are willing to "overpay" for a struggling Sonny Gray. Gray will join a rotation that is young and having decent success. Gray will add a veteran arm and a pitcher with postseason experience.

The Cardinals got Elijah Green in return as they stockpile their outfield depth. Green will join the likes of Chase Davis, Victor Scott II, Joshua Baez, Won-bin Cho, Jack Gomez, Johnnie Escobar as young prospects that could be the core of the outfield for the next few years. At worst it gives them another prospect to use as a trade candidate either at the deadline or this winter.

With Nootbaar, Donovan, and Gray shipped away, the next in line will likely be Luke Weaver or Willson Contreras (under contract thru 2028)

Cardinals claim Brock Burke and Eli Morgan off waivers

The Cardinals continue re-structure their roster, especially the bullpen as they have claimed LHP Brock Burke and RHP Eli Morgan off waivers. Burke was placed on optional waivers by the Angels and Eli Morgan was placed by the Cubs. Burke is a free agent at seasons end which means the Cards could flip him over the next 3 weeks or possibly hang on to him to see if they get hot the 2nd half of the season and make a serious run at the playoffs.

Eli Morgan is under arbitration control for the next two years so the Cardinals already have a veteran in place should they, and likely will, part ways with Luke Weaver before the deadline, or at the latest this offseason.

Andre Pallante and Zach Thompson were optioned back to Memphis to make roster spot.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Rotation Shining Bright Early
April 11, 2030

We have now completed three turns through the rotation, and it continues to be a strength of this New York team. Pitching has been the mainstay in the organization since 2016, even as the faces and numbers on the mound change. Not only is the 2030 rotation no different, but early on it looks like it could be the best 5-man rotation Flushing has seen since the likes of Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, and Steven Matz stalked the mound at Citi Field.

As a staff, the Mets have a 2.86 ERA. That's good for second in the Majors behind only the Cardinals (2.69). The rotation itself has an ERA even better - 2.73. Anderson Espinoza, Michael Whitehead, Jeremy Pacheco, and Travis West combine for a 2.17 ERA. It's outstanding. Julio Fernandez is the only current outlier (5.52).

Espinoza and Whitehead are the two-headed monster that sets the tone for this Mets squad. They both have an ERA under 1.75, ranking top-6 in the NL. The two power pitchers use high velocity to put hitters on their heels, and they both feature deadly changeups.

It is quite an advantage when seemingly every day the Mets are trotting someone out there that can deliver 7 scoreless. Perhaps the most exciting piece of this rotation is the fact that everyone but Espinoza is back for another year, with Whitehead, West, and Pacheco being under team control through at least 2032.

It's early, but if the Mets are going to accomplish something special this season, this rotation is going to be smack in the middle of it.

[FluffyTonka]

With all the forum migration and whatnot ... i stopped updating my Rockies franchise. But i haven't stopped playing or enjoying it.

2025 was a mixed bag. We finished with a record of 78-84. 18 games behind LA, 15 behind Giants and 12 behind the d-backs. We were 7 games from a wildcard spot, which if we were offered that at the start of the season would have considered ourselves massive over achievers. The thing is, at the all star break we were 1.5 games behind LA and owned a wild card spot by nearly 4 games to the Phils.

Offense was mostly good. Ezekiel Tovar and Angel Martinez (an early season trade) were sensational finishing with a .288 28 HR 84 RBI and .303 28SB respectively. Hunter Goodman finished with .282 and 34 HR to win the Catching silver slugger. and those three my team MVP's. Goodman tho, is woeful behind the dish, couldn't stop the run game and made many errors. So he could centrepiece a big trade this winter.

The bullpen was more than serviceable and starting pitching was mightily abysmal. The Tanner Houck trade in spring training providing the only light at the end of the starting pitching tunnel. Houck finished with a record of 11-5 2.48 ERA and 193 IP 188 SO (he also went from an 82 rated pitcher to an 87, and has become a bonafide ace).

We want to win, we're sick of high picks so the winter of 2025/26 will be spent trading picks, prospects and overspending in free agency 😅

(i really wanted Ethan Holiday in the game, so I've downloaded the live rosters, simmed a season and now find myself in the same position as my played season, only with a much worse record and a much higher draft pick, which we will trade away anyways...)

Offseason 2026 starts now... we have some tarde targets and a big free agnecy signing, and look forward to Ethan Holiday making his way to the big club. He's the 3rd ranked prospect in the game and the future is looking good!

[FluffyTonka]

Free Agency. (look away countryboy)

After much back and forward and fending off rival interest, Colorado Rockies today secured closer Ryan Helsley formerly of the St Louis Cardinals. Helsley joins the rockies on a four year deal worth over 80 million. Helsley was the premier bullpen arm available in this year's free agent crop, and the Rockies went all out for his signature. Colorado had a wealth of salary cap, and locked onto Helsley on the opening day of free agency, finally securing him after a nervous few days of negotiation.

Also by way of trades Colorado have secured reliever Ryan Walker from the Giants for #2 rated 2B Adeal Amador and signed Joe Mantiply to a two-year deal from free agency. Along with the ascending Victor Vodnik, sidearm hurler Jimmy Herget and long reliever Austin Gomber (3.14 ERA in 2025) the rockies promise to have a much improved bullpen in 2026.

A trade centering around Brenton Donovan, two AAA prospects also netted young starter, Jack Leiter from the Texas Rangers. A minor trade for SP Mike Clevinger from the Chisox was also done. the veteran righty will look to be the number 4 pitcher on what hopes to be a much improved staff.

Colorado are still looking to piece together a deal together for another starter to provide a one-two punch that can take them to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, and secure their first ever world series. With Hunter Goodman, the overall number 2 pick in the upcoming 2026 draft and a wealth of prospects at their disposal, anything is possible.

PROJECTED PITCHING 2026

Tanner Houck
?? (Hunter Goodman and Jake Bird plus prospects)
Jack Leiter
Mike Clevinger
Kyle Freeman

LR Austin Gomber

MR Victor Vodnik
MR Jimmy Herget

SU Ryan Walker
SU Joe Mantiply
CR Ryan Helsley


On offence, talks of a LF Kyle Stowers and C Brian Narvetto trade are heating up with the Miami Marlins, with Ryan Mcmahon being floated as trade bait for said deal. With the expected arrival of Ethan Holliday to the majors in 2026 - Holliday is currently batting .455 after seven spring training games, and is crushing the ball to all parts of the park.

McMahon flashed his A+ defence last season but struggled behind the plate after the all star break in 2025, and with only one more year left on his deal is an ideal trade chip for the Rockies with many teams interested for his services.

The trade would not only add a big left bat but also free up Colorado to potentially trade Allstar catcher Hunter Goodman in a blockbuster for an ace to pitch alongside Tanner Houck at the top of the rotation.

More to come.

[countryboy]

Cardinals drop series to Marlins over 4th of July weekend

RECORD: 41-49
DIVISION: 5.5 GB (5TH)
WILDCARD: 8 GB

The Cardinals dropped another series this time to the Marlins in Miami over 4th of July weekend. The Cardinals have slipped further back in both the divisional race and the wildcard. The Brewers, Pirates and Cubs are playing outstanding baseball recently and are sitting themselves apart from the Reds and Cards as it appears it could be a three team race down the stretch.

The offense was a no show in this series as the Cards left 31 men on base over the 3 games. They managed to score just 5 runs despite opportunity after opportunity after opportunity. Masyn Winn did extend his hitting streak to 12 games while Jordan Walker watched his 9 game streak end during a series where he went 0 for 16 with 11 strikeouts. Yikes! Pitching was really good but it doesn't matter if your team doesn't score.

Next up the Cardinals head home for a 4 game series with the Nationals and then a 3 game weekend series with the Giants in St.Louis to conclude the first half of the season.

Nolan Arenado to return from IL before end of the month

Nolan Arenado who has missed about 2 months of games is scheduled to return from the IL about 10 days sooner than expected. Arenado wasn't expected to return until the first part of August, but he will now come back with about 5 days left in July thus meaning he will be eligible for trade. The market on Arenado has obviously cooled as the Dodgers just acquired Coby Mayo from the Orioles to fulfill their 3rd base need. But the Rays and Diamondbacks could still use help at the hot corner and will likely be interested to see the asking price for Nolan's services.

The Cardinals are also still expected to move RHP Luke Weaver, either LHP Sam Hentges or new acquired Brock Burke, and possibly RHP Jordan Hicks as they are on expiring contracts. The Cardinals will also likely move 1B/C Willson Contreras even though he's signed thru 2028 and now there is more scuttlebutt that the Cardinals could trade CF Brenton Doyle despite him being under control thru 2029. Doyle has really struggled this year, especially of late, and with the Cardinals acquiring Elijah Green, and the depth of Victor Scott, Michael Siani, Won Bin Cho, and 2026 draft pick Michell Parker, the Cardinals could look to move Doyle as he would likely bring back the biggest return given his age and control.

The Cardinals front office has stated they want to get thru the draft on Saturday before they look to make any additional moves. The trade market has calmed down a bit after a fiesty 10 days or so in June, although it may heat back up as the Orioles just acquired Sandy Alcantara from the Marlins while the Tigers got Brenden Rogers from the Marlins as well.

[jmcole33]

The Amazins

Mets Split In Texas
April 12, 2030

The Mets split their two game series with the Rangers and will now have a day off before returning home.

Game 1 was a low scoring affair, but the Rangers won 2-1. RHP Anderson Espinoza gutted through 6 innings, but the offense was kept quiet. He gave up just 2 runs, the nail in the coffin a HR to LF Jahmai Jones in the bottom of the 6th. The offense scattered 5 hits, the only RBI thanks to a double from 2B Steven Logan.

The bats would not be held down for a second game in a row, as the Mets plated 9 in a 9-3 win. SS Corey Seager started the game with a solo blast and CF Nick Craven would open the game up with a bases clearing triple in the second inning. RF Elvis Valido would add two more with a HR in the 4th. RHP Michael Whitehead would breeze through 7 innings, giving up only 3 runs, two of which came on a HR with 2 outs in the 7th. RHP Aaron Blair made his season debut and threw two scoreless innings to finish the game.

The Mets (13-4) will now get a day off before returning to New York where they'll face Cincinnati (3-14) for 4 games. The Reds are finishing a two-game set with Boston tomorrow before making the trip down I-95 to NY. They lost game 1 tonight 1-4.

Mets Depth Takes A Hit, Margot To IL

OF Manny Margot tore a ligament in his pointer finger while attempting a diving catch in yesterday's game with Syracuse. He'll require surgery and will miss significant time. 28 year old Edmund Ferreira will replace Margot in AAA.

While the injury does not impact the team in New York right now, it might at some point. With the veteran Margot sidelined, Henry Armas and Johnnie Hernandez are the only reserve outfielders on the 40-man roster.

[bigjdotcom01]

Phoenix, AZ (AP) - The first half of the IBL season came to a close on Sunday.