MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

[cardsleadtheway]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

ok as promised i will now unveil my fantasy roster for you to judge. again i went with as much youth as i could find in this one. also tried to build around pitching and defense as i could.

Starting Rotation

Stephen Strasburg (22)
Edwin Volquez (27)
Johnny Cueto (25)
Justin Masterson (25)
Kyle Drabek (23) R

Bullpen

LRP - Scott Mathieson (27) R
MRP - Tyson Ross 23) R
MRP - Brandon League (27)
MRP - Michael Kohn (24) R
SU - Rafael Soriano (31)
SU - Aroldis Chapman (23) R
CL - Drew Storen (23)

Starting Lineup

CF - Julio Borbon (25)
1B - Todd Helton 37)
C - Matt Wietters (24)
SS - Johnny Peralta (28)
2B - Skip Schumaker (31)
3B - Danny Valencia (26)
RF - Lastings Milledge (25)
LF - Jose Tabata (22)

Bench

SS - Ronny Cedeno (28)
CF - Cameron Maybin (23)
C - Jeff Mathis (27)
1B - Justin Smoak (24)
CF - Peter Bourjos (23)

So as you can see i tried to stay as young as i could in most cases. my first five draft picks were of course my starting rotation. had to get that secured first and foremost.

I can only hope that this young team can help bring life to the game for me and help me bring a playoff berth to the steel city. I'm not starting out well after losing 3-2 to the cubs on the road.

Don't take this the wrong way when I say I won't be surprised when you fail to finish out this franchise as well. Like all fantasy franchises, you put together a nice team, but if you get bored playing with your favorite team, I somehow doubt you won't get bored playing with a bunch of players that don't go together against a bunch of teams that also have a bunch of players that don't go together. Good luck and I hope you have fun with it.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

Oh im with you on bullpens...only 3 out of my 7 are performing, its killing me.

Hows progress Country?

Ive started 4-5, struggling offensively but getting by with some good starting pitching from Verlander, Scherzer and Porcello...but not Brad Penny, an ERA of 27.00 after 2 games, 6 innings, 19 hits given up, i kid you not.

I am currently sitting atop the Central as we get geared up for July. I have a 4 game lead over the Astros and 4 1/2 over the Pirates of all people.

[mlblover15]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

Don't take this the wrong way when I say I won't be surprised when you fail to finish out this franchise as well. Like all fantasy franchises, you put together a nice team, but if you get bored playing with your favorite team, I somehow doubt you won't get bored playing with a bunch of players that don't go together against a bunch of teams that also have a bunch of players that don't go together. Good luck and I hope you have fun with it.

Well through two games with the Pirates im not doing so hot. I'm starting to wonder if just MAYBE each TEAM is programmed a certain way no matter how you have your roster set up.

so teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Cardinals, and the like that are always good teams in real life always have an edge. Thus teams like Pittsburgh, Oakland, Washington, etc. are doomed to not be able to do well in this game.

I am probably wrong on this and i will take any and all comments on this. I'm now 0-2 on my season with loses to the Cubs. This is coming on rookie with TNK's sliders.

i think it is time to go back to default on rookie and see what i can do. offensively i still can't get it going at all. god if i can't hit on rookie well enough to win a single game, do i have ANY reason playing this game at all?

i've been seriously considering trading in both 10' and 11 and going back to 08. Knowing that at least i can play on the highest setting and win some games with default sliders

Don't get me wrong this game is amazing in so many ways. all the new controls and everything, but offensively either i can plow through teams or i get plowed down or the computer uses its comeback code to wreck great games.

i'll give it a couple more days of playing this game before i openly decide to do whatever it is that i will end up doing. I realy do want to give this game the fair shake it deserves but i'm at my wits end with all the slider sets and the sluggish amount of offense or too much offense on either or both sides.

[BraveTiger]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

ok as promised i will now unveil my fantasy roster for you to judge. again i went with as much youth as i could find in this one. also tried to build around pitching and defense as i could.

Starting Rotation

Stephen Strasburg (22)
Edwin Volquez (27)
Johnny Cueto (25)
Justin Masterson (25)
Kyle Drabek (23) R

Bullpen

LRP - Scott Mathieson (27) R
MRP - Tyson Ross 23) R
MRP - Brandon League (27)
MRP - Michael Kohn (24) R
SU - Rafael Soriano (31)
SU - Aroldis Chapman (23) R
CL - Drew Storen (23)

Starting Lineup

CF - Julio Borbon (25)
1B - Todd Helton 37)
C - Matt Wietters (24)
SS - Johnny Peralta (28)
2B - Skip Schumaker (31)
3B - Danny Valencia (26)
RF - Lastings Milledge (25)
LF - Jose Tabata (22)

Bench

SS - Ronny Cedeno (28)
CF - Cameron Maybin (23)
C - Jeff Mathis (27)
1B - Justin Smoak (24)
CF - Peter Bourjos (23)

So as you can see i tried to stay as young as i could in most cases. my first five draft picks were of course my starting rotation. had to get that secured first and foremost.

I can only hope that this young team can help bring life to the game for me and help me bring a playoff berth to the steel city. I'm not starting out well after losing 3-2 to the cubs on the road.

Should have gotten Brandon Beachy as a SP 23 year old Rookie.

Leads major leagues IRL at the moment in rookie strikeouts, I think he'll be a top pitcher in years to come... not ace material but a name known.

[BraveTiger]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

Looking to start my Braves Franchise tonight... wanted to do a full blown franchise in the forums, but it's too much work haha. So I'm going to update in this thread...

Not sure If I'll play all 162 games or not.. I want to get through a few years... so I'm trying to find out a way I can at least not leave my teams fate up to random simming.

[antilowpe]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

12-7 with the White Sox.
And 8 wins in a row waoww
After the sweep of the Halos, we've just swept the Rays in the Trop'.
My pitching has been outstanding during this span, allowing only 12 runs in 8 games!

However my batting is always in the last five of the league.
During these 8 games, 2 times I entered in the 7th with a no-hitter against me that I broke with a solo shot.
One of them was vs the Rays.
I was down 0-1 in the 7th, broke the no-hitter with a solo shot by Rios, then two routine flyball for the out and after all that the offense woke up.
I ended that inning with 9 hits 9 runs and won 9-1 the game.
I only hit in that inning, weird...

My offensive struggles with Rios and Quentin continue as Rios batting a mere .100 avg and Quentin a .150 !
(AJ has just passed the Mendoza line wowoowww)

[cardsleadtheway]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

I am just killing it with this year's team. Hopefully a world series repeat is in the works. I love how sometimes certain players will have really great years and really bad years. I also love how not all prospects pan out at the same time. Some are just late bloomers. Michael Taylor, at 28, is finally having his break out year. Or at least I hope he is and not just having an explosive month. He hit 9 dingers in late April and May, but has yet to hit any near the end of June. Meanwhile, Carlos Quentin, who has been a very steady performer putting up 20-25 home runs a year, may be at the point where his best days are behind him. He has 5 home runs so far, and despite the "young slugger" tag Matt uses, he is now 32 and has almost zero speed. I would move him permanently to DH, except that I have Chris Carter making his home there. So perhaps he will start the move to 4th outfielder and make way for the Taylor years. I still have another year left on his contract after this one. I may look to shop him around for prospects near the deadline, but I doubt it. MVP Pena has also been struggling a bit, or at least as far as an MVP can. He is batting around .260 (down from .330 last year) and sitting at 20 home runs. CF Aurelio Peralta, who just signed a 4 year deal avoiding arbitration years, has been struggling a lot.

More than any other season I can remember, I am really looking forward to the off season. Even more than the playoffs. After picking up Tulo for a measly $2 mil (still having problems coming up with a plausible story line as to why the Phillies dropped their multi-year deal in February), he has been amazing. I initially wanted him as a one year rental, but he is leading the MVP voting as well as home runs and RBI's, despite playing in the lead off. I really want to re-sign him, but I know he will be very expensive. I have Suzuki's contract due up, which could get expensive since he is in my top 3 overall, as well as Pena's and options on Anderson and Bailey. I could actually run out of money if I am not careful. I have no intention of re-signing Greinke, Soria, or Brad Kilby, all of which will be type A. If I fail to sign Suzuki and Tulo, I could end up with a vast amount of draft picks. That is 5 type A's right there, so feasibly 6 first rounders and another 5 sandwich picks. I hope it turns out to be a really good draft year.

[youngslim21]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

After having to start my franchise over after my PS3 died, I'm 0-1 with my Mariners. Felix pitched 6 innings of 1-run ball (with 9 K's) but my defense let me down in the 7th, committing two errors that led to 3 runs. Eventually lost 4-1 after putting two on in the ninth but not being able to get them in.

Looking forward to getting a couple games in tonight.

[Braves Fan]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

27-15 with the Braves, sitting in 1st place in the middle of May. I've lost Prado for the season but my team still is winning at a very nice clip. I have a 2 game series with the Astros before I hit the road and head out to Arizona and LA to play the Angels to get interleague play underway.

I'm wondering when a losing streak is coming, I'm expecting it at some point because with the loss of Prado I don't think my team is this good.

[fullmetal2405]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

Well at first I went with a Yankees franchise, but as usual I never last with that one, haha. I like rebuilding. So I started one with the O's, latest online roster update (I usually go with OS full minors, but I just... didn't this year)

Only change I made was creating myself (I always do in Franchise). Catcher with speed, IF secondary. Yes. Catcher with speed. That's me. I had a good spring and took a chance putting myself in the majors at Third as that was the best option defensively. Guerrero is on the bench (and on the trade block) as I just really don't like him at all.

During spring training I signed Ben Sheets to use as a reliever (took a chance) as well as Scot Shields.

Opening day Lineup:

1. 2B Roberts
2. RF Markakis
3. 1B Lee
4. DH Reynolds
5. LF Scott
6. 3B Me
7. CF Jones
8. C Wieters
9. Hardy

Bench:
Guerrero
Fox
Reimold
Izturis

Rotation:
Guthrie
Matusz
Britton
Arrieta
Duchscherer

Bullpen:
LRP Sheets
MRP Hendrickson
MRP Johnson
MRP Gregg
SU Shields
SU Gonzales
CP Uehara

Sheets was excellent early, pitching 7 and a third, 1 hit, no runs, 9 K's in 2 games (ha done go 17 innings) Then he went and broke his arm. Sigh. Bergesen now LRP.

Offensively, Jones is off to a terrible start, hitting below .100 7 games in. Hardy, Scott and Roberts are the three standouts at the plate so far. I've randomly chipped in with some power, hitting 3 homers.

Britton has been my best starter. Great first start, even better second start, bringing a no-hitter into the 5th. And then on an 0-2 changeup he broke his wrist. Bergesen, Gonzales and Uehara combined for a 1-hitter.

We are now 6-2, with the following team leaders:

AVG: Scott (.455)
HR: Reynolds, me (3)
RBI: Reynolds, Hardy (6)
SB: Roberts (3)
BB: Scott (3)

Wins: Matusz (2)
ERA: Sheets, Hendrickson, Johnson, Uehara all have an ERA of 0.00, among starters Britton is tops with a 0.75
Saves: Uehara (4)
IP: Matusz (13)
Hits Allowed: Sheets (1)
K's: Guthrie, Sheets (9)
WHIP: Sheets (0.27)

Just wish Sheets and Britton didn't get hurt... Right now I'm trying to make a couple trades, waiting on responses to my offers. Looking primarily for starting pitching, both major league ready and some young talent to develop. I WAS looking for a shortstop, but right now Hardy is handling himself just fine. With my hatred for Guerrero and Jones struggling, I'm also looking for another outfielder or two, though Scott and Reimold have been doing well platooning in left. Really hoping on this offer coming through with Chicago. It would bring over Gavin Floyd, Adam Dunn, and a minor league starter with A potential. We shall see.

[TribalMets]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

Looks good. I couldn't stick with the yanks either..too easy.
I am going with the cubs.
What sliders are you using?

[cardsfan2222]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

My team still has no power as we near the middle of May, although only 5 teams in the majors have given up more home runs than me. I'm in first place despite getting mediocre pitching from my starting rotation. My bullpen has been good so far. Jason Motte is leading the league with 5 wins in relief.

My last game was a strange one. Carpenter vs Greinke for the 2nd time in a week. Greinke went 5 innings last time, but only lasted 1/3 of an inning this time before leaving with a strained hamstring. Carp pitched decent, but his mistakes got hit hard. Down 4-3 in the 8th, I managed to tie it up, sending yet another game to extra innings. Ludwick hit a walkoff single in the 10th to give us a 5-4 win, giving the bullpen yet another win. The bullpen has more wins than my entire starting rotation. Luckily I'm in a weak division where my lack of power and starting pitching hasn't hurt me...yet.

[cardsleadtheway]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

My team still has no power as we near the middle of May, although only 5 teams in the majors have given up more home runs than me. I'm in first place despite getting mediocre pitching from my starting rotation. My bullpen has been good so far. Jason Motte is leading the league with 5 wins in relief.

My last game was a strange one. Carpenter vs Greinke for the 2nd time in a week. Greinke went 5 innings last time, but only lasted 1/3 of an inning this time before leaving with a strained hamstring. Carp pitched decent, but his mistakes got hit hard. Down 4-3 in the 8th, I managed to tie it up, sending yet another game to extra innings. Ludwick hit a walkoff single in the 10th to give us a 5-4 win, giving the bullpen yet another win. The bullpen has more wins than my entire starting rotation. Luckily I'm in a weak division where my lack of power and starting pitching hasn't hurt me...yet.

Hey man, what year are you in now? I am sure you have mentioned the moves you have made, but I can't remember them all. How intact is your team? I love seeing all the moves that have been made in my franchise, and yet most of the teams still have their core players. The Yankees haven't given up any of their major crew. Neither have the Red Sox. And then sometimes the game mirrors real life. Berkman was traded to the Yankees and the Red Sox managed to get Adrian Gonzalez (as well as Grady Sizemore, Hunter Pence, and Matt LaPorta, while still having Beltre). The Pirates and the Astros, on the other hand, are almost entirely different teams. I love seeing stuff like that.

[cardsfan2222]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

I'm in 11. I only got one complete season in last year. I've got Carpenter, Wainwright (on DL) Garcia, Westbrook, Hawksworth, and now Hochevar as my starting rotation. My bullpen is the same as last year except Sam Freeman is my 2nd lefty, and Drew Storen has taken over as closer. I got him in the Holliday for Dunn trade. Dunn is now with Houston, and the Pirates splurged and took Berkman, who is leading the league in home runs.

I signed Rolen to play third, Mather and Craig split time in left field, and Brignac is at short. The other positions are like the real cards, except Ludwick is still in right. He's been a disappointment. His average is ok after a hot start, but he only has 1 home run. I need more power than that from the cleanup spot.

[haiuguyz]

Re: MLB 11 The Show "Franchise/Season" Progress Thread

Started a new franchise using the Pirates with 30-team control, Nystyle's sliders (except All-Star batting with zone), budgets on, and no training. Finally decided to do sounds of the show, and configured all those (I LOVE hearing "Hit The Road Jack" after I strike an All-Star out).

I simmed the first season like always, and I'll tell you the results after I eat dinner and go to the gym.