2012 Franchise Progress Thread

[Helios12787]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Welp in my Braves franchise (which finally got fixed with 1.21) lost to the Diamondbacks in the NLDS in 4 games. Mostly due to the fact that the CPU pitches their ace / #2 starter on like 1 days rest and still they miraculously had full energy lol. Anyone else see this and just scratch their head lol?

Picked up BJ Upton in the off-season to play LF and Prado shifted to 3B.

Lineup for 2013:

CF Bourn
3B Prado
C McCann
2B Uggla
1B Freeman
LF Upton
RF Heyward
SS Pastornicky / Simmons (haven't decided who's gonna start yet).

Rotation:

Hudson
Hanson
Minor
Beachy
Delgado

Signed Hudson to a 1 year deal in the offseason to give Teheran 1 more year of development (he got hurt for a couple months in 2012). Depending on the season I'll look to move Bourn and maybe Beachy to make room for a younger OFer and Gilmartin / one of my other pitching prospects from the Jurrjens trade.

Diamondbacks beat the Rangers in the World Series btw. Phillies got Robinson Cano in FA to a massive deal. Utley retired so now I get to deal with Cano instead

Lost out on the bidding for Joel Zumaya (was looking to bring a quality righty to my setup spot to combo with Venters.) Apparently Zumaya didn't like my deal which gave him a 3 year contract and an extra like 1.3 mil a year and went to the Angels for chump change.

Was a couple other major free agent signings but nothing out of the ordinary. Now time to keep the ship afloat without Chipper Jones sure will miss em.

[Winner417]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I just started a Fantasy Draft with the Toronto Blue Jays. Lost first game 5-2 to against the CLeveland Indians using hetfield426's Sliders "50 Theory". I gave up 3 solo shots 2 with Jered Weaver and 1 with Drew Pomeranz. Roy Halladay completely dominated with 86% of his pitches going for strikes. Trying to go 162 games played by me.

[DJ]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Re-started my Rockies franchise and yep, I still stink, lol.

I think I've got my hitting woes figured out, though. Still on All-Star, but lowered Pitch Speed to zero and upped the Timing and Solid Hits slider +2 clicks each to help me get back in the groove. If I begin to rake, I can lower those sliders.

2-6 record, but should be 4-4 as the bullpen has blown 2 late-inning leads. Matt Belisle has been horrid so far, which is odd because I usually do really well with him. Betancourt blew a save 2 days ago, but that's nothing new as it seems I always struggle closing out games with Colorado's bullpen. I've had similar issues in NY with the Mets this year; with K-Rod, I was nearly perfect in save opportunities.

Losing isn't the most enjoyable thing in the world but I'm trying to enjoy the games as best I can. Hopefully the slider changes I've made will help my offensive woes, otherwise I may have to drop down to Veteran.

[Bengals28]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I'm about 60 games into my Nationals franchise playing every game, every inning and we're sitting at 26-35 tied for last in the NL East 11.5 GB with the Mets. My starting pitching has been pretty good but other than that it hadn't been great. One thing I'm excited about is Bryce Harpers play. After playing him in the bigs to start the year he struggled mightily and I sent him down to Triple A. Jason Werth had to go on the 60 day DL though so that gave me the opportunity to bring him back up. He's been a boss since coming back up and as of now is batting a respectable .252 with 8 HRs and 28 RBIs. Gonna play untill the ASB and I'll post back up here full stats.

[wisdom less13]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Got swept in the opening series against the Braves. Washington comes into town, and jumps ALL OVER Mike Pelfrey for a six spot in the 4th to make it 7-0. He was opposing Edwin Jackson, but when Pelfrey hits him in his hand in the 4th, Jackson comes out. I was making him work with 3BB in just two innings, too. I then hit a solo shot at the bottom of the inning with Duda, 7-1. Next inning, Duda homers again. This time it's a three-run shot. 7-4. I get guys on, but cannot cash in. I get a run in the 8th to make it 7-5. Here I go, into the bottom of the 9th...Lead off with a single by Murphy, K swinging with Wright, Ike Davis hit, Duda gets on with his fourth hit of the game. Bases loaded, up comes Jason Bay, he works the count and gets his pitch, swings, and pops up. Up comes Josh Thole. I pinch hit with Scott Hairston because I want some pop, and the win...First pitch, high fastball, power swing, miss. 0-1. I then swing and foul off a low change-up. 0-2. Take the slider off the plate, foul two more pitches off, then Stammen throws another high fastball and BOOM! Walk-off, pinch-hit, GRAND SLAM for Scott Hairston. I jumped up and yelled quietly from excitement (it was about 4am), I scare the **** outta my girl, wake her up, and then watch as Hairston rounds the bases, tosses his helmet, and does that "Ric Flair" step towards home. I ended up doing proper bullpen moves, defensive shifts (huge in this game), and held them to nothing after the 4th. It was also my first Grand Slam in The Show since probably '09...Sorry for the length and the corny write up, but I just had to share with someone hahaha Most of my friends don't play this game, so there's no one to text and rejoice with haha Well, now game 2 with my man Dillon Gee.

[rymflaherty]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I just recently hit the mid-way point in my Franchise, so I figured it was a good time to post in this thread.
I'm playing on All-Star with a slightly tweeked version of the "Perfect HOF" sliders.
Playing every game. Some on the Vita. Used real life injuries to start the season - used random.org to determine length of injury (using what I believed was a best case and worst case for the injury).
Started with those injuries and the "real-life" opening day roster....From there anything is based on what's happening in the game.
Playing with the Red Sox.

Record - 46-35
4 behind the Yankees in the East
1.5 behind the Rangers in the Wild Card
Wish that second-WC spot was in there lol

Currently going through a brutal stretch hitting, where it seems my entire team has gone cold. Ironically, around that time my starting Pitching finally began to pick up.
I also made one trade in my season - Not sure it's fully "realistic" but these guys were on the trading block, and it's probably better than some of the trades the CPU has been making lol.
Picked up C David Ross and SP Jair Jurrjens for RP Bobby Jenks (cheated a bit with him since he should have been injured all year), SP Stolmy Pimental and SS Jose Iglesias.

Here are some stats for everyone that's played for me in the first-half.....For Ross and Jurrjens the numbers are just with me.
I'm going to try to throw them in a "Spoiler tag" so this post isn't too long, but for anyone that's interested.....Here you go......

Spoiler

Hitters - avg. Hr Rbi

Ellsbury .312 14 43
Pedroia .248 8 28
Gonzalez .297 16 54
Ortiz .323 15 39
Youkilis .245 16 38
C.Ross .295 6 29
Salty . 200 6 20
Aviles .255 0 8
Crawford .280 3 18
Spears .348 0 2
Punto .310 2 10
McDonald .279 1 10
D.Ross .288 0 6

(MLB stats - now in minors)
Sweeney .222 0 4
Lavarnway .268 0 2
Shoppach .194 2 7
Anderson .273 2 6

Pitchers stats - W-L ERA K's(starters) Saves (Relievers)

Lester 5-4 3.48 92
Beckett 3-4 4.91 88
Buchholz 8-3 3.50 100
Hill 4-1 2.68 48
Jurrjens 3-1 2.79 28
Atchison 1-1 3.58
Bowden 5-3 2.63
Thomas 2-1 2.81 1
Morales 3-1 1.98
Padilla 1-3 3.34
Melancon 3-1 1.10 2
Aceves 2-3 2.51 24

(MLB stats - guys now in minors)

Doubront 3-4 6.00 29
Bard 2-4 6.11 55
Albers 1-1 16.00

So that's that......I've played a few games now since. Hopefully I get out of this hitting funk soon, because as you see overall the numbers are pretty good and I've had a lot of fun with the game this year.
I had 2 all-stars - Ellsbury and Gonzalez.
Need to get on a run here in the second-half so I'm not shut out of the post-season.
Thanks to anyone that took a look at all my numbers and what not.

[BenGerman]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Bengerman's Phillies Franchise (Offseason, Year Two)

Notes:

• Charlie Manuel retired.
• Chase Utley retired.
• Notable Free Agents... Brian Wilson, Chris Young, Carlos Beltran, Mike Morse, Joakim Soria, Ben Zobrist, Adam Jones, Matt Garza, Michael Young, Corey Hart, Alberto Callaspo, Phil Hughes, David Ortiz, Mark Reynolds, and Yunel Escobar.
• I'll probably be targeting Zobrist, Reynolds, and possibly Morse. I have a budget of 55.4 Million, so I definitely have some room to make a splash.
• Roy Halladay was my only big time player up for renewal. I got him for 3 years, 50 million. I thought this was pretty cheap, and this way he should retire a Phil.

** Hunter Pence is also eligible for Free Agency, we'll see if he accepts my arbitration.

So after much internal debate, I've decided to continue my Phillies Franchise. I simmed through the playoffs this morning, and once again lost in the first round. Most of the Free Agents are the same (I went through and did my best to manipulate the CPU's signings to get it like this), and right now my biggest worry is resigning Pence. If I sign Pence, I probably won't go after Morse. If I don't sign Pence, I'll go after Morse.

Update:

• Phillies sign Morse to 4/43.19 deal.
• Pence signs with Angels, 4/48.85
• Boston looks to lead on Brian Wilson.
• Cardinals look to lead on Chris Young.
• Boston, Phillies, Rays, among those looking to sign Zobrist.
• Beltran looking for a 1/15.00 deal after very productive year (.298, 26 HR's, 88 RBIs).

Update:

• Reynolds resigns with Orioles.
• Zobrist declines Phillies offer, signs with Texas Rangers (3/14.37).
• Red Sox sign Brian Wilson who returned from TJ surgery to have an excellent 2013 (2.19 ERA, 44/48 Saves)
• Dodgers reportedly offering Kershaw 7/175.00 Million. Wowza.

[pokerplaya]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

So after much internal debate, I've decided to continue my Phillies Franchise. I simmed through the playoffs this morning, and once again lost in the first round. Most of the Free Agents are the same (I went through and did my best to manipulate the CPU's signings to get it like this), and right now my biggest worry is resigning Pence. If I sign Pence, I probably won't go after Morse. If I don't sign Pence, I'll go after Morse.

Just a couple of comments.

A. Reading about your franchises was honestly my "secondary" motivation to post mine here other than HeroesAndVillains encouraging me to post because I am trying to go 10 years of full play over a 4 year real life period. I *thoroughly* enjoy all of your updates, and I am not even close to a Phillies fan. SO...

B. I am so glad that you decided to continue with this franchise even with the unfortunate stuff you had happen with your save. Was afraid we were going to lose your updates.

Thanks for the enjoyment on behalf of all of us who enjoy reading about Ben's Phillies!

[ILiveForThis]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I. Cannot. Beat. The. Cubs.

In our early April series, I have gone down 0-3 heading into the series finale. In Game Three, I got an excellent start out of Yovani Gallardo (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 K) and a 4-1 lead off of 4 HR's (Weeks, Braun, Hart 2). This was until the 8th when the Cubs threatened and ended up tying the game after Veras walked the bases-loaded, forcing me to bring in Axford to try and clean it up. A 2-RBI single followed by back-to-back walks knotted the score at 4's. It stayed this way until Manny Parra hung a 2SFB to Jeff Baker in the bottom of the 10th that he put into the basket in left-field, giving the Cubs the walk-off/comeback victory.

I am now 2-4 on the season (2-1 against STL, 0-3 against CHC) and the Cubs are tied with Cincy atop the NL Central at 5-1.

I am worried about my pitching as I have one more start from Narveson (before he gets injured for the year) and am not sure if I trust Marco Estrada, Wily Peralta, or Manny Parra to get on the bump every fifth day. I was thinking about making a Ben Sheets CAP that was degraded and even worse than Estrada, but try to give him another go in Brew Town.

Hitting-wise, I am raking. Braun/Morgan/Aoki/Ishikawa/Weeks/Hart are all above .400 (granted, it is early) and I don't have problems scoring runs. I just give up too many! I will be losing Gamel and Gonzalez soon , and have thought about bringing in long-time-Brewer Bill Hall to fill the void at SS, 2B or even 3B. As for Gamel, I am planning on moving Hart to 1B and giving Aoki the at-bats in RF.

Updates will be coming. Going to play Game 4.

[BenGerman]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Just a couple of comments.

A. Reading about your franchises was honestly my "secondary" motivation to post mine here other than HeroesAndVillains encouraging me to post because I am trying to go 10 years of full play over a 4 year real life period. I *thoroughly* enjoy all of your updates, and I am not even close to a Phillies fan. SO...

B. I am so glad that you decided to continue with this franchise even with the unfortunate stuff you had happen with your save. Was afraid we were going to lose your updates.

Thanks for the enjoyment on behalf of all of us who enjoy reading about Ben's Phillies!

Thanks man! I look forward to more of your updates as well.

I'm glad I decided to continue it as well. I think after it happened, I was a little frustrated with the situation. But after I gave myself a couple of days, I honestly couldn't remember who went where in Free Agency so it wasn't a big deal.

Another quick update, I am screwed. I offered Polanco a last second contract in hopes that I'd have someone reasonable to play 3rd Base. Zobrist, Reynolds, and Raburn (another last second option) all signed elsewhere. Due to Utley's retirement, Galvis will slip in to second base.

Its worthy of note that I have one A Prospect in AA right now who plays short. He isn't even close to ready, but if I really push his development, maybe by the trade deadline he will suffice at SS and I can move over an older J-Roll. We'll see, I'll make sure to keep you guys updated. Lots of big Free Agents still out there.

[BenGerman]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Re-started my Rockies franchise and yep, I still stink, lol.

I think I've got my hitting woes figured out, though. Still on All-Star, but lowered Pitch Speed to zero and upped the Timing and Solid Hits slider +2 clicks each to help me get back in the groove. If I begin to rake, I can lower those sliders.

2-6 record, but should be 4-4 as the bullpen has blown 2 late-inning leads. Matt Belisle has been horrid so far, which is odd because I usually do really well with him. Betancourt blew a save 2 days ago, but that's nothing new as it seems I always struggle closing out games with Colorado's bullpen. I've had similar issues in NY with the Mets this year; with K-Rod, I was nearly perfect in save opportunities.

Losing isn't the most enjoyable thing in the world but I'm trying to enjoy the games as best I can. Hopefully the slider changes I've made will help my offensive woes, otherwise I may have to drop down to Veteran.

I really like the what the Rockies have to build off of this year. Tulo and Car-Go are huge building blocks. Plus some good, young pitching that could help in the future. Just out of curiosity, did you plan on playing more than one year? I know last year I played every game of the season, and then went to the play one, sim 5 strategy (made it through about 5 seasons). I also have a lot more time than most people haha.

Good luck with that bullpen!

[Sheen_O_Mack]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I just started year 2 with my brewers franchise and won on opening day 1-0 in 10 innings againts the Mets.

I am having difficulties settling on what my lineup should be. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Here is what I have currently:

1. 2B Freddy Galvis
2. SS Alex Gonzalez
3. LF Ryan Braun
4. RF Torii Hunter
5. 1B Billy Butler
6. CF Andrew McCutchen
7. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall/Matt Gamel
8. C Jonathan Lucroy
9. Pitcher

I have Gamel in against right handers and Chisenhall vs lefties, what I can't decide on is the order for 2-7.

[BenGerman]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I just started year 2 with my brewers franchise and won on opening day 1-0 in 10 innings againts the Mets.

I am having difficulties settling on what my lineup should be. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Here is what I have currently:

1. 2B Freddy Galvis
2. SS Alex Gonzalez
3. LF Ryan Braun
4. RF Torii Hunter
5. 1B Billy Butler
6. CF Andrew McCutchen
7. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall/Matt Gamel
8. C Jonathan Lucroy
9. Pitcher

I have Gamel in against right handers and Chisenhall vs lefties, what I can't decide on is the order for 2-7.

How did you get McCutchen? Personally, I think I'd go...

Galvis
McCutchen
Braun
Butler
Hunter
Gonzalez
Gamel
Lucroy

Just because McCutchen is too good to hit that low in the lineup. Good looking team though!

[37]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

How did you get McCutchen? Personally, I think I'd go...

Galvis
McCutchen
Braun
Butler
Hunter
Gonzalez
Gamel
Lucroy

Just because McCutchen is too good to hit that low in the lineup. Good looking team though!

i was gunna go with this but Hunter at this stage is not a 5 hitter..plus i'd bat Gamel, Lucroy, Gonzalez

[ILiveForThis]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I. Cannot. Beat. The. Cubs.

In our early April series, I have gone down 0-3 heading into the series finale. In Game Three, I got an excellent start out of Yovani Gallardo (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 K) and a 4-1 lead off of 4 HR's (Weeks, Braun, Hart 2). This was until the 8th when the Cubs threatened and ended up tying the game after Veras walked the bases-loaded, forcing me to bring in Axford to try and clean it up. A 2-RBI single followed by back-to-back walks knotted the score at 4's. It stayed this way until Manny Parra hung a 2SFB to Jeff Baker in the bottom of the 10th that he put into the basket in left-field, giving the Cubs the walk-off/comeback victory.

I am now 2-4 on the season (2-1 against STL, 0-3 against CHC) and the Cubs are tied with Cincy atop the NL Central at 5-1.

I am worried about my pitching as I have one more start from Narveson (before he gets injured for the year) and am not sure if I trust Marco Estrada, Wily Peralta, or Manny Parra to get on the bump every fifth day. I was thinking about making a Ben Sheets CAP that was degraded and even worse than Estrada, but try to give him another go in Brew Town.

Hitting-wise, I am raking. Braun/Morgan/Aoki/Ishikawa/Weeks/Hart are all above .400 (granted, it is early) and I don't have problems scoring runs. I just give up too many! I will be losing Gamel and Gonzalez soon , and have thought about bringing in long-time-Brewer Bill Hall to fill the void at SS, 2B or even 3B. As for Gamel, I am planning on moving Hart to 1B and giving Aoki the at-bats in RF.

Updates will be coming. Going to play Game 4.

So, saying that Game Four went better would be an understatement. Zach Grienke went out and completely dominated the Cubbies, to the tone of a CG SHO. 9 Innings, 2 Hits, 0 ER, 3 Walks, 2 Strikeouts. He was just filthy, yet he let them hit the ball. It was a 2-0 win for the Brewers, scoring both of their runs in the 5th on a Grienke RBI-Single and a Weeks RBI-Triple in successive at-bats.

The Crew will now travel to Atlanta, bringing their 3-4 record with them.