2012 Franchise Progress Thread

[DJ]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Without getting too into it, my update is that my team pulled a massive choke job, and didn't make it into the playoffs. Unfortunately, I don't have stats because I angrily advanced to the offseason. My team lost their last 9 games, and went 3-17 in their last 20.

choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke choke

As a Mets fan, I don't feel bad at all about the Philles choking their way out of the playoffs. But, I feel bad for you, Ben, that you didn't get in. A definite heartbreaker.

Speaking of the Mets, they are at 4-6 (using Scott's ZiPS roster from the end of May) after a 14-2 beatdown of the Braves in Atlanta. Funny thing about that game was I had just been swept by the Phillies, and was shut out in 2 of the 3 games (Halladay and Hamels). It was nice to get the bats going and Dillon Gee pitched into the 9th inning, but couldn't finish the game off; still he only allowed the 2 runs on 6 hits, struck out 2 and walked 2.

Ike Davis is leading the NL with a .455 average. He belted his 4th HR of the season and drove in 5 runs in the last game against Atlanta, pushing his season total to 14. David Wright is hitting .308 and Jason Bay is second on the team with 10 RBIs.

A&S, thanks for those roster suggestions. Definitely am going to check out the 1984 set. I have the 1996 set downloaded and think I've settled on using the Orioles for that season.

Glad I have this game; it makes it very easy to stay away from NCAA 13.

[LowerWolf]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Glad I have this game; it makes it very easy to stay away from NCAA 13.

It's usually this time of year that I give up playing MLB so that I can roll with NCAA. Not happening this year though. Already canceled my NCAA pre-order.

[cardinals57]

After two months I am currently 34-17 and sitting .5 games behind the Brewers. I just finished up a three game set vs the Braves and I'm glad I'm done with them. I lost two out of three but I got screwed most of the series. I had to deal with umps strike zones favoring them, umps calling a foul ball a home run, just to review it and keep the call as a homer, even though it was clearly foul and fantastic diving plays by Heyward or Pastornicky. Onto New York to start my 7 game road stint.

[JG1986]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

As a Mets fan, I don't feel bad at all about the Philles choking their way out of the playoffs. But, I feel bad for you, Ben, that you didn't get in. A definite heartbreaker.

Speaking of the Mets, they are at 4-6 (using Scott's ZiPS roster from the end of May) after a 14-2 beatdown of the Braves in Atlanta. Funny thing about that game was I had just been swept by the Phillies, and was shut out in 2 of the 3 games (Halladay and Hamels). It was nice to get the bats going and Dillon Gee pitched into the 9th inning, but couldn't finish the game off; still he only allowed the 2 runs on 6 hits, struck out 2 and walked 2.

Ike Davis is leading the NL with a .455 average. He belted his 4th HR of the season and drove in 5 runs in the last game against Atlanta, pushing his season total to 14. David Wright is hitting .308 and Jason Bay is second on the team with 10 RBIs.

A&S, thanks for those roster suggestions. Definitely am going to check out the 1984 set. I have the 1996 set downloaded and think I've settled on using the Orioles for that season.

Glad I have this game; it makes it very easy to stay away from NCAA 13.

This, especially because it is really NCAA 12.5

[LowerWolf]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

At the All-Star break in mine, so I decided to take a few days off from playing. Played the home run derby and won it with McCann. Simmed the All-Star game, with the AL winning 4-2.

But the Rangers decided to keep wheeling and dealing at the break. First they got Lee from the Astros, then they acquired Soriano from the Cubs. Really looking forward to getting the second half started so I can see what else the trade deadline brings.

[RGmoney]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

At the All-Star break in mine, so I decided to take a few days off from playing. Played the home run derby and won it with McCann. Simmed the All-Star game, with the AL winning 4-2.

But the Rangers decided to keep wheeling and dealing at the break. First they got Lee from the Astros, then they acquired Soriano from the Cubs. Really looking forward to getting the second half started so I can see what else the trade deadline brings.

Wow, Cubs were finally able to dump him off on someone. lol

How's his numbers in the 1st half? What did the Rangers give up?

[LowerWolf]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Wow, Cubs were finally able to dump him off on someone. lol

How's his numbers in the 1st half? What did the Rangers give up?

It was David Murphy for Soriano straight up.

I'll have to look his numbers up the next time I play, but it wasn't anything great. Maybe .230 with 8 HRs and 30 RBIs. Something like that.

[sink4ever]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread



Pittsburgh Pirates Review - July '12









July 31st Notes

The Pirates enjoyed some success in July, benefiting from both good pitching and good hitting. However, they remain 8.5 games out of first place in the NL Central, 7 games behind the 2nd place Reds. Even though they've somewhat overachieved this year, the focus is still on building for the future.

Andrew McCutchen is still the driving force on offense, but several other players have recently stepped up their game. Walker has bounced back from a slump and is seeing more of his hits go for extra bases (although the strikeouts are a concern). Nieuwenhuis has seen his production drop a bit as pitchers around the league begin to figure him out. Alvarez has stalled a bit after getting his average up to .250, and his HR power is MIA. However, Barajas, McGehee, and Barmes have been contributing more than expected with their bats. Abreu has found new life after the trade and Trumbo is settling into the cleanup spot well.

The starting rotation has been pretty reliable. Burnett and Bedard regressed slightly but both Morton and Correia have substantially improved their ERA's. Friedrich has proven to be quite a steal, the young lefty seems to have a knack for keeping opposing hitters off balance. In the bullpen, Karstens is still hittable and Resop has been going through a rough patch. VandenHurk has been a very nice surprise and Grilli has been solid in the later innings. Meek has stepped in at closer, and he'll probably get the rest of the season to prove he belongs.


Minor League Notes

This month we're going to take a look at the top prospects and a few guys who could help out the big league club next season.

Starling Marte (.300/.347/.461, 30 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 12 SB) and Gorkys Hernandez (.294/.324/.410, 26 2B, 17 SB) will likely compete for time in the outfield next season. Marte has opened some eyes with his 41 XBH, showing that he can hit for some power as well as average. Hernandez has also impressed with his 26 doubles. His speed and defensive abilities make him an ideal 4th outfielder.

Jarek Cunningham (.281/.349/.455, 11 HR, 11 SB) and Ehire Adrianza (.276/.364/.345 in 29 AB) will be competing for the SS and Utility IF positions. Cunningham is a bat-first middle infielder while Adrianza is a defensive whiz.

Tony Sanchez (.250/.334/.356) and Jose Morales (.328/.429/.404, 30 BB, 35 K) will probably be competing to take the place of Barajas, but McKenry is doing well in the majors. Matt Hague (.237, 10 HR, 39 BB, 36 K) could be an option as a backup corner infielder, showing both pop and patience.

Kyle McPherson (6-7, 2.80 ERA, 141.1 IP, 131 H, 123 K, 36 BB, 7 HR), Gerrit Cole (3-5, 2.63 ERA, 54.2 IP, 42 H, 37 K, 13 BB), and Brian Matusz (2-0, 0.56 ERA, 16 IP, 8 H, 13 K, 5 BB) will all be competing for spots in the starting rotation in 2013. Look for them to get a brief audition in September.

In AA, top prospects Alex Dickerson (.263/.323/.398, 13 HR) and Robbie Grossman (.271/.342/.389, 25 2B) are holding their own. They'll both need a bit more seasoning, but could make their major league debuts in 2014. Grossman's arrival is more anticipated due to needs in the outfield while Dickerson's path is blocked by Trumbo.

Mychal Givens (.264, 21 2B, 4 3B, 10 HR, 18 SB) has been on a bit of a tear since being acquired from the Orioles. Both he and the surprising Brock Holt (.320/.393/.470, 10 HR, 12 SB) could join the battle for SS in a couple years.

Jameson Taillon (10-5, 3.27 ERA, 143 IP, 141 H, 112 K, 36 BB) will probably move up to AAA soon, and could make his way to the majors as soon as next season. Both Stetson Allie (0-3, 38 SV, 2.68 ERA, 40.1 IP, 40 H, 30 K, 13 BB) and Kevin Quackenbush (1-1, 20 SV, 1.85 ERA, 39 IP, 21 H, 36 K, 10 BB) could move quickly through the system.



Injuries

None



Transactions

Traded CP Joel Hanrahan to Baltimore for SP Brian Matusz, CP Dan Klein, and SS Mychal Givens
Traded RP Aaron Pribanic and OF Jacob Goebbert to Giants for SS Ehire Adrianza and OF Angel Pagan
Claimed 3B Conor Gillaspie off waivers from Giants

The Orioles were in need of a closer and Matusz was buried on the depth chart behind a number of other starters. Matusz was pitching well in the bullpen, but the Pirates sent him to AAA to stretch him out to start again. Klein could possibly help the Pirates bullpen as soon as '13 and Givens will join the multiple other players hoping to compete for the SS position in the future.

The Giants were looking to stock up in the bullpen and the outfield, and they also really wanted to dump the rest of Pagan's salary. The Pirates were in love with Adrianza's slick fielding skills, thinking he could be a possible solution at SS next season.


All-Star Break Notes

Andrew McCutchen participated in the Home Run Derby. He hit 5 homers in the 1st round but didn't advance. Prince Fielder won the Derby.

The Pirates were represented in the All-Star Game by Joel Hanrahan, Andrew McCutchen and Rod Barajas. The National League won 9-2 to win home field advantage for the World Series.

McCutchen - 1-3 with a 2R HR off Morrow
Barajas - 0-1
Hanrahan - 1 perfect inning

[Nez477]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Well, Buster Posey is now out for 2 months, so my fantasy Angels team was left with Bobby Wilson at catcher along with Hank Conger in the minors. I wasn't comfortable using Conger as he just was a holdover on my team that I didn't trade, so I gave the Pirates a gift and traded him to Pittsburgh for Rod Barajas. He's my other catcher on my SOM team anyway, so it made sense.

He debuted with a 2-4 game with an RBI double, so that was nice.

[BenGerman]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Bengerman's Phillies Franchise (Year 4 AKA Year After the Choke)

A new season has begun, and theres actually quite a bit to look forward to for the same Phillies whose season ended with such disappointment just months ago. With the signing of Pablo Sandoval, the team has reenergized the lineup. The rotation is still one of the best in baseball as Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee seek a World Series.

Lineup:

Jimmy Rollins
Dom Brown
Pablo Sandoval
Ryan Howard
Mike Morse
John Mayberry
Freddy Galvis
Chooch Ruiz

Bench:

Casey Kotchman
Placido Polanco
Tyson Gillies
Sebastian Valle
Ryan Theriot

Rotation:

Cole Hamels
Roy Halladay
Cliff Lee
Vance Worley
Trevor May

Bullpen:

Ross Detwilier (LRP)
Alexi Ogando (MRP)
Michael Stutes (MRP)
Jake Diekman (MRP)
Ryan Madson (SU)
Antonio Bastardo (SU)
Jonathan Papelbon (CP)

Lineup Notes:

• Resigning J-Roll actually took some maneuvering. I worked a deal with the White Sox to trade bigger contracts away, and gave them Caesar Hernandez, a high level prospect. He has a two year deal, which seem to be the last two of his career.
• Dominic Brown may never live up to his potential at this point, but he put together a solid season (.267, 15 HR's, 20 SB's). He'll hit two for me unless something changes.
• Well, I finally got my biggest target in Free Agency. In the past, I've had almost no luck here (as some of you might know if you have been following my franchise). But welcome aboard Pablo Sandoval (.312, 22 HR's, 95 RBIs). As I scoured the Free Agency board, I noticed a really undervalued guy who filled a position of need. It took some prying from the Giants (who signed Chase Headley), but I got him for a nice price.
• I'm expecting some regression from Morse/Howard, but not a whole lot. Morse hit two bombs on opening day, so that was a good start.
• Mayberry Jr. had a disappointing 2014 after his 34 HR effort in '13. He only hit 18 last year, but his peripherals were similar, suggesting he got a bit unlucky last year, and a bit lucky in '13.
• I signed Casey Kotchman cheap, knowing Howard is not the every day player he once was. My goal is to give him at least two off days a week.
• It was tough deciding who would stay up and who would go down. LJ Hoes, Larry Green, and Tyson Gillies all made compelling arguments. In the end, I went with Gillies because I really lack speed with an older J-Roll at the leadoff. Mayberry/Brown/Galvis provide minimal speed elswhere.
• Sebastian Valle and Chooch will split time almost right down the middle. Chooch had a great 2014 campaign (.274/.324/.435), but he is too old to catch every day.
• Resigning Theriot was a nice bonus. Got him for cheap, and he's a guy that can play anywhere in the infield.

Rotation News:

• After a disappointing finish, the rotation hopes to get off on the right start. Hamels took a perfect game into the 7th, but with two outs, Ryan Braun ruined it. Of course!
• As you can see, Hamels is my #1 this year. His 4.02 ERA doesn't back this up, but his 2.73 second half ERA does. His K/BB numbers were up last year too. I think he has a huge year on the horizon.
• Halladay finished terribly, but he is still my #2. I'm hoping he has one or two more good years in him.
• Worley is undeservingly sitting at the #4 slot. He has had a sub 3.00 ERA the last two years.
• Trevor May has been a disappointment, but he is still young enough to warrant another shot at the rotation. If he doesn't work out, I may try and deal him, as I have Ogando just waiting to be called on.
• Bastardo was near DFA territory last year with a 6.38 ERA last year. He is on a short leash this year, and I won't think twice on getting rid of him if he can't turn it around.
• I gave in on Papelbon and took his club option for 12 mil, and it almost cost me Rollins. His 2.87 ERA and 40+ save potential was too good for me to turn down.

***If anyone has any curiosity as to where their favorite team is a few years down the road, PM me and I'll try and post some interesting tidbits or even their roster.

[lek]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Great post BenGerman really getting into your franchise. Hope to get several years in myself.

As for me next addition of the fictional White Sox. These are my thoughts going into 2012 (per my prior update I finished 500 in 2011). Next my July updates.


Thoughts for 2012:

Objectively I would say we look like a 500 team. A lot depends on the starting rotation we need Smith to have a good first half and Morales to be consistent. Whatever we get from Rutledge is a plus. I think Archer is key. He has bottom rotation stuff but if he can give us solid innings and keep us in games the bullpen should give us a chance to win. Hopefully some of the kids in the minors develop and we can bring them up sooner then later. Lopez pitching to potential would be a huge plus but I count nothing with this guy and would not be surprised if he wins or looses 20.
Offensively I just don’t know. Foreman is good for at least 280AVG 30HR 90RBI but who knows what we get out of Rosas and Terrero. We need both of them to hit around Foreman. Nakamura is key and he has to produce. We need continued development from Perez and Wilson. I am not counting on much offensive production from short or our mix in the outfield. For the time being we are going to rotate at DH but none of our options is a real bopper. Not sure how this will play in the AL.

Areas of potential need:
I am going to limit trades. I want things to feel like a real ball club so you will not see a complete remake of the roster by June. Like real baseball I will wait at least till July to evaluate what I have on the roster. My priorities look like they may be:

1) Shortstop- We have Kelly in the minors but he is probably about a year away. Williams can’t hit and is a poor fielder. I need to be solid up the middle and will look for a slick glove. As of now offense at this position is a secondary priority.

2) Catcher- Again I need to be solid up the middle. We have very little in the minors and I want someone that is at least a C defensively.

Again I will have to evaluate in July. Our record will determine if I look to add or trade away the few remaining veterans.

[cardinals57]

I have to face Dickey in my next game.

[LowerWolf]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Got the second half started with a 1-0 win over Dickey and the Mets. Couldn't get ANYthing going against that knuckleball. McCann singled, stole second (figured I could get it on a knuckleball) moved to third on a flyout to deep right and scored on a grounder to second.

The big news of the day though is the Mariners traded Ichiro to the Red Sox for Lars Anderson.

The Angels put Callaspo on the block. I'm trying to get him to play him at SS, but the only player they want for him is Chipper. That's not happening.

BTW, Soriano was hitting .233 with 10 homers and 39 RBIs when the Cubbies traded him to Texas.

[sink4ever]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread



Seattle Mariners Review - July '12











July 31st Notes

The Mariners remain in the hunt for the AL West. Thanks to solid pitching and some timely hitting, they went 16-11 during July to finish the month 4 games over .500.

The offense was helped out by the return of Mike Carp from the DL, he was having an All-Star type season before being injured. Montero made a slight change to his stance and bounced back from his mini-slump, hitting 6 HR's and raising his OPS nearly 40 points. Trading Ichiro has left the offense without a true leadoff hitter, but newly acquired Brandon Belt has been on fire since arriving in Seattle. Figgins, Guti, and Gomez may not be putting up incredible numbers, but all have chipped in offensively and their speed helps create scoring opportunities.

King Felix has truly been an All-Star, even though he's only having an average year by his standards. With better run support, he'd have a good shot at 20 wins. Iwakuma has continued to struggle, and it's only Millwood's injury that has kept him from being sent to the bullpen. Noesi, however, has turned it around a bit and has lowered his ERA to a more respectable 4.45. Blake Beavan has been a revelation since being called up from AAA, winning 6 of 7 decisions. He doesn't strike out many guys, but he does a good job of limiting baserunners and keeping hitters off balance. Losing League and Sherrill weakens the back of the bullpen so Wilhelmsen and Samardzija will be relied on to take care of the 8th and 9th innings. Both Furbush and Vincent have pitched well since being called up.


Minor League Notes

This month we're going to take a look at the top prospects and a few guys who could help out the big league club next season.

AAA
Vinnie Catricala (.297/.357/.481, 20 2B, 15 HR) could contend for playing time at both 3B and OF, he's proven he can handle AAA pitching. Stefen Romero (.287, 22 2B, 34 BB, 38 K) could be bat-first utility infielder and John Hicks (.310/.348/.468, 6 HR in 171 AB) could replace Jaso as part-time catcher in the next year or so.

Nick Franklin (.272/.329/.391, 15 2B, 3 HR, 4 SB) has handled himself well in about 200 AAA at-bats, he'll hopefully replace Ryan at SS in 2013. Donavan Tate (.281/.371/.391, 22 XBH, 17 SB) and Chih-Hsien Chiang (.273/.340/.415, 12 HR, 7 SB) will probably battle Saunders and Gomez for the #4 and #5 outfield spots.

James Paxton (2-2, 3.53 ERA, 58.2 IP, 59 H, 57 K, 13 BB, 2 HR) and Danny Hultzen (1-0, 5.09 ERA, 17.2 IP, 22 H, 9 K, 8 BB, 2 HR) will both be in the running for spots in the rotation next season. So far Paxton has better numbers and more innings at AAA, so he's the current favorite. Stephen Pryor (0-4, 37 SV, 3.28 ERA, 35.2 IP, 25 H, 25 K, 12 BB) will probably join the bullpen any day now. He has an outside chance of closing in 2013.

AA
Francisco Martinez (.297/.346/.491, 8 HR in 165 AB) has returned from the DL and picked up where he left off. Unfortunately for him, there are quite a few third basemen currently ahead of him. Trayvon Robinson (.295/.351/.446, 8 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR) has regained his stroke in AA, and will probably get a chance next season to make the big league club.

Taijuan Walker (7-7, 2.58 ERA, 146.2 IP, 140 H, 135 K, 37 BB) has been pretty dominant lately in AA. Due to his age, he'll probably stay there for the rest of the season before staring '13 in AAA. If he performs well there, he could get a September call up.


Injuries
Kyle Seager on 15-day DL with Sprained Ligament in Knee, out another 2-3 weeks
Kevin Millwood on 15-day DL with Shoulder Sprain, out another 1-2 weeks
Carlos Triunfel on 15-day DL with Broken Hand, out another 3-4 weeks
Luis Rodriguez on 15-day DL with Pulled Leg Muscle, out another week or so
Andrew Carraway on 15-day DL with Broken Forearm, out another 1-2 months
Guillermo Mota on 60-day DL with Torn Finger Ligament, out another 1-2 months
Johan Limonta on 60-day DL with Fractured Foot, out another 3-4 weeks


Transactions

Traded Ichiro Suzuki, Brandon League, George Sherill and Victor Sanchez to Detroit who sent Drew Smyly, Andy Dirks, Ryan Raburn, and Eugenio Suarez to the Giants, who sent Brandon Belt, Guillermo Mota, and Michael Kickham to the Mariners
Signed Scott Kazmir to 1 year contract (1.3M)
Signed Carlos Guillen to 1 year contract (800K)
Signed Kyle Davies to 1 year contract (600K)
Released Aaron Heilman

Here are everyone's numbers at the time of the trade:

Ichiro - .280/.332/.394, 21 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 25 SB
Sherrill - 32.1 IP, 2.78 ERA, 25 H, 24 K, 9 BB
League - 26.2 IP, 3.71 ERA, 25 SV, 21 K, 14 BB, 30 H
Sanchez - A-ball

Smyly - 5-6, 4.50 ERA, 98 IP, 96 H, 74 K, 41 BB, 12 HR
Raburn - .248/.301/.395, 5 HR, 60 K's
Dirks - .263/.300/.526 in 19 AB's
Suarez - .266/.314/.405, 11 SB in AA

Belt - .253/.352/.461, .194 vs. LHP, 38 BB, 49 K, 15 2B, 12 HR

The Tigers are making a push to wrap up the AL Central and they thought Ichiro, League, and Sherrill would greatly improve their chances. Plus, Victor Sanchez gives them a possible future front-of-the-rotation starter. Smyly was holding his own as a rookie and the Giants really like his chances to contribute to their rotation in the future (surprisingly, their starting pitching has really struggled this season). Dirks could provide a boost to their mediocre outfield and Raburn can be a stop-gap at 2B while Suarez refines his skills in the minors. Belt has a great start to the season, but then fell off a bit (thanks in part to his struggles vs. lefties). Mota was a strict salary dump, his ERA was around 5.00 and the Giants were looking to get rid of him. Kickham was pitching decently in the minors, but his ceiling is considered to be pretty low.



All-Star Break Notes

The Mariners were represented in the All-Star Game by Felix Hernandez and Ichiro Suzuki. The National League won 9-2 to win home field advantage for the World Series.

Ichiro 0-1
Hernandez 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB


Brandon Belt's HR in his first game as a Mariner:

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler

[Shibito]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Hey guys, I think this is my first time posting in here, just wanted to see what you guys would do in my situation.

I usually play with the Tigers, but I decided to take a swing with the Cubs and rebuild them, I've been succeeding so far as I'm in year 4 and have just made it to the World Series to meet the Tigers, I knew they had a good lineup, but I really had no clue who they picked up until I went into my first game. Here's the notable players in their lineup:

Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch, Miguel Cabrera, Alex Avila, Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols, Ben Zoberist, and Alcides Escobar.

All of these players have at least a .290 average, and the big 3 (Fielder, Cabrera, Pujols) have at least 40 HR's on the season. Now I know why they're defending champions looking to repeat.

In the good news section, they do not have Verlander... Because I traded for him last off season, giving up 5 players to get him. My team is built around superb pitching (Verlander, Jeremy Hellickson, Clayton Kershaw, and Matt Garza are my rotation) and excellent defense (I've picked up Kevin Yukolis (sp?), Ichiro, and Suzuki in FA).

My lineup doesn't swing the bats really well, so I'm not going to win a run contest with the Tigers, how would you guys handle their lineup?

1. Austin Jackson (r) Ben Zobrist (l)
2. Brennan Boesch (both)
3. Miguel Cabrera (both)
4. Prince Fielder (both)
5. Albert Pujols (both)
6. Alex Avila (both)
7. Escobar (l) Zobrist (r)
8. Ryan Raburn (l) Gardner (r)
9. Escobar (r) Gardner (l)