2012 Franchise Progress Thread

[sportswizard1983]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Quick update for my 2012 O's franchise:

Beat Detroit 3 games to 1 in the Division Series
Beat Boston 4 games to 2 in the LCS
Beat Philadelphia 4 games to 1 in the Series.

John Cena was my World Series MVP/Playoffs MVP.

Offseason:

Brian Roberts retired due to age
Chipper Jones retired due to age
Jose Contreras retired due to age
Vladimir Guerrero retired due to age

Retirements elsewhere in the Majors:

Derek Jeter-age
Mariano Rivera-age
Manny Ramirez-age
Omar Vizquel-age
Darren Oliver-age
Raul Ibanez-age
and many others...

[bamadeuce2]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I guess this is where i should ask this question. I am starting a franchise with the Reds using scotts new rosters. I want to simulate till today. What is the best way to keep things realistic(lineups and no crazy trades)while simulating? Control all teams or what? When you control all teams it takes forever to get past all the notifications though. Any suggestions?

[BamaBoy88]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I've started 1-5 in my pirates chise and i saw that the dbacks had the same record i also noticed that my team was looking for cf help so i offered mccutchen for justin upton straight up and the little meter said the trade fits their plan. I got the little message saying the dbacks are considerin and will get back to me,if the trade fails ill likely keep mccutchen.

[Majingir]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I offered one of my guys a contract, worth 4.5M per year(for like 3 years). Instead, he rejected, went to arbitration, he WON it, and only got like 3M.....

lol, I'm fine with that.

[MetsFan4Ever]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Franchise Update:

I went with the Mets and so far I'm 3-3 with 6 games into the season. I got rid of Jason Bay and Daniel Murphy. I also ousted Bobby Parnell, Frank Francisco and Ruben Tejada. I got some good players for them, though.

Catcher: Josh Thole
3rd Base: David Wright
2nd Base: Gordon Beckham
Shortstop: Stephen Drew
1st Base: Ike Davis
Left Field: John Mayberry, Jr.
Center Field: Andres Torres
Right Field: Alex Rios

Rotation:

1. Johan Santana
2. Mike Pelfrey
3. Dillon Gee
4. RA Dickey
5. Jon Niese

Bullpen:

LR: Brad Lidge
LR: Hector Santiago
LR: Josh Edgin
LR: Elwin Ramirez
MR: Ramon Ramirez
MR: Sean Burnett
MR: Jeremy Hefner
SU: Tim Byrdak
SU: Jon Rauch
Closer: JJ Putz

[sink4ever]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

In September now, so the minor league seasons have finished. That means it's time to do a season review of the minor league system.











2012 Minor League Review

Stock Rising
Stetson Allie - Allie took to the closer role like a fish to water. After struggling with his mechanics and conserving his stuff as a starter, he thrived once he could go out there for an inning at a time and let loose. He didn't strike out as many as anticipated, but he also did a good job of limiting free passes. He definitely overmatched hitters at the AA level, not allowing a single HR in 52 innings. With a good start at AAA, he could possibly find himself reaching the majors in late 2013.

Evan Chambers - Chambers was a revelation in 2012. Between AA & AAA, he hit over .300 with 33 XBH's, 10 SB, and 44 BB with 52 K's. In '13 he'll get a chance to leapfrog other outfielders like Nick Evans, Alex Presley, and Gorkys Hernandez. He better keep up the good play, however, as top prospects Robbie Grossman and Josh Bell aren't too far behind.

Brock Holt - Holt surprisingly burst onto the scene, maintaining a hot streak at the plate for much of the season. The infielder showed contact skills (.288 Avg) power (11 HR), speed (13 SB), and good pitch recognition/plate discipline (44 BB vs. 69 K's). He'll probably get the chance to start '13 at AAA and prove that those stats weren't an aberration. With another good showing, he could find himself joining all the other contenders for the starting SS position.


Stock Falling
SS Jordy Mercer - Poor Jordy. After a great Spring Training and just barely missing making the team, he suffered an injury and missed must of the 1st half of the season. Once he got back he could never get it going again. After struggling for a while in AAA, he was demoted to AA. By the time he finally started hitting a bit, the season was over.

Bryan Morris - The potential future closer hit a rough spot in 2012. His peripherals show that he was more hittable and prone to giving up the long ball than anticipated. He knows how to get a strikeout, however, and he still has a shot at the major league bullpen next season.


Arriving Soon
Starling Marte - Marte needed to prove in 2012 that he was a viable option for a starting spot in the OF in 2013. Mission accomplished. The young outfielder did everything that was expected of him. He showed a good ability to make contact (.286 Avg, 53 K's), steal bases (17/22) and also showed some surprising power (36 2B, 4 3B, 10 HR).

Tony Sanchez - Sanchez got off to a slow start, causing some to doubt that he was close to being ready for the majors. He managed to turn his season around a bit, however, and will compete for a spot in Spring Training. His defensive skills are solid, and he's shown some decent pop (8 HR in 354 AB) and an advanced approach at the plate (61/48 K/BB)

Brian Matusz - Matusz already has a fair amount of major league experience, but had been relegated to the bullpen in Baltimore. After being acquired by the Pirates, he was sent down to AAA to stretch out. He dominated as a starter with a K/9 rate of 8.1 and a WHIP of 1.13. He'll definitely have a shot at a spot in the major league rotation next year.

Matt Hague - Hague is a solid RH hitter who can play 1B or 3B. He's pretty much the ideal replacement for Casey McGehee once he leaves. While he hit only .246 in AAA, he also managed 21 2B, 12 HR, and had 49 BB vs. 51 K's. He may need a bit more time at AAA to refine his skills, but don't be surprised if he gets called up in '13.

Gorkys Hernandez - Hernandez is pretty much the ideal 4th outfielder. He offers great defense and good speed and in 2012 he also showed some offensive prowess. A .288 Avg and 42 XBH's is nothing to sneeze at, but his 23 BB vs. 81 K's is a little concerning. He'll get a chance in Spring Training to prove he should be with the big league club.


Top Prospects
Gerrit Cole - Don't be fooled by the 4-10 record in AAA, he wasn't overmatched (evidenced by his 2.84 ERA). For the season, he dominated in almost every facet of the game. The one black mark was that his K/9 rate was only 6.3. When you're overpowering hitters and getting tons of weak contact, strikeouts aren't that big a deal, but he'll have to show a better knack for putting away hitters in the future. He'll probably start '13 in the bigs.

Jameson Taillon - Taillon is a bit more raw than Cole, so he spent the entire season at AA. He did not disappoint, showing steady improvement as the year progressed. Like Cole, his K rate was a bit lower than expected, but he also kept his walks down. He has a good chance to start 2013 in AAA to hopefully build off his success in '12.

Robbie Grossman - Grossman showed promise, but he still has a ways to go. His .268 Avg, 5 HR's, and 85 K's weren't quite what the Pirates front office was hoping for. However, his 32 doubles and 50 walks show that he does have some pop and plate discipline. He'll probably repeat AA next season and try to build on those numbers. He's still considered a potential future All-Star.

Josh Bell - Bell was called up to AA a bit sooner than expected due to injuries. He certainly didn't blow away the competition, but he did manage to hold his own. He'll probably start there in '13. If he does well, he could reach the majors as soon as 2015.


Sleepers
Matt Curry - Curry is far from one of the top prospects. Matt Hague is closer to the majors and Alex Dickerson has a much higher ceiling, but Curry did his best to show he should not be overlooked. His 13 homers show he has some pop, but most impressive was the way he walked 46 times and only struck out 54. If he can maintain that kind of ability to get on base and put the ball in play (with some decent power), he may at least turn into a minor trade chip.

Kyle McPherson - McPherson could also be in the "Arriving Soon" list. However, given what he's done despite being overshadowed by Cole and Taillon, he could also be considered a bit of a sleeper. He did everything well, letting up fewer than one hit per inning while striking out three times as many batters as he walked. Yes, Cole and Taillon may have higher ceilings, but McPherson could be a solid, reliable #3 starter for many years.

[sink4ever]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Minor league season has finished, so here's the full review.












2012 Minor League Review

Stock Rising
John Hicks - Hicks was pushed up to AAA to start the season due a bit of a numbers crunch at the lower levels. Surprisingly, he absolutely thrived and pushed his way up the prospect rankings. Hitting .299 with 8 HR in 268 at-bats is a good way to get noticed. He'll probably start '13 in AAA and work on refining his skills. If Jaso struggles or a third catcher is needed, look for Hicks to get the call.

Vinnie Catricala - Catricala can hit, that's for sure. With a .841 OPS in AAA, he's set to compete for a spot in the majors next year. The only issue will be finding a spot on the field for his bat. Showing the ability to hit for average and power, plus solid plate discipline and pitch recognition, Catricala's bat is not one you want wasting away on the bench.

Mauricio Robles - Seemingly coming out of nowhere this season to post a 14-5 record and 3.15 ERA, Robles has bounced back up the prospect rankings. He was solid in every facet of the game, although he could stand to lower his walks a tad. With all the other pitching talent coming up through the minors, Robles has picked the right time to make his move. Even if he doesn't crack the rotation, he could becoming a nice trade piece.

Dennis Raben - True, he is a bit old for the league and it was only about 200 at-bats, but Raben did nothing but hit. Depending on how things shake out next year, he could get a chance to start in AAA and prove that his performance was more than an aberration.

James Jones - When the top prospect lists came out at the beginning of the season, Jones was nowhere to be found. He's being talked about now, however, after maintaining a .300 average with nice gap power and speed for an entire season at AA. He now joins the cast of other hopefuls (Saunders, Tate, Chiang, Robinson) who are auditioning for an outfield spot in the near future. If he can repeat his performance at AAA next year, he may have to start being considered a truly viable option.


Stock Falling
Trayvon Robinson - Robinson struggled in AAA to begin the season, barely keeping his average over .200 through almost 200 at-bats. After being demoted to AA, he seemed to find his stroke but then cooled off again. His 33 XBH's are encouraging, but he's striking out too much, not walking enough, and not stealing any bases. He has some work to do to regain his prospect status.

Brad Miller - The bat-first middle infielder struggled in his first exposure to AA. It is only his second year of professional ball and he did make the jump from low-A, but he was still expected to do better than a .686 OPS. On the bright side, he did have 14 steals and a respectable K/BB ratio.

Carlos Peguero - Peguero, yet again, has proven to have difficulty putting the bat on the ball. He can hit the ball hard when he connects, but after .221 with 87 K's in AAA, he was sent down to AA to work on his swing. He had the same issues in AA, and some are doubting he'll ever be a semi-viable option in the outfield.


Arriving Soon
Nick Franklin - Due to injuries, Franklin was called up to AAA sooner than planned. After an initial adjustment period, he actually ended up hitting better at the higher level. He's shown the ability to hit for average and certainly has above average power potential for a shortstop. Add in some speed and his improving defense, and it's not too far-fetched to imagine he could be the opening day shortstop for the Mariners in 2013.

Alex Liddi - Liddi barely missed making the club out of spring training, and when Stewart was traded for it seemed that the logjam at 3B had just gotten worse. Liddi didn't give up, however, showing good power and an improved knack for making contact. True, his K/BB ratio could certainly improve, but he has a solid chance of making the big league club in 2013 (helped by the fact he offers a solid bat from the right side).

Michael Saunders - Saunders is still striking out a bit too much and not walking as much as desired, but overall he brings a solid package to the table. With a pretty good bat, speed, and defense, he profiles as a solid 4th outfielder. Look for him to compete for a spot in '13.

Stephen Pryor - With League being traded away, there's not much in the way of Pryor transitioning from "closer of the future" to "possibly closing in 2013". The club may prefer to get him some lower leverage innings to begin, but he should be on the major league club regardless next season.


Top Prospects
James Paxton - Paxton was the first to be promoted to AAA and he also had the best all-around season. He certainly lived up the hype and proved that he was able to move quickly through the system. Paxton did a solid job of limiting hits and homers, but most impressive are his 8.4 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 rates over the two levels. He'll have an inside track on a rotation spot in '13.

Danny Hultzen - Hultzen spent longer in AA, and once he was promoted to AAA he struggled a bit. His K rate went down and his BB rate increased at the higher level, so he'll probably start '13 in AAA to iron out those issues. With a strong first half in the minors, he could get called up to the big leagues by the All-Star break if another arm is needed.

Taijuan Walker - Being the youngest of the Big 3, Walker spent the entire season in AA. He certainly didn't disappoint, finishing the year with a 1.22 WHIP and 3 times as many K's as BB's. He's probably at least a full year away from the majors, but if he keeps pitching like this he may force the issue.


Sleepers
Stefen Romero - Romero showed a penchant for putting the bat on the ball and getting on base. With solid contact skills, and advanced approach at the plate, and good gap power, the second baseman has very little to prove at the minor league level. With Ackley blocking him at second, Romero looks to be an ideal utility infielder.

Erasmo Ramirez - Somewhat overshadowed by the Big 3, Ramirez showed proved that he belongs in the discussion for next year's rotation. While his K rate wasn't too impressive and he was a little susceptible to the long ball, Ramirez has shown an ability to limit damage and keep men off base. He got a taste of the majors in 2012, and he'll have a chance in 2013 to stick for good.

[Howie5]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Currently atop the AL East with my Red Sox with 16 gms left in the 89 game regular season. I control all teams but only play as red sox. Greinke is now on the Angels, but left Hanley on the Marlins as they're 1st in the Nl East. Padres...yes, the PADRES are 1st in the NL West! Tigers, rangers lead their divisions & White Sox are first in the AL Wildcard. Reds are also leading their division. Gunna be an exciting finish!

[MetsFan4Ever]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I've started 1-5 in my pirates chise and i saw that the dbacks had the same record i also noticed that my team was looking for cf help so i offered mccutchen for justin upton straight up and the little meter said the trade fits their plan. I got the little message saying the dbacks are considerin and will get back to me,if the trade fails ill likely keep mccutchen.

Based on your record in your Pirates franchise, you definitely need a LOT of help. McCutchen's good, keep him. However, you should shop around for another good outfielder. Andres Torres, Nick Markakis and Michael Morse are potential options in this situation. As for your infield....TRADE FOR GABY SANCHEZ!

[DJ]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

The Mets finished April with a record of 8-15. The road has been brutal for NY, as they've logged just two wins away from Citi Field.

Ike Davis had a monster month with a .410 batting average, 7 HR's, 11 doubles and 20 RBIs. David Wright is at .310 with 3 HRs and 12 RBIs, and Josh Thole is the other Met batting over .300 currently.

Pitching, specifically in the bullpen, has been a sore spot. R.A. Dickey is 0-5 despite having an ERA just over 3.00. He's been the most consistent starter, but hasn't received any run support. Frank Fancisco does have 5 saves in 5 chanes and lefty Tim Byrdak has an ERA under 1.00, but outside of that, the bullpen has really struggled, often giving away leads or turning close games into blowouts by not shutting down the opposition.

The rest of the starting 5 has been hit-and-miss. Johan Santana has 3 wins but his ERA is near 5.00. Dillon Gee is 1-3 and seems to fall apart the third time through a lineup. Niese and Pelfrey have been unspectacular, but solid.

[JJFurr29]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

So far in 2013 my Marlins are 8-6.. The MLB team has some holes but the fixes are In AA and AAA.. I've got most of the real life minor leaguers.. I've got:

SP Jose Fernandez (Age: 20/ C Rating, A Potential) in AA Jacksonville I might bring him to AAA this season but probably will stay in AA..

OF Christian Yelich (Age: 20/ C Rating, A Potential) In AA Jacksonville I might have him in AAA sometime this season..

SP Jacob Turner (From Detroit in Anibal Sanchez trade) (C Rating, A Potential) in MLB Marlins Bullpen..

My AA team is loaded with A and B potential pitchers...

[lek]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

great rundown sink4ever makes me want to start a Pirates and Mariners franchise.

[DrkMynd]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Finished 2012 of my Cubs franchise at 66-96. I finished just above the Astros in the battle for the cellar.

In the off-season, Dempster and Soriano both left. Soriano retired. Dempster signed elsewhere...giving me a compensation pick. Yay.

Started off 2013 with a 3 game sweep of the Braves and a funny thing happened after Game 3. The Rays offered me a trade. Geovany Soto(not even on trading block) for Jacob Turner (SP, A-pot), and Chris Archer (SP, A-pot). I accepted the trade quickly.

I have Hank Conger as my starting Catcher now. May have to draft a Catcher sooner than later, not sure yet.

Starting off the year..we are 4-1. Vitters has knocked 3 HRs. My starting pitching has dominated. My bullpen in MLB leaves something to be desired. My highest paid player, Starlin Castro, promptly started off 2013 by going 0-16. I hate highly paid Cubs players.

My rotation is Garza, Samardzija, Maholm, Wells, Travis Wood. Wood is better than Wells at this point...but I wanted to seperate the lefties for now. I might change it later.

My only issues right now are a lack of true power hitters and a lack of starting pitching depth. Aside from LaHair, Rizzo and Vitters...I have no power. Maybe occasional power from Brett Jackson. Vitters is currently leading the team with 3HRs and is two behind the MLB lead.

Outside of my MLB rotation...I have only Chris Volstad(MLB pen) and Carlos Carrasco(AAA) with any experience as an MLB starter. An injury to anyone in my Starting rotation could spell disaster for the team and initiate a mad dash at the trading deadline or an early call-up to one of my guys I got in the Soto trade.(don't want that)


My prediction: I challenge for the Wildcard..but fall short. I have 3 All-stars and Garza in the running for the Cy Young.

Yes, I have high hopes for Garza this season. His 12-6 curve is just nasty.

[sink4ever]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

great rundown sink4ever makes me want to start a Pirates and Mariners franchise.

Thanks man. I've enjoyed following your fictional franchise. Of course, if you decide to do a SEA/PIT franchise on the side, I'd be interested to hear about your experience.

[enyc718]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Well, after that awesome 16 inning victory against the Yankees, the Indians headed home for 2 and hoped not to have to go back to the Bronx.

Jason Kipnis ended up being the hero in game 3, getting the start at 3rd base. Kipnis put the Indians up 1-0 in the 1st. The Yankees would tie the game up with a solo shot from Granderson, his third of the series.

Another low scoring game where both starters ruled but wouldn't get the decision because game three would also be decided on extras.

In the 12th, Kipnis doubles to drive in Asdrubal Cabrera. Indians up 2-1 on the Yankees.

In game four, Ubaldo Jimenez is ready to go on four days rest. I don't know if I want to use him. My other options would be either Derek Lowe or Kevin Slowey. If i had to choose, it would be Lowe just because of his sinkers vs the Yankees heavy lefty lineup.