2012 Franchise Progress Thread

[Bunselpower32]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Wow, this thread is cool. I had never noticed it before, although I haven't been playing the show for too long. I just started a Cardinals franchise fantasy draft with Tulo and Cliff Lee as the main guys, so that works out.

25 man roster:
C Jeff Mathis
1B Lance Berkman
2B Kyle Seager
3B David Freese
SS Troy Tulowitzki
LF Jon Jay
CF Mike Trout
RF Endy Chavez
Bench Trevor Plouffe, Jesus Guzman, Ben Revere, Skip Schumacher, Tony Cruz

SP Cliff Lee, Brandon Beachy, Justin Masterson, Zach Britton, Jason Hammel
RP Kameron Loe, Brian Fuentes, Rex Brothers, Jake McGee, Carlos Gutierrez, Luke Gregerson (Soon to be Daniel McCutchen)

Top Prospects: Carlos Martinez, Drew Smyly, Matt Adams, Kolten Wong, Cozart, Liddi

Well, here goes, season opener, Cliff Lee vs. Cole Hamels. Top 1st, Tulo and Berkman single, and Freese plugs the right center gap to put me up 2-0.

Lee rolls, with the help of a flyout/tagout DP by started by Endy and ended by Mathis on a perfect throw to the plate, until the Marlins' Goldschmidt hits a solo shot in the 7th.

Berkman adds a solo shot of his own, 3-1.

Storen comes in to shut the door, and ends up kind of just barely even getting it closed. Aybar leads off with a double, then Jemile Weeks shoots one down the line to score him. Got Wright to pop up and got Craig to ground out to 2nd but couldn't turn the DP. Goldschmidt up with the tying run on 2nd in Jemile Weeks, so a base hit is almost guaranteed a score. Storen gets Goldschmidt looking on a beautiful 97 mph 2SFB back to the zone. Game 1, Cardinals.

[pokerplaya]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I have a franchise story in the dynasty HQ, but I figured I'd do a short writeup of the first 30 games of my "every-pitch" franchise with Detroit.

My record is now back up to 15-15, and I'm currently saved at the 7th inning stretch against Seattle in Game 31, with a 2-0 lead and Fister pitching a gem at the moment, allowing 2 hits through 6.

The rebound in record has been great for me, as I started off the season 2-9 (the Tigers early season schedule is a doozy, with Boston, Tampa, Texas, Chicago and the Yankees all in the first month!)

Miguel Cabrera is pacing the AL in hitting, at .389 coming into Game 31 (he has extended his hitting streak in the game, I believe it is at a modest 9 games currently.)

Fister and Scherzer have both been dominant front-end starters for me. Verlander has pitched well for the most part, but hasn't been his usual "ace" self, and has definitely been a victim of some bad luck as well.

I signed Jorge Soler in the game and started him out at AAA where he was absolutely raking, so I've had him up for around 5 games now, and other than a no-doubter 2-run blast on his first major league swing, he has disappointed, is currently below the Mendoza line, and most likely will be headed back to Toledo after the game.

I altered the "low-end" prospects in the Jacob Turner/Sanchez & Infante deal, but I still sent a catching prospect and a pitching prospect back to them. I completed this deal basically as soon as the rumor mill and trading blocks become active for the season.

I also engineered a trade very early in the year, acquiring Neil Walker and Nick Kingham for Nick Castellanos, Drew Smyly, and Eugenio Suarez. Walker has been the revelation the Tigers needed up the middle, as he trails only Cabrera for the batting lead, hitting an amazing .362 for the season.

I also signed Javier Vasquez as a free agent at around probably the 15-18 game mark. He's performed decently for me, going 2-0, with 2 of 4 quality starts.

Anibal Sanchez is yet to appear for me, but I am sending Rick Porcello to the bullpen, at least for now.

There is a more significant write-up mostly consisting of my league's standings at the 30 game mark and the League Leaders from both leagues, plus a full statistical breakdown of my team's statistics in the Dynasty HQ, and you can get there through the link in my signature.

Remember, I'm only 30 games in, but thats because I'm playing every pitch for 10 seasons -- am dedicated to this franchise for the next 4-5 years!

[Bunselpower32]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

This is my day off, so I got a lot of playing time in. Got swept by the Brewers in the first full series, kinda legit, kinda not.

Beachy was great, bullpen gave up 6.

Masterson not so much, bullpen gave up 3.

Britton was tossing a gem, hurling 8 1/3 of scoreless, 4 hit ball with 11 strikeouts. Pitch count got way too high and he was leaving balls up, so I brought in Gregerson (the bullpen ERA is in shambles after the previous two games), but after a nonsensical error on Mathis on a throw to first on a Dee Gordon bunt single on which he had plenty of time, Gordon went to second. Then he stole third, and Cuddyer golfed a low and outside out of the zone slider moving away over Jay's head in a 24 mph headwind, Brew Crew win, 1-0 on a walk off hit. Needless to say, that was a result with which I wasn't happy.

On a lighter note, Tulo is 10 for 15 with a walk to begin the season. In 4 games, Freese has 5 RBI's. Trout has swiped 3 bags, and Surprisingly, Mathis is batting .400 or so to kick things off. Seager, Jay, and Chavez need to step it up, though.

I've gone through different teams, and such, editing rosters, and I've played the beginning of seasons quite a bit. As the Cards, no matter the ranking, the Brewers have swept that opening series every time, often on garbage plays.

Good news is that if this game is scripted, I should sweep the Reds...We'll see. Right now, laundry time.

[Bunselpower32]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Remember, I'm only 30 games in, but thats because I'm playing every pitch for 10 seasons -- am dedicated to this franchise for the next 4-5 years!

That's awesome, I'm trying to do something similar. Maybe not 10 years, but more than what I usually do.

[Jacoblee23]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

White Sox fan here, but decided to start a Royals franchise and do something different.

Can anyone who knows please also tell me about who are the best players on the Royals, and best prospects, weaknesses,needs, strengths, etc. I would really appreciate your help. Thank you so much! P.s. I have the rosters with all the prospects.

[DJ]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

News is not good out of NY: Ike Davis out 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury. Davis was batting .402 with 7 HR, 20 RBIs and 11 doubles.

Mike Baxter called up from Triple A to fill the roster spot.

Mets currently 8-16.

[lek]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Okay fictional White Sox mid season report position players. We start the second half eight and a half back fifth place AL Central.



Position Players:

Catchers:
Felix Osuna R 33 Grade C
.225AVG 8HR 31RBI
At 33 as expected Osuna has slowed down both offensively and defensively. He can get a big hit now and again but it looks like Osuna is nearing the end and may be suited to backup work at this point in his career. Let’s hope the bat can show some pop during the second half.


Paul Johnson R 25 Grade C
.241AVG 2HR 9RBI
Johnson is good for his role a part time backup catcher. He hits rarely but can catch the ball behind the plate and has a fair if not good arm. Problem is with Osuna’s slowdown we may need him in a starting role sooner than later.

First Base:
Theo Foreman R 28 Grade A
.302AVG 22HR 49RBI
The best player on the team and if we were playing better MVP candidate Foreman does everything well and is an offensive force. If only we could get more guys on base around him.

Alfonso Rodriguez 1B S 27 Grade B-
.245AVG 7HR 13RBI
Rodriguez got his chance when Rosas went down and has stayed in the biggs. He has power and hits from both sides of the plate which is a big asset off the bench and in a 1B DH role now and again. Let’s hope he gets more settled and exhibits a better eye for the strike zone in the second half.

Second Base:
Brent Wilson S 27 Grade C
.272AVG 3HR 31RBI
Wilson has been top notch defensively but a big disappointment at the plate. I really envisioned a .290 .300 hitter with plus 20 steal potential. As of the break he is a plus defensive second basemen and bottom of the order bat. With these numbers he is starting to look like a super sub platoon guy.

Third Base:
Benny “The Hawk” Nakamura S 29 Grade –B
.289AVG 13HR 39RBI
Nakamura has been hit with a six-eight week injury which will hurt. That being said he under produced during the first half of 2011 when healthy. Both AVG, RBI and power numbers are lower than we had hoped and we need him to come back strong in September.

Shortstop:
David Williams R 33 Grade F
.180AVG 2HR 12RBI
We finally released Williams in July. He gave us almost nothing offensively and made a total of ten errors at Short. As of the break nobody has picked him up.

Marty Kelly R 24 Grade D-
.159AVG 0HR 3RBI
Okay probably not fair giving Kelly a D he was obviously rushed to the majors but we felt he could not do worse than Williams. Kelly has been fair defensively, a bit worse than we hoped, and completely overmatched by big league pitching.

Ray Carrillo S 20 Grade B-
.262AVG 1HR 12RBI
Carrillo is good at what he does which is give a spell to the infield starters. He hits a bit and catches the ball. He is starting to show some warts being penciled in more often now that Williams is gone and Kelly looks overmatched.

Outfield

Orlando Perez LF/CF R 26 Grade C+
.250AVG 11HR 37RBI 7SB
I have no idea what to do with Perez. He strikes out to often to leadoff yet hits for two low of an average and is to inconsistent to bat in the middle of the order. He hits homeruns steals some bases and is a plus glove in left. I just need the guy to get on base a bit more.

Jared Levin LF/3B S 22 Grade B
.316AVG 3HR 5RBI
My scouts tell me Levin is a bench piece at best yet after Nakamura went down he is at third regularly and all he does is hits. The guy is a challenged fielder but he gets on base and has shown some real pop. If he keeps hitting we are going to have to find a place for him when Nakamura comes back.


Fred Branch LF L 25 Grade C
.277AVG 2HR 22RBI
Branch has received limited playing time as a pinch hitter and in left. I can’t see his production warranting a full time role but perhaps he can continue being an option of the bench.

Antonio Rosas CF R 34 Grade C
.245AVG 5HR 24RBI
Rosas was sidelined for about a month but even apart from that its obvious age is catching up to him. +20 HR is a thing of the past and it does not look like we can count on him being a middle order bat any longer. Let’s hope he has some pop left in the tank for the second half.

Jim Schmitt CF R 27 Grade B-
.286AVG 5HR 26RBI
I don’t know what to make of Schmitt. He can run, has a good glove and hits for a good average but with the lack of pop on this team is he good enough to play full time in center? I tried to see if perhaps I could move him for value but was not offered much. Right now I am inclined to pop him in center and leading off and just see if he can grab the opportunity.

Miguel Terrero RF R 26 Grade C
.243AVG 12HR 45RBI
I expected a lot from Terrero admittedly but he just does not look like a middle of the order bat. We need production and our outfield has been giving us very little. I really need a big second half from Terrero if we are going anyplace.

Next up trade deadline......

[LowerWolf]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Early August and three intense playoff-like games between the Braves and Phillies and Philadelphia.

I had a three-game lead over the Phillies entering the series.

Game 1:
Minor and Worley went toe-to-toe for six innings in a 1-1 tie. Moylan came on in the 7th and couldn't throw strikes. Walked three batters, including one with the bases loaded. Fuentes walked Howard to force in another run before getting out of the jam. But the Phillies bullpen made it stand up, 3-1.

Game 2:
Chipper Jones was slumping. His average had fallen below .350 for the first time all season and he had been stuck on 14 homers for a month. But after Uggla staked the Braves to a 1-0 lead in the first, Chipper went yard in the third to make it 2-0. Hudson made it stand for 7 innings. Chipper added a 3-run shot in the 8th for some insurance and the bullpen took over for a 5-0 win.

Game 3:
Chipper's 2-run homer in the first gave Atlanta a 2-0 lead over Halladay. The Braves had a chance to really open it up in the second, but Victorino made a great diving catch on a Prado liner with the bases loaded to end the inning. Hanson got out of a bases-loaded, 0-out jam in the fourth, giving up just one run. The Braves held that 2-1 lead into the 8th when Venters bad luck struck again. Pierre barely reached on a bunt single; Victorino hit a weak grounder in a perfect spot past Uggla for another single; and Howard drove a slider that missed up on a 1-2 count for a two-run triple. Pence added an insurance run, which would prove valuable as Venters ERA rose to 6.45 for the season. Freeman drove in Heyward in the 9th, but it wasn't enough as the Phillies take the rubber game 4-3.

The lead is down to two games as the Braves head to New York.

NL East
Braves 64-47 (-)
Phillies 62-49 (2)
Nationals 60-52 (4.5)
Marlins 57-55 (7.5)
Mets 57-55 (7.5)

[enyc718]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Early August and three intense playoff-like games between the Braves and Phillies and Philadelphia.

I had a three-game lead over the Phillies entering the series.

Game 1:
Minor and Worley went toe-to-toe for six innings in a 1-1 tie. Moylan came on in the 7th and couldn't throw strikes. Walked three batters, including one with the bases loaded. Fuentes walked Howard to force in another run before getting out of the jam. But the Phillies bullpen made it stand up, 3-1.

Game 2:
Chipper Jones was slumping. His average had fallen below .350 for the first time all season and he had been stuck on 14 homers for a month. But after Uggla staked the Braves to a 1-0 lead in the first, Chipper went yard in the third to make it 2-0. Hudson made it stand for 7 innings. Chipper added a 3-run shot in the 8th for some insurance and the bullpen took over for a 5-0 win.

Game 3:
Chipper's 2-run homer in the first gave Atlanta a 2-0 lead over Halladay. The Braves had a chance to really open it up in the second, but Victorino made a great diving catch on a Prado liner with the bases loaded to end the inning. Hanson got out of a bases-loaded, 0-out jam in the fourth, giving up just one run. The Braves held that 2-1 lead into the 8th when Venters bad luck struck again. Pierre barely reached on a bunt single; Victorino hit a weak grounder in a perfect spot past Uggla for another single; and Howard drove a slider that missed up on a 1-2 count for a two-run triple. Pence added an insurance run, which would prove valuable as Venters ERA rose to 6.45 for the season. Freeman drove in Heyward in the 9th, but it wasn't enough as the Phillies take the rubber game 4-3.

The lead is down to two games as the Braves head to New York.

NL East
Braves 64-47 (-)
Phillies 62-49 (2)
Nationals 60-52 (4.5)
Marlins 57-55 (7.5)
Mets 57-55 (7.5)

That's a pretty tight race in the NL East. Same in my franchise except it was upside down. The Mets finished in first and I remember the Phillies finishing last. I'm the Indians by the way.

[enyc718]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

So I decide to pitch Ubaldo Jimenez in game 4. He didn't have a convincing game 1 after being so good during the season, that I had set in my mind having a quick hook for this game.

Ubaldo ended up pitching okay. He was matched up against Phil Hughes. I thought for sure I would be able to score more than two runs on him. But boy did my offense let me down.

Many times I was able to get runners on first and second with one out. DPs killed me.

Needless to say I lost game 4, 6-2. Back to the Bronx we go for game 5.

I decide not to turn the game off and go ahead and play game 5. I was anxious to play this clinching game. Every at bat and pitch had me on the edge of my seat.

I put Derek Lowe up against Sabathia. Definetly not my dream matchup but this is what its all about.

Tight game all the way. Yankees were up 3-0 heading into the top of the 9th. Lowe had pitch good but Sabathia was better (my hitters really stunk it up these last two games). I get down to possibly my last out of the season. Choo gets on with a single, followed by a double by Jason Donald, runners on second and third.

Hafner is up next, who by the way, I plan on not resigning in the off-season. All I'm thinking is homeruns, swing for the fences. Sabathia fires a slider into the strikezone and Hafner gets just under it to pop out, and that's the ballgame, series and season.

This one hurt quite alot. I felt like with a 2-1 lead on the Yankees, I would be able to take the series. Lack of runs and clutch hitting really did it for me.

On to the offseason..........decisions, decisions.

[Jacoblee23]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I signed Scott Kazmir in my Royals franchise to a 1 year contract at 1.4 million. Decent move? I think he can be a surprising pickup for me.

[enyc718]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I signed Scott Kazmir in my Royals franchise to a 1 year contract at 1.4 million. Decent move? I think he can be a surprising pickup for me.

He retired after year one of my franchise. And i want to say it was because the market wasn't good for him.

Good luck with him.

[nascarfreak24ny]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

PERFECTION HAS A NEW NAME!!!!
this game took place in the 2016 season with the royals in complete rebuilding mode in 2012 2013 and 2014, we were finally ready to compete in 2016 making some massive trades to acquire Oscar Taveras, Mike Trout and matt wieters the royals look to compete.
the royals were in the middle of the playoff hunt, sitting 5 games behind the tigers with a record of 44-30, but 8 of those losses were the result of a luke Hochevar start, sitting 1-8 with a 6.72 ERA it was time for a change, and sitting down on the farm was 7-2 with a 3.23 ERA, Jake Odorizzi, the call was made and he arrived in NYC just before game time to make his first career start, facing the yankees is no easy task, and espetially not this time, because their lineup included Longoria Granderson Cano, Cespedes and Either. but as the title says PERFECTION, odorizzi dominated in his start , throwing exactly 100 pitches, 77 for strikes and 10 strikeouts, 6 on the vurve, 1 on the fastball, 2 on the slider, and 1 on the change up.

this is probably my best moment in the show and one i will remember forever.

[nascarfreak24ny]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

its 2018 in my royals franchise and prince fielder has won the MVP for the 6th consecutive year. his past 6 seasons all had a BA over 310 and home runs at 48 46 61 46 53 41. dude is a machine, also we lost in the 2017 playoffs to the tigers, but in 2018 we got our revenge. winning the division by 10 games and keeping them out of the playoffs. we open up against the angels in the ALDS tonight

[NothingTrivial]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Starting 2013 my Washington Nationals are coming off a 100-62 season and world series win in 2012. 2013 looks to be more of the same with a starting rotation of Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Madison Bumgarner, Jordan Zimmerman, and Ross Detwiler. The line-up hasn't changed much from 2012 with it looking like this

SS I. Desmond
RF B. Harper
3B R. Zimmerman
LF M. Morse
CF J. Werth
1B. A. LaRoche (With Tyler Moore pushing hard to take over)
C W. Ramos
2B D. Espinosa

Thinking of moving Matthew Skole from 3b to 1b in the minors to get him ready for the eventual move to 1st when LaRoche retires and Moore gets too expensive. Traded Anthony Rendon and Drew Storen to Cincy for Billy Hamilton so depending on the landscape of the NL East this year could see Ian Desmond on the trade block with Espinosa moving to SS until Hamilton is ready for the show. The farm system is looking great with SP's Sammy Solis, Alex Meyer, Matt Purke, and Lucas Giolito progressing greatly. last years draft brought in talent at RP, SS, and RF as well as free agency bringing in a few young players who could develop greatly. Of note I drafted 19 year old RF Jermaine McCoy who is already the 4th highest rated OF on my entire roster.