2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

[HozAndMoose]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

2014 - pittsburgh pirates - june / halfway stats update

</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

June wasnt as bad as May. But wasnt as good as April. Lost more than we won again going 13-15. Almost half of those wins came in the last week. we are lucky to still be above .500 and sitting in 3rd within 3 of 1st.

A trade was made that brought over Jeremy Hellickson and Juan Oviedo from Tamba. We gave them Alen Hanson and Jeanmar Gomez. Hellickson is 10-1, with a 2.58 ERA.

Our player of the month by far was the rookie Rick Crocker. Came in batting just .233 with 1 HR, 10 RBI and an OBP of .320. He startede the month on the bench. But was moved back into th lineup a week into the month. He proceeded To hit .378 with 3 HR, 16 RBI, and an OBP of .422. Bringing his avergae to .285.

Russell Martin has proved he deserves to be on the team. In the 6th inning of a game vs the Cubs, down 5-0, he hit a solo shot to break up a perfect game. 8 batter later. He comes back to the plate and hits a 1st pitch GS to cap a 9 run inning. He is hitting .287 with 11 HR and 46 RBI.

These stats are 6 days into July

*= 15 starts with Tampa, **= 30 games with Tampa

</td></table>

[TGov]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

I swept the Tigers in the ALCS and on to Colorado for a Rox & Sox World Series Rematch!...
Game 1 Buchholz vs Nolasco(acquired mid-season)... Both pitchers pitched very well, I think they gave up 1 run each. I hit Nolasco pretty good but it just didn't work out. This game ended in the 10th with a Rockies walk-off... My first loss of the postseason was a tight one... 2-1 in extras...
Game 2 Lester vs Francis... Lester got hit a little bit but pitched fair overall. I had to use my bullpen more than expected, Doubront and Bard did most of the work. I just couldn't get my timing down with Francis. He throws mid-to-high 80s but has a slow looping curveball he just wouldnt let up with. A lot of grounders. I dont remember the score but they had be beat by a few runs...
Game 3 This was one of, if not, the best game I have every played! Lackey vs Chacin... (No thanks to Lackey though) To put is simple, Lackey sucked, he started strong, hitting spots, popping the glove but that only lasted 4 innings. I took an early 1-run lead in the 1st but the Rox tied it in the 3rd, then Morales hit (another) 3-run HR to take a 4-1 lead. That's when I pulled the plug on Lackey. Amazingly enough though, "Mr Clutch" Dustin Pedroia came back in the bottom half of the inning with a 3-run HR of his own. Then in the 6th the Rox devastated me again with a 3-run inning but I prevailed with another 3-run inning of my own that consisted of a David Ortiz clutch hit. Then in the 8th, the Rox went up again by 2 but in the bottom half I retaliated with 3 runs!... Hanrahan held down the end of the 8th and first out of the 9th. Then Breslow picked up the save getting Fowler and striking out Car-Go to end it. Rox leads series 2-1
Game 4 I ran Dempster to the hill to face Nolasco in this one. I knew I needed a big outing from him and that's just what I got. 7 innings, 2 ER, 3 BB and 4 Ks I believe. I dont remember details but this one was tied until the 8th when the Rox went up by one. But not for long as I tied it again in the bottom half from a clutch Napoli single. Through the 9th and on to the 10th (again) where I pulled through to tie the series 2-2... Sorry, can't remember the details but it was crazy...

Notes: Salty didn't homer in the series, at least yet, but he continued hitting extremely well. Nava doubled in the gap when called for pinch-hit duties which was huge. David Ortiz looked like the Ortiz of old coming through in huge situations all series. Pedroia, like I mentioned before, is super clutch right now. Bradley Jr. hasn't done much with the bat but he's made numerous great plays in the outfield, including throwing out a runner at 3rd base. My bullpen got a little beat up this series so far, mainly Bard and Doubront, but it still been very valuable as Tazawa, Breslow, Miller, Uehara, Bailey and Hanrahan has pitched very well... Also I've ditched having a "true" closer, Hanrahan's gonna walk so I've been pitching to the batter's weakness which has worked nicely so far... 2 wins away!!!

[Armor and Sword]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

Grandy and Tex are back in the lineup for the Yankees.

Lyle Overbay was designated for Assignment and we are trying to work out a trade as the Dodgers have shown some interest. Ben Francisco was sent down to AAA.

We are going into the 3rd game of a three game set vs the Royals and looking to win the rubber match.

Overall the team is doing quite well, in first place and getting stronger with the return of two key players. Jeter is out till at least after the All-Star break.

At the end of May I will post up team stats, standings and any interesting trades. The trading block has a lot of talent and I expect to see some serious activity soon.

[Instant C1a55ic]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

Here is the lineup/rotation/bullpen i managed to put together for my 2016 Colorado Rockies:

CF Dexter Fowler
RF Robert Hager
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Ike Davis
3B Nolan Arenado
C Jordan Pacheco
2B Billy Hamilton

Bench:
C AJ Jimenez
CF Eric Young Jr
SS Ruben Tejada
SS Trevor Story

Rotation:

SP Phil Hughes
SP Carlos Martinez
SP Mike Minor
SP Brandon Beachey
SP Christian Friedrich

Bullpen:

LRP Drew Pomeranz
RP Wilton Lopez
RP Eduardo Sanchez
RP Drew Smyly
RP Rex Brothers
SU Antonio Bastardo
CP Brian Wilson

[TGov]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

Nearing the end of the World Series...
Game 5 Lester vs De La Rosa... De La Rosa was leaving pitches over the plate so I got to him pretty quick. 5 runs in the first 3 innings thanks to 2 errora by Morales and Pacheco in the first. The Rox quickly prevailed with 2 runs of there own in the 4th. Car-Go had a big game with 3 hit including a HR and a 2B. Rutledge also got 3 hits too. Breslow came through huge for me striking out Car-Go along the way. Napoli and Salty both homered. In the 9th I had Hanrahan trying to close it out but almost blew it by giving up a 2-run HR to Morales. I had Uehara come in only to give up 2 hits until Miller came in to shut the door. But not until the Rox loaded the bases with Tulo up and 2 out. I decided to leave Miller instead of going to Bailey and it paid off, Miller K'ed Tulo to end it!!!

[3fiddy]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

I have posted in this thread before ab Andrew Bailey blowing it. I thought for sure it was ab to happen again lol

[TGov]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

I... have... WON the World Series!!!
Game 6 vs the Rockies, Buchholz vs Chacin... This was a pitching duel until the bottom of the 6th when Buchholz left a fastball over the plate to Torrealba, which he took over the wall for a solo shot. In the top of the 7th though, Napoli avenged Buchholz with a solo HR of his own. I then proceeded to score 3 more to make it 4-1. But come on, this was the Rockies and this series has been very eventful, they wouldn't go down without a fight. I believe it was Tulo who took Bailey (of all people) deep for a 2-run HR. I quickly brought in Miller to face Morales(yes, Kendry, he was acquired earlier) and Colvin. Somewhere in there I had Uehara get Rosario out, but I know Miller closed it out again. Red Sox win the series 4-2.(Like I mentioned before, I played without a "true" closer, and it has worked for the playoffs)

Notes: Im so happy I pulled through and won. I havent won a World Series in a few year IRL. Salty is the Playoff MVP as he rightfully should be hitting over .430 with 6 HR and 9 RBI. I played everyone on my roster in some capacity except for David Ross (sorry Dave lol). Everyone hit well except for Bradley Jr. but he made yet another great play on defense and dropped down a bunt for an RBI single too, so he was very important. Ciriaco didnt hit but he did pinch-run. Nava got a couple clutch hits. Gomes hit very well, over .500 in limited time. I got some great stolen bases from Ellsbury and Victorino. Ortiz and Pedroia became very clutch the deeper I got into the postseason. Breslow came through in some very important spot, including striking out Car-Go 3 times in 3 games. Bard and Doubront ate up some innings but also gave up some runs. Miller pitched better the more he pitched, I think I used him more than any other reliever and he pitched awesome. Bailey wasnt used that much at all but he wasn't that reliable, thats a problem since I planned on using him as closer in 2014, that's something to reevaluate. Uehara pitched admirably, he'll walk and Im guessing retire. Hanrahan pitched good, got me out of some jams but also gave up some longballs in big spots.

Other notables awards throughout my franchise are: Batting title won by Ellsbury, Cy Young award won by Buchholz (Lester was 2nd), Reliever award won by Hanrahan, Gold Glove award won by Iglesias, Silver Slugger won by Ellsbury.

On to 2014!!!

[3fiddy]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

"Putting it on the Booooooard!! " Home run off Andrew Bailey lol

Sorry for your misfortune buddy. Congrats tho !!

[cystar]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

I'm rolling with the Mets this year. I will be playing 1 game a series p with the occasional second gameif I feel like up to it. Can't wait to get going ill keep you posted

[HozAndMoose]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

2014 - pittsburgh pirates - july & august update

</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>
We are 29-24 since July 1st. And Currently sitting in 1st, 8 games above .500. Brewers swept us and since then they have lost 8 in a row. Hopefully this continues.

The hitters have been pretty great these last 2 months. The rookie Crocker has maintained an AVG between .270 and .285. Eric Hosmer is finally looking like the player he was his rookie year. Already setting a career high in RBI (85). And looks to be on pace to set a new high in HR, Hits, and Runs. Neil Walker has been our most consistent hitter all year. Currently hitting .304 and leading the team with 73 runs scored. Jarrod Dyson was hurt for a little more than a month. And has been terrible since coming back. Hitting only .182 and now sitting no the bench. And Jose Tabata has career highs in HR (10), RBI (60), and 2B (25).

Pitching has been getting better as well. The trade for Jeremy Hellickson (a bit unfair) has payed off big time. Gave up 10 runs in 1 inning his first start for us. But since then he is 7-1, And sitting at 18-3 with a 2.97 ERA. Gerrit Cole is 9-7 with a 3.95 ERA. And Jared Hughes has been our best pitcher in the pen all year. 6-1 with a 1.64 ERA in 66 innings.

(click pics to enlarge)

</td></table>

[HozAndMoose]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

The world has officially started to end. You will see why when i wake up.

[sink4ever]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread



Chicago Cubs - 2013 Spring Training

Position Battles

Catcher - Castillo is projected to open the season as the starter, but Navarro should get a fair share of playing time as well. It would pretty much take an injury or a total implosion for Clevenger to grab a spot on the 25-man roster.

Infield - Rizzo, Barney, and Castro have 1st, 2nd, and SS locked up. Third base, however, will be an open competition. Stewart, Valbuena, Vitters, and Lillibridge will all take a crack at it. It wouldn't be surprising at all if it ended up being a bit of a platoon situation. Valbuena, Lillibridge, and Gonzalez will all be fighting for the utility infielder position as well.

Outfield - Soriano, DeJesus, Schierholtz, and Hairston are the obvious favorites. If a fifth OF is needed, it will likely be Sappelt. Jackson will probably open the season in the minors so he can get steady playing time, but a great spring could launch him into a starting role in the majors.

Rotation - Garza, Samardzija, and Jackson have the first three spots locked down. Baker, Feldman, Wood, and Villanueva will be the main competitors for the last two spots. One of the losers will likely become the long man, although a lot may depend on who has options remaining.

Bullpen - Marmol is the likely candidate for closer, but his leash may be rather short. Fujikawa is penciled in to pitch the 8th inning and could be next in line if Marmol falters. Russell and Bowden were solid in 2012 so they have a slight leg up, but just about anyone could win a spot in camp.

2013 Spring Training Statistics



Ian Stewart won the 3B job with a very solid spring while Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters both proved they need more seasoning in the minors. Brent Lillibridge suffered an injury in his first spring training game and won't be back until after the season starts. Logan Watkins and Christian Villanueva had encouraging performances, both are hoped to be future contributors.



The starters struggled to various degrees, but most of the bullpen fared well. Youngster Arodys Vizcaino showed quite a bit of a rust, he'll likely stay in Extended Spring Training until he's back at full strength. Carlos Villanueva definitely out-pitched several other candidates for the rotation, but he's also one of the only guys with remaining options.

2013 Depth Charts



Watkins will hold down a spot until Lillibridge comes back from injury. No real surprises at the major league level, other than maybe Carlos Villanueva not making the team. There are rumors of a fire sale around the trading deadline, so this could look very different at the end of the season.



Jackson and Vitters will get plenty of reps so the organization can figure out if they really have a future with the team. There really aren't many exciting names here. It'll be interesting to see how Alberto Cabrera does in the rotation. Rondon and Bowden will likely be the first called up if there's an opening in the bullpen.



There are more interesting prospects at this level. Jorge Soler will be under pretty intense scrutiny all season as he's expected to help in the big leagues sooner rather than later. Alcantara, Villanueva, Lake, and Vogelbach are all fairly intriguing infield prospects. Lake has to show some consistency while Villanueva has to hit enough to stay at the hot corner. Alcantara could shoot up the prospect rankings with a good season and Vogelbach just needs to be good enough at 1B to keep his bat in the lineup. Paniagua is the big arm in the rotation, he'll have a chance to prove that he should be considered a top pitching prospect.

[Majingir]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

How would people go about franchise mode if guys progress like crazy and most are on my team, but I can't afford them anymore, but at the same time, I don't wanna let them all go to other teams cause I'll be stacking the entire MLB basically.

My teams bench guys would be starters on any team, but with only like 90M budget, I can't afford most of these guys. I wanna somewhat rebuild, but I can't if it means stacking rest of the league for next 5-10 years.

[HozAndMoose]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

2014 - pittsburgh pirates -End of Regular Season

</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>
October 4th, 1992. The last time the Pittsburgh Pirates finished a season over .500. 21 straight years with a losing record. Longest ever by a North American sports team. But now that is just history.

We finished the season at 86-76. And 1st place in the NL Central. Our hitting is the main thing that got us there. Making up for a pitching staff with an ERA of 4.21.

(click pics to enlarge

Neil Walker was great all season. Setting career highs in AVG, Hits, Runs, and OBP. Rick Crocker, who never played a single game in the minors led the team with 87 runs scored and 34 SB. While batting .269. Eric Hosmer got back on track after a terrible 2 years. Hit .285 with 100 RBI.

As for pitching. If we hadnt made the trade for Hellickson. We wouldnt have finished over .500. He finished 20-5 with an ERA of 3.21. Winning his first CY young award. Jared Hughes finished 6-2 with an ERA of 1.84. He is my favorite reliever ever.

Biggest surprise of the season has to be Russell Martin and Clint Barmes. They batted .259 and .262 respectively. But both came up clutch in many games.

NL Wild Card - Nats vs D-Backs

AL Wild Card - Angels vs Rangers

ALDS - Rays vs A's & Tigers vs ?

NLDS - Pirates vs Dodgers & Braves vs ?
</td></table>

[HozAndMoose]

Re: 2013 Franchise/Season Progress Thread

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

2014 - pittsburgh pirates - ALDS Game 1

</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

2014 - pittsburgh pirates - ALDS Game 2

</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

Gerrit Cole went 7 innings. And aside from 4 pitches. He was great. He gave up 2 two run shots in the 2nd. And 2 solo shots in the 3rd.</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

2014 - pittsburgh pirates - ALDS Game 3

</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

2014 - pittsburgh pirates - ALDS Game 1

</td></table>

<table><td bgcolor=#000000>

John Lamb was great in this game. 10 K's in 8 innings. His Cutter was amazing. Jose Tabata wont start game 5. He has yet to get a hit and Jarrod Dyson needs some playing time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We lost game 5. Greinke had a complete game shutout. Only managed 3 hits.

Rays beat A's 3-1
Tigers beat Rangers 3-1
Braves beat Nats 3-1

Braves beat Dodgers 4-3
Tigers beat Rays 4-1

Tigers beat Braves 4-2
</td></table>

DETROIT TIGERS 2014 WORLD CHAMPIONS