FRANCHISE PROGRESS

[JBH3]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

Finally got Cole Hamels his 4th W, beating Florida at home 8-5(actually swept them). The game was tied (3-3) thru 5 innings, and after Anibal Sanchez labored through most of those 5 innings he was lifted in the B6th for Leo Nunez. Nunez ran into trouble in the 6th after retiring the first batter. Eventually the bases would be loaded for Ryan Howard, and Howard took full advantage sending one into the bleachers for his 36th of the year. That put it out of reach for Florida, and w/ an 8-5 lead Lidge came on to close it out in the 9th for Cole Hamels 4th Win.

Next played game was in Wrigley - Blanton vs Lilly. The Cubbies got out to 1-0 lead on a Soriano solo HR. Ryan Howard was sat vs the lefty Lilly, and also in need of a rest w/ his fatigue at 80%. The 1-0 lead wouldn't last long though as Raul Ibanez tied it up w/ a solo of his own. Fast forward to the 6th where I'd run into trouble w/ a 3-1 lead. With no outs and two runners on, Alfonso Soriano hit a would be DP, but it was bobbled by Rollins and the only play was a throw to first - just barley getting Soriano. Now it was runners in scoring pos. 1 out. I'd end up giving up the lead, and give a IBB to A-Ram to strike out Fukodome for the 3rd out. However, the damage was done as the Cubs went ahead 4-3, and would hold that lead w/ Gregg and Marmol coming on to close it out. Blanton's record remained 12-5, and his ERA increased from 2.94 to 3.17; he struck out 5 (Cy Young still in sight).

In August I've been on much of a roll (12-3 before back to back sweeps), and after the AUG 11th Blanton vs Lilly game I simmed the next 12 games:

-I took the next 2 games @ Chicago for a series win, but then was swept by ATL on the road and by Zona @ hm (6gm losing streak).

-The Mets would be next, and since I've lost every series vs them I figured I'd sim this one too. I won the series 3-1, and went back up by 5 games in a decisive series win (also breaking that horrible 6 gm losing streak).

Through these 12 games Howard's power dropped off some as he's only had 1 HR; although he still leads the league w/ 38.

To finish out August I'll be on the road for 3 vs Pitt (who's no longer in 1st place), and home vs ATL for 3. I'll be playing 4 of these 6 games looking to win each series and finish August out strong...hopefully I can go on another tear w/ Howard and get him to around 45 HRs to finish August.

[ronnyballgame]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

Heading into a 3 games series at the end of April against the Marlins, with a half game lead over them. I was loving my sliders, they were playing out a real good game, and then I was shell shocked big time. I got swept, which is okay, but I lost 16-1, 7-6 in extra innings, and 19-7. I am not sure, but those are crazy numbers, but back to the drawing board on the AI Offense sliders.

I brought up Joe Savery, but he wasnt the real deal for me in the pen, and I have no patience. I offered the Reds Savery and Mench for Homer Bailey. They accepted and I am happy to strengthen my bullpen and possibly have a replacement 5th starter if Chan Ho continues to blow.

Current team
SS- Rollins
CF- Victorino
2B-Utley
1B- Howard
RF- Werth
LF- Ibanez
3B- Feliz
C- Ruiz

Bench
Stairs
Dobbs
Bruntlett
Mayberry Jr
Coste

Rotation
Hamels
Myers
Moyers
Blanton
Park

Bullpen
CL- Madson
SU- Romero
MR- Eyre
MR- Durbin
MR- Condrey
LR- Volstad
LR- Bailey

DL: Lidge(major concussion)

[Deadeye15]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

Just finished the month of April in my 2nd year. Sticking with my play one game then sim through the rotation, play the next guy, etc. so its moving fast. The offseason was fairly basic. My first round draft pick was a Pitcher who is dominating AA through the first month holding a 1.45 ERA and a .72 WHIP. He still has yet to get a win somehow. The biggest name available in FA was Aubrey Huff who I decided not to bring back. I picked up a few guys, this is my team now.

Pitchers:
1. Jeremy Guthrie - RHP(77)
2. Sean Gallagher - RHP(79)
3. Dustin McGowan - RHP(76) - He had a horrible first year with a 6.19 ERA and it got to day 10 of FA and he had no offers so I took a flyer and signed him to a 1 year deal.
4. Troy Patton - LHP(71) - Dominated AAA in my first year.
5. Kip Wells - RHP(71) - Did very well for me last year so I re-signed him for another year.

CL. Chris Ray - RHP(78)
SU. Jim Johnson - RHP(76)
MR. Jeremy Sowers - LHP(74) - Needed a lefty out of the pen, he was the best FA available.
MR. Dan Meyer - LHP(70) - Just like Sowers, needed lefties badly.
MR. Dennis Sarfate - RHP(72)
LR. Koji Uehara - RHP(73)
LR. Radhames Liz - RHP(73)


Pitching staff is average I would say. I dont really have that top line guy in the rotation or in the bullpen but its way better than what I had year 1.


Hitters:
2B. Brian Roberts(85)
CF. Adam Jones(83)
RF. Nick Markakis(92)
C. Matt Weiters(77)
1B. Brandon Wood(78)
DH. Josh Willingham(79) - Signed to replace Aubrey Huff
LF. Nolan Reimold(78) - Killing the ball through the first month
3B. Melvin Mora(80)
SS. Bobby Crosby - vs. RHP(74), Donnie Murphy - vs. LHP(68) - I was hoping to get a SS in FA but no decent ones were available.

Bench:
C. Gregg Zaun(72)
3B. Ty Wigginton(76)
OF. Felix Pie(78)
SS. Whoever isnt playing from the above names



Overall I like the team for now. Obviously neither the Pitching staff or the Lineup can hold up to the top teams. But like the Pitching Staff, the Lineup is improved with the development of my younger guys I think. The big 3 prospects(Arrieta - 72, Matusz - 73 and Tillman - 74) are in AAA to start the year but are struggling so far but im hopeful they can turn it around and progress for the future.

I have Felix Pie on the block as Reimold took over LF for me. I cant hit with Pie either so hes just taking up space. I have yet to get any offers though but hes only been on it about a week. If anyone has any suggestions on a trade I should go for please give your input. Im looking for either a power bat to come off the bench or a starting pitcher, preferably a lefty but it doesnt matter. A prospect at either position will be good as well as im not really trying to win this year. And I have Ryan Langerhans in AAA, who I signed in the offseason knowing I was going to be moving Pie. Feedback/Input?

[jake44np]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

Well I havent posted an update on my franchise in about 5 days, lets just say my Reds are on a roll!. I am now 35-26 and 3.5 games up on the Astros.
Here is the standings for the NL Central.
Team W-L GB
REDS 35-26 -
STROS 32-30 3.5
BREWERS 31-30 4
CARDS 31-31 4.5
PIRATES 28-33 7
CUBS 26-35 9

I am 9-1 my last 10 games as my offense has really come alive, particully Jay Freakin Bruce.
He has hit 9 hrs my last 10 games and now has 23 hrs and 53 RBI's.
I just swept the Nats and also took the first game at KC 12-0!

[JBH3]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

Just finished the month of April in my 2nd year. Sticking with my play one game then sim through the rotation, play the next guy, etc. so its moving fast. The offseason was fairly basic. My first round draft pick was a Pitcher who is dominating AA through the first month holding a 1.45 ERA and a .72 WHIP. He still has yet to get a win somehow. The biggest name available in FA was Aubrey Huff who I decided not to bring back. I picked up a few guys, this is my team now.

Pitchers:
1. Jeremy Guthrie - RHP(77)
2. Sean Gallagher - RHP(79)
3. Dustin McGowan - RHP(76) - He had a horrible first year with a 6.19 ERA and it got to day 10 of FA and he had no offers so I took a flyer and signed him to a 1 year deal.
4. Troy Patton - LHP(71) - Dominated AAA in my first year.
5. Kip Wells - RHP(71) - Did very well for me last year so I re-signed him for another year.

I'm really looking forward to my first offseason.

I want to get Baltimore up to snuff w/ the rest of the AL East, and hope to land a frontline starter and/or top-line closer during free agency. I'll probably resign Huff though because when I've played as the O's his bat has been devestating (at least vs Righties). Like you I'll be looking for a SS as well, and wouldn't mind drafting a 3B w/ my 1st pick in the draft to develop into a stud.

What was available in terms of starting pitching at yr end?

I'm hoping John Lackey becomes a FA in my 'chise. I looked at the team contracts page, and he was a starting pitcher who stuck out as a possible FA; Bedard has 1 yr left too. I'll be resigning Guthrie and Gorzelanny which will be either 1 and 2, or 2 and 3 depending if their's an ace or not available.

I think I might bring Matusz up for 2010, and use him as my 5th starter. Bullpen help is a definite need though.

[Deadeye15]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

I'm really looking forward to my first offseason.

I want to get Baltimore up to snuff w/ the rest of the AL East, and hope to land a frontline starter and/or top-line closer during free agency. I'll probably resign Huff though because when I've played as the O's his bat has been devestating (at least vs Righties). Like you I'll be looking for a SS as well, and wouldn't mind drafting a 3B w/ my 1st pick in the draft to develop into a stud.

What was available in terms of starting pitching at yr end?

I'm hoping John Lackey becomes a FA in my 'chise. I looked at the team contracts page, and he was a starting pitcher who stuck out as a possible FA; Bedard has 1 yr left too. I'll be resigning Guthrie and Gorzelanny which will be either 1 and 2, or 2 and 3 depending if their's an ace or not available.

I think I might bring Matusz up for 2010, and use him as my 5th starter. Bullpen help is a definite need though.

Yeah I was hoping Bedard would be available but he wasn't sadly. The best starter available was Rich Hill who I chose not to re-sign. Some veterans like Jose Contreras, Tom Glavine, Mark Mulder, Paul Byrd, Adam Eaton and Mark Hendrickson(also didnt bring back), and guys like that. No really big guys came out at any position sadly. It was a pretty weak FA class. I did manage to get a SS and 3rd baseman in the draft in the 2nd and 3rd rounds thankfully.

I was planning to bring one of the pitching prospects up to pitch in the 4 or 5 slot but they all have like 40-50 composure so I just decided to move them up to AAA for a year and try to build that up. Hopefully that can progress and in my third year ill bring all 3 of them up since all 5 of my current starters only have 1 year deals. They already are better than half my current staff ratings wise.

Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Roy Halladay, and Josh Beckett are the big name pitchers with contracts up after my 2nd year so im hoping one of them decides to test the waters and I can make a run at them(preferably Halladay).

How are your Phillies holding up heading into the final month?

[JBH3]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Roy Halladay, and Josh Beckett are the big name pitchers with contracts up after my 2nd year so im hoping one of them decides to test the waters and I can make a run at them(preferably Halladay).

That would be awesome to bring in one of those SPs. I sure hope Lackey is there. I've looked at his pitch ratings...

How are your Phillies holding up heading into the final month?

Sitting a top the NL East by 5.5 games w/ 6 games left in August to play, and September still to go.

I hope to get in two games tonight to win the Pitt series, and then 2 tomorrow night to win the ATL series and then it's September time!

The offseason will be fun being that I control 4 teams. I've got a list of what I need for each team.

O's - Frontline starter & Bullpen help & SS. Corner infielder w/ a bat. Bench/Util. players.

Royals - Big bat in OF. Upgrade to 1B/DH. Catcher. Bullpen arm.

Phillies - 1 or 2 back-end SPs. Bullpen arm. Catcher. Bench/Util. players.

Nats - Frontline starter & Bullpen help. MIF'er. OF'er. Bench/Util. players.

[Village Idiot]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

8-10

Three-way tie for third in AL Central (2.5 GB).

Just took two of three from the Royals who had been in first, including a 13-2 drubbing last game.

[MizzouRah]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

What sliders or default setting are most of you all using?

[JBH3]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

What sliders or default setting are most of you all using?

These. :wink:

http://www.osatwork.com/forums/showthread.php?t=305595

[oldman]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

A question for you guys. How do you deal with the problems with the franchise mode. Such as the freeze ups and the fact that when you recall a player from the minor leagues he is white and also the injury bug among other things. I am really interested in getting this game but if the Franchise mode has any serious problems it would be almost unplayable to me. I just want to know what the work arounds are that you guys use to make the franchise mode playable. Thanks.

[JBH3]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

A question for you guys. How do you deal with the problems with the franchise mode. Such as the freeze ups and the fact that when you recall a player from the minor leagues he is white and also the injury bug among other things. I am really interested in getting this game but if the Franchise mode has any serious problems it would be almost unplayable to me. I just want to know what the work arounds are that you guys use to make the franchise mode playable. Thanks.

I haven't encountered these issues.

Never had a freeze up.

As far as injuries go, I've got two guys on the DL:

Jayson Werth (Broken Wrist - out for yr)

Chase Utley (Metatarsal Fracture - out 50 days, injury occured after ASB, out till mid Sept.)

Perhaps when I activate Utley he might be some weird looking player, but till then I haven't had to deal w/ any of these issues.

[boxcarracer2552]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

Now at the All-Star break with the Red Sox. Our record is 55-33, I played pretty much all of April and then simmed most of it after that, playing a few games here and there.

J.D. Drew went down with a leg injury in early April, so I traded for Ken Griffey Jr., as he wasn't playing at all for Seattle (through about 10 games he only had 3 RBI's, and wasn't starting). So he now has 8 HR's and 43 RBI's for Boston.

This is what the AL East looks like:

Red Sox: 55-33
Rays: 48-41
Blue Jays: 49-42
Yankees: 43-47
Baltimore Orioles: 38-50

So the Yankees continue to struggle, even with Alex Rodriguez back.

I'm going to put John Smoltz back in the starting rotation after the break, but I'm still deciding on who to take out. I'll probably trade Wakefield to a contender in the NL looking for another starter. Other than that, I don't think there's really any other moves I can make: Beckett (Ace, not moving him for anything), Lester (still young and developing, could become the Ace if Beckett leaves in two years), Dice-K (Probably best 3rd pitcher in the MLB), and then Penny, who I was originally going to put in the bullpen, but he actually has the 2nd best ERA for a starter on my team, behind Beckett.

So I should be getting Drew back within a month, which will strengthen my bench, with Griffey and Baldelli there.

[jake44np]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

A question for you guys. How do you deal with the problems with the franchise mode. Such as the freeze ups and the fact that when you recall a player from the minor leagues he is white and also the injury bug among other things. I am really interested in getting this game but if the Franchise mode has any serious problems it would be almost unplayable to me. I just want to know what the work arounds are that you guys use to make the franchise mode playable. Thanks.

I am 62 games into my season and I have not seen any of these problems.
I have not had a game freeze or the game freeze during loading since the 2nd patch.
I have called up and sent down about 5 different players and their appearances have not changed.
I will tell you that I have turned off the injuries as there is an injury bug. The bug is sometimes the player will never come back from their injury, it will keep saying the player is hurnt for 1 more day.

[MizzouRah]

Re: FRANCHISE PROGRESS

These. :wink:

http://www.osatwork.com/forums/showthread.php?t=305595

Thanks.. I'll have to check those out!