2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

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  • grahoben
    Rookie
    • Nov 2012
    • 236

    #1

    2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

    Reserved for Career History
  • grahoben
    Rookie
    • Nov 2012
    • 236

    #2
    Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

    March 30, 2013

    Just before the beginning of the 2013 Major League Baseball season, Commissioner Bud Selig had a surprising announcement. He announced that in 2014, the MLB will expand to 32 teams, and will add one team to each league. No new division alignment has been announced, nor have the cities that will host these new teams.

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    • grahoben
      Rookie
      • Nov 2012
      • 236

      #3
      Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

      July 16, 2013

      Just before the 2013 All Star Game, held at Citi Field in New York, Bud Selig revealed more information regarding the 2014 expansion. "Indianapolis and Portland will be the two cities with new major league baseball teams next spring," said Selig. "Team nicknames have not yet been created, but fans should know more after the World Series this year."



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      • grahoben
        Rookie
        • Nov 2012
        • 236

        #4
        Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom




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        • grahoben
          Rookie
          • Nov 2012
          • 236

          #5
          Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

          2013 MLB Award Winners
          AwardPlayerPosTeam
          AL Most Valuable PlayerPrince Fielder1BDetroit Tigers
          AL Cy Young AwardC.J. WilsonSPLos Angeles Angels
          AL Rookie of the YearJurickson ProfarSSTexas Rangers
          NL Most Valuable PlayerBryce HarperLFWashington Nationals
          NL Cy Young AwardClayton KershawSPLos Angeles Dodgers
          NL Rookie of the YearJedd Gyorko2BSan Diego Padres
          2013 MLB Rawlings Gold Glove Award Winners
          American LeaguePosNational League
          Alex Avila (DET)CWilin Rosario (COL)
          Justin Morneau (CLE)1BIke Davis (NYM)
          Dustin Pedroia (BOS)2BChase Utley (PIT)
          Evan Longoria (TB)3BRyan Zimmerman (WAS)
          Yunel Escobar (TB)SSZack Cozart (CIN)
          Melky Cabrera (TOR)OFJustin Upton (ATL)
          Austin Jackson (DET)OFCarlos Gomez (MIL)
          Nick Swisher (CLE)OFJason Heyward (ATL)
          Justin VerlanderPHenderson Alvarez (MIA)


          November 11, 2013

          Commissioner Selig has announced the names of the two new MLB teams: The Indianapolis Devils, and the Portland Ninjas. Both names were selected with a vote from fans living in the cities. Selig also announced that Indianapolis will play in the NL Central, and Portland in the AL West. With the expansion, Houston will move to the AL East next year, after their lone season playing in the west. The expansion draft will take place on November 22.

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          • grahoben
            Rookie
            • Nov 2012
            • 236

            #6
            Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

            November 15, 2013

            Just one week before the MLB expansion draft, Indianapolis announces 33-year old Matt Grahoben as its general manager. Grahoben spent the previous four years working in the front office of the St. Louis Cardinals. He also played college baseball, and was drafted in the 28th round of the 2002 draft by Milwaukee, although he never made the majors. "I am really excited for this opportunity, and although we have one of the smallest markets in the league, I think we will still be able to put a winning team on the field with smart money management and good scouting," Grahoben said at his press conference.

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            • grahoben
              Rookie
              • Nov 2012
              • 236

              #7
              Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

              November 21, 2013

              The expansion draft pool has been released, and honestly, I am not really impressed by the available pitchers. Doug Fister of Detroit is probably the best, so if I get the first pick, I might take him. Hiroki Kuroda is also a great pitcher, but I won't be taking him due to his age and huge contract. So far, I have offered contracts to Barry Zito ($10.9 mil/2years) and Jeff Niemann ($1.2 mil/1 year).

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              • grahoben
                Rookie
                • Nov 2012
                • 236

                #8
                Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

                Expansion Draft:
                1. SP Doug Fister (POR)
                2. CF Austin Jackson (IND)
                3. 2B Neil Walker (IND)
                4. RP Andrew Cashner (POR)
                5. CF Peter Bourjos (POR)
                6. SS Zack Cozart (IND)
                7. RP Matt Reynolds (IND)
                8. LF Andrew M. Brown (POR)
                9. SP Hiroki Kuroda (POR)
                10. SP Chad Billingsley (IND)
                11. RP Gerardo Parra (IND)
                12. SS Ian Desmond (POR)
                13. SP Anibal Sanchez (POR)
                14. RP Jim Henderson (IND)
                15. SP John Lannan (IND)
                16. C George Kottaras (POR)
                17. 3B Chris Nelson (POR)
                18. RF Ichiro Suzuki (IND)
                19. RP Chris Leroux (IND)
                20. 1B Justin Smoak (POR)
                21. SP Mark Rogers (POR)
                22. 1B Gaby Sanchez (IND)
                23. C Martin Maldonado (IND)
                24. SP Wade Miley (POR)
                25. 2B Howie Kendrick (POR)
                26. SP Chris Narveson (IND)
                27. RP David Hernandez (IND)
                28. RF Daniel Nava (POR)
                29. SP Christian Friedrich (POR)
                30. 3B Alberto Callaspo (IND)
                31. RP Jake McGee (IND)
                32. SP Felix Doubront (POR)
                33. SP Rubby De La Rosa (POR)
                34. RP Allen Webster (IND)
                35. RP Jeurys Familia (IND)
                36. SP Ivan Nova (POR)
                37. SP James McDonald (POR)
                38. C Josh Thole (IND)
                39. 2B Eric Sogard (IND)
                40. C Chris Ianetta (POR)
                41. SP Jeremy Hellickson (POR)
                42. RP Steve Johnson (IND)
                43. CF A.J. Pollock (IND)
                44. RP Rob Scahill (POR)
                45. RP Vin Mazzaro (POR)
                46. LF Blake Tekotte (IND)
                47. SP Ross Ohlendorf (IND)
                48. CF B.J. Upton (POR)
                49. CF Colby Rasmus (POR)
                50. LF Gregor Blanco (IND)
                51. 3B Matt Dominguez (IND)
                52. CF Cameron Maybin (POR)
                53. SP David Phelps (POR)
                54. 1B Jordan Lennerton (IND)
                55. 2B Justin Sellers (IND)
                56. SS Jed Lowrie (POR)
                57. SS Mike Aviles (POR)
                58. 2B Omar Infante (IND)
                59. SP Scott Diamond (IND)
                60. 3B Luis D. Jimenez (POR)
                61. LF J.D. Martinez (POR)
                62. CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (IND)
                63. SP Kevin Slowey (IND)
                64. SP Dillon Gee (POR)
                65. SS Trevor Plouffe (POR)
                66. LF Julio Borbon (IND)
                67. SS Jordy Mercer (IND)
                68. SP Joe Wieland (POR)
                69. RF Roger Kieschnick (POR)
                70. RF Robbie Grossman (IND)
                Last edited by grahoben; 01-04-2014, 12:16 PM.

                Comment

                • grahoben
                  Rookie
                  • Nov 2012
                  • 236

                  #9
                  Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

                  Transactions:
                  December 2: Traded CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis to Texas for 1B Mitch Moreland
                  December 6: Signed SP Jeff Niemann and RP Jon Rauch to 1-year deals, worth $1,200,000 and $1,056,000 respectively
                  December 23: Signed SP Barry Zito to a 2-year deal worth $10,900,000
                  January 14: Signed RP Francisco Rodriguez to a 1-year deal worth $1,250,000
                  January 16: Signed RP Jose Veras to a 1-year deal worth $1,000,000
                  March 13: 1B Mitch Moreland sustained a hamstring injury that will keep him out for 2 weeks
                  March 19: SP prospect Allen Webster will miss 4-5 months with a shoulder inflammation

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                  • grahoben
                    Rookie
                    • Nov 2012
                    • 236

                    #10
                    Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

                    2014 Opening Day Roster
                    #PITCHERSPOSB/TAGEHTWTSALARY
                    27John LannanSPL/L296-3235$3,400,000
                    29Jim HendersonRPL/R316-5190$492,000
                    30David HernandezRPR/R286-2230$2,000,000
                    35Jeff NiemannSPR/R316-9285$1,200,000
                    39Chris NarvesonSPL/L326-3205$2,200,000
                    41Jose VerasRPR/R336-5240$1,000,000
                    45Matt ReynoldsRPL/L296-5240$1,700,000
                    57Jake McGeeRPL/L276-3230$1,700,000
                    58Chad BillingsleySPR/R296-0240$12,000,000
                    60Jon RauchRPR/R356-9295$1,056,000
                    61Francisco RodriguezRPR/R326-0195$1,250,000
                    63Chris LerouxRPL/R296-5225$750,000
                    75Barry ZitoSPL/L356-2200$4,450,000
                    #CATCHERSPOSB/TAGEHTWTSALARY
                    12Martin MaldonadoCR/R276-0220$494,000
                    20Josh TholeCL/R276-0215$1,250,000
                    #INFIELDERSPOSB/TAGEHTWTSALARY
                    15Gaby Sanchez1BR/R306-0235$2,200,000
                    19Mitch Moreland1BL/L286-2280$1,800,000
                    18Neil Walker2BS/R286-3215$3,800,000
                    4Omar Infante2B/3B/SSR/R326-0200$1,300,000
                    6Alberto Callaspo3BS/R305-8200$4,875,000
                    31Eric SogardSS/2B/3BL/R275-10190$495,000
                    2Zack CozartSSR/R286-0195$527,000
                    #OUTFIELDERSPOSB/TAGEHTWTSALARY
                    8Gerardo ParraOFL/L265-10200$2,800,000
                    14Austin JacksonCFR/R276-0185$5,500,000
                    16A.J. PollockOFR/R266-0210$491,000
                    32Ichiro SuzukiRFL/L405-10170$6,500,000

                    EDIT: Sogard is not on the active roster

                    Pitching Rotation:
                    1. Billingsley
                    2. Zito
                    3. Lannan
                    4. Niemann
                    5. Narveson

                    Bullpen:
                    Closer: Veras
                    Setup: Reynolds, Hernandez
                    Middle: Henderson, Rodriguez, Rauch, McGee, Leroux

                    Lineup vs RHP:
                    1. Parra LF
                    2. Suzuki RF
                    3. Walker 2B
                    4. Moreland 1B
                    5. Jackson CF
                    6. Callaspo 3B
                    7. Thole C
                    8. Cozart SS

                    Lineup vs LHP:
                    1. Jackson CF
                    2. Cozart SS
                    3. Walker 2B
                    4. Sanchez C
                    5. Callaspo 3B
                    6. Maldonado C
                    7. Suzuki RF
                    8. Pollock LF
                    Last edited by grahoben; 01-04-2014, 04:05 PM.

                    Comment

                    • grahoben
                      Rookie
                      • Nov 2012
                      • 236

                      #11
                      Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

                      Indianapolis Devils at Atlanta Braves
                      Apr 6, 2014123456789RHE
                      Indianapolis (1-0)020400000680
                      Atlanta (0-1)022000000461
                      W: Chad Billingsley (1-0, 7.20) L: Brandon Beachy (0-1, 9.82) S: Matt Reynolds (1, 0.00)


                      Gerardo Parra led off the game with a double, and although the Devils couldn't score, it awakened their bats. Josh Thole produced the first runs of the game, hitting a two-run homer, but Atlanta quickly came back, gaining a 4-2 lead. Starter Chad Billingsley regained his composure after the third, pitching two scoreless innings after the third. A big fourth inning gave the Devils the lead, and they wouldn't look back, as the bullpen pitched 4 scoreless innings. Matt Reynolds came in for the ninth because the Braves had three lefties coming up.

                      Austin Jackson left the game with an injury in the 8th inning. The severity of his injury is unknown.

                      Indianapolis Devils at Atlanta Braves
                      Apr 7, 2014123456789RHE
                      Indianapolis (1-1)100000000141
                      Atlanta (1-1)000001010270
                      W: Kris Medlen (1-0, 1.13) L: Matt Reynolds (0-1, 5.40) S: Craig Kimbrel (1, 0.00)


                      Neil Walker gave the Devils a quick lead with a home run in the first, but Atlanta scored on an error by Alberto Callaspo in the 6th to tie the game. In the 8th, Nelson Cruz hit a pinch hit home run to ultimately win the game for Atlanta.

                      After the game, we learn that Austin Jackson's injury is a seperated shoulder. He will be out for about 3 weeks. Gregor Blanco has been called up from AAA to fill the roster spot.

                      Indianapolis Devils at Atlanta Braves
                      Apr 8, 2014123456789RHE
                      Indianapolis (1-2)000000010170
                      Atlanta (2-1)0100061008101
                      W: Tommy Hanson (1-0, 1.13) L: John Lannan (0-1, 11.12)


                      John Lannan kept the Braves in check for the first five innings, but Atlanta rallied for 6 in the 6th inning, knocking the Devils out of the game.

                      Comment

                      • grahoben
                        Rookie
                        • Nov 2012
                        • 236

                        #12
                        Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

                        Cincinnati Reds at Indianapolis Devils
                        Apr 9, 2014123456789RHE
                        Cincinnati (2-2)102000000360
                        Indianapolis (2-2)1230000006111
                        W: Jeff Niemann (1-0, 1.50) L: Homer Bailey (0-1, 27.00) S: Jose Veras (1, 0.00)


                        The Devils opened up Sutton Stadium with style, defeating division rival Cincinnati 6-3. The Reds scored first, but Indianapolis tagged Homer Bailey for 6 runs in just two innings of work. Jeff Niemann pitched well in his first start of the year, and the bullpen continued its success. Through 4 games, the bullpen ERA is 3rd in the National League at 1.46.

                        Cincinnati Reds at Indianapolis Devils
                        Apr 10, 2014123456789RHE
                        Cincinnati (3-2)110010100480
                        Indianapolis (2-3)100100000260
                        W: Tony Cingrani (1-0, 2.25) L: Chris Narveson (0-1, 5.40) S: Aroldis Chapman (2, 3.00)


                        Chris Narveson wasn't bad in his season debut, but our offense didn't give him nearly enough support. Zack Cozart hit a home run in the 1st inning to tie the game, but the Reds were able to put together more offense, winning by 2.

                        Cincinnati Reds at Indianapolis Devils
                        Apr 11, 2014123456789RHE
                        Cincinnati (3-3)000010000171
                        Indianapolis (3-3)0110100003100
                        W: Chad Billingsley (2-0, 4.09) L: Mat Latos (0-1, 3.46) S: Jose Veras (2, 0.00)


                        Key hits by Neil Walker and Omar Infante helped the Devils get ahead early against the Reds, and for the final three innings, the bullpen slammed the door. Chris Leroux, Matt Reynolds, and Jose Veras each pitched a scoreless inning, and they combined to strike out 5 batters and allow just 1 hit.
                        Last edited by grahoben; 01-06-2014, 01:58 PM.

                        Comment

                        • grahoben
                          Rookie
                          • Nov 2012
                          • 236

                          #13
                          Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

                          Indianapolis Devils at New York Mets
                          Apr 12, 2014123456789RHE
                          Indianapolis (3-4)400010100692
                          New York (3-4)11030002x7110
                          W: Aaron Laffey (1-0, 6.75) L: Jim Henderson (0-1, 3.86) S: Scott Atchison (2, 3.38)


                          Indianapolis quickly jumped on Tyson Ross and the Mets, scoring four runs in the first inning. Devils lefty Barry Zito couldn't hold on to the lead however, as New York took the lead in the fourth inning. The Devils would eventually reclaim their lead, but the bullpen could not hold on, allowing the Mets to win the series opener.

                          Indianapolis Devils at New York Mets
                          Apr 13, 2014123456789RHE
                          Indianapolis (4-4)000000300390
                          New York (3-5)000000000010
                          W: Chris Leroux (1-0, 0.00) L: Bobby Parnell (0-1, 23.63) S: Francisco Rodriguez (1, 0.00)


                          A rain delay in the second inning prevented John Lannan from going deep into the game, but he still dominated the Mets, holding them to one hit and no runs in five innings of great pitching. The Devils bullpen would not allow a hit in four innings, and an RBI double by Neil Walker in the 7th finally broke the 0-0 tie.

                          Indianapolis Devils at New York Mets
                          Apr 14, 2014123456789RHE
                          Indianapolis (5-4)000210100481
                          New York (3-6)000000000051
                          W: Jeff Niemann (2-0, 0.75) L: Zack Wheeler (0-2, 4.85)


                          For the second consecutive game the Devils pitching staff carved up the Mets lineup, holding the team to just five hits and no runs. Jeff Niemann pitched another very good game, lowering his ERA to a microscopic 0.75. Indianapolis didn't have a lot of offensive production, but four runs were more than enough with the great pitching performance.

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                          • grahoben
                            Rookie
                            • Nov 2012
                            • 236

                            #14
                            Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

                            Arizona Diamondbacks at Indianapolis Devils
                            Apr 15, 2014123456789RHE
                            Arizona (8-2)24101020010130
                            Indianapolis (5-5)0000400037120
                            W: Brandon McCarthy (2-0, 3.46) L: Chris Narveson (0-2, 11.25) S: J.J. Putz (5, 5.06)


                            Chris Narveson was very ineffective, allowing seven runs in a start that only lasted three innings. A 3-run homer by Mitch Moreland in the ninth brought the Devils within striking distance, but they would not be able to complete the comeback.

                            Diamondbacks at Devils |
                            Apr 16, 2014123456789ExtrasRHE
                            Arizona (9-2)0000000012380
                            Indianapolis (5-6)0010000000180
                            W: J.J. Putz (2-0, 3.68) L: Jose Veras (0-1, 5.06)


                            Chad Billingsley pitched shutout baseball for five innings, but a rain delay interrupted his great outing. The Indianapolis bullpen held the Diamondbacks scoreless until the ninth, when Jose Veras blew his save opportunity. He allowed 2 more runs in the 10th, as Arizona improved to 9-2.

                            Arizona Diamondbacks at Indianapolis Devils
                            Apr 17, 2014123456789RHE
                            Arizona (9-3)000000000060
                            Indianapolis (6-6)0203201008110
                            W: Barry Zito (1-0, 2.81) L: Daniel Hudson (2-1, 6.30)


                            Home runs accounted for 7 of the 8 Indianapolis runs, as four Devils (A. Callaspo, G. Parra, M. Maldonado, G. Blanco) went deep for the first time this season. Meanwhile, Barry Zito pitched brilliantly, throwing seven shutout innings and allowing just four hits.

                            Comment

                            • grahoben
                              Rookie
                              • Nov 2012
                              • 236

                              #15
                              Re: 2014 MLB Expansion: Starting from the Bottom

                              Indianapolis Devils at San Francisco Giants
                              Apr 19, 2014123456789RHE
                              Indianapolis (6-7)000020000240
                              San Francisco (7-6)001000200390
                              W: Ryan Vogelsong (1-1, 3.26) L: Francisco Rodriguez (0-1, 2.08) S: Sergio Romo (3, 2.25)


                              John Lannan pitched well for the Devils, but Francisco Rodriguez could not protect the lead in the 7th, and aside from a homer by Gregor Blanco, Indianapolis had no offense.

                              Indianapolis Devils at San Francisco Giants
                              Apr 20, 2014123456789RHE
                              Indianapolis (7-7)0012001206121
                              San Francisco (7-7)101000000261
                              W: David Hernandez (1-0, 3.86) L: Dan Runzler (0-1,10.80)


                              A rain delay in the third inning shortened the outings of both starting pitchers, and this likely helped the Devils, as they didn't have to face Roy Halladay for long. Neil Walker carried the offense, smacking three hits and driving in three runs in the 6-2 win.

                              Indianapolis Devils at San Francisco Giants
                              Apr 21, 2014123456789RHE
                              Indianapolis (7-8)000200000260
                              San Francisco (8-7)12100000X491
                              W: Madison Bumgarner (2-2, 5.04) L: Chris Narveson (0-3, 10.50) S: Sergio Romo (4, 1.80)


                              Chris Narveson struggled once again, and Madison Bumgarner shut down the Devil lineup, allowing San Francisco to win the three-game series.

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