Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

[slowpokemcgee]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

10/31/14

- Buck Showalter has agreed in principle to a four year deal with the San Francisco Giants worth an estimated 22 million dollars. Walt Weiss Cleveland Indians have agreed to four year deal paying him 1.350 per season. Weiss was not retained by the Rockies after finishing 2014 ten games below .500. Finally, the Texas Rangers have come to an agreement with Robin Ventura, former White Sox skipper. The split is seemingly mutual, with Ventura and GM Rick Hahn disagreeing on the future direction of the team.

- The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to extensions with closer Ernesto Frieri (5.000/2) and outfielder Ben Revere (8.000/3). Outfielder Domonic Brown, the teams most talented expiring contract, looks to be headed to arbitration.

- Some of the larger extensions around include:

• SP James Shields (TOR - 88.50/5)
• SP Hishashi Iwakuma (SEA - 61.30/5)
• SP Dan Haren (LAD - 32.30/3)
  
• Closer Kenley Jensen (LAD - 40.00/4)
• Closer Sergio Romo (SF - 41.50/5)
• 2B Ben Zobrist (TB - 50.20/5)
• 2B Daniel Murphy (NYM - 28.70/4)
• C Willin Rosario (COL - 27.40/4)
  
• SP Lance Lynn (STL - 26.80/4)
  
• 1B Eric Hosmer (KC - 20.00/3)
  

- The New York Mets have shown willingness to move one of their big pitching prospects as part of a deal to acquire a franchise bat.

[Getty51]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

This is amazing stuff, congrats on making it to the offseason!

Hopefully you can get some good talent in free agency and not get overbid by too many teams.

Amazing end to the World Series can't believe the Blue Jays blew it and had two different injuries to their starters in the Series.

[Scott]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

10/31/14

- Buck Showalter has agreed in principle to a four year deal with the San Francisco Giants worth an estimated 22 million dollars. Walt Weiss Cleveland Indians have agreed to four year deal paying him 1.350 per season. Weiss was not retained by the Rockies after finishing 2014 ten games below .500. Finally, the Texas Rangers have come to an agreement with Robin Ventura, former White Sox skipper. The split is seemingly mutual, with Ventura and GM Rick Hahn disagreeing on the future direction of the team.

- The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to extensions with closer Ernesto Frieri (5.000/2) and outfielder Ben Revere (2.667/3). Outfielder Domonic Brown, the teams most talented expiring contract, looks to be headed to arbitration.

- Some of the larger extensions around include:

• SP James Shields (TOR - 88.50/5)
• SP Hishashi Iwakuma (SEA - 61.30/5)
• SP Dan Haren (LAD - 32.30/3)
  
• Closer Kenley Jensen (LAD - 40.00/4)
• Closer Sergio Romo (SF - 41.50/5)
• 2B Ben Zobrist (TB - 50.20/5)
• 2B Daniel Murphy (NYM - 28.70/4)
• C Willin Rosario (COL - 27.40/4)
  
• SP Lance Lynn (STL - 26.80/4)
  
• 1B Eric Hosmer (KC - 20.00/3)
  

- The New York Mets have shown willingness to move one of their big pitching prospects as part of a deal to acquire a franchise bat.

Nice extension for Revere. I just happened to acquire him in my Rangers franchise..

[slowpokemcgee]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

Nice extension for Revere. I just happened to acquire him in my Rangers franchise..

I accidentally put his yearly average instead of his entire salary originally, but I'm still happy with the deal. I'm hoping I don't need his noodle arm in center next year however.

This is amazing stuff, congrats on making it to the offseason!

Hopefully you can get some good talent in free agency and not get overbid by too many teams.

Amazing end to the World Series can't believe the Blue Jays blew it and had two different injuries to their starters in the Series

Sadly, our budget sits around 24 million including 9 million in pending offers. It took a pretty big hit following the tough season.

11/1/14

- The Boston Red Sox and starting pitcher Jon Lester have agreed on a mega deal, keeping the lefty in town for at least seven more years. The deal will pay 144.2 million over those seven years with a club option in 2022. Lester finished the year 10-13 with a 2.86 ERA and currently sits at an even 1400 strikeouts in his career.

- A new name being talked about in front offices as a managerial candidate is long time coach Davey Lopes. Lopes, who has been a first base coach with multiple clubs since his stint as manager of the Brewers over a decade ago, reportedly has interviews lined up with the Orioles, Rockies and Diamondbacks.


- Some of the larger extensions from yesterday include:

• SP Jon Lester (BOS - 144.20/7)
• 3B Chase Headley (SD - 70.20/6)
• SP Matt Harvey (NYM - 13.50/2)
• SP Jake Peavy (BOS - 21.00/3)
  
• SP Corey Kluber (CLE - 20.00/3)
• 1B Victor Martinez (DET - 12.40/2)
  
• CP Greg Holland (KC - 7.70/2)
  

- All signs point to Hanley Ramirez of the Los Angeles Dodgers heading to free agency. Ramirez, 31, reportedly wants a 8 year deal worth at least 220 million dollars.

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Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

11/2/14

- The Philadelphia Phillies have announced the resignings of some more players which include OF Travis Snider (3.20/2), RP Antonio Bastardo (2.00/1), RP Jake Diekman (1.80/2), SP Jesse Biddle (2.50/2) and Justin De Fratus (0.60/1)

- The Arizona Diamondbacks have won the coaching lottery, and will obtain the services of Bruce Bochy on a four year deal. Bochy was not retained by the Giants just one year removed from the teams World Series win. The Giants finished 2014 at 84-78, missing the playoffs.

- The Kansas City Royals didn't look too far in their search for a manager. The club announced that Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo will be the new skipper. Further east, the Baltimore Orioles hired Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. to a three year deal as their mananger.

- Some of the larger extensions from yesterday include:

• SP Max Scherzer (DET - 17.40/1)
• OF Emilio Bonifacio (CHC - 34.00/5)
• SP Patrick Corbin (ARI - 20.10/4)
  
• OF Josh Reddick (OAK - 15.00/3)
• SP Mike Minor (ATL - 5.00/1)

- With an ownership ready to commit, the Arizona Diamondbacks are placing calls around the league in the search for a starter to trade for. Their second half run to the playoffs in 2014 has the fans excited and Arizona had one of the biggest cash stockpiles available heading into the winter. One rumor I heard today included top prospect Archie Bradley to an unknown team.

[slowpokemcgee]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

11/3/14 - 11/4/14

- The Philadelphia Phillies resigned outfielder Domonic Brown to a three year deal, avoiding arbitration. The contract will pay the 27 year old four million dollars per year.

- Extensions are winding down, but a couple more players have signed:

• OF Nick Markakis (BAL - 21.30/3)
• CP Casey Jenssen (TOR - 13.00/2)
• SP Daniel Hudson (ARI - 6.00/1)
• SP Doug Fister (WSH - 4.50/1)
• CP Steve Cishek (MIA - 11.90/3)
  

- The Colorado Rockies have signed Davey Lopes to a two year deal to become manager. The Boston Red Sox and John Farrell are reportedly close on an extension, while the Cubs and Astros are both pushing hard for the services of Terry Francona.

- Free Agency is now open! Here is a quick look at the top players on the market:

[WaitTilNextYear]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

Only have 95 stubs? You have to work on your stub game, bro

[slowpokemcgee]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

Only have 95 stubs? You have to work on your stub game, bro

I'm trying to save up for the ultimate all stars diamond dynasty pack. Only 49,905 to go!

[slowpokemcgee]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

11/5/14 - 12/9/14

- Unfortunately I've run into a bit of a budget issue with some teams, which will screw up some of the bigger free agent contracts. I'm not really sure how to address this after giving players like Lester monster deals. Cueto and Masterson won't nearly make as much (if they'll sign at all?) because no one can really afford them. I'm still going to be moving forward, but expect some weird contracts.

- Some signings have been made as we arrive at the winter meetings:

• CP David Robertson (STL ---> BOS - 31.80/4)
• OF Melky Cabrera (TOR ---> ARI - 30.70/4)
• SP Brandon Morrow (TOR ---> WSH - 27.10/4)
• OF Alex Rios (TEX ---> MIN - 12.10/2)
• OF Nelson Cruz (BAL ---> BOS - 17.00/3)
• SP AJ Burnett (PIT ---> KC - 3.50/1)
• RP Jim Johnson (OAK ---> ATL - 9.90/3)

- All managerial posts have now been filled. Terry Francona has chosen to reunite with former boss Theo Epstein in Chicago. The deal is rumored to be five years and worth at least 30 million dollars. The Houston Astros settled for their consolation prize of former Padres third base coach Glenn Hoffman. Finally, Mike Maddux has signed on with the White Sox on a three year contract.

[slowpokemcgee]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

Trade Announcement

Receive:

• SP Cole Hamels
• OF Tony Gwynn Jr.

Spoiler

Receive:

• SP Archie Bradley
• OF AJ Pollock
• SP Bronson Arroyo

Spoiler

It has been known for a long time that Cole Hamels would be traded. The mystery was the where and the when. The news broke today that Hamels is headed to the desert, joining the suddenly formidable Diamondbacks. Tagging along on the trip will be outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr, who surprised many after a solid season off the bench in 2014.

Hamels leaves the Phillies after a stellar nine year span. He was a three time all star and finished in the top ten of the CY Young voting four times. Despite falling back in production a bit over the past couple years, people around him say he's still getting better. The Diamondbacks are trying to jump on the momentum of their great second half run last year. Getting Hamels is a great way to make the leap in the NL West.

The price wasn't cheap. Arizona was forced to part with one of the top prospects in the game, starting pitcher Archie Bradley. The 22 year old figures to compete to make the opening day roster next year, and could be one of the teams top three pitchers already. The Phillies also acquired outfielder AJ Pollock. Pollock, 27, should become the teams every day center fielder in 2015. This will allow Ben Revere to move to left where he is better suited. Pollock hit .281 with ten homers for Arizona last year.

In order to get Pollock, the Phillies agreed to take on the contract of Bronson Arroyo, due over 5 million next year. Arroyo will be lucky to hit 85 these days, and will probably end up as the fifth starter to start the year.

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Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

January 2015

- The New York Yankees reshaped their infield in free agency, completely replacing the left side. With the sudden recession affecting some teams finanacial flexibility, the Yankees just keep on spending. First, they reeled in the top free agent available in Hanley Ramirez. The deal is just five years, and will pay the 31 year old 109.3 million dollars. Next, the Panda train headed east on the transcontinental. Pablo Sandoval, coming off a career year where he hit .310 with 26 home runs, takes a four deal deal worth 35.5 million.

- The Pittsburgh Pirates were the winners of the Johnny Cueto sweepstakes, beating out the Diamondbacks and Giants for his services. The deal is for 8 years, and will pay 112 million dollars.

- Here are the other major signings that occurred:

• 1B Billy Butler (CLE ---> MIL - 60.00/5)
• OF Hunter Pence (SFG ---> WSH - 57.10/5)
• SP Justin Masterson (CLE ---> SFG - 92.60/7)
• SP Francisco Liriano (PIT ---> CHW - 39.60/4)
• OF Curtis Granderson (NYM ---> CLE - 17.90/2)
• SS Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE ---> BAL - 30.70/4)
• 2B Aaron Hill (ARI ---> SFG - 30.40/4)
• SP Brett Anderson (COL ---> LAD - 25.80/3)
• SP Yovanni Gallardo (MIL ---> CLE - 14.00/2)
• SP Ervin Santana (ATL ---> BAL - 20.40/3)
• SS JJ Hardy (BAL ---> CIN - 19.20/3)
• SS Jed Lowrie (HOU ---> PIT - 13.00/2)
• OF Michael Cuddyer (COL ---> ATL - 12.10/2)
• SP Brandon McCarty (ARI ---> MIN - 12.10/2)
• OF Alex Rios (TEX ---> KC - 12.10/2)
• SP Colby Lewis (Resigned with TEX - 18.10/3)
• SP Wyatt Khan (SDP ---> CIN - 22.80/4)
• SP Scott Baker (MIN ---> MIA - 10.90/2)

- The Philadelphia Phillies added some help, signing shortstop Yunel Escobar to a 2 year deal worth 11.3 million. Escobar's deal allowed the Phillies to keep JP Crawford in the minors longer to develop properly. The team also came to terms with SP Jason Hammel on a 1 year, 3 million dollar deal and reliever Jose Valverde for one year.

- The Rule 5 Draft occurred, with a number of players changing teams in the process. Nick Ahmed will join the Phillies, Billy Burns goes to Detroit and the Cubs lose Kyle Hendricks to the Twins.

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Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

Arbitration

- Here is a look at the biggest arbitration cases of the winter and if the player won his case:

• Rays SP David Price - LOSE - 16.090
• Orioles 1B Chris Davis - LOSE - 10.550
• Astros CF Dexter Fowler - WIN - 9.267
• Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton - LOSE - 7.180
• Braves SP Kris Medlen - LOSE - 6.070
• Orioles C Matt Wieters - WIN - 5.260
• Reds SP Matt Latos - LOSE - 5.000
• Tigers SP Rick Porcello - WIN - 4.973
• Royals 3B Mike Moustakas - WIN - 3.710
• Yankees SP Ivan Nova - LOSE - 3.370
• Athletics SP Jarrod Parker - WIN - 3.261
• Phillies OF John Mayberry - WIN - 1.030

[slowpokemcgee]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

Trade Announcement

Receive:

• SP David Price

Spoiler

Receive:

• SP Hyun-Jin Ryu
• SS Dee Gordon
• 1B Cody Bellinger

Spoiler

In a deal that went down almost immediately after the arbitration paperwork was filed, David Price was shipped to Los Angeles. The Dodgers now have the best top three rotation in baseball, and possibly three of the top ten pitchers in the game.

Price leaves Tampa coming off a solid year, where he reached 200 strikeouts and won 14 games. The Rays aren't going into rebuild mode, and acquired two players who can help them right away in Hyun-Jin Ryu and Dee Gordon. Ryu went 10-9 last year with a 3.11 ERA, and is on a team friendly deal for three more years. Gordon adds a speed threat to a position the team very much needed.

The Dodgers were able to avoid sending a top prospect like Joc Pederson, Julio Urias or Corey Seager. Instead, they send 1B Cody Bellinger, the teams 17th ranked prospect. Bellinger should be a good player down the road, but is multiple years away.

[slowpokemcgee]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

2015 Team Preview

While many Phillies fans will go into 2015 dreaming of the playoffs, even the most optimistic fan will relent it likely won't be this year. As the team continues its rebuild, things could get even worse. Cole Hamels departure leaves one less from the glory days, one less reminder of how good this team was just a few years ago.

There is more promise now. The farm system is starting to look better. There is a young pitching corps to build around. New additions to the lineup Yunel Escobar and AJ Pollock should help with the run production. Archie Bradley won't be in town to start the year, but his call could come any day.

Questions are still plentiful however. Can Carlos Ruiz bounce back? Will Cliff Lee have a season more in line with his peripherals? Can a lineup with so many old veterans produce? Are Jesse Biddle and Jon Pettibone ready for a full time role in the rotation? Time will tell.

The Phillies performed well in spring training, finishing with a 17-13 record in Florida. Ryan Howard (.317/.404/.524) was red hot all spring, adding four home runs in 82 at bats. Amazingly, Howard went 8/14 vs. lefties with two homers. Carlos Ruiz was also on fire, hitting .329/.387/.459. The catcher would gladly take a split between last years totals and what he accomplished in March. Ben Revere led the team with ten steals despite getting on base just 32 percent of the time.

Domonic Brown struggled the most of the projected starters, batting just .191/.337/.265. One has to wonder if his shift from left to right field is causing any issues with his overall game. Chase Utley struggled as well, hitting just .203 in 79 at bats with a .618 OPS. JP Crawford showed he wasn't ready for the majors yet, going 3/25 with 6 strikeouts.

Cliff Lee was dominant all spring, going 2-1 with a 1.91 ERA and a WHIP of 0.79. Lee walked just four batters, while striking out 31 in 33 innings. Jonathan Pettibone finished the spring with an ERA over eight in six starts. He had a WHIP of 1.92 and had a record of 1-5. Archie Bradley led the team with 34 strikeouts, and looked like he belongs.

2015 Projection - 76-86, 4th in NL East

[slowpokemcgee]

Re: Putting the Fight Back in the Phils - MLB the Show 14

2015 Series #1:

(0-0) vs. (0-0)

Game 1: Like in 2014, opening day for the Phillies in 2015 saw an interleague game start off the schedule. The Boston Red Sox came to town with Jon Lester and his big new contract. Lester is off to a good start, earning the win after eight strong innings of one run ball. Cliff Lee looked sharp early, but ran into trouble starting in the fourth. Lee allowed six runs in six innings, and uncommonly walked three hitters.

Game 2: Jason Hammel made his Phillies debut, stranding base runners like his life depended on it. Hammel allowed twelve Sox to reach base, yet just one of them scored. Brad Lincoln allowed four runs in under an inning, and had his ERA balloon to 32.40. With the game tied in the 13th inning, newest signing Yunel Escobar came up big. (Video Below)

Game 3: Thanks in part to Brad Lincoln, who was sent to AAA Lehigh Valley immediately following the game, the Red Sox were able to take the series with a 3-1 win. Lincoln somehow saw his ERA rise higher, and will call up Sean O'Sullivan to replace him in the bullpen. Johnny Gomes went 3/4 with a home run for Boston, and David Robertson earned his first save as a member of the Red Sox.

Game 1:




Game 2:





Game 3: