From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty

[harleyhorse8]

Hello guys, harleyhorse8 coming at you with another dynasty; this one will be run on MLB 14 on the PS4 with my all-time favorite team, the Chicago Cubs.

Dynasty Info:
Difficulty: All-Star
Rosters: OSFM
Quick Counts: Off
I will not sim any games. All will be played.


I have been wanting to do a Cubs dynasty ever since 2012. They have always been my favorite team and it's pretty easy for me to choose them as my dynasty team this year. I like rebuilding projects, but this team will be a huge one because they are almost universally regarded as the worst team in the MLB. However, the team won't need a complete overhaul. Chicago has some of the most exciting young talent in baseball and I'll enjoy playing with them.

Now, Chicago native Sam Wiseman will step into the proverbial "ring of fire" as he is tasked with filling the general manager position for his hometown team. Will he lead the Cubs back to greatness or crumble under the pressure like so many before him?

New content will be coming soon, so sit back and enjoy the dynasty. It's going to be a fun ride. Please rate if you enjoyed it.

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty




Breaking: Epstein Out in Chicago, Unknown Hired in Place

by Evan Ritter, Cubs Correspondent, March 25, 2014

CHICAGO- Only three years after being hailed as the best young GM in baseball and the man who would bring success back to the Chicago Cubs, Theo Epstein has been fired by the organization.

In a statement released earlier today, the organization had this to say about Epstein: "The Chicago Cubs are saddened to announce the departure of president of baseball operations Theo Epstein. He has contributed three years to this organization and we wish him the best in the future. Our current general manager, Jed Hoyer, will take the vacant position."

This created a gap in the hierarchy that most thought would take a few days to fill. However, the next part of the statement was a surprise to many fans and analysts alike, as it turns out the Cubs would not wait to appoint their new GM: "We are also pleased to appoint Sam Wiseman as the new general manager of the Chicago Cubs. We hope he can continue the traditions of this franchise and make it an enjoyable experience for players, coaches, management, and fans alike."

Wiseman, a 26-year old Chicago native, is a member of a prominent banking family. He obtained his MBA at Princeton and has worked in the Cubs organization for two years. While he was considered one of the candidates for the vacant position, he was an outside pick as most feel like there were more senior members of the organization that deserved the spot. We'll see if Wiseman can repay the faith put in him by the Cubs or not live up to expectations. Either way, however, it proves to be a memorable season for the Chicago Cubs.

Evan Ritter is a Chicago-based sports columnist who writes for both MLB.com and the Chicago Tribune. Follow him on Twitter at @evan_ritter0286.

[Bluejaysfan65]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty

Nice writeup. I'll definitely be following.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty

Nice writeup. I'll definitely be following.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks. Always nice to get followers.

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty


Cubs release Opening Day roster

Chicago Cubs Opening Day 2014 Roster
#	PITCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
49	Jake Arrieta	SP	R/R	27	6'4"	225	560K
39	Jason Hammel	SP	R/R	31	6'6"	225	2.3M
36	Edwin Jackson	SP	R/R	30	6'3"	210	2.3M
50	Blake Parker	RP	R/R	28	6'3"	225	550K
18	Chris Rusin	SP	L/L	27	6'2"	195	550K
40	James Russell	RP	L/L	28	6'4"	200	920K
29	Jeff Samardzija	SP	R/R	29	6'5"	225	2.8M
46	Pedro Strop	RP	R/R	28	6'0"	220	560K
41	Jose Veras	RP	R/R	33	6'6"	240	1.6M
33	Carlos Villanueva	RP	R/R	30	6'2"	215	690K
37	Travis Wood	SP	R/L	27	5'11"	175	1.9M
53	Wesley Wright	RP	R/L	29	5'11"	185	920K
#	CATCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
38	John Baker	C	L/R	33	6'1"	215	550K
5	Welington Castillo	C	R/R	26	5'10"	210	580K
#	INFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
15	Darwin Barney	2B	R/R	28	5'10"	185	1.4M
13	Starlin Castro	SS	R/R	23	5'10"	190	6.4M
30	Mike Olt	3B	R/R	25	6'2"	210	710K
44	Anthony Rizzo	1B	L/L	24	6'3"	240	764K
24	Luis Valbuena	3B	L/R	28	5'10"	200	730K
#	OUTFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
64	Emilio Bonifacio	CF	S/R	28	5'11"	205	1.4M
51	Ryan Kalish	LF	L/L	25	6'0"	215	550K
21	Junior Lake	LF	R/R	23	6'3"	215	770K
20	Justin Ruggiano	CF	R/R	31	6'1"	210	740K
19	Nate Schierholtz	RF	L/R	30	6'2"	215	1.1M
6	Ryan Sweeney	LF	L/L	29	6'4"	225	920K
#	DESIGNATED HITTER	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
20	Justin Ruggiano	CF	R/R	31	6'1"	210	740K

Cubs Coaching Staff:


Manager- Rick Renteria


Hitting Coach- Bill Mueller


Pitching Coach- Chris Bosio


1st Base Coach- Eric Hinske


3rd Base Coach- Gary Jones

ESPN.com updated April 30, 2014. Chicago Cubs is a registered trademark of Major League Baseball, Inc.

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty

Gameplay is coming tomorrow, get ready!

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty

Results should be coming in a few hours. Sorry, my internet is having some problems with the table generators.

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty




Pirates Blow Up Cubs Bullpen; Claim Opening Day Win

By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, March 31, 2014

CHICAGO- The Chicago Cubs' season start was derailed thanks to a bullpen collapse in this game against the Pirates, which ultimately was a lot closer affair than the 6-1 scoreline would suggest. Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija came into the game with a lot to prove, as trade rumors were circulating about him all last offseason. On the other side, a Pittsburgh franchise boyed by its resurgence last season hoped to continue a rise to greatness.

The Cubs came out strong, as Samardzija fired darts from the get-go, displaying none of the accuracy troubles that sometimes affect him. He retired thirteen out of the first fourteen batters he faced, with the Pirates' sole baserunner coming after rookie third baseman Mike Olt bobbled a Russell Martin grounder. The Cubs offense also struck early, with Ryan Sweeney singling in the first. Later, in the top of the second, the Cubbies would plate their first run when catcher Welington Castillo hit a sacrifice fly to drive Anthony Rizzo home after consecutive singles from Rizzo, Nate Schierholtz, and Olt. Samardzija continued his strong showing, most notably striking out Pirates star Andrew McCutchen twice.

However, after the second inning, Pirates starter Gerrit Cole began to find a rhythm, setting down the Cubs in order in the fourth, fifth, and sixth. In the bottom of the fifth, Samardzija allowed his first hit after the Pirates' catcher Martin tripled to deep left field. The hit was partly caused by Ryan Sweeney, who misplayed the ball in left, allowing it to bounce off the palm of his glove as he attempted to scoop it up. The error would be a costly one. Gaby Sanchez's line drive to left was robbed by a Schierholtz dive, but his effort was not enough to prevent Martin from coming around, tying the game at 1-1. A visibly shaken Samardzija walked the next batter, but regained his composure enough to strike out his opposite number and have a one-two-three sixth, barring an inexplicable ball thrown into the dugout by Darwin Barney on a routine grounder to second.

With the game tied and Samardzija's pitch count approaching 100, manager Rick Renteria pulled him after giving up a double to Buccos second baseman Neil Walker. Righty Blake Parker was the first pitcher to come out of the bullpen, but he promptly gave up a single up the middle to Sanchez, putting the Pirates ahead 2-1. And it only got worse from there. After a Jordy Mercer single and a PH Jose Tabata walk, Starling Marte lined to right, scoring two runners. Parker was then taken out and replaced by lefty James Russell, but he couldn't prevent a Gregory Polanco single down the third base line, scoring Tabata. Thankfully, Russell recovered and got two outs to end the inning, but the score now stood 5-1 Pirates. The next inning, the Cubs put in Pedro Strop to see if he could curb the bleeding. Strop managed to strike out two, but gave up a home run to Walker, effectively putting the game out of reach. On the other side of the ball, reliever Jared Hughes posted two consecutive 0-0-0 innings to secure a Pirates win on Opening Day.

Games 2 and 3 of the series are on April 2nd and 3rd.

Andrew Kovalchuk is a journalist for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
Mar 31, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago (0-0)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	6	2
Pittsburgh (0-0)	0	0	0	0	1	0	4	1	X	6	7	1
W: Gerrit Cole (1-0) L: Jeff Samardzija (0-1) S: N/A

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Ruggiano, CF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Sweeney, LF	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	.500
Castro, SS	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Rizzo, 1B	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.250
Schierholtz, RF	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.250
Olt, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.250
Castillo, C	2	0	1	1	0	0	0	.500
Barney, 2B	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
Samardzija, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Bonifacio, CF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
TEAM TOTALS	30	1	6	1	1	3
BATTING: RBI: Castillo (1) SF: Castillo SAC: Samardzija GIDP: Castro, Barney
FIELDING: E: Barney (1), Olt (1)

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Marte, LF	4	0	1	2	0	0	0	.250
Polanco, RF	4	0	1	1	0	0	0	.250
McCutchen, CF	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
Alvarez, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
Walker, 2B	4	2	2	1	0	0	1	.500
Martin, C	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.250
Sanchez, 1B	3	1	1	2	0	1	0	.333
Mercer, SS	3	1	1	0	1	1	0	.333
Cole, P	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Tabata, LF	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	.000
TEAM TOTALS	32	6	7	6	2	8	1
BATTING: 2B: Walker (1) 3B: Martin (1) HR: Walker (1) RBI: Marte 2 (2), Walker (1), Sanchez 2 (2), Polanco (1) SF: Sanchez
FIELDING: E: Alvarez (1)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Samardzija (L, 0-1)	6.0	2	2	2	1	5	0	3.00
Parker	0.1	2	3	3	1	1	0	81.00
Villanueva	0.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Russell	0.2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Strop	1.0	1	1	1	0	2	1	9.00
TEAM TOTALS	8.0	7	6	6	2	8	1

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Cole (W, 1-0)	7.0	5	1	1	1	3	0	1.29
Hughes	2.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00

[harleyhorse8]

From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty



Cubs Even Up Series with Close Win


By Evan Ritter, MLB.com Cubs Correspondent, April 2, 2014

PITTSBURGH- Well, Opening Day is behind us, and the season is truly underway. The Cubs and Pirates went into this game both in need of a victory to stay competitive in the NL East this year. The Pirates would send lefty Francisco Liriano (0-0) to the mound for this cold April night, and the Cubs would select a lefty of their own, 2013 All-Star Travis Wood (0-0).

The first two innings went relatively easily for the pitchers, as both men gave up one walk but allowed no hits. The Cubs struck first in the third, after promising young outfielder Junior Lake drew a walk. Liriano would recover to strike out rookie Mike Olt, but Wood sacrifice bunted to move Lake over to second. With two away, CF Emilio Bonifacio slapped a grounder down the 3rd base line, bringing the Dominican around. The next batter, Darwin Barney, would slap a double the same way, scoring the speedy Bonifacio all the way from first and giving the Cubs their first extra-base hit of the year. Shortstop Starlin Castro then hit another grounder to left field, scoring Barney to make it 3-0. After 3, the two-out rally was ended when Justin Ruggiano struck out chasing a slider to end the inning.

Wood posted zeroes in the bottom of the third (despite loading the bases) and fourth, but quite nearly lost the game for the Cubs in the fifth. After walking Pirates catcher Russell Martin, Jose Tabata came in to pinch hit for Liriano, hitting a single to center which would turn into a double after Ruggiano in center bobbled the ball. With two runners in scoring position, Starling Marte grounded to short in a play that should have been an out, but Castro threw it over the head of first baseman Anthony Rizzo, scoring Martin from 3rd. Rookie Gregory Polanco then grounded between the shortstop and third baseman, bringing Tabata home. The next batter, Andrew McCutchen, grounded into a double play to the relief of all Cubs fans in attendance, but the Pirates' tying run came home anyway. Pedro Alvarez would strike out on a fastball to end the inning.

With Jeremy Wilson pitching for the Pirates, the Cubs offense started going again after Barney singled and Castro walked. Justin Ruggiano attempted to bunt the runners over, but a miscommunication between the pitcher and catcher ended up loading the bases. However, Welington Castillo would strike out, raising the possibility of a double play ending the inning. Rizzo would end up hitting a sacrifice fly, scoring the only run of the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Travis Wood began working once again, getting the first two batters out. However, similar to yesterday, second baseman Neil Walker hit a deep fly to right for two bases and advanced to third after a wild throw from Bonifacio. That would be the end for Wood, as Carlos Villanueva would come out of the bullpen to get the final out off a Russell Martin ground ball.

The Cubs would go three up, three down to start the seventh, and had to put in Blake Parker for the bottom of the seventh. There was some concern as Parker had blown a Cubs lead the last game. However, Parker would get three straight outs, striking out the first two batters he faced. After the Cubs again went three and out against Mark Melancon to start the eighth, manager Rick Renteria would choose to keep Parker in the game, and he delivered. Parker got the first two batters to ground out and then finished off the inning by striking out Bucs first baseman Gaby Sanchez. With reliever Jared Hughes hanging an 0-0-0 in the top of the ninth, it was up to Jose Veras to deliver his first save of the season. Veras got into some trouble early after an error by Barney put a runner on base. He rebounded by striking out the next batter he faced, but then walked pinch hitter Travis Snider to put the winning run aboard. Veras would rebound spectacularly, however, as he struck out the next two batters, earning his first save and the Cubs' first win of the season.

We know he doesn't usually hit well, but Darwin Barney had a great day offensively, going 3 for 4 with an RBI double. His fielding was less impressive as he came away with two errors. Elsewhere, rookie Mike Olt failed to impress, as he is still without a hit in his first two games. The Cubs' pitching staff have done a good job keeping Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez quiet, as neither has managed a hit this series. However, Gregory Polanco managed to get the better of the Cubs today, going 2 for 4 with 1 RBI.

With the series tied at 1-1, it will be interesting to see who wants the final game more tomorrow.

Evan Ritter is a sports columnist for the Chicago Tribune and ESPN.com. Follow him on Twitter at @evan_ritter0286.

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
Apr 2, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago (0-1)	0	0	3	0	0	1	0	0	0	4	7	3
Pittsburgh (1-0)	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	3	6	0
W: Wood (1-0) L: Wilson (0-1) S: Veras (1)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			CHC	PIT

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, RF	4	1	1	1	0	0	0	.200
Barney, 2B	4	2	3	1	0	0	0	.500
Castro, SS	3	0	1	1	1	0	0	.143
Ruggiano, CF	4	0	1	0	0	2	0	.125
Castillo, C	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.167
Rizzo, 1B	3	0	0	1	0	1	0	.143
Lake, LF	3	1	0	0	1	3	0	.000
Olt, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.143
Wood, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Schierholtz, RF	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.400
TEAM TOTALS	30	4	7	4	2	8	0
BATTING: 2B: Barney (1) RBI: Castro (1), Bonifacio (1), Rizzo (1), Barney (1) SF: Rizzo SAC: Wood GIDP: Castro, Bonifacio
FIELDING: E: Castro (1), Bonifacio (1), Barney (2)

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Marte, LF	5	1	0	1	0	2	0	.111
Polanco, RF	4	0	2	1	0	0	0	.375
McCutchen, CF	2	0	0	0	2	0	0	.000
Alvarez, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Sanchez, 1B	4	0	1	0	0	2	0	.286
Mercer, SS	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.143
Walker, 2B	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.375
Martin, C	2	1	0	0	1	0	0	.167
Liriano, P	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1.000
Snider, RF	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
Tabata, LF	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	1.000
TEAM TOTALS	33	3	6	2	4	10	0
BATTING: 2B: Walker (2), Tabata (1) RBI: Marte (3), Polanco (2) GIDP: McCutchen, Walker

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Wood (W, 1-0)	5.2	6	3	2	3	4	0	3.18
Villanueva (H, 1)	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Parker (H, 1)	2.0	0	0	0	0	3	0	11.57
Veras (S, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	1	3	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	6	3	2	4	10	0

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Liriano	5.0	4	3	3	1	5	0	5.40
Wilson (L, 0-1)	1.0	2	1	1	1	2	0	9.00
Melancon	2.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Hughes	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	7	4	4	2	8	0

[underdog13]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty

Good Luck its gonna get rough ...I'm 12-23

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty

Good Luck its gonna get rough ...I'm 12-23

Thanks man! I'm used to dealing with crappy Cubbies seasons anyway so it won't be a big deal if my record is bad at first. This year I'm just trying to get a winning season haha

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty



Pirates Take Game 3 off McCutchen HR


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 3, 2014

PITTSBURGH- Both the Pirates and Cubs came out to PNC Park on this Thursday afternoon looking to get a victory. In a close game, the Pirates did just that, while the Cubs were left shaking their heads after a disappointing loss. Wandy Rodriguez (0-0) would take the mound for the Buccos against Edwin Jackson (0-0).

The Cubs struck first in the very first inning, after center fielder Justin Ruggiano, who has been very quiet so far, doubled to deep left center, getting Starlin Castro home. The next few innings would be uneventful, as Jackson also allowed one hit but no runs.

Things got interesting in the fifth for both teams. With the Cubs batting, Mike Olt singled to right and got to second when Polanco mishandled the ball. After the pitcher bunted him over to 3rd, center fielder Emilio Bonifacio hit the first home run of the Cubs' season, putting them up 3-0. In the bottom, the Pirates would answer. With two away, Jose Tabata, pinch hitting for the pitcher, singled to right. Starling Marte then grounded to second in a play that should have ended the inning, but Darwin Barney committed his third error in as many games to allow Marte on base. Next, RF Gregory Polanco, already 2-for-2, hit a long double to center that brought the Pirates to within 1. Thankfully, or so the Cubs thought, the next batter was Andrew McCutchen, who had not managed a hit this series. Easy out, right? Instead, McCutchen showed off his All-Star bat as he went yard over the short fence in left, giving the Pirates the lead.

That would be it for the game, as the Cubs would not be able to drive home any runs on the Pittsburgh bullpen, which has been superb so far. Despite shutout innings by right-handers Blake Parker and Carlos Villanueva, Pedro Strop gave up a run in the eighth to catcher Russell Martin to really put the game out of reach and give Jason Grilli his first save of the season.

Said Barney after being asked about his error that may have lost the game for the Cubs, "It's tough. You work on this stuff every day in practice, but I guess the pressure has been getting to me early on this season. Of course, that doesn't excuse my performance this season, but I hope this evens out the farther we go along."

For the Pirates, rookie Gregory Polanco was outstanding today, with his RBI double arguably the catalyst for the Bucs' comeback. On the other hand, third baseman Pedro Alvarez does not yet have a hit through the first three games of 2014.

Emilio Bonifacio swung a hot bat for the Cubs today, going 3-for-4 and nearly hitting for the cycle with a single, double, and home run. On the other hand, young outfielder Junior Lake is yet to hit in 2014. Ryan Kalish made his Cubs debut pinch hitting today, but wasn't able to make anything of it.

Both teams will travel back home for their next series, as the Pirates face the Cardinals in a division matchup and the Cubs take on the Phillies in an East-Central showdown. Next, the teams will meet again in the return series from the 8th to the 10th, this time at Wrigley Field.

Andrew Kovalchuk is a sports journalist who covers the NL Central for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
Apr 3, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago (1-1)	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	3	7	1
Pittsburgh (1-1)	0	0	0	0	4	0	0	1	x	5	6	1
W: Rodriguez (1-0) L: Jackson (0-1) S: Grilli (1)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, RF	5	1	3	2	0	1	1	.400
Barney, 2B	4	0	1	0	1	0	0	.400
Castro, SS	2	1	1	0	2	0	0	.222
Ruggiano, CF	4	0	1	1	0	0	0	.167
Castillo, C	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	.111
Rizzo, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.091
Lake, LF	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Olt, 3B	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.182
Jackson, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Kalish, LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Schierholtz, RF	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.333
TEAM TOTALS	33	3	7	3	4	4	1
BATTING: 2B: Bonifacio (1), Ruggiano (1) HR: Bonifacio (1) RBI: Bonifacio 2 (3), Ruggiano (1) SAC: Jackson
BASERUNNING: SB: Castro (1), Bonifacio (1)
FIELDING: E: Barney (3)

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Marte, LF	4	1	0	0	0	1	0	.077
Polanco, RF	4	1	3	2	0	0	0	.500
McCutchen, CF	4	1	1	2	0	1	1	.100
Alvarez, 3B	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.000
Walker, 2B	1	1	0	0	2	0	0	.333
Martin, C	4	0	1	1	0	2	0	.200
Sanchez, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.182
Mercer, SS	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.100
Rodriguez, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Tabata, LF	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	1.000
s-Barmes, SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
TEAM TOTALS	30	5	6	5	3	8	1
BATTING: 2B: Martin (1), Polanco (1) HR: McCutchen (1) RBI: McCutchen 2 (2), Martin (1), Polanco 2 (4) HBP: Walker GIDP: McCutchen
FIELDING: E: Polanco (1)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Jackson (L, 0-1)	5.0	5	4	0	2	5	1	0.00
Parker	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	8.10
Villanueva	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Strop	1.0	1	1	1	1	1	0	9.00
TEAM TOTALS	8.0	6	5	1	3	8	1

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Rodriguez (W, 1-0)	5.0	6	3	3	1	0	1	5.40
Hughes (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0.00
Watson (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	2	1	0	0.00
Melancon (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Grilli (S, 1)	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	7	3	3	4	4	1
PITCHING: WP: Rodriguez (1)

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty



Looking at the Cubs' Top 5 Prospects for 2014

By Brad Campbell, Chicago Tribune Senior Writer


#5: C.J. Edwards, RHP
Edwards brings a lot of the intangibles to the mound. His control of his pitches is superb at his age and he puts a bit of zip on his fastball at 93-96 mph. One main concern is his frame: at 6'1", 155, he may have to do a bit of bulking up before he can hit the majors.


#4: Jorge Soler, OF
He has an excellent balance of power and speed. However, his propensity for injury may hamper his rise to the majors. One thing's for sure, though: when he's healthy, he can crack the bats.


#3: Albert Almora, OF
Almora's hitting skills may be subpar at least for now, but the kid is already a leader in the outfield. When he's at full fitness, there's not a ball he doesn't catch in center.


#2: Kris Bryant, 3B
This kid is already a devastating power hitter in Double-A. When he gets moved to the bigs, it'll be fun to watch. However, the presence of Mike Olt on the roster may see Bryant moved into the outfield.


#1: Javier Baez, SS
Even with Starlin Castro on the main roster, it's clear that Baez is a star in the making. His bat speed is impressive and he isn't afraid to swing at pitches. My only issue is with his fielding, but if he can reduce the errors, he could be a major part of the Cubs lineup for years to come.

Last updated 4/3/14. TM and C 1984-2014 Chicago Tribune.

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty



Hammel Can't Get it Together as Cubs Lose 4-2


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 4, 2014

CHICAGO- After dropping a series to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Chicago Cubs came home to Wrigley hoping to get back on track. Unfortunately, they did not put a smile on the home fans' faces today against the 0-3 Philadelphia Phillies. The Cubs would send Jason Hammel (0-0) to the mound against Kyle Kendrick (0-0).

It got rough for the Cubs early on, as the big righthander would allow consecutive hits to Ben Revere and Tony Gwynn Jr. With no outs, a ball was grounded to second that may have turned to, but Darwin Barney's throw to second was off, loading the bases. Ryan Howard then drew a walk on a 3-1, sending the first run home. With still nobody out, Chase Utley grounded into right, scoring another, but getting Marlon Byrd out at home. Catcher Carlos Ruiz lined to right, but Ryan Howard was cut down at home when he attempted to run on a wild pitch. SS Jimmy Rollins would then pop up behind the plate to end the first.

On the other side, Kyle Kendrick was perfect for the Phils, allowing only one man to reach base on an error. Hammel settled down in the second with a 1-2-3 inning, but added more in the 3rd after Marlon Byrd doubled to score Gwynn, who walked in the previous at bat. With no away, Chase Utley grounded to second for the out, but the Cubs could not stop Byrd from coming around, making it 4-0. This prompted manager Rick Renteria to get the long reliever, Chris Rusin, up in the bullpen. Already in a hole, the Cubs' offense wasn't making Hammel's job any easier. Hammel and Justin Ruggiano both singled in the bottom of the third, but were erased after a double play ball off the bat of LF Ryan Sweeney.

The fourth was uneventful for either team, although the Cubs blew an opportunity after shortstop Starlin Castro, who singled, was gunned down trying to take second. In the fifth, the WGN crew covering the game thought it would be the end of Hammel's day after he gave up consecutive hits with two away, but Utley popped out to retire the side. The same thing happened in the sixth when two runners were sacrifice bunted onto second and third, but Rollins grounded out to leave Hammel with at least a quality start. His day would end when he was pinch hit for by Emilio Bonifacio, so far the only Cub to go yard this season. He would reach on a bunt and later steal second, but the Cubs couldn't make anything of it. Bonifacio was kept in the game, replacing the ineffective Ryan Sweeney.

The Cubs would finally break through in the seventh, after outfielder Nate Schierholtz and 3B Luis Valbuena, making his season debut, reached base and Darwin Barney bunted them over. Catcher John Baker, replacing Castillo in the lineup, scored one on a single and Bonifacio scored the other the same way, making it 4-2. That would be the last gasp for the Cubs, however, as the Phillies bullpen came in and shut them down. On the other side of the ball, Chase Utley hit a 3 run home run off lefthander Wesley Wright to put the final nail in the coffin. Jake Diekman picked up his first save of the year, which was surprising as most thought it would be given to Jonathan Papelbon.

Said Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, incidentally a former Cub himself, "I guess we just wanted this game more than they did. We weren't particularly better than them, but we wanted to win after being 0-3."

The Cubs' bats were quiet today, as Ryan Sweeney, Darwin Barney, and Anthony Rizzo had no hits. Rizzo's form is especially worrying, as his average drops to .071 and he appears to be slumping, not something you want out of a cleanup hitter. On the other hand, Emilio Bonifacio went 2-for-2 after being substituted into the ballgame. Darwin Barney continued his worrying streak of 4 errors in as many games today as well. For the Phillies, every player in the lineup except the pitcher managed a hit, and first baseman Ryan Howard had a perfect day, going 4-for-4.

Games 2 and 3 are on Saturday and Sunday.

Andrew Kovalchuk covers the NL Central for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs
Apr 4, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Philadelphia (0-3)	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	3	7	15	1
Chicago (1-2)	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	9	2
W: Kendrick (1-0) L: Hammel (0-1) S: Diekman (1)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			PHI	CHC

Philadelphia Phillies
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Revere, CF	5	1	1	0	0	0	0	.294
Gwynn Jr., LF	4	2	1	0	1	0	0	.235
Byrd, RF	5	2	3	1	0	0	0	.250
Howard, 1B	4	1	4	1	1	0	0	.437
Utley, 2B	5	1	2	5	0	0	1	.267
Ruiz, C	5	0	2	0	0	1	0	.333
Rollins, SS	4	0	1	0	1	1	0	.143
Asche, 3B	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	.143
Kendrick, P	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Nieves, C	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.500
TEAM TOTALS	40	7	15	7	3	3	1
BATTING: 2B: Byrd (1) HR: Utley (2) RBI: Utley 5 (8), Howard (3), Byrd (2) SAC: Kendrick GIDP: Ruiz
FIELDING: E: Kendrick (1)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Ruggiano, CF	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	.250
Sweeney, LF	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.286
Castro, SS	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.231
Rizzo, 1B	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	.071
Schierholtz, RF	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.300
Valbuena, 3B	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	.333
Barney, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.308
Baker, C	4	0	1	1	0	0	0	.250
Hammel, P	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1.000
s-Bonifacio, CF	2	0	2	1	0	0	0	.500
Olt, 3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
TEAM TOTALS	32	2	9	2	2	1	0
BATTING: RBI: Bonifacio (4), Baker (1) SAC: Barney GIDP: Schierholtz, Sweeney
BASERUNNING: SB: Bonifacio (2) CS: Castro (1)
FIELDING: E: Castro (2), Barney (4)

Philadelphia Phillies
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Kendrick (W, 1-0)	6.1	8	2	2	1	1	0	2.84
De Fratus (H, 1)	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Diekman (S, 1)	2.0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0.00

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hammel (L, 0-1)	6.0	9	4	4	3	3	0	6.00
Rusin	1.0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Russell	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Wright	0.2	2	3	0	0	0	1	0.00
Villanueva	0.1	2	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	15	7	4	3	3	1
PITCHING: WP: Hammel (1)

[harleyhorse8]

Re: From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty



Philadelphia's Pitching Flummoxes Chicago on Way to Easy Victory


By Malik Danielson, MLB.com Journalist, April 5, 2014

CHICAGO- The Cubs were hoping for some good luck after the loss to Philadelphia yesterday. Unfortunately, what they got was anything but. Two righthanders would start, as the Cubs sent promising Jake Arrieta (0-0) to the mound against Philadelphia's largely unheralded summer signing Roberto Hernandez (0-0).

The first inning almost seemed to be a repeat of yesterday, as outfielders Ben Revere and Tony Gwynn Jr. reached on infield singles. A neatly-designed double steal took the double play out of contention, and a grounder from Marlon Byrd scored one. A sacrifice fly from first baseman Ryan Howard would plate the second. That would be all, as Chase Utley grounded to second to end the inning.

Roberto Hernandez came into the game like he had something to prove, setting down the Cubs in the first, second, and third, and allowing only one hit to Luis Valbuena, replacing Darwin Barney at second today. Arrieta settled down and blanked the Phillies in the second and third, but could not prevent two more runs from coming home after a walk, a double by Utley, a ground ball, and a sacrifice fly by All-Star shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

The Cubs were blanked for the fourth and fifth, despite managing to load the bases in the fifth. In the top, Arrieta prevented any further damage. In the sixth, Chris Rusin replaced Arrieta. Rusin has been getting some longer relief appearances due to the Cubs rotation's struggles, and he delivered, pitching two perfect innings. The Cubs would finally strike in the bottom of the seventh. After 3B Mike Olt reached on an error by Cody Asche, Welington Castillo walked. Justin Ruggiano, pinch hitting, would continue his slight streak as he singled, loading the bases. Unlike the fifth, the Cubs would barely take advantage of it. Emilio Bonifacio grounded to second in what looked like a sure double play, but just managed to beat the throw, scoring Castillo.

That would be all for the Cubs. Lefty James Russell put in a good performance last game and was rewarded with two innings of relief, in which he did not allow a single hit. Unfortunately, the same was true for the Phillies bullpen, allowing Jonathan Papelbon an easy save for his first of the year.

After being on a bit of a hot streak, Emilio Bonifacio went 0-for-3 today. Hopefully this is just a bump in the road and he can return to being a presence at the top of the lineup. Luis Valbuena was the only member of the starting lineup who got a hit today. Surprisingly, none of the Phillies had more than one hit apiece, but they took advantage of their baserunners. The pitchers combined only had three strikeouts between them.

It may be early in the year, but it's fair to say the Cubs may need some help in the bottom of their rotation, and adding a bat won't hurt, either.

Game 3 is tomorrow at 1:05.

Malik Danielson is an independent journalist who writes for both MLB.com and Sporting News. Follow him on Twitter at @Mtheking93.

Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs
Apr 5, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Philadelphia (1-3)	2	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	4	3	1
Chicago (1-3)	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	4	0
W: Hernandez (1-0) L: Arrieta (0-1) S: Papelbon (1)

Philadelphia Phillies
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Revere, CF	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.286
Gwynn Jr., LF	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	.250
Byrd, RF	4	0	0	1	0	0	0	.200
Howard, 1B	2	1	0	1	1	0	0	.389
Utley, 2B	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.263
Ruiz, C	3	0	0	1	0	0	0	.278
Rollins, SS	2	0	0	1	0	0	0	.125
Asche, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.118
Hernandez, P	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Nieves, C	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
TEAM TOTALS	28	4	3	4	2	1	0
BATTING: 2B: Utley (2) RBI: Rollins (1), Howard (4), Byrd (3), Ruiz (1) SF: Rollins, Howard
BASERUNNING: SB: Revere (2), Gwynn Jr. (1)
FIELDING: E: Asche (1)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, CF	4	0	0	1	0	2	0	.375
Sweeney, LF	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.182
Castro, SS	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.056
Schierholtz, RF	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.214
Olt, 3B	3	1	0	0	1	2	0	.133
Castillo, C	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.083
Valbuena, 2B	3	0	1	0	1	0	0	.333
Arrieta, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Lake, LF	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.125
Ruggiano, CF	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.294
Kalish, LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
TEAM TOTALS	31	1	4	1	4	7	0
BATTING: RBI: Bonifacio (5) SAC: Arrieta
BASERUNNING: SB: Castro (2)

Philadelphia Phillies
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hernandez (W, 1-0)	7.0	3	1	0	4	3	0	0.00
Bastardo (H, 1)	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Papelbon (S, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0.00

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Arrieta (L, 0-1)	5.0	3	4	4	2	1	0	7.20
Rusin	2.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Russell	2.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	3	4	4	2	1	0