Probably not.
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Probably not.
Edited the first post. Nothing important, but check it out if you want. Just added the Outlaws team logo and edited the First Round picks section of the post.
What rosters do you use do get those draft prospects?
Houston GM.
Sorry I didn't manage to get any game posts in today but I'm not really liking my current format. I want to keep it relatively fast paced, as I have, and I want to keep a journalistic perspective, but I'm not sure exactly how to do that yet. Anywho, I'm gonna try to get through June by tomorrow night.
I put in my old copy of ASB05 for the Xbox last night and I decided to create an expansion team, and I ended up being able to make a team called the "Fresno Outlaws". Just something interesting and kind of funny I wanted to post :). I'm going to do another update right now, btw.
Fresno falling to the back of the pack?
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Gload is batting only .244 on the season, and only .167 in his last 10 games
A tough couple of series against the Yankees and Twins, during which they went 2-4, has teams and people everywhere wondering if the Outlaws talent, or lack thereof, has finally caught up with them. They lost games one and two to the Twins before salvaging a win to avoid the sweep, and then lost games two and three to the Yankees after winning game one. The mediocrity of the pitching staff may finally be catching up to the team, with the team ERA for the month resting at an even 6.00, hardly playoff caliber, or even enough to stay this close to .500 for the rest of the season. The offense for the team will be fine, but if the team is going stay in contention the pitching is going to have to perform well above what they have so far this season, and there is no reason to believe they can do that.
The team suffered another rough series at the hands of the Twins, and very nearly got swept once again.
Game 1: Outlaws 7 - Twins 8
Despite both starters pitching solid, 2 earned runs for Liriano in 6 innings and 2 for Aardsma in 3 2/3 innings in a spot start, offense was the story of this one. The Twins also made two errors leading to three unearned runs. Gload and Buck both drove in two runs, and Crawford went 3-4 with a walk and three runs, and helped us to a one run lead going into the ninth, but the bullpen coughed it up once again. Wickman pitched one inning, gave up three hits, a walk, a homer, and two runs to earn the loss. You would think any team could win a game in which your opponent makes two errors leading to three unearned runs, but I guess not.
Player of the Game: Brendan Harris 2-4 2R HR 3RBI
Game 2: Outlaws 5 - Twins 9
Offense was again the story of this one, in conjunction with the struggles of both starting pitchers. Kershaw lasted only four innings and allowed seven runs, five earned, while walking five, while Slowey struggled through five innings and was charged with five earned runs, but unlike Kershaw, Slowey's bullpen was able to pick him up and didn't even allow a hit in the final four innings of the game.
Player of the Game: Minnesota Bullpen 4IP 0H 0BB 3K
Game 3: Outlaws 9 - Twins 4
This game featured an excellent and very encouraging start by Sean Marshall. Marshall went 7 1/3 innings, his longest outing of the season, allowed nine hits, walked only two, allowed only three runs, and struck eight batters, easily his strongest start of the season and hopefully something to build on. There was offense about in this game on our side. I'll spare you the details and simply give the boxscore.
Player of the Game: Willy Aybar 2-3 2BB 4R HR 2RBI
Another rough series in Yankee Stadium begins to set in the belief that the team's run of relative success may be up for the season.HTML Code:FRESNO ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
N. Hopper (DH) 5 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 .341
W. Aybar (3B) 3 2 2 4 1 2 0 0 .304
C. Crawford (LF) 4 2 1 2 0 1 1 0 .300
T. Buck (RF) 5 4 0 1 0 1 0 0 .339
R. Gload (1B) 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 .249
B. Conrad (2B) 5 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 .287
J. Repko (CF) 5 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 .236
K. Cash (C) 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .244
J. McDonald (SS) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
TOTALS 39 15 4 9 1 7 4 1
Game 1: Outlaws 7 - Yankees 3
Our only win of the series comes back by a strong start from 45 year old David Wells, a start that last eight innings and in which he gave up only three runs and three walks. The big hit of the game came off the bat of pinch hitter Dallas McPherson in the top of the eighth as a pinch hit three run homer, which spread the lead to 7-3 and secured the win.
Player of the Game: Dallas McPherson 1-1 HR 3RBI
Game 2: Outlaws 5 - Yankees 7
Neither starter fared well in this game, but it was again the bullpen that separated the weak from the strong, as the Yankees bullpen managed to lock it down for the final 2 1/3 innings of the game and ours could not, and it was even our steadiest bullpen arm Brandon League that undid us. But the hit that really did us in was a Grand Slam by Alex Rodriguez in the seventh inning for Baek's final batter.
Player of the Game: Alex Rodriguez 1-4 GS
Game 3: Outlaws 1 - Yankees 5
Kershaw pitched a good six innings allowing only three runs, but Mike Mussina was dominant, going eight innings allowing only one run, two walks, and striking out five to give us the loss. The only thing we could muster for offense was a solo homer by Willy Aybar, his ninth of the season, in the eighth inning when the game was already essentially over and basically just assured that the team didn't get shutout.
Player of the Game: 8IP 7H 2BB ER 5K
Team Notes:
- Travis Buck has really put the team on his back, hitting .452 in his last 10 games.
- Brandon League has been the team's steadiest reliever all season with a 2.95 ERA and a .212 BAA.
- Jeff Weaver missed his last start against the Twins with a sore rotator cuff, but should be back in time for his next start against the Tigers on the 12.
League Notes:
- Brandon Phillips of the Reds hit for the cycle!
- Albert Pujols collected homerun #300
AL West Standings:
- Seattle Mariners 34-30
- Texas Rangers 31-33, 3 GB
- Los Angeles Angels 31-34, 3.5 GB
- Oakland A's 30-35, 4.5 GB
- Fresno Outlaws 29-36, 5.5 GB
What do you guys think of the newish, adjusted format? I like it a whole lot more.
I like it
If you like it, then I like it! :D
Really, it's very in-depth, yet is still has that newspaper capsule feel. Nice touch!
Marshall coming around
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Sean Marshall has gone at least 7 innings in two of his last three starts, and allowed just four runs in those two starts combined
Another rough week could continue to indicate the Outlaws run of success, dropping four while winning only two. They were swept by the Tigers, in Comerica, but managed to bounce back and take two of three from the ChiSox in Fresno, but it still stands to reason that they're losing it when they lose four of six to two successful teams.
An ugly series against the Tigers ends in a sweep.
Game 1: Outlaws 4 - Tigers 5
This was not one of Marshall's more brilliant outings of the season, as he allowed five runs in 6 1/3 innings, but it was what hes been giving us all season. Aybar had an ugly game, going 0-3 with a walk and 3 K's, but Jason Repko had a solid game hitting a two run homer in the loss. Willis was very, very good tonight, allowing only four runs (three earned), four hits, three walks, and 5 K's.
Player of the Game: Detroit Pitching (Dontrelle Willis, Fernando Rodney, Todd Jones) 9IP 4R (3ER) 5H 3BB 8K
Game 2: Outlaws 2 - Tigers 7
Wells ERA shot up by two thirds of a run after his 3+ inning, six earned run (seven total) debacle in this game. Kenny Rogers was utterly dominant in the matchup of 40+ soft-tossing lefties, pitching a complete game four hitter, allowing only two runs, striking out five, and surrendering no walks. Carl Crawford was our only bright spot offensively, going 2-4 with an RBI and a steal.
Player of the Game: Kenny Rogers CG 2R 4H 5K
Game 3: Outlaws 2 - Tigers 4
19 year old Tigers rookie Rick Porcello was dominant tonight, surrendering only two runs to us in eight innings, while walking only two and striking out four. Baek was solid for us, four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings, but couldn't top the performance by Porcello. Aybar went 2-3 with a solo homer in the loss.
Player of the Game: Rick Porcello 8IP 6H 2BB 2ER 4K
A good bounce-back series against the White Sox coming off the sweep at the hands of the Tigers, as we very nearly earn a sweep of our own.
Game 1: Outlaws 4 - White Sox 3
Kershaw pitched a great game, opposite Vazquez, to earn the win. Kershaw went seven innings, allowed three hits, four walks, two runs, and struck out two, in opposition to Javier Vazquez going seven innings, allowing four runs (two earned), seven hits, one walk, and striking out eight. Offensively we were led by Norris Hopper and his 2-4 2 RBI night, while Travis Buck contributed the other RBI.
Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw 7IP 3H 4BB 2ER 2K
Game 2: Outlaws 2 - White Sox 1
A fantastic start by Marshall, and the second strong start in his last three. Sean Marshall pitched eight strong innings, allowing only one runs, five hits, no walks, and striking out nine, easily his strongest start of the season. Mark Buehrle pitched a great game as well, throwing a complete game, allowing two runs, and striking out six while walking none, but wasn't quite good enough. Aybar and Hopper contributed our two RBI's.
Player of the Game: Sean Marshall 8IP 5H ER 9K
Game 3: Outlaws 6 - White Sox 8
This game was really, really frustrating, as the bullpen blew it for us again. We led 6-4 going into the top of the ninth with our closer, Bob Wickman, on the mound, who promptly came unglued, as he has so often since joining the team, allowing four runs (three earned) and four hits in 1 1/3 innings to relinquish the lead. We failed to come back and lost our chance to break even after getting swept by the Tigers.
Player of the Game: White Sox bullpen 5IP 7H ER 4K
Team Notes:
- After Wickman's meltdown against the White Sox it was revealed that he was injured with a stress fracture in his finger, sending him to the DL may be more of a blessing than a curse with the way hes been pitching
- In light of the injury, Brandon League (2.87 ERA, .207 BAA) will assume the closers role
- Brandon Crawford went 1-4 with a run, a double, and an RBI in his minor league debut on June 17th
- Weaver missed another start, but is now fully healed from his injury and has taken Cha Seung Baek's spot in the rotation, with Baek being optioned to AAA
League Notes:
- Houston Street signed a three year contract extension at 3.5 million dollars per season with the Oakland A's
- Ervin Santana signed a two year extension at 3.45 million dollars per year with the Los Angeles Angels
- Chipper Jones of the Braves hit his 400th career homerun
AL West Standings:
- Seattle Mariners 35-36
- Los Angeles Angels 35-37, .5 GB
- Texas Rangers 34-37, 1 GB
- Oakland A's 34-38, 1.5 GB
- Fresno Outlaws 31-40, 4 GB
Only 4 games back of the leader, Fresno has a pretty good shot at the division. Just can't get swept too often.
I'm liking theis new format.
I can't believe the leader of the AL West is under 500.
Actually, I can, but its kind of crazy.
Yeah, we might be able to stay in, but I'm expecting LA or Seattle to go on a big run anytime now, or maybe for me to just go on a big losing streak.
In these couple of series I'm simming in PBP now that I'm doing the next update on the pitching has really, really come along. Its shocking really.
Another 4-2 week in Fresno
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In Weaver's first start back from the DL he hurled an eight inning gem
Just when you start to count the team out they bounce back with a great week backed by some strong pitching performances. The team managed to take two of three from the Rays and White Sox, both on the road.
We managed to take two of three from a very strong Rays team.
Game 1: Outlaws 3 - Rays 0
Jeff Weaver threw one of the best games of his career in his first start off the DL. He had Rays hitters befuddled all night, shutting them out over eight innings, allowing seven hits, one walk, and striking out an astounding 12 batters. Offensively we were led by Brooks Conrad going 3-4 with two doubles, a home run, and two RBI's.
Player of the Game: Jeff Weaver 8IP 7H BB 0ER 12K
Game 2: Outlaws 1 - Rays 13
The team followed the stellar pitching performance by Weaver up with the worst one the team has had all season. The starter Kuo last only 4 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs on 128 pitches, and then gave way to the bullpen which pitched the final 3 1/3 innings and allowed six runs as well. The only thing that kept us from getting shut out was an RBI single by Jason Repko in the seventh inning to plate Travis Buck. The Rays starter Chris Mason had the Outlaws guessing all night, going 7 2/3 innings allowing one run, no walks, seven hits, and six K's.
Player of the Game: Chris Mason 7 2/3IP 7H 0BB ER 6K
Game 3: Outlaws 7 - Rays 4
Another strong showing by Kershaw, who went seven innings, allowing four hits, four walks, one run, and struck out four batters, and whom has also lowered his ERA by almost a full run over his past several starts. The offense was lead by Conrad and Buck, who combined to go 5-9 with two walks, two runs, and three RBI's. We put up five in the first and managed to run James Shields from the game after one inning, despite all the runs being unearned.
Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw 7IP 4H 4BB ER 4K
We took two of three from the White Sox, but it was a hard fought series.
Game 1: Outlaws 3 - White Sox 0
What a game by Sean Marshall! Marshall went the distance, throwing a complete game shutout, while allowing only two hits, no walks, and striking out four, he just keeps outdoing himself lately. Brooks was again our offensive star, supplying all our runs, with a two run homerun in the third and a sac fly in the 5th.
Player of the Game: Sean Marshall CG SHO 2H 4K
Game 2: Outlaws 8 - White Sox 13
Another ugly, ugly game for the pitching staff. Wells last only 3 2/3 innings and gave up seven runs (six earned), before giving way to the bullpen, who then allowed six runs in 4 1/3 innings. Offense was abundant in this game, but their bullpen managed to lock us down to four hits and two runs over the final 6 1/3 innings.
Player of the Game: Jermaine Dye 3-4 3R 3HR 4RBI
Game 3: Outlaws 9 - White Sox 8
Weaver followed up his brilliant performance against the Rays with a terrible one against the White Sox, lasting only 4 2/3 innings and allowing eight runs (seven earned). However, unlike in previous nights, the bullpen managed to lock it down, allowing only two hits in 5 1/3 innings while striking out eight and allowing no runs, including a 2 1/3 inning 6 strikeout performance by Chris Schroder. Buck and Conrad were the main culprits on offense again, combining to go 3-10 with two homers and four RBI's, but even Kevin Cash and John McDonald got in on the act, going for back-to-back home runs in the second and combining to go 4-7 with two homers and 3 RBI's.
Player of the Game: Fresno Bullpen 5 1/3IP 2H 0ER 8K
Team Notes:
- Conrad is hitting so well right now that there could be a lineup shuffle in the near future, with Conrad moving to the three hole and Crawford hitting either 5th or leadoff.
- Sean Marshall and Clayton Kershaw have both lowered their ERA's by about a full run in their past 3-4 starts.
- Brandon League is 3/3 in save opportunities since assuming the closers role
Brandon Crawford Watch:
Brandon Crawford is hitting .400/.464/.520 with 7 RBI's, three steals, a triple, and a double in seven games at A ball.
League Notes:
- N/A
AL West Standings:
- Seattle Mariners 39-38
- Los Angeles Angels 40-39
- Oakland A's 38-40, 1.5 GB
- Texas Rangers 38-40, 1.5 GB
- Fresno Outlaws 35-42, 4 GB
Outlaws drop two of three to division leading Angels
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Wells has struggled to the tune of a 10.13 ERA in his last four starts
What a terrible week in Fresno! Not only did we lose two of three in both our series, but one of those series was to the division leading Angels, with the other being to the Cleveland Indians. This week may have been the straw that broke the camels back.
We lost games one and three to Cleveland and the way we played in both games we would've lost to a little league team.
Game 1: Outlaws 1 - Indians 10
Just about nothing went right in this game. Kuo lasted only 4 2/3 innings before leaving after allowing six runs, while his counterpart Cliff Lee dominated us through eight innings, allowing just one run and striking out seven. Our lone run came in the person of a Mike Sweeney solo jack. The Indians offense absolutely clobbered us, I'll spare you the details and give you the unfortunate boxscore.
Player of the Game: Cliff Lee 8IP 8H ER 7KHTML Code:CLEVELAND ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
B. Francisco (LF) 5 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 .278
A. Cabrera (2B) 6 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 .275
V. Martinez (C) 5 2 1 3 0 0 1 0 .310
G. Sizemore (CF) 5 2 1 2 1 2 2 0 .281
R. Garko (1B) 6 2 0 1 1 3 1 0 .259
C. Blake (3B) 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 .230
F. Gutierrez (RF) 5 3 0 1 1 3 1 0 .198
J. Michaels (DH) 2 2 3 1 0 0 0 0 .275
J. Rodriguez (SS) 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 .143
TOTALS 42 16 7 10 3 10 9 0
Game 2: Outlaws 8 - Indians 3
Our win in this series comes with a lot of help from Clayton Kershaw's strong performance, going 7 2/3 innings, allowing three runs, five hits, six walks, and eight K's. Travis Buck managed to whack a homer while Norris Hopper went 4-4.
Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw 7 2/3IP 5H 6BB 3ER 8K
Game 3: Outlaws 1 - Indians 6
Marshall regressed after his last start, a complete game shutout, in this game. Marshall made it through only five innings while allowing six runs. Gload supplied our only RBI. Jeff Stevens was in complete control tonight, lasting eight innings, allowing one run, six hits, no walks, and striking out seven.
Player of the Game: Jeff Stevens 8IP 6H ER 7K
A very, very unfortunate turn of events in this series. The team went into the series against the Angels with high hopes of closing the lead to within two games by winning, or even sweeping the series, but instead they were dealt two losses, along with any playoff aspirations likely squashed as they now sit six games out of first.
Game 1: Outlaws 0 - Angels 4
David Wells didn't pitch awful in this start, six innings and four runs, but Angels starter Joe Saunders was especially dominant, throwing a complete game shutout with seven K's, five hits, and only one walk. Casey Kotchman and Vlad' Guerrero combined to go 7-8 with three runs, a homer, and four RBI's in support of Saunders.
Player of the Game: Joe Saunders CG SHO 5H BB 7K
Game 2: Outlaws 9 - Angels 7
We earned a win here, despite Kuo failing to make it through four innings before giving up six runs. But the bullpen was strong, going 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, one run, a walk, and four K's, including a two inning save by Brandon League. The biggest play of the game was a pinch hit Grand Slam by Dallas McPherson that, at the time, tied the game at six a piece. The team went on to score seven in the third to take and keep the league.
Player of the Game: Dallas McPherson 1-1 PH GS
Game 3: Outlaws 4 - Angels 5
Jeff Weaver allowed five runs, one unearned, over seven innings with nine hits, three walks, and three K's, however that one unearned run would come back to haunt us as we lost by only one run. We killed ourselves several times in this game with the Angels scoring two runs on wild pitches from Weaver and another on an error. Crawford went 3-4 with two runs and two steals, but it was for naught.
Player of the Game: Angels bullpen 4IP H BB 0ER 3K
Team Notes:
- The team ERA has gone up about a third of a run over the past couple weeks, while the team batting average has dropped several points as well
- Kershaw is really emerging as an ace, with a 4.12 ERA in his last 10 starts and allowing no more than three runs in any of his last four starts.
Brandon Crawford Watch:
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League Notes:
- N/A
AL West Standings:
- Seattle Mariners 43-40
- Los Angeles Angels 43-42, 1 GB
- Oakland A's, 42-42 1.5 GB
- Texas Rangers 40-45, 4 GB
- Fresno Outlaws 37-46, 6 GB
I'd like to find a new or revised format to do my monthly updates too, so I may not get to that until tomorrow or later.
June in Review
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June was a rough month for Fresno. They posted an 11-15 record for the month and fell to six games back of the division, not that anyone was really expecting them to stay in it, but still. The play was extremely inconsistent at times, too often the team would go 4-2, then proceed to go 2-4, and back and forth and back and forth all through the month. The next month will go a long way to tell if the Outlaws are in this for the long haul, because they play the A's for six games and the Angels for three again.
The offense was pretty good for the whole month and answered some questions. Brooks Conrad appears to be the real deal and has cemented himself as the starting second basemen, with his .286/.342/.469 line on the season. Norris Hopper is still hitting well above .300, at .323, but he went through a bad slump at the end of the month that he appears to be coming out of with a .282 average in his last 10 games. Travis Buck, however, continues to be the most important hitter in the lineup, hitting .332/.373/.547 since joining the Outlaws, with eight homers, 48 RBI's, and 16 doubles, as goes Buck, so goes the Outlaws. Outside of the top four or five hitters, however, the offense has been very bad, with Cash, Gload, and McDonald all hitting sub-.240, and Repko was until he was benched in favor of Mark Sweeney.
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The pitching, on the other hand, was terribly inconsistent. At times during the month it would be dazzlingly good, but at other times it would be absolutely ghastly. In spite of that, it was a great month for Clayton Kershaw and Sean Marshall, who saw their ERA's drop by about a run each from the start of the month to the end of the month. The month also saw the Outlaws possibly find their closer for the remainder of this season, and for several season beyond, in Brandon League. However June did see implosions of Wells, Baek, and Kuo. Overall it was just an inconsistent month for the team.
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Division Leaders:
AL East: Boston Red Sox 55-29 (Toronto Blue Jays 49-35, 6 GB)
AL Central: Detroit Tigers 46-37 (Minnesota Twins 44-39, 2 GB)
AL West: Seattle Mariners 43-40 (Los Angeles Angels 43-42, 1 GB)
NL East: Atlanta Braves 51-32 (New York Mets 50-34, 1.5 GB)
NL Central: Cincinnati Reds 47-36 (Milwaukee Brewers 44-39, 3 GB)
NL West: Colorado Rockies 51-33 (Los Angeles Dodgers 45-37, 5 GB)
AL Wild Card: Toronto Blue Jays 49-35 (Minnesota Twins 44-39, 4.5 GB)
NL Wild Card: New York Mets 50-34 (Los Angeles Dodgers 45-37, 4 GB)
AL League Leaders:
Batting Average: Miguel Cabrera (DET) .390 (Travis Buck, 9th, .329)
Home Runs: Jim Thome (CWS) 29
RBI's: Travis Buck (FRE) 72
Steals: Carl Crawford (FRE) 38
Wins: Javier Vazquez (CWS) 12
ERA: Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) 2.39
Strikeouts: Erik Bedard (SEA) 124
Saves: Jonathan Papelbon (BOS) 28
NL League Leaders:
Batting Average: Albert Pujols (STL) .345
Home Runs: Adam Dunn (CIN) 25
RBI's: Adam Dunn (CIN) 74
Steals: Jose Reyes (NYM) 32
Wins: Tim Hudson (ATL) 14
ERA: Jake Peavy (SDP) 2.04
Strikeouts: Jake Peavy (SDP) 137
Saves: Matt Capps (PIT) 26
Bran-don Craw-ford! *clap clap clap clap clap*
Bran-don Craw-ford! *clap clap clap clap clap*
Bran-don Craw-ford! *clap clap clap clap clap*
:D
How are you going to handle his development, Dawg? Are you gonna fast track him or allow him to take his time at the expense of your on-field success?
Fresno All-Star Game hopefuls
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Outfielder Travis Buck is the most likely of the Fresno players to be named to the All-Star team
The All-Star game is just over a week away and the Outlaws have plenty of players worthy earning the prestigious honor of being named to the All-Star team. For most of the players with a chance it would be their first All-Star appearance, save Carl Crawford, though seemingly not their last.
Because of the fact that Fresno is a small budget, expansion team, who hasn't been particularly good this season, though they have been surprising, they are unlikely to get more than one player into the game. Were it not for the rule requiring at least one player from each team to be on the All-Star team they likely wouldn't have any players make the team, despite the fact that they have several deserving players.
The most likely Outlaws to make the team would seem to be right fielder Travis Buck, center fielder Carl Crawford, and perhaps second basemen Brooks Conrad, designated hitter/outfielder Norris Hopper, and third basemen Willy Aybar. Lets do a little lobbying for each of them, starting with the players most likely to make the team, shall we?
Travis Buck has been the Outlaws best hitter by a pretty wide margin since he came to Fresno from Oakland on May third. Despite only spending about two months with the team he leads the entire team in RBI's with 50 and places in the top three in the league in that category with a total of 74 between Fresno and Oakland. He has also hit .317 since joining the Outlaws with a season batting average of .319 and a season line of .319/.351/.537 between the two teams. He also places third on the team in home runs with 14, 8 with Fresno, and since coming to Fresno has ignited and carried the offense. And not only can he hit, but he can field! He is easily one of the best defensive outfielders in the AL, and has logged five outfield assists and three double plays as an Outlaw! Can't go wrong here.
Next is center fielder, formerly left fielder, Carl Crawford. Crawford leads the majors in steals with 44, and by a pretty wide margin over second place Carlos Gomez with his 33. Hes flirted with .300 all season and has poked up above periodically throughout the season, currently standing at .294. He has also proven that he can hit for power and drive in runs with seven homer, 45 RBI's, 18 doubles, and eight triples, not to mention a .447 slugging percent! The guy is a helluva fielder as well and could very well take home a Gold Glove for his play in the field this season. If you hit it anywhere near him you're bound to find it in his glove before it hits the ground. He'd be a great pick!
Third is DH Norris Hopper. The guy started hitting opening day and hasn't stopped since, even cracking the top 10 in batting average periodically. His currently stands at .322. Couple that with 14 steals and excellent defense and you've got an All-Star on your hands!
Brooks Conrad has been playing above expectations all season, and what better way to reward him than with a spot on the All-Star team. His batting average has floated around .270-.290 all season, along with a .350ish OBP and an .800 OPS. Whats not to love!?
Last is Willy Aybar. Aybar has played great defense at the hot corner all season, as well as keeping his batting average around .280-.300 and hitting a good share of homers with 11. Hes had his batting average in the mid to high .300's all season and has made an excellent two hitter. Come on, you know you want to take him!
Theres everyone's case, vote wisely!
I've been keeping a really, really close eye on him. The second he gets a ratings boost this season, if he does, I'm calling him up immediately and starting him at either second or short, since Conrad has hit like **** since I stuck him at #3. Even if he doesn't get a ratings boost he'll likely get called up at some point, particularly if I completely hit a wall and totally fall out of contention. He'll definitely see the majors before the end of the season, hopefully sooner rather than later. Hes kind of struggled since that last update. Right now hes hitting "only" .286/.326/.405, which is what one of my chief concerns was, how his power would develop, and it really hasn't so far. I'm not worried about it though, I'm sure he'll be fine and I can't wait to get him up to the bigs.Quote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
Added a section for All-Time team leaders in the first post.
Outlaws sweep A's, sit five back in division
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Sean Marshall gave the Outlaws two solid starts in his final two starts before the All-Star Break
A deceiving 4-3 week for the Outlaws, prior to the All-Star Break. The team swept their division rival A's in three games at home, but managed to take only one game in a four game set from the hapless Baltimore Orioles.
An excellent three game set against the A's, where the Outlaws pitched very well, culminated in a sweep for the Outlaws.
Game 1: Outlaws 4 - A's 2
Kershaw had another fantastic start over the A's, going 7 2/3 innings, allowing just three hits, three walks, and two runs, while striking out six. They say bad things come in threes, but today in came in fours for Joe Blanton and the A's, as Blanton went four innings, allowed four runs and struck out just four. The offense was spread all around as Crawford, Aybar, Buck, and Gload all collected RBI's.
Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw 7 2/3IP 3H 3BB 2ER 6K
Game 2: Outlaws 8 - A's 5
The Outlaws backed a solid seven inning, four run, 6 K effort by Sean Marshall with their eight run campaign on this night. Dallas McPherson, Ross Gload, and Gary Bennett all got two RBI's, while John McDonald got one on a solo blast. Carl Crawford and Travis Buck also scored two runs a piece.
Player of the Game: Gary Bennett 3-4 2B 2RBI
Game 3: Outlaws 3 - A's 2
Another gem by our starting pitching. This time the hero was David Wells going seven innings, allowing two runs, and six K's, despite also allowing 11 hits. Gaudin went pitch-for-pitch with Wells, allowing just three runs over 7 1/3 innings, but got the loss. Carl Crawford went 2-4 with two runs and two steals, while Dallas McPherson and Ross Gload each got RBI's.
Player of the Game: David Wells 7IP 2ER 6K
The series against the Orioles was far less successful. We lost three of four to the last place Orioles and put us five back in the division.
Game 1: Outlaws 2 - Orioles 7
Just an ugly overall game for the team. Weaver couldn't even make it through four innings before allowing seven runs, and the offense was stymied most of the night. The bullpen did perform well and prevented them from scoring again over the final 4 1/3 innings of the game, but we couldn't get any offense. Johnny Mac went 3-3 with a run and Dallas McPherson supplied our only two runs with a sixth inning two run blast. Burres of the Orioles was exceptional, going eight innings, allowing six hits, no walks, two runs, and struck out five.
Player of the Game: Brian Burres 8IP 6H 2ER 5K
Game 2: Outlaws 3 - Orioles 4
Kuo pitched a solid six innings to keep us in the ballgame, allowing only three runs, but Jay Witasick let the Orioles untie the game and gave up the game winning run in the seventh. Loewen of the Orioles pitched a great game as well, going seven innings allowing two hits, two walks, and three runs (one earned), while striking out eight. Brian Roberts also fell just a single short of the cycle, going 3-3 with a homer, a triple, and double, three runs, and two RBI's.
Player of the Game: Brian Roberts 3-3 HR 2B 3B 3R 2RBI
Game 3: Outlaws 7 - Orioles 2
Clayton Kershaw saved us from the possibility of a sweep with an eight innings, two run, seven strike out gem. Steve Trachsel didn't fare nearly as well as he lasted only 5 2/3 innings and gave up six runs. Dallas McPherson provided a pinch-hit three run bomb, in addition to Ross Gload contributing two RBI's, despite going hitless.
Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw 8IP 5H 3BB 2ER 7K
Game 4: Outlaws 0 - Orioles 1
A great ballgame that we unfortunately came out on the short end of. Sean Marshall went eight innings (a complete game), gave up only three hits, two walks, and one run, and struck out four, while Guthrie also went eight innings, allowed two hits, one walk, and no runs. Our only two hits game from Crawford and Aybar.
Player of the Game: Jeremy Guthrie 8IP 2H BB 0ER 4K
Team Notes:
- Clayton Kershaw has been pitching absolutely out of his mind lately. He's 7-2 with a 3.39 ERA and a.200 BAA against in his last 10 starts, and his ERA with the Outlaws stands at a respectable 4.26.
Brandon Crawford Watch:
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...ordWatch-1.jpg
With the A ball season ending Crawford will be called up to AAA for the rest of the season and if he plays well there will undoubtedly see time in the Bigs before the end of the season.
League Notes:
- The Braves re-signed Jeff Francoeur (3 years @ 5.7M/Y) and Kelly Johnson (2 years @ 5.5M/Y) to new contracts.
AL West Standings:
- Seattle Mariners 46-43
- Los Angeles Angels 46-45, 1 GB
- Oakland A's 44-47, 3 GB
- Fresno Outlaws 41-49, 5.5 GB
- Texas Rangers 42-50, 5.5 GB
All-Star Break next!
All-Star team's announced, A-Rod leads all fan voting
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d8..._Rodriguez.jpg
Yankees third basemen Alex Rodriguez led all fan voting with 1,986,399 votes
The AL and NL All-Star teams have been announced!
American League All-Stars:
C Jorge Posasa (NYY), 1,417,472, 6th All-Star Game
1B Jason Giambi (NYY), 1.474,982, 6th All-Star Game
2B Ian Kinsler (TEX), 1,045,050, 1st All-Star Game
3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY), 1,986,399, 12th All-Star Game
SS Derek Jeter (NYY), 1,399,425, 9th All-Star Game
OF Magglio Ordonez (DET), 1.204,912, 7th All-Star Game
OF Alex Rios (TOR), 1,080,950, 3rd All-Star Game
OF Josh Hamilton (TEX), 1,064,370, 1st All-Star Game
DH Miguel Cabrera (DET), 577,436, 5th All-Star Game
RF Nick Markakis (BAL), 1st All-Star Game
LF Manny Ramirez (BOS), 12th All-Star Game
CF Kenny Lofton (BRO), 7th All-Star Game
DH Jim Thome (CWS), 6th All-Star Game
RF Travis Buck (FRE), 1st All-Star Game
3B Alex Gordon (KCR), 1st All-Star Game
2B Howie Kendrick (LAA), 1st All-Star Game
RF Jermaine Dye (CWS), 3rd All-Star Game
CF Nick Swisher (CWS), 1st All-Star Game
RF Milton Bradley (TEX), 1st All-Star Game
3B Mike Lowell (BOS), 5th All-Star Game
LF Hideki Matsui (NYY), 3rd All-Star Game
SP C.C. Sabathia (CLE), 4th All-Star Game
RP Joe Nathan (MIN), 3rd All-Star Game
RP Dan Meyer (OAK), 1st All-Star Game
SP Felix Hernandez (SEA), 1st All-Star Game
SP James Sheilds (TBR), 1st All-Star Game
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS), 1st All-Star Game
SP Chien-Ming Wang (NYY), 1st All-Star Game
RP Scott Downs (TOR), 1st All-Star Game
RP J.J. Putz (SEA), 2nd All-Star Game
RP Jonathan Papelbon (BOS), 3rd All-Star Game
RP Joe Borowski (CLE), 1st All-Star Game
The AL squad is dominated by the Yankees, despite the Yankees being 10 games back of the first place Red Sox, who got only three players into the game! First timers include Red Sox ace Daisuke Matsuzaka, Mariners starter Felix Hernandez, Fresno outfielder Travis Buck, amongst several others. Red Sox starter and first time All-Star Daisuke Matsuzaka seems to be the most likely to start the game for the AL, as he currently has a 2.30 ERA, 12 wins (to only two losses), a .218 BAA and K:B ratio of over 4:1.
National League All-Stars:
C Brian McCann (ATL), 1,208,913, 3rd All-Star Game
1B Albert Pujols (STL), 1,352,178, 7th All-Star Game
2B Kelly Johnson (ATL), 917,563, 1st All-Star Game
3B Chipper Jones (ATL), 1,705,539, 6th All-Star Game
SS Jimmy Rollins (PHI), 971,036, 4th All-Star Game
OF Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN), 1,382,376, 14th All-Star Game
OF Ryan Braun (MIL), 1,337,322, 1st All-Star Game
OF Adam Dunn (CIN), 1,236,810, 2nd All-Star Game
DH Todd Helton (COL), 546,640, 6th All-Star Game
SS Stephen Drew (ARI), 1st All-Star Game
SS Hanley Ramirez (FLA), 1st All-Star Game
3B Aramis Ramirez (CHC), 2nd All-Star Game
1B Lance Berkman (HOU), 5th All-Star Game
RF Matt Kemp (LAD), 1st All-Star Game
3B David Wright (NYM), 3rd All-Star Game
1B Adam LaRoche (PIT), 1st All-Star Game
3B Ryan Zimmerman (WAS), 1st All-Star Game
CF Carlos Beltran (NYM), 5th All-Star Game
RF Brad Hawpe (COL), 1st All-Star Game
LF Matt Holliday (COL), 3rd All-Star Game
LF Moises Alou (NYM), 7th All-Star Game
SP Jake Peavy (SDP), 3rd All-Star Game
SP Matt Cain (SFG), 1st All-Star Game
SP John Smoltz (ATL), 9th All-Star Game
SP Johan Santana (NYM), 4th All-Star Game
SP Tim Hudson (ATL), 3rd All-Star Game
SP John Maine (NYM), 1st All-Star Game
SP Derek Lowe (LAD), 3rd All-Star Game
RP Royce Ring (ATL), 1st All-Star Game
RP Jose Valverde (HOU), 2nd All-Star Game
RP Trevor Hoffman (SDP), 7th All-Star Game
RP Matt Capps (PIT), 1st All-Star Game
Chipper Jones led all NL players in votes with his total of 1,705,539. The National League team was dominated by Atlanta Braves this time, getting a total of six players into the game. The pitcher most like to start would likely be Jake Peavy and his league leading 2.45 ERA.
This All-Star game should be a fun one, and don't be surprised if you see the NL finally knock the AL off their perch.
Adam Dunn puts on a show, wins Home Run derby
http://baseballevolution.com/images/dunnh1.bmp
Dunn prevailed to win the Derby in "extra innings"
This year's home run derby featured some of the most proficient home run hitters, not only of this era, but of all time. The Derby featured a member of the 600 home run club in Ken Griffey Jr., the 500 club with Jim Thome, and several players with a great chance to reach one or both of those plateaus before its all said and done with Matt Holliday, Ryan Braun, Adam Dunn, and Nick Swisher. Not to mention sluggers like Jason Giambi, Jermaine Dye, and Alex Rios.
Ryan Braun put on a show in the first round of the derby, and looked like a possible favorite going into the second round. However Dunn and Pujols were right on his tail after this first round. The two most prolific home run hitters in the Derby, Jim Thome (536 career home runs) and Ken Griffey Jr. (614 career home runs), were ousted after the first round, while the youngest and most inexperienced participant, Ryan Braun (24 years old, 58 career home runs in a season and a half) led the field. Albert Pujols, Adam Dunn, Ryan Braun, and Jason Giambi would advance to the second round, while Thome, Alex Rios, Ken Griffey Jr., Jermaine Dye, Nick Swisher, and Matt Holliday were eliminated.HTML Code:FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)
PLAYER HOMERS
Ryan Braun (MIL) 8
Adam Dunn (CIN) 7
Albert Pujols (STL) 7
Jason Giambi (NYY) 6
Matt Holliday (COL) 5
Nick Swisher (CHW) 5
Jermaine Dye (CHW) 4
Ken Griffey (CIN) 4
Alex Rios (TOR) 3
Jim Thome (CHW) 2
Braun's big first round didn't translate to this second round, as he hit only two home runs this round and was eliminated, after the first round apparently tired him out. Giambi managed just one home run this round and was also eliminated, while Pujols and Dunn hit four and three respectively to advance to the final round.HTML Code:SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)
PLAYER HOMERS
Albert Pujols (STL) 4
Adam Dunn (CIN) 3
Ryan Braun (MIL) 2
Jason Giambi (NYY) 1
What a Derby! Dunn and Pujols tied in what was to be the final round and forced the Derby to "extra innings".HTML Code:FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)
PLAYER HOMERS
Albert Pujols (STL) 3
Adam Dunn (CIN) 3
In the end, Dunn prevailed to win the 2008 Home Run Derby, hitting four home runs in the final round and 17 through the entire tournament. Probably not surprising with Dunn's reputation as a home run hitter with little else.HTML Code:EXTRA INNINGS (3 outs)
PLAYER HOMERS
ADAM DUNN 4
Albert Pujols 3
WINNER: Adam Dunn
AL extends All-Star Game winning streak
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...me_640x480.jpg
Jim Thome earned All-Star Game MVP honors
NL Starting Lineup:
#1 SS Jimmy Rollins (PHI)
#2 2B Kelly Johnson (ATL)
#3 LF Ryan Braun (MIL)
#4 1B Albert Pujols (STL)
#5 3B Chipper Jones (ATL)
#6 RF Adam Dunn (CIN)
#7 C Brian McCann (ATL)
#8 CF Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN)
#9 DH Todd Helton (COL)
SP Jake Peavy (SDP)
AL Starting Lineup:
#1 SS Derek Jeter (NYY)
#2 RF Alex Rios (TOR)
#3 DH Miguel Cabrera (DET)
#4 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY)
#5 CF Josh Hamilton (TEX)
#6 LF Magglio Ordonez (DET)
#7 1B Jason Giambi (NYY)
#8 C Jorge Posada (NYY)
#9 2B Ian Kinsler (TEX)
SP C.C. Sabathia (CLE)
In Yankee Stadium's final All-Star Game, it hosted a great one.HTML Code:National League at American League
July 9, 2008
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
National League (NL) 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 5 10 0
American League (AL) 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 x 8 11 0
The NL went down in order in the top of the first against AL starter C.C. Sabathia. However the AL did make some noise in the first, putting men on the corners with two outs. But they were stranded there after Josh Hamilton popped up to second to end the inning.
Both teams did some damage in the second, however. Ken Griffey knocked a bases loaded RBI single off Sabathia to plate Chipper Jones. Todd Helton flew out and Jimmy Rollins then flew out and lined out to avert the rest of the threat, for the NL, however. The AL responded by tying the game when Derek Jeter singled home Jason Giambi with two outs, before Alex Rios struck out to end the inning.
Skipping ahead to the sixth, with the AL leading 2-1, the NL managed to plate a run and tie the game. Felix Hernandez came in to pitch, his first career All-Star appearance, and loaded the bases by allowing a Brian McCann single, a walk to Todd Helton, and a pinch-hit walk to Lance Berkman. King Felix then walked Kelly Johnson with the bases loaded to tie the game, but prevented any further damage by gettin Braun to ground to second. The bottom of the inning didn't go the way the National League would have liked though. Magglio Ordonez hit an infield single to lead off the inning, and then stole second on a Jason Giambi strikeout, with Jorge then lining out to left. Theyn came the defining moment of the game. Johan Santana came in to pitch for the National League after Jim Thome was announced as the pinch-hitter for Ian Kinsler; and Thome took him deep to give us a two run lead, after a great lefty-on-lefty, power-on-power match-up.
The NL scored a run in their next half-inning to re-tie the game. But the AL would score four more runs in their next couple innings to take the 8-5 lead and keep it that way.
HTML Code:ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
J. Rollins (SS) 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .308
T. Hudson (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
L. Berkman (P) 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .307
H. Ramirez (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .291
J. Santana (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
S. Drew (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .277
J. Valverde (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
R. Ring (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
K. Johnson (2B) 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 .285
A. Ramirez (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .291
R. Braun (LF) 5 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 .328
A. Pujols (1B) 4 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .343
C. Jones (3B) 5 2 0 2 1 2 2 0 .321
A. Dunn (RF) 3 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 .280
M. Kemp (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .312
B. McCann (C) 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 .295
K. Griffey (CF) 4 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 .315
T. Helton (DH) 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 .334
TOTALS 36 10 5 5 1 4 8 0
2B: A. Pujols
HR: C. Jones
HBP: A. Pujols
GIDP: C. Jones
ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
J. Peavy 2.1 3 2 1 2 2 4 63 2.45
T. Hudson 3.1 3 1 0 1 1 2 50 2.95
J. Santana 2.0 4 2 1 5 5 1 52 2.76
J. Valverde 0.0 1 2 0 0 0 0 22 2.02
R. Ring 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.54
TOTALS 8.0 11 7 2 8 8 8 190
ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
D. Jeter (SS) 5 2 0 1 0 2 3 0 .324
J. Shields (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
F. Hernandez (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
S. Downs (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
J. Putz (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
A. Rios (RF) 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 .329
T. Buck (P) 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .319
M. Cabrera (DH) 3 2 2 0 0 2 1 0 .384
A. Rodriguez (3B) 4 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 .306
J. Hamilton (CF) 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .330
M. Ordonez (LF) 3 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 .348
N. Markakis (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .283
J. Giambi (1B) 3 2 1 2 0 0 1 0 .286
J. Posada (C) 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 .306
I. Kinsler (2B) 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .307
J. Thome (P) 2 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 .281
TOTALS 33 11 7 8 2 7 8 1
HR: A. Rodriguez, J. Thome
HBP: A. Rios
GIDP: A. Rodriguez, M. Ordonez
ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
C. Sabathia 2.1 3 2 0 1 1 2 62 2.99
J. Shields 2.2 3 0 0 1 1 1 50 2.56
F. Hernandez 2.0 3 3 1 3 3 2 54 3.25
S. Downs 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 1 17 1.57
J. Putz 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 12 1.83
TOTALS 9.0 10 5 1 5 5 8 195
WP: S. Downs
LP: J. Santana
SV: J. Putz
HTML Code:National League at American League
July 9, 2008
TOP OF THE FIRST
C.C. Sabathia takes the mound for the American League.
Jimmy Rollins grounded to third. <--->
Kelly Johnson popped up to the second baseman. <--->
Ryan Braun struck out. <--->
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
In the middle of the first, the game is tied at 0.
BOTTOM OF THE FIRST
Jake Peavy takes the mound for the National League.
Derek Jeter struck out. <--->
Alex Rios was hit by a pitch. <--1>
Miguel Cabrera walked. <-21>
Alex Rodriguez flied out to right. <-21>
Alex Rios tagged up and reached third. <3-1>
Josh Hamilton popped up to second. <3-1>
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, and 2 left on base.
At the end of the first, the game is tied at 0.
TOP OF THE SECOND
Albert Pujols grounded to second. <--->
Chipper Jones singled to right. <--1>
Adam Dunn walked. <-21>
Brian McCann walked. <321>
Ken Griffey singled through the left side, scoring a run. <321>
Todd Helton flied out to center. <321>
Jimmy Rollins lined out to short. <321>
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 3 left on base.
In the middle of the second, leads 1 to 0.
BOTTOM OF THE SECOND
Magglio Ordonez struck out. <--->
Jason Giambi walked. <--1>
Jorge Posada popped up to the second baseman. <--1>
Ian Kinsler singled back through the middle. <-21>
Derek Jeter singled into the left field corner, scoring a run. <3-1>
Alex Rios struck out. <3-1>
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 2 left on base.
At the end of the second, the game is tied at 1.
TOP OF THE THIRD
Kelly Johnson hit an infield single to the shortstop. <--1>
Ryan Braun struck out. <--1>
James Shields came in to pitch for the American League. <--1>
Albert Pujols was hit by a pitch. <-21>
Chipper Jones grounded to third for a double play (5-4-3). <-2->
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
In the middle of the third, the game is tied at 1.
BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
Miguel Cabrera struck out. <--->
Alex Rodriguez homered over the left field fence. <--->
Tim Hudson came in to pitch for the National League. <--->
Josh Hamilton singled to short left-center. <--1>
Magglio Ordonez grounded to short for a double play (6-4-3). <--->
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
At the end of the third, leads 2 to 1.
TOP OF THE FOURTH
Adam Dunn singled to right. <--1>
Brian McCann singled to right, advancing the runner to third. <3-1>
James Shields threw a wild pitch - a run scored. <-2->
Ken Griffey flied out to left. <-2->
Todd Helton grounded to second. <-2->
Jimmy Rollins popped up to second. <-2->
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
In the middle of the fourth, the game is tied at 2.
BOTTOM OF THE FOURTH
Jason Giambi singled through the left side. <--1>
Jorge Posada flied out to left. <--1>
Ian Kinsler flied out to right field. <--1>
Derek Jeter struck out. <--1>
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
At the end of the fourth, the game is tied at 2.
TOP OF THE FIFTH
Kelly Johnson popped up to the second baseman. <--->
Ryan Braun singled to center field. <--1>
Albert Pujols flied out to center. <--1>
Chipper Jones struck out. <--1>
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
In the middle of the fifth, the game is tied at 2.
BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH
Alex Rios grounded to the shortstop. <--->
Miguel Cabrera walked. <--1>
Alex Rodriguez popped up behind home plate. <--1>
Josh Hamilton flied out to right. <--1>
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
At the end of the fifth, the game is tied at 2.
TOP OF THE SIXTH
Felix Hernandez came in to pitch for the American League. <--->
Adam Dunn grounded to the pitcher. <--->
Brian McCann singled back through the middle. <--1>
Ken Griffey struck out. <--1>
Felix Hernandez threw a wild pitch. <-2->
Todd Helton walked. <-21>
Lance Berkman pinch hit for Jimmy Rollins. <-21>
Lance Berkman walked. <321>
Kelly Johnson walked, scoring a run. <321>
Ryan Braun grounded to second. <321>
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 3 left on base.
In the middle of the sixth, leads 3 to 2.
BOTTOM OF THE SIXTH
Hanley Ramirez came in to play Shortstop. <--->
Magglio Ordonez hit an infield single to first. <--1>
Jason Giambi struck out. <--1>
Magglio Ordonez stole second. <-2->
Jorge Posada lined out to center field. <-2->
Jim Thome pinch hit for Ian Kinsler. <-2->
Johan Santana came in to pitch for the National League. <-2->
Jim Thome homered into the left field bleachers for two RBIs. <--->
Derek Jeter struck out. <--->
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
At the end of the sixth, leads 4 to 3.
TOP OF THE SEVENTH
Nick Markakis came in to play Left Field. <--->
Albert Pujols doubled in the left field gap. <-2->
Chipper Jones homered over the left field fence for two RBIs. <--->
Adam Dunn struck out. <--->
Brian McCann grounded to the third baseman. <--->
Ken Griffey grounded to first. <--->
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
In the middle of the seventh, leads 5 to 4.
BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH
Stephen Drew came in to play Shortstop. <--->
Matt Kemp came in to play Right Field. <--->
Alex Rios walked. <--1>
Miguel Cabrera singled down the left field line, advancing the runner to third. <3-1>
Alex Rodriguez grounded to third for a double play (5-4-3). <--->
Josh Hamilton grounded to second. <--->
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
At the end of the seventh, the game is tied at 5.
TOP OF THE EIGHTH
Scott Downs came in to pitch for the American League. <--->
Todd Helton singled back through the middle. <--1>
Stephen Drew flied out to right. <--1>
Scott Downs threw a wild pitch. <-2->
Aramis Ramirez pinch hit for Kelly Johnson. <-2->
Aramis Ramirez struck out. <-2->
Ryan Braun lined out to right. <-2->
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
In the middle of the eighth, the game is tied at 5.
BOTTOM OF THE EIGHTH
Nick Markakis flied out to right. <--->
Jason Giambi singled to right. <--1>
Jorge Posada walked. <-21>
Jim Thome flied out to center. <-21>
Derek Jeter singled to left field, scoring a run. <-21>
Jose Valverde came in to pitch for the National League. <-21>
Travis Buck pinch hit for Alex Rios. <-21>
Travis Buck walked. <321>
Miguel Cabrera singled to left field for two RBIs. <3-1>
Alex Rodriguez walked. <321>
Royce Ring came in to pitch for the National League. <321>
Josh Hamilton struck out. <321>
3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, and 3 left on base.
At the end of the eighth, leads 8 to 5.
TOP OF THE NINTH
J.J. Putz came in to pitch for the American League. <--->
Albert Pujols grounded to third. <--->
Chipper Jones struck out. <--->
Matt Kemp struck out. <--->
AMERICAN LEAGUE WIN: 8-5
Since when does the A season end in July?
Yeah, tell me about it. But whenever I ran sims he stopped playing games after July 9th, or so. Maybe it was because I was using the "Single Season Simulator" tool and it didn't update his stats. I think I'll leave him in A for my next couple series and then call him up to AA or AAA if he doesn't get any games at A in either of those series.
Edison Volquez heads west
http://www.fantasybaseballgeeks.com/...s_v_Giants.JPG
Volquez joins Clayton Kershaw at the top of the Outlaws young starting rotation
The Outlaws added another piece to the puzzle with their most recent acquisition, that of talented righty Edison Volquez (82/88). The Outlaws will get Volquez in a shrewd deal, where they send first basemen Ross Gload (79), relief prospect Giovanni Garza (51/83), and starter Cha Seung Baek (74), as well as four million dollars in cash, for the talented righty.
Volquez was arguably the most talented of the once vaunted DVD trio that consisted of John Danks, Thomas Diamond, and Edison Volquez. Volquez has struggled up to this point in his career, posting a 5.55 ERA in 73 innings with Cincy so far this season, as well as a .295 BAA and 37 walks to 75 K's, but still possesses loads of potential, and was likely hurt in both Cincy and Texas by the hitter-friendly dimensions of the parks. Volquez has also fought control issues throughout his career, with 79 walks to 130 K's in 153 innings and a just plain awful BAA of .311 in his career. Despite all the negatives that Volquez carries with him at this point this is still an excellent trade for the Outlaws. They add another young potentially very good starter to the top of the rotation without giving up anything of significant value. Volquez does have a proficiency for striking batters out, 75 in 73 innings this season, and has a very good change up, as well as a decent fastball, and a developing slider. This trade gives the Outlaws a young, and potentially very, very good top three with Kershaw, Volquez, and Kuo.
Cincy really got little to nothing of value here. Garza is very young and years away from becoming anything, if he does at all. Gload is 32 years old and had been struggling badly this season, hitting only .240/.289/.383 on the season at the time of the trade with the Outlaws. Baek is far from something to write home about, with his .305 BAA and 23 walks to only 39 K's and 5.08 ERA in the majors this season. This was a really, really bad trade for the Reds, even if Volquez has struggled hes cheap and still has upside, at only 25 years old.
NOTE #1: As with all the other trades I've made this season, I made this one by putting that package on the trading block. The others ones were somewhat justifiable, but this one is probably the worst.
NOTE #2: This will be my last trade of the season, unless the CPU makes me an offer I absolutely can't refuse.
That, my friend, is a textbook example of a term we experts use: "selling low".
Hello? Police? I'd like to report a robbery... :D
Yeah, I realized thats what it was when I saw the 5.55 ERA. His vitals aren't that exciting (85 END, 68 CON, 88 POW, 69 MOV, 73 FASTBALL, 81 CHANGE, 67 SLIDER), but hes still young with upside, and its basically a no-risk move since I gave nothing of value. I think he'll do a lot better since he won't be pitching in a bandbox.Quote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
Plus Volquez is one of my favorite players, IRL :).
Fresno Outlaws All-Star Break Review
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Center fielder Carl Crawford has ignited the teams offense all season with his 34 steals and .293/.330/.431 line as an Outlaw
Now that we've played through the All-Star Break and completed the first ninety games of the season, lets take a look at what transpired in the first half of the season, starting with trades the team made.
Outlaws get Clayton Kershaw from the Dodgers in exchange for Wandy Rodriguez and prospects
Los Angeles Dodgers side: They traded arguably the best pitching prospect in the game and it didn't look like they got much of value, especially after Wandy struggled his first few starts with the team, but Wandy is making this look like a decent trade for the Dodgers. Wandy is 8-6 with a 3.77 ERA since joininh the Dodgers, and has proven to be an excellent #3 starter, alongside Derek Lowe and Brad Penny. (In addition to getting a ratings boost that made him go from a 79 to an 83). The best of those prospects, Juan Enriquez has struggled to this point in Rookie Ball, post a 4.76 ERA in 70 innings of work, but the book is still out on him as he is only 17 years old and could prove to be just as good a prospect as Kershaw down the road. Craig Robb, the other prospect, has been very good in Rookie Ball, on the other hand, posting a 2.60 ERA and .140 BAA in 17 1/3 innings with the Ogden Raptors.
Fresno Outlaws side: The Outlaws got potentially the best left handed pitcher to come through the Dodgers since Sandy Koufax. The players they gave up have done well for the most part, but Kershaw has pitched fantastic as an Outlaw, leading the team in wins with nine, to 5 losses, posting an ERA of 4.26 and a BAA of .228 with the team. The book is still out on Kershaw as well, but if his latest run of 3.39 ERA in his last 10 starts is any indication, the Outlaws got a future Cy Young award winner in this one.
The Verdict: The Outlaws still win this one. The players the Dodgers got have done just fine, but Kershaw has shown his potential in full blast and has been surprisingly consistent with the Outlaws. Its just a matter of him putting it all together once and for all.
Outlaws get Carl Crawford from the Rays in exchange for LF/DH Barry Bonds, reliever Jesse Carlson, pitching prospect James Humphrey, and four million dollars
Tampa Bay Rays side: Tampa got a still great player in Bonds who should've added a lot of pop and OBP to the lineup, but has struggled with the team, hitting just .230/.362/.435, with nine homers and 38 RBI's. Carlson has been solid for the Rays, putting up a 3.71 ERA in 26 2/3 innings out of the 'pen, while posting a .206 BAA. Humphrey has struggled badly at every level hes pitched at, including a 6.30 ERA at AA, where he currently resides.
Fresno Outlaws side: The Outlaws got a great young building block for the future in Crawford. He leads the team in steals with 34 (to only eight caught stealing), as well as post a .293/.330/.431 line, with six homers, three triples, 14 doubles, and 81 hits in 276 at bats. At the time of the trade he was a fantastic defender in left, but the team recently converted him to a center fielder where he has been just as brilliant.
The Verdict: This one easily goes to the Outlaws. Barry hasn't performed up to expectation, and while Carlson has been a solid lefty out of the pen, he hasn't been nearly as good or valuable to the Rays as Crawford has to the Outlaws.
Outlaws get right fielder Travis Buck from the A's, for SP Darrell Rasner, outfielder Marcus Thames, catching prospect Cam Hales, and cash
Oakland A's side: At the time of the trade, the A's were getting one of the best pitchers in baseball since the season had started, as Rasner had posted a 2.59 ERA and .192 BAA with the Outlaws in 6 starts, but since he has struggled, putting up 4.79 ERA with a .245 BAA in 12 starts. Thames has been awful as well, hitting worse than he did with the Outlaws. Thames has hit just .233/.293/.373 with three homers and 17 RBI's in 150 AB's with the A's since the trade. Hales has floundered at AA, hitting .207/.255/.359 in 92 AB's.
Fresno Outlaws side: The Outlaws got who has been arguably their best hitter since his acquisition out of this trade, and gave up almost nothing. As an Outlaw, Buck has hit .317/.358/.517, along with leading the team in RBI's (50) and placing second in homers (8), and playing excellent defense in right field.
The Verdict: Outlaws still win this one easily. Buck has probably been the team's MVP since they got him, while everyone the A's got have flamed out.
The Outlaws did fantastic in all their trades. Through their trades they built up the great young core of players they have now with Buck, Crawford, Kershaw, and now Volquez. The trades have the team headed in the right direction, and have even helped the team to contend some this season.
NOTE #1: I didn't include the Volquez trade since I haven't even simmed a game since making that trade, and probably won't get to until tomorrow or late tonight.
Fresno Outlaws All-Star Break Review (cont'd)
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Norris Hopper has been an excellent leadoff man for the Outlaws
Now lets take some time to breakdown the team itself, starting with the hitting.
Hitting:
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#1 Norris Hopper (LF) - Hopper has been an extremely pleasant surprise this season. His batting average hasn't dipped below .300 at all this season and hes led the team in hitting most of the season. He doesn't walk a whole lot, but the way hes been getting on base with hits and contact have more than made up for it. He went through a bit of a slump recently that caused his batting average to drop 20 or 30 points, but hes been hitting well lately. Hes been stealing some bases and has scored a ton of runs for the team this season. Hes been easily one of our best contributors and if the team is to stay successful he will have to keep it up.
#2 Mark Sweeney (1B) - Sweeney has sat the bench most of the first portion of the season, occasionally pinch hitting or starting when somebody needed a day. However, theres no reason to think he can't do well in a starting role. He is an excellent contact hitter with a little pop and a good eye and should be your prototypical #2 hitter, minus the speed. His defense isn't great, below average at best, but the team is content to rely on him.
#3 Carl Crawford (CF) - Crawford has been one of the team's most important players all season. From the day he donned an Outlaws uniform he has been helping to spark the Outlaws offense with his speed and putting balls in play. He doesn't hit for a ton of power, but he should finish the year with a .300+ batting average, and he doesn't walk a whole lot but he'll steal us some bases and is an ignitor. Hes an excellent defender in center and should save us some runs as well.
#4 Travis Buck (RF) - Buck has probably been the single most important cog to this Outlaws team. Hes hit over .300 from the day he got here, drove in a ton of runs, played Gold Glove defense, and been a team leader. If not for Travis, the Outlaws would probably be sitting at the bottom of the division 15 games out with no hope and simply hoping to grab the #1 overall pick in next year's draft.
#5 Willy Aybar (3B) - Aybar has actually hit #2 much of the season, because of his uncanny ability to get on base. Hes been going through a major slump lately, hitting just .132 in his last 10 games, but the team thinks it was because he was tired and now with the All-Star Break in the past and him getting some time to get rested and rejuvenated, they think his average will jump back up to .300 and get back to being the Willy of old. His defense at the hot corner, on the other hand, has been ugly all season. He's mad 15 errors in 62 games at third, for a .923 fielding percent, but is second in the AL in Range Factor for third basemen, which could account for those errors.
#6 Dallas McPherson (DH) - McPherson started out the year as the team's starting third basemen, with Aybar at second, but got injured near the end of May and was eventually benched in favor of a Conrad - Aybar duo for 3B and 2B. But hes hit well in pinch hitting duty and developed a knack for getting hits when the team needs them most, and now with Gload gone he finds himself back in the starting lineup. He doesn't make contact very often, and he does strike out a lot, 45 in 130 AB's on the season, but when he does the ball flies.
#7 Brooks Conrad (2B) - Conrad took over at second when McPherson was injured in late April and his hit well ever since. He struggled when the team tried putting him in the three hole, so hes been dropped back down to #7 in the hopes of him regaining his .290 batting average. Even if he doesn't get that back, hes still going to hit a lot of home runs, walk a lot, and probably strikeout a lot too, but hes still a valuable piece to the team. However, its very likely that his talent is simply catching up with him and that he will never be a .280-.290 hitter again.
#8 Kevin Cash (C) - Cash is in the starting lineup for no other reason than that he is a Gold Glove defender at the most important defensive position on the field. The guy couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat, and if the team had a better alternative he'd be playing.
#9 John McDonald (SS) - John is basically in the same boat as Cash, although the team appears to be more tolerant of his anemic offense. He is capable of stealing some bases and when his hits come they come in bunches. He does have top prospect Brandon Crawford knocking on the door, and the knocking is only going to get louder and louder the worse he hits and the later the season goes on.
If the team is going to stay in contention the bats can't afford to stay as good as they've been, they have to be better. The pitching leaves something to be desired, so if this team is going to contend for the rest of the season, or even make the playoffs, they'll have to slug their way there.
Fresno Outlaws All-Star Break Review (cont'd)
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Young lefty Clayton Kershaw is emerging into the Ace the team expected him to become
The pitching is very, very young, and this season has clearly been a year of development and transition for the young staff.
Pitching:
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SP#1 Clayton Kershaw - Despite Kershaw's age, just 20 years old, he has been a very, very good pitcher for the Outlaws this season, and has to be in the running for AL RoY. His ERA since joining the Outlaws is a respectable 4.26 with a .228 BAA. He has, however, walked 63 batters to 84 strikeouts, as well as hitting four batters and throwing a couple wild pitches. Despite that, he leads the team in wins with nine, has thrown 105 2/3 innings, and has been superb, especially lately, posting a 3.39 ERA in his last 10 starts.
SP#2 Edison Volquez - Its hard to say anything about Edison since he has yet to throw a pitch for the Outlaws, but he hasn't been particularly good for Cincinnati. He amassed a 5.55 ERA in 13 games, 12 starts, for the Reds, but the team seems to believe a lot of his past failures have a great deal to do with the ballparks he pitched in in Cincy and Texas, both notorious hitter's parks. If that is the case, Volquez should enjoy a great deal of success in spacious Fresno Ballpark.
SP#3 Sean Marshall - Marshall started the season very, very poorly, barely managing to make it through the six innings through most of his first 10 starts or so, but hes been exceptional lately. In his last 10 games he has a 4.19 ERA in 68 2/3 innings, including two complete games (one shutout), two eight inning efforts, and two seven inning endeavors. If Marshall keeps up this level of success consistently throughout the rest of the season the team stands a great chance of staying in the AL West race.
SP#4 Hong-Chih Kuo - Kuo started the season great, leading the team in ERA at 3.75 at one point, but has blown up of late. Kuo's ERA in his last 10 starts stands at 6.14 in 58 2/3 innings, largely due to his .286 BAA in that time frame. Kuo is very talented and when hes on, hes really on.
SP#5 David Wells - Wells has provided the otherwise young Outlaws staff with a veteran presence, as well as pitching solidly since being signed to the team. Hes posted a very solid and respectable ERA of 4.54 with the team, that would lead the if he had enough innings to qualify. Hes pitched two complete games, including a shutout, but has an inexplicably high BAA of .331 in 83 1/3 innings. The BAA would seem to indicate that his success is unsustainable unless he gets his hit totals down. Nonetheless, hes a good veteran innings eater with great control thats a nice pitcher to have mentor or young'uns.
The bullpen - The bullpen has been pretty solid this season, though has had its spurts of inefficiency. Brandon League has been great since assuming the closers role, converting seven of nine save opportunities and holding opponents to a .192 batting average. Prior to League's emergence, however, the closers role was a big problem area. The team tried former Outlaw Jesse Carlson there to start, but he struggled, then put Chris Schroeder in who also struggled. They then tried Geoff Jones, who had been dominating with a sub-3.00 ERA at the time, but he blew up in the role as well. They tried signing Bob Wickman to take over, but he went 6/12 in save opportunities. The team had been reluctant to stick Brandon League in the closers role because they were scared of his walk numbers and weren't sure how he'd handle the pressure, but hes clearly done well in the role. Jones has struggled badly lately, a 6.97 ERA in his last 10 games, and is almost certain to be lowered to a reduced role in the pen, with Schroeder being moved up to setup man. Aardsma and Witasick have also been solid, though Witasick has pitched only 6 2/3 innings.
The pitching is going to have to either improve significantly or pitch well over their head's over the second half of the season in order for the team to maintain its overall success, and I don't see that happening. There are definitely going to be more development and growing pains to be had for kids like Kershaw, Volquez, Kuo, and Marshall over the second half of the season, though they have a nice staff to build on.
Too many lefties in your rotation. Anyway I'm lovin' this dynasty. Keep it up.
Yikes, you're right, I do have a lot of lefties. There could be some big fish to fry in FA'cy on that front this off-season though, including Ben Sheets, and some guys that could get released if their teams can't afford arbitration, like King Felix, so I could look to bring one of them in.Quote:
Originally Posted by dannymac910
Post #1000 for me!
Gonna try to get an update in for this tonight. I had a really hectic 4th of July and I might not be able to get one in tonight because I'm hanging out with one of my friends for probably the last time before he moves from Maine to Seattle.
Might be time to drop Wells for a righty.
Wells has been my best pitcher in terms of preventing runs though. If he blows up, which is possible with that BAA, I may though. I'm not sure there are any good SP's in the FA pool, the other expansion team sucked a lot of them up.
I don't know if I'd drop Wells unless I had someone ready to come up. The ERA is tops on the staff despite the BAA and his innings are third most. You can't replace the veteran presence.
I would imagine the trade value is next to nothing at his age.
I don't read alot of Dynasties - mostly the expansion ones and any of the Oakland A's. I'm liking it, keep up the good work.