Power Pros Forum

Honolulu Gunmen (48-39) vs. Oakland Athletics (38-49)
July 7th-9th

This is only our first series against the Athletics, but we will play them three more times in the next couple of months.

Earlier in the year, in an interesting move, they traded designated hitter Frank Thomas to the Dodgers in exchange for 36-year old starting pitcher Esteban Loaiza, though both players are struggling anyway.

Key Players:

Eric Chavez - 3B
.277, 11 HR, 38 RBI, .799 OPS
3, E, D, C, C, B, B, Spray Hitter, Hot Hitter, Barehand CTH, Consistency 2, Error Prone, Star, Aggressive HTR, Cautious STL, Aggressive FLD, Gd Eye
Bio: Though he's no longer the star he was in his twenties, hometown hero Eric Chavez remains very popular and moderately productive in Oakland.
Analysis: After playing only 90 games in 2014 and batting only .240, Chavez seems to have bounced back.

Ryan Sweeney - RF
.281, 61 R, 14 3B, 13 SB, .752 OPS
2, A, F, B, D, E, D, Gd Day Game, VS Lefty 1, Stealing 2
Bio: An excellent leadoff man, Sweeney is great at getting on base and has the speed to overcome his often poor jumps. He struggles against lefties and has very little power, but usually hits for a good average.
Analysis: Sweeney's 14 triples are tied for third in the majors.

Mark Ellis - 2B
.332, 8 HR, 47 RBI, .919 OPS
3, D, B, C, E, C, B, Contact Hitter, Hot Hitter, Gd IF HTR, Barehand CTH, Clutch Hit 2, Patient HTR, Aggressive FLD
Bio: The 31-year old is a top-of-the-line second baseman on both sides of the ball.
Analysis: Ellis is having a career year at the plate.

Projected Pitching Match-ups:

Game 1
Johnny Rivera (3-4, 3.72) vs. Joe Blanton (1-10, 6.49)

Game 2
Michael Davis (7-3, 3.48) vs. Chad Gaudin (1-10, 5.49)

Game 3
Cesario Castillo (4-7, 3.59) vs. Esteban Loaiza (4-6, 4.88)

Ouch for Blanton and Gaudin.

July 7th, 2015

Honolulu Gunmen (48-39) vs. Oakland Athletics (38-49)

Final Score(10):
Honolulu Gunmen - 1
Oakland Athletics - 0

Box Score
Win: Adam Wilson (3-1)
Save: Rick Allen (25)
Loss: Huston Street (0-4)
HR: Patrick Warr (11)

J. Medrano - 2-5, .310
M. McElroy - 1-4, .275
- D. Millwood - 0-1, .314
J. Hernandez - 0-4, .292
M. McCarthy - 1-2, 2B, K, 2 BB, .280
D. Wayne - 0-4, .315
P. Warr - 1-4, HR, RBI, R, 3 K, .278
D. Wilde - 0-4, 2 K, .292
S. Bernard - 1-4, .279
C. Raines - 1-4, .257

J. Rivera - 7.1 IP, 2 H, 3 K, BB, 0 ER, 3.39
A. Wilson (W) - 1.2 IP, H, K, 0 ER, 2.59
R. Allen (SV) - 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4.78

July 8th, 2015

Honolulu Gunmen (49-39) vs. Oakland Athletics (38-50)

Final Score:
Honolulu Gunmen - 4
Oakland Athletics - 1

Box Score
Win: Michael Davis (8-3)
Save: Rick Allen (26)
Loss: Chad Gaudin (1-11)
HR: Eric Chavez (12), Matt McCarthy (38)

J. Medrano - 0-5, R, .306 (Lost hitting streak at 25 games)
M. McElroy - 2-5, R, .277
J. Hernandez - 2-5, .293
M. McCarthy - 3-4, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, K, .285
D. Wayne - 1-4, .315
P. Warr - 1-4, .277
D. Wilde - 1-4, RBI, K, .291
S. Bernard - 0-4, .275
C. Raines - 0-3, K, BB, .254

M. Davis (W) - 8 IP, 7 H, K, ER, 3.28
R. Allen (SV) - 1 IP, H, 0 ER, 4.64

July 9th, 2015

Honolulu Gunmen (50-39) vs. Oakland Athletics (38-51)

Final Score:
Honolulu Gunmen - 4
Oakland Athletics - 2

Box Score
Win: Cesario Castillo (5-7)
Save: Rick Allen (27)
Loss: Esteban Loaiza (4-7)
HR: Mark Ellis (9), Chris Denorfia (8), Marcus McElroy (6)

J. Medrano - 1-3, 3B, 2 R, BB, .306
M. McElroy - 2-4, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, R, K, .280
J. Hernandez - 1-4, .293
M. McCarthy - 1-4, K, .285
D. Wayne - 1-4, .314
P. Warr - 0-4, 2 K, .273
D. Wilde - 0-4, 2 K, .288
S. Bernard - 0-4, 2 K, .271
C. Raines - 1-3, R, K, SB, .255

C. Castillo (W) - 6.2 IP, 3 H, 6 K, BB, ER, 3.43
A. Wilson (HLD) - 1.1 IP, H, K, ER, 2.72
R. Allen (SV) - 1 IP, 0 H, K, 0 ER, 4.50

Series MVPs:
Johnny Rivera - 7.2 IP, 2 H, 3 K, BB, 0 ER
Michael Davis - 8 IP, 7 H, K, ER
Cesario Castillo - 6.2 IP, 3 H, 6 K, BB, ER
Rick Allen - 3 IP, H, K, 0 ER, 3 SV

Honolulu Gunmen (51-39) vs. Seattle Mariners (42-48)
July 10th-12th

Our last series before the All-Star break takes us to Seattle for a three game set against the Seattle Mariners. If we sweep, we have a chance to go into the second half on of a seven game winning streak.

It should be noted that we're only one game behind the first place Dolphins after sweeping the Athletics.

Key Players:

Erik Bedard - SP
10-5, 3.25 ERA, 119.0 IP, 95 K
97, C, A, 2SFB(2), CUT(2), CB(3), CHG(2), VS LH Batter 4, STR Finisher, Dr. K, Consistency 4, Choke Artist
Bio: A 29-year old in the prime of his career, Bedard is a lefty who consistently shuts down opposing hitters with his blazing fastball and solid curve.
Analysis: Bedard has having a good, if unspectacular year. We won't be seeing him in this series.

Ichrio Suzuki - CF
.303, 32 2B, 13 3B, 18 SB
2, A, E, A, A, B, B, Clutch Hit 4, Contact Hitter, Push Hitter, Hot Hitter, Gd Bunt, Grt IF HTR, Throwing 4, Durability 4, Base Running 4, Spider Catch, Cannon Arm, Gd Rain, Pr Day Game, Star, Slap Hitter, Aggressive STL, Aggressive RUN, Aggressive FLD
Bio: The pride and joy of Seattle, Ichiro Suzuki has dominated the majors since his transition from the NPB in 2001. He may be getting on in years, but he is still easily the best leadoff man in the game.
Analysis: Ichiro has no home runs on the year but is tearing it up regardless, leading the majors in doubles and in the top 10 for triples.

Bryan Thomas - 1B
.234, 7 HR, 39 RBI
2, B, D, D, C, A, A, Throwing 4, Gold Glover, Barehand CTH, Star, Slap Hitter, Aggressive FLD
Bio: Thomas definitely deviates from the typical first baseman, but that doesn't mean he's any less of a superstar. Like his teammate Ichiro, although to a lesser extent, Thomas focuses on singles and doubles rather than home runs. Despite his relatively large stature, he rarely hits more than 25 home runs. He's also the best fielding first baseman in the AL, and regularly wins the Gold Glove award.
Analysis: Thomas has struggled at the plate for the last month and his average has dipped solidly below .250.

Projected Pitching Match-ups:

Game 1
Charlie Huff (6-4, 3.53) vs. Arthur Rhodes (2-7, 4.34)

Game 2
Brendan Bikowski (8-3, 2.45) vs. Felix Hernandez (5-4, 3.24)

Game 3
Akinori Otsuka (7-3, 4.23) vs. Miguel Batista (6-5, 3.56)

Wow did Sweeney improve. Is this actually set in 2008 or did you get to 2014 in-game?

Lol @ Arthur Rhodes starting. Where's Cha Seung Baek when you need him?

Or R.A. Dickey and his C stamina?

I edited him based on how he progressed in my MLB 11 the Show A's franchise. It's set in 2008.

July 10th, 2015

Honolulu Gunmen (51-39) vs. Seattle Mariners (42-48)

Final Score:
Honolulu Gunmen - 8
Seattle Mariners - 2

Box Score
Win: Charlie Huff (7-4)
Save:
Loss: Arthur Rhodes (2-8)
HR:

J. Medrano - 2-5, 2B, 2 R, .307
M. McElroy - 1-5, RBI, R, K, .278
J. Hernandez - 3-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, K, BB, .298
M. McCarthy - 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R, K, .289
D. Wayne - 2-5, 2 RBI, .315
P. Warr - 1-4, RBI, .273
- D. Millwood - 0-1, .310
D. Wilde - 1-3, R, BB, .288
S. Bernard - 0-4, .267
C. Raines - 1-4, R, .255

C. Huff (W) - 8 IP, 4 H, 5 K, 2 ER, 3.43
K. Harp - 1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0.00

July 11th, 2015

Honolulu Gunmen (52-39) vs. Seattle Mariners (42-49)

Final Score(12):
Honolulu Gunmen - 4
Seattle Mariners - 5

The Mariners won on a walk-off passed ball... oi.

Box Score
Win: Sean Green (3-1)
Save:
Loss: Mike Colyer (3-5)
HR: Miguel Cairo (1), Matt McCarthy (39)

J. Medrano - 3-6, 3B, R, .310
M. McElroy - 0-3, K, .276
- D. Millwood - 0-3, .300
J. Hernandez - 2-5, 2B, RBI, R, K, .299
M. McCarthy - 1-5, HR, 2 RBI, R, 2 K, .288
D. Wayne - 0-5, K, .311
P. Warr - 3-5, 2 K, .279
- S. Bernard (PR)
D. Wilde - 1-5, 2 K, .287
M. MacKenzie - 0-5, K, .235
C. Raines - 2-5, 2B, R, K, .257

B. Bikowski - 8 IP, 2 H, 8 K, BB, ER, 2.34
R. Allen (BSV) - 1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 5.14
A. Wilson - 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2.60
M. Colyer (L) - 0.1 IP, H, R, 0 ER, 2.85

July 12th, 2015

Honolulu Gunmen (52-40) vs. Seattle Mariners (43-49)

Final Score:
Honolulu Gunmen - 4
Seattle Mariners - 3

Box Score
Win: Akinori Otsuka (8-3)
Save: Rick Allen (28)
Loss: Sean Green (3-2)
HR: Takumi Soto (7), Matt McCarthy (40), Roy Schapp (2)

J. Medrano - 1-5, .309
M. McElroy - 1-4, R, K, .276
J. Hernandez - 3-4, R, .304
M. McCarthy - 1-3, HR, RBI, R, BB, .288
P. Warr - 0-3, RBI, 2 K, SF, .276
D. Wilde - 0-4, RBI, .283
R. Schapp - 1-4, HR, RBI, R, .156
S. Bernard - 0-3, BB, .264
C. Raines - 2-4, SB, .261

A. Otsuka (W) - 7.2 IP, 6 H, 14 K, 3 ER, 4.18
A. Wilson (HLD) - 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2.58
R. Allen (SV) - 1 IP, 0 H, K, 0 ER, 5.00

Series MVPs:
Juan Hernandez - 8-13 (.615), 2B, 3 RBI, 4 R
Matt McCarthy - 5-13 (.385), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R, BB
Brendan Bikowski - 8 IP, 2 H, 8 K, BB, ER

Yeah Hernandez! Way to improve your batting average significantly!

June 15th, 2015
12:58 PM
Hilo, HI

Today, while baseball fans across the country gathered in New York City for the 2015 All-Star Game, I was five thousand miles away in Hilo, Hawaii.

I sat in the 18th and final row of seating in Wong Stadium, alone, with a clipboard. I'd hoped to make it to the game, but the schedule just didn't line up. And for some reason, I just had to see Todd Bennett pitch.

Waiting for the game to begin, I reached for my cell phone. I was able to take a peek at the starters for the All-Star Game, which was nearly underway, it being almost 8 o' clock on the east coast. I saw that Matt McCarthy and Juan Hernandez hadn't cracked the lineup, and Brendan Bikowski had been relegated to the bullpen, where Greene's Koby Caplin and Bernie Shantz joined him.

Momentarily caught up in the disappointment at McCarthy's snubbing (Joe Mauer's .346 average was impressive, but not a record pace as McCarthy's 40 home runs were), I almost missed the first pitch that Bennett threw. A fastball, clocking in at 87. I shook my head.

Three innings later, the game was still scoreless. Bennett served up a double to the leadoff man and walked the next two batters, but picked up a clutch 5-2-3 double play and a popout to get out of the jam. In the next half inning, he singled home a run. Ultimately working through the sixth, Bennett's final line of 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, and 5 K was impressive, but what really caught my eye was his delivery. I found myself, throughout the game, having to look up at the scoreboard, to see what pitch he had even thrown. He was practically the poster child for consistency.

As the eight inning droned on and the Stars extended their lead to 8-0, I checked in on the game back in New York. It was the top of the ninth; neither Bikowski nor Hernandez had played, but McCarthy was 1-for-1 with an RBI. The American League was leading 5-3, and I watched as Todd Jones shut down the NL hitters 1-2-3 to secure the victory.

July 16th, 2015
8:46 AM
Pasadena, CA

"Yes, sir, I'd say he's right ready for call-up."

Pasadena Mustangs manager Will Nash spoke with a heavy southern accent, and I wondered whether he realized the Cowboy-themed mascot didn't require such. Regardless, I took his advice and had him call Tommy Weaver into the office.

"Well Tommy, we've been very impressed by your level of play here in Pasadena, and I'm here to deliver the news that you'll be with the team in Honolulu this time tomorrow."
"...Are you serious, Mr. Weaver?"
"Completely serious... Mr. Weaver," I added with a wink."
"Thank you so much Mr. Weaver!"
"You're quite welcome, Mr. Weaver."

July 16th, 2015
7:38 PM
Honolulu, HI

And now, here I was, back in Honolulu, with the corresponding awfulness for the second time this year.

"Roy, I think you've known this is a long time coming."

Roy Schapp nodded, head down, eyes sullen.

"We like your pop, but we've got to get you some more at-bats in the minors. You're a young kid. You'll be back in no time."

I reached out to shake the young player's hand, and he obliged, fingers limp.

As soon as Schapp was out of sight, I hopped into my car and drove home. The constant travel of the last two days was exhausting, and I crashed before 9:00, grateful that we were at home the next day.

Series Preview: Detroit Tigers (48-45) vs. Honolulu Gunmen (53-40)
July 17th-18th

A two-game set with the Central Divison leading Tigers will kick off a 7 game, 8 day home stand.

Key Players:

Miguel Cabrera - 3B
.275, 22 HR, 69 RBI, .914 OPS
3, A, A, E, B, D, D, Clutch Hit 4, Contact Hitter, Power Hitter, Spray Hitter, Hot Hitter, Intimidator, 2nd Position 4, Durability 4, Consistency 4, VS Lefty 2, Star, Gd Eye
Bio: One of the most refined hitters in the game, and at just the age of 25, Miguel is something to be feared.
Analysis: Cabrera is actually having a down year, though he still leads the Tigers in home runs, doubles, and RBI.

Gary Sheffield - RF
.329, 17 HR, 57 RBI, .940 OPS
3, C, B, D, D, C, D, Gd IF HTR, Durability 4, HD 1st Slide, Gd Day Game, Pull Hitter, Star, Patient HTR, Aggressive FLD, Gd Eye
Bio: One of the most experienced hitters in the game at the age of 39, Sheffield was acquired by the Tigers in an attempt to truly solidify their lineup.
Analysis: Detroit's average leader is showing no signs of slowing.

Justin Verlander - SP
10-5, 2.11 ERA, 6 SHO, 123.2 IP, 153 K
101, C, A, SLD(3), DCB(5), CCHG(2), Fastball Life 4, Spin 4, Dr. K, Gd Pickoff, Intimidator
Bio: One of the most talented and feared pitchers in the game at the age of 25, Justin Verlander's blazing fastball and incredible curve have propelled him to the top of the league in many categories.
Analysis: Those are major league bests in ERA, SHO, IP, and K.

Projected Pitching Match-ups:

Game 1
Brendan Bikowski (9-3, 2.16) vs. Nate Robertson (3-8, 7.38)

Game 2
Charlie Huff (7-4, 3.43) vs. Dontrelle Willis (6-3, 4.76)

WOO TOMMY WEAVER

WOO WOOO

July 17th, 2015

Detroit Tigers (48-45) vs. Honolulu Gunmen (53-40)

Final Score:
Detroit Tigers - 1
Honolulu Gunmen - 2

Box Score
Win: Rick Allen (2-5)
Save:
Loss: Nate Robertson (3-8)
HR: Patrick Warr (12)

Derek Wayne hit a leadoff double in the ninth, was advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a Donnie Wilde walk-off sac fly!

Tommy Weaver got his first career at-bat pinch hitting for Colin Raines in the 7th with runners on first and second, but he grounded out to end the inning.

J. Medrano - 2-4, CS, .311
M. McElroy - 0-2, .274
- D. Millwood - 0-2, .293
J. Hernandez - 1-4, .304
M. McCarthy - 0-4, .285
D. Wayne - 2-4, 2B, R, .313
P. Warr - 2-4, HR, RBI, R, .279
D. Wilde - 1-3, RBI, SF, .284
S. Bernard - 1-2, BB, .266
C. Raines - 0-2, .259
- T. Weaver - 0-1, .000

B. Bikowski - 8 IP, 6 H, 5 K, ER, 2.26
R. Allen (W) - IP, K, 0 ER, 4.86

July 18th, 2015

Detroit Tigers (48-46) vs. Honolulu Gunmen (54-40)

Final Score:
Detroit Tigers - 3
Honolulu Gunmen - 7

Box Score
Win: Charlie Huff (8-4)
Save:
Loss: Dontrelle Willis (6-4)
HR: Matt McCarthy (41), Danny Millwood (8), Curtis Granderson (20), Gary Sheffield (18)

Huff struggled early, allowing three runs on six hits (two homers) in his first three innings, but he settled in after that, following the rocky start with a perfect next three innings and racking up eight total strikeouts. Offensively, we got to Dontrelle Willis in the 5th in a big way, putting up six runs on seven hits.

J. Medrano - 3-4, R, .315
D. Wilde - 1-4, RBI, R, .283
J. Hernandez - 1-4, RBI, R, K, .303
M. McCarthy - 2-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, .287
D. Wayne - 2-4, 2B, K, .315
D. Millwood - 2-4, HR, RBI, R, .302
P. Warr - 0-3, SF, RBI, .276
S. Bernard - 2-3, R, BB, .270
C. Raines - 0-2, SH, .257
- T. Weaver - 0-1, .000

C. Huff (W) - 6 IP, 6 H, 8 K, 3 ER, 3.49
V. Trieu - IP, K, 0 ER, 3.25
M. Colyer - IP, K, 0 ER, 2.79
D. Edwards - IP, H, 0 ER, 3.25

Series Preview: Tampa Bay Rays (36-59) vs. Honolulu Gunmen (55-40)
July 19th-20th

The Rays are awful - anything less than a two-game sweep will be a disappointment.

Oddly enough, these are the only two games we play against Tampa all year.

Key Players:

Scott Kazmir - SP
6-9, 4.01 ERA, 110.0 IP, 126 K
94, C, A, 2SFB(1), SLD(3), CHG(2), w/RISP 4, VS LH Batter 4, Spin 4, Safe Pitch, Dr. K, Gd Pickoff, Consistency 4, Choke Artist
Bio: A great young pitcher, Kazmir is the leader of a relatively weak Rays rotation.
Analysis: His ERA is up from 3.48 last year, but he's no slouch.

Carlos Pena - 1B
.281, 18 HR, 50 RBI
4, E, A, E, D, D, D, Power Hitter, Pull Hitter, Base Running 2, Slugger
Bio: After missing almost the entire 2013 season, Pena slugged a ridiculous 46 home runs last year while hitting .282.
Analysis: Pena's 2014 campaign looks to be pretty legitimate.

B.J. Upton - CF
.252, 14 HR, 48 RBI, 5 SB
3, C, B, B, D, C, D, Throwing 4, Barehand CTH, Slugger, Patient HTR, Aggressive FLD
Bio: The 23-year old center fielder is a pretty popular player in Tampa.
Analysis: He isn't doing as well as last season (.300/.386/.508), but he's doing all right.

Projected Pitching Match-ups:

Game 1
Akinori Otsuka (8-3, 4.18) vs. Scott Kazmir (6-9, 4.01)

Game 2
Johnny Rivera (3-4, 3.39) vs. James Shields (3-5, 7.17)