Power Pros Forum

That sucks.

Just verifying, if you guys don't recall. Neagle is a pitcher, however he does have F contact and E running speed, which is the main reason he's being converted. Still need a SS though, looking into reacquiring Angel Sanchez from the Diamondbacks.

Starting Lineup:
1. Neagle
2. McMillon
3. Spark
4. Dawley
5. C. Jackson
6. Votto
7. Maza
8. C. Snyder
8. Podsednik (with DH)
9. Pitcher

Starting Rotation:
1. Haren
2. Sandberg
3. Suarez
4. Clapinski
5. Wayne

Setup Men:
Cueto
Moehler

Closer:
R. Betancourt (only wanted 400 for 2 years.)

I'll post opening day next.

NST Sportsnet
April 1st, 2009.

Win: Haren (1-0)
Save: R. Betancourt (1)
Loss: Cain (0-1)
HR: X

The Hornets won their first opening day in franchise history. But it didn't come easily, they scored a very quick 5 runs, all coming within the first 3 innings largely led by sophomore Dawley, who went 2-2 in that stretch while driving in two runs and scoring one at the same time. This did not come unanswered however, in the third and fourth, the Giants rallied to score 4 runs on ace Dan Haren, scoring two in back-to-back innings, this would be all both squads would get though, as after Dan Haren left in the 6th, the bullpen shut them out, newly acquired pitchers Tavarez and Moehler pitched shutout innings and then closer R. Betancourt struck out the side to get a great win for the Hornets.

Hornets: 5
Giants: 4

Wouldn't it be 2009?

NST Sportsnet
April 2nd, 2009.

The Hornets have acquired two free agents, both of which who are pitchers, the first being RP Pat. Who hurls the ball at 96MPH, while also have a control of what the office calls "C" and a stamina of what they call "D". He also possess a decent two-seamer, a Hard Slider and a forkball to close out games. He seems to be a better fit for the closing role then R. Betancourt who appears to be expendable now. They also acquired SP Pikachu, who throws at a mere 84MPH, but has "C" control, "B" stamina, an above-average Foshball, which is a rarity in the MLB today, a knuckler, becoming only the third knuckler active right now. A two-seaming fastball, and a below average hard-shuuto, another rare pitch in the majors, more common in the Asian baseball leagues. Both will subsequently be called up for R. Betancourt, and Dan Haren, who is currently recovering from his last outing.

Yeah it would be, let me fix that. Thanks for noticing.

NST Sportsnet
April 3rd, 2008.

Win: Suarez (1-0)
Save: Cueto (1)9
Loss: Zito (0-1)
HR: Spark (1)

In a very tight game, the New Orleans Hornets pulled away, led by a Spark Jackson homerun, Suarez dominated the San Francisco lineup, striking out 10 and returning to his pre-injury form, he allowed no runs in the 7 and a 1/3 innings he pitched while only giving up 3 base hits. While the team led in the bottom of the ninth, the Giants wanted nothing of that as they rallied on Pat to get three base hits, scoring on one of them and almost allowing another as a Neagle error led one Dave Roberts to go for the tie, instead Dawley gunned him down. Pat then gave up another of the three hîts which lead to Cueto coming in and having a 2-3 inning to finish off the giants to guarantee a series victory. The Giants try to avoid the sweep tomorrow as Sandberg takes the mound for the first time since game 2 in the NLDS last year.

NST Sportsnet
April 4th, 2009.

Win: Kazmir (1-0)
Save: X
Loss: R. Perez (0-1)
HR: Rowand (1) (GS)
Durham (1)

In a slow start to this game, both teams only scored in the 4th inning. The Hornets striked first, scoring two runs, one on a single by Conor Jackson, and an RBI push bunt sacrifice to drive in the second. The Giants quickly retaliated however as Randy Winn hit a double and then scored on Ray Durhams first homerun of the year. The game remained tied for just one inning when San Francisco really got it going. In this inning, Sandberg left going with a no-decision and left the ball to Rafael Perez, he gave up three hits after getting his two outs, Neagle had just his second error of the season but it proved costly, as they scored two runs on that error. R. Perez then walked two batters in a row to load the bases for Aaron Rowand, who hit the first grand slam of the season on a 2-2 sinking fastball,which ended Perez' day. Or not, Clyde McFloyd thought, he stayed in the game and surrendered another run to finally end it. He was punished with 7 runs, 5 earned. Scott Podsednik made his Hornets debut on a pinch run appearance but was left stranded and nothing else happen for New Orleans that day.


Simulated the last game and we lost.

Tied series: 2-2
Record: 2-2

NST Sportsnet
April 6th, 2009.

Win: Campbell (1-0)
Save: Pat (1)
Loss: R. Hill (0-1)
HR: X

The Hornets snapped their "losing streak" according to Jack Merluzzi with a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs, New Orleans had a fast start scoring 1 run in the third, and 3 in the fourth. Neagle was a big producer today, driving in his first run of the season and first while playing as a second baseman with a triple and a double to go 2-4 on the day. SP Clapinski went 1-1, but that was the only real highlight of his day as he had to leave in the fourth due to Chicago batters running the count and getting on base plenty as although he only allowed one run, he gave up 5 hits and 3 walks. Campbell then came in to pitch 3 innings and get the win. The only other runs surrendered we're on A. Brown who gave up two. Pat made the first save of his career and lowered his ERA from 99.9 to 13.5, so there was a big improvement from last time, he also fanned 2.

Record: 4-4
Tied series: 2-2

NST Sportsnet
April 9th, 2009.

Win: Lohse (2-0)
Save: X
Loss: Suarez (1-1)
HR: X

The Hornets suffered an abysmal loss, they had 2 errors but the way they were playing should've resulted in 10. Suarez threw the ball over Joey Votto's head... No error called, Medrano while playing shortstop had a double play ball and tried to touch second by himself but walked on top of it and missed the play at second and first. Spark dropped the ball while attempting to catch it which resulted in two more Cardinals runs.....an all-around sloppy jalopy performance by New Orleans, Suarez also pitched a bad game, mainly due to his teams errors, he worked up a 40 pitch count by the third inning and had to leave due to giving up so many earned runs, even though most should've been unearned. No real highlights, Joey Votto flied out into a double play and grounded into three others, which could result into some sort of transaction. We here at NST do know that Clyde McFloyd has been talking with Royals GM who refuses to deal anyone away by offering 1 star even for all of the Hornets money.

Hornets: 2
Cardinals: 7

Lost series: 1-2
Record: 5-6

NST Sportsnet
April 13th, 2009.

Win: K. Wood (1-1)
Save: X
Loss: Wayne (0-1)
HR: Spark (2)
D. Lee (2)
D. Lee (3)

The Cubs pounded against the Hornets and Little Wayne, scoring 7 runs and evening out the total damage caused, as they scored at least one run in all but 2 innings. The Cubs were led by Kerry Wood, who pitched a gem, going 7 innings while only allowing 3 hits and two runs, the two coming on a homerun by Spark. Although the Hornets lost, they learned something in this game. And the thing they learned is that they are not the team they were last year. The squad currently sits at 5-7 and are tied for last in the division with, guess who, the Chicago Cubs, they try to take 4th tomorrow, as Dan Haren takes the mound.

Tied series: 2-2
Record: 7-8

NST Sportsnet
April 17th, 2009.

The New Orleans Hornets have acquired shortstop Alexei Ramirez from the Colorado Rockies, Clyde McFloyd packaged off Joey Votto and left fielder Basner for him and six hundred and ninety-four thousand dollars in cash. The trade will put Ramirez into the starting lineup and allow Clyde to call up another person from AAA. Alexei will bat second behind Neagle.

Double post. I'll use this post however to fill you guys in on the roster, since I'm aware I only ever showed the hitters and not the pitchers.

Pitchers:

Sandberg: One of the "veterans" of the team, he was third on the team in wins last year. He's also the brother to Lundberg. He threw a 21 strikeout complete game performance last year.
(E control, C stamina, 5 SLD, 3 CUT, 2 CB)

Clapinski: Another so-called veteran, he is a starter along with Sandberg and happens to be cousins to Sandberg and Lundberg.
(E control, C stamina, 3 FORK, 3 CB)

Suarez: One of the top-notch starters on this team, he is the #2 to Dan Haren, who could be going out soon due to a high pay check coming this offseason. He led the team in wins in '08. He pitches similarly to Clapinski.
(D control, B stamina, 4 FORK, 3 CB)

Wayne: One of the drafted last year, he went #34 overall and has been quite a force in the New Orleans bullpen, he turned into a starter when he developed B stamina. He has the best control in the New Orleans rotation.
(C control, B stamina, 2 CUT, 1 FORK)

Pelfrey: Mike was acquired in the Junge deal last year, and has been a wrecking ball in the rotation, pitching in secret (he's only pitched in games I've simulated.) he has accumulated a 1.20 ERA in 3 starts.
(E control, B stamina, 3 2SFB, 2 SLD, 2 CHG)

Campbell: he's a guy you won't see too often, but will be alright when you do, Campbell is our long reliever and pitched okay last year, he had a 6 inning shutout in one spot start last year.
(E control, C stamina, 3 SLD 4 CB (4CB looks like 1CB even while at pink condition.))

Tavarez: Tavarez is a great reliever and has hurled great so far this season, he has a 1.04 ERA, he was acquired from the free agent market, along with Moehler.
(D control, E stamina, 2 SIFB, 1 SPLT, 1 SLD, 2 2SFB)

Moehler: Moehler was another F/A acquisition and has pitched dominantly, with a 1.04 ERA, no typo, same as Tavarez. He has been a great guy to put in from the bullpen.
(D control, E stamina, 1 CHG, 2 CB, 1 CUT)

R. Perez: Rafael was acquired from the Indians in the Grady Sizemore deal for Panther. He has had a rocky start with a 18.9 ERA but will overcome that.
(B control, E stamina, 3 SLD, 4 SIFB)

Dan Haren: Dan Haren, cream of the crop, he was acquired from the D-backs for Sizemore and has proved himself well, he has a 7.36 ERA, but will recover soon. He has the highest stamina on the team.
(C control, A stamina, 3 CHG, 4 SPLT, 3 CB, 2 CUT)

Pat: A free agent acquisition, he has took over the closer role and has been okay from there so far, he has a lights out fastball and dominates hitters with it.
(105mph fastball, 2 2SFB, 2 H-SLD 2 FORK C control, D stamina)

Pikachu: Far different from pat, with a max of 84, he tricks hitters with his knuckler and Foshball.
(C control, B stamina, 2 2SFB, 1 H-SHU, 4 FOSH, 3 KN)

Cueto: Acquired along with Joey Votto, has been an integral part to the bullpen, setting up for R. Betancourt and now Pat, throws 95 and strikes out plenty.)
(F control, E stamina, 4 CHG, 2 SLD)

A. Brown: Got him from Oakland I believe, another important part to the bullpen, backing up Cueto, usually pitching the seventh inning.
(D control, E stamina, 4 CHG, 2 CB, 3 SLD)

I'll do minor leaguers and hitters later.

NST Sportsnet
April 17th, 2009.

Win: Pikachu (2-0)
Save: Pat (2)
Loss: Backe (1-2) (CG)
HR: Spark (3)

The Hornets won a very close game to the score of 3-2. The Houston Astros pounded early, scoring one run in both the second and third innings. Wayne was pitching (this was my first time starting with Wayne.) and had to leave in the bottom of the fourth due to tiredness even though he was only at 30 or so pitches. As a result, Pikachu had to make his 3rd appearance of the season, he pitched 4 innings of shutout ball while fanning 6 on route to his 2nd win of the season. He only won however, due to a clutch homerun by Spark in the top of the sixth inning, Alexei Ramirez had just gotten his first hit as a Hornet and as soon as he got on base, he had to start jogging home as Spark connected on a 0-0 curveball to tie the game, then next inning, New Orleans had 4 hits, one of them being a clutch pinch hit by Maza to drive one in, and get the win for his team. The club is now on its first two game winning streak since April 6th to April 7th, when they tied a series vs. the cubs.

Record: 9-9
Won series: 2-1

April 20th, 2009.

In lieu of the trade of Joey Votto, GM of the New Orleans Hornets, Clyde McFloyd has purchased Alex Gordon of the Florida Marlins for 10 million dollars, when asked about this deal, he only responded with these exact casual words. "Dude, we still got 90 million in the bank, calm your pants." As a result he has been relieved of his duties of MLB commissioner by US President Barack Obama, when asked about THAT, he responded with this "I don't care, more time for New Orleans. There is no new commissioner at the moment. It is assumed Alex Gordon will replace Conor Jackson at third, and Conor will go to his natural position at first, as there has had to have been some major adjustments.

NST Sportsnet
April 20th, 2009.

Win: Haren (2-1)
Save: X
Loss: Tallet (1-1)
HR: Glaus (5)
B. Barton (5)
Spark (4)
A. Gordon (1)

A very long game occurred today, spanning 4:41, it was 16 innings! The Hornets pulled away with a victory over St. Louis in the longest game this year, going 16 innings. A total of 7 pitchers had to appear for New Orleans, depeleting their bullpen for nearby games, now, lets get on with the game. Suarez started and although he only surrendered two runs, suffered long atbats and constant hits after going up 0-2 or 1-2. As a result, the former ace only went 4 and a third. In the fifth, while up 5-2, the Hornets gave up a 3 run homer to Troy Glaus to tie the game up, the only other runs would come in the top of the sixteenth, when Alex Gordon hit a clutch two run blast to win the game for his team. Another saddening note, Suarez was hit by another ball but stayed in the game for no apparent reason, he is now suffering from elbow pains and will be out for roughly two weeks.

Record: 10-11
Lost series: 1-2

As a result of the bullpen being abused and misused, and Suarez' injury, it looks like these fellows will be called up, and sent down.

Truby up for Cueto
McConnell up for A. Brown
Fiore up for R. Perez
Villacis up for empty roster spot.

NST Sportsnet
April 24th, 2009.

Win: Sampson (3-0)
Save: X
Loss: Wayne (0-2)
HR: McMillon (1)
C. Jackson (2)

The Hornets suffered yet another abysmal loss to the Houston Astros, Wayne surrendered 5 runs in his four innings of work and that would be all that they needed, however they kept pouncing and scored another 3 to guarantee a win, New Orleans scored twice on two homeruns, so it is good to know that the kick in the offense is still there, but with terrible beat downs like this, the success of last year is certainly not carrying over. Wayne got his second loss of the year, he has reportedly been working on his forkball, so hopefully he can develop that and become a better pitcher.