Power Pros Forum

HEY WHOA THIS IS BACK WHATTTTTT

May 29, 2015

we lost 5-4, because Goldschmidt sucks (0 for 4), Hernandez sucks (3 HR allowed in 5 innings), and our bullpen sucks (Geltz gave up a walk-off). on the bright side, Lagares was 2 for 3 with a homer. Jung-ho Kang was pretty good for them, 2 for 4 with a double, a homer and three RBI.

May 30, 2015

LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

After being stifled by a big strike zone the first time around, we got more aggressive the second time through the order and absolutely annihilated Trevor Bauer, sending twelve batters to the plate and scoring nine runs in the third inning. Aaron Sanchez capped off the scoring in that inning with a three-run bomb; he also threw seven solid innings, faltering a bit in the eighth after I left him in too long. (The final score was 12-1)

May 31, 2015

Paul Goldschmidt had two-run doubles in the second and fourth innings, Matt Carpenter was 3 for 4, Chris Archer pitched seven strong innings and the LineDrives won 5-1.

In the fourth inning, Chris Archer laid down a perfect bunt and managed to not only move the runner up to third, but also beat out the throw himself for an infield single. Archer (6-0) pitched seven innings, surrendering three hits, two walks, and one earned run while striking out nine to earn the win. Jeff Samardzija (2-7) also pitched seven innings, allowing five runs on ten hits and three walks against seven strikeouts. Right-hander Dellin Betances and southpaw Nick Hagadone sealed the victory for Las Vegas with two scoreless innings, combining to strike out four of the seven batters they faced.

Next up is a three-game series with the Seattle Pilots, who sit in second place in the West Coast division at 25-29. Pitching matchups are Nate Karns (5-1, 1.70), Chase Anderson (4-4, 4.07), and Felix Hernandez (3-5, 3.94) against Jeremy Hellickson (3-4, 4.95), Chad Billingsley (3-0, 1.93), and Matt Harvey (6-3, 1.70).

Several award winners were announced:
Players of the Week: Brooklyn 1B Jose Abreu (.464, 2 HR, 5 RBI), Vancouver RF Kole Calhoun (.522, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R)
Players of the Month: Nashville 1B Joey Votto (.353, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 21 R), Vancouver RF Kole Calhoun (.427, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 20 R)
Pitchers of the Month: Las Vegas RHP Chris Archer (4-0, 1.22 ERA, 35 K in 37 IP), Montreal LHP CC Sabathia (5-1, 1.94 ERA, 45 K in 51 IP)
Rookies of the Month: Philadelphia CF Dalton Pompey (.360, 2 HR, 18 RBI), Calgary 2B Mookie Betts (.308, 1 HR, 10 RBI)

New Power Rankings also came out, with Nashville at #1, Brooklyn at #16, and the LineDrives slotting in eighth.

YES YES YES!!!!!!!! This made me buy OOTP, also a sale but ya know.

*sees AgentP log coming back
*gets excited
*puts on dad's reading glasses
*realizes he doesn't need them
*Writes publication company and tells them about AgentP's writing skills

glad y'all are excited about this!

HERE HAVE ANOTHER UPDATE

MLB 2.0 Draft Results — Las Vegas LineDrives

Round 1: Darrell Simpson, RHP, Pepperdine (20/57) — Simpson was 5-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 12 games for the Waves last season. His future is in the bullpen, and he profiles as a Koji Uehara-type, albeit with less control. He has solid potential all-around, and we think he could be a solid contributor in the years to come.

Round 2: Nacho Padilla, SS, Arizona State (21/23) — There were better players available, but I couldn’t resist taking a guy named “Nacho”. He’s not a bad player, having hit .272 with 35 stolen bases in 2015; but he has almost zero power, with a paltry .065 ISO that was probably aided by his good speed — he had as many triples as doubles (four).

Round 3: Terence Crosby, LF, Oklahoma (20/22) — The native Canadian batted .257 with eight home runs and 31 steals in 2015 for the Sooners, and appears to have solid potential as an all-around solid defender and baserunner with decent power to boot (.148 ISO).

Round 4: Brad Connolly, LHP, Hackley (20/20) — Connolly, an Ontario native, started twelve games in his senior year at Hackley School, a college preparatory academy in Tarrytown, New York. He pitched rather well, boasting a 7-1 record, 1.26 ERA, and 125 strikeouts in just 85.2 innings, but it’s unknown whether he will be able to handle the transition to tougher competition. Connolly has stated that it would be nearly impossible to sign him, but we like him, as he has plenty of potential, including a solid 88-90 mph fastball and curveball to go with a slider that could turn into a plus pitch.

Round 5: Dane Taylor, C, Morton (20/22) — Taylor slashed .442/.518/.579 with 17 stolen bases in his senior year at Morton (WA) High School, playing both catcher and first base for the Timberwolves. Taylor has decent potential across the board offensively, as well as good speed for his position and an above-average arm behind the plate. Taylor has indicated, like Connolly, that it would be very hard to convince him to skip college and sign with our club.

June 1, 2015

LET’S GOOOOOOOOOO

PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT

WALK-OFF 3-RUN HOMER

None of this would’ve been possible without the help of a few others, of course — Brett Gardner and Matt Carpenter, who both homered in the first inning to score three runs; Carpenter (again) and Juan Lagares, who got on base to give Goldschmidt a chance; and Dellin Betances for blowing the save in the top half of the ninth and gave us a chance to bat again. Shoutout to Aaron Barrett for coming in and striking out the only two batters he faced to earn the win, along with Evan Scribner and Steve Geltz for pitching quite well (3 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 6 K) in relief of starter Nate Karns.

Also, this is an actual screenshot that I took mid-game after Cerce committed his seventh error at shortstop… Note his fielding percentage at shortstop — a terrific .731. And yet the computer insists on pulling Ian Desmond (an actual shortstop who hits better than Cerce) so this guy can come in and commit more errors.

Also also, after the game, Steve Geltz was named closer. Also also also, A.J. Pollock (hitting an abysmal .187/.241/.309) was optioned to AAA Scottsdale, and Delino DeShields Jr. was recalled from St. Petersburg (AA) to take his place. DeShields has spent time at all four levels of our organization this year, with a combined .301 average and 9 stolen bases in 16 attempts. Also also also also, Yasmani Grandal signed a 4-year, $4.8 million extension with a team option for a fifth year (also at $1.2 million). Also also also also also, Dane Taylor turned down our $500,000 signing bonus offer and will honor his college commitment after all.

June 2, 2015

Chad Billingsley had faced sixteen batters, gotten sixteen outs, even though he had allowed a couple of opponents to reach base. But none of them had gotten a hit against him. And then Justin Turner came up and hit a single.

Again, in the tenth inning, Turner came up to bat, this time against closer Ben Rowen with a man on first and the game still in a scoreless tie. And again, Turner came up with the clutch hit, knocking a walk-off triple into right field to win the game for the LineDrives. Billingsley and Chase Anderson both threw gems, with Billingsley throwing nine innings, allowing only four hits and two walks against five strikeouts, and Anderson throwing eight innings, scattering four hits, three walks, and nine strikeouts. Nick Hagadone (1-1) got the win in relief for Las Vegas, with Rowen (1-5), the league leader in saves despite a 5.61 ERA, taking the loss.

After the game, the LineDrives announced that first-round pick Darrell Simpson had become the first member of their 2015 draft class to sign his rookie contract, inking a minor-league deal with a $250,000 signing bonus. In addition, they announced the signing of right-hander Brandon Kintzler to a one-year contract worth $900,000, with a team option for 2016. Kintzler will join the team in time for tomorrow’s game, with RHP Dellin Betances, who has a 2.37 ERA this season but has struggled in clutch situations (40% IRS, 4 blown saves, 3 losses) being sent down to Scottsdale to make room. “Hopefully Dellin can straighten out some of the issues he’s been dealing with in AAA. We believe he has a lot of talent and hope that he can come back up soon and contribute for us again,” GM Bernhart said.

June 3, 2015

I left Brandon Kintzler in too long and almost cost us the game, but we managed to pull it out, as Aaron Barrett induced a groundout with the bases loaded to finish off the 7-6 win. Felix Hernandez (4-5) pitched six solid innings to get the win before turning it over to the bullpen and Kintzler, who made his debut after signing yesterday. He allowed four runs in one and one-third innings pitched, but I blame that on my own managerial decisions — he shouldn’t have been in to face Jake Lamb with the bases loaded in the first place.

I also almost cost us the game again when I accidentally let Justin De Fratus bat in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded and two outs — he struck out, as one would expect, but luckily Barrett managed to squeak out the save despite walking the bases full and only throwing 7 of his 21 pitches for strikes.

After the game, we announced two signings. Third-rounder Terence Crosby signed his rookie contract with a $170,000 bonus, and outfielder Harrison Bader (a rookie out of Florida) also signed a minor-league deal with us.

Next up is a three-game set against the Boston Red Sox, in Boston. The Sox are in second place in the East Coast division with a 34-23 record, and are led by first baseman Miguel Cabrera, outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, closer Craig Kimbrel, and ace Justin Verlander. We won’t have to face Verlander or #2 starter Mat Latos this series, though — the schedule will be as follows:

Thursday: OFF DAY
Friday: RHP Aaron Sanchez (6-2, 2.29) vs. LHP Brett Anderson (4-6, 3.59)
Saturday: RHP Chris Archer (6-0, 0.98) vs. RHP Brandon Morrow (3-6, 4.08)
Sunday: RHP Nate Karns (5-1, 1.97) vs. LHP Andrew Albers (4-1, 4.22)

June 5, 2015

We traded Ian Kinsler to the Red Sox on May 11th not realizing that he would try to beat us on June 5th. But he did just that, going 4 for 5 with a home run, 2 RBI, and 2 runs…but the two relievers we traded with him, Boone Logan and Luke Gregerson, gave up runs in the 11th and 12th innings to give us the extra-innings win. Evan Scribner (3-1) got the win, retiring all five batters he faced, after Brett Gardner knocked in the winning run with one of his two doubles and three hits on the night.

After the game, it was revealed that fourth-round pick Brad Connolly refused a $500,000 offer and will go back to school next year.

June 6, 2015

wow

#DFAScribner
#DFAKintzler

We recalled Ken Giles (0.79 ERA, 0.44 WHIP, 22 K in 11.1 IP at AAA) and purchased the contract of R.J. Alvarez (1.02 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, 22 K in 17.2 IP at AAA) to take the spots of our designated relievers, who combined to allow eight runs in the sixth inning of our 11-2 loss.

June 7, 2015

oh hey, Kinsler actually beat us this time

Nate Karns pitched poorly in his four innings of work, but we rallied in the fifth to score five runs and take the lead, including a pinch-hit, three-run homer by David Ortiz. But in the bottom of the tenth, Kinsler hit a walk-off RBI single off of Aaron Barrett (2-2). Craig Kimbrel (4-0) pitched two hitless innings to earn the win.

A couple of good things did happen, though: R.J. Alvarez made his Las Vegas debut, pitching two scoreless innings and recording a hold, and Delino DeShields Jr. got his first major-league hit on a line-drive single in the third inning.

Next up is a three-game series against the 32-29 Philadelphia Phillies, who are currently third in the East Coast division. Once again, we will miss out on facing an ace, as Clayton Kershaw (7-1, 1.51 ERA) pitched yesterday. Pitching matchups will be as follows:

RHP Chase Anderson (4-4, 3.55) vs. RHP Raisel Iglesias (1-7, 5.56)
RHP Felix Hernandez (4-5, 3.87) vs. RHP Taijuan Walker (4-3, 4.37)
RHP Aaron Sanchez (6-2, 2.34) vs. RHP Carlos Carrasco (3-1, 2.84)

Also, players of the week were announced: Boston 2B Ian Kinsler (.400, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R) and Saskatoon 1B Ryan Zimmerman (.455, 5 HR, 11 RBI). In the latest Power Rankings update, Nashville and Winnipeg held their spots at #1 and #2, with Toronto slipping into last place and the LineDrives moving up two spots to sixth.

June 8, 2015

Chase Anderson and four relievers combined for a shutout, Yasmani Grandal had a great game behind the dish, Jay Bruce broke out of his slump, and the LineDrives won 3-0 Monday night at Panpaka Park.

Anderson (5-4) threw six solid innings, scattering six hits and two walks and striking out six, before turning it over to the bullpen. Four relievers combined to pitch three hitless innings, allowing only three walks and striking out five. Steve Geltz recorded his fourth save of the season with a perfect ninth.

In the third inning, Paul Goldschmidt hit a solo home run with one out, which was followed by a Brett Gardner triple and a home run by Bruce, who has 2 for 4 in the game to raise his average to .205. Grandal threw out four out of five base-stealers, including pitcher Raisel Iglesias (1-8), who pitched six innings allowing three runs.

June 9, 2015

we lost again, because I left Felix Hernandez in too long again

Tucker Barnhart tried though — he had a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the ninth that pulled us to within one. Francisco Lindor struck out to end the game though

After the game we sent down Nate Karns and recalled Odrisamer Despaigne, who will start tomorrow. Despaigne will make one start, and Karns will return to the rotation on the 22nd (we have an off day that allows us to skip his next turn). Also we signed our 2nd-round pick, Nacho Padilla, with a $600,000 bonus.

June 10, 2015

what a game



things of note:
—why yes, I did pinch hit 3 of my starting pitchers. better than having tired relievers bat, I suppose. Hernandez actually got down a nice sac bunt, the other two struck out.
—Everyone but Barrett and Sanchez played in this game. Both of them warmed up during the game, and Sanchez was almost used as a pinch-hitter.
—their bullpen shut us down, pitching 8 innings and only allowing four baserunners, with a whopping 14 strikeouts.

also, after the game we sent down Despaigne and called up RHP Anthony Bass from St. Petersburg (AA). Bass was 2-1 with a 4.05 ERA in nine games.

Next up: three games against the 28-36 Los Angeles Angels at home. Probable starters are as follows:

Thursday: RHP Chris Archer (6-1, 1.36) vs. RHP Justin Masterson (0-3, 3.43)
Friday: RHP Aaron Sanchez (6-2, 2.34) vs. RHP Corey Kluber (6-3, 2.10)
Saturday: RHP Chase Anderson (5-4, 3.25) vs. LHP Alex Wood (3-5, 4.11)

June 11, 2015

Justin Masterson pitched 8.1 shutout innings, the Angels capitalized on early mistakes from Chris Archer, and Los Angeles defeated Las Vegas 3-0 Thursday night. Masterson (1-3) was brilliant, allowing only seven hits and one walk and striking out eight to get the win. Archer (6-2), on the other hand, was very shaky in his five innings of work, allowing five hits, four walks, and three runs while recording six punchouts. Notably, Los Angeles only recorded six hits (all of them singles), but they were able to time their hitting just right, according to Angels hitting coach Harry Woolfrey. Woolfrey said that he stresses timely hitting and this game is an example of why he uses this principle. “We were able to jump on them early and get a lead, and I could see that Justin [Masterson] was more confident because of the lead. It had a big effect on his performance, from what I could see.”

Tucker Barnhart and Matt Carpenter each had two hits in the losing effort for the LineDrives. Both of Carpenter’s hits were doubles. In addition, Anthony Bass and Aaron Barrett each pitched two shutout innings in relief, allowing only one hit between them and striking out a total of six batters.

After the game, Parker Bernhart said that Matt Carpenter, Paul Goldschmidt, and Brett Gardner would all get the day off for Friday’s game. All three have started at least 10 consecutive games, with Gardner racking up 14 straight starts and Goldschmidt getting the nod at first base 18 games in a row. Bernhart said that he thinks he will start Delino DeShields in left field, Justin Turner at third base, and David Ortiz at first base, but he is not completely set on that lineup for tomorrow’s game and will probably wait a little longer than usual to make his final lineup.

June 12, 2015

Normally when you bench your three best offensive players, you don’t expect to hit well.

But Justin Turner, Yasmani Grandal, and the rest of a patchwork lineup racked up nine hits and four walks in six innings against Angels starter Corey Kluber (6-4), and the bullpen held up its end of the bargain to preserve the 5-3 win. Turner had three hits, including a double in the second inning that followed Grandal’s solo homer. Rusney Castillo, Francisco Lindor, and Taylor Featherston all had two hits, and Lindor and Featherston each drove in two runs. R.J. Alvarez (1-0) pitched a solid seventh for the win, and Steve Geltz closed out the game for his fifth save, lowering his ERA to a minuscule 0.40 in the process.

Also, we have signed the following players to minor league contracts:
RHPs Akeel Morris and Wally Vrolijk
Cs Sicnarf Loopstok and Li-Jen Chu
INFs Jack Barrie and Zander Wiel
OF Griff Gordon

They have all been assigned to Waxahachie (A), a team that currently sits at 45-8, 17 games ahead of the second-place team in their division; the Sea Dragons lead in 21 of 22 categories around the league.

June 13, 2015

Delino DeShields is fast, Matt Carpenter is patient, and Steve Geltz is dominant. These three facts led us to a 4-3 victory Saturday afternoon, as Carpenter drew four walks, DeShields stole two bases and scored the winning run on a wild pitch, and Geltz pitched the ninth for his sixth save. Chase Anderson (6-4) allowed three runs on nine hits over seven innings for the win, and Alex Wood (3-6) allowed four runs on five hits and six walks across six innings to get saddled with the loss.

Next up: three games at PETCO Park against the 29-38 San Diego Padres. Pitching matchups are as follows:

Sunday: RHP Felix Hernandez (4-6, 3.79) vs. RHP Chris Heston (0-7, 4.19)
Monday: TBD vs. LHP Jose Quintana (2-2, 3.03)
Tuesday: TBD vs. RHP Tyson Ross (2-1, 1.51)

Also, what the heck is this supposed to mean?

This, perhaps?

lol

but why is that Yan Gomes's personality tho

June 14, 2015

LV…1-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0…2-2-0
SD…1-2-0-0-0-1-0-0-x…4-10-0

W: Heston (1-7)…L: Hernandez (4-7)…S: Rodriguez (3)

THREE STARS

3. Jose Ramirez (SD): 2-2, 2B, R; left game with injury in 4th and was replaced at second base by left-handed outfielder Anthony Gose
2. Addison Russell (SD): 3-4, HR, RBI, 2 R, SB
1. Chris Heston (SD)…8 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K; two-run single in 2nd

Players of the Week were announced: Boston 1B Miguel Cabrera (.481, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R) and Winnipeg C Stephen Vogt (.455, 4 HR, 6 RBI) took home this week’s hardware. In this week’s Power Rankings, Nashville held its place at #1, Toronto is still at #16, and Las Vegas slipped down to 8th.

Also, we’ll have our second Bullpen Day of the season tomorrow, with Nick Hagadone getting the start again. The first time we did this, we lost 1-0 to San Diego…

June 15, 2015

LV…0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0…0-4-1
SD…0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-x…1-6-2

W: Ross (3-1)…L: Bass (0-1)…S: Lindgren (3)

THREE STARS

3. Nick Hagadone (LV): 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K in start as part of Bullpen Day
2. Prince Fielder (SD): 2-4, 2B
1. Tyson Ross (SD): 5 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 7 K

After the game, we announced the signing of outfielder Josh Hamilton to a one-year, $1.1 million contract. Delino DeShields was sent down to AAA to make room on the roster. In his latest stint with the major-league club, DeShields hit .071 (1 for 14) with four steals and three runs scored. Hamilton will start in left field tomorrow, replacing the slumping Brett Gardner (.125 in last 9 games). He also figures to see some starts in right field, with Jay Bruce struggling to the tune of 22 consecutive hitless at-bats. Hopefully this addition will help pick up a lineup that’s been mostly struggling this month.

June 16, 2015

LV…0-0-0-3-0-0-0-0-1…4-9-0
SD…0-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0…1-6-0

THREE STARS

3. Chris Archer (LV): 7 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
2. Paul Goldschmidt (LV): 2-4, solo HR in 4th
1. Tucker Barnhart (LV): 2-4, 2-run double in 4th

After an off day tomorrow, we’ll be back in action on Thursday for the opener of a three-game set against Nashville. The Sounds are killing it in the East Coast division, with a 47-22 overall record this season. They are led by (among others) Andrew McCutchen, Alex Gordon, and of course Joey Votto, who is now slashing a preposterous .351/.487/.593. Projected pitching matchups will be as follows:

Thursday: RHP Aaron Sanchez (6-2, 2.48) vs. LHP Steven Matz (1-0, 3.46)
Friday: RHP Chase Anderson (6-4, 3.30) vs. RHP Noah Syndergaard (4-3, 4.23)
Saturday: RHP Felix Hernandez (4-7, 3.88) vs. RHP Taylor Hill (6-3, 2.76)

June 18, 2015

NSH…0-0-0-0-4-0-0-0-0…4-6-1
LV…0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0…1-4-0

W: Matz (2-0)…L: Sanchez (6-3)…S: Baez (20)

THREE STARS

3. Steven Matz (NSH): 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
2. Hector Olivera (NSH): 1-5, 2B, 2 RBI
1. Alex Gordon (NSH): 2-4, 2B, R, SB

June 19, 2015

NSH…0-0-0-0-0-1-1-0-0…2-6-0
LV…1-1-1-0-0-0-2-0-x…5-11-1

W: Anderson (7-4)…L: Syndergaard (4-4)…S: Geltz (7)

THREE STARS

3. Joey Votto (NSH): 2-3, 2 2B, R, BB
2. Josh Hamilton (LV): 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB
1. Chase Anderson (LV): 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 8 K

After the game, struggling outfielder Jay Bruce (24 consecutive hitless AB) was optioned to Scottsdale. We called up 21-year-old Albert Almora (.411/.468/.768 in AA, .325/.329/.427 in AAA this season) to take his place. Almora is likely to see some starts in center field with Juan Lagares sliding to a fourth outfielder/platoon role. He will make his debut tomorrow, and is slated to bat sixth.

June 20, 2015

NSH…0-1-0-0-0-1-8-0-5…15-13-1
LV…0-0-0-0-0-0-0-2-0…2-8-0

W: Hill (7-3)…L: Hernandez (4-8)

THREE STARS

3. Josh Hamilton (LV): 2-3, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, HBP
2. Taylor Hill (NSH): 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
1. Matt Kemp (NSH): 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB

In the seventh inning, the benches cleared after Brad Brach drilled Andrew McCutchen with a pitch, igniting a brawl that saw both parties get ejected and suspended ten games. Brach finished the game with an ugly line, surrendering seven runs in 0.2 innings pitched and leaving the bases loaded. This is the third such incident for this Las Vegas team, as right-hander Ken Giles has previously been suspended twice (for a total of eight games) this season. After the game, manager/GM Parker Bernhart condemned Brach’s behavior. “We sincerely apologize to our fans and the fans and players of the Nashville Sounds for the ugly incident in tonight’s game. We have been trying to instill a culture of respect for the game and for our opponents and it seems Brad did not get that message.”

Brach, who was sitting next to Bernhart during the press conference, demanded (and was granted) his outright release on the spot. Zack Cozart was recalled from Scottsdale, although he doesn’t plan to be around for long. “I’m just coming up here to provide a little depth, maybe pinch-hit or play some late-innings defense,” the 29-year-old middle infielder said, “hopefully I can use this time to help out some of the younger guys on the team.” Cozart hit a paltry .130 in his first major-league stint this season, and has barely improved on that line in AAA, batting just .178 in 50 plate appearances.

On a lighter note, Albert Almora went 2 for 4 today in his major-league debut. He also converted all nine of his fielding chances in center field. Also, infielder Taylor Featherston got to pitch the ninth inning. “I had a lot of fun out there,” Featherston said. “Hopefully there’s a next time — and hopefully it comes when we’re winning big.”

The LineDrives will next finish off their homestand with a three-game set against the 26-47 Brooklyn Dodgers. The Dodgers have really struggled this season with many of their players underperforming expectations. One bright spot has been the bullpen, where Sergio Romo and Trevor Rosenthal have pitched well in middle relief setting up for closer Jeff Beliveau, who has 13 saves and a 2.72 ERA (which exactly matches his FIP) on the season. Projected pitching matchups are as follows:

Sunday: RHP Chris Archer (7-2, 1.63) vs. RHP Trevor Bauer (2-1, 4.56)
Monday: RHP Nate Karns (5-1, 2.48) vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy (5-5, 3.36)
Tuesday: RHP Aaron Sanchez (6-3, 2.75) vs. RHP Gerrit Cole (1-6, 3.95)

#BelieveInBeliveau !!!!!

June 21, 2015

BRK…0-0-0-0-3-0-0-0-0…3-7-0
LV…0-1-0-0-3-0-0-0-x…4-7-0

W: Archer (8-2)…L: Bauer (2-2)…S: Geltz (8)

THREE STARS

3. Andrew Lambo (BRK): 2-4, 2B, RBI, R
2. Aaron Barrett (LV): 2 perfect IP, 3 strikeouts
1. Paul Goldschmidt (LV): 3-3, HR, 2 RBI, R, BB

Players of the Week: Seattle RF Mike Lannigan (.500, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 10 R) and Vancouver SS Troy Tulowitzki (.524, 2 HR, 5 RBI). In this week’s Power Rankings, Nashville and Toronto held firm at #1 and #16 for the third consecutive week, and Las Vegas moved up to seventh.

RHP Nate Karns was recalled from AAA and LHP Randy Choate was claimed off waivers from Nashville. Zack Cozart (1-3, BB in last night’s game) and R.J. Alvarez (1-0, 1.04 ERA, 9 K in 8.2 IP) were optioned down to Scottsdale to make room. Choate has held lefties to a .125 average this season, and Karns will make the start tomorrow after spending some time refocusing in the minors (he did not pitch while in Scottsdale, though).

June 22, 2015

BRK…0-0-1-2-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0…3-8-3
LV…0-0-0-0-0-1-0-2-0-0-0-1…4-11-1

W: Hagadone (2-1)…L: Burnett (0-2)

THREE STARS

3. Anthony Bass (LV): 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2. Brandon McCarthy (BRK): 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 3 K
1. Josh Hamilton (LV): 4-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB; hit walk-off homer in 12th

In the second such incident in three days, Nate Karns was ejected and suspended for 15 games for hitting Dodgers outfielder Carlos Peguero with a pitch and igniting a benches-clearing brawl last night. Karns was promptly given his outright release. In addition, bench coach Chad Johnston was dismissed. Waxahachie (A) manager Gary Juhan was promoted to replace him. Juhan is believed to be a more disciplinary and controlling figure who will hopefully keep the LineDrives’ pitching staff under control down the stretch.

Also, in the first major trade of the season, RHP Tyson Ross (4-1, 1.51 ERA in 7 starts/16 appearances) was dealt to Toronto in exchange for outfielder Brandon Guyer and infield prospect Tony Kemp.

And in the second major trade of the season, we acquired veteran righty James Shields from Montreal. The Expos received infielders Dilson Herrera and Micah Johnson, outfielders Rusney Castillo and Jay Bruce, and a 5th-round draft pick. Shields is 4-4 with a 3.01 ERA in his 15 starts this season and will be activated to make his first start on the 27th. In the meantime, RHP Odrisamer Despaigne (0-2, 5.62 ERA in 4 starts/1 relief app. in MLB) and INF Cheslor Cuthbert (.205/.230/.256 in AAA) were recalled. It is unknown why Cuthbert was recalled, but it’s not like the Sparks offense has been lighting it up as a group so far, and players like Zack Cozart and Delino DeShields are ineligible to be recalled due to the ten-day rule.

June 23, 2015

BRK…0-0-2-1-1-0-2-0-0…6-13-2
LV…0-1-0-0-2-0-0-0-0…3-8-0

W: Cole (2-6)…L: Sanchez (6-4)…S: Romo (1)

THREE STARS

3. Paul Goldschmidt (LV): 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
2. Jose Abreu (BRK): 3-5, RBI, R
1. Alex Avila (BRK): 2-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R

Cheslor Cuthbert made his major-league debut, going 0 for 2 and playing two innings at third base.

Another trade has been made, sending catcher Josh Phegley from Winnipeg to Saskatoon in exchange for two minor-leaguers. This trade normally wouldn’t seem like news — but Phegley is slashing an insane .417/.500/.733 and will surely provide an upgrade over the scuffling (and demoted) Andrew Susac as the Golden Blades’ backup catcher.

After the game, Odrisamer Despaigne was sent back to AAA, and Dellin Betances was recalled. In AAA, Betances had a 5.84 ERA, but this seems to be largely attributable to luck, as he had just a 1.81 FIP.

Next up is a three-game series in Seattle against the 36-39 Pilots. Projected pitching matchups are as follows:

Wednesday: RHP Chase Anderson (7-4, 3.06) vs. RHP Chad Billingsley (4-1, 1.96)
Thursday: RHP Felix Hernandez (4-8, 3.92) vs. RHP Matt Harvey (7-6, 2.05)
Friday: RHP Chris Archer (8-2, 1.85) vs. LHP Cole Hamels (4-6, 3.55)

[also, there's a new poll, go vote on it please]

June 24, 2015

LV…2-0-4-2-0-1-0-1-0…10-15-3
SEA…0-1-5-2-3-4-1-0-x…16-18-1

W: Kelley (3-0)…L: De Fratus (0-1)

THREE STARS

3. Brett Lawrie (SEA): 2-6, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R
2. Mike Lannigan (SEA): 2-5, HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, BB
1. Paul Goldschmidt (LV): 4-5, 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R

Taylor Featherston pitched a scoreless ninth, inducing a groundout by Mike Lannigan, striking out Brett Lawrie (who reached on a wild pitch), and inducing a double play by Adrian Gonzalez to end the inning.

aaaaaand…we got three trade proposals:

Proposal 1 (from Seattle): Acquire 2B Jason Kipnis (.290/.350/.434 in MLB, 76 ovr, 50 pot), Give up 1B C.J. Cron (.234/.279/.398 in AAA, 23 ovr, 51 pot) and RHP Dillon Tate (10-2, 2.21, 9.3 K/BB across A and AA, 20 ovr, 76 pot)
Proposal 2 (from Winnipeg): Acquire RF Josh Reddick (.309/.400/.491 in MLB, 42 ovr, 42 pot) and $600,000 cash, Give up C Griff Erickson (.254/.407/.444 across A and AA, 23 ovr, 23 pot) and RHP Dillon Tate
Proposal 3 (from Seattle): Acquire 2B Jason Kipnis, Give up LF Keon Broxton (.200/.259/.406 in AAA, 23 ovr, 39 pot) and RHP Dillon Tate

I rejected all three because I don’t see a need to add another outfielder and I don’t like the idea of giving up Tate (or a similar prospect) for Kipnis.

Oh and also apparently Matt Harvey got hurt somehow so we’re going to face RHP Sam Tuivailala, a reliever making his first career start at any level and third major-league appearance overall, instead. He actually threw 13 pitches in relief yesterday for their AAA affiliate, making this an even more puzzling move.

June 25, 2015

LV…3-4-0-0-0-0-0-0-0…7-13-1
SEA…0-3-0-0-0-0-3-2-x…8-9-0

W: Shreve (3-2)…L: Giles (0-2)

THREE STARS

3. Jason Kipnis (SEA): 2-4, HR, 3 RBI, R
2. Paul Goldschmidt (LV): 2-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
1. Seattle bullpen: 7.2 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 15 K

After the game, we announced the hiring of Carson Vitale, 26, as Waxahachie (A) manager and the minor-league signings of pitchers Josh Guyer, Daniel Thieben, and Markus Solbach, all of whom have been assigned to the Sea Dragons.

We also announced a humongous blockbuster trade:

Boston receives RHP Ken Giles, C Tucker Barnhart, INF Justin Turner, OF A.J. Pollock, DH David Ortiz, $1,200,000 cash
Las Vegas receives RHP Craig Kimbrel, RHP Nick Goody, INF Matt Duffy, OF Doak Dozier, UTIL Ryan Cordell

Kimbrel has pitched to the following line this season: 4-5 record, 16 saves (19 opportunities), 1.96 ERA, 1.30 FIP, 76 K/10 BB in 41.1 IP

Kimbrel, Duffy, and James Shields were activated and catcher Blake Swihart was called up to fill the empty roster spots vacated by the losses of Giles, Barnhart, Turner, and Ortiz. With the LineDrives, Kimbrel will slot into the top setup role for closer Steve Geltz; Duffy will be a reserve infielder, and Swihart figures to see plenty of playing time at catcher down the stretch.

The loss of Ortiz, a highly respected leader, upset many fans and players, but the addition of Kimbrel helped to offset that as the LineDrives’ bullpen struggles have been well-documented this season. One Las Vegas player was quoted as saying, “Good riddance,” when told that Ken Giles was included in the deal. Giles was known for being temperamental in his tenure with the club, serving two separate suspensions for hitting batters.

A new poll has been put up so you can Grade The Trade, although you are certainly encouraged to vocalize your opinion in the thread as well

June 26, 2015

LV…0-0-1-0-0-2-0-3-1…7-12-1
SEA…0-1-0-0-0-5-0-0-0…6-9-0

W: De Fratus (1-1)…L: Fujikawa (2-2)…S: Geltz (9)

THREE STARS

3. Adam Jones (SEA): 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, R
2. Matt Carpenter (LV): 3-5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
1. Paul Goldschmidt (LV): 2-5, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R; GW HR in 9th

We have claimed veteran infielder-outfielder Ben Zobrist off waivers from Winnipeg. In a head-scratching move, Zobrist was designated for assignment by the Neptune after slashing .385/.455/.538 through twelve games. He has been added to the active roster, and third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert (0 for 6, 3 SO) has been optioned back to AAA.

Next up is a three-game series with none other than our most recent trade partners, the Red Sox, who sit at 43-36 currently. Pitching matchups are projected as follows:

Saturday: RHP James Shields (4-4, 3.01) vs. LHP Andrew Albers (4-3, 5.13)
Sunday: RHP Aaron Sanchez (6-4, 3.09) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (5-3, 3.38)
Monday: RHP Chase Anderson (7-4, 3.49) vs. RHP Mat Latos (4-2, 3.65)

I recently ran a quick analysis of the data from the last poll asking for your opinion on the Shields trade, the full details of which are quoted below:



And here are the results (bold = my vote):

data: A+, A-, B+, B-, B-, B-, C-, F
numerized: 98, 92, 88, 82, 82, 82, 72, 50

Mean: 80.75 (B-)
Median: 82 (B-)
Mode: 82 (B-)
Standard Deviation: 14.66
Range: 48
IQR: 90-77 = 13
1.5xIQR = 1.5x13 = 19.5
77-19.5 = 57.5, 50 outlier
90+19.5 = 109.5, no high outlier

So what does this all mean? Well, I don’t really know, and it’s a small sample size, but it looks like the general consensus was that this trade worked out slightly in our favor, with an average grade of B-minus. One person really didn’t like the trade and graded it an F, resulting in an outlier that skewed the data slightly. We’ll see how James Shields performs in his first start in the LineDrives black and gold soon enough, but until then, criticize away on the Kimbrel trade!