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The United States Baseball League - Baseball's New Beginning
Major League Baseball was unable to recover after a player's strike resulting from a failure to agree to a new CBA, leading to the league's demise after the 2021 season. Between that and Rob Manfred's "juiced baseball" controversy, fans began to lose interest and trust in one of the country's most popular professional sports leagues.
Fortunately for baseball fans, a group of wealthy investors and business tycoons began assembling new professional baseball teams to participate in exhibition games around the country and overseas. After a few years of these teams establishing themselves, the United States Baseball League was born! Western League: Pacific Division: Los Angeles Vandals, Oregon Impact, San Jose Seals, Spokane Comets Mountain Division: Boise Bobcats, Denver Foxes, Las Vegas Gamblers, Omaha Emeralds Southwest Division: Austin Jackals, New Mexico Scouts, San Antonio Scorpions, Tulsa Thunderbirds Eastern League Northeast Division: New York Heroes, Philadelphia Robins, Rhode Island Salukis, Richmond Spartans Midwest Division: Chicago Monarchs, Columbus Classics, Indianapolis Naturals, St. Louis Shockers Southeast Division: Charlotte Vipers, Memphis Owls, New Orleans Explorers, Orlando Waves -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In this dynasty, I have created a 24-team fictional league with most of the same settings as the default MLB quickstart. All minor leagues are enabled, and the designated hitter rule will also be applied to both leagues. I started the simulation in 2022, and after a few years I will pick a team to manage and then delete all the league history to start fresh. Hitter/Pitcher Aging Speed - .750 Hitter/Pitcher Development Speed - 1.200 Talent Change Randomness - 125 Scouting Accuracy - Normal Player Eval Settings - Default Trade Difficulty - Hard |
Columbus Selects Miller as GM
https://i.imgur.com/x1EZ6qF.png The Columbus Clippers of the newly-formed United States Baseball League have selected 29-year old Grant Miller as the first general manager of the franchise. The Clippers will get ready to compete in the inaugural season of the USBL, where they will battle for a Midwest Division title along with Indianapolis, Chicago, and St. Louis. |
2024 Opening Day Roster
(Age, B/T, Salary) Starting Pitchers: Min-ho Lee (27, R, $10,000,000) - Lee has almost no velocity, but he does have maybe the league's best knuckleball. We have him locked up for 5 more years so hopefully he can become a steady presence at the top of our rotation. Julio Lambruschini (39, R, $14,500,000) - Lambruschini is at the twilight of his career, and while he doesn't look like a big strikeout guy, he should be a solid #2. Jeff Arnoff (34, R, $2,750,000) - Pretty average across the board but should be able to eat innings in the middle of the rotation. He got hit hard at the end of Spring Training so that's something to keep an eye on. Jared Hooper (32, R, $599,500) - Best pitch is a splitter, but his stamina isn't great so he might have to convert to the bullpen depending on how things shake out. Andy Castillo (24, R, Minimum) - Castillo is starting the year as our #5 starter, but we think he has a bright future as a flamethrower. He already throws in the upper 90s with solid control, so if he can develop his offspeed more he could turn into a good pitcher. He struggled at the beginning of Spring Training, but his last few outings were great which shows that he has a high ceiling. Relief Pitchers: Prince Thomas (36, R, $2,250,000) - Good fastball/slider combo with a sidearm delivery, so he could be useful to get right handed batters out. Jim Potvin (28, L, $1,500,000) - Decent stuff, not a whole lot of control but he also has enough stamina to serve as a long relief man if needed. Steve Steen (28, R, $1,125,000) - Good strikeout pitcher but also lacks control. Jake Jones (29, R, Minimum) - Pretty good stuff but also has the potential to get rocked if he isn't fooling anybody. Jones has three pitches and enough stamina where he could serve as an emergency starter if needed. Eric Cottle (25, L, $1,375,000) - Cottle will be our left handed specialist out of the pen, although he has good enough stuff where he could probably get righties out too. Curt Koonts (26, R, Minimum) - The hardest thrower on the staff, Koonts can light up the radar gun, but lacks a great secondary pitch. Gabe Baker (26, R, $4,000,000) - Baker only throws a cutter and slider, but it's good enough that hitters can know what's coming and still have trouble finding the barrel. He'll start as our closer this year. Catchers: Damon Ahernfeld (30, R, $1,125,000) - Below average hitter for the most part, but he is good at taking walks. Had a rough spring but nobody else really impressed so he'll open the season as the starter behind the plate. Vinny Cortez (40, R, $1,625,000) - Basically just a slightly worse version of Ahernfeld across the board. Probably won't be able to play much behind the plate at his age but he's a servicable backup. Infielders: 1B Jose Ariza (39, R, $7,500,000) - Doesn't hit for average, but Ariza should be a powerful slugger in the middle of the lineup. 2B Kevin Dickerson (27, R, $2,500,000) - Won't hit for extra bases much, but Dickerson is a solid fielder and excellent baserunner that could lead the team in steals. 2B Jordan Limas (26, R, $599,500) - Limas is a better hitter than Dickerson and will likely get the starting nod at the beginning of the season unless he starts to slump. He also has no power, but he's good at slapping singles and getting his bat on the ball. IF Jesus Arrellano (29, R, $1,062,500) - Arrellano would better serve as a utility infielder, but we don't really have any better options at 3B so he'll start for now. He's another guy with zero power but hopefully he can just get on base at a good clip. IF Nick Oropreza (28, S, Minimum) - Oropreza was the last man to make the Opening Day roster, and I basically just liked that he is a good defender and a switch hitter. He's not someone we want to rely on but he might be a good role player. SS Tony Palacios (30, R, $8,000,000) - Decent hitter and a very good fielder at shortstop, Palacios will be a big factor for our infield defense. He's not a slugger but he's got more power than a lot of guys at his position. Outfielders: LF Ricky Heller (28, R, $937,500) - Heller's best attribute is probably his clubhouse presence as a leader, but he's got a little pop in his bat as well. CF William Lizarraga (26, R, $599,500) - Lizarraga can't really hit at this point, but he's an excellent outfielder and baserunner. OF/1B Ryan Walker (34, L, $1,625,000) - Walker is probably best served as a bench player, but he has a disciplined approach at the plate and is also an above average defender in the outfield. RF Myles Fenty (41, R, $21,000,000) - The best hitter on a team usually isn't 41 years old, but Fenty is expected to lead this team in the middle of the lineup. He probably has the most power in our lineup, so hopefully he still has enough gas left in the tank to contribute. OF Joe Maynard (30, L, Minimum) - Below average across the board. Injured List: LF Alex Roberts (28, R, $1,187,500) - Roberts was expected to start the year as our starting left fielder, but suffered a concussion in Spring Training and will miss most of April. The preseason predictions have us finishing in second place at 78-84. Chicago looks to be the best team in the division by far, while nobody is optimistic about St. Louis or Indianapolis. The New York Heroes are expected to be the best team in the Eastern League, while Oregon and Omaha have good ballclubs in the West. |
Mid-April 2024 Update:
Record: 4-9 (2nd place, 4 GB) https://i.imgur.com/TvTw6UU.png https://i.imgur.com/vOnRxD3.png Overview: Well, a pretty awful start to the season. I guess the only silver lining is that we're still in second place because Indy and St. Louis have found a way to be even worse. It took a while for the bats to get going, as we only scored 3 runs combined in the first series of the year. Since then, things have gotten better, but our pitching hasn't been good enough to win many low-scoring games. Myles Fenty has been as good as advertised, as he is currently leading the USBL with 7 home runs. Outside of him, nobody is hitting for much power, which has made it tough to score runs. Overall, only two of our starters have an OPS above .800, which isn't going to cut it. So far Jesus Arrellano has been getting most of his at bats from the lead off spot, and while he has been drawing a fair number of walks, he strikes out too much and doesn't have enough speed to be great at the top of the order. Tony Palacios and Jordan Limas haven't been much better, so for now we don't really have any better options. Starting pitching has been inconsistent so far, as everyone outside of Jared Hooper and Min-ho Lee have gotten rocked at least once. Lee was removed from his second start with a mild shoulder strain, but is expected to return within a week, when we will have to make a decision on who will be removed from the rotation. For the most part, the bullpen has been very good, but we may need to find another lefty if Jim Potvin doesn't get it together soon. Injury Report: Min-ho Lee should return to the rotation soon after a brief stint on the IL. His shoulder injury was minor, and shutting him down was more of a precautionary move if anything. Unfortunately, we don't have the same good news about LF Alex Roberts, who is still recovering from a concussion. We thought he would be back by the end of the month, but at this point his estimated return is unclear. Head injuries are nothing to mess with, so we'll make sure he is 100% before bringing him back. Transactions: 31-year old Mario Soto was called up to take over for the injured Lee in the rotation. His first start went well, but he was rocked his last time out against New Orleans, giving up 9 runs (6 earned). He will make at least one more start, and could stay in the rotation depending on how he and everyone else does this next week. Around the League: -Omaha has gotten off to the hottest start in baseball, and they have been led by SS Scott Kessler who is off to a torrid .441/.500/.610 slash line on the season. They have three other hitters well over .300 in Tim Barth (.382), Javon Watson (.355), and Harold DeYoung (.377). -New Orleans and Rhode Island have each gotten off to a 10-4 start in the Eastern League, as they lead their respective divisions. Salukis LF Ramon Mendez leads the EL with 17 RBI, and Explorers 2B Jason Colford has led New Orleans with a .404 average this year. -The Heroes aren't leading the division as expected, but that could change soon as they return RF Nick Kitzler to the lineup after he missed 2 weeks with a knee injury. Kitzler looks to be one of the best young stars in baseball, and will certainly be in impact batter in New York's lineup. -Richomnd will be without 21-year old SP Carlos Guerrero this year, as he suffered a torn rotator cuff in his first start of the year. The next week, they also lost SP Carlos Miranda for the year, who posted a 3.24 ERA in his first 3 starts. -Comets LF Rafael Cervantes had a 5-hit game in a wild 15-11 victory over Las Vegas, and he has continued to swing a hot bat, as he leads the Western League with 6 home runs to go with a .385 batting average. -Spartans CF Hector Sanchez went 6-6 against Orlando, but the Waves still defeated the Spartans in a 4-3 contest. -Vandals C Josh Shulman went 6-7 against Omaha, as he has been one of the best-hitting catchers in the league with a .365 average. https://i.imgur.com/pwd4uRA.png |
April 2024 Update:
Record: 10-17 (3rd, 6 GB) https://i.imgur.com/R2cstNK.png https://i.imgur.com/VTXRTaO.png The rest of April wasn't very kind to us, as we're 7 games under .500 and own one of the weakest lineups in the Eastern League. We're dead last in runs scored, and either 10th or 11th in every other major offensive category. Myles Fenty has accounted for 12 of our 20 home runs, but even he has struggled to reach base consistently. Ricky Heller has recently emerged as our leadoff hitter, and Joe Maynard has also started to hit for some power after sitting the bench at the beginning of the season. Pretty much everyone else has disappointed so far - 1B Jose Ariza is still looking for his first home run, and the rest of our infield (Palacios, Limas, and Arrellano) hasn't done much with the bat either. At least these guys have flashed the leather, as we are 2nd in the league in defensive efficiency. Pitching has still been inconsistent at times, but the return of Min-ho Lee has been huge for us, as the South Korean knuckleballer has thrown 17 shutout innings since his return to the starting rotation. The middle of our rotation has been fine for the most part, but Julio Lambruschini has struggled mightily. The biggest red flag to me is that he has only struck out 8 batters in 26 innings, and if he doesn't improve soon we may have to cut our losses and release him. The bullpen has been good for the most part, although closer Gabe Baker blew a few saves at the end of the month. Unfortunately the bullpen hasn't even gotten to protect many leads, since we usually don't score enough runs early in games. Injury Report: LF Alex Roberts was sent to AAA Dayton to begin a rehab assignment, and will hopefully be called up soon. He was expected to be a starter heading into this season, and hopefully he will provide a spark to the offense. SP Mario Soto hit the IL with a strained hamstring after his most recent start, and will miss about 2 weeks with the injury. He will probably stay in AAA for now, but is likely to be called back up if some gets hurt or if we give up on Lambruschini. Transactions: LHP Jim Potvin was sent to AAA after a disastrous start to the season, and he has been replaced in the bullpen by lefty Bryce Beranek. The 25-year old was pitching to a 2.45 ERA in AAA, although has control has been a major issue so far (9 walks in 8.2 innings between AAA and USBL). Around the League: -Orlando lost RP Mike Patterson for the season with a torn labrum. Patterson was off to a good start this year, as he had a 2-0 record with 1 save and a 3.60 ERA. -Salukis RF Scott Byrd collected 5 hits over San Diego in a 4-3 victory, and he has started to hit the ball well, slashing .287/.365/.485 with 4 home runs. -Impact SP Davon Wooldridge is out for the year with a torn UCL that will require Tommy John Surgery. Wooldridge was 3-0 with a 1.86 ERA in 29 innings, and is a huge loss to Oregon's rotation. -Emeralds catcher Kyle Mulder is out 6 weeks with a sprained knee. Mulder is hitting .276/.368/.379 on the season, and was an early favorite to make the All-Star game as one of the top catchers in baseball. -Seals SS Edgar Guzman will miss 3-4 weeks with an intercostal strain. The shortstop has struggled out of the gate, hitting just .253/.317/.333 on the year. -Heroes SP Brandon Willoughby shut out San Jose, and has continued his excellent season by improving his ERA to 2.05. Willoughby has struck out 54 batters in 48.1 innings, walking just 5. -The Heroes have signed C Sal Ventura to a 4-year extension worth $76 million. Ventura has swung a hot bat this year, hitting .292 with 5 home runs on the season. But he hasn't been as good as their 1B Mike Boardman, who roped 5 hits against Spokane and improved his season line to .356/.448/.789, to go with 10 early home runs. https://i.imgur.com/VHbTeaR.png Monthly Awards: WL Batter of the Month: Comets LF Rafael Cervantes - .330, 10 HR, 27 RBI, 24 R EL Batter of the Month: Waves LF Scott Head - .442, 13 HR, 23 RBI, 26 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Thunderbirds SP Willie Hernandez - 1.96 ERA, 30 K, 46 IP, .190 OPP AVG EL Pitcher of the Month: Heroes SP Brandon Willoughby - 2.05 ERA, 54 K, 48.1 IP Columbus April Awards: Batter of the Month: RF/DH Myles Fenty - .222/.342/.596, 12 HR, 18 RBI, 17 R Pitcher of the Month: SP Min-ho Lee - 31.1 IP, 0.86 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 24 K, 6 BB Minor League Batters of the Month: CF Juan Viera (AA) - .282/.395/.465, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R, 3 SB SS Gianlorenzo Gioberti (AAA) - .297/.370/.500, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 10 2B, 7 R 1B Steve Gayman (AA) - .304/.400/.406, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R Minor League Pitchers of the Month: SP Andres Ortiz (AA) - 24.2 IP, 1.09 ERA, 20 K, 0.93 WHIP RP Marcos Archuleta (AAA) - 10 IP, 0.00 ERA, 11 K, 0.40 WHIP SP Bernie Toscano (AA) - 1.88 ERA, 24 IP, 22 K, 1.13 WHIP |
Mid-May Update
Record: 18-22 (2nd, 4 GB) https://i.imgur.com/i7zsTcr.png https://i.imgur.com/JncZMCz.png The month of May started with a bang, as we went on a 6 game winning streak to pull our record within one game of .500. Things have cooled off since then, but pitching has continued to be the backbone of our (limited) success. Min-ho Lee has given us three more excellent starts so far this month, and Jeff Arnoff tossed a one-hitter against St. Louis. Andy Castillo has done a good job of preventing runs recently, but his walks are really concerning, and I'm worried about how long he'll be able to keep this up. Overall, the back end of our bullpen has continued to be dominant, which has been great when our offense has been able to build a lead early. Offensively, we're still really weak, but we are no longer last in runs scored which is an improvement. William Lizarraga has started to swing a hot bat with a .358 OBP in May, and his excellent defense makes him a valuable asset when he can also hit. Myles Fenty and Joe Maynard have continued to be our main sources of power, although Jose Ariza finally went deep for the first two times this year. The main change to the lineup is the addition of Kevin Dickerson to lineup in favor of Jordan Limas at second base. Dickerson is a weak hitter, but he has been better at reaching base, and his speed makes him a big threat on the basepaths. Injury Report: Alex Roberts made a big impact in his brief return to the lineup (5-15 with 4 doubles), but he has missed the last week with a minor knee injury. This wasn't serious enough to warrant a trip to the Injured List, and he shot return to the lineup shortly. Min-ho Lee was removed after 4.1 innings in his last start with a sprained ankle, but he should be fine to make his next start. SP Jared Hooper was taken out after giving up 5 runs in 3.2 innings in his last start, and is dealing with an oblique injury. He should be ready to make his next start, but this is something to keep an eye on if he continues to struggle. Lefty reliever Eric Cottle is also dealing with an oblique strain, and we decided to give him a rest and put him on the IL. We're hoping he can return to the bullpen soon, but for now we have called up Marcos Archuleta to take his spot. Transactions: IF Nick Oropeza was optioned to AAA after Alex Roberts returned from the IL. He's hitting just .200 in the minors and at this point isn't much more than organizational depth. 3B Jesus Arrellano was optioned to AAA as he has continued to struggle at the plate. We called up Erick Villapando to take his spot, as he hit the ball well in AAA, slashing .296/.377/.388 in 28 games. We shipped C Vinny Cortez to Las Vegas in exchange for minor league OF Adrian Anders. Cortez is going to retire after the season anyway, and Anders has slugged .559 in AAA so far. This move was mainly done to accomodate the addition of C Billy Wittig, who was on a hot streak in AAA. We have gotten nothing out of Damon Ahernfeld behind the plate, so Wittig might get the chance to crack the starting lineup if he continues to hit. RP Jake Jones signed a 1-year extension worth $1.3 million. Jones has been lights out so far, and he took a cheap contract to stay in Columbus. Around the League: -Seals SS Josh Bennett went 5-6 against the Vandals to raise his batting average to .364 on the year. Bennett started the year in AAA, but has been great since receiving the call to the USBL. -Scouts SP Adam Padilla shut out the Austin Jackals, striking out 4. Padilla has a 2.81 ERA on the season to go with his 4-1 record. -23-year old Jackals SP Sam Tomlin shut out the Seals, improving his ERA to 3.25 on the year. -Thunderbirds SP Nate Girgenti shut out the Foxes, striking out 7. Girgenti has been excellent this season, striking out 50 batters in 57 innings and pitching to a 1.74 ERA. -The Vandals will be without closer Dorian Skinner, who will miss 6 weeks with a partially torn labrum. Skinner has 6 saves this year in 16 relief appearances. -Impact 1B Josh Vinson ended his hitting streak at 21 games, going 0-4 against Boise. Vinson is hitting .363/.433/.567 with 7 homers in 2024. https://i.imgur.com/qmoNIxg.png |
May 2024 Update
Record: 28-27 (2nd, 4.5 GB) https://i.imgur.com/QXfaBUh.png https://i.imgur.com/s0G0iNr.png Who saw this month coming? After a dismal month of April, we are right back in the division race. It's still early, but May was a really encouraging month and hopefully a sign of good things to come. May was marked by three hitters that made their debuts for the Classics. LF Alex Roberts returned from injury and has simply scorched the ball, as he already has 12 extra base hits in 77 plate appearances. We called up C Billy Wittig, and in limited playing time he has already made an impact, putting up an .878 OPS. Finally, our newly-acquired 3B Corey Neu has been great, and he closed the month by hitting for the cycle. Neu ended his cycle in perhaps the most exciting way possible - A bases-clearing triple to win the game. While the newcomers did well, we shouldn't ignore some of the other guys. Myles Fenty smacked 12 more home runs in May to remain the USBL leader, and both William Lizarraga and Ricky Heller improved on their opening months. Our 1-2 punch of Min-ho Lee and Jeff Arnoff has continued to be great, but the back end of the rotation hasn't quite lived up to expectations. Andy Castillo posted 3 quality starts in May, but gave up a combined 10 runs in 5 innings in his other two. Jared Hooper and Julio Lambruschini may be running out of opportunities, because we have a few pitchers that have been doing very well in AAA. Fortunately, the bullpen has mostly been able to pick up their slack, as Baker and Jones have been especially dominant at the end of games. Transactions: In an effort to fill our hole at third base, we traded IF Erick Villalpando to Oregon in exchange for Corey Neu. This was an easy decision, as Neu was hitting well for the Impact and our scout loved him. He lacks the versatility of Villalpando, but his bat should be much better. Injury Report: I'm tired of writing about Min-ho Lee here, but our ace missed another start with a minor back injury. Fortunately, Jimmy Embleton filled in and pitched a gem, but we need Lee to stay healthy if we want to have any chance. Lefty Brice Beranek is on the Injured List with a strained shoulder, and his return is unknown. Fortunately, Eric Cottle was activated in time to return to the bullpen. RP Prince Thomas is out two weeks with an elbow injury, and we have called up 24-year old lefty Miguel Aguilar to take his place. Aguilar has a 2.35 in 30.2 AAA innings on the year. Around the League: -Thunderbirds LF John Crammer went 5-6 against Omaha, leading Tulsa to a 4-3 win. Crammer is hitting .277 with 5 home runs this year. -Impact SP Jake Guerra tossed a 2-hitter against the Scouts, improving his ERA to 2.43 on the year. -Heroes SP Dan Lusk shut out the Explorers 2-0, improving his ERA to 2.62. -Explorers 1B Han-wu Huie went 5-5 against the Explorers, continuing his great season. Huie is hitting .293/.391/.541 with 13 home runs and 46 RBI. -Salukis LF Ramon Mendez is out for the year with a ruptured MCL. The 22-year old was hitting .260 with 6 homers. -Spartans CF Hector Sanchez finally ended the longest hitting streak of the season at 31 games. Sanchez is hitting .328 on the season, although he is still looking for his first long ball. -Vipers CF Victor Aguilar went 5-6 in a crushing 17-0 defeat over the Explorers. Aguilar is batting .261 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI. The next day, 2B Brandon Goolsby did the same in a 16-6 win over New Orleans. Goolsby is hitting an impressive .339/.403/.511 with 8 home runs. https://i.imgur.com/2Kx742e.png Monthly Awards: WL Batter of the Month: Comets LF Rafael Cervantes: .361 AVG, 9 HR, 25 RBI, 33 R EL Batter of the Month: Heroes 1B Mike Boardman: .337 AVG, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 23 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Emeralds SP Danny Leal: 4-1, 1.60 ERA, 45 IP, 40 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Monarchs RP David Stone: 9 SV, 0.00 ERA, 18 IP, 19 K Columbus Awards: Batter of the Month: RF/DH Myles Fenty: .273/.380/.618, 12 HR, 20 RBI, 20 R Pitcher of the Month: SP Min-ho Lee: 30.2 IP, 0.59 ERA, 0.42 WHIP, 27 K, 1 BB Minor League Batters of the Month: LF Ben Grates (AAA): .286/.393/.561, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R, 6 2B C J.P. Miller (AA): .267/.371/.567, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 9 R RF Adrian Anders (AAA): .300/.390/.580, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 8 R Minor League Pitchers of the Month: Evan Downey (AAA): 44.2 IP, 2.01 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 34 K Gilberto Jimenez (A): 32.2 IP, 2.48 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 30 K Josh Lawrence (AA): 28.2 IP, 1.88 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 31 K |
Mid-June 2024 Update:
Record: 34-35 (2nd, 4.5 GB) https://i.imgur.com/gvs9Xa8.png https://i.imgur.com/Lrjsrc4.png Right now it feels like we're in that awkward position between buying and selling as we approach the Trade Deadline. At 34-35, Columbus is just 4.5 games out of the division race behind Chicago, but a -38 run differential suggests we should just be happy to be this close. Offensively things have picked up, especially with Joe Maynard who is hitting .353 this month. We also moved Jordan Limas back into the starting lineup at second base, and he has responded with an .808 OPS in June. One change we will be making is replacing William Lizarraga with Ricky Heller in center field. This is a pretty big hit to our defense, but Heller has been so much better at the plate this year. We'll see how it goes for a few weeks, but if Heller can hold his own in center he might be able to keep a starting spot. June hasn't been quite as kind to our pitching staff, which explains the losing record this month. Brice Beranek and Jake Jones have been getting rocked in the bullpen, and the back end of our rotation has continued to struggle. One bright spot has been Jared Hopper. who has given up just 3 runs in his last 4 innings of work. Injury Report: I'm getting really tired of writing about Min-ho Lee here, but the lefty is back on the Injured List after leaving his last start with elbow inflammation. That's now 4 times where Lee has left a game with an injury, and at this point it's hard to know how much he will be able to contribute moving forward. When he's on the mound, he's been the most effective pitcher in the Eastern League, but sadly his arm is made of glass. His latest injury should only cause him to miss one start, but his injury history this year has been very concerning. Myles Fenty missed a few games with a sore knee after legging out a double, but he has since returned to the lineup. Joe Maynard missed a few games with a minor ankle injury, but he has also returned to the lineup and is having his best month of the season. Prince Thomas returned to the bullpen from the IL, and we sent Marcos Archuleta back to AAA. Transactions: We called up lefty reliever Jim Potvin back up from AAA in favor of Brice Beranek. Both lefties have been terrible this season, but Potvin is at least coming off a few good outings in the minors. https://i.imgur.com/lNFj32V.png Around the League: -Comets SS Aaron Balic went 5-6 against Columbus at the beginning of the month, and he is among the league leaders with a .352 average. This was the 20th game of his hitting streak, which eventually came to an end at 24 games against Chicago. -Vipers RF Rick Pecina ended his hitting streak at 24 games with an 0-4 performance against Las Vegas. Pecina is hitting .349/.414/.583 with 12 home runs. -The Heroes traded 1B Tom Lutz to Denver in exchange for RHP Bill Burmeister. At the time of the trade, Lutz was batting .238/.360/.456 with 11 home runs, and Burmeister had a 2.62 ERA with 75 strikeouts. -Charlotte LF Russ Rock is out for the year with a torn meniscus. It's disappointing we won't get to see Rock make a run at history, as he was hitting .391 on the year. -Heroes SP Dan Lusk is out 2 months with a strained oblique, putting his excellent season on hold. He is 7-4 with a 2.88 ERA. -The Vipers suffered another major injury, as CF Victor Aguilar is out a month with a strained hamstring. Aguilar is hitting .273/.373/.567 with 19 home runs. -Monarchs SP Alex Jimenez threw his first shutout of the year against the Vandals, improving his ERA to 3.43. -Naturals SP Alex Isaacs is out for the year with a shoulder injury. The 25-year old finishes with a 4.05 ERA and 38 strikeouts. Draft Results (Age): 1. RHP Jason Ruttenbur (19) 2. RHP Bill Saintlouis (19) 3. CF Andy Aguirre (20) 4. SS Mike Carlton (18) 5. SS Danny Yennie (20) 6. RHP Gabe Perez (21) 7. RHP Dante Perdomo (21) 8. C Taylor Lopez (19) 9. CF Justin Fugate (20) 10. SS Brian Alexander (18) 11. RHP Justin Hardy (18) 12. C Jerry Zavala (21) 13. LHP Joe Taylor (21) 14. SS Jerrod Callender (23) 15. RF Luis Bugarin (18) 16. RHP Tymon Tzannetakis (18) 17. CF Leo Chromy (21) 18. RHP Eric Baer (23) 19. RHP Louis Beau (20) 20. RHP Brad Halbrook (18) (did not sign) |
June 2024 Update:
Record: 41-41 (2nd, 7.5 GB) https://i.imgur.com/coE6qZ6.png https://i.imgur.com/srm8ODs.png In terms of wins and losses, June wasn't a bad month, although we are falling further behind the Chicago Monarchs in the standings. However, the injury bug hit hard, as LF Alex Roberts, SP Jimmy Embleton, DH Myles Fenty, and 1B Jose Ariza all went to the Injured List, with our home run leader Fenty likely missing the rest of the season. With these injuries, we've had to rely on a few new players, such as OF Ben Grates who has taken over in left field for Roberts. Grates isn't off to a hot start (5-25 with 2 HR), but we think he has a bright future and is likely to be a big part of our plans in the new few years. We also inserted Bernie Toscano into the rotation, who had a 2.50 ERA in AAA before getting the call to Columbus. He has replaced Julio Lambruschini, who will be pitching out of the bullpen until things turn around, if they ever do. Nobody had a huge month, but Tony Palacios has finally come around with the bat as he hit .302 in June. Meanwhile, Ricky Heller has struggled of late, and the center field experiment didn't really work out, as we have since given the starting job back to William Lizarraga. Although Lizarraga's offense leaves a lot to be desired, he is one of the best defensive outfielders in the league, and we can't afford to lose his defense. Injury Report: SP Jimmy Embleton left his last start with a shoulder injury, and he has been diagnosed with a partially torn labrum. We're hoping he will avoid surgery, but he likely won't return until September at the earliest. DH Myles Fenty suffered a torn meniscus running the bases, and the rest of his season is in doubt. He could potentially return if we make a postseason run, but his season is likely over. We hoped keeping the 41-year old at DH would help him stay healthy all season, but unfortunately his regular season likely comes to an end with 27 home runs in just 77 games. LF Alex Roberts has missed the last week with a torn thumb ligament, and he will stay out of the lineup for at least one more week. After a hot start since returning from a concussion, Roberts has since cooled off quite a bit. 1B Jose Ariza will be out until the end of July with a strained groin. Ariza has finally started hitting the ball, as after going homerless in April, he now has 9 on the year. We have since called up Eli Lopez and Uwe Tucker who will be getting most of the reps at first base, with OF/1B Ryan Walker seeing some time there as well. Transactions: We traded 2B Kevin Dickerson to St. Louis in exchange for minor league SS Mike Killian. Dickerson was losing playing time to Jordan Limas at second base, and Killian is a defensive wizard in the infield. He has struggled in AAA, but has a slash line of .269/.400/.433 in AA this year. Around the League: -Owls SP Dan Bone tossed a shutout against the Explorers, allowing only 2 hits. Bone has a 1.79 ERA in 7 starts. -Seals 3B Tyan-Yu Long went 5-5 against the Impact, raising his season average to .292. -Shockers SP Valentin Primaticcio is out 3-4 weeks with a strained back muscle, which hurts St. Louis as he has been one of their leading pitchers with a 3.43 ERA. -Scouts LF Dakota Stengel snapped a 22 game hitting streak against Oregon. Stengel hasn't homered in 2024, but he does have an impressive .304 average. -Denver SP Jeremy Marcum signed a 5 year extension worth $79.1 million to stay with the Foxes. Marcum has a 2.91 ERA in 14 starts. WL Batter of the Month: Impact 1B Josh Vinson: .390, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 27 R EL Batter of the Month: Owls LF Ryan Fertig: .406, 9 HR, 23 RBI, 19 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Seals SP Jonathan Steckler: 38.2 IP, 2.56 ERA, 26 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Monarchs SP Bobby Hysaw: 36 IP, 2.25, 48 K https://i.imgur.com/iF6Mlsz.png Columbus Organization Awards: Batter of the Month: SS Tony Palacios: .302/.342/.472, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 2B, 13 R Pitcher of the Month: SP Jared Hopper: 33 IP, 2.18 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 19 K Minor League Batters of the Month: CF Victor Aleman (A): .333/.433/.544, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 13 R, 2 SB RF Ted Toben (A): .316/.402/.494, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 11 R SS Jose Barrientos (AA): .288/.377/.346, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 7 R, 3 SB Minor League Pitchers of the Month: SP Andres Ortiz (AA): 30.2 IP, 1.17 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 28 K SP Evan Downey (AAA): 39.1 IP, 1.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 38 K SP Jonathan Albarran (AA): 26.2 IP, 2.02 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 27 K |
All Star Break 2024 Update:
Record: 42-46 (2nd, 7.5 GB) It has quickly become apparent that without Myles Fenty, our offense is completely anemic. The beginning of the month began with 5 straight losses which involved us scoring a combined 9 runs. We did take the series finale at Philadelphia right before the break, but based on the current trajectory of our season we think it is time to sell. For that reason, we made the biggest trade of our young franchise... Transactions: RP Gabe Baker will shipped to Oregon in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers; 3B Glen Gault and CF Jimmy Batt. Gault is hitting .276/.355/.433 in AA, while Batt has torn up A-ball with a .349/.396/.480 slash line. We did have to throw in one of our decent prosepcts in CF Manny Rentas, but he has disappointed this season anyway and we feel that Batt is just as good, if not better. Losing Baker hurts, but he is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, and at just 27 years old he will probably command a high salary. With this move, it's likely that we move a few more pieces before the Trade Deadline. The only other impending free agent worth anything is SP Jeff Arnoff, so he is likely to be traded if we don't finish the month of July strong. We signed a pair of international free agents: 2B Melvin Ramirez out of Cuba, and C Carlos Perez from the Dominican Republic. Injury Report: LF Alex Roberts returned to the lineup just before the All-Star game, and 1B Uwe Tucker was shipped back to AAA. Around the League: -Shockers SP Pat Hammer tossed a shutout against Charlotte, improving his ERA to 3.63 in 18 starts. -The Shockers sent a pair of minor league prospects to Boise in exchange for left handed starter Sergio Torres, who had a 2.34 ERA for Boise this year. -The Foxes acquired SP Cho-Yun Ping from the Spartans in exchange for 3 minor leaguers. Ping has a 3.64 ERA in 121 innings this season. Western League All Stars: https://i.imgur.com/FM6IClo.png https://i.imgur.com/4hq6Wy5.png Eastern League All Stars: https://i.imgur.com/LOTuMG0.png https://i.imgur.com/knPvzKx.png |
July 2024 Update:
Record: 48-60 (3rd, 17.5 GB) https://i.imgur.com/aQygu3I.png https://i.imgur.com/OuIuwFf.png A month ago I wasn't sure if I wanted to go all in this year or start the rebuild early. That question has been answered, as a 7-19 July has completely knocked Columbus out of contention. Our offense without Myles Fenty just isn't good enough to compete with the best teams in the league, and our average pitching staff isn't nearly enough to make up for it. One bright note is that Julio Lambruschini had his best month of the season, and has been moved back into the rotation. Transactions: SP Jeff Arnoff was traded to the Vandals in exchange for two players: Catcher Michael Decker, and RHP Cesar Lara. Decker was hitting .244/.287/.305 at the time of the deal, and he will take over as our primary catcher. His hitting isn't much better than Billy Wittig's, but he should provide a significant defensive boost behind the plate. Lara had a 2.92 ERA and 23 strikeouts in Rookie ball this year. With the acquisition of Decker, we sent C Damon Ahernfeld to Tulsa in exchange for SS Robert Reyes. Ahernfeld wasn't going to get any playing time at this point, and while Reyes won't do much at the plate, his versatility in the infield could be useful. He has been sent to AAA for now. RP Prince Thomas was traded to the Foxes in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers: 1B Jose Tapia and RHP Matt Stotler. Tapia was hitting .320/.397/.541 in AAA, and although he is already 26 we think he could take over at first base if we decide to move Ariza over the offseason. Stotler has also had success in the minors this year, and projects as a future starter, although he has been used mainly in relief this season. To take Thomas's spot in the bullpen, we called up veteran reliever Jim Miers, who had a 1.30 ERA in AA. Injury Report: RHP Jimmy Embleton is nearing a return, and should begin a rehab assignment shortly with hopes of returning to Columbus before the end of the season. SP Jared Hopper missed his last start with a strained oblique, and will likely miss at least one more as he recovers. We called up lefty Miguel Aguilar to temporarily take his spot. OF/1B Ryan Walker is out one weeks with a strained back. Walker has actually become an asset, as his OBP has improved to .316 (which is somehow above average for this team). LF Alex Roberts unfortunately continued his streak of bad luck with injuries, as an inside pitch fractured his thumb. He will miss at least a month, but should return before the end of the year. Adrian Anders has been called up to AAA to take his place. Around the League: -Scouts RP Luis Moncada is out for year after posting a 1.86 ERA in 36 relief appearances. -Jackals SP Carlos Salinas is out for the season with bone chips in his elbow. He finishes the year with a 1.99 ERA in 9 starts. -Heroes RF Nick Kitzler went 5-5 against the Salukis, raising his average to .334. Kitzler has 15 home runs this year, as he seems to be one of the best young players in the league. -Waves SS Craig Leh hit for the cycle against the Owls, leading the way in a 19-0 win. Leh is hitting .249 with 7 home runs and 61 RBI. -Foxes SP Billy Boltz shut out the Foxes, evening his record to 8-8 and dropping his ERA to 2.83. -Shockers SP Sergio Torres shut out Columbus 7-0, allowing just two hits. after getting traded from Boise, Torres has a 1.74 ERA for St. Louis. -Owls LF Ryan Fertig's great season comes to an early end, as the 31-year old needs elbow surgery. He finishes was a .342/.468/.631 stat line, including 24 home runs. -Seals SP shut out the Vandals for his 11th win of the season, reducing his ERA to 3.33. -Seals 3B Tyan-yu Long went 6-6 against the Bobcats, improving his average to .319. Unfortunately, he later suffered a knee injury that will keep him out for most of August. -The Bobcats traded RF Jim Smith to Austin for SS Ben Bishop. -The Shockers traded RP Dylan Daniels to the Scorpions for a pair of prospects. Daniels has been excellent in 2024, as he has an incredible 48/2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. -Jackals SP John Robinson is out for the season with a torn flexor tendon. He finishes with a 7-4 record and a 2.70 ERA. -The Robins traded LF William Aleman (.303/.370/.419, 2 HR) to the Naturals for SP Glenn Schachter (6-5, 4.20 ERA, 98.2 IP). -The Spartans traded RP Alejandro Falacheira (4.30 ERA, 2 saves) to Rhode Island for a minor league pitcher. -The Bobcats received RF Jacob Thomas (.270/.392/.456, 10 HR) from Indianapolis in exchange for RF Fortunato Cartazo (.246/.345/.325) and a prospect. -The Scouts received RF Scott Byrd (.234/.309/.387) from the Salukis for RP Jay Shetley (3.31 ERA in AAA). -Foxes SP Cho-yun Ping threw a shut out for his new team, defeating the Bobcats 7-0. Ping has a 1.82 ERA in 4 starts for Denver. -The Vandals received young 3B Randy Maestas from the Gamblers for SS Jose Renteria (.266/.352/.368). WL Batter of the Month: Impact 1B Josh Vinson: .400 AVG, 9 HR, 27 RBI, 27 R EL Batter of the Month: Vipers RF Rich Pecina: .404 AVG, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 22 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Foxes SP Jeremy Marcum: 38 IP, 2.61 ERA, 29 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Waves SP Zhu Seah: 29.2 IP, 0.91 ERA, 24 K https://i.imgur.com/DEFPa7y.png Columbus Organization Awards: Batter of the Month: RF Joey Maynard: .273/.324/.364, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 11 R, 2 SB Pitcher of the Month: SP Min-ho Lee: 34.2 IP, 2.86 ERA, 23 K, 1.18 WHIP Minor League Batters of the Month: 3B Chris Rathert (AAA): .313/.463/.542, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 12 R C Jon McCray (A): .377/.426/.590, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R 1B Steve Gayman (AA): .253/.330/.421, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 12 R Minor League Pitchers of the Month: SP Jason Ruttenbur (R): 29.2 IP, 0.91 ERA, 27 K, 0.96 WHIP SP Gabe Perez (S A): 27.1 IP, 1.32 ERA, 23 K, 1.10 WHIP SP Evan Downey (AAA): 36 IP, 2.00 ERA, 28 K, 1.14 WHIP |
Mid-August 2024 Update:
Record: 52-68 (3rd, 19 GB) Generating runs has been a huge issue without Myles Fenty and Alex Roberts, as we have slipped further behind in the standings. At this point, our record isn't really what matters, as the main goal is developing young players and getting ready for next season. The biggest positive note over the last few weeks has been the play of OF Ben Grates, who is hitting .295/.392/.636 with 4 home runs in August. We're hoping Grates is someone we can build around next year, as he raked in AAA and is primed to become a slugger in the middle of our lineup. Unfortunately, we can't say the same about 3B Corey Neu, who has struggled mightily since his first month as a Classic. Neu is hitting just .178 in August, but despite his struggles, we're still happy with his plate discipline. Hopefully he will finish the year strong, or else we may have to look for other options at the hot corner heading into next season. The trade of Jeff Arnoff left a gaping hole in the rotation, as Bernie Toscano has shown that he is probably not capable of being a USBL starting pitcher. Julio Lambruschini has gone back to his old ways of giving up bombs, and if we can't find a way to dump his contract he may be cut after the season. The one bright spot recently has been Andy Castillo, who has given up just 5 earned runs in 12.2 innings this month. Castillo hasn't had the best season, but at just 24 years old he has held his own most of the time and will probably return to the rotation in 2025. Transactions: OF/1B Ryan Walker returned to Columbus after recovering from his back injury, and we sent Adrian Anders back to AAA. Injury Report: RHP Jimmy Embleton was activated from the Injured List and was sent to AAA. He will make a couple more starts there, and will likely come up to the bullpen once the minor league season is over. Embleton is certainly deserving of a spot in our rotation, but at this point in the year there isn't really a reason to push him to throw more innings. Around the League: -Salukis 3B Danny Quinones went 5-5 against the Spartans. Quinones is hitting .271 with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs. -Bobcats pitcher Raul Felix tossed a three-hitter against the Spartans, lowering his ERA to 3.26 in 26 appearances. -Explorers SS John Switzer went 5-5 against the Seals. It was one of the few good moments for Switzer, who is batting just .224 this year. -Comets 1B Christian Rucker blasted 3 home runs in a 13-1 win over Memphis. Rucker has spent most of this year on the bench, but he now has a .287 average and 7 home runs in 27 games. -Jackals SP Andre Britton threw a shutout against the Classics, allowing just 5 hits. This got Britton in the win column, as he was previously 0-10 despite a fair 4.79 ERA. https://i.imgur.com/F2qjMtP.png |
August 2024 Update:
Record: 56-79 (3rd, 26.5 GB) https://i.imgur.com/Mee2XPF.png https://i.imgur.com/78SUvf1.png The Trade Deadline definitely hurt our chances to win now, but ever since then the wheels have completely fallen off. It really doesn't matter since we aren't going to the postseason anyway, and with some of our injuries this month was understandable. The best part of this month was the performance of Ben Grates, who was by far the best player on the team in August. Grates hit .318/.404/.682 in August, including 7 home runs and 4 stolen bases. His development will be a key to any success we may have next year, and to see him hit this well after a bad start is very encouraging. Nobody else stood out this month, as each of our regulars had an OPS below .700. I think they're all ready for the season to be over too. We had to bring up a few pitchers due to minor injuries, and one bright spot was Miguel Aguilar who had a solid 3.32 ERA in 3 starts this month. Aguilar has been inconsistent at the big league level, but he has a chance to earn a rotation or bullpen spot next year. The bullpen's performance was pretty poor, but Curt Koonts did a good job (1.54 ERA) in the few high-leverage appearances he had in August. Injury Report: LF Alex Roberts suffered a minor setback, and will miss at least one more week as he recovers from a thumb fracture. Speaking of thumb fractures, RF Joe Maynard was also hit by a pitch, and he could miss the rest of the season. At best, he could return for the final week of the year. SP Min-ho Lee is out 2 weeks with strained triceps. Lee has been maybe the best pitcher in baseball when healthy, but staying healthy has been a big problem all year. Ben Grates suffered a minor calf strain last week, but he is considered day-to-day and should return to the starting lineup soon. RHP Julio Lambruschini returned from his injury, and he has been placed back in the starting rotation. Transactions: SP Bernie Toscano was sent back to AAA, and we called up Stephon Russell to take his spot in the rotation. Russell pitched well in his USBL debut, allowing just 2 runs across 6 innings. RP Manny Marin was released, and we called up righty Matt Stotler to take his spot in the bullpen. Rosters expanded to 30 on September 1st, so we called up the following players: 1B Jose Tapia, IF Robert Reyes, LHP Brice Beranek Around the League: -Explorers 1B Han-wu Huie's hitting streak ended at 25 games against the Owls. Huie is hitting .295/.378/.523 with 28 home runs. -Foxes SP Billy Boltz shut out the Scorpions, improving his ERA to 2.63. The 28-year old has struck out 176 batters in 212 innings. -Scouts C William Guerra ended his hitting streak at an even 20 games against the Seals. Guerra is hitting .308 with 5 home runs on the year. -Vipers SP Bob Weise is out for the rest of the regular season with a sprained ankle, although he may return if Charlotte makes the postseason. Weise has a 2.92 ERA in 135.2 innings pitched. -Scorpions SP Dan Weaver threw the first no-hitter in USBL history, as he defeated the Comets 4-0. Weaver is now 6-3 with a 2.68 ERA. -Bobcats SS Ben Bishop's hitting streak came to an end at 22 games, as he went 0-4 against Spokane. Bishop is hitting .342 since getting traded from Austin in July. -Gamblers SS Jose Renteria ended his hitting streak at 20 games against Tulsa. Renteria is hitting .304 with a pair of home runs since being traded from Los Angeles. -Impact SP Matt Mosman is out for the year with an elbow injury. Mosman was 10-7 with a 3.57 ERA. -Heroes SP Bill Burmeister shut out the Owls, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 8. The righty now has a 2.41 ERA with 152 strikeouts. -Comets CF Aymeric Patitucci went 5-5 against the Emeralds, raising his average to .296. Patitucci also has 12 home runs and 65 RBI's this season. EL Batter of the Month: Robins 1B Adam Rhom: .324 AVG, 13 HR, 33 RBI, 24 R WL Batter of the Month: Comets SS Aaron Balic: .407 AVG, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 35 R EL Pitcher of the Month: Vipers RP Jesus Catala: 14.2 IP, 4 K, 1.84 ERA, 11 SV WL Pitcher of the Month: Thunderbirds SP Nate Girgenti: 41 IP, 44 K, 1.54 ERA https://i.imgur.com/nTMSEbP.png Columbus Organization Awards: Batter of the Month: LF Ben Grates (stats above) Pitcher of the Month: RP Curt Koonts: 11.2 IP, 1.54 ERA, 7 K, 1.20 WHIP, 5 SV Minor League Batters of the Month: LF Steve Harty (R): .323.393/.458, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 5 SB 1B Uwe Tucker (AAA): .290/.355/.458, 5 HR, 15 RBI SS Jerrod Callender (S A): .306/.415/.469, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 7 SB Minor League Pitchers of the Month: Evan Downey (AAA): 40 IP, 2.70 ERA, 41 K, 0.90 WHIP Anthony Roy (A): 33.2 IP, 2.94 ERA, 40 K, 1.13 WHIP Shane Webster (R): 35 IP, 2.31 ERA, 43 K, 0.71 WHIP |
Mid September 2024 Update:
Record: 58-90 (3rd, 34.5 GB) It's nice that we share a division with the worst team in baseball, because we would be in a distant 4th place just about everywhere else. Alex Roberts and Min-ho Lee returned to the lineup this month, but that doesn't matter much at this point. The rest of this season will just be spent trying to evaluate talent (or lack of talent) heading into 2025. Around the League: -Comets LF Rafael Cervantes hit three home runs in a win over the Emeralds. Cervantes leads baseball with 55 bombs on the season, and also has a significant lead in RBIs with 149. -Monarchs SP Alex Jimenez shut out the Classics, lowering his ERA to 2.92 on the year. -Waves 3B Willie Nolasco rips 5 hits against the Owls in a 15-3 win. The 28-year old has a .321 average since getting traded from the Comets. -Shockers 2B Brendan Bentley went 5-5 against Columbus, raising his average to .311 on the year. -Heroes 1B Mike Boardman missed a week with a bruised knee, but the slugger should be back for New York's playoff push down the stretch. -Impact SP Jake Guerra is out with a sore shoulder. The righty will likely miss the remainder of the regular season, but could return for the playoffs. https://i.imgur.com/f4DGiqN.png |
2024 Regular Season Update:
Record: 65-97 (3rd, 37 GB) https://i.imgur.com/ynQj24G.png https://i.imgur.com/0qTOgrI.png https://i.imgur.com/Pg2Kzxn.png https://i.imgur.com/DOepNJP.png All things considered, the Classics finished the season pretty strong by going 7-5 in the final 12 games of the year. The overall record is disappointing, but given our injuries and trades, it's also understandable. The most encouraging part of the month were two of our young guys, Corey Neu and Ben Grates, finishing the year on a high note. This was especially good for Neu, as he struggled for most of the second half. His close to the season gives me confidence that he can be a quality third basemen moving forward. The other highlight of the end of the season was Min-ho Lee securing the ERA crown. While injuries were a problem all year, Lee had an incredible season when he was healthy, and he was able to pitch enough innings to earn the award. Keeping him healthy could be difficult in the future, but he should be our ace for the next few years if he keeps this performance up. Injury Report: 2B Jordan Limas suffered a quadriceps injury and missed the final two weeks of the season. LHP Miguel Aguilar missed his final start of the year with a shoulder injury, but his injury is also minor. Around the League: -Heroes RF Nick Kitzler missed the final two weeks of the regular season, but he will be active for the postseason. Kitzler was one of the top young players in the league, hitting .333 with 29 home runs. -Monarchs 3B Andy Alderman suffered a bruised wrist, and he will miss the opening round of the playoffs. He hit .266 with 33 home runs in the regular season. -Salukis SP Derrick Jensen threw a shutout against the Spartans, allowing just 6 hits in a 5-0 win. Jensen won 11 games in 2024, pitching to a 3.48 ERA. -Foxes SP Cho-yun Ping shut out the Gamblers, striking out 8. Interestingly, Ping went 8-4 for both teams he pitched for this season (Richmond and Denver). -Monarchs C Bobby Coleman ended the season on a 20-game hitting streak. Coleman hit .351 on the year with a .398 on-base percentage. https://i.imgur.com/XMJOkOu.png EL Batter of the Month: Waves LF Scott Head: .412 AVG, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 24 R WL Batter of the Month: Impact 1B Josh Vinson: .343 AVG, 10 HR, 19 RBI, 25 R EL Pitcher of the Month: Explorers SP Michael Simpkins: 34.1 IP, 0.79 ERA, 35 K WL Pitcher of the Month: Comets RP Bobby McMurtrie: 14 IP, 0.64 ERA, 21 K, 10 SV Columbus Awards: Batter of the Month: 3B Corey Neu: .319/.421/.495, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 12 R, 3 SB Pitcher of the Month: SP Min-ho Lee: 24.2 IP, 1.82 ERA, 22 K, 0.73 WHIP |
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Western League Division Series:
Spokane Comets vs Oregon Impact Game 1: Comets defeat Impact 6-4 Oregon SP Mike Martavo and Spokane hurler Crispino Rodriguez struggled out of the gate, as the game was already tied 4-4 after just two innings. The pitchers settled down after the rough start, and the Comets put across runs in the 5th and 6th innings to win Game 1 at home. C Pedro Reyes led the way for Spokane, driving in a game-high 4 runs. Game 2: Impact defeat Comets 8-0 After a pitcher's duel for 5 innings, Oregon broke through on a grand slam by 3B Sean Clements. Starter Ramon Perez was excellent, pitching 8.2 innings before closer John Jamerson secured the final out. Game 3: Impact defeat Comets 6-5 Leading 3-2 in the 6th inning, Oregon's 9th hitter, C Jason Duffield extended the lead by clearing the bases with a double. Things got very interesting in the 9th, as Comets RF Kyle Pickett smacked a three-run homer to make it 6-5. Oregon then brought in former Columbus Classic Gabe Baker, who nailed down the save. Game 4: Comets defeat Impact 6-1 Spokane got off to a hot start early, as LF Rafael Cervantes and 2B Salvador Rico each hit home runs to build an early lead. That was enough, as Jose Vargas allowed just 1 run over 6 innings. Game 5: Comets defeat Impact 11-3 The Comets came out of the gates hot once again, this time leading 10-0 after just 4 innings. A pair of home runs by Rafael Cervantes put the game out of reach, and Kyle Pickett added 5 RBIs of his own, as Spokane cruised to a Game 5 victory. MVP: Kyle Pickett: 9-19, 2 HR, 9 RBI Denver Foxes vs Tulsa Thunderbirds Game 1: Thunderbirds defeat Foxes 2-1 Tulsa's Nate Girgenti and Denver's Alexis Fregoso were two of the best pitchers in the league this year, and they lived up to expectations by pitching two great games. With the game tied at 1 run apiece, 1B Tyrese Walton hit a surprising go-ahead home run. Walton hit just 3 long balls all season heading into this game, but he picked a great time to hit a fourth. Game 2: Thunderbirds defeat Foxes 2-1 Mario Navarro and Billy Boltz matched each other for 8th scoreless innings, as neither team could do anything at the plate. Boltz eventually made it 9.1 innings, but in the 12th Tulsa took the lead on a double by C Pedro Guzman. 1B Tom Lutz evened the score in the bottom half of the inning, but the visiting Thunderbirds scored once again in the 13th on a base hit by RF Austin Nickerson. After blowing the save in the 12th, Adam Moody recovered to close out the game and help Tulsa take a 2-0 series lead. Game 3: Foxes defeat Thunderbirds 4-1 Foxes LF Matt Garcia came up huge with his team trailing by 2 games, as the veteran went 4-4 with a pair of home runs. Jeremy Marcum turned in a great pitching performance, and starter-turned-closer Cho-yun Ping pitched two scoreless innings to secure the win. Game 4: Foxes defeat Thunderbirds 10-4 Denver's offense was on fire all game, as the Foxes laced 19 hits, including 7 for extra bases. RF Maurice Sullivan led the way, going 5-6 with a double, home run, and 4 runs batted in. Game 5: Foxes defeat Thunderbirds 5-0 In a winner-take-all situation, Alexis Fregoso pitched his best game of the season, throwing a shutout and striking out 13. The Foxes were quiet for most of the game, but a 6th inning, 3 run homer by 3B Tom Sullivan gave Denver some breathing room. It wasn't needed, as Fregoso finished the game without allowing a run. MVP: Matt Garcia: 11-22, 3 HR, 7 RBI Eastern League Division Series: Philadelphia Robins vs New York Heroes Game 1: Robins defeat Heroes 3-2 Both starters turned in excellent outings in Game 1, as Dan Lusk (NY) and Glenn Schachter (PHI) each pitched 7 strong innings. The Robins sent the game to extras on a 9th inning home run by 3B Vicente Flores, and after the Heroes scored once in the 12th, the Philadelphia drove in two to win the game. CF Tom Gillespie drove in C Josh Thompson to put the home team up 1-0 in the series. Game 2: Heroes defeat Robins 3-2 With his team down in the series, Heroes starter Brandon Willoughby willed his team to victory with a complete game in which he struck out 10 batters. The biggest hit in the game came in the 3rd inning as RF Nick Kitzler hit a two-run blast. Game 3: Heroes defeat Robins 10-3 Returning home, the Heroes made a statement immediately, scoring 5 runs in the first inning and knocking Julio Pulido out after just 2 frames. New York got most of their production from the bottom of the lineup, as DH Bill Haynes and LF Ron Goldman each drove in three runs. Game 4: Robins defeat Heroes 8-7 After 5 innings and a pair of home runs by MVP candidate Mike Boardman, the Heroes looked like they were on their way to the ELCS with a 6-1 lead. But in the 8th, Philadelphia exploded for 8 runs, capped off by a three-run shot by LF Ricky Rangel - his second of the series. Closer Bryan Fowler finished the game by striking out the side, and the Robins stayed alive by evening the series 2-2. Game 5: Heroes defeat Robins 11-2 The Heroes made up for their Game 4 collapse, as they absolutely dominated Philadelphia in the series finale. Brandon Willoughby pitched another gem, and star 1B Mike Boardman hit his third home run of the series. MVP: Nick Kitzler: 8-18, 1 HR, 7 RBI Chicago Monarchs vs Orlando Waves Game 1: Monarchs defeat Waves 6-5 Chicago opened the scoring in the 2nd inning, as light-hitting SS Brad Bierman delivered a two-run double. With the score 5-1 in favor of Chicago, the Waves clawed their way back with a pair of runs in the 6th and 8th innings. Orlando was able to tie the game, but in the bottom of the 8th 3B Gabriel Gois drove in the go-ahead run on his third hit of the game. Game 2: Waves defeat Monarchs 3-1 Waves starter Jordan Gomez went 7 strong innings allowing just 1 run and striking out 5, and that was enough as Orlando scored twice in the 3rd inning off a double from DH Justin Owen. Game 3: Monarchs defeat Waves 7-5 Similar to New York, Orlando stepped on the gas immediately after returning home, scoring 3 runs in the first inning. Chicago battled back, scoring 5 runs in the 4th on a string of base hits. 1B Billy Marmour and RF Taketoshi Segawa hit solo shots in the bottom of the 5th to tie the score, but the Monarchs scored two more runs off Orlando's bullpen to win Game 3. Game 4: Monarchs defeat Waves 4-1 On a staff of great pitchers, Victor Resendez didn't stand out for Chicago this year, but he had maybe his best game of the season in Game 4. By allowing just a signle unearned run over 7.1 innings, he gave more than enough support to his team, as Chicago took a 4-0 lead early on. The Waves managed 10 hits overall, but none went for extra bases and they left batters on base throughout the game. MVP: Bobby Coleman: 7-17, 2 RBI |
Western League Championship Series
Spokane Comets vs Denver Foxes Game 1: Comets defeat Foxes 3-2 After falling behind early, Foxes LF Carlos Regalado tied it in the 7th with a 2-run shot. Denver couldn't put together any more offense, and in the bottom of the 9th, Rafael Cervantes walked it off for the Comets. Game 2: Foxes defeat Comets 13-1 The Foxes responded with a Game 1 loss with 4 home runs, as the game was effectively over after a big 4th inning. Matt Garcia had another big game, going 3-6 with a home run and 6 RBI. Game 3: Comets defeat Foxes 7-3 Alexis Fregoso tied his own postseason record of 13 strikeouts, but it wasn't enough as Cho-yun Ping took his second consecutive loss out of the bullpen. Spokane scored 5 runs in the top of the 9th to take the lead, as they were led by CF Aymeric Patitucci who drove in 3 on a home run. Game 4: Foxes defeat Comets 5-3 Tied 0-0 after 14 innings, neither team could do anything as both Jose Vargas and Cameron Richens were excellent on the mound. The Comets finally broke through for 3 runs in the 14th inning, but a grand slam by Tom Lutz walked it off for Denver in style. Game 5: Foxes defeat Comets 5-4 Kyle Picketts 2-run single gave Spokane a comfortable 4-0 lead in the 6th inning, but that would prove to not be enough. The Foxes responded with a 4-run 7th inning, as the Comets bullpen could not hold the lead. Game 6: Comets defeat Foxes 5-2 A two-run double by Comets DH B.J. Rivera got Spokane on the board, and that was enough as Alex Ramires had his best outing of the postseason. 1B Christian Rucker extended the lead with a home run, and Spokane's bullpen got it done this time, allowing just 1 run over the final 4 innings. Game 7: Comets defeat Foxes 9-0 The Comets put up 9 runs in the first 4 innings of the game, and by then it was pretty much over as Crispino Rodriguez was locked in on the mound. Rodriguez was fantastic, allowing just 2 hits in the shutout, as Denver never threatened with a rally. MVP: Aaron Balic: 13-31, 3 RBI Eastern League Championship Series New York Heroes vs Chicago Monarchs Game 1: Heroes defeat Monarchs 7-3 Game 1 was closer than the score indicated, as the teams headed to extra innings with the score tied at 3. Mike Boardman scored the go-ahead run on an error by the third baseman, and New York continued the rally to score 3 more runs. The Monarchs loaded the bases in the bottom half of the 11th, but a bases loaded double play by Jesus Bustos ended their chances. Game 2: Monarchs defeat Heroes 7-3 The second game had the same score, but this time the home Monarchs came out on top. Despite only having one extra base hit, Chicago cashed in with runners in scoring position, putting together big rallies in the 5th and 7th innings. Game 3: Heroes defeat Monarchs 8-5 The Heroes only had 10 hits, but 5 of them went over the fence, as their power was enough to win Game 3. CF Joe Johnson hit two from the leadoff spot, which was enough to hold off a late comeback effort by Chicago. Game 4: Heroes defeat Monarchs 6-1 Jeremy Montz was in control for New York, as the southpaw allowed just 4 baserunners over 7 strong innings. The Heroes got off to a hot start, as they were led by yet another home run by Mike Boardman. Nick Kitzler also had another big game, going 2-2 with a pair of walks. Game 5: Heroes defeat Monarchs 8-1 New York didn't waste any time, as they quickly got out to a 5-0 lead, showing that they did not want the series to return to Chicago. Dan Lusk threw a complete game, striking out 12, and home runs by Kitzler and Boardman were more than enough to power the Heroes to the Finals. MVP: Nick Kitzler: 9-17, 2 HR, 6 RBI |
USBL Finals
New York Heroes vs Spokane Comets Game 1: Comets defeat Heroes 7-5 The Heroes got out to an early 3-0 lead, but surprisingly that wasn't enough as 22 year-old Josh Losardo outpitched Brandon Willoughby. Rafael Cervantes led Spokane with his 4th bomb of the postseason, which was enough to offset home runs by Nick Kitzler and Mike Boardman for New York. Game 2: Comets defeat Heroes 14-1 Maybe New York's time off after a quick 5 game ELCS hurt them, as the Comets were firing on all cylinders in Game 2. A home run by Kyle Pickett got Spokane off to a fast start in the first inning, and everything else was just insurance as Jose Vargas and the Comets bullpen pitched a great game. Game 3: Heroes defeat Comets 4-3 In the top of the 5th, the visiting Comets put together a 3-run rally, and it looked like they would take a commanding lead in the series. But Mike Boardman continued to carry the Heroes, as his 3-run shot in the 6th gave New York a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The Heroes bullpen was great down the stretch, throwing three shutout innings to finish off the win. Game 4: Heroes defeat Comets 6-5 Run differential might be overrated, as the Heroes evened the series with another one-run victory. DH Bill Haynes was the star this time, as his 6th inning home run gave New York the lead. A solo homer by Christian Rucker made it a one-run game in the 7th, but once again New York's bullpen nailed down the victory. Game 5: Heroes defeat Comets 9-1 Brandon Willoughby was much better in his second Finals start, pitching 8.2 innings and allowing just a single run. Mike Boardman and Nick Kitzler each homered again, as the Heroes roped a whopping 17 hits. Game 6: Heroes defeat Comets 4-2 The Heroes made history with their Game 6 win, as they became the first champions in the history of the United States Baseball League. Trailing 1-0, Nick Kitzler delivered yet another big hit, as he drove in two runs with a 5th inning single. Andy Ness closed out the game with a clean ninth inning, as Spokane's bats were largely silenced after scoring 14 in Game 2. MVP: Nick Kitzler: 13-21, 2 HR, 6 RBI |
Arbitration Decisions:
SP Jared Hopper (161 IP, 4.92 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 105 K, 1.3 WAR) - Hopper is far from being a star, but he was mostly a reliable starter this year and at the very least he can eat innings. We offered him a 1-year contract for $900,000. RP Brice Beranek (15.1 IP, 8.80 ERA, 2.22 WHIP, 16 K, 0.1 WAR) - Beranek was awful in his time in Columbus, but part of that may have to do with shoulder problems he dealt with this year. Our scout likes him quite a bit, but I'm thinking about trading him. We'll hold off for now, but he won't be too expensive if we decide to keep him. RP Steve Steen (70 IP, 3.86 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 60 K, 0.0 WAR) - Steen was nothing special this year, but he's a servicable middle reliever. We offered him 1 year at $1.39 million. C Michael Decker (.235/.292/.328, 3 HR, 67 wRC+, 0.0 WAR) - Decker didn't light it up with the bat after we traded for him, but he's solid behind the plate. We might try to look for someone better, but if not, he isn't the worst option to be a starter. 2B Jordan Limas (.247/.295/.382, 6 HR, 76 wRC+, -0.1 WAR) - The problem with Limas is that his defense did not make up for his poor offense, as he was average at best at second base. We'll probably sign him cheap, but second base is definitely somewhere I want to upgrade this offseason. 3B Corey Neu (.240/.343/.417, 18 HR, 109 wRC+, 2.5 WAR) - Neu was inconsistent after the trade, but he finished the season strong and his ability to take walks makes me think he has the potential to be a solid hitter at the top of the lineup. We offered him a two year contract for $12 million, which would buy out his last year of arbitration. SS Nick Oropeza (.198/.287/.329, 9 HR, 81 wRC+, 1.9 WAR at AAA) - Minor league depth at best. Non-tendered. SS Robert Reyes (.186/.238/.220, 20 wRC+, -0.5 WAR) - Reyes did nothing in his short time in Columbus, but his minor league numbers weren't bad and I like his defense. We offered him 1 year at $920,000. LF Ricky Heller (.229/.304/.361, 12 HR, 79 wRC+, -0.1 WAR) - Doesn't want to negotiate. This is tough because while Heller wasn't very good, he did keep our clubhouse together through the tough times. We might offer something in arbitration, but he is a candidate to be non-tendered. LF Alex Roberts (.259/.335/.387, 7 HR, 97 wRC+, 0.5 WAR) - Roberts had a terrible second half, but I still think he's at least good enough to hold down a bench spot. We offered him a 1 year deal for $1.5 million. CF William Lizarraga (.251/.312/.327, 72 wRC+, 1.6 WAR) - Can't hit, but his excellent defense gave him some value. He doesn't want to negotiate, so we'll either go to arbitration or look for a trade. Either way, I don't think he will start in 2025 because Adan Corella was great in AAA. RF Adrian Anders (.305/.318/.415, 1 HR, 94 wRC+, 0.3 WAR) - Hit the ball well in September, but his minor league numbers weren't great and he's a bench bat at best. Probably going to be non-tendered. RF Joe Maynard (.253/.299/.417, 15 HR, 90 wRC+, 0.6 WAR) - Maynard's hot start was a nice story, but he's barely above a replacement player. We offered him $925,000 to stick around, but hopefully we find a better right fielder this offseason. Free Agent decisions: 3B Jesus Arrellano (.206/.297/.268, 1 HR, 54 wRC+, -0.6 WAR) - Arrellano started this season as the leadoff hitter and ended it glued to the bench. Probably going to let him go. RP Eric Cottle (80 IP, 3.94 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, -0.1 WAR) - Cottle wasn't great this year, but our scout likes him quite a bit. He wants a 4-year contract, so we'll probably let him test free agency. CF Ryan Walker (.215/.306/.311, 1 HR, 69 wRC+, 0.0 WAR) - Bench bat. We'll let him go. C Billy Wittig (.223/.309/.301, 1 HR, 67 wRC+, 0.1 WAR) - Probably going to let him go. He's out of minor league options and I want to find a better catcher this offseason. 1B Eli Lopez (.212/.307/.341, 3 HR, 73 wRC+, -0.3 WAR) - Nope RP Jim Miers (20.1 IP, 3.54 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 15 K, 0.0 WAR) - Might bring back on a cheap deal, but he's below average at best. RP Jim Potvin (72.2 IP, 6.19 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, 81 K, 0.2 WAR) - Potvin's ability to strike guys out is impressive, but he didn't prevent runs well at all. Probably going to let him test the waters, but he could come back on a cheap deal. SP Bernie Toscano (90 IP, 2.80 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 74 K, 1.2 WAR in AAA) - Great in the minors, got shelled in the USBL. Letting him go. 1B Uwe Tucker (.266/.358/.449, 15 HR, 134 wRC+, 2.0 WAR in AAA) - Unfortunately, never really given a chance as he only played 3 games in Columbus. Decent hitter but he's going to be 29 so we'll probably let him go. |
Great Glove Awards:
Western League: P: John Patterson, TUL C: John Meyer, SJ 1B: Dave McCabe, LV 2B: Orlando Vega, OMA 3B: Tom Sullivan, DEN SS: Manny Portillo, ORE LF: Tim Barth, OMA CF: Carlos Molina, LA RF: Austin Nickerson, TUL Eastern League: P: Derrick Jensen, RI C: Alex Guevara, ORL 1B: Adam Rhom, PHI 2B: Leo Gomez, RIC 3B: Danny Quinones, RI LF: Jeremy Rodriguez, PHI CF: William Lizarraga, COL RF: Jim Rolston, IND Reliver of the year: Western League: John Jamerson, ORE - 70.1 IP, 1.92 ERA, 99 K, 35 SV Eastern League: Nuno Daddi, STL - 66.2 IP, 0.54 ERA, 101 K, 35 SV Platinum Stick Awards: Western League: C: Pedro Reyes, SPO - .293/.393/.499, 21 HR, 101 RBI, 5.4 WAR 1B: Josh Vinson, ORE - .359/.420/.650, 41 HR, 135 R, 125 RBI, 9.8 WAR 2B: Salvador Rico, SPO - .331/.421/.511, 20 HR, 132 R, 108 RBI, 8.0 WAR 3B: Joe Parker, NM - .306/.347/.483, 22 HR, 85 RBI, 4.2 WAR SS: Aaron Balic, SPO - .344/.410/.544, 20 HR, 121 R, 7.7 WAR LF: Rafael Cervantes, SPO - .325/.432/.673, 58 HR, 148 R, 158 RBI, 8.7 WAR CF: Aymeric Patitucci, SPO - .298/.360/.442, 14 HR, 19 SB, 130 R, 5.3 WAR RF: Maurice Sullivan, DEN - .292/.388/.499, 31 HR, 90 RBI, 5.1 WAR DH: Keith Rodriguez, NM - .284/.352/.503, 27 HR, 98 RBI, 3.3 WAR Eastern League: C: Bobby Coleman, CHI - .351/.398/.460, 4 HR, 69 RBI, 5.0 WAR 1B: Mike Boardman, NY - .310/.454/.640, 50 HR, 121 R, 140 RBI, 8.7 WAR 2B: Brandon Goolsby, CHA - .313/.394/.448, 15 HR, 48 SB, 126 R, 6.6 WAR 3B: Andy Alderman, CHI - .266/.387/.540, 33 HR, 98 RBI, 6.4 WAR SS: Justin Harris, RI - .268/.389/.420, 17 HR, 63 RBI, 4.1 WAR LF: Scott Head, ORL - .319/.429/.679, 58 HR, 122 R, 134 RBI, 8.4 WAR CF: Tom Gillespie, PHI - .307/.379/.534, 32 HR, 19 SB, 116 R, 125 RBI, 6.7 WAR RF: Rich Pecina, CHA - .371/.435/.590, 27 HR, 10 SB, 116 R, 113 RBI, 8.2 WAR DH: Ewan Vermeulen, MEM - .282/.337/.500, 29 HR, 108 RBI, 3.2 WAR |
Pitcher of the Year Voting:
Western League: 1. TUL SP Nate Girgenti - 212.1 IP, 2.03 ERA, 198 K, 18-5 2. DEN SP Billy Boltz - 247.2 IP, 2.58 ERA, 208 K, 14-9 3. TUL SP Mario Navarro - 214.1 IP, 2.69 ERA, 229 K, 16-9 4. DEN SP Alexis Fregoso - 227 IP, 2.78 ERA, 252 K, 16-8 5. DEN SP Jeremy Marcum - 188 IP, 2.49 ERA, 169 K, 15-6 6. LV SP Jim Gale - 237.1 IP, 2.84 ERA, 257 K, 16-6 7. ORE SP Jake Guerra - 182 IP, 2.32 ERA, 163 K, 13-7 Eastern League: 1. NY SP Brandon Willoughby - 235.1 IP, 2.79 ERA, 261 K, 15-8 2. CHI SP Bobby Hysaw - 199.2 IP, 3.16 ERA, 223 K, 19-6 3. CHI SP Bill Mattes - 189 IP, 3.19 ERA, 232 K, 15-10 4. STL RP Nuno Daddi - 66.2 IP, 0.54 ERA, 101 K, 35 SV 5. COL SP Min-ho Lee - 166 IP, 1.46 ERA, 137 K, 13-2 6. CHI SP Alex Jimenez - 206 IP, 2.93 ERA, 169 K, 16-9 7. ORL RP Eddie Douglas - 72 IP, 1.00 ERA, 104 K, 28 SV 8. NY SP Jeremy Montz - 209 IP, 3.49 ERA, 222 K, 14-6 9. NO SP Ji Hsu - 215.2 IP, 3.13 ERA, 219 K, 12-13 10. NO SP Michael Simpkins - 187.2 IP, 2.59 ERA, 190 K, 13-8 11. PHI RP Bryan Fowler - 75.1 IP, 1.79 ERA, 116 K, 36 SV MVP Voting Western League: 1. ORE 1B Josh Vinson - .359/.450/.650, 41 HR, 125 RBI 2. SPO LF Rafael Cervantes - .325/.432/.673, 58 HR, 156 RBI 3. SPO SS Aaron Balic - .344/.410/.544, 20 HR, 96 RBI 4. SPO 2B Salvador Rico - .331/.421/.511, 20 HR, 108 RBI 5. TUL SP Nate Girgenti (stats above) 6. DEN SP Billy Boltz (stats above) 7. ORE SS Manny Portillo - .275/.354/.523, 33 HR, 117 RBI 8. OMA LF Tim Barth - .346/.404/.511, 14 HR, 86 RBI 9. AUS LF Antonio Ruiz - .284/.387/.578, 40 HR, 109 RBI 10. TUL SP Mario Navarro (stats above) 11. DEN SP Alexis Fregoso (stats above) 12. SPO C Pedro Reyes - .293/.393/.499, 21 HR, 101 RBI 13. DEN SP Jeremy Marcum (stats above) 14. DEN RF Maurice Sullivan - .292/.388/.499, 31 HR, 90 RBI 15. SPO CF Aymeric Patitucci -.298/.360/.442, 14 HR, 85 RBI 16. ORE SP Jake Guerra (stats above) 17. NM 1B Bob Roberts - .268/.361/.539, 42 HR, 117 RBI 18. LV SP Jim Gale (stats above) 19. ORE LF Josh Miracle - .346/.384/.556, 8 HR, 76 RBI Eastern League: 1. ORL LF Scott Head - .319/.429/.679, 58 HR, 134 RBI 2. NY 1B Mike Boardman - .310/.454/.640, 50 HR, 140 RBI 3. CHI LF Victor Alvarenga - .338/.410/.582, 35 HR, 121 RBI 4. PHI 1B Adam Rhom - .295/.420/.596, 48 HR, 124 RBI 5. CHA RF Rich Pecina - .371/.435/.590, 27 HR, 113 RBI 6. PHI CF Tom Gillespie - .307/.379/.534, 32 HR, 125 RBI 7. NY RF Nick Kitzler - .333/.452/.578, 29 HR, 86 RBI 8. NY SP Brandon Willoughby (stats above) 9. CHI 3B Andy Alderman - .266/.387/.540, 33 HR, 98 RBI 10. CHA 2B Brandon Goolsby - .313/.394/.448, 15 HR, 64 RBI 11. CHA CF Victor Aguilar - .266/.375/.550, 35 HR, 113 RBI 12. ORL RP Eddie Douglas (stats above) 13. CHI C Bobby Coleman - .351/.398/.460, 4 HR, 69 RBI 14. CHI SP Bobby Hysaw (stats above) 15. MEM LF Ryan Fertig - .342/.468/.631, 24 HR, 73 RBI 16. CHI SP Bill Mattes (stats above) 17. STL RP Nuno Daddi (stats above) 18. PHI 3B Vicente Flores - .238/.335/.453, 37 HR, 108 RBI 19. PHI RP Bryan Fowler (stats above) |
2024 Offseason
Free Agency Filings through the Rule 5 Draft: Transactions: We traded RF Joe Maynard to the Denver Foxes for minor leauge LF Jose Chaparro. With Myles Fenty returning from injury and Adan Corella hopefully making the Opening Day roster, our outfield was getting a little crowded. We had to pay most of Maynard's small salary, but Chaparro is a decent prospect that will report to AAA. He hit .253/.309/.343 in AA last year, but his best attributes are definitely speed and defense. Losing Maynard hurts a bit, but after his hot start he really didn't do much at the end of last season. Around the League: -The Explorers signed 31-year old 1B Bob Roberts to a 4 year deal worth $68 million. Roberts hit .268/.361/.539 with 42 HR and 117 RBI for New Mexico last year. -The Explorers signed 36-year old SP Cho-yun Piung to a a 2 year deal worth $25.2 million per year, with a vesting option for 2027. Ping had a 3.13 ERA for Richmond and Denver last year, striking out 207 and walking just 40 in 229.2 innings. -The Shockers signed 28-year old C Pedro Reyes, who hit .293/.393/.499 for the Spokane Comets in 2024. Reyes signed for a 7 year deal worth $196 million. -The Impact signed 29-year old C Byron Williams to a 7 year deal worth $128.6 million. Williams made the All Star Game with St. Louis in 2024, hitting .285/.358/.448 with 12 home runs. -Scouts RP Luis Moncada was expected to return before the start of 2025, but that is now in doubt as he had another elbow surgery. Moncada is likely out until at least July, after recording a 1.86 ERA in 36 innings last season. -The Seals signed 37-year old RF Ed Gaylord to a 3 year deal worth $33.4 million. Gaylor hit .307 with 9 home runs for the San Antonio Scorpions last season. -37-year old SP Dan Lusk signed a 2 year deal with the Emeralds worth $24.2 million. Lusk went 10-6 with New York last year, posting a 2.71 ERA. -The Explorers continued their spending spree by signing CF Hector Sanchez to a 4-year, $44.4 million contract. Sanchez batter .315 for Richmond last year, recording an OPS of .794. -Denver signed SP Bill Mattes to a 6 year contract worth $143.6 million. The 27-year old had a 3.19 ERA for the Monarchs last year, striking out 232. -The Monarchs signed 29-year old SS Scott Kessler to a 7 year deal worth $84.7 million. Kessler hit .297 with 22 home runs for Omaha in 2024. -The Robins signed 26-year old 1B Joel Manous to a 4 year contract worth $26.3 million. Manous hit 20 home runs for New Mexico last year, driving in 86 and batting .266. |
2024 Offseason
Rule 5 Draft through the beginning of the Preseason Transactions: We signed LF Ron Goldman to a 2-year contract worth a total of $6 million. Goldman batted .272/.341/.403 with the Heroes last year, and is also a capable defender in the infield. The 27-year old's versatility will be very useful, and he is also a solid base stealer (17 for 22 in 2024). Goldman will probably see most of his time in left field, which may shift Ben Grates over to right, and Alex Roberts to a backup role. Shortly after the Goldman signing, 35-year old 2B Manny Batres agreed to a 2 year deal worth $8 million. Batres hit .267/.362/.374 in 2024, and like Goldman, also played for the New York Heroes. Batres is a big improvement defensively over Jordan Limas, and is good at finding ways to get on base. We might hold on to Limas for now, but if we can get a decent return, he may be gone before Opening Day. To add to the pitching staff, we signed LHP Sergio Torres to a 2 year contract worth $5 million. Torres went 13-11 with Boise and St. Louis last season, recording a 3.14 ERA. He isn't a strikeout pitcher (only 100 K's in 180.2 innings), but last year he did a great job of keeping the ball in the yard (10 HR allowed). He'll likely begin the year in our rotation, but he could also serve as a good lefty reliever. Just before the official beginning of the Preseason, we made our biggest signing by bringing in C Pedro Guzman. The 31-year old batted .247/.339/.391 with 11 home runs for the Thunderbirds last year, and will make $17 million over the next two years. Guzman is expected to open the season as our starting backstop, moving Michael Decker to the bench. Around the League: -The Salukis signed SP Billy Boltz to a 7 year deal worth $202.6 million. Boltz went 14-9 with the Foxes last year, striking out 208 in 247.2 innings and recording a 2.58 ERA. -2B Jason Colford signed a 4 year deal with New Mexico worth $39.6 million. Colford batted .320/.370/.460 with the Explorers last year, hitting 10 home runs. -The Foxes signed 26-year old SS Manny Portillo to a 4 year deal worth $117.8 million. Portillo batted .275/.354/.523 with 33 home runs and 117 runs driven in for the Impact. -The Gamblers signed RP Roberto Coello to a 3 year deal worth $24 million. Coello saved 16 games for Indianapolis before getting traded to the Robins, where he posted a 3.53 ERA. -The Waves signed CF Aymeric Patitucci to a 7 year deal worth $107 million. The 27-year old won a Platinum Stick Award with the Comets last season, batting .298/.360/.442 with 14 home runs and 12 triples. -New Orleans signed 2B Orlando Vega to a 6 year deal worth $40.8 million. Vega hit 21 home runs for Omaha in 2024, and won the Great Glove Award in the Western League at second base. -The Vandals signed SP Carlos Miranda to a 1 year deal worth $3.08 million. Miranda missed almost all of last season with a torn labrum, and he may not be ready for the beginning of the 2025 season. -The Comets signed SP Michael Simpkins to a 7 year deal worth $83.5 million. Simpkins is coming off a year with New Orleans where he went 13-8 with a 2.59 ERA. -The Bobcats traded RP Javier Ruiz to San Jose for a minor league pitching prospect, Pete Harris. Ruiz had a 3.76 ERA in 38.1 USBL innings. -The Thunderbirds signed SP Corey Baker to a 7 year deal worth $93.1 million. Baker went 9-13 for San Antonio last year, but had a solid 3.32 ERA with an even 200 strikeouts. -The Gamblers signed Japanese CF Yoshiie Shimaski to a 4 year deal worth $23.86 million. The 28-year old is one of the best international free agents joining the USBL, and has a good power/speed combo with the potential to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases. Overall, I'm pretty happy with where we're at heading into the season. I'd like to bring in at least one more relief pitcher, but otherwise I feel that our lineup and starting rotation is in pretty good shape. Jordan Limas, William Lizarraga, and Tony Palacios are guys I've toyed with shopping, but so far there haven't been any good enough offers. |
2025 Spring Training
Transactions: SP Jared Hopper was placed on the Injured List, as he suffered a ruptured finger tendon that will keep him out for 3-4 months. We signed LHP Jeremy Townsend to a 1 year deal worth $1.9 million. Townsend will hopefully be our best lefty out of the bullpen, as he had a solid 2.98 ERA for the Salukis last season. Next, we signed RHP Dylan Daniels to a $6.68 million contract for 1 year. Daniels had an ERA under 2 for St. Louis and San Antonio last year, and should be a key piece to the pitching staff. Waived and DFA'd RHP Mario Soto, who had a terrible spring and is out of option years. Around the League: -The Spartans signed reliever Jesus Catala to a 1 year contract worth $2 million. Catala had a 2.24 for Charlotte last season. -37-year old SP Jordan Gomez signed a 1 year deal worth $1.92 million with the Gamblers. Gomez had a 3.44 ERA with Orlando in 2024, striking out 137. -Shockers RP Pat Hammer is out 4 months with an elbow injury. Hammer had a 3.73 ERA last year, striking out 47 in 79.2 innings. -Seals SS Edgar Guzman is out for the year with a torn labrum. Guzman hit .312/.381/.462 last season, driving in 74 runs. -Vipers RF Rich Pecina will miss the beginning of the season with a fractured thumb. Last year Pecina led the USBL with a .371 batting average. -Newly signed Emeralds SP Dan Lusk's season is in jeopardy, as he will miss most of the season with a shoulder injury. Lusk could return before the end of the year, but his season is very much in doubt. |
2025 Opening Day Roster:
(Age, B/T, 2024 Stats) Starting Rotation: Min-ho Lee (28, R, 166.0 IP, 1.46 ERA, 137 K, 0.86 WHIP, 4.6 WAR) - Lee returns as the defending ERA champion of the USBL, but the biggest question will always be if he can stay healthy. The South Korean knuckleballer made 27 starts last season, but he was frequently pulled from games early and made a few trips to the Injured List. Sergio Torres (29, L, 180.2 IP, 3.14 ERA, 100 K, 1.30 WHIP, 2.4 WAR for BOI & STL) - Torres is not a strikeout pitcher, but last season he allowed only 161 hits in 180.2 innings pitched for the Bobcats and Shockers. His ability to initiate weak contact will be crucial, but if he can do that he should be a solid starter at the top of the rotation. Andy Castillo (25, R, 170.2 IP, 5.43 ERA, 110 K, 1.68 WHIP, 0.7 WAR) - The young Venezuelan led baseball in losses, as he posted a dismal 3-18 record in 2024. Despite a rough start to his career, Castillo may still have some potential as a starter, as his 95+ fastball and good mix of pitches can keep hitters guessing. One thing to improve on will definitely be control, as Castillo walked 92 batters last year. Curt Koonts (27, R, 75.2 IP, 2.14 ERA, 64 K, 1.35 WHIP, 0.4 WAR) - After spending all of last year in the bullpen where he accumulated 14 saves, Curt Koonts will begin the year as our #4 starter. Koonts was excellent in relief last year, but the question will now be if he can get through the lineup multiple times as a starter. Jimmy Embleton (23, R, 23.0 IP, 1.57 ERA, 20 K, 1.17 WHIP, 0.1 WAR) - Embleton received a mid-season call up and had success immediately, but a shoulder injury cost him about two months at the end of the year. He showed promise with a 3.53 ERA in AAA, so hopefully the big righty can now have a successful first full season in the USBL. Bullpen: Julio Lambruschini (40, R, 148.0 IP, 6.02 ERA, 50 K, 1.61 WHIP, 0.2 WAR) - All you need to do is look at Lambruschini's stats to see that the 40-year old is over the hill. Unfortunately, his vesting option makes it much cheaper to keep him around this year than cut him now. Lambruschini was actually decent in his limited time pitching out of relief, so hopefully he can at least be a serviceable long reliever. Marcos Archuleta (25, R, 21.1 IP, 22 K, 1.69 WHIP, -0.5 WAR) - Archuleta was electric in AAA last year (2.18 ERA, 27 saves), but never found a rhythm in Columbus. He'll get another chance to start this year with the big league club, where he'll try to improve on last year's cup of coffee. Steve Steen (29, R, 70.0 IP, 3.86 ERA, 60 K, 1.34 WHIP, 0.0 WAR) - Steen was nothing more than an average middle reliever last year, and he'll pick up that role again in 2024. Jake Jones (30, R, 58.1 IP, 4.47 ERA, 70 K, 1.35 WHIP, 0.6 WAR) - Jones got off to a great start in 2024 before a few rough outings in a row inflated his stats. If needed, Jones could serve as a spot starter, although Lambruschini would probably have the first crack at that role. Dylan Daniels (34, R, 64.1 IP, 1.82 ERA, 66 K, 0.95 WHIP, 2.2 WAR with STL & SA) - Daniels spent the first half of last season as a strong set up man in St. Louis, before saving 9 games for San Antonio to finish the year. Daniels is a good option at the end of games, as his fastball/changeup combo will keep hitters off balance. His control is also excellent, as he walked just 8 batters last year. Jeremy Townsend (28, L, 63.1 IP, 2.98 ERA, 93 K, 1.15 WHIP, 0.9 WAR with RI) - The lone lefty in our bullpen, Townsend throws hard and features a great cutter and slider. While he is wild (4.8 BB/9), he also strikes out a ton of batters and doesn't give up many hits. Ramon Salazar (31, R, 66.1 IP, 2.98 ERA, 68 K, 1.21 WHIP, 1.3 WAR with ORE) - Salazar had a great spring, and will open the season as our closer. The veteran is coming off a nice season with Oregon, and his postseason experience should help out the rest of our pitching staff. Catchers: C Michael Decker (28, R, .235/.292/.328, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 0.4 WAR with LA and COL) - Decker is a decent backup and great behind the plate, but his weak bat holds him back. C/1B Pedro Guzman (32, R, .247/.339/.391, 11 HR, 54 RBI, 2.7 WAR with TUL) - Guzman isn't quite as good defensively as Decker, but his ability to take walks and hit for extra bases (30 doubles in 2024) makes him a valuable asset. Infielders: 1B Jose Ariza (40, R, .230/.301/.367, 13 HR, 56 RBI, -0.5 WAR) - The Cuban veteran really slowed down at the end of last year, and he will be on a short leash if this year starts poorly. At this point, his greatest value is as a strong clubhouse presence. 2B Manny Batres (35, R, .267/.362/.374, 7 HR, 41 RBI, 2.1 WAR with NY) - Batres should provide a huge boost to our middle infield defense, and although he doesn't hit for any power, his .362 OBP was very solid for a second baseman. 2B Jordan Limas (27, R, .247/.295/.382, 6 HR, 37 RBI, -0.1 WAR) - Limas loses his starting role heading into 2025, as he never got things going at the plate last year. He did hit 11 triples last year, but has just been too inconsistent to be a solid regular in the lineup. 3B Corey Neu (30, R, .240/.343/.417, 18 HR, 59 RBI, 2.4 WAR with ORE and COL) - After getting off to a hot start after last season's trade, Neu went cold in July and August before picking things up to close the season. He has the chance to be a high-OBP guy with walks, but last year his average hovered around .200 for a while during a cold stretch. SS Tony Palacios (31, R, .252/.295/.360, 8 HR, 57 RBI, 1.1 WAR) - Palacios was great in the field last season, but his lack of hitting resulted in a move to the bottom of the order late last year. His 39 doubles led the team, but otherwise he produced little at the plate. Outfielders: CF Adan Corella (23, L, .273/.357/.376, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 3.9 WAR in AAA) - The 23-year old finds himself as the Opening Day center fielder after a great 2024 campaign in Triple A. Corella is a great baserunner and defender, but we'll see if his hitting can remain solid in the big leagues. RF/DH Myles Fenty (42, R, .254/.363/.572, 27 HR, 49 RBI, 2.3 WAR) - Fenty led the USBL in home runs halfway through the year, but his season was cut short with a knee injury. It might be difficult keeping the 42-year old healthy, so he will see most of his playing time as the designated hitter. LF/IF Ron Goldman (28, R, .272/.341/.403, 9 HR, 77 RBI, 2.8 WAR with NY) - Goldman can play just about anywhere on the field, but we're expecting him to begin the year in left field at the top of the lineup. He has little power, but did steal 17 bases while getting caught just 5 times. RF Ben Grates (25, L, .268/.341/.493, 16 HR, 38 RBI, 2.0 WAR) - Grates had a terrible first month in the USBL, but he ended up being by far our best hitter by the end of the season. His combination of power and speed makes him an exciting player, and if he builds on last season he could be a future star. CF William Lizarraga (27, R, .251/.312/.327, 2 HR, 57 RBI, 1.7 WAR) - Lizarraga won a Great Glove Award in center field last year, but that was his only real success as he was terrible at the plate for most of the season. He will open the season on the bench against right-handed pitching, but he should still see plenty of opportunities as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. LF Alex Roberts (29, R, .259/.335/.387, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 0.5 WAR) - Roberts was great after recovering from a concussion at the beginning of last year, but three separate injuries interrupted his season. He really struggled after breaking his thumb in August, and will start this year on the bench as a fourth outfielder. |
2025 Preseason Predictions
https://i.imgur.com/zp0VaHp.png https://i.imgur.com/HrkxkUh.png After suffering through a 65-win season in 2024, the Preseason Predictions are relatively kind to us, picking Columbus to go 81-81 and finishing in 2nd place. The Midwest Division should be a three-team race, as Indianapolis is still rebuilding after a terrible season last year. Around the league, New Orleans made one of the biggest jumps due to their numerous free agent signings. The entire Mountain Division caught up with Denver, as the Foxes lost a decent amount of talent after their trip to the WLCS. Both teams in last year's finals look like playoff teams once again, although Philadelphia will give the defending champs a run for their money in the Northeast Division. |
Mid-April 2025 Update:
Record: 3-6 (4th, 2 GB) The record to start the year certainly isn't ideal, but to be fair we stared off with 7 games on the road against New York and Philadelphia, two of the top teams in the USBL. offense has been a struggle, as we're dead last in the Eastern League with a .607 OPS. Myles Fenty has returned strong from last year's injury, as he's off to a hot .276/.389/.586 start, with 2 home runs. Ben Grates had a rough few games, but the second-year outfielder has an .827 OPS to go with 2 home runs and 2 steals. The weakest links have been Jose Ariza and Corey Neu, who each are hitting well below .200 to start the season. The biggest disappointment on the mound has probably been Min-ho Lee, as the ace has a 5.84 ERA in two rocky starts. Sergio Torres and Curt Koonts have each turned in two good starts, but in general the rotation has struggled. The back end of the bullpen has been solid - especially lefty Jeremy Townsend, who has struck out 6 of the 8 batters he has faced. Injury Report: SS Tony Palacios exited the first game of the season with a sore shoulder, and he was placed on the Injured List. He should be ready to go within a week, but he may not return to a starting role immediately. Mike Killian has been called up, and while his offense may be the weakest on the team, he has the potential to be the best defensive shortstop in the league. So far, he is just 2-18 with a triple and a walk since getting called up. Around the League: -The Gamblers signed lefty reliever Josh Stepp to a 2 year deal worth $25.6 million. Stepp had a 1.79 ERA for Philadelphia last year, saving 5 games. -Owls LF Ryan Fertig is out 3 weeks with a torn thumb ligament. The 2024 All-Star began the season going 5-14 with a home run, after batting .342 last season. -Scouts 3B Joe Parker went 5-6 against the Impact. The 22-year old is coming off a year where he batter .306 with 22 home runs. -The Shockers signed RP Gabe Baker to a 3 year deal worth $39.9 million. Baker had a 1.60 ERA for Columbus and Oregon last year, striking out 61 batters in 56.1 innings. -Thunderbirds SP John Patterson threw a shutout in his first start of the year, defeating the Bobcats 8-0. Patterson went 10-7 with a 4.21 ERA in 2024. -Waves LF and reigning EL MVP Scott Head hit 3 home runs against Richmond in a 9-2 win. Head is batting .484 with 4 home runs already this year. -Foxes 1B Carlos Regalado went 5-5 against the Scorpions, as Denver won 8-4. Regalado hit .288 with 21 homers last year. -The Monarchs signed reliever Freddie Knauf to a 2 year contract worth $36.4 million. Knauf posted a 1.74 ERA for Rhode Island last year. |
April 2025 Update:
Record: 8-14 (3rd, 2 GB) https://i.imgur.com/v5n6d2O.png https://i.imgur.com/W4lJigL.png As bad as April was, we had to play 11 games on the road against 2024 playoff teams, so the schedule should become much easier soon. The other positive note is that the Midwest Division looks to be the easiest in baseball, so winning 90 games probably won't be needed to finish in 1st. Offensively, CF William Lizarraga has surprisingly provided the biggest spark at the top of the lineup, after beginning the season as a backup. Ben Grates picked up where he left off in 2024, and Myles Fenty was also great before a groin injury sent him to the IL. The biggest disappointments have been 3B Corey Neu and 1B Jose Ariza, who still haven't found a rhythm. Ariza was recently benched for Jose Tapia, who is off to a nice 6-13 start in his first 3 games. The concern is that Tapia doesn't have enough power to be a regular first baseman, as all of his hits are singles so far. Pitching was expected to be a strong suit, but that hasn't been the case as we are just tied for 8th in runs allowed. Lee, Torres, and Koonts have been passable as starters, but the bullpen has let them down more often than not. Ramon Salazar's closer role is anything but secure, as the recent signing has given up runs in nearly all of his appearances. Our pitching is probably worse than the stats indicate, as we have the worst FIP in the EL. Fortunately, our defense has been fantastic: Especially the infield of Neu, Palacios, and Batres. Transactions: SP Jimmy Embleton was optioned to AAA after another rough start to close the month. Evan Downey has been called up, and he will make his USBL debut on May 1st. Downey hasn't been especially sharp this year, but he was great in 2024, and it's time to see if he can pitch at this level. Injury Report: SS Tony Palacios returned from his shoulder injury, and has been great with the bat since coming back. We optioned Mike Killian back to the minors, with hopes that he will develop his hitting. DH Myles Fenty is out one month with a strained groin. The injury isn't major, but losing his bat really hurts as he is by far our biggest home run threat. 1B Jose Tapia has been called up from AAA, and he has since taken over as the starting first baseman. As a result, Jose Ariza and Alex Roberts have been splitting time in the DH role. Around the League: -Robins 2B Jeff Williams went 5-6 in a win over the Explorers. Williams is hitting .351 on the year, driving in 14. -RP Nuno Daddi finally settled for a deal, as he heads to Tulsa on a 3 year contract. The lefty finished 4th in EL Pitcher of the Year voting in 2024. -Monarchs SP Mark Saige shut out the Explorers, allowing just 3 hits. Saige has a 1.17 ERA in two starts after starting the year in the minors. -Spartans LF Eric Niehoff went 5-6 against the Comets, leading them to a 5-3 win. Niehoff is hitting .264 with 3 home runs. -Heroes LF Nick Kitzler went 5-5 in a win over the Impact. Kitzler picked up where he left off in 2024, hitting .444 through the first month of the season. -Vipers SP Kevin Greer is out for the year with a torn UCL. Greer made just 8 starts last season, and his career may be in jeopardy at age 39. https://i.imgur.com/5EuO16y.png Monthly Awards: WL Batter of the Month: Scouts 2B Jason Colford: .368 AVG, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 20 R EL Batter of the Month: Waves 1B Scott Head: .375 AVG, 13 HR, 26 RBI, 23 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Foxes SP Alexis Fregoso: 37.1 IP, 1.21 ERA, 44 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Salukis SP Billy Boltz: 35 IP, 1.80 ERA, 41 K WL Rookie of the Month: Scorpions 1B Bobby Young: .286 AVG, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 14 R EL Rookie of the Month: Naturals 1B Tyler Renfro: .286 AVG, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 20 R Columbus Monthly Awards: Batter of the Month: DH Myles Fenty: .333/.417/.667, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 10 R Pitcher of the Month: RP Jeremy Townsend: 8.2 IP, 1.04 ERA, 16 K, 1 BB, 0.58 WHIP Minor League Batters of the Month: CF Jimmy Batt (AA): .383/.451/.556, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R, 5 SB 3B Chris Rathert (AAA): .333/.435/.692, 4 HR, 6 RBI 3B Adam Mitchum (A): .290/.417/.449, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R Minor League Pitchers of the Month: SP Shane Webster (A): 28.2 IP, 4.08 ERA, 28 K, 1.29 WHIP RP Eric Baer (A): 11.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 9 K, 0.91 WHIP SP Gabe Perez (AA): 30 IP, 3.00 ERA, 27 K, 1.40 WHIP |
https://i.imgur.com/ztcIxZ6.png
Thought this was a cool game... Evan Downey didn't need to be sharp in his debut as we put up 18 runs on 20 hits. Downey was great, allowing just 2 runs in 6 innings, but it didn't really matter. Everyone who picked up a bat drove in at least one run, which I have never seen before. Denver's starter left after one batter with a blister, and they ran out of pitching by the 7th inning. Their position players didn't even do that bad, but every reliever they brought in got shelled. Hopefully we save some of these runs for later on this season! |
Mid-May 2025 Update:
Record: 16-20 (2nd, 2 GB) An 8-6 start to May has gotten us right back in contention, and with the rest of the month being against Midwest Division teams, the next two weeks should be a good indicator of where we stand. Despite losing slugger Myles Fenty to injury, the offense has really picked up in May. Alex Roberts has done nicely filling in at DH (.289/.373/.422 in May), while Jose Tapia continues to hit the ball well as the starting first baseman. Corey Neu has also started to figure it out at the plate, as he has posted a .390 on base percentage in May after a disastrous April. Pitching has continued to be a mess, as consistency has been hard to come by. Sergio Torres allowed just 3 runs in a nice stretch of 19.2 innings, but he got shelled for 10 hits and 5 runs in his last outing. The same can be said about Andy Castillo, who followed up a 7 inning shutout with back to back starts of less than 4 innings. The bullpen has improved recently, but it hasn't always been enough to make up for bad starts. Injury Report: C Pedro Guzman strained his hamstring while legging out a double, and he will miss 5 weeks. Michael Decker takes over as the starting catcher, and we purchased the contract of C Ivan Gonzalez from AAA. The 24-year old was hitting .250/.333/.344 in the minors. Transactions: The 5th spot in the starting rotation has shuffled around quite a bit this month. Curt Koonts has struggled in that role, so he has been sent back to the bullpen, where he had success last year. Matt Stotler made a spot start, but he was hit hard and was sent back to AAA. For now, Bryan Fetty will enter the rotation. The 24-year old had a 5.34 ERA in AAA, but had an impressive 28/10 K/BB ratio in 32 innings. RP Steve Steen was waived and sent to AAA. Steen struggled to a 7.41 ERA in 17 innings this year. This move was to accomodate the addition of Curt Koonts to the bullpen. We claimed RP Gustavo Robles on waivers from the St. Louis Shockers. The 21-year old has split time between AAA and the big leagues this year, and has pitched pretty well after missing most of 2024 with a shoulder injury. For now, he has been sent to AAA. 1B Jose Ariza has announced that he will retire after the season. Keeping Ariza around is a difficult choice, because while he has done nothing at the plate (.123/.167/.274 with 3 HR), he is a great leader in the clubhouse. For now, we don't desperately need a roster spot, but his time in Columbus may be running out. Around the League: -Waves LF Scott Head hit 3 home runs in a 10-5 win over the Jackals. Head is on his way to another MVP season, as he already has 22 home runs in just 36 games. -Vandals SP David Rogers shut out the Classics, striking out 12 and walking none. Rogers is 4-2 with a 2.32 ERA in 50.1 innings. -Gamblers RP Roberto Coello is out for the year with a torn UCL. Coello had a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings this season. -Heroes SP Brandon Willoughby tossed a shutout against the Spartans, surrendering just 3 hits. Willoughby is 4-0 with a 3.64 ERA. -Impact 1B Josh Vinson hit 3 home runs against the Seals. The 33-year old hasn't lived up to last year, but he is still hitting .269 with 12 home runs and 29 RBI. -Scouts RP Omar Guerrero is expeceted to miss 4-5 months with a shoulder injury. The 26-year old was enjoying a breakout year, as he allowed just 1 earned run in his first 19.1 innings of work. https://i.imgur.com/5Zg73Mq.png |
May 2025 Update:
Record: 23-28 (2nd, 5 GB) https://i.imgur.com/pZbUgIB.png https://i.imgur.com/R0Z9QD6.png A 4-game sweep over the Naturals got us back to an even record, but a 3-8 slide to finish the month puts the Classics back in the hole. Ben Grates has continued to be the offensive MVP, as he hit .345 with 5 home runs for the month. 2B Manny Batres also stepped up in a big way, hitting .337, and putting up a .413 on base percentage. Otherwise the offense has been pretty quiet - especially Tony Palacios, who had just a .491 OPS in May after a hot April. Evan Downey gave us the highlight of the month, as he pitched the team's first shutout of the season against the Naturals. So far the back end of the rotation has been pathetic at times, so it would be huge if Downey establishes himself as a good starter. Min-ho Lee led the way on the mound overall, as his consistent pitching led to another EL Pitcher of the Month Award. May's top reliever was Marcos Archuleta, who allowed just 1 earned run in 12 innings. Transactions: 1B Jose Ariza was released, as his cold streak continued throughout the month. Ariza had a .128/.172/.267 slash line in 25 games, and with no defensive value there wasn't any reason to keep him on the roster. SS Robert Reyes has been killing the ball in the minors, so he has been called up in place of 3B Chris Rathert, who received a brief stint with Columbus after Ariza's release. Reyes will get a chance to start at shortstop, as Tony Palacios has been awful over the last few weeks. Injury Report: DH Myles Fenty has started a rehab assignment in AAA, and should return within a week. RP Julio Lambruschini spent the minimum 10 days on the IL with a minor back injury, and has returned to the USBL team. Danny Gaona was called up in his absence, and pitched well in 3 appearances. SP Bryan Fetty suffered a shoulder injury in his first USBL appearance, and has been sent to the Injured List. Matt Stotler was called up in his place, but was sent down after making two starts. Jimmy Embleton has been pitching well in the minors since his initial demotion, and for now he will take over the 5th spot in the starting rotation. Around the League: -Foxes SP Bill Mattes is out for the year with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow. The 2024 EL All-Star was 3-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 8 starts. -Impact SP Derrick Jensen threw a shutout against the Seals, striking out 10. Jensen has a 3.59 ERA in 67.2 innings, striking out 71. -Vipers LF Russ Rock is out 3-4 weeks with a strained oblique. The 35-year old is hitting .338, after hitting .391 in just 215 at bats a season ago. -Scorpions LF Bobby Young is out 3 weeks with a torn hamstring. The 28-year old rookie is hitting .277/.389/.535 with 9 home runs after coming to the USBL from an independent league. -Monarchs SP Alex Jimenez shut out Columbus, strikng out 5. Jimenez has a 2.88 ERA in 10 starts. -Spartans 2B Trevor Damm went 5-5 against the Heroes in a 10-6 win. Damm missed the beginning of the season with a strained hamstring, but is batting .394 in his first 27 games of the season. https://i.imgur.com/2WObjcC.png WL Batter of the Month: Impact 1B Josh Vinson: .344 AVG, 12 HR, 22 RBI, 27 R EL Batter of the Month: Waves 1B Scott Head: .360 AVG, 16 HR, 40 RBI, 25 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Foxes SP Alexis Fregoso: 43.2 IP, 1.65 ERA, 48 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Classics SP Min-ho Lee: 39.2 IP, 2.27 ERA, 32 K WL Rookie of the Month: Emeralds RF Jim Pierce: .411 AVG, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 13 R EL Pitcher of the Month: Spartans SP Jim Pasnik: 35.1 IP, 2.80 ERA, 21 K Columbus Organization Awards: Batter of the Month: RF Ben Grates: .345/.381/.571, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 8 2B, 3 SB Pitcher of the Month: SP Min-ho Lee: 39.2 IP, 2.27 ERA, 32 K, 0.93 WHIP Minor League Batters of the Month: 1. CF Shane Sehnert (A): .404/.509/.638, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 11 R, 3 SB 2. SS Robert Reyes (AAA): .318/.400/.545, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 14 R 3. 2B David Hinjosa (AAA): .268/.381/.439, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 12 R, 2 SB Minor League Pitchers of the Month: 1. Javier Samaniego (A): 44.1 IP, 2.03 ERA, 45 K, 0.88 WHIP 2. Mario Segura (AAA): 41.2 IP, 1.30 ERA, 38 K, 0.94 WHIP 3. Anthony Roy (AA): 35.1 IP, 2.04 ERA, 37 K, 1.02 WHIP |
Mid-June 2025 Update:
Record: 29-35 (2nd, 6 GB) June has been inconsistent, but a 3 game winning streak has brought this month's record to 6-7. Myles Fenty has been decent in his return (.810 OPS with 3 HR), but outside of him and Ben Grates, the offense has continued to struggle. The only other bright spot has been Adan Corella, who is slugging .636 since entering the starting lineup for an injured William Lizarraga. It's unlikely that Corella will continue hitting this well for long, but it is encouraging after a poor start to the season from him. Surprisingly, the back of the rotation has picked up the slack of late. Andy Castillo has allowed 3 earned runs or less in 4 consecutive starts, and Jimmy Embleton tossed our second shutout of the season against the Scouts. Min-ho Lee has also followed up his Pitcher of the Month award by allowing just 1 earned run in his first two starts of June. Injury Report: SP Min-ho Lee was removed from his last start with a strained abdomen, but his injury is not considered serious, and he will likely miss only one start. SP Evan Downey missed two weeks with a mild shoulder strain, but he has returned to the rotation and will start in the next series against San Antonio. Mario Segura was called up in his place, but struggled in 2 starts (7 earned runs in 9 IP). CF William Lizarraga has been placed on the IL with back stiffness, and he will likely miss the rest of June. OF Myeong-hwan Park has been called up in his place, and he has done well in his short time with Columbus (5-12 in 4 games). Transactions: OF Alex Roberts was optioned to AAA when Myles Fenty returned from the IL. Roberts hasn't done much at the plate, and with his poor defense and speed he isn't very useful on the bench if he isn't hitting. Around the League: -Comets SP Crispino Rodriguez is out for the year with a torn labrum. He has struggled to a 5.89 ERA in 11 starts after going 10-8 in 2024. -The Robins sent CF Jeremy Rodriguez to the Comets for LF Ivan Paredez and a minor league pitcher. Rodriguez was hitting .269 with 2 home runs, and Paredes was hitting .311 with 5 home runs. -The Spartans traded RP Jim Hudson to the Heroes in exchange for three prospects. Hudson is still recovering from a torn UCL, but last year had a 2.78 ERA for Richmond. -Naturals RP Jeremy Shaw is out for the year with a shoulder injury. Shaw had a 4.02 ERA in his first season in Indianapolis. -The Monarchs signed SP Davon Wooldridge to a 7 year extension worth $142 million. Wooldridge only received a 1 year deal due to injury concerns, but the 29-year old has a 3.50 ERA in 13 starts. -Explorers SP Adam Moody threw a shutout against the Seals, allowing just 3 hits. Moody has a 4.81 ERA to go with his 5-6 record. https://i.imgur.com/aBFgswC.png Draft Results: 1. SP Adam Burnham (COL) 2. CF Manuel Alvarez (COL) 3. SP Nick Anderson (COL) 4. SS Javier Artiles (COL) 5. SP Sam Kaiser (COL) 6. SS Kelvin Gibson (HS) 7. SP Eddie Norris (HS) 8. SP Shawn Harris (HS) 9. C Steve Auteri (HS) 10. SS Gene Kane (COL) 11. RF Kyle Bruno (COL) 12. RP Keith Moore (COL) 13. 2B David Mancebo (COL) 14. SP Craig Silberg (COL) 15. 1B Cameron Torre (COL) 16. 2B Justin Page (COL) 17. C Mike Daniels (HS) 18. SP Adam Pagan (COL) 19. 1B Tom Fisher (HS) 20. CF Mike DuBois (HS) |
June 2025 Update:
Record: 34-43 (2nd, 9 GB) https://i.imgur.com/Enfhwdj.png https://i.imgur.com/pwp3mLb.png Making the playoffs seems pretty unlikely at this point, so we're likely going to be sellers as the Trade Deadline approaches this month. Interestingly, we're starting to score more runs as the first five men in our batting order (Corella, Lizarraga, Grates, Fenty, Tapia) all have batting averages above .300. Adan Corella in particular really turned things around, as the rookie hit .377/.415/.558 in June, receiving much more playing time after William Lizarraga went down. Now that Lizarraga is back, we have shifted Ron Goldman to shortstop, to get both of our speedy outfielders in the lineup. The bullpen got absolutely destroyed in June, as we had 3 pitchers with an ERA above 5 for the month. The starters have been doing fine, but Evan Downey has been the only one to stand out, as the 23-year old allowed just 2 runs in 4 June starts. Downey hasn't been a strikeout pitcher in 2025, but he's starting to look like someone that can stick around in our rotation. Injury Report: OF William Lizarraga was activated from the IL, and we sent SS Robert Reyes to AAA. Reyes did nothing with his shot in the starting lineup, hitting just .159/.264/.175 in 21 games. C Pedro Guzman has been activated from the IL, and Ivan Gonzalez has been sent down to AAA. Gonzalez showed great plate discipline in his short time with Columbus, drawing 6 walks in just 35 plate appearances. Guzman has hit the ball well in his return, going 5-11 in his first three games back. SP Jared Hooper has recently started a rehab assignment after missing the first few months of the year with a ruptured finger tendon. Around the League: -Scorpions SS Ben Bishop is out for the year with a broken elbow. Bishop hit .321/.360/.410 with 28 RBI in his first season with San Antonio. -The Owls traded RP John Fodor to the Vandals for a minor league pitching prospect. Fodor had an ERA of 2.25 with the Owls, striking out 42 batters in 32 innings pitched. -The Robins traded 1B Joel Manous to the Emeralds for RP Dave Jimenez and a minor league pitcher. Manous was hitting .235/.335/.417 with 9 home runs, while Jimenez had a 3.33 ERA in 27 innings. -Robins RP and former Classic Eric Cottle is out for the year with a torn UCL. Cottle had a 3.86 ERA with 38 punch outs in 28 innings. -Jackals SS Kyle Buckwalter is out for the year with a fractured elbow. He finishes the season batting .341/.397/.449 with 2 home runs. -Owls LF Ryan Fertig will miss 4 weeks with a strained shoulder. Fertig is among the league leaders with a .371 average, to go with 8 home runs in 40 games. -Impact 3B Sean Clements is out for the season with a broken kneecap. Clements struggled to a .226 average after hitting 20 home runs a year ago. -Vipers 3B Manny Rodriguez went 5-5 in a win against the Heroes. The 24-year old is batting .267 with 5 home runs in 2025. -Foxes SP Jason Epperson is out for the year with a ruptured UCL. Epperson had a 3.54 ERA in 9 starts. https://i.imgur.com/6x09F94.png WL Batter of the Month: Comets 2B Salvador Rico: .396 AVG, 10 HR, 37 RBI, 23 R EL Batter of the Month: Vipers RF Rich Pecina: .416 AVG, 12 HR, 28 RBI, 25 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Thunderbirds SP Willie Hernandez: 38.1 IP, 1.41 ERA, 42 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Explorers SP Ji Hsu: 44.1 IP, 1.22 ERA, 47 K WL Rookie of the Month: Emeralds RF Jim Pierce: .383 AVG, 1 HR, 16 RBI EL Rookie of the Month: Naturals 1B Tyler Renfro: .351 AVG, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 19 R Columbus Organization Awards: Batter of the Month: DH Myles Fenty: .326/.390/.609, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 14 R Pitcher of the Month: SP Evan Downey: 20.1 IP, 0.89 ERA, 9 K, 0.93 WHIP Minor League Batters of the Month: CF Jimmy Batt (AA): .316/.432/.541, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 21 R, 7 SB CF Victor Aleman (AA): .278/.412/.485, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 16 R, 7 SB 2B David Hinojsa (AAA): .294/.400/.400, 2 HR, 10 rbi, 11 R Minor League Pitchers of the Month: SP Shane Webster (A): 39.0 IP, 2.08 ERA, 50 K, 0.85 WHIP SP Stephon Russel (AAA): 37.1 IP, 1.21 ERA, 32 K, 0.86 WHIP SP Chris Rhoades (AAA): 31.2 IP, 1.99 ERA, 34 K, 0.88 WHIP |
All Star Break 2025 Update:
Record: 42-47 (T-2nd, 7 GB) Just after I had written this team off, we finish the first half by going 8-2 on a homestand against the Eastern Division. Ben Grates has been the MVP during that time frame, as his .383/.453/.638 slash line in July solidified his first All Star game appearance. Pedro Guzman has also continued to mash since returning from injury, hitting .353 in 9 games this month. After getting temporarily benched, 2B Manny Batres has also heated up at the plate, going 9-20 with a home run in his return to the lineup. Our hot streak is even more impressive when you consider how bad the rotation has been over that time. Outside of Min-ho Lee, pretty much everyone else turned in poor outings. For the first time all year, the bullpen really stepped up: especially Jeremy Townsend and Jake Jones, who have not allowed a run in July. Dylan Daniels has also been a great fireman, coming in for multiple innings when our starters get knocked out early. Injury Report: Julio Lambruschini hit the IL with a minor calf strain, but he will return after the All Star break. Danny Gaona will likely head back down, which is unfortunate because he has been pitching well. However, I like having Curt Koonts on the USBL roster because of his ability to pitch multiple innings, which is necessary with our inconsistent rotation. Jared Hopper has pitched 6.2 innings in AAA, striking out 3 and allowing 2 runs. We aren't in a huge rush to call him up, so he might stay in AAA past the end of his rehab assignment. Transactions: Jimmy Embleton has been sent back to AAA after three bad starts in a row, ballooning his ERA to 6.98. Despite pitching a shutout earlier this season, his time as a starter may be over this season. Stephon Russell has taken over the 5th spot in the rotation, and he was solid in his first start, giving up just one run in 5.1 innings. 2B Jordan Limas has been traded to the Scorpions for minor league SP Danny Chavez. Limas hasn't been getting a ton of playing time with the emergence of Manny Batres, and Chavez might be able to help out our struggling starting rotation. The 25-year old has spent all year in AAA, where he has posted a 2.89 ERA, striking out 93 in 90.1 innings. Chavez will start out in AAA for our organization, but he may receive a call to the USBL if someone gets injured. As a result of the trade, 2B David Hinojosa has been called up to the Classics. He will fill in at 2B and SS after hitting .266/.364/.380 in AAA so far this season. OF/1B Myeong-hwan Park has been sent down to AAA, and we have called up the speedy outfielder Jose Chapparo. The 25-year old has hit .251/.307/.364 with 4 home runs and 21 stolen bases in AAA this year. Around the League: -Naturals LF Jeremy Stuart's hitting streak ended at 22 games against the Waves. Stuart is hitting .365 on the season, and has suddenly emerged as one of the best young contact hitters in baseball. -Naturals RF Jim Rolston had a 6-6 day in a win over the Vupers, raising his average to .321 in 2025. Rolson also has 18 home runs with 74 runs driven in. -Gamblers SP Damian Mendoza is out for the year with a shoulder injury. The 23-year old was 3-6 with a 4.09 ERA. -Comets LF Rafael Cervantes went 5-5 against the Foxes, leading Spokane to an 11-0 victory. Cervantes has declined this year, but he is still hitting .273/.398/.521 with 17 home runs. -Salukis RF Austin Nickerson went 5-5 in a win over the Waves. Nickerson is hitting .346 in his first season with Rhode Island. -The Waves traded SS Craig Leh (.261/.325/.348) to Tulsa for SP Corey Baker (5.61 ERA, 93 IP, 81 K). -Vipers C Alex Bonilla ended his hitting streak at 22 games in a loss against the Shockers. Bonilla has taken a huge step forward this year, as the 24-year old is hitting .304 with 10 home runs. -Thunderbirds SP Nate Girgenti shut out the Vandals, striking out 8. Girgenti is 7-8 with a 3.13 ERA after leading the Western League with a 2.03 ERA in 2024. Western League All Stars: https://i.imgur.com/Rbn0mek.png https://i.imgur.com/DaFJN1U.png Eastern League All Stars: https://i.imgur.com/kMoI9C4.png https://i.imgur.com/S2AjbIJ.png |
July 2025 Update:
Record: 46-56, 3rd (8.5 GB) https://i.imgur.com/V635PcE.png https://i.imgur.com/oq3q0OY.png Injuries and trades ravaged the Classics' roster, and the team's record suffered after the All Star game as a result. Out of players currently active, 2B Manny Batres probably had the best month, but he only put up a .798 OPS. Adan Corella's hot streak seems to be over for the time being, as he hit just .255/.298/.286 in July after a great June. The bullpen has also been in flux for Columbus, as multiple players were called up during the month. Lefty Mike Roberts probably had the most success, allowing just 1 earned run in his first 2.2 innings. Stephon Russell also came up and did well at the back of the rotation, pitching to a 2.50 ERA in 3 starts. Injury Report: RF Ben Grates suffered a sprained knee, and he will likely miss the entire month of August. Grates was having a breakout season after making his first All-Star appearance, and now the Classics will have to look elsewhere for offense. OF Myeong-hwan Park has been called up, and Ron Goldman has shifted to the outfield. David Hinjosa and Tony Palacios are splitting time at shortsop, but neither has done much to claim a full-time starting spot. The injuries continued, as DH Myles Fenty will miss a month with a strained groin. As a result of this injury, 3B Chris Rathert has been called up, and he has done well as a DH and third baseman. RP Curt Koonts hit the IL with a sore back, but he should return to the bullpen soon. Steve Steen was recalled after putting up great numbers in AAA, but he was rocked for 6 runs in the final game of the month. Transactions: Lefty reliever Jeremy Townsend was traded to San Antonio for minor league SP Edgar Almaraz. Almaraz is 28, and although he has struggled this year, he put up a solid 4.13 ERA in 32 starts last season with the Scorpions. RP Dylan Daniels was traded to the Bobcats in exchange for a package of 3 minor leaguers. Most notably, Columbus acquired 25-year old SP Juan Dominguez, who has a 3.45 ERA and 105 strikeouts in AAA this year. https://i.imgur.com/jy5Y5Ay.png Around the League: -The Owls traded 1B Pat Weaver to Austin for a group of 3 minor leaguers. Weaver hit .237 with Memphis on the year, smacking 14 home runs. -Foxes SP Alexis Fregoso no-hit the Waves, leading his team to a 4-0 victory. Fregoso has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this year, recording a 1.55 ERA and striking out 178 batters. -Explorers SP Ji Hsu shut out the Scouts, striking out 8 and allowing just 3 hits. Hsu has a 2.31 ERA to go with his 12-2 record in 2025. -Bobcats 2B Goffredo Dichio put up a 20-game hitting streak, increasing his batting average to .259 on the year. -Salukis CF Joe Devine went 5-5 against the Vandals. The former 15th overall pick is hitting .253 with 9 home runs on the season. -The Vandals traded RP Carlos Miranda (4.14 ERA) and a prospect to the Gamblers for RF Tommy Halbert (.245/.348/.428, 8 HR). WL Batter of the Month: Comets LF Rafael Cervantes - .367 AVG, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 26 R EL Batter of the Month: Explorers 1B Bob Roberts - .300 AVG, 14 HR, 28 RBI, 21 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Comets SP Michael Simpkins - 36 IP, 1.75 ERA, 31 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Salukis SP Billy Boltz - 37.2 IP, 0.72 ERA, 36 K WL Rookie of the Month: Scorpions LF Bobby Young - .348 AVG, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 15 R EL Rookie of the Month: Waves SP Mario Aguirre - 34.1 IP, 3.15 ERA, 23 K Classics Awards: Batter of the Month: RF Ben Grates: .338/.393/.623, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 15 R Pitcher of the Month: RP Jeremy Townsend: 8.2 IP, 1.04 ERA, 13 K, 0.92 WHIP, 1 SV Minor League Batters of the Month: 1. 3B Glen Gault (AAA) - .317/.363/.525, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 15 R, 3 SB 2. CF Jimmy Batt (AA) - .315/.364/.444, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 16 R, 3 SB 3. CF Leo Chromy (S A) - .270/.381/.427, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 10 R, 2 SB Minor League Pitchers of the Month: 1. SP Javier Samaniego (A) - 34 IP, 2.65 ERA, 32 K, 1.18 WHIP 2. SP Danny Chavez (AAA) - 32.2 IP, 1.38 ERA, 30 K, 0.92 WHIP 3. SP Jason Ruttenbur (S A) - 33.1 IP, 4.32 ERA, 31 K, 1.44 WHIP |
Mid August 2025 update:
Record: 53-63 (12 GB, 3rd) Despite losing its two best hitters, the Classics have managed to play .500 ball in the first half of August. Chris Rathert has raked as the full-time starter at third base, slashing .286/.435/.531 with 4 home runs. Jose Chaparro has also provided a spark at the top of the lineup, hitting .283/.327/.457 with 5 doubles and 5 stolen bases. The rest of the lineup hasn't accomplished much, and 1B Jose Tapia has seen reduced playing time with just a .232 average in the month. Starting pitching has been a strength at the top of the rotation, as Min-ho Lee and Sergio Torres have each turned in three decent starts this month. Ramon Salazar has also been excellent at the end of the bullpen, saving 5 games and allowing just 1 run in 6.1 innings. The biggest disappointment has been Evan Downey, who has allowed 8 runs (5 earned) in two recent starts since returning from a brief stint on the Injured List. Injury Report: RP Jared Hooper suffered a toe injury that will keep him out a week, but this allowed Jake Jones to return from a minor injury. 2B Manny Batres is out for possibly the remainder of the season with a hamstring strain. This really hurts our lineup, as David Hinjosa has been pretty miserable at the plate since getting called up (.182/.233/.182). Unfortunately, the alternative Tony Palacios isn't hitting much better, so this will likely continue to be a weak spot. C Ivan Gonzalez has been called up, but has struggled going 0-13 in his first 4 games since returning to Columbus. This move has shifted Pedro Guzman to first base occasionally. Transactions: SP Stephon Russell ran off a few great starts in a row after getting called up, but his luck seems to be out as he was optioned to AAA. The recently-acquired Edgar Almaraz has been called up after a few good starts in AAA, and he will take over as the #5 starter. Around the League: -Gamblers pitcher Alex Gonzalez shut out the Foxes, striking out 3 and walking just 1. Gonzalez is pitching much better than last year (5.23 ERA), as he is 14-8 with a 3.74 ERA in 2025. -Comets SS Aaron Balic went 5-5, leading his team to a crazy 22-10 win over Los Angeles. Balic is hitting .318 with 11 home runs on the season. -Jackals SP Sam Tomlin tossed a no-hitter against the Scorpions, leading Austin to a 1-0 victory. Tomlin has had a breakout season in 2025, pitching to a 2.68 ERA at age 24. -Explorers SP Ji Hsu is out 5-6 weeks with a strained oblique. Hsu is 13-2 with a 2.43 ERA, striking out 156 batters in 159 innings. -Emeralds 2B Brendan Bentley went 5-5 against the Gamblers, raising his season average to .346. -Foxes LF Matt Garcia ended his hitting streak at 21 games, going 0-4 against the Bobcats. Garcia is hitting .276/.348/.402 with 10 home runs. -Foxes CF Chris Day went 5-5 against the Gamblers in a 15-10 win. The 2024 6th overall pick is hitting .281 with 10 home runs in his rookie season. https://i.imgur.com/dM7qZfx.png |
Record: 60-71 (19 GB, 2nd)
https://i.imgur.com/dnWXyTA.png https://i.imgur.com/4kClT7A.png August looked like it would be a disastrous month without Ben Grates and Myles Fenty, but the Classics managed to keep their place in the standings and play just one game below .500 for the month. Rookie outfielder Jose Chaparro led the way on offense, hitting for a sizzling .391 batting average, and stealing 11 bases. Chris Rathert provided the most power, hitting 5 home runs in August as the everyday third baseman. Ivan Gonzalez also turned things around at the plate, hitting .259/.362/.483 with 3 home runs and 17 RBIs. Min-ho Lee had another great month as our ace, pitching 37.1 innings and allowing only 11 earned runs. Other than closer Ramon Salazar and lefty Mike Roberts, the bullpen largely struggled during the month, as the staff is much weaker after the Trade Deadline. A few arms have been added with Roster Expansion occurring at the beginning of September, so hopefully that will improve our numbers at the end of the season. Injury Report: We got bad news about RF Ben Grates, as he is still not ready to return to the lineup with a knee injury. Luckilly, the starting outfielders (Chaparro, Corella, and Lizarraga) have been playing well, but without Grates there is almost no power in the lineup. DH Myles Fenty should be ready to go soon as he recovers from a strained groin, and he will likely replace Jose Tapia in the lineup, who has struggled of late. SP Andy Castillo was removed from his last start with a back injury, but he should return to the rotation after spending 10 days on the Injured List. 2B David Hinjosa is day-to-day with an elbow strain, but he should still see occassional playing time in the infield. Tony Palacios is starting to play much better, so he has taken most of Hinjosa's playing time. Transactions: The following pitchers have been called up as a result of September 1st Roster Expansion: RHP Matt Stotler LHP Josh Lawrence RHP Juan Dominguez RHP Gustavo Robles RHP Mario Segura LHP Stephon Russell Around the League: Heroes SS Danny Camacho went 5-5 against the Explorers, improving his season average to .306. Impact LF Josh Miracle recorded 5 hits against the Gamblers, and he is now hitting .337 with 9 home runs. Explorers CF Hector Sanchez is expected to miss the rest of the season with a concussion. Sanchez hit .299 in his first season with New Orleans, driving in 40 runs. Jackals SP Sam Tomlin will miss the rest of the regular season with a strained rotator cuff. The 24-year old is 14-6 with a 2.61 ERA, striking out 149 batters. WL Batter of the Month: Comets LF Rafael Cervantes: .378 AVG, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 20 R EL Batter of the Month: Heroes RF Nick Kitzler: .387 AVG, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 32 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Thunderbirds SP Nate Girgenti: 38.2 IP, 2.56 ERA, 35 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Monarchs SP Davon Wooldridge: 44.2 IP, 1.81 ERA, 27 K WL Rookie of the Month: Comets 1B Matt Stephens: .282 AVG, 10 HR, 27 RBI EL Rookie of the Month: Waves SP Mario Aguirre: 36.1 IP, 2.23 ERA, 20 K https://i.imgur.com/PRHuQk3.png Classics Awards: Hitter of the Month: LF Jose Chaparro: .391/.419/.491, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 23 R, 11 SB Pitcher of the Month: SP Min-ho Lee: 37.1 IP, 2.65 ERA, 34 K, 1.04 WHIP |
Mid-September 2025 update:
Record: 66-78 (22 GB, 2nd) The race for second place has continued to heat up in the Midwest Division, as Chicago has officially clinched the division title for the second year in a row. The Classics have gotten a surprising boost from the middle infield, as Ron Goldman and Tony Palacios have been two of the best hitters down the home stretch. Ben Grates returned from his injury, but has only 2 hits in 16 at bats since coming back. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, several different pitchers have started a game during the last two weeks. Stephon Russell has had the most success, as he struck out 10 batters in a 6 inning spot start. Sergio Torres has also pitched well despite recording an 0-1 record, as he has a 1.64 ERA in 11 September innings. Injury Report: DH Myles Fenty only lasted two games after returning from the IL, as a fractured kneecap will end his season. Fenty will likely retire at age 42, as his vesting option will not be picked up for 2026. SP Min-ho Lee is out for the season with shoulder inflammation, but he should make a full recovery in time for Spring Training. The knuckleballer stayed healthy throughout most of the season, and finishes the year with 13 wins and a 3.22 ERA. Transactions: We signed RF Ben Grates to a 6-year extension worth $30 million, which will keep him in Columbus through the 2031 season. This contract gives Grates a raise next season, and buys out what would have been his first year of free agency. Around the League: -Owls LF Ryan Fertig went 5-5 against the Classics, raising his season average to .323. Fertig has 19 home runs and 63 RBIs in 2025. -Salukis RF Austin Nickerson ended his hitting streak at 28 games in a game against Indianapolis. Nickerson is hitting .333 on the season, and also hit his first career home run in 2025. -Robins SP Wayne Senegal is out for the year with a torn flexor tendon. After a promising 2024, Senegal struggled to a 5.09 ERA this season. -Thunderbirds SP Willie Hernandez shut out the Foxes 4-0, as the lefty struck out 7. Hernandez has matched last season's win total with 13 victories, and has a 3.34 ERA. -Vandals 1B Dave McCabe recorded 5 hits in a win against the Shockers, increasing his average to .278 on the year. McCabe has 20 home runs and 81 runs driven in this year. -Jackals SP Bobby Semans shut out the Spartans, striking out 5 and walking nobody. Semans has a 4.04 ERA, striking out 132 in 29 starts. -Emeralds RP Israel Games is out for the season with an elbow injury. The 28-year old has been effective as a setup man, recording a 1.81 ERA. https://i.imgur.com/YJcNiqd.png |
End of Season 2025:
Record: 76-86 (2nd, 21 GB) https://i.imgur.com/jWib61T.png https://i.imgur.com/ht4Y1Qk.png https://i.imgur.com/ofZ5WXK.png https://i.imgur.com/LDGGNIi.png Year 2 is in the books, and despite falling out of the race early, the Classics managed to play well down the stretch to secure the 6th best record in the Eastern League. One of the most encouraging performances to end the season was completed by 3B Chris Rathert, who hit .300/.367/.542 with 5 home runs during the final month. He will definitely compete for a starting spot going into 2026, as he generally outplayed Corey Neu this season. Ron Goldman also tore the cover off the ball in September, hitting .370 in the final month, and putting a positive ending on a rather inconsistent season. We had to put together a patchwork rotation due to injuries, but overall the replacements held their own. Josh Lawrence in particular stood out, recording a 3.03 ERA in 32.2 innings. Stephon Russell also finished the season strong, striking out 27 in 23.1 innings. Injury Report: C Ivan Gonzalez sufferd a fractured thumb, and missed the final two weeks of the season. Around the League: -Explorers SP Israel Garcia shut out the Seals, giving up only 2 hits. Garcia finished the season with a 2.44 ERA, going 13-8. -Gamblers CF Yoshiie Shimasaki will miss part of next season, as he recovers from a torn labrum. In his first season, the 29-year old hit .271 with 20 home runs and 79 RBIs. -Explorers SP Kevin Murphy shut out the Waves, striking out 7. Murphy struggled to a 5.78 ERA, but finished the season strong in his final outing. -Comets 1B Han-wu Huie ended his 21 game hitting streak, and he finishes the year with a .282 average with exactly 100 runs driven in. -Heroes 1B Mike Boardman will miss the postseason, as he recovers from a strained PCL. Boardman took a step back in 2025, but the 38-year old slugger still batted an impressive .304 with 30 home runs. https://i.imgur.com/LTXiNEa.png WL Batter of the Month: Comets 1B Matt Stephens: .336 AVG, 11 HR, 26 RBI, 27 R EL Batter of the Month: Explorers 1B Bob Roberts: .333 AVG, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 22 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Jackals SP Jeff Rankin: 37.2 IP, 1.91 ERA, 22 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Robins SP Jose Cruz: 33.2 IP, 0.80 ERA, 41 K WL Rookie of the Month: Comets 1B Matt Stephens: Stats above EL Rookie of the Month: Robins RF Carlos Moss: .264 AVG, 12 HR, 27 RBI Columbus September Awards: Batter of the Month: 2B Ron Goldman: .370/.443/.543, 1 HR, 20 RBI, 11 R Pitcher of the Month: SP Stephon Russell: 23.1 IP, 3.09 ERA, 27 K, 1.24 WHIP |
2025 Playoffs:
Western League Division Series: Spokane Comets vs Omaha Emeralds Game 1: Comets defeat Emeralds 5-4 Game 2: Comets defeat Emeralds 10-3 Game 3: Comets defeat Emeralds 4-2, win series 3-0 Austin Jackals vs Oregon Impact Game 1: Jackals defeat Impact 5-2 Game 2: Impact defeat Jackals 4-0 Game 3: Impact defeat Jackals 4-3 Game 4: Jackals defeat Impact 3-2 Game 5: Impact defeat Jackals 3-0, win series 3-2 Eastern League Division Series: New York Heroes vs Chicago Monarchs Game 1: Heroes defeat Monarchs 3-1 Game 2: Heroes defeat Monarchs 4-0 Game 3: Heroes defeat Monarchs 6-0, win series 3-0 New Orleans Explorers vs Philadelphia Robins Game 1: Robins defeat Explorers 3-1 Game 2: Explorers defeat Robins 10-2 Game 3: Explorers defeat Robins 6-5 Game 4: Robins defeat Explorers 2-0 Game 5: Robins defeat Explorers 1-0, win series 3-2 Western League Championship Series: Spokane Comets vs Oregon Impact Game 1: Impact defeat Comets 5-3 Game 2: Comets defeat Impact 5-4 Game 3: Comets defeat Impact 6-1 Game 4: Comets defeat Impact 9-7 Game 5: Comets defeat Impact 3-0, win series 4-1 Series MVP: Nick Donahue Eastern League Championship Series: New York Heroes vs Philadelphia Robins Game 1: Robins defeat Heroes 2-1 Game 2: Heroes defeat Robins 7-2 Game 3: Robins defeat Heroes 6-3 Game 4: Robins defeat Heroes 5-3 Game 5: Robins defeat Heroes 5-2, win series 4-1 Series MVP: Vicente Flores USBL Finals Spokane Comets vs Philadelphia Robins Game 1: Robins defeat Comets 5-4 Game 2: Robins defeat Comets 13-0 Game 3: Comets defeat Robins 10-9 Game 4: Comets defeat Robins 13-8 Game 5: Comets defeat Robins 9-4 Game 6: Comets defeat Robins 16-4, win series 4-2 Series MVP: Aaron Balic |
Arbitration Decisions:
(Age, 2025 stats) LHP Josh Lawrence (29, 32.2 IP, 3.03 ERA, 22 K, -0.1 WAR) - Lawrence pitched pretty well for us in September, but much of that was due to allowing a low BABIP. He's decent as minor league depth, but not really worth a major league deal, so he will be non-tendered. RHP Jared Hopper (34, 33.1 IP, 7.02 ERA, 21 K, -0.3 WAR) - Hopper missed the first half of the season with a finger injury, and never got in a rhythym after returning. He was decent in 2024, but he will be non-tendered. RHP Steve Steen (30, 41.2 IP, 0.65 ERA, 54 K, 1.3 WAR in AAA) - Steen dominated in AAA, but was downright awful in Columbus this year. He doesn't want to negotiate, and he will be non-tendered. 1B Jose Tapia (27, .278/.320/.348, 4 HR, 50 RBI, 76 wRC+, -0.8 WAR) - Tapia got off to a hot start this year, but his hitting is not nearly good enough as a poor defensive first baseman. He will probably be non-tendered, but he may return on a small deal. SS Robert Reyes (28, .235/.342/.321, 7 HR, 45 RBI, 103 wRC+, 2.1 WAR in AAA) - Decent numbers in AAA, but wants too much money. He'll be non-tendered. LF Alex Roberts (30, .266/.386/.386, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 137 wRC+, 2.1 WAR in AAA) - Roberts played pretty well last year, but spend almost all of 2025 in the minors. Non-tendered. CF William Lizarraga (28, .287/.332/.379, 7 HR, 56 RBI, 29 SB, 89 wRC+, 2.9 WAR) - Lizarraga is still a cheap asset, and is coming off a much-improved season. He will be signed one way or another, but due to our outfield depth he may be a candidate to be traded, to fill another hole in the lineup. Free Agent decisions: C Michael Decker (29, .277/.370/.376, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 88 wRC+, 1.2 WAR) - Decker surprisingly ended up as our best-hitting catcher after a great finish to the season. Since we have Pedro Guzman and Ivan Gonzalez returning, we probably won't sign him to a deal. RF Myles Fenty (42, .316/.393/.603, 18 HR, 58 RBI, 159 wRC+, 2.2 WAR) - Fenty will be remebered as the original star to the Classics franchise, but at his age and health, we just can't bring him back. Right now he wants too much money, but if he's willing to come back on a much smaller deal he could potentially be a dangerous bat off the bench. RHP Jake Jones (31, 77.1 IP, 3.72 ERA, 66K, 0.0 WAR) - Jones was a reliable innings eater in the bullpen, but he's nothing more than an average pitcher. We have plenty of depth in the minors, so we'll probably just let Jones go. RHP Julio Lambruschini (41, 76.1 IP, 5.07 ERA, 32 K, -0.2 WAR) - Bad presence in the clubhouse, and we couldn't release him without paying his vesting option. Good riddance. SS Tony Palacios (32, .236/.295/.350, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 69 wRC+, 0.7 WAR) - Another bad clubhouse presence, at least he turned it on in September, but we'll look for a replacement in free agency. |
Great Glove Awards:
Western League: P: Derrick Jensen, ORE (2nd) C: Rob Wilson, SA (1st) 1B: Angelo Gonzalez, BOI (1st) 2B: Salvador Rico, SPO (1st) 3B: Tyan-yu Long, SJ (1st) SS: Manny Portillo, DEN (2nd) LF: Jacob Barnum, LV (1st) CF: Mike Flanigan, NM (1st) RF: Kyle Taylor, LA (1st) Eastern League: P: Brandon Willoughby, NY (1st) C: Alex Guevara, ORL (2nd) 1B: Adam Rhom, PHI (2nd) 2B: Leo Gomez, CHI (2nd) 3B: Danny Quinones, RI (2nd) SS: Brad Bierman, NO (1st) LF: Alex Caldera, ORL (1st) CF: Carlos Molina, RIC (2nd) RF: Ben Grates, COL (1st) Reliver of the Year: Western League: 1. Roger Doig, OMA 2. Josh Stepp, LV 3. Jonathan Jacobs, OMA 4. Israel Games, OMA 5. Raul Ronquillo, AUS 6. Jesus Cruz, AUS 7. Dorian Skinner, LV Eastern League: 1. Bryan Fowler, PHI 2. Freddie Knauf, CHI 3. Mark Roberge, CHI 4. John Traxel, ORL Platinum Stick Awards: Western League: C: Kyle Mulder, OMA (1st) 1B: Josh Vinson, ORE (2nd) 2B: Salvador Rico, SPO (2nd) 3B: Tyan-yu Long, SJ (1st) SS: Aaron Balic, SPO (2nd) LF: Rafael Cervantes, SPO (2nd) CF: Chris Day, DEN (1st) RF: Maurice Sullivan, DEN (2nd) DH: Giobbe Cipriani, ORE (1st) Eastern League: C: Pedro Reyes, STL (2nd) 1B: Scott Head, ORL (2nd) 2B: Brandon Goolsby, CHA (2nd) 3B: Andy Alderman, CHI (2nd) SS: Justin Harris, RI (2nd) LF: Russ Rock, CHA (1st) CF: Victor Aguilar, CHA (1st) RF: Nick Kitzler, NY (1st) DH: Jeremy Stuart, IND (1st) Manager of the Year: Western League: Jesse Edd, SPO Eastern League: Frank West, PHI Pitcher of the Year: Western League: 1. DEN SP Alexis Fregoso 2. LV SP Jim Gale 3. TUL SP Nate Girgenti 4. BOI SP Raul Felix 5. ORE SP Derrick Jensen 6. BOI SP Orlando Gonzalez 7. OMA SP Danny Leal 8. ORE SP Jake Guerra 9. OMA SP Ben Stabb 10. AUS SP Sam Tomlin Eastern League: 1. NO SP Israel Garcia 2. RI SP Billy Boltz 3. NO SP Cho-yun Ping 4. NY SP Jeremy Montz 5. CHI SP Davon Wooldridge 6. PHI SP Jose Cruz 7. NO SP Ji Hsu Most Valuable Player Award: Western League: 1. SPO 2B Salvador Rico 2. ORE 1B Josh Vinson 3. SPO SS Aaron Balic 4. OMA C Kyle Mulder 5. DEN RF Maurice Sullivan 6. SPO LF Rafael Cervantes 7. DEN SS Manny Portillo 8. DEN SP Alexis Fregoso 9. OMA LF Tim Barth 10. ORE CF Giobbe Cipriani 11. LV SP Jim Gale 12. AUS LF Antonio Ruiz 13. SA LF Bobby Young 14. ORE LF Josh Miracle 15. ORE RF Lee Chuang 16. OMA 2B Brendan Bentley 17. BOI SP Raul Felix 18. OMA RF Jim Pierce Eastern League: 1. NY RF Nick Kitzler 2. NO 1B Bob Roberts 3. ORL 1B Scott Head 4. PHI CF Tom Gillespie 5. CHI 3B Andy Alderman 6. CHA CF Victor Aguilar 7. NO SP Israel Garcia 8. NY 1B Mike Boardman 9. CHA RF Rich Pecina 10. RI SS Justin Harris 11. RI SP Billy Boltz 12. PHI 1B Adam Rhom 13. NO SP Cho-yun Ping 14. CHI 1B Jeremy Boyce 15. PHI SP Jose Cruz 16. CHA LF Russ Rock 17. STL C Pedro Reyes 18. CHI LF Victor Alvarenga 19. NO SP Ji Hsu 20. NY SS Danny Camacho 21. NY CF Joe Johnson 22. CHI SP Davon Wooldridge |
2025-2026 Offseason
Free Agency Filings through Rule 5 Draft Transactions: Traded 3B Chris Rathert and SS Arturo Montemayor for SP Pantaliao Eliseu and 1B Nate Nottage. San Jose was looking to cut payroll, and we jumped at the opportunity to acquire a talented starter. Last season, Eliseu had a 4.41 ERA in 190 innings pitched, striking out 159 and walking only 39. He'll be 31 years old, and is due to be a free agent, but we may try to extend his contract before the season begins. Traded CF William Lizarraga to the Scouts for 1B/OF Keith Rodriguez. Losing Lizarraga hurts, but we're hoping this was an opportunity to sell high. Rodriguez hit .313/.377/.481 in his age-31 season, and should add a lot of power to our lineup. Traded C Pedro Guzman to Chicago for minor league SP Alex Rodriguez, and minor league 3B John Blair. This was mostly done to free up payroll, but Rodriguez may be a quality lefty reliever or potential starter in the future. Drafted LHP Jonas Dingman in the Rule 5 draft from San Antonio. Dingman had a 2.30 ERA in AAA last year, striking out 106 in 74.1 innings. At 27, he's probably reached his potential, but we didn't have many good lefty arms in the system. Around the League: -The Owls traded RF Luis Pineda (.276/.331/.428, 18 HR) to the Shockers for SP Tim Weber (4.51 ERA, 173.2 IP). -The Monarchs traded 1B John Valenzuela (.231/.287/.392, 18 HR) to the Jackals for SS Ivan Vidal (.248/.315/.341, 5 HR). -The Thunderbirds traded two minor leaguers to the Waves for 3B Willie Nolasco (.264/.334/.382, 14 HR). -The Spartans signed the reigning WL MVP, 2B Salvador Rico to an 8-year deal worth $329 million. Last season, Rico hit .339/.422/.545 with 21 home runs and 125 RBIs. -The Emeralds signed the best pitcher available, 30-year old righty Brandon Willoughby, to a 6 year deal worth $190.9 million. Willoughby won 15 games with New York in 2025. -The Gamblers signed Aaron Balic (.340/.409/.505, 16 HR) to an 8-year deal worth $203.8 million. -The Robins signed RP John Traxel (1.71 ERA with Orlando) to a 3 year deal worth $20.7 million. -The Scoprions signed 3B Danny Ocampo to a 4 year deal worth $42.2 million. Ocampo hit .266 with 26 home runs for Omaha last season. -The Seals traded 1B Mike Boardman to a 2 year deal worth $36.8 million. Boardman hit 30 home runs in 2025 for the Heroes. -The Heroes signed 3B Elijah Fambro (.228/.361/.420, 21 HR) to a 2 year deal worth $27.2 million. -The Robins signed RF Jim Rolston (.313/.362/.521) to a 5 year deal worth $80.9 million. -The Heroes signed 1B Adam Rhom (.292/.404/.501) to a 2 year deal worth $34 million. -The Robins signed South Korean RP Su-chang Dokko to a 3 year deal worth $12.24 million. -The Gamblers signed Japanese 1B Takemi Yamasaki to a 4 year deal worth $58.4 million. -The Robins signed SS Danny Camacho (.303/.389/.447, 9 HR) to a 5 year deal worth $80.5 million. -Former Classics reliever Jeremy Townsend signed a 3 year deal worth $10 million to join the Gamblers. |
2025-2026 Offseason
Rule 5 Draft through Spring Training Transactions: Signed 1B Bob Roberts to a 5 year contract worth $149.5 million (opt out after year 2). After missing out on the other big free agents, we were able to bring in one of the game's premier power hitters. Roberts blasted 53 home runs with New Orleans last year, and he will hopefully be a force in the middle of a lineup that had no power a year ago. Signed RP Dylan Daniels to a 2 year contract worth $7.2 million. Daniels returns to Columbus after a successful 2025, and his ability to pitch multiple innings will be useful once again this year. Signed IF Patrick Perry to a 1 year contract worth $1.5 million. Perry hit .283/.333/.441 in part-time action last year with Tulsa, and he will be a useful player against right-handed pitching. Signed C Michael Decker to a 1 year contract worth $1 million. After trading Pedro Guzman, we needed a second catcher, and Decker was very solid as a backup in 2025. He'll compete for the starting role against Ivan Gonzalez in Spring Training. Signed SP Mike Brisson to a 1 year contract worth $.28 million. Brisson is likely to take a spot in the rotation with a good Spring, as he posted a 4.19 ERA for Oregon last year. Signed RF Carlos Rodriguez to a 1 year contract worth $7.8 million. The 37-year old veteran will likely serve as the team's primary DH against right-handed pitching, and he was great in 2025, hitting 33 home runs for the Comets in a comeback season. Due to these signings, we had to remove the following players from the 40-man roster: LHP Miguel Aguilar OF Juan Viera C Hector Meza 1B/OF Myeong-hwan Park Around the League: -The Heroes signed 40-year old 2B Chris Hart to a 2 year contract. Hart hit .245 with 18 home runs for the Monarchs last season. -The Robins signed RP Israel Games (1.81 ERA with Omaha) to a 3 year deal worth $23.2 million. -The Vandals signed 1B Dave McCabe (.281/.344/.480, 20 HR) to a 2 year deal worth $7.76 million. -OF/DH Myles Fenty signed with the Explorers on a 1 year deal worth $10.5 million, as he will be recovered from his knee injury in time for the season. -The Explorers traded three minor leaguers to the Owls for 1B Ewan Vermeulen (.284/.349/.429, 18 HR). -The Jackals signed South Korean OF Sang-hyuk Park to a 7 year deal worth $72 million. -The Waves traded LF Taketoshi Segawa (.304, 12 HR) to the Explorers for three minor leaguers. -The Seals signed SP Xavier Hayward (10-6, 4.16 ERA with LV) to a 1 year deal. -The Impact traded 3B Scott Cheek (.292/.363/.445) and a minor leaguer to the Spartans for 2B Trevor Damm (.335/.368/.486). -The Vipers traded 2B Travis Giovinazzo (.273/.357/.471, 19 HR) to the Monarchs for SP Alex Jimenez (203 IP, 3.68 ERA, 146 K) -The Waves signed RP Jonathan Jacobs (44 saves with Omaha) to a 3 year deal worth $22.9 million. -The Waves signed RHP Dan Lusk to a 1 year contract. The 38-year old missed last year with an injury, but had a 2.71 ERA in 2024. -The Heroes signed SP Justin Doane (5.09 ERA) to a 4 year contract worth $53.6 million. -The Robins signed SP Desiderio Courado (10-7, 3.26 ERA) to a 6 year contract worth $156.8 million. -The Vandals signed RF Justin Lysne (.302/.351/.496, 29 HR) to a 3 year deal worth $45.6 million. -The Heroes signed LF Shane Maddern (.311/.379/.433, 11 HR) to a 4 year deal worth $42.8 million. |
Spring Training 2026:
Around the League: -Jackals SP Sam Tomlin is out 4-5 months with an elbow injury. Tomlin had a great 2025 season, going 14-6 with a 2.61 ERA. -Foxes RF Maurice Sullivan is out 5 weeks with elbow tendinitis. Sullivan hit .336 with 28 home runs last year. -Owls LF Ryan Fertig is out 6 weeks with a strained shoulder. Fertig hit 23 home runs last year, driving in 71 with a .313 average. -Vipers SP Cameron Baker is out 4-5 months with a shoulder injury. Baker struggled to a 5.96 ERA last year, although he won 10 games. -Owls RP Dante Starkes is out 2-3 months with torn triceps. Starkes had a 2.36 ERA out of the bullpen last year. 2026 Opening Day Roster (Age, B/T, 2025 Stats) Starting Pitchers: Min-ho Lee (29, R, 167.2 IP, 3.22 ERA, 124 K) - Lee mostly stayed healthy last season, and the knuckleballer will once again be the ace of our rotation. Although he didn't repeat his brilliant 2024 season, he was still one of the most effective pitchers in the league. Pantaliao Eliseu (30, L, 190.0 IP, 4.41 ERA, 159 K with SJ) - Eliseu joins the Classics with one more year on his contract, and will hopefully pitch like someone that wants to earn a big paycheck at the end of the year. Eliseu is known as a finesse pitcher, with one of the most devestating changeups in baseball Sergio Torres (30, L, 175.1 IP, 4.41 ERA, 98 K) - Torres is another soft-tossing lefty, and his first season in Columbus was a moderate success. He can't go really deep into games, but he's great at avoiding big innings, as he only allowed 9 home runs last season. Evan Downey (24, R, 115.2 IP, 4.59 ERA, 64 K) - Downey's pinpoint control was on display in his rookie season, as the righty only allowed 29 walks. However, he served up 21 home runs, and will need to keep the ball in the park if he wants to have a better sophomore season. Mike Brisson (29, R, 174.0 IP, 4.19 ERA, 140 K with ORE) - Brisson is coming off a much improved season in 2025, and he projects to be a solid all-around pitcher. He doesn't throw a great breaking ball, but his cutter/changeup combo is good enough to compliment a mid-90s fastball. Relief Pitchers: Dylan Daniels (35, R, 82.2 IP, 2.83 ERA, 69 K with COL and BOI) - Daniels returns to Columbus after being traded last season, and will likely open the season as our closer with Ramon Salazar on the Injured List. Daniels is versatile enough to be used in multiple roles, as he is capable of pitching multiple innings. Marcos Archuleta (26, R, 74.0 IP, 4.38 ERA, 65) - Archuleta's first full season didn't blow anyone away, but he was consistent enough to spend the whole season in the majors. Nathan Ludwig (25, R, 67.1 IP, 3.34 ERA, 83 K in AAA) - Ludwig had a great season as the AAA closer, and he will get his first shot in The Show in 2026. He can touch 100 on the radar gun, and has the potential to be a lights-out strikeout pitcher. Jonas Dingman (27, L, 74.1 IP, 2.30 ERA, 106 K in AAA) - We took a shot on Dingman as a Rule 5 selection, as his minor league numbers were too good to pass up. With Mike Roberts injured to start the season, he will open as the best lefty out of the bullpen. Alex Rodriguez (27, L, 172.1 IP, 3.45 ERA, 172 K in AAA) - Acquired over the offseason, Rodriguez has pitched as a starter in the minors, but will begin this season as our second lefty reliever. Andy Castillo (26, R, 142.2 IP, 5.99 ERA, 91 K) - Castillo managed to make the team with a decent spring, but this time he will pitch out of the bullpen. Our scouts still like his potential, but after two lackluster seasons in the rotation, a change had to be made. Danny Chaves (25, R, 162.1 IP, 2.49 ERA, 155 K in AAA) - Chavez was great in AAA as a starter, but due to injuries he will claim the final spot in the USBL bullpen. If needed, he would be capable of making a spot start. Catchers: C/1B Ivan Rodriguez (24, S, .217/.318/.380, 4 HR) - Gonzalez played well in the minors last season, and will open as the primary catcher. His most impressive attribute is his eye, as he is great at taking walks (.367 OBP in AAA). C Michael Decker (29, R, .277/.330/.376, 3 HR) - Decker returned to the Classics after receiving little interest in free agency, and he is the ideal backup catcher with decent hitting and good defense. Infielders: 1B Bob Roberts (32, R, .320/.407/.645, 53 HR with NO) - Roberts was one of the best home run hitters in baseball last year, and he should add a lot of power to a lineup that struggled after Myles Fenty got injured. He might not repeat last year's 53 home run output, but he did hit 42 in 2024 with the Scouts. 2B Manny Batres (36, R, .262/.351/.341, 4 HR) - Batres was solid when healthy, but only managed to play 90 games after suffering a knee injury in August. He won't hit for any power, but a decent on-base percentage and good defense makes him a valuable starter. 3B Glen Gault (24, R, .294/.340/.447, 16 HR in AAA) - After a successful season in the minors, Gault will make his first appearance in the USBL this season. He won't play every day to begin the season, but he'll challenge Corey Neu for playing time if the veteran struggles like last year. 3B Corey Neu (31, R, .231/.326/.363, 13 HR) - Neu struggled for most of last season, and was benched for Chris Rathert down the stretch. Rathert is gone now, so Neu will get another chance to open the season as the starter at third base. IF Ron Goldman (29, R, .258/.336/.385, 10 HR) - Goldman can play just about anywhere on the diamond, but he'll open this season as the starting shortstop with the departure of Tony Palacios. Goldman was cold for a large part of the season, but ended the season as our best hitter in September, hitting well above .300. IF Patrick Perry (32, L, .283/.333/.441, 7 HR with TUL) - Perry has been decent in two seasons as a backup, and he'll serve that role here as a left-handed hitter off the bench. Outfielders: LF Jose Chaparro (26, L, .342/.367/.441, 4 HR, 17 SB) - Chaparro was the biggest surprise at the end of last season, and worked his way into the leadoff spot. As a result of our offseason acquisitions, his playing time will be reduced, but he is still very good contact hitter and baserunner. LF/1B Keith Rodriguez (32, R, .313/.377/.481, 20 HR with NM) - Rodriguez was acquired for William Lizarraga, and while this hurts our defense, his power and overall offense is a big improvement. CF Adan Corella (24, L, .272/.329/.368, 5 HR, 19 SB) - Corella's rookie season got off to a very slow start, but he finished the season as a solid everyday starter. Even when he isn't hitting, his excellent outfield defense makes him a solid player. RF Ben Grates (26, L, .309/.366/.535, 23 HR, 14 SB) - A knee injury cut Grates' first full season short, but last year the 26-year old made his first All Star game, and looks like a star in the making. RF Carlos Rodriguez (37, L, .264/.367/.501, 33 HR with SPO) - Rodriguez was brought in late in the offseason, and he will likely be our primary DH against right-handed pitching. He struggled in 2024, but hopefully the veteran still has something left in the tank. Injured List: Ramon Salazar (32, R, 63.2 IP, 3.53 ERA, 70 K, 28 SV) - Salazar suffered a sprained ankle that will keep him out for 1-2 weeks, but he should return as our closer by the end of April. Mike Roberts (28, L, 24.2 IP, 2.55 ERA, 23 K) - Roberts was expected to be our best lefty out of the bullpen, but elbow inflammation will keep him out for the first month of the season. Curt Koonts (28, R, 89.2 IP, 5.02 ERA, 63 K) - Koonts struggled after an excellent season in 2024, but he still has the potential to be a solid long reliever and spot starter. He'll miss the first two months with an elbow injury. Projected Lineups: vs RHP Corella CF K. Rodriguez LF Grates RF Roberts 1B C. Rodriguez DH Neu 3B Gonzalez C Goldman SS Batres 2B vs LHP Goldman SS K. Rodriguez LF Grates RF Roberts 1B Neu DH Gault 3B Decker C Batres 2B Corella CF |
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April 2026 Update:
Record: 17-6, 1st https://i.imgur.com/h9Oqc4t.png https://i.imgur.com/TEDsBBP.png After two years of mediocrity, we began 2026 with the best month in franchise history. We have the most runs scored, and the fewest allowed, so the hot start has been an all around effort. Our prized free agent, 1B Bob Roberts, took home the EL Hitter of the Month Award after a scorching hot April, and other newcomers Carlos Rodriguez and Keith Rodriguez also hit very well at the top of the lineup. The only position of weakness has been catcher, although Ivan Rodriguez did start to pick it up with a few home runs at the end of the month. Unfortunately, rookie 3B Glen Gault hasn't impressed so far, and he may be headed back to the minors if things don't turn around. Starting pitching has been inconsistent, but fortunately the bullpen has been outstanding. Min-ho Lee has been extremely strong as an ace, and Pantaliao Eliseu had a dominant start before suffering a minor injury. Ramon Salazar has come back strong after missing the first week with a sprained ankle, and other guys did well in the closer role in the meantime. Our two lefties, Alex Rodriguez and Jonas Dingman, have each been better than expected, and their ability to pitch multiple innings has been useful. Injury Report: SP Pantaliao Eliseu is out for one more week with a strained oblique. Juan Dominguez was called up from AAA, and he has turned in two nice starts. Depending on Evan Downey's next start, Dominguez may have a chance to stay in the rotation after Eliseu returns. RP Curt Koonts was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Dominguez in the 40 man roster. Around the League: -Gamblers SS Aaron Balic ended his hitting streak dating back to last season at 26 games. The big free agent signing is hitting .348 for his new team. -Emeralds SP Danny Leal tossed a shutout against the Scorpions, and is still perfect on the new season at 5-0. -Salukis SS Justin Harris is out for the year with a torn labrum. Last year Harris hit .307 with 23 home runs, but his season is over after just 29 at bats. -Heroes SP Jeremy Montz threw a shutout against the Monarchs, striking out 9. Last year, Montz had a 3.32 ERA with 13 wins. -Seals SP Jordan Gomez shut out the Impact, allowing just 4 hits. The veteran is off to a good start with his new team, pitching to a 3.34 ERA. -Thunderbirds SP Willie Hernandez is out 4-5 months with shoulder inflammation. Hernandez went 14-7 last year with a 3.43 ERA. -Monarchs rookie 1B Mark Parker put up 5 hits in a win against the Classics. Parker is hitting .258/.303/.258 to start his career. -Seals SP Jimmy Sheppard shut out the Vandals, striking out 7. Sheppard has a 1.54 ERA to start 2026. -Vipers 2B Brandon Goolsby is out 5 weeks with a strained MCL. Goolsby is hitting .306 to start the season with Charlotte. -Thunderbirds SP Mario Navarro threw a PERFECT GAME against the Jackals, winning the game 5-0. Navarro has a sparkling 2.15 ERA on the season. WL Batter of the Month: Scorpions LF Bobby Young: .354 AVG, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 14 R EL Batter of the Month: Classics 1B Bob Roberts: .371 AVG, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R WL Pitcher of the Month: Emeralds SP Danny Leal: 38.2 IP, 1.63 ERA, 29 K EL Pitcher of the Month: Vipers SP Cameron Richens: 30.1 IP, 1.48 ERA, 35 K WL Rookie of the Month: Scouts SP Dave DeLoach: 32 IP, 2.25 ERA, 25 K EL Rookie of the Month: Monarchs SP Tomas Perez: 26.2 IP, 3.04 ERA, 14 K Classics April Awards: Hitter of the Month: 1B Bob Roberts: .371/.418/.708, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R Pitcher of the Month: SP Min-ho Lee: 26.2 IP, 2.02 ERA, 23 K, 0.97 WHIP https://i.imgur.com/rs2nKs7.png |
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