[ayaghmour2]

September 10th, 2029: Oakland will lose SP Jared Southard for the rest of this year and start of next year with shoulder inflammation. The 28-year-old was 7-10 with a 5.16 ERA in 48 games (19 starts).

We sit at third in the Power Rankings. At 89-58, we have a 11 game lead over the Nationals.

Prospect Watch: RHP Esteban Miranda (AAA New Orleans):

Rumored to be recieving a callup at the end of the Pacific League Playoffs, 26-year-old Esteban Miranda has put up a solid season in New Orleans, going 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 15 saves in 52 games. In 42.1 innigns, he struck out 58 and walked 14 in a hitter friendly league. Miranda has the rare feat of being drafted by the same team in the same round twice. As a Junior out of St. John's, the Rays selected him 19th Overall in 2024. He returned for his senior year, and then the Rays selected him 21st Overall where he signed a $1,520,000 bonus. He was then traded by the Rays to the Mariners with C Zachary Jackson as the Rays went to re-acquire Chris Archer in 2026 near the deadline. In the offseason, he came over to Miami with fellow pitchers Jared Taylor and Jimmy Chapman for SS Jordy Barley. Miranda boasts elite stuff with a two pitch arsenal, a 93 rated fastball and plus-plus slider. He consistently hits 98-96 with the fastball and gets plus movement on his slider. He's a little old to still be in the minors, but so was Greg Walston and Josh Watson, and they've both had solid careers so far. Expect to see Miranda in a Marlins jersey, at least temporarily, sooner rather then later.

No game today for the Marlins, but Atlanta is headed to town. We'll see Ken Harty (8-7, 3.15 ERA), Garrison Bryant (4-6, 4.16 ERA), and Curtis Taylor (5-0, 2.84 ERA).

September 11th, 2029: One of the best pitching matchups you'll ever see, as Dursun Erbakan (7-8, 3.25 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) took on Ken Harty (8-7, 3.15 ERA, 0.91 WHIP). Interesting enough, I almost re-acquired Harty from the Braves when I added Erbakan, but the Braves were asking for too much. Despite the rough start Erbakan had, I definitely think I made the right decision, getting the younger, higher upside, and cheaper arm. Both are current 4*, but Erbakan has the 4.5* potential that he's likely to reach. Although the Iron Man Harty can likley pitch forever.

And guess what? Erbakan left with an injury...

Chad Scoles allowed 2 runs in the 9th, and we lost the opener 7-6. I have to check on him, maybe someone has his kids hostage or something, because he's been allowing runs left and right...

Erbakan struggled before getting hurt, 4 innings with 3 hits, 4 runs, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. I'm awaiting in fear his diagnosis...

Chhris Bigsby made his big league debut, 2 innings with 2 hits, a run, a walk, and strikeout. Josh Brown, Luis Alcantra, and Gene Hall earned holds beofre Scoles blew his 6 save. He allowed 2 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and got a strikeout in the 9th. He still has a 2.43 ERA, but has allowed a run or more in 4 of his last 6 appearences (8 total) as opposed to 9 runs in the first 62 appearences.

Eric Kisela was 2-for-4 with 2 runs, and a solo homer. With Reid leaving, Kisela has really forced himself into considerations for the starting third base gig, shifting Horath to first. He was 1-for-4 with a steal. Juan Ramirez was 1-for-4 with a three run homer. Juan Simental was 1-for-4 with a two run homer. Jarred Kelenic was 1-for-2 with 2 walks and 2 runs. Noah Smith was 1-for-3.

With New Orleans eliminated from the playoffs, I'd make my final additions tomorrow morning.

September 12th, 2029: The Boston Doves have been eliminated from the playoffs. At 63-85, they are 26 games behind us. They aren't the Expos, but they are pretty bad too. Their outfield is solid, but their infield is atrocious and thier roation has huge wholes (Roberto Pena is their #5 starter).

As expected, I purcahsed the contracts of Esteban Miranda and Andy Neidig.

Neidig, 22, was my 3rd Round Pick in 2025, and the 99th Overall Pick has blossomed into a 2.5/4.5* reliever. Here's the draft report on him:

3rd Round, 99th Overall: SP Andy Neidig (3): He's from Arlington Christian high school, and boasts three plus pitches. His fastball and knuckle curve are equally effective, and like Mariscal, throws 90-92 while keeping the ball on the ground. He doesn't have the high stamina I like, but it's still starter worthy. He's a great example in the clubhouse, gets great break on his offspeed pitches, and has solid control.

I wish he had that thrid plus pitch still (his change up is an 18, fastball 86, and knuckle-curve 91), but he upped his velocity to 94-96 and is still an extreme groundballer. His control has dropped a bit, but he still boasts plus-plus movement. He's a clubhouse leader with elite stuff and he has closer written all over him!

Also, I think he might be the only 3rd Rounder I've ever selected that has had any sort of ability a few years later...

We looked to even the series back up with Devon Peterson (11-9, 3.70 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) taking on Garrison Bryant (4-6, 4.16 ERA, 1.31 WHIP). We changed up the game plan, and scored 2 in the 9th to litearlly walk-off (Jon Reid walked with the bases loaded) 4-3 winners. Take that Chad, can't blwo the save today!

Peterson went 5.1 innigns with 6 hits, 3 runs, 4 walks, nad 4 strikeouts. 6 relievers combined for 4.2 innings with just 1 hit and 4 strikeouts. Juan Maya made his MLB debut, getting a four pitch fly out and the win.

Jackson Miller was 4-for-4 with a run scored and double. Juan Ramirez was 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored. Gregorio Alvarenga was 1-for-2 with 2 RBI's, a sac-fly, and 2 rwalks. Eric Kisela was 1-for-4 with a walk and run scored.

Since I mentioned it, I had to check all the 3rd Rounders I've selected, and list them by their value:

Major Leaguer: RP Sam Minniefield (2024)
Career Minor Leaguer: SS Jon Meloa (2018), 3B T.J. Paskert (2020), RF Sergio Varas (2021), Jeff Hamrick (2022)
Absolutely Useless: RF Steve Catterton (2019), C Jim Davis (2027)
Still a Marlin, but sucks: C Maddox Northeast (2024), 3B Zach Ponitus (2029)
Still a Marlin, but useful: RP Jon Clark (2026)

How does my 3rd Rounder this year already suck!?!?!? And just when I thought I was getting better at drafting...

Well, at least Minniefield has been relatively useful, 18 career innings from 2027-2029 with a 2.50 ERA and 1.33 WHIP, so I guess I should just aim for releivers, continuing Jon Clark actually still has potential from 2026.

September 13th, 2029: Erbakan sprained his ankle and will miss 4 weeks. Yay... But, at least it could be worse, and he may be available for at least part of the postseason. I'll take ankle over arm any day though... Juan Coira will rejoin the rotation.

An intersting September trade, as the Giants acquired RHP Devan Watts from the Doves for SS Gene Faller. I almost claimed Watts off waivers too, but good for the Doves I didn't. The guy they got was useless, but I don't know what the mindset was for the 67-81 Giants to acquire an impending free agent...

We looked to take the series and get revenge for Erbakan with Pat Saitta (13-7, 3.52 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) taking on Konnor Pilkington (3-3, 4.06 ERA, 1.35 WHIP). It was an all-out slugfest, and we were topped 12-9.

Saitta had a rare rough start and tossed just 78 pitches, going 4.2 innings with 6 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, and just 1 strikeout. Ignacio Hinojos got the loss, allowing 2 walks, 3 runs, and a hit without getting an out. Jake Yaerick allowed 2 hits and a run in 0.1 innings. Jamie Preist allowed 2 hits, a walk, and 3 runs in 0.2 innings. C.J. LaFever went 1.1 innings with 3 hits and a run.

Juan Simetnal was 3-for-5 with a double, homer, and 6 RBI's. Gregorio Alvarenga was 2-for-5 with 2 runs, a double, and 2 steals. Daylen Lile was 2-for-4 with a run scored and steal. Noah Smith was 1-for-4 with a walk. Mac Horvath was 1-for-4 with a steal. Saitta was 1-for-2 with a double. Chirs Ried was 1-for-5 with a solo homer.

Jeff Houghtby hit his 300th career homer in the Braves win. A former 18th Rounder, Houghtby has been a star for the Braves nearly his whole career, hitting .276/.347/.511 with 812 RBI's in 4,572 at bats.

White Sox C Carter Young hit in his 20th straight game.

Off to Milwaukee for three with the Brewers! We'll see Rawley Hector (10-7, 4.76 ERA), Victor Mederos (12-11, 3.88 ERA), and Rodolfo Espinoza (14-6, 3.78 ERA).

September 14th, 2029: I activated SS Isaac Nunez from the Disabled list.

We opened the series in Milwaukee with Steve Paustian (11-7, 4.45 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) taking on Rawley Hector (10-7, 4.76 ERA, 1.29 WHIP). The pitching was subpar, and they took the opener 8-3. I guess they need the wins more then me...

Paustian was roughed up, 3.1 innings with 5 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Sam Minniefield went 2.2 innings with a hit, run, walk, and 2 strikeouts. Steve Hudson went 2 innings with a hit, run, walk, and 2 strikeouts.

Isaac Nunez had a great welcome back game, 3-for-4 with a steal and 2 runs scored. Jon Reid was 2-for-4. Jackson Miller was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored. Jarred Kelenic was 1-for-4 with a double and walk.

Carter Young's hit streak was ended at 20 games.

September 15th, 2029: The Dodgers will be without SS Jerry Bishop for the rest of the year with a torn meniscus. He was also playing through a strained rib cage muscle since August 30th, so this is really all on the Dodgers. He was hitting .251/.315/.510 with 31 homers and 89 RBI's.

Lots of playoff news: The Red Sox are out, the Twins and Mariners in. The Twins will represent the AL Central and the Cubs will represent the NL Central officially.

We looked to even the series up against the 2nd Place team in the NL Central. C.J. Jorgensen (11-9, 3.94 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) got the start against Victor Mederos (12-11, 3.88 ERA, 1.24 WHIP). We got 3 insurance runs in the 6th to win the middle game 6-2.

C.J. went 5 with 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. The pen comvined for 4 innings with a hit, walk, and 9 strikeouts. Both Gene Hall and Chad Scoles struck out the side.

Juan Ramirez was 2-for-3 with 2 runs, a walk, and steal. Mac Horvath was 2-for-4 with two doubles and 3 RBI's. Eric Kisela was 1-for-3 with a run scored, sac-fly, and 2 RBI's. Juan Simental was 1-for-4 with 2 runs, a walk, and solo homer.

Another catcher got a 20 game hit streak, the Brewers' Kole Cottam. Let's see if his lasts longer then Young's.

September 16th, 2029: Now 91-61, we have officially clinched a playoff spot. It's our 9th consecutive postseason appearence.

Reds starter Dallas Woolfolk tore his flexor tendon, and will likely miss part of 2030. He was 6-13 (same record as last year) with a 4.68 ERA and 1.35 WHIP.

Just 25-years-old, Kevin Steck will be forced to quit his major league career. After a setback during the rehab of his torn rotator cuff, the damage done was too severe to come back. This is something I can definitely relate to... The Young National was having a solid year, 4-5 with a 3.74 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 21 stats. In the totality of his career, he was 7-5 with a 3.68 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and he struck out 105 in 124.2 innings.

The Tampa Bay Rays have been eliminated from the postseason. At 72-80, they are 21 games behind the Orioles. Tampa made the playoffs last season.

We looked to secure the finale with Juan Coira's (8-8, 5.078 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) return to the rotation. He'd face Rodolfo Espinoza (14-6, 3.78 ERA, 1.28 WHIP). No more starting for him, as we were crushed 8-1...

Coira went just 2.1 innings with 7 hits, 8 runs, 2 walks, and a single strikeout. Chris Bigsby went 3.2 innings with 3 hits and 3 strikeouts. Andy Neidig made his MLB debut, 2 innings with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.

Sergio Tello was 2-for-4. Isaac Nunez was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Jarred Kelenic, Gregorio Alvarenga, and Jorge Tapia were all 1-for-4.

We headed back home to host the Doves for a three game set. We'd see former Marlin 3B Roberto Pena (1-1, 2.08 ERA), former Marlin minor leaguer Jared Jackson (8-7, 3.24 ERA), Jorge Reyna (5-13, 7.02 ERA) who probably wish he pitched for the Marlins.