DEFENDING THE SHIELD - Pursue. Capture. Defend.

[ZapMast]

Baseball as we knew it, is gone


After a long drought, baseball is back—but it's different.

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It's the end of Week 2. This afternoon, the Houston Texans travel to Miami to face the Dolphins.
Across the country, teams with familiar football names take the field on diamonds set up inside their own stadiums, now repurposed for baseball. The game is the same, but everything else feels new.

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Some cities are quick to embrace the change—fans eager for the crack of the bat, for summer under the lights. In places like Cincinnati and Chicago, loyalties are shifting. With the Reds gone, Cincinnati's faithful now look to the Bengals. In Chicago, Cubs and Sox fans—left orphans by the loss of their own—find themselves sharing a seat, rooting together for the Bears. For many, it's enough just to have baseball again.

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The Shield stands for a new era: integrity, tradition, and the promise that the game will endure. As the President, once an owner himself, put it:
"May we play with honor, cheer with hope, and always defend what makes this game great."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The crowds are returning. The story moves on.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Watch: Texans at Dolphins Showcase Sunday, Week 2 ABC game

Watch: Saints at Vikings Showcase Sunday, Week 2 NBC game


Here are other Sim Baseball Vision leagues you may also enjoy:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Sim Baseball -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty
Action Baseball League -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty
The Players League, 1946 -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty

[ZapMast]

⚾ See it unfold in Real Time



==============================

2002

=================================

Baseball, as we knew it, is gone.

1994 — The World Series is cancelled.

1995 — The labor dispute drags on, threatening another lost season.

1996 — A full season returns, the first World Series in years.

1997 — Scandal erupts: steroids, gambling, betrayal.

2000 — The games are cancelled.

2001 — Hope flickers, but the game is lost.

A nation hurting needs its pastime.

Defending the Shield. Baseball is back.

::⚾::

▶ THE PURSUIT IS UNDERWAY
=================================
[Week 2 // April 8 - 14, 2002]

SYSTEM (Status): THE SHIELD (ACTIVE)
MODE: REGULAR SEASON
OPERATION: BASEBALL


:: Mission Briefing ::

[The pursuit is underway. Houston (11–2, W7) is the pace car—perfect 7–0 on the road—and the ABC South is a pressure cooker with Jacksonville (10–3) and Indianapolis (8–5) in hot chase. Washington (10–3) sets the tone in the NBC, while New Orleans (9–4) and Seattle (8–5) hold narrow leads with Carolina (8–5) and St. Louis (7–6) pressing. Miami (9–4) fronts the ABC East but feels NYJ/NE/BUF stacked behind, and San Diego (7–6) clings to the ABC West with three clubs two back. One-run roulette is tilting the board—Houston 5–1, Jets 4–1, Cincinnati 1–6—so the standings should reshuffle as close-game luck levels out. Bottom line: tight races everywhere, wild-card grids jammed, and Week 3 arrives with contenders separated by inches.]

=================================

:: Key Matchups Logged ::

[Showcase Games

ABC Showcase — Houston Texans 10, Miami Dolphins 6
Statement win on the road. Houston stacked crooked numbers in the 6th (4) and 7th (2), with homers from Bob Stiffler and Freddy Simpson. Silvério Adrio (W, 2–0) set the tone; Dennis Harris (S, 1) closed it. Miami’s Matt Czerwonka left the yard, but the ABC pace car stayed in high gear.

NBC National Feature — New Orleans Saints 3, Minnesota Vikings 2 (10)
Extra-innings grit. Jesus Lopez homered, and the Saints found the winner in the 10th. Edwin Flores (W, 1–0) and Dave McMenemy (S, 3) sealed it as New Orleans kept heat on the NBC elite.

Other Games of Note

Comeback of the Day — Jacksonville Jaguars 7, Cincinnati Bengals 6 (10)
Down 5–0, JAX launched a three-homer rally (Josh Benjamine, Angel Cruz, Alan Richards) and finished it in extras. Tony Rada (W, 2–0) outlasted the Bengals as the Jaguars stayed within striking distance in the ABC South.

East Volatility — Tennessee Titans 10, New York Jets 1
A six-run 5th broke it open; Matt Baker, Mike Silvas, Kyle Marder all homered. Joaquin Dawson (W, 1–2) quieted a Jets club that had been thriving in one-run games.

Statement from the Capital — Washington Commanders 13, New York Giants 7
From scoreless through four to a 13-run avalanche over the final four frames. Jake Trewartha and Kyle Weathersby went deep as Washington flexed NBC East muscle.

Fine Margins — New England Patriots 2, San Diego Chargers 1
A tidy, playoff-flavored win for the ABC East pack. Tony Quintero (W, 2–0) and Roberto Velazquez (S, 3) outdueled a division leader; Danny Vargas supplied San Diego’s lone blast.

Late Push Falls Short — Seattle Seahawks 6, Carolina Panthers 5
Seattle’s power show (Sean Thill, Alex Brown, Sean Jahn, Julio Guardado HRs) built a cushion; Carolina clawed back with runs in the 8th and 9th before David Moreno (S, 6) slammed the door.

Other Games of Note (cont.)

Buffalo Bills 11, Kansas City Chiefs 1
Long-ball rout: Kelly Polen cracked two homers (6 on the season) with support from Aaron Aguilar, Jonathan Morgan, and Juan Castro. Chris Davila (W, 3–0) cruised; Corey Higgins (L, 1–2) took the loss.

Denver Broncos 2, Baltimore Ravens 0
Jose Madrid (W, 2–1) and Zack Pulley (S, 4) teamed for a 5-hit shutout; Lee Gillam supplied the margin with his 7th homer.

St. Louis Rams 5, Philadelphia Eagles 3
A late push did it—2 in the 8th flipped a tight game. Vic de Leon homered (2). Ryan Evans (W, 1–0) and Chris Salasar (S, 2) closed it out over Jon Serrato (L, 0–2).]

=================================

:: Power Surge ::

[Teams surging. The ABC South is still the hot zone: Houston (11–2, W7) pairs the league’s steadiest run prevention (2.80 ERA, best in ABC) with Jeremy Dodson’s thunder (ABC highs in SLG .944, OPS 1.389, TB 51, R 19, H 24). Jacksonville (10–3) adds real juice—Sunday’s 5–0 to 7–6 comeback plus top-5 ABC offense (.295/.344/.487, 11 SB)—driven by Josh Benjamine (.469 AVG, 1.335 OPS, 20.65 RC/27) and Angel Cruz (8 2B, 7 SB, 1.4 WAR). Indianapolis (8–5) rises behind staff ace Danny Salamone (0.39 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, .133 OPP AVG). In the NBC, New Orleans owns the mound (2.10 ERA, best in NBC), Washington blends pop (6.1 R/G) with elite arms (Carlos Martinez 0.61 ERA), and Seattle keeps the power on while David Moreno sits tied for the conference saves lead (6).]

[Players heating up (ABC).

Jeremy Dodson (HOU): League pace-setter (SLG .944, OPS 1.389, WAR 1.5).

Josh Benjamine (JAX): Batting title pace (.469, RC/27 20.65).

Angel Cruz (JAX): Gap power/speed stack (8 2B, 7 SB, 1.4 WAR).

Lee Gillam (DEN): ABC HR lead (7), .510 ISO.

Kelly Polen (BUF): 6 HR, 15 RBI, .450 ISO; two HR on Sunday.

Manny Garcia (MIA): .426 AVG, 1.287 OPS, 19.41 RC/27.

Pitching pops: Danny Salamone (IND) headline above; Jose Madrid (DEN) 1.31 ERA; Chris Davila (BUF) 3–0; closers: Keith Barnes (HOU) 5 SV, Ryan Mattox (IND) 4, Zack Pulley (DEN) 4.

Players heating up (NBC).

Justin Morris (SLR): OPS king (1.373) with 6 HR and 19.83 RC/27.

Ricardo Rodriguez (PHI): .412 AVG, 1.290 OPS, 16 RBI.

Ivan Calderon (SEA): 6 HR, league-best .514 ISO among NBC sluggers.

Pablo Fierro (WAS): 6 HR, 1.1 WAR pacing the champs’ lineup.

Isaiah Jones (CHI): .460 AVG, .517 OBP table-setting the Bears’ 6.3 R/G attack.

Carlos Rizo (NYG): Doubles machine (10 2B, .442 AVG).

Running game: Aaron Sandoval (TBB) 9 SB, Bill Jenkins (NOS) 8, Jon Jungels (CAR) 8.

Arms rolling: Carlos Martinez (WAS) 0.61 ERA/0.89 WHIP; Danny Rojas (NOS) 0.78 ERA, 3 W; Oscar Cabrales (SFF) 1.66 ERA; stoppers: Jason King (CAR) 6 SV, David Moreno (SEA) 6 SV, Alex Perea (DET) 5 SV.]

=================================

:: System Crash ::

[Teams slipping. In the ABC, the warning lights are bright in Pittsburgh (4–9, L6) and Cincinnati (4–9, 2–8 last 10; 1–6 in one-run games)—both tied for the conference’s lowest scoring (3.2 R/G for PIT; 3.9 R/G for CIN). Kansas City (5–8) owns the ABC’s worst staff line (6.41 ERA, most HR allowed) and just ate an 11–1 home loss; free passes are a culprit (Corey Higgins leads the ABC with 16 BB). New York (Jets) are 7–6 but the offense is sputtering (3.2 R/G) and just got thumped 10–1. Baltimore (6–7, L2) sits on a 5.21 ERA and was blanked at home. In the NBC, Atlanta (4–9, L3) is leaking runs (6.32 ERA, worst in conference), Green Bay (5–8, L3) has lost traction, and New York (Giants) were hammered 13–7 as the staff’s 5.24 ERA/20 HR allowed trend bites.

Arms under strain. Loud contact is the common thread: Joe Glick (MIA) and Omar Perez (NYJ) have each yielded 6 HR, as have Kevin Realmuto (NEP); Joaquin Dawson (TEN) and Austin Marshall (BAL) sit at 5 HR allowed. In the NBC, Juan Espejo (ATL), Ryan Benson (NYG), Antonio Reynosa (TBB), Eric Roush (SLR) and Tony Aguilar (DAL) already wear 3 losses apiece, while John Glenn (MIN), Ben Henning (SEA), Ethan Leslie (CHI), and Matt Maxwell (ATL) have all been tagged for 5 HR allowed. Translation: too many mistake pitches, not enough soft contact—prime regression territory unless the pitch mix tightens up.]

=================================

:: Data Download ::

[(Week 2 through April 14, 2002 — ABC/NBC leaders)

ABC – Bats

HR: Lee Gillam (DEN) 7; Jeremy Dodson (HOU) 6; Kelly Polen (BUF) 6; Brad Moran (BAL) 5; Jack Turner (SDC) 5

AVG (min 30 PA): Josh Benjamine (JAX) .469; Jeremy Dodson (HOU) .444; Manny Garcia (MIA) .426; Javier Carrillo (KCC) .410; R.J. Givens (CLE) .409

OPS (min 30 PA): Jeremy Dodson (HOU) 1.389; David Garcia (OAK) 1.358; Josh Benjamine (JAX) 1.335; Javier Carrillo (KCC) 1.325; Manny Garcia (MIA) 1.287

SB: Angel Cruz (JAX) 7; Mike Curvin (CLE) 5; Jorge Ramirez (BUF) 5; Matt Fitzgerald (NEP) 4; Leo Rodriguez (SDC) 3

Hit streaks (current): Josh Benjamine (JAX) 12; Jesus Alvarado (HOU) 10; Chikafusa Nishida (JAX) 10; Mike Silvas (TEN) 10; Juan Rodriguez (JAX) 10

ABC – Arms

ERA (min 15 IP): Danny Salamone (IND) 0.39; Jose Madrid (DEN) 1.31; Marco Rivera (MIA) 1.47; Danny Echeverria (KCC) 1.66; Jake Van Dellen (HOU) 1.72

Strikeouts: Danny Salamone (IND) 22; Ben Horne (CLE) 22; Andres Pedrazzini (DEN) 21; Jason Cashwell (CIN) 20; Kelvin Ontiveros (NYJ) 19

HR allowed (most): Kevin Realmuto (NEP) 6; Omar Perez (NYJ) 6; Joe Glick (MIA) 6; Austin Marshall (BAL) 5; Joaquin Dawson (TEN) 5

NBC – Bats

HR: Alejandro Navarro (MIN) 6; Justin Morris (SLR) 6; David Thompson (NOS) 6; Pablo Fierro (WAS) 6; Ivan Calderon (SEA) 6

AVG (min 30 PA): Isaiah Jones (CHI) .460; Carlos Rizo (NYG) .442; Ricardo Rodriguez (PHI) .412; Chris Baker (PHI) .404; Victor Barajas (WAS) .396

OPS (min 30 PA): Justin Morris (SLR) 1.373; Shemar Moncrief (CHI) 1.296; Ricardo Rodriguez (PHI) 1.290; Carlos Rizo (NYG) 1.258; Ivan Calderon (SEA) 1.251

SB: Aaron Sandoval (TBB) 9; Jon Jungels (CAR) 8; Bill Jenkins (NOS) 8; Justin Morris (SLR) 7; Jamy van der Linden (NOS) 5

Hit streaks (current): Aaron Sandoval (TBB) 10; Scott Schumacher (SFF) 10; Alejandro Navarro (MIN) 9; Jason McGuire (NOS) 8; Elliott LeMond (GBP) 7

NBC – Arms

ERA (min 15 IP): Danny Rojas (NOS) 0.78; Sam Davis (NOS) 1.57; Oscar Cabrales (SFF) 1.66; Alberto Shutters (WAS) 1.74; Teófilo Lavareda (PHI) 1.93

Strikeouts: Kyle Sheehan (GBP) 23; Teófilo Lavareda (PHI) 21; Xavier Tinoco (DAL) 21; Antonio Reynosa (TBB) 20; Matt Estes (TBB) 19

HR allowed (most): Juan Espejo (ATL) 6; John Glenn (MIN) 5; Ben Henning (SEA) 5; Gabriel Renteria (GBP) 5; Matt Maxwell (ATL) 5]

=================================

:: Shield Scan ::

[ABC (American Baseball Conference)

North: Baltimore Ravens 6–7 (lead by 1 over Cleveland; 2 over Pittsburgh/Cincinnati)

East: Miami Dolphins 9–4 (2 up on New York Jets; 3 on New England/Buffalo)

South: Houston Texans 11–2 (1 up on Jacksonville; 3 on Indianapolis; 5 on Tennessee)

West: San Diego Chargers 7–6 (2 up on Oakland/Kansas City/Denver)

Wildcard: JAX 10–3 (WC1), IND 8–5 (WC2); NYJ 7–6 and a 6–7 trio (NEP/BUF/TEN) in pursuit.


NBC (National Baseball Conference)

North: Minnesota Vikings 7–6 (1 up on Chicago; 2 on Detroit/Green Bay)

East: Washington Commanders 10–3 (3 up on Philadelphia/New York Giants; 4 on Dallas)

South: New Orleans Saints 9–4 (1 up on Carolina; 5 on Tampa Bay/Atlanta)

West: Seattle Seahawks 8–5 (1 up on St. Louis; 2 on San Francisco; 3 on Arizona)

Wildcard: CAR 8–5 (WC1); logjam at 7–6 for WC2 (St. Louis/Philadelphia/New York Giants); 6–7 pack (Chicago/San Francisco/Dallas) 1 GB.]

=================================

:: Next Protocol ::

[Key matchups (by week)

Week 3 (Mon Apr 15 → Sun Apr 21)

Texans at Dolphins (Apr 15–16) — Inaugural rematch; ABC powers collide early.

Texans at Colts (Apr 17–19) — South pace car vs. the riser with Danny Salamone dealing.

Jaguars at Dolphins (Apr 20–21) — Speed/slug of Benjamine/Cruz vs Manny Garcia & co.

Commanders at Rams (Apr 17–19) — NBC leaders visit a dangerous West contender.

Texans at Bills (Apr 20–21) — Trap set in Buffalo’s bandbox for Dodson/Gillam HR race pressure.

Giants at Commanders (Apr 15–16) — East stakes; Rizo/Rodriguez-watch continues.

Panthers at Seahawks (Apr 15–16); Vikings at Saints (Apr 15–16) — NBC West/South power checks.


Week 4 (Mon Apr 22 → Sun Apr 28)

Commanders at Saints (Apr 27–28) — NBC heavyweight set; best combined W% of the week.

Colts at Jaguars (Apr 23–25) — ABC South sorting hat; rotation depth test.

Texans at Titans (Apr 23–25) — Division bully vs. bruiser; longball vs. run game.

Jaguars at Bills (Apr 27–28) — Heat check for JAX on the road.

Saints at Phillies (Apr 23–25) — NOS arms vs PHI’s thunder (Ricardo Rodriguez).

Jaguars at Dolphins (Apr 22) — Single-date pop-in; momentum swing potential.

Broncos at Texans (Apr 27–28) — HR-leader Lee Gillam vs. Houston’s stingy staff.


Week 5 (Mon Apr 29 → Sun May 5 — Showcase Sunday)

Saints at Commanders (Apr 29) — One-night NBC summit to open the week.

Texans at Chargers (Apr 30–May 2) — ABC West test for the leaders; park plays to power.

Panthers at Saints (Apr 30–May 2) — NBC South leverage series right before Showcase.

Bears at Commanders (Apr 30–May 2) — Isaiah Jones/Shemar Moncrief vs elite run prevention.

Jaguars at Titans (Apr 30–May 2) — Speed vs. contact; divisional volatility.

Ravens at Texans (May 3–5) — North leader vs juggernaut; prime Showcase-caliber vibes.

Colts at Dolphins (May 3–5) — Rotation duel vs. Miami’s top-tier offense.

Cowboys at Commanders (May 3–5) — Classic rivalry, useful NBC East separator.


Real-Time Sim targets (Sundays only, excluding Showcase games)

Sun Apr 21 (Week 3)

Jaguars at Dolphins (top combined win% of the day)

Texans at Bills (HR race + upset watch)

Commanders at 49ers or Rams at Panthers (NBC playoff-caliber tilt)

Sun Apr 28 (Week 4)

Commanders at Saints (best combined win% of the week)

Jaguars at Bills (road test for a contender)

Jets at Patriots (East rivalry with WC implications)]

=================================

⚾ See it unfold in Real Time

==============================
:: Full Data Access ::

32 Teams. 1 Mission.
Pursue. Capture. Defend.
The Shield.

::⚾::


Here are other Sim Baseball Vision leagues you may also enjoy:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Sim Baseball -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty
Action Baseball League -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty
The Players League, 1946 -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty

[ZapMast]

⚾ See it unfold in Real Time

==============================

DEFENDING THE SHIELD — POSTSEASON FORMAT

Rounds: WC 3 • DIV 5 • CS 7 • SS 9

=================================

SYSTEM (Status): THE SHIELD (ACTIVE)
MODE: POSTSEASON
OPERATION: BASEBALL

=================================

:: Field & Qualification ::

[2 conferences (ABC / NBC), 4 divisions each (4 teams per division).
6 playoff teams per conference: 4 division winners + 2 wild cards.]

=================================

:: Seeding ::

[Seeds 1–4: division winners ordered by winning percentage.
Seeds 5–6: wild cards ordered by winning percentage.
Reseeding each round: highest remaining seed faces lowest remaining.
Home field advantage is awarded to the higher seed in every round.]

=================================

:: Wild Card Round (Best-of-3) ::

[Matchups: 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5 (per conference).
Higher seed hosts all three (H–H–H).
No off days inside the round.]

=================================

:: Division Round (Best-of-5) ::

[Seeds 1 & 2 enter here with home field advantage.
Reseeding applies before matchups.
Home pattern: 2–2–1 (H–H–A–A–H).]

=================================

:: Conference Shield (Best-of-7) ::

[Conference champions receive the ABC Shield and the NBC Shield.
Home pattern: 2–3–2.]


=================================
vs.

:: Super Series (Best-of-9) ::

[Final championship series.
Home pattern: 2–2–2–2–1 (H–H–A–A–H–H–A–A–H).]

=================================

Scheduling Notes

• No fixed start dates between rounds; the next round may begin as soon as matchups are set.
• Wild Card runs on three consecutive days at the higher seed’s park (no off days).
• Division Round: optional travel day between Games 2 & 3 (otherwise continuous).
• Conference Shield: typical travel after Games 2 & 5 (adjustable if needed).
• Super Series: travel days commonly after Games 2, 4, 6, and 8 to match the 2–2–2–2–1 pattern.
• Tiebreakers can shift start dates; once the field is set, reseeding applies as normal.

=================================

:: Tiebreakers ::

[Any tie for a division title or a wild card is settled by a one-game playoff (Game 163).
Statistics from tiebreakers count as regular-season totals.
Outcomes:
— Division tie: winner is division champion; loser may still claim a wild card if eligible.
— Wild card tie: winner takes the spot; loser is eliminated.
Three-team (or more) ties are decided by successive one-game playoffs until all required spots are filled.

In pursuit of the shield,
ties are settled on the diamond.
One game.
Winner takes all.
Every pitch counts.]

=================================

⚾ See it unfold in Real Time

==============================
:: Full Data Access ::


32 Teams. 1 Mission.
Pursue. Capture. Defend.
The Shield.

::⚾::

Here are other Sim Baseball Vision leagues you may also enjoy:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Sim Baseball -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty
Action Baseball League -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty
The Players League, 1946 -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty

[ZapMast]

⚾ See it unfold in Real Time



==============================

ENTERING MAY

=================================

::⚾::

>> THE PURSUIT IS UNDERWAY
=================================
[Week 5 // April 29 - May 5, 2002]

SYSTEM (Status): THE SHIELD (ACTIVE)
MODE: REGULAR SEASON
OPERATION: BASEBALL


:: Mission Briefing ::

[Season-to-date through Week 4: pace car HOU 19-7 (.731), then MIA 17-9, CAR 17-9, WAS 16-10, SDC 16-10. SuperSim Weeks 3–4 tightened races and put leverage on bullpens: one-run games are 0.317 of all contests so far, home clubs at .543. Streak tape to date: WAS authored the season’s longest win run (W8), while PIT hit L12; the Steelers sit on a current L2 at the horn. Bottom line: South divisions are stacked, NBC West is a knot, and the Wild Cards are a weekly sorting hat.]

=================================

:: Key Matchups Logged ::

[Games of Note (SuperSim Weeks 3–4)

Fine Margins -- Apr 28: NYJ 7, NEP 6
Fine Margins -- Apr 28: SDC 2, PIT 1
Fine Margins -- Apr 28: CAR 2, ATL 1
Fine Margins -- Apr 28: WAS 5, NOS 6
Fine Margins -- Apr 28: PHI 8, CHI 7
Fine Margins -- Apr 28: DAL 2, MIN 3

Runfest -- Apr 15: DAL 12, SFF 13
Runfest -- Apr 20: SEA 5, TBB 17
Runfest -- Apr 19: NOS 9, CHI 13
Runfest -- Apr 18: MIA 11, OAK 10

Shutout Craft -- Apr 28: BAL 0, KCC 5
Shutout Craft -- Apr 28: OAK 4, TEN 0]

=================================

:: Power Surge ::

[Teams leading the charge (season-to-date)
Houston Texans 19-7 (RD +29)
Miami Dolphins 17-9 (RD +48)
Carolina Panthers 17-9 (RD +32)
Washington Commanders 16-10 (RD +34)
San Diego Chargers 16-10 (RD +27)
Jacksonville Jaguars 16-10 (RD -8)

Hitters — OPS board (min 40 PA, season-to-date)
Justin Morris (SLR) 1.379
Bryce Newhouse (DAL) 1.358
Ramon Lobaton (DAL) 1.290
Elijah Dodson (WAS) 1.283
Johnny Betancur (CLE) 1.237

Home run leaders (season-to-date)
11 Kelly Polen (BUF); 10 Justin Morris (SLR); 10 Ramon Lobaton (DAL); 10 Elijah Dodson (WAS); 10 Jacob Shaffer (SFF)

Stolen base leaders (season-to-date)
15 Aaron Sandoval (TBB); 12 Matt Fitzgerald (NEP); 10 Jon Jungels (CAR); 10 Alex Brown (SEA); 10 Bill Jenkins (NOS)

Starters — ERA board (min 4 GS/25 IP, season-to-date)
Danny Rojas (NOS) 1.08 ERA, 41.7 IP, WHIP 1.22
Cruz Morales (CAR) 1.27 ERA, 35.3 IP, WHIP 1.02
Danny Salamone (IND) 1.28 ERA, 42.3 IP, WHIP 1.13
Jake Van Dellen (HOU) 1.42 ERA, 38.0 IP, WHIP 0.92
Will Ritchey (OAK) 1.47 ERA, 36.7 IP, WHIP 1.12

Closers — save leaders (season-to-date)
11 Keith Barnes (HOU); 9 Jason King (CAR); 9 Roberto Quintana (ARI); 8 Randy Jacobs (TEN); 8 Odilio Cinza (MIN)]

=================================

:: System Crash ::

[Teams slipping (season-to-date)
Pittsburgh Steelers 6-20 (RD -27)
Atlanta Falcons 9-17 (RD -42)
Cincinnati Bengals 9-17 (RD -15)
Kansas City Chiefs 10-16 (RD -38)
Oakland Raiders 10-16 (RD +3)
New York Jets 11-15 (RD -48)

Streak board
Season-long best: WAS W8
Season-long worst: PIT L12 (current L2)

Arms under strain (season-to-date HR allowed)
Gabriel Renteria (GBP): 10 HR in 27.7 IP
Kevin Realmuto (NEP): 10 HR in 39.3 IP
Omar Perez (NYJ): 9 HR in 28.7 IP
Joe Glick (MIA): 9 HR in 29.7 IP
Angelo Medina (MIN): 9 HR in 33.3 IP]

=================================

:: Data Download ::

[(Season-to-date through Week 4) R/G: 8.94; Home win%: 0.543; One-run game%: 0.317; Shutouts: 42

HR leaders (season-to-date): 11 Kelly Polen (BUF); 10 Justin Morris (SLR); 10 Ramon Lobaton (DAL); 10 Elijah Dodson (WAS); 10 Jacob Shaffer (SFF)
OPS leaders (min 40 PA, season-to-date): Justin Morris (SLR) 1.379; Bryce Newhouse (DAL) 1.358; Ramon Lobaton (DAL) 1.290; Elijah Dodson (WAS) 1.283; Johnny Betancur (CLE) 1.237
SB leaders (season-to-date): 15 Aaron Sandoval (TBB); 12 Matt Fitzgerald (NEP); 10 Jon Jungels (CAR); 10 Alex Brown (SEA); 10 Bill Jenkins (NOS)
SP ERA board (min 4 GS/25 IP): Danny Rojas (NOS) 1.08; Cruz Morales (CAR) 1.27; Danny Salamone (IND) 1.28; Jake Van Dellen (HOU) 1.42; Will Ritchey (OAK) 1.47
Save leaders (season-to-date): 11 Keith Barnes (HOU); 9 Jason King (CAR); 9 Roberto Quintana (ARI); 8 Randy Jacobs (TEN); 8 Odilio Cinza (MIN)]

=================================

:: Shield Scan ::

[ABC (American Baseball Conference)
North: Baltimore Ravens 13-13 (lead by 0.0 over CLE; 4.0 over CIN; 7.0 over PIT)
East: Miami Dolphins 17-9 (lead by 3.0 over BUF; 5.0 over NEP; 6.0 over NYJ)
South: Houston Texans 19-7 (lead by 3.0 over JAX; 4.0 over IND; 5.0 over TEN)
West: San Diego Chargers 16-10 (lead by 3.0 over DEN; 6.0 over KCC/OAK)
Wildcard: JAX 16-10, IND 15-11 (WC1/WC2); BUF 14-12 (1.0 GB); TEN 14-12 (1.0 GB); DEN 13-13 (2.0 GB); CLE 13-13 (2.0 GB) in pursuit.]

[NBC (National Baseball Conference)
North: Chicago Bears 14-12 (lead by 0.0 over GBP; 1.0 over MIN; 2.0 over DET)
East: Washington Commanders 16-10 (2.0 over DAL; 4.0 over NYG/PHI)
South: Carolina Panthers 17-9 (2.0 over NOS; 6.0 over TBB; 8.0 over ATL)
West: San Francisco 49ers 13-13 (0.0 over SLR; 1.0 over ARI; 2.0 over SEA)
Wildcard: NOS 15-11, DAL 14-12 (WC1/WC2); GBP 14-12 (0.0 GB); MIN 13-13 (1.0 GB); SLR 13-13 (1.0 GB); PHI 12-14 (2.0 GB) in pursuit.]

=================================

:: Next Protocol ::

[Week 5 (Mon Apr 29 -> Sun May 5)

Mon Apr 29 (G3 single games)
- BAL at KCC
- CLE at MIA
- NYG at DET
- SLR at TBB
- SEA at ARI
- SFF at GBP
- PHI at CHI
- CAR at ATL
- DAL at MIN
- JAX at BUF
- CIN at IND
- DEN at HOU
- NYJ at NEP
- SDC at PIT
- OAK at TEN
- WAS at NOS

Tue-Thu Apr 30-May 02 (full three-game series)
- ARI at NYG
- ATL at GBP
- BUF at CIN
- CHI at WAS
- DAL at PHI
- DET at SLR
- HOU at SDC
- IND at CLE

Fri-Sun May 03-May 05 (full three-game series)
- ATL at TBB
- BAL at HOU
- CAR at CHI
- CIN at TEN
- CLE at BUF
- GBP at NOS
- JAX at DEN
- KCC at NEP

Sunday Feature Pool (May 05): MIA at IND, WAS at DAL, CAR at CHI, GBP at NOS, BAL at HOU, SDC at OAK, CLE at BUF, PHI at MIN

Real-Time Sim targets (Sundays only, excluding Showcase games)

Sun May 05 (Week 5)
- MIA at IND (top combined W% on the slate; cross-division leverage)
- WAS at DAL (NBC East rivalry; standings separator vibes)
- CAR at CHI (division leaders colliding; playoff-caliber pace check)
- GBP at NOS (contender cross-over; WC and division pressure both ways)
- CLE at BUF (East WC implications; bullpen test late)
- SDC at OAK (upset watch; park plays to power)]



=================================

⚾ See it unfold in Real Time

==============================
:: Full Data Access ::

32 Teams. 1 Mission.
Pursue. Capture. Defend.
The Shield.


| > > SUPER SERIES < < |

::⚾::


Here are other Sim Baseball Vision leagues you may also enjoy:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Sim Baseball -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty
Action Baseball League -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty
The Players League, 1946 -- An OOTP 26 Dynasty

[ZapMast]

⚾ See it unfold in Real Time


==============================

ENTERING JUNE

=================================

::⚾::

>> THE PURSUIT CONTINUES
=================================
[Week 9 // May 27 – Jun 2 · 2002]

SYSTEM (Status): THE SHIELD (ACTIVE)
MODE: REGULAR SEASON
OPERATION: BASEBALL

=================================

:: Mission Briefing ::

[Season-to-date through Week 8 — pace car GBP 33-19 (.635), then HOU 31-21, IND 31-21, JAX 30-22, BUF 30-22 (MIA and CHI also 30-22). One-run games make up 0.306 of all contests; home clubs winning .546. Streak tape shows CHI on W7, NYJ on W5, IND hit L3. Bottom line — the top pack is compressed and Week 9 will start to pull the field apart.]

=================================

:: Key Matchups Logged ::

[Games of Note (SuperSim Weeks 6–8)

Fine Margins — May 08: OAK 7, BAL 6 (walk-off, bullpen buckle)
Fine Margins — May 13: NYG 5, SFF 6 (late rally, small-ball finish)
Fine Margins — May 15: DAL 2, TBB 3 (squeeze in the ninth)
Fine Margins — May 19: DEN 6, BUF 7 (extra-frame heartbreaker)
Fine Margins — May 21: NYG 6, NOS 5 (lead change in seventh)
Fine Margins — May 25: KCC 6, CLE 5 (comeback on the road)

Runfest — May 06: ARI 4, SFF 16 (offense unleashed)
Runfest — May 11: NYJ 13, OAK 11 (both bullpens torched)
Runfest — May 14: DAL 13, TBB 7 (late inning fireworks)
Runfest — May 21: MIN 14, SFF 6 (big inning after big inning)

Shutout Craft — May 07: DAL 0, CAR 2 (starter dominated)
Shutout Craft — May 17: CLE 0, BAL 2 (complete game control)
Shutout Craft — May 25: DET 0, WAS 9 (opener locked down)]

=================================

:: Power Surge ::

[Teams leading the charge (season-to-date)
GBP 33-19 (RD +37)
HOU 31-21 (RD +31)
IND 31-21 (RD +27)
BUF 30-22 (RD +30)
CHI 30-22 (RD +28)
MIA 30-22 (RD +26)

Hitters — OPS board (min 40 PA)
Justin Morris (SLR) 1.342
Ramon Lobaton (DAL) 1.315
Bryce Newhouse (DAL) 1.284
Elijah Dodson (WAS) 1.273
Johnny Betancur (CLE) 1.239

Home run leaders — 14 Polen (BUF); 13 Morris (SLR); 12 Dodson (WAS); 12 Lobaton (DAL); 11 Shaffer (SFF)
Stolen base leaders — 18 Sandoval (TBB); 15 Fitzgerald (NEP); 13 Jungels (CAR); 12 Brown (SEA); 11 Jenkins (NOS)
Starters — ERA board (min 4 GS / 25 IP): Rojas (NOS) 1.11; Morales (CAR) 1.23; Salamone (IND) 1.25; Van Dellen (HOU) 1.39; Ritchey (OAK) 1.44
Closers — save leaders: 13 Barnes (HOU); 11 King (CAR); 10 Quintana (ARI); 10 Jacobs (TEN); 9 Cinza (MIN)]

=================================

:: System Crash ::

[Teams losing altitude (season-to-date)
PIT 19-33 (L1, RD -78)
DEN 25-27 (L2, RD -32)
TBB 23-29 (L1, RD -34)
OAK 22-30 (L1, RD -39)
ATL 23-29 (RD -41)
NYJ 21-31 (RD -45)

Hitters — OPS fade (min 40 PA, last two weeks) McGarry (TEN) .412; Menendez (DEN) .429; Ibarra (SEA) .446; Wilson (OAK) .457; Poteet (NYJ) .462
Pitchers — ERA rise (min 20 IP, last two weeks) Tanaka (SEA) 7.84; Varela (ATL) 7.65; Cordero (NYJ) 7.40; Ortiz (KCC) 7.12; Toney (DET) 6.97]

=================================

:: Data Download ::

[(Season-to-date through Week 8) R/G: 8.89; Home win %: 0.546; One-run game %: 0.306; Shutouts: 89

HR leaders (season-to-date): 14 Kelly Polen (BUF); 13 Justin Morris (SLR); 12 Elijah Dodson (WAS); 12 Ramon Lobaton (DAL); 11 Jacob Shaffer (SFF)
OPS leaders (min 40 PA, season-to-date): Morris (SLR) 1.342; Lobaton (DAL) 1.315; Newhouse (DAL) 1.284; Dodson (WAS) 1.273; Betancur (CLE) 1.239
SB leaders (season-to-date): 18 Sandoval (TBB); 15 Fitzgerald (NEP); 13 Jungels (CAR); 12 Brown (SEA); 11 Jenkins (NOS)
SP ERA board (min 4 GS / 25 IP): Rojas (NOS) 1.11; Morales (CAR) 1.23; Salamone (IND) 1.25; Van Dellen (HOU) 1.39; Ritchey (OAK) 1.44
Save leaders (season-to-date): 13 Barnes (HOU); 11 King (CAR); 10 Quintana (ARI); 10 Jacobs (TEN); 9 Cinza (MIN)]

=================================

:: Shield Scan ::

[ABC (American Baseball Conference)
North: BAL 28-24 (lead 2.0 over CLE; 4.0 over CIN; 8.0 over PIT)
East: BUF 30-22 (lead 0.0 over MIA; 3.0 over NEP; 5.0 over NYJ)
South: HOU 31-21 (lead 0.0 over IND; 1.0 over JAX; 5.0 over TEN)
West: SDC 26-26 (lead 0.0 over DEN; 3.0 over OAK / KCC)
Wildcard: IND 31-21, JAX 30-22 (WC1 / WC2); MIA 30-22 (0.0 GB); BAL 28-24 (2.0 GB); NEP 27-25 (3.0 GB) in pursuit.]

[NBC (National Baseball Conference)
North: GBP 33-19 (lead 1.0 over CHI; 3.0 over MIN; 5.0 over DET)
East: WAS 29-23 (lead 1.0 over PHI; 3.0 over NYG; 4.0 over DAL)
South: CAR 26-26 (lead 1.0 over NOS; 3.0 over TBB; 5.0 over ATL)
West: SLR 27-25 (lead 0.0 over ARI; 1.0 over SFF; 2.0 over SEA)
Wildcard: PHI 28-24, BAL 28-24 (WC1 / WC2); NOS 25-27 (3.0 GB); ARI 26-26 (3.0 GB); MIN 26-26 (3.0 GB) in pursuit.]

=================================

:: Next Protocol ::

[Week 9 (Mon May 27 → Sun Jun 2)

Mon-Tue May 27-28 (Games 2–3 of current series)
– BAL at BUF (continuing series; bullpen watch)
– CIN at HOU (South leverage; early frames matter)
– NYJ at IND (Jets surge vs. Colts depth)
– SLR at CHI (division friction; park plays)
– GBP at TBB (pace car road test)
– WAS at ARI (East intrusion; matchup opps)

Wed-Fri May 29-31 (full three-game series)
– HOU at CLE
– IND at KCC
– BUF at NYJ
– CHI at SFF
– DAL at SLR
– SEA at WAS
– TEN at BAL
– DET at GBP

Sat-Sun Jun 1-2 (first two of next series)
– ATL at CHI
– GBP at ARI
– MIA at HOU
– CIN at JAX
– SLR at PHI
– WAS at NYG
– NYJ at TEN
– BAL at DEN

Sunday Feature Pool (Jun 2): GBP at ARI; WAS at NYG; NYJ at TEN; NEP at SDC; CIN at JAX; KCC at BUF; MIA at HOU; SLR at PHI

Real-Time Sim targets (Sundays only, excluding Showcase games)
Sun Jun 2 (Week 9)
– GBP at ARI (pace car on the road; West leverage)
– WAS at NYG (NBC East hinge; one-game margin)
– NYJ at TEN (Jets’ pulse vs South grind)
– NEP at SDC (cross-card pressure; bullpens on alert)
– CIN at JAX (South separator vibes)
– KCC at BUF (upset watch; bullpen test late)]

=================================

⚾ See it unfold in Real Time

==============================
:: Full Data Access ::

32 Teams. 1 Mission. Pursue. Capture. Defend.
The Shield.


| > > SUPER SERIES < < |

::⚾::

Here are other Sim Baseball Vision leagues you may also enjoy:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Sim Baseball — An OOTP 26 Dynasty
Action Baseball League — An OOTP 26 Dynasty
The Players League, 1946 — An OOTP 26 Dynasty