Orcin Returns

[Orcin]

May 25, 2015

Subject: Week 7 Notes

Record: 25-19, .568, 3 GB
Position: 2nd place (behind Chicago)
Runs Scored: 210 – 4th in Federal
Runs Allowed: 171 – t4th in Federal
Defense: .720 – 1st in Federal (2nd in CBA)
Power Ranking: 101.3 (9th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Very Happy; Fan Interest: 88/100

• Last week (3-3): 2-1 at Houston, 1-2 at San Diego
• 05/19: HOU 9, LOU 8 – Brooks gave up 4 runs in the 9th for his 1st blown save
• Los Angeles CL Fernando Alvarez becomes the 6th pitcher to reach 500 saves.
• 05/20: LOU 10, HOU 3 – Carson 3-5, DBL, HR, 3 RBI, 2 RS
• Baltimore (26-15) obtained SP Jim Hopkins and $3M cash from Indianapolis (15-25) for a prospect. The Indians seem to be throwing in the towel pretty early.
• 05/21: LOU 6, HOU 4 – Haines 3-5, DBL, RBI; Carson 2-5, DBL, 2 RBI
• 05/22: SD 6, LOU 5 – 4 errors allowing 3 unearned runs doomed us in this one
• Jim Hopkins tossed a 3-hit shutout in his first start for the Robins.
• Cleveland CL Lucas Sanders (2.05 ERA, 10 SV) has been diagnosed with torn labrum and he is out for the year. The 39-year-old is the all-time leader in saves.
• 05/23: LOU 12, SD 2 – Ferguson 4-5, DBL, HR, 4 RBI; Gentry 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 H
• Rafael Valdez tied a Federal League record with 5 walks, reaching base 6 times.
• Lexington LF Hector Castro hit for the cycle. He is batting .290 with 7 HR.
• 05/24: SD 8, LOU 3 – Gillespie made 2 errors in the 4th, allowing 3 unearned runs
• Anderson’s line: 3.2 IP, 3 ER, 6 R, 8 H, 0 BB, 4 K, 65p/45s, L (3-3, 5.86 ERA)
• Who’s Hot: Gentry 6G, 5-1, 0.97 ERA, 46 IP, 5 ER, 27 H, 14 BB, 20 K
• Who’s Not: Nobody
• This week: 3 vs. Seattle, 3 at Los Angeles


For Your Information…

Which starting pitchers are leading the Continental Baseball Association in strikeouts per 9 innings?

Ángelo Ramos, PVD 10.31 (2-4, 3.93)
Lyle Smith, NY 9.44 (22-6, 4.72)
Armando Ramos, CHI 9.11 (7-1, 2.03)
Norio Azuma, BAL 8.71 (5-1, 4.53)
Jorge González, CHI 8.64 (5-3, 2.92)

[jaysdailydose]

Originally Posted by CatKnight

Well, 3 games out in what was supposed to be a somewhat lost year isn't bad at all. You're leading the wildcard despite losing Vargas. Once he comes back...

EDIT: And I just did a quick check: The first appearance I found for Jennifer was July 2001. She had nothing to say, so we can assume she was still getting settled. From her subsequent actions we can assume this was her first job, so she was 18-22 years old.

So, in May 2015 she'd be....

I should stop while I'm ahead, huh?

So, in May 2015 she'd still be an intelligent and beautiful woman who doesn't date ballplayers. Yeah, that's the ticket.

OOC: Does she date GM's? I know the man BEHIND an Orcin is married, but how about the character? Could be another plot line, just sayin.

[Orcin]

May 28, 2015

Another off-day provides another opportunity to make some calls.

Ray Banks will be returning from his injury soon, and a decision must be made. Which of the two left-handed outfielders will he replace? Mighty Joe Young has the edge over Fernando Chavez. Young has more power, better speed, and he can play center field. The only reason to keep Chavez on the active roster over Young is that Chavez must clear waivers to be demoted. Young has already used an option this season.

I view Young as the better long-term bench player. That means Chavez has no future here unless he beats out Brian Ferguson as the starter in right field. There are only so many positions on the team for players to occupy. It’s a numbers game.

I called Chris Porter, GM of the Cincinnati Bobcats, to continue our discussions about Mike Anderson for top prospect Jose Diaz. Anderson is due to start again on Saturday, and I would prefer to have lefty Edison Mazzone (8G at AAA, 64 IP, 3-2, 2.67 ERA) on the mound for that game. Mazzone has been hot since he was signed in early April, and I want to see him in action in the majors. Anderson gets worse every time out, reducing his trade value. Plus, the more I run him out there, the more chances for him to get hurt.

I asked Porter for an update on his situation. The Bobcats are 25-24, so barely above .500 but only 2 games out in a weak division. Porter needs to win games now to keep his boss happy. His budget has improved a little, but it is still tight. He has the worst pitching staff in his league, so even Anderson looks good to him at a $1M salary. Porter is still willing to trade Diaz plus another prospect for Anderson plus a little cash.

The Bobcats also have a weakness in right field. Conveniently, I just happen to have a right fielder that I want to trade instead of waive. We worked on several combinations, but Porter was not giving much extra value for Chavez. Perhaps he sensed that I was going to waive him. I agreed to take the deal at hand before Porter decided that Diaz should be playing right field in Cincinnati. The Bobcats had already moved Diaz from center field to right field at AAA, and that made me nervous.

I am shopping Chavez to a few other teams and might have a second deal done before the weekend is over. If I can’t get a deal now, I may be forced to keep Banks at AAA to preserve the value invested in Chavez rather than risk putting him on waivers.

[Orcin]

May 30, 2015 (BNN)

Subject: Colonels Trade Anderson to Bobcats

BNN has learned that the Louisville Colonels have reportedly worked out a trade with the Cincinnati Bobcats. Sources close to the Colonels indicated that a deal has been reached where 23-year-old minor league center fielder José Díaz and 21-year-old reliever Brendan Polk will be swapped to Louisville with 31-year-old starting pitcher Mike Anderson and $200,000 in cash heading to Cincinnati.

Neither organization would comment on the report, saying it was club policy not to speak about a trade until it was finalized.

So far this season Anderson has a record of 3-3 with 43 strikeouts and 15 walks in 55.1 innings and a 5.86 ERA. Anderson was due to start for the Colonels tonight against Los Angeles, but BNN has learned that lefty Edison Mazzone has been called up from AAA to make that start. Instead, Anderson will reportedly be on the mound for Cincinnati in their game vs. Atlanta this evening.

Diaz is the #16 prospect in the CBA according to BNN’s updated rankings. He was a third-round pick by Cincinnati in 2010. The acquisition of Diaz moves Louisville up to #15 in the ranking of minor league systems. Diaz will be assigned to Lexington (AAA) where he will play center field.

Polk was a sixth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2011. He was also assigned to Lexington. Polk had appeared in 16 games for the Bobcats this season with a 2-0 record and a 10.24 ERA. Polk had only thrown 19 innings above AA before this season, and there was some thought that he had been prematurely promoted to the majors.

Both players were added to Louisville’s secondary (40-man) roster, which is now full.

[Orcin]

June 1, 2015

Subject: Week 8 Notes

Record: 28-22, .560, 4.5 GB (14-13 in May)
Position: 2nd place (behind Chicago)
Runs Scored: 242 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 197 – 3rd in Federal
Defense: .719 – 1st in Federal (1st in CBA)
Power Ranking: 101.8 (9th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Very Happy; Fan Interest: 88/100

• Last week (3-3): 2-1 vs. Seattle, 1-2 at Los Angeles
• Catcher Duncan Bland was activated from the D/L. Reserve catcher Chuck Haines (8-25, .320, 3 RBI) was optioned back to AAA.
• 05/25: SEA 5, LOU 3 – Spencer 7.1 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 10 K, ND
• 05/26: LOU 4, SEA 2 – Arkle 3-4, HR, 2 RBI; Trauttman 8 IP, 2 ER, W (7-2, 2.80)
• 05/27: LOU 8, SEA 4 – McConnell 3-5, HR, 3 RBI; Morrison 3-4, DBL, 4 RBI
• SP Juan Rodriguez left the game in the 6th with a blister; he is ok for his next start.
• San Diego 2B Thomas Odom is out for the season with a broken kneecap. The 22-year-old rookie was hitting .346 with 33 stolen bases (CBA leader).
• Ferguson has shown signs of life and I want to get him back into the lineup. He will bat leadoff, Carson will move to the #2 spot, and Valdez will bat third.
• 05/29: LA 6, LOU 5 (14) – Ferguson 4-5, DBL, HR, 2 BB
• Lefty Edison Mazzone will start for the Colonels today in place of Mike Anderson, who was traded to Cincinnati prior to the game.
• 05/30: LA 5, LOU 2 – Mazzone 8 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 3 K, ND; Brooks L (0-4, 5.68)
• Brooks is definitely in a slump. He is pitching too many innings IMO.
• LF Ray Banks was sent to Lexington (AAA) on a rehab assignment, buying time to make a decision on Chavez.
• 05/31: LOU 10, LA 4 – Gillespie 2-5, HR, 5 RBI
• SP Ben Gentry was our Pitcher of the Month for May: 4-1, 1.80 ERA
• LF Bryan McConnell was our Player of the Month: .309/.377/.457, 3 HR, 15 RBI
• Honorable mention: SS Jason Searles was 20-68 (.294) in May with a .407 OBP and 9 steals. He may stay in the lineup at second base when Vargas returns.
• Lexington SP Michael “Hawk” Bowles was AAA Pitcher of the Month with a 5-0 record and 2.38 ERA in May. Bowles is 6-2 with a 2.90 ERA in 9 starts on the year.
• This week: 4 at Seattle, 3 vs. Milwaukee

[Orcin]

June 8, 2015

Subject: Week 9 Notes

Record: 31-26, .544, 6 GB
Position: 2nd place (behind Chicago)
Runs Scored: 280 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 231 – 6th in Federal
Defense: .715 – 1st in Federal (1st in CBA)
Power Ranking: 94.9 (11th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Happy; Fan Interest: 91/100 (+3)

• Last week (3-4): 2-2 at Seattle, 1-2 vs. Milwaukee
• 06/01: SEA 7, LOU 6 – McConnell 3-4, HR, 2 RBI; Brooks BS(2) gave up 3 in 9th
• Paula hung the dreaded snowflake on Brooks. He is 0-5 with a 6.52 ERA, but his BABIP is .368 and that can’t last. Maybe he needs some non-pressure innings.
• Searles is hot (.405 OBP in May) and Carson is cold. Time to try Searles batting leadoff, Ferguson 2nd, and move Carson down to 6th.
• 06/02: LOU 6, SEA 3 (10) – Rodriguez 8 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K, ND; Young PH HR for GWRBI in 10th off former Colonel Ricardo Quinones
• LF Bryan McConnell has signed a 5-year contract extension worth $40M. Fan interest increased to 91 on the news.
• 06/03: SEA 6, LOU 2 – Gentry 3.1 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 4 K, L (6-4, 3.63 ERA)
• Brooks 3.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 1 K, 10 GB, 0 FB, 52p/26s; would like to see better control and more strikeouts but it’s a good outing.
• 06/04: LOU 9, SEA 3 – Gillespie 3-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI; Mazzone 7 IP, 3 ER, W (1-0)
• 06/05: MIL 4, LOU 3 – Reynolds (MIL) 3-4, DBL, 2 RBI, BB, SB, RS; i.e. all over the bases
• Brooks threw two more scoreless innings in relief and shook off the snowflake.
• Cleveland LF Juan Moran hit HR #300, reminding me to be patient with young talent. I drafted him, developed him, and then traded him too soon.
• 06/06: LOU 7, MIL 3 – McConnell, 2-4, HR, 4 RBI, grand slam for GWRBI
• 06/07: MIL 8, LOU 5 – Takaki (MIL) 2-4, HR, 4 RBI
• This week: 3 vs. St. Louis, 4 at Dallas

In preparation for the draft, I have been reviewing the minor leagues. I have identified ten position players that I consider decent prospects, and eight of them are outfielders. Keep in mind that I have traded several outfielders already, and I have nine outfielders on the 40-man roster. Chris Porter really liked outfielders! It is easy to overload on one position while taking best player available, so I need to watch this in the upcoming draft.

[Orcin]

June 9, 2015

I have procrastinated over several decisions for weeks. This morning, I am determined to move ahead – right or wrong. You may define this entire day as a lack of patience, but there is a subtle distinction between lack of patience and a sense of purpose.


Shane Plumbly (.227/.279/.278) has not contributed much as a left-handed pinch-hitter and has not adjusted to a bench role. I want to get some extended playing time for him, but he is out of options. I hate to risk losing him, but it must be done.

Action 1: 1B Shane Plumbly was placed on waivers and designated for assignment. 1B Mike Guy was recalled from AAA.


Ray Banks must be activated from his rehab assignment, and I need his right-handed bat on the bench. Mighty Joe Young (.278/.358/583) has been productive and plays all three outfield positions. Fernando Chavez (.197/.284/.379) has been unproductive, and I have been unable to find a trade for him that I like. Again, I hate to risk losing him, but he is out of options. I have to make a choice, so I choose Young.

Action 2: RF Fernando Chavez was placed on waivers and designated for assignment. LF Ray Banks was activated from his rehab assignment and placed on the active roster.


Utility infielder Richard Griffith (.154/.214/.192) has been terrible offensively. There are no better alternatives in my system. I have searched for free agent middle infielders and come up empty. I will just have to live with Griffith until Vargas comes back. I did make a note to prioritize middle infielders in the draft and to keep an eye on the waiver wire.

Action 3: Do nothing, i.e. keep Richard Griffith as utility infielder for another few weeks.


Now I have an anxious three days, holding my breath and hoping that these two young players clear waivers.

[Orcin]

June 15, 2015

Subject: Week 10 Notes

Record: 35-29, .547, 5 GB
Position: 2nd place (behind Chicago)
Runs Scored: 303 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 252 – 4th in Federal
Defense: .717 – 1st in Federal (1st in CBA)
Power Ranking: 95.4 (12th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Happy; Fan Interest: 91/100

• Last week (4-3): 3-0 vs. St. Louis, 1-3 at Dallas
• Carson is moving back to #2 in the order, with Ferguson back to #6.
• Current batting order: SS Searles (until Vargas returns), 1B Carson, CF Valdez, LF McConnell, 3B Gillespie, RF Ferguson, 2B Morrison, C Arkle/Bland
• I like this lineup because I want my speed (McConnell, Gillespie, Ferguson) ahead of the singles hitters. I want the first 3 hitters scoring on HRs, not running into outs.
• 06/08: LOU 9, STL 2 – Carson 3-3, HR, 2 RBI; Gentry 6.2 IP, 2 ER, W (7-4, 3.56)
• 06/09: LOU 2, STL 1 – Mazzone 8 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 5 K, W (2-0, 1.96)
• 06/10: LOU 3, STL 2 (13) – Colonels bullpen threw 8 scoreless innings for the win
• Brooks pitched two scoreless innings (21p/17s, 3 K). He is back in the closer role.
• 06/11: LOU 6, DAL 2 – Trauttmann 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 7 K, W (9-2, 2.77 ERA)
• Ferguson’s 3-run HR with 2 out in the 1st inning gave Trauttmann a nice cushion.
• Dayton RF Doug Pope was 5-5 vs. Reno. He is our #7 prospect (2011 round 1A).
• Cleveland claimed RF Fernando Chavez off waivers. That’s a shame.
• Shane Plumbly cleared waivers and was assigned to AAA. He will be asked to play shortstop for Lexington. It will increase his value as a utility man if he can handle it.
• 06/12: DAL 7, LOU 2 – Rain delay in the 6th inning knocked SP Rodriguez out.
• And, when it rains, it pours… LF Bryan McConnell (.323/.383/.556, 14 HR, 45 RBI) fractured his hand and will be out for 8 weeks. He was placed on the 15-day D/L.
• Top prospect Jose Diaz was promoted from AAA and will make his major league debut this weekend playing LF and batting 5th. (Gillespie will bat 4th.)
• 06/13: DAL 2, LOU 0 – Rollins (DAL) 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 K; Diaz 0-4
• He continues to haunt me… Cleveland LF Juan Moran’s hitting streak ended at 23 games.
• 06/14: DAL 5, LOU 1 – Harris (DAL) 8 IP, 1 ER, 1 H; Gillespie’s HR in 8th broke up the no-hitter
• This week: 3 at San Francisco, 3 vs. Sacramento (start of a long homestand)

[Orcin]

June 15, 2015

Subject: First-Year Player Draft

The New York Monarchs had the first overall pick in today’s draft, and they selected SP Bernardo “Jukebox” Ibarra, a 19-year-old right-hander from Lincoln, CA. He was 8-1 with a 1.06 ERA against average competition, and he wants a signing bonus of $8M. RF Rick Blair was taken 2nd by Cincinnati. These are the 2 best players in the draft IMO.

Louisville will pick 15th. I prefer a pitcher, catcher, or middle infielder, but I will take the best player available that can be signed under budget (slot bonus for this pick is $1.4M).

Louisville selections:

Round 1 (#15 overall): LF Curt Turner (age 22, bats R, 5-star), Texas Southern Univ., elite hitting prospect with power to all fields, good range and arm, hit .322/.410/.558 vs. average competition, high work ethic, very high leadership, best player available IMO, rated hard to sign

Round 2 (#48 overall): C Darryl Fletcher (age 22, bats R, 5-star), Univ. of Northern Colorado , mature low-risk player, above average contact, plus-plus power potential, draws walks, above-average defense and arm, stat line of .306/.385/.503 vs. average competition, position of need and rated very easy to sign

Round 3 (#79 overall): CL Anthony Byers (age 21, throws R, 4-star), Michigan State Univ., 2-1 with 2.16 ERA and 12 SV vs. great competition, fastball 95-97 mph, good curveball, groundball 60%, above-average control, very smart with a high work ethic, rated normal to sign

Round 4 (#109 overall): C Craig Carpenter (age 20, bats R, 5-star), Arizona State Univ., potential to be a dominant Hall of Fame hitter, stat line of .320/.397/.471 vs. great competition, defensive skills are weak but has good infield range and we will attempt to convert him to 1B, high work ethic, normal intelligence, rated hard to sign

Round 5 (#139 overall): SP Joe Horvath (age 20, throws R, 5-star), Arizona Univ., 10-5 with a 3.48 ERA vs. great competition, amazing stuff and control with good movement, projects to be a reliever because third pitch is weak and unlikely to develop, intangibles are a big concern and probably made him slide this far, rated hard to sign

I took college players only in the first five rounds to increase my odds of getting it right. I have a high degree of confidence in the first three picks. This could be a great draft if the other two pan out. I took a high school outfielder rated extremely hard to sign (wants a ton of money) in the 7th round. It’s a real gamble that could pay off if he accepts the remaining funds that I have after signing the first five picks. If not, I didn’t lose much.

[Sal, The Barber]

Sal doesn't travel much anymore, so he has to use the internet to keep tabs on prospects. Sal likes everything about Darryl Fletcher. Looks like an anchor on the field for 10 years.

[Orcin]

June 22, 2015

Subject: Week 11 Notes

Record: 40-30, .571, 5.5 GB
Position: 2nd place (behind Chicago)
Runs Scored: 338 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 276 – 4th in Federal
Defense: .711 – 2nd in Federal (t3rd in CBA)
Power Ranking: 108.9 (6th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Very Happy; Fan Interest: 91/100

• Last week (5-1): 2-1 at San Francisco, 3-0 vs. Sacramento
• Two of the three big-name free agent first basemen signed in the off-season were traded today. The deals were very similar.
• Orlando traded 31 y/o 1B Millard Whitaker, a prospect, and $3M cash to Detroit for 25 y/o SP Ray Lynch
• San Francisco sent 33 y/o 1B Denny Kramer, a prospect, and $3M cash to Boston for 27 y/o SP Adrian Vela
• 06/15: LOU 3, SF 1 – Spencer 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K, W (4-4, 3.05 ERA)
• STL LF Nick Crosby (5x All-Star) is out for the year with a ruptured finger tendon.
• LOU SS Jason Searles agreed to a contract extension that will pay him $1.4M for next season with a team option at $1.6M for 2017 (no buyout).
• 06/16: SF 9, LOU 8 – Carson 4-5, DBL, HR, 3 RBI; Diaz 1st major league HR
• 06/17: LOU 6, SF 5 – Young 4-5, DBL, 2 RBI, 2 SB, GWRBI in 9th
• 06/19: LOU 9, SAC 4 – Valdez 2-3, DBL, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 2 RS
• Houston CL Ronald Richard will be sidelined for 13 months after Tommy John surgery to repair a torn UCL. Richard has 256 career saves and a 2.12 ERA.
• 06/20: LOU 7, SAC 4 – Young 2-3, DBL, HR, 2 RBI; Banks PH 3-run HR, GWRBI
• Mighty Joe Young (.287/.362/.574) has replaced Ferguson (.227/.312/.372) in the starting lineup playing left field. Diaz moves to right field (best arm).
• 06/21: LOU 2 , SAC 1 – Spencer 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K, W (5-4, 2.00 ERA)
• This week: 3 vs. Dallas, 3 vs. Indianapolis

[Orcin]

Otto Orcin’s Journal
Week of June 15-21, 2015

Core players for the future: Vargas, McConnell (too bad they are both hurt!), Diaz?

Opinion trending up: Young, Gillespie, Trauttmann, Sanderson, Carson

Opinion trending down: Ferguson, Banks, Morrison

Cautiously optimistic: Searles, Arkle, Gentry, Spencer, Brooks (back to normal?)

Bowles and Lopez are tearing up AAA – will be in rotation next year

Trade deadline bait: too many key injuries to trade anyone of value

Old question: Should I trade Valdez now while I still can? (I will wait until the off-season)

Old question: Could Plumbly be the regular 2B? (playing well at SS in AAA so maybe)

Old question: Is it too early to work on an extension for McConnell? (no, it wasn’t – good call I think)

Old question: Arbitration cases for next year. Which ones to extend? (none, let’s see how they play)

Diaz has begun to hit a little – delicate balance between developing and destroying.

Green says I should have brought up Castro instead, but he is LH & not on 40-man.

Vargas and Ordonez will be back soon, and then we might close the gap with Chicago.

PATIENCE!!!

[illeracula]

What kind of season are the Arkle and Bland having? How is Bland hitting since coming off the DL?

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by illeracula

What kind of season are the Arkle and Bland having? How is Bland hitting since coming off the DL?

Not bad. Both of them are over .700 OPS. Arkle is hitting for a little power. The halfway point is coming soon, so I will post complete stats then.

[Orcin]

Mid-Season Second Guessing

Let’s get an update on all of the players that were shown the door since I took over from Chris Porter. The players that are playing regularly and contributing are shown in bold.

CF Rafael Vasquez (not Valdez), SAC 70G, .261/.304/.398, traded for McConnell
C Tsutomu Kubo, SAC reserve 33G, .286/.362/.388, traded for McConnell
MR David Brown, SAC bullpen 14G, 2-0, 5.40 ERA, traded for McConnell
LF Eduardo Sanchez, CHI 69G, .304/.376/.405, traded for Bowles
1B Rick Thomas, PHI platoon 49G, .308/.375/.431, left as free agent
MR Gang Jiao, MIL bullpen 9G, 0-2, 8.31 ERA, left as free agent
MR Jesus Pena, MIL bullpen 18G, 2-1, 4.12 ERA, left as free agent
SP Bill Robertson, PHX rotation 13G, 3-5, 3.94 ERA, left as free agent
CL Ken Cushley, NY closer 29G, 2-2, 3.82 ERA, 17 SV, left as free agent
SP Connor Legh, SEA 60-day D/L w/ torn labrum, left as free agent
CL David Hanna, DEN closer 29G, 4-3, 2.23 ERA, 17 SV, left as free agent
LF Steve Roberts, PHX reserve 19G, .222/.263/.333, traded for Carson
SP Maximo Rodriguez, SF AAA rotation 13G, 3-2, 2.82 ERA, traded for Arkle
1B Ramiro De La Parra, BOS reserve 43G, .288/.302/.654, traded for Brooks
RF Hector Martinez, BOS AAA 49G, .194/.294/.290, traded for Brooks
CF William Price, BOS reserve 32G, .196/.196/.326, traded for Gentry/Plumbly
C Juan Alejandrez, HOU 61G, .286/.336/.442, traded for Lopez/Garcia (prospects)
2B Pedro Soto, HOU reserve 21G, .395/.410/.474, traded for Lopez/Garcia
SP Mike Anderson, CIN rotation, 5G, 2-2, 3.52 ERA, traded for Diaz/Polk (prospects)
LF Fernando Chavez, CLE 15-day D/L, shoulder, claimed off waivers by CLE

I dumped more players than I thought. There were a few others, but they are either in the minors or released. Sanchez is probably an all-star, but he was a salary dump. No one else on this list makes me wish that I had them back.

[Orcin]

June 25, 2015

Subject: Mid-Season Minor League Update

The following players from our farm system were selected for the All-Star team in their league.

Lexington (AAA), 39-27, 1st place:
• SP Michael Bowles (age 20, throws L, 8-2, 2.45 ERA)
• SP Domingo Lopez (age 23, throws R, 7-5, 2.83 ERA)
• 3B Jason Sykes (age 24, bats R, .279/.380/.500, 11 HR, 31 RBI)
• LF Hector Castro (age 22, bats L, .305/.368/.515, 9 HR, 17 RBI)
• RF Barry Fontenot (age 26, bats L, .394/.444/.732, 6 HR, 20 RBI)

Dayton (AA), 42-23, 1st place:
• SP Elliott Phillips (age 24, throws R, 7-2, 4.24 ERA)
• 1B Millard Chapman (age 23, bats L, .294/.381/.492, 8 HR, 44 RBI)
• CF Dennis Bennett (age 24, bats L, .329/.492/.774, 19 HR, 55 RBI)
• RF Doug Pope (age 22, bats R, .308/.390/.453, 7 HR, 33 RBI)

Evansville (A), 36-29, 1st place:
• SP Pedro Villanueva (age 23, throws R, 6-1, 3.09 ERA)
• LF Roberto Lopez (age 21, bats L, .294/.426/.518, 5 HR, 35 RBI)
• RF Terry Webb (age 21, bats S, .247/.401/.549, 14 HR, 37 RBI)

[Orcin]

June 29, 2015

Subject: Week 12 Notes

Record: 45-31, .592, 4.5 GB
Position: 2nd place (behind Chicago)
Runs Scored: 369 – 2nd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 293 – 3rd in Federal
Defense: .711 – 3rd in Federal
Power Ranking: 113.6 (4th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Delighted; Fan Interest: 91/100

• Last week (5-1): 3-0 vs. Dallas, 2-1 vs. Indianapolis
• 06/22: LOU 5, DAL 2 – Trauttmann 7 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 5 K, W (10-2, 2.93 ERA)
• SS Luis Vargas begins a rehab assignment at Lexington.
• 06/23: LOU 10, DAL 2 – Bland 2-3, TPL, HR, 2 RBI, BB, 3 RS
• Dallas traded 35 y/o MR Anastasio Alomar to Charlotte for 3 prospects. Charlotte does need a closer but they are 28-42. This trade makes no sense for them IMO.
• 06/24: LOU 7, DAL 5 – Gillespie 2-4, DBL, HR, 3 RBI
• SP Ben Gentry left the game in the fourth inning with an undisclosed injury.
• 06/26: LOU 4, IND 3 (10) – Diaz PH DBL in the 10th, scored the winning run
• Carson left the game with a cramp (DTD) and will sit out tomorrow’s game
• 06/27: LOU 3, IND 1 – Spencer 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 7 K, W (6-4, 2.81 ERA)
• SP Ben Gentry (8-5, 3.74 ERA) will have surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow. He is out for the year but should be ready for spring training next season.
• I assigned Gentry to the 15-day D/L because I don’t need the roster spot. SP Juan Jose Rodgers was called up from AAA and will get a start sometime next week.
• All of our draft picks have been signed, including our round 7 gamble, and we were within the budget.
• 06/28: IND 4, LOU 2 – Carter (IND) 8 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K; winning streak ends at 9 games
• Providence C Andy Hamm is out for the year with a torn back muscle.
• Lexington SP Marcos Maestas (4-8, 4.90 ERA) will be shut down for the rest of the season due to shoulder inflammation.
• This week: 3 huge games vs. Chicago, 4 at Sacramento

[Jabez54]

Been out of the loop for the last few days ... my motherboard got fried ... back in the fold ... I like the "Round 4 (#109 overall): C Craig Carpenter" ... with that prospect, I can see a potential "Bench" material ... I'm a firm believer of the median core of the team ... starting from the CF, toward the SS & 2nd, and the Catcher ... having a solid line, with defense and hitting, that can support pitching and create a winning team ...

[Orcin]

Mid-Season Focus Changes

Teams that may be buyers at the trade deadline:
• Pittsburgh Warriors have set their team focus to “Win Now”.
• Houston Stars have set their team focus to “Win Now”.
• Salt Lake City Bees have set their team focus to “Win Now”.
• Los Angeles Vipers have set their team focus to “Win Now”.
• San Diego Stallions have set their team focus from “Rebuilding” to “Neutral”.
• New York Monarchs have set their team focus from “Rebuilding” to “Neutral”.

Teams that may be sellers at the trade deadline:
• Providence Grays have set their team focus from “Win Now” to “Neutral”.
• Nashville Tigers have set their team focus from “Win Now” to “Neutral”.
• Boston Bombers have set their team focus from “Win Now” to “Neutral”.
• Sacramento Outlaws have set their team focus from “Win Now” to “Neutral”.
• Cleveland Rockers have set their team focus from “Win Now” to “Neutral”.
• Denver Miners have set their team focus to “Rebuilding”.

Upon receiving the bad news about Ben Gentry, the old Orcin would have been on the phone to the sellers looking for the best starting pitcher available in return for two fringe players and two prospects. The new Orcin wants to see what former #1 draft pick Juan Jose Rodgers can do. Rodgers is out of options after this year and a decision must be made. Patience.


June 29, 2015: A Busy Day of Trading in the CBA

• Pittsburgh acquired expensive ($73M/4yrs) and slumping SS Gerald Davis (.191) from Nashville for 32 y/o CF Tracy Sweeney (a former Colonel).
• Pittsburgh also acquired 37 y/o 1B Tom Henry from Seattle for 3 prospects.
• Milwaukee acquired expensive ($106M/6yrs) and slumping C Nathaniel Robertson (.242) from Cleveland for a prospect.
• Chicago acquired platoon SS Kishisaburo Takaki (.333/.348/.519) from Milwaukee for a top 100 prospect.

[Orcin]

July 6, 2015

Subject: Week 13 Notes

Record: 48-35, .578, 4.5 GB (19-9 in June)
Position: 2nd place (behind Chicago)
Runs Scored: 402 – 2nd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 326 – 4th in Federal
Defense: .710 – 3rd in Federal
Power Ranking: 100.1 (8th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Delighted; Fan Interest: 90/100 (-1)

• Last week (3-4): 3-0 vs. Chicago, 0-4 at Sacramento
• 06/29: LOU 4, CHI 3 (14) – Morrison walk-off RBI single; bullpen 6 shutout innings
• SP Edgardo Ordonez started a rehab assignment at Lexington.
• 06/30: LOU 6, CHI 1 – Mazzone 9 IP, 1 ER, 10 H, 2 BB, 2 K, W (4-1, 2.72 ERA)
• SP Pippino Franchitti (29/R/1.5*) was signed as a minor league free agent and will join the rotation in Lexington. He was 9-14 with a 5.14 ERA for Seattle in 2014.
• We also signed a 36 y/o starting pitcher attempting a comeback on a minor league (AAA) contract. His name is Ray Alexander. Yes, THAT Ray Alexander.
• SP Will Spencer was our Pitcher of the Month for June: 3-1, 2.48 ERA
• 3B Phil Gillespie was our Player of the Month: .376/.394/.624, 5 HR, 15 RBI
• 07/01: LOU 7, CHI 4 – Spencer 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K, ND; Searles 2-4, 2 RBI
• The sweep over the Cougars leaves us only 1.5 games out of first place!
• Denver CL David Hanna gets save #500, 7th all-time, 4th player to do it this year.
• SS Luis Vargas was placed on the active roster and SS Richard Griffith was optioned to AAA. Jason Searles will stay in the lineup at 2B.
• CF Jose Diaz (.216/.273/.333) is pressing and I don’t want to hurt his development. Diaz was sent down to AAA and RF Barry Fontenot was called up for the bench.
• Joe Young will play LF and Brian Ferguson will play RF until McConnell returns.
• 07/02: SAC 12, LOU 8 – Foster (SAC) 3-5, DBL, HR, 6 RBI, 3 RS; Rodgers 4 IP, 5 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 1 K; bullpen blew up allowing 6 runs in the 8th
• Dayton LF Doug Pope (.310/.397/.456) was 5-5 with a DBL, HR, and 3 RBI.
• Trade Proposal: San Francisco wants 2B Lance Morrison for MR Ismael Carranza (36/L/3.5*) and their #4 prospect 1B Miguel Castillo (20/R/2.5* POT). I declined.
• Charlotte (30-48) obtained closer Aymeric Veronese (32/L/4.5*) for 4 prospects.
• 07/03: SAC 3, LOU 0 – Becerra (SAC) 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 2 K, W (4-5, 5.23)
• 07/04: SAC 7, LOU 6 – Gillespie 3-5, HR, 3 RBI; Brooks 0.2 IP, 1 ER, L (1-7, 3.86)
• 07/05: SAC 3, LOU 2 – Longoria (SAC) 8 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 3 BB, 4 K, W (8-7, 4.05)
• The height of inconsistency: we sweep Chicago and then get swept by Sacramento
• This week: 3 vs. Phoenix, 4 vs. Salt Lake City, leading up to the All-Star break