DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference Championships
Game 5 Starting Lineups

Miguel Contrears will be on the hill for the Cavaliers today, he is the guy you want on the hill in a must win game, right? For his post-season career Contreras is 10-4 2.46 in 18 starts... this year he is 0-1 4.70, losing game one to the Crabs. Redemption?

Orlando Ruiz is on the hill, pitching on short rest. He was the only 20+ game winner in the MarVa Conference this season, and is one of the games top pitches, overall. he got roughed up a little bit in game 2 allowing 9 hits and 5 runs over 6.1 innings. Will he be able to come back and shut down the Cav's? It is a must win for the Crabs and they got the guy they want on the hill...

>> The only change the Cav's would make is putting Lawson in LF, moving Lewis to RF and sitting Lambert.
>> The Blue Crabs would send Steve Jackson into RF, in place of the injured Jose Lopez
(forgot screen shot)

The Cavaliers scored first in the top of the 2nd, making the most of an error by Sanho Busones... with 2 outs, Fransico Gallegos drilled up a double down the right-field line. With Gallegos on second, Granados would hit, what seemed like a routine grounder to third base. Busones couldn't handle it and Granados was safe at first, and Gallegos at 3rd. Robinson Lopez then hit a nubber past the pitcher and legged it out, for an infield hit, scoring Gallegos... The Cav's had the lead 1-0...

Contreras was in control of the Blue Crabs, until the 3rd with 2 outs... when he gave up a single to the #9 hitter Cesar Silva, and then a triple to lead-off man Ramiro Herrera. One of the key's to the series was Silva hitting the ball and good things have happened when he does that... after 3 the game was dead locked at 1.

In the 5th Leonard Lawson would double with 2-outs, but he would be left on 2nd when Lewis struck out, for the 3rd time of the game...

In the bottom of the 5th the Crabs would take the lead. Contreras allowed a single to Mike Simmons to start the inning off. Simmons would move up to second on a ground out to first. David Hicks, in for the ejected Jose Martinez, would single him home... The Crabs would take the lead 2-1.

In the 8th the Cav's would mount a small run... Leonard Lawson singled to right to start the inning. With Jeff Lewis at the plate Lawson would steal second. Lewis flew out, moving Lawson to third... In came Yoo-hyun Kim, to face King Brock...

"With one out and the tying run on third, the Cav's look to their veteran leader King Brock to get him home... Kim from the stretch, strike one. That pitch broke over the corner of the plate. Brock was not looking for something to bend there... Brock had an off season by his standards, but still ended the season leading the Cav's in RBI's... here is pitch #2, big swing by Brock, strike two... looked like was trying to give the Cav's the lead there. All they need is a deep fly ball. Kim an ex-Cav is trying to show the Cav's they should'nt of let him go, here is the 0-2 pitch. Swing and a miss, Brock goes down, for out number 2. All he had to do is make contact..."

After brock struck out, Diaz lined out to third, ending the threat. The Crabs would go down 1-2-3 in the 8th, and the Gomez, Gallegos and Labmert all would strike out swinging to end the game.

The Blue Crabs take the final game in Chesapeake 2-1, and the series will now head back to Norfolk with the Cavaliers holding a 3-2 lead.



We head back to Norfolk for game 6 with 26-yr-old Antonio Cortes facing off against 23-yr-old Miguel Angel Gonzalez.

Cortes will be making his 2nd postseason start, getting a no-decision in game 1, allowing 6 Hits over 6.1 innings, while striking out and walking 3. He did give up 2 long-balls.

Miguel Angel Gonzalez will be making his 4th career postseason start (2-0 2.66 / 3 GS). He started game 2 and won, going 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 runs.

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference Championships
Game 6 Starting Lineups

Miguel Angel Gonzalez will be getting his second start of the playoffs after winning game 2. He will be up against lefty Antonio Cortes who took the ND in the game 1.

For the Cav's Bernardo Velez will be in the game replacing Ramon Granados. Ramon has been slumping during the playoffs and is a career .095 hitter against Cortes... for the Blue Crabs Steve Jackson will be back in the #4 hole for the injured Jose Lopez.



The Blue Crabs got the starting started in the second inning when Claude Bond lead off with a triple, on a 2-1 count. Bond drove the ball the opposite way down the RF line. the next batter Mike Simmons would fly out to left field scoring Bond on a close play... Blue Crabs lead 1-0

In the forth the game, the Blue Crabs were threatening again, with two outs Bond doubled, the Mike Simmons walked, bring up Xue-qin Xu:

"Xu, the Chesapeake designated hitter, is next, batting .338 with runners in scoring position, 46 for 136, with 10 HR's and 85 RBI... 1-0 count as Gonzalez gets the sign and from the stretch he delivers, swung on, there's a drive, toward deep left center field long run for Galvez at the track... leaps... and comes down with it! Quite a catch by Galvez!! Xu thought he had extra bases. That's three down and the score is 1-0 Blue Crabs over Cavaliers"

Galvez saved two runs and kept the game 1-0...

The Cavaliers would finally get to Cortes in the 5th, when red hot Robinson Lopez doubled down the left-field line with two outs. The next batter rookie Sergio Rodriguez singled to left, scoring Lopez... and after 5 the game was tied at 1.

That didn't last long however, when Antonio Castaneda came to the plate leading off the 6th. He would sit on an 0-2 mistake by Gonzalez and break the tie with a 437ft HR to the left-field power alley. Giving the Crabs a 2-1 lead.

The Cavaliers would threaten in the 6th, when Lewis and Gallegos started off the inning with singles... Lawson went down swinging, Diaz flew out to deep center, moving Lewis third, then Velez would strike out on 3 pitches. Blowing a big opportunity.

In the 8th the Blue Crabs would an insurance run. A single by Sanho Busones lead off the inning, he would move to third on a single by Castaneda, and a fielding error by Lawson. Steve Jackson would then fly out to Lawson, plating Busones...

And the Blue Crabs would hold a 3-1 lead after 7 and 1/2, and that lead would be how the game would end.

The Series is now tied at 3, as we head into a game 7 for the 2nd year in a row against the Blue Crabs... you couldn't of asked for much more from Gonzalez, who threw 7 strong innings, he was just out pitched by Cortes.



Game 7's are always fun and nerving... Last year we had Paul Brown on the hill, against Christian Gros, both players are not on the playoff rosters this time around... As Cornell Pearson is scheduled to go up against Paul Randolph. We won last season 6-1, hopefully we can repeat that outcome this year. Oddly enough last year we held a 3-1 game lead, as well, and the Blue Crabs forced us to a game 7... I am worried about this game, I am worried about Pearson on the hill. I am worried about our offense not being able to score runs. I am worried... hopefully we can step it up and get some runs across the plate...

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference Championships
Game 7 Starting Lineups

Its that item again, game 7, all is on the line, the Blue Crabs have fought back and evened the series at 3. Back to back wins, back to back pitching duels, what is game 7 going to bring? This is going to be fun...

In Pearson we trust... can be bring that game 3 magic to game 7? Will the pressure get to him? I am not sure what will happen, all I know is he is my man on the hill to start the game and its all men on deck. I hope he has his A game... He goes up against Paul Randolph who he faced in game 3. We got to Randolph a little bit, but it was another nail biter of a game. I just hope our 12-runs in game 4 weren't all that this offenese had...

Cavaliers key: Jeff Lewis had 6 hits in the first 3 games. In game 4 he hit a key 3-run HR, but that has been the only "clutch" he has had since. Going 2-12, with a HR and 3 RBI, while striking out 7 times in the last 3 games... For the Cav's to win he must do something.

Blue Crabs key: Paul Randolph has to follow two solid outings by Ruiz and Torres with one of his own. In his only other start this series he got roughed up for 5 runs and 10 hits oer 5.2 innings. He must do better to get the Crabs to the Championship.



The game started slowly and was scoreless until the bottom of the third... When Ramon Granados would get the inning started with an infield single to the third baseman. He would steal second on a run-and-hit call, and then score 2 batters later on a Sergio Gavlez single... After 3 the Cav's opened the scoring and lead 1-0.

Pearson, however, couldn't keep that momentum, as the Cav's lost the lead in the top of the fourth, as the Blue Crabs collected 3 hits. Leading off was Antonio Castaneda who singled, he would head over to third on a Steve Jackson double, thne score on a Claude Bond single up the middle. After striking out David Hicks, Pearson would get Xue-qin Xu to fly out, but it was deep enough for Jackson to score the go ahead run. The Cav's would go down 1-2-3 in the bottom half and after 4 the game was 2-1 in favor of the Blue Crabs.

In the 6th the Cavaliers would put together a little threat... Sergio Galvez singled to lead things off. He stole second. Leonard Lawson popped out to right, but not deep enough to move Galvez. Jeff Lewis would come up with a runner on second and strike out on. King Brock got hit-by-the-pitch and with 2 on and 2 outs, Alejandro Diaz would end the threat by ground out to second.

In the 7th the Cav's would tie things up. Lead-off hitter Francisco Gallegos would drive a 0-2 mistake from Paul Randolph over the right-field wall. The game was tied. The Cav's couldn't get any momentum going afetr the HR, going down 1-2-3.

After the rough 4th, Pearson settled down and set-down the Blue Carbs 1-2-3 for the next 3 innings.

Luis Martinez reliever Perason in the 8th, and in the 9th, his second inning of work, lead-off man Antonio Castaneda would drive a ball to right-center, but would get gunned down at 3rd by Sergio Galvez trying to stretch an easy double into a triple... Martinz would set-down the next two...

At this point I knew we would win... how could we not? Momentum was on our side, we just gunned out a Castaneda, retired Jackson and Bond... I was ready to celebrate...

In the 9th the Blue Crabs brought in closer Matusuke Koizumi. Brock grounded out. Diaz struck out. Gallegos walked. Gomez flew out... nothing... to extra's we go...

Carlos Coronado was brought in the game as the first 3 Crabs batters were lefties, and 4 of the next 5. I figured I would get 2 innings out of him... but...

In the top of the 10th Jose Martinez would come to the plate pitting lefty vs lefty. Martinez has had an awful series up to this point, 4-20, RBI, 10 K's... but that 21st AB was magical...

"With one and David Hicks on first, Jose Martinez will be the batter. Martinez has been struggling of late, going 0 fer his last 7, including 5 K's. The pitch from Coronado is high, ball one... Martinez is lucky to be still playing after being ejected in game 5. He looked to have bumped the home plate umpre after arguing balls and... the pitch, thumped deep down the left-field line, foul... Coronado was lucky there, left that pitch up in the zone and Martinez was just a little out in front of it... On the season Martinez hit .222-2-8 against lefties on the season, here is the 1-1 from Coronado... Martinez swings, he got that one, its high, its deep, Galvez gives chase, but runs out of room. Martinez just broke the tie with a 2-run blast... no question about that one..."

The Cav's would try to answer in the bottom of the 10th... Granados walked to lead things off. Robinson Lopez who has been hitting the ball all over the place (before today's game) flew out to left. Sergio Galvez then poped out ot third... bring up Leonard Lawson.

"Lawson comes to the plate, as the tying run, with Granados at first and 2 outs... Koizumi deals, strike out... Lawson looked shocked that Koizumi came at him with a fastball on the first pitch... Koizumi is deceptivly fast and has been dominate against the Cav's so far in the playoffs. In 5.2 innings, he has allowed just 2 hits and struck 8... here is the second pitch, just missed, ball 2... Koizumi has a lot of movement on that cutter, which he used to get 39 saves this season. He seems to have taken his game to another level her ein the play-offs... He looks ready, the deal to Lawson, big swing by Lawson, strike two... the count is now 1-2. Lawson a 22-yr old sweet swinging lefty has a lot of pressure on him here... He is 1 for his last 8 over the past 2 games, after going 6 for his first 12 of the series... the Cav's need him to come through here and get Jeff Lewis to the plate... here is the pitch, swung on and missed! Lawson missed the cutter and the Blue Crabs are heading to the Championship game!!!"

That was that, we lost, up 3 games to 1 and we couldn't finish it off. I can't fault Contreras, Gonzalez and Pearson they pitched their best, but we just couldn't score... they beat us, they deserved it... its another disappointing season in Norfolk...



Cavaliers key: Jeff Lewis >> Jeff went 0-4, with 2 K's, leaving 2 men on base.

Blue Crabs key: Paul Randolph >> 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K's ... "Player of the Game"

Series MVP: Matsusuke Koizumi: 4 Games, 6 IP, 2 K, 3 BB, 9 K's, 0 Runs, 1 Win and 3 Saves.

[illeracula]

At the beginning of the Series we started to talk with Sergio Galvez and his agent, we discussed some things and made him an offer. He seems to be getting better every season and having here for at least 4 more years has made the fans happy...

LF Sergio Gálvez: Contract Signed: I'm not easily impressed, but I have to admit that you made the best pitch you could under the circumstances. I'm very honored to accept your offer of $52,000,000 and will be sticking around another 5 years.

Sergio Gálvez

[illeracula]

Dear Cavaliers Supporters-

First I want to apologize for, yet, another early exit from the playoffs. Hang in there, I promise we will be back to the title game soon...

That being said, I will have my hands full in 2025 if I want to win this elusive 6th Championship. I am tired of going home early and this year losing in 7 games, after owning a 3-1 lead really hurts... maybe missing Hamer and Brown was the difference, but I am not here to make any excuses. The team we had on the field was good enough to win, case closed... Our hitters just decided to take the final 3 games off... and that ticks me off...

My first reaction is to blow this team up and start all over, but that wouldn't work, we have a nice solid core and for the most part we are young... so here is my initial impulsive plan... Trade Ramon Granados. I will take a draft pick for him, I just need to dump his attitude and his expected $9 M salary... then wait and see what Jeff Lewis does. If he rejects the player option, good! if not then i will have to move someone, most likely one to move? Jeff Lewis. His performance this post-season sealed the deal, i am done with him...

After that I need to look at my starting rotation and decide if I should move Miguel Contreras. The only reason I would move him is if I could get a young, non-fragile, infielder (2B/3B)... Contreras makes a lot of money, and the way he has pitched he deserves it, but if I can get a kid who can hit, it may be more important... i am not sure yet... Miguel is one of my favorite players in this league, moving him would be tough.

The last thing I need to do is a) hope that Dalton Whitaker retires... but if he doesn't I am going to have to release him and its going to HURT! He has $10M due to him over the next two seasons, but I just can't waste a roster slot with him... Hopefully our owner Bill Parker will understand.

So here it is my first 3 off-season goals:
1) Trade Granados
2) Hope Jeff Lewis opts out, if not trade him out
3) Miguel Contreras: Money vs Young Hitter?
4) Figure out what to do with Dalton Whitaker.

I am excited that Galvez signed that deal, he is worth more than that on the open market... I am glad to have him aboard... Pearson and Gonzalez really impressed me this post season and they will be highly welcome in the rotation next season.

Its my goal to win another Championship here in Norfolk before moving on. The fans here deserve it... I just hope owner Bill Parker understands. I have been here in Norfolk since 2013, and I look for a few more years of success in Norfolk.

Regards,

GM Tony Luke

[illeracula]

Game 1


Game Changer: The Blue Crabs held a 3-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 6th when the flood gates opened. A lead-off single by Totoya Ogawa go the inning started, then an 8-pitch walk to Errol Williams put runners on first and second. Felipe Marquez then came through with a double to tie the game. An intentional walk to Derek Campbell loaded the bases with no-outs then Catcher Jose Rodriquez came through with a 2-run single.

Game 2


Game Changer: After the Blue Crabs scored two in the first their bats would go cold. They only had 3 base runners on after the first inning, two singles and a walk, 2-double plays and a caught stealing was all they would have to show for it.

Game 3


Game Changer: With the Blue Crabs up 4-3 heading into the 6th the Braves would make some noise. Totoya Ogawa lead off with a single, then stole second. He would move to third on a single by Ryan Warrender. New pitcher Steve Bowers would give up a single to Francisco Torres, which would plate Ogawa and tied the game. Herminio Bovay would follow with a single to load the bases. After a single by Eric Harper socred Warrender, Andres Salinas would come up and clear the bases with a grand slam. Giving the Braves the lead.

Game 4


Game Changer: The Blue Crabs were looking to steal game 4, heading into the 9th with a 2-1 lead. On the hill for the Blue Crabs was Matsusuke Koizumi, who hasn't allowed a run all postseason. With one-out, Jorge Alonso would come up to bat and hit a fly-ball to left-field. Mike Simmons would miss judged the ball, and the ball ends up popping out of his glove. With Alonso on first, Totoya Ogawa would drive a 3-1 pitch over the right-field wall, giving the Braves the lead 3-2, and win.

Series MVP: Totoya Ogawa: 6 Hits, 2B, HR, 5 Runs, 2 RBI


Championship History:

[illeracula]

Norfolk Cavaliers Players Retiring: Here is a list of Norfolk Cavaliers players who decided to retire:

CL Dalton Whitaker
Whitaker's career numbers include 53 wins and 59 losses in 745 games with 343 saves, 3.75 ERA and 1027 strikeouts in 787.1 innings. Opposing hitters have averaged .226 against him.

Dalton Whitaker is a first ballot Hall-of-Famer. He is the only closer in DBL history with over 300 career saves. The next closets is Wilson Acosta with 286, and the closest active player is Manuel Petrelia with 221. He finishes his career with 343 saves and 49 BS, for a 87.5% success ratio.

Whitaker also holds the single season record for saves, with 52, a record he set in 2016. Whitaker was in the talks to win the Golden Arm Award in 2016, when he finished the year with a 7-4 record, 52 saves, and he struck out 119 in 81.2 innings. Still on of the most impressive seasons by a closer in DBL history.

Whitaker was a 7-time All-Star and one of the games best closers. He saved over 40 games 6-times, including a string of 5 in-a-row. He was also a strike out pitcher striking out over 90 7-times.

Dalton will be missed and we look forward to seeing is plaque on the wall... There are talks about retiring his number 18...

Here is a look at Whitaker's regular and post-season stats...

[illeracula]

Player Options
Jeff Lewis executes contract option year: You have just been informed by Jeff Lewis that he has decided to execute his player option of the last contract year. He will be a member of your organization for another year and hopes to be part of a winning team... Lewis will get paid $16,770,000 for the 2025 season.

I am not very happy with him deciding to take the option. His $16.8 is a huge hit to our payroll and he is now the highest paid player on this team.


Messages from the Owner:

Personal Message from the Owner: Market Size INCREASES: Tony,

You have just been informed by the team owner Bill Parker that latest research has shown that the market size for the Norfolk Cavaliers has increased to "Below Avg.".
That's very good news, keep up the good work!

Personal Message from the Owner: New Budget: Tony,

I have just decided on your budget for the upcoming season.
You will have $138,000,000 available for the total team expenses. I have also set the suggested draft budget for the first-year player draft to $7,500,000. You may spend more than that in the draft, but the additional costs will be deducted from your money you have available for signing free agents or contract extensions.

You have time until the end of the pre-season to set your scouting and player development budget. Please go to the front office area of your team.

Good Luck!
Bill Parker

Budget/Payroll:
The budget is unchanged again...
Budget (11th): $138,000,000
Payroll (2nd): $133,740,000

Looks like I am going to have my hands full this off-season, especially with these arbitration cases hitting...

Arbitration:
I have to figure out what to do with this roster and these salaries... I know have Jeff Lewis making $16M, and Wally Lambert is about hit at $8.4, and Ramon Granados is looking for $8M.

The other group i can deal with , but those three I will have figure something out. Deals will need to be made, that is for sure... I have way too many outfielders on the roster and I can't play all of them. I will have to figure out if it makes sense to move Lewis and Lambert, leaving Galvez, Rodriguez, Lawson and Hamer. That sounds like a pretty tough outfield...

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Glove Wizard Award Winners Announced: "Flashing the leather" and "good with the glove" are ways to describe players who help their teams by playing great defense. Today the most dependable glovemen in the Delaware Conference for 2024 were announced. Glove Wizard Awards will be presented to these top-notch defenders:

*Pitcher: Ricardo González (Wilmington Iron Pigs)
*Catcher: Jesús Núñez (Milford Clippers)
(4) First Baseman: Enzo Allard (Seaford Blue Jays)
*Second Baseman: Luis Mota (Georgetown Sixteens)
Third Baseman: Tom Anderson (Wilmington Iron Pigs)
*Shortstop: Cisco Benítez (Milford Clippers)
*Left Fielder: Matt Fisher (Wilmington Iron Pigs)
*Center Fielder: Mauro Pérez (Seaford Blue Jays)
(7) Right Fielder: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials)

MarVa Conference Glove Wizard Award Selections Announced: Great glovemen can range far and wide to make a backhand stop or an over-the-shoulder catch -- and the best usually make it look easy. Today the winners of the MarVa Conference Glove Wizard Award for 2024 were announced. These awards for defensive excellence go to:

*Pitcher: Jason Mathis (Salisbury Ports)
*Catcher: Alejandro Díaz (Norfolk Cavaliers)
*First Baseman: Francisco Gallegos (Norfolk Cavaliers)
(3) Second Baseman: Justin Collins (Baltimore Barons)
* Third Baseman: Edgar Báez (Richmond Cardinals)
* Shortstop: José Díaz (Washington Senators)
(5) Left Fielder: Mike Simmons (Chesapeake Blue Crabs)
(7) Center Fielder: Kent Davis (Baltimore Barons)
*Right Fielder: Vance Burns (Ellicott City Express)

There were 13 1st-time winners this year, and Peter Peters and Kent Davis continue to set records, both winning for a record 7th time.

The Cavaliers brought home to winners this season, and both came a surprise to me... Congrats to Diaz and Gallegos.

Here is a look at all the past winners...

[illeracula]

Martínez Top Rookie in 2024: The #1 rookie in the Delaware Conference was Wilmington first baseman Alonso Martínez, who was today named the 2024 Newcomer Award winner.

He put up some solid numbers, including a .279 batting average and .345 on-base percentage, while racking up 44 home runs, 117 RBIs and 102 runs scored.

MV Conference's Top Rookie Honored: This year's best newcomer has been chosen and the 2024 MarVa Conference Newcomer Award trophy went to Salisbury left fielder Bob Short.

It was a season to remember for the 23-year-old Ports rookie. He wrapped up his first year with a .266 batting average, 29 doubles, 3 triples and 31 home runs. Short also had 96 RBIs and scored 85 times.

[illeracula]

DE Conf Manager of the Year Award Goes to Gentry: Manager Mal Gentry was speaking before a Lewes fan luncheon, when word came down that he'd been awarded the Delaware Conference Manager of the Year. Gentry's face turned to surprise as the club's owner made the hasty announcement.

"Wow... how lucky can a guy be?... manage a great bunch of guys... have great fans... have a great season... and now this... life don't get any better than this."

Lewes fans applauded, recognizing how fortunate they were to have Gentry at the helm. Both fans and players in attendance toasted their skipper as they truly enjoyed the day.

2024 was an extra-special season for Gentry as he piloted the Lewes Braves to a 104-58 record and a first place spot in the Delaware Conference Southern Division standings. A record good enough to win the 2024 Manager of the Year Award.

This is Gentry's 4th time winning the award (2015, 2019, 2022, 2024)


Ray of Norfolk Voted Top Manager in MV Conf: Arthur Ray has molded the Norfolk Cavaliers into a top-flight MarVa Conference team. The 2024 Skipper of the Year came into spring training with a commitment to getting the most out of his Cavaliers.

"I told them I had no preconceived notions about them, that all of them were blank slates as far as I was concerned. I told them to learn my system and we would win. I told them all the spots on the roster were open, that the best players would play -- young or old, rookie or vet -- and that I expected them to hustle, to work hard, and play as a team. They bought into it and made me look good."

And Arthur Ray certainly got the most out of his ballclub. The Cavaliers wrapped up the season in first place in the MarVa Conference Western Division with a 108-54 record.

This is Ray's 2nd time winning the Award (2023, 2024)

[illeracula]

2024 DE Conf Golden Arm Award Chosen: The Golden Arm Award for 2024 has been presented and the Delaware Conference winner is Seth Bennett of Milford.

"It's always nice to receive an award like this," said Bennett. "I just hope I can improve on my performance next year and be in the running again," the Clippers star told reporters.

Bennett excelled with an impressive 18-6 record in 33 starts. In 247 innings he yielded 229 hits and 51 walks, while striking out 150 and compiling a fine 2.70 ERA.

Ruíz Wins MarVa Conference Pitching Crown: This year's winner of the coveted MarVa Conference Golden Arm Award is Orlando Ruíz of the Chesapeake Blue Crabs.

During the 2024 campaign, Ruíz excelled with a 21-7 won-lost mark in 34 starts. In 235 innings he yielded 192 hits and 77 walks, while striking out 176 and compiling an impressive 2.99 ERA.



Both pitchers are first time winners...

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Names Best Hitter: What a way to finish off the year -- being honored with the 2024 Silver Slugger Award in the Delaware Conference. It had already been a very special season for New Castle's Peter Peters, but today's announcement really put the icing on his cake.

All season long Peter Peters gave opposing pitchers fits by hitting .272 as he collected 146 hits, 24 doubles, 2 triples, 36 home runs and 112 RBIs.

Peters wins the Silver Slugger Award for the 6th time (2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024).

MV Conf Announces Top Batter Award: Chesapeake's Claude Bond put the wraps on a fine campaign today by winning the 2024 MarVa Conference Silver Slugger Award.

The 29-year-old veteran scorched the opposition with a .308 average, picking up 168 hits, 33 doubles, 3 triples, 28 home runs and 83 RBIs, while scoring 122 runs.

Bond wins the Silver Slugger Award for the 3rd time (2022, 2023, 2024). Bond also becomes the first player to win the Silver Slugger in both leagues.

[illeracula]

Around the Leauge
CF Carlos Peralta of the Ellicott City Express announced his retirement. The announcement came as a shock, as the 23-yr year old has decided that treatment for his strained hip muscle, sustained more damage than originally thought. Peralta hit .227-5-15 this season and for his career he finishes with a .248-57-290 line, playing in 328 games.

37-yr Andres Salinas and the Lewes Braves agreed to terms on a 2-yr extension, paying Salinas $16,000,000 per year. Salinas hit .283-25-93 and won the DE Confernce playoff MVP award. For his career Salinas is .274-198-672 with 1266 hits. The oft-injured Salinas has been healhty the past 2 seasons, after failing to play in over 88 games the previous 4.

Dan Nelson (8-2 3.43, 6 SV) was acquired by the Ellicott City Express in exchange for 2 minor-leaguers. The Christiana Blue Hens acquired CF Jamie Villareal (A, #156) and RF Marcus Moore (A).

The biggest and most shocking deal this off-season came just weeks after the Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs. The have decided to send their star 1B Eduardo Green (.282/.324/.458, 22 HR) to the Richmond Cardinals for MR Ray Stewart (2-1 2.96) and a prospect 3B Jesse Galloway (#69). Facing a huge raise ($4M+) during the arbitration season the Clippers decided it was best to part ways with Greene.

Cav's Corner
Budget: $138,000,000 (11th)
Payroll: $119,085,000 (5th)
Money for FA: none
Money for Ext: none
Fan Interest: 100

Team News:
One of my goals this off-season was to move Jeff Lewis. I was hoping he wasn't going to excecute his player option, but he did. I did try to trade him, but guess what? He is a 10/5 man and he doesn't want to be traded... That got me thinking, so is King Brock and Miguel Contreras, two other guys making big bucks that I won't be able to deal... and then there is Augusto Rodriguez who is making $5+ M and has a no-trade clause.

I tried to extend Paul Brown, but my 2026 salaries are so far out of whack, I am not able to pull it off... Financially our team is not in a good spot right now.

Trade News:
Norfolk Ships Lambert to New Castle: Earlier today, officials from the Norfolk Cavaliers and the New Castle Colonials announced that they had finalized negotiations on a trade between the two teams. The deal will send 28-year-old right fielder Wally Lambert, 24-year-old minor league starting pitcher Kakalia Kalani, 30-year-old second baseman Ramón Granados, 22-year-old minor league first baseman Jorge Trujillo and a 7th round draft pick to New Castle in exchange for 19-year-old minor league starting pitcher Joaquín Hernández and 21-year-old starting pitcher Ángel Rivera.

During his career Lambert has notched 587 hits and a .291 average with 93 home runs and 302 RBIs.

This deal was nothing more than a salary dump. I was done paying Granados $7-8 Million for his performance and he has an attitude that I no longer welcomed. Lambert was tough to say good-bye too, and I really didn't want to ship him away, but I had to. Financially, with the inability to deal Lewis, it had to be made.

We got back two prospects, so hopefully they will amount to something in the long-run.
SP Joaquin Hernandez (#3)
SP Angel Rivera (#96)

GM Thoughts:
I am not sure what I think right now. I still like our team heading into 2025 even with the loss of Lambert. It will free up a slot on the roster for another player, at least that is the bright side. With Granados and Lambert gone we will now have a better view of who will be where next season... I still have one too many outfielders, but that is better than 2 or 3 too many...

Henry Hamer / Leonard Lawson / Jeff Lewis / Sergio Galvez / Sergio Rodriguez

Going to be a pretty stocked outfield... This might mean that I need to move Francisco Gallegos, something I really don't want to do.

The infield is a little better off...
SS Anthony Lucarelli
3B Mario Gomez
2B Robinson Lopez

with Carlos Franco and Benardo Velez to back them up.

It will be interesting to see what youth we have stepping up and being "ready" for the 2025 season.

[illeracula]

Around the League:
Free Agent Filings:
Some big names on the list of top free-agents, including 3 of the Braves starting staff (Moran, Diaz and Albert). Two of the games premier power hitters (Gosselin, Castandea) and some older ex-Golden Arm winners (Estrada, Matos and Walker). This class isn't as deep as last years, but expect some big deals to happen...

1. Guillermo Alfonso, 27 year-old starting pitcher
2. Robert Walker, 37 year-old starting pitcher
3. José Matos, 37 year-old starting pitcher
4. António Castaneda, 24 year-old catcher
5. Yann Gosselin, 27 year-old first baseman
6. Robert Albert, 37 year-old starting pitcher
7. Cliff Jones, 41 year-old third baseman
8. Cristóbal Díaz, 26 year-old starting pitcher
9. Yo****oki Mori, 28 year-old starting pitcher
10. Jorge Morán, 34 year-old starting pitcher
11. Marcos Estrada, 26 year-old starting pitcher

Trades:

• Newark Millers acquired RF Javier Trevino (.285/.336/.406) from the Milford Clippers for MR Kyle Claussen (5-8 3.29, 43 SV) and prospect CF Luis Gracia (#248).
• The Christiana Blue Hens traded away RF Walt Martin (.270/.357/.514) and prospect SS Howard McCall (#183) to the Wilmington Iron Pigs for $710,000 cash and SP George Martin (6-13 5.13).
• The Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs acquired 1B Paul Reynolds (.302/.343/.429) and minor league C Angel Marrero in exchange for RF Steve Kelly (.274/.316/.407).
• The Georgetown Sixteens pulled off a couple of deals, acquiring SP Felix Deliz (5-4 4.73) from the Dover Generals for two prospects C Octavio Aragon (.273/.294/.354, #185) and CL Eric Nicholson... then received another SP, Brant Dinner (1-0 2.40) from the Ellicott City Express for 2B Luis Mota (.250/.342/.347).
• The Dover Generals and the Wilmington Iron Pigs pulled off a deal, with the Iron Pigs getting MR Jason Nixon (3-7 3.72, #97) for 2 prospects SP Jesus Cruz (#48) and 3B Joe Stewart.

Signings:
Wilmington Iron Pigs
C Antonio Castaneda: 3 years / $52,200,000
SP Marcos Estrada: 2 years / $32,000,000

At 36 years old and a big hit to his Stuff over the past 2 seasons, Estrada returns to where it all started. It will be interesting to see if he pitches out these final two seasons then hangs it up...

Milford Clippers
3B Cliff Jones: 1 year / $16,800,000
SP Robert Walker: 2 years / $30,700,000
3B Michael Porter: 4 years / $68,800,000

Chesapeake Blue Crabs
SP Jorge Moran: 3 years / $41,200,000

Annapaolis Admirals
SP Al Stoner: 2 years / $1,970,000
SP Mariano Salazar: 5 years / $81,000,000

Christiana Blue Hens
CL Augusto Flores: 2 years / $760,000

Ellicott City Express
SP Ronald Coook: 4 years / $57,200,000

Lewes Braves
SP Robert Albert: 2 years / $30,400,000

Newark Millers
1B Yann Gosselin: 5 years / $74,600,000

Other Stuff:
Here is a look at the 5 highest paid players in the DBL:
Francisco Reyes, OCM,$20,600,000
Leonard Davis, ANP,$19,600,000
Claude Bond, CPK,$18,400,000
Andy Kohl, SFD,$18,200,000
Totoya Ogawa, LEW,$17,800,000


Cav's Corner
Budget: $138,000,000 (11th)
Payroll: $124,466,750 (5th)
Money for FA: none
Money for Ext: $5,860,000
Fan Interest: 100

Arbitration:
Before the arbitation hearings we came to an agreement with Francisco Gallegos on a six year deal worth a total of $43,500,000. I think he is worth it. The deal is $6,000,000 for 2025, then it goes up $500,000 per year for the next 6. It beats what he was going to get in arbitration and it keeps a Gold Glove solid hitting 1B in Norfolk till he is 33. The fans liked the deal quite a bit as well.

SS Anthony Lucarelli: $6,833,750 (player: offer $6.050,000)
C Alejandro Diaz: $3,276,000 (player: offer $2,800,000)
SP Armadno Lopez: $5,250,000 (player: offer $4,410,000)
SP Paul Brown: $6,875,000 (player: offer $6,875,000)
CL Luis Martinez: $4,662,000 (player: offer $4,441,000)

We lost all of the arbitration cases, not sure what happened with Paul Brown as our offer was the same as what he asked for... but it worked out. I have been trying to sign Paul Brown have been having some issues due to salary for the next 2 seasons. I stil have 3 years before he files for FA so I think I am good.

Signings:
No signings yet... but with that little money available for extensions I have reached out to Paul Brown and we are in negotiations on a 6 year deal.

Trades:
None... yet... I am tinkering with the idea of moving Armando Lopez, I just need to figure out what my rotation looks like and who is around for injury protection. I lost a lot of SP depth over the past few seasons, so this is something I need to be wary of.

Other:
We added 5 players to our 40-man roster to protect them from the rule 5 draft. I will have to look at the roster one more time when the draft happens, which is next month.

We Added to the 40 man:
SP Michael Meagher
MR Mitsuharu Heida
RF Trevor Parker
CL Luis Manuel Gonzalez
C Mike Baldwin

Meagher, Parker and Gonzalez will have a chance to make the big league roster this spring. Baldwin will be fighting with Peter Alexander for the #3 catcher slot. They are very similar players, but Baldwin is a few years younger and isn't as good defensively.

Up Next:
Winter Meetings
Rule-5 Draft
2025

[illeracula]

Around the League:

Off-Season winners and Losers

Top WAR Gained so Far:
Annapolis Admirals (8.3)
Wilmington Iron Pigs (7.3)
Washington Senators (4.5)
Baltimore Barons (2.1)
Milford Clippers (1.4)

Top WAR Lost so Far:
Lewes Braves (-7.4)
Salisbury Ports (-6.6)
Newark Millers (-5.6)
Chesapeake Blue Crabs (-5.6)
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (-5.6)

Trades:

• The Ocean City Tourists received RF Armando Vazquez (.284/.328/.446, 15 HR's) from the Ellicott City Express for 1B Martin Hurst (.275/.353/.409, 10 HR's) and prospect SP Jim Taylor (#64).
• The Richmond Cardinals and the Dover Generals swapped minor leaguers. Dover received 1B Andres Escues (#88) and the Cardinals received MR Jake Vickers.
• The Cardinals weren't done, sending SP Domingo Cardoza (8-15 4.03, 1 SV) to the Annapolis Admirals in return for LF Ron Clay (.176/.228/.333, 1 HR) and prospect SP Ed Arrington(#12).
• The Seaford Blue Jays shipped 3B Sergio Beltran (.192/.267/.269) to the Dover Generals for MR Carlos Martinez (4-0 4.21) and prospect MR Steve Combs (#118)

Signings:
These are all the off-season signings. Just kept adding to the list, I am interested to see how many people sign where and who the big movers are in the market... Italics are ones that were previously signed, and listed on the other report(s).

Wilmington Iron Pigs
C Antonio Castaneda: 3 years / $52,200,000
SP Marcos Estrada: 2 years / $32,000,000

Milford Clippers
3B Cliff Jones: 1 year / $16,800,000
SP Robert Walker: 2 years / $30,700,000
3B Michael Porter: 4 years / $68,800,000
C Jesus Nunez: 3 years / $36,900,000
SP Tony Garcia: 2 years / $17,600,000

Chesapeake Blue Crabs
SP Jorge Moran: 3 years / $41,200,000
C Richard Taylor: 1 year / $12,200,000

Annapaolis Admirals
SP Al Stoner: 2 years / $1,970,000
SP Mariano Salazar: 5 years / $81,000,000
C Tom Hammond: 2 years / $10,800,000

Christiana Blue Hens
CL Augusto Flores: 2 years / $760,000
SP Guillermo Alfonso: 3 years / $28,800,000

Ellicott City Express
SP Ronald Cook: 4 years / $57,200,000
1B Denny Dooley: 3 years / $14,760,000
MR Eisse Bookelman: 2 years / $11,400,000

Lewes Braves
SP Robert Albert: 2 years / $30,400,000
SP jamie Trujilio: 2 years / $5,240,000
OF Mike Simmons: 6 years / $99,600,000
MR Dennis Marshall: 2 years / $8,800,000
1B Totoya Ogawa: 2 years / $29,000,000

Newark Millers
1B Yann Gosselin: 5 years / $74,600,000

Georgetown Sixteens
SP Yoshtoki Mori: 5 years / $51,500,000

Washington Senators
SP Cristobal Diaz: 6 yeears / $109,500,000
CL Raimondo Bernasconi: 3 years / $26,400,000
OF Francisco Durango: 1 year / $15,400,000

Dover Generals
1B Donald Kane: 3 years / $25,500,000
2B Maik Wassink: 1 year / $1,040,000

Newark Millers
2B Jerry Jones: 7 years / $98,000,000

Milton Brewers
2B Jesus Rivera: 1 year / $2,680,000

Baltimore Barons
3B Miguel Ortega: 2 years / $2,640,000

Other Stuff:
Harley von Meyer of the Salisbury Ports has been suspended for 10 games for failing a drug test.

Cav's Corner
Budget: $138,000,000 (11th)
Payroll: $126,916,750 (6th)
Money for FA: none
Money for Ext: $5,860,000
Fan Interest: 100
WAR gained/lost: -0.9

Rule 5 Draft:
I tinkered with taking a relief pitcher, whats the worse that could happen? He is brutal and I let him go, right? but after looking over my roster I decided it didn't make sense to bring in another pitcher unless he was 100% worth it.

Winter Meetings:
I had about 4 potential trades I tried pulling off. I had Armando Lopez, Eric Helton, Jimmy Jones, John Stewart and prospects all ready to be dealt. In the end I didn't pull the trigger. I will need to make a deal or two before the regular season starts or risk losing players who get DFA'd... then on the last day I pulled off a deal with the VB Surf Dawgs. Trading a couple of older prospects that won't get much PT for a young prospect with options.

Trades:
We sent OF John Stewart, LHP Jimmy Jones and an 8th round pick the Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs for 3B prsospect Angel Hernandez. John Stewart is a decent player with good speed and good defense, but we just don't have any place for him on the roster, he has made an appearance with the big club each of the last 4 seasons. Hopefully he will get some PT in VB. Jimmy Jones is a questionable lefty with gret control, he has been with us the last 2 years. Again a player who is just being burried with other talent. Angel Hernandez is a gold-glove caliber 3B with decent stats. He is a 4* prospect and only 21 years old. He hit .310-9-38 in AAA last year and is rated the #219 prospect in the DBL.

Other:
We announced that we signed Paul Brown to a 6 year deal, the 6th year is a player option. I must of missed that on the contract, because I am not a big fan of player options. The deal will keep Brown in Norfolk through the 2030 season. I am very happy with the signing.
2026: $11,550,000
2027: $13,750,000
2028: $15,400,000
2029: $15,950,000
2030: $16,500,000
2031: $16,500,000 (player)

I tried to sign a couple of young prospects, but neither wanted minor league deals. One guy I tried ot make it work, but I just have no money to sign a free-agent. Even at the rookie minimum... that is frustrating.

I think we will be throwing out a pretty solid team in 2025.
C Alejandro Diaz
1B Francisco Gallegos / King Brock
2B Robinson Lopez / Augusto Rodriguez / Bernardo Velez
SS Anthony Lucarelli / Carlos Franco
3B Mario Gomez / Carlos Franco / Robinson Lopez
LF Henry Hamer
CF Sergio Galvez
RF Jeff Lewis
DH Leonard Lawson / Sergio Rodriguez / King Brock

The Starting Staff will be pretty solid as well:
Paul Brown
Miguel Contreras
Cornell Pearson
Miguel Angel Gonzalez
Armando Lopez / Carlos Coronado (L) / Vaughan Griffith

We have a deep rotation and I am not sure how I will get everyone starts.

Up Next:
The doldrums of January...

[illeracula]

Around the League:
Top WAR Gained so Far:
Wilmington Iron Pigs (8.4)
Annapolis Admirals (8.3)
Washington Senators (8.1)
Baltimore Barons (2.1)
Milford Clippers (1.4)

Top WAR Lost so Far:
Salisbury Ports (-6.9)
Chesapeake Blue Crabs (-5.6)
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (-5.6)
Lewes Braves (-4.5)
Newark Millers (-4.3)

Trades:
The Ocean City Tourists have been an active trade partner this off-season and this month they pulled another deal. Trading 2B Alonso Torres (.273/.318/.366, 3 HR) to the Salisbury Ports fro 1B Andy Simpson (.256/.305/.429, 26 HR).


Signings:
Not much action on the free agent signings... the * means they signed during January.

Still Available:
SP Irving Mills
SP Rodrigo Alomar
MR Derek Carter
MR Ron Harris
MR Elmer Hawkins
MR Silas Irwin
MR Alberto Gonzalez (never pitched in the DBL, won't sign a minor league deal)
1B Martin Allen
C Ed Duke
OF Brian Cline
OF Sunho Busones
C Ray Key

Wilmington Iron Pigs
C Antonio Castaneda: 3 years / $52,200,000
SP Marcos Estrada: 2 years / $32,000,000
*1B Berend Middelkamp: 3 yers / $16,800,000

Milford Clippers
3B Cliff Jones: 1 year / $16,800,000
SP Robert Walker: 2 years / $30,700,000
3B Michael Porter: 4 years / $68,800,000
C Jesus Nunez: 3 years / $36,900,000
SP Tony Garcia: 2 years / $17,600,000

Chesapeake Blue Crabs
SP Jorge Moran: 3 years / $41,200,000
C Richard Taylor: 1 year / $12,200,000

Annapaolis Admirals
SP Al Stoner: 2 years / $1,970,000
SP Mariano Salazar: 5 years / $81,000,000
C Tom Hammond: 2 years / $10,800,000

Christiana Blue Hens
CL Augusto Flores: 2 years / $760,000
SP Guillermo Alfonso: 3 years / $28,800,000

Ellicott City Express
SP Ronald Coook: 4 years / $57,200,000
1B Denny Dooley: 3 years / $14,760,000
MR Eisse Bookelman: 2 years / $11,400,000
*SP Guo-dong Liu: 3 years / $13,780,000
*RF Tony Knox: 1 year / $4,200,000

Lewes Braves
SP Robert Albert: 2 years / $30,400,000
SP jamie Trujilio: 2 years / $5,240,000
OF Mike Simmons: 6 years / $99,600,000
MR Dennis Marshall: 2 years / $8,800,000
1B Totoya Ogawa: 2 years / $29,000,000
*SP Jose Matos: 2 years / $28,900,000

Newark Millers
1B Yann Gosselin: 5 years / $74,600,000
*LF Kiyonobu Matsuura: 3 years / $25,600,000

Georgetown Sixteens
SP Yo****oki Mori: 5 years / $51,500,000

Washington Senators
SP Cristobal Diaz: 6 yeears / $109,500,000
CL Raimondo Bernasconi: 3 years / $26,400,000
OF Francisco Durango: 1 year / $15,400,000
* SP Quentin Pineau: 3 years / $32,000,000

Dover Generals
1B Donald Kane: 3 years / $25,500,000
2B Maik Wassink: 1 year / $1,040,000

Newark Millers
2B Jerry Jones: 7 years / $98,000,000

Milton Brewers
2B Jesus Rivera: 1 year / $2,680,000

Baltimore Barons
3B Miguel Ortega: 2 years / $2,640,000


Cav's Corner
Budget: $138,000,000 (11th)
Payroll: $126,916,750 (7th)
Money for FA: none
Money for Ext: $1,510,000
Fan Interest: 100
WAR gained/lost: -0.9

Trades:
I had a deal with the Georgetown Sixteens in place sending Armando Lopez and junk over for a lock down 23-yr old reliever... in the end I shyed away. Bustamante's control was a 10, and that really bothers. Maybe it shouldn't, but it does...

Signings:
We extended MR Eric Helton with a 5 year deal. He is 28 and I think we can get a good 5 years out of him. Why did I extend a MR, am I crazy, you ask? Well if you have been reading this dynasty you know I make a lot of bad signings, but I thnk this one will turn out ok. He is one of the highest rated relievers in the game, so it was hard to pass up. Its a 5 year deal worth $22,000,000. Not bad if he lives up to his ratings.
2025: $3,500,000
2026: $3,950,000
2027: $4,400,000
2028: $4,850,000
2029: $5,300,000 (player)
Yes another player option, but its not for a lot of money so I am ok with it. During his career Helton has appeared in 346 games, logging 390 innings with 270 strikeouts. He has carved out a 3.78 ERA with 32 wins and 20 losses and posted 17 saves.

I signed 19 year-old OF Pedro Navarro to a minor league deal.He is a 4.5* prospect, who was released by the Iron Pigs, the claim is a bad work ethic. Can't hurt to try thought right?

Up Next:
Preseason begins
Pitchers & catchers, I like the sound of that

[illeracula]

Here are the single season and career leaders for the batters of the DBL. You can see some familiar names. I am waiting for some of these guys to retire so we can start filling out the Hall-of-Fame. Currently no one has hit the magic numbers and been retired long enough...

[illeracula]

Here is a look at the pitching leader boards for the history of the DBL. Its interesting to see, as there are a lot of big names on the list. I am curious to see who makes it to the hall when its all said and done, and at 37 years old does Contreras have enough to win 79 more? Probably not, but it would be a good story if he did...

[illeracula]

Around the League:

Top WAR Gained so Far:
Wilmington Iron Pigs (8.4)
Annapolis Admirals (8.2)
Washington Senators (8.1)
Milton Brewers (2.8)
Ellicott City Express (2.8)

Top WAR Lost so Far:
Salisbury Ports (-6.9)
Chesapeake Blue Crabs (-5.6)
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (-5.6)
Lewes Braves (-4.5)
Newark Millers (-3.1)

Trades:
none

Signings:

Southern Division
Lewes Braves
SP Robert Albert: 2 years / $30,400,000
SP jamie Trujilio: 2 years / $5,240,000
OF Mike Simmons: 6 years / $99,600,000
MR Dennis Marshall: 2 years / $8,800,000
1B Totoya Ogawa: 2 years / $29,000,000
SP Jose Matos: 2 years / $28,900,000

Georgetown Sixteens
SP Yo****oki Mori: 5 years / $51,500,000
* SP Jorge Padilla: 1 year / $4,920,000
* LF Henry Parker: 4 years / $42,720,000

Dover Generals
1B Donald Kane: 3 years / $25,500,000
2B Maik Wassink: 1 year / $1,040,000
* SP Jose Velasquez: 1 year / $2,800,000

Milton Brewers
2B Jesus Rivera: 1 year / $2,680,000
* SP Roberto Reyna: 1 year / $3,080,000
* SP Irving Mills: 4 years / $40,890,000

Seaford Blue Jays
none

Northern Division
Wilmington Iron Pigs
C Antonio Castaneda: 3 years / $52,200,000
SP Marcos Estrada: 2 years / $32,000,000
1B Berend Middelkamp: 3 yers / $16,800,000

Milford Clippers
3B Cliff Jones: 1 year / $16,800,000
SP Robert Walker: 2 years / $30,700,000
3B Michael Porter: 4 years / $68,800,000
C Jesus Nunez: 3 years / $36,900,000
SP Tony Garcia: 2 years / $17,600,000
* 1B Kyle Boutte: 3 years / $15,600,000

Christiana Blue Hens
CL Augusto Flores: 2 years / $760,000
SP Guillermo Alfonso: 3 years / $28,800,000

Newark Millers
1B Yann Gosselin: 5 years / $74,600,000
LF Kiyonobu Matsuura: 3 years / $25,600,000
2B Jerry Jones: 7 years / $98,000,000
* RF Leslie Bergeron: 3 years / $18,840,000

New Castle Colonials
* 2B Pat Hall: 1 year / $1,920,000
* CL Alexander Jordan: 1 year / $4,520,000

Eastern Division
Chesapeake Blue Crabs
SP Jorge Moran: 3 years / $41,200,000
C Richard Taylor: 1 year / $12,200,000

Annapaolis Admirals
SP Al Stoner: 2 years / $1,970,000
SP Mariano Salazar: 5 years / $81,000,000
C Tom Hammond: 2 years / $10,800,000

Baltimore Barons
3B Miguel Ortega: 2 years / $2,640,000
* 1B Martin Allen: 1 year / $2,080,000

Ocean City Tourists
* MR Will Wilson: 2 years / $9,300,000

Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs
none

Western Division
Ellicott City Express
SP Ronald Coook: 4 years / $57,200,000
1B Denny Dooley: 3 years / $14,760,000
MR Eisse Bookelman: 2 years / $11,400,000
SP Guo-dong Liu: 3 years / $13,780,000
RF Tony Knox: 1 year / $4,200,000
* CF Yun Xiong: 2 years / $8,640,000

Washington Senators
SP Cristobal Diaz: 6 yeears / $109,500,000
CL Raimondo Bernasconi: 3 years / $26,400,000
OF Francisco Durango: 1 year / $15,400,000
SP Quentin Pineau: 3 years / $32,000,000

Norfolk Cavaliers
none

Richmond Cardinals
none

Salisbury Ports
none


Cav's Corner
Budget: $138,000,000 (11th)
Payroll: $123,976,750 (9th)
Money for FA: none
Money for Ext: $460,000
Fan Interest: 100
WAR gained/lost: -0.9

Trades:
Taheiji Otani came off the DL after missing all of last season, and the first thing I did was try to move him. However I had no luck... I am not giving up on dealing him. he has a $4,550,000 contract this season and his ratings just aren't deserving of that. If I ship him away for a prospect or a draft pick I am in a better place (I think). He just an average bullpen guy... However, due to the signing he will drop to $490,000 next season and 3 options, might be wise to keep him around for an emergency.

Signings:
I am still chasing a non-experienced pitcher, but he wants a big league deal and I keep offering minor league ones. I figured as the season gets closer maybe he will take the bait. We will see. I need to get this team back into some kind of financially decent place... He is 23, no experience and wants a 4+ million dollar deal. Doesn't look like its going to happen. If my owner will just allow me to spend 1.5 M I bet he would sign... I will keep on trying, we will just have to see what happens.

Other Stuff:
Anthony Lucarelli came off the DL, which means we got a solid short-stop and that we are heading to spring training fully healthy. The problem is, after playing in 138 games and 158 over the past 2 seasons, Lucarelli only played in 48 last season and has been slapped with the "Fragile" tag. At 23 I am not overly excited by that. Now my top two short-stops Lucarelli and Augusto Rodriguez are both "fragile"...


Up Next:
Spring Training Games