Worst to First - The Sequel

[mirrf]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

It was a rematch of Game 1's starters with Dusty Paz pitching for the Knights and Todd Thomas starting for the Monks. The Monks would take the early 1-0 lead in the second inning when Mauricio Maio hit a solo homer, his third of the series.

Aaaaaaaahh!! Bah! What the heck!?!

[mirrf]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

I apologize for the rush to get through the rest of the 2062 season, but wanted to get to a good breaking place. I'm going to take a little bit of a hiatus from this dynasty, but I'll be back to continue the journey with San Antonio. To be continued.....

In the meantime, what will I do with my life?

Looking forward to your return.....

[mirrf]

Vic Shufflebottom must have retired by now, right? Can you post his career stats?

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Attachment 484085

The next name rang a bell somewhat, as Manny Rodriguez... He'd go on to hit .237 during his career, with an on-base percentage of .354. Rodriguez would go deep 352 times while driving in 1325 runs, and scoring 1367 runs.

Ok... Yes I am reading and catching up and quite late to the game. :-)... but this .237 average caught my eye. That has to be lowest of any hall-of-famer right?

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by mirrf

In the meantime, what will I do with my life?

Looking forward to your return.....

Thanks! I'll be back posting soon before you know it too!

Originally Posted by mirrf

Vic Shufflebottom must have retired by now, right? Can you post his career stats?

Shufflebottom is now retired after the 2060 season. And with a nice touch, finishing up his career in Mexico City where it really began. Not a bad career though:

Originally Posted by illeracula

Ok... Yes I am reading and catching up and quite late to the game. :-)... but this .237 average caught my eye. That has to be lowest of any hall-of-famer right?

It is the lowest batting average out of any Hall of Famer, although just barely. Jim Green hit .241, but they are both pretty similar players - low average, high power, solid defense. They did rank 4th and 5th in OBP, out of 11 catchers in the Hall too, so that helps a little.

[mirrf]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Shufflebottom is now retired after the 2060 season. And with a nice touch, finishing up his career in Mexico City where it really began. Not a bad career though:

Not bad at all, it's a real solid career. He would probably land in the hall of very good.

[NYY #23]

The Monks got some good news during award season with 25 year old Todd Thomas winning the Cy Young Award in the American League after going 19-7 with a 2.18 ERA while striking out 235 batters in 230 2/3 innings.

In MVP voting Pedro Torres finished in third place after hitting .319 with 50 home runs and 123 RBI. The 23 year old Torres added a Silver Slugger Award.

[NYY #23]

With 92.8% of the vote Howard McDonald of the Expos was the first player inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. McDonald hit .281 during his career with 494 home runs and 1538 RBI, and 1387 runs scored during his career. McDonald was fun to watch with the Expos, and turned into one of the best players in the league. McDonald won one MVP Award, five Gold Gloves at first base, seven Silver Slugger Awards, 5 Championships, and 5 postseason MVP Awards while going to nine All-Star games . His 94.9 career WAR trails just five players on the all-time leaderboards for hitters,



Juan Gomez was the second player inducted into the Hall of Fame with 82.5% of the vote after going 63-69 during his career with 470 saves in 1156 2/3 innings. A nine time All-Star Gomez won Reliever of the Year in 2040 when he went 4-3 with 45 saves with an 0.94 ERA.



With 80.3% of the vote Mario Rangel was the third player and second closer inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. With a career record of 70-65 with 543 saves and a 2.31 ERA Ranger struck out 1313 batters in 1135 1/3 innings. A nine time All-Star Rangel won three Reliever of the Year Awards during his career.

Results:
1B Howard McDonald 92.8 (1st year) Inducted HOF
CL Juan Gómez 82.5 (8th year) Inducted HOF
CL Mario Ranjel 80.3 (2nd year) Inducted HOF
SP Rob Whitfield 72.6 (5th year)
RF Mark Graves 69.5 (1st year)
C Tony Pollock 67.7 (10th year) Dropped
RF Francisco Burgos 39.9 (4th year)
C Manuel Batista 20.6 (4th year)
C Wayne Mathews 20.6 (2nd year)
SP Ipe Bekema 20.2 (2nd year)
1B Javier Ledezma 16.6 (1st year)
RF Gilberto Bruno 12.1 (3rd year)
SP John Thomas 11.2 (1st year)
CF Bill Dunbar 10.3 (1st year)
CL Myron Martin 10.3 (6th year)
C Silas Miller 9.0 (4th year)
CL Tynan Velásquez 8.5 (2nd year)
CL Bill Olson 8.1 (9th year)
SP Nick Seaton 6.3 (8th year)
C Vic Cruz 5.4 (4th year)

[NYY #23]

After a quiet offseason the Monks went 15-13 during Spring Training and I believe we're ready for Opening Day. The Monks did get some bad news during Spring Training when Pascal Sisto broke his knee cap and will be out for the next five months. Looks like his quest for 4000 will be over, but he will have a chance to come back for the postseason.

Former Angel Ben Patrick signed a one year contract for just over $1 million. He was 3-2 with 2 saves and a 4.26 ERA last year. He joins left fielder Bryce Frederick as our only acquisitions of the offseason. Frederick was 7-34 for the White Sox before being non-tendered.

[NYY #23]

The Monks started off the year with a 16-7 record and are in first place by 3 games, but I've been thinking of making a couple of changes. I'm not worried about William Bush's slow start, but I am worried about his escalating salary next year. Separately we have the number two prospect in baseball, Cam Gross, ready for the show.

I've explored a couple of trades with Bush, but haven't been able to pull the trigger. I also have a couple of deals for Ralph Jackson on the table, to open up a spot in the rotation for Gross. With Bush out with a knee injury both deals have been put on hold, but could be resurrected at some point. Knowing that I'll be back for at least the next three years definitely has me thinking differently.

Around the league 34 year old Roberto Sanchez picked up the 2000th hit of his career for the Blue Jays. With 469 career home runs he'll at least challenge for 500 this year, barring any injuries.

[NYY #23]

May was a challenging month for the Monks, and we ended up with a losing record on the field after going 11-16. We also pulled off two major trades, dealt with several injuries, and made several promotions. Throw in a contract extension and it was a busy month for the Monks.

First up the trades. I mentioned last month that I was worried about William Bush, or at least worried about his contract which is going to get more expensive starting next season. He's was worth 5 wins last year, and probably worth his contract. Arbitration is going to get really expensive really quick though with our low payroll and amount of young players.

So the Monks had two trades lined up, first sending William Bush and 21 year old pitcher Roberto Pena to the Blue Jays in exchange for 23 year old right fielder Rafael Mendoza, ranked 7th overall prospect, and 21 year old Tomas Diaz. Mendoza is the big name coming back, and he's close to being ready for the majors, but he definitely doesn't help us at third base.

To fill that hole we traded Ralph Jackson, top pitching prospect Greg Frazier, and SS prospect Luis Sanchez to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for 3B Pat Thompson and RF Ellis Prince. While you never want to trade someone of Frazier's caliber there are only so many spots to go around. The trades and an injury to Pedro Jimenez allowed us to call up George Good, Burt Mays, Cam Gross, and Eddie Hill. All four are capable of starting, as is Travis Rainwater, and two will need to step up and fill the fourth and fifth starter spots.

I think we'll be alright, and do expect us to make the playoffs this year. Then finally we made one more move, extending Pascal Sisto for $4 million. Maybe he doesn't come back from his injury capable of hitting, but he'll at least provide some veteran leadership for a young team.

Roberto Maria saved the 300th game of his career this month for the New York Yankees.

[NYY #23]

With a 6-7 start to the month that means the Monks would be tied for the final playoff spot if the season ended today. I feel like we're one good streak away from turning around our season though.

The Monks were drafting 29th in the amateur draft, and with the first pick in the amateur draft we selected left fielder Luke Ryan. In the second round we selected center fielder Jarrod Woods, followed by center fielder Wynn Howell, shortstop Tom Walker, and pitcher Don Schroeder.

[NYY #23]

The Monks finished with a 14-13 record and are now trailing the Astros by 3 1/2 games. I still feel like we're in good shape this year, but will pay close attention to how July goes and whether we need to make a move to add another bat.

[NYY #23]

The Monks finished 12-12 for the month and are 2 1/2 games behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL West. I chose to stay pat in July though and not make a trade. The Monks did dabble in the international amateur market for the first time in my tenure, and signed 16 year old shortstop Jesus Medina to a $8.4 million contract. We might as well put the extra Bush money to good use.

Todd Thomas, Mauricio Maio, and Pedro Torres were all selected for the All-Star game. Thomas did not pitch, while Maio and Torres combined to go 0-5 at the plate while leaving 6 on base.

[NYY #23]

The Monks finished August with a 17-9 record and moved into first place in the AL West and now hold a slim 1/2 game lead. We did get some bad news when we lost our ace Todd Thomas for the next four months. He'll finish with an 11-9 record and 3.36 ERA, which was a disappointing follow-up to his Cy Young winning season.

The Monks signed Ken Branch to a two year $2 million extension. He's been a solid member of the pen with a 3-1 record, 3 saves, and a 3.23 ERA.

Roberto Sanchez hit his 500th career home runs for the Blue Jays. At 34 years old he's in fifth place on the career home runs list. Maximo Gonzales of the Tigers picked up his 2500th career hit. At 33 years old he should have a good shot at 3000.

Tom Barraclough hit his 300th home run for the Red Sox, while Ryan Dixon saved his 300th career game for the Indians.

[NYY #23]

The Monks struggled in September with an 11-14 record and are now 2 1/2 games behind the Astros in the AL West, tied with the White Sox in second place. We hold a slim game and a half lead over the Tigers for the final Wild Card spot.

The return of Pascal Sisto hasn't gone as well as I'd hope, as he's just 5-34 at the plate. That hasn't affected the team too much though, with Julio Hernandez hitting 5 home runs as the designated hitter in September because of expanded rosters. Carrying three catchers may be something to consider next year to get Hernandez's bet in the lineup as DH.

Maximo Gonzales reached another milestone this month hitting the 500th home run of his career. Gonzalez passed Roberto Sanchez on the career home runs list and the two slugging catchers could battle each other looking to be the first batter to reach 600 career home runs.

38 year old Eugene Catron of the Mets picked up his 200th career hit this month.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

The return of Pascal Sisto hasn't gone as well as I'd hope, as he's just 5-34 at the plate. That hasn't affected the team too much though, with Julio Hernandez hitting 5 home runs as the designated hitter in September because of expanded rosters.

I am rooting for Sisto. Was hoping he would be able to put something together for another semi-solid two years and chase 4000, but based on that start its not looking good.

That injury hurt (no pun intended)... then again at 42(?) it is somewhat expected.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by illeracula

I am rooting for Sisto. Was hoping he would be able to put something together for another semi-solid two years and chase 4000, but based on that start its not looking good.

That injury hurt (no pun intended)... then again at 42(?) it is somewhat expected.

Sisto has been so much fun to watch for me. He's really exceeded all of my expectations already, but I was really hoping he'd have a shot at 4000. It's not looking good though. He is 43, and already signed for next year.

He didn't look too great before coming to San Antonio, so I'm still holding out a sliver of hope that he can pick up some hits at DH. He only needs 124.

[NYY #23]

After 162 games the San Antonio Monks finish the regular season tied with the Chicago White Sox at 87-75. The good news is the Monks will make the playoffs. Beating the White Sox in a tie breaker would mean a bye though and not having to play the Wild Card round would be a good benefit.

[NYY #23]

Mauricio Maio capped off a great season at just 23 years old hitting his 40th home run as the Monks homered three times on the way to a 7-3 win over the White Sox to win the American League West.

Cam Gross picked up his sixth win of the season with 5 innings of 1 run ball, and the Monks will look forward to getting a little rest and getting ready for the Division Series.