DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Players of the Month:
Delaware Conference:


Batter of the Month: Alberto Trujillo, Milford Clippers
Trujillo Takes Best Bat Trophy in May: Alberto Trujillo received the Delaware Conference Batter of the Month trophy earlier today for his efforts at the plate this last month. "He might be getting older," Milford's manager told reporters, "But he's been around long enough to know what it takes to put a stretch such as this together... and he doesn't keep that to himself. He's always talking to the younger guys in the clubhouse helping 'em any way they'll let him. Alberto's value to our team goes farther than the numbers he puts up on the field." To win the honor Trujillo put up a .360 batting average, 7 home runs, 25 RBIs and scored 23 times in May. This year Trujillo has 17 home runs and a .321 batting average.

Pitcher of the Month: Bill Fox, Wilmington Iron Pigs
Delaware Conference Top Pitcher in May: Fox: Bill Fox has been around the league long enough to know that relievers are often overlooked. That has never stopped him from doing what he does best -- and he did it extremely well in May and stole away with the Delaware Conference Pitcher of the Month award. The Iron Pigs bullpen ace collected 7 saves and 23 strikeouts in 18 innings, holding the opposition to a .103 average and posting a 1.00 ERA and a 4-2 record. So far this season Fox has chalked up a 0.72 ERA with 11 saves. In 23 relief appearances he has registered a 4-2 won-lost record and struck out 37 batters in 25 innings, while walking 6. He has allowed teams to hit .108 against him.

Rookie of the Month: John Beans, Milford Brewers
Delaware Conference Names Rookie of Month: John Bean's eyes seem to light up whenever he sees the baseball. The young Milton first baseman has been hitting everything in sight for the better part of a month. In May he was voted the Rookie of the Month Award. During the month he hit .319 with 8 doubles, no triples and 4 home runs. Bean also scored 13 times and drove in 12 runs. Thus far in 2017 Bean is hitting .289 with 4 home runs, 17 RBIs, 20 runs scored and has compiled a .328 OBP.

MarVa Conference:


Batter of the Month: Abraham Thomas, Washington Senators
Thomas Wins MarVa Conf Prize, Named Best Hitter in May: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 32-year-old Abraham Thomas put together a solid offensive month for Washington and was crowned May's top batter in the MarVa Conference. He batted .327 with 10 home runs, 26 RBIs and 23 runs scored. This season Thomas has hit at a .329 clip with 48 RBIs, 19 home runs and 40 runs scored. He has played in 52 games.

Pitcher of the Month: Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers
MVDIV Pitcher of the Month Goes to Contreras: Veteran Miguel Contreras put together quite a successful stretch in May for the Norfolk Cavaliers, earning himself the MarVa Conference Pitcher of the Month award. Contreras racked up a 6-0 record in 6 starts, posting a 1.03 ERA over 43.2 innings and striking out 44. So far this year Contreras has 8 wins and no losses and a 1.65 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: Kiyonobu Matsuura, Annapolis Admirals
MarVa Conference Selects Rookie Star of the Month: Youngster Kiyonobu Matsuura emerged as the latest MarVa Conference Rookie of the Month today. The young man from Annapolis deserved the honor, batting .297 with 1 home run and 7 runs batted in. Is the month of May a harbinger of things to come or just a fluke? We'll find out someday, but for now, we'll just let Matsuura enjoy the limelight. Currently Matsuura is batting .250 with 54 hits and 1 home run. He has knocked in 9 runs and scored 27 times.

League Leaders (as of June 1st, 2017)
Delaware Division:
AVG: Melvin Riley (Milton Brewers) .368
HR (t): Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 17
HR (t): Billy Moore (Milford Clippers) 17*
RBI: Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 50
SB: Pedro Galavan (Dover Generals) 25

ERA: Todd Eldridge (New Castle Colonials) 1.38*
W: Five tied with 7
K: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron P12s) 90
SV: Mike Banks (Newark Millers) 14

Marva Division:
AVG: Tim Simmons (Baltimore Barons) .362*
HR: Abraham Thomas (Washington Senators) 19*
RBI: Derek Campbell (Norfolk Cavaliers) 51*
SB: Roberto Perez (Norfolk Cavaliers) 21

ERA: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 1.65*
W: Jose Matos (Norfolk Cavaliers) 9*
K: Barney Butler (Washington Senators) 80
SV: Dalton Whitaker (Norfolk Cavaliers) 18



The Southern Division looks to becoming down to 3 teams. As the Sixteens slumped, and the Generals and Braves turned up the heat. The Blue Jays are still hanging in their, but they had a rough month. Showing their true colors?... New Castle seems to be the best team in the Delaware Confernece. The Iron Pigs are trying to hold on, but the Colonials are going to be tough to catch. They have the best starting staff in the game and the arguably the best player in the game leading their offense... The Eastern Division is one of my favorites, always a battle between the top 3 teams. The Barons just can't seem to get things together, and the Tourists, Admirals and Blue Crabs just keep fighting... The Cavaliers having been surprisingly hot this season, off to the best start ever, not just theirs, but the leagues. Can they keep it up? The Senators are 13 back, but are playing good ball. Once Cavalier injury and a lot of things could change.

The expansion teams, outside of the Blue Jays, are just having rough seasons. I guess its expected, but watching what they did wit the free-agents I am somewhat surprised. The Blue Jays go into the draft with the #1 pick, so maybe this will be the beginning of a brighter future.

Ex-Cavaliers Report (guys we moved in this past offseason):
Don Sweetapple (Richmond Cardinals) 12 GS 6-5 2.54 1.12 WHIP
Carlos Mateo (Lewes Braves) 10 GS 6-2 4.37, 1.30 WHIP
Javier Uberuaga (Annapolis Admirals) 10 GS 3-6 5.08, 1.49 WHIP
Allen Johnson (Annapolis Admirals, AAA) 42 G .298-3-30 (3 games 0-3 w/ Annapolis)
Kevin Howse (Georgetown Sixteens) 10 G .176-0-6 / (AAA).345-14-56, 1.162
Karl Armstrong (Ocean City Tourists) 11 GS 3-3 4.59, 1.49 WHIP
Jacob Chaney (Ocean City Tourists) 34 G .325-0-2 (only 40 AB's)
Luis Deleon (Ocean City Tourists) (MR) 24 G (1 GS) 23.1 IP 2-1 4.24, 1.41 WHIP
Pat Shelton (Christinia Blue Hens) .236-4-13, .673 OPS
Murray Pavie (Salisbury Ports) 32 G .298-2-17, .706 OPS

Norfolk Recap


Not much to say about this team, we are firing on all cylinders and just need to stay healthy. Our depth isn't great once we get beyond our top 30 players... We will run into some more budget issues next season, thanks to arbitration estimates. I am worried about the offense next year, our pitching should be fine. The biggest question mark I have is Pablo Fretias. He is estimating at $11.3 M, and I am pretty sure he isn't worth it. Injuries have limited him, so we will see. I would like to keep him around, but his asking price is just too much. I looked into signing him to an extension, and he wants $20 million+. Wow. He is under team control for 2 more seasons, after this one, but with his arbitration cost going crazy he may become expendable (Especially if King Brock continues to hit the ball)... Three pitchers with perfect records after the first two months is pretty amazing. Miguel Contreras and Jose Matos have loved pitching for the Cav's, with a solid defense and offense scoring runs its hard to argue with them... The fact that we are still hitting over .300 really amazes me... Maybe I am a pessimist, but I can't see this lasting that much longer... We signed our hitting coach on for 3 more years, we signed our pitching coach on for 3 more years, and we have this staff locked up through next year... We head in to June with a much tougher schedule than we had in May, facing the Admirals, Senators, Cardinals and Blue Crabs. The All-Star game is 4 weeks away, lets hope we can stay hot till then... The draft us up next, so we will see how it goes..

[illeracula]

2017 Draft Results:
We have 3 of the top 25 picks in this years draft (12, 20, 25), hopefully we can get some good talent out of it.

Round 1, Pick 12 (12th Overall):
Ramon Grandados - 22 - CF - U of Miami - .304-7-55
4* Potential. Went with our scouting directors recommendation. Looks great in workouts, but has yet to translate all that potential to the field. Has a lot of upside, but I'm not projecting him to quite reach his ceiling. He has tremedous speed, can steal bases and is an above average defender.
Ratings: Contact: 6/8, Gap: 8/10, HR: 4/7, Eye: 7/10, Avoid K's: 6/9
Bonus Demand: $2,200,000 , Signability: Extremely Hard

Round 1, Pick 20 (20th Overall):
Bernardo Velez - 18 - 2B/P - HS - .436-2-29 / 6-3 2.40
4* Potential. Went against the scouting director with this one. A lot to like here. Seems a lock to have a big-league future, with some star potential. While more of a line-drive hitter, he does have some raw power. He could play defense at the big league level now, and has big league speed. If his bat comes around he could be a star. He will play IF and P some if we sign him.
Ratings: Contact: 5/9, Gap: 6/9, HR: 4/10, Eye: 4/11, Avoid K's: 4/9
Ratings: Stuff: 6/9, Movement: 8/8, Control: 3/8
Bonus Demand: Slot, Signability: Hard

Round 1, Pick 5 (25th Overall):
Tom Dundee - 18 - CF - HS - .462-9-30
4* Potential. With with the scouting director. I had my mind set on a 2* starter, but Antonio convinced me to go with Tom. Dundee does a lot of things right, and should improve. It's not out of the question that he becomes a star, but its a safer bet that he becomes a respectable start in a big-league lineup. He has decent spped and a great arm, but he won't track down a lot of balls.
Ratings: Contact: 6/10, Gap: 5/9, HR: 5/15, Eye: 5/12, Avoid K's: 4/10
Bonus Demand: $1,600,000 , Signability: Extremely Hard

Round 2, Pick 14 (53rd Overall):
Chris Brownwell - 20 - SP - Bryant College - 5-5 4.10
2* Potential. This is the guy I wanted with my last pick, the scouting director wanted a HS pitcher I shied away due to his fragile injury rating. His stuff shows respectable potential. If he gets smarter and stronger (6'2" 195), he could have a job in the big leagues for a while. I think he was the best SP on the board. He was drafted last year in the 3rd round by Chesapeake out of HS.
Ratings: Stuff: 8/10, Movement: 7/7, Control: 4/9
Bonus Demand: Slot , Signability: Normal

Round 3, Pick 22 (66th Overall):
David Lowe - 19 - SS - HS - .455-2-25
1* Potential. Projects as a fringe-average bat at best. His best tools are his hands. he catches most everything hit his way.
Ratings: Contact: 1/4, Gap: 6/9, HR: 3/7, Eye: 4/9, Avoid K's: 4/9
Bonus Demand: Slot , Signability: Extremely Hard

** From here on out, I auto-completed the draft, putting my trust in Antonio Diaz **

Round 4, Pick 10 (76th Overall):
Ron Reason - 18 - CF - HS - .434-1-25
1* Potential. Doesn't project as power hitter. Might hit the occasional bomb, but that would be a pleasent surprise. There really isn't much to get excited about Ron, but you never know sometimes these guys surprise you.
Ratings: Contact: 2/6, Gap: 4/7, HR: 3/6, Eye: 3/8, Avoid K's: 3/9
Bonus Demand: Slot , Signability: Easy

Round 4, Pick 20 (86th Overall):
Bill Brown - 17 - SP - HS - 4-1 1.77
1* Potential. Brown needs to get stronger and work on his control. If he can locate then he has the potential of being a big league reliver. He is 6'2" and 185, so we hope he can get stronger as well. He would like to be a starter, but he needs to work on his stamina for that to happen. He has a potential 6 pitch repetroire.
Ratings: Stuff: 6/10, Movement: 8/8, Control: 2/7 (OSA rates his control 14 potential)
Bonus Demand: Slot , Signability: Normal

Round 6, Pick 20 (126th Overall):
Jimmy Jones - 19 - SP - HS - 4-1 2.17
1* Potential. The one thing Jimmy has going for him is that he is a baseball rat. He is the first one at the park and the last one to leave. If he doesn't pan out as a player he will make a good coach down the road.
Ratings: Stuff: 4/6, Movement: 7/7, Control: 1/4

Round 7, Pick 20 (146th Overall):
Bob Watson - 19 - 2B - HS - .423-1-28
1* Potential. Watson is dumb as a brick, but he tries as hard as anyone. He doesn't have much potential and his best assest is his speed.
Ratings: Contact: 1/5, Gap: 8/11, HR: 1/3, Eye: 3/8, Avoid K's: 4/8

Round 9, Pick 20 (186th Overall):
Justin Wills - 18 - SS - HS - .437-1-25
1* Potential. Willis is a guy other players look up to. A good influence to have on the team. He has low potential, probably should of gone to college before entering the draft. I don't have very high hopes for Justin.
Ratings: Contact: 1/3, Gap: 2/4, HR: 1/2, Eye: 5/11, Avoid K's: 1/4

Round 10, Pick 20 (206th Overall):
Gil McDaniel - 17 - SP - HS - 8-1 2.44
1* Potential. Gil is tall 6'6" but he doesn't really through the ball as hard as we would like. He can throw all day though. He is a good teammate and as long as he develoeps he might surprise. Shoudl have a nice long minor league career.
Ratings: Stuff: 4/6, Movement: 7/7, Control: 1/4

My Thoughts: For a draft that was thin I think we made out ok, as long as we can sign these guys. Our first two picks hare going to be tough, but I will do what I can to make it happen. I don't want another draft like 2015 (I thought it was our best draft, but we couldn't get anyone signed).

Norfolk Past Draft Recap
(Current Level, Potential Stars, Current Rating, Highest Rating)

2013
1) Arturo Ramirez (SP) (#3 Overall) - AAA, 4*, 44, 10
2) Maurice Noble (CF) - AA, 1*, NR, 18
3) Jack Dooley (OF) - did not sign
4) Bobby Myers (P) - AAA, 1.5*, NR, 98
5) David Harrison (CF) - A, 2*, NR, NR
6) Francisco Correa (SS) - AA, 1*, NR, NR
7) Raymond Prigent (C) - A, 1*, NR, NR
8) Jeremy Pittman (CF) - A, 1*, NR, NR
9) Vincent Ayers (C) - A, 1*, NR, NR
10) Stephen James (C) - AA, 1*, NR, NR

2014
1) Gabriel Santos (SP) (#1 Overall) - Traded to Balitmore Barons
2) Jeremy Jones (SS) - Traded to Balitmore Barons
3) Doug Nelson (SP) - Retired due to injury 03/26/2015
3) Vaughn Griffith (SP) - AAA, 4*, 47, 47
4) Joseph Kearse (1B) - did not sign
5) Donald Matthews (2B) - did not sign
8) Vern Sanchez (SS) - AA, 1*, NR, NR
9) Gary Lee (3B) - A, 1*, NR, NR
10) Bertrand Balkwill (SS) - A, 1*, NR, NR

2015
1) Joseph Kearse (1B) (#18 Overall) - Traded to Chesapeake Blue Crabs
2) Arhippa Skytta (SP) - did not sign
3) Chuck Champman (LF) - did not sign
5) Markus Lee (SS) - A, 1*, NR, NR
6) Ed Jones (SS) - did not sign
7) Peter Alexander (C) - AA, 1*, NR, NR
8) Rich McIver (SP) - A, 1/2*, NR, NR
9) Rick Ford (2B) - A, 1*, NR, NR
10) Sixto Alvarez (SP) - A, 1/2*, NR, NR

2016
1) Ben Sanford (SP) (#14 Overall) - A, 5*, 83, 83
2) Joe Chambers (SS) - A, 1*, NR, NR
3) Ricardo Vasquez (1B) - A, 1*, NR, NR
4) Artie Knight (SS) - A, 1*, NR, NR
5) Lowell Haas (SP) - A, 1*, NR, NR
8) Jamie Renteria (SP) - A, 1/2*, NR, NR
9) Bill Etheridge (SP) - A, 1*, NR, NR
10) Johnny Rush (SP) - A, 1*, NR, NR

The History of the # 1 picks:
2013 - Jorge Moran, Starting Pitcher, drafted #1 by the Chesapeake Blue Crabs out of Columbia U. He signed for $4,750,000. After signing in 2013 Jorge was placed on the active roster and has pitched as a starter and MR for the rest of the year. Jorge has been a full-time starter since 2014. He won 21 games in 2015, 20 games in 2016 and is currently 3-3 3.24 in 2017. He is 59-34 3.66 in his career.

2014 - Gabriel Santos, Starting Pitcher, drafted #1 by the Norfolk Cavaliers out of high school. Currently rated as the #52 prospect in the game, he peaked at #14 in 2015. Was traded to the Baltimore Barons in 2015, in a blockbuster deal. Is a 2 time minor league all-star. Currently pitching in AAA, only 21 years old, with more potential to fill. This season he is 2-4 5.48 9 GS. Most likely will end up a solid bullpen man, his 5 stamina never developed as hoped.

2015 - Phil Carlson, Starting Pitcher, drafted #1 by the Lewes Braves out of high school. In 2016 he was traded to the Milton Brewers. He is currently spending his 3rd year in A-Ball with a career record of 5-13 5.33. He was once a 4* prospect with ace like stuff, but development hasn't good to him. 2015 Potential (Stuff/Movement/Control): 13/14/12, Current Potential: 10/11/4, ratings by OSA

2016 - Will Riley, Catcher, drafted #1 overall by the Ellicott City Express out of Vanderbilt U. Signed a $9,190,000 signing bonus. After one year in the minros, he was named the #1 prospect in baseball. Ellicott City in need of a spark invited him to spring training and he won the job. He is currently the starting Catcher for the Express. In 40 games this season he is hitting .285-8-26. He won the rookie of the month award in May.

2017 - Cornell Pearson, SP, drafted by the Seaford Blue Jays with the first pick in this years draft. He is very intelligent and has a normal work ethic. With a four pitch repetroire, and command over 3 of them he could have a bright future ahead of him. He is 20 years old and it will be interesting to see what he signs for. OSA Ratings: Stuff: 8/16, Movement: 12/15, Control: 8/18. Our scout doesn't seem that high, but you never know. Season Stats: 13-1 1.97, 0.98 WHIP

[illeracula]

Current Week: 3-3 (43-13 - GB (+12) )
Next Week: 3 vs Baltimore Barons, 4 vs Washington Senators
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 82
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 357 (1st)
Avg: .294 (2nd)
Runs Against: 190 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.14 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.51 (1st)
Def Eff: .719 (1st)

Game 51
Norfolk 2, Richmond 1
Facing Sweetapple for the second time we stepped it up and took home the win. Joe Parker (4-3) went 7.1 innings, giving up just 1 run on 6 hits and 5 walks. The bullpen keep the Cardinals off the board and Dalton Whitaker took home the save (18). Kent Davis went 3-5 and Jose Escamill and Mauro Candelaria each added 2 hits. The Cav's scored w runs, one in the 3rd and one in the 7th, both were unearned thanks to errors by the Cardinals third baseman.

Game 52
Norfolk 5, Richmond 0
Miguel Contreras (8-0) threw 7.1 innings of 2 hit ball, while striking out 5. Will Rose and Jamie King (SV 2) going the last 1.1 innings. The offense was lead by Derek Campbell going 3-5 with 3 RBI, including a 2B and HR (11). Gilberto Ramos also had 3 hits, and scored 2 runs.

Injury News: Pedro Fretias was pulled out of the game in the 6th, pulling up lame after a collision at second base. His diagnosis is pending. Gilberto Ramos and Cody Johnson will be in the game till we find out more.

Game 53
Norfolk 6, Richmond 0
Jose Matos (10-0) was on his game tonight. Jose went all 9, giving up just 3 hits and striking out 3 throwing the shutout. Jose Escamilla went 2-2 with 2 RBI to lead the offense. Jose Rodriquez and Roberto Perez each added 2 hits. Perez drove in 2.

Game 54
Norfolk 0, Richmond 2
Ron Reilly (4-4) had one of his better games of the season, but the offense couldn't support him. Reilly went all 8, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 9. The offense had 6 hits, with 6 different players getting singles. On a bright note we only struck out 2 times.

Game 55
Baltimore 6, Norfolk 2 (11 Innings)
Sun Ho (ND) went 7.2 innings, giving up 2 runs on 6 hits, but the offense couldn't score to get him the win. The bullpen kep the came close till the 11ht when Jamie King (1-2) got roughed up. King gave up a game winning grand-slame to ex-Cav Tony Soto. The offense was held to 5 hits, with Ed Duke leading the way going 2-4 with 2 RBI. Duke hit his first big league HR (1).

Injury News: The phone call came in and we found out that Pablo Freitas will be out 3 weeks with a fractured rib. Yasutoki Ine has been brought up for 2 days till Augusto Rodriquez comes off the DL. In the meantime, Derek Campbell heads out to LF and Jose Escamilla will take over at SS.

Game 56
Baltimore 6, Norfolk 4 (11 Innings)
Joe Parker went 8 innings, givning up 5 hits and 4 runs (3 ER) before the handing the ball over to the pen, who just couldn't get the job done. Will Rose (3-3) went 2+ innings, perhaps a little long giving up 1 run, and Dalton Whitaker went 2/3 giving up 1. The offense hit the ball better this game collecting 10 hits, but couldn't score enough leaving 11 men on. Mauro Candelaria lead the offense with 3 hits. Roberto Perez went deep (15) and scored 2 runs. Derek Campbell also drove in 2.

Around the League:

• Luis Morales, SP, Christiana Blue Hens. The Blue Hens have a depth issues on the mound as it is and losing Morales isn't going to help. He will miss the next 5 months with a torn back muscle. One the season Luis is 1-6 5.04 in 9 GS.
• Dave Moore, SS, Wilmington Iron Pigs, will be out 5 weeks with a strained hamstring. Moore 37 was quoted "they don't heal as fast as they used to". On the season Moore is hitting .285-3-23.
• Ashton George, SP, New Castle Colonails, is going to miss the next 8 months with a torn labrum. George was picked up to be the lefty specailst for the Colonials. In 8 games, George is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA and 1 SV.

Milestone Watch:
Roberto Perez now has 489 runs scored and assuming he stays healthy should be the first man to score 500 runs in the DBL.

Two guys are shooting to join Marcos Estrada as 1000K men. Should happen this season for both, barring injury.

• Barney Butler, Washington Senators, now has 959 K's
• Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers, now has 936 K's.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Leonard Davis, Wilmington Iron Pigs, 11-24, 2 HR, 8 RBI
MarVa: Colin Burbridge, Ocean City Tourists, 9-12, 4 HR's, 9 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (139.2)
2) Wilmington Irong Pigs (117.1)
3) Washington Senators (107.2)
4) New Castle Colonials (117.1)
5) Dover Generals (103.4)

Norfolk Draft Signings:

• Ramon Granados (Round 1, #12) signed on and will be sent to A Jacksonville to begin his march towards the bigs. Ramon didn't like our initial offer, so we offered him what he wanted and he jumped all over it. Bonus: $2,200,000.
• Chris Brownwell (Round 3, #15) took our offer and is ready to go, heading down to A Jacksonville. He will join the starting rotation. I hand picked Brownell so I am hoping he can make something of himself. Bonus: $440,000
• Bernardo Velez (Round 1, #20) - Pending Offer: $1,200,000
• Tom Dundee (S. Round 1, #25) - Pending Offer: $1,600,000
• David Lowe (Round 3, #22) - Pending Offer: $250,000
• Ron Reason (Round 4, #10) - Pending Offer: $150,000
• Bill Brown (Round 4, #20) - Pending Offer: $75,000

GM Notes: 3 losses in a row, maybe this team is coming back to reality, or maybe Pablo Freitas means that much to us... We had a 26-2 May, which is quite incredible. I don't think I will ever see that again... We are 3-3 in extra inning games, with two of those losses coming last week, and 10-3 in one run games, that says something about our bullpen... We were shut out for the first time this year, when we lost to the Cardinals 2-0... I need to look into our bullpen usage. We have 3 pitches, our 2 set-up men and our closer, that have pitched in more than 23 games. Then the rest of our pen has pitched in 10 or less. I think thats an issue, and I am worried that our staff will get tired out... The injuries are mounting up with Pablo Freitas. He played 158 games his first season 78 his second, then had two pretty decent years 122 and 131, then only 37 of 56 so far this season. If I trade him he becomes someone else's problem, or he could become the stay. I like Pablo, but the injuries are getting bothersome. Is he worth $10 million for limited action? Can he stay healthy? He is under team control for 2 more seasons... We have lost more games this month than we did all of last, pretty shocking when think about it.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-2 (48-14 - GB (+15) )
Next Week: 4 @ Annapolis Admirals, 3 vs Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 82
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 395 (1st)
Avg: .296 (1st)
Runs Against: 211 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.25 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.36 (1st)
Def Eff: .718 (1st)

Transactions: Augusto Rodriquez was activated from DL, and Yosutoki Ine was sent back down. Ine didn't get into any action during the 2 games he was on the active roster. Rodriquez will move into the lineup and play short, and Derek Campbell will head out to left-field. Rodriquez will share time at short with Jose Escamilla (who will also see time at second).

Game 57
Baltimore 1, Norfolk 0
Miguel Contreras (8-1) lost for the first time this season, as the offense got shut-out for the second game in a row. Miguel went 7.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 run striking out 9. The offense could only manage 6 hits, with Kent Davis getting 2 of them including a triple.

** Not a bad big league debut for the Barons Vincent Parker 8 innings of 6 hit ball against one of the leagues top offenses. **

Game 58
Baltimore 0, Norfolk 3
Jose Matos (11-0) was asked to end this losing streak and just did that. Going 8 innings, allowing 4 hits and striking out 5. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (19). The offense only had 7 hits, but were able to get some runs to cross the plate. Derek Campbell had a 2-run double and Cody Johnson lead the team with 2 hits.

Game 59
Washington 7, Norfolk 9
Ron Reilly (ND) got roughed up giving up 8 hits and 6 runs in 2.2 innings before handing the ball over to the pen. Ron Harris (1-0) saved the day going 3.1 innings of shutout ball. Dalton Whitaker threw the 9th for the save (20). King Brock (oddly) leading off went 3-5 to lead the offense, as Ed Duke and Derek Campbell each added 2 hits. Brock (4), Duke (2) and Campbell (12) all went deep.

Game 60
Washington 7, Norfolk 8
Sun Ho (ND) didn't fair much better than Reilly did against the Senators, going 4.1 innings, giving up 10 hits and 6 runs, before getting pulled. Elmer Hawkins (2-0) threw 2 innings of relief, giving up 1 run and Derek Carter threw the 9th for the save (2) despite walking 2. The top of the lineup carried the offense as the top 3 hitters had 7 of the 11 hits, including 3 by Roberto Perez and 2-each by Kent Davis and Jose Rodriquez. Perez and Julio Romero each had 2 RBI's.

Game 61
Washington 4, Norfolk 15
Joe Parker (5-3) was the benefactor of an offensive explosion, going 5 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits before getting pulled due to an injury.. Ron Harris and Jamie King each pitched 2 innings to finish off the game. Roberto Perez and Mauro Candelaria each had 4 hits and Kent Davis and King Brock each had 3, for an offense that had 20 total (Jose Rodriquez, was the lone starter without a hit). Roberto Perez hit a HR (16) and Brock and Perez drove in 3 each.

Injury News: Joe Parker was pulled from the game complaining of soreness in his arm. Diagnosis is Pending. We have 3 guys in AAA ready for the chance, just not sure which one I am going to chose. Arturo Ramirez is the most advanced, but he is having a rough year, Joe Gould doens't have the movement we'd like to see, and Adrian Otero is just learning to start converting from a MR. Maybe Parkers injury won't be too bad.

Game 62
Washington 2, Norfolk 3
Miguel Contreras (ND) threw 7 great innnings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 6. Will Rose (4-3) gave up a game tying unearned run in the 8th (his own error, and a PB), but the Cav's answered back. Dalton Whitaker took home the save (21). The offense was lead by Julio Romero and Jose Rodriquez each with 2 hits. Romero added an RBI and a run scored.

Around the League:

• Ricard Leon, Chesapeake Blue Crabs, MR is out for the next 11-12 months. The 27-yr old has a long road to recovery ahead of him after suffering a "stretched elbow ligament": 1-0 3.09
• The Georgetown Sixteens aquired a 4* reliver in Alex Costello for 2 minor leaguers from the Milford Brewers. On the season Costello is 2-2 3.05 in 19 games.
• The Ocean City Tourist are ready to make a run at a division title trading 5 minor leaguers to the Newark Millers for James McLaughlin. Seen as a salary dump for the Millers, McLaughlin makes 9 million this year and is due to be a free agent at seasons end. The 28 year old McLaughlin, a former 20 game winner, will assume the #1 spot in the Tourists rotation.

Milestone Watch:
Roberto Perez now has 495 runs scored and assuming he stays healthy should be the first man to score 500 runs in the DBL.

Closing in on 500 RBI's

• Francisco Reyes, Ocean City Tourists, 496
• Alberto Trujillo, Milford Clippers, 496
• Gustavo Feliciano, Georgetown Sixteens, 493

Two guys are shooting to join Marcos Estrada as 1000K men. Should happen this season for both, barring injury.

• Barney Butler, Washington Senators, now has 971 K's
• Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers, now has 951 K's.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Alberto Trujillo, Milford Clippers, 9-25 3 HR's 11 RBI
MarVa: Francisco Reyes, Ocean City Tourists, 10-25 5 HR's 8 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (146.4)
2) Ocean City Tourists (120.3)
3) Dover Generals (109.6)
4) Lewes Braves (103.7)
5) Wilmington Iron Pigs (101.6)

Norfolk Draft Signings:

• Ramon Granados (Round 1, #12) Signed for $2,200,000, in A-Ball
• Chris Brownwell (Round 3, #15) Signed for $440,000, in A-Ball
• Bernardo Velez (Round 1, #20) - Velez was happy with our offer and will be shipped off to Jacksonville to begin his career. At 18 he has a lot of raw talent, will he fullfill it?? Bonus: $1,200,000
• Tom Dundee (S. Round 1, #25) - Pending Offer: $1,600,000
• David Lowe (Round 3, #22) - Pending Offer: $250,000, upped to $275,000 (won't go higher)
• Ron Reason (Round 4, #10) - Pending Offer: $150,000, upped to $180,000 (won't go higher)
• Bill Brown (Round 4, #20) - Pending Offer: $75,000, upped to $100,000 (won't go higher)

GM Notes: We hit a rough patch losing 4 in a row, 3 to the Barons, including getting shut out twice. Shows that we aren't invincible... Ocean City made a big trade and they seem to be gunning for us, they are starting to pull away in the Eastern Division... We have 4 draft picks that we haven't signed and really I am only hoping to get Dundee. the other guys don't seem ready and worth spending too much money on. With Velez, Grandados and if we can sign Dundee, I think we can chart this up to one of our better drafts... I am getting impatient about this Parker diagnosis and part of me thinks I should just throw him on the DL and get one of those guys up from AAA. I'd hate to have to start a MR becasue everyone is tired... I am also getting concerned about Jesus Rivera and his production. He started off red hot, hitting .377 in April, then cooled off in May hitting .227 and so far in June .143. I think Jose Escamilla and Cody Johnson are going to start getting more starts. He is a career .250 hitter.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 3-4 (51-18 - GB (+14) )
Next Week: 2 vs Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs, 4 @ Ellicott City Express, 1 @ Chesapeake Blue Crabs
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 82
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 436 (1st)
Avg: .296 (2nd)
Runs Against: 243 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.45 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.31 (1st)
Def Eff: .713 (1st)

Game 63
Norfolk 5, Annapolis 3
Jose Matos (12-0) got the week off to a good start beaing ex-teammamte Javier Uberuaga. Matos went 7.1 innings allowing 7 hits and 3 runs. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (22). The top 3 lead the way again, with Kent Davis going 3-5 with 1 RBI, Roberto Perez going 2-4 with 2 runs, and Jose Rodriquez going 2-4 with 4 RBI, including a 2-run HR (17).

Injury News: Nothing to major with Joe Parker he is out 4 days at least with shoulder soreness. I decided to put him on the DL, so he will miss 2 starts and hopefully get rested up. After looking over the minors I had Adrian Otero in my radar, but he wasn't going to be rested for the upcoming start to Joe Gould got the call. Joe has been around toiling in the minors for 5 years, so he is looking to make the best of his big league debut. Gould came over to the Cavaliers from the Milton Brewers in an off-season trade in 2013. In 2015 he was named to the top 100 prospect list at #45, in 2016 he fell to #59. Last Season he won the Golden Arm Award (aka Cy Young) in AAA. I look forward to seeing what he has to offer.

Game 64
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 4
Ron Reilly (4-5) went 7 innings allowing 7 hits and 4 runs, while striking out 5, but didn't get the run support and took the loss. The offense had 6 hits, with #9 hitter Gilberto Ramos leading the way with 2 of them, including an RBI triple. Roberto Perez stole based #27.

Game 65
Norfolk 5, Annapolis 7
Sun Ho (8-1) went down for the first time this season, allowing 7 runs on 6 hits and 7 walks, over 5.1 innings. Whats that old adage, walks kill! The offense had 10 hit, lead by Derek Campbell. Campbell with 3-4 with 4 RBI and 2 long balls (14). Mauro Candelaira also had 2 hits.

Game 66
Norfolk 7, Annapolis 12
Joe Gould (0-1) had an interesting debut. Giving up a leadoff single in the first, then striking out the next 2, while the leadoff man gets gunned out, was the highlight. Feeling good and coming out for inning 2, things went downhill fast. In that inning Joe gave up 6 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks and only recorded 2 outs. Ron Harris came in to relieve him in the 2nd and in the 3rd thanks to his fielding erro ended up getting pulled after getting 2 outs and giving up 4 hits and 4 runs (1 ER). That was the game. The offense didn't give up, scoring in 7 of 9 innings, and slugging out 14 hits. King Brock (3-3 2-2B), Derek Campbell and Roberto Perez each had 3 hits and Kent Davis and Jose Rodriquez added 2 each. Cody Johnson hit a PH 2-run HR (1) and Derek Campbell went deep (15) for the 2nd game in a row.

Game 67
Virginia Beach 1, Norfolk 11
Miguel Contreras (9-1) got enough run support as he dominiated the Surf Dawgs. Migule went 7 innings, allowing 9 hits and 1 run, striking out 5. The offense had 12 hits, including 5 2-hit days: Kent Davis, Roberto Perez, Derek Campbell, Mauro Candelaria, and Augusto Rodriquez. Lead by Derek Campbell and his 5 RBI and 4 runs scored and another 2-HR game (17). Ed Duke added a HR (3).

Game 68
Virginia Beach 3, Norfolk 10
Jose Matos (13-0) got support off the bat, when the Cav's scored 7 in the bottom of the first, making Jose's life easier. Matos went 6.2 innings allowing 7 hits and 3 runs striking out 5. Ron Harris went the final 2.1 innings allowing 2 hits. The offense was lead by a 4-5 day by Kent Davis, who drove in 3 and scored 2, and Derek Campbell, who hit a 3-run shot (18). Roberto Perez, Julio Romero and King Brock all added 2 hits.

** Kent Davis hit streak reaches 20 games, his second 20+ game hit streak of the season **

Transaction News: Pablo Freitas is ready to return. After 3-weeks off I sent him down to AAA to get a little rehab in. He won't be down there long if he gets his swing going. King Brock has played pretty good in his abscense, and is now hitting .286-4-27 in 33 games. I have to figure out what to do here. Brock may need to stay around.

Game 69
Virginia Beach 2, Norfolk 1
Ron Reilly (ND) pitched one of his better games of late, going 6.2 innigns, allowing 7 hits and 1 run, but the bullpen couldn't get the Dawgs off the board as Will Rose (4-4) gave up a run in the 8th. Jose Villa (yes the ex-Cav) dominated our offense, as the Cav's could only manage 5 hits. Kent Davis had a 2-4 day to lead all hitters. Augusto Rodriquez drove in the only Cav's run in the 5th with a 2-out double.

Around the League:

• The Lewes Braves traded away a 26 yearold 4* RF Esteban Sandoval for a couple of 1* guys and some money. Odd trade if you ask me, specially for a team fighting for first.
• Rumors are heating up that Theodore Pethrick will be moved out of Seaford.
• Jorge Sanchez, Ellicott City Express, and John Jordan were ejected and issued a 2-game suspension after a bench clearing brawl.
• Luis Garza, Seaford Blue Jays, has been suspended for 4 games for berating an umpire.

Milestone Watch:

• Roberto Perez scored run 500 this week. He is the first player in DBL history to reach that plateu.

Closing in on (and getting) 500 RBI's:
Congrats to Alberto and Francisco, both won player of the week award this week too. Coiencidence?

• Alberto Trujillo, Milford Clippers, 505
• Francisco Reyes, Ocean City Tourists, 503
• Gustavo Feliciano, Georgetown Sixteens, 494

Two guys are shooting to join Marcos Estrada as 1000K men:

• Barney Butler, Washington Senators, now has 976 K's
• Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers, now has 956 K's.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Alberto Trujillo, Milford Clippers, 10-25 5 HR's 9 RBI
MarVa: Francisco Reyes, Ocean City Tourists, 15-32 3 HR's 7 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (134.0)
2) Ocean City Tourists (112.6)
3) Milford Clippers (106.1)
4) Lewes Braves (105.1)
5) New Castle Colonials (103.3)

Norfolk Draft Signings:

• Ramon Granados (Round 1, #12) Signed for $2,200,000
• Chris Brownwell (Round 3, #15) Signed for $440,000
• Bernardo Velez (Round 1, #20) - signed for $1,200,000
• Tom Dundee (S. Round 1, #25) - I got a little nervous about Dundee. He seemed like he was going to keep asking for more and more, but in the end he decided our offer was good enough. We look forward to his trip through the minors. Bonus: $1,600,000

Unsigned:

• David Lowe (Round 3, #22) - Turned down our offer of $275,000, and decided to go to college to play.
• Ron Reason (Round 4, #10) - Declined my offer of $180,000, I will think about this one. He wants $240,000. We may up it $200,000 as our final offer. I know I said 180 was our final.
• Bill Brown (Round 4, #20) - Declined my offer of $100,000, we will no longer offer Bill and deal.

GM Notes: That was a tough week, our first losing week in a long time. And losing 3 to the Admirals disappoints me. How do we do that? Is our staff getting weak? Our staff ERA keeps going up little by little. Hopefully Parker comes back strong and it seems like we really miss Cooper, as he found his groove we lost him... I may have to start thinking about moving Pablo so I can sign Kent Davis to a long term deal, he will be a free-agent after next season and the way he hits it'd be painful to lose him... I am starting to get concerned about my starters, outside of 1 and 2, we have just been too inconsistent. I need Reilly and Parker to step it up. Ho just needs to keep plugging along and stop walking people... The bullpen has stepped it up as late, and have turned out to be better than last years, which has been a pleasant surprise. Wasn't expecting that.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by illeracula

GM Notes: That was a tough week, our first losing week in a long time.

Your other-worldly stretch did buy you a nice cushion though. Plenty of time to get your 3 & 4 starters going.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Your other-worldly stretch did buy you a nice cushion though. Plenty of time to get your 3 & 4 starters going.

Yes that totally helps, but as start playing better teams our holes are starting to show.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (56-19 - GB (+16) )
Next Week: 3 @ Chesapeake Blue Crabs, ** All Star Break **, 1 vs Salisbury Ports
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 80 (-2)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 477 (1st)
Avg: .295 (2nd)
Runs Against: 263 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.44 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.31 (1st)
Def Eff: .715 (1st)

Game 70
Virginia Beach 0, Norfolk 3
Sun Ho (9-1) bounced back after 3 rough starts with a great one, throwing all 9 innings, giving up 3 hits and striking out 6. The offense was lead by Mauro Candelaria who had 2 hits and Roberto Perez (17) and Ed Dukes (4) who both went deep and drove in 2.

Game 71
Norfolk 7, Ellicott City 5
Joe Gould (ND) pitched much better his second time out only giving up 5 runs over 6.2 innings on 9 hits. Not stellar, but better than start 1! Will Rose (5-4) pitched 1.1 and Dalton Whitaker went the 9th for the save (23). The offense saw 6 different players get hits, with Jose Rodriquez (18) and King Brock (5) going deep. Jesus Rivera went 1-2 with 2 walks and 3 runs.

Game 72
Norfolk 5, Ellicott City 3
Miguel Contreras went 8 innings, giving up 5 hits and 3 runs while striking out 7, before handing the ball over to Dalton Whitaker who pitched a perfect 9th for the save (24). The offense was lead by Kent Davis going 3-5 with 2 RBI. Roberto Perez and Jose Rodriquez each added 2-hits and Gilberto Ramos (5) went deep.

Transactions: Pablo Freitas has been recalled, he had to be he was crushing the ball in AAA, and King Brock was optioned back to AAA. I didn't to send King down, but since he can only DH I really didn't have a place for him. Freitas goes to LF, Campbell moves from LF back to RF, Jose Rodriquez moves from RF to DH. On another lineup note, I moved Jesus Rivera out of the starting lineup, moving Cody Johnson into the starting lineup.

Game 73
Norfolk 9, Ellicott City 1
Jose Matos (14-0) went 8.1 innings giving up 6 hits and 1 run before Jamie King came in to get the final 2 outs. Kent Davis lead the Cav's offense going 4-5 with 3 RBI, and Roberto Perez added 2 hits, including a HR (18) and 4 RBI. Julio Romero and Mauro Candelaria each added 2 hits. Kent Davis stole 3 bases a night after he stole 2.

Transactions: Joe Parker came off the DL, and was placed back into the #5 slot. Joe Gould after two starts was sent back down to AAA. At least he had a taste.

Game 74
Norfolk 12, Ellicott City 8
Ron Reilly (ND) struggled through 5.2 innings, allowing 6 runs on 9 hits, striking out 5, before Elmer Hawkins (3-0) took over. Hawkins went 2.2 innings giving up 5 hits and 2 runs. Dalton Whitaker got the final out for the save (25). Kent Davis, Derek Campbell and Augusto Rodriquez all had 3 hits. Davis scored 3 times, and Derek Campbell drove in 5. Jesus Rivera, Roberto Perez and Augusto all scored 2 times.

Game 75
Norfolk 3, Chesapeake 2
Sun Ho (9-2) was the tough luck loser as the Blue Crabs scored 2 in the bottom of the eigth. Ho went 7.2 innings giving up 5 hits and 3 runs (2 ER) before leaving with the bases loaded. Will Rose came in and walked in the tieing run, then balked in the winning run, then recorded a strike out to end the inning. The offense did eave 7 runners on, but only managed 6 hits, all singles, off the Blue Crabs. Derek Campbell went 2-4 with 2 RBI.

Around the League:

• James McLaughlin, Ocean City Tourists, signed a 4 year extension to tay in OC. He will earn $16,000,000 a year. James has 3 ND's in 3 starts with the Tourists posting a 2.21 ERA.
• Cesar Morales, of the Wilmington Iron Pigs will be out 4-5 months with ulnar nerve irration. On the season Cesar has pitched in 33 games going 0-3 with a 2.31 ERA.

Milestone Watch:
Closing in on (and getting) 500 RBI's:

• Gustavo Feliciano, Georgetown Sixteens, 500. Gustavo reached #500 w/ a 2-run HR.

Two guys are shooting to join Marcos Estrada as 1000K men:

• Barney Butler, Washington Senators, now has 976 K's
• Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers, now has 963 K's.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Jose Mata, Lewes Braves, 10-21 3 HR's, 12 RBI and 6 Runs.
MarVa: Francisco Reyes, Ocean City Tourists, 9-26, 5 HR's, 9 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (137.0)
2) Milford Clippers (114.2)
3) Ocean City Tourists (111.4)
4) Lewes Braves (106.2)
5) Wilmington Iron Pigs (101.8)

Norfolk Draft Signings:
Ramon Granados (Round 1, #12) Signed for $2,200,000
Chris Brownwell (Round 3, #15) Signed for $440,000
Bernardo Velez (Round 1, #20) - signed for $1,200,000
Tom Dundee (S. Round 1, #25) - I got a little nervous about Dundee. He seemed like he was going to keep asking for more and more, but in the end he decided our offer was good enough. We look forward to his trip through the minors. Bonus: $1,600,000

Ron Reason (Round 4, #10) - I made one final offer to Reason, not sure why, but I just felt like he was going to develop. Just a gut feeling. Bonus: $200,001.

Unsigned and Negotiations have ended:
David Lowe (Round 3, #22) - Turned down our offer of $275,000, and decided to go to college to play.
Bill Brown (Round 4, #20) - Declined my offer of $100,000, we will no longer offer Bill and deal.

GM Notes: I am starting to get a little weary of teams that are above .500, we really seem to be struggling against them lately. I will have to play more attention to them and see what the deal is... Pablo came back and struggled going 4-17 witg only 1 RBI. He is another one that has hit an cold spell, or maybe its a reality check... I have one more week till the all-star break and at that point I will check out this offense and see if there is something that can be done. I would like King Brock in the lineup, but in its current state I am not going to be able to do that. I could move Derek Campbell to 2B, then Jose from DH to RF, but then that hurts our defense some. At least I have some options. Is Kings bat better than Cody, Jesus or Jose? Probably. Is the hit on D worth the points he will add? Hmm. I will have to think about that... Sun Ho took a hit with his control and its starting to show. Its also making me worried about the guy. When his control was 10 or 11 I thought he'd be borderline, but now its at 9. His WHIP is going up and his BB/9 have skyrocketed this season. At least next season I will have 2 SP ready to join the rotation (Vaughn Griffith and Arturo Ramirez).

[Big Six]

I've spent some time getting caught up on your story over the past day or two, and I've decided I've been missing out by not following it more regularly! You make the role of fictional GM look like it would be a lot of fun. It's not a game mode I've played much--I've tended to make myself a Great Baseball Deity and watch my creation unfold from above--but you do a great job of making the challenge you've chosen seem very appealing.

Plus, I'm enjoying watching teams from the Delmarva region take the field. Watching towns like Lewes and Ellicott City go head-to-head with Baltimore and Washington is fun. I'm a Delmarva guy myself, and I think I've been in every town and city that has a Delmarva League team; in most cases, more than a few times.

Anyway, keep up the good work. I'll be following along.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by Big Six

I've spent some time getting caught up on your story over the past day or two, and I've decided I've been missing out by not following it more regularly! You make the role of fictional GM look like it would be a lot of fun. It's not a game mode I've played much--I've tended to make myself a Great Baseball Deity and watch my creation unfold from above--but you do a great job of making the challenge you've chosen seem very appealing.

Plus, I'm enjoying watching teams from the Delmarva region take the field. Watching towns like Lewes and Ellicott City go head-to-head with Baltimore and Washington is fun. I'm a Delmarva guy myself, and I think I've been in every town and city that has a Delmarva League team; in most cases, more than a few times.

Anyway, keep up the good work. I'll be following along.

Big Six-
Thanks for the kind words, they mean a lot coming from legend like yourself.

I think part of the game is finding something you find appealing and I have tried many different kind of leagues and I have always wanted to do a Delaware League (I expanded because DE was too small, lol). I think this is my 2nd or 3rd dynasty attempt, and I have learned a lot from reading others.

I hope you continue to read and enjoy it.
Thanks again.
Illeracula

[illeracula]

Today the 5th Annual DelMarVa Baseball All-Star game will be played. The MarVa Conference will be hosting this years event. The Delaware Conference has won 3 of the 4 All-Star games, and the first 2 were instant classics. Hopefully this years game will bring us some exciting baseball.

The predicted starters are Todd Eldridge of New Castle and Ocean City's Steve McClellan.


All-Star Game History:
2013: MarVa 5, Delaware 6
2014: Delaware 6, MarVa 5
2015: MarVa 7, Delaware 1
2016: Delaware 8, MarVa 3

Here is a look at this years teams. The Milford Clippers led the Delaware Conference with 6 representitives and the Norfolk Cavaliers the MarVa Conference with 7.


The Cavaliers have 7 All Stars this season, one fewer than the team high of 8 set last season. Derek Campbell will be making his All-Star game debut.
Miguel Contreras (4)
Jose Matos (3)
Dalton Whitaker (2)
Roberto Perez (5)
Kent Davis (3)
Derek Campbell (1)
Jose Rodriquez (2)

There are a couple of Cavaliers that could of been All-Stars but didn't make the team.
Mauro Candelaria - .332-4-42
Will Rose - 5-4 1.93, 36 G 1 SV
Sun Ho - 9-2 3.88, 15 GS

[Let's Play Two]

Illeracula,


Congratulations on the solid start to your dynasty. It seems like quite a few stories here don't make it six months, and it's good to see you're keeping this one going.


I especially like your GM Notes section. You do a very good job of explaining the decisions you make, or that you're thinking about making.


Count me in as a reader, too.

LP2

[illeracula]

The Delaware Conference jumped out to an early 1-0 lead scoring one in the first, but Abraham Thomas went deep in the in the 3rd scoring 2 and giving the MarVa Conference the lead 2-1. In the 5th Thomas did it again, adding an insurance run. Alberto Trujillo went deep in the 6th for the Delaware Conference, making the score 3-2. A 9-th inning, 2-out error by Colin Burbridge of the MarVa Conference scored the tying run, Garrott Grant who doubled to start of the inning. In the 10th Norfolks own Dalton Whitaker came in to pitch and only faced 2 batters, giving up back-to-back HR's to Leslie Bergeron and Marcos Nieto. Thats all the Delaware Conference needed as (ex-Cav) Carlos Rodriquez pitched a perfect 10th to end the game.



W: Bill Fox
L: Dalton Whitaker
S: Carlos Rodriquez
HR: Alberto Trujillo, Luis Bergeron, Marcos Neito, Abraham Thomas 2



All-Star Game History:
2013: MarVa 5, Delaware 6
2014: Delaware 6, MarVa 5
2015: MarVa 7, Delaware 1
2016: Delaware 8, MarVa 3
2017: Delaware 5, MarVa 3

Cavaliers and their Performances:
Miguel Contreras: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 K, 0 R
Jose Matos: DNP
Dalton Whitaker: 0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, Losing Pitcher
Kent Davis: 0-2 1 BB, 1 K, Starting CF
Derek Campbell: 0-3, 1 BB, 1 K, Starting SS
Roberto Perez: 0-5 6 LOB, Starting 3B
Jose Rodriquez: 1-2 1 K

[NYY #23]

I still love that All-Star graphic that you created.

I know Contreras was having a good year, but seeing him compared to the rest of the All-Stars, and wow. He's making me forget all about Sweetapple.

I don't remember seeing many bad performances from Whitaker this year, so it's a shame to see him give up back to back homers in the All-Star game.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by Let's Play Two

Illeracula,


Congratulations on the solid start to your dynasty. It seems like quite a few stories here don't make it six months, and it's good to see you're keeping this one going.


I especially like your GM Notes section. You do a very good job of explaining the decisions you make, or that you're thinking about making.


Count me in as a reader, too.

LP2

LP2-
Thanks for reading along. I think this is the 3rd maybe 4th dynasty I have started, and I am having fun with this one which makes it a lot easier to keep it going.
Illeracula

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

I still love that All-Star graphic that you created.

I know Contreras was having a good year, but seeing him compared to the rest of the All-Stars, and wow. He's making me forget all about Sweetapple.

I don't remember seeing many bad performances from Whitaker this year, so it's a shame to see him give up back to back homers in the All-Star game.

Thanks, its what I do with my free-time at work. Make-up graphics, lol. Easier than typing everything out.

Its odd that Dalton gets hit that hard. He gave up 1 HR this season and only 9 in 81.2 innings last year! Hopefully he bounces back, its nice having an elite closer. Its actually been surprising how good he has been.

I know, now that I have Miguel I am looking back and trying to figure out why I had such a hard time pulling off that deal. Karl Armstrong, Luis Delon and Jacob Chaney haven't been missed... I was trying to keep Sweetapple, maybe it was his name, or the fact he was one of the original Cav's and was our anchor. Miguel has made me forget about Sweetapple, that is for sure. I didn't realize how good he was, but watching him pitch has been awesome.

A look at Sweetapple vs. Contreras:

[illeracula]

I have May's Month in Review labeled wrong, threw me off... Oddly this years all-star game coincided with the end of the month... On to the 2nd half...

Players of the Month:
Delaware Conference:


Batter of the Month: Alberto Trujillo, Milford Clippers
Trujillo Captures Delaware Conference Batter of Month Award: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 35-year-old Alberto Trujillo put together a solid offensive month for Milford and was crowned June's top batter in the Delaware Conference. He batted .337 with 11 home runs, 30 RBIs and 23 runs scored. For the season Trujillo is hitting .326, batted in 80 runs with 28 home runs and 62 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month: Anthony Dundee, Georgetown Sixteens
Delaware Conference Picks June's Top Pitcher: Despite the number of years he's been in the league, Anthony Dundee still gets excited when he puts together a quality stretch like he had in June. The 34-year-old starter for Georgetown was named Delaware Conference Pitcher of the Month earlier today. He collected 5 wins and 1 loss with 25 strikeouts in his 6 starts, putting up a fine 1.69 ERA in 48 innings of work. This year Dundee has gone 12-4 with an ERA of 2.24 and has 82 strikeouts in 132.2 innings.

Rookie of the Month: John Bean, Milton Brewers
Delaware Conference Names Rookie of Month: A veritable toddler to the Delaware Conference, John Bean just sewed up the Rookie of the Month trophy for June. Over the past month the 24-year-old first baseman for Milton hit .333 with 28 hits, 3 home runs and 14 runs batted in. He also logged 8 walks and compiled a .398 on-base percentage. This season Bean has 7 home runs and a .307 batting average.

MarVa Conference:


Batter of the Month: Francisco Reyes, Ocean City Tourists
June's MarVa Conference Batter of Month Award Announced: Francisco Reyes battered MarVa Conference pitchers all June and wound up taking home the Batter of the Month Award. "I've been around DELMARVA Baseball League long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," the 27-year-old Reyes told reporters. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I might not take the field, and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month." In 26 games, Reyes hit .395 with 13 home runs, 27 RBIs and scored 30 runs. A look at his current stats shows Reyes with a .348 average, 31 home runs, 71 RBIs and 73 runs scored. He has played in 78 games.

Pitcher of the Month: Jose Matos, Norfolk Cavaliers
June's Best MarVa Conference Hurler is Matos: José Matos of the Norfolk Cavaliers outdistanced his peers on the mound this month. He fashioned a fine 5-1 won-lost mark and 1.75 ERA in 6 starts to get the MarVa Conference Pitcher of the Month honors. Matos had a very impressive June, finishing with 31 strikeouts in 46.1 innings and holding opposing hitters to a .190 average. In 16 starts this season Matos has fashioned a 14-1 record and a 2.18 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: Gerardo Chapa, Salisbury Ports
MarVa Conference Selects Rookie Star of the Month: Gerardo Chapa's eyes seem to light up whenever he sees the baseball. The young Salisbury center fielder has been hitting everything in sight for the better part of a month. In June he was voted the Rookie of the Month Award. During the month he hit .311 with 5 doubles, no triples and 3 home runs. Chapa also scored 16 times and drove in 16 runs. This year Chapa is batting .311 with 28 hits, 3 home runs, 16 RBIs, 3 walks, .330 OBP and has scored 16 runs.

League Leaders (as of July 1st, 2017)
Delaware Division:
AVG: Vince Moy (Milford Clippers) .337
HR: Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 28
RBI: Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 80
SB: Pedro Galavan (Dover Generals) 41

ERA: Todd Eldridge (New Castle Colonials) 2.14
W: Anthony Dundee (Georgetown Sixteens) 12*
K: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 137
SV: Carlos Rodriquez (Lewes Braves) 20

Marva Division:
AVG: Kent Davis (Norfolk Cavaliers) .366*
HR: Abraham Thomas (Washington Senators) 33
RBI: Derek Campbell (Norfolk Cavaliers) 85
SB: Roberto Perez (Norfolk Cavaliers) 30

ERA: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 1.66
W: Jose Matos (Norfolk Cavaliers) 14
K: Barney Butler (Washington Senators) 107
SV: Dalton Whitaker (Norfolk Cavaliers) 27



The Lewes Braves are holding on to the #1 spot, but the Sixteens and the Generals aren't going to give up. I am still amazed that the Braves are #1 after losing 2 of the original starting 5. The Blue Jays hit a wall in July and are now in last just like all the other expansion clubs... The Iron Pigs came from 5 down and took over first, as the Colinials struggled through June, going from +5 to -3. The Clippers are a team with great fire power and if they continue to hit they will continue to put the heat on, should be an interesting 2nd half... The Ocean City Tourists had a 19 win month and took a 6 game lead in the Eastern Division. Usually this division comes down to a 3-team race, but when the aquision of James MacLaughlin this may have sealed the deal for the Tourists... The Cavaliers cooled off, but still gained 2 games over the Senators. I wouldn't call this Division just yet, because the Seantors have a history of getting hot the final 2 months of the season, but the Cavaliers are sitting in a very good spot.

Ex-Cavaliers Report (guys we moved in this past offseason):
Don Sweetapple (Richmond Cardinals) 17 GS 8-6 2.98 1.14 WHIP (All-Star)
Carlos Mateo (Lewes Braves) 16 GS 10-4 3.34, 1.11 WHIP (All-Star)
Javier Uberuaga (Annapolis Admirals) 16 GS 5-9 4.86, 1.46 WHIP (#1 Stater)
Allen Johnson (Annapolis Admirals, AAA) 64 G .299-4-42 (3 games 0-3 w/ Annapolis)
Kevin Howse (Georgetown Sixteens) 23 G .313-2-10, .847 / (AAA).345-14-56, 1.162
Karl Armstrong (Ocean City Tourists) 16 GS 5-4 4.32, 1.40 WHIP (dropped to 5th Starter)
Jacob Chaney (Ocean City Tourists) 55 G .328-1-6 (64 AB's)
Luis Deleon (Ocean City Tourists) (CL) 39 G (1 GS) 41.2 IP 6-2 3.89, 1.34 WHIP (no closing)
Pat Shelton (Christinia Blue Hens) .240-5-21, .655 OPS
Murray Pavie (Salisbury Ports) 48 G .283-2-21, .697 OPS

Norfolk Recap


We followed up one of the best months ever, 26-2 with a 16-10 June. Not quite a gutter ball after a strike, but close. Just goes to show you that we aren't invincible. When we player better teams we struggle after our 1 & 2 starters. I even said before May this is going to be an easy month. July will be a tough month, I am hoping to do something comparable, at least, to June. We play Annapolis, Washington, Ocean City and, what seems to be our nemesis, the Baltimore Barons... We are healthy going into the 2nd half of the season, and this is when we have fallen apart before. Last year we lost 2 bats, and we weren't prepared for it. This year I think we are a little deeper and will be able to get by with injuries. Not that I want injuries, but they have burned us in the past... No real lineup changes going into July, I did put Jesus Rivera back into the starting lineup at second, moving Cody Johnson back to the utility role... Here is to 3 more healthy months. We are in the drivers seat that is for sure.

I didn't realize this until know, but there will be no interleague play this season. When I expanded, I guess the interleague checkbox got un-checked. Oh well, not that big of a deal, just caught me off guard.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 2-2 (58-21 - GB (+14) )
Next Week: 3 vs Salisbury Ports, 4 @ Ocean City Tourists
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 80
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 491 (2nd)
Avg: .291 (2nd)
Runs Against: 275 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.44 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.28 (1st)
Def Eff: .711 (1st)

Game 76
Norfolk 5, Chesapeake 2
Joe Park (6-3) gave up a lot of hits and thanks to scattering them throughout 7.1 innings the took home the win. Parker went 7.1 giving up 10 hits and 2 runs. Dalton Whitaker threw the 9th for the save (26). Ed Duke lead the offense going 2-3 with 2 HR's (6) and 2 RBI. Derek Campell added 2 hits and 2 RBI and Jose Rodriquez added 2 hits and 2 runs.

Game 77
Norfolk 3, Chesapeake 1
Miguel Contreras (11-1) went 8 innings, giving up 5 hits and 1 run, while striking out 8. Dalton Whitaker went the 9th for the save (27). Kent Davis and Julio Romero lead the offense with 2 hits. Jose Rodriquez added a solo-HR (19).

Game 78
Norfolk 1, Chesapeake 2
Jose Matos (14-1) winning streak comes to an end, and he did all he could to keep it going. Matos went 7 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs striking out 9, but the offense couldn't back him up. The offense was held to 3 hits, all singles, and struck out 11 times. Pablo Freitas pulled out his golden sombrero for this one.

** All-Star Break **

Game 79
Salisbury 7, Norfolk 5
Ron Reilly (4-6) continues to have some tough luck, going 6.2 innings, giving up 6 runs on 7 hits, while walking 3 and striking out 4. Reilly needs to reign in the walks if he expects to get some wins. Ed Duke and Augusto Rodriquez lead the offense with 2 hits, with Dukes getting a double and a HR (7), scoring 2 times. Derek Campbell keeps knocking them in with 2 RBI's.

Around the League:

• Vince Moy, the starting catcher for the Milford Clippers, will miss the next 5-6 weeks with an oblique strain. The Clippers will miss Moy as they try to make a run at the division title. Moy on the season is hitting .337-14-32
• Kevin Norris, the starting second baseman for the Milford Clippers, is out for the next 7 weeks with a fractured thumb. Not the news the Clippers wanted to hear the day after the Moy news. Norris is hitting .261-2-16 on the season.
• The Christinia Blue Hens have begun looking to the future, shipping off 30-yr old starting pitcher Gary Drew for 26-yr old IF Vincente Alvarado. Alvarado was hitting .313-1-17 for the Brewers before coming over.
• As soon as I thought the Ocean City Tourists were serious about making a run for the division title, they shipped off their star 1B Angel Romero. It will be hard to replace Angel's .321-20-65. He has 6 years left on his $101 million dollar deal.
• The Senators are serious about making a run at us. Shipping off a prospect for a 3* SP to help solidify their rotation. Jesus Garcia joins the Senators after playing the 1st half of the season in Seaford. On the season Jesus is 5-9 4.78 in 16 starts. Washington gave up a part-time player and catching prospect.

Milestone Watch:
Two guys are shooting to join Marcos Estrada as 1000K men:
Barney Butler, Washington Senators, now has 986 K's
Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers, now has 971 K's.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Leslie Bergeron, Milton Brewers, 10-21 2 HR's 7 RBI
MarVa: Steve Williams, Annapolis Admirals, 10-18 3 HR's 6 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (134.2)
3) Ocean City Tourists (124.9)
5) Wilmington Iron Pigs (113.8)
4) Washington Senators (110.3)
5) Milford Clippers (108.5)

GM Notes: I changed Ed Dukes playing time from every 5 games to every 3 games, just felt like he needed more at-bats. Manager Turcotte isn't a fan, but Dukes is out to prove him, going 4-8 with 3 HR's last week... I keep focusing on my salaries for next year and the need to sign a Kent Davis to a long term deal, and I feel like I should move Pablo Freitas, but Jose Rodriquez doesn't come cheap either. He is also older and playing at the top of his game, is he movable? If I do move one or more of these guys what do I need? Want? How do I shop these guys around without upsetting the team morale? Do I just let it go and play with what I have and worry about it in the off-season? Only 28 days to decide... I have my eye on a catcher in Dover, but with Dover's budget it would be hard to work something out... I might reach back out to Dover, but for now I am going to ride it out with what we have.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-3 (62-24 - GB (+15) )
Next Week: 4 vs Richmond Cardinals, 2 @ Baltimore Barons
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 80
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 534 (2nd)
Avg: .293 (2nd)
Runs Against: 296 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.38 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.34 (1st)
Def Eff: .713 (1st)

Lineup Changes: Before this week, I moved Ed Duke into the starting lineup, he has been red-hot so I shifted him and Julio Romero to a simple platoon to a Duke gets 5, Romero gets 1 versus righties. Romero will continue to start against lefties.

Game 80
Salisbury 5, Norfolk 4
Sun Ho (ND) pitched a solid game going 7.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits, then handed the game over to the pen. Will Rose got the Cav's out of the 8th, then came in Dalton Whitaker. Dalton gave up 2 runs in 1/3 of an inning, on 2 hits, including a HR. Is the All-Star game performance weighing on him? Is he tired? More importantly should I be concenred? The offense had 11 hits, with Roberto Perez, Mauro Candelaria, and Julio Romero getting 2 each. Derek Campbell went deep (19) driving in 2 and Pablo Freitas added a solo-HR (6).

Injury News: To add insult to the injury during the 3rd inning while legging out a 2B, Kent Davis pulled up lame. After a quick evaluation, he will be put on the DL with an oblique strain... King Brock will be back up and move in the DH role, Pablo Freitas will move over to CF, Derek Campbell will move from RF to LF and Jose Rodriquez will step on the field from the DH and play RF. Mauro Candelaria will assume the lead-off role in Kent's absence.

Game 81
Salisbury 3, Norfolk 1
Joe Parker (6-4) loves to give up hits and scatter them around. Today he went 7.2 innings, giving up 10 hits and 3 runs, while walking 4 and strikiong out 5. The Cav's offense was handcuffed for 7 hits, only one for extra bases. Mauro Candelaria went 2-4 out of the leadoffs spot and King Brock went 2-4 happy to be back up. Brock drove in Campbell in the 9th with a double.

** We have Miguel on the mound to try to avoid our first sweep of the season, against an expansion team no less **

Game 82
Salisbury 1, Norfolk 7
Miguel Contreras (12-1) put the losing streak to rest, going 8 innings, giving up 8 hits and 1 run, while striking out 6. Jamie King went the 9th striking out the side. Mauro Candelaria lead the offense with 3 hits, Pablo Freitas and Gilberto Ramos each added 2. The Cav's put all the pressure on Miguel as they kept it close till a 5 run 8th, Jose Escamilla had a PH 3-run double for the offenseive highlight.

Game 83
Norfolk 12, Ocean City 4
Jose Matos (15-1) bounced back from his first loss of the season, going 6.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits before handing the ball off to Ivan Pineda, who went the final 2.1 innings allowing 3 hits and 1. The offense that has been missing showed up today, slugging out 18 hits. Lead by Derek Campbell and Maruo Candelaria who each had 3 hits. Everyone else in the lineup, sans Cody Johnson had 2 hits, Johnson was an 0-fer. Brock went deep (6) with 3 RBI, Roberto Perez hit a solo-HR (19) and Pablo Freitas hit a 2-run shot (7). Derek Campbell also had 3 RBI.

Game 84
Norfolk 6, Ocean City 3
Ron Reilly (5-6) went 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 5. Dalton Whitaker went the 9th, striking out two for the save (28). THe offense had another 10 hits with Augusto Rodriquez, Derek Campbell and Roberto Perez all with 2. Perez went deep for the 20th time, giving up a 20/20 on the season (20/31). Ed Duke also hit a solo-HR (8).

On a side note, we sent a message to Ocean City, facing their new "ace" James McLaughlin, we exploded for 5 runs and 6 hits chasing him after 1.1 innings.

Game 85
Norfolk 11, Ocean City 2
Sun Ho (10-2) pitched like I know he can, going 7.1 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs (1 ER) while stirking out 5. The big thing is he didn't walk anyone. Jamie King struck out 3 in 1.2 innings. The offense exploded for another 17 hits, with all the starters getting at least 1. Jose Rodriquez had 3 with 6 others getting 2. Derek Campbell went deep (20) and drove in 3. Ed Duke and Jesus Rivera each added 2 RBI's.

Game 86
Norfolk 2, Ocean City 3 (10 Innings)
Joe Parker (ND) had a good start and I am glad he is back in the rotation, going 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs. The offense tied the game up with a run in the 8th and one in the 9th, but after a perfect 9th Dalton Whitaker (0-3) gave up lead-off HR to dead center. The offense had 8 hits, with Derek Campbell getting 3 and Augusto Rodriquez getting 2, both of them had RBI's as well.

Injury News: Pablo Freitas was pulled from the game in the 4th after running into the wall in Center. The diagosis is pending. I am not sure what kind of roster move I am going to make if he is down for a long time. Cody Johnson will play CF in the meantime... If Freitas is out for a long period of time Javier Janchez may get the call. He is young and needs to develop, but he is my best option (trade withstanding).

Around the League:

• Bruce Walker, Milford Clippers, extended his hitting streak to 20 games.
• Kiyonobu Matsuura, some peoples pick for rookie of the year, extended his hitting streak to 20 games, his streak ended at 22 games.
• The Chesapeake Blue Crabs traded a prospect for bullpen depth. Getting Antonio Sanchez from the Newark Millers. Sanchez had a record of 1-0 with a 2.94 ERA in 40 games with the Millers.
• The Salisbury Ports sent Murray Pavie to the Seaford Blue Jays for 2 minor leaguers.

Milestone Watch:
Two guys are shooting to join Marcos Estrada as 1000K men:
Barney Butler, Washington Senators, now has 990 K's
Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers, now has 977 K's.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Jake Judkins, Lewes Braves, 17-28 2 HR's, 6 RBI's
MarVa: Derek Campbell, Norfolk Cavaliers, 13-31 2 HR's 10 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (128.8)
2) Dover Generals (122.7)
3) Annapolis Admirls (119.7)
4) Ocean City Tourists (118.0)
5) Wilmington Iron Pigs (112.7)

GM Notes: My main concern going into the final 76 games are injuries and pitching. The starters seem to be coming around, so as long as Ho and Reilly can pitch like they are supposed to we will be ok. We lost 2/3 of our starting outfield this past week. Davis is out for 2 weeks, Freitas is out for an uknown amout of time. Makes my off-season decision easier, I think I have to trade him. My last concern is the closer. Dalton hit a rough patch and I need him to get his head screwed on straight. He has pitched in 4 games since the All-Star break. Dalton has given up 5 hits, 4 HR's and is 0-2 with a blown save... Javier Janchez is next on my call-up list, and if he comes up he is staying up, I can't pull a King Brock with him. At 19 he is a 5-tool player, and on the cusp of being ready for the bigs. Next year he will be here. He is hitting .306-16-69 in AAA. The only other OF'er is Byran O'Neil, but he doesn't play CF and isn't that good... The first game this week is going to be a fun one, Miguel Contreras vs Don Sweetapple...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-2 (66-26 - GB (+17) )
Next Week: 2 @ Baltimore Barons, 4 @ Washington Senators, 1 vs Annapolis Admirals
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 80
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 556 (2nd)
Avg: .289 (2nd)
Runs Against: 302 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.19 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.26 (1st)
Def Eff: .717 (1st)

Game 87
Richmond 0, Norfolk 5
Miguel Contreras (13-1) out-dueled Don Sweetapple as the our offense touched up Sweetapple for 2 HR's. Migule went 7 innings, giving up 3 hits and striking out 7. Jamie King went the final 2 innings. The offense scored 5 runs off Sweetapple with Mauro Candelaria leading the way going 2-3 with 2 RBI. Roberto Perez added a 2-run HR (21) and King Brock hit a solo-shot (7).

Injury News: Pablo Freitas will be out for 6 week with an oblique strain. Freitas is falling out of favor really fast. He has only played in 51 games this season, is due to make 11 million next year and won't be able to get traded this season. Trade deadine is 20 days away... I thought long and hard about bringing up my 5-tool star Javier Janchez, but in the end I went with Bryan O'Neil, and shifted Cody Johnson into CF. I wanted Javier, but he just turned 20 and I think he if has a full-season next year he will win the ROY. Why take that away? Now if we were in a close battle things would of been different, a 15 game lead allows for some play room. Hurry back Kent Davis...

Game 88
Richmond 2, Norfolk 1
Jose Matos (15-2) was a tough luck loser as the offense just coudln't get anything going. Matos went 7.2 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs as 7 Cardinals pitchers shut down the Cav's offense. Roberto Perez had 2 hits and Jose Escamilla drove in Ed Dukes with a double in the 2nd for the Cav's only run.

Game 89
Richmond 2, Norfolk 3 (10 innings)
Ron Reilly (ND) went 9 innings, only giving up 2 runs on 7 hits, but walked away with the ND, as the Cav's offense continues to have some run scoring issues. Dalton Whitaker (1-3) pitched the 10th for the win. Jesus Rivera and Augusto Rodriquez each had 2 hits to lead the offense and Roberto Perez Jesus Rivera with a walk-off double in the 10th for the win.

Game 90
Richmond 1, Norfolk 0
Sun Ho (10-3) had one of his best outings of the season, but the stagnent offense left him hanging. Ho went 7.1 innings, giving up 8 hits and 1 run (0 ER). The offense had 8 hits and left 11 men stranded with Jose Rodriquez, Jose Escamilla and Jesus Rivera each getting 2 hits. Escamilla doubled for the only XB hit for the Cavs.

Game 91
Norfolk 6, Baltimore 1
Joe Parker (7-4) continued pitching well, going the full 9, giving up 5 hits and 1 run for the win. The offense showed some life scoring 6 times on 10 hits with Ed Duke leading the way with 3 hits. King Brock added a HR and (8) 2 RBI. Derek Campbell added 2 hits and a 2 RBI.

Injury News: Jose Escamilla was pulled from the game after complaining of arm trouble after making a defensive play. He should be able to return tomorrow.

Game 92
Norfolk 7, Baltimore 0
Miguel Contreras (14-1) went 8 shutout innings, giving up 5 hits and striking out 8 before handing the ball off to Jamie King who pitched a perfect 9th. The offense had 9 hits and 7 runs. Lead by Mauro Candelaria, Roberto Perez and Derek Campbell who all had 2 hits. Campbell went deep (21) and drove in 2.

Injury News: Jose Escamilla, yes him again, was pulled from the game after pulling up limp after a double. Escamilla is now listed day-to-day and will miss 3-5 days.

Around the League:

• Bruce Walker of the Milford Clippers had his 25 game hit-streak snapped.
• Francisco Duranog of the Georgetown Sixteens strained a rib cage muscle and will be out 4 weeks. The Sixteens will have to replace Durango's .341-5-33 as the try to win their division.
• Virgil White signed a 5 year 48,400,000 million dollar deal with the Milton Brewers this season to play first base and has since ended up on the bench. Virgil has told the Brewers to trade him now! On the season Virgil is hitting .280-5-18.
• The Sixteens replaced Durango in the lineup by making a trade with the Richmond Cardinals. They recieved Chriss Gross who will be playing left till Durango returns. Gross is .267-4-31 on the season. Cory Thompsons heads over to the Cardinals. Thomas is hitting .269-8-40 on the season.

Milestone Watch:
Two guys are shooting to join Marcos Estrada as 1000K men:

• Barney Butler, Washington Senators, with an 8 strikeout performance against the Richmond Cardinals Barney Butler became the 2nd pitcher in DBL history to pass the 1000 K mark.
• Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers, now has 992 K's.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Alberto Trujillo, Milford Clippers, 12-26 5 HR's, 11 RBI
MarVa: Totoya Ogawa, Chesapeake Blue Crabs, 13-25 4 HR's 8 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (135.1)
2) Ocean City Tourists (122.4)
3) Georgetown Sixteens (117.6)
4) Wilmington Iron Pigs (112.7)
5) Annapolis Admirls (104.7)

GM Notes: The injuries to Pablo Freitas are adding up. A guy who used to be durable has had a string of nagging injuries over the past 3 years. This is his 3 stint on the DL this season and with Javier Janchez biting at the bullet to play, Freitas has become expendable. I am fond of Fretias, I picked him 2nd in the inaugural draft, but I think his time to move on has come. Hopefully there will be some buyers out there this off-season... Our starting pitching was lights out this week! But as you can tell without our lead off man Kent Davis in the lineup we struggled to score... Kent Davis returns this week, which will be a nice addition to our team, which means Bryan O'Neil will be DFA'd for the 3rd time this season. Yeah he isn't very happy about it, but if he was that good he would of been claimed by now, lol. If I was him I would be upset though, because his ratings are similar to Murray Pavie who stuck around on a big league roster all season... Derek Campbell eclipsed the 100 RBI mark this week and is on pace to drive in over 170 runs. The season record is 162, so we will have to keep an eye out on him.

Grad school and a cold are kicking my butt, hopefully I will get some regular updates this week...