United States Baseball -- A New Beginning!

[silvam14]

This is great!

[jaysdailydose]

Week 3 Notes – 4 vs North Carolina (2-2), 3 at Ohio (1-2)

· 04/20: NC 7, MI 4 – Mike Klein (NC) 2-3, 2 HR (3), 6 RBI, BB, SB – fifth straight loss.
· Klein was one of our inaugural draft picks, and was picked up on waivers after the spring. Players like this always get me.
· We signed our first overall selection, Jesse Cook, to a four-year extension. We felt it was best to get him locked up while he was under-performing.
· 04/21: MI 7, NC 1 – Danny Gonzalez 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI – Faust 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 K, ND
· 04/22: NC 2, MI 0 – Brent Winters (NC) 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 5 BB, 2K, W (1-0)
· 04/23: MI 5, NC 0 – Steve Muller 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 8 K, W (1-3, 3.41) – Game Score 89
· 04/24: OH 3, MI 0 – David Rapier (OH) 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K, W (3-0)
· Our offense is getting irritating. We either score 5+ or we score nothing. Not even many attempts this game.
· We did get reliever David Rodela back from the disabled list. Reliever Bill Galbreath was optioned to Westland of Developmental A. (AAA)
· 04/25: MI 4, OH 3 – Danny Fashingbauer 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, RS – Cuevas 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2K, W (3-1)
· 04/26: OH 4, MI 1 – Ken Smith (OH) 6.2 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 6 K, W (2-2)
· Bobby Kastel of the Maine Lobsters became the first man to record six hits in one ballgame.
· ESL Player of the Week: Tennessee RF Steve Kaupas 14-27 (.519), 4 HR, 9 RBI
· WSL Player of the Week: Mississippi C Taylor Schyner 14-28 (.500) 2 HR, 7 RBI
· Next Week: 2 at Indiana, 4 at New York. (We play Maryland after that for 13 straight on the road trip before heading home.)

All in all, it was a frustrating week, but I'm being patient with this bunch. For the most part they are hard workers that all want to win. It has still been cold for most games, as well, so I'm telling myself to just be patient, keep an eye on the waiver wire for anyone who can help us, and try to make up some ground this week.

Our manager, Erik Schmidt, wants to play Fashingbauer over Nicholas, and I am starting to agree. Maybe I should stop arguing with the guy who is considered legendary at dealing with players and veterans so much.

Fashingbauer is not quite as strong defensively, he's a much better second baseman, but he is adequate. His arm is my only worry, but he's been hitting when he sees AB's.

It was great to see an ace-style performance out of Muller. He has seemed much stronger his past two starts. Our bullpen and defense have both obviously been impressive in the short sample size so far.

[jaysdailydose]

Originally Posted by silvam14

This is great!

Thanks a bunch. I'll surely be doing a lot more with the baseball cards especially to show off all of the graphics, too. Thanks again for all the work you did on those projects to truly make leagues like this pop!

[jaysdailydose]

Week 4 Notes – 2 at Indiana (2-0), 4 at New York (1-3)

· 04/27: MI 6, IN 5 (12) – S. Krauskopf 3-6, 2 HR, 2 RBI – Bullpen: 9.1 IP, 0 R, 15 K
· Jake Soland struck out the side twice in consecutive innings and Chris Kearns did it in the ninth.
· Zach Lux left early in the game, and we found out he strained his oblique and will miss around the next four weeks.
· Danny Gonzalez looks to get more playing time, and we brought up OF Adam Penney from Westland.
· We also brought up OF/1B Kevin Hyatt from AAA, optioning 1B Jake Smith to Westland.
· 04/28: MI 7, IN 4 – Krauskopf 2-3, 2 HR, 4 RBI, BB – Muller 5.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER
· Jesse Cook and Andy Rodriguez (IN) were ejected in the first following a brawl.
· Rodriguez hit Cook after Krauskopf's first dinger of the game. Both were suspended 8 games. Great.
· Mat Kelly of Arizona hit for the first cycle in league history versus the Colorado Centennials.
· 04/30: NY 7, MI 6 – Krauskopf 2-5, HR, 2 RBI – L. Vasquez 4 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 2 K, L (0-5)
· Iowa reliever Jim Gray will miss the next 12 months with a torn rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder.
· We traded Colin Knapp and a minor league 3B to Kentucky for SP Rob Higgin and a 3B prospect. More info to come.
· 05/01: MI 6, NY 4 – Greg Smith 2-4, HR, 3 RBI – Krauskopf homers for 4th straight game for eight on the year.
· 05/02: NY 14, MI 2 – Cody Bryant 2-4, 2 HR, 6 RBI – Krauskopf homers for 5th straight game.
· 05/03: NY 6, MI 3 – Cody Bryant 2-4, GS (8), 4 RBI – Krauskopf hitless to end HR streak at 5 games.
· Next Week: 4 at Maryland, 3 vs PA

The trade from this week:

Subject: Michigan-Kentucky Deal: Knapp for Higgin

The Baseball News Network is reporting that Michigan and Kentucky have agreed in principle to a swap that will send 34-year-old left fielder Colin Knapp and 24-year-old minor league third baseman Tim Herhold to the Gray Squirrels with 33-year-old starting pitcher Rob Higgin and 18-year-old minor league third baseman Jonathan Weiss joining the Motors. Michigan's general manager would not confirm the trade, but a team representative close to the negotiations said the deal is official and is now only awaiting approval from the league.

So far this year in 14 games Knapp is hitting .167 with 1 home run, 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored.

Checking out his stats for the season, Higgin has notched 4 wins and no losses in 5 starts, 1.54 ERA and struck out 29 batters in 35 innings.

Jonathan Weiss was sent to Dev D (Rookie) Canton.

[jaysdailydose]

Week 5 Notes – 4 at Maryland (3-1), 3 vs Pennsylvania (2-1)

· Adam Penney was placed on the 15-day disabled list. OF Jonathan Morris was called up from Dev A Westland.
· 05/04: MI 3, MD 2 – Rob Higgin 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 4 K, W (5-0) – first Michigan start!
· As I was going into the next game, I noticed that our coaches have hung the dreaded snowflake on SP Leonardo Vazquez. Big start.
· 05/05: MD 5, MI 0 – Ryunosuke Nitta (MD) 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K – Vazquez 2.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K, 3 HR
· Leonardo Vazquez was optioned to Dev A Westland immediately following the game. Nick Faust was recalled from Westland in his place.
· Danny Gonzalez and Joe Nicholas also got ugly snowflakes for their recent performances. Danny is not taking advantage of playing time.
· 05/06: MI 3, MD 2 – Jose Cuevas 7.0 IP, 0 ER (2 R), 6 H, 1 BB, 5 K, W (4-1) – Kearns SV (7)
· Chris “Berserker” Kearns is now 7 for 7 in save chances, with a 0.77 ERA and 13 K in 11.2 IP.
· Jesse Cook is returning from suspension today, and it couldn't come at a better time with Gonzalez slumping.
· 05/07: MI 2, MD 1 – Greg Smith 2-4, HR (3), 2 RBI (21) – Calzadilla 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 6 BB, 1 K, ND
· We fired our Developmental D (Rookie) affiliate manager, Marcos Espinosa. An offer was put out to Jesse Craig for the position.
· 05/08: PA 6, MI 4 – Tony Velasquez (PA) 2-4, 3B, 2RBI – Casey Derosa (PA) 5.0 IP, 1 ER, ND
· Pennsylvania's starter Casey Derosa came in as the ESL pitching Triple Crown leader. Pitch count was elevated and they pinch hit.
· Jesse Craig accepted our offer to manage at Developmental D (Rookie) Canton. He is “Good” with players, veterans and rookies.
· 05/09: MI 6, PA 2 – Jesse Cook 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R – Rob Higgin 7.2 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 10 K, W (6-0, 1.80 ERA)
· 05/10: MI 4, PA 1 – Jose Cuevas 9.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 K, W (5-1, 3.28) – Miranda 3-4, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
· Next Week: 2 vs Indiana, 3 at Wisconsin

I really have no idea why Kentucky traded us Rob Higgin for Colin Knapp. Knapp e-mailed me in an angry tone about not starting, strangely enough right as he had just STARTED starting with the injury to Lux. He is a solid veteran player, and does play everyday leading off now for Kentucky, so I guess it must have filled a void for them. The prospects added to the trade were my idea, I wanted a 3B prospect to develop, and was able to add one to the deal for a slightly more developed (but not going to be great) third baseman.

I guess they were looking longer term as Higgin is on the books until 2018, receiving 6.6M each year. If he pitches like this, I'm looking at that as a bargain. He has no red flags other than getting older.

This was a huge week for us getting two big series wins to get us back on track. Cook is coming around, Krauskopf is really beasting, and we're starting to get into a rhythm. I'm just hoping Chris Calzadilla and Nick Faust can be solid in the back two spots of the rotation. I guess our scouts either missed on Vazquez or he just needs a bit more minor league seasoning, because he should not have performed that poorly. Small sample size or no small sample size, the boy was just bad!


Just a quick final note for this update, I'd really like to offer a special thank you to Silvam! He is responsible already for the majority of the jerseys, logos and caps in the league, and is now working on personalized sets for each of the teams after I nicknamed them... or away uniforms in the places where they work best. When his work is completed I will be ready to host this league as a quickstart so that anyone can jump in to a USB of their own! Thanks again, Silvam!

[jaysdailydose]

Player Profile - 1B - Steve Krauskopf, Michigan Motors

Steve Krauskopf was drafted by the Motors with their third choice in the inaugural draft, the 114th overall selection. Just days from his 25th birthday, he is currently leading the Motors in home runs, and second in the Eastern States League with 10 bombs. From Canada, Steve is a guy other players look up to, and he is a great influence to have on the Motors.

Steve had only ever played in independent leagues, so while he has just over two years of professional service time, his 36 days on the roster are his first days as a major leaguer, so he looks to be a vital part of the Motors for some time to come.

So far this season, Steve Krauskopf has a slash line of .231/.323/.521 for an OPS of .845 and an OPS+ of 130. He was projected as a future RBI or cleanup hitter in the making, and he has fulfilled that role splendidly so far as a member of the Motors!

Steve is currently rated as a 66 overall with a 67 for potential by OSA on the 20-80 scale.

[jaysdailydose]

May 11, 2015

Subject: Weekly United States Baseball Team Power Rankings

Teams (Total Points, Tendency):
1) Idaho Spuds (144.4, ++)
2) Arizona Rattlesnakes (129.1, ++)
3) New York Skyscrapers (128.4, -)
4) North Carolina Hornets (122.1, ++)
5) Ohio Aviators (120.1, --)
6) Florida Oranges (118.9, ++)
7) Texas Lone Stars (116.1, --)
8) Wyoming Cowboys (113.5, ++)
9) West Virginia Black Bears (111.6, ++)
10) Oklahoma Raccoons (108.3, ++)
11) Colorado Centennials (107.9, ++)
12) Missouri Bluebirds (105.9, -)
13) Pennsylvania Keystones (104.9, --)
14) Kentucky Gray Squirrels (98.6, ++)
15) Vermont Maples (98.6, ++)
16) Oregon Beavers (95.7, --)
17) Minnesota Lakers (95.7, --)
18) New Mexico Roadrunners (94.6, -)
19) South Dakota Coyotes (93.0, ++)
20) Georgia Peaches (93.0, ++)
21) Arkansas Naturals (92.4, ++)
22) Washington Apples (92.0, ++)
23) California Grapes (91.0, +)
24) Wisconsin Doves (89.9, --)
25) Tennessee Smokies (89.9, --)
26) Delaware Diamonds (89.4, ++)
27) South Carolina Palmettos (89.0, --)
28) Michigan Motors (88.4, ++)
29) New Hampshire Granite (88.4, ++)
30) Connecticut Robins (84.0, --)
31) Maryland Knights (83.0, --)
32) Massachusetts Magicians (80.3, -)
33) North Dakota Roughriders (78.8, ++)
34) Virginia Cardinals (77.8, -)
35) Louisiana Pelicans (76.4, --)
36) Rhode Island Tides (75.8, ++)
37) Illinois Deer (75.8, --)
38) Montana Grizzly Bears (75.4, --)
39) Maine Lobsters (72.3, --)
40) Kansas Buffaloes (71.1, +)
41) Alabama Yellowhammers (69.1, -)
42) Nebraska Meadowlarks (68.1, --)
43) Utah Rocks (66.7, -)
44) Iowa Farmers (66.7, -)
45) New Jersey Red Oaks (62.5, +)
46) Mississippi Mockingbirds (59.9, o)
47) Nevada Gamblers (39.3, --)
48) Indiana Indians (29.4, o)

[jaysdailydose]

Week 6 Notes: 2 vs Indiana (1-1), 3 at Wisconsin (2-1)

· 05/12: IN 3, MI 2 – Calzadilla 8.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 11 K – Kearns 1.0 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, BS (1)
· Kearns was bound to blow one some time, but what a wasted performance by Chris Calzadilla. Kearns had only walked one all year.
· 05/13: MI 4, IN 3 – Steve Muller 7.0 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 8 K, ND. Bullpen blew another save and Kearns almost blew the second chance.
· David Rodela came in after Kearns allowed a HR leading off the 9th and then loading the bases and got a double play and a strikeout to end the game.
· 05/15: MI 6, WI 2 – Rob Higgin 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 4 K, W (7-0, 1.89) – K. Hyatt 1-3, 2B, 3 RBI
· Kevin Hyatt came on for Steve Krauskopf in the third inning after Krauskopf was ejected for arguing balls and strikes.
· 05/16: WI 7, MI 1 – Adam Caldwell (WI) 2-4, HR (5), 4 RBI – Cuevas 4.0 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 6 K, L (5-2, 3.71)
· 05/17: MI 8, WI 6 – Adam Penney 1-1, PH three-run homer in ninth to take the lead. Kevin Kimrey 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
· Next Week: 2 at Kentucky, 4 vs Massachusetts

What could have been a really solid week was made just a good one by one thing that has not given us much trouble all season long – an erratic bullpen. Chris Kearns has now allowed runs in his last three appearances, even though he did get the save in the 8-6 victory over Wisconsin in the final game of the week. Trevor Hartsell also gave up a big home run in the eighth inning of that contest to make us have to come from behind for the third time in the ballgame.

We've been patient with David Whitington and it is starting to pay off as his average is slowly creeping upwards. He is just now getting to the 50 AB point and it seems as if he's starting to figure it out at third base.

The starting pitching has been excellent except for the subpar performance by Cuevas mid-week, but he's been so consistently solid this season, we definitely won't hold it against him.

Finally, it was great to see Adam Penney get a HR in his first AB back off the disabled list. He was picked up in a balancing trade earlier in the year, but he never figured to see playing time. He impressed at Westland, and when Lux got hurt, he got a chance to carve himself out a role until he was injured. We'll see if we can't get him some more AB's.

We are now only one game under the .500 mark, so we're starting to play better, but we still sit seven games back in the Lakes, and that just won't do. Trying to remain patient.

[jaysdailydose]

Week 7 Notes: 2 at Kentucky (1-1), 4 vs Massachusetts (1-3)

· 05/19: KY 4, MI 3 -- Rich Tucker (KY) 7.0 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K, W – Colin Knapp (KY) 1-4, HR (Obviously.)
· 05/20: MI 7, KY 3 – Jesse Cook 2-5, 2 HR (1 GS), 6 RBI – Steve Muller 8.0 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 2 K , W (3-3, 2.80)
· 05/21: MA 2, MI 1 – Antonio Garza (MA) 6.1 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 5 BB, 0 K, W (3-4) – Brad Kane 3-3, RBI
· 05/22: MA 7, MI 0 – Ross Bishop (MA) 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 4 K, W (5-3) – Josh Lindberg (MA) 1-4, GS
· Cuevas was off again, with a line of 2.1 IP, giving up 6 ER on 6 H, striking out four. The grand slam hurt badly.
· 05/23: MI 5, MA 0 – Chris Calzadilla CG, 0 R, 2 H, 3 BB, 7 K (2-4, 3.98) – Jesse Cook 1-2, 3 RBI, 2 BB
· 05/24: MA 5, MI 1 – Josh Lindberg (MA) 3-5, 2B, 3 RBI – Danny Gottlieb (MA) 6.2 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 3 K, W (5-3)
· Next Week: 4 vs Connecticut, 3 vs Ohio

It is great to see Jesse Cook coming around even more... his average is still very low, but his OBP is back around .350 and his OPS hovering around .800. With the putrid start he had, and the suspension -- its good to see he is starting to get into a rhythm.

Chris Calzadilla has been very, very good in his last few starts, especially for a "fourth" starter. I think he is talented enough to be a Top-2 or at worst 3 guy on most teams in the league. While we don't get much love in BNN's scouting of positions -- our rotation is very solid, especially after adding the veteran Rob Higgin.

We've just got to put together some series wins. Massachusetts has a good ballclub, but we played like a minor-league club for most of that series... and if it continues, my patience will cease to be, and changes will be made.

We have begun preliminary talks on trying to get another high-quality bat in our lineup, but everyone wants our best pitchers to even start dealing. I'm not going to give up Muller or Cuevas for borderline talent, even if it would provide a spark -- that much is certain.

[jaysdailydose]

Week 8 Notes: 4 vs Connecticut (4-0), 3 vs Ohio (0-3)

· 05/25: MI 4, CT 3 (12) – Joe Nicholas 3-5, 2B, RBI – MI Bullpen 7.0 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 10 K, W
· David Rodela, Kenny “Mad Bomber” Frerichs, and Trevor “Old Blue” Hartsell were the relievers in that relief gem.
· 05/26: MI 4, CT 2 (13) – Steve Krauskopf 1-5, walkoff 2-R HR in 13th. - Corey Murray (CT) 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K, ND
· 05/27: MI 6, CT 5 – Jesse Cook 2-3, 2 HR (9), 2 RBI, walkoff blast in 9th – Jose Cuevas 5.2 IP, 5 ER, 10 H, 0 BB, 6 K, ND
· Jesse Cook continues his resurgence. In May he has a slash line of .277/.420/.646 for an OPS of 1.066. He has 7 HR and 16 RBI for the month.
· Zach Lux started a rehab assignment at Dev A Westland today. (05/28)
· 05/28: MI 5, CT 3 – Chris Fashingbauer 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, another walkoff homer for the Motors! Calzadilla 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 6 K, ND
· A four game sweep! We are now above .500, in second place in the Lakes, and only 4 ½ games behind Ohio for the division lead!
· Jesse Cook also had another two-run blast in this game. He is now 8-21 with 4 HR and 8 RBI in the last 6 games.
· Zach Lux was 3-3 with 2 walks, 3 RBI and 3 RS in his first game for Westland on his rehab assignment.
· 05/29: OH 6, MI 4 (13) – Ken Smith (OH) 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K, ND – S. Krauskopf – 3-4, HR (12), 2B, RBI, 2 BB
· 05/30: OH 9, MI 3 – Alex Yslas (OH) 8.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 3 K, 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI – Steve Muller 5.0 IP, 6 ER, 14 H, 1 BB, 3 K
· The bullpen is so rundown, if Muller wants to be an ace he needs to take this for the team and rebound like a champion would.
· 05/31: OH 8, MI 7 – Allen Larson (OH) 2-5, HR, 4 RBI – Rob Higgin 3.0 IP, 7 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 3 K (7-2, 2.84)
· Next Week: 2 at Pennsylvania, 3 at Wisconsin

Eastern States League Player of the Month: Victor Gonzalez, 3B, Florida
Eastern States League Pitcher of the Month: Alex Acosta, CL, Rhode Island
Eastern States League Rookie of the Month: Victor Carrillo, 1B, Vermont

Western States League Player of the Month: Gil Williams, RF, Illinois
Western States League Pitcher of the Month: Kyuso Oki, SP, Texas
Western States League Rookie of the Month: Joe “Downtown” Hudson, CF, Idaho

[jaysdailydose]

Standings and Leaders -- 50 Game Mark







Inside the General Manager's Mind: After Fifty Games

Obviously, with that last three game sweep at the hands of the Ohio Aviators, I am even more unenthusiastic about the complete lack of Michigan presence on ANY of those leaderboards. Our owner thought we should win it all, and we were projected to win this division going away. A slow start can be put on me for not taking control of the substitutions and pitching staff right off the bat, but these guys have still got to perform.

We will be actively working the phones over the next week in search of offensive help. A bat at second base or third base would be extra appealing at this point, or even shortstop. Lux has hit .727 (8-11) with 2 HR and 6 RBI with 7 walks through four games of his rehab assignment, so I'm not worried about rust from his oblique injury and will be putting him back on the active roster immediately.

Kevin Hyatt is cold, but David Withington just may need more minor league seasoning. Plus, Hyatt is our only other real first base option if anything happens to Krauskopf during a game without bringing someone like Jake Smith back up. So, Withington will be optioned back to Dev A Westland with Lux returning to the active roster.

Nick Faust was slightly injured in his last start, but will not miss his next start. He has pitched fairly well since returning from Westland, and if he is solid in the fifth spot in the rotation for us, it will be a huge plus. We've got to get some innings out of our starters, we lost games last week because of how taxed our bullpen was because of the injury to Faust and subpar outings by all the other starters with the exception of Chris Calzadilla.

[jaysdailydose]

June 2, 2015

Subject: Huge Trade to Upgrade Motors Offense!

Fans in Michigan woke up this morning to learn that their team had traded 18-year-old minor league shortstop Omar Sorto to the Illinois Deer. In return, the Motors will receive 28-year-old shortstop Francisco Ramos.

This year Ramos leads United States Baseball batting at a .399 clip with 81 hits, 4 home runs, 15 RBIs and 35 runs scored.

Sorto is the 59th overall prospect in USB at only 18 years of age, so he figures to be a huge impact player down the road. However, Motors GM was rumored to have said, "if we want our "down the road" to be with the Michigan Motors, we had to upgrade the offense."

Subject: Kane, Wilcox Switch Clubs

Done deal! The Michigan Motors have agreed to send 38-year-old second baseman Brad Kane to the Illinois Deer for 30-year-old minor league center fielder Cody Wilcox. The trade, rumored for days, was completed in the wee hours this morning.

For the year Kane is batting .246 with 31 hits and 3 home runs. He has scored 15 times and driven in 11.

Further Roster Moves After Trades

Kevin Hyatt was also demoted to Dev A Westland, and it is rumored the reasoning behind the acquisition of Wilcox was getting a power bat who could pinch hit and possibly spell Krauskopf at first base. Wilcox is not a great first baseman, but he is at least competent, as well as playing all three outfield positions in some capacity. He is best as a left fielder. We'll see how he works out in a few ABs, and get Hyatt some regular playing time at Dev A.

32-year-old shortstop Ryan Jackson (AAA Westland) was placed on waivers and designated for assignment to make room for Wilcox on our 40-man roster.

Francisco Ramos, the jewel of the trades, will play third base for the Motors and hit lead-off versus right-handed pitching and second against lefties.

[jaysdailydose]

Meet Francisco "Skipper" Ramos!



Francisco "Skipper" Ramos
3B/SS - Michigan Motors

Francisco "Skipper" Ramos comes to United States Baseball out of Venezuela. He was drafted in the first round of the inaugural USB draft by the Illinois Deer, who took Skipper with the 29th overall selection.

Skipper bats from the left side of the plate and is 6'1, 200 pounds. He is adequate defensively at four positions, able to play second, short, and third base in the infield, and also plays a bit of right field.

Ramos has elite contact, rating at a 75 on the 20-80 scale, and also has elite speed, which makes him an ideal top-of-the-lineup player. It is expected that Ramos will bat leadoff most games, hitting in the two spot against lefties.

[jaysdailydose]

Week 9 Notes: 2 at Pennsylvania (2-0), 3 at Wisconsin (1-2)

· 06/02: MI 5, PA 2 – Jose Cuevas 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K – Jesse Cook 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI
· Francisco “Skipper” Ramos went 2-5 with a run scored in his Motors debut.
· 06/03: MI 14, PA 2 – Steve Krauskopf 3-4, 2B, 4 RBI (31), 2 RS – Chris Calzadilla 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 5 BB, 2 K, W (3-4, 3.97)
· We play a few more two game series than I'd like, but against Pennsylvania it worked out as we missed All-World starter Casey DeRosa.
· 06/05: WI 5, MI 4 – Jon Herr 2-4, 2 HR (3), 3 RBI – Nick Faust 5.1 IP, 4 R, 1 ER, 6 H, 5 BB, 4 K, ND
· Francisco Ramos put ink to paper on a four-year extension that could top out at $30M. The team has an option for the 4th year at 9.84M.
· Steve Muller has the flu, so he will miss his turn in the rotation. We've had a few days off this week, so Higgin is ready to go behind him.
· 06/06: WI 8, MI 7 – Dan Gibson (WI) 3-3, HR, 3 RBI – Rodrigo Miranda 2-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 RS
· 06/07: MI 10, WI 7 – Greg Smith 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI – Rich Clinard (WI) 2-4, HR, 3 RBI
· Next Week: 2 vs Indiana, 4 vs Tennessee

This will be a crucial two weeks, with 2 games at lowly Indiana in our division along with 3 games next week at Ohio, who is leading our division. We were swept the last time we played Ohio, so the boys are already looking ahead to where they could be if they play well in the three upcoming series.

We are starting to put things together, but everytime we take a few steps forward, we take a step backward with growing pains. I feel that our squad is learning to win, though... and we did have two 8+ run innings in the past week, and are scoring a lot more in general, so hopefully the changes have sparked us and we can start making up significant ground.

[jaysdailydose]

Week 10 Notes: 2 vs Indiana (1-1), 4 vs Tennessee

· 06/09: IN 5, MI 1 – Jeff Shamp (IN) 2-4, HR, 3 RBI – Caleb Smith (IN) 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K, W (2-3)
· 06/10: MI 3, IN 2 – Jon Herr 2-4, Walk-Off HR (4), RBI, 2 RS – Nick Faust 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 8 K, ND
· Steve Muller must have some wicked kind of flu. I'm seriously afraid he might die, but he'll at least miss this start, his second straight with the flu.
· Rob Higgin is ready to go again, on normal rest – but he has had the dreaded snowflake hung on him after his last 3 starts.
· 06/11: MI 3, TN 1 – Rob Higgin CG, 1 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K, W (8-3, 3.12) – Jesse Cook 2-3, 2 2B, RBI (30)
· Higgin had a one-hit shutout with two out in the ninth and gave up a solo blast. So much for the snowflake.
· 06/12: MI 4, TN 0 – Jose Cuevas 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 10 K, W (7-3, 4.35) – Jesse Cook 2-4, HR, 3 RBI
· 06/13: TN 5, MI 3 – Steve Adkisson (TN) 2-4, HR, 4 RBI – Chris Calzadilla 6.2 IP, 5 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K
· Calzadilla had a perfect game through five only for the wheels to come crashing off.
· 06/14: TN 1, MI 0 – Jim Jeansonne (TN) 8.0 IP, 0 R, 8 H, 1 BB, 4 K, W (6-3, 2.92) – Zach Lux 3-4, 3B
· We left ten men on base in this game, with several situations with us having a man at third and being unable to hit a sac fly or even a groundball deep.
· Next Week: 4 at South Carolina, 3 at Ohio

We are now 6.5 games out of first place, so this is a gigantic week for the Motors and a gigantic road trip overall. Those three games at Ohio will definitely be the biggest games so far this season, and we can't allow them to separate themselves from us further when we get to play them. Huge week.

Skipper Ramos has had a bit of an adjustment period, but that was to be expected. Even when he's making outs, he is hitting the ball hard, so I'm sure he will get back to the form he was at before he came over – even if a .399 average is hard to expect from anybody.

Very pleased with how the pitching staff performed this week, even if we didn't necessarily have the results to show for it. Nick Faust pitched a great game versus Tennessee and was victimized by no run support.

[jaysdailydose]

June 16, 2015

Subject: Done Deal -- Gonzalez for Jeansonne

The players apparently knew they were on the trading block, so it did not surprise one of them when he learned that he had been traded to Tennessee. "Got my bags packed already," he said, when reached for comment. The Motors will receive 33-year-old starting pitcher Jim Jeansonne, while 33-year-old right fielder Danny Gonzalez will go to the Tennessee Smokies.

This year Gonzalez has socked 35 hits in 155 at-bats for a .226 average with no home runs. He is getting on base at a .259 pace and his totals also include 11 RBIs and 13 runs scored.

So far this year Jeansonne has a 6-3 record with a 2.92 ERA.

When reached for comment, Motors GM Jason Jackson said the following:

"Danny had made it very clear he was not satisfied being our fourth outfielder and that he deserved to be a top of the lineup player and everyday outfielder. With our depth in the outfield with Money (Rodrigo Miranda) and Luxie and Jesse, and how well Adam Penney has played -- there was no way we could turn down a left-handed starter and leader like Jim Jeansonne."

Jackson continued, "Danny did not let his displeasure invade the clubhouse, but we could tell by his performance that the situation was wearing on him. Tennessee will give him the chance to be that top-of-the-lineup presence, so it should be a win-win for all parties."

---

Starting pitcher Nick Faust was sent down to Dev A Westland to keep pitching as a starter, and be ready in case of injury. OF/1B Kevin Hyatt was recalled from Westland to fill the outfielder spot vacated by Gonzalez.

[jaysdailydose]

Week 11 Notes: 4 at South Carolina (3-1), 3 at Ohio (1-2)

· 06/15: MI 9, SC 3 – Steve Krauskopf 4-5, 2 HR (14), 2B, 5 RBI – Steve Muller CG, 3 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 6 K, W (4-4, 3.49)
· Krauskopf had two chances at the cycle, going single, double, homer, homer, flyout. Muller pitched a masterpiece other than a three-run shot.
· The trade of Danny Gonzalez for Jim Jeansonne happened after this game.
· 06/16: MI 9, SC 8 – Steve Krauskopf 3-5, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 RS – Kevin Kimrey 2-4, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI
· Zach Lux was ejected in the first inning for arguing balls and strikes. Suspension is possible here.
· 06/17: MI 8, SC 4 – Zach Lux 3-5, 3 RBI, RS – Jose Cuevas 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 3 K, W (8-3, 4.41)
· 06/18: SC 4, MI 3 – Steve Krauskopf 2-4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI – Jim Jeansonne 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 2 K, ND
· Winning 3 of 4 at South Carolina sets us up nearly as well as we could have hoped for, with OH winning its last 3. 6.5 back, 3 at Ohio! HUGE SERIES!
· 06/19: OH 4, MI 3 – Nick Tokarz (OH) 2-4, 2 HR (18), 3 RBI – Chris Calzadilla 7.0 IP, 3 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K, ND
· Calzadilla pitched beautifully, but had two reach, one on an error, before giving way to Frerichs who got a double play but then gave up a homer to Tokarz.
· 06/20: MI 7, OH 0 – Steve Muller CG, 0 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 K, 1-3, 3B, RS – Rodrigo Miranda 3-5, HR, 3 RBI (30)
· 06/21: OH 5, MI 1 – Allen Larson (OH) 3-4, HR, 2B, 3 RBI – Higgin 6.2 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 0 K
· While it was a winning week, losing as many games as we have to Ohio does not bode well for our chances at the division crown.
· Next Week: 2 at Kentucky, 4 vs New Jersey

Regarding the Gonzalez/Jeansonne trade, I had received three emails, escalating in anger from Gonzalez. Obviously, he had an OBP below .260 for us. He was getting plenty of playing time between the Lux injury and Cook's eight-game suspension earlier in the year. What is more, I *covet* speed, especially speed guys who bat left handed. He just didn't produce.

I shopped him around, and Tennessee offered me Jeansonne or a different starter. Jeansonne looked great, and he had just pitched a very nice ballgame against us the week before. It wasn't that Faust pitched badly, either... he had actually been very solid as our fourth starter, but now to plug in Jim Jeansonne and having Chris Calzadilla as a FIFTH starter, I feel we should really be competitive over these last 100 games.

-----

I'd also like to send out a special thank you to Justafan at this point. He converted the major league logos to the same format as his other ones which make up our minor leagues, and he did it in record time. Between Silvam14 and Justafan, I'm a spoiled, spoiled GM. Thanks so much, gentlemen!

[jaysdailydose]

June 23, 2015

Subject: Rodela, Vasquez Dealt for Beavers Sublet

The Michigan Motors addressed a concern today, coming to terms with the Oregon Beavers on a trade that will send 29-year-old reliever David Rodela, 24-year-old minor league starting pitcher Leonardo Vasquez and 21-year-old minor league starting pitcher Bobby Schweitzer from the Motors to the Beavers in exchange for 26-year-old second baseman Brandon Sublet and $500,000 in cash.

This year in 6 starts, Vasquez has recorded no wins and absorbed 6 losses. He has pitched 24.1 innings, allowed 39 hits, struck out 24 and has a 9.25 ERA. While young, he ha

David Rodela was the jewel of the trade for the Beavers, having gone 2-2 with 2 saves thus far this year, putting up a sparkling 1.08 ERA (ERA+ of 377), giving up only 17 baserunners (14 hits and 3 walks) in 33.1 IP while striking out 46.

"David was absolutely masterful for us, but we feel he deserves the chance to close in this league, and we are committed to Chris Kearns and wanted to be fair to both men. We really wanted to upgrade our offense, and to pick up a player like Brandon Sublet, you've got to give up a great player." said Motors general manager Jason Jackson at the news conference to announce the trade.

Sublet is batting at a .274 pace this season, picking up 71 hits in 259 at-bats with 2 home runs, 22 RBIs and 35 runs scored.

[jaysdailydose]

June 23, 2015

Recent Michigan Motors Acquisitions

[jaysdailydose]

Week 12 Notes: 2 at Kentucky (1-1), 4 vs New Jersey (2-2)

· 06/23: KY 11, MI 3 – Cody Bourque (KY) 4-5, 2 2B, RBI, 3 RS – Jose Cuevas 1.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 1 K, L (8-4, 4.88)
· I was trying to let Cuevas settle in, but he just didn't have it today. He gave up three in the first, and then another two in the second without getting an out.
· We made the trade for Sublet after this contest. OF/1B Kevin Hyatt was sent back to Dev A Westland for further seasoning.
· After sending Hyatt back down to Westland, we recalled righty reliever Bill Galbreath to take over Rodela's vacated spot in our bullpen.
· We did a major lineup shakeup with Sublet joining: Sublet, Miranda, Ramos, Krauskopf, Cook, Lux, Fashingbauer, Kimrey – Kimrey takes over as regular C for now.
· 06/24: MI 5, KY 3 (14) – Jon Herr 1-6, 2-run HR in 14th for eventual winning runs. – Jim Jeansonne 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 5 K, ND
· 06/25: MI 6, NJ 5 (11) – Cody Wilcox, PH walk-off solo HR in 11th – Chris Kearns 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 4 K, W (2-2, 12 SV, 3.90)
· 06/26: NJ 7, MI 5 – Jerry Ray (NJ) 3-4, HR, 2 RBI – Brandon Sublet 3-5, RS
· 06/27: NJ 3, MI 1 – Octavio Ramos (NJ) 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 2 K, W (5-5, 3.18)
· 06/28: MI 2, NJ 0 – Jose Cuevas 7.0, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 8 K, W (9-4, 4.52) – Jesse Cook 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB
· Next Week: 4 vs Delaware, 3 at Indiana