DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Game 5 of the Delaware Conference Championship
@ Wilmington

Dover 6, Wilmington 5
Dover leads the series 3 games to 2.

Dover continued the trend with the away team walking away with the win. Jose Velasquez went 5.1 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 runs before handing the ball over to his bullpen. Bill Buchanan almost gave the game away giving up 3 runs in the 7th, but that is all the Iron Pigs could manage. Alberto Valentin gave up 6 runs on 11 hits in 4.1 innings, but the bullpen kept the game close the Iron Pigs just feel short... This game was different than the rest, because the winning team had less walks than the losing team 7 to 2.

Notes: Andy Kohl lead the way for the Generals with a 4-5 day with 3 RBI, and Pedro Galvan, Joe Benson and Claude Bond each added 2. The Generals had 13 hits on the day... The Iron Pigs added 11, with George Corbett and Jorge Quintero leading the way with 3 each. Corebett and Peter MacCammon each had 2 RBI's... Andy Kohl (1) and Peter MacCammon (1) both HR'd in the game.

Key Moment: In the bottom of the first with 2-outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Jose Velasquez was able to retire Dave Moore on a grounder to first, ending the Iron Pigs rally and keep the Generals out in front.

Game 6 of the Delaware Conference Championship
@ Dover

Dover 6, Wilmigton 4
Dover wins the series 4 games to 2

Dover bucked the trend and finally a home team won a game. With Marcos Estrada on the hill for the Iron Pigs, many people had given this game to them. But Estrada struggled a little giving up 11 hits in 6.1 innings and 4 runs. Estrada left in a tie game, but that all changed in the 8th. The Iron Pigs brought in reliver Norris Brooks, and the Genrals were happy to see him as Claude Bond gave them the lead with a solo-HR and 2 batters later Jose Chavez gave them an insurance run with a solo-HR and giving the Generals the win.

Notes: The Iron Pigs only had 5 hits today, with Pete MacCammon getting 2 of them. Dave Moore had their only XB hit and triple in the second... The Generals had 13 hits on the day, with Joe Benson and Jose Chavez collecting 3 each. Bond and Chavez each had 2 RBI's.

Key Moment: In the bottom of the 8th, the game was tied, the Dover Generals brought in a left to face 4 RHB's, and it didn't turn out well. First batter Claude Bond hit a 1-1 pitch over the left field wall for what turned out to be the game winner.

Series MVP: In a close vote the award went to Claude Bond. Bond hit .478 on the series, with 1 HR and 7 RBI. He narrowly beat out Chris Thomas who hit .348 with 2 HR's and 8 RBI.

Next up the DelMarVa Champsionships!!

[illeracula]

Game 1 of the DelMarVa League Championships!!
Roster Changes: I made 2 changes on the roster going into the Championship round. I removed Sun Ho and placed Ron Reilly on the roster. Reilly will get his opportunity to pitch in Game 4... I also placed Javier Janchez on the 15-day DL and added Cody Johnson to the roster. It was between Cody Johnson and Yasutoki Ine and I went with Johnson because he plays 4 positions well, Ine 1. Johnson hasn't hit much, but he gives us a viable defender.

Pitching Rotation:
Miguel Contereras will go in Game 1, followed by Jose Matos, Joe Parker and Ron Reilly. We are rested and set up with our best rotation.

Line up: I am going to go with the lineup I used the last 2 games of the last series, which meanns Jose Rodriquez will start the game on the bench. We have home field advantage, games 3,4 and 5 the DH will not be used. This might hurt us. The only change when a lefty is on the hill will be Julio Romero behind the plate, we lose some D, but gain some O.

Dover Generals
The Generals are missing their Ace (Jerry Copeland 16-9 3.17), so that is in our favor. Tony Garcia looks to be the game 1 starter. Tony is a lefty, the only left, then we face Jose Velasquez who is their #2 man and a tough one. He finished the season 19-6 with a 3.61 ERA. Their close is ex-Cav Jack Clow is seems to find himself in the Championship series quite often. This is his 4th appearance in the Champsionship round (out of 5), he has won 1 time. (at the time of this write-up Garcia was slotted for game 1, that changed and Velasquez will get the call).

The lineup for the Generals has 3 guys that can make a difference. The first is Pedro Galvan. Pedro stole 80 bases this season and postes a .375 OBP. The next is their #4 hitter Andres Salinas, he has a lot of pop and is very consistent, and he doesn't like to strike out (65 times in 561 PA's). The final guy and most dangerous is Andy Kohl. Kohl is a catcher, who tremendous power (19/20) and was the #1 rated prospect 3 years ago. Kohl hit .322-41-117 this season and .313-42-119 last season. He could be a difference maker.

The Series:
Predicted Pitching Match-ups
Jose Velasquez (19-6 3.61) vs Miguel Contreras (23-2 1.61)
Tony Garcia (15-13 4.20) vs Jose Matos (23-5 2.75)
Gilberto Carabello (14-9 3.36) vs Joe Parker (14-10 4.03)
Cho-Yeong An (9-7 3.23) vs Ron Reilly (12-10 4.42)

How they Match up:
Record: Dover 99-63 vs Norfolk 111-48
Home/Road: Dover 52-29/47-34 vs Norfolk 58-23/56-25
Runs Scored: Dover 802 (3rd in DC) vs Norfolk (957 2nd in MC)
Runs Against: Dover 657 (3rd in DC) vs Norfolk (568 1st in MC)
Championship Appearances: Dover 1st vs Norfolk 3rd

Due to a scheduling blip, there was no interleauge play this season. So coming into the Champsionships this will be the first time the teams meet, including spring training.

Lets Play Ball!!

I really wanted to start Jose Rodriquez today, but I just have no where in the lineup for him. He should get in later in the game, however.

Game 1 in Norfolk (NFK: 53.92%)
Inning 1:
Top: Pedro Galvan grounds out to short. Joe Benson strikes out. Andy Kohl strikes out.
Bottom: Kent Davis strikes out. Roberto Perez grounds out to second. Mauro Candelaria flies out to right.
Dover 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 2:
Top: Andres Salinas grounds out to short. Jesus Serna grounds out to short. Claude Bond strikes out.
Bottom: Derek Campbell grounds out to the pitcher. Pablo Freitas singles to left. Freitas steals second. King Brock pops out to second. Ed Duke walks. Jesus Rivera strikes out swining.
Dover 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 3:
Top: Chris Thomas strikes out. Jon Fiske strikes out. Jose Chavez doubles down the left-field line. Pedro Galvan strikes out.
Bottom: Augusto Rodriquez singles to left. Kent Davis grounds to short on the hit-and-run, Rodriquez moves to second. Roberto Perez flies out to left. Mauro Candelaria grounds out to second.
Dover 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 4:
Top: Joe Benson grounds out to the pitcher. Andy Kohl strikes out. Andres Salins strikes out.
Bottom: Derek Campbell grounds to short. Pablo Freitas strikes out. King Brock grounds out 3-1.
Dover 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 5:
Top: Jesus Serna grounds out to third. Claude Bond grounds out to third. Chris Thomas strikes out.
Bottom: Ed Duke flies out to center. Jesus Rivera gets hit by the pitch. Augusto Rodriquez grounds out to short on the run-and-hit, Rivera moves to second. Kent Davis grounds to third.
Dover 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 6:
Top: Jon Fiske grounds out back to the pitcher. Jose Chavez singles up the middle. Pedro Galvan grounds into the 1-6 FC. Joe Benson grounds to second for the FC.
Bottom: Roberto Perez strikes out. Mauro Candelaria flies out to right. Derek Campbell singles to center. Campbell is gunned down trying to steal.
Dover 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 7:
Top: Andy Kohl strikes out. Andres Salinas strikes out. Jesus Serna strikes out.
Bottom: Pablo Freitas strikes out. King Brock grounds out 1-3. Ed Duke reaches on an error by the short-stop Galvan. Ed Duke gets picked off.
Dover 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 8:
Top: Claude Bond grounds to short. Chris Thomas grounds out 1-3. Jon Fiske grounds out to short.
Bottom: LHP Woody Bauer comes in to pitch for Dover... Jesus Rivera greats him with a lead-off triple. Augusto Rodriquez reachs on a fielding error when firstbaseman Benson drops the ball. Rivera scores. Kent Davis strikes out. Roberto Perez singles up the middle. Rodriquez to second. Mauro Candelaria singles down the right-field line. Rodriquez scores. Perez to second. Derek Campbell strikes out. The runners move up on a passed-ball by Kohl. Perez to third, Candy to second. Pablo Freitas grounds out to short.
Dover 0, Norfolk 2

Inning 9:
Top: Jose Chavez singles to right... Dalton Whitaker begins to throw... Pedro Galvan strikes out. Joe Benson grounds into the 5-4 FC. Andy Kohl singles to left. Benson moves to second. Andres Salinas grounds into the 5-4 FC to end the game.
Dover 0, Norfolk 2
Norfolk leads the series 1-0

W: Migule Contreras 1-0
L: Woddy Bauer 0-1

POG: Miguel Contreras CG 9 inning shutout. 4 hits, 0 walks, 13 K's
Attendance: 43,760

Notes: Miguel Contreras struck out 13, which looks to be a playoff record. He threw 106 pitches, 70 strikes... Of the 4 hits, the Generals #9 hitter Jose Chavez had 3 of them, including the lone XB hit a double... Andy Kohl had the other hit for the Generals, but he also struck out 3 times... The Cav's had 6 hitters get a single hit. The only extra base hit was the triple by Rivera... Jose Velasquez did everything he could of, going 7 innings giving up 3 hits, 1 walk, 1 HBP and striking out 5. He threw 103 pitches.

Key Moment: The key moment was the lead-off triple by Jesus Rivera in the 8th. He scored the go ahead and winning run on an error, which lead to an insurance run being scored

Thoughts: These games drive me crazy. One mistake and the games goes the other way. When Chavez doubled with 2-outs to flip the lineup I got a little nervous. Its nice having a guy like Contreras on the hill. He can take things into his own hands... Jesus Rivera was almost a late game pull, so I could get Jose Rodriquez in the line-up. It worked out for the best. Something about looking at that line-up card and seeing the snow-flake by Rodriquez gave me a change of heart... We took game 1, beat their ace, and we have Matos on the hill for game 2. I am feeling good. I would really like to see more out of our offense though. Cold streaks in the playoffs never end well, so hopefully we can put up some hits in game 2. The good thing is, it looks like Garcia the lefty will be on the hill. We performed very good against lefties this season, so I am feeling good about our chances.

Post Game Reaction to the Shutout:
Dover Draws Blanks Against Contreras: "He was kind of teasing them with his off-speed stuff, and his fastball was moving everywhere," the Norfolk skipper said after Miguel Contreras shut out the Dover Generals 2-0 on a 4-hit masterpiece. Contreras registered 13 strikeouts and issued no walks in a gem of a performance. "We just didn't swing the bats very well...or he just pitched good, whichever way you want to look at it," said the Dover manager after the defeat.

[illeracula]

Game 2 of the DelMarVa League Championships!!

Todays pitching match-up had Dovers Tony Garcia going up against Jose Matos of the Norfolk Cavaliers. Garcia was 15-13 with 4.20 ERA in 34 starts this season. He is left-handed and will be making his 6th post season start in his career. Jose Matos was 23-5 with a 2.75 ERA in 32 starts this season. And will be making his 6th career post season start as well.

Lineup: Due to the lefty we will make a couple of adjustments. Julio Romero will get the call behind the plate. I will keep my eye on him though, Dover has a lot of speed, so if he is getting abused a change will have to be made. After looking over everything, King Brock a lefty, will get the start at DH.

Inning 1 (NFK: Probability to win 51.71%):
Top: Pedro Galvan grounds out 2-3. Joe Benson doubles down the RF line. Andy Kohl singles down the LF line. Benson moves to third. Andres Salinas strikes out. Jesus Serna strikes out looking.
Bottom: Kent Davis grounds out to second. Roberto Perez pops out to the catcher. Mauro Candelaria grounds out to second.
Dover 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 2:
Top: Claude Bond singles to right. Chris Thomas CRUSHES the 2-2 pitch 440 feet to right center. Jon Fiske strikes out. Jose Chavez flies out to right. Pedro Galvan flies out to right.
Bottom: Derek Campbell strikes out. Pablo Freitas walks. King Brock grounds into the 4-6 FC. Julio Romero grounds out to third.
Dover 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 3:
Top: Joe Benson singles to right. Andy Kohl hits into the 4-6-3 DP. Andres Salins singles to right. Julio Romero guns him out trying to steal second.
Bottom: Jesus Rivera strikes out. Augusto Rodriquez flies out to left. Kent Davis flies out to right.
Dover 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 4:
Top: Jesus Serna walks. Claude Bond strikes out. Chris Thomas hits into the 4-6 FC. Thomas steals second. Jon Fiske strikes out.
Bottom: Roberto Perez grounds out to third. Mauro Candelaria lines out to short. Derek Campbell grounds out to the catcher.
Dover 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 5:
Top: Jose Chavez pops out to first. Pedro Galvan strikes out. Joe Benson flies out to left.
Bottom: Pablo Freitas strikes out. King Brock flies out to right. Julio Romero hits a liner off the pitcher, but is retired 1-3.
Dover 2, Norfolk 0

** for those of you who are keeping track, yes its true Norfolk has 0 hits through 5 **

Inning 6:
Top: Andy Kohl singles to right. Andres Salinas strikes out. Jesus Serna lines out to second. Claude Bond singles up the middle, moving Kohl to second. Wild pitch moves the runners up. Chris Thomas will be intentionally walked to load the bases. Jon Fiske strikes out.
Bottom: Jesus Rivera grounds out to second. Augusto Rodriquez flies out to left. Kent Davis strikes out.
Dover 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 7:
Top: Jamie King comes in to replace Jose Matos... Jose Chavez flies out to right. Pedro Galvan walks. Galvan steals second, and third. Joe Benson grounds out to third with the corners drawn in, Galvan holds. Andy Kohl strikes out swinging.
Bottom: Roberto Perez strikes out. Mauro Candelaria singles up the middle, breaking up the no-no. Derek Campbell strikes out. Pablo Freitas strikes out.
Dover 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 8:
Top: Andres Salins singles up the middle. Jesus Serna flies out to deep center. Claude Bond pops out to first... Will Rose enters the game... Chris Thomas grounds into the 6-4 FC.
Bottom: King Brock reaches on an IF single. Julio Romero singles to right. Brock moves to second. Jesus Rivera singles to right. Brock to third. Romero to second... LHP Woody Bauer comes in the game to repalce Tony Garcia... Augusto Rodriquez strikes out. Kent Davis strikes out. Roberto Perez flies out to right.

Inning 9:
Top: Jon Fiske grounds out to third. Jose Chavez strikes out. Pedro Galvan singles up the middle. Steals second. Marcos Gomez strikes out.
Bottom: Dover closer Jack Clow comes in to pitch, in 24 post season games Clow has a 1.44 ERA, 0.92 WHIP... Mauro Candelaria singles to right. Derek Campbell lines out to short. Pablo Freitas strikes out. King Brock walks... Jose Rodriquez will PH for Julio Romero, Gilberto Ramos will PR for King Brock... Jose Rodriquez grounds out to second to end the game.
Dover 2, Norfolk 0
The Series is tied 1-1

W: Tony Garcia (1-0)
L: Jose Matos (0-1)
S: Jack Clow (1)
HR: Chris Thomas (1)

POG: Tony Garcia, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K's
Attendance: 43,474

Notes: The Generals had 10 hits, with Joe Benson, Andy Kohl, Andres Salinas and Claude Bond each getting 2... Chris Thomas now has 3 HR's this post season, but none were bigger than this one... The Cavs had 5 hits, all after the 6th and all singles. Mauro Candelaria had 2 to lead the way... Pablo Freitas struck out 3 times for the Cav's and Joe Fishe went down 3 times for the Generals... Tony Garcia went 7 innings, throwing 109 pitches. He struck out 7... Jose Matos had a decent game, but he did give up 8 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings. He added 8 K's... The next 3 games will be played without a DH.

Key Moment: In the 8th the Cavaliers loaded the bases as it looked like Tony Garcia was tiring. With 9-1-2 coming up, the Generals went to Woody Bauer, who took the loss in last nights game. What did Bauer do? Strike out the next to hitters, then get the Cav's best hitter to fly out. Bases loaded 0 outs, and the Cav's can't get anyone across.

Thoughts: The team can't do much if we don't hit. Anytime a pitcher gives up 2 runs, they should be able to pull off the win... The next 2 games should be interesting as we are going to see their #3 and #4, as they will ours. More runs? Who knows. But they will decide this series... I need to figure out what to do with this lineup going into a DH'less series. I will mix it up some, I think I have to... Hitting has always been my biggest worry with this team, and when your team leader in average and lead-off man is 0-8 its going to be hard to score runs... Here is to better success in Dover.

[illeracula]

Game 3 of the DelMarVa League Championships!!

We head into Dover with the series tied at 1. I was really hoping to have a 2-0 lead heading here, no DH and with Parker and Reilly on the hill. Not sure what is going to happen... so with no DH I am going to have to make some lineup changes. This may be tough, bats vs defense, with 2 runs on 18 innings, I am leaning towards bats... but all things will be considered... Pablo Frietas will not get the start today, it was between him and Derek Campbell, and I am leaning towards Campbell eventhough he has struggled. King Brock will start the game at 1B, with Mauro Candelaria playing SS, which means Augusto Rodriquez will start the game on the bench.
Kent Davis CF, Roberto Perez 3B, Jose Rodriquez RF, Derek Campbell LF, King Brock 1B, Mauro Candelaria SS, Ed Duke C, Jesus Rivera 2B
Looking at these guys and seeing 3 snow flakes doesn't make me feel good... I am taking a risk starting Candy at SS, he played 1 inning there all season.

The pitching match-up today is Joe Parker of the Cavaliers versus Gilberto Carrabello of the Generals. Parker, came on strong at the end of the year and finished with a 14-10 4.03 record. This is his 2nd post-season start, his previous was a 9+ inning gem in the Conference Championships. Carrabello went 14-9 3.36 on the season and is 1-0 in 2 starts this post-season, in his post-season career Carrabello is 1-3 4.06 in 6 starts. Joe Parker is a career .201-0-19 hitter in 209 AB's, Carrabello .194-0-19 in 284 AB's.

Inning 1
Top: Kent Davis singles to right. Roberto Perez strikes out. Jose Rodriquez grounds into the 4-6-3 DP.
Bottom: Pedro Galvan flies out to left. Joe Benson grounds out to short. Andy Kohl singles to center. Andres Salinas singles to left, moving Kohl to second. A wild pitch moves both runners up. Jesus Serna strikes out.
Norfolk 0, Dover 0

Inning 2
Top: Derek Campbell grounds out to third. King Brock grounds out to second. Mauro Candelaria grounds out to second.
Bottom: Claude Bond strikes out. Chris Thomas strikes out. Jose Chavez strikes out!
Norfolk 0, Dover 0

Inning 3
Top: Ed Duke walks. Jesus Rivera singles to right. Joe Parker lies down the perfect bunt, mvoing Duke to third and Rivera to second. Kent Davis grounds out to second. Duke scores, Rivera to third. Roberto Perez strikes out.
Bottom: Carrabello strikes out. Pedro Galvan flies out to center. Joe Benson grounds out to first.
Norfolk 1, Dover 0

Inning 4
Top: Jose Rodriquez grounds out 3-1. Derek Campbell strikes out swinging. King Brock singles to right. Mauro Candelaria grounds into the 6ua FC.
Bottom: Andy Kohl walks. Andres Salinas grounds into the 1-6-3 DP. Jesus Serna grounds out to short.
Norfolk 1, Dover 0

Inning 5
Top: Ed Duke singles to center. Jesus Rivera grounds into the 5-4 FC. Jesus Rivera steals second. Joe Parker singles up the middle, Rivera scores. Kent Davis flies out to left. Roberto Perez grounds out to second.
Bottom: Claude Bond grounds out to third. Chris Thomas grounds out to third. Jose Chavez singles to right. Carrabello strikes out.
Norfolk 2, Dover 0

Inning 6
Top: Jose Rodriquez walks. Derek Campbell grounds into a 6-4 FC. King Brock lines out to third. Mauro Candelaria grounds out to third.
Bottom: Pedro Galvan doubles. Joe Benson flies out to shallow center. Galvan gets gunned out trying to steal third. Andy Kohl singles to left. Kohl steals second. Andres Salinas strikes out.
Norfolk 2, Dover 0

Inning 7
Top: Ed Duke grounds to short. Jesus Rivera grounds to short. Joe Parker grounds to short.
Bottom: Jesus Serna walks. Claude Bond grounds into the 6-4-3 DP. Chris Thomas singles to left. Jose Chavez flies out to left.
Norfolk 2, Dover 0

Inning 8
Top: Kent Davis grounds out to third. Roberto Perez singles to right. Serna bobbles it, Perez goes to second... LHP Woody Bauer comes into pitch, Bauer replaces Bond, Pedro Morin to third bats 9th... Pablo Freitas PH's for Jose Rodriquez... Pablo Fretias flies out to center. Derek Campbell singles to left. Perez scores. King Brock strikes out.
Bottom: Freitas stays in the game to play left. Campbell heads to right. Candy goes to first and Augusto Rodriquez replaces King Brock in the lineup and will play SS... Pedro Morin grounds to short. Pedro Galvan grounds out to second. Joe Benson grounds out to second.
Norfolk 3, Dover 0

Inning 9
Top: Mauro Candelarai grounds out to second. Ed Duke grounds out to second. Jesus Rivera flies out to deep center.
Bottom: Andy Kohl flies out to center. Andres Salinas strikes out. Jose Serna HR's down the RF line... Joe Fiske will pinch hit for Woody Bauer... Dalton Whitaker enters the game to pitch... Fiske strikes out.
Norfolk 3, Dover 1
Norfolk leads the series 2-1

W: Joe Parker (1-0)
L: Gilberto Carrabello (0-1)
S: Dalton Whitaker (1)
HR: Jose Serna (1)

POG: Joe Parker 8.2 IP, 117 PI, 7 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K's
Attendance: 38,905

Notes: The Cav's only struck out 4 times, including 2 by last years MVP Roberto Perez... No player on the Cav's had more than one hit, they had 7 total... Andy Kohl lead the Generals with 2 of their 7 hits... The General struck out 9 times... each team left 4 men on base... The Generals had 2 XBH, the Cav's had none...

Key Moment: In the 5th inning, to mix things up, with the pitcher Joe Parker at-bat, the Cav's called for a hit-and-run. Parker swung and missed, but Rivera was safe at second. 2 pitches later, Parker singled in a huge insurance run.

Thoughts: My first thought is Joe Parker has been awesome this playoff season and hopefully the lack of an extension offer won't sway him from coming back to Norfolk. My guess is, however, is his solid performance is going to drive his price up out of our comfort zone... The offense continues to struggle this post season. Its getting pretty ugly out here. Goes to show you how important this pitching staff is... This was a huge win for us, at worse we will be tied with our #1 and #2 coming up. I am feeling much better after that game 2 defeat.

[illeracula]

Game 4 of the DelMarVa League Championships!!

Our bats are slumping this playoff season, and our pitching has carried us. We need one of these guys to do something!
For the playoffs:
Jose Rodriquez 0-11 .000-0-1
Derek Campbell 3-30 .100-1-4
Augusto Rodriquez 3-17 .176-1-3
Ed Duke 1-15 .067-0-0
Julio Romero 1-7 .143-0-0
Pablo Freitas 5-24 .208-1-3

The offensive (pun?) "leaders":
Mauro Candelaria leads the team with 5 RBI in 7 games.
Jesus Rivera has hit 2 HR's and has 2 RBI's
Jesus Rivera has scored 8 runs
King Brock is hitting a team high .348, he has 3 RBI's

Looking over these stats its hard to not put the same lineup out there, as we did last game. The big decisions are Jose Rodriquez vs Pablo Freitas and Ed Duke vs Julio Romero. Who is going to catch fire in a bottle?

I am going with the same starting 8 this game, just moving the line up around a little. Davis, Perez, Candy, Brock, Campbell, JRod, Rivera, Duke... hopefully I picked a winner.

Pitching: Today in Dover we will be throwing Ron Reilly. Ron had a very up and down season and once Sun Ho got hit hard in the playoffs I felt this was a better decision. This will be Reilly's first start this post-season and 3rd of career. His previous two? 2 loses to Norfolk last season... The Generals are going to bring back Jose Velasquez on short rest. Velasques the game 1 starter, threw well, but was out pitched by Contreras. Velasquez is having a pretty good playoff run 1-1 3.63 in 3 starts.

Inning 1:
Top: Kent Davis singles to right. Steals second. Roberto Perez doulbes to right-center. Davis scores. Mauro Candelaria singles to right. Perez to third. King Brock singles to left. Candelaria to second. Perez scores. Derek Campbell hits into the 5-4-3. Candelaria goes to third. Jose Rodriquez grounds out 4-3.
Bottom: Pedro Galvan pops out to the catcher. Joe Benson doubles down the left field line. Andy Kohl singles to left. Benson scores. Kohl steals second, a throwing error by Duke allows him to get to third. Andres Salins flies out to left. Kohl gets gunned out at home, by Derek Cambpell.
Norfolk 2, Dover 1

Inning 2:
Top: Jesus Rivera strikes out. Ed Duke strikes out. Ron Reilly singles up the middle. Kent Davis singles up the middle moving Reilly to second. Roberto Perez singles to load the bases. Mauro Candelaria hits a bases clearing triple, 3 runs in. King Brock pops out to short.
Bottom: Jesus Serna singles to right. Claude bond strikes out. Chris Thomas flies out to left. Jose Chavez grounds out to second.
Norfolk 5, Dover 1

Inning 3:
Top: Derek Campbell triples to start things off. Jose Rodriquez walks. Jesus Rivera grounds into a 4-6-3, Campbell scores... new pitcher for Dover, RHP Doug O'Brien... Ed Duke singles up the middle. Ron Reilly pops out to the pitcher.
Bottom: Doug O'Brien strikes out. Pedo Galvan reaches on an infield single. Joe Benson doubles down the left field line. Galvan is gunned out at home by a Derek Campbell-Mauro Candelaria relay! Benson went to third on the throw. Andy Kohl his a deep drive to CF that is dropped by Davis. Kohl to second, Benson scores. Andres Salinas pops out to second.
Norfolk 6, Dover 2

Inning 4:
Top: Kent Davis goes down 6-3. Roberto Perez walks. Mauro Candelaria singles to left. Perez goes to second. King Brock flies out to right. Derek Campbell hits into the 6-4 FC.
Bottom: Jesus Serna walks. Claude Bond singles to right. Serna to second... bullpen action for the Cav's... Chris Thomas blasts a shot 376 feet down the left field line. 3-runs score. Jose Chavez stikes out. Doug O'Brien grounds out to second. Pedro Galvan singles to left... Elmer Hawkins comes into pitch... Galvan steals second. Joe Benson grounds out to third.
Norfolk 6, Dover 5

Inning 5:
Top: Jose Rodriquez reaches on an infield single. A balk is called. Rodriquez over to second. Jesus Rivera singles to right. Rodriquez goes to third. Ed Duke pops out to second... Cody Johnson will PH for Elmer Hawkins... Cody Johnson ends the inning with a 6-4-3.
Bottom: Ivan Pineda comes in to pitch... Andy Kohl walks. Andres Salinas grounds into the 1-6-3 DP. Jose Serna flies out to right.
Norfolk 6, Dover 5

Inning 6:
Top: LHP Colin Ellison comes in the game for Dover... Kent Davis walks. Robert Perez lays into one sending it 472 feet over the CF wall, for a 2-run HR. Mauro Candelaria flies to right. King Brock flies to right. Derek Campbell gets hit by the pitch. Jose Rodriquez hits a liner back to the pitcher.
Bottom: Augusto Rodriquez replaces King Brock in the 4 hole, Candelaria heads to first, ARod to short... Claude Bond gets hit by the pitch. Bond gets gunned out trying to steal. Chris Thomas pops out to second. Jose Chavez grounds out to second.
Norfolk 8, Dover 5

Inning 7:
Top: Jesus Rivera singles up the middle. Ed Duke walks, moving Rivera to second... Pablo Freitas will PH for Ivan Pineda... Freitas flies out to right. Kent Davis strikes out. Roberto Perez grounds out to second.
Bottom: Derek Carter comes in to pitch... Pedro Morin PH's... Morin grounds out 4-3. Pedro Galvan strikes out. Joe Benson strikes out.
Norfolk 8, Dover 5

Inning 8:
Top: RHP Ray Anderson enters the game... Mauro Candelaria singles to right. Augusto Rodriquez hits into a 5-4 FC. Derek Campbell strikes out. Jose Rodriquez strikes out.
Bottom: Andy Kohl singles to left. Andres Salins hits into a 1-6 FC. Jesus Serna "pulverizes it" back into the cheap seats... Ron Harris enters the game, replacing Carter... Claude Bond grounds out to third. Chris Thomas strikes out.
Norfolk 8, Dover 7

Inning 9:
Top: RHP Jack Clow enters the game... Jesus Rivera strikes out. Ed Duke doubles to left... Jose Escamilla will hit for pitcher Ron Harris... Jose Escamilla singles to right. Duke to third. Kent Davis lines to an unassited DP to third.
Bottom: Dalton Whitaker comes in to close the door... Jose Chavez strikes out. Jon Fiske strikes out. Pedro Galvan lines out to short.
Norfolk 8, Dover 7
Norfolk leads the series 3-1

W: Elmer Hawkins (1-0)
L: Jose Velasquez (0-2)
S: Dalton Whitaker (2)
HR: Roberto Perez (1), Chris Thomas (2), Jesus Serna (1)

POG: Roberto Perez 3-4, 3 Runs, 3 RBI, 2B, HR
Attendance: 39,215

Game Notes: Neither starting pitcher stayed around long, with Ron Reilly going 3.2 innings and Jose Velasquez going 2.2 innings. Velasquez going on shorts rest and Reilly pitching for the first time in 2 weeks... The Cav's offense broke out for 18 hits, most of the post season, with Mauro Candelaria going 4-5. Roberto had 3 hits, and 3 other Cav's, Davis, Duke and Rivera had 2 each... The Generals had 10 hits, with 4 (of their top 5 in the lineup) players getting 2 each (Galvan, Benson, Kohl, Serna)... Dover left 0 runners on base. Norfolk 11... The 2 errors by the Cav's is the most in one post-season game this season... The Generals turned 4 double plays.

Key Moment: Bottom of the first, Andy Kohl on third base and Andres Salinas hits a fly ball to RF. Derek Cambpell guns Kohl down at the plate, preserving the first inning lead. Yes it was the first inning, but if the game is tied after one, everything changes.

Thoughts: With Miguel Contereras and Jose Matos coming up next, I knew it would be all pitchers available tonight and that is what happened. With 5 relievers throwing 5.1 innings. Most of these guys have barely thrown this post-season due to the way the starters have been eating innings. Special props should go to Ivan Pineda who pitched 2 shut-out innings, and Ron Harris who pitched 2/3 of an inning, but they were a very important 2/3's... It was nice to see the Cav's get some hits. Now we just need to do it one more time... If we can't pull out one win in 3 games, 2 at home, with our #1,2 & 3 on the hill we don't deserve this title... In the past 2 play-off runs I remember one hitter getting hot and pretty much carrying us, this season we just haven't had that. Its been scratch and claw as much as we can, its been tough.

[illeracula]

Game 5 DelMarVa Championship!

We are up two games, with the title on the line tonight and our Ace is rested and ready to go, and the Generals are going to counter with lefty Tony Garcia on short rest. Garcia held us scoreless through 7 last game, so lets see what he has today.

Our line-up will be tinkered since there is a lefty on the hill. Ed Duke is going to get the start at Catcher, a better defender plus he got 2 hits last game, a mistake not playing the Righty hitting Romero? Nah. And Pablo Freitas will be in LF, and Jose Rodriquez will be on the bench.

Not much to say about this game expect lets play it...

Inning 1:
Top: Kent Davis singles up the middle. Mauro Candelaria singles up the middle. Kent Davis is gunned down trying to advance to third. Roberto Perez stikes out. Derek Campbell strikes out.
Bottom: Pedro Galvan flies out to center. Joe Benson grounds out to short. Andy Kohl singles to left. Kohl steals second. Andres Salinas walks. Jesus Serna grounds into the 5-4 FC.
Norfolk 0, Dover 0

Inning 2:
Top: Pablo Freitas strikes out. King Brock grounds out to second. Jesus Rivera singles up the middle. Ed Duke grounds out to second.
Bottom: Claude Bond grounds out to short. Chris Thomas grounds out to short. Jose Chavez grounds out to second.
Norfolk 0, Dover 0

Inning 3:
Top: Miguel Contreras singles to left. Contreras advances on a wild pitch. Kent Davis lays down a sac-bunt moving Contereas to third. Mauro Candelaria flies out to center. Contreras scores. Roberto Perez grounds out to second.
Bottom: Tony Garcia strikes out. Pedro Galvan singles up the middle. Galvan steals second. Joe Benson grounds out to second, moving Galvan to third. Andy Kohl singles to left, Galvan scores. Kohl steals second. Kohl goes to third on a wild pitch. Andres Salinas flies out to left.
Norfolk 1, Dover 1

Inning 4:
Top: Derek Campbell just clears the LF wall with a 358 ft HR. Pablo Freitas grounds out to second. King Brock singles to left. Jesus Rivera grounds into the 6-4-3 DP.
Bottom: Jesus Serna grounds out to short. Claude Bond walks. Chris Thomas flies out to right. Jose Chavez strikes out.
Norfolk 2, Dover 1

Inning 5:
Top: Ed Duke flies out to deep left. Miguel Contreras flies out to right. Kent Davis strikes out.
Bottom: Tony Garcia walks. Pedro Galvan grounds into the 6-4 FC. Joe Benson grounds out to first. Galvan to second. Jesus Rivera makes a diving play to retire Andy Kohl.
Norfolk 2, Dover 1

Inning 6:
Top: Mauro Candelaria singles to left. Roberto Perez walks. Derek Campbell grounds in to a 6-4 FC. Candelaria goes to third. Pablo Freitas pops out to the catcher. King Brock strikes out.
Bottom: Andres Salinas walks. Jesus Serna Strikes out. Claude Bond strikes out. Chris Thomas strikes out.
Norfolk 2, Dover 1

Inning 7:
Top: Jesus Rivera gets hit by the pitch. Ed Duke grounds out to second. Rivera reaches second. Miguel Contreras grounds out to the pitcher. Kent Davis singles to left. Rivera scores. Mauro Candelaria singles up the middle... RHP Mendel Schutters comes into to pitch... Pablo Freitas flies out to right.
Bottom: Jose Chavez grounds out to short. Pedro Morin reaches on an infield single. Pedro Galvan flies out to left. Joe Benson walks. Andy Kohl grounds out to short.
Norfolk 3, Dover 1

Inning 8:
Top: Derek Campbell grounds out to short. Pablo Freitas grounds out to short. King Brock strikes out, aruges and gets ejected from the game!!!
Bottom: Jamie King comes into to pitch and will bat in Brocks place. Augusto Rodriquez goes to short in the #9 slot and Candy goes to first... Andres Salinas walks. Jesus Serna grounds into the 6-4-3 DP. PH Jon fiske walks... Will Rose comes into pitch... Chris Thomas flies out to left.
Norfolk 3, Dover 1

Inning 9:
Top: RHP Ray Anderson takes the hill... Jesus Rivera doubles to left. Ed Duke singles up the middle. Rivera scores. Augusto Rodriquez flies out to deep right. Kent Davis flies out to left. Mauro Candelaria grounds out to short.
Bottom: Dalton Whitaker takes the hill (listed as a little tired)... Jose Chavez flies to deep center. Pedro Morin strikes out. Pedro Galvan flies out to center.!!! Game over!!!
Norfolk 4, Dover 1
Norfolk wins the series 4 games to 1!!!

W: Miguel Contreras (2-0)
L: Tony Garcia (1-1)
S: Dalton Whitaker (3)
HR: Derek Campbell (1)

POG: Miguel Contreras 7.0 IP, 4 Hits, 1 Run, 5 Walks, 5 K's, 111/64 PI/PS
Attendance: 38,944

Series MVP: Miguel Contreras. He carried this team all the way through the playoffs, and this world series wasn't any different. For the series he went 2-0 in 2 games, throwing 16 IP, allowing 8 hits, 1 run, walking 5 and striking out 18... honorable mention to Mauro Candelaira who hit .476 for the series with 5 RBI, and played a wonderful SS after playing just 1 inning there all-season.

Game Notes: After a slow start the Cav's hit the ball pretty well, finishing with 11 hits, lead by Mauro Candelaria with 3 and Kent Davis and Jesus Rivera with 2... The Generals had 4 hits, with Andy Kohl responsible for two of them... Miguel Contreras walked 5 hitters, showing even when he doesn't have his "A" game he can still win... Tony Garcia threw the ball well, but just got out-pitched. Garcia went 6.2 innings, allowing 8 hits and 3 runs.

Key Moment: This was tough to find just one... In the top of the 3rd, after a Miguel Contreras lead-off single, Tony Garcia throws a wild pitch, allowing Contreras to advance. After a sac-bunt by Kent Davis, Miguel scores on a sac-fly.

Thoughts: This win felt good, and it proves that we may have the best pitcher in the game on our team. He will be around for a few more years, hopefully he stays fit and dominant... This Dover team is a good all around team, and if they weren't missing their ace this series could of gone a total different direction... I am surprised this series only went 5 games, I was expecting a 6-7 game battle... Time to take this one in before the off-season, we are going to have a lot of work to do this off-season.

[illeracula]

Arbitration Period has Begun.
We have 12 players filing for arbitration this season. I will have to make some moves at some point, because we can't handle the salaries of all these guys.

The List:
Sun Ho (SP) - $750,000
Ron Reilly (SP) - $3,200,000
Ron Harris (MR) - $1,995,000
Elmer Hawkins (MR) - $850,000
Julio Romero (C) - $5,000,000
Mauro Candelaria (1B) - $5,775,000
Jesus Rivera (2B) - $4,800,000
Pablo Freitas (RF) - $11,250,000
Derek Campbell (OF) - $5,775,000
Kent Davis (CF) - $6,600,000
Cody Johnson (UTL) - $750,000
Jose Rodriquez (RF) - $7,700,000

Free Agency eligible players:
Joe Parker (SP)
Gilberto Ramos (1B)

Off-Season Plan:
I will hopefully be able to trade the following players this off-season:
Sun Ho, Ron Harris, Julio Romero, Pablo Freitas and Jose Rodriquez.
Doing htis will free up a huge chunk of salary and give us some flexibility.

Cody Johnson will be our new "utility" player and Gilberto Ramos will be let go and into free-agency. Johnson hasn't hit, but we still have faith, plus his $750,000 salary fits nicely into our plans.

Step 1 fill out the starting staff
1: Miguel Contreras
2: Jose Matos
3: Ron Reilly
4: ???
5: Arturo Ramirez (R)

Ho isn't the pitcher he once was, so I'd like to move him. We have Vaughn Griffith who is another rookie, but do I want two rookies in the starting rotation? Arturo Otero and Joe Gould could fight, but Otero will be of better use in the pen and Gould is a good #6 or 7 man. With no options I will have to act on Gould though.

I'd like to sign Joe Parker, but we don't have the money to do so, maybe I can pull off a big trade before he files for free agency.

Our bullpen is pretty solid:
Dalton Whitaker (C)
Will Rose (SU)
Jamie King (SU-L)
Elmer Hawkins (MR-L)
Ivan Pineda (MR)
Ron Harris (MR)
Derek Carter (MR)

If I can get rid of Harris we will be able to slip Otero into the middle relief roll and be set. We also have Dan Nelson who is ready to pitch for us. He is more of a closer, but he would fit our staff very nicely.

Once we move those guys we will need a plan to fill in the holes. As of right now here is our proposed position players for next season:
C - Ed Duke
1B - Mauro Candelaria
2B - Jesus Rivera
SS - Augusto Rodriquez
3B - Roberto Perez
LF - Derek Campbell
CF - Kent Davis
RF - Javier Janchez
DH - King Brock
UT - Jose Escamilla
UT - Cody Johnson

I like to carry 13 or 14 players so to fill the gaps I will need:
One or two outfielders and a back-up catcher. Then another infielder. Looking over our minors we really don't have any one ready. Maybe Yasutoki Ine, but he only plays 2B and do I really want to carry 2 players that only play 2B?

So we will go into this off-season with a plan we will see if we can make it happen... on a bright note our owner, Bill Parker, has decided to bump up our budget for 2018 to $110,000,000. We have some work ahead of us, I don't want to go into August without any money to sign "emergency players"... so we will see.

News Around the league:

• Frank Shafer, the Salisbury Ports interim manager was let go. He finished the season 11-28. This was Shafers first managerial position.
• Simon Peters the only manager the Washington Senators have ever known has been let go. Peters has a career record of 433-377, he won the title in 2013, lost in the Championships in 2015. He won the Manager of the Year in 2015.
• Don Olson, the Virigina Surf Dawgs manager was let go. This was Olson's first managerial postion and he finished the season 55-107.
• Chesapeake Blue Crabs have fired their manager Kyle Williams. This was Williams second year at the helm of the Blue Crabs. He has a career record of 169-155.
• Jorge Zambrano the manger of the Ocean City Tourists for the past 5 years has been fired. Zambrano made the playoffs one time in 2014, and has career record of 440-370.

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference:
AVG: Bruce Walker (Milford Clippers) .350
Hits: Bruce Walker (Milford Clippers) 234
2B: George Corbett (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 45
3B: Anibal Vega (Milton Brewers) 10
HR: Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 58
RBI: Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 163*
Runs: Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 131
SB: Pedro Galvan (Dover Generals) 80*
Total Bases: Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 396
OPS: Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 1.069
WAR: Alberto Trujillo (Milford Clippers) 8.3

Alberto Trujillo had "one of those" years where everything seemed to go right for him. He is by far the front runner to win the BOY in the DC, but we will see anything is possible.

ERA: Anthony Dundee (Georgetown Sixteens) 2.52
W: Anthony Dundee (Georgetown Sixteens) 21
K's: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 271*
Saves: Bill Fox (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 43
L: Denis Miller (Seaford Blue Jays) 19
IP: Anthony Dundee (Georgetown Sixteens) 256.2
K/9: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 11.05
K/BB: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 19.36
WHIP: Jarred Perry (Lewes Braves) 0.89
WAR: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 10.5

This should be an interesting decision when it comes to the winner of the POY. It really comes down to two players Anthony Dundee or Marcos Estrada. Both players are very popular, and Estrada has always been loved by the press. We will see if Dundee can sneak the award from him, deservedly so. Dundee posted a 6.7 WAR for comparison.

MarVa Conference:
AVG: Kent Davis (Nofolk Cavaliers) .364
Hits: Kent Davis (Nofolk Cavaliers) 233
2B: Juan Cresto (Baltimore Barons) 47
3B: Cristo Canseco (Ocean City Tourists) 16
HR: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 59
RBI: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 158
Runs: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 138
SB: Roberto Perez (Norfolk Cavaliers) 54
Total Bases: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 444*
OPS: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 1.065
WAR: Roberto Perez (Norfolk Cavaliers) 10.0

Last years MVP Perez came back with another solid season, but was it enough? Franciso Reyes had a career year, posting a 9.7 WAR. I think its going to be enough and the award will go to Reyes. He had just an amazing season.

ERA: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 1.61*
W(t): Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 23*
W(t): Jose Matos (Norfolk Cavaliers) 23*
K's: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 223
Saves: Brent Wagner (Annapolis Admirals) 44
L: Jason Keller (Salisbury Ports) 24*
IP: Don Sweetapple (Richmond Cardinals) 248.0
K/9: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 8.97
K/BB: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 7.43
WHIP: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 0.84
WAR: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 9.7

Miguel Contreras should walk away with the POY hardware once again. If he doesn't then there is a flaw in the voting process...

**Norfolk Cavaliers on the Leader Board**

AVG (6) Roberto Perez .330
OBP (3) Roberto Perez .429
OBP (4) Mauro Candelaria .411
SLG (4) Roberto Perez .572
OPS (4) Roberto Perez 1.001
WAR (3) Kent Davis 8.2
WAR (7) Derek Campbell 6.4
Hits (4) Roberto Perez 203
2B (3) Mauro Candelaria 39
HR (6) Roberto Perez 34
RBI (3) Derek Campbell 151
RBI (4) Roberto Perez 125
Runs (2) Roberto Perez 133
Runs (4) Kent Davis 120
SB (2) Kent Davis 48
BB (4) Roberto Perez 109
BB (7) Mauro Candelaira 97
ISO (7) Roberto Perez .242
XBH (6) Roberto Perez 74
TB (5) Roberto Perez 352

ERA (4) Jose Matos 2.75
SV (2) Dalton Whitaker 42
IP (3) Jose Matos 226.0
IP (6) Miguel Contreras 223.2
SHO (2) Sun Ho 1
SHO (2) Cooper Mananghaya 1
Hits/9 (1) Miguel Contreras 6.32
Hits/9 (2) Jose Matos 7.13
Hits/9 (3) Sun Ho 7.45
HR/9 (1) Miguel Contreras 0.40
HR/9 (4) Jose Matos 0.64
BB (1) Sun Ho 112
BB/9 (3) Miguel Contreras 1.21
K's (4) Jose Matos 196
K/9 (6) Jose Matos 7.81
K/BB (1) Miguel Contreras 7.43
K/BB (7) Jose Matos 3.63
OAVG (2) Jose Matos .214
OAVG (3) Sun Ho .223
WHIP (2) Jose Matos 1.03
FIP (1) Miguel Contreras 2.22
FIP (3) Jose Matos 3.16
WAR (3) Jose Matos 6.5

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Glove Wizard Award Winners Announced
It's been said that the best offense is a good defense. That's why contending teams are always looking to improve on the defensive side of the game. Keeping runs from scoring is just as good as driving them in. The top fielders have been chosen in the Delaware Conference for 2017. Here are the Glove Wizard Award winners:

Pitcher: Rob Evans (Seaford Blue Jays)
Catcher: Jake Judkins (Lewes Braves)
First Baseman: Ramón Miranda (Georgetown Sixteens)
Second Baseman: José Chávez (Dover Generals)
Third Baseman: Miguel Ortega (Seaford Blue Jays)
Shortstop: Mark Morris (Milton Brewers)
Left Fielder: Thad Raine (Christiana Blue Hens)
Center Fielder: Pat Shelton (Christiana Blue Hens)
Right Fielder: Pete Curtis (Seaford Blue Jays)

MarVa Confernece Announces 2017 Top Gloves:
"Flashing the leather" and "good with the glove" are ways to describe players who help their teams by playing great defense. Today the most dependable glovemen in the MarVa Conference for 2017 were announced. Glove Wizard Awards will be presented to these top-notch defenders:

Pitcher: Karl Armstrong (Ocean City Tourists)
Catcher: Lorenzo Nieto (Richmond Cardinals)
First Baseman: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists)
Second Baseman: Dave McGill (Ellicott City Express)
Third Baseman: Dylan Clark (Ellicott City Express)
Shortstop: Tomás Reyes (Richmond Cardinals)
Left Fielder: Ron Alder (Ellicott City Express)
Center Fielder: Kent Davis (Norfolk Cavaliers)
Right Fielder: Claudio Cordero (Chesapeake Blue Crabs)

Side Thoughts: I have to say I am bummed we didn't win more than one Glove Wizard award. We had the highest fielding pct in the game and we could only get one. I think Augusto Rodriquez @ SS and Mauro Candelaria @ 1B got left out.

[illeracula]

Cavaliers Swap Freitas to Sixteens for Brown:
The Cavaliers and Sixteens confirmed this afternoon that a trade had been agreed upon. In the deal, Norfolk will get 19-year-old minor league starting pitcher Paul Brown and a 2nd round draft pick, while Georgetown will receive 28-year-old left fielder Pablo Freitas, 26-year-old minor league starting pitcher Joe Gould and a 6th round draft pick.

For his career Freitas is hitting .272 with 94 homers, 360 RBIs and 601 hits.

Thoughts: I knew I had to pull the trigger on a Pablo Freitas deal quickly or I wouldn't trade him. I had a conversation with a team in the same conference getting a prospect and a #1 pick, but in the end I decided to ship him to the Delaware Conference. I will miss him. He was our 2nd pick in the Inaugural draft and quickly made some noise. Rated as the #10 prospect in the game, winning a gold glove (his first of two), becoming the first 30/30 man and walking away with the Rookie of the Year. Then a string of injuries, he missed the playoffs in 2014 and 2016. He wore out his welcome... Paul Brown is a young kid with a HIGH ceiling. I will write more about Paul later, but he is the #3 prospect in the game and probably one year away from being our #2 or #3 starter... I will be sad to see Pablo go, but it was the right move.

Fan Interest went from 88 to 80 after the deal.

Other Cavaliers News:
Now that we have some money we approached Kent Davis about signing an extension. He is up for it... his demands?
- 4 years, $42,900,000 ($10,750,000 a year)
We countered with:
- 5 years, $42,250,000 ($8,450,000 a year)

He said "NO WAY" and went back to his demands. I will have to think about it and look at the budget numbers. He is a hitting machine and only 27 years old. He is arbitration eligible and won't get 10 million (I don't think) so I may push the discussion back. We will see.

I went to Joe Parker and decided to make an offer to extend him... I decided against it after looking at his ratings. He wants $8,000,000 a year for 3 years. That is steep for a #4... I will have to ponder about him a little more.

My off-season isn't over yet, but at last the biggest obstacle, in my opinion, has been completed...

[NYY #23]

Congratulations on the Championship! Now get to work on a three-peat!

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Congratulations on the Championship! Now get to work on a three-peat!

Thanks!

That is going to be tough. I have to fill some positions and hope the rookies from this year develop (Brock and Duke) and the rookies for next year (Janchez and Ramirez) don't flop. lol

Plus I need to get under budget, but the owner gave me a nice boost in budget, so that helps.

[illeracula]

Paul 'the Shepherd' Brown was drafted as the 2nd overall pick in the 2016 draft out of high school (Mater Academy Charter). He was assigned to A ball to start his trek to the majors. All the scouts agree Paul is a huge prospect, hate to use the word "sure thing", but he is as close as they come. He will turn 20 years old in 2 months, and he stands an intimating 6'3". He has very good composure on the mound and he throws the ball hard (91-93 MPH).

As his current ratings suggest he could possible pitch in the big leagues now, but we believe he still needs to work on his control and will be sent to AAA to work with Lane Myers our pitching coach.

Some of the words used to describe him in the baseball news:
"Paul Brown is going to be an ace"
"Fearless on the mound, and he makes pitching look easy"
"Throws 91-93, but it looks even faster"
"He has plus-plus potential"
"Positively filthy movement on his stuff"

Antonio Diaz has him rated as a 2* player with 5* potential, and not many people would argue with that.

Ratings Current/Potential by Diaz (OSA in parenthesis )
Stuff: 12/20 (12/20)
Movement: 12/14 (11/14)
Control: 7/16 (3/14)

Pitches:
Fastball: 13/14 (13/15)
Slide: 5/6 (5/6)
Changeup: 14/20 (14/20)
Forkball: 13/16 (12/15)

Stamina: 15 (12)
Groundball %: 58

Brown gives us some added depth at quality pitching in the minors, and I am sure he will have a nice long career in Norfolk. We gave up a lot to get him, but it was the right move for the future. Freitas had worn out is welcome and we had no place in the organization for Gould.

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Names #1 Manager: A baseball manager's success usually depends on the talent of his club, but in the case of Jesús González, he seems to have taken the Milford Clippers to a higher level and gotten his just due. He was named this season's Manager of the Year in the Delaware Conference for leading the team to a very rewarding season.

"Everyone on the team put in a lot of hard work this season," he told reporters. "It's always nice when it's acknowledged in some way."

González led Milford to a second place finish in the Delaware Conference Northern Division. The Clippers ended up with a 91-71 record.+

Jose Gonzalez has been with the Clippers, since 2013 and had lead them to a total record of 402-408. His best season was this year, finishing 2nd with a 91-71 year, a 20 game swing from last season. This is his first MOY award.

MarVa Conference Best Manager, Turcotte of the Norfolk Cavaliers: When Alastair Turcotte was hired to lead the Norfolk Cavaliers, fans were expecting improvement over the last manager. Today, flanked by team officials, Turcotte accepted the MarVa Conference Manager of the Year Award, noting the level of passion for the Norfolk Cavaliers.

"The biggest challenge was the fans. I don't know how many times I was asked, if I thought the club was good enough. It was as if they expected failure. It was much easier to win over the ballplayers. Slowly but surely the fans began to believe in us."

Turcotte led Norfolk to a first place finish in the MarVa Conference Western Division. The Cavaliers ended up with a 114-48 record.

Turcotte is looking forward to the offseason. "We're reviewing our options. You never stand still in baseball. You either get better or worse, 'cause everyone else is out to get your free agents or deal for your prospects. It's going to be a challenge." But the skipper has more than proven he is equal to the task.

Alastair Turcotte was the bench coach for the Cavaliers in 2013 and took the helm heading into the 2014 season, since then he has done nothing but win. This year marks the third Championship. Once on the hot-seat, now one of the games best. This is Alastair's 3rd MOY award: 2014, 2016, 2017

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Announces 2017 Newcomer Award: John Bean, the rookie first baseman for the Milton Brewers, assured himself of a place in Delaware Conference history with a solid performance in the 2017 season. He now has a place reserved for him in the league record book under "Rookie of the Year."

The 24-year-old Milton newcomer took the trophy by hitting .310 in 145 games this season and finished with 152 hits, 15 home runs, 71 RBIs and 70 runs scored.

Before the season John Bean was named the #5 prospect in the DBL. He was drafted out of Utah, in the 2016 draft by the Brewers with the 6th pick overall.

MarVa Conference Names #1 Rookie: The top-ranked rookie performer in the MarVa Conference was Ellicott City catcher Will Riley. It was announced today by league officials that he had been named the winner of the 2017 Newcomer Award.

Riley chalked up some good season stats, including a .291 batting average and .321 on-base percentage, while racking up 19 home runs, 85 RBIs and 76 runs scored.

Dawg was the #1 prospect heading into the 2017 season. He was drafted by the Express with the first overall pick in the 2016 draft and signed for a record $9,190,000 bonus!

[illeracula]

Dundee Selected Delaware Conference's Top Pitcher: This past season Anthony Dundee put on quite a show in the Delaware Conference. In 34 starts he posted a 21-10 record for Georgetown to capture the 2017 Golden Arm Award.

In 34 starts and 256.2 innings, Dundee yielded 228 hits, holding the opposition to a .236 average. He chalked up 157 strikeouts and posted a 2.52 ERA.

This is Dundee's second time winning the Golden Arm award, he was the winner of the inaugural award in 2013 with the Milford Clippers. After the 2013 season he signed a 7 year deal with the Sixteens. The past 2 seasons were injury plagued for Dundee, which he started only a combined 17 games.

Contreras Picked Best MarVa Conference Pitcher: The Golden Arm Award for 2017 has been presented and the MarVa Conference winner is Miguel Contreras of Norfolk.

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

Contreras excelled with an impressive 23-2 record in 31 starts. In 223.2 innings he yielded 157 hits and 30 walks, while striking out 223 and compiling a fine 1.61 ERA.

Miguel is the games premier pitcher. This marks the 4th straight time he has won the award, and his 3rd straight pitcher triple crown. He is only 29 years old, so we he should have a few more good years left on him.

[illeracula]

Alberto Trujillo Named Premier Delaware Conference Batsman: It's been a year of triumph for veteran Alberto Trujillo of the Milford Clippers as he hit his way to the 2017 Delaware Conference Siliver Slugger Award.

The 35-year-old veteran compiled a .318 average and .399 on-base percentage by putting together 188 hits, 28 doubles, 3 triples, 58 home runs and 81 walks. He also scored 131 times and drove in 163 runs.

This is the first time Alberto has won the award, and it is no coincidence that this is his first healthy season of his career. 2017 marks the only season Alberto played in more than 110 games. Many analysts were surprised that a Delaware Conference team signed him, but maybe playing in the field every day was what he needed.

Pérez Batter Of The Year In MarVa Conference: Norfolk's Roberto Pérez put the wraps on a fine campaign today by winning the 2017 MarVa Conference Siliver Slugger Award.

The 28-year-old veteran scorched the opposition with a .330 average, picking up 203 hits, 33 doubles, 7 triples, 34 home runs and 125 RBIs, while scoring 133 runs.

When I traded for Roberto Perez in 2015 I never expected Perez to come home with back-to-back MVP awards. In all honesty After his first 64 games with us, I didn't plan on keeping him around. Then 2016 happened and I realize how valuable he is to this team. Only 28 years old, hopefully he will be around for a while (and we have him signed for 2 more seasons).

[illeracula]

I have signed a couple of my starters to long term deals, hopefully ones that won't backfire, but I am pretty sure they only make us better.

Mauro Candelaria
The first extension announced was a 5 year deal worth $31,500,000 (5th year is a player option) that will keep Mauro Candelaria here in Norfolk for at least another 4 seasons. Candy was due a big raise come arbitration and would of been a free-agent at the end of the 2018 season, but now he will be the home grown start our fans can get behind.

Arbitration Est: $7,507,500
Year 1: $6,100,000
Year 2: $6,200,000
Year 3: $6,300,000
Year 4: $6,400,000
Year 5: $6,500,000 (player option)

Kent Davis
The second extension made the loss of Pablo Freitas vanish in the mind of the fans. With the signing was announced fan interest jumped from 80 to 90 over night. Kent Davis, now 27 years old, signed no to stay here another 8 years. Davis has played a solid CF and his hit over .350 the past two seasons. We signed him for a little more than we wanted, but the rumors were he was asking for 13 million in arbitration, and we got him for 10. Not to shabby.

Arbitration Est: $13,726,000
Year 1 - 8: $10,500,000

It was also announced that ticket prices will be raised an average of $0.50.

[illeracula]

Signing News:
On the brink of becoming one of the most sought after Free-Agents of all time, the Ocean City Tourists opened their wallets and signed the 27-year old All-Star Francisco Reyes to a 5 year deal worth $95,000,000. Reyes was shocked that he didn't win the Silver Slugger award this season, after he put up monster numbers. .341-59-158 scoring 138 runs.

Arbitration Hearings:
Cody Johnson: $750,000 TEAM (Player: $1,225,000)
Jesus Rivera: $6,000,000 PLAYER (Team: $4,000,000)
Sun Ho: $750,000 TEAM (Player: $1,225,000)
Jose Rodriquez: $8,540,000 PLAYER (Team: $7,700,000)
Derek Campbell: $6,875,000 PLAYER (Team: $5,775,000)
Ron Harris: $1,995,000 TEAM (Player: $2,313,250)
Julio Romero: $6,250,000 PLAYER (Team: 4,000,000)
Elmer Hawkins: $850,000 TEAM (Player: $1,225,000)
Ron Reilly: $3,200,000 TEAM (Player: $3,752,000)

These rulings really hurt my budget plans... My goal over the next month, through the winter meetings is to move Jose Rodriquez, Julio Romero and possibly Jesus Rivera and Ron Harris... I have my work cut out for me, that is for sure.

[illeracula]

Norfolk, Annapolis Make Trade: The Cavaliers and Admirals have been engaged in a little wheeling and dealing. They have just concluded a trade with 30-year-old right fielder José Rodríguez going to Annapolis in exchange for 24-year-old first baseman Julián Morán and a 3rd round draft pick.

Rodríguez has played in 663 games and posted a lifetime .262 average. He has 608 hits, 113 doubles, 9 triples and 110 homers. In addition he has driven in 398 runs and scored 373 times.

--- My Thoughts ---
I didn't want to get rid of Jose, but I felt like I had to. At $8.5 million he was just too much of a burden on the payroll. Jose was an original Cavalier, drafted in the inaugural draft in round #13. He is an average player who had a wonderful season 2 years ago, but came back down to earth last season.

As of right now 2/3'rds of our outfield has changed from last season, with Kent Davis the only returning starter. Derek Campbell will be the left fielder and Javier Janchez in right. I'd like to get a defensive sub for the outfield and then my outfield should be pretty solid.