DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Players of the Month:
Delaware Conference:


Batter of the Month: George Corbett, Wilmington Iron Pigs
Delaware Conf Best Hitter Trophy Goes to Corbett: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 29-year-old George Corbett put together a solid offensive month for Wilmington and was crowned April's top batter in the Delaware Conference. He batted .366 with 6 home runs, 21 RBIs and 21 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month: Tony Garica, Dover Generals
García Earns April's Best Pitcher Honor: Veteran Tony García put together quite a successful stretch in April for the Dover Generals, earning himself the Delaware Conference Pitcher of the Month award. García racked up a 4-1 record in 5 starts, posting a 1.14 ERA over 39.1 innings and striking out 26.

Rookie of the Month: Jackson Hodge, New Castle Colonials
DDIV Selects Rookie Star of the Month: Jackson Hodge's eyes seem to light up whenever he sees the baseball. The young New Castle center fielder has been hitting everything in sight for the better part of a month. In April he was voted the Rookie of the Month Award. During the month he hit .250 with 3 doubles, no triples and 3 home runs. Hodge also scored 9 times and drove in 11 runs.

MarVa Conference:


Batter of the Month: Abraham Thomas, Washington Senators
Thomas Brings Home MarVa Conference Batter of Month Honor: There's nothing like putting up good, solid numbers in the last year of your contract. Today Abraham Thomas helped his contract negotiations by nabbing April's MarVa Conference Batter of the Month honors. The Washington first baseman put together a .346 batting average with 12 home runs, 30 RBIs and 24 runs scored. Someone will surely be opening up the vault this offseason if Thomas continues at this brisk pace.

Pitcher of the Month: Jimmy Carr, Annapolis Admirals
April's #1 Starter Named in the MarVa Conference: Jimmy Carr's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 5-0 in April, the 33-year-old Annapolis hurler has been named MarVa Conference Pitcher of the Month. He fanned 20 in 36.2 innings, logged an ERA of 2.95 and allowed opponents to hit .282 against him.

Rookie of the Month: Enrique Macias, Ellicott City Express
April's Premier Rookie Named by the MarVa Conference: The MarVa Conference made the official announcement today. The Rookie of the Month honor went to Enrique Macías of Salisbury. He was chosen as the #1 rookie in April. Last month the 26-year-old Ports first baseman played in 25 games and hit .291 with 4 doubles, 1 triple and 4 home runs. Macías also scored 15 times and drove in 16 runs.

League Leaders (as of May 1st, 2018)
Delaware Division:
AVG: Joe Benson (Dover Generals) .389
HR: 3 tied w/ 8
RBI: Charles Culligan (Lewes Braves) 26
SB: Pedro Galavan (Dover Generals) 13

ERA: Tony Garcia (Dover Generals) 1.14
W: 4 tied w/ 4
K: Jorge Padilla (Seaford Blue Jays) 38
SV: 2 tied w/ 8

Marva Division:
AVG: Kent Davis (Norfolk Cavaliers) .440
HR: Abraham Thomas (Washington Senators) 12
RBI: Abraham Thomas (Washington Senators) 30
SB: 2 tied w/ 10

ERA: Roberto Reyna (Richmond Cardinals) 1.93
W: Jimmy Carr (Annapolis Admirals) 5
K: Antonio Alonzo (Salisbury Ports) 39
SV: Will Wilson (Baltimore Barons) 8



Nothing of shock to report this month. Seems to be a lot of teams just trying to get their feet set. In the Southern Division the top 4 teams are trying to show they will complete, with the predicted winner Georgetown just a few games off the lead. No one is saying "this is mine" yet... over in the Northern Division, the it seems to be a 4 team race as well. The predicted winners, the Iron Pigs, are only 1 game out. The biggest shocker to me is the New Castle team. Peter Peters had to miss a a week with an injury, but this team is still playing strong. Shows you how deep they are...

The Eastern Division has always been a 3 team division, but the Barons are going to try to make it a four team one. The Ocean City Tourists aren't the ones pulling away as predicted, its the Admirals. Thanks in part to an over-performing pitcher Jimmy Carr (see Pitcher of the Month). I see this division being a battle like usual... The Cavaliers jumped out to antoher hot start, putting together a 10 game win streak and opening up a 7 game lead. I don't think this is "our" division and I do think there will be a fight between us and the Senators. As long as we can stay healthy we should be able to win this division.

Ex-Cavaliers of Interest:
Don Sweetapple: 6 GS, 1-4 5.35, 0.4 WAR
Pablo Freitas: 11 G, .267-4-7 (Georgetown Sixteens, lead-off man, missed first 3 weeks with back spasms)
Sun Ho: (AAA) 0-0 2 G, 3.1 IP (being used as a MR)
Jose Rodriquez: (AAA) .324-1-7 (demoted after 10 games .182-2-8)
Julio Romero: 23 G, .253-3-8 (starting catcher for the Newark Millers)
Gilberto Ramos: (A) .240-1-13 (signed with an Independent A team, after spending the last 5 years with NFK)
Joe Gould: 5 GS, 3-1 3.49, 0.5 WAR (#5 Starter, Georgetown Sixteens, 3 Quality Starts)
Adrian Otero: 5 GS, 1-0 2.60, 0.6 WAR (#4 Starter, Newark Millers, Only getting 3 Runs per start)


Norfolk Recap


I have always tried to build this team around pitching and defense, but of course you need some offense in the mix or you won't win anything. when you have a pitching staff that is allowing 2.8 runs a game you are WAY ahead of the curve. I can't say enough about this starting 5 this season. Its been pretty awesome to watch. The pen is doing alright, just way under used and under utilized. Dan Nelson and Ron Harris have only been in 1 or 2 games, where Rose and King have been in 12+. Just way out of balance. I made some shifts around in hopes that Alastair will use the pen better, but we will see (set Ron Harris to a 3rd SU man). Experimentation... We made it through the first month just about without injury. We lost Augusto Rodriquez for a month on the final day. Javier Janchez will now get some time to show me that he wants to be here... Oddly enough I have two starters that aren't "happy" with their role on the team. Kent Davis has been upset that I have him in the lead-off spot, he thinks he should be down in the order. He is a singles hitter, why would I want him in the middle of the order? And Jesus Rivera, isn't happy batting 7th, he wants to lead-off or bat second! Maybe if I see his OBPCT go crazy I would move him, but he totally doesn't deserve to be hitting up there... I am not missing much of anything right now, but an injury could hurt. I will have to make a roster change soon, I think Cody will be sent back down for someone who can play all 3-out field slots. Trade for Ramos? lol...

Around the Minors:
Yokohama (AAA) 9-11 3 GB
Cooper Mananghaya is out 4 months with shoulder inflammation. This is his last option year, his time in NFK might be coming to an end.
Byung-Hyun Chong is hitting like a star: .374-4-15 could he replace Cody? He does play all 3 OF slots well.
Mike Ford isn't happy being in AAA, but it doesn't show: .386-1-18

New Orleans (AA) 12-13 4 GB
Ben Sanford is doing ok so far. Posting 5 saves in 12 games with a 4.38 ERA.
David Harrison is off hitting trying to prove dropping out of the NFK top 10 (#11) was a mistake: .363-1-19

San Jose (A) 15-10 1 GB
Jacksonville (A) 8-17 9 GB
Tom Dundee off to a slow start in his second year: .264-0-5 (our #1 pick in 2017)

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (25-5 - GB (+9))
Next Week: 4 @ Salisbury Ports, 3 @ Ellicott City Express
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 88
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 186 (2nd-t)
Avg: .299 (1st)
Runs Against: 95 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.07 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.73 (1st)
Def Eff: .726 (1st)

Game 25:
Norfolk 8, Washington 5
Ron Reilly (3-0) did a decent job today, allowing 8 hits and 5 runs, resulting from 4 long-balls, over 8.2 innings. Dalton Whitaker came in and struck out the only batter he faced for the save (7). The offense had 8 hits and 8 walks with King Brock leading the way with 2 hits, a HR (3), and 4 RBI. Six other Cav's had hits, Jeff Lewis and Mauro Candelaria scored 2 times.

Injury News: In the 9th Inning a hard take out slide of Augusto Rodriquez resulted in him leaving the game. After a consultation with team trainer Francisco Gonzalez it was determined that he would miss the next 4 weeks. He will be placed on the 15-day DL, effective immediately... Cody Johnson will be brought up from AAA, where he is hitting .366 and will be used an utility man. Derek Campbell will shift from LF to SS, Javier Janchez will be inserted into LF and Jose Escamilla and Cody will be the "super-subs".

Game 26:
Norfolk 10, Washington 9
Miguel Contreras (ND) had one his worse starts that I can remember. Going 3.1 innings, allowing 7 hits and 6 runs. The bullpen did its job and kept the game close. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th, gave up 2 solo-HR's, but took home the save (8). The offense was led by Mauro Candelaria who had 4 hits, including a HR (2), he drove in 2 and scored 2 times. King Brock added 3 hits and 2 RBI, Ed Duke added 2 hits, including a HR (4) and Jose Escamillia hit a solo-HR (1). Jeff Lewis had 2 hits and scored 3 runs.

Game 27:
Baltimore 2, Norfolk 8
Jose Matos (5-1) threw 108 pitches for a CG victory. He went 9 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs. The offense was lead by Javier Janchez who went 3-4 with 2 runs and hit a solo-HR (1). Derek Campbell hit a 2-run HR (3) and King Brock hit a 2-run shot (4).

Game 28:
Baltimore 6, Norfolk 10
Arturo Ramirez (4-0) went 7 innings, allowing 7 hits and 5 runs, while striking out 6. The offense exploded for 17 hits, with Kent Davis and Roberto Perez each getting 4. Perez hit a 2-run HR (6), and drove in 5 for the game. Jesus Rivera added 2-hits including a solo-HR (4).

Game 29:
Baltimore 0, Norfolk 1 (14 Innings)
Shawn Brock (ND) went 8.1 innings throwing 2-hit ball, striking out 7, but came home empty handed. Dalton Whitaker pitched 2 innings of shut-out relief and Will Rose (3-1) went the final 3.2 innings for the win. The offense had 8 hits and left 6 men on base.. Lead by Derek Campbell and King Brock each with 2 hits. Javier Janchez singled in Jeff Lewis for the win.

Game 30:
Baltimore 8, Norfolk 3
Ron Reilly (3-1) got roughed up over 7 innings, allowing 14 hits and 8 runs. Jamie King pitched 2 innings of 2-hit ball. The offense slugged out 10 hits, but couldn't get enough to cross the plate. Jeff Lewis went 3-4 and King Brock went 2-4 with 2 RBI's, including a solo HR (5) to lead the Cavaliers.

Around the League:

• Annapolis Admirals lost their starting short-stop Jorge Gutierrez for 4 weeks, on the season Jorge is hitting .357-3-18.
• Stan Miller the CF'er for the Georgetown Sixteens will miss the next 9 months with a torn labrum. On the season Miller is hitting .333-5-20. The Sixteens will miss him, he has averaged: .284-40-118 over the course of his career.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Don White, Newark Millers, 8-22 5 HR's, 11 RBI's
MarVa: Abraham Thomas, Washington Senators, 11-29, 5 HR's, 10 RBI's, 7 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (157.0)
2) Dover Generals (127.0)
3) Annapolis Admirals (122.0)
4) New Castle Colonials (117.0)
5) Lewes Braves (117.0)

GM Notes: Miguel isn't off to a great start, but I am not sure if it is time to hit the panic button. He started pretty cold last year, mainly due to injury, but he has given up 5+ runs in 2 of his 6 starts, very odd for him. Panic? Relax? Not sure yet... Jose Matos is off to another solid start. In what is most likely his final season with the Cavaliers. He is due a 3 million dollar raise next year, up to 14.5 million and its highly doubtful he will want what I have to offer. Plus at 31 I am not going to be willing to sign him long term. Trading him in the off-season means I might be able to sign Roberto Perez, who will be free agent and only 30 years after the 2019 season... Seeing this lineup hitting the ball as well as they have will allow me to make some moves if necessary. I am debating if I should trade Campbell or not, tough call. We have the 18th pick in the first round, 2 picks in the 2nd round and 3 picks in the third round, of a seemingly thin draft pool (only 10 4*+ prospects)... We head in to Salisbury for a 4 game series and we will see our old buddy Yasutoki Ine who is their starting 2B.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-3 (29-8 - GB (+10))
Next Week: 1 @ Ellicott City Express, 4 vs Richmond Cardinals, 1 @ Chesapeake Blue Crabs
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 88
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 230 (1st)
Avg: .298 (1st)
Runs Against: 111 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.96 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.51 (1st)
Def Eff: .724 (1st)

Game 31:
Norfolk 3, Salisbury 4
Miguel Contreras (ND) went 7.1 innings allowing 7 hits and 3 runs, bouncing back from one of his worst starts of his career. Dalton Whitaker took the loss giving up 1 run on 3 hits in the 9th. Javier Janchez, Roberto Perez and Jose Escamilla all had 2 hits for the Cavaliers.

Game 32:
Norfolk 0, Salisbury 1 (15 Innings)
Jose Matos (ND) went 8 innings of 2-hit ball, before handing the ball to the pen. Dalton Whitaker and Will Rose went 5.2 innings allowing 2 hits, and Jamie King (1-1) took the loss allowing 3 hits and 1 run in the 15. The Cavaliers had 11 hits, 10 singles, and left 17 men on base! Kent Davis lead the way with a 4-6 day. Mauro Candelaria added 3 hits.

** Our second 14+ inning game that ended 1-0, this is crazy **

Game 33:
Norfolk 2, Salisbury 3
Arturo Ramirez (4-1) took his first loss of the season, going 4 innings, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs (2 ER). The first 3 hitters, Kent Davis, Roberto Perez and Mauro Candelaria each had 2 hits. Mauro Candelaria added 2 RBI's.

Game 34:
Norfolk 13, Salisbury 2
Shawn Brock (5-1) took the win as the bats woke up and stavved off the sweep. Brock went all 9, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs. The offense had 18 hits, lead by Kent Davis with a 4-5 day. Jeff Lewis added 3 hits and 4 RBI's, including a HR (7). Jose Escamilla went 2-4 with 4 RBI's, and a HR (2). King Brock added 2 hits and 2 RBI's. And Jesus Rivera hit a solo-HR (5).

Game 35:
Norfolk 8, Ellicott City 7
Ron Reilly (ND) took the ND, thanks to the bullpen. Reilly left in the 5, throwing 4.2 innings, allowing 7 hits and 7 runs (4 ER). The bullpen of 5 shut the dor with Ivan Pineda (2-0) pitchign a perfect 2 for the win and Dalton Whitaker closing the door for the save (9). Derek Campbell delivered the big blow hitting a Granny (4) in the 7th, followed by a solo-shot by Jeff Lewis (8). Kent Davis had 3 hits, Campbell and Lewis each had 2.

Game 36:
Norfolk 11, Ellicott City 3
Miguel Contreras (4-1) got back on the winning side of things, going 7.2 innings, allowing 10 hits and 2 runs. He struck out 7. The offensive attack was lead by Kent Davis going 4-6. Roberto Perez added 2 hits and 2 RBI, including a HR (7). Jeff Lewis went deep (9) in the 2nd straight game, getting 2 hits and driving in 3. King Brock added 3 hits.

Game 37:
Norfolk 7, Ellicott City 2
Jose Matos (6-1) continued to anchor this rotation, going 7.2 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs (1 ER). Kent Davis continued hitting the ball over the place going 4-5. Roberto Perez added 2 hits. Mauro Candelaria drove in 2 and Derek Campbell hit a 3-run shot (5).

Around the League:

• Brent Wagner, closer for the Washington Senators will miss 1-2 weeks with an elbow sprain.
• Narcissus Catranides, starter for the Newark Millers will miss 10-11 months with a strethced elbow ligament. He was 1-5 7.05 in 7 games this season.
• John Bowels of the Baltimore Barons is out 6-7 weeks with a torn quad. Bowels was hitting .313-4-15 on the season.
• Keith White of the Lews Braves will miss 4 months with a torn labrum. The starter is 2-3 3.29 in 7 starts this season.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Colin Burbridge, Wilmington Iron Pigs, 10-28 3 HR's, 9 RBI's
MarVa: Kent Davis, Norfolk Cavaliers, 21-33 2 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (147.1)
2) Annapolis Admirals (119.8)
3) Dover Generals (119.8)
4) New Castle Colonials (114.9)
5) Wilmington Iron Pigs (103.3)

GM Notes: After a rough start, losing 3 games to one of the worse teams in the league, they were 6-24 when we got there, we finished off strong. The offense woke up, our ace threw a good game. And some how we even gained a game in the standings... You have to love predictions. Kent Davis is hitting .480 71-148 in 34 games. He is on pace to have 311 hits on the season. Not bad 34 games into the season... The more I think about moving Derek Campbell the more I think its a good idea, whats the problem you ask? Well Javier Janchez is only hitting .188. Maybe Byung-Hyun Chong can come up and fill the void. Campbell drove in 150 runs last year, but I am pretty sure he will never approach that number again. We have one of the best offenses in the game, I think we can sacrifice .262-5-24. Something to ponder on. He is probably worth more now @ 27 yrs old and with another year of control. Hmm... I am still not sold that Miguel is back to form. He will get another start next week against a better team (Richmond Cardinals), should give us more information.

[illeracula]

This is my 6th year in Norfolk and when I started here I drafted Pablo Freitas and Don Sweetapple thinking they would be the cornerstone of this franchise for their years. When Sweetapple left via Free Agency, it took me by surprise... I was always a fan of Mauro Candelaria and kept him around even when I didn't have a place for him to play. I just never expected he would end up being the Face of this Franchise.

The Cavaliers first 10 picks in the inaugural draft:
R1/P14/14: Don Sweetapple (SP) - Richmond Cardinals - Left via Free Agency after 2016
R2/P3/19: Pablo Freitas (LF) - Georgetown Sixteens - Traded after 2017
R3/P14/O46: Carlos Mateo (SP) - Lewes Braves - Traded after 2016
R4/P3/O51: Karl Armstrong (SP) - Ocean City Tourists - Traded after 2017
R5/P14/O78: Mauro Candelaria (SS) - Norfolk Cavaliers since 2013
R6/P3/O83: Julio Romero (C) - Newark Millers - Traded after 2017
R7/P14/O110: Tsuneo Sato (SP) - Chesapeake Blue Crabs - Traded during 2016
R8/P3/O115: Brian Cline (LF) - New Castle Colonials - Traded after 2015
R9/P14/O142: Yasutoki Ine (2B) - Salisbury Ports - Traded prior 2018
R10/P3/O174: Danny Rigsby (SP) - Richmond Cardinals - Traded during 2013

Mauro Candelaria
Norfolk Cavaliers All-Time Leader in:
Games: 763
At-Bats: 2939
Runs: 422
Hits: 850
Total Bases: 1142
Singles: 645
Walks: 329

Later this season he will become the all-time RBI leader, he trails Jose Rodriquez by 34.

Was just thinking about this, so I decided to do a little research. I am glad we signed Mauro to a long-term deal and hopefully he will retire as a Cavalier. He is well liked in the Norfolk area and is sort of a cult-hero. The player who once didn't have a position, finally settled down to play a gold-glove caliber 1B. I do think he will win a gold glove there before his career is over. Just wanted to give a tribute to a guy who turned into the face of the franchise...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (34-9 - GB (+10))
Next Week: 3 @ Chesapeake Blue Crabs, 4 vs Ocean City Tourists
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 88
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 261 (1st)
Avg: .301 (1st)
Runs Against: 130 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.80 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.46 (1st)
Def Eff: .727 (1st)

Game 38:
Norfolk 9, Ellicott City 2
Arturo Ramirez (5-1) went 7 innings, giving up 4 hits and 2 runs. Ron Harris went the final 2 innings. The offense was lead by Mauro Candelaria who went 2-5 with 5 RBI's, thanks to a grand-slam (3). Derek Campell went 1-2 with a solo-HR before leaving the game making a play at short. Ed Duke added 2 hits.

Injury News: Derek Campbell is fine, he left with a stinger in his arm, but he is fine and expected to play tomorrow.

Game 39:
Richmond 3, Norfolk 1
Shawn Brock (ND) threw 8 great innings, allowing just 4 hits and 1 run. Dalton Whitaker (1-2) came in and got roughed up allowing 2 runs on 3 hits, including a HR. He did strike out 3. Roberto Perez had 3 hits and Kent Davis added 2.

Game 40:
Richmond 4, Norfolk 5 (11 Innings)
Ron Reilly (ND) battled Don Sweetapple over 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 runs (3 ER) before handing the ball over to Will Rose (4-1) who threw the final 3 innings for the win. Jeff Lewis led the way with 3 hits, 2 RBI, including a HR (10). Kent Davis, Roberto Perez, Mauro Candelaria and Jesus Rivera each added 2 hits. John Phillips got his first career hit today. He is 1-10 on the season.

Game 41:
Richmond 0, Norfolk 1
Miguel Contreras (ND) went 6.2 shutout innings, throwing 111 pitches, giving up 7 hits and striking out 7. Elmer Hawkins (2-0) threw 1 inning, gave up a hit, and Dalton Whitaker took home the save (10). The offense left 12 runners on. Ed Duke went 2-3 with a HR (5) in the 8th. Javier Janchez went 2-4 with a double. And Derek Campbell added 2 hits.

Game 42:
Richmond 3, Norfolk 4
Jose Matos (ND) went 5.2 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs, as the offense couldn't get him enough runs for the victory. Dan Nelson (1-0) took home the win going 1.1 innings, his first big league victory. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (11). The offense was lead by Kent Davis who had 4 hits and Mauro Candelaria and Jose Renteria who added 2 each. Derek Campbell drove in 3, 2 with a 6th inning HR (7).

** Funny thing. Dan Nelson was supposed to be in AAA this season with Derek Carter returning to the pen. Carter pitched with the Cavs last season 30.2 IP posting a 1.47 ERA. Ever since I traded for both of these guys I have confused them. Now 42 games into the season I realize I have the wrong player on the roster. Lucky for Dan Nelson **

Game 43:
Norfolk 11, Chesapeake 1
Arturo Ramirez (6-1) threw another fine game, going 8 innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run. The offense exploded for 17 hits, with Kent Davis and Roberto Perez leading the way with 4 each. Davis scored 3 runs. Jeff Lewis added 3 hitws and 3 RBI and Ed Duke added 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Around the League:

• Jesus Serna, Christiana Blue Hens 38-year old RF has suffered a set-back and will miss 3 more weeks.
• Maximo Sanchez the short-stop for the Washington Senators pulled a hammy and will miss 5-6 weeks. Season: .344-6-24
• Andres Salins, Dover Generals, will miss 4 weeks when he strained his hammy making a defensive play. Season: .238-7-18

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Jon Fiske, Dover Generals, 11-28 2 HR's 12 RBI
MarVa: Millard Richards, Richmond Cardinals, 10-19 1 HR, 4 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (154.3)
2) Annapolis Admirals (120.2)
3) Dover Generals (117.2)
4) Georgetown Sixteens (114.7)
5) Ocean City Tourists (108.5)

GM Notes: Last season Jesus Rivera committed 4 errors in 389 total chances, this season he has already committed 7 in 182 chances. His D rating dropped from 16 to 13 earlier this season. Jose Escamilla may end up being his D-sub, which won't make too happy... The great Javier Janchez experiment looks to be coming to an end as he has continued to struggle .183-1-12. He has struck out 25 times and has 24 hits in 131 AB's. Augusto Rodriquez comes back in a week, and at that time I will make a decision. If Janchez continues to struggle he may be headed down to AAA... Arturo Ramirez leads all rookies in Wins, ERA and K's... I looked over the top prospects and teams with the top 5 picks in this years draft and they really had nothing to offer. I was hoping to swing a deal to send Derek Campbell to a rebuilding team for a prospect and a swap of first round picks. No dice... The bullpen usage is still out of whack. Jamie King 20 games, Will Rose and Dalton Whitaker 18 games. The other crew of relievers have pitched in 3-9 games and between 6 and 6.2 innings! Not sure what Alistar is thinking and I am not sure there is much more I can do. Oh well...

I was thinking that Ron Harris has been a Cavaliers lifer, but I was wrong. Looking over the transactions I was incorrect. He came over with Elmer Hawkins in an off-season trade after the 2013 season. Ron is a free-agent at the end of the season.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 6-1 (40-10 - GB (+13))
Next Week: 3 @ Annapolis Admirals, 3 @ Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 86 (-2)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 296 (1st)
Avg: .291 (1st)
Runs Against: 143 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.71 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.25 (1st)
Def Eff: .732 (1st)

Game 44:
Norfolk 8, Chesapeake 1
Shawn Brock (6-1) went 8 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 run, while striking out 7. Ron Harris went 1 inning giving up 1 hit. The offense was lead by Roberto Perez with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. Kent Davis added 2 hits and Ed Duke had 2 hits and 4 RBI's, including a HR (6).

Game 45:
Norfolk 2, Chesapeake 0 (10 Innings)
Ron Reilly (ND) had a great start going 7 innings, allowing 0 runs and striking out 5. Dalton Whitaker (2-2) went the final 2 innings, allowing just one hit. Roberto Perez had 2 hits and the game winning RBI. And Jeff Lewis added 2 hits. The only hits for the Cav's.

Game 46:
Norfolk 8, Chesapeake 4
Miguel Contrears (5-1) went 8.2 innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs. Ed Duke lead the offense going 3-3 with 4 RBI's including 2 HR's (8). Javier Janchez hit a solo-HR (2).

Game 47:
Ocean City 2, Norfolk 1
Jose Matos (6-2) went 5 innings, allowing 7 hits and 2 runs, but didn't get the run support needed. The offense had 5 hits, including 2 by Jeff Lewis. King Brock accounted for the Cav's only run with a solo-HR (6).

Game 48:
Ocean City 2, Norfolk 5
Arturo Ramirez (7-1) went 6.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs. Dalton Whitaker went the final inning striking out 2 for the save (12). Derek Campbell lead the offense with 2 hits, and Ed Duke drove in 2.

Game 49:
Ocean City 0, Norfolk 6
Shawn Brock (7-1) went 8 innings, allowing 5 hits and striking out 6, throwing 121 pitches. The offense was lead by Cody Johnson and Derek Campbell with 2 hits, and Jeff Lewis with 2-RBI's.

Game 50:
Ocean City 4, Norfolk 5
Ron Reilly (4-1) went 7.2 innings allowing 10 hits and 4 runs. Dalton Whitaker threw the 9th for the save (13). Derek Campbell and Ed Duke paced the offense with 2 hits each. Duke hit a HR (9) and drove in 4.

Around the League:

• Jose Cisneros of the Christiana Blue Hens was placed on the 60-day DL and is expected to miss 9 months with a broken bone in his elbow.
• With their starting RF out the Baltimore Barons signed 32-year old free agent Fernando Torres to a one year deal woth 1.5 million.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Kevin Norris, Milford Clippers, 14-26 0 HR's 0 RBI (really?)
MarVa: Ed Duke, Norfolk Cavaliers, 8-14 0 HR's, 14 RBI's, 6 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (155.0)
2) Annapolis Admirals (125.8)
3) Dover Generals (114.2)
4) New Castle Colonials (107.4)
5) Lewes Braves (107.4)

GM Notes: Augusto Rodriquez will return next week and I believe I am going to activate him and place him in the starting lineup. Javier Janchez has struggled in 41 games, hitting .172-2-13. Looks like he could use some time getting his swing worked out in the minors. I had high hopes for him this year, but maybe I rushed him... I wouldn't of guessed Arturo Ramirez and Shawn Brock would be leading our staff with 7-1 records. I am pleasantly surprised... Ed Duke is off to a nice start. After hitting .223 last season he is hitting .380 in his first 34 games this season. Maybe Jose Renteria has been a nice mentor for him... The team is doing well, we are healthy (knock on wood) and things seems to be falling into place. The draft is coming up next week, should be an interesting time, since I never seem to be a good "drafter", a look through my/our draft history should be interesting.

Dalton Whitaker is hold over from my original pitching staff in 2013. He is the only pitcher who has been on the Cavaliers roster since 2013, when he pitched in 46 games. He has since pitched in 357 games, amassing 113 saves.

Two players of note 1) Richard O'Quinn who is with our AAA team, saw 2 games of action in 2013, but hasn't been on the Cav's roster since. 2) Arturo Ramirez was our first round draft pick in the amateur draft in 2013.

[illeracula]

Players of the Month:
Delaware Conference:


Batter of the Month: Joe Fiske, Dover Generals
Fiske Takes Delaware Conference's Best Bat Trophy: When Jon Fiske stepped up to the plate in May, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Delaware Conference Batter of the Month award. The young Dover right fielder posted a .387 batting average with 4 home runs, 24 RBIs and scored 22 runs. Fiske also worked pitchers for 6 walks to post a .416 on-base percentage. This year Fiske has hit 5 home runs and posted a .317 batting average.

Pitcher of the Month: Anthony Dundee, Georgetown Sixteens
Dundee Nets Delaware Conference #1 Pitcher Award: It was a very good month for Anthony Dundee in May. The 35-year-old veteran starter for the Georgetown Sixteens outpitched everybody -- young and old -- to claim the Delaware Conference Pitcher of the Month award earlier today. Dundee ran up a 6-0 record in his 6 starts during the month. In 48 innings he fanned 28 and recorded a 1.31 ERA. Currently Dundee has a 8-2 won-lost record in 11 starts with a 2.48 ERA. He also has 58 strikeouts in 87 innings.

Rookie of the Month: Burton Jones, Newark Millers
Rookie Jones Named Best in May: He's only in his debut season, but Burton Jones performed more like a veteran on the hill for the Newark Millers and walked away with May's Delaware Conference Rookie of the Month Award in the process. Last month this young hurler recorded 3 wins and no losses in 3 starts. He threw 20 innings, giving up 10 walks, fanning 14 and compiling a 0.90 ERA.

MarVa Conference:


Batter of the Month: Francisco Reyes, Ocean City Tourists
MarVa Conferences's Premier Batter Picked: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 28-year-old Francisco Reyes put together a solid offensive month for Ocean City and was crowned May's top batter in the MarVa Conference. He batted .340 with 12 home runs, 32 RBIs and 20 runs scored. Thus far this year Reyes is batting .294 with 19 home runs, 59 RBIs and 37 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month: Rene Perez, Richmond Cardinals
Richmond's Starter Receives MarVa Conference Pitching Award: René Perez has made fans throughout DELMARVA Baseball League take notice over the past month with an exceptional 4-0 record. No pitcher in the MarVa Conference threw better in May, garnering him the Pitcher of the Month award today. In 6 starts Perez compiled a 1.54 ERA, putting up a 4-0 record, striking out 25 and tossing 46.2 innings. Perez has a 7-1 season record so far. In 11 starts, he has fanned 43 batters in 81.1 innings with a 2.66 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: Pedro Deleon, Richmond Cardinals
MarVa Conference Names Rookie of Month: Youngster Pedro Deleón emerged as the latest MarVa Conference Rookie of the Month today. The young man from Richmond deserved the honor, batting .327 with 1 home run and 13 runs batted in. Is the month of May a harbinger of things to come or just a fluke? We'll find out someday, but for now, we'll just let Deleón enjoy the limelight. For the year Deleón is batting .275 with 4 home runs, 32 RBIs and 35 runs scored.

League Leaders (as of June 1st, 2018)
Delaware Division:
AVG: Francisco Durango (Dover Generals) .357*
HR: Don White (Newark Millers) 17*
RBI: Charles Culligan (Lewes Braves) 51
SB: Pedro Galavan (Dover Generals) 25

ERA: Tony Garcia (Dover Generals) 1.53
W(t): Anthony Dundee (Georgetown Sixteens) 8*
W(t): Jarred Perry (Lewes Braves) 8*
K: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 77*
SV: Michael Willard (Wilmington Iron Pigs)14*

Marva Division:
AVG: Kent Davis (Norfolk Cavaliers) .447
HR: Abraham Thomas (Washington Senators) 22
RBI: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 59
SB: Kent Davis (Norfolk Cavaliers) 22*

ERA: Shawn Brock (Norfolk Cavaliers) 1.51*
W: Arturo Ramirez (Norfolk Cavaliers) 8*
K: Jorge Moran (Chesapeake Blue Crabs) 68*
SV(t): Will Wilson (Baltimore Barons) 14*
SV(t): Jose Chavez (Chesapeake Blue Crabs) 14*




Dover held on to their lead over the Southern Division, but the Braves and Sixteens are still hanging around. The Braves have the pitching, the Sixteens have the money. Should be an interesting next few months. My favorites are the Generals they are just too good all around... New Castle remains on the top of the Northern Division, but the Iron Pigs are starting to move up. It will be tough for the Colonials to hold off the Iron Pigs. The Clippers slumped a little bit and the Millers are right in the mix. This might be a fun division to watch come August and September...

Annapolis maintained their 5 game lead eventhough they didn't play as good as they did in April. They just seem to be a little better than everyone else in that division. The Blue Crabs once a contender are fading fast. The only real threat here is the Tourists, but they might not have the pitching to keep up... This might be the most talented division, but unfortunately for the Cardinals, Senators and Express the Cavaliers are just better than them. Then again an injury, a slump anything is possible we are only 2 months into the season. I am surprised to see the Senators behind the Cardinals.

Ex-Cavaliers of Interest:
Don Sweetapple: 12 GS, 4-5 3.83, 1.3 WAR
Pablo Freitas: 38 G, .302-8-20, 1.5 WAR (only hit 9 HR's for us last year in 81 games)
Sun Ho: (AAA) 10 G, 1-1 7.88 (being used as a MR, was 15-6 last season as a SP w/ us)
Jose Rodriquez: (AAA) 32 G, .333-9-26 (demoted after 10 games .182-2-8)
Julio Romero: 48 G .224-6-14 (Starting Catcher, Newark Millers)
Gilberto Ramos: (A) .260-2-33 (signed with an Independent A team, after spending the last 5 years with NFK)
Joe Gould: 10 GS, 4-3, 5.19 0.6 WAR (Georgetown Sixteens, Was #5 Starter, just moved to pen)
Adrian Otero: 8 GS, 1-2 4.17, 0.6 WAR (#4 Starter, Newark Millers, injuried out 3-4 weeks, returns in 5 days )


Norfolk Recap


Two months down and we are still playing over .790 ball. We won 21 games each of the first two months, and I will be surprised if we can keep up this pace.
April: 21-4
May: 21-7
Our rotation has been key, yet Miguel Contreras has been struggling, his ERA is more than double than it was last season. And Ron Reilly has been hit or miss, everyone else has been on fire. At some point I have to expect Shawn Brock to come back down from his cloud, but I won't complain while he is up there. Arturo Ramirez is off to a stellar rookie season, but not getting much props from the writers. And Jose Matos is quietly putting together another solid season, in Contreras's shadow...

Dalton Whitaker and Will Rose have been the anchors in this pen. Dalton is 13-13 in saves and is posting a 10.4 K/9 rating. Will Rose has a 1.26 ERA and between those two I feel very confident when we get to the 8th inning. The bullpen hasn't been used much, but they all have been great.

I am surprised that our offense is #1 in the league. I didn't expect that, but with the seasons that Ed Duke and King Brock are having it helps out. Brock leads the team in RBI's, and Duke in HR's. The emergence of Duke may make our backup catcher Jose Renteria (.255-2-6) expendable, which will free up a roster spot. Just put more pressure on the kid John Phillips who is only here becuase he is a Draft-5 player (which I oddly traded for). Jose is on a one-year contract and is only here for catcher security.

Jesus Rivera started off strong and is slumping once again. This seems to be his MO. Last season he started off red-hot and then started to slump. This year he is dropping again, and the slash in his D rating doesn't help. Jose Escamilla is starting to get more time there. Jesus Rivera is a 4* player (4.5 potential) and I feel "connected" to him, becuase he is one of the original's. He has been with the Cav's since 2013, with partial seasons in '13 and '14, before becoming the full-time second baseman in 2015. The locals love him!

Ron Harris (MR) and Jose Renteria (C) have both been set to "Available"

Around the Minros:
Yokohama (AAA) 23-25 10 GB
Vaughn Griffith is showing he is ready for the big time. He is 4-3 4.23 on the season.
Derek Carter is ready to get back up to the show. He has 10 saves posting a 1.65 ERA.
Cooper Mananghaya struggled then got hurt. He is out 3 more months.
Byung-hyun Chong missed his call to join the big club, as he sits on the DL for 3 more weeks.

New Orleans (AA)
Ben Sanford has found his grove with 14 saves and a 2.55 ERA
Paul Brown our highly talented SP prospect is starting to throw the ball better. He is 4-4 4.45 ERA
Joe Chambers is showing off his run production abilities. Our #2 pick from HS in 2016. .224-9-44

San Jose (A) 33-20 - GB (tied)
Francisco Gallegos a once sought after prospect is starting to find his grove .321-5-27 (20 yrs old 1/4*)
Chris Brownell, our 2nd rounder in 2017, is off to a great start. 5-1 .247 including a no-hitter.
Carlos Morales a non-prospect is starting to make people turn heads with 17 saves and a 0.84 ERA

Jacksonville (A) 19-34 19 GB
Tom Dundee one of our #1 pick's from last season is doing ok in his first season .264-3-16
Bernardo Velez another one of our #1 pick's from last season is hitting .243-2-17 and not overly happy with it.

[illeracula]

2018 First Year Player Draft
The first pick of this years draft goes to the Salisbury Ports and with that pick they took:
Pablo 'Undertaker' Garcia
Age 21, 6'6" - 225
1.5/4.5* Prospect
Current Ratings (Diaz): Stuff: 9/13, Movement: 13/15, Control: 7/14
Current Ratings (OSA): Stuff: 9/19, Movement: 13/16, Control: 9/19
Stamina 6, Groundball%: 68, Velocity: 93-95
Drafted out of Oral Roberts U.
He is predicted to be a front-line starter, but we question his stamina. He didn't throw one complete game last season. With his ratings and the talen Salisbury has on the roster, its possible Garica will see some time with the Ports this season if they can come to an agreement on terms.
Demand: $7,000,000

Norfolk Draft Recap:
R1, Pick 18 (Overall 18): Michael Hethcote (SP)
Age 23, 5'11" - 190 lbs, 3* propsect
I wasn't a fan of the guy Diaz wanted to take so I looked out an find Michael. Is he a star? Not yet, can he be? Sure, hopefully. OSA see's him as a 4.5 star prospect, which helped with my decision. He does have a high work ethic. He can dominate an at-bat from time to time, but he needs to bring his stuff up a notch if he wants to dominate an entire game. Heathcote is a lefty, who throws low 90's.
Stuff: 8/9, Movement: 12/13, Control: 6/11
Signability: Easy
School: U of Maryland
Demand: $210,000

R2, Pick 17 (Overall 42): Vernon Tilly (RF)
Age 17, 6'4" - 190 lbs, 3* Prospect
I went against my scouts wishes with Tilly, and he has a HUGE downfall, in that he isn't very intelligent. Too intimidated by opposing pitchers and has an awkward swing. Will require a lot of development, but if he does develop he could be an everyday player.
Contact: 6/10, Power: 3/13, Eye: 1/4
Signability: Extremely Hard
School: Sacred Heart High (MS)
Demand: $210,000

R2, Pick 21 (Overall 46): Tim Rodriquez (SP)
19 years old, 6'3 - 200 lbs, .5* Prospect
I went against my scouts wishes. OSA had him rated quite a bit btter. He was the best "Control" pitcher on the board. Scout Antonio Diaz doesn't like Rodriquez at all. He has a very high intelligence and work ethic, and I thought it was the best choice.
Stuff: 6/11, Movement: 10/11, Control: 4/13
Signability: Extremely Hard
School: Moore Catholic High (NY)
Demand: $380,000

R3, Pick 18 (Overall 64): Sergio Beltran (SS)
20 years old, 6'2" - 195 lbs, 1* prospect
Overall a subpar offensive player, but can wow with his glove at SS and 3B.
Contact: 4/6, Power: 2/6, Eye: 2/5
Signability: Extremely Hard
School: Coastal Carolina
Demand: $310,000

R3, Pick 22 (Overall 68): Jorge Gonzalez (CF)
20 years old, 6'1" - 190 lbs, 1*
Excellent range at center field, makes spectatular plays at times, but has no bat. Not projected to be much.
Contact: 2/5, Power: 2/5, Eye: 6/12
Signability: Normal
School: Stanford U.
Demand: $290,000

R3, Pick 23 (Overall 69): Ronnie Ludwick (SS)
20 years old, 6'2" - 190, 2* Prospect
Very high work ethic and very high intelligence. Very patient works the pitcher, needs to work on his contact.
Contact: 4/7, Power: 3/6, Eye: 8/15
Signability: Normal
School: U of Georgia
Demand: $260,000

R7, Pick 20 (Overall 149): Willis Randall (3B)
20 years old, 6'3" - 200 lbs, 1* prospect
A 7th round pick last season as well, he hasn't developed much. He has some power, but nothing to write home about.
Contact: 4/7, Power: 3/8, Eye: 3/6

R8, Pick 20 (Overall 169): Ken Giles (SP)
18 years old, 5'10" - 165 lbs, .5* prospect
Unless he can change that, he's nothing more than fodder.
Stuff: 3/6, Movement: 7/8, Control: 1/6

R9, Pick 20 (Overall 189): Manuel Reyes (1B)
18 years old, 6'2" - 210 lbs, 1* prospect
He has shown glimpses of hitting ability, enough to bring scouts back regularly.
Contact: 4/8, Power: 2/7, Eye: 3/8

R10, Pick 20 (Overall 209): Alberto Sanchez (SP)
19 years old, 6'1" - 185 lbs, .5* prospect
Not expected to do much, but eat some minor league innings.
Stuff: 3/5, Movement: 8/8, Control: 1/4

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-2 (44-12 - GB (+13))
Next Week: 2 @ Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs, 4 @ Washington Senators
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 86
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 351 (1st)
Avg: .299 (1st)
Runs Against: 171 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.90 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.55 (1st)
Def Eff: .728 (1st)

Transactions News: Arturo Rodriquez is ready to rejoin the team, I feel after being out 4 weeks, he should be able to jump in and do ok. I have decided to send Javier Janchez down to AAA to get his swing working again. Derek Campbell will head back out to LF and Rodriquez will be our shortstop. Cody Johnson has struggled in his time with us and I was ready to move him back down to AAA and bring up Byung-hyun Chong, but he just got hurt and will miss 4 weeks!! I think Byran O'Neill will join the team giving us a back-up outfielder and Cody Johnson will be sent back down to AAA. O'Neil won't play much, but we need some out-field depth if Janchez isn't on the roster we have no other OF'ers. O'Neil is 1-1 in his big league career.

Game 51:
Norfolk 3, Annapolis 4
Miguel Contreras (ND) went 8 innings, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs while striking out 9. He turned the ball over to Dalton Whitaker (2-3) who took the loss giving up 1 hit and 1 run. The winning run scored on a 2-2 wild pitch. The offense had 3 solo-HR's by Ed Duke (10), Roberto Perez (10) and King Brock (7). Perez and Duke each had two hits.

Game 52:
Norfolk 15, Annapolis 2
Jose Matos (7-2) went 6.2 innings allowing 6 hits and 2 runs and was the benefcactor of an explosive offense. Ivan Pineda went 2.1 innings allowing 1 hit. Kent Davis, Derek Campbell, King Brock and Ed Duke all had 3 hits. Duke added a HR (11) and 6 RBI's. King Brock hit a solo-HR (8) and Roberto PErez added 3 RBI's.

Game 53:
Norfolk 13, Annapolis 5
Arturo Ramirez (8-1) going 6.1 innings, allowing 9 hits and 4 runs. Ivan Pindea, who pitched in 3 games before yesterday's appearance, threw in his second day in a row. Going 2.2 innings allowing 4 hits and 1 run. Derek Campbell lead the way with 4 hits and 4 RBI. Kent Davis, Roberto Perez and Mauro Candelaria added 3 hits. Perez and Candelaria each scored 3 runs.

** End of May / First Year Player Draft **

Game 54:
Norfolk 11, Annapolis 3
Shawn Brock (8-1) continued his success going 8 innings, allowing 4 hits an 1 run. He did strike out 8. The offense had 15 hits, all the starters had at least one, and Kent Davis, Roberto Perez, Derek Campbell, Jeff Lewis, Ed Duke and Augusto Rodriquez all getting 2. Derek Campbell hit a HR (8) and 5 players drove in 2.

Game 55:
Norfolk 5, Virginia Beach 11
Ron Reilly (4-2) got roughed up by the Surf Dawgs, giving up 10 hits and 8 runs over 4.2 innings. Dan Nelson got roughed up in 1/3, walking 2 and giving up a 3-run HR. Ed Duke and Augusto Rodriquez each had 2 hits and Jesus Rivera added 2 RBI's and 2 Runs.

Draft Pick News: R3, Pick 22 (Overall 68): Jorge Gonzalez (CF) - Signed for $250,000 and will be sent to Jacksonville to start his career.

Game 56:
Norfolk 8, Virginia Beach 3
Miguel Contreras went 7 strong innings, allowin g8 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 6. Mauro Candelaria and Ed Duke lead the way with 3 hits, Ed Duke hit a HR (12) and drove in 2. Derek Campbell added 2 hits and 3 RBI's.

Around the League:

• Javier Uberuagao, the #1 starter for the Annapolis Admirals, will miss another week after suffering set-back during his elbow rehab.
• Totoya Ogawa, the spark to the Chesapeake Blue Crabs lineup will be out 5-6 weeks after straining his MCL running the bases.
• Antonio Sanchez a MR for the Chesapeake Blue Crabs will miss 10 months after rupturing his UCL.
• Millard Richards, starting LF for the Richmond Cardinals, is out 4-5 months after he broke a bone in his elbow.
• Cristo Canseco of the Ocean City Tourists hit in his 20th straight game.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Peter Peters, New Castle Colonials, 8-20, 4 HR's 7 RBI's
MarVa: Ed Duke, Norfolk Cavaliers, 12-26, 3 HR's, 12 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (146.4)
2) Dover Generals (120.7)
3) Annapolis Admirals (111.5)
4) New Castle Colonials (103.9)
5) Lewes Braves (103.9)

GM Notes: Augusto Rodriquez came back swinging the bat well. He 4 hits in 14 AB's, all his hits in the last 2 games, but that is a good sign. I do doubt he will get to the .300 average he had last season... Derek Carter will be rejoining the pitching staff and Derek Carter will be heading down to AAA to get some more work. These two kids could both be stars, but they both have struggles with their control. Keeping them from being elite players... Ron Reilly has a good work ethic, great ratings (Diaz and OSA), 3 solid pitches, but just can't seem to put it all together. He is 27 and I am starting to get fed up with his inconsistent starts. You can't beat him for a #5, but he really should/could be a #2. Even Diaz (our scout) agrees... Jeff Lewis is becoming the offensive star of this team. He is 26, so he should be around for a while. I am hoping to be able to sign him to a longer term deal. In 3 years, this team will be missing Roberto Perez (most likely) and Derek Campbell from the lineup. I will have to start building from within.

From Within:
In our current lineup we have King Brock, Jesus Rivera, Augusto Rodriquez and Mauro Candelaria who have been with us for their whole careers. Pitching wise? Well thats only Arturo Ramirez and Dalton Whitaker. I need to start getting some youngin's up through our system that have talent!

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (49-13 - GB (+16))
Next Week: 3 @ Baltimore Barons, 3 vs Salisbury Ports
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 86
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 388 (1st)
Avg: .296 (1st)
Runs Against: 186 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.90 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.37 (1st)
Def Eff: .730 (1st)

Lineup Change: I moved Jeff Lewis from #4 to #3, moving Derek Campbell from #4 to #3 and Mauro Candelaria from #3 to #5.

Game 57:
Norfolk 14, Virginia Beach 3
Jose Matos (8-2) threw 90 pitches in 5 innings, before handing the ball over to the pen. Derek Carter and Ron Harris each went 2 perfect innings. Jeff Lewis lead the offense with a 4-5 day, including a HR (11). Derek Campbell added 2 hits, 3 runs and 2 RBI, including a HR (9), Jesus Rivera went deep (7) and drove in 3 and King Brock hit a solo-HR (9).

Game 58:
Norfolk 7, Virginia Beach 2
Arturo Ramirez (ND) went 5.1 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs, but the offense couldn't get the lead till after he left. Ron Harris (1-0) went 2 more perfect innings for the win. The offense was lead by Kent Davis and Mauro Candelaria who each had 3 hits. Mauro added 3 RBI's and Jose Escamilla hit a grand-slam (3).

Draft Pick News:
R2, Pick 17 (Overall 42): Vernon Tilly (RF) has signed for $420,000 and
R3, Pick 23 (Overall 69): Ronnie Ludwick (SS) has signed for $250,000 and both will be sent to San Jose to begin their careers.

Game 59:
Norfolk 4, Washington 3
Shawn Brock (9-1) won his team leading 9th game going 7 innings allowing 8 hits an 3 runs, while striking out 6. The bullpen of 5 combined to close the door with Dalton Whitaker pitching the 9th for the save (14). Kent Davis, Derek Cambpell and Ed Duke all had 2 hits. Derek Campbell (10) and King Brock (10) each hit solo-HR's.

Draft Pick News:
R3, Pick 18 (Overall 64): Sergio Beltran (SS) isn't happy with our $270,000 offer, he demands $310,000. I will bump our offer to $290,000 but won't go much higher than that. I will have to determine if he is worth it or not.

Game 60:
Norfolk 6, Washington 3
Ron Reilly (5-2) went 8 innings, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 8. Dalton Whitaker went the 9th for the save (15). Kent Davis, Roberto Perez and King Brock all had 2 hits. Brock had 2 doubles. Bryan O'Neil hit his first big-league HR (1) going 1-3 with 2-RBI's in the start.

Draft Pick News:
R2, Pick 21 (Overall 46): Tim Rodriquez (SP) isn't happy with our offer of $370,000 and wants $380,000. Ok, my guess is we will give to his demand of $380,000 and he still won't be happy. He seems like he is ready to back away from playing this year and reentering next year. We will see.

Game 61:
Norfolk 4, Washington 1
Miguel Contreras (7-1) went 8.1 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits, while striking out 5. Jamie King gave up a solo-HR and Will Rose retired the last 2 for the save (1). The offense only had 4 hits, the big blow was a 2nd inning 3-run HR (1) by Augusto Rodriquez.

Game 62:
Norfolk 2, Washington 3 (13 Innings)
Jose Matos (ND) went 7.2 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits. Elmer Hawkins (2-1) took the loss going 3.2 innings allowing 2 hits, including a HR. The offense had 11 hits and left 15 runners on. Kent Davis lead the way with a 3-7 day, Mauro Candelaria and Jose Renteria each had 2 hits.

Draft News:
R1, Pick 18 (Overall 18): Michael Heathcote (SP) has signed for $500,000 and will head to Jackonsville to start pitching for the Cav's orginization. The signing of Heathcote leaves only 2 picks unsigned, both "extremely hard" and doubtful.

Around the League:

• Jarred Perry of the Lewes Braves went down with a sprained ankle an dis expect o miss up to 3 weeks. The ace of the Braves staff will be missed as they try to keep pace with the Dover Generals: 8-1 2.55
• Howard Johns is the latest injury to hit the Chesapeake Blue Crabs, the starting 2B will miss 3 weeks or more with a torn ligament in his thumb: .261-4-18
• Annaoplis Admirals reliever Garip Ertegun will miss 2-3 months with a forearm sprain: 10 Games, 3-0 1.50.
• Pedor Delon of the Richmond Cardinals has now hit in 20 straight games.
• Cristo Canseco's hit streak has reached 25 games, the season long is 27, he is closing in.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: John Bean, Milton Brewers, 11-26, 2 HR's, 9 RBI's
MarVa: Roberto Villalobos, Chesapeake Blue Crabs, 12-23, 1 HR's 3 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (147.3)
2) Dover Generals (114.2)
3) Lewes Braves (109.5)
4) Annapolis Admirals (106.3)
5) Ocean City Tourists (102.7)

GM Notes: We are playing better than I would of expected, but I am not going to complain. Bill Parker, our owner is happy, as we seem to heading to our 3rd straight playoff appearance and 4th in 5 years. Our budget keeps growing, and our profit keeps shrinking. He is lenient, but there has to be a time when he gets fed up with us, not making as much as we could. I guess thats the trade off wins versus income... Jesus Rivera seems to be fielding the ball better than he was earlier in the season, which is good, but he still isn't hitting like I'd like him too. Jesus was an innagural pick in 2013 and been with us ever since. I am just not sure about his future here. Can I maintain a viable offense with him AND Augusto Rodriquez? Augusto is a possible Gold Glove winner, so if they both are going to hit the same, the edge will go to Rodriquez. Then again we have time to make decisions, not sure why I am focusing on this now. ... I was thinking Roberto Perez was having an off-season, but he is pretty much on par with his MVP seasons of the past 2 years. He just gets the done quietly. That being said he isn't stealing as many bases as he has. Only project for 39 this year (62 and 54 the last 2)... When I traded for Shawn Brock I was expecting a decent #4 pitcher, what he has done this year has been awesome for me. I can only hope that he keeps it up for the rest of the year. He as 7-17 last season and is 9-1 this year, with a WHIP of 1.05 (0.49 better than last year). The acquisition of Brock does make the loss of Cooper Managhaya easier to take... After a "rough" May Miguel Contreras seems to be back to top form. May: 2-0 in 6 starts with a 3.67 ERA. In June he is 2-0 with a 1.76 ERA. I guess I have to take a deep breath and realize he isn't going to be perfect every game. I am glad I have him on my side for 4 more years that is for sure.

Grad school is starting back up, so updates might be as frequent. We will see, its always a nice break to get some baseball in.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-2 (54-15 - GB (+17))
Next Week: 1 vs Salisbury Ports, 4 vs Ellicott City Express, 1 @ Richmond Cardinals
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 86
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 419 (1st)
Avg: .296 (1st)
Runs Against: 204 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.83 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.36 (1st)
Def Eff: .735 (1st)

Game 63:
Norfolk 3, Baltimore 6
Augusto Ramirez (8-2) took the loss, but threw a pretty good game. Going 7 innings, allowing 6 hits and 5 runs. He did walk 4 and gave up 2 HR's. The Cav's offense was lead by Kent Davis who had 3 hits and Ed Duke who added 2. King Brock hit a 2-run HR (11).

Draft News:
R2, Pick 21 (Overall 46): Tim Rodriquez (SP) - Has signed for $380,000 and will move to Jacksonville to begin is trek to Norfolk.

Game 64:
Norfolk 4, Baltimore 5 (10 Innings)
Shawn Brock (ND) went 8 solid innings, allowing just 3 runs on 6 hits, but the offense couldn't get him the support he needed. Dalton Whitaker (2-4) took the loss going 1.2 innings, allowing a walk off HR. The offense had 14 hits and left 9 men on. Mauro Candelaria lead the way with 3 hits and Kent Davis, Roberto Perez, Jeff Lewis and King Brock all had two. Roberto Perez (9) and King Brock (12) went deep for the Cav's.

Minor League News: Michael Heathcote, our #1 pick, had his first start today and was very impressive. He threw 97 pitches over 8 innings. He allowed 6 hits and 1 run, while walking 2 and striking out 6, for the win. Very pleasing to see.

Game 65:
Norfolk 6, Baltimore 3
Ron Reilly (6-2) took home the win going 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs. Dalton Whitaker bounced back and pitched the 9th for the save (16). Kent Davis lead the way with 4 hits, Jeff Lewis added 3 and Derek Campbell hit a solo-HR (11).

Injury News: Mauro Candelaira was pulled from the game after a first inning 3B, and our trainer gave us some bad news. Looks like Mauro will miss the next month with a starined PCL. He has been placed on the 15-day DL and Mike Ford has been activated and will play 1B in his absence. King Brock will move from the #6 hole into the #5 hole and Ford will bat 6th.

Game 66:
Norfolk 5, Baltimore 1
Miguel Contreras (8-1) took the win going 8.1 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 run. He struck out 5 while throwing 108 pitches, 75 for strikes. Kent Davis did it again, smacking 4 hits, he alos knocked in 2. King Brock added 2 hits. Mike Ford went 1-4 in his first game.

Draft News:
R3, Pick 18 (Overall 64): Sergio Beltran (SS) - Was not satisfied with our offer and will head to college next year. I didn't think he would sign even after we met his demand. Not the worse thing that could of happened. Hopefully he will develop some more before next years draft.

Game 67:
Salisbury 1, Norfolk 3
Jose Matos (9-2) took home the win going 8 innings of 2 hit ball, with 8 strikeouts. Dalton Whitaker threw the 9th for the save (17). The offense was pretty quiet only getting 7 hits, with Jeff Lewis leading the way with 2. Mike Ford hit a solo-HR (1).

Game 68:
Salisbury 0, Norfolk 4
Arturo Ramirez (9-2) took home the win throwing 6 innings, allowing 5 hits and striking out 8. Elmer Hawkins added 2.1 innings of shut-out ball and Dalton Whitaker closed the door for the save (18). Derek Campbell, Jeff Lewis and Mike Ford all had 2 hits, and Ed Duke (13) and Jeff Lewis (12) hit HR's.

Game 69:
Salisbury 2, Norfolk 6
Shawn Brock (10-1) went the distance throwing all 9, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs while striking out 6. The Cav's offense only had 6 hits, but they made them count. Roberto Perez (10) hit a 3-run HR and Jesus Rivera (8) added a solo-shot. Augusto Rodriquez had 2 hits and 4 other Cav's had 1.

Around the League:

• The Lewes Braves were struck once again with the injury bug, losing starting 1B for 3 weeks. Charles Culligan has put up solid power numbers so far this season: .244-16-53
• New Castle Colonials lost left-fielder Jorge Alonso for 5-6 weeks with a fractured finger. Alonso was hitting .294-7-26 on the season.
• Richmond Cardinals 20-year old first baseman/shortstop had his hitting streak stopped at 21 games.
• Dave Moore, of the Wilmington Iron Pigs, will miss 3-4 weeks with a knee sprain. He was hitting .276-9-38 on the season.
• Ellicott City will be without their offensive star, Dave McGill, for about 2 weeks with elbow inflammation. McGill was hitting .339-12-65 on the season.
• Cristo Canseco of the Ocean City Tourists keep his hitting streak alive this week and has now hit in 31 straight games (Record 43).
• Wayne Bruce, the Georgetown Sixteens middle reliever, will miss 12-13 months with a ruptrued ulnar collateral ligament. In 20 games this season Wayne posted a 3.49 ERA with 1 save.
• Claude Bond of the Dover Generals will miss 4-5 weeks with sprained ankle. Bond a 2nd year player has put up great numbers so far: .290-4-27

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Jorge Quintero, Seaford Blue Jays, 12-23 2 HR's 7 RBI's
MarVa: Francisco Reyes, Ocean City Tourists, 11-26, 2 HR's, 9 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (149.9)
2) Annapolis Admirals (115.2)
3) Lewes Braves (114.0)
4) Dover Generals (110.6)
5) Richmond Cardinals (101.5)

GM Notes: I have to say I have had some plesant surprises this season. On the bump Arturo Ramirez going 9-2 with a 3.03 ERA and Shawn Brock going 10-1 with a 1.81 ERA have been great surprises for the pitchers. And hitting wise Ed Duke hitting .370-13-48 and King Brock .282-12-54 have been above and beyond what I expected from them. I just hope they can keep it up... Claude Bond of the Generals is out with an injury, but he has been a player I have gone after. I'd like to pass off Derek Campbell to the Generals in return for Bond, but they can't afford his contract. And they don't have enough pieces to make it work. Maybe I will try again later, but he is up on the top of the list... Mike Ford is off to a nice start as our new 1B in Mauro's absence. If he keeps on hitting he may be around a while. I tried to get him to learn some OF while in the minors, he didn't. He is just hitter, for better or worse... All in all, very happy with the way things are going as long as we can stay healthy we should be good... Antonio Diaz is telling us that Vaughn Griffith is showing him that he deserves to be promoted. We have no place for him, but its nice to know we have a starter ready to go. He is 7-4 4.07 in AAA.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (59-16 - GB (+17))
Next Week: 3 @ Richmond Cardinals, ** All-Star Break **, 1 vs Chesapeake Blue Crabs
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 86
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 443 (1st)
Avg: .297 (1st)
Runs Against: 215 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.72 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.38 (1st)
Def Eff: .732 (1st)

Game 70:
Salisbury 2, Norfolk 5
Ron Reilly (7-2) went 8 strong innings, allowing just 4 hits and 2 runs. Dalton Whitaker struck out the side for the save (19). Kent Davis lead the way with 3 hits and Jeff Lewis added 2. Lewis hit a HR (13) and had 3 RBI's, and Ed Duke hit a 2-run HR (14).

Game 71:
Ellicott City 0, Norfolk 2
Miguel Contreras (9-1) dominated over 8 innings, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 11. Dalton Whitaker threw the 9th for the save (20). The Cav's offense had 4 hits, with 2 coming from Kent Davis and Derek Campbell deliverd the big blow a 2-run HR (12) in the 1st.

Game 72:
Ellicott City , Norfolk
Jose Matos (10-2) went 7.1 innings, spreading out 8 hits, giving up 1 run and striking out 8. Will Rose threw the final 2/3 for the save (2). The offense woke up some with 14 hits. Ed Duke had 4, and 4 players (Kent Davis, Roberto Perez, Jesus Rivera and Augusto Rodriquez) each added 2. Roberto Perez lead the way with 2-RBI's, thanks to a HR (11).

Game 73:
Ellicott City 0, Norfolk 2
Arturo Ramirez (ND) only went 4.1 innings, allowing 3 hits and striking out 7. He only threw 87 pitches before handing the ball over to the pen. Elmer Hawkns (3-1) took home the win with 2.2 innings of 2 hit ball. Dalton Whitaker pitched 9th, striking out the side, for the save (21). The Cav's had 11 hits, but left 8 men on base. Jeff Lewis, Mike Ford and Augusto Rodriquez each had 2 hits. Duke and Perez drove in the only runs.

Game 74:
Ellicott City 5, Norfolk 2
Shawn Brock (10-2) threw 7 innings, giving up 3 hits (2 ER), striking out 9. But was the tough luck loser as the offense couldn't get it going, leaving 11 men on base. Augusto Rodriquez, playing CF for the first time, replaced Kent Davis after he was injured on a defensive play, lead the offense with 3 hits. Derek Campbell and Jose Renteria each had 2 hits.

Injury News: Kent Davis was pulled in the first inning, after running into the wall making a defensive play. He was shoke up a little bit and should be back on the field tomorrow.

Game 75:
Norfolk 7, Richmond 2
Ron Reilly (8-2) threw a complete game, giving up 4 hits and 2 runs. The offense was lead by Mike Ford and Ed Duke both who had 3 hits and 2-RBI's. Duke added to his team lead in HR (15). King Brock added 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Injury News: Jose Escamilla has showed some discomfort in his elbow and the team trainer has said he should be removed from baseball activity for about 6 days. I have reach out to the Salisbury Ports to see if big-league vet, and current minor leaguer Joe Payne is available. I offered a minor leaguer and the GM said he'd have to think about it.

Around the League:

• Cristo Canseco's hitting streak came to an end at 31 games.
• Sam Skinner of hte VB Surf Dawgs hit streak has reached and ended at 20 games.
• Steve McClellan, Starter for the Ocean City Touirsts will miss 4-5 months with should inflammation. On the season he was 4-7 5.38 in 14 starts.
• Washington Senators rookie middle reliver will miss the next 12-13 months with a torn rotator cuff. At 22 years old he should still have plenty of time to recovery. In 15 games, Yo****oki Mori, has posted a 1-2 record with a 6.67 ERA.
• Anastasio Padno, of the Richmond Cardinals, will miss 4 weeks. The young 1B was struggling this season since being called up. hitting .138-0-5.
• The Lewes Braves shipped off SP Carlos Mateo (5-6 4.76 15 GS) to the Milton Brewers for Mark Morris (.257-2-19) and a 4* minor league prospect. Not sure why the Braves are giving up a pitcher, for Morris.

Hit Streaks of 30 games or more:
2015 - Steve Williams, Annapolis Admirals: 43
2018 - Cristo Canseco, Ocean City Tourists: 31
2015 - Glenn Jenkins, Lewes Braves: 30

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Miguel Ortega, Seaford Blue Jays, 11-22 2 HR's, 5 RBI's, 5 Runs
MarVa: Ed Duke, Norfolk Cavaliers, 9-17, 2 HR's, 5 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (150.6)
2) Dover Generals (111.4)
3) Ocean City Tourists (102.8)
4) Annapolis Admirals (100.6)
5) Baltimore Barons (99.2)

GM Notes: I have nothing to complain about. I have done nothing about complain about Ron Reilly yet he is 8-2. Maybe I am the one that has the problem not him... the offense wasn't firing on all cylinders this past week, but thats bound to happen. I am sure there will be time very soon when the pitching is just off... As we head into the All-Star Break we will have to figure out if we want to make some changes or just sit tight. I have thoughts, but I will need to sit back and look at our roster and at the future budget to see where we sit... I am curious how many Cav's will be on the all-star roster, 4 of our starters should appear on the team, with 3 or 4 bats appearing. Going to be interesting that is for sure.

[illeracula]

Today marks the 6th playing of the mid-season classic. The Delaware Conference has all buy dominated the All-Star games, winning 4 of the 5, including last years extra-inning victory. The MarVa Conference will try to break the 2-game winning streak, but its going to be tough.

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

The Dover Generals are sending 3/5 of their starting rotation, as well as their starting catcher and shortstop, as they lead the Delaware Conference with 5 all-stars. The Milford Clippers will be showing off their offense, sending 4 starts, they also sent a pitcher.

In the MarVa Conference the Cavaliers are sending 4 of their starting 5 as well as their closer, and then on top of that they are sending 5 position players, giving them 10 All-Stars this season. The Annapolis Admirals are sending 5 players including 3 middle relievers. You don't see that happen every year.

This should be a fun game to watch this year. Shawn Brock of the Norfolk Cavaliers is scheduled to get the ball for the MarVa Conference and Marcos Estrada is slated to get the ball for the Delaware Conference.

Lets Plays ball!

[illeracula]

The Norfolk Cavaliers will be sending 10 players to the mid-season showdown with 5 returning from last year and 4 making their first All-Star game appearance. Roberto Perez is the only one to appear in all 6 of the games.

Here is a list of the Cavaliers and how many appearances they have made in the All-Star game.
Shawn Brock (1)
Miguel Contreras (5)
Jose Matos (4)
Arturo Ramirez (1)
Dalton Whitaker (3)
Ed Duke (1)
King Brock (1)
Roberto Perez (6)
Kent Davis (4)
Jeff Lewis (3)

I am glad to see Arturo Ramirez making an appearnce. He was our first round draft pick in the 1st-year player draft in 2013. He is truly a home grown player.

[illeracula]

2018 All Star Game
Starters: (MarVa) Miguel Contreras vs (Delaware) Marcos Estrada

Cavaliers Notes: Kent Davis is leading off playing CF, Roberto Perez is batting second playing 3B.

Since this is game is being hosted by the Georgetown Sixteens, at The Ballpark of Georgetown, there will be no DH. We will see if the Delaware Conference can continue their All-Star dominance.

The game started off a pitching duel, with Contreras and Eastrada matching each other for the first 2 innings. It wasn't till the third when the Delaware Conference touched up Arturo Herrera for 3 runs, that all started with a Andy Kohl getting hit by the pitch, 3 hits later, the game Delaware Conference has the lead 3-0. The MarVa Confernece couldn't get anything going, scoring only one time, thanks to a Glenn Jenkins triple, one of only 2 MarVa hits, and a Abraham Thomas sac-fly.

MVC: 1-2-0
DEC: 3-7-1

W: Aaron Nicholas
L: Arturo Herrera
S: Carlos Rodriquez

POG: Errol Williams, 1-3 2B, 2 RBI's.

And it continues the Delaware Conference has now won 5 of 6 All-Star games.
All-Star Game History:
2013: MarVa 5, Delaware 6
2014: Delaware 6, MarVa 5
2015: MarVa 7, Delaware 1
2016: Delaware 8, MarVa 3
2017: Delaware 5, MarVa 3
2018: MarVa 1, Delaware 3

Cavaliers in Action:
Kent Davis 0-3
Roberto Perez 0-3
King Brock 0-1
Jeff Lewis 0-1
Ed Duke 0-1
Miguel Contreras 2 IP, 2 H, 1 K
Dalton Whitaker 1 IP, 1 BB, 2 K
Jose Matos 1 IP, 0 H
Shawn Brock 1 IP, 0 H, 1 K

[illeracula]

Players of the Month:
Delaware Conference:


Batter of the Month: John Bean, Milton Brewers
Bean June's Best Bat Choice: When John Bean stepped up to the plate in June, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Delaware Conference Batter of the Month award. The young Milton first baseman posted a .381 batting average with 6 home runs, 26 RBIs and scored 18 runs. Bean also worked pitchers for 8 walks to post a .429 on-base percentage. In this current campaign Bean is hitting at a .323 clip with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs.

Pitcher of the Month: Rob Evans, Seaford Blue Jays
Best Starter Chosen by Delaware Conference: This month the Delaware Conference spotlight fell on pitcher Rob Evans of the Seaford Blue Jays. What a June he had! A fine 4-1 won-lost record, 1.59 ERA, 5 starts, 34 innings pitched and 25 strikeouts -- good enough to get him the DDIV Pitcher of the Month. In pitching stats this season Evans has rung up 6 wins and 5 losses in 15 games. He has an ERA of 3.56 and has fanned 52 batters in 86 innings.

Rookie of the Month: Antonio Maldonado, Dover Generals
DE Conf Selects Rookie Star of the Month: António Maldonado's eyes seem to light up whenever he sees the baseball. The young Dover third baseman has been hitting everything in sight for the better part of a month. In June he was voted the Rookie of the Month Award. During the month he hit .369 with 5 doubles, no triples and 1 home run. Maldonado also scored 9 times and drove in 9 runs. On the season, Maldonado is batting .329 with 1 home run and 15 RBIs. He has played in 60 games.

MarVa Conference:


Batter of the Month: Steve Williams, Annapolis Admirals
Williams Captures MVDIV Batter of Month Award: Steve Williams is in the final year of his contract with Annapolis and today added a timely piece of hardware to his trophy case. Playing in 23 games in June the 28-year-old left fielder ripped MarVa Conference pitchers for a .365 batting average, nabbing him the Batter of the Month award. He also rang up 9 home runs, 28 RBIs and 21 runs scored. If Williams keeps up this pace, he'll cost someone a lot of money. This season Williams is hitting at a .340 pace with 16 home runs, 57 RBIs and has scored 51 times.

Pitcher of the Month: Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers
MV Conf Selects Contreras June's Top Starter: Miguel Contreras's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 5-0 in June, the 30-year-old Norfolk hurler has been named MarVa Conference Pitcher of the Month. He fanned 34 in 40 innings, logged an ERA of 1.13 and allowed opponents to hit .167 against him. In 16 starts this year Contreras has fashioned a 10-1 record and a 2.55 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: Pete Martin, Chesapeake Blue Crabs
MarVa Conference Names Rookie of Month: Pete Martin earned June's Rookie of the Month honors in the MarVa Conference for last month's performance. The boyish Chesapeake shortstop might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level. Martin hit .316 with 3 home runs, 13 RBIs and 10 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award. This season Martin is batting .285 with 5 home runs.

League Leaders (as of July 1st, 2018)
Delaware Division:
AVG: Francisco Durango (Georgetown Sixteens) .345
HR: Andy Kohl (Dover Generals) 23*
RBI: Andy Kohl (Dover Generals) 69*
SB: Pedro Galavan (Dover Generals) 38

ERA: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 2.00*
W: Anthony Dundee (Georgetown Sixteens) 11
K: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 121
SV: Aaron Nicholas (Newark Millers) 23*

Marva Division:
AVG: Kent Davis (Norfolk Cavaliers) .433
HR: Abraham Thomas (Washington Senators) 29
RBI: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 85
SB: Pedro Delon (Richmond Cardinals) 27

ERA: Shawn Brock (Norfolk Cavaliers) 1.85
W: Jose Matos (Norfolk Cavaliers) 11
K: Barney Butler (Washington Senators) 110*
SV(t): Dalton Whitaker (Norfolk Cavaliers) 22*
SV(t): Jose Chavez (Chesapeake Blue Crabs) 22




The Dover Generals have started to pull away from the Lewes Braves, as the Braves have gone through some injury trouble. Only being out 4 games, with one of the their better pitches out 2-3 more months, it makes the trade of Carlos Mateo even more mindblowing. Have they thrown in the towel? The Sixteens dropped to 6 games out, but I am not sure their season is over just yet... The Clippers cut down the New Castle Colonials lead with the surprising Newark Millers on their tail! This divsion looks like it might turn into being a 4 team race. The Iron Pigs are slumping and they are starting to put more and more weight on Marcos Estradas shoulders. This division is up for grabs.

Annapolis still holds a lead, but they lost a game as the Tourist made up some ground. I still the the Admirals are the team to beat in the Eastern Division, but I guess you can't count the Tourists out they do have a solid offense. Its really going to come down to starting pitching and whose can pitch better down stretch... The Cavaliers gained 10 games in June as the rest of the division struggled. The Ports were the only team, besides the Cav's, to have a winning June.

Ex-Cavaliers of Interest:
Don Sweetapple: 18 GS, 7-8 3.86, 2.8 WAR
Pablo Freitas: 62 G .269-10-25, 14 SB, 1.4 WAR
Sun Ho: (AAA) 13 G 21.2 IP 1-1 7.48 -0.1 WAR
Jose Rodriquez: (AAA) .316-10-31 1.1 WAR (demoted after 10 games .182-2-8)
Julio Romero: 70 G, .241-8-22 0.3 WAR, 24.2 CS%
Gilberto Ramos: (A) .264-3-42 (Property of Seaford Blue Jays)
Joe Gould: 18 G / 14 GS, 5-6 5.09 1.13 WHIP, 1.5 WAR (Back in Rotation)
Adrian Otero: 12 GS, 2-5 3.39 1.20 WHIP, 1.1 WAR (listed as Millers #2)

Norfolk Recap


Three months in and we have 3 20-win months. Pretty impressive, this might be the best Cavaliers team we have put together.
April: 21-4
May: 21-7
June: 20-5

Kent Davis hit .407, Jeff Lewis .374 and Ed Duke .384 in June. Derek Campbell warmed up and hit 7 HR's and King Brock added 5. Brock drove in 20, and Jeff Lewis scored 24 times. Pretty solid offensive numbers.

Our starters all had solid months with no one losing more than 1 game, Contreras went 5-0 and Matos 4-0. And only Ron Reilly posted an ERA over 2.55, at 4.30. Elmer Hawkins was lights out in the pen this month going 10.1 innings, allowing 7 hits and 1 run, and Dalton Whitaker picked up 9 saves and posted a 1.54 ERA in 11.2 innings, he struck out 18.

Mauro Candelaria will be back soon and when that happens I will be sending Derek Carter back down to AAA. The way the bullpen has been used, it doesn't make sense to carry 12 pitches. We will go with 11 for the time being and see what happens. Bryan O'Neill and Mike Ford will remain on the Roster as reserves.

I was in talks with the Generals to see if they would be willing to split with Claude Bond. I offered Derek Campbell, but they couldn't afford Campbell. I may still talk to Dover about Bond, but they will probably won't someone I am not willing to give up. Campbell showed off his power in June, and since he is under conrtol for another year its not inevitable that we move him, it would just be nice to try to get as much as possible for him.

We have a 23 game lead and our rotation is on fire. Its safe to assume as long as we play half-way decent ball and injury free we should be seeing ourselves in the playoffs. I mean if we don't win this division it would be a failure of epic proportions. Magic number is 62 with 84 games left to play.

Around the Minros:
Yokohama (AAA) 37-37 8 GB
Vaughn Griffith is ready for the show, we just don't have a roster slot for him. 8-4 3.68
Byung-hyun Chong is on the DL for 2 more weeks
Javier Janchez is slumping .224-4-11

New Orleans (AA) 41-37 6 GB
Ben Sanford continues to threw the ball well posting 18 SV and a 2.45 ERA
Paul Brown is 7-5 with a 4.19 ERA
Pete Alexander is hitting .305-7-36 back-up catcher of the future?

San Jose (A) 47-31 2 GB
Francisco Gallegos might be moving up soon Hittin g.337-11-44
Chris Brownell is 5-1 2.32 in 13 Starts
Bernardo Velez is putting together a nice season. .250-6-33
Tom Dundee was moved to San Jose but his bat slowed down a little. .229-0-6 (.264-3-16 w/ Jacksonville)
Vernon Tilly is off to a hot start .313-1-8

Jacksonville (A) 19-34 19 GB
Mike Heathcote is doing all right 1-2 2.45 in 3 starts
Raul Rubio is adapting well to his first season in the minors, coming from our Int Complex. .304-9-33

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-0 (63-16 - GB (+23))
Next Week: 3 vs Chesapeake Blue Crabs, 4 @ Ocean City Tourists
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 86
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 477 (1st)
Avg: ..300 (1st)
Runs Against: 220 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.63 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.38 (1st)
Def Eff: .733 (1st)

Game 76:
Norfolk 23, Richmond 1
Miguel Contreras (10-1) went 8.1 innings, allowing 6 hits and 1 run. The Cav's exploded for 23 runs, 13 in the 8th, as they put up the most runs I can remember. The offense hit 6 HR's: Derek Campbell 2 (14), King Brock (13), Kent Davis (2), Jesus Rivera (9) and Bryan O'Neil (2). Jesus Rivera lead the way with 5 hits and 5 RBI, Roberto Perez added 4 hits and 4 runs and Derek Campbell added 5 RBI's. The Cav's had a total of 26 hits.

Game 77:
Norfolk 3, Richmond 2
Jose matos went 7 innings, allowing 6 hits and 1 run. He was probably wondering why the offense didn't save some runs for him. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th, giving up a solo-HR, for the save (22). Jesus Rivera and Jeff Lewis lead the offense with 2 hits each, Lewis hit a solo-HR (14). Three different Cav's scored and three different Cav's drove in a run.

Game 78:
Norfolk 6, Richmond 1
Arturo Ramirez (10-2) pitched his first complete game, going all 9, allowing just 1 run on 8 hits. The Cav's offense beat up on Don Sweetapple, chasing him after 1.1 innings (6 H, 5 R), was lead by Roberto Perez who had 2 hits and 2 RBI, including a HR (12). Jeff Lewis and King Brock each added 3 hits, Brock added 2 RBI.

** All-Star Break **

Game 79:
Chesapeake 1, Norfolk 2
Shawn Brock (ND) took a tough luck ND as he went 7.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 run, as the Cav's took a tie game to the 9th. Elmer Hawkins took home the win (4-1) going 1/3 of an inning. The offense was quiet only managing 6 hits and 2 runs, both runs coming off the bat of Augusto Rodriquez who singled in the tying and winning run in the bottom of the 9th. King Brock added 2 hits.

Around the League:
Richmond Cardinals have let their Manager Monte Conley go. This is Conley's 2nd season as the Cardinals Manager, after being the Bench Coach the previous two. The Cardinals are 39-39 this season 23 games out. Monte has manged in Baltimore (2013) and Georgetown (2014) before Richmond and has posted a 248-244 .504 Career Record, he has never made the playoffs.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Ivan Gonzalez (Georgetown Sixteens) 5-10 2 HR's 5 RBI's
MarVa: Victor Moya (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs) 9-15 1 HR, 4 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (156.5)
2) Dover Generals (118.6)
3) Annapolis Admirals (113.4)
4) Lewes Braves (101.5)
5) Georgetown Sixteens (101.0)

GM Notes: I am getting antsy. I feel like I need to do something. Is it because this team has been a steamroller? Is it because everything so far this season has fallen into place? I don't know, but I have made up my mind! Derek Campbell will NOT be making 8 million in Norfolk next season. I have 30 days to trade him. Will that hurt this lineup? Sure a little, but I have 2 guys I will be confident with playing RF (Janchez or Chong) or maybe I go after that kid in Dover... I am looking forward to getting the final 83 games over and getting the playoffs started, but that being said I am happy that this team is running like an well oiled machine, makes me feel like I have done something right here in Norfolk... I do keep looking at those expansion teams thinking, huh, maybe...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 6-1 (69-17 - GB (+26))
Next Week: 4 vs Annapolis Admirals, 2 vs Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 86
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 544 (1st)
Avg: .305 (1st)
Runs Against: 235 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.60 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.23 (1st)
Def Eff: .729 (1st)

Game 80:
Chesapeake 7, Norfolk 17
Ron Reilly (9-2) didn't have a good game, but thanks to an offensive explosion was able to chalk up the win. Reilly went 6.2 innings, allowing 14 hits and 7 runs. The offense was led by Ed Duke who went 3-5 with 7 RBI's, including 2 HR's (17). King Brock and Jesus Rivera added 4 hits and Mike Ford and King each scored 4 times.

Game 81:
Chesapeake 0, Norfolk 9
Miguel Contreras (11-1) put on a show going 6.2 innings, allowing 6 hits and striking out 7. Jamie King threw the final 2.1 innings for the save. Jeff Lewis lead the way with 3 hits, and Kent Davis, Roberto Perez, Mike Ford and Jesus Rivera each added 2. Derek Campbell hit a solo-HR (15) and every starter had 1 hit and 1 RBI.

Game 82:
Chesapeake 0, Norfolk 14
Jose Matos (12-2) was 2 outs shy of a complete game, going 8.1 innings, allowing just 3 hits and striking out 8. King Brock was the offensive star of the game going 4-5 with 7 RBI's, including 2 HR's (15). Ed Duke went 2-2 with a HR (18). Kent Davis added 3 hits and 3 RBI's. John Phillips repalced Ed Duke in the 4th after Duke was injured after being HBP.

Game 83:
Norfolk 15, Ocean City 2
Arturo Ramirez (11-2) made it 3 straight starts without a starter giving up a run. Arturo went 6 innings, allowing 6 hits and striking out 5. Ivan Pineda went the final 3 allowing 4 hits and 2 runs for the save (2). Mike Ford lead the way with 4 hits, and Kent Davis, Roberto Perez and Ed Duke pounded out 3. Derek Campbell (16) and Roberto Perez (13) each HR'd and six different Cav's drove in 2 runs.

Game 84:
Norfolk 2, Ocean City 3
Shawn Brock (10-3) went 7.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs, and left the game saying "really". After the Cavs scored 38 runs in the previous 3 games, they could only manage 2 today. Jeff Lewis and King Brock both had 2 hits and a RBI to pace the offense.

Game 85:
Norfolk 8, Ocean City 2
Ron Reilly (10-2) got to the 10 win plateu with an 8 inning 11 hit performance, he allowed just 2 runs. Jeff Lewis lead the offense with 2 solo HR's (16) and 3 runs scored. Mike Ford and Jose Escamilla each added 2 hits.

Game 86:
Norfolk 2, Ocean City 1 (16 Innings)
Miguel Contreras (ND) went 7 innings, allowing 6 hits and 1 run, he struck out 8. Ron Harris (2-0) went 5.2 innings in relief to take home the win, and Derek Carter retired the final hitter for the save (1). The offense was lead by Jeff Lewis who had 4 hits and 2 RBI's. Mike Ford added 3 hits and Derek Campbell and Kent Davis each had 2.

Injury News: Derek Campbell left the game in the 6th after legging out a double. He is out for tomorrow game, and possible longer as we wait on a diganosis.

Around the League:

• Wilmington Iron Pigs will be without Pete MacCammon for 3 weeks with a rotator cuff strain. MacCammon means a lot to this team hitting .309-9-27 on the season.
• Dover Generals will be missing their starting short-stop and base stealer Pedro Galvan for 4 weeks. Pedro is suffering from elbow inflammation. .287-0-32.
• The Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs traded All-Star 2B to the New Castle Colonials, for a couple of prospects. Garner was hitting .323-4-39 before the trade.
• The Wilmington Iron Pigs and the Milford Clippers pulled off a big trade. The Iron Pigs ended up with Thomas Cooper (.313-11-43) and the Clippers got themselves a catcher and new #4 hitter in Jesus Nunez (.274-3-9 / 70G).
• Kieth Long of the already thin VA Beach Surf Dawgs wll miss 4 months with a torn labrum. H was 1-10 5.95 ERA on the season.
• A bunch of other minor deals.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Don White, Newark Millers, 13-28 2 HR's 7 RBI
MarVa: Jeff Lewis, Norfolk Cavaliers, .362-16-66

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (154.4)
2) New Castle Colonials (115.5)
3) Annapolis Admirals (113.8)
4) Dover Generals (112.9)
5) Georgetown Sixteens (106.5)

GM Notes: We are off to a hot start in July with the bats putting up some solid numbers. .. I did shop Derek Campbell around and I wasn't all that impressed with what was out there. Maybe I should wait till the winter meetings to start trimming down things. Go all in and try to win it all... One reason I am all about trading Campbell is in 2019 I will 2 big contracts (Matos @ 14.5 and Perez @ 12.5), and I can shed Campbell I might be able to sign them to extensions, otherwise they both will be moving on in 2019. Matos is getting a 3 million dollar raise next season, I didn't structure the deal, but I am living with it. If I don't trade Campbell it means no extensions for Matos or Perez. More likely I'd try to extend Perez, but we will see... I also looked to move Jose Escamilla. He should be a starter, but he can't for us, between Rivera and Rodriquez. He may be a little better than Rivera, but I have a bond with Rivera, being an original Cavalier. We are in discussion with Milford, Escamilla for 2 prospects. Problem is I would then need a INF utility man... I did find out I could get Joe Payne from the Seaford Blue Jays for close to nothing, he isn't Jose, but he would be a more rounded backup playing 5 positions vs Jose's 2...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (74-18 - GB (+27))
Next Week: 2 vs Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs, 4 @ Washington Senators, 1 vs Baltimore Barons
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 84 (-2)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 584 (1st)
Avg: .308 (1st)
Runs Against: 256 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.65 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.29 (1st)
Def Eff: .722 (1st)

Injury News: Before a diagnosis was available we placed Derek Campbell on the 15-day DL. This was pretty much jsut for precautionary measure, but with Mauro Candelaria ready to play figured it was the best bet. Mauro, an low rated RF, will assume Cambpells spot in RF. Jeff Lewis will bat 4th and Mauro 5th. The reason for this is Mike Ford who came up to fill in for Mauro when he was on the DL is on a tear hitting .369-1-12 in 21 games.

Game 87:
Annapolis 3, Norfolk 7
Jose Matos (13-2) only lasted 5.1 innings, throwing 97 pitches. The bullpen kept the Admirals at bay with Jamie King throwing a perfect final 2.2 for the save (3). The offense was lead by Jeff Lewis with 3 hits and 2 RBI's, including a HR (17), and King Brock who added a 2-run HR (16). Mike Ford, Jesus Rivera and Augusto Rodriquez all had 2 hits.

Game 88:
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 5
Arturo Ramirez (12-2) went 5.2 innings, allowing 5 hits, no runs and striking out 4. Derek Carter and Will Rose finished off the game. Mauro Candelaria and King Brock each had 2 hits, Candy had 3 RBI's and Brock 2.

Trade 1: The Cavaliers pulled off two trades today. Our first move was to ship Jose Escamilla off to the Milford Clippers. Jose was due approximatley $2 million in arbitration so it made the move easy. In return we got Sergio Galvez a 20 year old outfielder and the 79th prospect in the DBL, as well as Mario Reyes, a SS who is rated as the #13 prospect in the DBL. The fan intersted dropped 2 points with the departure of Escamilla. Escamilla was hitting .204-3-19 in 53 games for the Cav's. He will be the starting SS for the Clippers.

Trade 2: With the departure of Escamilla we have a huge hole in the utility fielder role... so we called up the Seaford Blue Jays and brought Joe Payne back. Payne was a utility man for us in 2015 and 2014. A little older, but still a solid fielder. Payne hit .259 for the Admirals last season, and after no one wanted him he signed on with the single A Ottawa team, his rights were late aquired by the Blue Jays. He was only hitting .289 in A-ball this season. All we had to send Seaford was a 9th round draft pick.

Game 89:
Annapolis 3, Norfolk 4
Shawn Brock (ND, 2 L's and 2 ND's last 4 starts) went 6.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits. Will Rose (5-1) took the win throwing the final 1.2 innings, allowing 3 hits, as the Cav's walked off. Roberto Perez lead the offense with 2 hits and 3 RBI's, including a HR (14). Mauro Candelaria and Augusto Rodriquez each had 2 hits, Augusto scored 2 times.

Injury News: Francisco Gonzalez gave us a call regarding Derek Campbell it is good news. Derek Campbell will miss 4 more days. All-in-all he will only miss about a week. He will rejoin the team in 11 days.

Game 90:
Annapolis 10, Norfolk 9
Ron Reilly (10-3) got roughed up, going 6.1 innings, allowing 10 hits and 7 runs, as the offense fought back, but feel just short. The offense had 15 hits, with Augusto Rodriquez leading the way with a 4-4 day, he also drove in 3. Ed Duke, King Brock, Roberto Perez and Kent Davis each had 2 hits. Brock drove in 2.

Team News: It was an off day today, but we got some good news as we were able to resign our manager Alastair Trucotte to a 4 year extension. Turcotte was our Bench Coach in 2013, then took over as manager in 2014. Since then he has guided us to a 487-251 record, and 3 Championships.

Game 91:
Virginia Beach 1, Norfolk 9
Miguel Contreras (12-1) took hom the win with a strong 8 innings, allowing 9 hits and 1 run. Roberto Perez lead the offense with 4 hits and 2 runs. Ed Duke added 2 hits, and Mike Ford and Kent Davis each had 2 hits. Bryan O'Neil hit a 2-run HR (3).

Game 92:
Virginia Beach 3, Norfolk 6
Jose Matos (14-2) went 7.1 innings, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs. Dalton Whitaker threw the 9th for the save (23). Jeff Lewis, Bryan O'Neil and Jesus Rivera each had 2 hits, Lewis scored 2 runs, and King Brock added 2 RBI's.

Around the League:
Oddly enough there was no real news this week. A couple of small trades so I will leave you with the stat of the week:
What rookie starting pitchers are leading the DELMARVA Baseball League in strike outs?
Joe Gould, Georgetown Sixteens, 94
Arturo Ramírez, Norfolk Cavaliers, 87
Carlos Hernández, Milton Brewers, 81
Emmett Atkins, Richmond Cardinals, 63
Ralph Roberts, Chesapeake Blue Crabs, 42

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Billy Moore, Milford Clippers, 10-19, 4 HR's, 7 RBI's
MarVa: Abraham Thomas, Washington Senators, 10-24 4 HR's, 13 RBI's, 7 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (152.8)
2) Dover Generals (114.5)
3) Annapolis Admirals (112.6)
4) New Castle Colonials (105.7)
5) Washington Senators (99.0)

GM Notes: Kent Davis is hitting .328 so far this month, and his average has dropped 30 points. Crazy to think hitting that high will drop your average. But when you are hitting .430 that is what happens. He is now at .415, hitting 400 may soon be out of the question, but the record batting average may still be in reach. Cliff Jones hit .383 in 2015... Jeff Lewis extended his hit streak to 29 games and will try to become the 4th player with a 30 game hit-streak next week... Miguel Contreras has some work ahead of him if he wants to win another triple crown. He is top 3 in all categories, but catching Matos and Barney Butler (K's) is going to be tough... Dalton Whitaker is on pace for 97 strikes outs, he has struck out over 100 for the past 5 seasons... I was a little disappointed in how long it took to diagnose Derek Campbell, but maybe its for the better, he gets some off days to heal so we don't risk greater injury. Plus it allows me to push of my roster decision for a little while longer...

[illeracula]

Trade 1: Norfolk Ships Escamilla to Milford
It's all done except the paperwork. The Norfolk Cavaliers and the Milford Clippers have agreed to a trade that will send 29-year-old second baseman José Escamilla to Milford, while 20-year-old right fielder Sergio Gálvez and 20-year-old minor league shortstop Mario Reyes will be shipped to Norfolk. A top front office executive with the Cavaliers described the trade talks as "quick and easy." "We're glad to get this deal done. We think it's something that helps our ball club and it didn't take too long at all to sort this one out," he said. Thus far this year Escamilla is hitting .204 with 3 home runs, 19 RBIs and 16 runs scored.

Jose Escamilla is 29 years old and about to hit his arbitration years. He came over to us in the off-season before the 2016 season, this was his 3rd year in Norfolk. His first year he played in 132 games, but in 2017 only 109 and so far this year only 53. As his production dropped so did his playing time. He is a solid fielder at 2B, 3B and SS, but for us he just played utility. He is a 3.5* player with fairly solid ratings (Contact: 8/8, Gap: 12/12, HR: 11/11, Eye: 14/14, Avoid K: 8/8) and should put up some decent numbers. The fans in Norfolk will miss him, but we believe we got back two kids who can play...

Sergio Galvez will be 21 after the season ends, and is a 4* prospect (current rating: 2). He is an outfielder with his best position being LF. We have him working on playing RF, so we will have some options. So far this year in AAA he was tearing it up .342-13-66, the Clippers thought he was ready and in 3 games he was 0-4 in the show. He will be assigned to AAA, with the hopes he will be on our big league roster next season (bye bye Derek Campbell?). He is a gold glove caliber LF'r with speed. His ratings make him out to be an all-around type player. Contact: 9/11, Gap: 12/12, HR: 5/11, Eye: 6/10, Avoid K's: 10/14. Antonio Diaz says: "Profiles as a future big-league regular, but he's got the talent to even exceed that projection". He signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2015, was named the #79 prospect in the DBL prior to this season.

Mario Reyes is a switch hitter, who just turned 20 years old and projects to be a 4.5* prospect (1* now). He is an average fielder, with below average speed. He has a solid bat and could turn into a star in the future. He only knows how to play SS, and while in AA New Orleans we will have him working on 2B and 3B. His ratings are Contact: 8/10, Gap: 11/11, HR: 4/8, Eye: 9/15, Avoid K's: 5/8. While with Milford's AA team, he hit .289-11-63. Antonio Diaz says: "A lot to liker here. Seems a lock to have a big-league futuer, with some star potential." Reyes signed with Milford out of Venezuela in 2014. In 2015 he was named the #76 prospect, in 2016 he was rated the #2 propsect and prior this season he was given the #13 rating.

Trade 2: Cavaliers Trade to Blue Jays for Payne
The Baseball News Network is reporting that the Cavaliers and Blue Jays have consummated a trade. Seaford will receive a 9th round draft pick in a swap for 31-year-old minor league shortstop Joe Payne. A league analyst called the trade a "pretty even transaction." In his career Payne is batting .257 with a total of 23 home runs.

Trading Escamilla was contingent on finding another player to fill the utility role. So we reached out to the Seaford Blue Jays and brought Joe Payne back to Norfolk. We signed Payne in 2014 as a free-agent, then 2 years later traded him away. This will be his 2nd tenure with us and we expect him to be our "super-utility" man. At 31 his batting skills aren't what they used to be, but he still plays gold-glove (won at SS in 2013) caliber defense at 2B, 3B, SS, as well as LF and is pretty decent in CF. Last season for Annapolis he hit .259-4-28, and during his minor league tenure this season he was hitting .289-4-38. Payne was placed on the active roster and put in as the back up 2B, SS, 3B and CF and 3rd string 1B. He will get some playing time at a lot of different spots, exactly what we need from him. Contact: 8/8, Gap: 9/9, HR: 4/4, Eye: 7/8, Avoid K's: 13/13