DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

You have just been informed by Tim Childers that he accepts your trade prosposal. He said: "This is barely fair, so let's trade now before I reconsider."

The Norfolk Cavaliers would send 30-year-old center fielder Kent Davis, 27-year-old catcher Ed Duke, 31-year-old second baseman Cody Johnson, 25-year-old starting pitcher Arturo Ramírez and 32-year-old reliever Rick Kelly to the Baltimore Barons, getting 26-year-old starting pitcher Tommy Rutledge, 35-year-old shortstop Pedro Morín, 25-year-old minor league starting pitcher Domingo Cardoza, 25-year-old reliever Gabriel Santos and a 2nd round draft pick in return.

You have 14 days to complete or reject the trade. Use the controls below.

Ok now I have a decision to make... to pull it off or not. I need to think about this and come up with an answer...

Break it down and how it effects the team:
Trading Kent Davis (17/10/2/6/14, 15 CF) means Ramon Granados (9/12/9/13/10 / 11 CF) and/or Javier Janchez (10/11/13/6/11, 19 CF) will take over in CF.

Trading Ed Duke (10/9/10/14/10, 16 C) means John O'Donegan (10/10/14/9/9, 12 C) will take over behind the plate.

Trading Arturo Ramirez (13/12/13, 7 Stam) means Tommy Rutledge (16711/12, 15 Stam) will be the #3.

Trading Rick Kelly (12/11/16, 3 Stam) means Gabriel Santos will take his role in the pen (13/11/14, 4 Stam)
- Gabriel was the Cavaliers #1 pick, #1 overall, in 2014 Draft.

Trading Cody Johnson (9/8/4/8/14, 2B, 3B, SS +14 Def) means Pedro Morin (8/10/10/11/16, 15(1b) DE, 9(2B)) and Mario Reyes (9/11/5/12/9, 10+ (SS/2B, 2 3B) will take over the utility role.

Plus we get a #2 draft pick and the #29th prospect in the game Domingo Cardoza (10/15/8).

Financial Overview:
When its over we will end up saving $15,010,000 towards the 2021 budget.
Arturo Ramirez (Local: Very Popular) & $6,500,000
Kent Davis (Local: Extremely Popular) & $10,500,000
Ed Duke (Local: Extremely Popular) & $8,500,000
Rick Kelly (Local: Insignificant) & Free Agent
Cody Johnson (Local: Unknown) & Free Agent
Dealing: $25,000,000 for 2021

Tommy Rutledge (Local: Popular/ National: Fair) & $9,500,000
Pedro Morin (Local/National: Fair) & Free Agent
Gabriel Santos (Local/National: Well Known) & $490,000
Domingo Cardoza (Local: Fair/ National: Unknown) & Minor League
Returning: $9,990,000

Thoughts:
Overall its a deal that I would pull off during the off-season, but do I pull it off during the season? A season when we are playing .700 ball? Financially it needs to be done. I think this deal will even make us a better team. Kent Davis is now 'Fragile', Arturo Ramirez is 'Fragile", Tommy Rutledge is one of the games top #2 starters. Adding him to the rotation, makes our top 4 really awesome.

My problem is that it is mid-season... I would like to make my decision before I finish my Wilmington Series and we are 2 games in... I will have to review the effects and see if this makes sense to do now, a deal like this might not come along this off-season however.

[illeracula]

Players had to say quick good-byes to their teammates this morning after learning that Norfolk had traded 30-year-old center fielder Kent Davis, 27-year-old catcher Ed Duke, 31-year-old third baseman Cody Johnson, 25-year-old starting pitcher Arturo Ramírez and 32-year-old reliever Rick Kelly to Barons for 26-year-old starting pitcher Tommy Rutledge, 35-year-old first baseman Pedro Morín, 25-year-old minor league starting pitcher Domingo Cardoza, 25-year-old reliever Gabriel Santos and a 2nd round draft pick. Club officials for both teams told reporters the major swap was finalized over the past two days after a week of negotiations.

Presently Ramírez has a 6-3 mark in 18 starts with a 3.69 ERA. He has given up 99 hits in 112.1 innings, struck out 88 and issued 31 walks. Opposing clubs have compiled a .233 batting average against him.

This year Rutledge has gone 9-3 with an ERA of 2.15 and has 146 strikeouts in 129.2 innings.

==========
My Thoughts:
Well I pulled it off for the better of the team, at least that is what I am telling myself. Rutledge will be on the hill tonight against Annapolis and we will be anxiously awaiting how he does. He will be throwing on short rest, but he says he is ready and anxious...

This was a tough deal for me to make, but in the financial interest of this team and the long term stability it just made sense. Yes it would of made more sense in the off-season, but I didn't know if this was going to be around this off season. Its not often when a first place team trades away 3 positional starters, a bullpen man and a starter in mid-season, but it needed to be done.

One reason I pulled off this deal is I have Mark Botlon, my #1 pick from 2019, moving up the minor league chain and almost ready to make the active roster. Bolton was moved up to AAA in hopes to get some more development in. Bolton will be the Catcher of the future, most likely with John O'Donegan. They will make a nice Righty/Lefty platoon (Botlon hits lefty).

I really didn't want to trade Arturo Ramirez, but in the end his poor development over the past 2-years, made me move him, instead of Vaughan Griffith, not to mention he is on his arbitration season.

The fans in Norfolk aren't happy with the loss of 3 of their favorites and the fan interest dropped, but hopefully we can earn their hearts back as we continue to win (hopefully) the rest of this season...

Roster Moves:
With 5 players coming off the 25-man roster (Kent Davis, Ed Duke, Cody Johnson, Arturo Ramirez and Rick Kelly) and only 3 players, from the trade, coming on to the 25-man (Gabriel Santos, Tommy Rutledge and Jose Morin) I had to make a couple of moves. John Phillips got the call and will now be the #2 catcher, and Bryan O'Neil was recalled for the first time this season. He will be around about 5 days until Javier Janchez comes off the DL.

Interesting Things:
Kent Davis was drafted in the 11th round of the Inaugural draft by the Baltimore Barons. He reached the bigs in 2014 with the Barons and played there till 2016 when the Cavaliers acquired him. On the other end of that deal was, at the time the #14th prospect in the DBL, Gabriel Santos. Gabriel was the #1 pick overall in the 2014 draft. Once thought to be a top starter in the game, Santos has turned himself into an elite relief pitching prospect.

Things to follow up on at the end of the season:
Current Record: 72-24 .750 WPct
Runs/Game: 5.47 (525 Total - 2nd in league)
Runs Allowed/Game: 3.27 (314 Total - 1st in league)

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-3 (73-26 - GB (+23.5))
Next Week: 3 vs Baltimore, 3 @ Salisbury Ports
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 78 (-11)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 542 (2nd)
Avg: .282 (2nd)
HR: 124 (1st)
SB: 107 (1st)
Runs Against: 332 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.11 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.31 (1st)
Def Eff: .711 (1st)

Game 93: Norfolk 5, Wilmington 1
Takayuki Iemochi (13-2) continued his strong season, going 8 innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits, while striking out 7. Jeff Lewis lead the way with a 2-3 day, including a HR (13), 2 runs and 3 RBI's. Francisco Reyes added 2 hits and 2 RBI's. For the game the Cav's had 8 hits and left 7 on.

Game 94: Norfolk 3, Wilmington 4
Vaughan Griffith (10-6) got roughed up, not making it out of the 4th. Vaughan went 3.2 innings, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs. Jeff Lewis once again lead the way with 2 hits and 2 RBI's, cinluding a HR (14). The Cav's had 7 hits and left 5 on. Ex-Cav Shawn Brock showed the Cav's what they gave up collecting the win.

Game 95: Norfolk 6, Wilmington 2
Miguel Contreras (8-2) threw 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 1 run, striking out 9. The Cav's were lead by Kent Davis who had 3 hits and 2 runs. For the game the Cav's offense wasn't great, collecting 11 singles and leaving 6 on, but did enough to get the W.

Game 96: Norfolk 9, Wilmington 0
Matt Hollis (17-2) continued his dominance, going 9 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 walks and striking out 9 on his way to complete game shut-out. The offense was lead by Francisco Reyes who had 3 hits, 2 runs and 3 RBI's and Jeff Lewis who had 2 hits, 3 runs and 2 RBI's. Reyes (30), Lewis (15) and Brock (15) all went deep. The Cav's had 10 hits, 7 for extra-bases, and left 5 on.

Transactions: After the big trade was made I was ready to start Ruledge on short rest, but decided against it. Armando Lopez was called up and placed on the active roster for 1 game, so he could get the start. After the game he was sent back down to AAA and the rotation went back to normal. Everyone had a day off.

Game 97: Annapolis 8, Norfolk 7
Armando Lopez (2-2) didn't fair well in his start, giving up 6 runs (5 ER), on 6 hits and 3 walks in 2.1 innings. Gabriel Santos made his debut out of the pen giving up 2 runs on 5 hits over 2.2 innings. Jeff Lewis lead the way with 4 hits and 3 runs. Francisco Reyes added 2 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBI's. The Cav's collected 14 hits, but left 8 men on.

Transactions: Armando Lopez was sent down to AAA, and Bryan O'Neil was added back to the roster.

Game 98: Annapolis 3, Norfolk 0
Tommy Rutledge (9-4/0-1) went 7 innings, allowing 9 hits and 2 runs, while striking out 5. Joe Chambers lead the offense with 2 hits and Sergio Galvez had a double for the only extra-base hit. The Cav's had 8 hits and left 6 men on.

Game 99: Annapolis 7, Norfolk 10
Takayuki Iemochi (ND) went 6.1 innings, allowing 9 hits and 4 runs. Luis Gonzalez (2-0) was awful in 2/3 of inning, allowing 3 hits and 3 runs, but was credited with the win. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9 for the save (27). John O'Donegan and Ramon Granados each had 3 hits. Jeff Lewis lead the team with 3 RBI's, Sergio Galvez and Mario Reyes each had 2 RBI's. The Cav's collected a total of 17 hits and left 7 on.

Team News: Jeff Lewis extended his hit streak to 32 games with 3-5 game.

League News:

• Ellicott Citys Hermino Bovay's hit streak came to an end at 24-games
• A lot of minor trades this week, but nothing interesting.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Pablo Freitas (Georgetown Sixteens) 13-29, 2 HR's, 6 RBI's
MarVa: Jeff Lewis (Norfolk Cavaliers) 15-30, 3 HR's, 11 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (135.7)
2) New Castle Colonials (113.9)
3) Ocean City Tourists (107.9)
4) Dover Generals (103.0)
5) Lewes Braves (101.0)

GM Notes:
The Lewes Braves must know much I like pitching as they offered one of the games best Jorge Moran for Francisco Reyes and a lot of ML talent. Not a deal I am going to make now, because I don't want to dump minor league players. I just found it funny. I thought about it for a little bit, but I am not ready to pull of that kind of deal. The deals I make will have to make financial sense as well... I have to admit I am having some "buyers remorse" right now, so I am anxious to get this season going and to see how these guys go. I know me and I will be stalking Davis, Ramirez and Duke over the next few weeks. My OCD will get the best of me. I did give up a lot, but it was necessary... And now we are heading into a 3-game series with those Barons... Jeff Lewis is on fire right now, Francisco Reyes is having an off-season, regressing to the mean, from what he has done over the previous years... I am excited about this team, and I look forward to getting Janchez back tomorrow... Contreras and Hollis have just been amazing, thank goodness they are on my team, truly carrying this team.

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Monthly Awards

Great July Gets Miller Delaware Conference Best Hitter Award: On the heels of a very productive July, Stan Miller received Delaware Conference Batter of the Month recognition today. The battle-tested center fielder hit .375 for the Georgetown Sixteens and racked up 12 home runs, 40 RBIs and 25 runs scored. Miller is presently hitting at a .294 pace with 31 home runs and 102 RBIs. He has played in 102 games and scored 70 times.

Trevino Top Delaware Conference Starter in July: Veteran Luis Trevino put together quite a successful stretch in July for the Newark Millers, earning himself the Delaware Conference Pitcher of the Month award. Trevino racked up a 5-0 record in 5 starts, posting a 1.45 ERA over 31 innings and striking out 14. In the current season in 20 starts, Luis Trevino has a record of 14-2 with 42 strikeouts in 116.2 innings and a 2.47 ERA.

Delaware Conference Names Rookie of Month: Newark's Jorge Hernández collected 26 hits to snare the Delaware Conference Rookie of the Month for July. He batted .342 with 4 home runs, 15 RBIs and 13 runs scored. The 21-year-old is barely old enough to shave, but he could definitely contend for Rookie of the Year if he keeps up this pace. So far this year, Hernández is batting .286 with 7 home runs and 41 RBIs.

MarVa Conference Monthly Awards

Ocean City's Ruíz Snaps up July Batting Award: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 30-year-old Miguel Ruíz put together a solid offensive month for Ocean City and was crowned July's top batter in the MarVa Conference. He batted .384 with 10 home runs, 32 RBIs and 26 runs scored. This year Ruíz has hit at a .280 clip with 75 RBIs, 23 home runs and 61 runs scored.

Relief Star Wins MarVa Conference Top Pitcher Honors: John Heath was the anchor in the Baltimore bullpen last month and snatched up the MarVa Conference Pitcher of the Month honors for July. The 27-year-old is in the prime of his career and pitching like he intends to stay around baseball for quite some time to come. He threw 12.2 innings over 11 relief appearances and collected a 2-0 record with 15 strikeouts and 7 saves while etching his 1.42 ERA. Up to this point in the season, Heath has made 46 relief appearances with 28 saves. Heath has also recorded a 5-4 won-lost mark with a 3.51 ERA. In 48.2 innings he has fanned 49.

González Selected July's Top Newcomer: José González sure isn't playing like the rookie he is. The 26-year-old catcher for Virginia Beach is rapping the ball like a seasoned veteran in the MarVa Conference and today he took home the Rookie of the Month Award for his effort. In July, González compiled a .310 batting average. He drove in 13 runs, hit 3 home runs and scored 11 times. González is batting at a .285 pace this season, picking up 101 hits in 354 at-bats with 12 home runs, 44 RBIs and 41 runs scored.

Delaware Conference League Leaders



MarVa Conference League Leaders



Standings as of August 1st 2020



The Dover Generals and the Lewes Braves look to be the class of the Southern Division. The Generals have a very well rounded team, and the Braves are all about pitching. They couldn't get the offensive help they wanted/needed at the break, which I think puts them at a disavantage in this divsion. I am going to say at the end of August, Dover will have a good handle on this division.

Over in the Northern Division, the Colonials are starting to pull away. I thought this was going to be a good race, but it is starting to look like the Colonials are going to pull away. Should be an interesting August.

Ocean City started to pull with the Eastern, and what was a 4 team race is turning into a 2 team race. The Barons made a huge trade this month to make a run at the division title. They are serious, but the Tourists aren't going to go down without a fight... even at 9 games out, you can't count the Admirals out.

The Cavaliers had another solid month in July and hold a huge lead. They have struggled after pulling off a huge-mid-season deal, but even faltering they should be able to hang on to a 23 game lead, especially with 2 of the games best pitchers holding down the rotation.

[illeracula]

The pitching staff had another good month. Vaughan Griffith is slumping, as is Dalton Whitaker and I need both of those guys to turn it around. Dalton seems to struggle after the All-Star break every year. Hopefully August and September will be good for him. Its pretty sad that we only had 3 saves in July!



The offense had a pretty good month with Reyes, Brock and Lewis all driving in 20+ runs and hitting .290 and over. Joe Chambers had a hot month and Kent Davis was warming up before being shipped off.

The young kids in the outfield (Galvez, Janchez and Granados) will need to step it up in August. Hopefully Janchez won't be out too long. Galvez is getting a lot of time at first, with Gosselin struggling. Maybe its time to bring up Francisco Gallegos who is tearing it up down on the farm. Something to keep an eye out for in August.

I do need to stay healthy, when players like Janchez and Candelaria spend more time on the shelf than they do on the field then I am going to have issues.



We struggled in July winning only 16 games, and we pulled off a huge trade. It will be interesting to see what happens in August. Do the young guys step it up? Can the pitching staff carry this team? With a bunch of new guys will this team gel?

I feel more attached to this team after the deal, than I did before the trade. I was sad to see Arturo Ramirez go, but now with this overhaul I feel like the success over the rest of the season is on me. Win or lose I am too blame, especially if we just collapse over the final 60 games.

[illeracula]

The center point of the bill mid-season deal was Tommy Rutledge. Rutledge is 26-years old and in the middle of his 5 big-league season. Tommy was drafted in the second round of the 2013 1st year player draft, the 20th pick overall, out of high-school. At the beginning of the 2014 season he was named the 29th prospect in the DelMarVa Baseball league.

In the beginning of 2015 he was named the 9th best prospect and started his year in AA, after finishing 2014 in AA. That year in 22 starts Tommy went 15-2 2.89 to take home the AA Golden Arm award, and the Barons knew they had someone special on the way up. After splitting time in AA and AAA in 2015, he eyed a roster spot wit the Barons.

In to 2016 he was named the #12 prospect in the DBL, and was disappointed to hear that he would start the season in AAA. But his time in AAA didn't last but one start, before the Barons came calling. In 2016 his first year with the big-league club Tommy struggled, but the season was highlighted by a 1-hit shutout in August.

In 2018 with the Barons he won 20 games, in 2019 he won 15, and at the age of 26 has been named as one of the up-and-coming pitchers in the game. Alexis Shelton had this to say about Tommy during a recent scouting trip "When Rutledge throws, hitters can only pray they get the bat on the ball. His stuff is downright nasty."

The Cav's gave up a lot for him. Tommy is signed for 2 more years, and the Cav's will hope to get him resigned. Either way they are happy to have him on their team and look forward to him holding down the #3 slot in the rotation for at leas the next 2 years.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 2-4 (75-30 - GB (+23.5))
Next Week: 3 @ Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs, 3 @ Richmond Cardinals
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 78
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 570 (3rd)
Avg: .280 (2nd)
HR: 132 (1st)
SB: 112 (1st)
Runs Against: 364 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.25 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.33 (1st)
Def Eff: .710 (1st)

Game 100: Baltimore 9, Norfolk 7 (10 Innings)
Vaughan Griffith (ND) got roughed up in his 2.2 innings of work, giving up 7 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. Derek Carter (6-1) tookthe loss giving up 2 hits and 2 runs in the 10th. Five different Cavaliers had 2 hits. King Brock, Jeff Lewis and Sergio Gavlez all drove in 2. Brock hit a HR (16). On the day the Cav's had 11 hits and left 8 men standing around.

Transactions: Javier Janchez is ready to come off the DL. Bryan O'Neil will be sent back down to AAA and Janchez will be placed on the active roster. Janchez and Ramon Granados will split time in CF.

Game 101: Baltimore 4, Norfolk 3
Miguel Contreras (ND) did all he could, holding the Barons to 1 run on 4 hits, while striking out 8 over 8 innings. But Dalton Whitaker (1-4, BS 2) fought control issues and took the loss, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. Francisco Reyes hit a 2-run HR (31) and Javier Janchez hit a solo-shot (4) for the offensive highlights. The Cav's only had 5 hits on the day, and left 4 men on.

Game 102: Baltimore 10, Norfolk 4
Matt Hollis (17-3) had one of his worst starts in his career, giving up 7 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk in 1.2 innings. He didn't record a strikeout. Ramon Granados, Francisco Reyes and King Brock all had 2 hits. Javier Janchez stole his 21st base. On the day the Cav's had 11 hits and left 8 men stranded.

Game 103: Norfolk 7, Salisbury 5
Tommy Rutledge (ND) threw 6.1 innings of decent ball, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits, while striking out 6. Rafeal Rodriguez (4-2/3-0) took home the win with 1.1. innings of releif, giving up 1 run on 2 hits. Dalton Whitaker picked up the save (28). King Brock lead the offense with 3 hits and 6 RBI's, tying a league record with 3 HR's (19). Francisco Reyes and Johen O'Donegan each added 2 hits. The Cav's had 9 total hits and left 5 men on.

Injury News: Javier Janchez was removed from the game after he collided with the second baseman. We await his diagnosis.

Game 104: Norfolk 1, Salisbury 2
Takayuki Iemochi (13-3) was a tough loser going 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs as the offense sputtered. The Cav's had 5 players collect a single. Cav's had 5 hits and left 5 men on.

Team News: Jeff Lewis had his hitting streak halted at 35 games. The 4th longest in DBL history and one game shy of his own personal long.
1) Steve Williams 43 (2015 - Annapolis Admirals)
2) Kiyonobu Matsuura 39 (2018 - Annapolis Admirals)
3) Jeff Lewis 36 (2018 - Norfolk Cavaliers)
4) Jeff Lewis 35 (2020 - Norfolk Cavaliers)
5) Cristo Canseco 31 (2018 - Ocean City Tourists)
6) Glenn Jenkins 30 (2015 - Lewes Braves / DE Conf Record)

Game 105: Norfolk 6, Salisbury 2
Vaughan Griffith (11-6) after a string of rocky starts Griffith finally settled down and threw a good game, going 7.1 innings, allowing 8 hits and just 2 runs. Dalton Whitaker pickd up the save (29) with a perfect 9th. King Brock finished a strong week with 2 hits and 2 RBI's including a HR (20). Francisco Reyes also added a HR (32). Augusto Rodriguez added 2 RBI's. On teh day the offense had 10 htis and left 3 men on.

League News:

• The Baltimore Barons shipped prospect William Jones (AAA, .399-15-58)to the Newark Millers for Jesse Manning (1-5 5.86, 36 G) and minor leaguer Kevin Snyder.
• Kevin Norris of the Milford Clippers extended his hit streak to 20 games.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Pete MacCammon (Georgetown Sixteens) 9-22, 2 HR's, 8 RBI's
MarVa: King Brock (Norfolk Cavaliers) 10-23, 5 HR's, 11 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (127.6)
2) New Castle Colonials (122.1)
3) Ocean City Tourists (112.6)
4) Baltimore Barons (105.5)
5) Dover Generals (104.1)

GM Notes:
I decided to keep Vaughan Griffith over Arturo Ramirez in the big trade, because of Vaughans control and stamina, plus Vaughan is only 23 years old. He has struggled last month, but for the most part he has had a good year. I just hope he doesn't make me regret giving up one of my personal favorites... Javier Janchez come off the DL and was hot, then wham! I really hope he isn't one of those players that are going to fall of the map because he can't seem to stay healthy. Once thought to be a 5-toll prospect/star and now I am not sure what to expect from him... This was a bad week, and some bad timing with that trade as the Barons just owned us. Actually thats not completely true we should of won 2 of those games. The Cav's are just slumping heading into the final 2 months. Hopefully this team will start coming together, as I have mentioned all season they just seem off. The young guys aren't keeping up with the veterans... This week starts off with an off-day then a 3 games against the Surf Dawgs, they are always good games for this team, hopefully we can get some momentum and get back on top this month.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (80-31 - GB (+25.5))
Next Week: 2 vs Ellicott City Express, 4 @ Milton Brewers
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 81 (+3)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 603 (1st)
Avg: .281 (2nd)
HR: 141 (1st)
SB: 115 (1st)
Runs Against: 376 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.17 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.31 (1st)
Def Eff: .714 (1st)

Transaction News: With the injury to Janchez I have to bring up an outfielder for backup reasons. I would like to find someone who can play multiple outfield slots well. O'Neil would be the obvious pick, but he doesn't play CF. I am going to bring up John Stewart, a 22 year old outfielder to take over the back-up OF duties. I also thought about Fran Gallegos coming up to replace Yann Gosselin, but decided not yet. Gallegos has been getting some time in LF and has done well learning the new position.

Game 106: Norfolk 6, Virginia Beach 0
Miguel Contreras (9-2) was lights out today against the Dawgs, going 9 shut-out innings, allowing just 3 hits and striking out 12. Francisco Reyes had 3 hits and 2 RBI's, including a HR (33). King Brock added 3 hits. John O'Donegan and Augusto Rodriguez each had 2 hits and 2 RBI's. The Cav's had 16 hits on the day, and left a whopping 15 men on.

Debut: John Steward came into the game as a defensive replacement in the 7th, and singled in his only AB.

Minor Deal: We singed 31-year old veteran Chris Gross to a minor league deal. Gross will take some swings down in AAA and could see some time on the big league roster later this year. He was the outfield free-agent out there.

Game 107: Norfolk 1, Virigina Beach 4
Matt Hollis (17-4) went 6.1 innings, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs, while walking 3 and striking out 8. The offense was lead by Jeff Lewis, who had 2 hits, including a solo-HR (16). King Brock added 2 hits. On the day the Cav's had 6 hits and stranded 5.

Game 108: Norfolk 11, Virigina Beach 3
Tommy Rutledge (10-4) went all 9 for his first win as a Cavalier, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 7. King Brock lead the offense with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. John O'Donegan had 2 hits and 3 RBI's, including a 3-run HR (8). Ramon Granados added 2 RBI's and 2 Runs, as well has hitting a HR (8). The Cav's collected 16 hits and left 9 men on base.

Transactions: The Cavaliers and Will Rose have agreed to a 1-year extension to keep the 33 year old lefty in Norfolk. Rose is attempting to come back from a year-off due to an injury. He has struggled in AAA, but was willing to take a 50% pay cut to hang around in NFK.

Game 109: Norfolk 4, Richmond 3
Takayuki Iemochi (14-3) went 8 strong, allwoing 6 hits and 2 runs. He walked 4 and struck out 6. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (30). King Brock was the offensive star, going 3-4 with 3 RBI's, including a 2-run HR (21). Francisco Reyes added 3 hits and 2 runs. The Cav's had 10 hits total and left 6 men on.

Transactions: Will Rose has been promoted after after his rehab assignment comes to a close. Ernesto Beneques (1-1 3.72 in 17 Games) was demoted to make room for Rose. Pedro Morin was placed on waivers, hoping someone takes him off our hands, and if that does happen, Beneques will be back up. I couldn't demote Rose so I had to make a move. Hopefully, it doesn't backfire. We know have 3 lefties in the bullpen.

Game 110: Norfolk 3, Richmond 2
Vaughan Griffith (12-6) had his second solid start in a row, going 8 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs. He struck out 7. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (31). Jeff Lewis lead the offense with 3 hits and 2 RBI's, including a solo-HR (17). All in all the Cav's had 10 hits and left 9 men on.

Transactions: Mauro Candelaria is ready to come off the DL, he will be sent to AAA to get a few swings in before coming back up to take over 2B duties.

Game 111: Norfolk 8, Richmond 0
Miguel Contreras (10-2) continued with his scoreless streak going 8.1 innings, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 9. The Cav's got revenge on Sweetapple this game. Jeff Lewis had 3 hits, 3 Runs and 3 RBI's, including a long ball (18). King Brock (22) and Francisco Reyes (34) each added 2-run HR's. For the game the Cav's had 9 hits and left 2 on.

League News:

• Joe Davis, who just came over to the Milton Brewers, will miss the next few weeks, after the sudden death of his wife.
• Joe Davis mourned for 3 days and is back with the Milton Brewers.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Eduardo Greene (Seaford Blue Jays) 11-23, 3 HR's, 9 RBI's, 5 Runs
MarVa: Glenn Jenkins (Ellicott City Express) 12-23, 3 HR's, 8 RBI's, 8 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (137.7)
2) New Castle Colonials (112.9)
3) Ocean City Tourists (104.7)
4) Newark Millers (101.8)
5) Baltimore Barons (101.0)

GM Notes:
It always feels good to play the Surf Dawgs for some reason we hit them well and it gives our team a confidence boost. This week was no different, yes we lost to them, but we hit the ball well, pitched well, and fielded well all week... Hopefully Hollis isn't hurt, or maybe giving him an extra day off really threw him off. Hopefully he gets back in sync soon. He has thrown a lot of pitches so maybe it might be wise to put a pitch count on him for a while. somethings to think about. I would hate to burn him out and he does have a career high 8 CG's... This week made me feel better about the big deal. For some reason this team just goes flat after the all-star break, I think I go through this every year... 51 more games to go before the playoffs. This team needs to gel and get ready for the playoffs, if we can play like we did last week we should be set... I doubt anyone will claim Morin from waivers, but it would be really nice if someone does. He is a free-agent at years end and wouldn't cost much for the final 2 months.

[oriole^]

Wow. I've run a dynasty before with a team in Ocean City...it was my first team when doing Statis-Pro Baseball back in the day, in fact. And I live in Columbia, just outside Ellicott City, and my daughter is a senior at UD in Newark. Not sure who to cheer for! Anyway, good work!

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by oriole^

Wow. I've run a dynasty before with a team in Ocean City...it was my first team when doing Statis-Pro Baseball back in the day, in fact. And I live in Columbia, just outside Ellicott City, and my daughter is a senior at UD in Newark. Not sure who to cheer for! Anyway, good work!

Thanks for reading a long. Funny to hear the ties you have to the areas in my league.

I live in Delaware and I have always had some kind of DE minor leagues. I grew this into Delaware Maryland and Virginia because I wanted more teams and was running out of places in Delaware to use, but wanted to keep it on a smaller scale.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 2-4 (82-35 - GB (+25.5))
Next Week: 4 vs Seaford Blue Jays, 3 @ Salisbury Ports
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 81
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 624 (2nd)
Avg: .280 (2nd)
HR: 145 (1st)
SB: 124 (1st)
Runs Against: 402 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.22 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.36 (1st)
Def Eff: .712 (1st)

Game 112: Ellicott City 3, Norfolk 4
Matt Hollis (ND) continued to struggle, going 4.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, walking 4 and striking out 7. Rafael Rodriguez (4-4/3-1) took the loss, giving up an unearned run in 1.2 innings of work, he struck out 4. Ramon Granados lead the way with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. Jeff Lewis added 2 hits. On the day the Cav's had 10 hits and left 14 on!

Game 113: Ellicott City 5, Norfolk 1
Tommy Rutledge (11-4) threw a complete game, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits. He struck out 6. Jeff Lewis lead the team with 3 hits and 2 runs, and Francisco Reyes drove in 3, including a 2-run HR (35). The Cav's had 9 hits total, and left 5 stranded.

Game 114: Norfolk 0, Milton 3
Takayuki Iemochi (14-4) went 7 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs, walking 1 and striking out 4. The offense continued to struggle with 5 players picking up hits, Francisco Reyes and Augusto Rodriguez both doubled. The Cav's had 5 hits total and left 5 runners on.

Game 115: Norfolk 0, Milton 3
Vaughan Griffith (12-7) continued to throw the ball despite the loss, giving up 3 runs over 7 innings, on 6 hits adn 3 walks, while striking out 8. The Cav's offens was anemic once again and their scoreless streak is now at 21 innings. The Cav's had 3 total hits, all singles and left 5 men on.

Game 116: Norfolk 7, Milton 3
Miguel Contreras (11-2) didn't have his A-game, but had enough to keep the Brewers at bay. Miguel gave up 10 hits and 2 runs, while striking out 9 over 6 innings. The Cav's offense woke up a little today scoring 1 run in each of the first 4 innings. THey were lead by John Phillips, who went 3-4 with 3 runs and 2 RBI's, including a solo-HR (1). King Brock added a solo-HR (23). On the day the Cav's collected 13 hits and left 9 on.

Transactions: Rafael Rodriguez was sent down to AAA and Paul Brown was called up to take Matt Hollis spot. Rodrigez was the only "tired" member of the bullpen.

Game 117: Norfolk 6, Milton 12
Paul Brown (0-1) got roughed up in 2 innings of work, giving up 5 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks, he did strike out 2. Will Rose didn't fair much better in his return to the mound, giving up 7 runs (6 ER) on 6 hits in 1/3 of an inning. John O'Donegan had 2 hits, including a solo-HR (9) to lead the offense. Seven other Cav's had hits. On the Day the Cav's had 9 hits and left 6 on.

Transactions: Paul Brown was sent back down to AAA and Rafael Rodriguez recalled. Hollis will have some additional days off before his next start. I have 5 days to decide if I want to pitch count him or not.

League News:

• Macario Abelaira of the Dover Generals will miss at least 5 months with bone chips in his elbow. Macario was 9-4 4.40 in 23 games for the 1st place Generals.
• The reliable Roberto Perez will be spending time on the DL, as he is expected to miss 4 weeks with an oblique strain. A big blow as the Tourists try to hold on to first. Perez is hitting .309-14-59 on the season
• Grant Wright, of the Georgetown Sixteens, will miss 4 months with a broken kneecap. Wright was hitting .298-2-31.
• The Wilmington Iron Pigs will be without Fred Bishop for the next 4 months, after Bishop fractured his ankle. Bishop was hitting .290-9-53 on the season.
• All-Star Derek Campbell of the Washington Senators will be out the next 6 weeks with a strained groin muscle. Campbell was hitting .264-28-93 on the season.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Andy Kohl (Dover Generals) 12-23, 4 HR's, 10 RBI's
MarVa: Raul Gutierrez (Salisbury Ports) 12-29, 5 HR's, 8 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (127.2)
2) New Castle Colonials (113.3)
3) Newark Millers (108.1)
4) Lewes Braves (107.3)
5) Wilmington Iron Pigs (107.3)

GM Notes:
This was an awful offensive week. Hopefully the next week against two of the worse teams in the game we will can get some momentum going. I thought we had it after last week, but nope we sure didn't... Will Rose has struggled getting people out and I am not sure what I can do with him. I may end up bringing someone up and put him on the do-not-use list. In 2/3 of an inning, over 2 games, Will has given up 6 hits and 6 runs. I have faith he will get better, but I am not sure it will be this year or not... Mauro Candelaria wasn't supposed to spend this much time down on the farm, but he just isn't hitting the ball, so I am going to let him swing some more down in AAA. In 26 AB's he has 4 hits (.154) none for extra-bases, but he hasn't struck out. He just isn't making solid contact. I will keep an eye on him, because his versatility makes him very valuable to the Cav's... Matt Hollis is struggling in August, so I gave him a break. He will get an extra week off and hopefully that means he will be ready when he comes back. His next start will be against the Salisbury Ports in Salisbury, and he has thrived on the road this year (9-1 1.42), and has just been average at home (8-3 3.98). This may make me adjust my playoff rotation... I am tempted to bring up Francisco Gallegos to play 1B and send Sergio Galvez back down to AAA. He has just not had a good year this year. Last year as a rookie it looked like he was going to a future star, but this year he has struggled all year... Only if someone would pick up Pedro Morin, it would make my 'roster' life much easier.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-2 (87-37 - GB (+27.5))
Next Week: 3 @ Ellicott City Express, 3 @ Salisbury Ports
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 81
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 654 (2nd)
Avg: .280 (2nd)
HR: 151 (1st)
SB: 134 (1st)
Runs Against: 425 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.24 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.24 (1st)
Def Eff: .714 (1st)

Game 118: Seaford 7, Norfolk 6
Tommy Rutledge (ND) went 4.2 innings, allowing 7 hits and 6 runs, he walked 5 and struck out 3. Derek Carter (6-2) took the loss with 1.1 innings of work giving up 1 run on 1 hit and 2 walks. Francisco Reyes lead the way with 2 hits and 4 RBI's, including an HR (36). Jeff Lewis and John O'Donegan each had 2 hits and 2 runs, Lewis added 2 RBI's. The Cav's had 8 total hits and left 8 men stranded.

Transactions: Mario Reyes (.196-2-19) and Yann Gosselin (.237-13-29) were sent down to AAA and Mauro Candelaria (2-4 in last rehab start) and Francisco Gallegos (AAA .304-12-59) were called up. Candelaria will take over at second and Gallegos will get his swings at first. Wassink will be the IF UTL backup, and Sergio Galvez will split time with Gallegos. Looking for a spark.

Game 119: Seaford 8, Norfolk 2
Takayuki Ieomoch (14-5) took the loss, giving up 8 runs on 10 hits and 3 walks over 6.1 innings. He did strike out 8. Ramon Granados, John O'Donegan and Augusto Rodriguez each had 2 hits. The Cav's had 8 hits total, 1 for XB and left 10 men on.

Game 120: Seaford 1, Norfolk 5
Vaughan Griffith (13-7) went 8.1 innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 11. John O'Donegan had 2 hits and 2 RBI's. Sergio Galvez and Francisco Reyes each had 2 hits. Maik Wassink drove in 2. The Cav's had 10 hits and left 8 men on.

Game 121: Seaford 1, Norfolk 2
Red hot Miguel Contreras (12-2) went 7.1 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 run, while striking out 9. Dalton Whitaker picked up the save (32) with a perfect 9th. Jeff Lewis lead the way with 3 hits and an RBI. Fracisco Gallegos drove in 1. The Cav's had 8 hits, all singles, and left 9 on.

Game 122: Norfolk 5, Salisbury 2
Matt Hollis (18-4) looked refreshed after the day off, picking up the win, going 7.2 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs. He did walk 4 and strike out 8. Dalton Whitaker picked up the save (33). Francisco Gallegos, John O'Donegan and Jeff Lewis all had 2 hits. Francisco Reyes went deep (37) and drove in 3. The Cav's had 12 hits and left 10 on.

Game 123: Norfolk 5, Salisbury 1
Tommy Rutledge (12-4/3-1) went 8.2 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 run, while striking out 7. Will Rose retired the last man for the save (1). Ramon Granados lead the offense with a perfect 4-4 night. Augusto Rodriguez had 2 hits and scored 3 times. Joe Chambers hit a 2-run HR (7). The Cav's collected 12 hits and left 7.

Game 124: Norfolk 5, Salisbury 3
Takayuki Iemochi (15-5) went 7.2 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs (1 ER). Dalton Whitaker picked up the save (34) allowing 1 hit in the 9th. Francisco Reyes lead the offense with 2 hits and 2 RBI's, including a 2-run HR (38). Ramon Granados added 2 hits and a solo-HR (9). Jeff Lewis had 2 hits. Francisco Gallegos hit a solo-HR (1). The Cav's had 10 hits and left 3 men stranded.

League News:

• Cristo Canseco (.304-10-57) was sent off to the Georgetown Sixteens for Pat Jeffries (.317-4-51). The Sixteens also received a minor league prosptect.
• Kevin Norris of the Milford Clippers had his hitting streak ended at 21 games.
• Domingo Valencia (.260-12-65) will be out for the rest of the season, after tearing a calf muscle. The Milton Brewers will be looking for someone to step up in Domingo's abscence.
• Todd Eldridge was reunited with his snow leopard after a judge ordered that his ex-girlfriend to give him back.
• Cipriano Rocha (.223-2-15) will miss 4-5 months with a torn laburm. The second baseman said its hard not to help his team fight for the division title.
• Jake Judkins the back-up catcher for the Lewes Braves will miss 5-weeks with a fractured foot. After a career year in 2019, Judkins signed to be the backup for the Braves in a surprise signing in the off-season.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Norbert Meyer (Lewes Braves) 14-27, 2 HR's, 6 RBI's
MarVa: Valentin Valdes (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs) 11-25, 3 HR's, 10 RBI's, 5 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (133.3)
2) Lewes Braves (109.0)
3) New Castle Colonials (107.9)
4) Dover Generals (105.2)
5) Ocean City Tourists (104.1)

GM Notes:
I feel like my guys just don't come through when they need to, we leave way too many men on base. So I took a look at my #3,4,5 hitters to see how they are doing with RISP. And its really not bad at all.
Francsico Reyes: .292-11-66 (137 AB's)
Jeff Lewes: .398-6-68 (123 AB's)
King Brock: .287-7-49 (115 AB's)
I think I might play around with lineup some move Lewis to the #2 hole where he spent most of last season. I don't know though. He is really hitting the ball well and I don't want to "jinx" him... For as bad as I feel like this offense has been doing, we are someone #2 in runs scored. I would of guessed we were middle of the pack... One reason I pulled off that big trade was for financial purposes and part of the end goal, which included trading Francisco Reyes this off-season. I am getting nervous about doing that now, however, these young kids (Javier Janchez, Yann Gosselin and Sergio Galvez) arne't doing as well as I had hoped... Our pitching staff has continued to carry us, and they are a good group of guys. It was nice to see Will Rose pitch well this week, 3.1 IP 0 Runs. This group of guys is the reason we have a shot this post-season... This schedule has been odd this year, we finished this week with 3 in Salisbury and finsih the upcoming week with 3 more in Salisbury. Just strange. One week to go till September.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-2 (91-39 - GB (+29))
Next Week: 3 @ Richmond Cardinals, 3 vs Ellicott City Express
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 82 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 685 (2nd)
Avg: .280 (2nd)
HR: 159 (1st)
SB: 140 (1st)
Runs Against: 443 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.24 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.16 (1st)
Def Eff: .714 (1st)

Game 125: Norfolk 2, Ellicott City 3
Vaughan Griffith (ND) went 5 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs, both on solo-HRs. Dalton Whitaker (1-5) took the loss giving up 2 hits and a run in the 9th. John O'Donegan had 2 hits and Maik Wassink doubled in a run for the offensive highlights. The Cav's had a total of 8 hits and left 8 men on base.

Game 126: Norfolk 14, Ellicott City 6
Miguel Contreras (13-2) didn't have best stuff, but got some offensive support. Miguel gave up 10 hits and 5 runs over 8 innings, while striking out 9. King Brock lead the offense with 4 hits and 6 RBI's, including 2 long-balls (25). Francisco Reyes had 3 hits, 4 runs and 3 RBI's, including a HR (39). Sergio Gavlez (7) and John O'Donegan (10) both added solo-HR's. The Cav's had 19 hits on the day, and left 9 men stranded.

Game 127: Norfolk 4, Ellicott City 2
Matt Hollis (19-4) continued to win away from home, going 7.2 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs, while striking out 6. Dalton Whitaker took home the save (35) by striking out the side. King Brock hit a 3-run HR (26) and Francisco Reyes hit a solo-shot (40). Reyes also walked 3 times. The Cav's had 6 hits and left 5 men on.

(I looked at the schedule wrong we are home, not away again)

Game 128: Salisbury 1, Norfolk 2
Tommy Rutledge (13-4/4-1) went 8 strong innings, allowing just 3 hits and 1 run, while striking out 7. Dalton Whitaker threw the 9th for the save (36). The Cav's had only 5 hits, with back-to-back doulbes by Francisco Gallegos and John O'Donegan creating the big "offensive" highlight on the day. The Cav's had 5 hits and left 9 men on.

Injury News: King Brock was hit by a pitch in the 6th inning of todays game. After being examined by the head trainer, it looks like Brock will be out 3-4 weeks with a fractured thumb. Yann Gosselin will return to the Cav's to take his roster slot, and Yann, Maik Wassink and Francisco Gallegos will split time at DH and 1B in his absence. We hope King is back for the playoffs.

Game 129: Salisbury 4, Norfolk 8
Takayuki Iemochi (16-5) threw 8.1 innings, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs, while walking 5 and striking out 9. Dalton Whitaker struck out the only batter he faced with the bases loaded in the 9th for the save (37). Ramon Granados lead the offense with a 4-5 day, including 2 runs, 3 RBI's and a HR (10). Jeff Lewis also had 4 hits, before leaving the game early. Francisco Reyes drove in 2. The Cav's had 13 hits and left 9 men on.

Injury News: Jeff Lewis the game early, but it is nothing serious. He will be listed day-to-day for the next 3-4 days with a bruised thigh.

Game 130: Salisbury 2, Norfolk 1
Vaughan Griffith (13-8) threw a good game, going 7 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs (both on solo-HRs), while striking out 10. Ramon Granados, Mauro Candelaria and Jeff Lewis each had 2 hits. The Cav's had 7 hits total, all singles, and left 6 men on.

League News:

• Norfolk Cavaliers 'star' Jose Prado, who is 18 and in the Cav's international complex has left the team to deal with some personal problems. Many suspect Jose is off to sober up, but its all rumors. We will see where this story goes. (oh and I use the term 'star' very loosely)
• Peter Peters the New Castle Colonials MVP canidate will miss the next 6 weeks, and most likely the first round of the playoffs, if New Castle can hang on, with a bruised kneecap. Peters has slumped of late, but is still hitting .298-27-76 on the season.
• Abraham Thomas of the Annapolis Admirls will miss about a month of playing time with a fractured finger. Thomas was having a typical year for him putting up .310-38-112, his 8th season with 30+ Hr's and 89+ RBI's.
• The Wilmington Iron Pigs will be without the services of Shawn Brock for the rest of the season. Brock is done with baseball activities for the next 3-4 months after rupturing a finger tendon. Brock was 8-8 3.87 in 28 starts this season.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Andy Kohl (Dover Generals) 10-23, 2 HR's, 6 RBI's
MarVa: Ken Fletcher (Washington Senators) 9-20, 3 HR's, 5 RBI's, 5 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (131.0)
2) Newark Millers (108.8)
3) Ocean City Tourists (102.8)
4) Lewes Braves (102.5)
5) Dover Generals (101.7)

GM Notes:
We head into September a little shakey, but with a magic number of 4. It will be an interesting September as I plan to bring up a few players to get their "cup of coffee" and give the starters a little break... Francisco Reyes became the first Cavalier to hit 40+ HR's in a season, breaking the previous record of 34 set in 2017 by Roberto Perez... This team is having a good year, but I still dont' feel that "great" about them and I am not sure why. Is it the players, is the performance, do I just have other things on my mind. Seems like we just can't put it all together... We will see how we do in September and I do plan on giving some of the younger guys some playing time. The final month of the season is always exciting.

What to watch for in September:
Mark Bolton who may just well be the catcher of the future here in Norfolk, was mulling down in single-A hitting .240/.347/.380 before I traded away Ed Duke. At that point I figured it was time to bring him up, I thought he shoudl be in AA, but Alexis and crew didn't. With Duke gone and Bolton at 22 moving up the chain slowly I said no is the time, we need him, so used my GM powers and sent him to AAA. And he has been solid in AAA hitting .350/.440/.524. I think he is on pace to be up in the bigs splitting time with John O, next season. It will give me a nice Lefty/Righty back-stop platoon. John Phillips has been playing some 3B this year, so its possible we will have 3 catchers on the roster next season. According to our head scout Bolton is just about at his full potential:
Contact: 9/10, Gap: 10/10, HR: 6/8, Eye: 9/11, Avoid K's: 10/12

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Monthly Awards

Dover Catcher Delaware Conference's Best Batter in August: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 29-year-old Andy Kohl put together a solid offensive month for Dover and was crowned August's top batter in the Delaware Conference. He batted .423 with 10 home runs, 34 RBIs and 26 runs scored. So far this season Kohl has hit .314 with 41 home runs, 128 RBIs and and scored 95 times.

Jiménez Stands Out, Choice for Best Pitcher: Jorge Jiménez has made fans throughout DELMARVA Baseball League take notice over the past month with an exceptional 5-0 record. No pitcher in the Delaware Conference threw better in August, garnering him the Pitcher of the Month award today. In 6 starts Jiménez compiled a 2.15 ERA, putting up a 5-0 record, striking out 31 and tossing 46 innings. This year Jiménez has worked 152 innings with 102 strikeouts en route to a 15-5 record and 3.32 ERA.

Delaware Conference Selects Rookie Star of the Month: Jorge Hernández is still a bit shy, but then, who could blame the newest Delaware Conference Rookie of the Month honoree? He hasn't been around the league long enough to fully know the ropes yet, despite the fact that he's putting up veteran-like numbers. In August the Newark hitter tagged opposing pitching for a .388 average with 33 hits, 3 home runs and 14 RBIs. This year Hernández is hitting .308 with 10 home runs and 55 RBIs in 108 games played. He also boasts an OBP of .354 with 26 walks and 43 runs scored.

MarVa Conference Monthly Awards

MarVa Conference's Premier Batter Picked: Francisco Reyes battered MarVa Conference pitchers all August and wound up taking home the Batter of the Month Award. "I've been around DELMARVA Baseball League long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," the 30-year-old Reyes told reporters. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I might not take the field, and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month." In 27 games, Reyes hit .320 with 9 home runs, 24 RBIs and scored 22 runs. This season Reyes has hit 40 home runs and posted a .308 batting average.

Contreras Garners MarVa Conference's #1 Pitcher Award: Miguel Contreras's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 5-0 in August, the 32-year-old Norfolk hurler has been named MarVa Conference Pitcher of the Month. He fanned 48 in 38.2 innings, logged an ERA of 1.86 and allowed opponents to hit .214 against him. To this point in the season Contreras has 13 wins and 2 losses and a 1.81 ERA.

Wes King Triumphs in MarVa Conference Rookie Vote: Baltimore's Wes King picked up the Rookie of the Month honors for August in the MarVa Conference. Posting a .284 average last month, he collected 21 hits, 4 home runs, 11 RBIs and 13 runs scored. So far this year King has hit .269 with 7 home runs, 28 RBIs and 34 runs scored.

Delaware Conference League Leaders



Predictions:
Silver Slugger: Stan Miller of the Georgetown Sixteens and Andy Kohl of the Dover Generals are the favorites. Right now the lead is in Millers hands, as he leads the league in WAR, TB, RBI's. But the voters like Kohl, who won the award in 2018.

Golden Arm:
Jose Matos best ERA and WAR around is the front runner. Matos is only 12-5 on the season, which may keep voters away. If it does then look for Luis Trevino to take home the award.

MarVa Conference League Leaders



Predictions:
Silver Slugger:
With Abraham Thomas out for a month, his hopes for the award are diminishing. Look for the talks to be between the two stars in the Cavaliers, Jeff Lewis and Francisco Reyes. Lewis looks to be the front runner with a whoping 8.9 WAR currnently.

Golden Arm:
This race has all kinds of names in it Matt Hollis, Don Sweetapple, Marcos Estrada and Miguel Contreras. The front runners being the 2 from the Cavaliers, with Hollis holding at 19 wins and a 2.65 ERA and Estrada with a lights out 1.81 ERA and 13 wins. The voters will have their hands full here.

Standings: September 1st 2020



Its been a while since we have had some good races to finish off the season, but this year it looks we every division but one is going down to the final month...

In the Southern Division the Dover Generals and the Lewes Braves are going to duke it out, as the Braves took over the top spot in August. The Georgetown Sixteens are still in the hunt, but need to make a move fast if they really 'want' it.

In the Northern Division the New Castle Colonials are holding on to a 1 game lead, but without their star hitter for the month it may get interesting. The Millers had a read hot August (18-10), and are ready to take home their first division title in team history. Don't count the Iron Pigs out just yet either, but with the loss of Shawn Brock their chances dropped.

The Eastern Division looks to be a two team fight, with the Ocean City Tourists holding on to a 4 game lead. The Barons are ready to cut down the lead, but it will be tough. My bet is the Tourists will hold on, but it will be a good battle!

Not much to stay about the Western Division, the Cav's increased their lead despite an off month and have a magic # of 4. They are also the only team in the West with a winning record.

[illeracula]

This team is built on pitching and with a couple of moves this season we have made this staff even stronger. Gabriel Santos and Rafael Rodriguez combined for 17 innings, allowing just 1 unearned run and striking out 19. Not to shabby for the new comers. Tommy Rutledge had a good first full month with the Cav's going 4-0 with a 2.75 ERA. Takayuki Iemochi and Matt Hollis both struggled a little bit and will benefit from some additional September rest. This is Iemochi's first full season so he has thrown a lot of innings. Will Rose struggled in one game, but has been lights out besides that. His ERA doesn't reflect how well he has pitched.



The big Three Francisco Reyes, Jeff Lewis and King Brock lead the offense this month and youngster Ramon Granados is starting to get more comfortable, now that he has taken over the leadoff/CF slot full time.

Yann Gosselin was hitting the ball well in AAA when I recalled him, but for his short time with the Cav's this month he struggled hitting .038 in 26 AB's! He is supposed to be my DH/1B of the future. Maybe I can use him as a trade chip this off-season and bring in a 3B. I have my eyes on a kid (Claude Bond) in Dover, but they have been stingy about pulling off a deal.

One of my favorite things about Mauro Candelaria is that he is hard to strike out. In his 35 AB's since coming off the DL he has struck out 1 time!!



I am not overly fond of a 17-10 month, but I am pleased with it. I guess the Cav's of the past 2 years really spoiled me and this team just isn't 'that' good. I have to bring my expectations down and can't beleive we are going to win 110+ games. There really isn't a whole lot to say about this club, we get on base, we score runs, we play top of the line defense and have the best pitching staff in the game.

The one thing I am now perplexed with is, what kind of transactions do I make in September. Do I remove 2/5ths of my AAA teams staff or do I let them chase the championship? As far as position players I don't really have anyone 'ready' to come up. Its my pitchers that I am worried about the most. Something to think about over the next week or two. I just have to keep an eye on Takayui and Hollis.

For the month we held our opponents to a 3.07 runs/G and scored 4.5 runs/G. Before we pulled off the trade we were scoring over 5 runs per game. I am surprised we have dropped that much. We still score 1.5 runs per game more than we give up, which is pretty solid. This month will be interesting with King Brock shelved, who will drive in those other runs? Might get a little dicey...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (96-40 - GB (+32))
Next Week: 3 vs Washington Senators, 4 vs Georgetown Sixteens
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 82
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 726 (2nd)
Avg: .284 (2nd)
HR: 169 (1st)
SB: 146 (1st)
Runs Against: 456 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.17 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.21 (1st)
Def Eff: .715 (1st)

September Call-Up: Bryan O'Neil was called up and Javier Janchez was activated from the DL. I tried to call up late season signee Chris Gross, but the 40-man is full right now. I may end up DFA'ing O'Neil or Pedro Morin later this month.

Game 131: Norfolk 7, Richmond 2
Miguel Contreras (14-2) took home the win with 7.1 innings of 8 hit ball, allowing just 1 run and striking out 4. John Phillips enter the game after John O was ejected had 2 hits and scored a run. Sergio Gavlez had 2 hits, including a solo-HR (8). Yann Gosselin hit a solo-HR (14) and scored 2 times. The Cav's had 10 hits for the game and left 5 men on.

Game 132: Norfolk 9, Richmond 3
Matt Hollis (20-4) became the leagues first 20 game winner, with a 8.1 inning performance. He gave up 6 hits, 3 runs and struck out 11. Francisco Reyes had 4 hits and scored 3 runs and Francisco Gallegos had 3 hits and 3 RBI's, including a HR (2). Five other Cav's had 2 hits each, for the game the Cav's raked 18 hits and left 12 men on.

Game 133: Norfolk 3, Richmond 4
Tommy Rutledge (13-5/4-2) went 8 innings, allowing 9 hits and 4 runs, while walking 3 and striking out 5. The Cav's just couldn't get a hit when needed. Francisco Reyes lead the way with 3 hits. The team combined for 12, while leaving 10 men stranded!

Game 134: Ellicott City 1, Norfolk 12
Takayuki Iemochi (17-5) threw 8-innings of shut-out ball allowing just 3 hits, while walking 4 and striking out 7. Ramon Granados lead the way with 3 hits and 4 Cav's went deep. Yann Gosslein hit a grand-slam (15) and drove in 5. Francisco Reyes (41), Joe Chambers (8) and Francisco Gallegos (3) all hit solo-shots. On the day the Cav's had 16 hits and left 5 on.

Game 135: Ellicott City 3, Norfolk 6
Vaughan Griffith (14-8) threw 6.1 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits. Jeff Lewis had 3 hits, Mauro Candelaria had 2 hits and scored 2 and Francisco Reyes hit a 3-run HR (42). The Cav's had 13 hits and left 13 on.

Game 136: Ellicott City 0, Norfolk 4
Miguel Contreras (15-2) won again, going 7.2 innings, only giving up 3 hits, while striking out 6. Jeff Lewis lead the Cav's with 4 hits. John O'Donegan (11) and Francisco Reyes (43) each hit solo-HR's. The Cav's collected double digit hits again, with 11, but left 11 on.

League News:
Oddly no league news this week.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Stan Miller (Georgetown Sixteens) 13-26, 2 HR's, 11 RBI's
MarVa: Francisco Reyes (Norfolk Cavaliers) 12-23, 3 HR's, 7 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (136.1)
2) Newark Millers (120.2)
3) New Castle Colonials (106.9)
4) Baltimore Barons (105.1)
5) Ocean City Tourists (102.2)

GM Notes:
Ten hits every game for the week, now if we can just keep that crazy streak going for a while, I know I wouldn't complain. However we did leave a ton of runners stranded all week, we just can't seem to come through when it "counts". I wish there was an easy way to look up BAw/RISP. This team can't be too good at that... The lineup adjustments I made seemed to work this week with Sergio Gavlez and Francisco Gallegos getting their share of at-bats... Augusto Rodriguez has been hot of late and is now hitting .270. He actually had an awful April and an awful July if it wasn't for those 2 months he'd be hitting over .330. He has 55 RBI's and 51 of them have come with RISP... Francisco Gallegos is making a name for himself. After a rough 8 games last year, he has hit the ball well in his 12 games this year. Hitting .310-3-7. Depending on the moves I make I will only have room for him or Yann Gosselin next year, and he is saying "me, me, me" right now... My AAA team is pulling away, so I might be able to bring up some pitching for a few starts. Something I will have to think about... Only 2 reliever pitched last week, for a combined 5.1 innings... Dalton Whitaker needs more work, hopefully we will have a couple of close games next week so he can some innings in.

[illeracula]

Cavaliers Win MarVa Conference Western Division: The Norfolk clinched a postseason berth today, officially capturing the MarVa Conference Western Division division title.

The Norfolk Cavaliers' clubhouse was filled afterwards with jubilant teammates showering each other with champagne. Manager, Alastair Turcotte, praised his club, saying, "We were underdogs from the beginning, but we pulled it off. I couldn't be more proud of this group of guys for getting it done. Now our goal is to bring a championship to Norfolk!"

Hopefully the team can get some sleep after what's sure to be a late night celebrating!

===
This is our 5th straight division title and we look poised to compete for the title, as long as our starting pitchers stay healthy and strong. I am not really sure what Alastair is talking about when he is saying we were underdogs, when we were predicted to have the best record in the game from day one... Going to be a long month till we get the playoffs started. I always get nervous around this time. Just need to make it through healthy...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 7-0 (103-40 - GB (+33))
Next Week: 3 @ Ocean City Tourists, 3 @ Ellicott City Express
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 87 (+5)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 726 (2nd)
Avg: .284 (2nd)
HR: 169 (1st)
SB: 146 (1st)
Runs Against: 456 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.17 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.21 (1st)
Def Eff: .715 (1st)

Game 137: Washington 2, Norfolk 12
Matt Hollis (21-4) went 7.0 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and 5 walks, he did strike out 9. Francisco Reyes had 4 hits, and scored 3 times, he hit a solo-HR (44). Javier Janchez added a solo-HR (5). Maik Wassink hit 2-solo-HR's (7) and was walked his next 3 AB's. Augusto Rodriguez drove in 3. The Cav's had a total 15 hits on the day, leaving 11 men on.

Game 138: Washington 3, Norfolk 4 (11 Innings)
Todd Rutledge (ND) went 7.1 innings, allowing 8 hits and striking out 7. He gave up 3 runs (all unearned) in the first. Dalton Whitaker (2-5) threw the final 1.2 innings striking out 4 to claim the win. Joe Chambers lead the offense with 3 hits. Jeff lewis pinch hit in the 9th, ended the game 2-2 with the 2 runs. He scored the game winner on a Sergio Gavlez single. Javier Janchez went deep (6). The Cav's had 11 hits, and left 3 on.

Game 139: Washington 1, Norfolk 6
Takayuki Iemochi (18-5) went 6.2 innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run. He walked 4 and struck out 5, before turning the ball over to Gabriel Santos. Santos went the final 2.1, striking out 4 and picking up the save (3). Francisco Reyes lead the way with 4 hits and 2 runs, including a solo-HR (45). Jeff Lewis (19) and Yann Gosselin (16) each added long-balls. The Cav's picked up 11 hits and left 4 men on.

Game 140: Georgetown 2, Norfolk 4
Vaughan Griffith (15-8) picked up win 100 for the Cav's, going 6 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits, while striking out 6. Dalton Whitaker threw a perfect 9th for the save (38). Yann Gosselin powered the offense with a 2-run HR (17) and Joe Chambers added 2 hits. The Cav's were held under 10 hits for the first time in 9 games, collecting 7, while leaving 8 men on.

Game 141: Georgetown 3, Norfolk 5
Miguel Contreras (16-2) continued is hot streak, throwing 8 innings of 5 hit ball, allowing 2 runs (1 ER) and striking out 7. Dalton Whitaker picked up the save (39), despite giving up a solo-HR in the 9th. Mauro Candelaria had a 4-hit day, Francisco Reyes added 3 hits and 2 RBI's and John O'Donegan added 2 hits, including a solo-HR (12). The Cav's had 13 hits on the day, leaving 11 men on.

Game 142: Georgetown 5, Norfolk 6
Matt Hollis (ND) went 7 innings, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits, including 2 HR's, and 2 walks while striking out 8. Rafael Rodriguez (5-4) threw 1/3 of an inning for the win and Gabriel Santos got the save (4) with a perfect 9th. Jeff Lewis was the only Cav with more than hit, 2, Francisco Reyes and Sergio Galvez both drove in 2. Reyes hit a solo-HR (46). The Cav's had 10 hits and left 3 on.

Game 143: Georgetown 2, Norfolk 4
Tommy Rutledge (14-5/5-2) picked up the win with 7 innings of 8 hit ball, allowing 2 runs, while walking 4 and striking out 7. Dalton Whitaker struck out the side in the 9th for the save (40). John O'Donegan (13) and Yann Gosselin (18) hit a solo-HR's. John Stewart went 2-4 after replacing Jeff Lewis in the 1st. Francisco Gallegos had 2 hits and Maik Wassink walked 3 times. The Cav's had 8 hits and left 4 on.

Injury News: Jeff Lewis is hurt and we aren't sure how long he will be out yet. i will be waiting anxiously for this news, could be huge.

League News:

• Anastasio Padno the 25-year old outfielder for the Richmond Cardinals will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring strain. Padno finished the season .229-20-48 on the season.
• Anthony Dundee of the Newark Millers will miss the rest of the season, including the playoffs, with a ruptured disc. Once one of the games best pitchers, Dundee has been ravished by injuries over the past few years. Dundee was 4-8 4.71 on the season for the Millers. He had 99 career wins and hopes to come back next year to pick up #100.
• Joaquin Torres of the Lewes Braves became the first player in DBL history to collect 6 hits in a game. Torres finished with 6 hits in 6 AB's, with a double and 4 RBI's.
• Vaughan Lee of the Dover Generals had 3 hits to extend his hitting streak to 20 games.
• The Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs will miss the final 3 weeks of the season with an intercostal strain. For the season Valdes hit .299-22-56.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Claude Bond (Dover Generals) 11-23, 2 HR's, 4 RBI's
MarVa: Francisco Reyes (Norfolk Cavaliers) 12-24, 3 HR's, 6 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (149.7)
2) Wilmington Iron Pigs (117.7)
3) Newark Millers (116.3)
4) Dover Generals (102.4)
5) New Castle Colonials (102.2)

GM Notes:
Dalton Whitaker picked up save 40 this week, making it 5 straight seasons. This year, however, he has posted his worst ERA (3.30) of those 5 years and the only time its been over 3... Jeff Lewis is our top hitter and a Silver Slugger candidate, I really hope he isn't out for much longer than a few days. If he misses the rest of the season, he will set the record for highest regular season batting average at .3830 besting the record set in 2018 at .3828. Rough way to break the record, however. Losing him would be huge... Matt Hollis has thrown 114 pitches per game, on average, 3 more pitches a game than last year. I think i am going to put him on a limit for the rest of the season, keep him fresh for the post season. He just doens't seem right of late, IMO... The offense has started to play the way I had hoped they would over the past few weeks. The young guys and the old guys are all hitting the ball well... Francisco Reyes seems like has hit a lot of solo-HR's of late... King Brock will be back with the team next week, so if we do lose Jeff Lewis for a long time, at least Brock will be back and ready for the playoffs. Seems like every year we end up losing one or two players for the playoffs. Dating back to the Pablo Freitas days...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 1-5 (104-45 - GB (+32.5))
Next Week: 4 @ Washington Senators, 3 vs Salisbury Ports
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 88 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 793 (2nd)
Avg: .285 (1st)
HR: 188 (1st)
SB: 159 (1st)
Runs Against: 511 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.22 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.21 (1st)
Def Eff: .712 (1st)

Game 144: Norfolk 2, Ocean City 6
Takayuki Iemochi (18-6) got hit hard and didn't make it past the second. Iemochi went 1.2 innings, allowing 6 runs (4 ER) on 4 hits and 4 walks. Gabriel Santos and Will Rose kept the game intact with 5.1 innings of shut-out ball. The offense was lethargic, with Sergio Galvez leading the way with 3 hits and 1 RBI. The Cav's had 6 hits and left no-one on.

Game 145: Norfolk 10, Ocean City 8 (10 innings)
Vaughan Griffith (ND) went 6 innings, giving up 9 hits and 6 runs. Rafael Rodriguez, who I think has been overworked gave up 2 runs in 1.2 innings and Dalton Whitaker (3-5) pitched 2 perfect innings. Ramon Granados, Sergio Galvez and Joe Chambers all had 3 hits. Yann Gosselin hit a 3-run HR (19). The Cav's collected 17 hits and left 5 on.

Injury News: Did you hear that? That was the town of Norfolk letting out a huge sigh of relief. Jeff Lewis will be listed day-to-day for about 4 days with a torn fingernail! Not sure why it took 2 days to diagnose that one...

Game 146: Norfolk 5, Ocean City 6 (13 innings)
Miguel Contreras (ND) went 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs, while striking out 8. Dalton Whitaker blew the save (3) allowing 3 runs on 4 hits. Derek Carter took the loss throwing the final 3.2 innings, allowing a walk-off HR, the only hit he surrendered. Francisco Reyes and Mauro Candelaria each had 3 hits. Francisco Reyes hit is first triple of the season and drove in 3. Sergio Gavlez hit a solo-HR (9). The Cav's had 16 hits and left 16.

Game 147: Norfolk 4, Ellicott City 5 (10 innings)
Matt Hollis (ND) pitched well on the road like usual, hitting his 105 pitch/pitch count, going 7.1 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs (1 ER), while striking out 6. Dalton Whitaker (3-6) took the loss giving up 3 runs on 4 hits in 1.1 innings. Augusto Rodriguez and Maik Wassink each drove in 2, Wassink hit a 2-run HR (8). The Cav's had 6 hits, by 6 different players, and left 2 on.

Game 148: Norfolk 2, Ellicott City 7
Todd Rutledge (14-6/4-3) went 7.1 innings, allowing 7 hits and 6 runs, including giving up 3 long-balls. The Express scored 5 in the bottom of the 8th. Yann Gosselin (20) and Sergio Gavlez (10) both hit solo-HR's. The Cav's, once again, had 6 hits by 6 different players, and left 4 men on.

Game 149: Norfolk 3, Ellicott City 5
Takayuki Iemochi (18-7) who probably lost his chance at winning 20 games with this loss, went 8 innings, allowing 11 hits and 5 runs. He walked 2 and struck out 7. Ramon Granados lead the offense, the only player with a multi-hit game, with 4 singles. Francisco Gallegos hit a 2-run HR (4). The Cav's had 11 hits total, leaving 12 men on base.

League News:

• The only GM the Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs have ever known, Bill Brown, was let go from his post. Under Brown the Surf Dawgs lost over 100 games each year, and have easily been the worse of the 4 2017-expansion teams.
• Along with the GM, Manager Lee Jackson, was let go from the Surf Dawgs. Lee Jackson was the Manager for the Surf Dawgs for the past 2 years.

The owner was quoted as saying, "Maybe I didn't want to admit that I made a mistake. To be quite frank with you, I'm firing tem for cause now, I'm not firing him for anything else other than cause. I reached a point where I felt the best thing to do was to make a change. It hurts because I picked these guy. I picked the wrong guys. This is regretful, but I thought it was best for the Surf Dawgs. And I wanted to make it work, because I want the Surf Dawgs to do great. Someone said to me the other day, a newspaperman, 'Why don't you tell us your side of the story? Why don't you tell us what's happening?' And I said to him, Look, I don't want to win in the press, I want to win on the field." And with that the press conference ended.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Claude Bond (Dover Generals) 11-22, 4 HR's, 9 RBI's
MarVa: Cliff Jones (Chesapeake Blue Crabs) 13-28, 2 HR's, 7 RBI's
** I was hoping to target Bond this off-season, but the way he has been playing his "asking" price has to be going through the roof.

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (121.6)
2) Newark Millers (106.5)
3) Dover Generals (103.8)
4) Ocean City Tourists (102.8)
5) Wilmington Iron Pigs (102.1)

GM Notes:
Reyes has 46 HR's on the season and exactly 1/2 of them are solo-HR's. I knew it felt like he hits a lot of solo-HR's and I was right... I am not sure if we just slumped or if we couldn't win because Jeff Lewis wasn't in the lineup all week. Either way that is not how I was hoping to end the season... This week showed off, what I think is our major weakness, extra-inning games. I am not sure why we can't do better in the games, especially since we have the top rated bullpen. I just can't seem to figure it out... Our starters, Hollis, Iemochi, Griffith and Rutledge seem to be slumping, and this isn't the time I want to see my starters start to slump... I will have a little thinking to do, with who will play in the OF and lead off. Javier Janchez, Sergo Gavlez and Ramon Granados have all been in that role over the past few weeks. Janchez is my favorite of the 3, but he just way too injury prone... A week this bad less than 2-weeks before the playoffs just doesn't make me feel good about my team. After a 10-game winning streak I was riding high and then, this brings me back to reality.

[illeracula]

Southern Division
The Dover Generals are holding off the Lewes Braves as the season is coming down to the final 2 weeks. The Generals do host the Braves for 3 at the end of the week. The Generals have 4 division titles, the last one coming in 2018. The Lewes Braves look to repeat as division winners.

Norther Division
The Newark Millers are pulling away from the Colonials and Iron Pigs and probably have the easiest schedule to finish up the year of the three teams. They play 3 at home against the Colonials, but finish the season off in Christiana. The fans of Newark are looking for their first division title. New Castle has won 3 titles, including the past 2, and the Iron Pigs have won the other four.

Eastern Division
Ocean is trying to hold off the red-hot Barons and its really going to go down to the wire. The tourist made their only playoff appearance in 2014 and the Barons have never made the playoffs. With Annapolis out there will be a new division winner in the Eastern Division for the first time in 4 seasons. The Tourists and the Barons do not play each other the rest of the way.

Western Division
The Cavaliers walked away with the Western Division again, but there seems to be a fight for 2nd. This division has been won by the Cavaliers for the past five seasons (including this one) with little competition. This year they may be the only team in the division to play over .500 ball, and by many thoughts this is their worse team of the past 5 years.