DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Off-Season Report #1



Firings:

• Ramon Morales, the GM of the Richmond Cardinals, has been fired by his team. Morales was with the Cardinals for only one season.
• The Annapolis Admirals parted ways with their manager Edgar Cancil after 1 season.
• The Newark Millers let go of interim manager, Alfonso Feliciano, believing the team didn't respond well to him over the final 40 games (15-25).
• Coy Lane was let go by the Georgetown Sixteens after a 5th place finish. Lane was in Georgetown for 2 seasons, one as a bench coach, one as the manager.

Retirements:

• Keith White, the oldest player in the DBL at 44 yrs, decided to hang up the cleats. White retires with a 100-55 3.17 record and 61 saves. In 2020 he won 18 games and in 2023 he saved 45 games. White was a 3-time all-star as well.
• Kyle Brown decided to call it quits after the 2025 seasons. Brown was a top starter in the game, but he was never able to recover fully from a torn labrum. He is only 36 years old. Brown won 132 games during his 411 game career. He loss 142, saved 8 and accumulated at 4.52 lifetime ERA. His best season was in 2015 with the Senators when he won 17 games. He was a one-time all-star.

Budget: $144,000,000 (t-9th)
Payroll: $120,835,000 (5th)
$ for Free-Agents: $7,275,000
$ for Extensions: None
Fan Interest: 100


Budget:
On a good note the Cavaliers owner Bill Parker has updated the budget $6 million, to $144,000,000. This won't change my off-season plans too much.

Free Agents:
Pablo Garcia and Jeff Lewis are the only free-agents to be from the Cav's 40-man roster. They are both looking for multi-year contracts worth around $18M a year. I am fully ready to let them walk and go with younger, cheaper players.

Garcia won 6 of his 14 starts with the Cavs' during the regular season, and turned in two impressive post-season starts. A hard-throwing lefty with great ratings has been deemed to much of a risk on a big-contract due to his 6 stamina rating.

Saying good bye to Jeff Lewis will be a little harder. Lewis came over to the Cavaliers after the 2018 season, and spent the next 6 years being one of the most consistent players in the game. The past 2 seasons, have been hampered with injuries, but at 33 he believes he still has a few more good seasons left. During his time in Norfolk he was always part of the Silver Slugger Award talks, an award he finally won in 2023. A 4-time Glove Wizard and 8-time All-Star leaves Norfolk all over the teams leader board, including being the team leader in runs scored (833) and hits (1480).

Arbitration:
I have a LOT of arbitration cases this year and based on these numbers I will have to pull off a move or two. I have an idea on what I am going to and will talk abou that later, but in the meantime here is the arbitration list:


We have 7 players making the minimum that are will be taking a big bump next season and I am not sure we will be able to afford that. Plus I am not sure if players like Alejandro Diaz, Henry Hamer and Luis Martinez are worth what they will be getting paid.

I have the option to offer Arbitration to Pablo Garcia and Jeff Lewis, but only Jeff Lewis is eligible for a compensatory draft pick. I am worried about doing this, but I think I will. My thought? He doesn't want a 1-yr deal, and he wants more money... if he signs however that would mean another change will be needed. I have some time to think this over.

Personnel Changes:
I am in need of a hitting coach. I let Don Olson go after 3 years. I had a change of heart during the last week, but we didn't get the contract signed... and in all honesty its probably better. The hitting has been very inconsistent, and maybe someone else will change that. Even if the game isn't that deep, it will be a mental win for me... I have an offer out to Ryan Robinson, a former player who no experience, to take over the hitting coach duties. We will see how that goes... If it doesn't workout however, I will think about bringing up my hitting coach from short-season A-ball, Haywood Strong, to take the job...

Off-Season Goals:
-Get a hitting coach
-Lower payroll
This is going to be tricky. I have some ideas and it may mean making the fans in Norfolk upset. If you ask me today what I am going to do my plan would include trading: Henry Hamer (.247-32-76), Edgar Baez (.305-10-46) and Luis Martinez (3-8 3.52, 39 SV).

Then I will take a look at Alejandro Diaz and Mario Gomez to see if they are worth their bumps they are getting thanks to arbitration.

Looks like I have a not of decisions to make over the next 5 months... I think we are in a good position for 2026, we have a lot of depth and a lot of youth.... i am feeling good about this team.

Preliminary Lineup for 2026:
Here is what I think we will be throwing out in the field to start the 2026 season. Things are subject to change however.

RF Sergio Rodriguez
CF Sergio Galvez
LF Bob Short
1B Francisco Gallegos
DH Leonard Lawson / Trevor Parker
C Alejandro Diaz
2B Robinson Lopez
3B Mario Gomez
SS Claudio Flores

This lineup goes with the assumption that I move Baez and Hamer for prospects, which doesn't have to be the case.

SP 1: Paul Brown
SP 2: Cornell Pearson
SP 3: Miguel Contreras
SP 4: Carlos Coronado
SP 5: Joaquin Hernandez

CL: Miguel Angel Gonzalez

The rotation/bullpen changes will mean dealing Luis Martinez and giving up on Miguel Angel as a starter, which I am really not sure I want to do just yet. Joaquin Hernandez is only 21 next year so he may not be 100% ready and Miguel Contreras is 37 and his "stuff" seems to be fading. So this could change down the road as well.

Overall, I really have a lot of decisions to make, even though on the surface it looks like it should be a smooth winter.


Coming Up:
Announcement of Award Winners (11/02/2025)
Arbitration Hearings (11/13/2025)
Free Agent Filing (11/16/2025)
Rule-5 Draft (12/01/2025)
Winter Meetings (12/06/2025-12/10/2025)
Pre-season (02/05/2026)

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Names Top Gloves: Any pitcher would love to have these defenders on the field backing them up. They are the best glovemen in the Delaware Conference for 2025. This year's Glove Wizard Award winners are:

Pitcher: Ben Sanford (Christiana Blue Hens)
Catcher: Bill Calhoun (Christiana Blue Hens)
First Baseman: Enzo Allard (Seaford Blue Jays) - 5
Second Baseman: Alfredo Bruno (Georgetown Sixteens)
Third Baseman: Tom Anderson (Wilmington Iron Pigs) - 4
Shortstop: Bernard Schneider (Christiana Blue Hens)
Left Fielder: Mike Simmons (Lewes Braves) - 6
Center Fielder: Javier Jánchez (Christiana Blue Hens)
Right Fielder: Jorge Berrios (Milford Clippers)

The big news in the Delaware Conference was the 4 winners from the Blue Hens. The Blue Hens are a young and upcoming team with a lot of young players.. Mike Simmons won the award in his first season in the Delaware Conference. He now has a total of 6 awards one away from the league record of 7, held by two active players Peter Peters and Kent Davis.

MVConf Glove Wizard Award Winners Named: "Flashing the leather" and "good with the glove" are ways to describe players who help their teams by playing great defense. Today the most dependable glovemen in the MarVa Conference for 2025 were announced. Glove Wizard Awards will be presented to these top-notch defenders:

Pitcher: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers)
Catcher: Alex Goodman (Salisbury Ports)
First Baseman: Yu-hsui Zha (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs)
Second Baseman: Justin Collins (Baltimore Barons) - 4
Third Baseman: Edgar Báez (Norfolk Cavaliers) - 2
Shortstop: Anthony Lucarelli (Richmond Cardinals) - 3
Left Fielder: Bob Short (Norfolk Cavaliers)
Center Fielder: Felipe Herrera (Salisbury Ports)
Right Fielder: Manuel Pacheco (Washington Senators)

The Cavaliers lead the MarVa Conference with 3 players winning the award, including first timers Bob Short and Miguel Contreras... There is a lot of discussion regarding Edgar Baez and him winning the award for the second time. This year he committed 17 errors at 3B and had a FPct of .954.

[illeracula]

Barnes This Year's Top Rookie: 2025 was an impressive year for Milton first baseman Edward Barnes and it was capped off today with the announcement that he has been named the winner of the Delaware Conference Newcomer Award.

Barnes compiled a .289 batting average and a .348 on-base percentage this season. In 161 games he piled up 184 hits, 30 home runs, 99 RBIs and 100 runs scored.

Top Rookie Trophy Presented to Pacheco: When it came to hitting the baseball, Manuel Pacheco of the Washington Senators outdid his freshman peers in the MarVa Conference this year and was named the 2025 Newcomer Award winner earlier today.

The standout Senators right fielder took the honor by hitting .271 in 111 games this season and finished with 131 hits, 14 home runs, 65 RBIs and 65 runs scored.


---
There wasn't a big surprise when it come to the Newcomers. Edward Barnes is going to be a perennial all-star, and Pacheco is part of a young core that Washington is banking on to bring them back to the finals... Pacheco beat out teammate Doug Thompson for the award.

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Names Top Skipper: Jorge Rivas stepped before the microphone today and accepted his Delaware Conference Manager of the Year award, thanking the whole Wilmington Iron Pigs organization for making the 2025 season such a success.

Rivas struggled to find the right words, "My father was a drill instructor in the military. He taught me that you have to work hard, set goals and accept responsibility for your actions. That's what the entire Wilmington organization did this year. My dedicated owner, coaching staff, hard-working and talented players and loyal front office all made this award possible. I thank them for it."

And what a year it was. Rivas sparked the Iron Pigs to a 97-65 record and a first in the Delaware Conference Northern Division standings.

MarVa Conference Selects Manager of the Year: The Norfolk Cavaliers called a press conference to announce that field manager Arthur Ray had been named MarVa Conference Manager of the Year earlier in the day. Staffers congratulated the 46-year-old baseball guru as he approached the podium.

"This city has allowed me to craft a winning ball club," said Ray. "When you take on a new job, there's always some adjustment period, but everyone here has been cooperative. From the bat boys on up. Here's to many more successful seasons for the Norfolk Cavaliers!"

Ray led Norfolk to a 100-62 record this year and a first place finish in the MarVa Conference Western Division.

[illeracula]

Wilmington's González, Golden Arm Award Winner: The Wilmington Iron Pigs have a rising superstar or maybe even a budding Hall-of-Famer in the making. It's Ricardo González, this year's Delaware Conference Golden Arm Award selection. This blossoming hurler wowed fans, peers and sportswriters with a fabulous performance.

González compiled a 18-6 record in 34 starts, tallied 291 strikeouts in 234.2 innings and recorded a 2.53 ERA. Other clubs managed only a .198 batting average against him.

Norfolk Star, Golden Arm Award Winner: Miguel Contreras of the Norfolk Cavaliers might be an old man, but he can still pitch with the best of them. Today the 37-year-old hurler snagged the MarVa Conference Golden Arm Award honors for his outstanding 2025 performance.

He posted a 2.71 ERA with 19 wins, 5 losses, 147 strikeouts and 34 walks in 232.2 innings.

---
As the 22-yr old wins his first, the 37-yr old probably wins his last. I can't say how excited I am to see that Contreras won the award over Brown. As Contreras has started to fade, this may have been his last chance to take home that award, his 7th of his career (maybe the award will be renamed one day). He has had an amazing career, and this is just a little more icing on the cake... for Gonzalez this is first of what could be a long line of them. He is one of the most talented guys out there and at 22 years old, he is someone that will be fun to watch for years to come.

[illeracula]

2025 Premier Batter Picked By DEConf: What a way to finish off the year -- being honored with the 2025 Silver Slugger Award in the Delaware Conference. It had already been a very special season for Wilmington's António Castaneda, but today's announcement really put the icing on his cake. All season long António Castaneda gave opposing pitchers fits by hitting .326 as he collected 127 hits, 16 doubles, 1 triple, 32 home runs and 74 RBIs.

2025 MVConf #1 Hitter is Chesapeake's Bond: It's been a year of triumph for veteran Claude Bond of the Chesapeake Blue Crabs as he hit his way to the 2025 MarVa Conference Silver Slugger Award.

The 30-year-old veteran compiled a .340 average and .488 on-base percentage by putting together 146 hits, 28 doubles, 1 triple, 28 home runs and 119 walks. He also scored 97 times and drove in 87 runs.

---
This award was highly disappointing in both leagues... for the Delaware Conference Castaneda walks away with the award. I had him written off, because injuries cost him 50+ games. He ended up playing in only 101 games, getting 389 AB's! Granted if he played all 162 games those numbers are awesome, but I think there are other players more deserving:
Woody Brown: .307-29-118, 88 R, 4.7 WAR
Alonso Martinez: .245-41-113, 103 R, 2.5 WAR
Edward Barnes: .289-30-99, 100 R, 4.6 WAR
Oh well, I just don't feel like 101 games compares to someone who plays the full season.

I get why Bond won the award, but I feel like there are 2 other guys that should of been voted before him... Sergio Galvez for one, recorded a 30/30, hit .305-34-102, scored 105 runs, had a 6.9 WAR and was the leader of the Cav's... but even more than him Francisco Reyes! Yes Reyes didn't play on a great team but his stats are stellar: .295-52-149, 112 Runs, and a 5.8 WAR... I don't know call me crazy, but I think this award could of gone a different way... Bond had a great season, don't get me wrong, but I am not really sure he deserved his 4th Silver Slugger Award.

[illeracula]

Off-Season Report #2 - 11/29/2025



WAR Gained:
Winners:
New Castle Colonials (6.1)
Salisbury Ports (1.7)
Seaford Blue Jays (0.5)

Losers:
Norfolk Cavaliers (-12.2)
Milton Brewers (-9.4)
Washington Senators (-9.3)

Free Agents:
DBL News: Free Agents File: Today marks the beginning of DELMARVA Baseball League's free agent filing period. With it comes the uncertainty of an offseason filled with the potential for blockbuster signings, off-the-wall trades and a mad scramble to improve your club before you get left out in the cold.

General managers have the entire offseason in which to sign free agents. The biggest names on this year's market include:

1. Alfredo Bruno, 35 year-old second baseman
2. Vicente Rosas, 34 year-old starting pitcher
3. Mike Newman, 27 year-old starting pitcher
4. Jeff Lewis, 33 year-old right fielder
5. Francisco Durango, 42 year-old left fielder
6. Alec Haney, 28 year-old starting pitcher
7. Cliff Jones, 42 year-old third baseman
8. Juan Rosário, 32 year-old starting pitcher
9. Francisco Reyes, 35 year-old first baseman
10. Carlos Mateo, 37 year-old starting pitcher

This is a small look at the many available free-agents out there. SP Pablo Garcia and RF Jeff Lewis lead the list in regards to initial demand at $22M, with SS Alfredo Bruno right behind them asking for $22 M.

There is the leagues career hit leader (Kent Davis), the leagues career HR leader (Francisco Reyes) and one of only 3 players with 200 wins (Marcos Estrada), and many other top names. Where will they end up is any ones guess, but it does seem like its going to be a crazy off-season...

Signings:
The first team to make news on the free-agent market was the Annapolis Admirals who dished out $33,600,00 over 2 seasons to 1B Francisco Reyes. Reyes the leagues all-time HR and RBI leader spurned division rival Ocean City to head over to the Annapolis... I am surprised that he signed for only 2 seasons, at 35 I'd figure he would of looked for a longer term deal.

C Marvin Martin resigned with the Milton Brewers. Martin has been with the Brewers for the past 2-seasons, last year however he was injured and was only able to get 238 AB's. The deal is worth $32,700,000 over 2 seasons. Its a risk, but the Brewers thing its well worth it.

After losing out on Francisco Reyes, the Ocean City Tourists, dished out some money to RF Jeff Lewis. Lewis and the Tourists agreed on a 2-yr deal worth #34,400,000.

3B Tom Anderson tested the market, but didn't really like what he saw, and re-joined the Wilmington Iron Pigs on a 4-yr deal worth $69,600,000. Last year Anderson hit .271-21-77, and won his 4th Glove Wizard award at 3B.

SP Pablo Garcia, was rented by the Cavaliers last season, and for the next 4 he will be with the New Castle Colonials. Garcia, a play-off hero last year, signed a 4-yr deal worth $66,400,000.

Trades:
The Salisbury Ports, Chesapeake Blue Crabs and the New Castle Colonials have began the off-season by making some trades, each team pulled off trades with each other...

In the first trade of the off season the Salisbury Ports acquried RF Xue-qin Xu (.258-33-89) from the Chesapeake Blue Crabs for 1B King Brock (.260-21-66) and $2,300,000 cash.

The Ports then acquried SP Joseph Lee (8-15 6.03) from the New Castle Colonials for 2 propsects: CF Steve Moon (S-A, #132) and LF Dave Snyder (S-A, #138).

The Colonials then sent MR Kenny Owens (1-4 5.40) to the Blue Crabs for prospects SP Jose Lerma (7-9 3.96) and Tode Pope (S-A).

The Ocean City Tourists acquried SP Juan Gonzalez (1-6 6.14, 1 SV) from the Baltimore Barons in return for CF Freddy Herrera (.240-2-11) and prospect SP Enrique Acevedo (#53)

The Iron Pigs looking to bulk up their rotation traded for SP Irving Mills (10-16 5.26) and $3M cash. In return the Milton Brewers received 1B Berend Middlekamp (.244-14-49) and prospect SP Roberto Chavez (AA: #24)

The Richmond Cardinals acquired 1B Miguel Perez (.268-12-59) from the Georgetown Sixteens for 2 minor leaguers: 2B Jose Chavez (AAA), who is 35-yrs old, and CL Phil Lehman (9-7 3.52, 14 SV)



Budget: $144,000,000 (t-9th)
Payroll: $113,301,000 (7th)
$ for Free-Agents: $12,289,000
$ for Extensions: None
Fan Interest: 90 (losing Garcia and Lewis dropped us 10 points)

Trades:
Before Arbitration hit I pulled off a deal. And against my better judgement I made it with a team in my division. It is a huge deal, but the Express were willing to deal some players and I needed to dump some money... I traded 3 MLB talented playres and 2 minor leaguers in return for 2 prospects. This trade could come back in bite me in the rear... But in the end this deal is going to save me $10+ million and gets rid of 2 "fragile" players.

Going to Ellicott City:
LF Henry Hamer (.247-32-76)
CL Luis Martinez (3-8 3.52, 39 SV)
SP Fernando Gonzalez (AAA: 4-9 8.05, #178)
3B Felipe Mora (AAA: .281-22-99)
MR Dustin Mullis (S-A: 0-0 0.00, 4 G, 9.1 IP)
9th Round Draft Pick

Coming back:
SP Ernie Kennedy (AA: 6-6 4.49, #5) - Kenney is a 20 year old phenom, who throws left handed and could be the next ace of the Cavaliers. Last season he struggle din AA, but his ratings are builiding up and he could be a +12 in all categories. He throws four above average pitches and has great stamina. He will make a nice addition to the starting staff when he develops some more.

RF Chad Delaney (A: .307-7-44, #137) - Delany was a top 100 prospect 2 seasons ago, but has staggered with development last year. he will get some AB's in AAA this season and I see him being a solid back-up CF/RF in 2 years. He is only 21 years old and has some pretty solid potential.

The Fans weren't happy with the trade of Hamer or Martinez, but the budget was. With this deal we will need to figure out who are closer will be, we have 3 guys that could fill that role and who will take over in the OF. My guess is with Lewis and Hamer leaving the Cav's Leonard Lawson and Sergio Rodriguez will step up as the new OF'ers. I have a good feeling about those guys.

Like I said the biggest downfall was making this trade inter-division, but its hard to pass up a kid Kennedy.

Arbitration:
SP Carlos Coronado: $5,291,000 (LOSS)
SP Armando Lopez: $7,500,000 (LOSS)
MR David Moran: $1,200,000 (WIN)
C Alejandro Diaz: $7,930,000 (LOSS)
C Mark Bolton: $750,000 (WIN)
3B Mario Gomez: $5,975,000 (LOSS)
3B Edgar Baez: $6,875,000 (LOSS)
LF: Leonard Lawson: $4,000,000 (WIN)

This is painful to see. The big contracts to Lopez, Diaz and Baez. I was ready to stop the dealing, but with these deals I think I will have to move forward with some more changes... on a side note Hamer and Martinez both lost their hearings and will be making $5,500,000 next season.

I messed up with Jeff Lewis, I didn't offer him arbitration, it was an accident (at least I don't think I did), so I am not going to get my compensation pick. Which would of been nice to have, since I have traded away quite a bit of my draft picks for 2026 already.

Personnel Changes:
Ryan Robinson retired from the DBL in 2018 and this year he will make his debut as a coach for the Norfolk Cavaliers. Ryan "Sugar Robinson, agreed to a 5-yr deal to be the Cavaliers hitting coach making $670,000 per year. He is rated as an "Excellent" hitting teacher and he has a "lengedary" way of handling all types of players. He should fit into the Cavaliers staff very nicely. With the signing off Robinson the staff has been filled out.

Off-Season Goals:
-Get a hitting coach
-Lower payroll
-CF depth

Current Line-up:
RF Sergio Rodriguez
CF Sergio Galvez (L)
LF Bob Short (L)
1B Francisco Gallegos (S)
DH Leonard Lawson (L) / Trevor Parker (R)
C Alejandro Diaz
3B Edgar Baez (L)
2B Mario Gomez
SS Claudio Flores

Rule 5-Prep:
With 32 players on the 40-man roster we will be able to protect a few guys from the 40-man, at least the ones that are eligible.

Added to the roster is 5* prospect CF Juan Tavares. Tavares might be my answer to CF depth and our 5th outfielder for 2026. We will have to see how it goes, he is 23 and a top 100 prospect. However he did get suspended 2 times last season, so he might be a hot-head that we don't want on our roster.

Alfonso Hernandez is a 4.5* prospect and should be a solid middle-man in the future. He has 10/11 control and I don't think he will make this team until that number hits 11. At 24 he still has some time to develop. Last season he was 11-4 4.28 in 62 AAA games.

Double-A pitchers Ryan Williams and Allen Williams were both added. Allen is the bigger talent a 4* prospect, but Ryan might make it one day. Ryan is depth for now. Allen is 22 and could be a nice #5 or middle-man in the future. Last year in AA he went 17-2 2.33 in 29 starts, definitely turned some heads. Ryan was 10-5 3.64 in 26 starts, but has some questionable stuff.

With those moves our 40-man roster is now set at 36. I will pay attention in the draft as well as some lesser-paid solid free-agents...

Coming Up:
Rule-5 Draft (12/01/2025)
Winter Meetings (12/06/2025-12/10/2025)
Pre-season (02/05/2026)

[illeracula]

Off-Season Report #3 - 01/01/2026



WAR Gained:
Winners (positives):
New Castle Colonials (7.6)
Annapolis Admirals (5.4)
Salisbury Ports (1.8)
Milford Clippers (0.6)

Losers (-6 or great):
Norfolk Cavaliers (-13.5)
Baltimore Barons (-9.4)
Washington Senators (-6.6)
Lewes Braves (-6.0)

Free Agents:
Signings:
38-year-old SP Carlos Mateo agreed with the Ellicott City Express on a 2-yr deal worht $29,200,000. Mateo went 9-1 2.50 in 14 starts last season with the Lewes Braves. He missed part of the season with an injury.

42-year-old 3B Cliff Jones decided to return to the Milton Brewers, after spending a year in Milford, during which he went .277-12-67. Jones and the Brewers agreed on a 1-yr deal worth $15,200,000.

Closer Manuel Petrelia signed a 3-yr deal with the Washington Senators worth $41,100,000. Petrelia has saved 257 games during his career, including 30+ in 7 of hte past 8 seasons.

One of the top starters on the free-agent board, Takayuki Iemochi, agreed to terms with the Milton Brewers. Iemochi was 15-7 3.48 for the Senators lasts season. He will make $63,300,000 over the next 5 seasons.

Second baseman Alfredo Bruno tested the market, but decided to return to the Georgetown Sixteens. Bruno hit .303-13-70 in what was his best season of his 6-yr career. The Sixteens dished out $33,600,000 for 2 seasons of Bruno.

Flynn Payton (.294-17-54) agreed with the Annapolis Admirlas on a 4-yr $62,000,000 contract to take his 2B skills to Annapolis.

James McLaughin is headed to the Milton Brewers on 1yr deal worth $950,000. McLaughin a starter for most of his career, split time with the Ocean City Tourists last season going 12-10 5.18 with 12 saves.

The Annapolis Admirals are redoing their offense, agreeing to terms with Pepe Martinez on a 3yr deal worth $38,900,000. Martinez split time with the Surf Dawgs and the Express las season hitting .259-18-72. He is a fan favourite.

CF Kent Davis is 35-yrs old an 707 hits away from 3000. He will continue his quest for 3000 in Richmond after signing a 3yr / $47,400,000 deal with the Cardinals. Last year Davis played in 145 games, which was the most in the past 3 years for the injury prone star.

Reliever Matsusuke Koizumi signed a 3 year deal worth $38,600,000 to solidfy the back end of the Braves bullpen. Last year Koizumi went 4-4 1.76 with 43 saves. With him and Luis DeLeon in the pen the Braves will have one of the toughes 8-9'inning pitchers around.

37-yr old Elmer Hawkins continues to throw, and in 2026 he will do with the Ellicott City Express after agreeing on a 1-yr deal worth $1,740,000. Hawkins will be pitchign for his 8th different team in the past 8 years.

Veteran slugger Leonard Davis will join the young Washington Senators to give their younger players a mentor. He agreed on a 2-yr deal worth $29,300,000. Last season Davis played in only 31 games going .281-4-15, due to injuries.

SP Juan Rosario will take his talent to the Wilmington Iron Pigs for the next 4 seasons. Rosario and the Iron Pigs agreed on a deal totaling $69,600,000. Wisely the 4th year is a team option, which they agree to overpay him to the tune of $20,400,000.

After dealing their all-star catcher the New Castle Colonials were in the hunt for a new one, and they found him in Mark Wright. Wright hit .297-13-71 for the Cardinals last season. He agreed on a 3yr deal worth $18,600,000.

Milford Clippers and Rudy Richards agreed on a 1 year deal worth $1,820,000. Richards is a work horse pitching in 76-80 games over the past 6 seasons. In 70 games last year he was 3-4 3.04 with 20 saves.

Top Remaining Free Agents:
2B Dave McGill
1B Martin Allen
LF Francisco Durango
SS Jesus Rivera
3B Jose Rivera
C Ed Duke
CL Javier Castro
MR Ed Yoder
CL Vicnete Angel
CL Mike Banks
CL Marcos Estrada

Trades:
Trading went crazy during the winter meetings, including one block-buster that might of made the Annapolis Admirals the favorite in the Eastern Division.

MR Taheiji Otani (2-6 4.95, 2 SV) went tot he Seaford Blue Jays in return the Newark Millers recieved SP Daniel Hawkins (AA, #118).

The Milford Clippers acquired Francisco Alvardo (0-0 11.70, 1SV, #112) from the Salisbury Ports for AAA SP Darrell Cook.

The Newark Millers acquired SS Keith Norris (.194/.216/.278, 1 HR) and $800,000 from the Dover Generals in return for 2 minor leaguers SP Clancy Walker (A, #59) and 3B Pepe Rico (A).

The Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs acquired RF Ken Fletcher (.243/.384/.458, 23 HR) and $3,000,000 from the Baltimore Barons in return for a couple of minor leaugers: 3B Jose Nunez (A) and 2B Antonio Lopez (AA).

The Annapolis Admirals continue to reshape their offense, by acquiring 3B Javier Reyes (.312/.357/.392, 1 HR) and SP Wilson Saldana (AA, #180) for SP Domingo Cardoza and a 4th round pick.

In the biggest deal of the off-season, so far, the Annapolis Admirals acquired C Will Riley (.306/.375/.539, 32 HR), SS Juan Garcia (A, #83) and 3B Joaquin Trujillo (A) for SP Mariano Salazar (10-17 4.77).



Budget: $144,000,000 (t-9th)
Payroll: $114,791,000 (6th)
$ for Free-Agents: $9,049,000
$ for Extensions: None
Fan Interest: 90

Rule-5 Draft:
Well I went into the draft with very little expectations, everyone who could of been drafted was protected, but that changed. I used my pick as an experienment. I took 24-yr old pitcher Edgardo Perdnard, who went 0-0 10.38 in 8 AAA games last season. Perdnard, who has solid offensive ratings, will be shifted to 2B and given the opportunity to make the team as an offensive player. If we let him go, its no loss to us.

Trades:
I didn't pull any trades off for Eric Helton, but I was tempted to move him. His 3 seasons in Norfolk have been steadily going downhill, but when you see his ratings its hard to move him. He will be back next season and will probably hang around till 2029 when his contract expires.

Signings:
I signed SP Ira Daniels to a minor league deal. He is just depth, doubt he will make it to the bigs, but I guess its possible. He is a 3.5* palyer with 12 Stuff, 9 Movement and 10/11 Control. He went 4-6 5.43 in AAA last year.

Norfolk also can to terms with 27-yr old switch-hitting 1B Adrian Hernandez. Hernandez hit .293-14-56 for the New Castle Colonials last season, and joins the Cav's as depth. He is a solid 1B who is average offensively, he was 3rd in the Delaware Confernece with 37 SB's last season. Hernandez agreed on a 1-yr $1,000,000 deal.

I have been thinking about signing a pitcher, but I may have to wait a little bit before making the move... I am not 100% sure what our bullpen is going to look like right now with the trade of Martinez. I have some things to think about over the next month or two.

Thoughts:
I am trying to figure out what to do with my catching. Right now I have 3-big league catchers, two of them are affordable and slightly below average, one of them is costs too much, but is one of the better catches around... so now I need to figure out if I should move Alejandro Diaz.

Alejandro Diaz (R): Contact: 8/9, Gap: 7/7, HR: 15/15, Eye: 5/6, K's: 11/12
Last season: .270-31-89, 25 BB, 71 K's, 135 G's
Defense: Catcher: 20, Ability: 17, Arm: 18
Age: 26; Salary: $7,930,000; "Puts in long hours"

Mark Bolton (L): Contact: 9/9, Gap: 10/10, HR: 9/9, Eye: 9/9, K's: 12/12
Last season: .227-3-17, 7 BB, 27 K's, 34 G's
Defense: Catcher: 16, Ability: 12, Arm: 13
Age: 28; Salary: $750,000; "Good head, questionable work ethic"

Mark Bolton (R): Contact: 8/8, Gap: 14/14, HR: 11/13, Eye: 13/14, K's: 7/7
Last season: (AAA) .250-22-79, 110 BB, 112 K, 128 G (went 3-10 w/ Cav's)
Defense: Catcher: 13, Ability: 9, Arm: 13
Age: 28; Salary: $490,000; "Questionable work ethic"

Its obvious that Diaz is the best of these 3 guys, offensivly and defensivly, but that 7+ million is a huge expense... I had a lot of success back in the day with Chaney and Romero behind the dish, and neither one of them were "Superstars".

Off-Season Goals:
-Get a hitting coach - done
-Lower payroll - done, but not sure enough?
-CF Depth - going to try Lawson in CF and Parker in CF during spring

Current Line-up:
RF Sergio Rodriguez
CF Sergio Galvez (L)
LF Bob Short (L)
1B Francisco Gallegos (S)
DH Leonard Lawson (L) / Trevor Parker (R)
C Alejandro Diaz
3B Edgar Baez (L)
2B Mario Gomez / Robinson Lopez
SS Claudio Flores

A couple things to note is that the manager believes newcomer Adrian Hernandez should start and play 2B. I would like to see Robinson Lopez and Mario Gomez get more playing time that our manager thinks.

Coming Up:
Pre-season (02/05/2026)

[illeracula]

Off-Season Report #4 - 03/01/2026



WAR Gained:
Winners (top 5):
New Castle Colonials (9.4)
Annapolis Admirals (7.9)
Ellicott City Express (5.6)
Ocean City Tourists (4.2)
Salisbury Ports (2.6)

Losers (bottom 5):
Norfolk Cavaliers (-13.5)
Baltimore Barons (-9.4)
Washington Senators (-5.2)
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (-4.1)
Christiana Blue Hens (-3.9)

Free Agents:
Signings:
2B Dave McGill and the Ocean City Tourists agreed on a 1-yr deal worth $13,300,000. Mc gill hit .253-13-52 for the Annapolis Admirals last year.

SS Errorl Williams agreed on a 3-yr contract extension with the Lewes Braves for $16,000,000 per year.

42-yr OF Francisco Durango agreed to go back to where his career started, coming to terms on a 1-yr deal with the Georgetown Sixteens. Durango hit .282-9-52 for the Washington Senators last season.

CL John Heath and the Richmond Cardinals agreed on a 2-yr deal worth $10,500,000. Heath went 2-1 4.40, with 2 saves for the Admirals last year.

CL Mike Banks and the New Castle Colonials agreed on a 2-yr/$14,600,000 deal. Banks saved 27 games each of the past 2 seasons for the Annapolis Admirals.

Everyone was expecting Marcos Estrada to sign with the Georgetown Sixteens, but in a surprise the Chesapeake Blue Crabs and Estada announced a 2-yr deal worth $13,800,000. Estrada went 11-9 3.83 with 18 saves splitting time as starter and closer for the Iron Pigs.

Jose Rivera signed a 1-yr $3,200,000 deal with the Ellicott City Express. The SS hit .251-7-24 for the Newark Millers last season.

In need of another starter after Robert Albert announced his retirement, the Lewes Braves signed Alec Haney. Haney and the Braves agreed on a 4-yr $57,600,000 deal. Haney went 13-12 3.86 last season with the Iron Pigs.

Ellicott City Express agreed to terms with 2B Pat Hall and 1B Martin Hurst. Hall signed a 1-yr deal worth $5,700,000 and Hurst a 3yr-deal worth $13,040,000.

Aging catcher C Richard Taylor agreed to terms on a 1-yr deal with the Ocean City Tourists. Taylor hasn't been able to play in more than 70 games due to injuries over the past 3 seasons. The 43-yr old hit .169-1-7 in 33 games last season.

The Tourists also dished out $13,800,000 over 2 years to SP Mike Newman. Newman went 8-8 3.24 in 17 GS last season for the Annapolis Admirals.

The Annapolis Admirals brought back closer Ed Yoder. Yoder signed a 2-yr deal (2nd year is an player option) worth $18,600,000. Last season Yoder went 7-2 1.70, with 18 saves in 72 games for the Braves. Yoder was displaced from the closer role near the half-way mark of the season. He has 238 career saves.

The Dover Generals signed SP Paul Randolph to a 1yr/$4,680,000 deal. Randolph went 4-5 5.92 in 12 GS with the Blue Crabs last season.

The Wilmington Iron Pigs signed SP Vincente Rosas to a 2 year deal wirth $11,420,000. Rosas went 5-18 4.80 in 33 starts with the Barons last year, but was signed to be the closer for the Iron Pigs for 2026.

C Francisco Torres and the Washington Senators agreed on a 1-yr $1,230,000 deal. Torres hit .362-3-21 in 47 games with the Lewes Braves last season.

SP Raul Tejada signed a 2-yr $4,890,000 deal with the Ocean City Tourists. Tejada went 16-7 4.23 in 30 starts for the Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs last season.

LF Pablo Freitas has been decimated by injuries of late, but the Wilmington Iron Pigs decided to give him a shot, signing him to a 1-yr deal worth $870,000. Freitas played in only 8 games last season hitting .350-1-2.

The Salisbury Ports signed SP Mike Roeder to a 2 year deal worth $8,460,000. Roeder went 11-5 3.32 with a save in 56 games, 12 starts, last year with the New Castle Colonials.

Trades:
The Chesapeake Blue Crabs acquired MR Leo Hampton (4-5 4.94, #152) from the New Castle Colonials for 2 prospects: 3B Calvin Pittman (A, #99) and SS Ken Madrid (A).

The New Castle Colonials keep on wheeling and dealing. They sent MR Steve Craft (5-2 3.95, 2 SV) to the Newark Millers for MR Adrian Pagett (AAA, #17) and 3B Jesus Parra (A).

Retirements:
SP Robert Albert got hurt during the playoffs last season, but the injury just would never heal for the 38-yr old. During a press conference in January Albert announced he is retiring from the game. Albert went 12-11 3.52 for the Lewes Braves last season, and this year he will be working in their pressbox as the color commentator. During his 13-year career Albert posted a career record of 156-155 with a 3.77 ERA over 427 Games. He is a 5-time all-star, and 2-time DelMarVa Champion (2023 & 2024).
"He's a smart guy and he knows a lot about the game," said Braves bench coach Jorge Gonzáles. "He should do very well as a broadcaster."




Budget: $144,000,000 (t-9th)
Payroll: $113,581,000 (6th)
$ for Free-Agents: $11,009,000
$ for Extensions: None
Fan Interest: 90

Roster Moves:
UTL Yoelbi Mosca was DFA'd to make room on the 40-man roster, which now stands at 38. Mosca isn't happy, but he did what I needed from him in 2023 and may soon be on the path to being released... After the release of Mosca, I added Juan Hernandez to the roster. Hernandez will get a look in the outfield as the 5th OF'er. He is only 20 and could use some more development. Mosca went to AAA without complaining, but I am not sure if I should keep him around anymore.

I have one spot on the 40-man available. If I need a reliever I have space to make a move.

Signings:
We signed Duk-yoon Hwang to a 1-yr $750,000 deal. Hwang will start the season in AAA and will be tested as a back-up 1B. He is a rookie from South Korea. I am not really sure what to expect from him at this point... honestly I signed him, only because I liked his name.

Thoughts:
Juan Hernandez is 20yrs old, but he may be prime to become my back-up centerfielder. If not this year he will most likely be a starter in 2027. A young kid with a ton of talent, from 16 power potential, to a 20 rating in the outfield, to speed. Last year he hit .318-21-69 in AA.

Miguel Contrears is 37-yrs old and his stuff isn't what it used to be. He will be listed as my #3 starter coming into 2026, however he is in a very interesting situation. 2027 he is set to make $17,250,000 if he can pitch in 150 innings. Contreras has never pitched under 200 during his career, but losing his contract for the 2027 and 2028 season would be a huge relief... that being said as much as I like this guy, he will be on the hot-seat. Most likely will be a first half starter and if he falters he may get moved to the bullpen to keep his innings down. That $17M could be a huge relief to this payroll.

Off-Season Goals:
I sent out with 3 goals this off-season and I think I only accomplished one of them really. My payroll is still high, and its even worse heading into next season.

-Get a hitting coach: Ryan Robinson agreed on a 5-yr deal. Robinson is 36 and retired from the DBL in 2016. He is known to get along with everyone and has been rated as an "Excellent" hitting coach, which is unique, considering he was a MR during his career.

-Lower payroll: Traded away Luis Martinez and Henry Hamer and let Pablo Garcia and Jeff Lewis walk. Just those four guys saved me over 20 million dollars. However we are at approximately $123.3 million for 2027, which is something we will have to watch.

-CF Depth: Sergio Rodriguez is a 10 in CF and will get some playing time there this season giving Galvez a break. I will also have to keep an eye on Juan Hernandez who is the best CF defensivly in the organization, but at 20 years old I am not sure he is ready for the show just yet.

Current Line-up:
I do think I will have some platoons going this season. I will have to keep an eye out and play the "hot" guy. I am also thinking I should make a move by dealing Baez or Gomez. I am sort of leaning towards Gomez only because he is "fragile". I have a good feeling about his lineup, I don't think we will show the power that we have the past 2 seasons, but I am pretty sure we will score more runs.

RF Sergio Rodriguez
CF Sergio Galvez (L)
LF Bob Short (L)
1B Francisco Gallegos (S)
DH Leonard Lawson (L) / Trevor Parker (R)
C Alejandro Diaz
3B Edgar Baez (L) / Mario Gomez
2B Adrian Hernandez (S) / Robinson Lopez
SS Claudio Flores

Roster for Spring Training:
We have 22 position players and 18 pitches coming to camp, and really the team has very little positional fights going on. That being said cutting the team from 22 to 14 and 18 to 11 is going to be tough...

Coming Up:
Spring Training (03/07/2026)
Pre-season Predictions (04/05/2026)
Top 100 Prospects (04/05/2026)
Opening Day (04/06/2026)

[illeracula]

Spring Training Report #1 - 03/15/2026



WAR Gained:
Winners (top 5):
New Castle Colonials (13.1)
Annapolis Admirals (7.9)
Ellicott City Express (5.6)
Ocean City Tourists (4.2)
Salisbury Ports (2.6)

Losers (bottom 5):
Norfolk Cavaliers (-13.5)
Baltimore Barons (-9.4)
Washington Senators (-5.2)
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (-4.1)
Christiana Blue Hens (-3.2)

Initial Predictions:
This is the first round of predictions, and we all know they are subject to change over the next month of spring. The Cavaliers are suprisingly predicted to win a lot of games, and they have 5 pitches in the predictions winning 14+ games.

The shocker in the Delaware Conference is how close the divisions are with no team winning over 90 games. That is why we play 162 games so these predictions can be proven wrong.

Southern Division: Lewes Braves: 89-73 +6
Northern Division: Wilmington Iron Pigs: 87-75 + 1
Eastern Division: Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 94-68 +4
Western Division: Norfolk Cavaliers: 112-50 +18

Current Leaders:
Southern Division: Milton Brewers: 6-3 +1
Northern Division: Newark Millers: 7-2 +2
Eastern Division: Four teams tied at 4-5
Western Division: Norfolk Cavaliers/Richmond Cardinals: 7-2 +1

Free Agents:
Signings:
Ex-Cavalier Jesus Rivera agreed to terms with the New Castle Colonials on a 1-yr deal worth $1,500,000. Rivera hit .254-2-31 with the Milton Brewers last season. He played with the Colonials in 2019.

Two-time pitcher of the Year Jose Matos isn't ready to call it quits. The 38-yr-old Matos agreed to a 1 year, $1,340,000 deal with the Wilmington Iron Pigs. After being a starter for 13 seasons, Matos was moved to the bullpen with the Lewes Braves last year. He returns to the Iron Pigs where he spent 2023 and 2024.

Injuries:
Xue-qin Xu a big pick up for the Salisbury Ports during the off-season will miss 3 months with a concussion. Xu hit .258-33-89 last season and was supposed to give the Ports a power threat in their lineup. That will be put on hold.

The Richmond Cardinals will be without their SS Anthony Lucarelli for 4 weeks. He will miss the first week of the season after straining a rib-cage muscle. Lucarelli hit .283-5-39 with the Cardinals last season, after being acquired from the Cavaliers.



Budget: $144,000,000 (t-9th)
Payroll: $113,581,000 (7th)
$ for Free-Agents: $11,009,000
$ for Extensions: None
Fan Interest: 90

Spring:
So far we are off to a solid start, going 7-2 over the first week of spring. The division is looking good with the Cardinals with 7 and the Ports with 6. And you really can't count out the Senators or the Express who were the #2 and 3 teams in the division last year.

Roster:
Pitchers: On 40: 18 / On Current Roster: 17 (11)

Its a little early to tell who will not make the team. Michael Meagher who I was hoping to make the team is struggling giving up 4 runs in 5.2 innings... other than that I made one roster move sending Allen Williams down. Allen has given up 5 runs on 2 HR's in 5 IP's. He isn't ready for the show, so I will send him down and make some room for others.

Batters: On 40: 22 / On Current Roster: 20 (14)

Edgardo Perdnand was acquired by the Cavaliers in the Rule-5 draft, but his position with the club is questionable. There just may not be any roster space for him. But so far this spring he has been really impressing going 4-10. Perdnand hasn't had an at-bat during his 6-year career.

Maximiliano Bastardo (1-6) and Bryan O'Neil (3-17) have both been sent to AAA. O'Neil was DFA'd and this might be the last time he shows up on the 40-man roster.

Our new signee, who was penciled in to start at 2B is off to a horrendous start going 1-21. He is playing his way off this team that is for sure. Lopez (4-12) will start getting some more swings. Lopez is probably a better defender so it might actually be a win/win.

Claudio Florez (5-12) is off to a hot start. Hopefully he can continue to hit the ball, and Sergio Galvez doesn't seem to have lost a step during the off-season hitting .389-1-6.

Overall, we are off to a nice start to spring.

Current Line-up:
The only change is Lopez is now the starter at 2B and Hernandez is moving to the pin. I will have to check out my options, because if Carlos Franco isn't going to hit, which he isn't yet as of now, the final cut might be between Hernandez and Franco.... I just might not be done wheeling and dealing...

RF Sergio Rodriguez
CF Sergio Galvez (L)
LF Bob Short (L)
1B Francisco Gallegos (S)
DH Leonard Lawson (L) / Trevor Parker (R)
C Alejandro Diaz
3B Edgar Baez (L) / Mario Gomez
2B Robinson Lopez / Adrian Hernandez (S)
SS Claudio Flores

Coming Up:
Pre-season Predictions (04/05/2026)
Top 100 Prospects (04/05/2026)
Opening Day (04/06/2026)

[illeracula]

Norfolk Sends Hernández to Baltimore: In a hastily called press conference, Norfolk announced today a trade with Baltimore that will send 27-year-old first baseman Adrián Hernández, 28-year-old first baseman Duk-yoon Hwang, 24-year-old reliever Tariel Ratishvili, 22-year-old minor league right fielder Chad Delaney, 24-year-old minor league reliever Jorge Rincón and $35,000 in cash to the Barons in exchange for 23-year-old reliever Teo Ha, 20-year-old minor league catcher Gino Macciocchi, 19-year-old minor league center fielder Alfonso Cruz and 19-year-old minor league reliever Pepe Martínes. All players are expected to be in their respective new cities in time for today's games.

Hernández boasts a lifetime batting average of .252 with 851 hits, 67 homers, 489 runs scored and 314 RBIs.



The idea of this deal was to dump some guys who I just didn't think were going to cut it. Tariel Ratishvili might be the guy I will miss the most, but with no options left he would of ended being the last man out anyways. He has a 9 control and it doesn't seem like its going to get any better, so it just seemed like the "right" thing to do. He was doing pretty solid during the spring in 17.2 innings, he has allowed 17 hits, 6 runs and struck out 14 while posting a 3.06 ERA. He just didn't fit in our team this season.

Adrian Hernandez had a solid 2025 season, but he was struggling this spring. He was going to be my 2B/1B. But with Lopez, Gomez, Franco, I just felt like he was expendable. Now if he was tearing it up this spring I might of felt differently, but again no options and not impressive. For Duk-yoon Hwang he would of been sent down to the minors, and probably not of played much with the kid down on the farm now. He again was expendable due to his lack of performance. I signed him due to his name not his stats so it wasn't hard to say goodbye. Hwang might get some good playing time in the future, and we wish him luck.

Hernandez: .121-1-5 (4-33) 15 G
Hwang: .200-1-5 (6-30) 16 G

CF Chad Delaney (137) and SP Jorge Rincon where pretty much throw in. Delaney could have a bright future and I will keep my eye on him to see where his career goes.

Coming back to us and the big piece of the deal was MR Teo Ha. Ha is a lefty who throws low 90's, has 2 solid pitches and is project to have great control (14/19). I like his ratings and he should give me a solid dependable lefty out of the pen. Ha pitched in 58 games last season for the Barons going 8-3 3.69.

The other big piece we received, that the Barons weren't sure they wanted to give up was C Gino Macciocchi. Gino is 20-year-old switch hitting catcher which our scout Alexis Shelton says "he has impact bat potential". He is raw and hasn't played yet in the DBL so it will be interesting to see how he develops. He was signed out of Italy in 2023 and spent the last 2 seasons in the Barons International Complex.

Gino: Contact: 6/9, Gap: 13/14, HR: 6/16, Eye: 5/8, K's: 5/8

Dealing our prospect Delany I felt like I need something comparable back and that is when I decided on Alfonso Cruz. Cruz is 19 and was the #191st prospect. Cruz will be an interesting player to see how he develops. Last season in AA he hit .214-4-23. He has average ratings across the board and shows decent speed.

MR Pepe Martines was a throw in that I hope can surprise develop. At 19 years old, you never know. Martines is another guy who hasn't played yet in the DBL and will make his first minor league appearance this season.

Overall, I think this was a risky trade and I probably should of just kept it as Ha for Martinez but I decided to try to wheel and deal. Giving up Martinez might actually hurt in the long run, he was a nice addition to the lineup giving us a little more team speed. But with the emergence of Lopez I felt it would be better off to move him. So if the loss of team speed hurts then this deal could back fire... Hwang isn't going to be much more than an average player, so losing him was ok, Probably shouldn't of signed him to begin with... I think Ha is a little better than Ratishvili in the long run, so in that regards it is a win... and the kids, well most of those guys wouldn't of played much around in Norfolk so its not a big loss. And if Gino develops into the Cav's catcher of the future that will be huge... I am pleased with this move that is for sure.

[illeracula]

Spring Training Report #2 - 04/1/2026



WAR Gained:
Winners (top 5):
New Castle Colonials (13.1)
Annapolis Admirals (7.9)
Ellicott City Express (5.6)
Ocean City Tourists (4.2)
Salisbury Ports (2.9)

Losers (bottom 5):
Norfolk Cavaliers (-12.1)
Baltimore Barons (-9.1)
Washington Senators (-5.2)
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (-4.1)
Christiana Blue Hens (-3.2)

Initial Predictions:
Southern Division: Lewes Braves: 89-73 (+6)
Northern Division: Wilmington Iron Pigs: 87-75 (+1)
Eastern Division: Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 94-68 (+4)
Western Division: Norfolk Cavaliers: 112-50 (+18)

Final Spring Leaders:
Southern Division: Dover Generals/Milton Brewers/Seaford Blue Jays: 12-12 (+1)
Northern Division: Newark Millers: 16-8 (+3)
Eastern Division: Annapolis Admirals (+1)
Western Division: Norfolk Cavaliers/Ellicott City Express: 16-8 (+2)

Spring Leaders:
AVG: Raul Hernandez (Salisbury) .458 (was part of the Pablo Garcia deal last season)
HR: John Herbert (Georgetown) 9
RBI: Matt Fisher (Wilmington) 24
H: Matt Fisher (Wilmington) 27

ERA: Brad Rose (Newark) 0.00
W: Roberto Rios (Christiana) 5
K's: Hector Lorenzo (Salisbury) 40
S: Jesus Espinoze (Newark) 9

Free Agents:
Signings:
SP Joe Gould signed a 1 year $3,120,000 contract with the Salisubry Ports. Gould went 2-2 3.68 in 37 games of relief last season for the Blue Crabs. He will be back in the rotation with the Ports.

Suprisingly no one has signed Javier Castro, the man of many uniforms. The 41 yr old reliever had a solid season last year with the Ports, but has yet to find a team this year.

There are actually quite a few free-agents that are still looking for jobs. 30-yr old Eduardo Greene was a force a few years ago and now he is looking for a job. Last season he split time between AAA and Richmond and hit .239-13-47. He still shows good contact and power, at $1.7M he is a bargin.

Currently, there are still 7 4.5-star players available, all looking for rather small deals.

Injuries:
Milton Brewers will be with out catcher Marvin Martin for 5-6 months. The 37 yr-old has a strained hip muscle.
MR Pedro Gonzalez will miss the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Last season the Christiana Blue Hens MR went 1-0 4.88 in 18 games.
Ocean City Tourists lost MR Nate Downing for 7 months with shoulder inflammation. Downing was 0-2 5.13 last season in 22 games for the Tourists.
The Georgetown Sixteens will be without 2B Alfredo Bruno to start the season. Bruno stained a hamstring on the last day of spring and will miss the first 2 weeks of the season.



Budget: $144,000,000 (t-9th)
Payroll: $111,831,000 (7th)
$ for Free-Agents: $12,724,000
$ for Extensions: None
Fan Interest: 90

Spring:
Things went well despite losing the last 5 games we played. I like this team and I have a lot of confidence that we will win a lot of games this year.

Roster:
Pitchers: On 40: 18 / On Current Roster: 12 (11)

All my pitchers are throwing well. Meagher is starting to get back on track, which is only going to make my decisions a little more difficult.

Cuts:
Ryan Williams pitched in only 1 game, 2 innings and gave up no hits and struck out 3. He will be shipped down to allow for some of the other guys to get some more work.

SP Angel Rivera will be sent back down to AAA, he needs to work on his control some. During the spring he went 1-1 3.97 over 11.1 innings.

MR Luis Manuel Gonzalez is heading down. I think I believe he is better than he really is. I hope that isn't the case, but we will see. LM was 0-0 6.75 over 4.0 IP.

MR Alfonso Hernandez will probably the the first MR called up in an injury occurs. He has a talent and I like what I have seen. This spring he went 11.2 IP, allowing just 4 hits and 0 runs. He probably should be up with us, but there just isn't any room right now.

Decisions:
The last cut will be tough, but it looks like Michael Meagher will be the odd-man out. He has options and he struggled this spring. Cutting him gives me 11 pitchers on the roster, but I will have to think about this last decision.

Closer and the #5 starter...
I think I am going to go with Miguel Angel Gonzalez as my closer to open the season, with Armando Lopez his back-up and set-up man. Which means that Joaquin Hernandez will be my #5 starter. I will keep an eye on him and Coronado and Lopez and Gonzalez will share back-up starts duties if they falter.

SP: Paul Brown
SP: Cornell Pearson
SP Miguel Contreras
SP: Carlos Coronado
SP Joaquin Hernandez

CL: Miguel Angel Gonzalez

SU: David Moran (L)
SU: Armando Lopez (L)

MR: Eric Helton
MR: Teo Ha (L)
MR: Alberto Sanchez

This staff should be better than the staff we had last season.

Batters: On 40: 18 / On Current Roster: 14 (14)

Written before the deal:
IF Adrian Hernandez is now hurt and not hitting the ball at all. He is 4-30 and quickly losing favor here in Norfolk. I am debating weather I should try to trade him or waive him. Not sure what I could get for him, but I am not sure I want him around either... 1B Duk-Yoon Hwang is having some transistion issues to the DBL as his spring struggles have continued. Hitting .160 with 1 HR and 3 RBI's will doubtfully make the team. Maybe he will be better off in AAA getting his feet wet... After writing this I ended up making a deal moving both of these guys. I don't think losing Hwang will be an issue, but I may end up regretting deal Hernandez just for back-up purposes. Then again his lack of hitting during spring wasn't very impressive.

Cuts:
CF Juan Hernandez is having a decent spring 7-23, but will be shipped down to AAA after an injury. I think the 20-yr old could use a little more time in AAA. He won't be happy, but he will be up in Norfolk soon enough.

CF Juan Tavares will be sent down as well. He was 8-37 (.216-1-5) and could use some more seasoning down on the farm... With Tavares and Hernandez in AAA we now have 5 outfielders, to play OF and DH. I think that will work out nicely.

I had a choice to make with my 2nd catcher and I had Mike Baldwin written in with Mark Bolton heading down. But near the end of spring Baldwin (.238-0-0) struggled and Bolton (.407-2-5) hit. So down goes Baldwin. And our catchers will once again be Diaz and Bolton. This duo is lasting almost as long as the Chaney Romero platoon.

Our last cut will be Edgardo Perdnard. I really didn't want to let him go, our Rule-5 gem, and maybe I will try to trade for him... we will see... but Edgardo hit .290-0-1 during spring, and leanred some 2B. Not bad considering he hasn't played on the offensive side since joining the DBL. I am thikning of chaning is position back to a pitcher and trading for him as a scrub. And seeing if I can't get make him into a decent player... I have a pending trade offer with the Barons to acquire Perdnard.

Current Line-up:
Only carrying 5 out-fielders will mean that Parker should get a lot of AB's this season. Rodriguez will share CF duties and Parker and Lawson will share back-up corner slots and the DH role. This team is looking good.

RF Sergio Rodriguez
CF Sergio Galvez (L)
LF Bob Short (L)
1B Francisco Gallegos (S)
DH Leonard Lawson (L) / Trevor Parker (R)
C Alejandro Diaz / Mark Bolton (L)
3B Edgar Baez (L) / Mario Gomez
2B Robinson Lopez / Mario Gomez / Augusto Rodriguez
SS Claudio Flores / Carlos Franco / Augusto Rodriguez

Coming Up:
Pre-season Predictions (04/05/2026)
Top 100 Prospects (04/05/2026)
Opening Day (04/06/2026)

[illeracula]

Opening Day Roster:
I was looking at my roster and I started to wonder where did these guys come from, how many actual came up through the Cavaliers system. Because I looked it all up, I figured I should share.

C Mark Bolton: Drafted 2019 (1st round, 17th pick, 17th overall)
C Alejandro Diaz: Invited to International Complex 2016 (Dominican Republic)
1B Francisco Gallegos: Invited to International Complex 2014 (Dominican Republic)
2B Robinson Lopez: International Free agent 2017 (Dominican Republic)
3B Edgar Baez: Acquired via Trade 2026 (Richmond Cardinals)
3B Carlos Franco: Acquired via Trade 2022 (Christiana Blue Hens)
3B Mario Gomez: Acquired via Trade 2018 (Lewes Braves)
SS Claudio Flores: Acquired via Trade 2025 (Newark Millers)
SS Augusto Rodriguez: Inaugural Draft Pick 2013 (17th round, 14th pick, 270th overall)
LF Bob Short: Acquired via Trade 2025 (Salisbury Ports)
LF Leonard Lawson: Acquired via Trade 2023 (Christiana Blue Hens)
CF Sergio Galvez: Acquired via Trade 2018 (Milford Clippers)
RF Sergio Rodriguez: Invited to International Complex 2020 (Dominican Republic)
RF Trevor Parker: Acquired via Trade 2022 (Dover Generals)

SP Paul Brown: Acquired via Trade 2017 (Georgetown Sixteens)
SP Cornell Pearson: Acquired via Trade 2020 (Seaford Blue Jays)
SP Miguel Contreras: Acquired via Trade 2017 (Ocean City Tourists)
SP Carlos Coronado: Acquired via Trade 2019 (Georgetown Sixteens)
SP Joaquin Hernandez: Acquired via Trade 2024 (New Castle Colonials)
SP/CL Miguel Angel Gonzalez: Acquired via Trade 2021 (Milford Clippers)
SP/MR Armando Lopez: International Free agent 2015 (Venezuela)
MR David Moran: Acquired via Trade 2022 (Salisbury Ports)
MR Eric Helton: Acquired via Trade 2022 (Chesapeake Blue Crabs)
MR Teo Ha: Acquired via Trade 2026 (Baltimore Barons)
MR Alberto Sanchez: Drafted 2018 (10th round, 20th pick, 209th overall)

8 of the 25 players on the opening day roster are home grown. Helton, Pearson, Contreras and Baez are the only position players that were solid every day players before being acquried by us. Lawson and Flores has big league time, but weren't yet developed. The rest were young kids, who were prospects, that I decided were worth the risk...

Break down by Age:
21-24: 6
25-29: 17
30-35: 1
35+: 1

We open up 2026 with 2 rookies on the team, OF Trevor Parker and SP Joaquin Hernandez.

Augusto Rodriguez made his Norfolk debut in 2015 and is the longest tenured player on the Cavaliers. Miguel Contreras is the second longest tenured player join the Cavaliers roster in 2017... Speaking of these two guys... We have no up-coming free-agents in 2027, but we do have 2 players with vesting options:
Augusto Rodriguez has a $6.84 M option that will kick in if he hits the 300 PA mark.
Miguel Contreras has a $17.3 M option that will kick in if he hits the 150 IP mark

Teo Ha is the only player on the roster who didn't put on a Cavaliers unifrom in 2025.

The Cav's had 3 numbers retired:
#6 Don Sweetapple
#18 Dalton Whitaker
#50 Mauro Candelaria

We start off with 7 games on the road, 2 in Baltimore, 2 in Ocean City and then the 3-game weekend series in Salisbury.

[illeracula]

Top 100 Prospects List Published: The season is about to start, so it's time to publish the annual Top 100 Prospects list. This year 17-year-old shortstop António Hernández of the Ellicott City Express is the #1 prospect overall.

Here is the top 10:
1) SS António Hernández, 17, Ellicott City Express
2) CF Jorge Arredondo, 18, Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs
3) SP Ernie Kennedy, 21, Norfolk Cavaliers
4) CF José Chávez, 21, Lewes Braves
5) CF Mike Johnson, 22, Milton Brewers
6) SP Joaquín Hernández, 21, Norfolk Cavaliers
7) MR Silvano Cacaes, 25, Washington Senators
8) MR Lanny Reese, 22, Christiana Blue Hens
9) SP Michael McMillan, 22, Richmond Cardinals
10) SP Patrick Everett, 22, Milton Brewers

You can view the full list in the Top Prospects Report from the reports menu (inside the league menu). The Top Minor League Systems Report has been updated as well.

Last years #1 prospect Jorge Arredondo feel to #2 on the list.



The Cavaliers have 7-batters and 6-pitchers in the top 100. Hopefully this means we are in a good place for a strong future. Some of these kids really have bright futures ahead, such as rookie Joaquin Hernandez who will be making his big-league debut next week, and Ernie Kennedy. who came over in the Henry Hamer/Luis Martinez deal.

I am excited for the future with this group of guys. I am looking forward to Oliver Ramos developing some more, he has the chance to be an offensive beast! He may not be a solid defender, but with projected 15 contact and 17 HR's, he could change some games.

There are also some surprises on this list Ramon Lorenz (#87) I might of overlooked this kid, but he has a bright future ahead. He is 20 yrs-old and could end up in the Cav's outfield in a year or two. He will start the year in AA. And SP Lazzaro Tadiotto. I have had my eye on him, but I am really surprised he is rated #27. We signed him out of Venezuela in 2019 and he keeps getting better. He will be in AAA this season and will probably be our #6 starter (after Lopez).

The future is bright in Norfolk...

[illeracula]

The final predictions are out and it looks like there are going to be some battles in the Delaware Conference this season. The Southern Division looks to be a battle between the Braves, Brewers and Blue Jays. The Braves have held the division title for 7 seasons in a row, so you know the other teams are aiming to take them down.

In the Northern Division the Iron Pigs and the Clippers are predicted to win over 90 games and finish with in 2 games of each other. The Iron Pigs took home the Conference crown last season with great hitting and solid pitching, and the aim to stay on top. The Clippers have been known to make some big in-season deals so this could get interesting.

The biggest surprise on the predictions list is Ricardo Gonzalez and his 21 wins. Its not often a pitcher is predicted to win over 20 games, just goes to show you have amazing this kid is.

I would like to see bounce back years from Peter Peters and Ricardo Hidalgo, both who had shortened seasons last year due to numerous injuries.

[illeracula]

In the MarVa Conference there are going to be some battles as well. In the Eastern Division it is predicted that the VB Surf Dawgs will win the title. This is a historic prediction, as an an expansion team hasn't won the division (or been predicted to). However it looks like they will have a tough time as there are 3 teams predicted to finish within 5 games of each other... Also you can't out the Admirals, yes they are predicted to have an awful season, but they did win the division during Spring. That should account for something.

In the Western Division the Cavaliers look to have their handfuls with the Washington Senators, as both teams are predicted to win over 100 games. The Senators have a young team and the Cavaliers have a dominate pitching staff. It will be an interesting year in the Western Division as the Senators try to bring down the Cav's for the first time in ten seasons.

The Cav's have 4 starting pitchers predicted to have break-out seasons, with Brown and Hernandez predicted to win over 20 games! It is sad to see that of the 5 starters, the only starter not on that list is aging Miguel Contreras.

Offensively the Cav's lead the list with 3 players, but the Surf Dawgs and Senators aren't too far behind. It will be interesting to see how Leonard Lawson pans out during his first year as a full-time player. He does have some big shoes to fill (Henry Hamer).

Francisco Reyes stands at 568 HR's and is predicted to hit 36 this season, if that is the case he will hit the 600 mark at some point in the 2nd half. Reyes has had an amazing career. The next closest player to Reyes is Abraham Thomas who sits at 490, however he is currently without a team...

This is looking to be a fun season!!

[illeracula]

Week 1
Current Week: 7-0 (7-0 1.000 / +2)
Next Week: 3 @ Baltimore Barons, 3 @ Ellicott City Express
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 90
Owners Mood: Ecstatic
Expectation: Playoffs

Runs Scored: 39 (3rd)
Avg: .273 (3rd)
HR: 11 (1st)
SB: 4 (7th)
Runs Against: 7 (1st)
Starters ERA: 1.16 (1st)
Pen ERA: 0.00 (1st)
Def Eff: .800 (1st)

Game 1: Norfolk 3, Baltimore 0
Paul Brown (1-0): 8.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K
Miguel A Gonzalez (SV 1): 1.0 IP, 0 H
Sergio Rodriguez: 2-5, 3B, R, 2 RBI
Alejandro Diaz: 2-3
Robinson Lopez: 1-3, R
H: 8, LOB: 8

Game 2: Norfolk 2, Baltimore 0
Cornell Pearson (1-0): 8.0 IP, H, 9 K
Armando Lopez (SV 1): 1.0 IP, K
Sergio Rodriguez: 2-4
Leonard Lawson: 1-3, HR (1), R, RBI
Claudio Flores: 1-3, HR (1), R, RBI
H: 6, LOB: 6

Game 3: Norfolk 10, Ocean City 0
Miguel Contreras (1-0): 9.0 IP, 4 H, 3 K
Sergio Rodriguez: 2-4, 3 R, RBI
Sergio Galvez: 1-4, HR (1), R, 3 RBI
Trevor Parker: 1-1, HR (1), R, 3 RBI (PH)
Francisco Gallegos: 3-5, HR (1), R, 2 RBI
H: 11, LOB: 2

Game 4: Norfolk 9, Ocean City 5
Carlos Coronado: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 K
Eric Helton (1-0): 2.0 IP, K
Sergio Galvez: 2-5, HR (2), 2 R, 3 RBI
Francisco Gallegos: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI
Bob Short: 2-4, 2B, HR (1), R, 3 RBI
H: 11, LOB: 5

Game 5: Norfolk 5, Salisbury 0
Joaqin Hernandez (1-0): 7.1 IP, 4 H, 8 K
Sergio Galvez: 3-4, 2B, HR (3), R, 3 RBI
Robinon Lopez: 2-5, 2B, 2 R
Edgar Baez: 1-3, HR (1), R, RBI
H: 9, LOB: 5

Game 6: Norfolk 5, Salisbury 2
Paul Brown (2-0): 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, Bb, 9 K
Eric Helton (SV 1): 0.2 IP
Trevor Parker: 3-4, HR (2), R, RBI
Francisco Gallegos: 1-5, HR (2), R, 2 RBI
Sergio Rodriguez: 2-5, 2B, R, RBI
H: 12, LOB: 8

Game 7: Norfolk 5, Salisbury 0
Cornell Pearson (2-0): 8.2 IP, 6 H, BB, 9 K
Francisco Gallegos: 1-1, 2 R, 3 BB
Leonard Lawson: 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI
Mario Gomez: 2-4
Claudio Flores: 1-2, R
H: 9, LOB: 6



Injuries:
none

Other/Roster News:
We pulled off a deal sending the Baltimore Barons minor league OF Pedro Perez and our 10th round pick in return for Edgardo Perdnard and a 9th round pick. I am glad we got Perdnard back and I have shifted him back to the offensive side of things and we will see how it turns out. I will give some periodic updates about Perdnard.

GM Notes:
Wow what a start to the season, 3 straight shut-outs, and 29 consective scoreless innings, 5 shut-outs in 7 games. This staff is looking pretty solid. I had a question about Contreras, and I guess it would be wrong to say I still don't, but the 38 year old has lost a quite a bit of stuff during the past 3 seasons. It didn't show during his first start however.

I am hoping the 2 solid starts for Cornell Pearson are him breaking out of his shell and becoming the ace he should be. I won't know for sure until June when he has hit the wall the past 2 seasons. He is a solid pitcher with great ratings I just hope he can it going, finally.

The Sergio 1-2 punch seems to be off to a great start. Rodriquez has 3 2+ hit games and Galvez has 3 HR's and 10 RBI's. They are the spark to this offense and if they continue to hit like this we should score runs. The only mark against them so far is Galvez has been gunned down trying to steal 2 times.

Augusto Rodriguez is the only offensive player who didn't get in this week, but he should get used more as the season progresses. Edgar Baez (1-10) and Carlos Franco (2-12) are off to really slow starts, and I need to figure out how to get Mario Gomez more AB's... I couldn't figure out why Franco was getting more Ab's than Gomez, then I noticed that Franco was the starting 3B against Lefties. Gomez has been put back into that slot.

Teo Ha and Alberto Sancez are the only pitchers not to see any time this week. Both of these guys are set to be middle relief with normal usage. I am looking forward to their debut's and season's I have a lot of faith in these two guys.

Miguel Angel Gonzalez has one of three saves this season. He is listed as my closer, but if Coronado can't get the job done he may end up back in the rotation. I am not sure yet. I like him as a starter, but he is probably the most qualified to be my closer too...

I am trying not to get too excited about this team, however this has to be the best start I have ever been off to. Think about it, 5 shut-outs in the first 7 games, all on the road?



Standings Leaders
DE Southern: Lewes Braves / Dover Generals: 4-3 (+1)
DE Northern: New Castle Colonials / Christiana Blue Hens: 5-2 (+1)
MV Eastern: Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 5-2 (+1)
MV Western: Norfolk Cavaliers: 7-0 (+2)

Players of the Week:
Delaware: John Houghton, New Castle Colonials, 11-23, 3 HR's, 12 RBI's, 8 R's
MarVa: Jason Atkins, Washington Senators, 13-33, 3 HR's, 8 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (194.0)
2) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (133.6)
3) Christiana Blue Hens (132.6)
4) Washington Senators (132.6)
5) New Castle Colonials (132.6)

News:

• Milton Brewers: Ageless wonder, Javier Castro, singed a 1-yr deal with the Milton Brewers worth $2,520,000. This is Castro's third stint with the Brewers (2013, 2021). Over his careeer, which started in 2013, Castro has played for 11 different teams, and only once for the same team in back-to-back seasons.
• Annapolis Admirals: Francisco Reyes had his hitting streak snapped at 20-games, carrying 19 over from last year.
• Baltimore Barons: The Barons agreed to terms with Artuo Herrera on a 1-yr deal worth $2,640,000.

Milestones:

• Just wanted to make a note of a few Milestones that could happen this season.
• Roberto Perez is 9 HR's shy of 300. He will be the first member in the DBL to join the 300/300 club, he currently has over 400 steals.
• Career steals leader Pedro Galvan is 31 steals away from 600.
• Miguel Contreras is 10 wins away from 250.
• Carlos Mateo is 78, Matt Hollis 145 and Robert Walker 164 K's away from 2000.
• Arturo Herrera is 27 games and Mike Banks is 46 games away from hitting 900 games in relief. Currently only 2 players have reached that number Will Wilson (950) and Eisse Bookelman (948).

Some Ex-Cavs;
Henry Hamer (Express): 4-13 (.308) 2 RBI
Luis Martinez (Express): 2 G 2.0 IP, 2 SV, 0.50 ERA
King Brock (Blue Crabs): 3-14 (.214) 1 RBI
Jeff Lewis (Tourists): 11-28 (.393) 3 HR, 7 RBI
Pablo Garcia (Colonials): 1-1 3.48, 2 GS, 10.1 IP

[illeracula]

Week 2
Current Week: 4-2 (11-2 .846 / +2)
Next Week: 3 vs Richmond Cardinals, 3 vs Salisbury Ports
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 90
Owners Mood: Ecstatic
Expectation: Playoffs

Runs Scored: 59 (4th)
Avg: .253 (6th)
HR: 18 (1st)
SB: 11 (t-2nd)
Runs Against: 15 (1st)
Starters ERA: 1.88 (1st)
Pen ERA: 1.33 (1st)
Def Eff: .741 (1st)

Game 8: Norfolk 3, Baltimore 2
Miguel Contreras (2-0): 6.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, BB, 3 K
Miguel A Gonzalez (SV 2): 1.0 IP, K
Bob Short: 2-4, HR (2), R, 2 RBI
Edgar Baez: 2-4
Sergio Rodriguez: 1-3, R
H: 6, LOB: 4

Game 9: Norfolk 2, Baltimore 1
Carlos Coronado (1-0): 8.0 IP, 7 H, R, BB, 6 K
Armando Lopez (SV 2): 1.0 IP, H
Bob Short: 1-4, HR (3), R, RBI
Robinson Lopez: 2-2, RBI
Sergio Rodriguez: 3-5
H: 10, LOB: 10

Game 10: Norfolk 5, Baltimore 4 (10 Innings)
Jaoquin Hernandez: 6.2 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Miguel A Gonzalez (1-0): 2.0 IP, 2 H, R, 3 K
Sergio Galvez: 2-5, HR (4), R, 3 RBI
Trevor Parker: 2-5, 2B, 2 R
Edgar Baez: 2-4, 2B, RBI
Robinson Lopez: 1-4, R, RBI
H: 8, LOB: 7

Game 11: Norfolk 3 Ellicott City 4
Paul Brown: 7.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, BB, 8 K
David Moran (0-1): 0.1 IP, 3 H, R, BB
Leonard Lawson: 1-4, HR (2), R, RBI
Claudio Flores/Edgar Baez: 1-3, R
Francisco Gallegos: 2-4, RBI
H: 7, LOB: 4

Game 12: Norfolk 1, Ellicott City 4
Cornell Pearson (2-1): 7.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 K
Alejando Diaz: 2-4, R
Leonard Lawson: 2-3
H: 6, LOB: 9

Game 13: Norfolk 6, Ellicott City 3
Miguel Contreras: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 5 K
David Moran (1-1): 2.0 IP, BB, 2 K
Miguel A Gonzalez (SV 3): 1.0 IP, 2 K
Leonard Lawson: 1-3, HR (3), R, 3 RBI
Mario Gomez: 2-4, HR (1), R, RBI
Edgar Baez: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI
Alejandro Diaz: 2-4, R
H: 11, LOB: 8



Injuries:
Bob Short didn't play during the Express series after getting hurt on a defensive play (the last play of the game actually) in the last game of the Barons series. The diagnosis is pending and I am debating what to do. I can put him on the 11-day DL or just wait. With Short out Trevor Parker has been manning LF. With him in LF and Lawson at DH our outfield depth is really hurting.

If Short is out for an extended period, expect to see Pedro Torres, the Cav's #9 prospect and the #80 prospect in the DBL, to be called up to play 2B, SS, DH and do some back-up outfield.

Other/Roster News:
Edgardo Perdnard (AAA): 3-10 / .300-1-5, 2 2B / 2B rating: 1

We extended the contract of our lead scout for 3 seasons, giving him a $90,000 raise, up to $520,000. We are pleased to have Alexis Shelton around.

GM Notes:
We weren't as great as week 1, but still another solid week. We aren't hitting as good as we can, but we are winning. I guess it is something to keep an eye on. I think we are a much better hitting team than .250. Should I put our first year hitting coach on the hot seat already? Maybe its too early, I think I'd rather higher average than higher HR totals...

Sergio Rodriguez is leading our offense with a .327 batting average. I feel bad not having him in the lineup on a regular basis last season. Ever since he came up 2 seasons ago all he has done is hit the ball.

Claudio Flores was given the starting slot at SS this season, with the deteriation of Augusto Rodriguez and the trade of Lucarelli last season he was chrissend the team SS of the future. Two weeks into the season he is hitting .156-1-2. Augusto still doesn't have an AB, so maybe its time to have him play a little more, maybe ever 3 or 4 games. Until Flores gets himself on track.

With the staff pitching as well as htey have been Teo Ha and Alberto Sanchez have still yet to see any time. I'd rather see them pitch just to get some work than using the same guys over and over, but me and Manager Ray have different philosophies.

The Senators aren't letting us pull ahead as they are just about as hot as we are to start the season. There is something about a hot start when you can distance yourself from your competition and get a little comfortable. However with this Senators team it doesn't look like we will be able to that again this year. Last year we won the division in the last week of the season, this year it might be the same kind of finish.

I do like the way this team is built for 2026.



Standings Leaders
DE Southern: Lewes Braves / Dover Generals / Milton Brewers: 7-6 (+2)
DE Northern: New Castle Colonials: 9-4 (+1)
MV Eastern: Chesapeake Blue Crabs / Ocean City Tourists: 8-5 (+1)
MV Western: Norfolk Cavaliers: 11-2 (+2)

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Peter Peters, New Castle Colonials, 12-25, 4 HR's, 8 RBI's
MarVa: Monte Lyon, Chesapeake Blue Crabs, 7-23, 5 HR's, 7 RBI's, 6 R's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (159.3)
2) Washington Senators (130.6)
3) New Castle Colonials (127.6)
4) Ocean City Tourists (116.8)
5) Christiana Blue Hens (115.8)

News:
Washington Senators: Ace SP Cristobal Diaz will miss 3 weeks with a sprained ankle. The oft-injured pitcher is one of the games best when he isn't hurt. In 2 starts this season he is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA.
Ocean City Tourists: MR Julio Saldana signed on to play with the Tourists for one season worth $2,520,000. Saldana has always had issues getting a contract, despite being a solid middle-man. He went unsigned in 2020 and thought about retiring before putting up a 3-0 1.36 record with the Cavaliers.
Milford Clippers: SP Seth Bennett will miss 4-5 months with radial nerve compression. Bennett was 1-0 2.31 in 3 starts this season.

Milestones:
Francisco Reyes: 27 to 600 HR's
Roberto Perez: 9 to 300 HR's (1st member of 300/300 club)
Pedro Galvan: 26 to 600 SB's
Miguel Contreras: 8 to 250 W's
Carlos Mateo: 62 to 2000 K's
Matt Hollis: 143 to 2000 K's
Robert Walker: 149 to 2000 K's
Eisse Bookleman: 48 to 1000 G's
Will Wilson: 48 to 1000 G's
Arturo Herrera: 24 to 900 G's
Mike Banks: 41 to 900 G's

Some Ex-Cavs;
Henry Hamer (Express): .276-4-5
Luis Martinez (Express): 0-0 0.00, 4 SV, 5 G
King Brock (Blue Crabs): .167-0-2
Jeff Lewis (Tourists): .370-4-10
Pablo Garcia (Colonials): 2-1 2.65 / 3 GS

[illeracula]

Week 3
Current Week: 4-2 (15-4 .789 / +4)
Next Week: 2 vs Milford Clippers, 2 vs Seaford Blue Jays, 3 @ Salisbury Ports
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 90
Owners Mood: Ecstatic
Expectation: Playoffs

Runs Scored: 82 (6th)
Avg: .251 (7th)
HR: 23 (1st)
SB: 22 (2nd)
Runs Against: 46 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.36 (1st)
Pen ERA: 1.23 (1st)
Def Eff: .720 (2nd)

Game 14: Richmond 5, Norfolk 6
Carlos Coronado: 7.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Armando Lopez (1-0): 1.1 IP, 2 K
Mario Gomez: 2-4, 2B, HR (2), R, RBI
Sergio Galvez: 2-4, 2B, HR (5), R, 4 RBI
Sergio Rodriguez: 1-5, 3 R
H: 9, LOB: 7

Game 15: Richmond 6, Norfolk 3
Jaoquin Hernandez (1-1): 3.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 2 K
Teo Ha: 3.2 IP, H, BB, K
Leonard Lawson: 3-4, 2B, HR (4), 2 R, RBI
Sergio Rodriguez: 2-5, R
H: 10, LOB: 5

Game 16: Richmond 1, Norfolk 5
Paul Brown (3-0): 6.0 IP, 4 H, R, 3 BB, 6 K
Alberto Sanchez: 2.2 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 K
Miguel A Gonzalez (SV 4): 0.1 IP, K
Claudio Flores: 3-5, 2B, RBI
Robinson Lopez: 2-3, R, 2 RBI
Pedro Torres: 1-3, 3B, 2 RBI
H: 10, LOB: 7

Game 17: Salisbury 0, Norfolk 2
Cornell Pearson (3-1): 7.2 IP, 4 H, 9 K
Miguel A Gonzalez (SV 5): 1.0 IP, 2 K
Francisco Gallegos: 1-3, HR (3), R, RBI
Sergio Galvez: 1-4, 2B, RBI
H: 5, LOB: 2

Game 18: Salisbury 8, Norfolk 2
Miguel Contreras (2-1): 4.0 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 3 K
Alejandro Diaz: 1-3, 2B, RBI
Pedro Torres: 1-3
Sergio Galvez: 1-4, 2 R
H: 5, LOB: 10

Game 19: Salisbury 1, Norfolk 5
Carlos Coronado (2-0): 9.0 IP, 4 H, R, 0 ER, 12 K (89 GS)
Alejandro Diaz: 1-4, HR (1), R, RBI
Trevor Parker: 1-2, 2B, R, RBI
Francisco Gallegos: 2-4, 2B, R, RBI
H: 8, LOB: 6



Injuries:
We finally got word back from Bob Shorts injury and it looks like he will miss a month of time. Four weeks with a fractured thumb. I have to figure out what I am going to do, bring up a prospect for a month or go with someone else just for a backup reasons.... hmm... either way things will be a little different without our #4 hitter... I decided to go with Pedro Torres. He is a top prospect, but also the closest to being "big league ready". Our OF depth will be diminished a little, but it will be nice to see what Torres has to offer.

Other/Roster News:
Edgardo Perdnard (AAA): 15-29 / .517-2-11, 5 2B, 3B / 2B rating: 1
Edgardo won the player of the week award in the Global League (AAA), going 12-19, with a HR and 6 RBI's.

GM Notes:
Another solid week down. This team seems pretty balanced from player 1 to player 24. There isn't a "star" but just a lot of solid players who like to play with each other.

Pedro Torres did alright this week, going 3-10 with a 3B and 2 RBI's in 3 games. He played SS, 2B and had a PH appearance... Trevor Parker filled in admirable for Short in the outfield. He is hitting .260-2-6 on the season, in 50 AB's. I would like to se ehim hit a little more, just seems a little slumpish right now... Leonard Lawson has shown great power hitting .236-4-9 in 55 AB's, but his average isn't where it should be... These three guys are going to share time until short gets back, and then I will have a decision to make...

Carlos Franco continues to struggle, hitting .167 in only 12 AB's. Maybe he isn't getting enough swings... But if he doesn't start hitting he may see himself getting sent down to AAA instead of Torres... Franco is a gem of a fielder, but there are many questions regarding his stick. With a few prospects on their way, he may end up being the odd man out. The biggest issue is, with Augusto Rodriguez leaving, and Baez and Gomez becoming too expensive, he fits in well as a "cheap" utility man...

Speaking of Augusto he got his first playing time this week, going 1-4 in his debut, then 1-3. I don't expect him to hit anymore, which really bums me out. He was once a .300 hopefuly, now if he reaches .220 I am excited. Not sure what happened to him, maybe it was injuries that finally added up over time.

Miguel Angel Gonzalez has found a home in the closer role. He has been lights out during his time there and I will have a hard time moving him back to a SP if this continues. He has 5 saves in 5 attempts with a 1.23 ERA, with 9 K's in 7.1 IP. He hasn't complained about not starting, so I will take that as a good sign. I actually have more confidence in MAG than I did in Luis Martinez.

Month 1 is just about in the books and I have to say I am a lot happier this season compared to last year. I have a lot of confidence in this team and I am really surprised that our fans loyalty hasn't risen in the first month... Hopefully we can keep it up.



Standings Leaders
DE Southern: Lewes Braves / Dover Generals / Milton Brewers: 11-8 (+3)
DE Northern: New Castle Colonials: 13.6 (+3)
MV Eastern: Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 12-7 (+1)
MV Western: Norfolk Cavaliers: 15-4 (+4)

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Alonso Martinez, Wilmington Iron Pigs, 10-22, 3 HR's, 8 RBI's
MarVa: Paul Turner, Baltimore Barons, 10-20, 5 HR's, 12 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (145.1)
2) New Castle Colonials (130.2)
3) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (116.7)
4) Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (112.2)
5) Milton Brewers/Lewes Braves/Milton Brewers (107.2)

News:
Ellicott City Express: SP Carlos Mateo is going to miss 2 months with a partially torn labrum. Mateo has been battling injuries the past 2 season as age is finally catching up to him (38). In 4 starts this season Mateo was 2-1 2.53.
New Castle Colonials: 1B Jorge Trujillo extended his hitting streak to 20 games, with a 2-run HR in a game against the Blue Hens.

Milestones:
Batting:
Francisco Reyes: 27 to 600 HR's
Roberto Perez: 7 to 300 HR's (1st member of 300/300 club)
Jeff Lewis: 19 to 1000 RBI's (just passed 2500 hits last week)
Pedro Galvan: 24 to 600 SB's
(note: there are 6 other players who should reach 1000 RBI's this season)

Pitching:
Miguel Contreras: 8 to 250 W's
Carlos Mateo: 61 to 2000 K's (out 2 months)
Matt Hollis: 143 to 2000 K's
Robert Walker: 144 to 2000 K's
Will Wilson: 44 to 1000 G's
Eisse Bookleman: 45 to 1000 G's
Arturo Herrera: 22 to 900 G's
Mike Banks: 37 to 900 G's

Some Ex-Cavs;
Henry Hamer (Express): .205-4-5
Luis Martinez (Express): 0-1 1.35, 5 SV, 7 G
King Brock (Blue Crabs): .231-1-5
Jeff Lewis (Tourists): .405-7-21
Pablo Garcia (Colonials): 2-2 2.78 / 4 GS
Raul Hernandez (Ports): .299-5-12
*Hernandez was traded away in the King Brock deal, he is 23 and was once the #4 prospect in the DBL

[illeracula]

April 2026 Award Winners

Delaware Conference Monthly Awards

DEConf Announces Best Batter Award: Free agent-to-be Ricardo Hidalgo has inflated his asking price over the past 30 days by winning the Delaware Conference Batter of the Month. In April, the 28-year-old Christiana left fielder hit .358 with 8 home runs and 17 RBIs. If he keeps putting numbers like that up, he could be hauling in a big wad of cash at this time next year.

Rose Cops #1 Pitcher Award in April: Brad Rose's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 5-0 in April, the 27-year-old Newark hurler has been named Delaware Conference Pitcher of the Month. He fanned 31 in 35.2 innings, logged an ERA of 1.77 and allowed opponents to hit .125 against him.

DEConf Selects Rookie Star of the Month: A veritable toddler to the Delaware Conference, Richard Forbes just sewed up the Rookie of the Month trophy for April. Over the past month the 23-year-old left fielder for Dover hit .280 with 23 hits, 5 home runs and 28 RBI. He also logged 7 walks and compiled a .330 on-base percentage.

MarVa Conference Monthly Awards

Lewis of Ocean City MVDIV Batter of the Month: On the heels of a very productive April, Jeff Lewis received MarVa Conference Batter of the Month recognition today. The battle-tested right fielder hit .439 for the Ocean City Tourists and racked up 8 home runs, 26 RBIs and 22 runs scored.

MVDIV's Top Starter is Brown: There was little doubt around the MarVa Conference that Paul Brown would be awarded Pitcher of the Month honors for April. Today, they made it official, naming the 28-year-old Norfolk Cavaliers starter the latest honoree. He thoroughly dominated the hitters who stood in against him, holding them to a .216 batting average while fashioning a 1.73 ERA in 5 starts. His record for the month was 4-0 in 36.1 innings of work.

MarVa Conference Names Rookie of Month: Enrique Díaz earned April's Rookie of the Month honors in the MarVa Conference for last month's performance. The boyish Richmond catcher might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level. Díaz hit .370 with 2 home runs, 8 RBIs and 4 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award.

League Leaders - April 1, 2026

Delaware Conference League Leaders





End of the Year Award Front Runners:
Silver Slugger: Ricardo Hidalgo, Peter Peters, Matt Fisher
Golden Arm: Brad Rose, Ricardo Gonzalez
Newcomer: Richard Forbes, Mike Johnson, Samuel Darcy

MarVa Conference League Leaders





End of the Year Award Front Runners:
Silver Slugger: Jeff Lewis, jason Atkins
Golden Arm: Paul Brown, Cornell Pearson, Antonio Cortes
Newcomer: Leland Perez, Edgardo Rubio, Enrique Diaz

Final Standings - April 1, 2026



Southern Division:
Current Leader: Milton Brewers/Dover Generals (13-10 .565 / +2)
Projected Winner: Lewes Braves (88-74 .543 / +2)
This division was predicted to be tough, and after the first month it hasn't disappointed. Four teams within 5 games of the lead and the team predicted to finish second in last. Anything can happen in this division and its possible that any of the 5 teams would be able to walk away with the title.

Northern Division:
Current Leader: New Castle Colonials (17-6 .739 /+5)
Projected Winner: Wilmington Iron Pigs (97-65 .599 / +2)
The New Castle Colonials have jumped out to a big lead thanks to solid pitching and timely hitting. Will they be able to hold on that is the question. With a 1-2 SP punch of Pablo Garcia and Mariono Salazar anything is possible. This team is tougher than the critics give them credit for.

Eastern Division:
Current Leader: Chesapeake Blue Crabs (16-7 .696 / +1)
Projected Winner: Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (89-73 .549 / +3)
The Blue Crabs starters are leading the way. The Crabs have one of the games top starting 5, and as long as they can get their bats going they should be the class of this division. Silver slugger Claude Bond is at it again hitting .329-4-12 to start the season.

Western Division:
Current Leader: Norfolk Cavaliers (100-60 .617 / +3)
Projected Winner: Norfolk Cavaliers (110-52 .679 / +10)
The Cavaliers have won the division title every year since 2016 and every year have won over 100 games. Last year they were put to the test after a slow start, but were able to take over the Senators and win the title during the last week of the season... this year however they are off to a much better start as the young Senators battle injuries and youth. After the first month the Cav's hold a 7 game lead over the Senators, but this season is far from over.