DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

2027 DelMarVa Championship Series Preview

This is a repeat of last years series in which the Cavaliers won 4 games to 1, winning the last 4 games after losing game 1 in extra innings. This season the Cav's did not face off against the Iron Pigs so there is no regular season "history" to compare, as there was last season. The Iron Pigs are ready to take down the Cav's, who have beat them in 2 of their 3 other Championship appearances (2014, 2026). After losing a tough series last year they have vowed to come back and take the Cav's down, the struggled through this season with a starting staff that didn't live up to expectations. But they did turn it around and dominate the Conference Championships...

The Iron Pigs are a different team than they were last season, which was driven by a pitching staff that was #1 in runs against. This year the staff fell to #6 giving up almost 100 more runs... And their offense was #1 again, scoring about 30 more runs this season... The Cavaliers are a different team as well. This years staff is missing one of their aces and was touched up for 60 more runs, but that being said their offense was a lot better scoring 60 more runs. Will those numbers mean anything? Or is it who is hot and who is not?

A lot of different things between these two teams this season and injuries are effecting both teams. This could end up being a series to remember...

Wilmington Iron Pigs
Playoffs: 7
Championship Appearances: 4
Championships: 0

Key Players:
3B Tom Anderson
1B Alonso Martinez
LF Matt Fisher
SP Ricardo Gonzalez
CL Arturo Ramirez

Key Injuries:
C Antonio Castaneda (.321-48-119)
LF Joe Middleton (.252-5-22)
1B Ole van den Burgt (.226-8-23)

3 Keys to Winning
1) With one of the Iron Pigs top offensive threats not playing this series, they will nee someone to pick up the slack. In the Conference Championship it was Eugene St. John, who will it be in the Championship?

2) Ricardo Gonzalez is scheduled to start games 3 and 7 during this series. The bad is he doesn't start till game 3, the good is who else would you want on the hill in game 7? Which means the other "3" will need to step it up, and get at 2 wins. Can they do that?

3) The Iron Pigs bullpen was 10th out of 10 teams and posted an ERA over 5.00. For them to beat the Cavaliers they will need their pen to step it up or to have their starters go deep into games. The bullpen is the biggest question mark for the Iron Pigs, can they avoid using them or will they step it up?

Norfolk Cavaliers
Playoffs: 13
Championship Appearances: 8
Championships: 7

Key Players:
RF Trevor Parker
SP Paul Brown
CF Sergio Galvez
LF Bob Short
DH Leonard Lawson

Key Injuries:
SP Carlos Coronado (5-7 3.92)
SP Cornell Pearson (DNP)
C Henry Rojas (.326-14-70)

3 Keys to Winning:
1) Continue hitting the ball. The Cav's scored 51 runs in 5 games during the Conference Championship. If they can continue to score runs it will be hard for them to lose. The last 2 games of the series they only scored 9 is that sing of a slowing offense?

2) Losing Henry Rojas is going to hurt, especially the way he hit the ball during the Conference Championships. Will Mike Baldwin be able to pick up the slack? And if not him will Lopez or Frank add some extra contributions?

3) Starting pitching. They will need Lanny Reese and Ernie Kennedy to step it up and perform better than they did in the Conference Championships. Can the rookie Joaquin Hernandez continue to pitch as well as he has? A lot of youth in the rotation, and a lot of pressure. Can they stand the heat?

Team Comparision:
C: Jesus Nunez (.282-3-10) vs Mike Baldwin (.281-11-32)
1B: Alonso Martinez (.303-39-102) vs Francisco Gallegos (.262-19-87)
2B: Chris Simpson (.238-5-53) vs Pedro Torres (.266-13-74)
3B: Tom Anderson (.293-24-91) vs Robinson Lopez (.258-10-43)
SS: Kevin Barber (.282-13-76) vs Bryant Frank (.270-3-45)
LF: Matt Fisher (.331-12-54) vs Sergio Rodriguez (.298-5-62)
CF: Eugene St. John (.269-6-52) vs Sergio Galvez (.293-26-101)
RF: Steve Kelly (.272-12-58) vs Trevor Parker (.306-36-127)
DH: Ralph Anderson (.230-11-54) vs Leonard Lawson (.318-23-82)
BE: Pepe Santana (.235-10-42) vs Bob Short (.301-20-100)

P1: Ricardo Gonzalez (18-9 2.76) vs Paul Brown (14-5 3.23)
P2: Irving Mills (13-13 4.23) vs Jaoquin Hernandez (17-4 3.26)
P3: Juan Rosario (15-8 4.39) vs Ernie Kennedy (14-9 3.25)
P4: Edmond Scott (12-9 3.93) vs Lanny Reese (17-5 3.09)

SU: Jason Nixon (13-12 4.75) vs Eric Helton (3-3 3.74)
CL: Arturo Ramirez (4-3 2.03, 42 SV) vs Miguel A Gonzalez (7-5 1.85, 36 SV)

Series Prediction:
The regular season doesn't show it, but these two teams match up really well... The Cavaliers have the momentum and the home field advantage heading into this series, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will walk away with this series. The Iron Pigs just shut down a pretty solid offense, and held them to 1 HR and 13 Runs over 6 games. For the Iron Pigs to beat the Cavaliers they will need to do something similar, keep the crooked numbers off the scoreboard. For the Iron Pigs this is a revenge series, they want that elusive DelMarVa Championship trophy and they feel they have a good shot at this season... For the Cavaliers they have home field, they have their rotation lined up, and they have an offense that is hitting the ball... Last year it was the Iron Pigs who came into the series red-hot, this year its the Cavaliers... Its going to be a really interesting series... However in the end I believe the Cav's will pull it out in 6, and if that doesn't' happen the Iron Pigs in 7.

Will this year be different than 2014 and 2026? The Iron Pigs sure hope so.

[illeracula]

2027 DelMarVa Championships - Game 1 (Best of 7)

Game 1: Series tied 0-0
I have to say I like my position here. The offense is hitting the ball heading into this series we are at home and we have our ace on the hill. There really isn't much more I could ask for... at least not for Game 1.

One thing about this series that worries me is the 2 lefties in the Wilmington rotation. With Rojas out we have a righty behind the plate, but our top hitters are all lefties. I tried to make a move due to the injury to Rojas, and I was close to going with on catcher and bring up Juan Hernandez instead... I realized how bad that could of been...

On the hill for the Iron Pigs in game one is lefty Irving Mills. Mills will be making his 6th post season start, and 10th post-season appearance. Over his career he is 1-1 6.56 during the playoffs... And the Cav's don't have a whole lot of experience with against him so I am not sure what to expect.

The Iron Pigs have a solid lineup with their 3-4-5 men able to do a lot of damage, and that will be my key to winning, keep them from hurting us... Matt Fisher has hit Brown well over his career (12-29, 3 HR) and Steve Kelly has shown pop against Brown (7-28, 3 HR) but those are the only guys who have decent experience against Brown.

SS Kevin Barber, CF Eugene St. John, 3B Tom Anderson, 1B Alonso Martinez, LF Matt Fisher, C Jesus Nunez, 2B Chris Simpson, DH Ralph Anderson, RF Steve Kelly

For the Cav's Paul Brown will be on the hill making his 11th post-season start of his career. He has put together some solid post-season numbers posting a 7-2 record and a 3.03 ERA. He is well rested and ready to go tonight.

The line-up is similar to what we saw near the end of the Conference Championships with Bob Short in the game for Leonard Lawson, and the big change is Mike Baldwin for the injured Rojas. Sergo Galvez has seen Mills 13 times over his career and hasn't fared well hitting only .154.

RF Sergio Rodriguez, CF Sergio Galvez, 1B Francisco Gallegos, DH Trevor Parker, 2B Pedro Torres, LF Bob Short, C Mike Baldwin, 3B Robinson Lopez, SS Bryant Frank

This is a big game for both teams...

Lets Play Ball!!
Inning 1:
Kevin Barber gets the game started off with a BANG, hitting a 425ft shot over the left-center field wall... After one the Iron Pigs lead 1-0

Inning 2:
The Cavs would answer back in the 2nd. With one out Irving Mills drills Bob Short. Short would move to second on a passed ball, then to third on a ground out by Baldwin. With 2-outs Robinson Lopez with single to left, scoring Short and tying the game... After 2 we have a tie game 1-1

Inning 3:
The Cavs would take the lead with a couple of doubles. A lead-off double by Sergio Rodriguez would get the inning started. Two batters later, Francisco Gallegos would double to the right-center gap scoring Rodriguez... After 3 the Cavs would pull ahead 2-1

Inning 7:
The game was quiet until the 7th, when the Cav's would take advantage of some Iron Pigs fielding miscues... Lead-off Bryant Frank would reach second-base on a grounder to third, Tom Anderson, who threw the ball away. With a runner on second, the Iron Pigs walked Sergio Rodriguez to keep the double play in order. Claudio Flores would pinch-run for Frank at second and on the first pitcher they would double steal, taking advantage of Jesus Nunez's weak arm. Bringing up Sergio Galvez who was 0-3 with 3 K's. Mills would get Galvez to ground back to him, but Mills would rush the throw and throw it by 1B Alonso Martinez, scoring both Flores and Rodriguez. Galvez would end up at second. Francisco Gallegos would be walked to put runners on 1st and 2nd. Trevor Parker would beat out a weak grounder to short to load the bases. This would chase Mills from the game... Bob Short would greet new pitcher Scott Wise with a line-drive to right, which scored Gallegos and Torres. Baldwin and Lopez would strike out to end the inning, but the Cav's would extend their lead... After 7 the Cav's lead 6-1

Inning 9:
Paul Brown would go out to the mount to try to finish up the game and will be facing the top of the Iron Pigs lineup. Kevin Barber strikes out. Eugene St. John flies out to left. Tom Anderson flies out to left ending the game... Cav's take game one 6-1

Cavaliers lead the series 1-0

W: Paul Brown (1-0)
L: Irving Mills (0-1)
HR: WIL: Kevin Barber (1)

POG: Paul Brown, Norfolk, 9.0 IP, 5 H, R, 0 BB, 6 K, 119/83 PI/PS, 79 GS

Game Notes:
The Cavaliers collected 10 hits on the day, three of them going for doubles... Francisco Gallegos had 3 hits, going 3-4, and Trevor Parker added 2 hits going 2-4... Sergio Galvez hit .600 during the Conference Championship, but was held hit-less in game one, going 0-5 with 4 K's... Mike Baldwin went 1-4 in his first start of the post-season... The Iron Pigs had 5 hits, with Kevin Barber collecting 2 of them, including a homerun... Tom Anderson and Alonso Martinez, the Iron Pigs #2 and 3 hitters, went a combined 0-7. Martinez struck out 2 times... The complete game was Paul Browns first complete game of his playoff career... Irving Mills went 6.1 innings, allowing 8 hits and 6 runs, of which 4 were earned. He walked 2 and struck out 5... The game time as 2:29 and the paid attendance aws 43,455 (about 300 shy of a sellout).

GM Notes:
I am not sure what to do with Galvez for game 2. With the Iron Pigs scheduled to have a lefthander on the hill its quite possible that Galvez won't be in the lineup. During the Conference finals he was hitting everyone it didn't matter, but this first game showing a little shocking. He usually does well in the playoffs, he is a career .291 hitter... With the game 1 win I am feeling good about this team and what the rest of the series brings. I do think a game 2 win will be huge for us. Taking some of the pressure to win off against the Iron Pigs ace... Joaquin Hernandez is ready to go and I think we will be fine with him on the hill. He doesn't have much experience against the Iron Pigs and I think that plays into our favor...

Game 2 Scheduled Starters:
Juan Rosario (Wilmington) vs Joaquin Hernandez (Norfolk)

[illeracula]

2027 DelMarVa Championships - Game 2 (Best of 7)

Game 2: Cavaliers lead series 1-0

The Iron Pigs are going with Juan Rosario for game 2. Rosario had decent post-season success last year, but struggled in his only start this season (7.0 IP, 5 H,4 R). He has 3 starts under his belt in the post-season. This will be the first time this season the Cav's have seen Rosario...

The lineup is the same as it was for Game 2, which isn't surprising, but what is surprising is that only Steve Kelly (2-5, HR) has had a plate appearance against Joaquin Hernandez (in the regular season). Matt Fisher (.320/.346/.600) is the only Iron Pig hitting oer .300 during the 2027 playoffs, so they are in need of someone stepping up!

SS Kevin Barber, CF Eugene St. John, 3B Tom Anderson, 1B Alonso Martinez, LF Matt Fisher, C Jesus Nunez, 2B Chris Simpson, DH Ralph Anderson, RF Steve Kelly

Joaquin Hernandez looks to continue his playoff growth making his 3rd post-season start, 2nd this season. He did alright allowing 8 hits and 3 runs in a complete game victory in the Conference championship and he is ready to prove that he can be a future ace.

Rosario has spent time in the MarVa Conference so the Cav's have some experience against him, but no one has been very "impressive". Sergio Rodriguez (1-16) and Sergio Galvez (6-32) are the two that stand out the most. Galvez will be getting a rest against the lefty with Leonard Lawson taking his place. Other than that everyone else will be the same.

CF Sergio Rodriguez, DH Leonard Lawson, 1B Francisco Gallegos, RF Trevor Parker, 2B Pedro Torres, LF Bob Short, C Mike Baldwin, 3B Robinson Lopez, SS Bryant Frank

For the Cav's we are going into this game that this is a "must win". I would like to leave Norfolk with a 2-game lead, but I am sure the Iron Pigs have different thoughts.

Lets Play Ball!!
Inning 1:
The game starts off quietly with both teams going down 1-2-3... After 1 its tied 0-0

Inning 2:
After the Pigs went down 1-2-3, the Cavaliers would get on the board. Lead-off Trevor Parker would double to right. Move to third on a Pedro Torres ground-out to second. Score on a deep sac-fly by Bob Short. Mike Baldwin would add a double, but would be left on... After 2 the Cav's lead 1-0

Inning 3:
The Iron Pigs wouldn't be down long fighting back in the next half. With 1-out Ralph Anderson would stroke a single to left. The next batter Steve Kelly would hit a slow grounder to third moving Anderson to 2nd. Lead-off man Kevin Barber would stroke a double down the left-field line plating Anderson... The Cav's wouldn't have an answer... After 3 the game is tied 1-1.

Inning 5:
The game would be quiet until the 5th, when Mike Baldwin would lead the Cav's half off with a solo-HR over the left-centerfield wall (435ft). The next two batters would go down, and Sergio Rodriguez would start it back up with 2-outs with a single to right. Rodriguez would go to 2nd on a Leonard Lawson single. And with runners on first and second, Francisco Gallegos would hit a seemingly routine grounder to second, but Joe Simpson would throw the ball away allowing Rodriguez to score. Parker would fly out ending the ending, but the Cav's would take the lead... After 5 the Cav's take a 3-1 lead.

Inning 6:
The Cav's would add a little insurance run in the 6th, all starting with a 2-out Mike Baldwin double to right-center. With Baldwin on second Robinson Lopez would single up the middle and Baldwin would cross the plate... After 6 the Cav's lead 4-1

Inning 9:
After 2 quiet innings the Cav's would try to close it out... After a lead-off walk to Eugene St. John, Joaquin Hernandez would be removed from the game, and close Miguel Angel Gonzalez would be brought in to close things out. The first batter Gonzaelz would face would be Tom Anderson who would work a walk, putting runners on first and second and bringing the tying run to the plate. Alonso Martinez would hit into a 5-4 FC, moving St. John to third. Matt Fisher would pop out to catch Mike Baldwin for out #2. And Jesus Nunez would hit into a 6-3 force-out and the Cav's would take the game... After 9, the Cav's win 4-1

The Cavaliers lead the series 2-0

W: Joaquin Hernandez (1-0)
L: Juan Rosario (0-1)
S: Miguel Angel Gonzalez (1)
HR: NFK: Mike Baldwin (1)

POG: Joaquin Hernandez, Norfolk, 8.0 IP, 4 H, R, BB, 7 K, 103/68 PI/PS 76 GS

Game Notes:
The Cav's collected 9 hits, with Mike Baldwin leading the way with 3... Baldwin went 3-4 with 2 doubles and a home run, making the loss of Rojas a little easier to take... Jesus Nunez the Iron Pigs back-up catcher, who is playing in-place of injured all-star Antonio Castaneda continues to struggle during the playoffs going 0-4. He is now 1-25 (.040) in 8 playoff games in 2027... Sergio Rodriguez kept his 2027 post-season hit streak alive going 1-4, he now has 14 hits in 7 post-season games... Trevor Parker added the only Cavaliers extra-base hit by someone not named Mike Baldwin, doubling in the second... Bob Short and Robinson Lopez both went 1-3 with an RBI... Ralph Anderson went 2-3 leading the Iron Pigs, he scored their lone run... Kevin Barber doubled for his only hit. He drove in the loen Iron Pigs run... Juan Rosario didn't pitch poorly, but just not good enough today, going 5.2 innings, allowing 8 hits, 4 runs, only 3 earned, he walked 1 and struck out 3... The Iron Pigs took advantage of Mike Baldwins arm stealing two bases. Baldwin did throw out 32.1% during the regular season... The paid attendance for tonight's game was 43,368.

GM Notes:
I felt like this game was a must win, mainly because we are heading into Wilmington next facing their ace Ricardo Gonzalez, who ahs been pretty dominant during this post-season. So a loss won't put us down... I do have faith in Kennedy however, even though he struggled big time in his first post-season start. I think he has been off this whole second half actually, but I feel like he has one more good start in him... I will have a fully rested Armando Lopez ready to go if Kennedy has issues... I am happy with the way we are playing, I'd like to see some more offense, but we have won two games so I am not going to be too greedy... I am interested in seeing how these guys will fare against one of the games best. I know I am pumped for game 3, hopefully the rest of these guys are too... Not much else to say, we are up 2-0 and playing solid ball so far throughout the playoffs. What more could I ask for?

Game 3 Scheduled Starters:
Ernie Kennedy (Norfolk) vs Ricardo Gonzalez (Wilmington)

[illeracula]

During the Series off-day the Cavaliers organization got some good news as two of their Yokohama BayStars walked away with end of the year Awards, on their way to their second consecutive Championship. Congrats to two well deserving players and two guys who will be on the Cavaliers roster next season...

World Conference Pitcher of the Year Named: He's in the early phase of his career, but this past season Alberto Ramos performed like a veteran on the hill for the Yokohama Baystars and walked away with the World Conference GL Golden Arm in the process.

The 25-year-old Baystars star fashioned a 18-0 won-loss record in 2027 with a 3.41 ERA. In 179.1 innings of work and 29 starts, Ramos struck out 185 while giving up 183 hits and 25 walks. He held opposing batters to a .263 average.

2027 Premier Batter Selected By WC: His teammates, fans and peers all agree that Oliver Ramos is worthy of the 2027 World Conference GL Silver Slugger. Today, the voters made it official.

The Yokohama first baseman was a bonafide success as he racked up a .350 average, 184 hits, 42 doubles, 2 triples, 37 home runs, 126 RBIs, 133 runs, 132 walks and a .487 OBP.

[illeracula]

2027 DelMarVa Championships - Game 3 (Best of 7)

Game 3: Cavaliers lead series 2-0

I am not sure what to think about this game, with Ernie Kennedy on the hill for us. He could be lights out, or he could struggle, it will be interesting to see what Kennedy shows up. He go hit hard during the Conference Championships, so I am hoping this game will go a little differently... Armando Lopez is on stand by.

The Cavaliers will go with the same lineup we went with in Game 1. Lawson will head to the bench to make way for red-hot Short and Galvez will be in Center. We don't have a whole lot of experience against Gonzalez but I am hoping we can chip away and manufacture a couple of runs...

RF Sergio Rodriguez, CF Sergio Galvez, 1B Francisco Gallegos, DH Trevor Parker, 2B Pedro Torres, LF Bob Short, C Mike Baldwin, 3B Robinson Lopez, SS Bryant Frank

Ricardo Gonzalez has been red-hot the 2nd half of the season, and was almost unhittable against the Brewers in the Conference finals. He is ready to go and should give the Cav's a run for their money. The Cav's like to score runs via the long-ball, but against Ricardo that might be tough. He averaged 0.44 HR's per 9 this season.

The Iron Pigs will make one small change in their lineup as they face the lefty, with catcher Jesus Nunez heading to the bench to give way for Ramon Martinez. Martinez went 2-3 in his only appearance during this years playoffs.

SS Kevin Barber, CF Eugene St. John, 3B Tom Anderson, 1B Alonso Martinez, LF Matt Fisher, 2B Chris Simpson, DH Ralph Anderson, RF Steve Kelly, C Ramon Martinez

Before the game the Iron Pigs announced that their closer Arturo Ramirez will most likely not play today, due to flu like symptoms.

Should be an interesting game... I would really like to win today.

Lets Play Ball!!
Inning 1:
Ricardo set the Cav's down 1-2-3, striking out the side... Kennedy gave up a single to Eugene St. John, but retired the other three batters he faced... After 1 the game is tied 0-0.

Inning 2:
The second inning was a reply of the first for the Cav's with Gonzalez picking up 3 more strike outs... The Iron Pigs had Matt Fisher lead-off with a single, but he was gunned down by Baldwin trying to steal. A 2-out walk to Chris Simpson ended in a diving play by Bryant Frank... After 2, the game is tied at 0.

Inning 3:
This game could come down to walks and errors, and the Cav's took advantage of a walk in the third. After Gonzalez struck out Baldwin to start the inning off, Bryant Frank would reach one a walk. Robinson Lopez would strike out for out #2. Sergio Rodriguez would single to left, moving Frank to third. Sergio Galvez would single to right, scoring Frank. Gallegos would strike out (yes that is 9 K's over 9 outs for the Cav's)... The Iron Pigs would go down 1-2-3... The Cav's would take the lead after 3, 1-0.

Inning 4:
The Cav's would manufacture a run in the 4th, thanks to a lead-off single by Trevor Parker. Parker would steal second, taking advantage of Gonzalez lack of being able to hold on runners. He would move to third on a perfect sac-bunt by Pedro Torres, and then score on a Bob Short ground out. Baldwin would strike out to end the inning... Kennedy would shut down the Iron Pigs heart of the lineup 1-2-3... After 4 the Cav's add an insurance run and lead 2-0.

Inning 5:
After the Cav's went down 1-2-3 (without a strikeout), the Iron Pigs would make their move. Ralph Anderson leads off the inning with a single to left. He would move to second on a 6-3 ground out. Head to third on a passed ball. With Anderson at third, Steve Kelly would draw a 3-2 walk. Kelly would easily steal second putting runners on 2nd and 3rd for light hitting catcher Ramon Hernandez. Hernandez would lace a single to right, scoring both Kelly and Anderson and tying the game. Kevin Barber would strike out for out #2 and Eugene St. John would give the Iron Pigs the lead with a 2-run HR that just cleared the LF wall (335ft). Tom Anderson would walk and be left on first after an Alonso Martinez fly out... After 5 the Iron Pigs would take the lead 4-2.

Inning 6:
The Cav's wouldn't allow the Iron Pigs to hold the lead for too long and fight right back. Sergio Galvez would get the inning started off with a single. And Francisco Gallegos would plate him with a 2-run HR to right-center (388ft). Gonzalez would retire the next three, but the Cav's would tie the game... A lead-off walk to Matt Fisher would chase Ernie Kennedy from the game, and Eric Helton would game in throwing strikes retiring the next 3, 2 with via strike outs... After 6 the game is tied 4-4.

Innings 7-8:
Would go by scoreless with Ricardo Gonzalez shutting down the Cav's offense, and Eric Helton shutting down the Iron Pigs. Gonzalez would increase his strike-out total to 14, setting the Championship round record... After 8 innings the game is tied at 4.

Inning 9:
Jason Nixon would replace Ricardo Gonzalez on the hill in the 9th. The Cav's would go down quietly, but the Iron Pigs would fight back against Miguel Angel Gonzalez. Putting runners on first and third with 1 out and loading the bases with 2-outs. The Cav's were lucky to escape and we are headed into extras. After 9 full, the game is tied at 4.

Inning 10:
TOP:
The Cav's would take advantage of a complete mental collapse of the Iron Pigs in the 10th. Robinson Lopez starts things off hitting a rock to third. Tom Anderson would bobble the ball and Lopez would be safe at first. The next batter would hit a double-play ball to third, but Tom Anderson would throw the ball into left-field and Lopez would end up at third and Rodriguez at second. Sergio Galvez would get plunked, and just like that the Cav's had the bases loaded with no-one out. Francisco Gallegos would hit a hard grounder to the drawn-in infield and Lopez would be gunned down at home. Trevor Parker would strike out swinging. With two outs and Pedro Torres at the plate Jason Nixon would lose control of fastball, catcher Jesus Nunez didn't have a chance, and Rodriguez would come across and score. Torres would ground out and the Cav's would eek out a run and take the lead 5-4.
BOTTOM:
Miguel Angel Gonzalez would try to close out the game. Tom Anderson would lead the inning off with a single up the middle. Alonso Martinez would battle, but end up striking out. Matt Fisher would hit into a 5-4 fielders choice and Ralph Anderson would end the game ground out to short... The Cav's would hold on and take the game 5-4.

Note: I do try to keep the game recap to a minimum, but this game just seemed like something was going on every inning. Sorry for the length

The Cav's lead the series 5-4

W: Miguel Angel Gonzalez (1-0)
L: Jason Nixon (0-1)
HR: NFK: Francisco Gallegos (1), WLM: Eugene St. John (1)

POG: Eugene St. John, Wilmington, 2-5, HR, R, 2 RBI

Game Notes:
The Cav's would end the game with 6 hits and 5 runs, making the most of their opportunities... Francisco Gallegos drove in 2, the only Cav's with more than 1 RBI... Sergio Galvez went 2-4, with a run and an RBI, leading the Cav's offense... Ramon Martinez would go 1-3, with a big 2-run single to join St. John as the only Iron Pigs to drive in runs... Ralph Anderson and St. John both had 2 hits... The Iron Pigs had a total of 8 hits, and left 8 runners on... The Cavaliers struck out 15 times, including the first 7 hitters of the game... Bob Short had a double for the only extra-base hit of the game for both teams... Ernie Kennedy went 5 innings, allowing 5 hits and 4 runs. He walked 4 and struck out 3... Ricardo Gonzalez was dominate most of the game, ending the game with 8 innings pitched, allowing 5 hits and 4 runs. He walked 2 and struck out a record 14... The unsung hero of the game was MR Eric Helton who went 3 perfect innings, striking out 3.

GM Notes:
This was a fun game and I am glad we pulled it off. The Iron Pigs just fell apart in the 10th, thanks to 2 errors by an ex-Glove Wizard Tom Anderson. I wouldn't of been overly disappointed with a loss to Ricardo Gonzalez, but beating him was huge. We are on a role. I would however like to see the offense perform better... Eric Helton gets the Cavaliers game ball for his performance, with Francisco Gallegos coming in a close second... Miguel Angle Gonzalez threw 43 pitches, which means he most likely won't be available for game 4... Kennedy looked really good till the 5th. Its almost as if he lost concentration, or maybe the Iron Pigs just got used to him... Sergio Rodriguez doesn't seem to be able to get any multi-hit games, but he continued his post-season hit streak and now has 15 hits during this post-season. He had 14 last year in 11 games... Game 4, Lanny Reese will be on the hill for us, he had a rocky game in the first round, so I am not sure what to expect. He has been very hot and cold since coming to Norfolk. He is 24, and only has 68 career appearances, let alone playoff experience. He may not be around in Norfolk for too long, so this would be a nice showcase of what he is made of...

Rodriguez has 44 career post-season hits, which got me curious. So I looked over some of the other Cav's that have played through multiple playoffs just to get an idea of maybe what the career and season record is for post-season hits. What I did find out is that 15 hits isn't the record and unless this series goes 7, Sergio won't be breaking any records, actually surprised me. Here is a list of the some of "stars" that have played in their share of playoff games:

Sergio Rodriguez: 30 G, 44 H
Sergio Galvez: 70 G, 71 H
Francisco Gallegos: 39 G, 38 H
King Brock: 64 G, 58 H
Kent Davis: 61 G, 79 H (20 H in 2016)
Jeff Lewis: 56 G, 49 H (20 H in 2018)
Roberto Perez: 33 G, 48 H (20 H in 2016)

I didn't look at HR's or RBI's, but one thing that did jump out at me was Javier Janchez's and his 2018 post-season where he scored 19 runs in 13 games. I am guessing this is the record...

I am still using v14, and I am not sure if the newer versions have it, but it would be nice to be able to sort on career playoff stats. Can you run a data dump on that and just run SQL code against it? Wishful thinking maybe.

Game 4 Scheduled Starters:
Lanny Reese (Norfolk) vs Irving Mills (Wilmington)

[illeracula]

2027 DelMarVa Championships - Game 4 (Best of 7)

Game 4: Cavaliers lead series 3-0

The Cavaliers head into game four with a chance to win their 8th Championship, and third in a row. I didn't think we would be up 3 games to nill, nor did I think we would be on the bring of winning for the third time in a row. This team has kept on answering the critics and now here we are... Lanny Reese will be on the hill for us, he has some experience against the Iron Pigs as he spent the last 2.5 seasons in the Delaware Conference. Against the Pigs thi season he was 2-0 2.79. You have to feel good about that, even if he didn't look too good in the Conference Championships.

Our lineup is the same as game 3, with the exception of our SS. Claudio Flores will be in the lineup. Frank is hitting .200 during the playoffs and his 0-11 against todays Iron Pig starter.

RF Sergio Rodriguez, CF Sergio Galvez, 1B Francisco Gallegos, DH Trevor Parker, 2B Pedro Torres, LF Bob Short, C Mike Baldwin, 3B Robinson Lopez, SS Bryant Frank

The Iron Pigs are going with Edmond Scott today, which isn't who I was expecting. Scott was 12-9 3.93 during the regular season and so far in the playoffs he is 1-1 2.63. Our team has some decent experience off of him, so that should help us out some.

The Iron Pigs make a small lineup change as well, sitting Ralph Anderson (5-15 during the playoffs) in favor of Fernando Zuziela. Zuziela is 2-20 in 5 playoff games but hasn't made an appearance during the Championship round.

SS Kevin Barber, CF Eugene St. John, 3B Tom Anderson, 1B Alonso Martinez, LF Matt Fisher, C Jesus Nunez, 2B Chris Simpson, RF Steve Kelly, DH Fernando Zuziela

I like our chance against Scott, but really anything is possible... lets get this over with.

Lets Play Ball!!
Inning 1:
The Cav's would go down 1-2-3... The Iron Pigs would load the bases, or better said Reese would load the bases. A one-out walk, a 2-out hit batter and a single. Reese would strike out Jesus Nunez to end the inning... After 1 we have a 0-0 game

Inning 2:
1-2-3 again for the Cav's... And lead-off HR down the RF line (350ft) by Chris Simpson of the Iron Pigs would give them the lead... After 2 the Iron Pigs lead 1-0

Inning 3:
The Cav's would finally get a hit, a 1-out double by Claudio Flores, but he would left standing on second... The Iron Pigs would add one to their lead thanks to a 2-out bomb (404ft) by Matt Fisher... After 3 the Iron Pigs increase their lead 2-0

Inning 4:
The Cav's would answer back in the 4th. Sergio Galvez would lead things off with a double down the right field line. And Francisco Gallegos would following that with a 2-run HR just clearing the RF fence (333ft). Trevor Parker would follow Gallegos with a single, then steal second. Pedro Torres would knock him in with a single to right giving the Cav's the lead... Iron Pigs would go down quietly and after 4 the Cav's lead 3-2

Inning 5:
Claudio Flores would lead off the inning with a single. He would move to second on a ground out by Lopez and then come home 1-out later on a Sergio Galvez single. Giving the Cav's some insurance... Iron Pigs would go down 1-2-3. After 5 the Cav's lead 4-2

Inning 6:
The Cav's would pour it on in the 6th. Trevor Parker would get things started with a single, but be quickly erased by a 6-4-3. But the Cav's would bounce back. Bob Short singled to left. Mike Baldwin singled to follow. Claudio Flores drew a walk to load the bases. Leonard Lawson would PH for Robinson Lopez and would walk in a run. Facing the new Iron Pigs pitcher, Sergio Rodriguez would drill a single to right-center scoring 2. Sergio Galvez would follow that with a RBI single of his own... The Cav's would score 4 on 5 hits and increase their lead to 8-2 After 6.

Inning 9:
TOP:
After two quiet innings, the Cav's would add to their lead in the 9th. Sergio Galvez would lead the inning off by getting hit-by-a-pitch (for the 5th time this post-season). He would steal second, and move to third with 2-outs. Pedro Torres would single to right scoring Galvez. Bob Short would follow Torres with a double to deep-right, scoring Torres... And after 8.5 the Cav's would hold a 10-2 lead.
BOTTOM:
Armando Lopez is on the hill for the Cav's. Alonso Martinez leads off with a single to center. Matt Fisher goes down swinging. Jesus Nunez hits into a 6-4-3 and the Cav's are celebrating. The Cav's win the game 10-2

The CAVALIERS are the 2027 DelMarVa Baseball League Champs winning the series 4-0.

W: Lanny Reese (1-0)
L: Edmund Scott (0-1)
S: Armando Lopez (1)
HR: NFK: Francisco Galleogs (1), WLM: Chris Simpson (1), Matt Fisher (1)

POG: Sergio Galvez, Norfolk, 3-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI's

Game Notes:
The Iron Pigs collected 6 hits on the day, with Alonso Martinez and Matt Fisher picking up 2 each... Of the 6 hits, 2 went for extra bases, homeruns by Chris Simpson and Matt Fisher... Jesus Nunez finishes the playoffs hitting .033-0-01, which shows how much the Iron Pigs missed Silver Slugger favorite Antonio Castenada... The Cavaliers had 5 players collect 2 or more hits, lead by Sergio Galvez and his 3-4 day. Trevor Parker, Pedro Torres, Bob Short and Claudio Flores all had 2 hits... Claudio Flores enjoyed his time as a starter going 2-2 with 2 walks. He scored 2 runs... Mike Baldwin finished the playoffs hitting .333 with a HR and an RBI. Rojas was missed, but Baldwin filled in admirably... Sergio Rodriguez, Sergio Galvez, Francisco Gallegos and Pedro Torres each drove in 2 runs for the Cav's... Lanny Reese went 6 strong innings, before giving way to Armando Lopez. Reese gave up 5 hits, and 2 runs, on 2 solo-HR's. He did walk 2 and struck out 5... Edmund Scott gave up 10 hits and 8 runs in 5.2 innings. He walked 2 and struck out 3... Armando Lopez went the las 3 innings for the Cavaliers giving up just one hit, which was erased by a double-play... The Iron Pigs are now 0-4 in Championship series, losing 3 of them to the Cavaliers.

GM Notes:
I have to say I am really surprised we swept our way through this series. I was expecting a little more from the Iron Pigs. But wow #8 here in Norfolk. Not too shabby, and with this team I can see a few more titles over the next few years... Maybe it is time for me to move on for a new challenge... This was a fun season in Norfolk. I didn't think we were going to be good enough, but look how we finished the season. A bunch of young kids in the starting rotation lead the way. A powerful veteran offense scored runs for them. Just a really amazing season... Not much to say about this game, expect for that it feels good to have it over with. Now time to figure out what to do this off-season... Feels good to walk away with our 3rd in a row!!!

DelMarVa Series MVP
MVP Finalist:
1) Bob Short: 5-15 .333, 2B, 2 R, 5 RBI
Game 1: 1-3, R, 2 RBI
Game 2:1-3, RBI
Game 3:1-4, RBI
Game 4:2-5, 2B, R, RBI

2) Miguel Angel Gonzalez: 3.0 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 K (1-0, SV)
Game 2: 1.0 IP, BB, SV
Game 3: 2.0 IP, 3 H, BB,2 K, W

It is hard to come up with a MVP in a low scoring fast series. Can you really give it to a pitcher who pitched in one game? I am somewhat against that, and that is why Paul Brown isn't listed as a candiate for this series. Sergio Gavlez only played in 3 of the 4 games, one which included an 0-5... So I came up with these two guys. Bob Short, who drove in a run every game, and Gonzalez who picked up a save and a win... After thinking about it and looking at the stats of all the players the 2027 DelMarVa Championshp Series Most Valuable Player award was given to Bob Short!! Short didn't "wow" like he did in 2025, but he did lead the team in RBI's for the series, pick up a couple of real-big hits, and got a hit in every game. For the third year in a row Short will walk away with the honor.

2013 MVP of Series: Javier Uberuaga, Washington Senators, SP. 2-0, 15 IP 13 H, 3 BB, 9 K, 2.40 ERA
2014 MVP of Series: Carlos Rodriguez, Norfolk Cavaliers, RP. 1-0, 3 G, 2 SV, 5 K
2015 MVP of Series: Bruce Walker, Lewes, .450-2-10
2016 MVP of Series: Jose Rodriguez, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF. .240-3-10, 5 R's
2017 MVP of Series: Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers, SP. 2-0 16 IP, 8 H, R, 5 BB, 18 K
2018 MVP of Series: Derek Campbell, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF. 11 H, 3 R, 3B, 2 HR, 10 RBI's
2019 MVP of Series: Matt Hollis, Norfolk Cavaliers, SP. 1-0, 9 IP, 9 K
2020 MVP of Series: Leonard Davis, Lewes Braves, OF. .481-2-4
2021 MVP of Series: Jamie Trulilio, Milford Clippers, SP. 2-0, 15.1 IP, 7 H, 9 BB, 8 K, 0 R
2022 MVP of Series: Seth Bennett, Milford Clippers, SP. 2-0, 1.42 IP, 9 H, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 R; 1-2 2B, 2 RBI
2023 MVP of Series: Cristobal Diaz, Lewes Braves, SP. 2-0, 13.2 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 16 K's, 0 R
2024 MVP of Series: Totoya Ogawa, Lewes Braves, 1B. 6 H (6-13), 2B, HR, 5 R, 2 RBI
2025 MVP of Series: Bob Short, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF, .533-2-4 (8-15), 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R
2026 MVP of Series: Bob Short, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF, .333-1-5 (7-21), 4 2B, 5 RBI, 4 R
2027 MVP of Series: Bob Short, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF, .333-0-5 (5-15), 2B, 2 R, 5 RBI

[illeracula]

League Championship Sweep to Cavaliers: Norfolk gathered in its 8th League Championship championship today and made it look easy. They swept the Wilmington Iron Pigs in straight games, winning the series 4-0.

The Cavaliers disposed of Wilmington 10-2 in the series finale at Iron Pigs Ballpark.

During the MarVa Conference Western Division regular season Norfolk put up a 105-57 record and finished first.

[illeracula]

Delaware Confernece Honors Top Glovemen for 2027: Defense is a critical element in the game of baseball. Many times late in the game, a light-hitting defensive specialist will be inserted in place of a superstar hitter. Good defenders are worth their weight in gold and today the best of them for 2027 have been recognized. These players will receive the Delaware Conference Glove Wizard Award:

Pitcher: Guillermo Alfonso (Christiana Blue Hens)
Catcher: Alejandro Díaz (Georgetown Sixteens)
First Baseman: Jorge Trujillo (New Castle Colonials)
Second Baseman: Tom Hughes (Lewes Braves)
Third Baseman: Tom Anderson (Wilmington Iron Pigs)
Shortstop: Cisco Benítez (Milford Clippers)
Left Fielder: Richard Forbes (Dover Generals)
Center Fielder: Mike Johnson (Milton Brewers)
Right Fielder: José Díaz (Seaford Blue Jays)

MarVa Conference Glove Wizard Award Winners Named: Glove Wizard Awards are the symbol for defensive excellence, a recognition of the best of the best in defense. The MarVa Conference Glove Wizard Award trophies for 2027 have been awarded to these outstanding fielders:

Pitcher: Jason Mathis (Salisbury Ports)
Catcher: Halmar Stolk (Richmond Cardinals)
First Baseman: Francisco Gallegos (Norfolk Cavaliers)
Second Baseman: Pedro Torres (Norfolk Cavaliers)
Third Baseman: Robinson López (Norfolk Cavaliers)
Shortstop: Shunen Koyama (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs)
Center Fielder: Ramiro Herrera (Chesapeake Blue Crabs)
Right Fielder: Lúcio Peña (Annapolis Admirals)

--
Tom Anderson won his 6th Glove Wizard Award at 3B.

The Cavaliers won 3 awards all in their infield. Congrats to Lopez and Torres on their first. Amazing what happens when you play the same position all season long....

[illeracula]

Best Rookie Trophy Presented to Sutton: The premier rookie performer in the Delaware Conference was New Castle center fielder Ryan Sutton. He was honored today by league officials as the 2027 Newcomer Award winner.

Sutton put up some good numbers, including a .296 batting average and .339 on-base percentage, while racking up 28 home runs, 105 RBIs and 80 runs scored.

MV Conf's Top Rookie Selected: Washington fans have reason to cheer today as third baseman Shumei Ishikawa brought home the MarVa Conference Newcomer Award for 2027.

He put together a .307 batting average on the strength of 148 hits and swatted 17 home runs. He also racked up 70 RBIs and scored 90 runs, signaling that this might be the beginning of a solid baseball career.

[illeracula]

DE Conference Best Manager is Guardio of the Brewers: Guilherme Guardio skippered the Milton Brewers to a very successful year and has been acclaimed as the 2027 Delaware Conference Manager of the Year.

He kept it short and sweet in the press conference as he accepted the award, "Thanks, but it wasn't just me out there this season."

The Brewers finished the regular season in first place in the Delaware Conference Southern Division with a 99-63 record.

#1 Skipper in MV Conference: Ray of Norfolk: The Norfolk Cavaliers had an outstanding season, much of it due to their astute and gifted skipper. For his managerial excellence, Author Ray reaped the reward of being voted MarVa Conference Manager of the Year.

"A manager is only as good as the players he's managing," Ray told reporters. "If I didn't have the talent to work with, making all the right moves wouldn't have helped a bit."

Under Ray the Cavaliers finished first in the MarVa Conference Western Division with a record of 105-57.

[illeracula]

Brewers Ace, Golden Arm Award Winner: The Golden Arm Award for 2027 has been presented and the Delaware Conference winner is Júlio Rocha of Milton.

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

Rocha excelled with an impressive 22-7 record in 33 starts. In 241.1 innings he yielded 212 hits and 49 walks, while striking out 211 and compiling a fine 2.54 ERA.

Best MV Conference Pitcher Announced: The Ocean City Tourists have a rising superstar or maybe even a budding Hall-of-Famer in the making.

It's Steven Ray, this year's MarVa Conference Golden Arm Award selection. This blossoming hurler wowed fans, peers and sportswriters with a fabulous performance.

Ray compiled a 20-6 record in 33 starts, tallied 182 strikeouts in 226.1 innings and recorded a 3.22 ERA. Other clubs managed only a .225 batting average against him.

[illeracula]

António Castaneda Chosen DE Conference's Premier Hitter: Wilmington's António Castaneda put the wraps on a fine campaign today by winning the 2027 Delaware Conference Silver Slugger Award.

The 27-year-old veteran scorched the opposition with a .321 average, picking up 171 hits, 31 doubles, 1 triple, 48 home runs and 119 RBIs, while scoring 127 runs.

2027 MV Conference Top Hitter Trophy Given to Bond: Claude Bond has been around DELMARVA Baseball League enough to know a good hot streak when he sees one -- and he got to see one firsthand all year. For his standout run through the 2027 season, he's taking home the Silver Slugger Award in the MarVa Conference.

The Chesapeake shortstop put up a batting average of .323 with 13 doubles, no triples, 26 home runs and 60 RBIs.

[illeracula]

November 4, 2027

Today is a bittersweet day as I step down from my role as General Manager of the Norfolk Cavaliers. When I signed on as the Cavaliers GM in 2013 my goal was to win a Championship and build this team up from the bottom. After a rocky innaugural season, we made some changes and took home the title. Every since we have been a team to be reckoned with. More than I have ever expected.

The past 15 seasons have brought us many highs and lows, but both have created many memories. I am leaving Norfolk to take on a new challenge one that I hope will bring me the joy and success which my tenure in Norfolk did. Its hard to leave these players which I watched grow and develop over the seasons, but its the right thing to do and the right time to do so.

It was a tough decision and one I may regret in the future.

I want to think the fans, the players and our owner Bill Parker for trusting me with his franchise. I wish nothing but success for the Cavaliers in the future and I look forward to coming back to Norfolk.

I leave Norfolk after 15 seasons, 1626 wins, 13 playoff appearances, 9 championship appearances, 8 Championship Banners and thousands of memories.

Sincerly,



Tony Luke
GM Norfolk Cavaliers (2013-2027)

[illeracula]

Can Tony Luca Pick up the Pieces in Georgetown? New GM Named: Tony Luca and several of the Georgetown Sixteens players visited with some school children as they took time out from a busy schedule. The newly appointed GM has proven he's more than just a baseball man: He's a humanitarian as well.

"Baseball is a community sport, and a general manager needs to be more than just a numbers guy. You need to get out in the community. It's easier if you're winning, but the fans need to know that you're in their corner--that you're a member of the community, not stuck up in your office all the time."

[illeracula]

November 5, 2027



The Georgetown Sixteens are my next stop along the way. The Sixteens are an original team, and haven't had much success, one of only a few DBL orginals not to yet make a playoff appearance. My goal is to get this team winning and build for the future... Owner Matt Hardy is very hard nosed and very demanding, however he is very generous which should help me out.

I am going to have to do a review of this team with Arbitration coming up and make some changes. At this point I am thinking of blowing everyone away and starting over, but I am not sure that is the right way to go just yet...

Things to know about Georgetown:
Budget: $170,000,000 (5th)
Market Size: Very Big
Fan Loyalty: Good
Fan Interest: 55

Runs Scored: 678 (9th)
Avg: .252 (7th)
HR: 183 (5th)
SB: 129 (4th)
Runs Against: 797 (9th)
Starters ERA: 4.87 (9th)
Pen ERA: 4.13 (5th)
Def Eff: .700 (5th)

Minor League System Rating: 15th (of 20)
Top Prospect: Greyson Jacques (13th)

Top Pitcher: Gonzalo Bustamante (10-8 4.00, 5 SV)
Top Hitter: Alejandro Diaz (.262-37-96)
(Diaz is set to become a free agent, unless we can work out a deal in a month)

Manager: Steve Potts (1st season in Georgetown, 14th overall) 985-982 career record

Team Leaders:
Avg: Mario Gomez: .302-14-70
HR/RBI: Alejandro Diaz: .262-37-96

ERA: Gonzalo Bustamante: 4.00, 10-8
W: Bustamante & Yoshiitoki Mori: 10-16, 4.07
K's: Mori: 180

We don't have a whole lot of young "stars" or young guys to be "stars" there are some diamonds in the rough, but its going to take some effort to turn this ship around. I will make a lot of changes here in Georgetown and hopefully take this and its losing traditions and turn them into a Winning Traditions.

I don't have a whole lot to work with, so this off-season, pre-season might be a busy one in Georgetown. Going to take a while to get used to saying that one... My goal is to be out of Georgetown by 2030 with a title under our belt.

Challenge Accepted, now lets get on with it!

[NYY #23]

Congratulations on the sweep and eighth and final Championship in Norfolk! What a run you had, and it certainly seemed like the team didn't break a sweat in the playoffs this year.

Best of luck in Georgetown. Looks to be a nice challenge, and I'm anxious to see how you reshape the team!

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Congratulations on the sweep and eighth and final Championship in Norfolk! What a run you had, and it certainly seemed like the team didn't break a sweat in the playoffs this year.

Best of luck in Georgetown. Looks to be a nice challenge, and I'm anxious to see how you reshape the team!

Thanks. I figured it was time to move, but wow it was hard pressing that "resign from team" button. lol... I will have my hands full in Georgetown and I am not sure where to start. Part of me just wants to deal everyone, and start anew...

[illeracula]

Team Report:
Budget: $170,000,000 (5th)
Payroll: $81,750,000 (7th)
$ for Free-Agents: $46,131,005
$ for Extensions: $45,589,000
Fan Interest: 55
Owners Mood: Mad

First Things First - Arbitration

Arbitration...
We have two guys up for arbitration and we are only going to offer arbitration to one of them.
2B David Durant. He is decently rated and had an ok season last year .287-5-17 and he is somewhat of a bargin at $3,200,000.
RF Jorge Lopez will be let go, no need to pay him over 1 million a year for a season spent in AAA.

We also have some guys who are free-agents to be that we can offer arbitraion to. I am not sure I am going to offer it to anyone.

However I will try to make a couple of deals with ex-Cavaliers: Alejandro Diaz and Dan Nelson.
Everyone else on that list is free to walk and find a new home.

Free Agents:
We have a group of players that are able to file for free-agency next month and really only 2 of them are worth keeping. I will reach out to both, mentioned above, and see what they say.

Roster:
Here is quick roster overview:

Position Players-
Catchers:
John Herbert (27yrs old, 2*)
Harold Hutchins (29, 2*)
Alejandro Diaz (28, 4*)

1B:
Alfredo Bruno (37, 1*)
Woody Brown (30, 3.5*)
Bob Beall (25, 1*)

2B:
David Durant (26, 4*)
Mario Gomez (28, 2*)
Jose Reyes (25, 1.5*)

3B:
Ryan Sirett (20, 4*)

SS:
Jose Rivera (30, 2.5*)
Peyton Hensley (24, 3.5*)
Ronnie Griffin (26, 1*)
Jermey Williams (24, 1*)

Outfield:
David May (28, 1*)
Jose Martinez (23, 1*)
Emroy Phillips (26, 2*)
Luis Rodriguez (24, 3*)
David Marricio (21, 1.5*)
Vance Burns (26, 3*)
Steve Keyser (26, 2*)
Dave Lewis (24, 2.5*)
Adrian Smith (32, 2.5*)

Only one position player Ryan Sirett hasn't reach their max potential. The roster has a mix of young and old guys, but none of them are very "exicting".

Pitchers-
Starters:
Salvador Alaniz (25, 1*)
Gonzalo Bustamante (22, 4*)
Raul Martinez (25, 2*)
Yoshiitoki Mori (31, 3*)
Gilberto Rico (22, 3*)

Relievers:
Emmitt Atkins (32, 2*)
Vaughan Griffith (31, 2*)
Orlando Leon (28, 2*)
Arturo Martinez (24, 1*)
Billy Murdock (28, 4*)
Dan Nelson (32, 4*)
Jose Nunez (27, 1*)
Julio Saldana (38, 4*)
Brian Smith (26, 1.5*)
Phil Lehman (24, 2*)
Jonathan MacNeill (32, 3*)
Luis Rodriguez (24, 3*)

Of the pitchers we have some decent guys, with Bustamante leading the way and Gilberto Rico not too far behind. Murdock is a decent guy in the pen, but still not "great". Only three of the 17 pitchers have a control rating over 13, yikes.

GM Notes:
I am in a strange situation here in Georgetown. When the league started I was a member of the Cav's I did the inaugural draft, i made the trades that build the team to where they are today, and now I am taking over someone else's mess. Now I have to figure out what I have, which is something I never had to do. When I decided to take on this team I knew they weren't a winner, I knew they had a history of losing, but I didn't realize how poor they were talent wise...

I will need to make some changes that is for sure, but I am not sure I have a whole lot to work with. This team isn't very deep and doesn't have many prospects on the rise. This is going to be a busy off-season as the fire-sale will be starting soon...

The way I look at it the only "keepers" on this roster are Diaz, Brown, Durant, Sirett, Hensley, Bustamante, Mori, Rico and Murdock... But that being said I won't be afraid to deal any of these guys if it means better and younger players in return. I will try to keep my draft picks, so I can build via the draft and trades. I have a good deal of money for free-agents, but I don't want to blow it all on a losing team.

Upcoming Plans:
Check out available personnel. Replace manager? any coaches?
Make it through arbitration.
Try to sign Diaz to an extension
Talk to the Cavaliers about Alberto and Oliver Ramos. They have a lot of talent in Norfolk maybe someone will be expendable.
I'd hate to pilfer from my old team, but they are very talented and deep they have parts.



Game Settings Game: When I made the move to Georgetown I looked at some of the settings and I noticed that my trading difficulty was set to average. I boosted it to Hard to make things a little harder on me.

[reds1]

Originally Posted by illeracula

Thanks. I figured it was time to move, but wow it was hard pressing that "resign from team" button. lol... I will have my hands full in Georgetown and I am not sure where to start. Part of me just wants to deal everyone, and start anew...

I always found taking over a struggling team and deciding which route to take the most fun when playing OOTP. Congratulations on your phenomenal run in Norfolk!

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by reds1

I always found taking over a struggling team and deciding which route to take the most fun when playing OOTP. Congratulations on your phenomenal run in Norfolk!

Thanks, that 15 years in Norfolk was fun, not just because we won, but because I felt like I had a connection with a lot of the players there, watching them develop, etc., winning was icing on the cake.

Georgetown is going to be interesting next season. I don't have much to work with that is for sure. I hope the deals I make help us turn things around. Making the playoffs in 2028 would be incredible, but 2029 should be very possible if I don't make a bunch of financial miscues along the way...