Orcin's Story

[jaysdailydose]

It just seems as if the "bounces" haven't gone your way nearly as much in other seasons... while your core is getting a bit older, it seems more that you're just getting a bit of bad luck or a combo of players having slightly down seasons...

Your pitching is still obviously the best in the league, and if ANYONE picks up some slack in your lineup (maybe with that switch to the optimized lineup?) then those Power Ranking numbers improve and it looks much the same come playoff time, just not with such a big lead and ability to set up your pitching AS well, perhaps...

Or maybe you just wind up with one down season... you have had a pretty stellar run, I definitely wouldn't be blowing things up at all even if you missed this year's playoffs... except MAYBE a coaching change, maybe Byrne has done all he can do and the boys need a different voice?

Sorry for such a long post, but your dynasty is so in-depth there's always so much to consider! Thanks again for having such a great thing for all of us to follow on a daily basis, Otto!

[Westheim]

Originally Posted by jaysdailydose

Or maybe you just wind up with one down season... you have had a pretty stellar run, I definitely wouldn't be blowing things up at all even if you missed this year's playoffs... except MAYBE a coaching change, maybe Byrne has done all he can do and the boys need a different voice?

Fire a manager who has won his division six or so years in a row once the team finishes second *once*? Who are you? George Steinbrenner?

[jaysdailydose]

Originally Posted by Westheim

Fire a manager who has won his division six or so years in a row once the team finishes second *once*? Who are you? George Steinbrenner?

I live in Detroit. Half the people here wanted Leyland gone even if we WON the World Series.

Speaking of the Yankees, they once lowballed Joe Torre so they could hire Joe Girardi... so stranger things have happened.

Like I said, I probably wouldn't shake ANYTHING up, but as the Sal once said... something like "put the heat under the Byrne's arse, and watch the wins come" or something equally witty.

[Orcin]

August 6, 2007

Subject: Week 18 Notes

Record: 64-47 .577, 1.5 GB (11-14 in July)
Position: 2nd place (behind Indianapolis)
Runs Scored: 479 – t9th in Federal
Runs Allowed: 374 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .699 – 6th in Federal
Power Ranking: 102.8 (9th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100

• Last week (4-2): 3-0 vs. Dallas, 1-2 at San Diego
• 07/31: LOU 3, DAL 0 – Ordonez 7 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 5 K; Brooks H(16); King SV(31)
• Philadelphia RF Slamet Nitisastro was 4-4 with 2 DBL, 2 HR, 3 RBI, and 5 runs scored in the Firebirds’ 14-5 win over Charleston.
• Lucio Martinez signed a 2-year contract extension at $2M/year. The second year is a team option with no buyout.
• Rookie Edgardo Ordonez was our Pitcher of the Month for July: 2-1, 1.95 ERA
• 1B Chris Brown was our Player of the Month: .287/.351/.585, 7 HR, 18 RBI (3rd straight month for Brown to receive this honor)
• Lexington 1B Mike Guy is AAA Player of the Month for July. Guy is hitting .311 with 20 HR and 41 RBI in 50 games at Lexington.
• Donald Johnson was promoted to Dayton in early July and was named Pitcher of the Month for AA. He was 5-1 with a 2.40 ERA in his first six AA starts.
• 08/01: LOU 7, DAL 5 – Brown 2-3, TRPL, 2 RBI
• 08/02: LOU 12, DAL 2 – Bland 3-4, DBL, 4 RBI; Dominguez 2-5, DBL, HR, 3 RBI
• Dallas had been tied with us in the wild card race prior to this sweep.
• 08/03: SD 7, LOU 6 – Will Walker (SD) 3-4, TRPL, HR, 3 RBI
• 08/04: LOU 4, SD 2 – Sanchez 2-3, DBL, RBI, BB, 3 SB
• Luna was ejected in the 6th inning for starting a bench-clearing brawl with a HBP. He was suspended for 4 games (no big deal since he is on a 5-day rotation).
• Charlotte 2B Wayne Baker was 5-5 in the Knights’ 9-8 victory over New York.
• 08/05: SD 4, LOU 3 – Bland 2-3, 2 HR, 3 RBI
• This week: 3 at Los Angeles, 3 at St. Louis


The league might be catching up to Juan Hernandez. In 5 starts since July 1, he is 1-3 with a 5.97 ERA. He is at 142 IP already, and maybe needs a breather. We plan to give the next few turns to Aaron Wilkerson, and let Hernandez throw out of the bullpen for a few weeks.

[Orcin]

August 13, 2007

Subject: Week 19 Notes

Record: 67-50 .573, 3.5 GB
Position: 2nd place (behind Indianapolis)
Runs Scored: 496 – 12th in Federal
Runs Allowed: 397 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .700 – 6th in Federal
Power Ranking: 104.1 (7th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100

• Last week (3-3): 1-2 at Los Angeles, 2-1 at St. Louis
• 08/07: LOU 6, LA 2 – Wilkerson 7 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 9 K
• Chris Brown had an inside-the-park home run in the game.
• Charlotte 2B Wayne Baker was 5-5 for the second time in a week. He was Player of the Week in the Patriot League last week and remains hotter than a depot stove.
• Milwaukee (51-63) fired manager Jim McClellan (228-210). McClellan led the Eagles to 96 wins last year and had been with the team since 1995 as a coach and manager.
• 08/08: LA 7, LOU 3 – King 0.2 IP, 4 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K, L (0-6, 3.48 ERA)
• King came into a tie game in the bottom of the ninth and poured gas on a fire.
• Milwaukee hired former Seattle Falcons GM Chris Childs to be their new field manager. He has no prior experience in the role and his abilities are unknown.
• 08/09: LA 6, LOU 2 – Alexander 5 IP, 6 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 4 K, L (12-6, 3.05 ERA)
• 08/10: LOU 3, STL 2 (14) – Hernandez 3 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 3 K, W (13-7, 3.62 ERA)
• The 14-inning game did not end until 1:30 AM local time, including a one-hour rain delay in the 4th.
• 08/11: STL 5, LOU 1 – Lopez (STL) 8 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K, W (11-9, 2.28 ERA)
• 08/12: LOU 2, STL 1 – Wilkerson 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 K, W (6-5, 3.92 ERA)
• Mike Guy was AAA Player of the Week (again). He was 14-23 (.609) with 6 HR. For the year, his stat line is .359/.510/.785, 28 HR, 58 RBI in 62 games.
• This week: 3 at Milwaukee, 3 vs. Phoenix


The new lineup is producing 4.3 runs per game through the first 3 weeks of use. It appears that we will have to rely on our pitching to win this thing.

[Westheim]

Where are you in respect to the wild card race?

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by Westheim

Where are you in respect to the wild card race?

We are tied with Houston.

[Orcin]

CBA STANDINGS (August 16, 2007 – 120 games)



Dallas and San Diego are making their moves. Houston is falling back.
More detail on our division to follow after a look at the Patriot League.



Charlotte is cruising since their trade for pitching help with San Diego.
The other divisions are really tight and could go down to the wire.




A couple of things jump out on this chart:
• Nobody seems to want this division. All are playing .500 ball since the AS break.
• Our record in 1-run games is killing us. This is due to the offense, not the bullpen.
• The law of averages is against Indianapolis with a 21-10 record in 1-run games.
• We have 29 home games left and only 13 on the road. We are damn good at home.

[Orcin]

LEAGUE LEADERS (August 16, 2007 – 120 games)



Eduardo Sanchez will not get the minimum number of plate appearances to
qualify for the batting title in either league due to the timing of the trade. As
expected, his offensive numbers (.311/.381/.417) are down in our ballpark,
but his stolen bases (19/21 in 29 games) are way up.

[Orcin]

LOUISVILLE COLONELS (August 16, 2007 – 120 games)



The league lead in stolen bases is a big one. Denver has 143. Houston is #3 at 114. Our success rate is 78%, so there is no reason to scale back on the running game. I hate to think where our offense would be without it.

I will have a tough decision to make on September 1. Look at Lexington’s record! I would like the team and their fans to carry this through to the end, but I am in a pennant race. Players like Mike Guy could be pretty handy on the bench in September.

Top prospect Rafael Valdez has had a rough year, sidelined for substantial periods of time with two different injuries. He will definitely need to repeat AAA. He will not be eligible for the Rule 5 draft, so there is no need to add him to the 40-man roster yet.




Aaron Wilkerson has pitched well since going back into the rotation, and Juan Hernandez has given us some valuable innings out of the bullpen. I plan to let this ride until somebody gives me a reason to change it.

Dennis Morgan’s numbers are quite alarming. He is healthy, so my only conclusion is that he is having an off-year. Right-handed power hitters are rare as hen’s teeth in the CBA, so Morgan isn’t going anywhere. He has rebounded big from an off-year before in his career.

[dawg_gone]

Originally Posted by Orcin

• Milwaukee (51-63) fired manager Jim McClellan (228-210). McClellan led the Eagles to 96 wins last year and had been with the team since 1995 as a coach and manager.
• Milwaukee hired former Seattle Falcons GM Chris Childs to be their new field manager. He has no prior experience in the role and his abilities are unknown.

I don't even know what to say to this. Though I'm sure it's happened in New York.

[Orcin]

Yeah, I don't bother to make suggestions in this thread, because I am quite sure that the developers never go near it.** But if I were to make such a request, I would urge the AI be programmed to appoint bench coaches as interim managers for in-season firings. The best candidates are made available after the season ends, and the AI invariably ends up making a bad hire like this. I suppose it doesn't matter in the long run, because they typically fire these guys in another year.

**Edit: I decided I should explain this comment. I have always felt that developers don't have time to wade through 60+ page threads on a dynasty forum. Markus, if you want to post in here and set me straight, go right ahead.

[Sal, The Barber]

In a very unlike Sal move, Sal is recommending patience at this moment. However, Sal has no time to talk any Louieville fan off a ledge. Sal will, though, bust through any window and grab the ledge walker by the collar and drag him back to his job. Sal has no time for such foolishness!

But Sal says cool it on Byrne. As much as Sal hates to say it, give him the rest of the season. And Sal says let's wait and see about Indy. Sal thinks they will fold. Or to use a more appropriate metaphor for Indy; they will get the flat tire.

Just look at those latest pitching statistics. This team is built for the post-season. Dey just have to get there. The offense is good enough. They hit the home runs and steal the bases. If Mr. Orcin needs to do something as a symbolic gesture, Sal suggests he announce that he is taking the vacation, going to France to visit the Louvre, to see the famous art or going to the French Riviera for some rest. This will send the right message, that he is not worried. Heck, if you want, Mr. Orcin, Sal will accompany you on the trip. Sal can show you how to relax. Again, Sal is offering himself in your service. Tell the fans, you'll be back in October. Sal thinks this is the right move.

[Orcin]

August 20, 2007

Subject: Week 20 Notes

Record: 71-52 .577, 0.5 GB
Position: 2nd place (behind Indianapolis)
Runs Scored: 521 – 12th in Federal
Runs Allowed: 426 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .699 – 7th in Federal
Power Ranking: 104.9 (4th in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100

• Last week (4-2): 2-1 at Milwaukee, 2-1 vs. Phoenix
• 08/13: LOU 4, MIL 3 – Westaway 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K; Sanchez 3-4, RBI
• 08/14: MIL 5, LOU 2 – Alexander 4 IP, 5 ER, 10 H, 2 BB, 3 K, L (12-7, 3.26 ERA)
• Seattle put their starting catcher, Jeff Lucas, on waivers. I smell a trade here, and I plan to block it. They will pull Lucas back but I will gladly take him if they don’t.
• 08/15: LOU 5, MIL 4 – Luna 8 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 9 K, W (8-10, 3.82 ERA)
• Brooks had to bail King out for the save (his 5th) in Wednesday’s game.
• As I suspected, Seattle C Jeff Lucas was pulled back off waivers.
• 08/17: LOU 5, PHX 3 – Ordonez 7 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 8 K, W (3-3, 2.54 ERA)
• John was 3-4 with a stolen base and 3 runs scored in the game. Brooks pitched the 8th and 9th for his 6th save.
• Lexington RF Gerald Blair received a 10-game suspension for fighting.
• 08/18: LOU 6, PHX 4 – Morgan 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
• 08/19: PHX 10, LOU 3 – Trejo 0.2 IP, 6 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 0 K, grand slam
• Robert Westaway left the game in the 6th inning with an undisclosed injury.
• Dayton LF Lucio Borges was AA Player of the Week (14-27 .519, 4 HR, 10 RBI)
• Seattle & Washington completed a waiver trade, swapping overpaid veterans. 3B Pedro Pacheco went to the Admirals with SS Pedro Rivera headed to the Falcons.
• This week: 4 at Dallas, 3 vs. San Diego

[Sal, The Barber]

Sal has to admit that this Louieville club befuddles him. Why is Luna 8-10. Now, now, Sal knows not to pay much attention to wins and losses, but did you, Mr. Orcin, not tell him that he is the ace of the staff? This ace has his numbers backwards--meaningless or not.

And Sal wants you to know that he remains in your service. If you would like Sal to make up the poultice for Westaway's elbow or shoulder, just let him know. Sal keeps the appropriate ingredients buried in his backyard. And what Sal doesn't have, Fat Tony can get. If it is not an arm injury, then Sal can try the other means. Sal has many means at his disposal.

[Orcin]

August 27, 2007

Subject: Week 21 Notes

Record: 75-55 .577, - GB
Position: 1st place (1 game lead over Indianapolis)
Runs Scored: 562 – 12th in Federal
Runs Allowed: 458 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .700 – 6th in Federal
Power Ranking: 107.8 (1st in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100

• Last week (4-3): 2-2 at Dallas, 2-1 vs. San Diego
• 08/20: DAL 4, LOU 3 – Becker 2-3, HR, 4 RBI (grand slam)
• Westaway has a sore shoulder and will be out for two weeks (placed on the 15-day D/L, poultice is on order with Sal).
• Hernandez will move into in the rotation and Phil Davies was called up from AAA for the bullpen.
• 08/21: LOU 10, DAL 5 – Morgan 2-3, 2 HR, 3 RBI
• Cincinnati 2B Gary Mason hit home run #400 (#21 all-time).
• Dallas SP Jim Poole (15-4, 3.47 ERA) signed a four-year contract extension worth $38 million. You may recall Poole was traded by Louisville in 2002 for Westaway.
• 08/22: LOU 4, DAL 0 – Ordonez 7.2 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 7 K, W (4-3, 2.20 ERA)
• 08/23: DAL 6, LOU 3 – Bennett 4-4, 2 DBL
• 08/24: SD 12, LOU 8 – Mullett (SD) 4-5, HR, 2 RBI; Rey (SD) grand slam
• Chip Davidson shut out first-place Cleveland on 2 hits. Davidson is 2-3 with a 2.13 ERA for Philadelphia since the trade.
• 08/25: LOU 8, SD 2 – Alexander 8.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 8 K, W (13-8, 3.29 ERA)
• 08/26: LOU 5, SD 3 – Brown 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
• Is the offense finally coming around? We averaged almost 6 runs per game this week.
• Indianapolis has lost 9 of their last 12 to fall one game behind. Big series coming up with them, so get your tickets today!
• This week: 3 vs. Indianapolis, 3 vs. Baltimore

[Sal, The Barber]

Originally Posted by Orcin

August 27, 2007

Subject: Week 21 Notes
Position: 1st place (1 game lead over Indianapolis)
• Westaway has a sore shoulder and will be out for two weeks (placed on the 15-day D/L, poultice is on order with Sal).
• Indianapolis has lost 9 of their last 12 to fall one game behind. Big series coming up with them, so get your tickets today!

Perhaps, Mr. Orcin, you would just like to put Sal on your payroll? Sal would be happy to have discussions about such a move. Clearly, Sal has much to offer beyond the trim and the shave.

And, uh, you remember, correct?, how Sal get his tickets?

[emurray87]

I have finally made it through all 66 pages of this. I must say you have done an outstanding job! If only my Oklahoma City dynasty could match half of the respect this one does I'd be very happy. Well done.

Keep up the good work!

[Orcin]

September 3, 2007

Subject: Week 22 Notes

Record: 80-56 .588, - GB (18-10 in August)
Position: 1st place (5 game lead over Indianapolis)
Magic Number: 22
Runs Scored: 596 – 12th in Federal
Runs Allowed: 475 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .700 – 5th in Federal
Power Ranking: 110.9 (2nd in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 100/100

• Last week (5-1): 3-0 vs. Indianapolis, 2-1 vs. Baltimore
• Indianapolis acquired 37-year-old RF Suketsune Matsumoto (.243/.328/.359) from Sacramento for a prospect. He will replace rookie RF Bob White (.208/.293/.312).
• 08/28: LOU 9, IND 3 – Morgan 2-4, 2 HR, 5 RBI; Sanchez 2-3, 2 BB, SB, 3 RS
• Nathaniel Jones came in to face the lefty hitter McDonald with the bases loaded in the sixth, retiring him to end the inning and pick up a very big hold (his 9th).
• 08/29: LOU 3, IND 0 – shutout by Wilkerson 9 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 5 K
• Monday’s off-day will allow us to skip Westaway’s spot in the rotation (Hernandez) and instead we will start Ray Alexander in game three of the series.
• 08/30: LOU 7, IND 2 – Dominguez 2-3, HR, 4 RBI; Sanchez 3-5, RBI, SB, 2 RS
• 1B Mike Guy (AAA: .350/.495/.748, 33 HR, 73 RBI) was recalled from Lexington.
• RF Pablo Guzman was placed on waivers and designated for assignment.
• 08/31: LOU 7, BAL 5 – Bland 3-4, DBL, RBI, SB, 2 RS; Sanchez 3-4, 2 SB
• Mike Guy pinch-hit in the seventh and singled to drive in the game-winning run.
• SP Aaron Wilkerson was our Pitcher of the Month for August: 4-1, 2.95 ERA
• CF Pedro Dominguez was our Player of the Month: .275/.353/.490, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 13 SB, outstanding defense
• 09/01: BAL 4, LOU 3 (11) – Ordonez 8.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 5 K, ND; King L (0-7)
• 09/02: LOU 5, BAL 3 – Wilkerson 8 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 11 K; W (9-6, 3.71 ERA)
• This week: 4 vs. San Francisco, 3 at Chicago

The August 31 deadline for playoff eligibility prompted the first move. Mike Guy could really help our weak bench. Pablo Guzman is hitting .211 since the All-Star break and we need more production from our key pinch-hitter. Juan Gonzalez can handle the backup outfield duties, so Guzman was waived (he has no options remaining) to make room for Guy on the potential playoff roster. Hopefully, a stronger bench helps us win a few more close games down the stretch.

September 1 call-ups: MR Rob Bryant, INF Larry Marshall, OF Jeffrey Jackson

[zukes]

Big sweep of Indy! Sal's unprecendented call for patience appears to have hit the nail on the head. Hopefully this is a sign that Louisville's offense is peaking at the right time.

As I am caught now, I only check in every couple of days to prolong the reading joy each time, so in case I am not back before the 25th, Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all who read this and especially to Mr. Orcin for providing the present of a great time killling read for thos ebored days at work!