DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Week 26
Current Week: 0-6 (58-104 .358, -47, 6th)
Next Week: ** End of Season **
Power Ranking: 22 (59.2, --)
Fan Interest: 87 (-2)
Owners Mood: Happy
Expectation: Don't suck completely

Runs Scored: 540 (12th)
Avg: .238 (11th)
HR: 129 (11th)
SB: 148 (2nd)
Runs Against: 792 (10th)
Starters ERA: 5.01 (10th)
Pen ERA: 3.81 (4th)
Def Eff: .680 (12th)

Game 157: Chadds Ford 3, Newark 8
Lazzaro Tadiotto (9-16): 4.0 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Manny Hernandez: 2-4, RBI
Miguel Ramirez: 2-3, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI
Errors: Tadiotto (1), Lewis (2), Hernandez (9), Harrison (17)
H: 5, LOB: 4

Game 158: Chadds Ford 1, Newark 8
Esteban Calamacho (4-14): 3.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, BB
Chance Boone: 3-3, 2 2B
Jack Cavazos: 1-4, R
H: 5, LOB: 6

Game 159: Chadds Ford 4, Newark 7
Alfredo Mejia (9-15): 6.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 K
Francisco Reyes: 2-3
Dave Lewis: 3-4, R, RBI
Vance Burns: 2-4, 2B, R, RBI
Enrique Maldonado: 2-4
H: 12, LOB: 8

Game 160: Chadds Ford 3, New Castle 6
JJ Gonzalez (1-2): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, K (left injured)
Dan Wilkinson: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, BB
Sixto Hernanez: 2-3, R
Anzhel Astsatrian: 1-3, HR (10), R, 2 RBI
H: 4, LOB: 0

Game 161: Chadds Ford 0, New Castle 1
Angel Rivera (8-16): 8.0 IP, 5 H, R, BB, 6 K
Felix Olivas: 1-1, 2B (PH)
Jack Cavazos: 1-3, 2B
H: 3, LOB: 3

Game 162: Chadds Ford 1, New Castle 14
Juan Fernandez (6-10): 3.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 2 BB
Alfonso Hernandez: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, BB, 2 K
Anthony Payne: 1.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, K
Matt Noble: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, BB
Francisco Reyes: 1-4, RBI (last game)
Dave Lewis: 2-4
Felix Olivas: 1-3, 2B, R
H: 7, LOB: 6



Transactions:
none... I held off on making any moves with the AAA team for a couple of reasons a) I thought winning the championship would be good for the organization and b) there really wasn't anyone down there that deserved the call (outside of 'maybe' catcher Il-young Cho). They ended up losing in 6-games so it might of been a waste.

Injuries:
OF Chance Boone, fractured hand, 4 weeks
2B James Miller, fractured finger, 3 weeks
OF Martin Adams, strained rib cage, 3 weeks

Other/Roster News:
none

GM Notes:
Well Reyes didn't have the farewell week I was hoping for, he actually stunk it up pretty good. He ended the week going 3-18 with an RBI and 8 K's. He finishes his career with 643 HR's, so that is pretty solid... He will be an icon of the DBL.

Losing 6 games in a row to finish the season wasn't quite what I had hoped... it was actaully painful, sort of like the guys just gave up... then again after 98 losses its not that hard to understand how that happened. Just really awful.

Dave Lewis and Jack Cavazos went homerless for the week, which means Woody Brown who hit 19 HR's in 83 games is now the record holder for the Cannons... I am quite disappointed by that fact...

There really isn't a whole lot to say about this week, except that it is over. And on top of that the season is over. I was really hoping to carry some momentum into the off-season, but that didn't happen. We just have to deal with our 0-6 week and build from there. Can only go up right?

Lets hit the off-season and see what we can do. a) Starting pitching, b) defense and c) OBPCT will be on the docket. I really feel we have a shot to make some noise next season and shoot for .500... fingers crossed.

I will be back with my agenda for the off-season. I just hope Ralph Corbin, the owner, is willing to let me play ball with some free-agents this season.



Standings Leaders
DE Southern: Georgetown Sixteens: 92-64 (+2.5, M5) - 2nd time (2029, 2030)
DE Northern: New Castle Colonials: 100-55 (+13, X) - 6th time (2016, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2030, 2031)
MV Eastern: Annapolis Admirals: 96-60 (+15.5, X) - 6th time (2013, 2016-2019, 2031)
MV Western: Norfolk Cavaliers: 125-31 (+33, X) - 16th team (2014, 2016-2031)

Players of the Week:
Delaware:
MarVa:

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (149.2)
2) Annapolis Admrials (130.8)
3) New Castle Colonials (117.1)
4) Ellicott City Express (111.2)
5) Georgetown Sixteens (111.2)

News:
Ocean City Tourists: Lost C Jose Rodriguez for 6 weeks after Rodriguez was diagnosed with a fractured hand. He finishes his first full season in the DBL hitting .297-26-80.
Annapolis Admirals: OF Lucio Pena saw his hitting streak end after successfully collecting a hit in 23 games.
Ellicott City Express: Lost MR Francisco Bustamante for 6 months with a torn rotator cuff. Bustamante only got to pitch in 1 game with the Express after 58 in AAA.
Lewes Braves: IF Claude Bond lead the DC with a .327 average, his second batting title. He held off a strong run by the Brewers Michael Johnson who finished at .324.
Norfolk Cavaliers: C Henry Rojas won his second batting title in 2030 hitting .335. Rookie Rafael Piedade of the Senators finished second with a .332 average.
Georgetown Sixteens: SP Ricardo Gonzalez struck out 330 batters this season, breaking his previous record of 313. This is the 5th time in a row that Gonzalez struck out 300 or more.

Teams Eliminated From Playoff Contention:
Milton Brewers (last 2028, 4 times)
Lewes Braves (last 2025, 8 times, 4x Champions)
Seaford Blue Jays (0 for 14)
Milford Clippers (last 2024, 3 times, 2x Champions)
Baltimore Barons (last 2022, 3 times)
Dover Generals (last 2018, 4 times)
Ocean City Tourists (last 2014, only time, 9 2nd place finishes)
Chesapeake Blue Crabs (last 2025, 4 times)
Christiana Blue Hens (0 for 14, 2017 expansion team)
Ellicott City Express (0 for 17)
Richmond Cardinals (0 for 17)
Chadds Ford Cannons (first year)
Washington Senators (last 2015, 2 times, title in 2013)
King George Royals (first year)
Cape May Beacons (first year)
Wilmington Iron Pigs (last 2028, 8 times)
Newark Millers (last 2020, only time)
Martinsburg Mountaineers (first year)

[illeracula]

Georgetown Advances to League Championship:
The Georgetown Sixteens clubhouse was filled with glee and celebration tonight, while the New Castle Colonials room was filled with despair and sadness after the Conference Championship concluded.

"Someone's got to win and someone's got to lose, we're just glad we're on the good end of it tonight and can enjoy this," said Edgardo Perdnard, who was named MVP for a strong series of offensive performance.

Georgetown won the final game by a 4-3 count at Colonials Stadium and the series 4-2.

"They were the better team and deserve to move on," came the simple and to the point remark from the New Castle manager.

For the series, Perdnard hit .320 with a .346 on-base percentage. He had 2 home runs, drove in 4 RBI and scored 3 runs.

The Georgetown Sixteens will play against the Norfolk Cavaliers in the next round. Norfolk won their series against the Annapolis Admirals 4 games to 1. The League Championship schedule will be announced after the Conference Championship finishes.

Cavaliers Win Conference Championship:
By a series score of 4-1, the Norfolk Cavaliers have eliminated the Annapolis Admirals and are Conference Championship winners.

"We definitely didn't look ahead to the League Championship, but we thought we'd be there for sure," said Ramón Lorenzo, who was named series MVP.

Norfolk won the final game by a 9-3 count, wrapping it up at Admirals Ballpark.

Lorenzo's big series saw him hit .450 with a .429 on-base percentage. He had 1 home runs, drove in 7 RBI and scored 2 runs.

The Norfolk Cavaliers don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Georgetown Sixteens - New Castle Colonials series. That series is tied at 2 games apiece. The League Championship schedule will be announced after the Conference Championship finishes.

Championship Notes: The Cavaliers head into the Championship round pretty banged up. They will be without 2-starting OF's Bob Short (.315-29-93) and Sergio Rodriguez (.244-0-9, only 19 games), a MR, Gilberto Rico (13.0 IP, 5 H, 16 G) and their #1 and #2 starters, Joaquin Hernandez (19-6 2.40) and Ernie Kennedy (19-4 2.80).

[illeracula]

Norfolk Sweeps League Championship:
The Norfolk Cavaliers stunned the Georgetown Sixteens by sweeping the League Championship 4-0. The Cavaliers dumped them 3-2 today at Ballpark of Georgetown in the deciding game of the series.

This was the 10th time Norfolk has been the league champions. During the regular season the powerful Cavaliers chalked up a 130-32 mark and finished in first place in the MarVa Conference Western Division.

Trevor Parker was named the 2030 Series MVP.

History of Series MVP's:
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
2028 MVP of Series: Cornell Pearson, Norfolk Cavaliers, P, 2 GS, 2-0, 12.2 IP, 12 H, 2 BB, 13 K, 4.26 ERA
2029 MVP of Series: Blake Quirke, Georgetown Sixteens, OF, .529-1-6 (9-17), 2B, 3B, HR, 6 RBI, 4 R
2030 MVP of Series: Trevor Parker, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF, .389-2-4 (7-18), 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R

[illeracula]

Off Season Report
Well the season ended and we were pretty awful, however we were the "best" of the expansion clubs. Finishing with a record of 58-104. At least its something we can improve on, and we better come next season... My score for the season was a "1", which is the worst of my career. My worst season in Norfolk, 2013, I had a 12, and my first season in Georgetown I had a 16... again room for improvement.

Happenings around the team:
SP Esteban Calamacho
Didn't reach his vesting option criteria, and will now have to go through the arbitration process. I am not sure what my goals are with Esteban his 4-14 6.59 record wasn't very impressive and I am pretty sure I could find something more worth of the $2.8M he is asking for.

DH Francisco Reyes officially retired
Over his career Reyes is batting .286 with 643 home runs and 1855 RBIs. In 2433 games he has delivered 2621 hits, scored 1509 runs, stolen 36 bases and gotten on base at a .360 clip.

Manager Guilherme Guardio offical retired
Assistant GM Bob Rogers was not offered a contract

So we will be in search of a new Assistant GM and Manager. Funny thing is I was about to move Guardio out of the managers slot and into to the Asst GM slot and bring in a new manager. This way he saves me some money by moving on. Guardio finished with a career 1379-1375 record, with 5 manager of the year awards. I can't say he will be missed, because I am not sure how he fit in here, but he is a long-time manager who probably deserves a to be looked at for the Hall-of-Fame.

Messages from the Owner Ralph Corbin:
I have just decided on your budget for the upcoming season.
You will have $69,000,000 available for the total team expenses. I have also set the suggested draft budget for the first-year player draft to $9,375,000. You may spend more than that in the draft, but the additional costs will be deducted from your money you have available for signing free agents or contract extensions. Given your current spending on staff and other costs, this should allow you a team payroll of around $47,500,000.

And my Goals Review:
Team Record: "I would like to see you try harder"
Increase Profit: "If you do half as well as you did in this goal, we'll be winning the League Championship Soon"
Find a Top Prospect: "I hope you can find a true top prospect to build this team around"
Build your Farm: "I do understand how you can't just waive your magic wand and have a top prospect, but it would be nice to see some progress"
Long Term: "I'm not sure I feel too confident right now... I hope to see some progress next year."
Overall: "I am satisfied with your performance in accomplishing the goals I had set out for you."

Current Goals:
Play close to .500 ball. Find a top 12 prospect. Build a top-5 minor league system. Make the playoffs by 2032.

Off-season Plans:
Fill the Manager and Assit GM roles
Make it through arbitration
Reevaluate our current players.
Make trades or sign free agents where we can.

Pretty simple... I guess.

Personnel Offers:
Manager Jorge Rivas: Offer 3 years / $644,000 - Favors
Ast GM Don Sweetapple: Offer 3 years / $72,000 - Favors

Yes that is the same Sweetapple as the one that was with me in Norfolk.

Arbitration:
I am debating what to do with Calamacho and Hampton. Hampton was in AAA and hurt most of the year, and the way our bullpen did I don't think we need him. Maybe I could try to trade him over the next week or two... Maldonado is another one who will probably be let go. Saves a little bit of money, and he isn't a hitter, but maybe his D is worth it. I will have to reevaluate my roster and come up with "the expendables". No reason to waste money if its not needed... and with the pickups of Miguel Ramirez and Manny Hernandez, some of the "lesser" infielders I had around last year aren't really necessary this year.



Wilmington Iron Pigs: Fired manager Steven Kline. Kline took over the team at the start of 2030 after 1-season as the bench coach. After a 63-99 showing the Pigs decided they had seen enough.
King George Royals: Let GM Daniel Marin go after one season. Marin was in charge of the draft and putting the team together and the owner wasn't happy with his 51-111 record. He was the fall guy.
Washington Senators: Let Manager Jorge Rivas go after 4 seasons. Rivas couldn't get the Senators back to competing, then again they are in the Cavaliers division. Rivas has a career 1438-1267 record.
Richmond Cardinals: Let GM Jose Carrillo go after 3 seasons.
Richmond Cardinals: Fired Manager Ricardo Medina after one season. The rumors around the league were that Medina never had control of the clubhouse.
Salisbury Ports: Fired interim manager Jeff Graham after Graham led the team to a 37-51 finish.

New Castle Colonials: Acquired MR Ryan Williams (5-1 2.55, 4 SV) to the Seaford Blue Jays in return for minor league OF Howard Campbell (SA).
New Castle Colonials: Sent OF Jeff Williams (.210/.254/.257, 0 HR) and prospect MR Martin Floyd (A) to the Christiana Blue Hens for 2B Bernard Schneider (.190/.226/.250, 0 HR) and $3M in cash. Schneider has 2 more seasons left on his contract worth $15.8M and $17.4 M. This deal doesn't make much sense.

League Events Coming Up:
10/25/2030-10/31/2030: Award Winner Announcements
11/07/2030: Salary Arbitration Hearings
11/10/2030: Free Agency Begins
11/30/2030-12/04/2030: Winter Meetings
12/01/2030: Rule 5-Draft
12/08/2030: Hall-of-Fame Ballot announced
01/07/2031: Hall-of-Fame Results announced
02/01/2031: Preseason Begins

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Names Top Gloves: Delaware Conference hitters looked on in disbelief all season long as this group of defenders made stellar plays in the field. For being incredibly valuable on the defensive side of the game, the following players have been given the Glove Wizard Award for 2030:

Pitcher
Ángel Rivera (Chadds Ford Cannons)

Catcher
Alejandro Díaz (Georgetown Sixteens) - 4

First Baseman
Richard Forbes (Dover Generals) - 2

Second Baseman
Bryant Frank (Lewes Braves)

Third Baseman
Tom Anderson (Wilmington Iron Pigs) - 7

Shortstop
José Rivera (Milford Clippers) - 4 (3 @ 3B)

Left Fielder
Mike Simmons (Lewes Braves) - 7

Center Fielder
Juan Hernández (Christiana Blue Hens)

Right Fielder
José Díaz (Christiana Blue Hens) - 4

MarVa Conference Announces Glove Wizard Award Winners: "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 2030 were announced. Glove Wizard Awards will be presented to these top-notch defenders:

Pitcher
António Cortés (Chesapeake Blue Crabs)

Catcher
António Castaneda (Ocean City Tourists) - 3

First Baseman
Juan Rico (Salisbury Ports)

Second Baseman
Peyton Hensley (Annapolis Admirals) - 2 (1 @ 2b, 1 @ SS)

Third Baseman
Mario Gómez (Martinsburg Mountaineers)

Shortstop
José Díaz (Martinsburg Mountaineers) - 3

Left Fielder
Leonard Lawson (Norfolk Cavaliers)

Center Fielder
Nick Jackson (Ocean City Tourists) - 2

Right Fielder
Jake Harrison (Salisbury Ports)

Notes: Both Mike Simmons and Tom Anderson won for the 7th time, tying Kent Davis and Peter Peters for most all-time. At 33-years old Mike Simmons has a good shot at being the all-time leader by the time his career is over. Anderson is 35, and you can't count him out either. In fact his last award was in 2027 and Simmons in 2025. We will see what the future holds and if the tie will be broken...

[illeracula]

Platinum Stick Award Winners Named for the DEConf: Delaware Conference pitchers had trouble with this group of hitters all season long. The Platinum Stick Award winners for 2030 are:

Catcher
Tom Brown (Dover Generals)
.313/.350/.544, 553 AB, 35 HR, 0 SB, 139 wRC+, 5.8 WAR

First Baseman
Richard Forbes (Dover Generals)
.274/.325/.510, 623 AB, 37 HR, 10 SB, 120 wRC+, 3.2 WAR

Second Baseman
Bryant Frank (Lewes Braves)
.268/.344/.393, 549 AB, 10 HR, 3 SB, 101 wRC+, 3.5 WAR

Third Baseman
Claude Bond (Lewes Braves) - 2
.327/.480/.581, 496 AB, 28 HR, 1 SB, 186 wRC+, 9.4 WAR

Shortstop
Steven Jefferson (New Castle Colonials) - 2
.269/.404/.454, 498 AB, 21 HR, 6 SB, 134 wRC+, 4.7 WAR

Left Fielder
Ryan Sutton (New Castle Colonials) - 2
.286/.353/.500, 532 AB, 27 HR, 19 SB, 124 wRC+, 3.2 WAR

Center Fielder
Mike Johnson (Milton Brewers) - 2
.324/.409/.669, 484 AB, 43 HR, 32 SB, 187 wRC+, 9.3 WAR

Right Fielder
Cris Flores (New Castle Colonials)
.312/.355/.481, 574 AB, 20 HR, 40 SB, 120 wRC+, 4.3 WAR

Designated Hitter
Matt Martin (Georgetown Sixteens)
.247/.389/.482, 535 AB, 32 HR, 0 SB, 137 wRC+, 4.6 WAR

MarVa Conference Platinum Stick Award Winners Picked: With all-stars all around the diamond, the 2030 MarVa Conference Platinum Stick Award winners represent some of the best offensive performers that DELMARVA Baseball League has to offer.

Here are the winners:

Catcher
Alonso Sierra (Ellicott City Express)
.270/.332/.586, 585 AB, 52 HR, 0 SB, 142 wRC+, 6.6 WAR

First Baseman
Jimmy Moore (Annapolis Admirals)
.303/.391/.621, 633 AB, 56 HR, 0 SB, 171 wRC+, 6.5 WAR

Second Baseman
Peyton Hensley (Annapolis Admirals)
.297/.367/.482, 566 AB, 25 HR, 5 SB, 124 wRC+, 5.4 WAR

Third Baseman
Ramón Lorenzo (Norfolk Cavaliers)
.316/.409/.467, 595 AB, 11 HR, 9 SB, 137 wRC+, 5.5 WAR

Shortstop
Gordon Purkis (Baltimore Barons) - 2
.283/.378/.518, 579 AB, 34 HR, 9 SB, 136 wRC+, 5.8 WAR

Left Fielder
Leonard Lawson (Norfolk Cavaliers) - 2
.317/.383/.501, 647 AB, 28 HR, 24 SB, 140 wRC+, 6.6 WAR

Center Fielder
Bob Short (Norfolk Cavaliers)
.315/.379/.569, 527 AB, 29 HR, 5 SB, 150 wRC+, 4.5 WAR

Right Fielder
Ricardo Hidalgo (Washington Senators)
.318/.386/.630, 622 AB, 52 HR, 3 SB, 167 wRC+, 7.4 WAR

Designated Hitter
Oliver Ramos (Norfolk Cavaliers)
.302/.399/.580, 572 AB, 46 HR, 0 SB, 157 wRC+, 5.4 WAR

Notes: Not much to say about this award, since its only the second time its been around... but Claude Bond won the award last season in the MarVa Conference, and by winning it this season, he becomes the first player to win the award in both the Delaware and MarVa Conferences.

[illeracula]

Yoder Named Top Reliever for DE Conference: Ed Yoder has won the 2030 Delaware Conference Reliever of the Year Award, which at age 36 is a "milestone achievement" for the New Castle Colonials reliever.

"I feel pretty accomplished to win this when there are other younger, stronger, harder-throwing guys out there," he said.

The Burbank (Los Angeles County), California native's numbers speak for themselves, as he captured the award with 48 saves in 67 relief appearances, compiling 67 innings. He had 72 strikeouts and 15 walks, a record of 4-1 and an ERA of 2.01.

Mike Hanson of the New Castle Colonials finished second in voting, while Russ Dillon of the Georgetown Sixteens finished third.

Top MarVa Conference Reliever Honored: The manager of the Norfolk Cavaliers said he always had confidence handing the ball to Miguel Angel González out of the bullpen.

The 30-year-old was a dominant performer all year for Norfolk and his efforts have been rewarded with the MarVa Conference Reliever of the Year Award for 2030.

The bullpen ace had an impressive 1.88 ERA this season, with 42 saves in 65 relief appearances. He fanned 99 batters in 72 innings and sported a record of 6 wins and 2 losses.

Manuel Petrelia of the Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs finished second in voting, while Teo Ha of the Norfolk Cavaliers finished third.

Notes: Another new award, this is only the 2nd time it has been given out. And last season both players won the award. Maybe there will be a new entry on to the list in 2031, till then these are the best closers in the game.

[illeracula]

Foley Is DE Conference's Top-Rated Rookie: Dan Foley, catcher of Milford, was the cream of the freshman crop in the Delaware Conference and today he received the 2030 Newcomer Award.

He played in 106 games, compiling a .276 batting average with 103 hits, 15 home runs, 62 walks, and a .381 on-base percentage. Foley also chipped in 77 RBIs and scored 56 times.

José Castillo of the Seaford Blue Jays finished second in voting, while Dennis Nichols of the Cape May Beacons finished third.

Ramos Honored by MV Conference as 2030 Best Rookie: League officials announced today that Marcos Ramos of the Ellicott City Express has been selected the 2030 Newcomer Award in the MarVa Conference.

The talented first baseman finished his first year batting .251 with 41 home runs, 111 RBIs and 85 runs scored.

Paul Perkins of the Norfolk Cavaliers finished second in voting, while Leo O'Connor of the Annapolis Admirals finished third.

Notes: Not much to say here, both of these guys had great years for first timers... however I am disappointed that Dan Kessler, the closer of my Chadds Ford Cannons, didn't get a mention on the list. Kessler pitched in 61 games, posting a 4-7 record with a 3.17 ERA. He saved 34 games, and only blew 2... He only struck out 40 in 65.1 innings, and posted a 1.2 WAR... but still, for a kid, on a crappy team, that is really impressive. I just hope he can have this kind of success next season.

[illeracula]

Colonials Pilot Martínez Picked as DEConfs's Best: An outstanding season by the Colonials garnered their manager Carlos Martínez the Delaware Conference Manager of the Year award for 2030. He led New Castle to a 105-57 record this year and a first place finish in the Delaware Conference Colonials Division.

Even so, Martínez seemed less than thrilled. "I don't give a damn about the award," he growled to reporters, "I just want this team to win championships!"

MVConf Best Manager is Ray of the Cavaliers: When Arthur Ray was hired to lead the Norfolk Cavaliers, fans were expecting improvement over the last manager. Today, flanked by team officials, Ray accepted the MarVa Conference Manager of the Year Award, noting the level of passion for the Norfolk Cavaliers.

"The biggest challenge was the fans. I don't know how many times I was asked, if I thought the club was good enough. It was as if they expected failure. It was much easier to win over the ballplayers. Slowly but surely the fans began to believe in us."

Ray led Norfolk to a first place finish in the MarVa Conference Coastal Division. The Cavaliers ended up with a 130-32 record.

Ray is looking forward to the offseason. "We're reviewing our options. You never stand still in baseball. You either get better or worse, 'cause everyone else is out to get your free agents or deal for your prospects. It's going to be a challenge." But the skipper has more than proven he is equal to the task.

Notes: This is the second award in-a-row for Martinez who repeated from last season and the 8th time in a row for Ray. Ray has won the award ever since he took over the Cavaliers in 2023. He has lead the Cavaliers to 5 titles, and an amazing record breaking 130 wins (.802 WPct) this season. He is what legends are made of, that is for sure.

[illeracula]

King of the Hill Announced by Delaware Conference: The Golden Arm Award for 2030 has been presented and the Delaware Conference winner is Ricardo González of Georgetown.

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

González excelled with an impressive 15-10 record in 33 starts. In 228.1 innings he yielded 172 hits and 44 walks, while striking out 330 and compiling a fine 2.80 ERA.

Fernando Fareles of the Milton Brewers finished second in voting, while Gonzalo Bustamante of the Georgetown Sixteens finished third.

Cavaliers Star Wins Golden Arm Award: The MarVa Conference announced today that Cornell Pearson has been chosen the Golden Arm Award winner for 2030. The Norfolk starter had everything working for him this past season as he breezed to a 22-3 record.

In his award-winning season Pearson crafted a 2.17 ERA in 216 innings with 164 strikeouts and 33 walks. Opposing batters hit .205 against him in his 33 starts.

Lanny Reese of the Norfolk Cavaliers finished second in voting, while Joaquín Hernández of the Norfolk Cavaliers finished third.

Notes: This is the fourth time Gonzalez accepts this award. Winning in 2024, 2024 and last season. He continues to amaze and at 27-years-old he could have a few more in the future... For Pearson it is his third. Pearson has won every other year since 2026, winning in 2026, 2028 and now 2030. This season rivals with his 2026 season. Crazy enough he beat of 2 (at least) of his teammates for this award.

[illeracula]

Mike Johnson Named DEConf's Best Player: Milton's Mike Johnson put the wraps on a fine campaign today by winning the 2030 Delaware Conference Most Valuable Player Award.

The 26-year-old veteran scorched the opposition with a .324 average, picking up 157 hits, 20 doubles, 9 triples, 43 home runs and 91 RBIs, while scoring 95 runs.

Ricardo González of the Georgetown Sixteens finished second in voting, while Fernando Fareles of the Milton Brewers finished third.

Jimmy Moore Gets MVP Trophy: Jimmy Moore took DELMARVA Baseball League by storm this year and he did it all at the age of 26.

For his spectacular campaign, the Annapolis Admirals star has been named the 2030 MarVa Conference Most Valuable Player Award recipient.

"To be considered amongst the best in the league is pretty overwhelming," said the first baseman.

On the season he compiled a .303 batting average to go with a .391 on-base percentage. The native of Newport News, Virginia also added 29 doubles, 2 triples, 56 home runs, 147 RBIs and 129 runs scored.

Ricardo Hidalgo of the Washington Senators finished second in voting, while Lúcio Peña of the Annapolis Admirals finished third.

Notes: Both players are 26-years old, so they could have a few more awards coming their way. Johnson has been in the league since he was 21, the year he was drafted and instantly was s star. Moore had a solid year last season, but this year was his break-out year. And according to some scouts he is still developing... With the upgrade to 16, I tuned on pitchers could win this award, but now I am starting to second guess that decision. As 2 of the top 3 vote getters in the DC were pitchers, and with those guys around for a long time to come they will probably win a few more awards... Something to think about.

[illeracula]

I saw this article today about David Moran who decided it was time to hang it up at 31 years old.

Morán Hangs Up the Cleats Early: Reliever David Morán, is walking away from the game he's been playing his whole life-- to fulfill yet another one of his lifelong dreams. "After an anguishing few months and a lot of sleepless nights, I've come to realize my heart just isn't in the game anymore. It's been a good run and I couldn't be more thankful to my teammates and my coach, who have supported me every step of the way." Morán said he has always wanted to be more involved in his church, and is intending on becoming a missionary and travelling the world to help others.

And while cleaning up my short-list I noticed that another one of my old Cavaliers players and one of my favorites ever in this league, King Brock, retired as well. Brock who had spent most of the past 2 seasons in AAA for the Iron Pigs decided it was time to a lot less fan-fare than Moran. I always through Brock was going to be HoF'er, but his numbers started fading after I traded him away. Brock was the 823rd player selected in the 2013 inaugural draft.

Here is a look at their career stats:

[illeracula]

Budget: $69,000,000
Payroll: $27,002,000
Fan Interest: 87

Off Season Report

Arbitration:
SP Ángel Rivera received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,000,000.
SP Juan Fernández received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,100,000.
2B Enrique Maldonado received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $750,000.
SS Vincent Harrison received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $950,000.
C Jack Cavazos received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $900,000.
SP Esteban Calamacho was not offered arbitration, becomes a free agent.
RP Anthony Payne received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $750,000.
SP Alfredo Mejía received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $1,400,000.

I didn't offer contracts to Leo Hampton or Eseteban Calamacho. I had to think about the Hampton deal, but after spending most of the season on the DL and the other part in AAA I thought it was best to save the $1M+. Plus we had one of the better bullpens in the DBL. Hampton had a great year for me in 2028 in Georgetown and for that I will be grateful and for that letting him walk was that much harder.

Free-Agency:
I have money to spend and I am not afraid to use it... I just hope I use it in the right way. To start off I reached out to SP Carlos Coronado (3 years/$5,133,333), Catcher Julio Jaramillo (6 years/$7,500,000), SP Blake Ballard (2 years/$931,000) and CL Gwant-soo Cho (5 years/$4,500,000)... we will see how these offers go and go from there. I think I still need another starter and some positional help... I just hope I am not spending too much on these guys.

We head into the December without the ability to say we signed someone, which isn't where I was hoping to be. Right now I have 5 offers out, no top of what I mentioned in the previous paragraph. Mostly pitchers.

• SP/RP Carlos Coronado (4 years/$25,000,000) - wants more money
• SP Blake Ballard (2 years/$1,862,000) - favors
• SP Dan Pierson (3 years/$3,381,000) - favors
• CL Gwang-soo Cho (5 years/$22,500,000) - favors

Pierson and Ballard are average of the road starts, but both should be an upgrade form last season. Ballard went 9-14 5.32 with a save in 33 games, 27 starts, last season in Chesapeake. Pierson went 8-17 5.00 in 31 games, all starts. Pierson is 30 and lead the league in games with 72 two seasons ago. he is well traveled. Cho might be one of the best relievers available, I say might, because he is 29 and coming over from South Korea... All 3 of these guys would give me a nice boost.

• C Julio Jaramilo (6 years/$79,020,000) - favors
• 3B Stuart Valle (2 years/$3,360,000) - favors

On the offensive side I reached out to Jaramillo mainly because he is one of the best hitters on the board. He hit .239-27-77 last season with the Senators and is 29 years old, so I want to be careful with the "catcher". He wouldn't be a defensive upgrade, but a huge offensive upgrade... and Valle is an average player all around. He hit .234-9-33 in 57 games with Dover and .207-13-24 in 58 games in Martinsburg last season. He is an upgrade especially for his price. He had a career year in 2028 hitting .248-39-107, hopefully he will return to that form... either way I like the Valle idea, and I am still trying to figure out what I want to do with Jaramillo. Part of me things I should bail on him. Is he worth that much money?

Waivers:
We claimed Al Little from the Martinsburg Mountaineers. Little hit .280-0-7 in limited time with the Mountaineers last year. He has decent ratings, can run and play defense, so he could end up being a big part of this team in 2031.

Rule 5 Draft:
Lost C Lou Young in the Rule 5 Draft to the King George Royals.
This was a little oversight on my part. Lou might actually turn into a decent ballplayer. Not an all-star, but a nice 1B/3B. We will see how he does with King George, he hasn't played over AA and last season hit .260-12-29 in 44 games for us.

Drafted RP Pepe Martínes in the 2030 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 4, 4th overall Pick), from the Norfolk Cavaliers. - Pepe is a 3.5* borderline SP. He will get a chance to start for me and we will see how he does. He is only 24, so I am hoping he can develop into something quality. Last season in AAA he went 3-2 5.88 with 3 saves in 67 games all in relief. (Stuff: 10/10, Movement: 14/14, Control: 10/10)

Drafted RF Pete Davis in the 2030 Rule 5 Draft (Round 2, Pick 4, 28th overall Pick), from the Norfolk Cavaliers. - Davis was actually my scouts Markey's selection. I see us sending him back to Norfolk before the season begins. He is a below average hitter with some decent speed who plays all 3 OF slots. We will see what he has, but he is on the borderline with us.

Drafted LF Keith Adams in the 2030 Rule 5 Draft (Round 3, Pick 4, 52nd overall Pick), from the Dover Generals. - Adams could be a surprise, an average OF'er with decent speed, but the downfall is his "fragile" injury history. Last season he hit .294-22-73 in AAA and I am hoping he can bring that to the cannons this season.

Drafted RP Kyle Marshall in the 2030 Rule 5 Draft (Round 4, Pick 4, 76th overall Pick), from the Norfolk Cavaliers. - Marshall is a borderline guy who has a decent shot of making the back-end of the rotation. Last season in AAA he went 3-7 5.33 with 2 saves in 68 games. He is a ground ball pitcher with average ratings. (13/13, 11/11, 9/10) It is just a matter of do we want to deal with the growing pains.

I know what you are saying... I thought you were going to stop acquiring Cavaliers... Well this was an accident more than anything. I picked players who I thought would help us out for the first 2 rounds and let the scout pick the others. So we ended up with 3 Cavaliers. I do find that a little odd however.

Personnel Offers:
Manager Jorge Rivas: Offer 3 years / $644,000 - Signed
Ast GM Don Sweetapple: Offer 3 years / $72,000 - Signed

Rivas has been around a while, managing the Ellicott City Express for 3-seasons, including the innaugral season in 2013. He managed a single-A team for 6-years before signing on with the Wilmington Iron Pigs, where he was for 5 seasons, before spending the last 4 in Washington. he has made the playoffs 5-times and holds a career 1438-1267 (.532) record... We will see how things go over in the clubhouse with his conventional managerial style and normal personality... A couple of things I like about him "Stealing", "Aggressive Base running" and "Infield Shifts" are all above average.. We will see how he blends in with this clubhouse...

With Sweetapple we get a blue-blood with no experience. I am hoping I can create a solid GM from him. He is very similar to me, in regards to being a tactician with loves to run and be aggressive. We will see how he develops over the next 3-seasons and its nice to be reunited with him.



WAR Summary:
Winners:
King George Royals: 3.8
Martinsburg Mountaineers: 3.5
Dover Generals: 2.3
Annapolis Admirals: 2.0

Losers:
Norfolk Cavaliers: -15.0
Richmond Cardinals: -10.4
New Castle Colonials: -8.6
Ocean City Tourists: -5.7

Injuries:
Norfolk Cavaliers: There are worries around camp about Joaquin Hernandez's health as the SP suffered a delay in rehab. He is going to limited to no baseball activities for another 4 weeks... not good news for the oft-injured SP.

Free Agency:
DBL News: Free Agents File: As midnight approached last night, would-be free agents across DELMARVA Baseball League lined up to formally file their papers, officially putting themselves on the open market. General managers across the league enter the fray today with different approaches -- mortgage the franchise to snap up the stars or simply maintain the status quo?

Headlining the list of names filing for free agency are these players:

Carlos Coronado, 31 year-old LH RP
Bob Short, 29 year-old LF
Ray Thompson, 30 year-old RH RP
Julius Henry, 30 year-old RH SP
Leonard Lawson, 28 year-old LF
Shawn Brock, 36 year-old LH SP
Seth Bennett, 35 year-old RH SP
Germán Alvarado, 33 year-old RH SP
Luis Romero, 27 year-old C
Guo-dong Liu, 34 year-old RH SP

Carlos Coronado, Bob Short and Leonard Lawson are all Norfolk Cavaliers hitting the market. Does this mean there will finally be an opening? Along with re-alignment in 2030 things are starting to look a little more balanced.

Signings:
Milford Clippers: Signed SP Claudio Perez to a 2-year contract extension. Perez is set to make 14,600,000 in 2031, but will take a pay cut for the 2032 and 2033 seasons. The 2-year extension keeps Perez in Milford through 2033, in which he will make (hopefully earn) $13,700,000 per annum.
Milton Brewers: Signed who most people are saying is the top SP to a 3 year deal worth $42,000,000. Seth Bennett went 13-8 for the New Castle Colonials last season but has decided to head to Milton.
Milton Brewers: The Brewers are deep and have deep pockets and it showed with their second big signing of the off-season. OF Bob Short and the Brewers agreed to a 6-year deal worth $15,650,000 per season. Short is coming off a season where he put up solid numbers hitting .315-29-93.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Signed priced OF Julio Rodriguez to a 3 year deal wroth $2,840,000 per season. Rodriguez hit .243-24-77 for the Milton Brewers in 2030.
Washington Senators: Journeyman OF Kevin Clark agreed to a 3-year deal with the Washington Senators. Clark hit .255-5-18 in an injury shorted 2030.
Annapolis Admirals: Signed 1B Matt Martin to a 2 year deal where Martin will bring in $14,850,000 per season. last year in Georgetown Martin hit .234-17-62. Annapolis has changed to a "win-now" attitude and this signing shows it.
Milton Brewers: Signed 2B Kevin Barber to a 1-year deal worth $4,160,000. Barber hit .252-7-30 for the Sixteens last season.
Annapolis Admirals: Signed SP Alberto Gonzalez to a 5-year deal worth $68,900,000. Last season Gonzalez split time with the Baltimore Barons and the Ellicott City Express going 9-11 in 34 starts.
Lewes Braves: After 4-seasons away the Braves brought back Luis Deleon to close out games. Delon pitched in 26 games last year, fighting injuries, going 4-0 0.72 with 13 saves. The deal keeps the oft-injured closer in Lewes for 3 years and will cost the Braves $30,700,000.
Lewes Braves: Signed 2B Tony Keith to a 5-year deal worth $55,000,000. Keither hit .271-17-71 in Ellicott City last season.
New Castle Colonials: Upgraded their bullpen with the signing of Arturo Ramirez. Ramirez saved 29 games last season for the Iron Pigs while posting a 3-3 3.04 record. The deal worth $30,300,000 over three seasons.
Dover Generals: Signed the top OF, Leonard Lawson, to a 6-yr deal with $115,200,000 or $19,200,000 per year. Lawson hit .317-28-121 last season in Norfolk.
Norfolk Cavaliers: Signed Cornell Pearson to a 2-year extension worth $18,500,000 per year. The 3-time Golden Arm Award winner went 22-3 2.17 last season.

Trades:
Georgetown Sixteens: Acquired one of the games top hitters 1B Jorge Trujillo (.298/.369/.549, 26 HR) and a 4th round pick from the New Castle Colonials for OF Emory Phillips (.308/.334/.497, 13) and C Robert Parker (A, #164).
Washington Senators: Pulled off a deal with the Richmond Cardinals for SP Mark Clark (9-8 4.02) and $3,00,000 in cash for prospect LF Peter Andrews (A, #133).
Norfolk Cavaliers: Received MR Kyle Young (7-9 6.03, 2SV) from the Dover Generals for OF Dennis Williamson (AAA).
Milford Clippers: Acquired closer Raul Gonzalez (4-9, 3.66, 37 SV) from the Newark Millers for 3 prospects: CL Steve Cooper (AA), SP Mike Bernard (A) and 3B Belmiro Ermida (SA).
New Castle Colonials: Acquired SP Jorge Gonzales from the Richmond Cardinals for 2 prospects SP Kevin Seal (SA, #56) and CL Mike Boring (A).
New Castle Colonials: Acquired catcher Mike Baldwin (.222/.332/.418, 21 HR) from the Cape May Beacons in return for SP Matt Jefferson (A) and CL Mike Hanson (8-5 1.64, 4 SV).
Wilmington Iron Pigs: Acquired 1B Paul Perkins (.326/.375/.548, 19 HR, #167) from the Norfolk Cavaliers for 3B Calvin Pittman (.333/.391/.619, 2 HR) and 3B Rob Patino (AA).
Martinsburg Moutaineers: Acquired prospect CF Parker Brown (AA, #165) from the Baltimore Barons for OF Felix Hidalgo (AAA).

Other News:
Christiana Blue Hens: SP Guillermo Alonso turns 34 next season and to help him maintain a better physic he took up crossfit. Alonso went 12-14 3.60 last season and thinks crossfit will make a huge difference in his 2031 performance.
Seaford Blue Jays: Catcher Tyler Friis-Knutzen is 27 years old coming off back-to-back 30 HR seasons and is reaching "cult" status in the Seaford area. Tyler was recently spotted selling cars at a local GMC/Buick car dealership.

Injuries / Part 2:
Christiana Blue Hens: SP Guillermo Alonso who was excited about picking up a new cross-fit routine was seriously injured during a recent work-out. The SP is out for 3 months after breaking his leg! Now the question is will he be ready for opening day?

League Events Coming Up:
12/08/2030: Hall-of-Fame Ballot announced
01/07/2031: Hall-of-Fame Results announced
02/01/2031: Preseason Begins

[illeracula]

There are 10 1st-timers on the Hall-of-Fame ballot this season, and it looks like this year we will see our first DBL Hall-of-Famer.

The first timers:
1B Abraham Thomas - 7x All-Star, 1 MVP, .289-490-1113
SP Tony Garcia - 1 Golden Arm, 2x All-Star, 179-130 3.73
SP Barney Butler - 4x All-Star , 145-109 3.49
SP Robert Albert - 5x All-Star, 156-155, 3.77
SP Kyle Brown - 1x All-Star, 133-142 4.52
SP Jorge Padilla - 2x All-Star, 119-125 3.57
OF George Corbett - 2x All-Star, .294-225-855
SP Keith Goat - 3x All-Star, 100-55 3.17
SP Ron Reilly - 1x All-Star, 112-95 3.50
C Ricardo Flores - 3x All-Star, .279-140-541

With top players like Thomas, Garcia and Butler hitting the ballot where will that put last-years top vote getters Stan Miller (73%, 6x All-Star, 1 MVP, .277-341-1016) and Dalton Whitaker (61%, 53-59 3.75, 343 SV).

I will be interested in seeing who makes the ballot, and I will be putting my ballot in this season.
My top 5 selections are:
Abraham Thomas
Dalton Whitaker
Tony Garcia
Stan Miller
Don Sweetapple

Players like Robert Albert and Barney Butler will get close to getting in, but I don't think they really put up the stats. Albert is the most borderline of pitches in the bunch and I wouldn't be surprised if he squeaked in this year. It will be in interesting voting season that is for sure. A lot of these guys had their careers cut short, because they entered the DBL at an older age.

[illeracula]

Hall of Fame Voting Results: The ballots are counted and the results are in. This year we will witness three players added to the Hall of Fame. Stan Miller, Abraham Thomas, and Dalton Whitaker received the ultimate honor this year in being voted as the newest members of the Hall of Fame.

The full voting results are included here. Players require 75% of ballots cast to be elected to the Hall, may stay on the ballot for up to 10 years if they receive at least 5% of the votes. Players must be retired for 5 years before they are eligible for induction to the Hall of Fame.

CF Stan Miller 88.3 (2nd year) Inducted HOF
1B Abraham Thomas 85.2 (1st year) Inducted HOF
CL Dalton Whitaker 75.4 (2nd year) Inducted HOF
SP Don Sweetapple 60.9 (3rd year)
SP Tony García 51.2 (1st year)
LF Glenn Jenkins 29.7 (3rd year)
RF Steve Williams 18.4 (3rd year)
SP Jarred Perry 11.7 (3rd year)
SP Keith White 10.2 (1st year)
C Vince Moy 9.4 (2nd year)
SP Barney Butler 9.0 (1st year)
RF Billy Moore 8.6 (3rd year)
C Ricardo Flores 6.6 (1st year)
CF Alberto Trujillo 3.5 (3rd year) Dropped
CL Wilson Acosta 2.7 (2nd year) Dropped
SP Robert Albert 2.3 (1st year) Dropped
RF Pete MacCammon 2.3 (3rd year) Dropped
RF George Corbett 2.0 (1st year) Dropped
SP Anthony Dundee 2.0 (3rd year) Dropped
SP Kyle Brown 0.8 (1st year) Dropped
SP Ron Reilly 0.4 (1st year) Dropped
SP Jorge Padilla 0.0 (1st year) Dropped

[illeracula]

Miller Among Greats in DBL HOF: Enshrinement beckoned for Stan Miller, as he was inducted into the DELMARVA Baseball League Hall of Fame today. Miller, who played most of his 1452 games at center fielder, was an outstanding hitter and batted .277 over his career and swatted 341 home runs. Baseball's newest legend collected 1016 RBIs and scored 931 runs during his illustrious career.

But while he was class act on the field, it was off the field where Stan Miller shined the most. He was most active in the Georgetown Sixteens community, selflessly donating his time and money to various causes. The press was largely unaware of his charity and Miller never made a fuss about it.

"I played a child's game for many years and this game brought me fame and fortune," Miller explained during his ceremony. "For some people, it's enough, but my mother raised me to realize that money doesn't make a person great. Being good at a game doesn't make a person great. Helping those in need and giving of yourself selflessly is what makes a person great. And that's what I have tried to be my entire life: great, both on the field and off of the field."

[illeracula]

Thomas Honored by First Ballot Selection to DBL Hall of Fame: The DELMARVA Baseball League Hall of Fame honors those players who are the best at their position, those special individuals whose skills make them unforgettable in the eyes of baseball fans everywhere. Another such player was recognized today, as first baseman Abraham Thomas was enshrined at his induction ceremony.

There was no mistaking the look of pride on Abraham Thomas's face as he saw his statue for the first time and the plaque recounting the many accomplishments over his 1684-game career. Thomas played until he was 45 and had a lifetime .289 batting average with 490 home runs. Baseball's newest Hall of Famer batted in 1350 runs and scored 1113 times.

Fans of all ages watched in appreciation as Thomas blinked back tears. "I really don't know what to say during such an enormous moment," he managed to finally say, "because words cannot describe all the feelings and thoughts running through my head. The love and appreciation from all my fellow players and all the fans out there has been overwhelming, but I would not be here today without the love and support of my family. My greatest thanks goes to them."

[illeracula]

Whitaker Joins Greats on 2nd Attempt: When it comes to relievers, Dalton Whitaker was as good as they get. When he stepped on the mound in the crucial late innings and took the ball, you could just about book it -- case closed, game over. That's the prime reason the Baseball Writers Association has elected the talented hurler to the DELMARVA Baseball League Hall of Fame.

Whitaker played until he was 43. When he retired, he had accumulated some very impressive stats. Whitaker pitched in 745 games, saved 343 of them, worked 787.1 innings, fanned 1027 batters and had a 3.75 ERA. His career won-lost record was 53-59.

Whitaker closed his induction speech with these words: "I had a lot of help getting here today. I had some great role models along the way. As a kid my baseball heroes were some of you guys that are here today. I wanted to be like you on the field and I am so darn proud to join you in the Hall of Fame."

His idols were proud of him, too. Each of them rose up and gave him a standing ovation.

Notes: I thought he should of been a first ballot, but I am glad he made it in. Well deserved. He was a class act for the Cavaliers for many years and I am not sure there will be another closer like him. Congrats to DW.

[illeracula]

Budget: $69,000,000 (23rd)
Payroll: $46,410,000 (24th)
Fan Interest: 91

Off Season Report

Free-Agency:
Signed free agent C Júlio Jaramillo to a 6-year contract worth a total of $79,020,000.
Signed free agent SP Blake Ballard to a 2-year contract worth a total of $1,862,000.
Signed free agent CL Gwang-soo Cho to a 5-year contract worth a total of $22,500,000.
Signed free agent SP Dan Pierson to a 3-year contract worth a total of $3,381,000.
Signed free agent 3B Stuart Valle to a 2-year contract worth a total of $3,360,000.

Waivers:
none

Roster Moves:
We had to make some roster moves to make room for all our players.
CF Pablo Maldonado was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
RP Arturo Contreras was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Demoted RP Arturo Contreras to Triple A San Juan.
Demoted CF Pablo Maldonado to Triple A San Juan.

Notes:
I at 40 on my 40-man so I may need to make some more moves down the road. I do have 1 or 2 guys I would like to get rid of, but as of right now I haven't been able to find any takers. I do like the way this team is starting to shape up though. We will be looking quite a bit different this year than last.

Our starting staff will have some new faces in it, like Blake Ballard and Dan Peirson. Our bullpen should be tough with Cho, Wilkinson, Kessler, and So.. in fact I may have too many pitchers and will need to move some or possible lose some on waivers... My Rule-5 Drafted pitches like Pepe Martines and Kyle Marshall might not make it through spring.

The lineup is going to be tough as well, at least I am hoping. With some power bats of Jaramillo, Lewis and Valle, this team is shaping up. Funny thing is I haven't paid that much attention to my defense, but I probably should soon to make sure we will be better than the wreck we had out there last season.

Overall things are looking good in Chadds Ford.



WAR Summary:
Winners:
King George Royals: 8.6
Annapolis Admirals: 7.2
Martinsburg Mountaineers: 7.1
Chadds Ford Cannons: 5.1
Washington Senators: 5.1

Losers:
Norfolk Cavaliers: -15.0
Richmond Cardinals: -9.6
New Castle Colonials: -8.6
Ocean City Tourists: -5.7
Ellicott City Express: -4.3

Injuries:
Georgetown Sixteens: Are waiting to hear about Yoo-hyun Kim, as the 36-year old has had some issues during his most recent rehab assignment. He should be ready for spring training, but no one is actually sure.

Free Agency:
Milford Clippers: Signed 3B Darryl Burns to a 2-year deal worth $1.4M.
Lewes Braves: Signed OF Tom Dundee to a 2-year deal worth $3,440,000.
Cape May Beacons: Signed MR Ira Daniels to a 2-year deal worth $1,180,000.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Signed MR Kajetan Levorato to a 2-year deal worth $2,070,000.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Signed OF Vernon Tilly to a 1-year deal worth $690,000
Cape May Beacons: Signed SS Cisco Benetiz to a 1-year deal worth $740,000.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Signed SP Juan Garcia to a 1-year deal worth $3,360,000
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Signed OF Javier Dominguez to a 2-year deal worth $4,880,000.
Washington Senators: Signed ex-Cannon SP Esteban Calamacho to a 2-year deal worth $1,580,000.
Washington Senators: Signed SP Carlos Coronado to a 4-year deal worth $22,800,000. My top offer was $5.5M per season. I think this is a risky deal at that price.
Annapolis Admirals: Signed SP Al Rayner to a 2-year deal worth $11,600,000.
King George Royals: Signed OF Henry Hamer to a 4-year deal worth $45,400,000.
Washington Senators: Signed 2B Luis Mota to a 1-year deal worth $760,000.
King George Royals: Signed SP Vaughan Griffith to a 1-year deal worth $1,580,000.
Annapolis Admirals: Signed CL Russ Dillon to a 1-year deal worth $5,700,000.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Signed CL Ignacio Gallo to a 2-year deal worth $9,360,000.
Seaford Blue Jays: Signed SP Raul Tejada to a 1-year deal worth $3,320,000.
Cape May Beacons: Signed 1B Doug Dook to a 1-year deal worth $890,000.
Annapolis Admirals: Signed OF Mauro Perez to a 3-year deal worth $22,300,000.
Richmond Cardinals: Signed MR Howard Hanson to a 3-year deal worth $8,720,000.
Milford Clippers: Signed MR Silas Irwin to a 1-year deal worth $990,000.
Georgetown Sixteens: Signed 2B Pedro Galvan to a 1-year deal worth $3M.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Signed 1BZ Lynwood Lavington to a 1-year deal worth $2,720,000.
Washington Senators: Signed SP Shawn Brock to a 3-year deal worth $33,600,000.
Georgetown Sixteens: Signed 1B Mathew Robison to a 1-year deal worth $2,080,000.
Georgetown Sixteens: Signed 1B Francisco Gallegos: to a 3-year deal worth $23,700,000.
Baltimore Barons: Signed OF Augusto Silva to a 1-year deal worth $2,3360,000.
Baltimore Barons: Signed 2B David Durant to a 1-year deal worth $3,320,000.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Signed OF Martin Malott to a 1-year deal worth $1,010,000.
King George Royals: Signed 2B Colin Thompson to a 1-year deal worth $760,000.

Trades:
none.

Other News:
none.

League Events Coming Up:
02/01/2031: Preseason Begins
03/03/2031: Spring Training Begins
04/07/2031: Opening Day

[illeracula]

Budget: $69,000,000
Payroll: $47,050,000
Fan Interest: 91

Off Season Report

Free-Agency:
Signed free agent MR Sung-il Kwon to a 5-year contract worth $23,000,000

Waivers:
none

Roster Moves:
We returned Kyle Marhsall back to the Norfolk Organization after signing Sung-il Kwon.

Notes:
I probably didn't need to sign Kwon, but I saw an opportunity to lockup my bullpen and I did it. I am pretty sure we will have one of the top pens in the game this season. At least that is what the ratings are telling me...

The first bout of prediction came out today and I have to say, I am not very happy about them. Actually quite disappointed. I am pretty sure we are a much better than the predicted 61 win team. Now I am anxious to get the spring season going so I can prove to this predictors that they are way off. No way we win only 61 games this season...



WAR Summary:
Winners:
Washington Senators: 13.9
King George Royals: 9.3
Annapolis Admirals: 7.9
Martinsburg Mountaineers: 7.5
Chadds Ford Cannons: 4.5

Losers:
Norfolk Cavaliers: -14.2
Richmond Cardinals: -8.5
New Castle Colonials: -7.8
Ocean City Tourists: -5.4
Ellicott City Express: -4.0

Injuries:
none

Free Agency:
Milford Clippers: Signed MR Roger Gentry to a 1-year deal worth $3,120,000.
Washington Senators: Signed SP Guo-dong Liu to a 2-year deal worth $15,200,000.
Washington Senators: Signed SP Julius Henry to a crazy 6-year deal worth $111,000,000. The 30-year old pitcher has a lifetime record of 47-45 4.23 in 212 games, 133 of those starts!
Milford Clippers: Signed Alonso Martinez to a 1-year deal worth $720,000.
Chesapeake Blue Crabs: Signed 3B Robinson Lopez to a 1-year deal worth $720,000.
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: OF Mike Simmons signed to a 1-year worth $860,000.

Trades:
Wilmington Iron Pigs: Acquired Parker Jones (.264-16-53) from the Salisbury Ports for OF Fernando Zuziela (.189-10-32) and prospect SP Sancho Villarea (AA, #35)

Other News:
none.

League Events Coming Up:
03/03/2031: Spring Training Begins
04/07/2031: Opening Day