DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Week 26
Current Week: 5-2 (61-101 .377, -21)
Next Week: end-of-season.
Power Ranking: 18 (--, 68.5)
Fan Interest: 60 (--)
Owners Mood: Happy
Expectation: .500

Runs Scored: 642 (10th)
Avg: .247 (10th)
HR: 137 (10th)
SB: 110 (6th)
Runs Against: 832 (11th)
Starters ERA: 5.28 (11th)
Pen ERA: 4.20 (6th)
Def Eff: .684 (12th)

Game 156: Christiana 1, Chadds Ford 2
Carl Oulton (2-3): 6.0 IP, 3 H, R, BB, 4 K
Dan Kessler (SV 26): 1.0 IP, BB
Dave Lewis: 1-3, HR (25), R, 2 RBI
Il-young Cho: 1-2, 2B
H: 4, LOB: 6

Game 157: Christiana 8, Chadds Ford 7 (12 Innings)
Lazzaro Tadiotto: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, BB, 6 K
Dan Kessler (BS 4): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 BB
Dan Wilkinson (0-1): 3.0 IP, H, R, 2 BB, 3 K
Martin Adams: 2-3, HR (17), R, RBI
Dave Lewis: 2-6, HR (26), R, 2 RBI
James Millers: 1-1, 2 RBI (PH)
Manny Hernandez; 2-2
Anzhel Astsatrian: 2-4, 2B, R
H: 16, LOB: 13

Game 158: Christiana 1, Chadds Ford 3
John Denton: 6.0 IP, 6 H, R, BB, 4 K
Sung-il Kwon (5-5): 1.0 IP, 2 H, BB, K
Dan Wilkinson (SV 4): 1.0 IP, 2 K
Jason Simmons: 2-3, RBI
Tyler Friis-Knutzen: 1-3, 2B, RBI
Pablo Rivera: 1-1, 2B, R (PH)
Al Little: 1-2, 2B, R, RBI
H: 6, LOB: 4

Game 159: Christiana 0, Chadds Ford 2
Matt Noble (2-3): 8.1 IP, 6 H, BB, 3 K
Dan Kessler (SV 27): 0.2 IP
Keith Adams: 1-1, HR (12), R, 2 RBI (PH)
Martin Adams: 1-4
H: 2, LOB: 1

Game 160: Newark 4, Chadds Ford 5
Carlos Sanchez: 5.0 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Gwang-soo Cho (3-2): 0.2 IP, K
Dan Kessler (SV 28): 1.0 IP, H, K
Dave Lewis: 1-4, HR (27), R, 2 RBI
Manny Hernandez: 2-4, 2 R
Al little: 1-1, 2 RBI (PH)
H: 8, LOB: 4

Game 161: Newark 5, Chadds Ford 6 (10 Innings)
Angel Rivera: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 6 BB, 3 K
Dan Wilkinson (1-1, BS 1): 2.0 IP, 3 H, R, K
Martin Adams: 2-3, 2B, HR (18), R, RBI
Al Little: 3-5, 2B
Chance Boone: 1-3, HR (2), R, 2 RBI
Il-Young Cho: 2-5, 2B, R, RBI
Dragon Karadzic: 1-3, 2B, RBI
H: 13, LOB: 6

Game 162: Newark 3, Chadds Ford 1
Carl Oulton (2-4): 7.0 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Jason Simmons: 1-3, R
Manny Hernandez: 1-4, RBI
Anzhel Astsatrian: 1-3, 2B
H: 5, LOB: 5



Transactions:
none

Draft Picks:
CL Jonathan Loeffler (Round 1, Pick 4, 4th overall pick)
AAA San Juan Hibuscus: 36 G, 39.1 IP, 4-2 2.75, 20 SV, 38 K's, 1.40 WHIP

1B Jesús Hernández (Round 2, Pick 4, 34th overall pick)
S-A Wilmington Tides: 90 G, .212-2-17 (122 K's in 274 AB's)

SP Eric Harmon (Round 3, Pick 4, 59th overall pick)
S-A Wilmington Tides: 7 GS, 36.0 IP, 0-0 1.75 (1.11 WHIP)
A- Tulsa Roughnecks: 11 GS, 58.1 IP, 3-3 2.93 (1.40 WHIP)
AA- Pierre Jackrabbits: 2 GS, 11.2 IP, 1-0 1.54 (1.20 WHIP)

SS Bill Shirley (Round 4, Pick 4, 86th overall pick)
S-A Wilmington Tides: 84 G, .257-5-34 (111 K's in 288 AB's)

CF Armando Martínez (Round 5, Pick 4, 110th overall pick)
S-A Wilmington Tides: 80 G, .222-1-16 (106 K's in 279 AB's)

Injuries:
This was a crazy year in Chadds Ford, I should go back and look, but I think I only lost 2 players to the DL... I better sign my trainer to a long term deal...

Other/Roster News:
none

GM Notes:
That is that, the season is over and of course we finish strong and end up with the fourth worst record in baseball, which means we will be picking #4 in the first-year draft next season. I just have to hope there is some pitching...

I am somewhat pleased with how this season ended. We ended up being better than we were last season, which is something to grow on... I am not going to to mention the .30 gain in team ERA, because that just doesn't make sense.

It is now time to put together some off-season goals, who I want to deal, who do I want to keep. Sign some coaches, figure out who my "stars" for 2032 will be and then get the season going... I don't think we will make the playoffs next season, but I do feel that it will be a step closer. We really are getting better.

Dragon Karadzic finished with his best week, collecting 3 hits, one was a double, his first extra-base hit, and he even drove in a run. Not a stellar showing (.125-0-1), but he did show some promise.

I had 3 starters in my rotation that I wanted to take a look at for 2032 and I have to say at some point this past month they were all impressive, but overall, a little shaky. Carl Oulton 6 starts, finished with a 2-4 4.69 record, Matt Noble, posted a 2-3 3.41 record in 5 starts and John Denton went 0-2 8.79 in 3 starts. Denton is the biggest question mark in the bunch, but could play into the rotation next season. I have to figure out what I want to do if I should keep Pierson and/or Tadiotto around or try to move them.

Oh I could go on and on about my "plans" that will most likely fall through, so I am going to move on so I can get a jump start on my off-season...

I am assuming I will be around in 2032, I haven't heard anything from Ralph Corbin, and he seems happy, and I am guessing I should take the fact I still have a job today as a good sign... I am not sure. I think I just talked myself into a worrydom.



Standings Leaders
DE Colonials: Dover Generals: 89-73 (+7)
DE Northern: Wilmington Iron Pigs: 82-80 (+13)
DE Atlantic: Milton Brewers: 101-61 (+6)
WC: Lewes Braves (DEA): 95-67 (+6)

MV Beltway: Baltimore Barons: 101-61 (+7)
MV Mountain: Richmond Cardinals: 83-79 (+10)
MV Coastal: Norfolk Cavaliers: 106-56 (+3)
WC: Ocean City Tourists (MVC): 103-59 (+9)

Players of the Week:
Delaware:
MarVa:

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (120.3)
2) Ocean City Tourists (117.6)
3) Baltimore Barons (116.1)
4) Milton Brewers (110.8)
5) Lewes Braves (108.7)

News:
Annapolis Admirals: Lost MR Russ Dillon for 4-months with a fractured elbow. Dillon hopes to be ready for opening day 2032. In 65 games this season Dillon was 10-5 4.58 with 31 saves. He walked only 19 in 70.2 IP.
Washington Senators: OF Ricardo HIdalgo, and most likely MVP, is done for the season after straining his hamstring. The 33-year-old put together another fine season hitting .339-60-156, and most likely taking home the triple crown (for the second time in his career).
Milford Clippers: OF Luis Garcia took home the Delaware Conference batting title hitting a cool .342. Garcia ran away with the title beating the #2 man by 32 points.
Washington Senators: OF Ricardo Hidalgo took home his second batting title, his first in the MarVa Conference hitting .339, besting Antonio Casteneda by 8 points.

Broken Records in 2031:

• OF Domingo Espinosa, of the Richmond Cardinals, became the first player in DBL history to strike out over 200 times. He ended up going down 209 times, 20 times more than the previous record.
• Jamie Trujilo, of the Richmond Cardinals, set records for hits-per-9 with 5.79, beating the old record by 0.20, and opponents batting average, holding them to a .183 average.
• Ricardo Gonzalez, of the Georgetown Sixteens, the only player to strike out more than 300 in a season, broke his previous record striking out 337 hitters. He has now struck out over 300 batters in 6-straight seasons.

Here is a look at our Record sheet... we showed some promise, not as much as I would have liked to, but some...

[illeracula]

It is not every year you get to see a Triple-Crown, but this year we had two, an odd repeat of 2026... Each player took home the Triple-Crown for the second time of their career. Gonzalez won it for the first time as a 23-year-old, he is only 28 now, in a Wilmington Iron Pigs uniform, going 24-4 2.10 310 K's, while posting a 12.2 WAR. The 2026 season was the first season he hit the 300 K mark. Oddly enough, Hidalgo, also won the triple crown in 2026 hitting .320-52-127 for the Christiana Blue Hens, when he was 28.

Its crazy to think Gonzalez is only 28 and Hidalgo is 33. These two guys could put up some really big numbers over the next 3-5 seasons. Hidalgo has 439 HR's, 204 off the all-time record... Gonzalez has 2633 K's, 302 from the all-time record, and 367 from being the first player every to hit 3000 in the DBL....

Sixteens Ace Wins Triple Crown: Ricardo González of Georgetown has done what few pitchers in DELMARVA Baseball League have been able to do. He's won the Triple Crown, leading the league in all three major categories: wins, ERA and strikeouts. The Sixteens star finished 2031 with a 20-4 mark to pace the Delaware Conference in wins. He also posted a league best 2.10 ERA and topped the league with 337 strikeouts. A season good enough to put him as a strong favorite to take the DDIV Golden Arm Award.

"His level of consistency is amazing," said the Sixteens manager. "Ricardo goes out there every time he gets the ball and keeps you in the game. You know that when he's on the mound, you have an excellent chance at winning the game."

González is a low key kind of guy. He is very proud of his wins, but not really excited about his unique accomplishment this season. He admitted to the press, "Maybe, just maybe, I'll look back on this Triple Crown when I retire and smile. But for now my stats are for my kids to brag about and for the media-types who love talking about numbers."

Fit for a King: Hidalgo Wears Triple Crown: Ricardo Hidalgo of Washington roared out of the gate and never looked back. The 33-year-old powerhouse slammed 60 home runs, had 156 RBIs, and batted a solid .339 on the year to grab the MarVa Conference Triple Crown, the 3rd one in DBL history.

"Boy, what a year!" he said. "There are plenty of talented guys down through the years who never won one ... and here I am with a Triple Crown!"

[illeracula]

The first round of the playoffs are over, and history has been made... the first ever "Wild Card" round was fast and furious and fun to watch. The teams that moved on, aren't a surprise. If any team could be considered a surprise it would have been the Dover Generals. The Generals held on to beat the Lewes Braves in the closest of the 4 series, which was assisted by a key injury to the Braves offensive star Claude Bond... In the MarVa Conference an interesting battle against the DBL's only 100 game winning teams will take place as the Cavaliers and the Tourists battle it out. Should be fun...

Brewers Heading to Conference Championship: The Milton Brewers are one step closer to winning the League Championship.

With a series-clinching 7-5 win tonight at Iron Pigs Ballpark, the Brewers have eliminated the Wilmington Iron Pigs in the The Wild Card by a score of 3-1.

"I'm excited for the Conference Championship. We'll celebrate this one for a short time, but then it's back to business," said Fernando Fareles, who was dominant on the mound and earned The Wild Card MVP honors. "One step closer, one game at a time. We can't get ahead of ourselves."

Fareles had a 0.00 ERA over 8 innings pitched in the series. He also added 9 strikeouts with a 1-0 record.

The Milton Brewers don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Lewes Braves - Dover Generals series. Lewes leads the series 2 games to 1. The Conference Championship schedule will be announced after the The Wild Card finishes.

Dover Takes The Wild Card in Deciding Game: When the entire season is on the line in one game Hidekazu Okada said you find out what a team is really all about.

As it turns out the Dover Generals are made of fight and tenacity, as the team got by the Lewes Braves 11-4 tonight at Dover Grounds in order to win the The Wild Card and book a place in the next round.

"It wasn't hard to get excited for this game. Our guys answered the call and proved a lot about what our team is all about," said Okada, whose strong offensive output earned him MVP honors.

Okada hit .429 with a .500 on-base percentage. He had 3 home runs, drove in 9 RBI and scored 7 runs.

The Dover Generals will play against the Milton Brewers in the next round. Milton won their series against the Wilmington Iron Pigs 3 games to 1. The Conference Championship schedule will be announced after the The Wild Card finishes.

Tourists Dominate, Sweep The Wild Card: It's a sweet sweep for the Ocean City Tourists and they have won the The Wild Card. The Baltimore Barons were evidently no match, as they dropped the series quickly, losing 5-2 in the deciding game.

"Not really the effort we hoped for," said the Baltimore manager.

It's now on to the Conference Championship for Ocean City, after their 3-0 series win.

Leading the way for the series winners was António Castaneda, who was named MVP. For the series, Castaneda hit .400 with a .571 on-base percentage. He had 3 home runs, drove in 4 RBI and scored 4 runs.

The Ocean City Tourists don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Richmond Cardinals - Norfolk Cavaliers series. Norfolk leads the series 2 game to 1. The Conference Championship schedule will be announced after the The Wild Card finishes.

Norfolk Takes The Wild Card: The League Championship hopes remain strong for the Norfolk Cavaliers organization.

The team tonight eliminated the Richmond Cardinals with a 6-3 win, to capture the The Wild Card 3-1.

"We're rolling now. The pitchers are pitching, hitters are hitting, look out. I expect us to pick our game up to another level in the Conference Championship," said Oliver Ramos, who was named series MVP.

The standout offensive performance included a .647 batting average, .684 on-base percentage, 4 home runs, 7 RBI and 8 runs scored.

The Norfolk Cavaliers will play against the Ocean City Tourists in the next round. Ocean City won their series against the Baltimore Barons 3 games to 0. The Conference Championship schedule will be announced after the The Wild Card finishes.

A Look at the next Round:
The Brewers hold home field advantage, and were 5-2 versus the Generals this season... The Cavaliers will host the MarVa Conference series as they battle the only "Wild Card" team to make it the second round the Tourists. The Cavaliers beat the Tourists 9 out 15 games this season.

[illeracula]

Both Conference Championships went 7-games and both winners were the underdogs. This should give us an exciting Championship Series and a first time DelMarVa Champion!

Conference Championship Goes the Distance, Dover Prevails: The Dover Generals have advanced to the League Championship on "hard work and determination," according to the series MVP.

"That's all it is, we were willing to work harder, we wanted it more and we wouldn't be denied," said Ryan Gross. "We feel like this is our year and we aren't going to be stopped."

The Milton Brewers certainly put up a good fight, as the series came right down to the wire. Dover won the final game by a 5-1 count and the series 4-3.

Gross had a 0.63 ERA over 14.1 innings pitched to earn the MVP. He also added 4 strikeouts with a 2-0 record.

The Dover Generals don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Ocean City Tourists - Norfolk Cavaliers series. Norfolk leads the series 3 games to 2. The League Championship schedule will be announced after the Conference Championship finishes.

Tourists Prevail, as Conference Championship Goes to the Wire: The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat were on full display tonight at Caviliers Ballpark as the Conference Championship stretched to the final game.

It was the Ocean City Tourists feeling the thrill of victory, with a 3-2 win over the Norfolk Cavaliers, who were jarred with the devastation of coming so close to making the League Championship, but ultimately coming up short.

"There's no way around it - this sucks," said the Norfolk manager. "Congratulations to Ocean City, but I won't sugarcoat it, no one is happy about anything that transpired here tonight."

Instrumental in the 4-3 series win was Ryan Urbina, who was named MVP. He hit .407 with a .448 on-base percentage. He had 4 home runs, drove in 5 RBI and scored 7 runs.

"We've got the most important stat of all and that's this final win - that's the one that matters," he said.

The Ocean City Tourists will play against the Dover Generals in the next round. Dover won their series against the Milton Brewers 4 games to 3. The League Championship schedule will be announced after the Conference Championship finishes.

Coming up:
The Ocean City Tourists have been the big benefactor of the inaugural Wild Card. They won the MarVa Wild Card, making the playoffs for the only the 2nd time in team history. The other team? 2014, a loss the the Cavaliers who went on the win the Championships. The Tourists look to make history in 2031, not only being the first Wild Card team to make the Championship game, but the first one to win the Championship.

The Dover Generals stand in their way. How the Generals beat the best pitching team in the DBL is anyone's guess, but that should be a message to the Tourists "Don't take us lightly!"... The Generals returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, and their fans are hungry! This should be a fun series.

On the year the Tourists beat the Generals in 4 out of 5 games... maybe the home field will be that advantage the Generals need to turn that around... we will see..

[illeracula]

Generals Defeat Tourists: Sometimes you get the lucky bounces, sometimes you get the lucky breaks and calls, and sometimes you just play better than the other team.

That was the case in 2031, as the Dover Generals topped the Ocean City Tourists 9-2 tonight at Dover Grounds to win the League Championship. It was the 1st title in franchise history.

"When you play for championships, you have to play better than the team in the other dugout. We did that in this series, and all year. Now we're the best team in baseball," said Tom Brown.

The club's manager just grinned and nodded when asked to comment on Brown's words.

"He said it best - play better than the other team."

The city of Dover seems to have no problem with being home to a championship team. A grand celebration is expected to kick off for the winners in the days to come.

Series MVP: C Tom Brown (Dover Generals) - 10-25 (.400) 2 HR's, 8 RBI's, 3 R's, 4 multi-hit games

The Wild Card was inserted to add excitement to the DBL and I have to say it didn't disappoint. What a series, what a playoff. Congrats to the Generals, a first time winner.

[illeracula]

Rivera Makes it Official, Will Retire: Pedro Rivera said he will miss "leading the boys into battle" after this season. At 39 years old, the team leader of the Milton Brewers has announced he will retire at season's end.

"I've always tried to be a guy that leads by example and I'd like to think I've been a good leader in my career," he said. "There's a lot of things I'm going to miss about the sport, but I think most of all is the camaraderie with the guys."

During his career Rivera has appeared in 525 games, logging 2830.1 innings with 2935 strikeouts. He has carved out a 3.93 ERA with 195 wins and 123 losses and posted 4 saves.

--

Pedro wasn't an ace but he was a team leader and the model of consistency. I guess that is what happens when you pitch for teams with Miguel Contreras, Julio Rochas and Fernando Farless' on them.. He retires the all-time leader in strike-outs, just 65 K's from 3000 and 5 wins from 200. He may not be remembered like the better known aces of his time (Miguel Contreras / Marcos Estrada), but he should be. He will be missed... I actually made an effort to sign him this season, just to put him in the starting rotation so he could take a run at those 2 milestones. One of the issues I have as a GM, the feel good story, lol.

He should end up in the Hall, but he was such an under the radar guy.

[illeracula]

Budget: $71,000,000
Payroll: $46,659,000
Fan Interest: 60

Messages from the Owner, Ralph Corbin:
Goal Review:
Current Mood: Satisfied
Record: Not happy with the 61-101, and made it known he isn't proud of this.
Top Prospect: Juan Guzman is good (26th), but not a top-12. He wants to see a top 12.
Build Farm: We improved (13th), but he wants to see our name in the "USA Citizen" list as a top-5 minor leauge system.
Long Term: Playoffs 2034, no if's and's or but's. And right now it doesn't look good.

New Goals:
Record: Don't suck again!
Attendance: Increase from 33,424 to 38,000 (yikes)
Prospect: Find a top-12 now.
Farm System: Be rated top-5 by 2034
Playoffs: Make it by 2034

Budget Review:
Ralph decided to bump up our budget to $71,000,000. Not much, but something, hopefully I will make good use out of that extra $2M.

My Off-Season Goals:
1) Fill out our open Personnel slots: Chadds Ford: PC and HC, San Juan (AAA): Manager. Our pitching from Chadds Ford was asked to step down and move to San Juan, which he obliged. So after half-a-season in Chadds Ford John Von Meister moved to AAA.

2) Decided what to do with our 7-arbitration cases. Let them walk? Sign them? Trade them? Some decisions will need to be made. Luckily no-one is up for any "big" increases except for Jack Cavazos.

3) Decided what to do with the old folk in the rotation. SP Al Raynor and Dan Pierson. Do I keep both one or trade them? Dealing them might be tough, so we will see.

4) Try to find one big bat. Either a 1B, C or DH.

5) Increase my game score over this (and last) season's 1!

Signings:
With Angel Rivera about to hit arbitration and demand a nice payout, I reached out to him with an extension. We talked and decided he'd like to come back but he wants to see some roster changes, he believes with better chemistry we will play better... He agreed on a 4-year deal worth $19,120,000. The 4th year is a vesting option if he starts 20-games.

That is about it... seems rather doable. I must not lose 100 games in 2032. I would like to see us win 75 or more. This is doable for sure.

Let the fun begin...

[illeracula]

Season's Best Fielders Selected by DE Conference: It's been said that the best offense is a good defense. That's why contending teams are always looking to improve on the defensive side of the game. Keeping runs from scoring is just as good as driving them in. The top fielders have been chosen in the Delaware Conference for 2031. Here are the Glove Wizard Award winners:

Pitcher
Narcissus Kondylis (Lewes Braves)

Catcher
Tony Williams (Christiana Blue Hens)

First Baseman
Richard Forbes (Seaford Blue Jays) - 3 time

Second Baseman
Bryant Frank (Lewes Braves) - 2 time

Third Baseman
Darryl Burns (Milford Clippers)

Shortstop
Errol Williams (Lewes Braves) - 5 time
* was the oldest winner at 39-years old

Left Fielder
Pepe Martínez (Cape May Beacons) - 2 time

Center Fielder
Mark Hoover (Dover Generals) - 3 time

Right Fielder
David Marricio (Cape May Beacons)


Best Defenders Announced by MV Conference: The highlight reels were full of plays from these DELMARVA Baseball League standouts this year. The MarVa Conference Glove Wizard Award for 2031 has been awarded to the following players:

Pitcher
Ed Davis (Richmond Cardinals)

Catcher
Héctor Pagán (Richmond Cardinals)

First Baseman
Manuel Miranda (Washington Senators) - 2 time

Second Baseman
Claudio Flores (Norfolk Cavaliers)

Third Baseman
Pete Jones (Annapolis Admirals)

Shortstop
José Díaz (Martinsburg Mountaineers) - 4 time

Left Fielder
Shawn Wilson (Baltimore Barons)

Center Fielder
Nick Jackson (Ocean City Tourists) - 3 time

Right Fielder
Júlio Rodríguez (Martinsburg Mountaineers)

[illeracula]

DEConf Reliever of the Year Award Winner Named: Ramón Tirado of the Georgetown Sixteens said he never set out to win the Delaware Conference Reliever of the Year Award this season, but he'll certainly take it.

"2031 was a pretty good year for me, that much is obvious," he said. "This is icing on the cake."

The 29-year-old out of Puerto Rico fashioned a 1.30 ERA this season over 76.1 innings of work. He made 70 relief appearances and had 20 saves, 78 strikeouts, 19 walks and a record of 8 wins and 2 losses.

Ed Yoder of the New Castle Colonials finished second in voting, while Luis Deleón of the Lewes Braves finished third.

Top MVConf Reliever Honored: At the young age of only 26, Richard O'Herlihy has been named the MarVa Conference Reliever of the Year Award winner for 2031.

The future appears bright for the Baltimore Barons relief ace, who captured the award with 47 saves in 73 relief appearances, 99 strikeouts in 82 innings and a record of 3-4 to go with his 1.54 ERA.

Manuel Petrelia of the Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs finished second in voting, while Dani Rúbio of the Richmond Cardinals finished third.

[illeracula]

Big Hitters Get Named DEConf Platinum Stick Award Winners: For some it's the first time winning the award, and others have already established themselves as one of the top offensive players at their position. The 2031 Delaware Conference Platinum Stick Award winners are:

Catcher
Samuel Darcy (Milton Brewers)
.305/.368/.597, 499 AB, 38 HR, 2 SB, 159 wRC+, 6.3 WAR

First Baseman
Edward Barnes (Milton Brewers)
.282/.361/.504, 613 AB, 33 HR, 23 SB, 132 wRC+, 4.0 WAR

Second Baseman
Joey Bradley (Christiana Blue Hens)
.302/.407/.435, 550 AB, 12 HR, 21 SB, 138 wRC+, 6.3 WAR

Third Baseman
Claude Bond (Lewes Braves)
.303/.456/.473, 541 AB, 21 HR, 1 SB, 157 wRC+, 6.7 WAR

Shortstop
Errol Williams (Lewes Braves)
.265/.425/.399, 456 AB, 9 HR, 2 SB, 135 wRC+, 5.8 WAR

Left Fielder
Alfredo Rodríguez (Seaford Blue Jays)
.283/.359/.557, 601 AB, 43 HR, 13 SB, 141 wRC+, 3.1 WAR

Center Fielder
Mike Johnson (Milton Brewers)
.291/.388/.505, 584 AB, 32 HR, 42 SB, 149 wRC+, 8.3 WAR

Right Fielder
Parker Jones (Wilmington Iron Pigs)
.255/.336/.445, 591 AB, 29 HR, 5 SB, 112 wRC+, 2.7 WAR

Designated Hitter
Tony Keith (Lewes Braves)
.256/.388/.350, 554 AB, 7 HR, 16 SB, 111 wRC+, 2.0 WAR

MarVa Conference Names Platinum Stick Award Winners: Some of these MarVa Conference hitters were in close races with counterparts at their respective positions, while others were head and shoulders above the competition. Regardless, today the 2031 Platinum Stick Award winners have been named. They are:

Catcher
António Castaneda (Ocean City Tourists)
.331/.434/.592, 556 AB, 39 HR, 1 SB, 173 wRC+, 8.7 WAR

First Baseman
Jimmy Moore (Annapolis Admirals)
.284/.387/.582, 610 AB, 56 HR, 0 SB, 159 wRC+, 5.1 WAR

Second Baseman
Roberto Zavala (Salisbury Ports)
.304/.384/.472, 585 AB, 19 HR, 30 SB, 136 wRC+, 5.8 WAR

Third Baseman
Ramón Lorenzo (Norfolk Cavaliers)
.296/.372/.469, 595 AB, 18 HR, 10 SB, 131 wRC+, 6.3 WAR

Shortstop
Leo O'Connor (Annapolis Admirals)
.268/.333/.521, 503 AB, 30 HR, 5 SB, 128 wRC+, 4.7 WAR

Left Fielder
Shawn Wilson (Baltimore Barons)
.284/.348/.516, 640 AB, 28 HR, 26 SB, 127 wRC+, 5.2 WAR

Center Fielder
Don Hamilton (Washington Senators)
.301/.355/.540, 617 AB, 35 HR, 17 SB, 139 wRC+, 6.2 WAR

Right Fielder
Ricardo Hidalgo (Washington Senators)
.339/.399/.698, 605 AB, 60 HR, 0 SB, 189 wRC+, 7.7 WAR

Designated Hitter
Matt Martin (Annapolis Admirals)
.277/.412/.509, 448 AB, 25 HR, 1 SB, 156 wRC+, 3.9 WAR

[illeracula]

Top DE Conf Rookie Trophy Taken by Jeffries: Kevin Jeffries's age didn't show very often in his first year. He performed more like a veteran on the hill for the Newark Millers and today he walked away with the 2031 Delaware Conference Newcomer Award.

The 25-year-old starter registered a 16-8 record this season in 31 starts. Over 187.1 innings he gave up 181 hits, struck out 108 and issued 47 walks as he held the opposition to a .251 batting average and fashioned a 2.69 ERA.

Jesse Sparks of the Newark Millers finished second in voting, while Gwang-soo Cho of the Chadds Ford Cannons finished third.

Ellicott City Starting Pitcher Chosen Best Rookie: Ellicott City rookie starter Craig Wilson has a new addition to his trophy case after the MarVa Conference presented him with the 2031 Newcomer Award today.

In 32 starts he ran up a 13-10 won-lost mark and 3.45 ERA. In 211 innings the Express rookie fanned 186 and walked 44.

Domingo Espinosa of the Richmond Cardinals finished second in voting, while Roy Okumura of the Richmond Cardinals finished third.

[illeracula]

Milton Pilot Ruíz Acclaimed DE Conf Best: Pedro Ruíz, skipper of the Milton Brewers was voted 2031 Delaware Conference Manager of the Year and accepted the award earlier today.

He guided Milton to first place in the Delaware Conference Atlantic Division with a 101-61 record.

"I'm very happy about this," he said at the press conference, "But I'm more happy about what my boys did on the field. They battled their butts off for me all year. They should get the credit."

MarVa Conference Names Top Skipper: Scott Smith skippered the Ocean City Tourists to a very successful year and has been acclaimed as the 2031 MarVa 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 Tourists finished the regular season in second place in the MarVa Conference Coastal Division with a 103-59 record.

[illeracula]

Golden Arm Award Presented by DEConf: The Golden Arm Award for 2031 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 20-4 record in 34 starts. In 235.2 innings he yielded 162 hits and 59 walks, while striking out 337 and compiling a fine 2.10 ERA.

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

Cavaliers Ace MVConf's Best Pitcher: The Norfolk Cavaliers have a rising superstar or maybe even a budding Hall-of-Famer in the making.
It's Joaquín Hernández, this year's MarVa Conference Golden Arm Award selection. This blossoming hurler wowed fans, peers and sportswriters with a fabulous performance.

Hernández compiled a 16-6 record in 35 starts, tallied 210 strikeouts in 229 innings and recorded a 2.87 ERA. Other clubs managed only a .224 batting average against him.

Alejandro Chávez of the Baltimore Barons finished second in voting, while Jaime Trujilio of the Richmond Cardinals finished third.

[illeracula]

DE Conf Most Valuable Player Award Goes to González: A pitcher being voted the most valuable player in his league is a rare feat, and this year it did indeed happen. The 2031 Delaware Conference Most Valuable Player Award has gone to Georgetown Sixteens ace Ricardo González after a stellar 20-4 season.

In 34 starts he piled up 235.2 innings, 337 strikeouts, 59 walks and a 2.10 ERA. González held opposing hitters to a .191 batting average and compiled a 11.9 WAR along the way.

Mike Johnson of the Milton Brewers finished second in voting, while Samuel Darcy of the Milton Brewers finished third.

Top Player Named by MarVa Conference: Ricardo Hidalgo 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 2031 season, he's taking home the Most Valuable Player Award in the MarVa Conference.

The Washington right fielder put up a batting average of .339 with 33 doubles, 2 triples, 60 home runs and 156 RBIs.

António Castaneda of the Ocean City Tourists finished second in voting, while Lúcio Peña of the Annapolis Admirals finished third.

[illeracula]

The class was thin this year, but there was one of the games all-time greats on the ballot this season. And he was the only one elected this season, as Roberto Perez garnered a whopping 92.1% to easily make the hall. There really wasn't a question as to "if" he was going to make just about how high of a % he would get. I had Roberto in Norfolk for a few seasons and he was always one of my favorites. He could hit and he could run with the best of him, he is only of only 3 (or 4) players ever to collected a 30/30. Pretty impressive stuff.

Second in the voting this season was Don Sweetapple. Sweetapple has gone from 25.8% in 2029 to 69.6% this season, which was a 9% jump from last year. Does that mean 2033 will be his year? More greats will be retiring and more greats will be showing up on the ballot. Hopefully, he will get that bump soon... he will always have my vote.

And I am sad to see Billy Moore drop off the ballot as he just couldn't get the support. When the DBL started he was already 29-years-old, but he arrived on the scene with a bang. He was one of the games most-feared power hitters for 8-seasons, including, a still standing, league-record 64 bombs during the 2014 season. In the end he hit 354 HR's and collected 982 RBI's... maybe he he put up 1 or 2 more seasons he would have been a shoe-in. Tough luck to Billy Moore, but maybe the veterans committed (if there is one) will see him as the 'star' he was for the leagues first 8-seasons...

Hall of Fame Voting Results: The ballots are counted and the results are in. One player was enshrined this year: Roberto Pérez will now see his plaque mounted beside the other greats from the game.

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.

3B Roberto Pérez 92.1 (1st year) Inducted HOF
SP Don Sweetapple 69.6 (4th year)
SP Tony García 68.8 (2nd year)
LF Glenn Jenkins 43.9 (4th year)
C Richard Taylor 31.6 (1st year)
SP Matt Hollis 25.7 (1st year)
RF Steve Williams 17.4 (4th year)
RF Francisco Durango 12.3 (1st year)
SP Jarred Perry 7.1 (4th year)
SP Keith White 5.1 (2nd year)
SP Carlos Mateo 4.0 (1st year) Dropped
SP Barney Butler 4.0 (2nd year) Dropped
C Vince Moy 2.4 (3rd year) Dropped
SP Cho-yeong An 1.6 (1st year) Dropped
RF Billy Moore 1.6 (4th year) Dropped
SP Paul Randolph 1.6 (1st year) Dropped
C Ricardo Flores 1.2 (2nd year) Dropped
LF Pablo Freitas 0.4 (1st year) Dropped
RP Will Wilson 0.4 (1st year) Dropped

[illeracula]

I figured I would try something a little different this season and not do monthly updates and just do a small end the off-season one... so much for making it quicker, as work got busy... but now I am back and hopefully a little more regular with the postings... First up the MarVa Conference, followed by the Delaware Conference and finally the Chadds Ford Cannons recap... Its Feb 1, early reporters are showing up at camp and opening day is 2-months and 5-days away so a lot could still happen...

MarVa Division

Beltway Division
Annapolis Admirals - WAR: +2.1
2031: 88-74 (-13), 3rd place

Top Players Added:
SP Jesus Cruz, Free Agent (7.4) - 15-7 3.03 w/ Dover
OF Randy Downey, Free Agent (3.6) - .255-8-48 w/ Georgetown

Top Players Lost:
1B Matt Martin, Free Agent (3.7) - .277-25-64 to Lewes
C Will Riley, Free Agent (1.9) - .254-24-91 to Milton
3B Peyton Hensley, Trade (1.3) - .275-4-32 to Ellicott City

Balitmore Barons - WAR: +1.8
2031: 101-61 (+7), 1st place

Top Players Added:
RF Bill Nilson, Trade (1.4) - .255-4-62 w/ Milford
C Jack Cavazos, Free Agent (1.4) - .269-17-48 w/ Chadds Ford

Top Players Lost:
CF Mike Hensley, Free Agent (1.3) - .243-12-59 to Dover

Salisbury Ports - WAR: +0.6
2031: 60-102 (-41), 4th place

Top Players Added:
** None over +1.0 **

Top Players Lost:
MR Dale Norton, Free agent (0.7) - 3-6 3.55, 20 SV to Richmond

Washington Senators - WAR: -7.5
2031: 94-68 (-7), 2nd place

Top Players Added:
** None over +1.0 **

Top Players Lost:
SP Cristobal Diaz, Free agent (4.6) - 12-9 3.48 to Richmond
SS Angelo Avila, Free agent (1.1) - .285-3-24 (unsigned)

-------------------------------------------------
Mountain Division
Ellicott City Express - WAR: -0.5
2031: 73-89 (-10), 2nd place

Top Players Added:
3B Peyton Hensley, Trade (1.3) - .275-4-32 w/ Annapolis Admirals

Top Players Lost:
SP Francisco Lopez, Free agent (1.1) - 2-10 6.59 (unsigned)
OF Jose Silva, Free agent (1.0) - .313-1-24 to Georgetown

King George Royals - WAR: +14.7 (best in DBL)
2031: 58-104 (-25), 4th place

Top Players Added:
C Alex Goodman, Free agent (3.4) - .266-17-67 w/ Martinsburg
SP Matt Rollins, Free agent (2.2) - 9-3 2.91, 1 SV w/ Ocean City
SP Robin Fenton, Free agent (1.9) - 14-11 4.10 w/ Ocean City

Top Players Lost:
** None over 0.3 **

Martinsburg Mountaineers - WAR: -6.8
2031: 65-97 (-18), 3rd place

Top Players Added:
SP Jesus Ramirez, Free agent (3.2) - 12-11 3.61 w/ Wilmington
C Halmar Stolk, Free agent (1.8) - .264-42-119 w/ Richmond
1B Gabriel Gomes, Trade (1.3) - .248-26-92 w/ Lewes
SS Jay Armstrong, Trade (1.1) - .244-6-34 w/ Ocean City

Top Players Lost:
SS Jose Diaz, Free agent (4.1) - .247-34-74 to Milton
C Alex Goodman, Free agent (3.4) - .266-17-67 to King George
SP Dave Watts, Free agent (2.8) - 11-13 4.71 to Virginia Beach
SP Juan Garcia, Free agent (2.7) - 11-11 5.07 to Wilmington
1B Javier Dominguez, Free agent (1.2) - .271-19-64 (unsigned)

Richmond Cardinals - WAR: +2.0
2031: 83-79 (+10), 1st place

Top Players Added:
SP Cristobal Diaz, Free agent (4.6) - 12-9 3.48 w/ Washington
C Matt Grindle, Free agent (1.3) - .258-6-17 w/ Lewes

Top Players Lost:
SP Jamie Trujilio, Free agent (4.1) - 18-8 2.54 to Dover
C Halmar Stolk, Free agent (1.8) - .264-42-119 to Martinsburg

-------------------------------------------------
Coastal Division
Chesapeake Blue Crabs - WAR: +2.0
2031: 74-88 (-32), 4th place

Top Players Added:
CL Gwang-soo Cho, trade (1.3) - 3-2 3.41 w/ Chadds Ford

Top Players Lost:
** None over 1.0 **

Norfolk Cavaliers - WAR: -2.6
2031: 106-56 (+3), 1st place

Top Players Added:
** Have added NO players **

Top Players Lost:
Sergio Rodrigez, Free agent (2.7) to Lewes

Ocean City Tourists - WAR: -9.9 (worst in DBL)
2031: 103-59 (-3), 2nd place / MarVa Division Champion

Top Players Added:
** None over 1.0 **

Top Players Lost:
SP Brad Jones, Free agent (4.7) - 19-5 3.07 to Milford
SP Matt Rollins, Free agent (2.2) - 9-3 2.91, 1 SV to King George
SP Robin Fenton, Free agent (1.9) - 14-11 4.10 to King George
C Harris Marshall, Trade (1.5) - .296-10-38 w/ Seaford
SS Jay Armstrong, Trade (1.1) - .244-6-34 w/ Martinsburg

Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs - WAR: -3.7
2031: 85-77 (+21), 3rd place

Top Players Added:
SP Dave Watts, Free agent (2.8) - 11-13 4.71 w/ Martinsburg

Top Players Lost:
SP Irving Mills, Free agent (4.1) - 10-12 2.89 (unsigned)
OF Mike Simmons, Free agent (3.8) - .265-20-61 to Milton

-------------------------------------------------
Looking over the additions and losses the biggest surprises for me were the Washington Senators, who always seem to make a big splash, adding no one of significance and really just doing nothing this off-season... along with that is the Norfolk Cavaliers who haven't made any roster additions. Really surprising with the amount of injuries they have had to deal with.

And finally, the Mountain division is going to be really interesting this season. The Royals and the Mountaineers (despite a total WAR loss) really made some moves to make their teams better.

Should be an interesting season in the MarVa Conference.

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference

Colonial Division

Dover Generals - WAR: -6.9 (Worst in Delaware Conference)
2031: 89-73 (+7), 1st place, DelMarVa Baseball League Champion

Top Players Added:
SP Jamie Trujilio, Free agent (4.1)
CF Mike Hensly, Free agent (1.3)
SP Oliver Nelson, Trade (1.4) - 10-10 4.25 w/ Milford
CL George Meyer, Free agent (1.1) - 5-2 3.34, 4 SV w/ Milford

Top Players Lost:
SP Jesus Cruz, Free agent (7.4)
SP William Jefferson, Free agent (1.9)
SS Mike Thompson, Trade (1.8) - .296-4-38 to Milford
CL Hayden Clohessy, Free agent (1.1)

Milford Clippers - WAR: +4.7
2031: 81-81 (-8), 3rd place

Top Players Added:
SP Brad Jones, Free agent (4.7) - 19-5 3.07 w/ Ocean City
2B Tony Keith, Trade (2.1) - .256-7-48 w/ Lewes
SS Mike Thompson, Trade (1.8) - .296-4-38 w/ Dover

Top Players Lost:
MR Roger Gentry, Free agent (1.5) - 7-6 2.43, 2 SV to Lewes
SP Oliver Nelson, Trade (1.4) - 10-10 4.25 to Dover
CL George Meyer, Free agent (1.1) - 5-2 3.34, 4 SV to Dover
OF Bill Nilson, Trade (1.4) - .255-4-62 to Baltimore

New Castle Colonials - WAR: -2.2
2031: 82-80 (-7), 2nd place

Top Players Added:
* No one added over 0.0 *

Top Players Lost:
OF Sergio Galvez, Free agent (2.9) - .274-25-76 to Lewes

Seaford Blue Jays - WAR: +0.1
2031: 80-82 (-9), 4th place

Top Players Added:
C Harris Marshall, Trade (1.5) - .296-10-38 w/ Ocean City

Top Players Lost:
* No one over 0.7 *

Atlantic Division

Cape May Beacons - WAR: +3.3
2031: 58-104 (-43), 4th place

Top Players Added:
2B Jose Garcia, Free agent (1.2) - .257-4-27 w/ Georgetown

Top Players Lost:
* No one over 1.0 *

Georgetown Sixteens - WAR: -1.6
2031: 89-73 (-12), 3rd place

Top Players Added:
C Samuel Darcy, Free agent (6.4) - .305-38-125 w/ Milton
CF Jose Silva, Free agent (1.0) - .313-1-24 w/ Virginia Beach & Ellicott City

Top Players Lost:
CF Randy Downey, Free agent (3.6) - .255-8-48 to Annapolis
SP Mike Pye, Free agent (2.8) - 9-15 4.44 to Lewes
OF Wally Lambert, Free agfent (1.0) - .304-9-36 (unsigned)

Lewes Braves - WAR: +8.5 (Best in Delaware Conference)
2031: 95-67 (-6), 2nd place, Wild Card Winner

Top Players Added:
1B Matt Martin, Free agent (3.7) - .277-25-64 w/ Annapolis
OF Sergio Galvez, Free agent (2.9) - .274-25-76 w/ New Castle
SP Mike Pye, Free agent (2.8) - 9-15 4.44 w/ Georgetown
OF Sergio Rodriguez, Free agent (2.7) - .323-3-27 w/ Norfolk
MR Roger Gentry, Free agent (1.5) - 7-6 2.43, 3 SV w/ Milford

Top Players Lost:
2B Tony Keith, Trade (2.1) - .256-7-47 to Milford
1B Gabriel Gomez, Trade (1.3) - .248-26-92 to Martinsburg
C Matt Grindle, Free agent (1.3) - .258-6-17 to Richmond

Milton Brewers - WAR: +5.7
2031: 101-61 (+6), 1st place

Top Players Added:
SS Jose Diaz, Free agent (4.1) - .247-34-74 w/ Martinsburg
OF Mike Simmons, Free agent (3.8) - .265-20-61 w/ Virginia Beach
C Will Riley, Free agent (1.9) - .254-24-91 w/ Milton
SP William Jefferson, Free agent (1.9) - 13-10 3.82 w/ Dover

Top Players Lost:
C Samuel Darcy, Free agent (6.4) - .305-38-125 to Georgetown
2B Kevin Barber, Free agent (1.2) - .222-8-49 (unsigned)

Northern Division

Chadds Ford Cannons - WAR: -0.7
2031: 61-101 (-21), 4th place

Top Players Added:
* no one over 1.0 *

Top Players Lost:
C Jack Cavazos, Free agent (+1.6) - .269-17-48 to Baltimore
CL Gwang-soo Cho, Trade (+1.3) - 3-2 3.41 to Chesapeake

Christiana Blue Hens - WAR: +2.9
2031: 69-93 (-13), 2nd place

Top Players Added:
* no one over 1.0 *

Top Players Lost:
* no one over 0.0 *

Newark Millers - WAR: +2.0
2031: 67-95 (-15), 3rd place

Top Players Added:
1B Paul Perkins, Trade (2.2) - .276-21-75 w/ Wilmington

Top Players Lost:
* no one over 1.0 *

Wilmington Iron Pigs - WAR: -2.0
2031: 82-80 (+13), 1st place

Top Players Added:
SP Juan Garcia, Free agent (2.7) - 11-11 5.07 w/ Martinsburg

Top Players Lost:
SP Jesus Ramirez, Free agent (3.2) - 12-11 3.61 to Martinsburg
1B Paul Perkins, Trade (2.2) - .276-21-75 to Newark
SP Mason Stanley, Free agent (1.1) - 12-4 3.44 (retired)

-------------------------------------------------
The two big things that caught my eye are how much money the Lewes Braves and Milton Brewers continue to spend. They spend and spend... The Brewers have a $176,360,000 payroll, 2nd highest in the DBL and the Braves have the biggest payroll at $195,430,000... hard to complete with those guys that is for sure.

I am curious to see how Mike Pye does in Lewes. It seems whatever pitchers end up in Lewes seem to have great seasons and based on his ratings he has been waiting to have one. Is this the right time?

If I had to place my best I would say one of those two teams are going to win the DE Conference in 2032.

[illeracula]

Budget: $71,000,000
Payroll: $47,709,000 (money left for free-agents: $469,900)
Fan Interest: 63

Goals:
1) Fill out personnel
We signed Curt Doll to our AAA managerial slot. He was the PC in El Paso (SS-A) for the last 7-seasons. We will see how it works out, however, I think he is a good fit.
We sigend Fernando Cruz to be our hitting coach in Chadds Ford. Not really sure what to expect, the guy we wanted jilted us and he waas the best available. He hasn't coached above A-ball, so yikes.
We signed Francisco Burgos to be our pitching coach. He has a legendary reputation and has done a great job in Norfolk for the past 5 seasons. We are happy to have him aboard and I hope he can work his magic here.
With 2-years left on his deal I fired our Manager Jorge Rivas. One reason was because I talked to a few free-agents that said there was no-way they would play for him. So after 1-year he is gone... Tyler Friis-Knutzen wouldn't resign with with the Cannons... on board we get a manager who has an excellent reputation and a solid track record. He was hte manager of the New Castle Colonials for the past 6-seasons, winning manager of the year on two occasions, as well as 2-playoffs. Signing a 3-year deal is Carlos Martinez. This is going to be weird, because he likes full-control over the lineups, so my life might be "easier" or "harder" we will see. Not sure why I put them in quotes.

When reporters asked about the dismissal, Rivas responded, "It is what it is. They didn't like what I was doing and that's all that matters. Like I've told my players my entire managerial career, when bad things happen all you can focus on is turning the page. It's time I follow my own advice."

2) Arbitration Cases
I decided not to offer arbitration to Anthony Payne and Jack Cavazos, so they will be come free agents. Which left me with 5-players going through arbitration... I tried to extend Tyler Friis-Knutzen, but he said he'd only sign if we got rid of our manager Jorge Rivas. That isn't going to happen just yet... Could our manager be the cause of our chemistry issues?
Lazzaro Taditto ($1,225,000) - player
Tyler Friis-Knutzen ($1,600,000) - team
Vincent Harrison ($1,100,000) - team
Manny Hernandez ($750,000) - team
Allen Williams ($900,000) - team

We made out pretty well with our arbitration cases... always a good feeling.

3) Figure out Rotation
Right now the staff looks like: Carlos Sanchez, Angel Rivera, Lazzaro Tadiotto, Dan Pierson and Carl Oulton. Which means John Denton, Matt Noble and Pepe Martines will be either in AAA or the bullpen. I tried to deal Tadiotto and Pierson, but no one is interested. Maybe during the winter meetings I will have better luck... with the new manager my hands are tied with who pitches where, so he has his idea of what the rotation should look like and right now this is it:

I personally like Matt Noble in the rotation and if Oulton struggles this spring he may head down to AAA opening up that slot for Noble. We will see we have a long road ahead of us.

4) Big Bat (1B, C, DH)
I have no idea what to do here, as I don't have 15-20 Million to spend on anyone. It is just crazy how much money these guys want... Well I found one. Creeping up on the final days of the off-season we came to terms on a very team friendly deal for Yann Gosselin. Gossenlin is 34-years-old and has a "fragile" history, but last season he hit .244-33-87, which might be a nice addition to our offense.

5) Win 70+ games
TBD

6) Build team Chemistry!
I made some trades and got rid of some of the guys who didn't have a big work ethic, I am hoping that will make a difference. Off went Cavazos and Astsatrian. We will see how these changes do with the team. I could still use someone to lead this team, just can't find anyone... Well I dumped a few of the "bad" attitude guys, but still have a couple left. I am going to try to move Miller, but he has been a tough one to get any interest with.

Rule 5 Draft:
We lost one player during the draft Alonso Solano who is a 2* pitcher. He has pitched the past 2-seasons in AAA and done ok. I really don't see him making the team.

And we brought on 2 new players for 2032. I am not sure if they will stay around all season, but we will see. First is OF Ceaser Leyva, who fists this team well. He plays solid D and has great speed. Last season he hit .269-14-61 in AA.... and MR Kerry Neal, who may just be my new closer. He has crazy stuff (20/20) and gets grounders. Last season he was in AAA with the Express and went 3-10 4.30 with 15 saves. We will see how he adjusts to big-league ball.

Its not a gaurantee that either will be on the big-league roster, but it is always fun to dream.

Free Agency:
I tried to sign a pitcher, one you might remember from Georgetown, Mike Pye. He was excited about the prospects about coming here, however his former team offered him big bucks and put us out of the game. Not really sure I was looking at a pitcher... Maybe because the bats aren't going to work out, all of them want really big bucks (18-20M) and that is about 10-12 out of my range.

We signed a bat in Yann Gosselin. and I am not sure how I feel about it. He is 34 and had a great year last season, well for him. He isn't going to hit for average and I really don't want him to. I just want to see some HR's and RBI's. Last year in Newark he hit 33 and drove in 87. I'd like to see that this year. He makes $6M this season, $8,530,00 next, $11,530,000 in year 3 and year 4 and 5 are both vesting options for $14,530,000 (vesting at 250 AB's). I don't see him making it in Chadds Ford that long, and if he does I doubt I am here.

Other Stuff:
This is a big year for me as my contract expires at the end of 2032, which means I need to show the owner Ralph Corbin that I am capable of turning this team around. I think his goals are a little unrealistic with the budget he has given me, but its what I got myself into.

So far the off-season isn't going how I'd like. I just don't know why I can't get teams to make trades with me or sign free-agents. Its getting tough around here. I have to make something happen this season, but my hands are tied. I have like 5 people I'd love to deal, but no one is willing to talk... I guess I will keep on trying and maybe something will happen for me.

I will have to monitor the roster more and try to move players up and down accordingly to their performance. One thing, however, is most the players on the roster are out of options, so we will will have what we "have".

As of February 1 here is what our projected lineup looks like:

2B Manny Hernandez (S)
SS Jason Simmons (L)
LF Dave Lewis
C Tyler Friis-Knutzen
DH Yann Gosselin (S)
CF Pablo Rivera
RF Cesar Leyva (Rule-5)
DH Keith Adams
3B Dragon Karadzic

and the pitching staff:
SP Carlos Sanchez
SP Angel Rivera
SP Lazzaro Tadiotto
SP Dan Pierson
SP Carl Oulton

MR He-seop So
MR Dan Kessler
MR Al Rayner

SU Boyd Martin (L)
SU Sung-il Kwon (L)

CL Dan Wilkinson

Should be interesting. I have too many pitchers and not enough roster space. I can't seem to find a taker on Al Raynor or Boyd Martin both players I don't want around. Raynor I have tried to waive but nothing. Maybe as we get closer to the season, the only downfall with losing Raynor is he acts as a veteran leader...

Final Thoughts
As we head into the season I look at this team and I am not sure if should smile or cringe... you know that feeling of yeah this team 'could' be good. I think if all the pieces fall into place we might be able to play .500 ball, but that is a stretch... however that being said, that is what I need to do.

I have to have faith, but I really don't know if I have it in this group. We are getting better, I am sure of it... hopefully some of the "prospects" start to develop, if we are going to win we have to have some guys grow up fast.

I can't wait to see how the games go.



(as I said I tried something different this season and I am not sure how I liked it compared to the way I did things in the past. If I have a job next season I will have to go back to the way it was before.)

[ckash]

This is great. I spent 10 years in the Annapolis area and my wife is from Maryland's Eastern Shore so this brings back some memories. I do have a question though - why is Elliott City in a division with VA teams and not with Baltimore and Annapolis?

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by ckash

This is great. I spent 10 years in the Annapolis area and my wife is from Maryland's Eastern Shore so this brings back some memories. I do have a question though - why is Elliott City in a division with VA teams and not with Baltimore and Annapolis?

Well, lets see... looking at the map it does make sense they should be in the "Beltway" division, however, the divisions were broken up (2 to 3) before I made the names up... Ellicott City ended up in the Mountain division, since they were the furthest west team of the remaining teams. Salisbury and Ellicott are the outliers, so when Salisbury didn't make the Coastal, it didn't make sense for them to go to the mountain and I felt EC made the most sense to move out. Plus it moved them away from the Cavaliers and Senators two teams that had bigger budgets and always seemed to beat them.

Hope that makes sense.

Hopefully, you continue to read along and enjoy...