DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by STLRS95

It is great that you are excited to be back but an owner like that reminds me of Loria in Miami. All about their pockets.

Not sure how your contracts shape up but hjave you tried locking up the young guys with team friendly deals through arbitration and their first couple of years of free agency. If not, Villalobos would be one I would start with.

I try to do that. I did it with Carlos Sanchez (signed till 2041) and I have tried with others, but with no cash the owner isn't approving many extensions. My hands are tied. Villalobos will be around for at least 2 more seasons, he has a player option after 2036 so we will see happens.

Currently we have no money to work with and with arbitration about to hit it could get ugly. Looking at my top paid players I am going to get rid of Urbina some how, Ira Daniels won't be offered arbitration, if Martin Adams gets what he is asking he for he may have to be dumped, Dave Lewis might be shopped around, as will Mike Griffin.

Now we will just have to see if there is any interesting. But really how can I head into 2034 in hopes to win with a bunch of young kids. I really makes it hard to develop talent.

[illeracula]

DE Conf Honors Glove Wizard Award Winners
"Ball hawk" is a good name for the members of the defensive elite, the players who make leather shine. The fielders who crashed the wall, leaped in the air, and dived in the hole better than any others during 2033 have been tabbed as the Delaware Conference's Glove Wizard Award winners. Here are this year's best:


Pitcher
Edmond Scott (Newark Millers)

Catcher
Tyler Friis-Knutzen (Wilmington Iron Pigs)

First Baseman
Jesse Bryant (Dover Generals)

Second Baseman
Bryant Frank (Milford Clippers)

Third Baseman
Pete Jones (Milton Brewers)

Shortstop
Anthony Lucarelli (Wilmington Iron Pigs)

Left Fielder
Pete Wyman (Christiana Blue Hens)

Center Fielder
Carlos Ortíz (Christiana Blue Hens)

Right Fielder
Tim Burman (Chadds Ford Cannons)

MV Conf Announces Best Glovemen for 2033
The MarVa Conference has today announced the winners of the 2033 Glove Wizard Award. The following players have been honored for defensive excellence:

Pitcher
Jesús Miranda (Salisbury Ports)

Catcher
Javier Ramírez (Ellicott City Express)

First Baseman
Howard Porter (King George Royals)

Second Baseman
Mike Thompson (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs)

Third Baseman
Ed Harding (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs)

Shortstop
Ramón Lorenzo (Norfolk Cavaliers)

Left Fielder
Juan Hernández (Richmond Cardinals)

Center Fielder
Jesús Ibarbia (King George Royals)

Right Fielder
Roy Okumura (Richmond Cardinals)

---

This year was an interesting year with 13 players winning for the first time. Bryant Frank and Pete Jones collected their 3rd Award and Mike Thompson and Jesus Ibarbia collecting their second. The big name on the list was Anthony Lucarelli winning for a record trying 7th time. Joining Tom Anderson, Mike Simmons, Peter Peters and Kent Davis.

Friis-Knutzen went from a 1.6 ZR to a 3.0 ZR once I traded him. His Eff went from .917 to 1.261 and his CS% from 43.8 to 54.5. Sort of disappointing in his CF effort and now I am glad I traded him, especially with the young core of catchers I have. So long!

[illeracula]

Best DE Conf Reliever Named
His manager and teammates call Ramón Tirado a true bullpen ace.

The Delaware Conference calls him the winner of the Reliever of the Year Award for 2033.

The Georgetown Sixteens relief specialist out of Puerto Rico, won the award with 43 saves in 62 relief appearances, 69 strikeouts in 65.1 innings and 23 walks.

He compiled a record of 6 wins and 1 loss and had a 1.65 ERA.

Ed Yoder of the Milford Clippers finished second in voting, while Bob Young of the Lewes Braves finished third.

Abadee Gets Award for Relief Work
Travis Abadee was a calming influence out of the Richmond Cardinals bullpen this season.

His teammates and manager said he had a poised demeanor about him that was typical of someone much older and more experienced. His poise has paid off, as the 26-year-old turned in a sparkling season and has been named the winner of the MarVa Conference Reliever of the Year Award for 2033.

The Melbourne, Australia native won the award with 45 saves in 72 relief appearances, 104 strikeouts in 76.2 innings and a record of 8-2 to go with his 2.00 ERA.

Richard O'Herlihy of the Baltimore Barons finished second in voting, while Miguel Angel González of the Norfolk Cavaliers finished third.

[illeracula]

Platinum Stick Award Winners Named for the DE Conf
They were the standout hitters at their respective positions all season and now they've got the hardware to prove it.

The Delaware Conference Platinum Stick Award for 2033 has been given to the following players:

Catcher
Tom Kirk (Newark Millers)
.308/.397/.511, 522 AB, 19 HR, 2 SB, 144 wRC+, 6.5 WAR

First Baseman
Edward Barnes (Milton Brewers)
.291/.376/.511, 612 AB, 34 HR, 15 SB, 136 wRC+, 3.5 WAR

Second Baseman
Julián De Jesús (Newark Millers)
.300/.359/.387, 610 AB, 5 HR, 69 SB, 113 wRC+, 4.5 WAR

Third Baseman
Claude Bond (Lewes Braves)
.296/.451/.549, 541 AB, 37 HR, 101 R, 175 wRC+, 7.2 WAR

Shortstop
Pedro Torres (Milton Brewers)
.284/.346/.464, 612 AB, 21 HR, 12 SB, 124 wRC+, 5.9 WAR

Left Fielder
Pete Wyman (Christiana Blue Hens)
.234/.295/.451, 546 AB, 27 HR, 25 SB, 104 wRC+, 2.5 WAR

Center Fielder
Steve Kelly (Wilmington Iron Pigs)
.243/.304/.462, 608 AB, 35 HR, 24 SB, 107 wRC+, 2.1 WAR

Right Fielder
Ricardo Hidalgo (Georgetown Sixteens)
.282/.346/.574, 465 AB, 39 HR, 2 SB, 139 wRC+, 2.7 WAR

Designated Hitter
Alfredo Rodríguez (Seaford Blue Jays)
.258/.331/.513, 528 AB, 38 HR, 5 SB, 126 wRC+, 2.0 WAR

MarVa Conference Platinum Stick Award Winners Picked
The 2033 MarVa Conference Platinum Stick Award winners were announced today. These players had standout offensive seasons that were better than their peers at their respective positions.

The winners are:

Catcher
Ray Nikkola (Salisbury Ports)
.306/.373/.543, 556 AB, 32 HR, 156 wRC+, 7.2 WAR

First Baseman
Jimmy Moore (Annapolis Admirals)
.352/.429/.646, 574 AB, 47 HR, 115 R, 135 RBI, 8.3 WAR

Second Baseman
Winston Davis (Richmond Cardinals)
.272/.320/.481, 621 AB, 32 HR, 104 RBI, 4.0 WAR

Third Baseman
Juan García (Annapolis Admirals)
.270/.348/.525, 608 AB, 46 HR, 18 SB, 113 R, 114 RBI, 5.9 WAR

Shortstop
Leo O'Connor (Annapolis Admirals)
.296/.373/.556, 638 AB, 44 HR, 9 SB, 119 R, 127 RBI, 8.1 WAR

Left Fielder
Thomas Reynolds (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs)
.285/.336/.527, 600 AB, 38 HR, 2 SB, 113 RBI, 3.8 WAR

Center Fielder
Ira Kelly (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs)
.274/.381/.518, 554 AB, 37 HR, 6 SB, 145 wRC+, 6.7 WAR

Right Fielder
Lúcio Peña (Annapolis Admirals)
.303/.395/.676, 524 AB, 53 HR, 4 SB, 132 R, 138 RBI, 7.8 WAR

Designated Hitter
Ray Green (Annapolis Admirals)
.313/.385/.495, 594 AB, 21 HR, 2 SB, 143 wRC+, 4.1 WAR

[illeracula]

Villalobos Voted DE Conf Rookie of Year
The Delaware Conference's Newcomer Award winner for 2033 is Francisco Villalobos, the 27-year-old third baseman for the Chadds Ford Cannons.

He won the award by hitting .289 and collecting 165 hits, 27 home runs, 101 RBIs and 50 walks with 65 runs scored and a .351 on-base percentage.

Mark Long of the Christiana Blue Hens finished second in voting, while Bob Young of the Lewes Braves finished third.

Davis Presented MV Conf Newcomer Award
The top-ranked rookie performer in the MarVa Conference was Richmond first baseman Hank Davis. It was announced today by league officials that he had been named the winner of the 2033 Newcomer Award.

Davis chalked up some good season stats, including a .299 batting average and .335 on-base percentage, while racking up 42 home runs, 103 RBIs and 81 runs scored.

Stefan Wetl of the Martinsburg Mountaineers finished second in voting, while Bob Davis of the Norfolk Cavaliers finished third.

[illeracula]

Gentry Takes Top DE Conf Manager Honors
Mal Gentry skippered the Georgetown Sixteens to a very successful year and has been acclaimed as the 2033 Delaware Conference Manager of the Year.

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

The Sixteens finished the regular season in first place in the Delaware Conference Atlantic Division with a 103-59 record.

Norfolk Manager Ray Named Top Skipper in MV Conf
The Norfolk Cavaliers coaching staff broke out the bubbly when Manager Arthur Ray was announced as 2033 MarVa Conference Manager of the Year.

He skippered the Cavaliers to a 105-57 record this year and a first place finish in the MarVa Conference Coastal Division.

To a man, they all agreed that their boss was most deserving of the award. All had glowing words to say about this year's winning manager.

"He just has a way with people. Coaches and players alike love him."

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Crowns Georgetown's González
The Golden Arm Award for 2033 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 27-4 record in 34 starts. In 269.2 innings he yielded 185 hits and 50 walks, while striking out 345 and compiling a fine 2.07 ERA.

Juan Durango of the New Castle Colonials finished second in voting, while Patrick Everett of the Milton Brewers finished third.

MV Conf Best Mound Performer Named
An old hand in this game, António Cortés of the Chesapeake Blue Crabs silenced critics as well as he silenced the opposition this year by winning the MarVa Conference Golden Arm Award.

The 35-year-old starter threw 259.1 innings, notched 235 strikeouts and put up a 21-6 record to claim the coveted award.

Ernie Kennedy of the Norfolk Cavaliers finished second in voting, while Joaquín Hernández of the Norfolk Cavaliers finished third.

[illeracula]

DE Conf Announces #1 Player Award
Regardless of where Claude Bond signs on next year, the 38-year-old will be considered a marquee pickup after his award-winning 2033 season with Lewes. Bond received word today that he has won the Delaware Conference Most Valuable Player Award.

The third baseman pounded out 160 hits, 24 doubles, 1 triple, and 37 home runs while hitting .296 and driving in 84 runs this season.

Tom Kirk of the Newark Millers finished second in voting, while Ricardo Hidalgo of the Georgetown Sixteens finished third.

Peña is Best In MV Conf
It's been a year of triumph for veteran Lúcio Peña of the Annapolis Admirals as he hit his way to the 2033 MarVa Conference Most Valuable Player Award.

The 29-year-old veteran compiled a .303 average and .395 on-base percentage by putting together 159 hits, 28 doubles, 4 triples, 53 home runs and 82 walks. He also scored 132 times and drove in 138 runs.

Jimmy Moore of the Annapolis Admirals finished second in voting, while Leo O'Connor of the Annapolis Admirals finished third.

[illeracula]

Budget: $61,000,000 (t22nd)
Payroll: $38,842,000 (24th)
Money for free Agents: NONE
Money for
Fan Interest: 52
Owner Mood: Satisfied
WAR: +2.0

Retirement:
We were hit with two retirements this season. Nothing to major.
35-year-old catcher Monte Lyon, who was signed just to add some veteran leadership announced he was hanging them up. He only played in 9 games (5 starts) with us and didn't really do well hitting .053 (1-19). He did drive in 2 and score 6 times... for his career he hit .248-110-435, including a 2025 All-Star game.

Our team trainer Flint Rooks decdied it was time to go. Rooks was our trainer since the beginning and he did a very good job here and will be missed. We will see what we can do to replace him. Rooks retires at the age of 62, with only the 3-years in Chadds Ford as his DBL experience. Rumor has it he was offered a gig with a Senate canidate to be their personal trainer.

Staff:
I signed William Blair to a 5-year deal to be our trainer. He worked from 2018 to 2028 for the San Antonio Single-A team. He has great ratings (Excellent in Fatigue Recover, Lengendary in Prevent other injuries and prevent arm injuries, and Oustanding everywhere else). I

Arbitration:
SP Laz Tadiotto (15-10 3.16): Current: $1,900,000 / Offer: $2,200,000 / Player: $2,750,000
MR Ira Daniles (0-1 5.95, 56.0 IP): Current: $750,000 / Offer: none / Free-Agent
MR Dan Kessler (0-0 3.00, 3 IP): Current: $490,000 / Offer: $735,000 / Team: $735,000
2B Manny Hernandez (.239/.294/.325, 2 HR, 12 SB): Current: $850,000 / Offer: $950,000 / Player: $1,1588,500
OF Martin Adams (.301/.343/.462, 5 HR, 8 SB): Current: $490,000 / Offer: $1,100,000 / $2,375,000
OF Tim Burman (.221/.282/.349, 15 HR, 14 SB): Current: $490,000 / Offer: $750,000 / Team

I don't understand how Burman who was a contributor all season long was awarded so little compared to Martin Adams who spent a lot of time in AAA. I lost quite a few players to arbitration in Norfolk and it looks like I am going to do it again.

Free Agents:
We lost Ira Daniels to free-agency after not offering arbitration.

I offered MR Juan Jose Gonzalez a minor league to stay around, and he wasn't very happy with it. The 31-year-old will not be in the Chadds Ford organization next season and I am fine with that.

I re-signed three pitchers to minor league deals. Arturo Contreras (9/9, 10/10, 11/11), Alonso Solano (13/13, 10/10, 10/10) and Jack Sharpe (11/11, 11/11, 10/11). All for AAA pitching depth. Contreras pitched in 6-games in the "bigs" in 2029, and is the only one with big-league experience.

I also reached out to two international free-agents, offering minor league deals. Not sure really what to expect from them, but why not it can't hurt.

Trades:
Trade: Urbina for Newsome: The Cannons and Sixteens confirmed this afternoon that a trade had been agreed upon. In the deal, Chadds Ford will get 27-year-old LHP Lloyd Newsome, while Georgetown will receive 30-year-old 1B Ryan Urbina. In his 1037-game career Urbina is batting .297 with 1190 hits, 193 home runs, 548 runs scored and 661 RBIs. Newsome has logged a 10-27 record in his career, appearing in 233 games with 243 strikeouts and 88 walks in 243.1 innings. He has been credited with 69 saves and has a 4.48 ERA.

This was strictly a dumping of Urbina. Now I have to figure out how to move Martin Adams and Lloyd Newsome.

I have tried to move Martin Adams ($2,375,000) and Mike Griffin ($2,720,000) but can't seem to find anyone that will trade them. I have put Adams on waivers 3-times he keeps getting claimed, but I can't get a deal to work. I may let me walk at some point I am not sure. I would like to keep Adams, but for the salary he isn't worth it.

I will be trying to trade Newsome too. :-)

Injuries:
none



Off-Season Center:
WAR Gained (+ only):
1) Ellicott City Express: 3.0
2) Chadds Ford Cannons: 2.0
3) Cape May Beacons: 1.9

WAR Lost:
24) Georgetown Sixteens: -17.8
23) Richmond Cardinals: -12.6
22) Wilmington Iron Pigs: -12.5
21) Washington Senators: -12.4
20) Baltimore Barons: -12.3

Firings:
Milton Brewers: Fired GM Miguel Flores. Flores was in Milton for 2-seasons, but growing tensions between ownership are rumored to have cost him the job.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: GM Julian Munoz lasted one season in Martinsburg before being fired.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: After four seasons of MGR David John running the show the Mountaineers decided it was time to move on. In his 4-seasons John posted a 232-416 record. After two under 100 loss seasons, the Mountaineers hit the magic mark again with 109 this seaosn which lead to John's dimissal.

Free Agents:
DBL News: Free Agents File: Free agency is upon us.

Teams, players and pundits who follow DELMARVA Baseball League will be thrust headlong into a whirlpool of intrigue and uncertainty. The free agent signing period will continue throughout the offseason as some clubs will go a long way toward sealing up a championship -- or a spot in the cellar.

The magic, the unpredictability of hot stove baseball, is fascinating to the fan; particularly the fan whose team comes out on top!

This year's list of free agents is highlighted by these players:
Robin Fenton, 35 year-old LH RP
António Castaneda, 33 year-old C
Mike Orr, 27 year-old RH SP
Jorge Gonzáles, 29 year-old RH SP
Juan Hernández, 28 year-old CF
Oliver Nelson, 33 year-old RH SP
Shawn Wilson, 27 year-old CF
Ricardo González, 30 year-old RH SP
Claude Bond, 38 year-old 3B
Stan Burns, 35 year-old RH SP
Ricardo Hidalgo, 35 year-old OF

Ricardo Hidalgo, Claude Bond, Ricardo Gonzalez and Antonio Castaneda are sure fire Hall-of-Famers that are looking for big pay-days. Hidalgo is rumored to be looking for over $27M, Bond and Gonzalez over $30M, and Castaneda around $20M... not listed on this list if SP and 2033 Golden Arm winner Antonio Cortes, who at 35 wants a $30M deal. Should be an interesing off-season. Also not listed is 27-year-old Shawn Wilson who has quietly became a feared hitter heading into his prime. He is rumored to be lookign for a crazy $42M deal!! Mind you that is more than the Chadds Ford Payroll this season.

International Free Agents Enter Market
League officials have been informed that the following international free agents have indicated interest in playing in the DELMARVA Baseball League next season, and are now visible in the free agents list:

LHP Ángel Delgado out of Cuba
RHP José Blanco out of Cuba
C Hua-ding Ci out of Taiwan
C In Kim out of South Korea
2B César Reyes out of Cuba
2B Tomokazu Sasaki out of Japan
2B Teh-huai Tao out of Taiwan
RF Tadiyuki Kiyomizu out of Japan

The big news out of this bunch of Tadiuki Kiyomizu, who is a 28 year-old power-hitting OF from Japan. The 5-star-player could be worth a lot on the open market.

Signings:
Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 3B Hugo Holderline: 3 years / $19,100,000
Georgetown Sixteens: OF Wayne Weaver: 3 years / $6,520,000
Ellicott City Express: SP Antonio Cortes: 2 years / $50,000,000
Cape May Beacons: SP Ryan McCoy: 3 years / $6,520,000
Washington Senators: 1B Marcos Rams: 2 years / $6,720,000

Trades:
A few minor ones, none really big.

Injuries:
none

League Events Comming Up:
12/04/33: Hall-of-Fame voting begins
12/11/33 - 12/15/2033: Winter Meetings
12/17/33: Rule-5 Draft
01/03/34: Hall-of-Fame Results
01/28/34: Preseason Begins

[illeracula]

Budget: $61,000,000 (t22nd)
Payroll: $37,614,550 (24th)
Money for free Agents: $664,450
Money for Extensions: none
Fan Interest: 52
Owner Mood: Good
WAR: +2.0

Free Agents:
Signed 25-year-old Angel Delgado, a free-agent from Cuba. He has decent ratings, but is really a project more than anything. Minor-league deal.
Signed 33-year-old Jose Blanco, a free-agent from Cuba. He isn't as good as Delgado, but could bge servicable. Minor league deal.
Signed 20-year-old Leopoldo Carillo, a free-agent from Panama to a minor league deal. He could see the bigs as a 2B if he develops.

Trades:
There is not much I can do, and it is getting annoying. I have been trying to deal Griffin, Newsome, Adams and Lewis, but no one is willing to play. I am not even asking for much. Ugh.

Rule 5:
In preparation I made some roster moves to protect some younger guys I was fearful of losing.
CF Chance Boone was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
RP Roberto Segura was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
2B Mike Griffin was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
RF César Leyva was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Placed RF Henry Gilmore on the 40-man roster.
Placed SP Felipe Leyva on the 40-man roster.
Placed SS Melis Collin on the 40-man roster.
Placed 3B Edgardo Castro on the 40-man roster.

I made a questionable pick of Mike Quinn in the Rule-5. He could be a star one day, and is a hard worker. Now I have to figure out where to put him on the team, but to keep him he will need to be around all season. Stuff: 9/11, Move: 11/12, Cont: 11/17, Stam: 20, Durable, Groundball pitcher with 5 pitches rated 9 or more.

Injuries:
none

GM Notes:
I am not sure what will be going on this season. I have a feeling I will have a lot of moves to make during the pre-season. I guess I should check out who has options and who doesn't and see if I can't pull off a deal or two.

I am not going to be able to pull off any deals. I have tried a few and it is really looking bleak at this point, so now I really need to start to focus on who is going to be playing where... I will be bringing 44 players to camp, including invites to 2B Juan Guzman, MR Gallin Krall, SP Eric Harmon and 2B Mike Griffin. I am just ready to get this going and see what I have and to see what this team is capable of.

There should be some interesting battles during spring.
Catcher:
Donald Hampton, Alton Howard and Patrick McGee
First Base:
Carroll Johnson, Pat Jones and Lawrence Harrison
Second Base:
Stanton Anderson, Manny Herandnez, Dragon Karadic, and Juan Guzman
Shortstop:
Jason Simmons, Mellis Collin, and Zach Davenport
Outfield/DH:
Donald Hampton (DH), Tim Burman, Martin Adams, Pablo Rivera, Dave Lewis, and Henry Gillmore

3B Francisco Villalobos, CF Matt Doulgas, and LF Ernesto Condarco are the only position players that are inked in!

Pitching wise isn't going to be as hard, with the hopes of the starting five returning:
Carl Oulton, John Denton, Carlos Sanchez, Jason Lancaster and Laz Tadiotto

These 5 should dominate this season, based on their ratings and previous seasons.

The bullpen will get interesting with Jonathan Loeffler returning as the closer and then a bunch of guys fighting for that least few slots: Kerry Neal, Lloyd Newsome, Jesus Lugo, Matt Noble, Dan Kessler, Tony Cox, Ruben Dano Dasmarinas, and of course Mike Quinn will have to remain on the roster all season if I expect to keep him.

I have had Lloyd Newsome on my radar for a long time. I traded him when I was in Georgetown, scouted him in Norfolk and now he is on my team and ready to pitch. We will see how it goes and if he will let me down or not...

It has been a really hard off-season watching other teams dish out huge deals to starts while I sit back and really do nothing. When teams dish out deals that are more than 1/2 of my total payroll it gets really tough to watch. My hands are tied, my budget is awful, my trade pieces are untouchable, so I have what I have... ugh.

I am really just ready to get things started, and build on that strong finish we had last season.



Off-Season Center:
WAR Gained (+ only):
1) Milford Clippers: 7.1
2) Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 3.0
3) Lewes Braves: 2.7
4) Chadds Ford Cannons: 2.0
5) Ellicott City Express: 1.9

WAR Lost:
24) Baltimore Barons: -13.0
23) Richmond Cardinals: -12.2
22) Seaford Blue Jays: -12.0
21) Georgetown Sixteens: -9.8
20) Wilmington Iron Pigs: -6.9

Free Agents:
Signings:
Washington Senators
SP Jorge Gonzalez: 7 years / $120,300,000
OF Ricardo Hidalgo: 2 years / $45,600,000
1B Marcos Ramos: 2 years / $6,720,000

Lewes Braves
C Mike Baldwin: 4 years / $28,200,000
3B Peter Harvey: 3 years / $13,580,000
OF Jose Silva: 3 years / $28,800,000
RP Hee-Seop So: 3 years / $7,680,000
SP Paul Brown: 1 year / $4,280,000

Chesapeake Blue Crabs
SP William Jefferson: 2 years / $6,880,000
SP Jimmy Powers: 3 years / $7,680,000
3B Hugo Holderlin: 3 years / $19,100,000
SS Anthony Lucarelli: 1 year / $1,100,000

Milford Clippers
OF Shawn Wilson: 6 years / $129,200,000
1B Jorge Arrendono: 3 years / $20,700,000
OF Juan Hernandez: 6 years / $73,600,000
SP Stan Burns: 3 years / $47,400,000

Richmond Cardinals
SP Oliver Nelson: 3 years / $29,700,000

Wilmington Iron Pigs
SP Carlos Coronado: 3 yeras / $21,000,000

Georgetown Sixteens
C Antonio Castaneda: 4 years / $70,400,000
OF Tadiyuki Kiyomizu: 3 years / $7,200,000

Ocean City Tourists
3B Claude Bond: 2 years / $54,000,000

New Castle Colonials
CL Ruben Acevedo: 3 years / $4,580,000
C Paul Turner: 1 year / $4,840,000

Norfolk Cavaliers
MR Cristobal Diaz: 2 years / $6,960,000
OF Mike Simmons: 1 year / $6,500,000

Still out there:
SP Ricardo Gonzalez (Richmond, Milton, Washington, Georgetown)
OF Matt Martin (Newark, Lewes)
3B Tom Anderson (Newark, Richmond, New Castle, Lewes)
1B Francisco Gallegos (New Castle, Ocean City)
SP Ronald Cook (Richmond, Norfolk, Lewes, Baltimore)

Trades:
Milford Clippers: Received MR Greg McAskill (2-0 3.04) from the Ellicott City Express for a minor leaguer.
Wilmington Iron Pigs: Sent CL Angel Nasquez (5-6 4.70, 7 SV) and $1.6M in cash to the Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs for 3B Ed Harding (.232/.280/.314, 6 HR).
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: Sent C Melvin Wright (.296/.372/.504, 7 HR) and $7,410,000 cash to cover his contract for MR Raul Pabalate (0-1 3.38) and a minor leaguer.
Georgetown Sixteens: Pulled off possible the deal of the off-season, getting 1B Hank Davis (.299/.335/.607, 42 HR) from the Richmond Cardinals for 3B Glenn Velasco (.240/.317/.364, 8 HR) and minor leaguer CF Vasco Cerqueora (#168)
King George Royals: Received two of the best named players SP Millard MacBeth (AA, #130) and 2B Fred Swarts (AA, #243) from the Salisbury Ports for SP Nate Rice (4-15 5.52) and $1.5M cash.

Injuries:
none

Hall-of-Fame Ballot:
My HoF Ballot consists of 3 pitchers that did a lot for me over my career and one of the games best hitters. SP Miguel Contreras (261-95 2.55, 2822 K', 121.0 WAR, 7 Golden Arms), SP Marcos Estrada (228-115 2.77, 2815 K's, 109.9 WAR, 2 Golden Arms), SP Matt Hollis (145-78 3.03, 1875 K's, 51.1 WAR, 3 Golden Arms) and 3B Cliff Jones (.312/.391/.456, 2494 Hits, 253 SB, 138 R, 48.1 WAR).. the only guy I am leaving off that could get in is Jerry Copeland (191-127 3.31, 1288 K, 66.0 WAR) but I think he is just a little less then the three I am selecting and four pitchers is too many... that being said I may end up removing Hollis... I did recall my ballot and remove Hollis.

League Events Coming Up:
01/03/34: Hall-of-Fame Results
01/28/34: Preseason Begins

[illeracula]

Hall of Fame Voting Results: The ballots are counted and the results are in. This year we will witness two players added to the Hall of Fame. Miguel Contreras, and Marcos Estrada 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.

SP Miguel Contreras 99.4 (1st year) Inducted HOF
SP Marcos Estrada 99.1 (1st year) Inducted HOF
3B Cliff Jones 72.8 (1st year)
SP Jerry Copeland 49.1 (2nd year)
SP Matt Hollis 25.6 (3rd year)
C Richard Taylor 23.8 (3rd year)
C Jesús Núñez 21.3 (1st year)
LF Glenn Jenkins 20.1 (6th year)
SP James McLaughlin 10.8 (1st year)
RF Steve Williams 9.6 (6th year)
C Marvin Martin 8.3 (1st year)
RP Arturo Herrera 7.4 (1st year)
SP Jarred Perry 5.9 (6th year)
SP Vincent Parker 1.2 (1st year) Dropped
3B Mike Taylor 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
C Alfredo Marín 0.3 (1st year) Dropped

Contreras Honored by First Ballot Selection to DBL Hall of Fame:
At his Hall of Fame induction legendary pitcher, Miguel Contreras reminisced about his baseball career: "My how time flies. It is only a mere moment from your first spring training game to your first oldtimer's game. But it a magnificent journey."

Today Contreras was installed into the DELMARVA Baseball League Hall of Fame after his selection by the Baseball Writers Association.

Baseball's newest HOF inductee was one fine hurler. When Contreras retired at age 40, he had registered 261 wins and 95 losses, struck out 2822 hitters, pitched in 513 games and compiled a 2.55 ERA.

Among the many people he mentioned in his induction speech was his first manager.
"He gave me my first opportunity when he could have kept other people. I was lucky -- he was a Miguel Contreras fan. You can't get in the Hall of Fame without your first chance."

Wilmington Iron Pigs Legend joins Hall of Fame: Today was an historic day in the life of pitching star, Marcos Estrada. Today he was inducted into the DELMARVA Baseball League Hall of Fame and joined the ranks of baseball's elite.

Lifetime Estrada put up a won-loss record of 228-115, had an ERA of 2.77, struck out 2815 batters and held opposing teams to a .238 batting average. Estrada made 585 mound appearances and worked 3030 innings in his career.

During his induction speech, the talented hurler told the audience what he thought made him successful, "Less than a foot makes the difference between being the winning pitcher and the losing pitcher -- a hero and a bum -- and it can also be the difference between a short stint in the league, a ten-year career and making the Hall of Fame. Fortunately I was blessed with a strong arm, good movement and good location. Those few inches made a huge difference in my baseball career."


My Notes
I had both of these guys on my teams over the years and they were both just dominate. It is probably rightfully so that they are coming to the Hall alone, just two of the games best pitchers. These guys were dominate in their prime to the point where we won't see two guys like this pitching at the same time again.

In 2023 I was lucky enough to have both of these guys on my Norfolk team. Estrada went 20-4 2.45 and Contreras 16-7 2.87 to lead the Cavaliers to a 123-39 record. We didn't win the title that year, somehow, but it was an awesome experience having both of these guys in the rotation.

I would like to welcome the 9th and 10th players into the DBL Hall-of-Fame:

[illeracula]

One thing I wanted to do this off-season was make some modifications to out ballpark move the fences in try to get some offensive spark. And that is what I did, it wasn't a big change, but I am hoping a big enough change to make a different. The biggest change was moving in CF from 430 to 399. Other than that some minor changes were made to the RF line and the LF power alley. This will still be a pitchers park (I think), but should also give us a boost. I was worried about making drastic changes so I went a slight modification.

The changes have been made and season tickets are for sale! Hopefully we can draw more than the 1,770,924 we did in 2033.

Introducing the new look "Battlefield" home of the Chadds Ford Cannons:

PS: I just realized, a few days after this post, that I put the wrong logo on the map... oops. We were going to be Valley Forge, but changed to Chadds Ford down the road. I can't remember why, I think it was because VF didn't exist as a town in OOTP. Oh well, a little bit of DBL history...

[illeracula]

Chadds Ford, Georgetown Agree to Trade: You can't always get what you want, but sometimes you find a deal anyway. The Baseball News Network is reporting that Chadds Ford and Georgetown have made a swap with 31-year-old RF Dave Lewis, 29-year-old CF Martin Adams, 25-year-old minor league C Carlos Segura, 28-year-old minor league 2B Andy Rice, 25-year-old minor league LHP Ángel Delgado, a 3rd round draft pick and a 10th round draft pick being shipped to the Sixteens and in return the Cannons would get 28-year-old CF Lu-po-teh Men.

The Georgetown general manager said the two sides were close to a blockbuster trade before agreeing upon a smaller scale transaction. "This is just a bit of housekeeping compared to what we wanted to do," he said. "I won't name names, but the potential deal we were close to making would have certainly grabbed some headlines." A source inside the Chadds Ford organization said the two sides might not be done dealing, and another transaction could be in the works.

During his career Adams is hitting .252 with a total of 30 home runs.

--------

Yes I gave up too much, yes this was a bad deal, yes I get it! I had to make it! Why? Because just last week I got a nasty gram from our owner, Ralph Corbin, "reminding" of the budget concerns... Ugh... so I had shopped around and this was the best I could do... Overall losing the draft picks is what hurts the most, but without Martin and Lewis our defense will take a little hit. Then again, we know have $6M to spend! Maybe I can find a one-year-wonder... Just kidding. I am done, I will go with who I have.

This was a painful move, but I felt like it had to be done with Corbin breathing down my neck.

[illeracula]

Budget: $61,000,000 (t22nd)
Payroll: $37,614,550 (24th)
Money for free Agents: $664,450
Money for Extensions: none
Fan Interest: 52
Owner Mood: Good
WAR: +1.3

Free Agents:
none

Trades:
Traded 31-year-old left fielder Dave Lewis, 29-year-old center fielder Martin Adams, 25-year-old minor league catcher Carlos Segura, 28-year-old minor league second baseman Andy Rice, 25-year-old minor league reliever Ángel Delgado, a 3rd round draft pick and a 10th round draft pick to the Georgetown Sixteens, getting 28-year-old center fielder Lu-po-teh Men in return.

Spring Training Invites:
Purchased the contract of 1B Eugene Todd from Triple A San Juan.
Purchased the contract of 2B Mike Griffin from Triple A San Juan.
Purchased the contract of RP Gallin Krall from Triple A San Juan.
Purchased the contract of 2B Juan Guzmán from Triple A San Juan.
Purchased the contract of SP Eric Harmon from Triple A San Juan.
Purchased the contract of CF Chance Boone from Triple A San Juan.
Purchased the contract of RP Jack Sharpe from Triple A San Juan.
Purchased the contract of SP Arturo Contreras from Triple A San Juan.

Placed CF Lu-po-teh Men on the 40-man roster/active roster.
Purchased the contract of RF Ndungu Abdelsatta from Triple A San Juan.

Spring Training:
Record: 17-11 (1st)

Spring Leaders
AVG: Tim Burman/Patrick McGee: .333
HR: Ernesto Condarco: 5
RBI: Alton Howard: 15
R: Matt Douglas: 14
H: Alton Howard: 26

ERA: John Denton: 0.45
W: John Denton: 4
S: Jonathan Loeffler: 8
K's: Kerry Neal: 17
IP: Denton/Lancaster/Oulton/Sanchez: 20.0

I came into spring with way too many players, 26 position players battling for 14 slots, and 22 pitchers battling for 11 slots, ugh. I will have to make some tough calls coming down the road.

Catchers:
David Cornett (sent to AAA)
Alton Howard
Patrick McGee
Donald Hampton (early demotion back to AAA)

First Base:
Lawrence Harrison
Pat Jones (sent to AAA)
Carroll Johnson
Eugene Todd (sent to AAA)

Second Base:
Stanton Anderson
Juan Guzman (sent to AAA)
Mike Griffin
Manny Hernandez

Third Base:
Dargon Karadzic
Francisco Villalobos
Zach Davenport
Edgardo Castro (early demotion to AAA)

Shortstop:
Melis Collin
Jason Simmons

Oufield:
Ernesto Condarco
Pablo Rivera
Chance Boone (sent to AAA)
Matt Doulgas
Lu-po-teh men
Ndungu Abdelsatta (sent to AAA)
Tim Burman
Henry Gilmore (sent to AAA)

Starting Pitchers:
Carl Oulton
Jason Lancaster
John Denton
Carlos Sanchez
Laz Tadiotto
Jesus Lugo
Eric Harmon (sent to AAA)
Tadasuke Uenohara (sent to AAA)
Arturo Conteras (early demotion to AAA)

Relievers:
Jonathan Loeffler
Kerry Neal
Ruben Dano Dasmarinas
Lloyd Newsome
Pepe Martines
Tony Cox
Matt Noble
Arturo Contreras
Mike Quinn
Steve Adams (early waivers, cleared AAA)
Jack Sharpe (early demotion to AAA)
Gallin Krall (early demotion to AAA)
Felipe Leyva (early demotion to AAA)

GM Notes:
With 3 days to go till opening day, I still have a bunch of roster moves to make. I am not sure how I am going to pull this off, but I guess I will have to... With the last round of cuts I am stuck with 18 position players and 15 pitches. I have to get that down to 14-11 and I am not sure how I am supposed to that. I will have some tinkering and thinking to do as we head into opening day...

The positives? Matt Noble and Laz Tadiotto are the only pitches that have used all of their options... The offensive side is much more hectic, with 8 players using their options. Going to be tough...

But how about that spring of ours, wow we looked good. Denton looks to be fully back and healed from his shoulder issues, now I just need Lancaster and Sanchez to get back to where they 'should' be and we are in a good slot. I think. The pre-season predictions have us finishing third (more on that in a different post) with an under .500 record. UGH. This is the year Corbin expects me to be in the playoffs, but with his budget cuts and our inability to add players it makes it tough… I also have to hope that moving the fences in won’t affect Oulton who is a flyball pitcher.

I watched the off-season with a grimace on my face as I saw players I really could have used get signed for under $2M. Pitchers, hitters, you name it, players that could have really helped this club. I am worried heading into 2034 not because of the players I have, but more for my job and the owner's perception of it. I keep talking about calling it quits at some point, but a) I still enjoy it, b) I like this challenge and c) Its fun and there is finally a nice history after 23 seasons… so I wonder if I get canned do I go somewhere else or hang it up…

I digress, back to this team… We are deep and we are young! I looked on the free-agent market and there is one guy there would could really help this team. He would be the 10th pitcher, but he is a hard worker, a vet, and a leader. And well known to me. I just don’t have enough roster space for one of my fav’s Vaughan Griffith.

Time to get on with the final cuts and to make this roster fit. This is exciting times as we begin yet another season of ball here in Chadds Ford.

A final roster breakdown coming up...



Off-Season Center:
WAR Gained (+ only):
1) Milford Clippers: 13.0
2) New Castle Colonials: 11.3
3) Lewes Braves: 8.6
4) Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 7.2
5) Ellicott City Express: 5.3

WAR Lost:
24) Seaford Blue Jays: -13.1
23) Georgetown Sixteens: -12.0
22) Baltimore Barons: -11.1
21) Richmond Cardinals: -4.8
20) Salisbury Ports: -3.1

Free Agents:
Signings:
Georgetown Sixteens
SP Claudio Perez: 1 year / $1,840,000

Milford Clippers
SP Ricardo Gonzalez: 6 years / $134,600,000

Lewes Braves
1B Woody Brown: 1 year / $3,280,000
SP/CL Alberto Ramos: 1 year / $1,640,000
SP Rodney Glatz: 2 years / $13,300,000
MR Jesus Miranda: 1 year / $1,200,000

New Castle Colonials
1B Francisco Gallegos: 1 year / $4,880,000
3B Tom Anderson: 1 year / $6,900,000
SP Boyd McKnight: 1 year / $1,260,000
SP Paul Lee: 1 year / $2,880,000
MR Irving Mills: 1 year / $1,220,000

Richmond Cardinals
LF Matt Martin: 2 years / $17,600,000
SP Ronald Cook: 1 year / $12,400,000
SP Jose Lerma: 3 year / $16,830,000

Dover Generals
OF Matt Doulgas: 1 year / $1,860,000

Annapolis Admirals
SP Mike Orr: 1 year / $1,700,000
MR Michael Meagher: 1 year / $680,000

Chesapeake Blue Crabs:
MR Teo Ha: 1 year / $1,540,000

Wilmington Iron Pigs
3B Mario Gomez: 1 year / $3,040,000

Washington Senators
SP Francisco Lopez: 2 years / $5,760,000
SS Claudio Flores: 1 year/ $1,760,000

Ellicott City Express
1B Eric Woods: 1 year / $1,380,000
1B Enzo Allard: 1 year / $820,000

Milton Brewers
2B Steven Jefferson: 1 year / $2,880,000

Baltimore Barons
MR Ryan Williams: 1 year / $686,000

Norfolk Cavaliers
MR George Meyer: 1 year / $1,700,000

Trades:
Milton Brewers: Acquired the first pitcher in DBL history to throw 2-no-hitters in the same season, SP Narcissus Kondylis, from the Lewes Braves for 2B Tony Keith.
Christiana Blue Hens: And the Martinsburg Mountaineers swapped short-stops with Jay Armstrong heading to Christian, and Chris Cook, along with $1.08M to the Mountaineers.

Injuries:
Wilmington Iron Pigs: Lost SP Ryan Carson for 6-7 months with shoulder inflammation. Carson pitched in 31-games last season going 12-12 4.51.
Wilmington Iron Pigs: Lost SP Dave Watts for 6 months with bone chips in his shoulder. Watts went 18-12 4.26 last year for the Pigs.
Ocean City Tourists: Lost SP Jerry Sutton for 4-5 months with a torn labrum. Sutton was 12-13 4.74 for the Ports last year.
Ocean City Tourists: Will be without OF Bob Brooks for 6-weeks after Brooks suffered an elbow sprain during a pre-season game. Brooks is set to miss the first month of the regular season. He hit .241-28-79 last year.
Washington Senators: Will be without their closer Bernard McCormick for 3-4 months. McCormick heads to the DL with shoulder inflammation. Last season he saved 35 games while posting a 2.43 ERA.
King George Royals: Announced they will be without C Angle Marrero for 4-months. Marrero fractured his ankle on the last day of spring. Last season he hit .219-8-2 for the Royals.

Spring Training:
DE Colonial Division: New Castle Colonials: 17-11 .607 (+4)
DE Northern Division: Chadds Ford Colonials: 17-11 .607 (+4)
DE Atlantic Division: Georgetown Sixteens: 19-9 .679 (+3)
MV Beltway Division: Annapolis Admirals: 18-10 .643 (+1)
MV Mountain Division: Ellicott City Express/Richmond Cardinals: 14-14 .500 (+3)
MV Coastal Division: Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 19-9 .679 (+1)

AVG: Ricardo Hidalgo, Washington Senators: .444
HR: Manuel Miranda, Washington Senators: 9
RBI: Ricardo Hidalgo, Washington Senators: 25
R: Cris Flores, New Castle Colonials: 19
H: Jose Rodriguez, Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 30

ERA: Curtis Evans, Lewes Braves/Alex Gross, Norfolk Cavaliers: 0.00
W: John Denton, Chadds Ford/ 2 others: 2
S: Miguel Angel Gonzalez, Norfolk Cavaliers/Ramon Tiardo, Georgetown Sixteens: 10
K's: Ricardo Gonzalez, Milford Clippers: 27
IP: Alfonso Hernandez, Annapolis Admirals: 21.2

League Events Coming Up:
04/03/34: Opening Day!

[illeracula]

Top 100 Prospects List Published
The season is about to start, so it's time to publish the annual Top 100 Prospects list. This year 22-year-old RHP Kevin Schultz of the King George Royals is the #1 prospect overall.

Here is the top 10:
1) RHP Kevin Schultz, 22, King George Royals
2) 1B Júlio Casanes, 24, Martinsburg Mountaineers
3) RHP José Ruíz, 21, Chesapeake Blue Crabs
4) 3B Steven Hodge, 20, Chesapeake Blue Crabs
5) RHP Alfonso Andrade, 25, Richmond Cardinals
6) 3B Brian Anderson, 21, Newark Millers
7) RHP John Smith, 24, Seaford Blue Jays
8) RHP Ben Hensley, 22, Dover Generals
9) 1B Fred Ryan, 23, King George Royals
10) CF Howard Gray, 21, Seaford Blue Jays

Schultz is going to start the season at AAA, but could be up to the bigs by the end of the season. He is quickly working is way through the King George system. He was the 2nd overall pick last season and made starts in short-season A, single-A and double-A... Watch out for this kid.
Stuff: 11/16, Movement: 13/14, Control: 9/13, Fastball: 15/18, Slider: 8/12, Changeup: 3/8, Forkball: 12/16
Groundball Tendency, 97-99 Velocity and 15 stamina!

Here is a look at the past top prospects, with some very quality names on the list including some Hall-of-Famers and Hall-of-Famers to be.
2013: OF Peter Peters, New Castle Colonials
2014: SP Pedro Rivera, Ocean City Tourists
2015: C Andy Kohl, Dover Generals
2016: SP Brad Jones, Newark Millers
2017: C Will Riley, Ellicott City Express
2018: C Antonio 'Buzz' Castaneda, Chesapeake Blue Crabs
2019: SP Pablo García, Salisbury Ports
2020: SS Anthony Lucarelli, Seaford Blue Jays
2021: SS Anthony Lucarelli, Seaford Blue Jays
2022: SP Ricardo González, Wilmington Iron Pigs
2023: MR Júlio Rocha, Milton Brewers
2024: SP Gonzalo Bustamante, Georgetown Sixteens
2025: LF Jorge Arredondo, Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs
2026: SS António Hernández, Ellicott City Express
2027: RF Jorge Arredondo, Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs
2028: SP Juan Durango, New Castle Colonials
2029: C Héctor Pagán, Richmond Cardinals
2030: C Héctor Pagán, Richmond Cardinals
2031: SS Brian Battle, Martinsburg Mountaineers
2032: SS Brian Battle, Martinsburg Mountaineers
2033: CF Salvador Espinoza, Washington Senators

Espinoza made his debut for the Senators last season playing in 41 games, hitting .312-0-10. He isn't developed yet, and could still live up to that #1 ranking. He is only 20 after all!

[illeracula]

Last seasons #1 minor league system dropped down to 8th, while the King George Royals jumped from 13th to the top of the list, thanks large in a part to 2033 draft picks Kevin Schultz and Fred Ryan. The Royals have struggled quite a bit over the years, hopefully this will be the bright spot they need...

As for my Chadds Ford Cannons? Well we are now sitting at #9. I am not overly happy with the mainly because we don't have any top 100 offensive prospects! UGH, that is not a good thing. With Eric Harmon at #20 being our brightest star... Juan Guzman, now #8 in the Cannons system, continues to drop over the years. Hopefully somone from this bunch can step up and jump in the ratings this season... at least our pitching should have a future with our top 7 prospects being pitchers!

[illeracula]

For better or for worse here is my team, and how I got to these 25 players...



Budget: $61,000,000 (t22nd)
Payroll: $29,145,200 (24th)
Money for free Agents: $9,133,800 (I had to dump a couple of key players to get here)
Money for Extensions: none
Fan Interest: 52
Owner Mood: Satisfied
Week 1: 3 @ Lewes Braves, 3 @ Milton Brewers
(start off with 9 games on the road)

Payrolls in the league:
#1 Lewes Braves - $168,895,100 (one of 4 teams over $168M)
#23 Cape May Beacons - $46,594,350

Budgets in the league:
#1 Lewes Braves - $236,000,000 / #2 Washington Senators $206,000,000
#24 Salisbury Ports - $53,000,000

Personal Message from Owner Ralph Corbin: Season Expectation:
Tony,

Welcome to the new season. I hope that the off-season has treated you well! This is also a reminder that you should at least try to stay close to an even record.

Good Luck!
Ralph Corbin

I am happy to see he lowered his expectation from a play-off team to a .500 team. I truly that is doable... and who knows what else could be possible! lol

The Roster Break Down
The goal is to cut the roster down to 25-men for opening day. Hopefully, it won't be as hard as I think it is going to be. Lets check it:

Catchers:
*David Cornett (.222-0-4 / 14 G / 4-18 )
Alton Howard (.310-4-15 / 26 G / 26-84)
Patrick McGee (.333-2-6 / 24 G / 19-57)
*Donald Hampton (.067-0-0 / 10 G / 1-15)

Donald Hampton was the favorite to be the DH, but just didn't hit so I decided to send him down to start the season. Cornett will take the roll as the #3 or 4 catcher, depending on if what I need down the road... for now Howard will be my #1 after a strong spring and a great finish to last season... both Cornett and Hampton will head to AAA, maybe I will get some 1B or 3B action for Hampton.

First Base:
*Lawrence Harrison (.261-0-2 / 23 G / 6-23)
*Pat Jones (.000-0-0 / 18 G / 0-6)
Carroll Johnson (.271-1-6 / 26 G / 16-59)
*Eugene Todd (.077-1-1 / 6 G / 1-13)

Carroll Johnson was supposed to be my #1, but right now I am not sure... for now Jones and Todd will head down AAA. Todd might head over to play 3B or the OF to become an all-around utility guy... Not sure what to expect from Jones, but he isn't happy head down... Harrison has no options so he is here to stay. He played solid last season in limited time, not sure how good he will be as a full-timer...

Second Base:
Stanton Anderson (.246-1-5 / 26 G / 15-61)
*Juan Guzman (.250-0-0 / 14 G / 3-12)
*Mike Griffin (.240-1-3 / 22 G / 6-25)
Manny Hernandez (.364-0-1 / 17 G / 8-22)

Anderson will be the starter with Hernandez the back-up... Griffin will be DFA'd, if I knew I was going to have to DFA him again I wouldn't have invited him to spring. Maybe he will get claimed and save me some money... Hernandez is my utility man so he will be here. He is my speed so I need him here.. Guzman is losing his talent, which is very disappointing, and he will be heading to AAA.

Third Base:
Dargon Karadzic (.304-2-5 / 28 G / 17-56)
Francisco Villalobos (.329-4-11 / 28 G / 23-70)
Zach Davenport (.115-0-0 / 25 G / 3-26)
*Edgardo Castro (DNP)

Castro was sent down early, he just hasn't been that good. At one point he was one of our top 10 prospects, another fizzle... Villalobos is the man and will be around for now, but he is very welcome trade bait if this team dumps... Davenport, no options, utility player he is staying around for now... Not sure about Dragon he is pretty awesome for what he does, but he maybe one of those casualties.

Shortstop:
*Melis Collin (.177-1-6 / 25 G / 11-62)
Jason Simmons (.364-0-5 / 16 G / 8-22)

Simmons looks to be staying around after a solid spring... Collin isn't hitting, but he is the man when it comes to the glove. So defense or hitting? I think I need the offense for now so he will be another odd man out.

Oufield:
Ernesto Condarco (.289-5-12 / 28 G / 22-80)
Pablo Rivera (.200-0-4 / 24 G / 7-35)
*Chance Boone (.500-0-0 / 5 G / 1-2)
Matt Doulgas (.301-1-7 / 28 G / 22-73)
Lu-po-teh Men (.286-3-5 / 21 G / 8-28)
*Ndungu Abdelsatta (.313-0-2 / 15 G / 5-16)
Tim Burman (.333-2-9 / 28 G / 23-69)
*Henry Gilmore (.192-0-3 / 20 G / 5-26)

Gilmore struggled but could be a solid contributor in the future down he went... Boone just doesn't have the talent to mix with the others I have, but could be up with us at some point. He was DFA'd so we will see if he is still around... Abdelsatta was given and opportunity and he impressed, but he isn't "ready" just yet... Condarco, Burman and Douglass are my starters and I really like that trio. Could use another bat, but I am ok with who I have... that leaves Men and Rivera. Men doesn't have options, so I could lose him. Rivera has one left, but plays other positions. He might be someone I want around. I will see what I have left and make my decision.

The final slot...
It comes down to the final cut, as after that I have 15 players on the roster. That means Men, Rivera, Dragon or Johnson will be heading down... I decided to go a different route and hopefully I don't regret it, but I DFA'a Lawrence Harrison. Crazy move I know, but I feel it was the right one to make. It came down to Rivera or Dragon or Harrison and Rivera and Dragon just offer more. I hope he can sneak through waivers, but if he doesn't it is ok... We gave our 14 position players.

Starting Pitchers:
Carl Oulton (1-1 2.70, 20.0 IP, 22 H)
Jason Lancaster (0-1 5.40, 20.0 IP, 18 H)
John Denton (4-0 0.45, 20 IP, 13 H)
Carlos Sanchez (1-0 1.35, 20 IP, 15 H)
Laz Tadiotto (2-1 4.50, 16 IP, 15 H)
*Jesus Lugo (1-2 7.07, 14.0 IP, 19 H)
*Eric Harmon (0-2 9.82, 7.1 iP, 14 H)
*Tadasuke Uenohara (0-0 6.14, 7.1 IP, 9 H)
*Arturo Conteras (0-0 11.25, 4.0 IP, 3 H)

Harmon, Uenohara, and Contreras were sent down. I am ok with that, and despite their poor showings both Harmon and Uenohara should have bright futures ahead of them... Lugo struggled during the spring and I could use him in the bullpen, but I think its best to send him down to get more reps as a starter. He is my #6 so if anyone gets hurt he gets the call. Downfall on Lugo? He is known to be a fragile guy... I have my starting 5.

Relievers:
Jonathan Loeffler (1-2 6.94, 8 SV, 11.2 IP, 9 H)
Kerry Neal (2-0 2.25, 12.0 IP, 12 H)
Ruben Dano Dasmarinas (0-1 3.86, 9.1 IP, 5 H)
Lloyd Newsome (2-0 1.53, 17.2 IP, 10 H)
*Pepe Martines (0-0 1.42, 12.2, 9 H)
*Tony Cox (2-0 0.73, 12.1 IP, 5 H)
Matt Noble (1-0 5.19, 8.2 IP, 14 H)
Mike Quinn (0-0 6.35, 11.1 IP, 16 H)
*Steve Adams (0-0 7.71, 2.1 IP, 5 H)
*Jack Sharpe (0-0 0.00, 3.0 IP, 2 H)
*Gallin Krall (0-0 13.50, 2.0 IP, 7 H)
*Felipe Leyva (0-0 1.59, 5.2 IP, 4 H)
*Dan Kessler (0-1 3.86, 11.2 IP, 16 H)

Leyva, Sharpe, Krall and Adams were easy picks to get sent down. Krall sis probably the bright spot out of that bunch, but didn't look good this spring... Loeffler is the closer, so he is going to stay around, Quinn looked ok and is a rule-5, but has a load of talent so I am keeping him a round as well... That leads to the the need to demote 3 players. UGH... Kessler and Martinez have options and were an easy pick, both aren't overly happy, but they give me depth... and despite having a gret spring Tony Cox was demoted, that one was a tough call, but I think it makes sense... we know have 11 pitches, and the guys in AAA better be ready because I am not going to have much patients with struggles...

This was a tough cut year for me, but I think I put the best team on the field. I am excited and nervous for this season, but I feel like we have some talent and could make some noise...

Opening Day Lineup:
SP: Carl Oulton

1B: Carroll Johnson
SS: Jason Simmons (L)
CF: Matt Douglas
LF: Ernesto Condarco
DH: Francisco Villalobos
RF: Tim Burman
C: Patrick McGee
2B: Stanton Anderson
3B: Dragon Karadzic

I am not 100% sold on this lineup, but Burgos has the final say. I actually like Sweetapple's lineup better but for now this is what we have.

Personally, I would move Douglas to the lead-off and Villalobos to the #3 slot, leaving the lefty Simmons in the #2 hole. The McGee in the #5 and the rookie Johnson in the #7 hole... and I would have Howard starting behind the plate not McGee. Burgos has him playing every 3 days, I would at least do every 2 if he isn't the starter.

That is the team, that is how we are heading into the 2034 season. This should be an exciting season. New stadium, some new faces, and a chance to make Chadds Ford history!

Lets do this.

[illeracula]

DE Conference Predictions
No real surprise that the Clippers are picked to win 103 games this season and win the Colonial Division. They had the biggest off-season pick-up in Ricardo Gonzalez who should lead this team to another playoff birth.

In the Northern Division the Newark Millers are predicted to walk away with the title, as long as their pitching staff can stay healthy and strong. The Millers continue to develop and get better and could be on path to make a run at the title.

The Atlantic Division still contains the most talent, despite names like Bond, Hidalgo and Gonzalez leaving. The Brewers, Sixteens and Braves should (once again) battle it out for the division title and the wild card. It will be interesting to see how these teams play this season after losing their stars.

The Chadds Ford Cannons are predicted to finish second, just out of the wild card and with a winning record! Wow. I hope we can live up to those expectations, as I have seen some crazy things happen during the season that turn these predictions upside down. The biggest thing this year is we have players listed in the top 10! One position player and two pitchers, and the pitchers list doesn't include our ace from last season. This is really exciting for the Cannons I just hope we can stay healthy and in contention... I am not going to go crazy and say we will make the playoffs, but a nice plus-.500 season would be great!

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference Predictions
In the Beltway division it looks like the Admirals will take home another title. The Senators however should never be counted out with their big pockets and powerful bats.

The Mountain Division will be lead by the Cardinals once again with the rest of the gang just trying to mount an attack. The Cardinals look to take home their third title in four seasons. The Mountaineers look to be a team who just can't get it right.

The Coastal Division is the only Division in the MC to have two teams predicted to win over 90 games, with the Cavaliers holding down the fort and winning yet another title. While the Surf Dawgs take in the Wild Card and head to the playoffs.

Should be a fun season in the MarVa Conference, just look a the top 10 hitters with four hitters predicted to smash over 50 HR's and another 4 over 40! There is just so much talent in the MarVa Conference.

Wow, this could be an offensive year for the DBL...

[illeracula]

Week 1
Current Week: 3-3 (3-3 .500 / - GB)
Next Week: 3 @ Milford Clippers, 3 vs Dover Generals
Power Ranking: 9 (91.0)
Fan Interest: 52
Owners Mood: Satisifed
Expectation: Close to .500

Home: 0-0 .000
Away: 3-3 .500

Runs Scored: 22 (t7th)
Avg: .260 (5th)
HR: 2 (11th)
SB: 4 (t3rd)
Runs Against: 47 (12th)
Starters ERA: 4.05 (t7th)
Pen ERA: 15.00 (12th) << WHAT!!!
Def Eff: .680 (9th)

Top Performers:
Hitting: 1B Carrol Johnson: 10-26 (.385), 3 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R's
Pitching: SP John Denton: 1-0 1.29, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 3 H, ER, K

Game 1: Chadds Ford 3, Lewes 11
Carl Oulton (0-1): 7.0 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Mike Quinn: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 BB
Carrol Johnson: 3-5, 2B, 2 R, RBI
Jason Simmons: 3-5, RBI
H: 7, LOB: 8

Game 2: Chadds Ford 7, Lewes 6 (10 Innings)
Jason Lancaster: 7.1 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 4 K
Jonathan Loeffler (BS 1): 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, BB, K
Ruben Dano Dasmarinas (1-0): 0.1 IP, K
Lloyd Newsome (SV 1): 1.0 IP, BB, K
Matt Douglas: 3-4, 3B, R, RBI
Tim Burman: 2-5, HR (1), R, 2 RBI
Francisco Villalobos: 2-4, 2 RBI
H: 12, LOB: 5

Game 3: Chadds Ford 2, Lewes 1
John Denton (1-0): 7.0 IP, 3 H, R, 5 BB, K
Jonathan Loeffer (SV 1): 1.0 IP, K
Stanton Anderson: 1-4, 2 RBI
Zach Davenport: 1-3, R
Carroll Johnson: 1-3, 2B
H: 5, LOB: 2

Game 4: Chadds Ford 2, Milton 7
Carlos Sanchez (0-1): 7.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 4 K
Carroll Johnson: 2-4, RBI
Dragon Karadzic: 1-3, 2B, R, RBI
H: 6, LOB: 3

Game 5: Chadds Ford 2, Milton 17
Laz Tadiotto (0-1): 5.0 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Mike Quinn: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 6 R, 3 BB
Matt Noble: 0.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R
Manny Hernandez: 4-4, RBI
Patrick McGee: 2-4
Jason Simmons: 2-5
Matt Douglas: 2-5
H: 14,LOB: 13

Game 6: Chadds Ford 6, Milton 5
Carl Oulton: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, BB, 3 K
Ruben Dano Dasmarinas (2-0): 1.1 IP, K
Jonathan Loeffler (SV 2): 1.0 IP
Dragon Karadzic: 1-3, HR (1), 2 R, 3 RBI
Stanton Anderson: 2-4, 2 R
Carroll Johnson: 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI
Francisco Villalobos: 1-2, 2B (left hurt, running)
H: 12, LOB: 9



Transactions:
Placed 3B Francisco Villalbos on the 11 DL
Purchased the Contract of SS Melis Collin form AAA
1B Lawrence Harrison, 2B Mike Griffin, CF Chance Boone cleared waviers and were sent to AAA.

Injuries:
3B Francisco Villalobos, intercostal strain, 2 weeks, 11-day DL

Villalobos was off to a slow start and this is just adding a little salt to the wound as he will now have to wait to play again for 2 weeks. During opening week he was 4-22 (.182) with a double and 2 RBI's.

Other/Roster News:
none

GM Notes:
First let me say I think this was a successful week. We end the week 3 and 3 going up against two of the top teams in the DBL. Ok we got blown out, but you know what I am going to focus on the positive (at least in this paragraph) and say we had a good week and if we can keep playing like this we will be a-ok!

What are: 108.00, 90.00, 10.80 and 10.13? Did you guess four relievers ERA's? Then you were right on! Amazing how bad these guys did and two of them are my set-up man and my closer... Loeffler (10.13) pitched in 3 games this week and got roughed around in one of them, and after a so-so spring I would be lying if I am not a little curious as to what is going on... Dano Dasmarinas (10.80) only gave up 1 hit and and walk, but he did give up 3 runs. So it is hard to complain too much about him. I do need him to get his act together, plus 1.2 innings is tough to judge anyone on... Mike Quinn (90.00) has such a bright future, and is a rule-5 pick so he has to be around if I want to keep him, but he will need to show he has some worth. In 1.0 inning over 2 games, he gave up 6 hits, walked 5 and gave up 10 runs!... And Matt Noble (108.00) just didn't have anything going for him during that Milton game. I just hope this isn't the norm and that over the next week as the sampling sizes get bigger these stats come back down to normal... Noble is a clubhouse leader and has decent ratings I need him around, I don't have many leaders...

The thing I have to remember is "small sample size" we can't judge our bullpen based on one week right? I just have a lot of talent (Kessler, Martinez, Cox) down on the farm that are ready for the call.

The injury to Villalobos will hurt but its only 2 weeks. As long as our starters keep going strong we should be good to go. The key is pitching with this team. We throw strikes, we keep the opponents runs down we will contend for the W of each game. For the mean time Melis Collin will get the start at SS and Dragon Karadzic get the call at 3B. You will see some Jason Simmons, Zach Davenport and Manny Hernandez, but Burgos decided to go this way. The one move I agree with is Alton Howard getting the PT behind the plate.

I am ready to get the second week going, and get home to our newly modified stadium and see what we can do. We have a young lineup, and we will be starting next week with 4 players with under 100 games played, and 2 rookies, one making his debut. I wish Melis Collin luck. I like this kid and yes I know 2-years ago I said Jason Simmons was my SS of the future, but I really think Melis might take his slot. In my mind it will come down to who hits.

Lets get week 2 going, however we do have another tough week ahead.



Standings Leaders
DE Colonial: Milford Clippers: 6-0 (+2)
DE Northern: Three teams tied: 3-3 (+1)
DE Atlantic: Lewes Braves: 4-2 (+1)
WC: Dover Generals (DCO): 4-2 (+1)

MV Beltway: Washington Senators: 5-1 (+3)
MV Mountain: Ellicott City Express: 4-2 (+1)
MV Coastal: Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 6-0 (+1)
WC: Norfolk Cavaliers (MCT): 5-1 (+1)

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Juan Hernandez, Milford Clippers, 11-16, HR, 9 RBI
MarVa: Ryan Hunt, King George Royals, 12-22, HR, 5 RBI's, 8 Rs

Power Rankings:
1) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (192.0)
2) Milford Clippers (192.0)
3) Washington Senators (159.0)
4) Norfolk Cavaliers (156.0)
5) Ellicott City Express/Lewes Braves (125.0)

News:
Georgetown Sixteens: Signed SP Alfredo Mejia to a year deal worth $2,440,000. Mejia went 7-12 5.56 over 28 starts with the Blue Crabs after being traded by the Cannons. Mejia is penciled in to the be the #3 starter in Georgetown.
Seaford Blue Jays: The #10th prospect in the DBL will be on the Blue Jays opening day roster ready to prove himself. The 21-year-old OF Howard Gray will be the starting LF for the Blue Jays.
Georgetown Sixteens: Signed MR John Perez to a 1-year-deal worth $3,320,000. Perez went 1-3 2.76 with 4 saves in 66 games for the Millers last season.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: 1B Stefan Wetl went 2-4 extending his hitting streak to 20-games.
Chadds Ford Cannons: 3B Francisco Villalobos took an 0-fer during an 11-3 drubbing, ending his hitting streak at 20-games.
Georgetown Sixteens: Signed yet another pitcher, Mr Yoo-hyun Kim to a 1-year-deal worth $1,920,000. Kim split the season last year with the Iron Pigs and Blue Jays going 4-1 2.69 with 2 saves in 62 games.
Newark Millers: Lost OF Emery Cardell for 3-4 weeks with a sprained ankle.
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: Will miss their star OF Ira Kelly for 4-weeks with a strained back muscle.