Fixing the Marlins!

[ayaghmour2]

May 22nd, 2020: We opened up our home series against the Phillies with Marcus Stroman (1-5, 5.93 ERA, 1.66 WHIP) taking on JoJo Romero (0-1, 6.62 ERA, 1.70 WHIP). Another bad start and I'd consider moving Stroman into the pen. We were shut out in the opener, losing 4-0.

Stroman allowed 9 hits and 4 runs in 5.2 innings while walking 4 and striking out just 1. I think his time has run out...

We only managed 4 hits, including 2 from Garrett Hampson. Brian Anderson doubled and Nicky Delmonico singled, as we looked terrible in every way, shape, and form to start the series.

I'd probably regret this, but temporarily, Brent Suter would take over for Stroman in the #5 spot.

Mary 23rd, 2020: Game two saw Jordan Montgomery (2-4, 3.33 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) take on Jake Odorizzi, who was making his season debut. We decided to hit, edging out a 7-6 victory.

Montgomery had some struggles, allowing 6 in 4 innings, but it was just 3 hits ad 3 walks while striking out 6. The pen combined for 5 shutout innings, with Drew Steckenrider earning the win, Trevor Rosenthal a hold, and Brad Brach his 8th save.

We had just 9 hits, but most were for extra bases. Lewis Brinson, Nicky Delmonico, and Marcus Semien homered, while Brian Anderson and the pitcher Montgomery doubled. Anderson singled as well, the only player with multiple hits. Delmonico drove in 2 runs, raising his total to 33, more then double any other Marlin.

May 24th, 2020: We looked to earn a series win with Zach Davies (4-3, 4.91 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) facing Vince Velasquez (2-3, 3.61 ERA, 1.35 WHIP). The pitching was good, as we won 2-1, picking up a series win at home.

Davies went 6, allowing a single run off 5 hits and a walk, while striking out 7. We took the lead in the bottom of the 8th, so Brian Duensing got his first win, and Brach earned another save.

We scored two in the 8th on a Delmonico pinch hit two run home run. He scored Victor Caratini, who doubled to leadoff the inning. Khris Davis had a double of his own, but we only had 7 hits as a team.

Tommorow was a day off, as All-Star voting would begin. I could see Brach being our lone star again, although Delmonico is making a case as well.

May 25th, 2020: The Dodgers lost SP Alex Wood for the year with a torn flexor tendon. He was 4-2 with a 4.14 ERA in 9 starts this season.

We're up a bit to 24th in the Power Rankings.

We were on the way to Chicago to take on the White Sox for three as we started an AL road trip. We'd see Noe Ramirez (0-0, 4.50 ERA), Jon Duplantier (1-4, 6.25 ERA), and Michael Kpech (4-2, 4.24). The South Siders are 19-28 this season, the same record as ours.

May 26th, 2020: The Astros inked 30-year-old George Springer to a 7-year, $126,000,000 extension. It's a rather big comitment, allocating him $18 million each year, with the last a vesting option for 135 games. He's a career .261/.351/.464 hitter with 149 homers and 450 RBI's.

The Sox welcomed us with Noe Ramirez (0-0, 4.50 ERA, 1.75 WHIP) and we gifted them the pleasure of hitting BP off Colin McHugh (1-5, 8.39 ERA, 1.89 WHIP). Instead a pitcher's duel ensued, and we took the opener 2-1, despite having 11 hits.

McHugh was actually great, 6.1 scorless with just 4 hits, 3 walks, and 6 strikeouts. His ERA is still over 7.00 for the season. Rosenthal ended up picking up the save with 1.2 innings of shutout ball.

Of the 11 hits, three of them were singles from Hampson. Victor Caratini and Teoscar Hernandez doubled. Teo, Brinson, and Marcus Semien had two hits a piece. The first and last drove in runs.

May 27th, 2020: The Jays will be without Juan Nicasio for the year with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He joined the team in the offseason as a free agent.

Game two saw Zack Wheeler (1-5, 4.72 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) and Jon Duplantier (1-4, 6.25 ERA, 1.75 WHIP) square off. The Sox got the best of us today, winning 4-3.

Wheeler went 5.2, allowed 3 runs off 7 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 5. Kevin Chapman got the loss, allowing a run in 1.1 innings of relief.

We had only 6 hits. Khris Davis, Lewis Brinson, and Brian Anderson had two a piece. Davis was the main offensive impact, a three run homer in the 1st, scoring Brinson and Nicky Delmonico.

May 28th, 2020: The rubber match saw Brent Suter (0-1, 5.21 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) make his first and hopefully only start of the year against the hard throwing Michael Kopech (4-2, 4.24 ERA, 1.10 WHIP). Suter left early with an injury, and we lost 5-2. He's DTD for a few days.

Suter actually pitched well, 4.2 innings with just 3 hits and a walk while striking out 3. He allowed just 1 run. Stroman continued to suck, allowing 4 in 1.2 innings, while picking up the loss. He did strike out 2, which is more then all, but three of his starts this year.

We didn't hit much again, but Khris Davis hit two solo homers. He was hitting awful before facing the Sox. Hernandez doubled and singled.

Mike Trout went 5-for-5 as the Angels crushed the Royals 14-1.

I guess Ronald Acuna had a hit streak, as it came to an end at 21 today.

After the game I optioned Chris Shaw to AAA and called up fellow 1B Ronald Guzman. Shaw hasn't hit much at all so far, and Guzman is a decent bench option. I also recalled Brandon Kintzler from rehab and optioned Suter. Senzatela would enter the rotation, since Suter may miss his next schedueled start.

Looking ahead, we'd face the Rays in Tampa for two, before seeing them in Miami. The Rays are having a good season at 27-24 while we're just 20-30. In St. Petersburg we'd see Blake Snell (4-5, 4.36 ERA) and Anthony Banda (0-1, 108.00 ERA). Banda allowed 4 runs in just 0.1 innings in his first start, although he left it with an injury. He's still listed as DTD.

[ayaghmour2]

May 29th, 2020: I activated Nick Rumbelow from the DL and optioned Ian Gardeck to AAA.

Jordan Montgomery (2-4, 4.10 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) took on Blake Snell (4-5, 4.36 ERA, 1.66 WHIP) in the Florida Series, the first of two in St. Petersburg before heading to Miami. Ronald Guzman is making his debut at DH. We took the opener 7-5.

Montgomery didn't pitch too great, 3 runs in 5 with 7 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Brian Duensing went 2.1 innings, and allowed 2 unearned runs due to a Teoscar Hernandez error. Trevor Rosenthal got a hold and Brad Brach got a save.

We had 11 hits, with Brian Anderson leading the way with 3. Guzman went 2-for-5 with a solo homer. Hernadez, Garrett Hampson, and Lewis Brinson all had two hits a piece, the latter two with walks. Teo, Victor Caratini, and Marcus Semien doubled and Brinson stole a base.

James Paxton tossed a 6-hit shut out as the Mariners beat the Padres 3-0.

May 30th, 2020: Game two took place between Jacob Faria (5-2, 3.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP) and Zach Davies (4-3, 4.53 ERA, 1.36 WHIP). We took the second game as well, 5-4 before moving the series home.

Davies allowed just 2 runs off 6 hits and a walk in 6 innings. He struck out three and earned the win. Brad Brach tossed a perfect 9th, and picked up his 11th save.

We had 10 hits, including a pair for Lewis Brinson, Khris Davis, and Victor Caratini. Davis homered and Caratini tripled. Brian Anderson and Ronald Fuzman doubled, and Teoscar Hernandez drove in two.

We'd see Anthony Banda (0-1, 108.00 ERA, and Kyle Bird (0-3, 4.24 ERA) back at home!

May 31st, 2020: I claimed Brian Miller off waivers, but let the righty sit for now.

Antonio Senzatela (2-1, 2.65 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) made his first start against Anthony Banda (0-1, 108.00, 12.00 WHIP). We took the first at home 4-2.

Senzatela tossed a gem, 7 innings with 6 hits and 2 runs. He didn't have a strikeout, however, but walkedjust 1. Brach picked up a save with a perfect 9th.

We managed 9 hits, including two from Khris Davis. The slugger drove in 3 runs. Anderson tripled, and Caratini and Brinson doubled in the win.

Austin Meadows got 5 hits as the Pirates still lost to the Tiger 7-6.

I designated Marcus Stroman for assigment and added Miller to the active roster.

June 1st, 2020: We're up to 16th in the power rankings to start the week.

We could pull off the double sweep with Colin McHugh (2-5, 7.33 ERA, 1.79 WHIP) taking on Kyle Bird (0-3, 4.24 ERA, 1.59 WHIP). We were unsuccessful, allowing 5 in the 9th, and dropping 15-11.

McHugh allowed 8 runs on 7 hits, 4 walks, and just 1 strikeout. Miller allowed 2 runs in his debut, and Trevor Rosenthal allowed 4 of the 5 in the 9th.

We had 15 hits, including 5 from Anderson. He scored twice, drove in 4, and doubled. Nicky Delmonico tripled with two singles, scoring three times, walking once. Davis and Garrett Hampson had two as well. Brinson and Davis doubled as well.

Kevin Chapman is on to the DL with a sore shoulder and Yasukazu Shiotani is reaplacing him. There are high hopes from the Japanese League star.

We stayed home for three with the 26-28 Mets. We're 23-31 so far. We'd see Noah Syndergaard (5-2, 1.75 ERA), Jacob deGrom (4-4, 3.10 ERA), and Chris Sale (4-2, 2.60 ERA).

June 2nd, 2020: Zack Wheeler (1-5, 4.72 ERA, 1.46 WHIP) got the ball against Thor (5-2, 1.75 ERA, 0.80 WHIP) who has been nearly unhittable. 4 in the first was enough as the Mets won 4-2. Hampson was ejected in the 7th.

Wheeler allowed all 4, but settled down, going 5 innings with 4 hits, walks, and strikeouts. Shiotani made his big league debut, going an inning, allowing a walk and a hit, but struck out the side. Miller struck out the side as well.

We managed just 6 hits. Davis and Anderson had two a piece, and Davis drove in both runs.

Billy Hamilton of the Rockies recorded 5 hits in a 21-12 win over the Dodgers. He's loved Coors field so far.

June 3rd, 2020: I releaesd Marcus Stroman. He wouldn't except optional assignment and wasn't producing. No one wanted him in a trade either.

Game two saw Jordan Montgomery (3-4, 4.21 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) took on Jacob deGrom (4-4, 3.10 ERA, 1.23 WHIP). The pen fell apart, as we fell 8-4.

Montgomery wasn't great either, 5 hits and 2 runs with 3 walks in 4.2 innings. He did strike out 5. Shsiotani allowed 2 runs, and shockingly, Brach allowed 3.

We had just 8 hits, including three from Marucs Semien. He homered and drove in two. Caratini and Charlie Tilson had a pair of hits a piece.

June 4th, 2020: Brad Brach ranks 4th in the current All-Star voting for relief pitchers.

Speaking of relief pitchers, the Astros signed Ken Giles for 4-years, worth a total of $67,200,000. Giles has 165 career saves.

The series finished with Zach Davies (5-3, 4.37 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) against Chris Sale (4-2, 2.60 ERA, 1.02 WHIP) as we looked to avoid a sweep. We did avoid it, winning 5-4 on a walk off solo home run for Marcus Semien.

Davies went just 5.1 innings, allowing 7 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, and 4 strike outs. Rosenthal struck out 5 in 2 innings of relief work.

Lewis Brinson, Khris Davis, and Nicky Delmonico had home runs as well. Ronald Guzman doubled, and the last RBI went to Garrett Hampson.

Tomorrow marks the First-Year Player Draft! I'd have a special edition just for that!

[ayaghmour2]

Today marks the day of the 2020 Amateur Draft! I'd show our picks and write a little about each one.

1st Round, 12th Overall: SP Josh Weske (4.5): The 18-year-old demanded just $1.1 million for a bonus and he easily projects to be a front of the rotation starter. Is stuff is nasty, and his change up is extremely nasty and he can put it where he wants it. He's extremely durable, and the lefty will be one of the best in the league.

2nd Round, 53rd Overall: CF Joe Brewer (4.5): He's got blinding speed, plays excellent defense, and has amazing power and makes good contract. He's a lefty with the range to stick in center, and projects to be a productive regular on a conentding team. And he will sign for slot.

3rd Round, 85th Overall: 3B T.J. Paskert (4): He's an excellent bat and has a cannon at third base. He's not the best contact hitter, but has dynamic tools and will be a dominate power hitter for years to come.

4th Round, 117th Overall Pick: SP Clint Hinshaw (4): He says he won't sign, but he's got too much talent to pass up on. His circle change is unhittable, and looks like a surefire #2. All his tools are above average and I will try to sign him.

5th Round, 147th Overall: CF Fredrico Soto (3): The talent is starting to drop off, but don't get me wrong, Soto is talented. He's got extra base hit power, plays all three outfield spots well, and can steal a few bases.

6th Round, 177th Overall: RP Billy Burgerss (3.5): He's got excellent stuff and looks like a 7th inning guy, with the potential to develop into a closer.

7th Round, 207th Overall: 3B Juan Preciado (3): He's got excellent pop and a bit of versatility, playing first, third, and right, but he's definitely bat first.

8th Round, 237th Overall: LF Nate Riley (3): He'll strike out a lot, but he hits a ton of homers. He's not the greatest defender, but should do fine in left.

9th Round, 267th Overall: SP Doug Daniels (2.5): He's a solid middle of the rotation guy with above average stuff and the pitches to start.

10th Round, 297th Overall: C Colt Schmitt (2.5): He's got a good bat for a catcher, and can stick with enough skils behind the plate.

11th Round, 327th Overall: CF Ayden Canada (2.5): Says he won't sign. Plays all around the field and makes solid contact.

12th Round, 357th Overall: 3B Kevin Connoly (2.5): Wouldn't sign as well. Strikes out a ton, but hits well.

13th Round, 387th Overall: SP Andy Ackley (2.5): He lacks the third pitch to start, but if he develops his change he can be a solid starter.

14th Round, 417th Overall: CF Chad Shaw (2.5): Part Spanish, he's got blazing speed, plays all three outfield spots, and a great eye.

15th Round, 447th Overall: 2B D.J. Arner (2.5): Won't sign. Solid bat and decent glove, but nothing too special.

16th Round, 477th Overall: 1B Mike Turgeon (2.5): All bat no glove. He's a classic bat first first basemen.

17th Round, 507th Overall: C Dave Raschke (2.5): Lot's of power, but no eye. Calls a good game, but not the best arm.

18th Round, 537th Overall: SP Chris Valdez (2): Not the best starter, but has an intriguing four pitch arsenal.

19th Round, 567th Overall: CF Jimmy Thompson (2.5): Great speed, great glove, no power. Singles hitter who can get on base.

20th Round, 597th Overall: LF Tyshawn Browley (2): Great speed, great power, but can't hit the ball. Good defender as well.

21st Round, 627th Overall: CF Juan Molina (2): Will not sign. Average defender, average bat, good foot speed.

22nd Round, 657th Overall: SP Asa Lacy (2): Possibly will sign. Former 31st round pick of the Indians back in 2017, he's a back of the rotation starter.

23rd Round, 687th Overall: SP Jake Carnes (2): No movement, but great stuff, and solid control. His curveball snaps.

24th Round, 717th Overall: CF Ben Wenner (2.5): May sign. Good speed, solid defense, decent bat, great eye.

25th Round, 747th Overall: SS Nate Herman (2): Can play all around the infield well. Decent contact hitter, solid eye, no power.

26th Round, 77th Overall: RF Kevin Bennett (1.5): Won't sign. Average outfielder, solid speed, no pop. Good eye, but strikes out a ton.

27th Round, 807th Overall: RF Bobby Bin Fatin (2): The part Isreali outfielder has a ton of pop, but will strike out a lot.

28th Round, 837th Overall: SP Nolan McLean (1.5): Won't sign. Spot starter at best, but has an interesting curve.

29th Round, 867th Overall: SP Chris Kurek (1.5): Excellent change and can eat up innings, but emergency starter or long man.

30th Round, 897th Overall: RF Robby Mogle (2): Great bat, not much defensive ability. He'll hit a ton of homers.

31st Round, 927th Overall: RF Dan Harris (1.5): Won't sign. Not too special, alright eye and footspeed.

32nd Round, 957th Overall: SS Joel Labonte (1.5): Won't sign. Decent contact and could stick at short.

33rd Round, 987th Overall: LF Esteban Primero (2): Great speed, great range, makes solid contact, but has no power.

34th Round, 1,017th Overall: c Ted Debord (1.5): Not very good defensively, but has massive pop. Says he won't sign.

35th Round, 1,047th Overall: C Joe Huerta (2.5): Will strike out a lot, but will also hit a lot of homers. Decent defensively as well.

36th Round, 1,077th Overall: C Mike Knowles (2.5): Great eye, no power, not too much defense.

37th Round, 1,1107th Overall: SP Alpha Asanate (0.5): Won't sign, but has a great name.

38th Round, 1,137th Overall: SP Sam Confer (1): Great control, could be a decent starter with more work.

39th Round, 1,167th Overall: SS Tim Bernard (2): Decent contact and power, not the best defender, but not bad.

40th Round, 1,197th Overall: RF Chris Tewksbury (1.5): Lot's of extra bases, but no home runs. Good eye and solid outfielder.

Not the best class, but there are a few stars! Better then last year, and I like the talent infusion.

We're got three in Philly now!

[ayaghmour2]

June 5th, 2020: The Rays lost Kyle Bird for the year, and will rehab for 14 months with a damaged elbow ligament. The Red Sox lost another pitcher, Jarret martin for the year with a torn UCL.

We opened the series in Philly with Antonio Senzatela (3-1, 2.64 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) taking on Nathan Eovaldi (6-3, 4.62 ERA, 1.40 WHIP). The series started out as expected, with a loss. The final score 7-2.

Senz allowed 5 runs (4 earned) in 5 innings off 8 hits and a walk, while striking out a pair. Nick Rumbelow pitched the last 3, allowin 2 (1 earned) off 2 hits and a strike out. We made four errors, two charged to Nicky Delmonico, and one to Victor Caratini and Marcus Semien.

We had 8 hits, all singles, including three for Charlie Tilson. He was, however, caught stealing, the 5th time this year. Ronald Guzman was the only other hitter with multiple hits, he had two.

Cardinals RF Jose Adolis Garcia hit for the cycle in a 5-4 win over Arizona.

June 6th, 2020: 1st round pick Josh Weske signed his $1,100,000 bonus. 4th round pick Chad Hinshaw will sadly not sign, as well as two later round picks.

Jerald Eickhoff made his season debut against Colin McHugh (2-5, 8.32 ERA, 1.91 WHIP). The Phillies picked up their 7th straight win with a 9-6 victory.

It's time for a change after McHugh allowed 6 in just 3 innings. He walked 2 and struck out 2. Brandon Kintzler, Trevor Rosenthal, and Drew Steceknrider allowed a run a piece as well.

We had 9 hits, including a 3 run homer from Lewis Brinson and a 2 run homer from Delmonico. McHugh and Semien doubled, while Brinson doubled twice. Brinson had 3 hits on the day, scoring twice and driving in 3. Garrett Hampson added a steal in the losing effort.

I designated McHugh for assignment and recalled Yonny Chirinos.

June 7th, 2020: We looked to avoid the sweep with Zack Wheeler (1-6, 4.94 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) taking on JoJo Romero (3-1, 4.79 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) and a tired Phillies lineup. We rallied for 14 in a 9 run win.

Wheeler went 5, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits, with a walk and a strike out. Brian Duensing got a 3 inning save, allowing 3 hits and a run, while striking out a single hitter before a day off tomorrow.

Delmonico drove in 2 on two solo shots, but also scored 4 times. Caratini drove in 3 on a double and sac fly, and walked twice as well. Lewis Brinson had four hits including a double. Brian Anderson and Garrett Hampson both doubled and singled while driving in a run. The latter scored three times, the former just 1. We had 13 hits and just 14 RBI's, taking advantage of walks and bad defense.

Luis Castillo tossed a 1-hit shutout as the Reds dominated the Rockies 7-0.

Tomorrow was an off day before travel to New York for three with the Mets.

June 8th, 2020: The team asked for help in a community project, so we started a charity.

3rd Round pick T.J. Paskert agreed to a $320,000 signing bonus. 5th Round pick Fredrico Soto agreed to a $160,000 conus.

We're down to 23rd in the Power Rankings now.

Looking ahead, we have three against the 30-30 Mets, while we sit at 25-35. We'd see Jacob deGrom (5-4, 2.93 ERA), Chris Sale (4-2, 2.72 ERA), and Marcos Molina (#-3, 2.30 ERA).

June 9th, 2020: The Angels sent 2B Asdrubal Cabrera to the Red Sox for RHP Tanner Roark. Roark is defintely the better player, but Cabrera is having an amazing season.

I recalled David Phelps from rehab and optioned Brian Miller down to AAA.

Jordan Montgomery (3-4, 4.19 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) took on Jacob deGrom (5-4, 2.93 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) in the opener in the Big Apple. The Mets bested us 5-1.

Montgomery didn't look hiself this season, and allowed 5 runs in 3.1 innings off 8 hits. He didn't walk any, and struck out two. The pen didn't allow a hit the rest of the game, with just 1 walk and 8 strike outs.

We had 9 hits, including three from Hampson. He doubled and stole a base as well. Khris Davis was 2-for-4 with a double and scored the only run. He was driven in by a Vicotr Caratini double.

I dumped McHugh's contract, eating 65% of it and recieving 28-year-old Tyler Mapes in return. He's nothing more then pen depth, but hey, it's better then releasing McHugh.

June 10th, 2020: The Tigers lossed young SP Franklin Perez for the year with radial nerve compression. The 22-year-old was the main piece of the Justin Verlander trade, and had an excellent rookie season last year.

The Braves traded RHP Zach Petrick to the Angels for LF Jabari Blash. Seems like a pretty even deal.

Zach Davies (5-3, 4.57 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) was on the mound against Chris Sale (4-2, 2.72 ERA, 0.96 ERA) for game two. The game lasted 13, but we put upt 3 in the final frame and won 7-4.

Davies allowed 3 off 6 hits in 3.1 innings, walking 4 and strking out 2. Rumbelow allowed 1 in 1.2, but after that the pen didn't budge. Phelps got the win with a perfect 12th, and Kintzler a save with a perfect 13th. Yasukazu Shiotani looks like he's settling in, and he tossed 2 perfect frames in extras, strking out 3.

We had no success on the basepaths, getting caught three tiems. We also had just 10 hits, but we made them count. Brian Anderson had two, and drove in four off a pair of homers. Lewis Brinson had two hits as well, walking three times, and driving in 3 on two homers of his own. Hampson, who was caught stealing, had three hits of his own.

June 11th, 2020: Brad Brach reamins 4th in NL reliever voting.

Yonny Chirinos made his season debut against Marcos Molina (3-3, 2.30 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) as we looked to take the series. It took 12 innings today, but we managed the 4-3 series winner.

Chirinos went 5, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs with a walk and 3 strikeouts. The pen allowed just 1 hit the rest of the game, which each pitcher recording at least one strike out, for a total of 11. The 1 hit came in the 12th. Brach got a win, Kintzler another save.

We had just 8 hits, but three homers, which accounted for all the runs. Brian Anderson had a two run shot in the 4th, Delmonico a solo shot in the 8th, and Tyler Saladino, the go ahead solo homer in the 12th while pinch hitting for Brad Brach.

Joey Votto had a 5-hit game as the Reds still lost to the Cardinals 13-8.

I made a roster move, recalling Anthony Alford from AAA, and optioning Teoscar Hernandez. Hernandez has stopped hitting, and Alford regained his confidence in AAA. Alford will hit 7th and play center.

We returned home for three with the Brewers, an off day, and then three with St. Louis. Against Milwaukee, we'd see Corbin Burnes (0-1, 2.25 ERA), Brandon Woodruff (3-4, 4.69 ERA), and Marcos Diplan (0-6, 6.02 ERA).

[ayaghmour2]

June 12th, 2020: Kevin Chapman will begin rehab in AAA New Orleans today.

Anthony Alford was back in the lineup as Antonio Senzatela (3-2, 3.10 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) took on Corbin Burnes (0-1, 2.25 ERA, 2.00 WHIP). We managed just 1 hit and fell 4-0.

Senz pitched fine, 1 run off 6 hits in 5.2 innings. He did, however, walk 4 and strike out just 1. Brian Duensing allowed 3 in the 7th off 4 hits and a strikeout. He also had the only hit for us as a team. The offense was awful...

Eloy Jimenez was 5-for-5 as the White Sox beat the Blue Jays 9-3.

June 13th, 2020: 2nd rounder Joe Brewer inked his $270,000 signing bonus. All by amateurs were signed that would sign now.

Game two saw Zack Wheeler (2-6, 5.12 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) took on Brandon Woodrugg (3-4, 4.69 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) as we looked to defend home turf. It's still weird seeing Yelich in a Brewers uniform...

We lost again, this tie 5-3.

Wheeler struggled again, allowing 4 off 9 hits in 5 innings. He did strike out 6 and walked just one, but he hasn't done well this year. Drew Steckenrider allowed an uneared run in 2 innings of work.



We did have 10 hits, including a pair from Anthony Alford, who also drove in a run. Him and Lewis Brinson picked up steals as well. Khris Davis doubled and homered, scoring twice in the match. Victor Caratini and Brian Anderson had two hit outings as well.

June 13th, 2020: The Dodgers would be without Tony Watson for the remainder of the year. He suffered bone chips in his elbow.

We looked to avoid the sweep with Jordan Montgomery (3-5, 4.66 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) take on Marcos Diplan (0-6, 6.02 ERA, 1.66 WHIP). We needed the win...

We were able to pick up the 3-2 win with a solid effort from Montgomery. He went only 5, but allowed just 1 run and 3 hits, with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. Brandon Kintzler got the win with 2 strike outs in 2 innings, and despite allowing a run, Brad Brach got the save.

A pair of ex-A's Marcus Semien and Khris Davis homered. Davis drove in two with his, Semien's was a solo shot. Nicky Delmonico doubled and scored on the Davis homer, but we only had 5 hits as a team.

Tomorrow was a day off before we finished up our homestand.

June 15th, 2020: At 28-38, we rank 23rd in the power rankings.

Arizona lost their closer Jared Miller for the rest of the year with a torn meniscus. tHE 26-year-old isn't the best closer, but he does have 14 saves this year.

Japanese RF Tsuneki Kaza homered three times in a 8-1 Rockies win over the Nationals. Last year, his first stateside, wasn't as good as hoped, but he's adjusted well this year, already with 22 homers.

St. Louis was our next opponent, was 34-33 and just 2.5 games out of first. We'd see the hardthrowing Alex Reyes (3-4, 3.75 ERA), veteran Michael Wacha (5-5, 4.58 ERA), and the Canadian Nick Pivetta (5-5, 4.58 ERA).

June 16th, 2020: We'd welcome the Cardinals in town with Zach Davies (5-3, 4.74 ERA, 1.45 WHIP). They sent Reyes to the mound (3-4, 3.75 ERA, 1.30 WHIP). With two in the ninth, we walked off winners, 3-2.

Davies pitched well, despite allowing 7 hits in the 6 innings. Just two runs were charged to him and he struck out 5. Yasukazu Shiotani struck out the side in the 8th, and Brach got the win for pitching the top of the 9th.

We had 10 hits, including a clutch double by Anthony Alford in the 9th. It drove in Davis, and was one of three hits for him on the day. Garrett Hampson, who had three hits as well, walked it off with a single, driving in Alford. Four other Marlins had 1 hit, including Brian Anderson (who scored) and Marcus Semien (who drove him in). It was a nice start to the series.

Yonder Alonso went 5-for-5 as the Indians shut down the Nationals 11-0. Two bad pitching outings for Washington in two days.

June 17th, 2020: Yonny Chirinos (0-0, 5.40 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) made his second start agianst Michael Wacha (5-2, 5.08 ERA, 1.33 WHIP). Alfrod has now pushed his average back over .200. It stayed there after he went 0-for-2 with 3 walks, scoring twice, and driving in a run in a 23-8 slugfest.

We only scored in 5 of the 8 innings, but put up 7 in the 4th and 9 in the 8th. We had 23 hits as well, to go with 11 walks. Our team statline was as followed: 44-23-23-23-11-9-23 (AB-R-H-RBI-BB-K-LOB).

Chirinos earned himself an optional assignment with 6 runs off 9 hits in just 2 innings with a walk and strikeout. Nick Rumbelow allowed 2 in 2.2 innings of mop up work, but earned the win with all the offense.

Ironically, Alford was the only player with an at bat to get a hit, but every player who batted reached base, even reliever Nick Rumbelow (1-for-2, run scored), and pinch hitters Charlie Tilson (1-for-1), and Tyler Saladion (walked twice, scored). Every batter with at least three at bats had more then one hit. Each offensive starter also drove in a run and scored. Charlie Tilson was the only hitter to reach base, but not score.

Hampson and Caratini lead the way with 4 a piece. Each scored three times, although Hampson drove in 1 more run (3 to 2). Caratini was a triple away from the cycle, while Hampson tripled and singled 3 times. Nicky Delmonico doubled, scored three times, and drove in 2. Lewis Brinson hit two homers and drove in 6. On top of that, we hit a total of 5 homers, Brian Anderson and Khris Davis with homers as well. Both guys drove in three.

It was a shocking, and amazing offensive explosion. I got the Achivement "Rout" and it was rightfully deserved.

I called up Brent Suter to replace Chirinos in the rotation. Suter has pitched mostly in relief, but has one start this year.

June 18th, 2020: Brach remains 4th in RP voting.

We looked to pull of the sweep against Nick Pivetta (5-5, 4.58 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) who we've seen a lot of with the Phillies, against Antonio Senzatela (3-3, 2.95 ERA, 1.22 WHIP). Did we waste all our offense yesterday? The short answer, yes... We lost 5-1 and had just 2 hits, a Delmonico single and Semien double.

Senzatela allowed all 5 off the runs in 3 innings. He allowed 6 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 3. The rest of the pen pitched well, 7 strikeoouts and just 1 walk, with three hits.

Phil Hughes tossed a 4 hit shutout as the Twins beat the Tigers 6-0. I can't believe he's only 33, it feels like he is much, much older. And that's 33 in game, he's just 31 in real life.

We're off to Arizona for three and then San Francisco for four, before a day off and a return home. Arizona is 35-35, better then our 30-39. We'd see Robbie Ray (3-5, 4.42 ERA), Yency Almonte (1-4, 8.67 ERA), and Taijuan Wlaker (6-5, 3.21 ERA).

[ayaghmour2]

June 19th, 2020: We opened the clash with Arizona with Zack Wheeler (2-7, 5.27 ERA, 1.48 WHIP) taking on Robbie Ray (3-5, 4.42 ERA, 1.39 WHIP). Every single starter on the Diamondbacks can hit left handed. We ended up losing the opener 7-3.

Wheeler went 5 and allowed 4 in the loss. He walked 2, struck out just 1, and allowed 7 hits. I'd consider moving him if I could get anything... Trevor Rosenthal had a rough outing, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk, while getting just one out.

We had just 6 hits, with a pair to Vicotr Caratini and Lewis Brinson. Both singled and homered, with Brinson driving in two. Anthony Alford doubled and walked as well.

Evan Longoria hit is 300th career homer in a 5-3 Giants loss to San Diego.

June 20th, 2020: I claimed righty James Farris off waivers and optioned him to AAA New Orleans. He's a 2.5* with killer stuff and great control.

The Cubs lossed Yu Darvish for the year with a fractured coracoid bone in his shoulder. Darvish was having a great bounceback year, 6-2 with a 2.41 ERA and 65 strike outs in 12 starts. The Yanks also lost star reliever Chad Green with bone chips in his elovw. He was putting in another solid year.

His former teammate Jordan Montgomery (3-5, 4.46 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) took on Yency Almonte (1-4, 8.67 ERA, 1.84 WHIP) in game 2. It was close, but we were edged 3-2.

Montgomery pitched well, allowing just 2 in 6 off 4 hits, 3 walks, and 6 strikeouts. David Phelps got the loss, allowing a run off 2 hits and a strike out in 0.1 innings.

Again just 2 hits, and again, two players had two. This time it was Garrett Hampson and Nicky Delmonico. Charlie Tilson hit a pinch hit solo shot and Victor Caratini drove in Hampson with a sacrafice fly.

Here's a headline you'd never thought you'd see: Rob Refsnyder goes 6-for-6. The Tigers second basemen had a career game as they beat the Orioles 14-6.

Down in AAA Ryan Mountcastle went 5-for-6 as the Baby Cakes won 13-1. He's having a great season in the minors, and could force himself into the big league picture soon.

June 21st, 2020: We looked to avoid the sweep with Brent Suter (0-1, 4.56 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) taking on Taijuan Walker (6-5, 3.21 ERA, 1.04 WHIP). We failed, losing 6-2 and getting swept on the road.

Suter allowed 6 (5 earned) in 4.1 off 9 hits, a walk, and a strike out. I'd look for a new starter for the rotation. Delmonico made the error

We had 7 hits today, 6 singles and an Anthony Alford double. Brian Anderson and Lewis Brinson had two hits a piece, but either way, we were swept.

We were on the road to San Francisco for four before a day off. Expect Johnny Cueto (2-4, 5.10 ERA), Andrew Suarez (1-4, 3.99 ERA), Hunter Wood (0-3, 10.95 ERA), and Madison Bumgarner (3-5, 4.53 ERA) as the 30-42 Marlins take on the 31-40 Giants.

June 22nd, 2020: We're all the way down to 27th in the Power Rankings.

Mountcastle was named American Confrence player of the week with a 13-for-27 week with 2 homers and 9 driven in.

Zach Davies (5-3, 4.60 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) opened the 4 game road set against Johnny Cueto (2-4, 5.10 ERA, 1.41 WHIP). Another loss, this time 5-2.

All 5 runs Davies allowed were unearned, but caused by his own error. He allowed 7 hits, a walk, and three strike outs in 7 innings.

We had 6 hits, lead by Khris Davis who doubled and homered. Brian Anderson doubled in a run, and Garrett Hampson tripled. We should've won today...

Two players are up to 20 with their hit streaks, RF Mason Robbins and LF Michael Brantley.

The GCL season was about to start, so I traded or released a lot of guys that wouldn't make the team.

One guy I added was 2B Vidal Brujan from the Rays. He's got good speed, is a good defender, and has a decent bat. Another 2B I got was Hector Vizcaino, who has a similar profile.

June 23rd, 2020: We needed to bounce back, with Antonio Senzatela (3-4, 3.57 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) facing Andrew Suarez (1-4, 3.99 ERA, 1.35 WHIP). Lewis Brinson had a burised elbow, so I gave him the day off. Again, no luck, dropping 11-9.

Senz was hit hard, 8 runs in 3.1 innings off 9 hits, a walk, and 2 strike outs. The move to the rotation hasn't done much for him. I had too many open rotation spots and not enough options. Nick Rumbelow allowed 1, and Brian Duensing allowed 2, both of which came back to hurt us.

We had just 10 hits, 3 from Ronald Guzman, who I used to replace Brinson. He drove in two with a double, and scored twice. Khris Davis homered, and Hampson, Caratini, Davis, and Brinson (pinch hit) doubled. Davis, Hampson, and Tilson drove in two runs as well.

June 24th, 2020: The Braves lossed lefty Max Fried for the year with shoulder inflammation. He was having a terrible year with an ERA near 8.00 and 35 hits in 29.2 innings.

In desperate need of a win, Zack Wheeler (2-8, 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) took on Hunter Wood (0-3, 10.95 ERA, 2.03 WHIP). Come one guys...

Another loss, this time 6-1...

A Tyler Saladino cost Wheeler 4 of his 5 runs on the night. He went 4.1 innings, allowed 4 hits, 3 walks, and struck out 6. David Phelps allowed the final run.

We had just 5 hits, including doubles from Hampson, Caratini, and Brinson. Brian Anderson singled home Brinson for the only run of the game. Hampson stole his 16th base on the year as well.

Michael Brantley's streak was ended at 21 as the Padres fell to the Dodgers 4-1.

June 25th, 2020: Brad Brach is steady at 4th in the relief voting. He hasn't pitched in a while...

We looked to avoid the sweep with Jordan Montgomery (3-5, 4.34 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) taking on Madison Bumgarner (3-5, 4.53 ERA, 1.23 WHIP). We fell and were swept on the road trip, 2-1.

Can't fault Montgomery, an unearned run in 6 innings. He walked 2, allowed 4 hits, and struck out 7. The error was charged to Garrett Hampson. Brandon Kintzler got the loss, allowing a run off a walk.

We had ust 3 hits, and two of them were Brian Anderson doubles. The last, an Anthony Alford homerun to the leadoff trhe game. Thank God we're done with the road trip...

Kendall Graveman tossed a 7-hit shut out as the A's beat the Mariners 7-0.

The Royals ended Robbins' hit streak and beat the White Sox 9-3.

Tomorrow we could head home and relax.

June 26th, 2020: I had to make a few changes, but I didn't know exactly what to do. I needed to do something to change the roster configuration, since it obviously wasn't working. I traded Brandon Kintzler to the Rays for 1B Brett Sullivan. Sullivan isn't great, but can catch and play third as well, has a nice bat, and frees up a 40-man spot. I brought Kevin Chapman back up to the majors as well.

Next I designated Cameron Rupp for assignment and recalled Luis Torrens. Rupp couldn't hit anything in the big leagues, and Torrens is a surpeior defender.

I optioned Brent Suter to AAA to purchase the contract of RHP Max Povse. I acquired him from Seattle and he was pitching solid enough in AAA that he earned the opportunity to start.

Anyways, we've fallen all the way to 30-46 in the midst of an 8 game skid. We're home to face the 27-48 Twins for two games before a day off. We'd see former Marlin Cody Anderson (0-7, 7.43 ERA) and Marco Estrada (1-4, 5.04 ERA) who actually pitched in our farm system last year.

[ayaghmour2]

June 27th, 2020: Max Povse made his Marlins debut against former Marlin starter Cody Anderson (0-7, 7.43 ERA, 1.75 WHIP) to open up a quick 2 game home series with Minnesota. We had an offense, winning 9-6 while tallying 14 base hits.

Povse didn't pitch well, 6 runs off 6 hits and 3 walks in 4 innings. Nick Rumbelow picked up the win, now 4-0 with 2 scorless innings. Kevin Chapman, Trevor Rosenthal, and Yasukazu Shiotani picked up holds before Brad Brach earned a shaky save.

Victor Caratini was the only starter who didn't record a hit, but he drove in a run on a sac fly. Nicky Delmonico had 4 hits, 3 runs scored, 4 RBI's, and was a triple away from the cycle. Lewis Brinson had a 2 run homer, and Brian Anderosn, Khris Davis, and Anthony Alford had doubles. Davis drove in two runs off two hits as well.

A pair of infielders had 5 hit games, Rockies' D.J. LeMaheiu and the Dodgers' Justin Turner.

July 28th, 2020: We looked to pick up the quick sweep with Zach Davies (5-4, 4.20 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) facing Marco Estrada (1-4, 5.04 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). We put up 9 runs off 11 hits and finished the sweep with a 9-3 victory.

Davies went the distance, 6 hits and 3 runs with no walks and 4 strikeouts to earn his 6th win on the year.

Khris Davis lead the way with a pair of homers in 4 trips with 3 RBI's. Brian Anderson and Marcus Semien homered as well. Semien drove in three, two on the homer, and one on a triple, and scored both times he reached. Nicky Delmonico doubled and scored in the 1st.

We got tomorrow off before hosting San Diego.

June 29th, 2020: On the off day I decided to shop a few players to see what I could get. The way the season has played out, the playoffs seemed unlikely. Nothing really worked.

I outrighted Cameron Rupp to AAA. He's decent minor league depth.

Looking ahead to the Padres series, we'd play four games. First would see Bobby Stiles' debut, followed by Hyun-in Ryu (1-2, 3.14 ERA), MacKenizre Gore's debut, and Bryan Mitchell (4-3, 4.52 ERA). The Padres are a shcoking 42-37, much better then our 32-46.

June 30th, 2020: Last year's 2nd round pick Bobby Stiles made his debut against Zack Wheeler (2-9, 5.19 ERA, 1.50 WHIP). Stiles won his debut 5-2.

Wheeler allowed 4 in 4.1 innings off 8 hits, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. The last run was charged to Brian Duensing, although he did strike out 3 in 2 frames.

We did manage 8 hits, including two for Garrett Hampson and Marcus Semien. Lewis Brinson scored after a triple to leadoff the 8th, and Ronald Guzman doubled in the 9th. We made two errors, one for Semien and one for Caratini.

July 1st, 2020: We had a pair of minor leaguers earn monthly accolades. Ryan Mountcastle won American Confrence Hitter of the Month and Riley McCauley won Florida State League Pitcher of the Month.

Jordan Montgomery (3-5, 4.03 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) looked to bring his ERA back down below 4 against Hyun-Jin Ryu (1-2, 3.14 ERA, 1.33 WHIP). He was successful, and we eventually walked off winners in the 14th, 1-0.

Montgomery was near perfect. In 8 innings, just 1 hit and 0 walks. He struck out 11, but didn't end up getting a decision. The pen was alright, but didn't budge, with David Phelps eventually earning the win.

We only had 5 hits, and the walk off was a pinch hit single for Luis Torrnes in his first at bat of 2020. Khris Davis did have a double, but the offense was near non-existent.

Troy Tulowitzki had 5 hits in a 12-2 Blue Jays win over the Red Sox.

July 2nd, 2020: The International Amateur Class was announced today. There were a bunch of good players available.

I didn't extend my manager Don Mattingly. I'd probably add someone else in the offseason. I extended most of my other personel members.

Brach remains 4th in All-Star voting.

The Giants and Indians made a swap, sending LF Herschel Powell to Cleveland for RHP Mike Clevinger. Appears to be a pretty even deal, although Clevinger is having a down year, Powell a break out.

On to today's game, with Antonio Senzatela (3-5, 4.55 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) facing off against Bryan Mitchell (4-3, 4.52 ERA, 1.28 WHIP). 4 runs in the 9th lead to a 7-5 walkoff win, as Victor Caratini took Joe Broussard deep for a grand slam.

Senz only went 3.1 innings before leaving with an injury. He'll head to the DL with back stiffness. He allowed 4 runs off 5 hits, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Trevor Rosenthal also left with injury, but it is less severe and won't remove him from the active roster.

We managed 9 hits including Caratini's blast. He also singled. Lewis Brinson tripled in the 3rd and scored, while Anderson, Alford and Semien doubled. Brinson and Caratini were the only two hitters to record multiple hits.

We could win the series tomorrow! As they say, home is much better then the road!

I got an achievement for the game winner "Grand Salami" for Caratini's grand slam to win the game.

July 3rd, 2020: I recalled Yonny Chirinos to the bigs to replace Senz in the rotation. He's made two starts so far, neither was any good, but I needed an arm.

Zach Davies (6-4, 4.08 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) faced former 1st rounder MacKenzie Gore, who was making his MLB debut, as we looked to win the series. We touched Gore up for 6, and won 8-5.

Davies went 5, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs. He struck out 7, and walked just 1 and picked up his 7th win. Brian Duensnig, Nick Rumbelow, and Kevin Chapman earned holds, while Shiotani picked up his first career save.

Lewis Brinson had a career game, going 4-for-4 with 3 runs scored and driven in, including two doubles and two homers. Nicky Delmonico homered as well, and drove in a pair. Hampson, Caratini, and Semien had doubles as well, as the offense clicked in the finale. We couldn't rest, as we had to travel to Atlanta.

Joey Votto collected his 2,000th career hit as a Red, in a 2-1 win over the Giants. The future hall-of-famer has a career .312/.431/.541 batting line with 341 homers and 1,088 runs driven in.

Looking ahead, we've got three against the 53-29 first place Braves before heading to Busch Stadium for three with St. Louis. We'd see Lucas Sims (3-2, 3.86 ERA), Patrick Weigel (2-0, 2.60 ERA), and Luiz Gohara (10-1, 3.21 ERA).

At 35-47, we're not where I wanted to be to stat July (flip the record and I'm happy), so expect veterans to leave the roster. Here's our progress so far:

[ayaghmour2]

July 4th, 2020: Max Povse (0-0, 13.50 ERA, 2.25 WHIP) got to face the team that drafted him in the 3rd round and Lucas Sims (3-2, 3.86 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) as we opened up our series in Atlanta. His AAA catcher Luis Torrnes caught him. It was a rough one, as we fell 7-6 after Rio Ruiz walked off Brad Brach with a solo shot.

Povse allowed 4 runs in 5.2 innings and I'd probably need a new starter. He walked 1 and struck out 2. Brian Duensing allowed 2 runs in 0.2 innings, and the homer was the first at bat Brach had in the 9th.

We managed just 7 hits, but had a pair of homers by Garrett Hampson and Anthony Alford. Alford's was a three run shot in the 1st, Hampson's a solo shot in the third. Brian Anderson had a pair of singles, and Torrens tripled home a run before scoring himselg.

July 5th, 2020: I signed an International Free Agent, 16-year-old Dominican Luis Puerta. "Redbeard" signed for just $600,000. He's got 3* potential with blinding speed and can hit from both sides of the plate. He's a singles hitter, but has 87 contact and 81 Avoid K's potential.

I also claimed Ty Blach off waivers to replace Povse. The 29-year-old lefty is 19-30 in 83 games (59 starts) in the big leagues. He's got a 5.11 ERA and 1.26 WHIP, but take out two bad years and he's relatively solid. Point is, he's better then what I have and can be optioned as well.

Zack Wheeler (2-10, 5.36 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) got the start against Patrick Weigel (2-0, 2.60 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) in game two against the division leaders. We shocked the hometown fans with a 3-2 dub.

After allowing 2 in the 1st, Wheeler settled down, finishing 5 innings. He allowed 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Drew Steckenrider, Trevor Rosenthal, David Phelps, and Kevin Chapman got holds to bring in to the 9th, where Brad Brach got the save.

We had just 6 hits, 2 of them from Anthony Alford. He drove in all three runs, two from a homer and the other from a single. Lewis Brinson doubled and walked.

July 6th, 2020: Signing day was yesterday, so all unsigned players will head on to a college of their choice. Here's the results from my class:

4th Round: SP Clint Hinshaw (Oregon State 2023)
11th Round: CF Ayden Canada (Georgia Tech 2023)
12th Round: 3B Kevin Connolly (Arizona 2023)
15th Round: 2B D.J. Arner (Georgia Tech 2021)
21st Round: CF Juan Molina (Stanford 2023)
22nd Round: SP Asa Lacy (Florida 2023)
24th Round: CF Ben Wenner (Notre Dame 2023)
26th Round: RF Kevin Bennett (Michigan 2023)
28th Round: SP Nolan McLean (Long Beach State 2021)
29th Round: SP Chris Kurek (Christopher Newport 2021)
31st Round: RF Dan Harris (Roger Williams 2021)
32nd Round: Joel LaBonte (Florida State 2021)
34th Round: Ted Debord (Hawaii Pacific 2021)
37th Round: SP Alpha Asante (Jacksonville 2023)

A majority of guys from my first draft will be eligible for Next Year's draft, including Ethan Hankins. He's dropped a ton, and most likely hurt his draft stock a ton. He dropped from a 4.5 to 2. Serves him for being greedy...

Adam Hasley was announced Player of the Week for the Southern League. He hit 11-for-24 with 2 homers, 8 RBI's, and 8 runs scored.

My favorite pitcher Aaron Sanchez is out for the year with radial nerve compression. He was pitching at an elite level, just a 2.89 ERA in his 17 starts.

And we're back up to 22nd in the Power Rankings.

Looking to win the series, Ty Blach (3-5, 4.97 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) made his Marlins debut against the Brazillian stud lefty Luiz Gohara (10-1, 3.21 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). He's came along way from where he was. Too bad we were destroyed 11-5...

Blach was rocked, 10 hits and 6 runs in 3 innings. He walked 1 and struck out 1, but his Marlins tenure may be short. Phelps allowed 3 and Chapman 2 (1 earned) for the remaining runs.

We did manage 10 hits, with Hampson recording 3, scoring twice, and driving in 1. Lewis Brinson hit a two run homer in the first, but that was the only extra base hit. Brian Anderson and Victor Caratini had errors. The 6th on the year for each. On the way to St. Louis!

Rhys Hoskins went 5-for-5 as the Phillies beat Pennsylvania foe Pittsburgh 11-6.

Focusing on the St. Louis team who was 44-41 on the year, we'd see Jack Flaherty (4-6, 5.22 ERA), Ryan Helsley (1-5, 5.84 ERA), and Michael Wacha (7-3, 5.23 ERA). We had a good chance to improve our 36-49 record, but then again, we don't win much...

July 7th, 2020: Tampa Bay lost Rick Porcello to the year with a ruptured finger tendon. He was hurt on rehab assingment, before every pitching a regular season game with Tampa.

The Padres traded LF Augustin Ruiz to the Pirates for C Yan Gomes and cash. Just a mionr prospect for veteran trade we'll see a lot of in July.

Our best chance to win was today, with Jordan Montgomery (3-5, 3.67 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) taking on Jack Flaherty (4-6, 5.22 ERA, 1.40 WHIP). And with help from some late scoring, I was right, and the opener was ours by a score of 5-3.

Montgomery was alright, 3 in 5 off 5 hits and a walk. He did strike out 6. The pen was strong, with Nick Rumbelow securing the win, now 5-0. Brach got save 16. He looks like an appealing trade piece with his contract up at the year's end.

Lewis Brinson had three singles and three steals that lead to 2 runs scored. Anthony Alford doubled and drove in two, while Khris Davis hoemred and drove in 2. Davis is also an appealing trade candidate, 14 homers in 45 games.

July 8th, 2020: Well, at least we won the first game, as Yonny Chirinos (0-0, 11.57 ERA, 2.29 WHIP) faced off with Ryan Helsey (1-5, 5.84 ERA, 1.60 WHIP). Should I have been more faithful? A 5 run 6th was enough for the 8-2 win.

Chirinos was, gulp. Brilliant? 2 hits and 2 strike outs in 6.1 shutout innings. Did something happen to him? Shiotani and Rosenthal allowed the runs, 1 a piece, although Shiotani did pitch 1.2 innings and the run came in the 2nd inning.

We had 10 hits, including a pair of doubles from Alford and Nicky Delmonico. The latter singled as well, and drove in 2. Brian Anderson hit his 8th homer and droce in a pair, while scoring twice and walking as well. Marcus Semien had two hits and a steal, while Hampson had a pair of hits, walks, and runs. We would look to pick up the road sweep tomorrow.

July 9th, 2020: Brach dropped out of the top 5 for relief pitchers, and for the first time in my career, not a single Marlins was ranked in the fan vote.

Baltimore will be without young star Austin Hays after he broke a bone in his elbow. Colorado also lost closer Bryan Shaw, who had 12 saves and a 2.87 ERA this year.

Well, we got the sweep. No, we didn't win, but the game got rained out and it will be replayed September 28th as a 1 game series between a home series with Philly and Detroit. At least that means no double header, and technically a sweep.

Jahami Jones reached 20 games with his hitstreak as his Angels lost 7-6 to the Red Sox. The 22-year-old looks like a second Mike Trout. A faster, less powerful Mike Trout, but still a 5 star young stud. There is a reason the Angels are 53-36 and in first... Another reason is 2B Connor Jusuts, not at that level of course, but someone I should've and could've traded for multiple times.

I got trade fever and traded Marcus Semien to the Mets for Chris Sale. Well, I could have, but then I would've had to eat $31 million for a few years. Dang...

I tried cashing out on Khris Davis, but I couldn't find exactly what I wanted. There is interest, don't get me wrong, but I wanted to wait a bit more. I did have a trade involving someone else, but it's not as big, but still gives a decent return.

Anyways, we got to head home early and return for three against the Braves. We'd see Patrick Weigel (2-1, 2.88 ERA) again, Luiz Gohara (10-1, 3.44 ERA) again, and then staff ace Sean Newcomb (7-4, 3.50 ERA). He's the oldest in the young staff, just 27 years of age. The Braves are going to be annoying to eventually lap past.

[ayaghmour2]

July 10th, 2020: That trade I was talking about went trough, and I traded 1B Ronald Guzman to the Phillies for 1B Pavin Smith and RF Kyle Lewis.

Smith, 24, is a former 7th overall pick who will hit a ton of doubles and makes solid contact. The lefty is a 1.5/2.5 with an elite glove at first. Lewis, also 24, is a 2/3 with elite power and solid contact who may strike out a bit. He's serviceable in right and will have to be placed on the 40. This looks like a great return for Guzman.

This allows me to promote Ryan Mountcastle, who was creating nightmares for AAA pitching. He won't play everyday, but I'll give him his fair share of at bats before I move Marcus Semien.

Mountcastle was in the lineup today, hitting 7th and playing third as we welcomed Atlanta in to town. Zach Davies (7-4, 4.15 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) took on Patrick Weigel (2-1, 2.88 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) in what should be a good game. I was wrong, and we lost 7-2.

Davies allowed 5 in 3.2 innings, while Nick Rumbelow and Drew Steckenrider allowed a run a piece. All three guys had 1 walk and 2 strike out. Rumbelow pitched 2, Steck 1.1.

We only managed 5 hits, and all of them were singles. Nicky Delmonico had two and scored a run, the pitcher Rumbelow singled in his only at bat, Mountcastle singled and walked in his debut as well. Anthony Alford singled home a run and stole a base.

Ryan Zimmerman, now with Baltimore, recorded his 2,000th hit as the Orioles lost to the Rangers 6-3. This is his first year not with the Nationals.

Former Marlin Giancarlo Stanton hit home run numer 400 as the Yankees topped the Royals 5-4.

July 11th, 2020: The Rockies lost Ian Desmond for the rest of the year with a broken bone in his elbow. Desmond might be the only hitter in MLB history to not have the "Coors Effect" help him at all.

Today looked lost before the game started, as Zack Wheeler (3-10, 5.26 ERA, 1.56 WHIP) looked to pick up loss 11 while Luiz Gohara (10-1, 3.44 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) wanted win 11. Neither got what they wanted, as Wheeler got the win, and Gohara the loss in the 5-4 nailbiter. Three of Atlanta's runs came after the 8th.

Wheeler was great, just an unearned run off 4 hits and 2 walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out 5. Steckesaurus struck out the side in the 7th, but Trevor Rosenthal allowed 2 runs to start the 8th. Brad Brach allowed one in the 9th, but still got the save, preserving the lead.

We had 8 hits, including two hit efforts from Lewis Brinson and Victor Caratini. Both doubled and singled, while the former scored twice and stole a base, and the latter drove in 2, while also scoring himself. Anthony Alford had a pair of singles.

Jahmai Jones' hit streak was snapped at 20, as the Angels were shutdown by the Cubs 2-0.

July 12th, 2020: I struck gold in the International Market, signing Panamain superstar Ernesto Aramula. The "Mad Hatter" may be able to match former country man Rob Carew's greatness. He was pricey, earning $4,320,000 and most of my bonus pool, but it is definitely worth it. The 17-year-old has the range and speed to stick in center, as well as legit big league power. If things fall his way, he could be a legit 40/20 player. I was tempted to send him to the DSL, but I wasn't quite sure if he's ready for competitve ball.

We actually had a very small chance to win the home series, with Ty Blach (3-6, 5.70 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) taking on Sean Newcomb (7-4, 3.50 ERA, 1.18 WHIP). It was close, but we fell to the surperior team 4-3.

Blach allowed 4 in the 3rd, but the other 4 innings were solid. He allowed 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out two before handing the ball to the pen. They allowed just 2 hits and a walk in 4 innings.

Brian Anderson was 2-for-4 with a 2 run homer, and Victor Caratini singled home a run in the 6th. Garrett Hampson picked up his team leading 17th steal before scoring on Caratini's single. We only had 6 hits as a team, so it wasn't the most successfull offensive night. Either way, we'd get tommorow off before hosting the Nats for the final series before the All-Star Break.

July 13th, 2020: I decided to promote Arambula since my starting CF on the DSL roster got hurt, and there really is no bigger sign then that. He would join other teen age star Juan Ramirez in arguably the best young prospect duo since Bo Bichette and Vlad Jr.

Looking at the power rankings, we maintain 22nd place for the second week in a row.

Antonio Senzatela and Tyler Jay will both start rehab assignments to AAA as they work back to full strength.

To give myself something to do on the off day, I did a little shopping. I know I'd do a lot of that over the "Break" that was coming up. I had an offer for Khris Davis set up, more on that later:

Looking to the Nationals series, they sti at 41-52, just slightly better then out 39-51. We'd see familiar face Wei-Yin Chen (6-4, 2.78 ERA), Max Scherzer (7-7, 3.62 ERA), and Erick Fedde (1-3, 6.65 ERA). Can anyone explain Chen's stat line?

July 14th, 2020: We opened the series with a pair of lefties, Wei-Yin Chen (6-4, 2.78 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) who looks like a new man, and Jordan Montgomery (3-5, 3.76 ERA, 1.16 WHIP). A 3 run 9th gave the Nats a 3-1 victory in the opener.

Montgomery was near perfect, just 2 hits and 1 walk in 8 innings, while striking out 7. Brad Brach was not, 3 runs off 2 hits in 0.2 innings.

Then again, we couldn't really hit, just 6 hits leading to 1 run. Delmonico was 2-for-4 and Anthony Alford doubled home Garrett Hampson in the 5th with 2 outs. Montgomery himself doubled, doing more against National pitching then their hitting did to him. This was a tough one to lose...

You won't belive your eyes, as LF Kyle Schwarber had a 5-for-5 game in a 7-6 Cubs victory over the Cardinals.

July 15th, 2020: We looked to even up the series with Yonny Chirinos (1-0, 6.07 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) facing former Cy Young winner Max Scherzer (7-7, 3.62 ERA, 1.11 WHIP). We now had our backs to the wall, losing 3-2.

Chirinos was alright, 3 runs off 9 hits in 5.1 innings, but he wasn't perticularly inspiring. He struck out and walked a pair. Drew Steckenrider tossed 1.2 perfect innings with 2 strike outs and Yasukazu Shiotani tossed 2 perfect frames, striking out 5 and getting a weak ground out. He's probably going to replace Brach at closer once I trade him.

Rookie Ryan Mountcaslte doubled and singled while dricing in a run in 4 trips to the plate. Victor Caratini had a pair of singles, but was caught stealing. Alford, who scored on Mountcastle's double, also drove in a run.

July 16th, 2020: All Star voting was finished, and the All-Star list was published today. Our All-Star? Lewis Brinson, who got his 1st career nod. He's hitting an impressive .278/.360/.513 with 16 homers, 38 RBI's, and 14 steals.

Check this out... Anthony Alford suffered a concussion while falling off a golf cart, and will head to the disabled list.

Anyways, I traded LF Khris Davis and CF Cedric Mullins to the Blue Jays for 2B Logan Warmoth and C Danny Jansen, which will spark a ton of roster moves.

Jansen, 25, a bat first catcher is rated as a 2/2.5 and is a welcome addition to the big league club. Warmoth, 24, a former 1st Rounder has a light bat, but is an elite defender and has great sepped. Both guys are welcome addition to the organization, and I freed up a 40-man spot.

Jansen joined the active roster, which lead to be designating C Luis Torrens for assignment. I then needed to call up a pair of outfielders thanks to Alford's stupidity, so RF Teoscar Hernandez was back in the big leagues for the first spot. The second was given to D.J. Peters, but the plan was to option him after the break so top prospect Cole Brannen could make his debut.

A pair of pitchers had their seasons' end today, Addison Reed and Cam Bedrosian. Both tore flexor tendon's in their elbows.

There was another trade, Eugenio Suarez joining the Cardinals and Michael Wacha joining the Reds. Relatively fair deal here, though it doesn't make too much sense.

On to the final game before the break, with Zach Davies (7-5, 4.45 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) facing Erick Fedde (1-3, 6.65 EAR, 1.80 WHIP). Danny Jansen hit 7th and caught, while Teo hit 2nd and played RF. We ended the first half of the season with a nice 6-4 win, with help from an 8 run 5th.

Davies allowed 4 in 4 off 10 hits and a walk, and he just struck out 1. Brad Brach got the save and Brian Duensing earned the win with 2.2 perfect innings. He struck out 3 as well.

We manage 9 hits, lead by three for Garret Hampson. He scored twice and drove in a run, while also picking up a steal. Our 2020 All Star hit a three run shot in the 8th off Fedde, and drove in another run on a single earlier in the game for a total of 4 RBI's. Jansen and Marcu Semien doubled, and this was a nice way to end the first half.

Coming up next, a few days off where I can make a ton of trades! At 40-53, we need to make some changes!

[ayaghmour2]

A short one here to cover the All-Star break because I've been a bit busy, but there is enough going on here with trades and more!

July 17th, 2020: I started the All-Star break by shopping a few players to see what I could get when no games were being played. Let's just say, a lot of people want Trevor Rosenthal. If Cam Bedrosian didn't have a major injury... Wow, he'd be awesome to add, a 4.5* stud. There were a lot of really interesting, good players available. I found a deal I really like, Trevor Rosenthal and Trey Harris for Hunter Harvey and Nolan Gorman from the Orioles.

Harvey is the prize, looks like a solid middle of the rotation starter with possible ace potential. His curveball is rated a 95, fully developed, and his stuff is insanse. With a little more seasoning, he'll be a deadly #2 to Montgomery.

Gorman is an elite defender at third and has massive power. The former third rounder will be a deadly left handed bat when he reaches the majors.

To replace Rosenthal on the active roster, I called up Ian Gardeck from AAA.

July 18th, 2020: Today was the actual All-Star game! The lineups are filled with young stars. Our young star didn't do too well filling in, and Lewis Brinson was 0-for-3 coming off the bench. The NL won the match 5-2.

Of course, with all this time I had to make moves. I wanted to move Brina Duensing, but the return wasn't quite there yet. Marcus Semien was next, and there was a ton of interest, but mostly older stars. I could've got Max Scherzer, but how can I pay for that contract? Same with Charlie Blackmon, Josh Donaldson, Cole Hammels, and more!

Finally, I shopped the guy everyone wanted: CL Brad Brach. I really liked one spec the Mets were offering, SP David Peterson, but I definitely needed more. He wasn't enough, and they wouldn't reall budge, so it seems like today would end quiet...

July 19th, 2020: Another full day of work, as I looked to tinker with the roster. And hoenstly, it's really funny how badly the Red Sox want to trade Josh Donaldson. I could've give them Chris Shaw.

I decided to take a big risk, I sent an offer of Shaw to the Royals for Danny Duffy with 65% of his salary retained. Duffy, currently hurt, is a really good starter and I'd have him for one more year next year. Keep this one in the back of your mind.

I sent another offer, this one to the Cubs, Teoscar Hernandez for Albert Almora and Jensen Elliot. This allows me to upgrade defensively in the outfield as well as improve offensive output. Elliot is a solid pitchig sepc as well.

July 20th, 2020: My DSL 2B Hector Vizcaino had a 5 hit game in a 16-8 loss to the Angels affiliate. He's a solid guy I got from Baltimore awhile back when dumping minor leaguers.

Both Chicago and Kansas City said no, so I'd have to adjust things a slight bit.

To fix the Chicago deal, I added a SP Henry Valencio who has not much upside in my scouts eyes. We secured the deal, and I became a very happy GM. Almora is slightly younger then Teo, and is an elite CF who can become an even more elite LF if Mattingly decideds to stick with Alford in cetner. He doesn't have much power, but really high contact and gap ratings, and is a 3* as opposed to a 2/2.5. Elliot is the icing on the cake, a 2.5* potential starter with an intriguing 5 pitch arsenal. You can never, never have too much young pitching. Almora will play center for now, as Alford is still hurt from the golf cart incident.

Quick Intermission: we're now 23rd in the Power Rankings. Also, the fans loved adding Almora.

On to the KC deal, I changed the retain percentage to 55, and sent it back out.

We're going to have our hands full with the break ending, as lots of changes are hopefully in motion. In a relatively expected move, I optioned Charlie Tilson to AAA and purchased the contract of OF Cole Brannen. I got the former 2nd rounder in a deal with the Bo Sox, and he's really something special. All three spots he's elite in the outfield, and he can even play shortstop. It's hard to catch him stealing and he draws a ton of walks with a great eye and consistent contact. The lefty can really fight pitchers, and is honestly underrated as the #144 prospect, or #5 in our system. He'll hit leadoff and play right temporarily.

We sat in last at 40-53, but would host the 38-57 Brewers for three to start the second half. We'd see Carson Fulmer (4-8, 4.76 ERA), Luis Ortiz (0-1, 3.65 ERA), and Wade Miley (2-8, 5.74 ERA). While the playoffs seem like a longshot, I wanted to win every game I could with the youngsters in. I like what the future has in store for us, so be ready to bow down to the Mighty Marlins!

[ayaghmour2]

July 21st, 2020: I have to keep reworking the Shaw-Duffy trade. They want too much to add, but I still need salary help.

On to the first game after the break, Jordan Montgomery (3-5, 3.47 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) was on the mound as we took on the Brewers and Brandon Woodruff (5-5, 4.90 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). New faces in the lineup, with Almora in center and Brannen in right. We did not get off on the right first, dropping the away opener 7-2.

The previously hot Montgomery allowed 5 off 6 hits in 3.2 innings while walking 1 and striking out 3. Ian Gardeck allowed 2 off 5 hits in 1.2 innings of relief.

We had just 6 hits, including Brannen's first career hit, and RBI double in the 6th off Adrian Houser. Newcomer Albert Almora had a pair of hits and his former teammate Victor Caratini doubled and scored off the Brannen double. Both Brannen and Almora stole bases.

July 22nd, 2020: The Brewers lost 3B Brett Lawrie for the year with a torn ACL. We did not see him yesterday.

Zach Davies (7-5, 4.63 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) faced his former team and Carson Fulmer (4-8, 4.76 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) in game two. Revenge is best served in a shutout, this time a 3-0 version.

Davies went 8, allowed just 3 hits and a walk, while striking out 3. He got a lot of fly outs, 14 during the game. Brach finished it off with his 19th save as every game he pitches could be the last in a Marlin uniform.

We only had 5 hits, the biggest a three run homer by D.J. Peters. Marcus Semien had two hits and stole a base, and Ryan Mountcastle doubled in the 9th.

July 23rd, 2020: I finalized the Danny Duffy deal, acquiring him from the Royals for 1B Chris Shaw and 3B Lucas Erceg. 65% of Duffy's salary will be retained, meaning next year he will cost just $5.4 million. He should make his debut for us in September after making a full recovery. If he does, this is a definite steal, and our rotation will be dangerous next season if everything goes right.

We looked to pick up the series win with Zack Wheeler (4-10, 4.95 ERA, 1.53 WHIP) taking on Corbin Burnes (2-5, 4.63 ERA, 1.34 WHIP). A solid pitching outing from Wheeler was enough for a 5-2 win.

Wheeler went 5, allowing 9 hits, but just 2 runs, a walk, and he struck out 7. David Phelps, Drew Steckenrider, and Yasukauz Shiotani got holds, with Brach another save.

We had 10 hits in today's victory, including three from Nicky Delmonico. He doubled, singled, and hit a two run shot, just a triple shy of the cycle. Lewis Brinson homered as well in a two hit trip and added a stolen base, while Marcus Semien had a pair of singles. Cole Brannen hit his first career homer off Burnes to leadoff the game.

The Rockies Cubs game had a few nice hitting performances. Javy Baez had a 5 hit game and David Dahl hit for the cycle. Dahl and the Rox won the game 10-8. The Rockies, in fact, are our next opponent.

We'd be at Coors Field for four, featuring Hunter Williams (3-3, 4.37 ERA), former Marlin Adam Conley (3-7, 5.53 ERA), Jon Gray (6-10, 5.27 ERA), and German Marquez (5-11, 5.21 ERA).

July 24th, 2020: Yonny Chirinos (1-1, 5.79 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) got the start against Hunter Williams (3-3, 4.37 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) and the Rockies to open the four game set. The bats were working, and we pulled off a 8-3 win.

Chirinos kept himself in the rotation with 6 innings of solid work. He allowed 6 hits, 2 walks, 3 runs, and struck out 5 while earning the win.

We had 11 hits as a team, and the young Brannen had three of them and scored once. Albert Almora and Marcus Semine hit homers, and Victor Caratini and Lewis Brinson doubled. Semien, Caraini, and Almora drove in two a piece. Nicky Delmonico had a pair of singles and a walk, while scoring twice.

After the game I shopped a few players around, but nothing really sounded right.

July 25th, 2020: Game two saw Ty Blach (3-7, 5.83 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) face former Marlin Adam Conley (3-7, 5.53 ERA, 1.66 WHIP). Today's outcome was different, as we fell 4-3.

Blach allowed 3 (2 earned) with 8 hits, 2 walks, and 3 stirke outs. Kevin Chapman allowed the final run in the 7th, but we were already down 3-1 at that point.

We had 7 hits, including two from D.J. Peters. He doubled and hit a 2-run homer off Jake McGee. Garrett Hampson had a single, walked twice, and stole a base.

It finally happened, I traded Brad Brach and Shelby Miller to the Angels for CL Cam Bedrosian and RF Brandon Marsh.

This is a big risk, but I rather get something then nothing for Brach. Bedrosian is heading into his final year of arbitration, but it will be about 9 months before he can pitch again as he tore his flexor tendon. The son of a former big leaguer, Bedrosian is ranked as a 4.5* reliever, and if he can heal, will be a dominate closer. Marsh is good too, a very good defensive RF with nice contact and gap power. He's got great speed as is rated as a 1.5/3* at just 22. I will miss Brach, but I can always resign him in the offseason, and he gets to pitch in a pennant race.

July 26th, 2020:The Rockies traded CF Billy Hamilton and LF Samir Lara to the Dodgers for RHP Kenta Maeda. I'm a little shocked, but based on my scout, the Rockies got the much better end of the deal.

Anyways, we'd face them and send Jordan Montgomery (3-6, 3.77 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) to the mound against Jon Gray (6-10, 5.27 ERA, 1.55 WHIP). I recalled former Rockie Antonio Senzatela from his rehab assignment, but he wouldn't pitch this series. We took this one 4-2, and ensured at least a split in the series.

Montgomery allowed 7 hits in 5.2 innings and both runs, but he didn't walk a hitter and struck out 10. David Phelps finished the 6th and got a hold, but left with an injury. Nick Rumbelow, Drew Steckenrider, and Brian Duensing got holds, and new closer Shiotani got his 2nd save. His ERA is 1.01 on the year.

We had just 8 hits, 7 singles and a Delmonico double. Albert Almora scored and drove in a run in the only two hit game for us. We didn't do much with the bats, but it was enough for the win.

Matt Carpenter got 5 hits in a 17-3 Royals win over the Orioles.

July 27th, 2020: SS Luis Verdugo was named NYP Player of the week. Acquired from the Cubs with Caratini in an offseason deal, he went 14-for-27 with 4 RBI's for A- Batavia.

I recalled RHP James Farris from AAA and optioned LHP Ty Blach. Farris tossed 9.2 innings in AAA New Orleans and worked to a 1.86 ERA and 1.03 WHIP.

Zach Davies (8-5, 4.30 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) was on the mound against German Marquez (5-11, 5.21 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) as we looked to win the series. Instead, we were shutout 1-0 and had to settle for a split.

Davies walked 2 and struck out 6 in his 6 innings of work. He allowed the one run and 6 hits in the loss.

We had 5 hits, 4 singles and an Albert Almora double. Cole Brannen singled, walked, and stole a base, but we didn't have any kind of offense, despite the altitude of Coors Field.

Sitting at a 44-56 record, we headed home to face the 45-56 Pirates for three. We'd see Steven Brault (2-8, 5.56 ERA), Charlie Morton (3-2, 5.02 ERA), and Brandon Waddell (4-5, 5.96 ERA). It'd be an interesting series, and we'd hopefully make a few more moves before the upcoming deadline.

[ayaghmour2]

July 28th, 2020: David Phelps is headed to the DL with forearm inflammation and would miss about 2 weeks. I recalled John Curtiss from AAA, who had 60 K's in 38 innings with a respectable 3.79 ERA and nice 1.08 WHIP.

We opened the series with Zack Wheeler (5-10, 4.88 ERA, 1.56 WHIP) took on Steven Brault (2-8, 5.56 ERA, 1.60 WHIP) as we opened the homestand against the Pirates. Austin Meadows hit for the cycle as we were crushed 10-0.

Wheeler allowed 6 (5 earned) in 2 innings off 6 hits and 3 walks. Ian Gradeck allowed 4 more runs in 2.1 innings off 5 hits, a walk, and he struck out 3.

We only had three hits, but a pair of steals from Garrett Hampson and Albert Almora. Hampson had two of the hits, and the final one went to Nicky Delmonico. This was an awful start to the homestand.

July 29th, 2020: I worked out a trade with the Cubs, sending LHP Brian Duensing to the Cubs for LF Art Bryant and CL Manuel De Jesus Rodriguez. It isn't the worst haul, but I wouldn't call it great.

Bryant is the better of the two, a light hitting corner outfielder who the Cubs took last year in the 15th round. He's just 18, and has a lot of improvement to continue.

Rodrgiuez, (yes, his first name is Manuel De Jesus) has a little MLB experience, and has the pitches to start, but the stamina of a long reliever. He's got decent stuff and control, and is just 23.

I recalled Brent Suter to fill the lefty void in my pen now.

Yonny Chirinos (2-1, 5.47 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) got the start against Charlie Morton (3-2, 5.02 ERA, 1.60 WHIP) for game two. Today was much better, a 5-2 bounceback win.

Chirinos allowed just 2 in 6 innings, and has put together a few solid starts. He walked just 1, but only struck out two. Farris and Curtiss got holds, and Yasukazu Shiotani got the save.

We only had 7 hits, including a Danny Jansen two run homer in the first. Lewis Brinson had a double and single, driving in and scoring a run. Almora tripled and scored in three at bats.

July 30th, 2020: A pair of trades occured, first Seattle re-acuqiring 1B Mike Ford from the Rays for RHP Jake Junis. It seems like a pretty even deal, and Ford as really developed into a great hitter. The Twins sent LF LaMonte Wade to the Royals for RHP Trevor Oaks. Another fair deal, helping both teams.

We could win the series with Antonio Senzatela (3-5, 4.87 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) making his first start since injury against Brandon Waddell (4-5, 5.96 ERA, 1.67 WHIP). We took the finale 5-2, and won the series after getting humiliated in the first game.

Senz pitched well, just 4 hits, a walk, and 2 runs in 6 innings. He struck out three hitters as well. Drew Steckenrider and Curtiss earned holds, while Shiotani picked up another save. His ERA is a very impressive 0.94.

We got 13 hits today, including three from trade candidate Marcus Semien. He scored twice as well. We had a bunch of doubles, one from Senz, Cole Brannen, Hampson, and Ryan Mountcastle. Brannen also hit his 2nd homer of the year, and is hitting an amazzing .370 in his cup of coffee. Hampson had three hits total.

Nolan Arenado went 5-for-6 as the Rockies edged the Brewers 16-13 in a shootout.

Speaking of the Rockies, I made a minor deal with them, sending RP Nick Rumbelow for RP Antonio Santos. Santos is about as good as Rumbelow, but can pitch more innings and isn't out of options. It seems like a fair deal. Expect more moves tomorrow on the deadline!

We'd start four with the Mets tomorrow. They sit at 57-47 and 75 games out of first. At 46-57, we're a much farther 18 games behind Atlanta. We'd see Chris Sale (5-6, 3.70 ERA), Justin Dunn (3-3, 4.69 ERA), Rafael Montero (3-6, 6.03 ERA), and Gerson Bautista.

July 31st, 2020: The A's made a few swaps, sending 2B Whit Merrifield to the Tigers for RHP Shane Greene, and sending LHP Jared Poche to the Rockies for 3B Brad Wood. The first deal looks good for them, the second one doesn't make sense.

I couldn't find anyone to take Marcu Semien. I don't quite understand why, but everyone wanted him, yet didn't want to give up anything of value. I tried multiple different offers with multiple teams in need of a shortstop, but to no avail. Zack Wheeler was impossible to move as well.

I eventually resorted to shopping around Drew Steckenrider. I liked parts of offers, but I eventually gave up, and called it a trading season.

Jordan Montgomery (4-6, 3.74 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) took on Chris Sale (5-6, 3.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) to start the series with the Mets. It was a classic pitchers duel that we won 1-0.

Montgomery went 7.1 innings, allowing just 1 walk and 6 hits, while striking out 11. Steck and Shiotani picked up holds, and Curtiss got a save.

We had 6 hits including a pair of singles from Garret Hampson. Marcus Semien doubled, Lewis Brinson tripled, and D.J. Peters doubled and scored.

I totally forgot to callup a reliever, so Brian Miller got the call after the game.

August 1st, 2020: Zach Davies (8-6, 4.15 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) took on Justin Dunn (3-3, 4.69 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) to signal the start of the Dog Days of August. The Mets scored 7 in the 11th to win 9-2. We both scored 1 in the 10th, and then things fell apart.

Davies was great, 7 scorless with 4 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 7 as well. Kevin Chapman allowed the run in the 8th, and then Ian Gardeck allowed 3 runs between the 10th and 11th, and Brent Suter allowed 5 more. Expect roster moves soon...

We had 9 hits, a third from Garrett Hampson. All three were singles Cole Brannen was 0-for-6 with 3 strikeouts, but he did steal a base. Nicky Delmonico homered in the 10th with 2 outs, it was his 21st of the year. Victor Caratini had a pair of doubles.

August 2nd, 2020: Anthony Alford began his rehab assignment in AAA New Orleans. I recalled Tyler Jay from his rehab assignment, and optioned Brent Suter back down. Jay struggled so far, but his time was running out and he really just had 1 bad outing.

Zack Wheeler (5-11, 5.24 ERA, 1.62 WHIP) faced his former team and teammate Rafael Montero (3-6, 6.03 ERA, 1.50 WHIP). The Mets bested us again, 9-4.

Wheeler allowed 4 (3 earned) in 5 off 7 hits, 3 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Brian Miller allowed 3 in 1.2 innings, and Gardeck allowed 2 in 0.1. Gardeck would be optioned after the game. Jay made his season debut, and got two outs to end the 9th.

We managed 10 hits, including 3 from Marcus Semien. He doubled twice and scored, but also commited an error. Danny Jansen had a pair of hits, a homer and single, and drove in 2 runs.

August 3rd, 2020: I optioned Gardeck to AAA and recalled Max Povse. Povse should be scheduled to start tomorrow, and would push Senz to the pen.

Brett Sulivan was named the Southern League player of the week. The 26-year-old was 8-for-24 with 7 RBI's and scored 7 times.

We also dropped to 24 in the power rankings.

We finished the series with Yonny Chirinos (3-1, 4.99 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) on the mound against Gerson Bautista, who was making his MLB debut. I had a lot of tired guys, so I really had to shuffle the lineup. Hampson made his first ever start in left, while Brannen shifted to CF, Mountcastle played 2B, and Peters took over RF. Both Brinson and Almora needed days off. I can say the moves payed off, since we won 4-1.

Chirinos tossed another solid start, just a single run off 5 hits in 7 innings. He didn't walk a Met, but struck out three. John Curtiss pitched a perfect 8th for the hold, and Shiotani a perfect 9th for the save.

We had 7 hits, three for the catcher Cratini, who drove in three runs on his 2 doubles. D.J. Peters doubled and singled, while the starter Chirinos had a double of his own. Marcus Semien hit a solo shot, his 10th homer of the year.

After the game, I optioned Mountcastle to AAA and recalled 2B Brandon Lowe. He struggled earlier in the season, but should do better filling in off the bench.

Yasiel Puig got 5 hits in an 11-6 Dodgers win over the Cubs.

We'd finish out homestand with three against the Indians before a day off. The Indians are in 1st at 58-50, while we are in last at 48-59. Trevor Bauer (7-6, 3.56 ERA), Brady Aiken (2-0, 2.75 ERA), and Triston McKenzie (5-4, 3.55 ERA) would be out opponents. Anthony Alford will probably join us again after the series finished.

[ayaghmour2]

August 4th, 2020: We opened up our interleague series with the Indians with the 26-year-old Max Povse (0-0, 9.31 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) against Trevor Bauer (7-6, 3.56 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) and the first place Indians. Brandon Lowe was in the lineup and played short today. The opener ended with a score of 4-2, and we picked up the win.

Povse had a solid outing, just 3 hits and a walk, while allowing both runs in 6 innings. He struck out 5 in his first career win. Drew Steckenrider and John Curtiss got holds, and Yasukazu Shiotani got the save. He really does deserve the nickname "Bulldozer" as it seems he bulldozes opponent hitters.

Lewis Brinson hit a solo shot in the 1st and singled, while scoring twice. Lowe doubled, and Brian Anderson hit a 2-run shot in the 3rd. We only had 5 hits, but we did make the most of it.

AA Catcher Martin Cervenka hit for the cycle in a 9-4 Jacksonville win over Birmingham.

Former Marlin Derek Dietrich, who was on waivers, went 5-for-7 as the Royals beat the Mets 11-4. Gary Sanchez also had 5 hits, as the Yankees beat the Padres 13-5.

August 5th, 2020: Jordan Montgomery (5-6, 3.52 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) was on the mound for game two against former #1 overall pick Brady Aiken (2-0, 2.75 ERA, 1.19 WHIP). We bestede the Indians again, this time 9-1.

Montgomery was near perfect, just an unearned run in the 9th, as he pitched 8+ innings. He struck out 6, walked 1, and allowed 6 hits in the victory.

We had 11 hits, and only Brian Anderson (who left with an injury) had an at bat and didn't get a hit. Cole Brannen and Tyler Saladino homered. Saladino drove in 4 and doubled as well. Danny Jansen and Albert Almora doubled as well. Almora and Garrett Hampson stole bases as well.

Anderson, as mentioned earlier, was hurt, and is headed to the DL with a sore elbow. I recalled Anthony Alford from his rehab assignment to fill the roster spot.

August 6th, 2020: We looked to pick up the sweep with Zach Davies (8-6, 3.92 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) facing Triston McKenzie (5-4, 3.55 ERA, 1.08 WHIP). Remarkably, we were successful, and won 4-3, despite being outhit 12-7.

Davies allowed just 2 in 5, but allowed 10 hits and struck out just 1 Indian. Tyler Jay got the win, striking out the side in the 6th. Steck, Brian Miller, and Shiotani got holds, before James Farris picked up the save. Shiotani allowed a run before being pulled.

D.J. Peters had a good game, hitting a 2un homer in the 6th off McKenzie. Saladino and Nicky Delmonico had doubles. Delmonico also singled home a run.

We had a day off tomorrow as we would travel to Pittsburgh for three with the Pirates.

August 7th, 2020: I claimed a pair of players off waivers, 3B Cheslor Cuthbert and RP Wei-Chieh Huang. Both would head to the active roster, with Peters and Brian Miller heading down to AAA.

Huang, 26, is a 2.5* reliever with all three options left. In 9 innings with St. Louis, he's allowed 11 hits and 4 runs, but struck out 13 while walking only 2.

Cuthbert, 27, can play both corner infield spots, and will suit up at third while Anderson recovers. The Nicaraguan native was hitting .342/.393/.494 with 2 homers and 10 RBI's in 79 at bats with the Royals, and I'm not quite sure why he was waived.

I didn't have to, but I designated Ty Blach for assignment. I hope he clears waivers, but it's no loss if he doesn't.

Looking ahead to the series with Pittsburgh, we'd see Steven Brauly (4-8, 4.92 ERA), Charlie Morton (4-3, 4.62 ERA), and Brandon Waddell (4-6, 5.99 ERA), the exact same trio as our last series with the Pirates.

August 8th, 2020: Cheslor Cuthbert made his Marlins debut as Zack Wheeler (5-12, 5.25 ERA, 1.63 WHIP) and Steven Brault (4-8, 4.92 ERA, 1.53 WHIP) went head to head. We kept the win streak going with a 5-4 win, despite allowing 3 in the 8th and having to score 1 in the 9th on a Brinson sac fly.

Wheeler pitched well, just a single run in 6 innings off 3 hits, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Curtiss allowed the 3 runs in the 8th, but Bulldozer Shiotani was able to pick up the save after Tyler Jay got the final out in the 8th.

We had 13 hits including three a piece for former White Sox slugger's Nicky Delmonico and Marcus Semien. All six hits were singles except an RBI double by Semien in the 6th. Cuthbert homered and singled in his debut for us, while also scoring twice and stealing a base. It was one of three, the other two Alford and Delmonico. Cole Brannen and Alford also had two hits a piece.

August 9th, 2020: The D'Backs will be without Archie Bradley for the remainder of the season and part of next with a torn flexor tendon. He made 58 relief appearences, working to a 2.89 ERA with 67 strikeouts and a save.

Could we keep it up? Yonny Chirinos (4-1, 4.30 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) looked to add another solid start against Charlie Morton (4-3, 4.62 ERA, 1.59 WHIP). He was shockingly brilliant, as we shut out the Piraes 6-0.

Although not perfect, Chirinos prevented a run, despite the 7 hits and a walk. He also struck out just 2 hitters, but there's nothing to complain about with his performance.

We had just 6 hits, and half of them were homers. Brannen drove in three in the 9th off Nick Burdi, and Delmonico had a pair, a two-run shot in the 1st, and a solo shot in the 4th. Homers accounted for all the runs in the game. Albert Almopra doubled as well, and then Semien and Victor Caratini singled.

August 10th, 2020: Martin Cervenka won Southern League Player of the Week. He went cycling in one game, and finished the week 8-for-15 with 2 homers and 8 RBI's.

Chris Torres was the A+ Florida State League Player of the Week. He was 11-for-25 with a homer and 4 driven in.

We jumped up to 11th in the Power Rankings, and we've quietly edged closer to .500 at 53-59. And just like that just 8.5 out of the Wild Card. A long shot, yes, but I'm allowed to hope, right?

And we techincally swept the Pirates, as the finale was rained out. The rematch will be sandwitched between a home game with the Rockeis and a road game against Washington later this month on the 28th. That will create 20 straight games for us, and that's gonna kill the team.

We got to head to Atlanta a bit earlier then planned to take on the 71-44 Braves. The 1st Place squad would send Sean Newcomb (10-4, 3.45 ERA), Kolby Allard (6-7, 5.34 ERA), and Luiz Gohara (10-4, 3.65 ERA) to the mound. We're riding a 6 game win streak and are looking to surprise!

Quick sidenote, with a look at the farm, I now have 7, 4* potential or higher guys. When I took over the Marlins, I think we had 1 guy above 3, and it was Brinson. Counting Brannen and Shiotani in the majors, and Luis Puerta and Ismael Mayen in the International Complex, we have 11 total. The only team with more in the Mets, at 12. Granted, it's using my scout, but still, the future looks bright.

[ayaghmour2]

August 11th, 2020: We opened up our series in Atlanta with an ace off: Jordan Montgomery (6-6, 3.30 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) vs. Sean Newcomb (10-4, 3.45 ERA, 1.15 WHIP). The first 6 innings were scorless, but we eventually fell 4-1.

Montgomery allowed 3 in 6+ (2 homers in the 7th) with 4 hits and 3 strikeouts. John Curtiss, who I forgot to option, allowed the final run in the 8th.

We had just 6 hits, but 1 was a Montgomery triple. He scored the only run of the game on a Cole Brannen RBI single. Both hits came with two outs. Victor Caratini had a pair of singles, and Lewis Brinson doubled. Brannen was caught stealing twice, and walked twice to go with the RBI single.

Clint Frazier hit three homers in a 16-2 Yankees with over the Tigers. He's hitting just .218 this season with now 12 home runs.

D.J. LeMaheiu recorded 5 hits at Coors Field as his Rockies outscored the Pirates 15-10.

I optioned Curtiss to AAA and recalled Brent Suter. He'd re-enter the rotaition and move Povse to the pen. I also outrighted Ty Blach to AAA.

August 12th, 2020: Game two saw Zach Davies (8-6, 3.91 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) face Koby Allard (6-7, 5.34 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) who has been ice cold recently.

It was a high scorer that went down to the wire, but we edged the hometown Braves 7-6, despite allowing 2 in the 9th.

Davies went 6, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs (2 earned) with 4 walks and 2 strikeouts. Tyler Jay and Drew Steckenrider got holds, but Steck suffered a mild calf strain. He will not head to the DL. Yasukzau Shiotani did pick up the save, but he allowed 3 hits and 2 runs before finishing the 9th.

We had 15 hits, with all position players reaching base, including pinch hitter Anthony Alford who walked. Garrett Hampson had three singles and a double. He was 1-for-3 with stealing bases, however, so he did run us out of a few innings. Nicky Delmonico hit his 24th homer of the year, and Danny Jansen walked three times, went 1-for-2, scored twice, and stole a base. Delmonico, Albert Almora, and Brandon Lowe all had two hits a piece.

Kevin Pillar extended his ht streak to 20 games, despite the Angels falling to the Inidnas 6-4. It's werid seeing him not on the Blue Jays.

Ryan Braun went 5-for-5, despite the Brewers losing to Seattle 12-8.

August 13th, 2020: David Phelps will begin his rehab assignment on the GCL Roster. He'd stay there until Rosters expand.

The Pirates lost SP Joe Musgrove for the rest of the year with a torn meniscus. The Rays also lost SP Jake Junis, although he ruptured his ulnar collateral ligament, and may miss all or most of next year as well.

Zack Wheeler (5-12, 5.04 ERA, 1.60 WHIP) took the mound against Luiz Gohara (10-4, 3.65 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) for the finale. We shocked the hosts, and scored three in the 8th and 9th to take a 7-4 victory.

Wheeler went 5, allowing 4 hits, 4 walks, and 4 strike outs, while being responsbile for two of the runs. Steck got the win with a perfect 8th, and Shiotani got the save with a perfect 9th, his 9th save.

We had 9 hits, with Brannen, Brinson, and Caratini having two a piece. Brannen doubled and Brinson homered. Anthony Alford drove in three on a homer in the 9th off Andrew Miller to give us the lead. Marcus Semien doubled in two off Zach Britton in the 8th. Isn't that crazy? We scored three a piece on two of the best lefties in the league, Britton and Miller. Both are 5* with nasty stuff.

Kevin Pillar's hitting streak was snapped at 20 as he went 0-for-4 in a 6-4 loss to Cleveland.

We had three with the 42-75 Royals in KC before an off day. We'd see Eric Skoglund (3-7, 6.08 ERA), Matt Wisler (4-9, 5.20 ERA), and Josh Staumont (3-3, 3.74 ERA).

August 14th, 2020: Yonny Chirinos (5-1, 3.55 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) took on Eric Skoguland (3-7, 6.08 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) took open the series with the Royals. Former Marlin farmhand Lucas Erceg was in the lineup, as well as Derek Dietrich. We took the opener 5-1, and are now just 4 under .500 (56-60).

I think Yonny Chirinos may be a good pitcher in disguise, as he allowed just 1 in 5.2 innings. He walked 1, struck out 3, and allowed 6. Jacob Farris threw 1.1 perfect innings, and then Wei-Chieh Huang tossed 2 more, striking out 4 of 6.

We had 12 hits, and half of them were doubles. Brannen, Hampson, Almora, Caratini, Delmonico, and Tyler Saladino all doubled. Caratini and Brandon Lowe hit triples, as most of our hits were for extra bases. Caratini was just a homer away from the cycle, and as a catcher, the triple is the hardest part. Him and Delmonico both had 3 hits.

August 15th, 2020: Brent Suter (0-2, 6.83 ERA, 1.69 WHIP) got the start against Matt Wisler (4-9, 5.20 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) in the middle game. We worked a little more magic, and picked up a 7-3 win.

Suter allowed all three in 6.1 innings of work. He allowed 5 hits and a walk, but struck out 2. Tyler Jay pitched 1.2 perfect frames and got a hold, but we scored 3 in the 8th, so no save was needed. Despite an awful rehab assignment, he's looked amazing in 6 outings with Miami so far.

We had 9 hits, including three from Delmonico, who happened to drive in three runs. He singled twice and hit a solo homer. Almora homered as well in a two hit game, and Lewis Brinson had a solo shot in the first.

Could we pull of the sweep tomorrow?

August 16th, 2020: We looked to pick up the sweep with Jordan Montgomery (6-7, 3.35 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) taking on Josh Staumont (3-3, 3.74, 1.35 WHIP) as both would make their 25th start. Lots of no decisions for Staumont. Despite the 5-2 win, he lasted just 3.1, and earned another.

Montgomery allowed 3 off 7 hits in 4.2 innings. He walked 2 and struck out 4. Max Povse and Steckesaurus both allowed a run a piece in the lost, although Povse went 2.1 innings as opposed to Steck's 1. Former Marlin Erceg hit 2 homers, 1 off Montgomery, the other Povse.

We had just 2 hits, a Caratini double and Brinson homer, so it makes sense that we lost. We did pick up 5 walks. Alford walked and stole a base, but it wasn't enough for the sweep. We would head home tomorrow on the off day.

August 17th, 2020: We're now sitting at 57-61, and just 8.5 out of the Wild Card. Only problem is that this is our last day off until September 7th. This part of the season would be an insane grind. We've dropped to 15th in the power rankings, but to be fair, 6 straight wins is better then 4-2, so I'm fine with the fall.

Randy Arozarena went 5-for-5 as the Cardinals beat the Pirates 6-3. The 25-year-old from Cuba looks like a solid Rookie of the Year candidate, hitting .309/.399/.486 this season.

Quick note on Erceg, who I traded in the Duffy Deal to KC as started to heat up. He was 4-for-4 today with 4 RBI's and is now hitting .311/.360/.622 with 4 homers and 10 RBI's in a 13 game period.

We'd start this crazy frenzy of baseball with three games hosting the 50-70 Giants. We'd see Hunter Wood (2-4, 5.35 ERA), Johnny Cueto (5-8, 4.44 ERA), and Madison Bumgarner (7-8, 4.26 ERA). It's going to be tough, 21 games in a row, then just 1 more off day, before 24 more games. I've never seen such an awful set up, granted with 2 make up games, but 45 games in 46 days in insane.

[ayaghmour2]

August 18th, 2020: Brian Anderson was sent down to AAA New Orleanss to begin a rehab assignment. I haven't quite decided how long he'd stay in rehab.

A pair of lefty relievers saw ends to their seasons today. The first, Nick Hagadone of the Giants who tore his labrum. The second, the Twins Gabriel Moya who has bone chips in his elbow.

We opened the home series with San Fran, with Zach Davies (9-6, 3.87 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) facing Hunter Wood (2-4, 5.35 ERA, 1.67 WHIP). We took the opener 5-3 with help from a 2 run 8th.

Davies went 5, and allowed all three runs off 8 hits, while striking out just a pair. Drew Steckenrider got the win, and Yasukazu Shiotani threw a perfect 9th with a pair of punch outs.

We had just 7 hits, but made them count. Albert Almora doubled twice and drove in the two runs in the 8th in 4 trips to the plate. Garret Hampson had a double and single, and scored on a Marcus Semien 2-run single. Anthony Alford doubled, walked, and was hit by a pitch in four plate appearences.

Tim Anderson went 5-for-5 in a 16-4 White Sox victory over the Twins.

Former MVP Jose Altuve improved his hit streak to 20 games in a 3-0 win over the division rival Angels.

August 19th, 2020: Game two saw Johnny Cueto (5-8, 4.44 ERA, 1.46 WHIP) and former Giant farmhand Zack Wheeler (5-12, 4.98 ERA, 1.60 WHIP). We scored 5 again, this time winning 5-2.

Wheeler didn't allow a run in 6 innings. He gave up 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. The runs were charged to Max Povse, who allowed 2 in 1.2, but struck out 4. Steck got a hold, and Bulldozer Shiotani another save.

We got 11 hits today, with everyone except Albert Almora getting a hit. Even Cheslor Cuthbert who left with an injury got a double in his only trip. He'll be headed to the DL, and I'd bring Anderson back from his rehab a bit early.

Cole Brannen and Lewis Brinson both had two hits and both stole a base. Brannen scored and drove in two, while Brinson drove in 1 on a 3rd inning double.

I called up Anderson, who went 3-for-4 with 2 doubles in his only rehab start, so he seemed ready to go.

August 20th, 2020: Yonny Chirinos (6-1, 3.33 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) took on Madison Bumgarner (7-8, 4.26 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) as we looked to pull of the sweep. Anderson was back in the lineup, playing third and hitting 6th. Again, I don't know what's up with Chirinos, but he could've given up 11, as we won 12-0.

Chirinos almost went the distance, 8.1 innings with just 3 hits allowed and no walks. He struck out 9, but left with 104 pitches. Antonio Senzatela finished the last two outs of the game.

We had 14 hits, and everyone except Anthony Alford recorded a hit. Three players had three, and they were Nicky Delmonico, Anderson, and Marcus Semien. Most of our hits were for extra bases, while Semien and Delmonico doubled twice, Caratini, Chirinos, Brannen, and Caratini doubled as well. Anderson, Semien, and Delmonico all homered as well. It looks like Anderson didn't need much rehab to bounce back to himself.

Altuve's hit streak ended in a 7-2 defeat to the Angels.

Mason Robbins hit for the cycle as the White Sox beat the Twins 6-1. For some reason, the former 25th rounder in real life is a stud hitter in this universe.

We got to stay home after the sweep and host the 65-58 Dodgers. Now just 1 game under .500 we could go above for the first time in what seems like forever. We'd see former Marlin Colin McHugh (4-9, 7.82 ERA), Danny Salazar (7-5, 3.34 ERA), and Ross Stripling (2-12, 6.28 ERA), and the shell of former star Clayton Kershaw (2-5, 5.33 ERA).

August 21st, 2020: They messed with the order a bit, sending Danny Salazar (7-5, 3.34 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) to the mound for game 1 against Brent Suter (1-2, 6.37 ERA, 1.56 WHIP). Based purley on matchups, I wonder why the didn't save him for Montgomery tomorrow. It worked for them, and we fell 5-2.

Suter allowed all 5 in 4.1 innings off 7 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strikeotus. The rest of the pen was solid, including 2.2 perfect innings from Senz.

We had just 6 hits, all singles. Hampson was 2-for-4 and stole a pair of bases, while Cole Brannen stole one as well.

Another new hitting streak comes in the form of 2B Ketel Marte. He's up to 20 games.

After the game I optioned Suter to AAA and purchased the contract of Julio Teheran from AAA. The former Braves ace joined the team on a minor league deal in the offseason, and is 6-2 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in AAA, and earned a shot at the rotation.

August 22nd, 2020: Two playoff teams lost players for the season, LF Ronald Acuna of the Braves and SP Tanner Roark of the Dodgers. Acuna broke his hand, while Roark tore his flexor tendon.

Jordan Montgomery (6-8, 3.43 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) faced his former teammate Colin McHugh (4-9, 7.82 ERA, 1.79 WHIP) as we looked to even the series. The bats woke up, and we crushed out old friend 12-2.

Monty went 5.2, allowing both runs and 5 hits. He struck out 5 and walked 3. James Farris tossed 2.1 innings of mop up, striking out 4 while allowing a single hit.

We had 14 hits as a team, with all starters reaching base, Montgomery the only one without a hit. Anthony Alford had himself a night, a pair of doubles and 4 RBI's while scoring twice. Anderson homered again, and so did Delmonico. Both were solo shots. Cole Brannen had a pair of hits, a pair of walks, and pair of steals. Garrett Hampson walked and doubled while scoring twice and driving in a run.

And just like that Marte's streak was ended in a 2-1 loss to the Reds.

August 23rd, 2020: The Red Sox lost Didi Gregorius for the rest of the season with a torn back muscle. He was hitting .303 with 28 homers and 82 RBI's in his first season on the other side of the rivalry.

Game three of four saw Zach Davies (9-6, 3.92 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) and Ross Stripling (2-12, 6.28 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) battle it out. We didn't hit nearly as well today, and lost 5-2.

Davies allowed 5 in 3 innings off 6 hits. He didn't walk anyone, but struck out 3.

We only had 6 hits, half of them Cole Brannen, who doubled twice and singled. Nicky Delmonico and Albert Almora doubled as well, but it wasn't enough to get the win.

August 24th, 2020: Danny Duffy is headed to A- Batavia to begin his rehab. The lefty will make the start today. Today was the last day of the GCL, so I didn't want to have to move him twice.

We fell again in the Power Rankings, now down to 16.

We looked to split the series with Zack Wheeler (6-12, 4.73 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) facing Clayton Kershaw (6-12, 4.73 ERA, 1.57 WHIP). Injuries have ruined him, as his stamina has plummeted, his pitches don't move nearly as much as before, his velocity is down significantly, and his stuff isn't as sharp. His curve is still crisp, but it's not the same as we all know in real life. He still got the best of us, and we fell 5-2.

Wheeler allowed 3 in 6 off 7 hits with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts. Kevin Chapman and Drew Steckenrider allowed a run a piece. Tyler Jay tossed 1.1 scorless innings and struck out the side in the 8th.

Caratini had half of the 6 hits today, inclduing a 2 run shot in the 4th off Kershaw. Marcus Semine had a double as we attempted a late rally in the 8th, but came up short.

German Marquez of the Rockies tossed a 3-hit shut out as they destroyed the Phillies 12-0. Now 56-72, they'd be out next opponent, as they came to town for three. We'd see Kenta Maeda (7-11, 5.71 ERA), Kyle Freeland (9-6, 4.71 ERA), and former Marlin Adam Conley (6-8, 5.51 ERA). If we swept this series, we could even the record at 64-64.

[ayaghmour2]

August 25th, 2020: I moved Daivd Phelps up to AAA New Orleans to finish his rehab now that the GCL season is over.

Julio Tehrean made his season debut for us with the Rockes in town. We faced off against Kenta Maeda (7-11, 5.71 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). We dropped the opener 5-4, but almost pulled off the comeback with all 4 in the 8th.

Teheran allowed 3 in 5, allowing 4 hits, a walk, and he struck out 3. Wei-Chieh Huang allowed 1 in 2 innings, but struck out 3. It was just a solo homer. James Farris allowed the last run in 0.1 innings.

We had just 7 hits, most in the 8th inning. Albert Almora had a pair of singles and drove in a run, while Brandon Lowe lead off the 8th with a double. Victor Caratini singled how two runs as well.

August 26th, 2020: It took a bit, but I extended Don Mattingly for three years. I debated it a while, but the team bounced back this year, and he gets along with most of the team.

Yonny Chirinos (7-1, 2.87 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) faced Kyle Freeland (9-6, 4.71 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) for game two. Another gem for Chirinos, as the game was tied at 0 and headed to extras. The Rox scored 1 in the top of the 12th on a Nolan Arrenado solo homer, but we battled back, and Nicky Delmonico drove in a run on a single off Dan Jennings. We held them in the 13th, and then Alford walked it off with a single.

Chirinos was amazing again, 7 shutout innings with just 4 hits, and he struck out 8. I don't know why he's been so amazing, but I can't complain. Max Povse ended up getting the win, pitching a perfect 12th.

Both teams had just 7 hits, and the two run producers Alford and Delmonico had two singles a piece. Tyler Saladino doubled for the only extra base hit, and scored the winning run.

August 27th, 2020: The finale saw Jordan Montgomery (7-8, 3.42 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) battle former Marlin southpaw Adam Conley (6-8, 5.51 ERA, 1.65 WHIP). You would think that this would be a nice dub to end the series... You would be wrong, as we lost 7-1...

Montgomery allowed just 3 in 5 off 7 hits and 2 walks, but he did strike out 7. Farris allowed 1 in the 6th, and Drew Steckenrider allowed 3 in the 8th.]

We only had 5 hits, 2 of them for Brian Anderson, who doubled and singled. Almora and Alford doubled as well, and Almora scored the only run on a Danny Jansen single. It was a rough way to end a series we should've won, and we're now 62-66.

We had just 1 in Pittsburgh tomorrow, a make up game for the one that got rained out. We'd see Jameson Taillon (8-10, 3.19 ERA) before heading to Washington.

August 28th, 2020: Our quick stop in Pittsburgh saw Zach Davies (9-7, 4.15 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) take on Taillon (8-10, 3.19 ERA, 1.26 WHIP). We won the makeup game with a 2-0 shutout.

Davies almost went the distance, just 5 hits in 8.1 innings with 8 strikeouts, but Tyler Jay got the final two batters out to earn the save. Davies is out first pitcher to double digit wins this year.

We had 7 hits, all singles, including three from Brian Anderson. Cole Brannen had two, drove in a run, and was 1-for-2 with stealing bases. Marcus Semien walked twice, singled, scored, and drove in a run.

We sit at 63-66 and will face the last place Nationals who are 59-71. We'd face Eric Fedde (3-6, 5.48 ERA), Max Scherzer (13-8, 3.07 ERA), and Alex Balog (8-3, 3.49 ERA) as we looked to reach .500.

August 29th, 2020: We sent Zack Wheeler (6-13, 4.72 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) to the mound against Fedde (3-6, 5.48 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) to start the final series of August. We took the opener 6-2.

Wheeler threw 5 scorless innings, but reached 101 pitches due to 5 hits, a walk, and 7 strikeouts. Wei-Chieh Huang and Antonio Senzatela allowed a run a piece in their innings, the 6th and 7th.

We had 11 hits, an improvement from recent games, including two for Garrett Hampson, Victor Caratini, and Albert Almora. Hampson picked up a steal and scored, Almora hit a solo shot and drove in two, while Caratini walked, scored and drove in a runner. Brannen and Alford had solo shots as well. Brian Anderson doubled home a run and scored as well.

August 30th, 2020: Cheslor Cuthbert would start a quick rehab assignment in AAA before Rosters expand. I'd give him maybe 3 or 4 games before recalling him, since I'd have the room.

In other injury news, the Yankees will lose RP Kelvin Herrera for the remainder of the year with a damage elbow ligament. He might miss all of next season as well, so it's a big blow for the impending free agent.

Julio Teheran (0-1, 5.40 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) got another start, possibly his last, against Max Scherzer (13-8, 3.07 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) who jumped a spot in the rotation. Hampson, Brinson, and Delmonico, our 2-3-4, are all cold. They stayed cold, as we lost 2-1.

Teheran went 5, allowed just 1 run in 5 innings. He gave up 6 hits, walked 1, but struck out 6. James Farris got the loss, and after being really good for a while, he's given up a ton of runs. HIs ERA is still 2.19, but he allowed a walkoff double to Mitch Garver.

We had just 7 hits, including a pair of singles form Almora. Brian Anderson doubled, and then scored on a Danny Jansen double in the 9th.

August 31st, 2020: The first team faced playoff elimination, as the 45-86 Orioles have been eliminated from the postseason. The power rankings were published, and we fell again, this time down to 19.

We finished the series and month with Yonny Chirinos (7-1, 2.56 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) facing on Alex Balog (8-3, 3.49 ERA, 1.08 WHIP). August has definitely been his month.

Well, the score was a bit weird, 13-10 win for us, and we had an 8 run 7th.

You would think Chirinos had a bad game, but it would not be accurate. He did give up 5 runs, but just 1 was earned, as we had three errors in the first two innings. He allowed only 3 hits and a walk in 4 innings, and struck out 5. The pen was sloppy, but Farris pitched a scorless 6th and got the win, while Yasukazu Shiotani bulldozed the Natoinals in the 9th.

We had 16 hits, and everyone who got an at bat except Chirinos (0-for-1) and pinch hitter Danny Jansen (0-for-1) got hits. Nicky Delmonico, who did make two errors, went 3-for-5, scored three times, srove in 5, hit a solo homer and grand slam, and singled in an offensive explosion. Four other starters had two hits, while Brinson and Lowe had pinch-hit doubles. We even had three triples, one a piece for Semien, Saladino (who also errored), and Almora. All 8 offensive starters had RBI's (just Delmonico with more then 1), and pinch hitter Brandon Lowe. Alford was the only starter who didn't score, but he did had a pair of singles and stole a base.

This has to be the best way offensively to end the month.

Sidenote: If Yonny Chirinos isn't pitcher of the month, the game is rigged against us. In 6 starts, he was 4-0 with a 0.68 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, and a 10/1 K/BB ratio (30 to 3) in 40 near-perfect innings.

Anyways, we finished the month 65-67, and 14.5 games behind the division leading Atlanta Braves who were 80-53. They'd be our next opponent, as we'd visit them for three to start off September. We'd see Patrick Weigel (5-3, 3.39 ERA), Sean Newcomb (11-5, 3.37 ERA), and Luiz Gohara (11-6, 3.92 ERA).

A few statistics of note: August was our best month of the year at 18-10, 3 wins better then July at 15-10. We rank bottom 5 in every offensive category except steals, which we are 1st with 102. 6 players have more then 8 steals, including 25 from Hampson which is good for a tie with Ronald Acuna for third in the league. We also have the best pen ERA at 3.35, which is surprsing considering all the weak links we've had throughout the season. It shows how good the back of the pen guys are.

Anyways, here's a few screenshots of the team's progress, including some of the things I mentioned:

[ayaghmour2]

September 1st, 2020: Rosters expanded today, and since my Rookie League teams finished their seasons, I could make a few callups. I might, however, have to deal with minor league playoffs at all for upper level teams. The mid three should be in no matter what, and New Orleans is competing for a spot, although they are 6 out of the division.

In the end, the only guy I brought up was Ti'Quan Forbes so I could have an extra bench bat. The 24-year-old hit .270/.332/.408 with 8 homers and 45 runs driven in and can play first, second, third, short, and a little bit of rightfied.

Roberto Osuna is out for the year with a torn rotator cuff. He's set to miss just 5 months, a very short recovery for such a severe injury.

And for some reason Chirinos wasn't pitcher of the month. It was Michael acha who was 6-0 with 33 strikeouts and a 2.13 ERA. The only advantage Wacha had was wins, and just a few more strikeouts, but Chirinos was far more surperior. This irked me...

Jordan Montgomery (7-9, 3.49 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) opened the series against Sean Newcomb (11-5, 3.37 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) as we battled Atlanta. We shocked the hometown Braves with a 9-3 win.

Not sure what Mattingly was thinking, as Montgomery only went 4 innings. He allowed 3 hits and 3 walks, but just 1 run with 4 strikeouts. Max Povse got the win, despite allowing 2 runs in 2 innings. He walked 3 and allowed 3 hits with just 2 strikeouts.

Cole Brannen, who has been cold as of late, went 3-for-5 and scored a run with a steal and triple. Victor Caratini doubled, walked, and scored twice in 5 plate appearences, while Marcus Semien scored and drove home two with a double. Brandon Lowe went 2-for-4 and drove in three, while Anthony Alford swiped two bases.

September 2nd, 2020: Cheslor Cuthbert is back after going 6-for-12 with a homer and 4 RBI's in three games.

Zach Davies (10-7, 3.93 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) took on Patrick Weigel (5-3, 3.39 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) for game two. Forbes made his season debut at first today. We shocked again, winning 4-2 with a 4 run 9th. Again, we hit both Miller and Britton.

Davies was solid, 6 innings with 9 hits and just 1 run allowed. Walked 1 and struck out 6 in his outing. Drew Steckenrider struck out the side in the 8th and got the win, while Bulldozer Shiotani got the save with 2 K's in the 9th.

We had just 7 hits, inclduing the three run homer by Brian Anderson off Miller in the 9th. Albert Almora was 2-for-3 with a run scored and stole a base in two attempts. Garret Hampson doubled and singled, and scored with Lewis Brinson on the homer.

September 3rd, 2020: We now sat at .500 and it begged the question, could we sweep the Braves? Koby Allard (8-8, 5.08 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) tried to stop that and faced Zack Wheeler (7-13, 4.55 ERA, 1.56 WHIP). I'm hoping after today they'd both have the same record. I was wrong, as we fell 4-3, this time giving up 4 in the 9th.

Shiotani allowed all 4 off 3 hits and a walk, despite striking out two. Austin Jackson had a walk-off grand slam with two outs. Wheeler allowed 3 hits and 3 walks in 5 innings, while striking out five.

We had just three hits. Cole Brannen and Victor Caratini doubled, and Brian Anderson hit another homer. Anderson's was a solo shot, and Caratini drove in the other two runs.

Matt Thaiss of the Angels, a guy I considered trading for a few times, has a 20 game hit streak as the Angels destroyed the Brew Crew 11-3.

We're back below .500, now 67-68, and would have to head to Chicago for three. We'd see former friend Reynaldo Lopez (6-2, 3.03 ERA), Rob Zastryzny (1-7, 5.77 ERA), and Kyle Hendricks (8-8, 3.59 ERA). The Cubs are in first in the central, sitting at 76-60.

September 4th, 2020: Julio Teheran (0-1, 3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) opened up the series against Adbert Alzolay (2-1, 4.50 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) who slid his way in to the rotation. It was rough, as we fell 8-1.

Teheran allowed just 2 of the runs in 5.2 innings, with 6 hits, a walk, and 3 strikeouts. James Farris allowed 3 in 0.2 innings and Wei-Chieh Huang allowed 3 in the 8th off 4 hits.

We had just 5 hits, including a Lewis Brinson solo homer. Albert Almora doubled as well, and the last three hits were singles.

After the game, I brought Danny Duffy back from his rehab assignment, and he'd enter the rotation.

September 5th, 2020: I reacalled David Phelps from his rehab assigment, and the active roster, bringing the total up to 29.

The middle game saw Yonny Chirinos (7-1, 2.55 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) who should have been the August Pitcher of the Month and Rob Zastrynzy (1-7, 5.77 ERA, 1.65 WHIP). The game lasted 16 innings, and we finally fell 5-4.

Chirinos allowed 4 runs (3 earned) in 6 innings, so the game never should have went to extras, but Victor Caratini decided to make an error. Max Povse tossed 3 shutout innings in extras, but Huang allowed 1 run and 4 hits to get the loss, walking Kris Bryant with the bases loaded. Bryant went 5-for-7 and drove in 4 of the Runs.

Caratini tried to make up for it, recording 3 hits, a pair of singles and a double, but it wasn't enough. Nicky Delmonico hit a two run homer and single, and Tyler Saladino hit a solo shot. Almora had a double and steal, and Garrett Hampson had a double. Cole Brannen had a weird game, 0-for-4 with 3 K's and 3 walks, as well as a steal.


Thaiss' hit streak was snapped at 21 as the Angels still won 8-2 over Tampa.

September 6th, 2020: The Royals were eliminated from the postseason today.

We looked to avoid the sweep with Jordan Montgomery (7-9, 3.46 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) taking on Kyle Hendricks (8-8, 3.59 ERA, 1.20 WHIP). We left Wrigley winners, a 4-1 victroy to close off the series.

Montgomery was great, 7.1 innings with just 3 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Tyler Jay got a hold, and Shiotani got the save.

Brian Anderson, Garrett Hampson, and Lewis Brinson all doubled. Nicky Delmonico had a pair of singles and droe in two runs. Almora singeld twice as well, but drove in just 1.

Tomorrow will be out last day off of the season, so we definitely had to make it count. Chances are I'd fill the team with reinforcements.

September 7th, 2020: We've jumped up to 15th in the Power Rankings.

Today marks the end of the Pacific Coast League regular season, and with New Orleans eliminated from the playoffs, I'd be able to fill the club with callups. Since is no game for us today, I'd do a quick brief on all the callups.

RHP Hunter Harvey (2/3): He definitely struggled in AAA for New Orleans after joining in a trade with the Orioles, going 4-4 with a 6.10 ERA and 1.70 WHIP. He's got great stuff, and one of the best curves in the game, but he didn't have much success in his 9 starts.

LHP Brent Suter (1.5/1.5): He's pitched well in 26 AAA Games (4 starts) with a 2-2 record, 3.27 ERA, and 1.02 WHIP. In 17 games in Miami (4 starts as well) he's 1-3 with a 6.81 ERA and 1.61 WHIP. I don't think he'll be in the organization next season, but for now, he's a Marlin.

RHP Ian Gardeck (2/2): His AAA numbers are much better as well, 3.76 ERA and 1.33 WHIP compared to 6.88 ERA and 1.82 WHIP. He struck out 56 in AAA with 11 walks (38.1 innings), 20 strike outs with 9 walks in the majors (17 innings).

RHP Brian Miller (2.5/2.5): The trend continues, 2.43 ERA with New Orleans and 1.09 ERA with Indianapolis in AAA, 5.19 in the majors. He came over from the Pirates off a waiver claim. He looks like a quality big league middle reliever, and is a nice side arm groundballer.

LF Charlie Tilson (1.5/2): He way our 4th OF last year and most of this year, but struggled a ton in the majors. AAA hasn't been much better, .227/.333/.318 with 1 homer and 2 RBI's in 12 games. I do like his defense and speed, so he does have value in the organization.

RF Kyle Lewis (2/3): Acquired from Philadelphia, the 25-year-old is set to make his debut. The former 11th overall pick his 21 homers and 77 RBI's between AAA New Orleans and Lehigh Valley. There isn't room for him in the big league outfield pitcher, but he can force hiself in.

RF D.J. Peters (2/3): Similar to Lewis, monster power and not much room. The 24-year-old struggled in the Majors, but still combined 21 homers between AAA and Miami. He strikes out a lot, but he has a good eye.

RHP Victor Arano (4/4.5): I moved John Curtiss to the 60-Day DL to purchase his contract from AA. Acquired from the Phillies back in 2018, this is his first big league action since 2017. He's really flourished with his tools since arriving, increasing his stuff, movement, and control steadily the past few years. He looks like a monstercloser, but hasn't had the best minor league success until this year. AA was too much last year, but he dominated in A+, 0.27 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 33.2 innings with 50 K's and 8 free passes. The sky is the limit for him.

LHP Dillon Peters (1.5/1.5): He's a shell of his former self, and has been almost strictly a reliever now. He was solid in AA, but awful in AAA, 25 innings and 35 earned runs, good for a 12.60 ERA to go with his 2.92 WHIP. I think he's nearing the end of the road as a Marlin as well.

All that is left on the 40 in the farm is Ryan Mountcastle after I moved Manuel De Jesus Rodriguez to the 60-Day DL. He's got two days to recover from his injury, and will join the team when healthy. I had a free spot, and could add a waiver claim or someone from the system.

We headed home with a 68-70 record to host the 61-78 Nationals to start a 7 game homestand. We'd see former Marlin Wei-Yin Chen (8-9, 3.38 ERA), Max Scherzer (13-9, 3.17 ERA), and Erick Fedde (4-7, 5.28 ERA). We needed to start winning, as we still sit 10.5 out.

[ayaghmour2]

September 8th, 2020: With the callups suited up, we started our homestand with the Nationals. Zach Davies (10-7, 3.83 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) got the ball against Wei-Yin Chen (8-9, 3.38 ERA, 1.19 WHIP). Kyle Lewis made his debut in RF and hit 2nd. He'd make a lot of starts in September. We took the opeer 8-4 thanks to a 5 run 2nd.

Davies allowed just 1 in 7 off 7 hits, a walk, and he struck out 3. Max Povse allowed 2 runs, and the last run was an unearned run charged to Drew Steckenrider. Victor Arano made his Malrins debut and allowed a walk with two strike outs in the 9th to finish the game.

Victor Caratini was a perfect 4-for-4, scoring three times and hitting a solo homer. Kyle Lewis was 1-for-4 in his debut with a grand slam and a total of 5 RBI's. Cole Brannen went 2-for-4 and scored, swiping a bag as well.

Mike Trout hit his 300th home run in an 8-2 Angels win over the Rangers.

September 9th, 2020: Ryan Mountcastle was activated from the DL and recalled from AAA. With their season done, there was no point in leaving him down in the minors.

Huge blow to the Reds has Luis Castillo tore his labrum, and it was so severe that there would be no possible recovery. It's a career ender to the 27-year-old. In his short career, he was 20-24 with a 4.05 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 87 starts. In 448.2 innings, he struck out 436 and walked 103.

Danny Duffy (1-1, 4.98 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) made his Marlins debut against Erick Fedde (4-7, 5.28 ERA, 1.54 WHIP). We were edged 3-2 as the Nats evened the series.

Duffy allowed 3 in 6 with 5 hits and 2 walks in his Marlins debut. He struck out 6 as well.

We only had 4 hits, half for extra bases. Lewis Brinson doubled and Nicky Delmonico hit a solo shot. It wasn't much of an offensive showing.

September 10th, 2020: The Rays lost Christian Arroyo for the season with a torn posterior curciate ligament. The 25-year-old infielder will miss most of next year as well.

Ryan Mountcastle was back in the lineup as Zach Wheeler (7-13, 4.38 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) took on Max Scherzer (13-9, 3.17 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) in the finale. Mad Max got the best of us, and we lost 6-1.

Wheeler allowed 6 (5 earned) in 3 innings off 5 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Povse had 4 solid mop up innings with just 1 hit and 1 strikeout. Dillon Peters went 2 innings, allowing a hit, a walk, and 2 strikeouts.

We only have 5 hits, 2 of them for Cole Brannen, who also drove in the only run. Brian Anderson and Victor Caratini doubled, but that's about it.

We're staying home for four with the second place Braves. They have the first wild card, and we're 13.5 behind them. We'd see Lucas Sims (7-3, 4.01 ERA), Sean Newcomb (11-6, 3.42 ERA), Koby Allard (8-9, 5.14 ERA), and Patrick Weigel (5-3, 3.01 ERA).

September 11th, 2020: I purchased the contract of 2B Elizer Alvarez to grab an extra infielder. He's not too special, a 1.5/2, but he has a decent bat and glove, and would be a minor league free agent after the year.

The Brewers were elimnated from the playoffs today.

Yonny Chirinos (7-1, 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) opened the series against Lucas Sims (7-3, 4.01 ERA, 1.19 WHIP). We were shut out 2-0 and lost our third in a row.

Can't complaing about Chirinos, just 2 runs in his 6 innings. He allowed 5 hits and a walk, but struck out 7. The pen was solid, allowing just 1 hit in 3 innings with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks.

Again, just 5 hits. Two came from Caratini, who doubled and singled. Nicky Delmonico doubled as well, and then Lewis Brinson and Albert Almora picked up steals.

September 12th, 2020: The Nats lost Brian Goodwin for the year with a broken bone in the elbow.

Jordan Montgomery (8-9, 3.35 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) dueled Sean Newcomb (11-6, 3.42 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) again. We got the shut out today, winning 3-0.

Montgomery went 5.2 innings, walking 3 and allowing 4 hits, while striking out just 4. Wei-Chieh Huang and Victor Arano picked up holds, and Bulldozer Shiotani got save 15.

Again, just 5 hits. Alford had two, a double and solo homer. Lewis Brinson and Nicky Delmonico hit solo homers as well, so all three runs were courtesy of solo shots. The last hit was a single for the rookie Kyle Lewis.

September 23rd, 2020: Game three of four saw Zach Davies (11-7, 3.72 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) take on Koby Allard (8-9, 5.14 ERA, 1.36 WHIP). We won again, this time 4-2.

Davies allowed just 1 in 6, recording 6 strikeouts with 1 walk and 5 hits. Kevin Chapman, Steck, and Jay got holds, and Shiotani got the save.

We had 9 hits, all singles, but it was enough. Caratini walked twice and got two hits in 4 trips, and drove in a pair. D.J. Peters had two hits as well and drove in a run, while Garrett Hampson had two hits and scored twice.

Here's something I'd never thought I'd see. Playing in AAA, Starlin Castro went 9-for-9 as Scranton Wilkes-Barre defeated the Columbus Clippers 7-6 in a 20 inning game.

September 15th, 2020: We dropped one spot in the power rankings to 16th.

Danny Duffy (1-2, 4.88 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) got the start against Patrick Weigel (5-3, 3.01 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) in the finale. We shut them out again, and again 3-0.

Duffy allowed just 1 hit in 7 innings and struck out 12. It was the only hit they'd get, and it was to the pitcher himself in the top of the 6th. It broke up the no hitter since Brian Anderson made an error earlier in the game, and Duffy eventually hit one batter too. Victor Arano tossed a perfect 8th for the hold, and Jay a perfect 9th for the save.

We had 7 hits, including 3 doubles. Anderson, Almora, and Delmonico had the doubles. Almora singled as well, and was the only player with more then 1 hit.

I still can't belive the only Brave, in an order that has Ozzie Albeis, Dansby Swasnson, Freddie Freeman, Alex Jackson, and Austin Riley (Acuna didn't play), the pitcher gets the lone hit...

But hey, we won and our now 72-73. We'd travel to the Big Apple for three against the now #1 Wild Card mets who are tied with Atlanta at 84-62. We'd see Justin Dunn (6-4, 4.29 ERA), Noah Syndergaard (17-4, 2.10 ERA), and Rafael Montero (7-7, 4.94 ERA). Let's keep playing spoiler!

[ayaghmour2]

September 15th, 2020: Zack Wheeler (7-14, 4.61 ERA, 1.56 WHIP) dueled Justin Dunn (6-4, 4.29 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) in the first of three with the Mets. Elizer Alvarez hit leadoff and played second in his Major League debut. He was 2-for-5 with a double in an 8-3 win.

Wheeler struggled a bit with command, walking 4, but struck out three and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) of 3 hits in 5.1 innings. Brian Miller tossed 1.2 perfect innings ang got a hold, while Max Povse finished the final 2 innings with a walk and 6 outs.

Wheeler hit well as well, 2-for-2 with 3 RBI's. Brian Anderson had three hits, all singles, scored twice, and drove in 1. Brandon Lowe was 1-for-2 with 2 walks, a homer, and he score twice. Lewis Brinson and Kyle Lewis homered as well, and both Victor Caratini and Nicky Delmonico doubled in 5 at bats.

September 16th, 2020: Today would be atough match, as we had to face Cy Young candidate Noah Syndergaard (17-4, 2.10 ERA, 0.80 WHIP) as we looked to push our record over .500. We'd send the overachieving Yonny Chirinos (7-2, 2.72 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) to the mound. Thor got the best of us in a 4-1 Mets victory.

Chirinos misses August, allowing 4 runs off 6 hits with 2 strikeouts in 5 innings. Wei-Chieh Huang tossed 2 perfect innings of relief with 3 strikeouts.

We only had 2 hits, a Brandon Lowe pinch hit single in the 6th to break up the no hitter, and Nicky Delmonico hit a solo shot in the 7th. The only other base runner was Danny Jansen who walked.

September 17th, 2020: The series concluded with Jordan Montgomery (9-9, 3.24 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) and Rafael Montero (7-7, 4.94 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). The red hot Montgomery left with a sore elbow, but we still manage to win the game and series 7-2.

Montgomery will probably miss his next start, but he won't have to head to the DL. He went 3.1 innings, allowed 5 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks, while striking out three. Max Povse, who is now 4-0, tossed 2.2 mop up innings with just a single hit and strikeout. Dillon Peters finished the final two innings, and despite allowing 3 hits, struck out 4.

We had 13 hits, including three a piece for Brian Anderson and Cole Brannen. Both scored and drove in a run. Anthony Alford stole a pair of bases after pinch hitting for Kevin Chapman in the 8th. He scored as well. Garrett Hamspon had a steal as well, singled, and hit a 2-run homer off Montero in the 3rd. Nicky Delmonico and Marucs Semien had a double, the former scoring a run, the latter driving in two.

We're even at 74-74 and will head to Philadelphia to take on the 90-59, first place Phillies. We'd see Nathan Eovaldi (17-7, 3.93 ERA), Jake Odorizzi (6-5, 4.99 ERA), and Marcos Molina (9-8, 3.28 ERA) in the three game set.

September 18th, 2020: The A's will be without RHP Shane Greene for a full calender year with a torn UCL. This will most likely limit his earnings as he will file for free agency, and may remain unsigned all offseason.

Zach Davies (12-7, 3.65 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) got the ball in the opener against Eovaldi (17-7, 3.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP). It was a hard fought game, but 2 runs in the 7th gave the Phillies the 6-5 win.

Davies wasn't too sharp, 7 hits and 4 runs in 4.1 innings with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. Drew Steckenrider was charged with the loss, as he allowed the runs in the 7th. It was a 2 run homer off the bat of Bryce Harper.

We did have 10 hits, including three from Delmonico. He hit is 34th homer and 88th RBI. Marcus Semien had a single, double, and walk, and scored a run in 4 trips. Cole Brannen had a pair of singles, a steal, and scored a run. Garret Hampson swiped a bag after a single, and went on to score as well.

September 19th, 2020: We looked to bounce back with Danny Duffy (2-2, 3.89 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) on the mound against Jake Odorizzi (6-5, 4.99 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). It took 11 innings, but we grabbed 2 in the top for the 6-4 victory.

Duffy was great, and was unfairly charged with 4 unearned runs on the 4th after a pair of errors by Brinson and Cheslor Cuthbert. He allowed 5 hits and a walk, and strck out just 2 in 5, but he had to pitch a lot more then he should've. The pen was brilliant, just 3 hits and 2 walks in the other 6 innings. Bulldozer Shiotani was amazing, he did walk one in 2 innings, but struck out the side in both the 10th and 11th to get the win. Victor Arano struck out the side in the 9th, so 9 of the last 10 Phillies hitters struck out to end the game.

The struggling Lewis Brinson had a nice game, 2-for-5 with a pair of runs scored and driven in with a homer in the 6th. Brannen and Delmonico homered as well, the latter's crucial, the 11th inning blast that scored two. Danny Jansen had two hits as well, a double and single.

September 20th, 2020: Randty Arozarena, the Cuban rookie phenom for the Cards has a severe hip strain and will miss the rest of the season. He was hitting .281/.365/.447 in 101 games (68 starts).

We looked to win another raod series with Zack Wheeler (8-14, 4.56 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) taking on his former teammate Marcos molina (9-8, 3.28 ERA, 1.22 WHIP). It was a rough one, and we dropped the finale 7-3.

Wheeler allowed 3 in the first and 3 in the 3rd, and just recorded 10 of the outs in the game. He struck out three, but walked 2 and allowed 6 hits. The last run was chraged to Huang in the 7th.

We did have 10 hits, but didn't do too much with them. Brandon Lowe was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk, steal, and RBI. Dlemonico hit a solo shot in the 6th, while Hampson and Caratini picked up doubles. Brinson had two hits again, and scored a run.

Replacing Arrozana in the lineup, CF Oscar mercado went 5-for-8 in a 16-10 win in Coors Field. This was just his 12th career major league game and third career start. In the same game, Tsuneki Kaza went 5-for-7 for the losing Rockies.

We're a game below .500 at 75-76 and are now officially eliminated from the playoffs. We'd face the also eliminated Nationals for four in the Nations' capital before finally returning home. I'm definitely disappointed, but we can still finish above .500, which is another step in the path of fixing the Marlins!

[ayaghmour2]

September 21st, 2020: The second to last power rankings of the year listed us at 16th, the same spot as last week.

We took on the Nationals in Washington with Yonny Chirinos (7-3, 2.98 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) taking on Mike Leake (1-5, 5.94 ERA, 1.62 WHIP) to open the series. 8 runs in the third game the Nats a 5-2 lead, and they won the game 5-3.

Chirinos allowed just two in 6 innings. He struck out 4, walked 1, and allowed 7 hits. Kevin Chapman was charged with the loss, allowing a hit to the only batter he faced, and Wei-Chieh Huang allowed the final 2 runs off three walks and 2 hits.

We had 10 hits, including a three single night by Victor Caratini. Nicky Delmonico doubled home a run in the 3rd, and Lewis Brinson hit a pinch-hit solo homer in the 9th off closer Sean Doolittle.

September 22nd, 2020: Game two of four saw Jordan Montgomery (9-9, 3.28 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) and Alex Balog (9-4, 3.45 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) face off. In another close game, we took another loss, this time 2-1.

Montgomery allowed 2 runs in 5 innings off 6 hits, while striking out three. Tyler Jay, Drew Steckenrider, and Victor Arano all had hitless frames, while Arano struck out the side in the 8th.

We had 7 hits, and three were from Nicky Delmonico, who doubled and singled twice. Ryan Mountcastle doubled home the only run while pinch hitting for Jay in the 7th. Victor Caratini doubled and walked in 4 plate appearences.

Brett Gardner went 5-for-6 as the Royals beat the Rangers 9-6. KC is his 4th organization in three years.

September 23rd, 2020: Technically, we could still split the series, and we'd send Zach Davies (12-7, 3.76 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) to the mound against Wei-Yin Chen (8-12, 3.87 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) in a bounceback attempt. With a pair of runs in the 6th and 8th, we survived a 3 run 6th and won 4-3.

Davies allowed 8 hits and 3 runs in 5.2 innings in the no decision. He walked just 1 and struck out 6. Ian Gardeck got the win after striking out two in a perfect 7th. Kevin Chapman and Arano got holds, while Bulldozer Shiotani struck out the side to earn the save in the 9th.

Lewis Brinson went 2-for-3 with a walk, double, run scored, and two driven in. Danny Jansen and Garrett Hampson both doubled as well, with the latter scoring afterwards. Nicky Delmonico had the last RBI with a single in 4 trips.

September 24th, 2020: The Houston Astros clinched a postseason birth today. At 94-60, they have a 5 game lead over the Angels. They did lose SP David Paulino for the season with a damaged elbow ligament. He'd miss most of next year as well.

We looked to pick up the split the hard way, and Danny Duffy (2-2, 3.40 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) was on the mound against Erick Fedde (6-8, 5.38 ERA, 1.48 WHIP). It wasn't close, and we were blew out 16-6.

Duffy lasted just 3 innings, allowing 5 runs (4 earned) off 6 hits, and a walk. He did strike out 6 batters. Max Povse allowed 3 (2 earneed) in 2 innings, Brian Miller allowed 1 in the 6th, and then Dillon Peters allowed 7 in the 7th. 6 hits and two walks lead to the downfall, inflating his ERA to 10.50 on the year.

We did fine offensively, 9 hits leading to 6 runs, but it obviously wasn't enough. Mountcastle drove in three with a single and a homer. Victor Caratini doubled twice, scored a run, and drove one in. Nicky Delmonico had a pair of singles in three trips and scored both times.

This series was extremely dissapointing, although we'd get to head home to face the Phillies for three. At 92-63, they have a 1 game lead over New York and a 2 game lead over the Mets. Since we are 76-79, they have a 16 game lead over us. We'd see Jake Odorizzi (6-5, 4.96 ERA), Marcos Molina (10-8, 3.29 ERA), and Aaron Nola (13-4, 3.61 ERA).

September 25th, 2020: The Dodgers clinced the NL West. At 87-69, they have an insurmountable 7.5 game lead over San Diego.

We opened up the home series with Zack Wheeler (8-15, 4.82 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) and Marcos Molina (10-8, 3.29 ERA, 1.22 WHIP), as Odorizzi's spot was temporarily skipped. The Phillies took the opener 5-1.

Wheeler allowed all 5 in 4.2 innings. He struck out 4, but walked 2 and allowed 7 hits. Antonio Senzatela, who was the only pitcher yesterday to not allow a run, tossed 2.1 more scorless innings with 2 strikeouts and just 1 hit.

We only had 5 hits and two were from Lewis Brinson, who drove in Brian Anderson on a double in the 3rd.

September 26th, 2020: Both the Mets and Phillies clinched a playoff spot. The Mets are 92-64 and the Phillies 93-63. The Mets have a 1 game lead over Atlanta, who has a 5.5 game lead over the Cubs.

The Pirates lost SP Nick Kingham for the rest of this year and some of next year with shoulder inflmmation. The former top prospect hasn't had much success in the bigs.

Yonny Chirinos (7-3, 2.98 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) got the start against Odorizzi (6-5, 4.96 ERA, 1.19 WHIP). The bats were working, as we took the middle game 7-2.

Another fine start for Yonny, as he allowed just 2 runs in 6.2 innings. He struck out 3 and allowed 6 hits. Huang and Brent Suter finished off the game and didn't allow a hit.

Nicky Delmonico had a third of the hits and was a triple away from the cycle in a quality performance. He scored twice and drove in two runs. Tyler Saladino singled and doubled, and drove in three runs in 4 trips to the plate. Garrett Hampson tripled and singled and scored twice in 4 at bats. Lewis Brinson and Ryan Mountcastle hit solo homers. Mountcastle walked twice as well, Brinson just once, in their three at bats.

September 27th, 2020: Atlanta clinced a playoff spot, so three teams will represent the NL East, which happens to be the toughest division in the NL. At 92-65, they are guaranteed at least a wild card.

Bryan Mitchell of the Padres will miss about 10-11 months with a ruptured UCL.

Jordan Montgomery (9-10, 3.29 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) looked to even his record against JoJo Romero (15-4, 3.69 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) in the rubber match. Neither starter got the decision, but we won the game 4-1 to take the series.

Montgomery didn't allow a run in 6 innings. He allowed 3 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 7. Drew Steckenrider allowed a run in the 7th which blew the save, but he got the win instead. Ian Gardeck and Victor Arano got holds before Shiotani picked up his 18th save. Arano has been amazing, 9 scorless innings with 12 strikeouts and just 2 hits and 1 walk.

Marcus Semien hit a three run homer in the 7th inning and also singled earleir in the game. Victor Caratini doubled twice in two trips to the plate, while Albert Almora doubled as well and scored.

It's nice to win a series against such a good team, and although tomorrow was originally an off day, instead we'd head to St. Louis to make up the rainout. The 81-77 Cardinals are planning on using Alex Reyes (4-5, 3.54 ERA) in the matchup.