DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-3 (overall 49-58 11 1/2 GB - 4th)
Next Week: 4 @Richmond, 3 @ Dover
Power Ranking: 8
Fan Interest: 50
Owners Mood: Unhappy

Game 101
Ocean City 0, Norfolk 6
Don Sweetapple pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 8 hits and striking out 9 for the victory (13-6). Ralph Pierce hit a solo-hr (9) and Tim Garner had 2 hits to lead the offense.

Game 102
Ocean City 0, Norfolk 6
Carlos Mateo pitched a complete game shutout (8-10), allowing 5 hits and striking out 7. Gilberto Ramos lead the way with 3 RBI, as 8 starters had a hit a piece.

Game 103
Ocean City 3, Norfolk 11
In his first start of the season Sun Ho got roughed up (0-1), giving up 7 runs on 10 hits over 3.1 innings. Ralph Pierce (10) and Brian Cline (21) each HR'd and Pablo Freitas added 2 hits.

Game 104
Norfolk 5, Chesapeake 8
Jose Martinez (1-5) followed Sun's rough start with one of his own, allowing 6 runs on 8 hits over 6.2 innings. Lucio Urruticodez in his 2nd bad relief outing walked-off the mound in pain. The offense had 12 hits and left 10 runners on, as we just couldn't get it done. Allen Britt went 2-4 with 3 RBI, including a HR (7). Pablo Freitas hit his team leading 24th HR.

Transaction News: Lucio Urruticodez was diagnosed with Elbow Infammation and will be out 4 weeks. Lewis Yoder was recalled to take Lucio's roster spot. In 32 games at AAA Yokohama Lewis is 2-2 with a 6.14 ERA.

Thoughts/Notes: I believe we will have a revolving door of relievers the rest of the way in hopes we find someone who will be hot enough to stick around for a while, as our pitching staff triage is getting full.

Game 105
Norfolk 7, Chesapeake 4
Tsuneo Sato went 5.2 innings, giving up 7 hits and 4 runs for the victory (9-8). Carlos Rodriguez pithced a solid 9th for his 3rd save. Antonio Hernandez lead the offense with 3 hits, Jacob Chaney went 2-4 with 3 RBI, with a HR (8). And Pablo Freitas added a 2-run HR (25)

Game 106
Norfolk 2, Chesapeake 3
Don Sweetapple pitched well enough to get the win, but the offense just couldn't get it done taking the loss (13-7). Sweetapple went 8 innings, giving up 8 hits and 3 runs. Brian Cline lead the offense with 2 of the 6 Cav's hits.

Game 107
Norfolk 3, Chesapeake 0
Carlos Mateo pitched the first NO-HITTER in the DelMarv's Baseball League history!! This is Mateo's 2nd shut-out in a row to raise his record to 9-10, throwing 9 innings, walking 4 and striking out 7. Patrick Shelton and Brian Cline lead the offense with 2 hits and knocking in all 3-runs, 2 for Cline 1 for Shelton.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Pedro Morin (Dover Generals) 13-27 4 HR, 8 RBI
MarVa: Michael Nelson (Ellicott City Express) 13-31 2 HR, 8 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Annapolis Admirals
2) Milton Brewers
3) Richmond Cardinals
4) Wilmington Iron Pigs
5) Milford Clippers
8) Norfolk Cavaliers

[illeracula]

Current Week: 2-5 (overall 51-63 13 1/2 GB - 4th)
Next Week: 3 vs Georgetown, 3 vs Lewes
Power Ranking: 15
Fan Interest: 49
Owners Mood: Upset

Trade News: Before the game it was announced Theodore Petherick will be heading to the Lewes Braves. We will miss Theo's vetran leadership out of the bullpen in 40 games for Norfolk, Theo was 1-5 3.89 with 7 saves. Petherick at 34 years old is set to make 4+ million next season. The Braves will also receive the Cav's 6th round pick. Coming over to the Cavaliers is 25-year MR Elliot Bean, 23-year old MR Jorge Castro and Lewes's 5th round draft pick. Bean was put on the active roster, Castro was sent to AAA.

Game 108
Norfolk 5, Richmond 6
Sun Ho (0-2) bounced back from his rough-first start and held the game tight. He gave up 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th, which were the deciders (Not sure why he was still in). Ho went 6.2 innings, giving up 6 runs (5 ER) on 6 hits and 4 walks. Brian Cline hit a 3-run dinger (22) and Tim Garner added a solo-shot (2) to lead the offense.

Game 109
Norfolk 4, Richmond 6
Jose Martinez was a tough luck loser (1-6), throwing 7.1 solid innings, allowing only 4 hits, but giving up 5 runs, 3 earned. The Cav's defense struggled as Jose committed 2 errors, and Mauro Candelaria committed 3! Patrick Shelton lead the offense with 3 hits, including a HR (12). Brian Cline added a solo-HR (23)

Game 110
Norfolk 7, Richmond 6 (12 innings)
Tsueno Sato took home the ND, but pitched well enough for a W, going 7 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6. Dalton Whitaker got roughed up giving up 4 runs in 1/3 of an inning. James Gillespie pitched 2 shut-out innings for the victory (1-1). Ralph Pierce had 2 hits and 2 RBI, including an HR, and Jacob Chaney had a big 3-run double.

Game 111
Norfolk 5, Richmond 6 (11 innings)
Don Sweetapple wanted the win, threw well enough for the win, but the bullpen couldn't get him the win. Sweetapple went 7.2 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs (2 ER). Carlos Rodriquez blew his 1st save for Norfolk, allowing 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th, walks kill, and he had 4 of them. Elliot Bean (0-2) took the loss. Gilberto Ramos had a 2-run HR (5) and Jesus Rivera had a 2-run double.

Game 112
Norfolk 5, Dover 0
Norfolk pitching threw a shut-out and you know what the means... Carlos Mateo was on the hill. He didn't go the complete game, but he did go long enough for a victory (10-10), allowing only 1 hit in 5 innings of work. Andrew Donnelly and James Gillespie each worked 2 innings of shutout ball. Jose Rodriquez (12), Pablo Freitas (26) and Mauro Candelaria (9) all had HR's for the Cav's.

Game 113
Norfolk 8, Dover 10
The offense kept the game close the pitching just couldn't get it done. Sun Ho walked away with a ND, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits in 3 innings, but it was Dalton Whitaker (3 runs in 1 1/3) and Elliot Bean (2 runs in 2/3) that just couldn't close the door. Bean is now 0-3 with the Cav's and 2-9 overall. Mauro Candelaria had 2 hits (HR 10) and 4 RBI and Pablo Freitas had 4 hits and 2 runs scored.

Game 114
Norfolk , Dover
Jose Martinez took the loss, but can't be faulted, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits over 7.2 innings (1-7). Pablo Freitas had 2 hits and Tim Garner had the Cav's lone RBI.

This was a rough week, so close to pulling out a couple of those games. Just needed that "big" hit or strike-out, we just couldn't get it done.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Stan "Cupcakes" Miller (Newark Millers) 11 hits, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 10 Runs
MarVa: Dave McGill (Ocean City Tourists) 9-20 2 HR, 4 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Milton Brewers
2) Annapolis Admiarls
3) Richmond Cardinals
4) Wilmington Iron Pigs
5) Georgetown Sixteens
15) New Castle Colonials

** Up next July in Review **

[illeracula]

Players of the Month:


Delaware Conference
Hitter: Gustavo Feliciano (Lewes Braves)
The 27 year old Catcher not only had 2 HR's in the All-Star game, but he also had a solid month, that saw him hit .382 with 10 HR's, 31 RBI and scoring 14 times.

Pitcher: Anthony Dundee (Milford Clippers)
One of the best, if not the best, pitcher in the Delaware conference, ran off a 4-1 record in July, striking out 24 in 49 innings, while holding his opponents to a .225 batting average and posting a 2.39 ERA.

Rookie: Marvin Martin (Newark Millers)
The man who should have the nickname "Martian" knocked the ROM award out of the hands of the New Castle organization. Martin posted a .262 batting average, collecting 22 hits, 3 HR's and 9 RBI. He also walked 9 times, and compiled .367 OBP.



MarVa Conference
Hitter: Albert Trujillo (Annapolis Admirals)
The 31-year old outfielder had a solid month, posting a .317 batting average over 26 games, with 9 HR's, 29 RBI and 18 Runs.

Pitcher: Jose Matos (Chesapeake Blue Crabs)
Matos had 6 starts in July and put up a 4-1 record, striking out 36 in 42 innings.

Rookie: George Waller (Baltimore Barons)
George hit .363 for the month of July, which included him hitting 1 HR and 17 RBI's.



The Brewers increased their margin by 2 games and the Admirals jumped 5 1/2 games, and as it seems will run away with their respective divisions. The Clippers and Iron Pigs are in a tough fight, which seems like it will go down to the wire. And the Cardinals have opened up some space between them and the Senators, as the Senators had a rough month.

League Leaders
Delaware Division:
AVG: Fred Bishop (Wilmington Iron Pigs) .344
HR: Glen Hall (Newark Millers)/Stan Miller (Newark Millers) 31
RBI: Angel Romero (Georgetown Sixteens) 97
SB: Francisco Durango (Georgetown Sixteens) 44

W: Anthony Dundee (Milford Clippers) / Bruce McCann (Newark Millers) 14
ERA: Anthony Dundee (Milford Clippers) / Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 2.20 *
K: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 179*
SV: Wilson Acosta (Milton Brewers) 31

Marva Division:
AVG: Augusto Guzman (Ocean City Tourists) .364*
HR: Abraham Thomas (Richmond Cardinals) 34
RBI: Alberto Trujillo (Annapolis Admirals) 96
SB: Jesus Ortiz 37*

W: 3 tied with 13*
ERA: Lucio Bonilla (Annapolis Admirals) 2.51
K: Barney Butler (Ellicott City Express) 143*
SV: Michael Willard (Washington Senators) 34*

** Sweetapple still is tied for the lead in wins, and is only 3 back in the K column falling out of the league lead after a rough month.

[illeracula]

This month the Player Development report wasn't as rosy as I'd like to see.

MR: Elliot Bean (25 years old)
- Control Potential 13 to 12
- Overall and Potential Rating 3.5 to 3.0

SP: Scott Smith (22)
- Current Stuff drops from 9 to 8
+ Current Control rating improves 14 to 15
+ Potential Rating improves from 3.0 to 3.5
* currently on the DL

SP: Jose Martinez (26)
- Current/Potential Stuff drops from 12 to 10
- Overall Rating drops 2.5 to 0.5
- Potential rating drops 3.5 to 2.5

MR: Alberto Hernandez (36)
- Current/Potential Movement drop from 14 to 13
- Overall/Potential drop from 4.0 to 3.5

SP: Tsuneo Sato (26)
+ Current/Potential Stuff Improve 10 to 11
+ Potenial Movement improves 13 to 14
+ Overall rating improves from 2.5 to 3.0

SP: Carlos Mateo (25)
+ Potential Stuff improves 13 to 14
- Current/Potential movement drop 13 to 12

1B: Gilberto Ramos (28)
+ Current/Potential contact improve 10 to 11
- Potential eye ratings drop 11 to 10
+ Defense rating at 1b improves from 18 to 19
+ Overall/Potential rating improve 2.0 to 2.5

2B: Tim Garner (26)
+ Current/Potential Power ratings improve 5 to 6
+ Potential eye improves from 9 to 10
+ Defensive rating at 2b improves 15 to 16

2B: Jesus Rivera (21)
+ Current power rating improves 9 to 10
+ Overall rating improves 2.0 to 3.5

LF: Brian Cline (24)
- Current Speed drops 6 to 5
- Overall rating drops 3.0 to 2.5
- Potential rating drops 3.5 to 3.0

CF: Patrick Shelton (26)
- Speed rating dropped 17 to 16
+ Overall/Potential rating improve 2.0 to 2.5

A lot of movement with the big league club.

Minor Leaguers to note:
MR: Richard Quinn (22) - AAA
+Current Control 11 to 12, +Overall/Potential 1.5/2.0

2B: Chris Shopland (22) - AAA
+Current Contact 10 to 11, +Potential Contact 11 to 12, -Def @ 2B 19 to 18 (been learning to play 1B)

LF: Murray Pavie (21) - AA
+ Current Power 6 to 7, Current eye 5 to 6, - Def LF 13 to 12, Potential rating 2.5 to 2.0
** I had about 4 trade offers for Murray this month and turned them all down, hopefully that wasn't a bad idea.

SP: Arturo Ramirez (18) - A
+ Current Movement 9 to 10, -Potential movement 12 to 11, -Current Stamina 10 to 9, - Potential 3.5 to 2.5

1B: King Brock (19) - A
+Def @ First 2 to 3, Potential 1.5 to 2.0

SS: August Rodriquez (19) - A
+Current Contact 8 to 9, + Speed 13 to 14, + Def @ SS 13 to 16, + Potential 1.5 to 2.0

CF: Maurice Noble (18) - A
+ Current Contact 1 to 2, + Potential eye 14 to 15, + Def @ CF 9 to 10, Potential rating 3.0 to 4.0

[illeracula]

Current Week: 2-4 (overall 53-67 14 1/2 GB -4th)
Next Week: 3 @ Annapolis, 3 vs Baltimore
Power Ranking: 14
Fan Interest: 50
Owners Mood: Angry

Game 115
Georgetown 1, Norfolk 6
Tsuneo Sato continued his hot streak winning for the 5th time in a row over 7 games (11-8). Sato allowed 1 run in 7.2 innings giving up 4 hits and striking out 3. Gilberto Ramos went 2-3 with 2 RBI to lead the offense.

Game 116
Georgetown 9, Norfolk 6
Don Sweetapple (ND) and the bullpen struggled giving up 5 runs in the final 2 innings to blow lose the game. Sweetapple went 7.2 innings and gave up 6 runs (5 ER) on 11 hits and Alberto Hernandez took the loss (3-2) giving up 3 runs in the 2/3 of an inning. Brian Cline and Pablo Freitas lead the offense, each going 2-4 with 2 RBI. Cline hit HR #24

Game 117
Georgetown 8, Norfolk 7 (12 innings)
Carlos Mateo took the ND, going 6.2 innings, allowing 6 runs on 9 hits. Georgetown scored 6 runs in the final 5 innings. Elliot Bean took home the loss allowing 1 run in 2 innings of work (0-3) Norfolk's offense scored one in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extra-innings, but couldn't get it done. Mauro Candelaria and Pablo Freitas each had 2 hits, and Gilberto Ramos hit his 6 HR, a GS in the 4th.

Game 118
Lewes 6, Norfolk 2
Sun Ho took the loss, falling to 0-3, going 6.2 innings, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits. Jose Rodriquez lead the offense with 2 hits, Pablo Freitas (28) and Patrick Shelton (13) both had solo-HR's.

Game 119
Lewes 3, Norfolk 2
Touch luck pitcher Jose Martinez took home the loss (1-8) giving up 3 runs on 8 hits over 8 innings. The offense continued to struggle to score runs. Jacob Chaney had 3 (of the 6 Cav's) hits and Patrick Shelton drove in 2.

Game 120
Lewes 2, Norfolk 7
Tsuneo Sato bookends the week with wins (11-8) as he had yet another stellar start. Throwing 8 innings, and giving up 3 hits. The offense was lead by Julio Romero with 3 hits, Jesus Rivera with 2 hits and Allen Brit with 4 RBI including a HR (8). Brian Cline added a solo HR (25) as well.

Injury News: Karl Armstrong was chomping at the bit to get back on the bump, but felt a little pull in his last bullpen session and will have to wait 4 more days before he can start his rehab assignment.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Kenny Lee (Milton Brewers) 12-28 3 HRs, 6 RBI
MarVa: Jonahtan Cook (Richmond Cardinals) 11-23 5 HRs, 12 RBI, 10 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Milton Brewers
2) Annapolis Admirals
3) Georgetown Sixteens
4) Richmond Cardinals
5) Washington Senators
14) Norfolk Cavaliers

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-2 (overall 57-69 13 1/2 GB - 4th)
Next Week: 3 vs Ellicott City, 3 @ Washington
Power Ranking: 10
Fan Interest: 49
Owners Mood: Upset

Game 121
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 0
Don Sweetapple got back to his winning ways throwing a 3 hit shut-out, striking out 8 (14-7). Allen Britt had 3 of the 4 Cav's hits, including a solo HR (9) which turned out to be the difference.

Game 122
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 6
Carlos Mateo didn't have his best stuff, but he kept the game close taking home a ND, giving up 3 runs on 9 hits over 5 innings. Elliot Bean continued to struggle taking the loss (0-4) giving up 3 runs on 2 hits and a walk in 1 inning. Jacob Chaney went 4-4 with a solo HR (9) and Jose Rodriquez added a HR of his own (13). Norfolk left 10 men on base.

Game 123
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 3
Sun Ho had his best outing of the season going 7.1 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and got a ND to show for it. As Alberto Hernandez took the loss (3-3) and Dalton Whitaker blew the save (3). Annapolis scored 3 times in the bottom of the 8th. Jose Rodriguez lead off the game with a solo HR (14) and Gilberto Ramos added 2 hits.

Off Day News: Karl "Bonehead" Armstrong was giving the thumbs up to start his rehab assignment in Yokohama, after missing 4+ weeks with an oblique strain Bonehead is expected to get 2 rehab starts before rejoining the big club. His first start is scheduled for tomorrow.

Game 124
Baltimore 7, Norfolk 12
Jose Martinez went 5.2 innings allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and 8 walks, and took the ND. Elliot Bean (1-4) back-doored his way to a victory, giving up 2 runs in 1.2 innings. The offense had 14 hits with 4 players with 2 and Mauro Candelaria with 3. Brian Cline (26) and Candelaria (11) each added Homers.

Rehab Update: Karl Armstrong took the loss in his first rehab start, but had a good outing. Throwing 6.2 innings, allowing 2 ER on 6 hits.

Game 125
Baltimore 0, Norfolk 1
Tsuneo Sato pitched 8 shutout innings allowing 6 hits. Sato won (12-8) for the 6th straight time in 8 starts. Carlos Rodriguez struck out the side in the 9th for the save (4). Jose Rodriquez lead the offense with 2 hits and Brian Cline drove him in the 8th on a 2-out double.

Game 126
Baltimore 1, Norfolk 2
Don Sweetapple, bookend it this week with his second complete game in a row, allowing 1 run on 5 hits, striking out 11 in 9 innings (15-7). Patrick Shelton and Julio Romero each had 2 hits. Jacob Chaney drove home the winning run in the bottom of the 9th with a bases-loaded Sac fly.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Javier Acevedo (Georgetown Sixteens) 10-24 3 HRs, 10 RBI, 6 Runs
MarVa: Jonathan Cook (Richmond Cardinals) 12-24 2 HRs, 4 RBI, 4 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Milton Brewers
2) Annapolis Admirals
3) Washington Senators
4) Richmond Cardinals
5) Georgetown Sixteens
10) Norfolk Cavaliers

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (overall 62-70 10 GB 4th)
Next Week: 3 vs Ellicott City, 3 @ Washington
Power Ranking: 7
Fan Interest: 49
Owners Mood: Undecided

Game 127
Ellicott City 4, Norfolk 5
Carlos Mateo threw the ball well over 7 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits, but took the ND. Alberto Hernandez threw two perfect innings and was the benefactor of walk-off win (4-3). Mauro Candelaria had 3 hits and Julio Romero added 2 hits and 3 RBI. Patrick Shelton hit a solo HR (14).

Game 128
Ellicott City 6, Norfolk 5 (11 innings)
Sun Ho threw 5 innings and kept the game close, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits for the ND. The bullpen did their job, but the offense just couldn't get the winning run in, leaving 16 runners on base. Dalton Whitaker took home the loss (4-1) giving up a solo HR in the 11th. Jose Rodriguez, Tim Garner, Jacob Chaney and Gilberto Ramos each had 2 hits.

Game 129
Ellicott City 1, Norfolk 5
Jose Martinez finally got some run support and took home a win (2-8). Jose went 8 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits. Four Cav's players had 2 hits each, and Pablo Freitas added 2 RBI's.

Rehab News: Karl Armstrong threw 7 innings, giving up 9 hits and 4 runs, while striking out 7, but took loss. Armstrong threw 114 pitches and seems ready to to join the big club.

Game 130
Norfolk 3, Washington 2 (11 innings)
Tsueno Sato threw well for 8 innings, but the offense couldn't get him that run he needed. Sato gave up 2 runs on 5 hits and struck out 4. Carlos Rodriguez (2-1) and Antonio Hernandez (SV 2) threw 3 innings of relief to close out the game. Seems like its been a while since got a W in extra innings. Antonio Hernandez had a pinch hit triple in 11th and scored the winning run. Patrick Shelton and Julio Romero each 3 hits.

Game 131
Norfolk 3, Washington 2
Don Sweetapple continued to stay hot, throwing 8 innings giving up 2 runs on 10 hits, while striking out 11 (16-7). Carlos Rodriguez threw the 9th for his 5th save. Pablo Freitas had a 2-run HR (29), Jacob Chaney had solo HR (10) and Tim Garner added 2 hits.

Game 132
Norfolk 2, Washington 1
Carlos Mateo threw 6.2 innings and gave up 1 run on 6 hits and took home the ND. Dalton Whitaker grabbed the win (5-1), and Antonio Hernandez recorded the save (3). The Catcher spot lead the way with Jacob Chaney going 2-3 and Julio Romero hit a PH solo HR (8).

Transactions: After 2 rehab starts Karl Armstrong was recalled and inserted into the starting rotation. Sun Ho was optioned back to AAA Yokohama after going 0-3 in 6 starts.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Glenn Jenkins (Lewes Braves) 13-24 2 HR, 4 RBI
MarVa: Anthony Cunningham (Ocean City Tourists) 15-25 3 HR, 10 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Milton Brewers
2) Annapolis Admirals
3) Wilmington Iron Pigs
4) Georgetown Sixteens
5) Milford Clippers
7) Norfolk Cavaliers

[illeracula]

Current Week: 2-4 (overall 64-74 12 GB 4th)
Next Week: 3 @ Newark, 3 vs Baltimore
Power Ranking: 11
Fan Interest: 49
Owners Mood: Undecided

Game 133
Milton 3, Norfolk 2
In his first game back in over a month Karl Armstrong pitched like he hadn't missed a day, but the offense never got it going and Armstrong took home the loss (6-9). Karl did throw 7 strong innings, giving up 3 runs on 10 hits. Allen Britt lead the lackluster offensive performance going 2-3, 2 runs scored and a solo HR (10).

Game 134
Milton 9, Norfolk 3
Jose Martinez got roughed up going 7.1 innings, giving up 7 runs on 9 hits and 3 walks (2-9). Alberto Hernandez didn't fair much better allowing 2 runs on 4 hits in 1.2 innings, he has continued to struggle after his all-star performance. Allen Britt once again lead the offense, with 2 hits, 1 run scored and a 2-run HR (11).

Game 135
Milton 4, Norfolk 1
Tsuneo Sato pitched well enough to get a win on most days, but today he was the tough luck loser (12-9). Giving up 3 runs on 6 hits over 7.2 innings. The offense again struggled against the Brewers staff only getting 7 hits, scoring 1 time and leaving 6 men on base. Mauro Candelaria lead the way with a 3-4 performance.

Game 136
Wilmington 4, Norfolk 6
Whats it take to get off a losing streak? How about a little Sweetapple, and Don didn't let us down. Going 7.1 innings, giving up 5 hits and 4 runs (1 ER) for the victory (17-7). Carlos Rodriquez closed the door for the save (6). Jacob Chaney went 3-4 with a HR (11) and Jose Rodriquez had the big hit a grand-slam in the 4th (15). Patrick was removed from the game in the first inning after pulling up lame running out a double.

Game 137
Wilmington 3, Norfolk 2
Carlos Mateo went 6.2 strong innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, but took the ND, as Dalton Whitaker couldn't get the Iron Pigs from scoring, giving up 1 run over 2.1 innings on 4 hits (5-2). The Cav's could only get 6 hits on the day, and three of them were by Allen Britt who seems to be crushing the ball this week.

Game 138
Wilmington 1, Norfolk 5
Karl Armstrong was all smiles after the game taking home a victory (7-9) going 7.0 innings, giving up 1 run on 6 hits, while striking out 6. The Cav's offense saw 7 different players come through with a hit, and 4 different players dove in a run, Gilberto Ramos lead the way with 2 RBI.

Injury News: After the game we got a phone call from our team trainer, Francisco Gonzalez, letting us know that Patrick Shelton is out for about 4 weeks, in essence ending his season, with a strained quad. This injury corresponds with Roster Expansion, more information on that coming later.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Pedro Morin (Dover Generals) 13-26 3 HR, 9 RBI
MarVa: Alfred East (Washington Senators) 12-23 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Milton Brewers
2) Annapolis Admirals
3) Richmond Cardinals
4) Ocean City Tourists
5) Wilmington Iron Pigs
11) Norfolk Cavaliers

Up Next August in Review...

[illeracula]

Players of the Month:

Delaware Conference:
Hitter: Jorge Gutierrez (Milton Brewers)
Jorge had a solid month for the Brewers hitting a .338 clip, going 27 for 80, with 13 HR's, 20 RBI's and scoring 20 times.

Pitcher: Paul Randolph (Milton Brewers)
Paul helped the Brewers stay in first going 4-2 in August, posting a 1.94 ERA over 6 starts. In 46.1 innings, Paul gave up 37 hits, struck out 21 and walked 10.

Rookie: Emory Cameron (New Castle Colonials)
Emory brought the award back home to New Castle winning for the 2nd time and making it 4th out of 5 times a Colonials has won the Rookie of the Month award. For the month Emory hit .330 with 29 hits, 3 of them home-runs and driving in 13.


Marva Conference:
Hitter: Jonathan Cook (Richmond Cardinals)
Cook hit for a .390 clip in August, hitting 10 HR's, driving in 25 and scoring 22.

Pitcher: Don Sweetapple (Norfolk Cavaliers)
After a rough patch, Sweetapple seems to have found his groove once again. In August Sweetapple went 4-0 in 6 starts, holding his opponents to a .219 batting average (40 hits) in 48.2 innings. Sweetapple struck out 47, walked 9 and posted a 2.03 ERA.

Rookie: Jacob Chaney (Norfolk Cavaliers)
The Cavaliers have had a catching battle going on all season, and last month it was won by Jacob Chaney. Chaney also walked away with the Rookie of the Month award, the second Cav to do so this season. For the Month Chaney, in 22 games, hit .364, with 2 doubles, 1 triple and 3 HR's. He also scored 10 times and drove in 6.



In the Delaware Conference, the Brewers just about have things wrapped up in the South, but in the North it looks like it will be coming down to the line. The Iron Pigs will face the Clippers 3 more times in Milford which may turn out to be a pretty big series.

In the MarVa Conference, as expected the Admirals are just about done locking things up in the Eastern Division. But down in the Western Division the Washington Senators are hanging in there. The Season ends with a 4 game series Richmond @ Washington which could up being a very exciting end of an inaugural regular season.

** Both teams do visit the Cavaliers for 3 game sets as well, so the Cav's have a chance to play spoiler.

League Leaders
To show how close the races are I put the 2nd place difference in ()'s.
Delaware Division:
AVG: Fred Bishop (Wilmington Iron Pigs) .331 (+.008)
HR: Stan Miller (Newark Millers) 41 (+3)
RBI: Angel Romero (Georgetown Sixteens) 114 (+3)
SB: Francisco Durango (Georgetown Sixteens) 51 (+12)

W: Anthony Dundee (Milford Clippers) / Rod Cantrell (New Castle Colonials) 16* (+1)
ERA: Anthony Dundee (Milford Clippers) 2.39 (+0.05)
K: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 220 (+12)
SV: Wilson Acosta (Milton Brewers) 41 (+7)

Marva Division:
AVG: Augusto Guzman (Ocean City Tourists) .347 (+.002)
HR: Abraham Thomas (Richmond Cardinals) 38 (+1)
RBI: Alberto Trujillo (Annapolis Admirals)^/Dave McGill (Ocean City Tourists) 96 * (+1)
SB: Jesus Ortiz (Annapolis Admirals) 34 (+1)

W: Don Sweetapple (Norfolk Cavaliers) 17 (+1)
ERA: Lucio Bonilla (Annapolis Admirals) 2.32 (+0.46)
K: Don Sweetapple (Norfolk Cavaliers) 182* (+1)
SV: Michael Willard (Washington Senators) 42 (+4)

^Alberto Trujillo had 96 RBI's at the end of July. He was injured on 8/3 and listed day-to-day, then on 8/4 he went down with a strained MCL and will be out 6 weeks. He will have 2 weeks to try to take the RBI title back.

** On to the final month of the regular season **

[illeracula]

Current Week: 1-5 (overall 65-79 16 GB - 4th)
Next Week: 3 vs Chesapeake, 3 vs Richmond
Power Ranking: 14
Fan Interest: 49
Owners Mood: Angry

Roster Moves/September Callups: With not much major league ready depth in the minor league system we only made a few call-ups. Coming up to the big league club are the following: Christopher Shopland, Richard O'Quinn and Jorge Castro. Shopland is a super fast, solid defender at 2B and also plays 5 other positions. We have had him working on 1B lately, if he hits the ball he will be around for a while, but its a big question. O'Quinn is your typical "AAAA" reliever. We hope he can develop a little more and help the big club out in the future, at the age of 22 he still has a little time. Castro come over in the Theo Pethorick deal with the Braves. We had high hopes for Castro but he has struggled a little bit in AAA. He will join the club for a showcase his abilities for next year.

With Patrick Shelton out for the rest of the year, Pablo Freitas will slide over to CF and Allen Britt will take over in LF.

Game 139
Norfolk 3, Newark 14
A bad pitching day... Jose Martinez went 6 innings, giving up 5 runs on 8 hits for the loss (2-10), Dalton Whitaker gave up 3 runs in 1/3 and James Gillespie gave up 5 in 1 IP. Jacob Chaney continued to hit the ball well going 3-4 with a solo HR (12). Chris Shopland got his first big league hit a solo-HR in the 7th (1).

Game 140
Norfolk 2, Newark 3
Tsuneo Sato threw 5.2 innings only giving up 1 run on 2 hits and took the ND, and Elliot Bean continued to struggle with the "win" column and took the loss (1-5) giving up 2 runs in 2.1 innings. Jacob Chaney had another 3 hit day, going 3-5 and Mauro Candelaria added 2-hits including a HR (12).

Game 141
Norfolk 1, Newark 4
Don Sweetapple threw 7 innings allowing 1 run on 5 hits and took the ND, as Norfolk couldn't take the lead till the 9th. Alberto Hernandez got the win (5-3) and Carlos Rodriquez got the save (7). Jacob Chaney lead the offense with 3 hits, his 3rd 3-hit game in a row, with a 2B and 3B.

Game 142
Baltimore 7, Norfolk 4
Carlos Mateo took the loss going 6.2 innings giving up 6 runs on 5 hits, falling to under .500 (10-11). Ralph Pierce, Mauro Candelaria and Jacob Chaney each had 2 hits. Pierce leading the charge with 2 RBI.

Game 143
Baltimore 3, Norfolk 1
Karl Armstrong pitched a strong 9 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, striking out 7 taking the loss (7-10). Jose Rodriguez accounted for the only run for the Cav's with a solo-HR (16). Mauro Candelaria and Gilberto Ramos each had 2 hits.

Game 144
Baltimore 4, Norfolk 1
Jose Martinez gave up 1 ER (3 total) over 6 innings on 5 hits and 5 walks for the loss (2-11). Martinez has had a rough season, posting a 5.20 ERA. I wish I had someone I could replace him with. Maybe its time to bring Ho back up for a few more starts. Pablo Freitas (seems like we haven't heard his name in a long time) lead the offense with 3 hits, but the team coulnd't come through when it was needed leaving 12 on base.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Luis Rodriquez (Georgetown Sixteens) .548 17-31 2 HR's 9 RBI
MarVa: Bud White (Ellicott City Express) 11-24 4 HR's 4 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Milton Brewers
2) Annapolis Admirals
3) Richmond Cardinals
4) Milford Clippers
5) Ocean City Tourists
14) Norfolk Cavaliers

Division Races:
Delaware/Southern: Milton Brewers + 14 Magic # 6

Delaware/Northern:
Milford Clippers +1 Magic #18 (LW 5-1)
Wilmington Iron Pigs - 1 (LW 3-3)

MarVa/Eastern: Annapolis Admirals + 14 Magic #6

MarVa/Western:
Richmond Cardinals +4 1/2 Magic #16 (LW 5-1)
Washington Capitals -4 1/2 (LW 2-4)

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (overall 70-80 13 1/2 GB - 3rd)
Next Week: 3 vs Annapolis, 3 @ Ocean City
Power Ranking: 10
Fan Interest: 50
Owners Mood: Upset

Game 145
Chesapeake 2, Norfolk 7
Tsuneo Sato scattered 10 hits over 6.2 innings, only allowing 2 runs, for the victory (13-9). Jorge Castro and Carlo Rodriquez pitched no-hit ball for the final 2.3 innings. Mauro Candelaria lead the offense with 3 hits and 3 RBI and Jesus Rivera added 2 hits, 3 runs and 2 RBI, including HR (4).

Game 146
Chesapeake 1, Norfolk 3
Don Sweetapple continued to throw the ball well and is closing in on 20 wins. Throwing 8.0 innings, he gave up 7 hits and 1 run for the victory (18-7). Carlos Rodriquez pitched the 9th for the save (8). Pablo Freitas is the only Cav who had an extra base hit, with a solo-HR in the 1st (30).

Game 147
Chesapeake 0, Norfolk 2
Carlos Mateo, threw 8 innings of shutout ball, allowing 4 hits, to get the win (11-11) and Dalton Whitaker pitched a perfect 9th for his first save. Allen Britt hit a solo-HR (12) and Ralph Pierce doubled in a run for the only RBI's for the Cav's.

Game 148
Richmond 2, Norfolk 4
Karl Armstrong kept up his solid work coming back from his stint on the DL, going 8 innings, giving up 8 hits and allowing 2 runs for the win (8-10). Carlos Rodriquez pitched the 9th for the save (9). Jacob Chaney lead the offense with 2 hits, both doubles, and 2 runs scored.

Game 149
Richmond 5, Norfolk 10
Jesus Martinez didn't throw great, but he threw well enough for the victory (3-11) thanks to the HR barrage by the Cav's offense. Jesus went 6.1 innings gave up 11 hits and 5 runs. Alberto Hernandez threw the final 2 innings for the save (4). Pablo Freitas went 3-5 with 2 RBI and a HR (31) and Gilberto Ramos went 3-4 with 7 RBI including a 3 run HR and a grand slam (8).

Game 150
Richmond 5, Norfolk 2
Tsuneo Sato got roughed up throwing 118 pitches in 4.2 innings, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits and 3 walks to take the loss (13-10). The offense got back into the swing of leaving runners stranded, leaving 10 on, while only mustering 8 hits and 5 runs. Gilberto Ramos lead the attack with 3 hits and Mauro Candelaria added 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Organizational News:
Artie Greene a 32 year-old MR who threw for AA New Orleans called it quits today. Retiring after one year in the minors. Green went 4-0 with 2 saves in 46 games, posting a 7.58 ERA.
New Orleans Manager Alfredo Patino and Pitching Coach Chris Jones left the team after their contracts ran out.
New Orleans Pelicans lost the AA Championship to the Hollywood Stars 4 games to 0.

** Don Sweetapple will have 3 more starts in his quest for 20 wins ** 2 starts this week, Season Stats against upcoming opponents
vs Annapolis : 2-0 3 GS 1.80 ERA
@ Ocean City : 3-1 4 GS 1.16 ERA

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Angel Romero (Georgetown Sixteens) 12-24 2 HR 8 RBI
MarVa: Jean-Paul Fontaine (Ocean City Tourists) 12-24 2 HR 10 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Milton Brewers
2) Annapolis Admirals
3) Richmond Cardinals
4) Milford Clippers
5) Wilmington Iron Pigs
10) Norfolk Cavaliers

Division Races:
Delaware/Southern: Milton Brewers +17 ** Clinched Division **

Delaware/Northern:
Wilmington Iron Pigs --tied-- (LW 3-3) Magic # 13
Milford Clippers --tied-- (LW 2-4) Magic # 13
** Wilmington Beat Milford 2 out of 3: 10-2, 8-4, 3-4

MarVa/Eastern: Annapolis Admirals + 15 ** Clinched Division **

MarVa/Western:
Richmond Cardinals +4 Magic #10 (LW 4-3)
Washington Capitals -4 (LW 3-3)
** Play each other in a 4 game set to close out season

[illeracula]

Current Week: 3-3 (overall 73-83 12 1/2 GB - 3rd)
Next Week: 3 vs Washington, 3 @ Ellicott City (The Final Series)
Power Ranking: 11
Fan Interest: 50
Owners Mood: Unhappy

Game 151
Annapolis 7, Norfolk 4
Could of been nerves or it could of been that he was facing one of the best teams in the league or maybe he just didn't have his good stuff, Don Sweetapple got roughed up giving up 7 runs on 7 hits, in 4.1 innings taking the loss (18-8). Pablo Freitas and Gilberto Ramos each had 2 hits and Tim Garner hit a 3-run HR (3).

Game 152
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 5
Carlos Mateo threw 6.2 innings allowing 1 unearned run on 3 hits to take home the win (12-11). Jose Rodriquez hit 2 HR's (19) including a lead-off blast in the 1st. Brian Cline (who has been ice cold) added 2 hits and 3 RBI.

Game 153
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 9
Karl Armstrong has been red-hot since returning from the DL throwing a complete game 7 hitter, he did give up a solo-HR for his only blemish (9-10). Ralph Pierce, one of 5 Cav's with 2 hits, had 4 RBI's including a HR (12). Chris Shopland added 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Game 154
Norfolk 1, Ocean City 2
Jesus Martinez had a bad luck outing, as the Cav's bats fell cold. Martinez pitched an 8 inning complete game giving up 6 hits and 2 runs, but took the lost (3-12). The Cav's had 4 hits, 2 by Brian Cline his 3rd 2-hit game in a row.

Game 155
Norfolk 8, Ocean City 4
Tsuneo Sato went 6.1 innings, throwing 120 pitches, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks and took home the win (14-10). Dalton Whitaker, Alberto Hernandez and Carlos Rodriquez pitched the final 2.2 innings. Jose Rodriquez lead off the game with a HR (17) and Gilberto Ramos went 2-3 with a HR (9) and 3 RBI.

Game 156
Norfolk 2, Ocean City 3
Don Sweetapple did what he does best, throwing 8 strong innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits, but the bullpen couldn't close out the game. Carlos Rodriquez blew his 3rd save giving up a 2-out 2-run HR for the loss (2-2). Allen Britt went 1-4 with a solo HR (13).

** The loss to Ocean City ends the quest for 20 for Sweetapple, with 6 games remaining. He will get one more start vs. Ellicott City in the battle to stay out of the cellar.

Players of the Month:
Delaware: Robert Johnson (Milton Brewers) 10-24, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 5 Runs
MarVa: Rafael Martinez (Washington Senators) 10-18 3 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Milton Brewers
2) Annapolis Admirals
3) Washington Senators
4) Milford Clippers
5) Georgetown Sixteens
11) Norfolk Cavaliers

Division Races:
Delaware/Southern: Milton Brewers +19 ** Clinched Division **

Delaware/Northern:
Milford Clippers +1 (LW 3-3) Magic # 6
Wilmington Iron Pigs -1 (LW 2-4)
* both teams play 3 vs Newark (72-84) and 3 vs New Castle (60-96)

MarVa/Eastern: Annapolis Admirals + 16 ** Clinched Division **

MarVa/Western:
Richmond Cardinals +3 (LW 2-4) Magic #5
Washington Capitals -3 (LW 3-3)
** Play each other in a 4 game set to close out season
** Richmond Plays Ellicott City for 3
** Washington Plays in Norfolk for 3
** Norfolk and Ellicot City are tied for 3rd @ 73-83
** Richmond lost their closer yesterday for the rest of the season. Fernando "Buzzard" Benetiz 64 Games, 4-4 1.36, 40 saves.

[Jabez54]

Sweetapple did the best he could with possible 19 wins ... that's nothing to sneeze at for a third place team ...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 0-6 (overall 73-89 -16 GB , 4th Place)
Next Week: End of Season
Fan Interest: 51
Owners Mood: Angry

Game 157
Washington 7, Norfolk 6
Trying to play the roll of the spoiler as the Senators are battle for the Division Title, but the bullpen couldn't back-up a strong start by Carlos Mateo. Mateo got the ND going 7 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 runs (3 ER). But Antonio Hernandez gave up 3 runs on 3 hits, in 2/3 innings for the loss (5-4). Chris Shopland went 2-3 with 4 RBI, including a double and triple. Ralph Pierce and Mauro Candelaria each added 2 hits.

Game 158
Washington 8, Norfolk 4
Karl Armstrong had a decent outing, but it wasn't enough. Karl went 6.2 innings, allowing 6 runs on 6 hits for the loss (9-11). Gilberto Ramos and Chris Shopland each had 2 hits, and Brian Cline hit a 2-run HR (27).

** Injury News: After the game it was announced that starting 3B Ralph Pierce will be out the rest of the season with an oblique strain. Pierce once a top 100 prospect struggled with the bat this season hitting .244 12-52 and had 118 K's in 139 games.

Game 159
Washington 6, Norfolk 3
Jose Martinez, in what might be his last start as a Cav, gave up 6 runs on 7 hits and 4 BB's over 7 innings and took the loss (3-13). Jose Rodriquez hit a 2-run HR (18) and Pablo Freitas added 2 hits.

** Norfolk off-day game 1 of a 4-game series that will see Richmond battle Washington in Washington. Richmond has a 2 game lead... Game 1 saw Washington win an old fashioned pitching duel 2-1. Washington's lead is now 1 game.

** With a sweep of New Castle, the Wilmington Iron Pigs took a 1 game lead over the Milford Clippers.

Off-day News: It was announced today that free-agent to be Carlos Rodriquez signed an extension. The exension will pay him an average of 4.5 million a year for 4 years, the 4th year being a team option. Rodriquez is 28 and a 4.5 star talent. This season he went 1-1 with 7 saves and a 2.13 ERA in the closer role for the Cav's. A role he will most like continue next season.

Game 160
Norfolk 7, Ellicott City 10
Tsuneo Sato took the loss (14-11) getting roughed up in 2.2 innings allowing 8 runs (7 ER) on 8 hits. Jorge Castro gave up 2 runs on 6 hits in 2.1 innings in relief. The Cav's offense was lead by Mauro Candelaria with 3 hits and a Grand-Slam by Julio Romero (9). Brian Cline add a HR (28)

** Washington moved into a tie with Richmond by winning game #2 of the series 10-9.

** Wilmington Iron Pigs loss to Newark 3-4 and the Clippers loss to New Castle 6-9. The Iron Pigs maintain a 1 game lead.

Game 161
Norfolk 7, Ellicott City 6
Don Sweetapple took the loss in his final start of the season, ending the season with a respectable 18-9 record. Don went 4.1 innings giving up 8 hits and 6 runs. Mauro Candelaria had 3 hits to lead the Cavs, and Gilberto Ramos added 2-solo-HR's (11) and Allen Britt hit a solo HR as well (14).

Organizational News: Ernesto Ortiz Manager of the AAA Yokohama Baystars contact was not renewed and the search will go to find his replacement. The Baystars ended up 52-92 for the season.

** Washington took a 1 game lead over the Richmond Cardinals with a 8-5 victory. One more game.

** The Milford Clippers loss to the Milford Clippers 8-5 and Wilmington Iron Pigs beat Newark Millers 5-4 to clinch the division title.

Game 162
Norfolk 0, Ellicott City 8
Carlos Mateo took the loss (12-12) giving up 5 runs on 6 hits in 5.2 innings. The Cav's loss for the 7th straight time to end the season... The Cav's offense was only able to manage 6 singles from 6 different players.

** The Washington Senators showed up and took the Championship home, with a combined shut-out from Ron Martin and Garip Ertegun. Taking the game 5-0.

Up next the Playoffs... and a season end Norfolk Cavaliers recap...

Division Championship:
Wilmington Iron Pigs @ Milton Brewers
The Brewers took the season series 9-8

Washington Senators @ Annapolis Admirals
The Admirals won the season series 13-3

[illeracula]

Norfolk Cavaliers 73-89 .451 16 GB 4th

Offense:
Runs Scored: 698 (6th)
Batting Avg: .248 (7th)
On-Base Pct: .316 (6th)
Home Runs: 174 (t-4th)
Stolen Bases: 119 (4th)

Defense:
Runs Against: 739 (4th)
Starters ERA: 4.27 (4th)
Bullpen ERA: 3.90 (4th)
Defensive Eff: .709 (1st)
* ratings are out of 8

Our weakness showed it was our offense, we just didn't hit enough. Not that our pitching was great, because it wasn't, but they pitched much better than a .451 club.

Top Offensive Players:
Average:
Mauro Candelaria .287
Pablo Freitas .261
Pat Shelton .255

Home Runs:
Pablo Freitas 31
Brian Cline 28
Jose Rodriquez 18

Runs Batted In:
Brian Cline 92
Pablo Freitas 83
Mauro Candelaria 66

Top Pitchers:
Earned Run Average
Don Sweetapple 3.14
Tsuneo Sato 3.99
Karl Armstrong 4.09

Wins
Don Sweetapple 18
Tsuneo Sato 14
Carlos Mateo 12

Strikeouts
Don Sweetapple 203
Carlos Mateo 152
Tsuneo Sato 122

Next Season:
From a pitching stand point I think we are set. If Scott Smith comes back healthy we will have a pretty decent 1-5. The bullpen is still developing. Only Alberto Hernandez (36) and James Gillespie (33) are over 30. I am going to look to move Alberto this off-season, it will be interesting to see what kind of interest there is in him. He has shown signs of decline so just getting the salary relief might be all that is needed.

We only had 73 wins, yet we had 3 pitchers with 12+ wins. Karl Armstrong missed 8 or 9 starts and still had 9 wins. Off the project starting 5 Sweetapple is the elder statesman at 28 years old. The other 4 Sato is 26, Mateo is 25, Armstrong is 21 and Smith is 22. Outside of possible moving Alberto Hernandez and Jose Martinez there shouldn't be much movement on the pitching side.

Offensively is where we need the most work, and maybe that will come in some moves. I don't want to trade prospects or draft picks, but King Brock and Murry Pavie have garnered a lot of interest.

Mauro Candelaria might be a canidate to get shipped away this winter. He lead the team in batting average is a 5-star player, plays on the left-side of the infield, but the problem is he doesn't play it well. His Zone rating at 3b was -4.7 and at SS was -1.4. I like his bat, but he might be able to bring in some better talent, and we need some outfielders that can hit.

Current Projected Starters
1B: Gilberto Ramos (28), ended up hitting .277 11-45 in 103 games. Plays a 20 at 1B.
2B: Chris Shopland (22), only played 20 games with the big club, but show glimpses of what his potential is. A 4-star player hit .257 1-11 in 20 games. Hit .310 at AAA and .308 at AA. He is a 18 defender at 2b.
3B: Ralph Pierce (25). Didn't play as much as I'd like to have seen him, me and the manager Ramon Ortiz, didn't always see eye-to-eye. Pierce hit .244 12-52 in 455 AB's. He is an 18 defender at 3B.
SS: Antonio Hernandez (26). Not a great hitter, only hit .247 last season in 84 games, but one of the best 2B/SS defenders in the game.

Others:
2B Tim Garner (26) 16 Defense: Hit only .230 in 111 games
3B/SS Mauro Candelaria (26): Lead the team in Avg .287 12-66
2B: Jesus Riveria (22): Hit .236 4-34 in 86 games, but hasn't reached his potential.
SS: Justin Martin (29): One of the better SS's on the team, but not the best defender (16) or hitter. Hit only .265 on the season with 0 HR's and 12 RBI's.

LF/CF: Pablo Freitas (24) The team leader, should stay in LF, but saw a lot of time in CF this season. Hit .261, lead the team in HR's with 31, has more ability. Should be in Norfolk for a few more years.
RF: Jose Rodriquez (26) Played 138 games, hitting .233 with 18 HR's and 46 RBI. Know to dog it at times, but is still a 4* player.
LF/RF: Allen Britt (24) Came over in a mid-season trade and didn't hit as well as we'd like, only .222, but did hit 12 HR's and have 24 RBI in 63 games.
DH: Brian Cline (24) A pure power hitter who shouldn't see the field. He is your prototypical DH. Cline hit .221 on the season with 30 2B's, 28 HR's, 92 RBI's. He did strike out 150 times in 593 AB's.
OF: Patrick Shelton (27) The best all-around OF'er we have, but just can't hit. In 130 games, he hit .255 with 14 HR's and 57 RBI's. Struck out 112 times and stole 25 bases in 38 attempts.

I will be looking to swing a deal this off-season since we have an abundance of decent players. Finding the "right" player is going to be the tough part. The only fielder who I am not willing to trade is Pablo Freitas. But with a low budget it might be tough to make a "great" move. I'd like to get 1 more outfielder, possible a true leadoff man who could hit .300 and steal 30-40 bases. The outfield is what I am going to concentrate on the most too many DH types out there. Should be a fun off-season.

Now this is all assuming, the owner, Bill Parker, decides to keep me on board. He wasn't happy with our season even if we did bring him a +49 million dollars. Last year we had a budget of $52,200,000 which was the lowest in the league and we only had a $30,472,500 payroll which was last as well. For reference: Baltimore Barons were 15th with a $50,062,000 payroll and the Washington Senators had the highest payroll at $169,615,500... He is known as having "Lenient" patience and to be an "Economizer" in regards to his fiscal personality.

Minor Leagues:
Yokohama Baystars AAA 52-92 .361 33 GB
New Orleans Pelicas AA 80-60 .571 --GB (lost in Championship)
Jacksonville Tritons A 48-92 .343 27 GB

Minor League System rated #3
King Brock 1b (6th), Murry Pavie LF (15th), Marc Alexander LF (24th), Sun Ho P (25th), Augusto Rodriquez SS (50th)

Draft Picks:
1) Arturo Ramirez SP (A)
(A) 5-8 6.28 17 G/16 GS
Age: 18
Stuff: 6/12, Movement: 10/11, Control: 5/15
Scouting Report: Borderline talent right now. I guess he could surprise me if he tightens up his arsenal, but looks like a future 5th starter or a long reliever to me.

2) Maurice Noble CF (A)
(A) 72 G .296 5 HR, 33 RBI, 42 Runs, 7-10 SB
Age: 19
Contact: 2-6, Gap: 5-9, Power: 5-16, Eye: 7/15, Avoid K's: 1/5
Scouting Report: has superstar potential, but there are enough flaws in his game that he probably won't quite get there. Should still be a great player, though.

3) Bobby Myers SP (A/AA)
(A) 2-7 6.95 16 G/15 GS
(AA) 1-0 2.61 2 GS
Age: 21
Stuff: 7/10, Movement: 7/7, Control: 6/10
Scouting Report: Myers might reach the big leagues at some point, but only if the timing is right.

4) David Harrison CF (A)
(A) 60 G, .241 Avg 3 HR, 25 RBI, 26 Runs, 50 K's in 199 AB
Contact: 1/4, Gap: 2/5, Power: 2/7, Eye: 2/6, Avoid K's: 1/4
Scouting Report: Overall, a subpar offensive player. If this guy is in your lineup, you shoudl be scouring the waiver wire constantly looking for an upgrade.

5) Francisco Correa SS (A)
(A) 72 G, .299 AVG, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 33 Runs, 11-14 SB
Contact: 1/3, Gap: 10/12, Power: 1/3, Eye: 2/6, Avoid K's: 1/6
Scouting Report: Destined to be a career minor leaguer

* What I thought was a 1/2 way decent draft, might be more of a flop. We will see how they develop over time.

[illeracula]

In the Delaware Division the series went down to a game 7 after 6 hard fought games.
Game 1: Wilmington 2, Milton 0
Game 2: Milton 6, Wilmington 3
Game 3: Milton 2, Wilmington 1
Game 4: Wilmington 4, Milton 3
Game 5: Wilmington 5, Milton 2
Game 6: Milton 7, Wilmington 2 (Wilm gave up 5 runs in bot 8th)
Game 7: Milton 2, Wilmington 0 (6 pitchers combined to pitch a 3-hit shutout)

But the Brewers took game 6 with a big 8th and sent the series back home where they handled the Iron Pigs and will be heading into the Championship Game.

Series MVP: Alonso Reyna, CF (Milton) .407-2-6
(close call with Marcos Estrada of Wilmington. 2-0 13.1 IP, 7 H, 16 K)

Over in the MarVa Divison it was a completely different story as the Washington Senators, coming of a 7-game win streak to end the regular season, stayed hot. Most peopled familiar with game are wondering why the Admirals didn't show up, as they got swept in a series that wasn't even close.

Game 1: Washington 11, Annapolis 4
Game 2: Washington 14, Annapolis 5
Game 3: Washington 7, Annapolis 6
Game 4: Washington 2, Annapolis 0 (Assuncao Ervilhosa CG SHO)

Series MVP: Dany Gauthier, C (Washington) .417 1 HR 5 RBI

[illeracula]

They played to a series tie 3-3 during the regular season, but the way the Senators have been playing lately the Brewers better watch out. The Senators have won, including regular season, 12 straight and 14 of 15. Will the 5 extra days off hurt them? Will the hard fought series hurt the Brewers?

Take a look at the Series comparison. Should be a fun inagural DelMarva Championship Series! My prediction: Brewers in 6.

[illeracula]

Game 1: Then Senators scored 1 in the 3rd and 1 in the 4th, and held on to a 2-run lead till the 9th when the flood gates opened. With 2-outs and 2-men on Raymond Hayes took a 3-2 fastball just over the left field fence for a walk-off 3-run HR!! What a way to start the series... Milford leads 1-0

Game 2: Washington bounced back in game 2, scoring 3 in the top of the first, including 2 HR's. They let the Brewers know we aren't going anywhere anytime soon. The 3-runs were all Javier Uberuaga needed as he allowed one run over 7 innings. Washington won game 2 4-1... Series tied a 1-1

Game 3: Washington down 3-4 in the bottom of the 9th, let Milford know anything you can do we can do better... as after 2 singles to start the inning off, Phil Porter hit a 3-2 389 feet down the left field line to give the Senators a walk off 6-4 win... Washington leads 2-1.

Game 4: After the Brewers scored 4 in the top of the 4th, the Senators answered back with 2 in their half of the 4th and 2 more to tie it up in the 5th, then it turned into a pitchers duel, as it wasn't til the top of the 14th when the Brewers scored 2 to break the tie... Series tied 2-2

Game 5: Washington came out of the gates with the bats swinging, scoring 5 runs in the first 3 innings. And that was all Raymond Corbett needed. After a 14-inning game the Senators needed a strong start and Corbett gave them more than they needed. Throwing a 9 inning, 2 hit shut-out. Washington took the game 5-0... Washington leads 3-2

Game 6: Washington put the nails in the coffin early, scoring 4 in the first, and one in the 2nd, taking the any air that was left in the Brewers sails. With 5 more in the 6th the game was over. Milford didn't have a chance, losing 10-3... Washington Wins Series 4-2

Congrats to the Champions the Washington Senators

MVP of Series: Javier Uberuaga, Washington Senators, SP. 2-0 15 IP 13 H, 3 BB, 9 K, 2.40 ERA

[Jabez54]

Congrats to the Washington Senators

[illeracula]

The good news is I will be around another year. I don' think this year was a complete loss, but maybe I was wrong. My final score was 12/100. I think that was a little low, but what do I know. :-)

Bill Parker approached me to talk finances and he let me know our budget is going up 9 million to 61 million. Hopefully that means I will be able to add some missing pieces, if I am unable to do so via trade.

Had some personnel changes happen so far this off-season, hopefully having the team together through the winter will help. I know I have final say, but its nice not having to search around for missing pieces.

Personnel:
In Jacksonville no changes were made... this could change, the Tritons had an AWFUL season, but that doesn't always mean its the coaches fault right?? Coming back for 2014: Manager Juan Diaz, PC David Waddell, HC Juan Aguilar

In New Orleans we lost our Manager and pitching coach. This wasn't good news, since New Orleans was our only minor league affiliate to do anything last season. Our manger and pitching coach will be making their coaching debuts this season. Manger Robby Murry, PC Rich Mathews and the only returning member of the staff HC Mark Rigney.

In Yokohama we let the manager go and brought in a new one, well a new to Yokohama one, the Norfolk manger Ramon Ortiz took the demotion rather than getting the ax. The pitching coach and hitting coach will be returning, mainly because there really isn't much quality personnel out there. The staff now consists of Manger Ramon Ortiz, PC Lane Myers and HC Jamie Perez.

And finally here in Norfolk the only change we made was bring in a new pitching coach. Our bench coach from last season Alastair Turcotte will know be at the helm, last years pitching coach Javier Garica is sliding over to the Bench Coach, HC Roger van Hoogewegen is back and our new pitching coach is Werner Meade, who was the pitching coach for the 82-80 Lewes Braves last season. And finally Francisco Gonzalez will be returning as the team trainer.

As arbitration period started we looked at our options and ended signing Don Sweetapple and Carlos Mateo to 4-year extensions. Sweetapple signed a 3 year deal with a 4th year option for $30,000,000. Carlos Mateo signed a 4 year deal with a 4th year vesting option, based on 26 starts. His contract is 4 years, 26 million... With the news of the extensions to Carlos Mateo and (mainly) Don Sweetapple our fan interest has now peaked to 56...

With the extensions we still are only showing a 36.6 million dollar payroll... its nice to know we have some money to play with.

** I will to league leaders and award winners tomorrow **