MLB 2014 I wait till someone gets fired dynasty!

[Griever20]

Thanks, thats like the last piece of information i needed to make a decision on him. I have the feeling that he won't get better than a 2* player with that kinda ERA. Right now, i don't have a lot of other pieces to pair with him, but perhaps there is another steal out there.

Originally Posted by krmarks

Looking good...just an interesting note for you from my experience....Zach Lee has never in any of my chises ever developed into a 1-2 starter, has always been a 3-4 guy with middling results. I kept trading for him and then getting frustrated by his 4+ ERA and then shipping him off....he is a good candidate to sell high my friend.

[Griever20]

Week 10: 1@ Seattle Mariners, 3@Milwaukee Brewers, 3@ Cincinnati Reds

June 1st Game 54(32-21)

Arizona Diamondbacks - Seattle Mariners 5-3
W: Corbin(4-2 5.01) L: Ramirez(6-5 4.38) SV: Rosenthal(17 2.03)
SP Patrick Corbin 7IP 4H 3ER 1BB 4K W
Lamb 2-4
Wieters 2-3 2R 4RBI 2HR(9)
Kieschnick 2-4 R
It was Matt Wieters day in Seattle. He helped Corbin get through a rough first, and had two homers good for 4RBI's today. Corbin went seven, and Tolleson bridged the 8th to Rosenthal.

News:
Dodgers and Rangers played a 20! inning game that ended on a Rougned Odor HR. Overall, 17 pitchers were used in this game.

June 2nd Game 55(33-21)

Transaction:
Signed 1B Daniel Murphy(30, 1,5*), C Ali Solis(27, 1/2,5*) and 3B Jefry Marte(23,2*) to minor league contracts, and assigned them to AAA Reno.

Our team trainer nearly got strangled by me when he told me, that CF Aaron Hicks suffered another setback and will be out an additional week...

Anyways, we are visiting the Brew Crew(25-30( for three, and may see surprisingly strong SP Marco Estrada(4-5 2.97) in game 3. Our scouting department is high on Wily Peralta(4,5*), but he disappointed 100% in april and may. They live and die with their offense, and even their leadoff hitter in Carlos Gomez has 9HR, while Ryan Braun(.290-8-30 in 40G) missed some time earlier this season, and 2B Scooter Gennett(3*) is still on the shelf after a ugly concussion.

Arizona Diamondbacks - Milwaukee Brewers 9-7
W: Bowan(2-2 3.80) L: Henderson(0-3 6.57) SV: Rosenthal(18 1.95)
SP Jon Lester 5.1IP 9H 6ER 2BB 4K ND
Wieters 3-5 2R RBI
De Caster 1-5 2RBI HR(1)
Owings 2-4 R BB SB
With Lutz getting a day of rest, our lineup was pretty short today. It was enough against Brewers starter Will Smith, who didn't survive the 2nd inning, leaving after five runs. But, the Crew saw Lester really well today, and crawled back until a 2-run HR by Braun made it 6-5 MIL. Our utility veteran de Caster proved his value again, hitting a rare 2-run bomb himself into right, and Wieters added another run to give a 9-7 lead to Tolleson and Rosenthal.

June 3rd Game 56(34-21)

Arizona Diamondbacks - Milwaukee Brewers 1-6
W: Stinson(4-3 3.92) L: Masterson(6-2 5.19)
SP Justin Masterson 4IP 14H 6ER 3BB 4K L
Lutz 2-3 RBI BB
Masterson got lit up badly today for 6ER, and we got held to four hits, with 2 for Lutz, while our pen at least pitched four scoreless.

June 4th Game 57(34-22)

Arizona Diamondbacks - Milwaukee Brewers 2-0
W: Paxton(6-6 3.11) L: Estrada(4-6 2.89) SV: Rosenthal(19 1.88)
SP James Paxton 6.1IP 5H 0ER 6BB 3K W
Lutz 2-4 DB
Anderson 1-3 R BB
Owings 1-4 2RBI
Paxton's try to stop the Brewers from abusing our starters. He did, as he held the Brewers to five hits through six... but we only had two against Estrada ourselves. But, Estrada got the bases loaded with D'backs in the 7th, and Owings delievered a 2-RBI single. Munson got Paxton out of a 2-on jam(courtesy of a Gregorius error) and gave the ball to Rosenthal for the save.

June 5th Game 58(35-22)

Hallo Cincinnati Reds(26-31). They are missing SP Mat Latos(4*) with a torn flexor tendon dating back to 2014, leaving them with Tony Cingrani(7-5 2.77) as their ace. Mesoraco(.330-13-33) was named NL PotM for a reason, but Joey Votto(.241-9-19) and Jay Bruce(.222-9-22) provide little more then power. Theo is high on 21 year old LF Jesse Winkler(4,5* potential), who is slowly develping into a above average bat.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Cincinnati Reds 7-2
W: Bradley(2-0 3.81) L: Holmberg(3-7 5.63)
SP Archie Bradley 8IP 4H 2ER 1BB 6K W
Gregorius 2-5 R RBI
Lamb 2-5 2RBI
Goldschmidt 2-4 3RBI HR(11)
Drury 2-5 DB R
Mesoraco proved that his bat was hot, and rapped a 2-run single infront of Lutz's feet in left early. Lamb did Bradley a favour and tied it back up with a RBI-single and Goldy hit a HUGE 3-run shot of off Holmberg in the 7th that ended his day. We scored two more off the pen, and Bradley was pulled after eight strong innings.

June 6th Game 59(36-22)

FIRST YEAR PLAYER DRAFT – See next post

Arizona Diamondbacks – Cincinnati Reds 4-11
W: Cingrani(8-5 2.90) L: Corbin(4-3 5.24) SV: Marshall(2 3.20)
SP Patrick Corbin 6.1 7H 5ER 1BB 1K
Goldschmidt 1-3 2RBI BB
Owings 2-4 HR(5)
Cingrani now wanted to avoid the sweep, and had Corbin against him, while Lamb was getting a day of rest. Down 0-1, Goldy found the bases loaded and sent a grounder into left scoring two. Corbin decided, that a lead is a concept he doesn't like, and served up a 2-run HR to Steven Souza(.198) CMON. He left trailing 3-4, and our pen did stupid things...

June 7th Game 60(36-23)

Arizona Diamondbacks – Cincinnati Reds 5-6
W: Parra(1-0 4.80) L: Rosenthal(1-2 2.79)BS(2)
SP Jon Lester 7IP 5H 3ER 2BB 7K ND
Drury 4-4 3DB 2R
Centeno 2-4 R RBI BB
De Caster 2-4 3RBI HR(2)
Reds CF Yorman Rodríguez opened the scoring with a 2-run HR to the opposite field, while we were struggleing to get to Franklin Morales(2-5 6.21)... Our top half of the lineup was ice cold, and it ultimately was veteran De Caster who deposited a 3-run shot into right field to get us the lead. Tolleson pitched a clean 7th, and the Reds walked off on a 2-run shot by Cozart.... RRRRROOAAARRRR.

Transaction:
LHRP Ryan Buchter(28, 2,5*) was sent to hell after giving up a grand slam yesterday. LHRP Joe Ortiz(24, 3*) was recalled after going 1-0 4SV 2.57 in AAA.

Standings: 1st, 4 1/2G lead over Los Angeles Dodgers
Week: 4-3
Power Rankings: #4
Runs scored 307(2)
Starters ERA 4.37(11)
Bullpen ERA 5.19(13)
Defensive Eff. .681(12)

Who's hot?
nobody

Who's not?
nobody

RF Josh Reddick(OAK,28,3*) was named AL Player of the Week after going 11-24 2HR 5RBI's.

RF Yasiel Puig(LAD,24,5*) was named NL Player of the Week after going 15-29 2HR 7RBI's.

Notes and Stuff
I hope our pitching coach got the message when i stormed into his room, screamed at him, and chopped his desk into pieces with an axe. Lester deserved that last win. Still, we have a lead on the Dodgers, but shouldn't feel to comfortable. I'm working on a couple of domino trades that could give us an upgrade in the rotation, but these trades are close calls right now.

Anderson had a abysmal week, hitting only .091, our substitute RF Kieschnick has hit .158, and Matt Wieters was the only starter to hit a decent .316-2-5 clip, so to sum it up, we need Morrison and Hicks back soon.

Joey Gallo watch says he has hot .462-3-7 this week, and got some company in AAA, as we called up SS Daniel Robertson to AAA, and 1B Matt Olson got his shot at AA.

[Griever20]

1st Pick: Minnesota Twins select SS Alex Bregman(21,HS,4,5*) Theo sees him as one great contact bat, with decent power and a good batting eye, who can play 2B/3B and SS and could start his career in single A.

2nd Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks select CF Dazmon Cameron(18,HS,5*) I hoped that Cameron would drop to us, and both Theo and I agree on him being our consensus pick as a five tool player.

3rd Pick: Chicago Cubs select SS Brendan Rodgers(17,HS,4,5*) Rodgers is a speedster who projects with a 15+HR .320BA bat with great defense in the middle of the infield.

4th Pick: Minnesota Twins select LF Kyle Dean(18,HS,3*) Both OSA and Theo see Dean as a decent player, but nothing more, I guess the Twins couldn't affort anoher pick at slot.

5th Pick: Chicago White Sox select C Devon Fisher(19,COL,4,5*) Fisher is a game changer behind the plate, and could be the best catcher for years when he reaches Chicago.

6th Pick: Cincinnati Reds select SS Nicholas Shumpert(18,HS,4,5*) His greatest asset is his batting eye, and his defense. Pair that with decent speed and you got Shumpert.

7th Pick: Chicago White Sox select SS John Aiello(18,HS,5*) Aiello will most likely end up at 3B where his power projects better.

8th Pick: Colorado Rockies select RF Michael Gettys(19,HS,4*) He is a dynamite defender in right, and has speed and power, but will strike out alot and won't walk alot.

9th Pick: Houston Astros select 2B Max Schrock(20,HS,4,5*) The best eye in that draft class belongs to Schrock, who won't run alot, may hit 15-20HR and is a average defender.

10th Pick: New York Yankees select SS Ryan Mountcastle(18,HS,4,5*) A rare shortstop who pairs decent defense with high power output and a great batting eye.

…
2nd Round, 2nd Pick(35th overall): Arizona Diamondbacks select LF Doak Dozier(18,HS,4*). Theo really liked a SS named Jackson out of college, but Dozier looks promising aswell and only wants the slot. He got a above average batting eye and speed.

3rd Round, 2nd Pick(68th overall): Arizona Diamondbacks select SP Grayson Long(21,HS,1,5*) I gambled on the OSA being right and Theo being wrong here.

4th Round, 2nd Pick(105th overall): Arizona Diamondbacks select 2B Cade Kelley(17,HS,5*) Him still being there makes me doubt Theo's oppinion, but he was happy to sign for the slot. According to our scouts, he has great power and a great eye and can play every position.

5th Round, 2nd Pick(135th overall): Arizona Diamondbacks select SP Logan Allen(18,HS,1*) Three pitch starter with good control.

For the rest of the draft, we picked the players with the highest potential based on AAA Pacific League, and stayed away from HS players with high demands, so basically went for slot guys.

First Pick:

[Griever20]

Week 11: 1@ Cincinnati Reds, 3vs San Diego Padres, 3@ Colorado Rockies

June 8th Game 61(36-24)

I spend the evening talking, threatening and drinking coffee, trying to iron out a big deal for our team, so here it is:

Trades 8.6.2015 with the multiple teams:

Arizona Diamondbacks receive:
SP Jaime Garcia(28,4,5*,$9,250,000) 0-4 2SV 3.51 18G/3GS in STL.
R LHRP Randy Myers Jr.(18,4,5*,R)

Houston Astros receive:
AAA SP Zach Lee(23, 1,5/2,5*) 5-3 4.14 AAA from ARI
AAA 3B Jefry Marte(23,1,5*) .333 in 5G from ARI

St. Louis Cardinals receive:
3B/LF Dayan Viciedo(26,2*,$3,400,000= .264-7-23 from HOU
AAA C Manny Pina(28,1*) .250-9-20 AAA from ARI
AAA IF Daniel Murphy(30, 1,5*) .421 in 5G AAA from ARI

Los Angeles Dodgers receive:
SP Justin Masterson(30, 3*, $2,000,000) 6-2 5.19 11G from ARI
AA 1B Dan Palka(23,1*) .326-0-11 in AA from ARI
AA C Ali Solis(27,1/2,5*) .227 in 5G AAA from ARI
AAA RHRP Brad Ziegler(35,1*,$5,000,000) 0-0 1SV 2.95 in AAA from ARI

Mission accomplished. After talking with a... independent scout named krmarks, we decided to use Lee as a bait to trade for a rotation ugrade. We realized, that the group of MFA signings in Murphy, Solis and Marte had some decent trade value, and combined them for Viciedo for Garcia. Masterson was the weak link in the rotation, and we won't miss his ERA or his walks... We also dumped Ziegler and his $5,000,000 salary in LA, giving us the budget room to get Garcia and sign Dazmon Cameron.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Cincinnati Reds 6-1
W: Bradley(3-0 3.38) L: Marshall(5-6 4.37)
SP Archie Bradley 6IP 4H 1ER 6K W
Kieschnick 2-5 HR(1)
Lamb 2-4 DB R
Anderson 2-4 DB 2R 2RBI HR(4)
Gregorius got a much needed day off, meaning our lineup was short again. Anderson got out his .091 funk from last weak in a hurry, unloading a shot into left center on the first pitch of his AB, and came through with another RBI-double in the 4th, and later scored aswell. That gave Bradley a 4-0 lead, but his shutout was broken in the 5th by Rodriguez. Ortiz got a clean 7th in his return from AAA, Lutz got a solo shot, and Munson pitched two scoreless.

June 9th Game 62(37-24)

Transaction: 4th round pick 2B Cade Kelly(17,4,5*) has signed with us, and his potential ratings suddently went down half a star -.-*.

We get a visit from from the second best rotation in the NL. As present, they sent us the 13th best offense in the NL, and we hope to take a lead in the season series(3-3). Still, the Padres(31-28) have just passed the Dodgers for 2nd place in the division, and facing Wisler(5-3 3.65), Cashner(5-6 2.84), Johnson(7-4 3.59), Sampson(3-2 3.26) or Roach(2-2 2.12) seems to be no fun. They still miss Carlos Quentin(broken kneecap), and are short on relievers.

San Diego Padres - Arizona Diamondbacks 2-4
W: Garcia(1-4 3.24) L: Wisler(5-4 3.78)
SP Jaime Garcia 9IP 6H 2ER 0BB 8K
Gregorius 2-4
Goldschmidt 2-4 R
Anderson 2-4 DB TP 2RBI
Kieschnick 2-4 HR(2)
After I realized that i messed up the rotation, and pitched Bradley on three days rest(doh), it was Jaime Garcia's first start against Wisler. Anderson got the fun started with a 2-run double, and the Padres lost Josh Harrison after him sliding in at third with a triple(the pinch runner scored). Kieschnick hit his second HR in as many nights, and Garcia pitched a complete game in his first start for the win.

News:
SP Stephen Strasburg(WSH,26,5*) fell short one hit of a no-hitter in a 7-0 win with 11K against the Phillies. This is already his forth career shutout, and he is on route to a PotY Award with 8-3 record and a 2.10ERA.

June 10th Game 63(38-24)

News:
SP James Shields(33, 2,5*) signed a 1y/$2,350,000 contract with the Marlins.
1B Edwin Encarnacion(32,3,5) was acquired by the Yankees for a couple of 3* prospects. The Blue Jays are in full rebuilding mode right now, and are willing to give up Bautista and Reyes aswell.

The D'backs offered a total of 20 minor league contracts to players under 20, and there are rumors, that GM K.C. Martin and Theo Epstein are planning on releasing a number of older players that are still in their system. They are rumored to have offered MFA deals to Hiroki Kuroda, Gordon Beckham and 26 year old SP Johnny Hellweg aswell.

San Diego Padres - Arizona Diamondbacks 4-5(12)
W: Rowen(3-2 3.25) L: Clippard(0-1 6.75)
SP James Paxton 5IP 6H 3ER 6BB 4K
Lamb 2-4 2RBI HR(8)
Goldschmidt 1-5 2RBI HR(12)
Kieschnick 2-5 R
Gregorius was back after a day of rest, and Paxton on the mound. He wasted no time to load em up, but then struck out Fuentes AND Evereth Cabrera to get out of it. Lamb got us 2RBI's before Goldy scored Gregorius and himself on a slider over the middle of the plate into the seats. Paxton needed 105 pitched to get through 5(because of 6 BB -.-), and we had to get a lot of innings out of the pen. The Padres got the tying run when Galvez stole TWO BASES IN A ROW..... and things settled down.. into overtime. We got some great innings out of Ortiz and Rowen, and could cheer when Owings walked them off, scoring Kieschnick from second.

June 11th Game 64(39-24)

Transactions:
1st Round pick CF Dazmon Cameron(18,5*,$10,000,000) and 3rd round pick SP Grayson Long(21,1,5*,$2,100,000) accepted our offers and were sent to R ball.
The D'backs have released a total of 56 players out of their farm system tonight. Most of them were 22 and (way) older, and haven't progressed higher than single A ball. In addition to that, they announced the callup from 10 players out of their international complex to rookie ball.

San Diego Padres - Arizona Diamondbacks 6-7
W: Ortiz(1-1 5.00) L: Luebke(2-2 4.14) SV: Rosenthal(20 2.70)
SP Patrick Corbin 6IP 10H 5ER 1BB 8K ND
Goldschmidt 2-3 2R 2BB HR(13)
Lutz 2-5 HR(12)
Anderson 3-4 R RBI
Down 1-2, Goldy led off the 6th with a solo shot, and that finally got us into Wieland's head. Owings placed a lucky bounced ball into left with two runners on, and was scored in a infield single by Gregorius. Corbin got into trouble in the 7th, and Ortiz threw a cookie to Grandal in relief for a 3-run HR. Down 6-5, Lutz promptly hit a laser beam to CF for the tie. Luebke scored the go ahead run on a wild pitch to Goldschmidt, but Lutz and Anderson struck out with the bags full. No margin for error for Rosenthal, and he did his job.

News:
SP Zach Greinke(LAD,31,4,5*) pitched a 5-hit shutout with 8K in a 10-0 win against the Giants. He had a no-hitter last year, and is quite in shape this season, going 7-3 2.86 in 14GS.

June 12th Game 65(40-24)

Good old Denver, Colorado(30-32). Tyler Chatwood(7-3 3.81) has settled down as the ace of a 5+ERA rotation, and we will play against rookie Henry Sosa in game 1, his major league debut. But, those guys lead the NL in every offensive category except steals, and they four .300+ BA hitters, and five 10+HR hitters lined up... even with Tulowitzki(.280-17-53) on the DL. Watch out for LF Corey Dickerson(.291-23-58) in the middle of their lineup, and SS Rossell Herrera(.360-5-30), who has a 4,5* potential at age 22(I tried to trade for him, as the Rockies are in rebuilding mode, but steep price!)

Arizona Diamondbacks – Colorado Rockies 6-10
W: Sosa(1-0 8.44) L: Lester(3-3 4.84) SV: Jim Johnson(9 2.38)
SP Jon Lester 3.2IP 10H 10ER 2B 1K L
Lutz 2-5 2RBI
Gregorius 1-5 HR(7)
Drury 2-4 3RBI HR(4)
Goldy got a day off, as well as Wieters. Lester and Centeno weren't on the same page, and two balls flew to souvenier city early for the Rockies, and another one in the 3rd and the Rockies simply outscored us. Kendrys Morales went 3-3 4RBI 2HR in this game, and rookie Sosa got a win in his first MLB appearance.

News:
SP CC Sabathia(NYY,34,0,5*) pitched a surprising 6-hit 4-0 shutout against the Astros. He had 11 wins last season, but his velocity is down to 86-88mph and he is only 4-5 4.70 in 14GS while earning $23,000,000.

June 13th Game 66(40-25)

Arizona Diamondbacks – Colorado Rockies 6-4(10)
W: Bowen(4-2 3.10) L: Bell(1-2 4.97) SV: Rosenthal(21 2.61)
SP Archie Bradley 7IP 5H 1ER 1BB 4BB ND
Owings 2-4 R
Wieters 1-4 2RBI HR(10)
Anderson 1-4 2RBI HR(5)
Both teams combined for 5 hits after 5 innings, and Colorado led 1-0 thanks to a solo shot by Herrera, and we finally got to Chatwood, and of all players, Kieschnick hit a 2-run double. 2-1 in front. Lamb got ejected after striking out, and our PEN BLEW THE LEAD IN THE 8th !!! Anderson tied it back up with a 2-run shot in the 9th off their closer and Wieters hit a 2-run bomb in the 10th for the lead. NOW Rosenthal CLOSE THAT GAME... He did. Bradley REALLY pitched a nice game, and deserved the win.

June 14th Game 67(41-25)

News:
2nd Round pick LF Doak Dozier(18,4*) has signed with us, and was assigned to R ball.
LF Logan Morrison suffered a setback, and is out for an additional week. Our team trainer suffered because somebody set him on fire in the GM's office tonight.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Colorado Rockies 11-7
W: Tolleson(2-1 1.42) L: Wilhelmsen(2-2 8.87)
SP Jaime Garcia 7IP 13H 7ER 6K
Gregorius 3-5 2DB 2R
Goldschmidt 1-4 3RBI HR(14)
Pollock 2-5 3RBI R
Anderson 2-4 DB R
Owings 3-5 DB R RBI
Wieters 1-5 2RBI HR(11)
Fireworks opened the game... Goldy 3-run shot. Rockies starter O'Sullivan had to wail till the 6th batter to get an out, and we scored four in 1st. Garcia had exactly the same problem, and Dickerson cashed in with his 24th HR of the season, and Colorado jumped on us for SIX RUNS IN THE 1st. Wieters tied it back up with his second HR in the series, but another run scored off of Garcia. Trailing 6-7, we had runners at the corners in the 9th. Anderson grounded out, Lamb to 2nd. Pollock, hitting .217... SINGLE INTO CENTER Gregorius scores... Lamb scores 8-7! Kieschnick up... LONG DOUBLE Pollock scores. We scored 5 in the top 9th, and Tolleson pitched 2IP scoreless for the win.

Standings: 7 1/2G lead overSan Diego Padres
Week: 6-1
Power Rankings: #1
Runs scored 352(2)
Starters ERA 4.53(13)
Bullpen ERA 4.78(12)
Defensive Eff. .678(11)

Who's hot?
nobody

Who's not?
SP Jon Lester 3G 0-1 10.69 16IP 12K.

1B Miguel Cabrera(DET,32,5*) was named AL Player of the Week after going 8-23 6HR 12RBI's.

1B Kendrys Morales(COL,31,2,5*) was named NL Player of the Week after going 16-28 5HR 13RBI's.

Notes and Stuff

I swear, every time my team trainer steps into my office, i want to grab my shotgun and shoot him on the spot these day...

This team somehow plays the same way my girlfriend drives. You don't know how the hell it works, but you get there. We improved our pen ERA this week, but they still gave up a lot of inherited runners. Our starters numbers dwindled a bit because … Denver... but they should be alright.

Now, finally, we *should* get Hicks back next week, and can sent Pollock to the back end of the bench where he and his .221BA belongs. Kieschnick had a pretty solid second week in RF, hitting .333-2-5, but i doubt he can keep that up. Anderson bounced back huge from his last week, and Goldy had three HR this week.

There was a lot of movement in the minors this week, as we have cleaned the system a bit, and released a lot of useless 25-27 year old players in the lower minors, so basically guys who have no chance to reach the majors. Plus, we added some talent out of the free agent pool, as we looked at 18/19 year old free agents with talent ready to sign a minor league deal to make our system younger.

Gallo(.200) and Delgado(6ER start) stuggled a bit in AAA, and with Anderson and Drury performing, Gallo's callup chances earlier than september look slim. Olsen has hit .476 since his callup to AA, and we are waiting for opening day for the short A season with Alex Jackson and Dazmon Cameron on the squad.

[Griever20]

Week 12: 3@ Los Angeles Dodgers, 3vs Philadelphia Phillies

June 15th
offday

Stats and numbers:
Goldschmidt is now 2nd in OBP(.416), 4th in OPS(.964), 3rd in WAR(3.0) and 3rd in BB(40)
Gregorius is 1st in TP(6) and 5th in WAR(2.7).

WSH LF Bryce Harper is having an unbelievable season, hitting .341-17-36 with a 1.106OPS and 5.4WAR after close to 70G. Who is batter with the bat?
DET 1B Miguel Cabrera is hitting .354-27-55 1.186OPS and only trails Prince Fielder(60RBI) in a triple crown category.

Another guy from the Nationals:
SP Stephen Strasburg is 9-3 2.02ERA, but has a 1.69FIP and 11.24 K/9 in 14GS. NOBODY is even close to this numbers, except Yu Darwish, who has 11.83K/9, but also a 3.98ERA and a 3.73FIP.

June 16th Game 68(42-25)

We visit the Dodgers(34-32) again. They struggled since april and are 18-24 since then. Their two best starters are Liriano(6-1 1.91) and Zach Greinke(7-3 2.86), while Kershaw has returned from injury, but is only 1-3 4.88 in 5GS. Offensively, they called up OF Joc Pederson(4/4,5*) to join Puig(.328-9-38) and Billy Butler(.287-15-43) to spark the offense.

Arizona Diamondbacks - Los Angeles Dodgers 2-3
W: Jansen(3-0 1.86) L: Corbin(4-4 5.22)
SP Patrick Corbin 8IP 4H 3ER 2BB 5K L
Pollock 1-4 2RBI HR(2)
We got another shot against Liriano, who had to leave the game in our last series with a minor injury. Pollock got him for a 2-run shot in the 4th, and Corbin somehow no-hit the Dodgers through 5. Dee Gordon broke that up, and Peterson drove em in. Up 2-1 in the 9th, Corbin was left in too long and let two runners into scoring position, and Rosenthal couldn't bail him out. PS: That loss is on me -.-*

News:
SP Robert Stephenson(CIN,22, 1,5/3*) pitched a 1-hit beauty in his second major league start against the Phillies, winning 3-0. He was the #30 prospect this year, and has a hot start to his career, going 1-1 1.06.

June 17th Game 69(42-26)

Arizona Diamondbacks - Los Angeles Dodgers 3-6
W: Greinke(8-3 2-91) L: Paxton(6-7 3.38) SV: Jansen(16 1.82)
SP James Paxton 4.1IP 8H 6R 3ER 3BB 3K L
Lutz 1-4 DB 2RBI
Owins 2-4 DB R
Greinke against Paxton, favours LA doesn't it? Well, an error by Lamb made it 1-0 LA, and a 2-run bomb by Puig a second later made me scream. Greinke was dealing till the 8th, when Lutz and Owings got him with doubles and Lamb singled in another run, but we couldn't get to Jansen in the 9th.

News:
SP Jeremy Hellickson(TBR,28,1,5*) pitched a 5-hit 3-0 shutout against the White Sox. This may have been his best start so far, as he is 5-6 5.13 this year, and was 10-10 5.21 last year.

June 18th Game 70(42-27)

Arizona Diamondbacks - Los Angeles Dodgers 0-2
W: Kershaw(2-3 3.79) L: Lester(3-4 4.52) SV: Marinez(2 3.10)
SP Jon Lester 8IP 6H 2ER 1BB 3K
Lester vs Kershaw. Pitchers duel? Jap, Kershaw only allowed two hits in eight innings, and gave a 2-0 lead to the pen. We got two on in the 9th, but Gregorius was thrown out at home, and Wieters grounded out. Swept by LAD

News:
The Tigers have won 5-1 against Oakland today, and now have won TEN IN A ROW, leading the AL Central by 6 games with a 40-30 record.

June 19th Game 71(42-28)

Transaction:
CF Aaron Hicks(25,3/4*) (finally) is eligible to come off the DL, and was assiged to the D'backs. CF Ender Inciarte was sent down to AAA Reno.

Hello Phillies(28-41), dead last in the NL East. An opponent to get some confidence back after the Dodgers series. They got Cole Hamels lined up first, who still struggles with 3-8 4.99, while Cliff Lee is out for the season, and the rest of the rotation is journeyman like. They have blue chip talent Maikel Franco(4/5* .250-10-33) in the middle of their lineup as their future, but Domonic Brown(.218) is struggeling, and Utley(.246 4*) is on the trading block for a month now.

Philadelphia Phillies - Arizona Diamondbacks 2-6
W: Garcia(2-4 3.80) L: Hamels(3-9 5.17) SV: Ortíz(2 4.50)
SP Jaime Garcia 7IP 7H 2ER 1BB 4K W
Goldschmidt 3-4 2R 3RBI HR(15)
Lutz 3-4 DB 2RBI
Drury 2-4
Lamb 1-4 HR(9)
Hamels and Garcia, good matchup and the first test for returned Hicks. He started with a double and a run, Lamb had a solo shot and Lutz drove in two with a double. Garcia went seven with two earned, and Goldy added a 2-run shot for more cushion, and Ortíz got a two inning save.

News:
SP Corey Kluber(29, 2,5*) was traded to Detroit by the Indians for 18 year old catching prospect Chase Vallot(4*), the #83 prospect according to OSA. Kluber is 8-5 3.51 this year, but joins a Detroit squad whose hitting streak has ended at 10, losing 8-7 in a thriller in OAK.

June 20th Game 72(43-28)

Philadelphia Phillies - Arizona Diamondbacks 5-2
W: Hollands(6-5 3.43) L: Bradley(3-1 3.52) SV: Logan(12 2.67)
SP Archie Bradley 7IP 8H 5ER 2BB 6K L
Lutz 2-4 DB R
Wieters 3-4 2DB RBI
Bradley is perfect 3-0 so far, and wanted to keep it that way in game 2. He saw no land in this game, yielding 5ER in seven innings, while getting only 2R of support. We couldn't get a rally going, and Logan pitched a 1-2-3 save.

June 21st Game 73(43-29)

Philadelphia Phillies - Arizona Diamondbacks 2-5
W: Corbin(5-4 4.92) L: Gonzalez(4-8 5.94) SV: Rosenthal(22 2.53)
SP Patrick Corbin 8IP 7H 2ER 1BB 3K W
Gregorius 2-4 2R HR(8)
Lutz 2-4 DB RBI
Lamb 2-4 R RBI
Corbin pitched the way he did last time, and we got him a early 4-0 lead on eight hits in three innings off of Gonzalez. Lutz singled in another run, and Corbin left after 8IP with 2ER, giving the ball to Rosenthal. 1-2-3 save.

News:
The Rays(42-30), who are tied for first in the AL East add RF Jaff Decker(25,4*, .284-11-28) from the Pirates to make a run against the Red Sox. Going to the Pirates is 17 year old 1B Cristo Vásquez(1/4*), who they found in the Dominican Republic last year.

SS Marwin Gonzalez(HOU,26,1*) went 5-5 against the Rangers at home, slugging out two doubles and a two run shot, good for 3R and 3RBI's. This was just his sixth game this year with the Astros, as he was down in AAA for most of the year.

LF Ryan Braun(MIL,31,4,5*) has his 21-game hitting streak snapped by the Reds. He still has a great year going while hitting .309-12-45 in 58G for the 37-35 Brewers.

Standings: 1st 5G lead over Los Angeles Dodgers
Week: 2-4
Power Rankings: #4
Runs scored 370(2)
Starters ERA 4.45(13)
Bullpen ERA 4.56(11)
Defensive Eff. .683(11)

Who's hot?
nobody

Who's not?
nobody

RF Kole Calhoun(LAA,27,3,5*) was named AL Player of the Week after going 12-26 2HR 6RBI's.

LF Bryce Harper(WSH,22,5*) was named NL Player of the Week after going 11-27 2HR 5RBI's.

Notes and Stuff
Not our best week. I blew the first game of the Dodgers series, we should've went with Rosenthal right away instead of sending Corbin out there again. After that, Kershaw and Greinke of course can be deadly, and we couldn't touch Kershaw there. Losing game two against the Phillies can happen, and thinks look up with everybody healthy now.

Hicks arrived warm, and had a hit in all three games against the Phillies. I still don't see the 5*, that are next to Lamb on the field, but worst case we have a replacement in Gallo at AAA. Lutz had a great .450-0-5 1.100OPS week, but Anderson(.143) and Owings(.136) are in a slump.

In AAA, Gallo had a 2HR game, but that was all this week, and Delgado suffered a loss in a 2ER game, while Almonte pitched a great 1ER game in single A. Matt Olson is destroying AA pitching, hitting .404-4-14 in 13G. CF Vaughn Bryan is still out with his strained hammy, and Theo ranked him down from 4* to 2,5* potential, and I expect more of that soon...

[Griever20]

Week 13 3vs Chicago Cubs, 2@ New York Mets

June 22nd
offday

Transaction:
RF Logan Morrison(27,4*) was activated from the DL, RF Roger Kieschnick was sent down to AAA again.

Trade 22.6.2015 with the Cincinnati Reds

Arizona Diamondbacks receive:
LHRP Sean Marshall(32,4,5*,$6,500,000) 1-1 3SV 2.60 29G

Cincinnati Reds receive:
AAA LHRP Oliver Perez(33,0,5*,$2,500,000) 1-0 4.76 19G in AAA
R LHRP Nate Ricci(21,0,5*)

We got ourself a shutdown left, a description that didn't fit to either De La Rosa nor Ortíz(sent down to AAA). We most likely won't resign him right away, as he is 32 and will want more than $5,000,000. We gave up basically nothing in that deal, as Perez is done, and Ricci is a 21 year old who never was good enough to throw a pitch in R ball.

News:
C Jonathan Lucroy(MIL,29,2,5*) has hit for the CYCLE with 5RBI's in a 8-7 loss against the Reds. He is already the second Brewer to hit for the cycle this year, and is batting .337-4-15 in 34G/18GS for the 37-36 Brewers.

June 23rd Game 74(44-29)

We got a visit by the Cubs(35-39) who somehow struggle this year. Their plans for the rotation didn't work out, as Justin Grimm(26, 3,5*) is only 4-8 4.50, and Jacob Turner(24,3,5/4*) is on the 60-day DL with an elbow strain. Soler(18HR), Baez(14HR) and Rizzo(15HR) provide some power, but they don't get enough guys on base to score runs, and 3B Kris Bryant may have been called up too early.

Chicago Cubs - Arizona Diamondbacks 8-5
W: Grimm(5-8 4.37) L: Paxton(6-8 3.71) SV: Brouthers(18 2.48)
SP James Paxton 6IP 8H 6ER 2BB 6K L
Goldschmidt 2-4 R RBI
Lamb 1-4 2RBI HR(10)
Paxton got jumped on for three HR good for six runs, and we had problems against Grimm. We finally got on the board in the 6th, sending eight man to the plate and scoring 5, highlighed by a big 2-run bomb by Lamb. Out pen allowed two more, and we never got going again.

June 24th Game 75(44-30)

Chicago Cubs - Arizona Diamondbacks 4-11
W: Lester(4-4 4.58) L: Ross(3-8 5.17) SV: Tolleson(1 1.15)
SP Jon Lester 7IP 7H 4ER 1BB 6K W
Morrison 2-5 3R 3RBI HR(13)
Lutz 1-4 2RBI SB HR(13)
Anderson 2-4 DB 2R RBI
Owings 2-3 2RBI BB
Lester's try against the longball offense. Tied game 1-1, Wieters got a great 2-run single in the 4th, setting the tone in the middle innings. Owings added another run(giving him some job savety), and Lutz sent a deep HR in to center for a five run lead. We chewed up their pen, and won soundly, and Morrison looks healthy with 3RBI's.

June 25th Game 76(45-30)

Chicago Cubs - Arizona Diamondbacks 8-10
W: Munson(4-0 4.73) L: Brouthers(3-2 2.92) SV: Rosenthal(23 2.45)
SP Jaime Garcia 6IP 9H 6ER 2BB 5K
Hicks 2-4 3R RBI
Gregorius 2-4 2R BB 4RBI HR(9)
Morrison 3-4 5RBI BB HR(13)
To win the series, we put the ball in the hands of Garcia. He never had it, and three Cubs HR scored six runs. Morrison answered back with a 3-run double in bases loaded situation in the 5th and Lamb scored him. We got em loaded again in the 6th, and Gregorius.... GOT A 96mph fastball into the right field seats! 8-6! Garcia actually left with a lead, but the pen blew the lead, tied at 8. Bases loaded, bottom 8th, Morrison.... 2-RBI SINGLE THAT IS WHAT WE MISSED THE LAST MONTH. Rosenthal 1-2-3

News:
SP Stephen Strasburg(WSH,26,5*) pitched a 4-hit 13K shutout against Miami today. He lowered his ERA to 1.95 and has a 11-3 record in 16GS.

June 26th
offday

June 27th Game 77(46-30)

We start a three game set against the Mets(43-33) tonight. Their rotation is at good as advertised with Matt Harvey(8-5 2.81), Anibal Sanchez(8-5 3.82), Jacob deGrom(8-5 3.42) and Syndergaard(8-1 2.92). They trail the Nationals by one game, and they struggle with offense. David Wright is only hitting .264-7-41, and Nieuwenhuis cooled down after his great april. d'Arnaud has shown some power hitting .244-8-36, but still is more a defensive catcher.

Arizona Diamondbacks – New York Mets 6-2
W: Corbin(6-4 4.78) L: deGrom(8-6 3.72)
Gregorius 3-4 DB R 2RBI SB
Morrison 1-4 3RBI HR(14)
Owings 2-4 DB R
We started off against deGrom, and we got up 3-0 thanks to another BIG HR BY MORRISON. We scored three more and Gregorius had a nice 2-RBI double that chased de Grom. Corbin allowed 21 2 runs over six, and Marshall had a clean first appearance with us.

News:
SP Clay Buchholz(BOS,30,2*) pitched a 4-hit shutout against the Rays tonight. He is having a great season, going 7-3 2.83 in 16GS, having the best ERA in Boston's deep staff.

June 28th Game 78(47-30)

Arizona Diamondbacks – New York Mets 2-3(10)
W: Holland(5-1 1.59) L: Tolleson(2-2 1.56)
Lamb 2-4
Lutz 2-4 R 2RBI HR(14)
Harvey's return from TJ surgery is smooth, but let's add a bump to it, shall we? He and Bradley traded zeroes until Bradley loaded em up and two scored in the 4th. All we got off Harvey was a solo shot by Lutz, and down 1-2 we faced CL Greg Holland. Morrison worked a walk, and stole 2nd. Lutz up with two our... SINGLE INTO RIGHT BLOWN SAVE. Tolleson couldn't hold em off the bases in the 10th, and De La Rosa got beaten by Nimmo.

Standings: 1st, 4 1/2G lead over Los Angeles Dodgers
Week: 3-2
Power Rankings: #4
Runs scored 404(2)
Starters ERA 4.54(13)
Bullpen ERA 4.45(12)
Defensive Eff. .681(11)

Who's hot?
RF Logan Morrison 10G 13-38 .342 4HR 20RBI.

Who's not?
SP Jon Lester 3G 1-2 7.71 18.2IP 10K

2B Robinson Cano(SEA,32,4,5*) was named AL Player of the Week after going 12-22 3HR 9RBI's.

RF Hunter Pence(SFG,32,2,5*) was named NL Player of the Week after going 11-21 3HR 8RBI's.

Notes and Stuff
Not our best week. Lester is a bit Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Hot streches and cold streches, and it's the same with Corbin. Garcia is 2-0 5.28 in 4GS since the trade, and Paxton had a rough june. So mucho for our rotation. Our pen ERA gets better from week to week, and Marshall gives us a reliable option for high leverage situations where we need a lefty.

The return of Morrison saved our bacon, as he has hit .300-2-11 1.124OPS this week, and Anderson has hit .333 again. On the negative side were Wieters(.158), Lutz(.150) and Goldy(.211). Still, i don't think we will trade Goldschmidt next offseason, as he is a top 5 player in the NL nearly three months in the season.
Our batting order R/L right now:
Hicks
Gregorius
Goldy
Morrison
Lamb/Wieters
Lutz
Wieters/Lamb
Anderson/Drury
Owings

Gallo had a .375 week with 1HR, and Robertson was .333 with little else. In AA, it looks like the pitchers found Olson's(.091) hole, while Rivera(2HR) found his power. Our future stars in RF Alex Jackson(.286-2-3) and CF Dazmon Cameron(.333 2SB) got a decent start in short A, and the team is 4-3.

Side note: I made a little mistake setting up the league, as I forgot to reimport the stats of the active major league players. I will work on that, so that guys like Cabrera have a chance at the HoF.

Edit: Importing of the stats worked out nicely and fast thanks OOTP

[Griever20]

Week 14 Part 1 1@New York Mets, 3@ Atlanta Braves, 3@ Washington Wizards

June 29th Game 79(47-31)

Arizona Diamondbacks – New York Mets 1-4
W: Wheeler(3-1 3.02) L: Paxton(6-9 3.81) SV: Holland(18 1.55)
SP James Paxton 7IP 5H 4ER 3BB 7K L
Hicks 3-5
Goldschmidt 2-4
Morrison 2-3 BB
Lutz 1-3 HR(15)
The final game of the three game set against the fireballers from NY, and Paxton was out there to throw 96 aswell. We only scored one run on seven hits off of Wheeler in the first three innings, and Paxton threw a hanging curve to Duda that cleared the wall with the bases loaded, and we never got going again. ARI: 9 hits, NYM 5 hits, and we lose -.-*

News:
3B Colin Moran(MIA,22,1,5/4*) went 5-6 DB 3R against the Rockies in a 10-6 win in Denver. He is batting second for the Marlins(37-43) and is batting .289-5-31 .764OPS this season.

June 30th Game 80(47-32)

The Braves(38-41) took a nosedive after they led the NL East earlier. While their rotation is a solid thing with Alex Wood(8-4 2.91) having a career year, the offense is partly anemic. While 1B Freddy Freeman(25,4,5*) is hitting .336-10-33, and LF Justin Upton(.275-11-37) is decent, they have B.J. Upton(30,3*,.210) and Andrelton Simmons(25,5*,.216) making a lot of outs right now.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Atlanta Braves 2-3(10)
W: Kimbrel(5-1 0.56) L: Rowen(4-3 2.87)
SP Jon Lester 6IP 5H 1ER 3BB 5K
Goldschmidt 2-5 DB R
Lutz 3-4 DB R
Lester needed a big double play and two great catches in the outfield to get through four with only one ER. He left with a 2-1 lead, but Tolleson couldn't get through the 8th unscrached as B.J. Upton hit a HR to left center. Marshall was on with a runner at third in the 10th, and a grounder to Lamb flew out of the glove again for a rainy error. Walkoff.

Trade 30.6.2015 with Los Angeles Angels

Arizona Diamondbacks receive:
SP Kyle Gibson(27,1,5*) 0-0 3.86 9G in the Angels pen, sent to AAA

Los Angeles Angels receive:
SP Johnny Hellweg(26, 1/1,5*) 3-0 3.79 3GS in AAA

Simple trade up, the Angels saw Gibson as RHRP, we see a starter, and Hellweg has only a slight chance to reach the majors. Gibson could see some playing time when injuries occur, but is a more valuable trade chip as Hellweg for now.

*END OF JUNE*

[Griever20]

Nats, Mets past Braves, Cards with best record right now, Tigers Cabrera 5RBI behind Fielder

Arizona Diamondbacks:
We were 15-12 this month, gaining 1/2G on the Dodgers overall and we have a 6 1/2G cushion in the WC race. Financially, we threw a lot of money at the international amateurs, offering contracts to eleven players from who Theo likes to who the OSA like to who have high demands(from observing leagues with 100% scouting I know that those players who have high demands usually start with high potential). Them and the this years draft class should fill our farm system enough for contention the next years.

Looking into the future, we have pretty steady salary estimates at $71m-$73m for the next years if we don't resign Marshall(2015) and Lester(2018), and take our players for the arbitration estimate. But, apart from the usual bullpen arms, the upcoming free agents aren't exactly thrilling. Justin Upton could be an upgrade in LF compared to Lutz, and Medlen, Porcello or Jordan Zimmerman could be solid, but costly rotation pieces. What we could look into(like most of these dynasties it seems), is waiting till the 2016/2017 and make a reach for SP Stephen Strasburg, who is on the verge of a historical season, projected to win 23G with a 1.93ERA.(So to speak to make him my Randy Johnson, only younger when we sign him)

Starting Pitcher:

Name	Age	Rating	W-L	ERA	GS	K	IP	WHIP	Status
SP Archie Bradley	22	3*(+0,5*)	3-1	3.51	8	36	51.1	1.19	MLB
SP Patrick Corbin	25	4,5*(+0,5*)	6-4	4.78	13	56	84.2	1.20	MLB
SP Jaime Garcia	28	4,5*	2-4	4.24	7	65	70	1.36	MLB
SP Jon Lester	31	4*	4-4	4.35	12	58	78.2	1.39	MLB
SP James Paxton	26	1,5*(-0,5*)	6-9	3.81	16	82	106.1	1.43	MLB
SP Randall Delgado(AAA)	25	2/2,5	3-1	5.17	8	33K	40IP	1.45	AAA(All stats AAA)

The rotation... wasn't thrilling once again. We lack the one starter, that we can sent our and know we get 6-7 great inning at least from him. Lester and Corbin doesn't seem to be at 100% after their injuries, and Garcia has to get back into the groove as starter after two months in the pen.

I had some honest talks with pitching coach Walt Walker about that issues, but right now we are nearly out of chips to add another starter, and I want the team to grow into a TEAM now. Changing the pitching coach would be another option, but none of the free personal is better, and our in house options in Bobby Abreu(AAA, OUTSTANDING) and Gerald Laird(A, OUTSTANDING) have no experience. Delgado isn't exactly pushing in AAA, but we got some decent starts out of 40 year old veteran Kuroda in AAA, and we will see what Gibson brings to the table.

Bullpen:

Name	Age	Rating	W-L	SV	ERA	G	K	IP	WHIP	Status
LHRP Eury De La Rosa	25	2,5*	1-0	4	3.65	23	26	24.2	1.46	MLB
RHRP Joel Hanrahan	33	2,5*	0-0	2	4.44	16	27	26.1	1.14	MLB
LHRP Sean Marshall	32	4,5*	1-1	3	2.30	32	37	31.1	0.99	MLB
RHRP Kevin Munson	26	4*(-0,5*)	4-0	4	4.40	23	32	28.2	1.22	MLB
RHRP Ben Rowen	26	4*	4-3	4	2.87	21	30	31.1	1.09	MLB
RHRP Shawn Tolleson	27	4*	2-2	1	1.86	22	31	19.1	1.19	MLB
RHCL Trevor Rosenthal	25	4,5*	1-2	23SV	2.45	32	45	33	0.73	MLB
LHRP Ryan Buchter(AAA)	28	2,5	0-1	14	2.45	23	31	22	1.00	AAA(All stats AAA)
RHRP Matt Stites(AAA)	25	2	3-0	2	2.35	25	26	23	1.13	AAA(All stats AAA)
LHCL Joe Ortiz(AAA)	24	3*	1-1	6	2.89	9	8	9.1	1.07	AAA(All stats AAA)

The pen is getting better, and we start to really trust this guys. The only hole we could identify was the shutdown lefty, and by trading for Marshall for basically nothing, we adressed that. If we can keep it on that level, we will have one of the better pens in the NL. A good reason why our pitching coach got some job security.

Catcher:

Name	Age	Ratings	average	HR	RBI	G	.OPS	R	SB	ZR	Status
C Juan Centeno	25	2*	.252	1	14	43	.632	14	0	+1.7	MLB
C Matt Wieters	29	4,5*	.229	11	39	71	.701	28	0	+1.9	MLB
C Jordan Pacheco(AAA)	29	1*	.225	1	15	38	.616	14	1	+1.3	AAA(All stats AAA)

Wieters defensive ratings worked out so far, as his fielding is a bit better than Centeno's before, and while his bat hasn't bin incredible, we would take the projected 22HR at the end of the year.

Infield:

Name	Age	Ratings	average	HR	RBI	G	.OPS	R	SB	ZR	Status
1B Paul Goldschmidt	27	4*	.312	15	50	79	.936	49	4	+2.8	MLB
1B Lars Anderson	27	1,5/2*	.299	5	23	40	.976	30	0	0	MLB
2B Chris Owings	23	1/3*	.272	5	41	77	.707	39	4	+5.6	MLB
3B Yurendell De Caster	35	1*	.277	2	10	14	.772	10	0	0	MLB
3B Jake Lamb	24	5*	.253	11	38	77	.739	48	2	+10.2	MLB
3B Brandon Drury	22	1/1,5*	.314	4	19	44	.836	18	1	0.0	MLB
SS Didi Gregorius	25	4*	.313	9	40	77	.827	60	2	+12.5	MLB

I take everything I get from Drury and Anderson, and there are way more gruelsome slashlines out there in the DH spot. Lamb and Owings are the weak links out there, with Owings not developing right now, and Lamb not getting it on the field. We may look for a utility player, as de Caster's defense isn't exactly thrilling for a (playoff bound?) above average team.

Outfield:

Name	Age	Ratings	average	HR	RBI	G	.OPS	R	SB	ZR	Status
	LF Donald Lutz	2,5*(-0,5*)	.272	15	43	71	.843	34	4	-1.7	MLB
	CF Aaron Hicks	3/4*(+0,5*)	.252	0	7	34	.649	22	2	+2.8	MLB
	CF A.J. Pollock	2/2,5*(+0,5*)	.214	2	27	52	.532	22	5	+8.4	MLB
	RF Logan Morrison	4*	.268	14	52	59	.920	38	1	-1.1	MLB
	CF Ender Inciarte(AAA)	1*	.321	1	13	19	.804	15	5	+1.5	AAA(All stats AAA)

Lutz and Morrison are providing exactly the power we expect from our corner outfielders. Concern: Morrison is rated as fragile after the last injury, and he has a longer history of injuries keeping him from the field since his time in Miami, as he hasn't played 150+G in any of his seasons. Hicks returned hitting .308, a difference between night and day compared to Pollock.

Prospects:

Name	Age	Level	Potential	W-L	ERA	GS	K	IP	WHIP	Status
SP Aaron Blair	23	AA	2*	9-4	2.54	16	96	109.2	1.12
SP Miguel Almonte	22	A	3,5*	5-2	2.64	9	54	64.2	1.04

Name	Age	Level	Potential	average	HR	RBI	G	.OPS	R	SB	ZR	Status
1B/3B Joey Gallo	21	AAA	5*	.279	21	55	68	.955	50	0	+1.4
SS Daniel Robertson	21	AAA	4*	.341	1	14	21	.836	13	0	+7.8
1B Matt Olson	21	AA	4,5*	.315	6	19	21	1.050	20	0	+2.1
CF Vaughn Bryan	22	AA	2,5*(-1,5*)	.276	5	24	47	.719	27	5	+9.9	DL 1 week
LF Alexis Rivera	21	AA	2,5*(-1,5*)	.325	9	36	49	.874	31	3	-2.8
RF Stryker Trahan	21	A	2,5*	.303	7	28	36	.855	20	1	+3.3
CF Dazmon Cameron	18	S A	5*	.286	0	2	8	.721	3	3	+0.3
RF Alex Jackson	19	S A	4,5*	.306	2	3	8	.953	3	0	+0.1
2B Cade Kelly	17	R	5*	.278	1	6	5	.825	5	2	+1.4
LF Zachary Sullivan	19	R	4,5*	.250	0	3	8	.686	6	0	+1.3
CF Daniel Jones	17	R	4*	.077	0	0	4	.371	3	0	+0.0
RF Doak Dozier	19	R	3*	.412	0	0	4	.971	5	2	+0.9

The short A and rookie ball season have started, and apart from our 7th round pick Daniel Jones, everybody had a decent up to good start. Gallo watch says he was batting .336-10-23 1.102OPS, and Robertson could see a callup as middle of the infield backup to get better defense than de Caster and see what he is capable of. Theo rated Vaughn and Rivera down after/while their injuries, and I hoped that Rivera could replace Lutz in around two years so...

[DatCloserKid]

Hey, how do you get the pictures in like you do? It would really help with my new dynasty.

(Wink wink nudge nudge)

[Griever20]

Originally Posted by DatCloserKid

Hey, how do you get the pictures in like you do? It would really help with my new dynasty.

(Wink wink nudge nudge)

Hi

I cut them out with Windows "Snipping Tool" and copy them into paint and make those.

To get them uploaded, I click on the paperclip right of the fonts/sizes/color/smilie buttons. There you can upload those pictures you made with Snipping Tool/Paint. When you've done that, you can click on the paperclip again and see the names of the pics you loaded up.

Click on the name, and you get smth like
[ attach]369193[ /attach] (just without the spaces)

in your post, and the pic will be shown there.

Thanks for following, hope that helps you!

[Griever20]

Phoenix, Arizona
1st July 2015
Office of the Owner

I never met my owner and I never talked to him, not even on the phone. The contract I signed was delievered by a messenger, and I got it back to a minor secretary. The budget figures got to me by e-mail, and the season goals got to me by email aswell. When I asked for a talk with him because we wanted to pull a ton of deals, i got notified by and assistant that i could do whatever I want.

Then, suddently, my sweet secretary Jane told me (with a shaky? voice), to meet the owner immediatly. After passing through estimated 30 secretaries(not as sweet as Jane), i entered the owners office. He wasn't facing me, and i only saw the back of his chair, and some grey hair. Standing in front of his desk, my eyes fell on a newspaper...

"K.C. Martin - genius or gambler". Well, not an exactly charming article that was published this morning in the Arizona Analyser. They branded me as a relentless asset manager, sending away players without ever talking to then(a anonymous player told them), signing minor league free agents, promising them a spot on the roster and trade them away(a anonymous player told them), and filling the roster with leftovers from other teams. They went on with us signing Dazmon Cameron for $10,000,000 signing bonus as second pick, extending Wieters and me destroying every clubhouse comradship by changing the roster like a madman. Players are fearing me, they said, and everybody is on their heels and expect to be traded away.

"So, Mr. Martin, you are not the guy I expected you to be..."

"Sir?" Thrown out of my thoughs rapidly, I simply answered like that.

"I expected you to start a full scale rebuild. You started it, acquiring a group of talents from Oakland, and made that deal for Gallo, but then you seemed to make up your mind. The team started hot, and you started dealing for immediate upgrades. Seemingly great trades short term, but how about long term? Where is the concept, Mr. Martin? Win now, rebuild or gut feeling?"

Frontal attack, owell. "Sir, I want to field a competitive team every year, and I want to have a decent farm system every year. Most of this deals basically costed us fringe prospects, who never will make the majors as stars, or minor league contract guys. We didn't trade away a top 100 prospect, or a guy Mr. Epstein really likes, and I trust him as a guy who broke the Curse of the Bambino. We added talent, without adding salary compared to 2014. Even more, when I got the job, the team was over budget $15,000,000, and now we should make profit and look like a contender."

"So, you want the cake and you want to eat it? With the budget you get? Gambler?"

"IF I am one, I made this a winning ballclub in a hurry, and have a lot of talent in the minors. If you want me to make this a rebuilding ballclub, we can go out and sell every warm body with value, and get tons of prospects for them. Goldy, Lester, Wieters, Garcia, Morrison, the pen... lots of talent, and years of 60-100 seasons to come, with no fans in the stadium. And a new GM, because I would leave then. You told me I could do whatever I want earlier, now you question me about it?" The last words were brave and my temper got the best of me...

Laughter.... "This will be interesting... much more then with Towers. One question, will you trade away Goldschmidt this offseason?"

Well... now that was a curve I didn't expect. Gathering my thoughts, I started talking. "Perhaps... He will get to the beefy part of his contract soon, and we could get real value for him. And we got options at first with Gallo, Olson or maybe Anderson, even though i'm intruiged by the thought of selling Anderson high this offseason."

"Well, well.... then get back to work Mr. Martin, you will get notified about your new budget by me at the start of the offseason."

I decided to push it! "Will there be an increase?"

"That depends on you, Mr. Martin. Good Day."

THAT

WAS

ODD

[Griever20]

Week 14 Part 2 1@New York Mets, 3@ Atlanta Braves, 3@ Washington Wizards

July 1st Game 81(47-33)

The Yankees offered me 4,5* 2B Corban Joseph for Randall Delgado and Joey Gallo. I won't pay this price, but Joseph is hitting -332-14-43 .924OPS this year, is signed for the minimum and both the OSA and Theo really like him. I will try to manufacture a trade with Gibson, Kuroda and stuff for him!

Arizona Diamondbacks – Atlanta Braves 1-6
W: Wood(9-4 2.76) L: Garcia(2-5 4.50)
SP Jaime Garcia 8IP 11H 6ER 7K L
Hicks 1-3 BB HR(1)
Lets see if we can knock on Wood. They knocked on Garcia for six runs, and we only got a solo shot off Braves pitching. Lost three in a row.

July 2nd Game 82(47-34)

Arizona Diamondbacks – Atlanta Braves 1-2
W: Carpenter(2-0 5.63) L: Corbin(6-5 4.67) SV: Kimbrel(18 0.54)
SP Patrick Corbin 6IP 9H 2ER 2BB 5K L
Lamb 2-4 DB
Gregorius 1-3 HR(10)
Gregorius had a big fly in the first, but Johnson got his 7th HR getting the Braves up 2-1. That was all our offense till the 8th, and Corbin pitched good enough for the win but didn't get it. Kimbrel hit Gregorius with a 97-mph to start the inning, but struck out the side after Gregorius arrived on third. Four in a row.

July 3rd Game 83(47-35)

Nothing better than taking a four game losing streak to Washington(46-35). We are sheduled to see Strasburg(12-3 1.83) in game three, and the duo of David Price(4.75) and Jordan Zimmerman(3.72). And then there is LF Bryce Harper, hitting .342-22-50 on the way to win the NL MvP with a 1.124OPS. Happy times...

Arizona Diamondbacks – Washington Nationals 7-6(10)
W: Marshall(2-1 2.20) L: Stammen(3-3 1.14) SV: Rosenthal(24 2.65)
Hicks 2-4 DB
Lutz 2-5 2R 4RBI HR(16)
Lamb 1-5 2RBI HR(12)
The Nationals cashed in runs in the first three, but Lamb anwered back with a 2-run shot off Price. Home runs by the back end of their order got the old distance on the board, and this time Lutz tripled in two, and Centeno tied it. We rode our pen till Lutz got another big hit, this time a 2-run shot off Stammen, and Rosenthal pitched a shaky save, allowing a run.

July 4th Game 84(48-35)

Arizona Diamondbacks – Washington Nationals 5-1
W: Paxton(7-9 3-66) L: Solis(5-5 3.73) SV: Marshall(4 2.14)
Hicks 2-5 TP 2R
Gregorius 2-5 2R 2RBI HR(11)
Goldschmidt 3-4 RBI
Drury 2-4 HR(5)
Instead of Strasburg, we got Sammy Solis today, their weakest starter. Tied 1-1, Goldy grounded one in to left for the lead, Drury added a solo bomb to right, and Gregorius obliteraded a inside fastball for a 5-1 lead in the 6th. Paxton was pulled with two on and two out with Harper batting, and De La Rosa got the lefty lefty out., and we got Harper 0-5 today. Rosenthal got the day off, and Marshall got the save when Hanrahan put Amarista in scoring position.

News:
SP Travis Wood(CHC,28,1*) was one hit away from a no-hitter in a 7-0 win against the Padres tonight. He is having a career year , going 8-3 2.90, but Theo thinks he is pitching way better than his actual skills suggest.

July 5th Game 85(49-35)

Still talking with the Yankees. AA SP Aaron Blair(2* pot.) is the deal breaker it seems. We are still thin on pitching prospects, even with Almonte finding his form in single A. On the other hand, we can flip some of our position player prospects for pitchers whenever we like... DECISION: NO TRADE. I keep Owings, and I want his defense on the field. Joseph is a big bat, but not big enough to part with one of our only high minor pitching prospects. In talks for a prospect with them.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Washington Nationals 5-3
W: Lester(5-4 4.36) L: Zimmerman(9-7 3.89) SV: Rosenthal(25 2.57)
SP Jon Lester 6IP 6H 3ER 5BB 4K W
Gregorius 2-4 TP 2R
Goldschmidt 2-4 3RBI
Anderson 1-4 2RBI HR(6)
Wieters 2-4 R
We got two runs out of Zimmerman before he got an out, and Anderson got back to him in the 4th with a 2-run shot. The pen took over a 5-3 lead as Lester walked 5, Marshall, Munson and Tolleson got holds, and Rosenthal the save.

Standings: 1st, 4G lead over Los Angeles Dodgers
Week: 3-4
Power Rankings: #4
Runs scored 426(2)
Starters ERA 4.52(12)
Bullpen ERA 4.20(10)
Defensive Eff. .681(12)

Who's hot?
nobody

Who's not?
C Matt Wieters 8G 3-29 .103 0HR 1RBI

1B Ryan Tellez(TOR,20,2/4,5*) was named AL Player of the Week after going 12-30 5HR 11RBI's.

1B Brandon Belt(STL,27,4,5*) was named NL Player of the Week after going 11-26 3HR 5RBI's.

Notes and Stuff
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This whole team. A week where we got the pitching, including a great week by the pen, and no offense. Lamb(.143), Anderson(.143) and Wieters(.143) as well as Owings(.167) were ice cold, and I was close into trading for Joseph, I have to admit. We won three against the Nationals, mostly because we stygmied Bryce Harper in three games most of the time. Now, the forth game WILL be against Strasburg, so lets see what happens.

Delgado still isn't great in AAA, while Gallo had 5HR last week, starting to force my hand... Speaking of the minors, we got Gibson, Kuroda and de Caster lined up for a trade for the #14 prospect, 1B Richie Shaffer(AA) from the Yankees. de Caster's time is limited due to his under average defense and Robertson balling in AAA, and Gibson and Kuroda were acquired as trade chips(PS: so the Arizona Analyser got that one right...).

Jackson seems to have short A figured out, and is hitting .352-3-5 1.082OPS in 12G, while Cameron is decent with .294 and 4SB. Theo's pet Cade Kelly is only hitting .265-1-6 in R league, and we will see if he's right about his 5* potential. We are still talking with the international amateurs, as of course the other teams are offering big contracts aswell.

[DatCloserKid]

Thanks, that sure helped!

[Griever20]

Week 15 1@ Washington Wizards, 3vs San Francisco Giants, 3vs Colorado Rockies

July 6th Game 86(50-35)

Arizona Diamondbacks – Washington Nationals 4-3(11)
W: Rosenthal(2-2 2.68) L: Storen(3-4 4.29) SV: Tolleson(2 1.69)
SP Jaime Garcia 7.2 5H 2R 1ER 1BB 5K ND
Hicks 2-6 RBI
Wieters 1-4 HR(12)
Anderson 1-4 HR(7)
Owings 1-4 HR(6)
Strasburg, may I introduce you to Chris Owings. A solo shot got us on the board in the 5th, but that was just good enough for a 1-1 tie. Wieters got another solo shot next inning, and Garcia and Strasburg were getting outs in a hurry today. An then, two errors scored a run for the Nats... THIS TEAM. With Strasburg getting pulled after 8IP, we got our friend Stammen on again... and got to him again with Hicks getting the 3-2 RBI. Rosenthal for the save... 1-out... SOLO SHOT BY Goodwin... CMON. Top 11th, Rosenthal was getting spanked by me in front of a sold out crowd, and Anderson shot one into right field for another lead. Tolleson for the save.. AND HE GOT IT.

July 7th Game 87(51-35)

We got the Giants(43-43) in town to start our home strech. They are at a even .500 record, and at least left the Rockies behind them. Our friend Bumgarner had decent a months in may and june, and should not be underestimated, while Lincecum(7-7 3.19) has been their best starter the last years. Posey(.260-8-44) is decent, and D'back killer CF Cesar Puello(.235-17-62) has won a RotM in june...

San Francisco Giants - Arizona Diamondbacks 2-14
W: Corbin(7-5 4.33) L: Lincecum(7-8 3.44)
SP Patrick Corbin 7IP 7H 2R 0ER 7K W
Gregorius 3-6 2R RBI
Lutz 4-5 2R 4RBI HR(17)
Wieters 3-5 R 3RBI
Morrison 1-4 2R BB HR(15)
We got Lincecum in the opener, and he took the mound with a 1-0 lead... PUELLO... Lincecum bombarded us with breaking balls, but Lutz wasn't fooled by a inside slider and sent it to souvenier city. Corbin was in trouble in the 3rd, but got Puello to strike out with two on. Timmy L. loaded the bases in the 3rd, and we scored two. Morrison ended his day with a solo shot, and we got to their pen early and ate them up. Corbin and Hanrahan spared our pen today aswell.

July 8th Game 88(52-35)

Trade talks with NYY have ended, as they want a star for their prospect. Started talking with KCR about #64, 3B Tyler Humphreys(4*,AA) for Kuroda and Gibson, as they REALLY need pitching depth.

San Francisco Giants - Arizona Diamondbacks 8-6
W: Cain(8-7 3.75) L: Bradley(3-2 4.57) SV: Romo(18 1.56)
SP Archie Bradley 6IP 10H 7ER 4BB 4K L
Wieters 2-5 2HR(14)
Pollock 3-5 DB R
Morrison 3-5 2R HR(16)
Posey greeted Bradley roughly with a solo shot on a wednesday evening, and Brendan Crawford singled in two more. PUELLO threw out Lamb at home to end a bases loaded threat in the 2nd.... GNAAAA, and then drove in two with a double. Down 6-0, Wieters, Goldy and Morrison suddently homered off Cain back to back to double to back, but the Giants got another run. Down 8-6 in the 9th, we couldn't get to Romo. Lutz is DTD with shoulder soreness for a week -.-*

July 9th Game 89(52-36)

San Francisco Giants - Arizona Diamondbacks 1-3
W: Lester(6-4 4.08) L: Bumgarner(9-10 4.71) SV: Marshall(5 2.06)
Gregorius 1-4 2RBI
Centeno 2-4
Owings 3-3 DB R
Lutz, Hicks and Wieters were off the lineup against Bumgarner today. We still scored the first run on a RBI-single by Drury, and we got to Bumgarner for three in the 4th. Lester was dealing through eight, and Marshall got the save for a gassed Rosenthal.

C Jorge Alfaro(TEX,22,3,5/4,5*) has his 21-game streak snapped by the Cubs. He is one hell of a catching prospect, and is hitting .263-21-49 this year. I tried to trade for him before we got Wieters, but they wanted some big prospects.

July 10th Game 90(53-36)

The Royals keep screwing around with their budget, so we moved on for now, and began talking with the Brewers about CF Tyrone Taylor(4*, AAA).

So, after the Giants, we got the worst team of the NL West visiting, the Rockies(40-47). They still have Chatwood(9-4 3.15) balling, and still have the league's best offense and the league's worst pitching and are 14th in defensive efficiancy. OF Corey Dickerson(4,5*) is having a monstrous season, and is leading the NL in HR with 28.

Colorado Rockies - Arizona Diamondbacks 8-4
W: Chacin(8-7 5.54) L: Paxton(7-10 4.03)
SP James Paxton 3IP 7H 6ER 2K L
Morrison 3-3 R BB
Drury 1-4 HR(6)
Anderson 1-2 2BB HR(8)
Paxton got whacked around for 6R in 3IP by the Rockies, and Chacin had a great start. Morrison started a couple of rallies, but the top three of our lineup never got going. We started to chip away on their pen, but couldn't get to eight runs tonight.

July 11th Game 91(53-37)

Colorado Rockies - Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1
W: Chatwood(10-4 3.06) L: Garcia(2-6 4.18) SV: Johnson(13 2.80)
SP Jaime Garcia 7IP 9H 3ER 1BB 8K L
Goldschmidt 2-4 R
Try two to shut down this Rockies. Goldy got us up 1-0 with a single, as we got Chatwood to wobble right away. But somehow, all ground balls fould lucky holes in our infield, and we were down 3-1, 4-1 after a solo shot by Morales, and Owings ended the game with another pathetic strikeout. He had NO extra base hit today.

The Dodgers just bolstered their roster, trading for 2B Chase Utley(36,4*) from the Phillies. While Utley only was hitting .227-6-20 so far, he brings a veteran presence to the team, but costed them a group of 2*-2,5* prospects.

July 12th Game 92(53-38)

Colorado Rockies - Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5
W: Bell(2-2 4.62) L: Corbin(7-6 4.51) SV: Johnson(14 2.72)
SP Patrick Corbin 8IP 10H 6ER 9K L
Morrison 2-3 2R 2BB HR(17)
Lamb 2-4 2DB R 2RBI
Pollock 2-4 DB
Please no sweep... Dickerson 2-run shot in the first. We tied it back up with three hits in the 2nd, and Arenado(2-run HR) and DICKERSON(solo shot) made it 5-2 in a hurry. With the bases loaded we actually scored a run... on an error by Tulo... PATHETIC. Goldy drove in Hicks with a sac fly, and Morrison tied it with a big fly. Another HR by the Rockies made ot 6-5, and we got the bases loaded in the 8th again. Owings struck out as usual and Hicks popped up. The game ended on Morrison getting thrown out at home... I want to cry.

News:
The Tigers got SP Corey Kluber(29,2,5*) from the Indians a month a ago, and he added a 5-hit shutout to his already great 4-0 4GS 1.35ERA career with the Tigers today.

Trade 12.7.2015 with the Milwaukee Brewers:

Arizona Diamondbacks receive:
AAA CF Tyrone Taylor(21,4*) .252-1-20 6SB in AAA

Milwaukee Brewers
AAA SP Kyle Gibson(27, 1,5*) 1-0 1.46 2GS in AAA
AAA SP Hiroki Kuroda(40,1*) 1-4 4.414 7GS in AAA
AAA CF Ender Inciarte(24,1*) .260-1-17 30G in AAA
LHRP Joe Ortiz(24,2,5*) 1-1 2SV 4.50 20IP with ARI

We went with the trade despite thinking about trading for a immediate improvement after. Taylor is a backup plan for the outfield if something happens, and he can't be worse as backup CF that Pollock(.230), can he? Anyway, he starts in AAA for now to get some development time. Ortiz was due for a trade, as our left handed relievers are pretty much set, and we still have Buchter in AAA aswell.

Standings: 1st 4G lead over Los Angeles Dodgers
Week: 3-4
Power Rankings: #6
Runs scored 463(2)
Starters ERA 4.53(12)
Bullpen ERA 4.06(11)
Defensive Eff. .679(13)

Who's hot?
RF Logan Morrison 6G 10-20 .500 3HR 3RBI.
C Matt Wieters 7G 11-27 .407 3HR 7RBI.

Who's not?
nobody

1B Chris Davis(BAL,29,4*) was named AL Player of the Week after going 11-28 4HR 13RBI's.

LF Josh Willingham(MIL,36,2,5*) was named NL Player of the Week after going 13-21 3HR 12RBI's.

Notes and Stuff
This Colorado series somehow showed our weaknesses. Shutdown pitching when needed and clutch hitting from the lower part of our lineup... OWINGS. The Joseph trade... too late, this is not our win now year. One change will be made tho:

3B Yurendell De Caster(35,1*) was waived and DFA'd.
IF Daniel Robertson(21, 1,5/4,5*) was called up and will be our utility infielder.

Corey Dickerson and Cesar Puello were officially declared public enemies in Arizona, and are to be handed to me immediatly on sight to be thrown into the snake pit. Our starters were either obliterated by Colorado, or left out there alone. The pen did some nice mopup work, but not much glory when you are not ahead.

In AAA, Randall Delgado had a 8IP 4H outing, but I still don't see him in Phoenix right now. Gallo cooled off to a .231BA last week, and Robertson got his callup. Speaking of callups, we promoted Miguel Almonte to AA Mobile after he was 6-3 2.85 in 11GS in single A. Cameron(.148) and Jackson(.214) found the slump in short A, but our 3rd round pick SP Grayson Long was impressive, going 2-0 0.00ERA in his first two starts.

[Griever20]

[Griever20]

Week 16 4vs St. Louis Cardinals, All-Star Break

July 13th Game 93(53-39)
A four game set against the Cardinals(55-36) is exactly what my mood needs right now. The best rotation in the NL with Michael Wacha(8-7 2.07), Waino(12-5 2.75), Shelby Miller(11-5 3.28) aand Carlos Martinez(9-0 2.31). Matt Holliday has 17HR out of the leadoff spot, but Oscar Tavarez and Brandon Belt haven't been outstanding in the middle of the order. They got Yadi Molina, Venable, Jon Jay and Dan Uggla on the DL, so they are at least weakened .

St. Louis Cardinals - Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4
W: Miller(12-5 3.31) L: Munson(4-1 4.50) SV: Thatcher(25 2.15)
SP Archie Bradley 7IP 5H 3ER 1BB 7K ND
Gregorius 2-3 2DB 2R BB
Pollock 2-4 R RBI-single
Centeno 1-3 DB 2RBI
Bradley got shelled in his last start, and ran in and out of trouble in a pitchers duel that got broken up by Pollock in the 4th, and turned into a 3-0 D'backs lead on a double by Centeno. Piscotty tied it up for good with a 3-run bomb right thereafter. The pen blew it royally in the 8th, and we lost 5-4 in a close game.

News:
SP Yu Darwish(TEX,28,4,5*) mowed down 15 Orioles in a 5-3 win tonight. He may be only 2nd in K's in the AL, and third overall, but one can't deny he has had a good season, going 10-2 3.69 in 19GS, and is locked up till 2017 in Texas.

July 14th Game 94(53-40)

St. Louis Cardinals - Arizona Diamondbacks 6-1
W: Wacha(9-7 2.03) L: Lester(6-5 4.5)
SP Jon Lester 3IP 3H 6ER 3BB 4K
Hicks 2-4 DB RBI
Wacha up against us. Lester got lit up by a grand slam from Piscotty in the 1st, and Wacha pitched 7.1 innings of one run ball. End of the story.

News:
1B Wilmer Flores(NYM,23,4/4,5*) banged out 5 hits against the Phillies today, and got an RBI and two runs out of it. He can play every infield position and right field, and is regarded one of the brightest young talents in New York, but has a weak season, batting only .264-3-43 .618OPS.

July 15th Game 95(53-41)

St. Louis Cardinals - Arizona Diamondbacks 0-7
W: Paxton(8-10 3.74) L: Phelps(9-7 3.47)
SP James Paxton 9IP 4H 0ER 1BB 4K W
Robertson(2-2 2R 3RBI HR(1)
Wieters 2-4 HR(15)
Gregorius 2-3 RBI
Game three, I'm glad when this embarrasing series is over. We got ahead 1-0 thanks to Gregorius, who tore his abdominal muscle in his third AB because why not. For once, it was Paxton who was dominant, and Daniel Robertson got his first major league hit(single) and his first MLB HOME RUN today as injury sub for Gregorius. Paxton pitched a 4-hit shutout, and we finally win against the Cards... Gregorius will be out for 5 weeks and sent to the DL. de Caster was called back up.

July 16th Game 96(54-41)

News:
LHRP Sean Marshall(ARI,32,4,5*) has been SUSPENDED for 80G due to failing a drug test. Marshall was sent away in shame in Arizona, and LHRP Ryan Buchter was called up.
Well, when things go wrong, they go terribly wrong...

St. Louis Cardinals - Arizona Diamondbacks 11-12
W: Tolleson(3-2 1.66) L: Doolittle(1-4 2.33)
SP Jaime Garcia 3IP 7H 6ER 0BB 0K
Morrison 3-5 3R 3RBI HR(18)
Lutz 2-5 3R 2RBI HR(18)
Wieters 3-5 2R 6RBI 2HR(17)
Buchter arrived just in time for the game, and we went against Wainwright. Both pitchers got knocked aroud pretty good, and the stunned crowd saw a total of 10HR today, and as if that wasn't stunning enough, we walked off in the 9th on Wieters solo shot at a 11-11 score, Wieters 6th RBI today. Buchter pitched 2.1IP scoreless in a tied game.

July 17th
offday

Transaction:
We claimed RHRP Nick Christiani(28,4*) off waivers from Texas today. He was 2-4 19SV 3.68 in AAA this year, and had a 1.50 ERA in a short stint in Texas. He will be placed on the active roster, and RHRP Kevin Munson(26, 4*) will be sent down to AAA. Munson was 4-1 4SV 4.91 in 29G for us.

July 18th
All-Star Game(AL won 8-5)

July 19th
offday


Standings: 1st, 4 1/2G lead over San Diego Padres
Week: 2-2
Power Rankings: #6
Runs scored 487(2)
Starters ERA 4.59(12)
Bullpen ERA 4.09(10)
Defensive Eff. .681(12)

Who's hot?
RF Logan Morrison 6G 9-21 .429 2HR 5RBI.
C Matt Wieters 5G 8-20 .400 3HR 7RBI.

Who's not?
Nobody

1B Mark Teixeira(NYY,35,2,5*) was named AL Player of the Week after going 7-13 4HR 8RBI's.

LF Corey Dickerson(COL,26,4,5*) was named NL Player of the Week after going 7-14 3HR 6RBI's.

Notes and Stuff
What a week. Winning ONE game against the Cardinals seemed an impossible task, and then we win two and lose Gregorius and Marshall. So, out starters got obliterated except Paxton, and our shutdown lefty is suspended and a free agent who won't be resigned I SWEAR. Claiming Christiani helps gives our pen another righty option to play around with, and we will see how that goes.

While Anderson is still hot, Drury's production is falling down in july, and depending on his results as sub for Gregorius, Robertson could see some DH time for Drury after that span. Owings is hitting exactly .200 this month, and Lamb .196... making me nervous as they are are part of our plans for the future...

[Griever20]

INTERRUPTED AND PUBLISHED BY BALLONYMOUS

To: kc-martin@arizonadbacks.mlb
from: theo-epstein@arizonadbacks.mlb

Subject: 1B Lars Anderson scouting report and value report & trade summary

Anderson was signed on a MFA deal in april by us, and provided incredible results as right handed designated hitter. BUT he is 27, and has never before played that good, and is bound to regress. On the other hand, we have Gallo in AAA, and despite that you want to keep him in AAA, I must advice you to make a move here.

Looking for a deal as you wanted me to do, I talked with the *****es and ****es.

Pollock would have value for the ****es as replacement for *******on(4,5*, 201* NL MvP), and would enable to to the trade for the 25 year old super talented SP ***** *****(4/4,5*) from the ****es we talked about.

Also included in the proposed trades are:
SP James Paxton(1,5*)
LF Donald Lutz(2,5*)
CF A.J. Pollock(2*)
AAA 2B Gordon Beckham(1*)
AAA SS Danny Santana(1*)
AAA CF Tyrone Taylor(1,5/3,5*)
AA CF Vaughn Bryan(2/2,5*)
AA 2B Taylor Ratliff(1*)

We acquire:
CF ******* *********(28,4,5*,201* MvP) *****es
SP ***** *******(21,3/4*) *****es
SP ***** *****(25,4/4,5*) ***es

[Griever20]

Week 17 3@ San Diego Padres, 3vs Milwaukee Brewers

July 20th
offday

July 21st Game 97(55-41)

The Padres(50-45) are 4 1/2G behind us, and trying to catch us with their strong staff. Cashner(8-10 3.91), followed by Matt Wisler(9-6 2.95) is providing them with a decent punch, but they struggle to score runs for them. 1B Yonder Alonso(.266-8-39) and 23 year old 2B Taylor Lindsey(.294-4-43) are their middle of the order combo, and their best hitters right now.

Arizona Diamondbacks – San Diego Padres 3-2
W: Corbin(8-6 4.35) L: Clippard(0-2 8.44) SV: Rosenthal(26 2.48)
SP Patrick Corbin 8IP 5H 2ER 3BB 3K W
Hicks 2-5 RBI
Lamb 2-5 DB RBI
Wieters 2-4 2DB R RBI
Gardenhire decided to go with Corbin in the first start after the break. Robertson scored the first run after doubleing off of Cashner in the 3rd, and that was all the scoring until Alonso tied it up with a solo shot in the 6th. We went ahead 2-1on a big 2-out hit by Hicks, and Cashner had to leave with a blister in the next AB. Grandal had a big pinch-hit RBI-double to tie it again, but we manufactured another run and Rosenthal got the save.

July 22nd Game 98(56-41)

The Phillies offered us their LHRP Boone Logan(30, 4,5*, 16SV) for a number of prospects today. He is locked up for $6,250,000 for next year, and the price was too steep for us. DECLINED

Arizona Diamondbacks – San Diego Padres 3-2
W: Lester(7-5 4.34) L: Wisler(9-7 2.99) SV: Rosenthal(27 2.41)
SP Jon Lester 8IP 6H 2ER 3BB 4K W
Hicks 2-5 DB RBI
Owings 2-2 BB 2R
Robertson 2-4 2RBI
We hoped that starting Corbin over Lester yesterday lit a fire under Jon. He got three runs of support in the early innings, including a 2-run single by Robertson. On run came across in the 4th, and one in the 6th for San Diego, but we had the bases loaded with nobody out in the 9th. We only scored one on a sac, and Rosenthal got two on, but three out for another save.

July 23rd Game 99(57-41)

Arizona Diamondbacks – San Diego Padres 3-2
W: Garcia(3-6 4.38) L: Roach(3-6 3.76) SV: Tolleson(3 1.59)
SP Jaime Garcia 7IP 6H 1ER 8K W
Goldschmidt 2-4 DB R RBI
Lutz 1-4 3RBI HR(19)
Wieters 2-4
A Goldy double and a loong line drive by Lutz that left the field in right put us up ahead 4-0 before Garcia ever threw a pitch. He never got in danger, allowing only one run, and Tolleson piched a shaky(the bases were loaded...) save to rest Rosenthal.

News:
SP Chris Tillman(BAL,27,1*) pitched a 5-hit 5K shutout against Toronto today. He has another decent season, going 8-10 4.33, but his Orioles are 11 1/2G behind the Red Sox, and 6G behind a WC spot in the AL.

July 24th Game 100(58-41)

Ryan Braun and friends in town. Their rotation is basically in the same shape as ours... half an ERA better. Wily Peralta(4,5*) is still struggleing at 9-7 4.88. He won nine because of their great offense with Braun(.299-17-61) and suprise contributer C Jonathan Lucroy(.333-8-29). But, the Brewers(48-49) have CF Carlos Gomez(4,5*), OF Gerardo Parra(1,5*), 2B Scooter Genett(3*) and RHRP Al Alburquerque(29 4,5*) on the DL, and have lost their last series against the Giants.

Milwaukee Brewers - Arizona Diamondbacks 1-2
W: Bradley(4-2 4.09) L: Smith(4-7 3.43) SV: Rosenthal(28 2.36)
SP Archie Bradley 7IP 4H 0ER 1BB 7K W
Hicks 2-4 R
Wieters 2-3 RBI
A pitchers duel between Smith and Bradley was broken up by Morrison in the 4th, and we took a 2-0 lead. Milwaukee pushed a run across in the 8th, and we went with slightly tired Rosenthal for the save. 1-2-3 save.

July 25th Game 101(59-41)

Milwaukee Brewers - Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1
W: Stinson(10-4 3.86) L: Paxton(8-11 3.78) SV: Motte(8 2.17)
SP James Paxton 6H 8H 3ER 5K L
Lutz 2-4 HR(20)
Paxton run into trouble and two runs in the 1st, and another one in the 2nd. Only Lutz was able to drive in a run, and we lost patheticly.

July 26th Game 102(60-41)

Milwaukee Brewers - Arizona Diamondbacks 0-2
W: Lester(8-5 4.07) L: Peralta(9-8 4.76) SV: Rosenthal(29 2.30)
SP Jon Lester 7IP 3H 0ER 1BB 9K W
Wieters 1-2 1RBI BB HR(18)
Both teams only had a hit apiece after four, but Anderson and Wieters made it 2-0 on two hits, and that score stands into the 9th with Rosenthal for the save. He got two on, but got the save.

News:
3B Will Middlebrooks(BOS,26,2,5*) has his 21-game hitting streak snapped by Colorado. He is batting .309-25-60 .940OPS as starting 3B for Boston, and has won a Gold Glove at 3B last year.

Standings: 1st, 6 1/2G lead over San Diego Padres
Week: 5-1
Power Rankings: #4
Runs scored 503(2)
Starters ERA 4.40(12)
Bullpen ERA 3.95(10)
Defensive Eff. .683(10)

Who's hot?
C Matt Wieters 8G 13-28 .464 4HR 11RBI

Who's not?
Nobody

SS Jimmy Rollins(BAL,36,1*) was named AL Player of the Week after going 14-22 2HR 6RBI's.

RF Jay Bruce(CIN,28,4,5*) was named NL Player of the Week after going 14-20 1HR 5RBI's.

Notes and Stuff
Our great pitching(3 or less ER in every game) masked the fact that we only scored 16 runs in six games. Our rotation got a great start to the second half, and our bullpen is very decent right now.

Offensively, all guys apart Wieters and Hicks were struggeling, and we could make a major splash this trade deadline, as was published by a anonymus source, but that deal would not be structured like they announced, so BALLONYMOUS didn't get everything right.

We are ready to part with Anderson and one of our starters to cash in in both trades, because we would get a 4,5* potential pitchers in return. Concern: Salary structure in the future, as one player we would get from a rebuilding team would be costly.

Another guy that is on the block(luckily, he doesn't know), is Logan Morrison. Why? As I mentioned earlier, he already is rated fragile, and has never played a whole season in his career, but is up for $8,000,000 next year.

Gallo IS due for a callup, as he is hitting .279-29-73 .974OPS in AAA and should provide a great bang when he starts hitting in the majors...

[Griever20]

BREAKING NEWS: DBACKS DO IT AGAIN!

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

On the other hand, for the deal between the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks, the rumor has been out there for a while now and today it was made official. A number of experts told us earlier this season, that the Morrison/Diamondbacks marriage won't last long, and it materialized. The acquired Burch Smith is a steal for the Dbacks according to OSA scout Bill Willams. "He is one hell of a pitcher, who made mechanical changes this offseason, and drastically improved his control. He should start for the Dbacks, and could be a major star", he told us just minutes earlier.

Arizona Diamondbacks receive:
SP Burch Smith(25, 4/4,5*.$500,000) 0-1 5.11 3G with SDP, to ARI
RF Gregory Polanco(23,4/4,5*$500,000) .281-6-26 .758OPS 85G with PIT

San Diego Padres receive:
OF Logan Morrison(27,4*,) .267-18-60 .913OPS with ARI
AAA 2B/SS Danny Santana(24,1*)

Pittsburgh Pirates receive:
1B Lars Anderson(27,2*) .292-8-31 .953OPS with ARI
CF A.J. Pollock(27,1,5*) .235-2-28 .575OPS with ARI, sent to AAA
AA SP Aaron Blair(23,1/2*) 10-7 2.91 20GS in AA
SP Randall Delgado(25, 2,5/3,5*) 8-1 3.87 13GS in AAA, sent to PIT bullpen
OF Tyrone Taylor(21, 1,5/4*) .297-5-23 .786OPS with ARI, sent to PIT

ARI Transactions:
SP James Paxton(26,1,5*) down to AAA.
AAA 1B/3B Joey Gallo(21, 4,5/5*) to ARI, .279-29-73 .974OPS 3.3WAR in AAA
AA CF Vaughn Bryan(22,2/2,5*) to ARI, .274-5-26 .706OPS in AA.

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The first deal, offered and designed by Theo Epstein included acquiring Andrew McCutchen from the Pirates together with 21 year old RHRP/SP Tyler Glasnow(3,5/4), but I didn't like the salary McCutchen would command the next years, and Theo rated him down to 3,5*, while the OSA had him at 4,5*. Next step in the trade was OF Starling Marte, but he had another backloaded extension, that would explode when our youngsters reach arbitration or the open market. I didn't expect to get Polanco when I called Neal Huntington, and neither did Theo, but the package worked for me and Neal. Another deal, perhaps including Glasnow or McCutchen isn't in the mix, as I will stick out my phone till the offseason... barring a possible totally brilliant waiver claim.

Getting Smith made this deal possible, as the Padres saw him as RHRP, and I like him as a starter. They wanted Morrison badly, and I was happy to let him go even with him being hot the last two months. The Pirates valued outfielders, and especially Pollock very high, and Delgado was the odd man out. I still fear that we stashed a top talent in Delgado in AAA and that this trade may hunt us in the future.

Polanco will slot in as our RF of the future, and Gallo will DH for us. To solidify the lineup and our financial plans, we offered multi year contracts to SS Didi Gregorius(4*), CF Aaron Hicks(3/4*) and SP Patrick Corbin(26,4,5*). Apart from Donald Lutz in left, whose defense is not where I would like it(-0.6ZR), this should be our lineup of the next 1 1/2 years.

Lineup R/L
Hicks
Polanco
Goldschmidt
Gallo
Lamb
Lutz
Wieters
Owings
Robertson(Gregorius when back from the DL)

[Griever20]

Star CF and home grown SP Sign Pact with Diamondbacks
stadiumreport.bbn

31st July 2015

Arizona Diamondbacks fans celebrated as word of a couple signing became reality. CF Aaron Hicks won't be pulling up stakes anytime soon, as he has signed a 5-year extension at a pay rate of $6,720,000 per annum.

Since he is widely seen as an integral part of the club,Arizona Diamondbacks officials had to keep Hicks from jumping ship.

Staying on the ship aswell is SP Patrick Corbin, who has put his signature under a 5-year extension for exactly $7,000,000 per year. Corbin returned from injury this season, and started the first game after the All-Star break.

To date, Hicks has collected 65 hits for a .274 average. He has posted 1 home run, scored 36 runs and driven in 12 runs. Corbin has 8 wins and 6 losses with a 4.36 ERA in 18 start, while striking out 86 and walking 19.